The Central Cathedral and the Central Square—it was no surprise they both shared the name "Central," given how close they were. In fact, as soon as you stepped out of the Cathedral, you were already standing in the square.
Looking at it that way, Olivia-san’s sphere of existence had been remarkably small, seeing as she had only ever visited those two locations.
"I see... The atmosphere is quite different from how it was during the Hero Festival," she remarked.
"The main stage is usually set up for that, so things get pretty rowdy," I replied. "But even now, with all these stalls, it feels like a small-scale festival. I guess this place really is the heart of the Friendly City's tourism."
"Yes. The shops permitted to operate in this square are chosen by lottery every month. I have been told that the number of applicants would be overwhelming otherwise."
"That makes sense. It’s a major tourist spot and the sales look promising, so I’m sure everyone wants a piece of the action. Since we’re here, let’s have a quick look around."
The Central Square was massive—vast enough that you could probably fit an entire small village inside. The number of stalls was staggering, surpassing what you’d find at a typical festival. It would be a nightmare to try and visit them all in a single day. Then again, this was the venue for the main event of the world's largest festival once every decade; perhaps it needed to be this big.
I led Olivia-san toward a nearby stall. Interestingly, no one seemed to notice her true identity. She was certainly beautiful enough to draw wandering eyes, but no one suspected she was the Pope.
Her usual religious attire must have left an overwhelmingly powerful impression. After all, she hadn't changed that look for a thousand years. Nobody would expect her to be dressed like this. Or perhaps she was using Recognition Inhibition Magic out of consideration for me.
Olivia-san possessed a rather unique set of abilities. Within the Friendly City, she supposedly held power rivaling that of a Supreme God, so using a simple concealment spell would be child's play for her.
Conversely, however, she was no stronger than an ordinary person once she stepped outside the city limits. That said, she could apparently teleport back to the Cathedral while ignoring any Teleportation Interference from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, if she were to die outside the city, she was allegedly capable of automatically resurrecting in the Cathedral’s Prayer Room.
"...Stitz? It looks like some kind of food, but is it a local specialty?" she asked.
"It’s a rod-shaped confection. My books describe the taste as being similar to a donut."
A rod-shaped donut... A stick donut. So that's where the name "Stitz" came from.
Even though Olivia-san had almost never stepped outside, she had spent her time as Pope memorizing various documents and records. Her theoretical knowledge was actually quite extensive.
"It looks delicious. Want to try one?"
"Whatever Lord Miyama Kaito wishes."
"Ah, hahaha."
Her way of talking was still so stiff... even so, I could feel us gradually opening up compared to when we first met.
I bought two orders of Stitz and handed one to her. Olivia-san simply stared at it with a blank, puzzled look.
"Should I wait to serve this to you until you have finished your first one, Kaito-sama?"
"Huh? No, this one is for you, Olivia-san."
"...For me?"
"Do you not like them?"
"No, it is not that... It was simply unexpected. I am surprised, but I shall graciously accept your kindness."
She thanked me with a stiff tone and a slight bow, then began glancing around our surroundings.
"I do not see any tables."
"Well, this is the kind of food you’re supposed to eat while walking."
"...Eat while walking? Ah, yes, I have read of this in books. It is referred to as 'eating while walking,' isn't it?"
"Yeah, basically."
The definition might have been slightly off, but the nuance was close enough, so I just nodded. Olivia-san suddenly looked anxious, a light sweat breaking out on her brow.
"...Is that not merely an exaggerated expression used in works of fiction?"
"Nope, it's real."
"I see... So one truly consumes food while in motion."
She didn't let much show on her face, but my Sympathy Magic picked up a massive wave of astonishment. The concept of eating while walking seemed to have genuinely shocked her.
She really is like a sheltered young lady, I thought. After alternating her gaze between the Stitz and me several times, she spoke up with a look of deep hesitation.
"...I-I realize this is terribly rude of me, but would you mind averting your gaze?"
"Huh?"
"Well, if I am to eat this... I must, well, open my mouth rather wide. The thought of being seen in such a state is quite embarrassing. I would hate to show you something so unseemly..."
"Oh, sorry. I wasn't being very thoughtful."
"No, please forgive my impudence."
It seemed she was shy about being seen taking a large bite. I turned my head away. After a moment, I heard a soft intake of breath and the slight rustle of her movement.
Assuming she’d finally taken a bite, I looked back at her. Her eyes were wide, and her face was frozen in surprise.
"How is it?"
"It is... difficult to put into words."
"In what way?"
"...This is the first time I have ever eaten anything. Is this sensation what people call 'delicious'? I suspect it is, but I lack the experience to be certain..."
"I get it. It’s your first time, so that’s only natural. We’ll just have to eat plenty of other things so you can get used to it."
Right, this really was her very first meal. She probably hadn't even had a flavored drink before...
Serious-senpai: "I’m getting a real 'Sheltered Saint' vibe from her."
???: "Well, that's exactly what she is."