After managing to settle Kaori-san’s nerves, I handed over the three silver coins. I took the bottle from her and tucked it away into my Magic Box.
"Does this actually make you much of a profit?"
"No. It was almost exactly what I paid for it, so there isn’t any profit at all. Actually, I might even be slightly in the red."
"Wait, is that really okay?"
The price I’d paid didn’t seem to leave her any room for margin. Was it really alright to sell such an expensive item without making any money? As the thought crossed my mind, Kaori-san gave a wry smile.
"The thing is, that sake really doesn’t fit my usual customer base. My most expensive menu item is only 15R. There’s no way I could sell a drink that’s 300R a glass. Even if someone had the money, they wouldn't come to a diner specifically to drink something that high-end."
"Then why did you stock it in the first place?"
"Ugh, it’s not like I wanted to. One of my regular suppliers was having a hard time with their cash flow and begged me to take at least one bottle off their hands. We’ve known each other for a long time and they’ve put up with a lot of my own selfish requests, so I couldn't really say no."
"Ah, I see."
The sake hadn’t even been on the menu. Kaori-san had clearly resigned herself to the fact that it would never sell; her suggesting it to me had just been a desperate shot in the dark.
"You’ve really saved me by buying it. Even without the profit, just getting back the money I spent on the inventory is a huge help. Though... I feel pretty bad. I said I was going to treat you, but between the rice and this, you’ve ended up giving me way more than I’ve given you."
"Don’t worry about it. I got my hands on some good sake, so I’m just looking forward to drinking it."
"Thank you. Still, as your senior, I can't just be on the receiving end forever... Hmm, I want to give you something in return... Oh, I know! How about your big sister takes you on a date?"
Kaori-san gave a mischievous grin. She was obviously intending it as a joke, but her expression betrayed a clear sense of bashfulness, and her voice sounded a little strained.
It didn't quite land as a punchline. To be blunt, the joke flopped, and a silence filled the room as if time had momentarily frozen.
"..."
"..."
It reminded me of the time Lilia-san had tried to crack a joke during our beach trip. It was a complete social train wreck. Kaori-san seemed to realize it, too, as her face turned a deeper shade of crimson by the second.
"...You can laugh, you know."
"Ah, no, sorry. I was just a little surprised and didn't react quickly enough. I made things awkward, so I’m the one who should apologize."
"You're too kind, Kaito-kun."
The atmosphere had turned a bit melancholy. It was definitely for the best to change the subject rather than let this linger.
"By the way, to change the subject... have you lived here in the Friendly City for a long time, Kaori-san?"
"Eh? Hmm, about four years, I think."
"Actually, I came here today because I had an appointment to meet someone, but I was planning on doing some sightseeing while I was at it. Do you have any recommendations?"
It was a solid enough topic for a pivot. It seemed like a conversation we could get some mileage out of, and if she told me about a good place, I could actually pay it a visit.
"Let’s see. The Cathedral is the only one of its kind, so you should definitely see it once. Other than that, maybe the central plaza? That serves as the main venue during the Hero Festival. Normally, it has a different vibe than it does during the festival, and there are all sorts of stalls to enjoy."
"I see. My appointment is actually at the Cathedral, so it might be perfect to head to the plaza afterward."
"At the Cathedral? My, you certainly move in high circles, Kaito-kun. Are you meeting a priest or something?"
"...Ah, well..."
"Yes?"
I hesitated for a moment. Being honest would probably shock her, but I didn't want to lie.
"The Pope-san, actually."
"Ahaha! Is that so? Well, that’s impressive. I guess you definitely can’t be drinking sake before a meeting like that."
"Y-Yeah, exactly."
Watching Kaori-san laugh cheerfully, I got the feeling she thought I was just playing along with her joke. Well, if that's how she took it, that was probably for the best.
I continued with my meal, and after a bit, Kaori-san spoke to me while reaching into a refrigeration magic tool.
"Kaito-kun, do you like yuzu sherbet?"
"Yeah, I love it."
"Then I'll bring some out for dessert. I'm pretty proud of how this tastes."
"I’m looking forward to it."
"Oh, and Kaori-san? This would be for another time, but would it be okay if I brought some of my juniors here for a meal later?"
"They’d be more than welcome! I’d love to talk with more people from back home. Oh, wait... Kaito-kun, you live in the capital of the Kingdom of Sinfonia, don't you? The Friendly City is quite a ways away."
"It’s fine. I’ll just use a teleportation magic tool."
"...I-I see... So those actually can be personally owned..."
Serious-senpai: "Well, even if someone told you they were here to meet the top official of the city, you'd naturally think it was just a joke."