We finally reached the stone monument on Hero’s Hill. I had visited this spot a few times before, but the view was truly spectacular every single time.
The sight of the Friendly City Hikari stretching out below was nothing short of breathtaking.
I helped Olivia-san down from my back, and we moved together to the area behind the monument—a spot that offered a clear vista of the city—to take in the scenery.
“...This is the first time I have seen the friendly city quite like this. It is a shameful admission, considering I have served as its representative for over a thousand years.”
“Not at all. People rarely get a chance to stop and really look at the place they live. Usually, you only get a bird's-eye view like this when you're visiting somewhere as a tourist.”
Since I lived in the Sinfonia Royal Capital, I’d seen it from above several times thanks to the Sky Castle, but I couldn’t recall ever seeing the city where I’d grown up back on Earth in such a way.
To be honest, back then I only really knew the immediate area of my daily routine. I probably knew my way around the Sinfonia Royal Capital better because of how often I went out for walks.
“Anyway, I think there's real value in seeing new things and expanding your horizons.”
“...I agree. I feel as though I am beginning to understand those words a little now.”
“That just means you're growing, Olivia-san.”
“Only thanks to your guidance, Miyama Kaito-sama.”
Looking at her, it struck me how much her aura had softened in the short time since we’d met. At the very least, she had moved past the stiff, overly formal attitude she initially had with me and started treating me more like a friend.
She had even started to smile every now and then.
“Come to think of it, the climb took us a while. It’s almost evening.”
We had set out in the mid-afternoon, so it made sense that the day was winding down.
The sky hadn't begun to turn red just yet, but the sun would likely be setting by the time we made it back down to the city... Or perhaps we should stay here and watch the sunset before heading back? I figured I would have to ask Olivia-san what she preferred.
“Speaking of which, there’s a place in the friendly city that serves food from my home world. If you're interested, would you like to have dinner there?”
“Otherworld cuisine... I believe there is an establishment called Suiren, managed by a former Hero-role. Is that the place you mean?”
“Oh, so you've heard of it?”
“In name only. I have never actually visited it.”
I had already told Kaori-san I would drop by tonight, so the timing was perfect.
After a brief silence, Olivia-san gave a gentle smile.
“I am at your disposal, Miyama Kaito-sama.”
Her phrasing was formal as ever, but I could hear a certain warmth in her voice.
Serious-senpai: “Style that Goes to Destroy a Fellow Countryman's Stomach”