Kuro was, without question, one of the Six Kings—one of the absolute summits of the Demon Realm. In practical terms, she was the realm's top authority. She was also the head of her massive family, and despite her childlike appearance, she was generally calm, dependable, and possessed an immense capacity for kindness. She typically behaved with the maturity of an elder.
Indeed, whether it was my birthday or a trip to the beach, she was usually the one coordinating everyone when a large group gathered. She was a pillar of support for countless people, and they relied on her accordingly.
Yet, when Kuro was alone with me, her lover, she occasionally became far more childlike. It was as if a "Wanting-to-be-spoiled Switch" had been flipped inside her. This was a side of herself she showed only to me. It allowed me to confirm that I was special to her, and seeing her in this state always filled me with happiness.
"Ehehe..."
"Feeling a bit playful today, are we?"
She clung to me tightly, a faint, sweet giggle escaping her lips as I gently stroked her head. Her hair was silky and cool to the touch, and the soft fragrance clinging to her was incredibly soothing.
"I'm just so happy to be with you at an event like this, Kaito-kun. We didn't really get to walk around together during the White God Festival, after all."
"That's right. You were in the plaza as a guest of honor, weren't you?"
"Yeah. I usually get stuck in the VIP seats for festival business, so it's hard to get away and enjoy things. The Harmonic Symphony is essentially a festival too, but officially, it's a ceremony of gratitude toward nature. Since no formal guests of honor are invited, I'm free."
"I see... Now that you mention it, this might be the first time we've explored a festival together since the Six Kings Festival. I was back in my original world for two years, so I missed a lot. Is the Six Kings Festival held every year now?"
Initially, the festival had been an invite-only event, but I recalled hearing plans to open it to the public and make it an annual tradition.
"Well, we adjusted things a bit. Getting an invitation from the Six Kings turned out to be quite popular... We felt it would be a waste to stop doing that entirely. So now, the first six days are open to the general public, and the seventh day is an invited-guests-only festival."
"Wow. You do the whole thing for seven days every year? That sounds exhausting."
"It's not that bad. We don't go as overboard with new attractions as we did the first time, and we mostly reuse the existing facilities."
"I’d love to go again sometime."
"Mm-hmm! Like I said, the seventh day is just for invitees, so it’s not as crowded. Let's walk around together next time!"
"I'd like that. Let's make it a date."
"Really?! It's a promise! The very next Six Kings Festival!"
When I agreed, Kuro beamed with a radiant smile. She was truly adorable.
"...Oh, look. The fairies are coming out. I think it's starting. Kuro, are you really going to stay like that?"
"Mm... I want to stay close to you, Kaito-kun."
I considered her request. I had no objection to it—I enjoyed being close to her just as much as she did. Still, I wanted us to actually enjoy the performance together.
"How about this? Kuro, sit up for a second and turn around."
"Eh? Like... this?"
"Yeah, just like that..."
"Hyah!"
I shifted her position, slipped my arm behind her knees, and lifted her into a princess carry before settling her back down on my lap. Now, she was sitting sideways across my knees while I remained seated in the chair.
"This way, we can stay close and watch the show at the same time."
"Oh, you're right! And I can see your face better this way, too. This is perfect!"
"I’d prefer you look at the stage, actually..."
"Hmm, I guess so. But maybe if you give me a kiss first, I’ll consider it."
She teased me with a spoiled, happy lilt in her voice. I couldn't help but chuckle as I looked down into her expectant golden eyes. I cupped her cheek with one hand and leaned in.
The distance between us vanished instantly. Her lips were soft and sweet. As if on cue, the music began, and a beautiful melody filled the air, heightening the romantic atmosphere.
Perhaps I had simply been swept up in the moment. I had intended for it to be a brief kiss, but I found myself lost in the presence of the lovely girl in my arms. We remained there, lips pressed together, listening to the music for a long, quiet moment.