Night had fallen, and several days had passed since I sent my letter to Mitsunaga-kun. I was currently sorting through the evening's mail and found his response.
The message was straightforward: he had no objections to my request to bring a companion along to the ceremony. Relieved, I drafted a quick reply, finished it, and stood up from my desk.
Since it was already late, I wouldn't be able to mail it tonight. I decided I would entrust it to Anima in the morning, but there was something else I needed to handle first.
I was a growing man, after all. If I didn't proactively report my plans to Lilia-san, I knew a grueling lecture would be waiting for me. I chuckled to myself. I wasn't going to be caught off guard this time.
I left my room in high spirits and headed toward Lilia-san’s mansion. A few minutes later, however, I was trudging back to my own house with my shoulders slumped.
I remembered then—during breakfast that morning, she had mentioned that it was the wedding anniversary of her parents, Lotus-san and Dahlia-san. She had said she would be having dinner at the palace and staying the night there. Come to think of it, she hadn't even been there for our dinner service. I really should have realized that sooner.
Well, it couldn't be helped. I would just have to give her my report tomorrow.
As I walked down the hallway lost in thought, I spotted Illness-san approaching from the other end. That in itself wasn't unusual, but tonight she was dressed in private clothes—a white shirt, a black long skirt, and an elegant cardigan draped over her shoulders. She looked remarkably refined.
"Good evening, Illness-san. Are you heading out somewhere?"
"Good evening, Kaito-sama. Yes, I was just thinking of doing a little shopping."
"Shopping? At this hour?"
I had asked because her outfit suggested she was leaving the grounds, but her confirmation surprised me. It was already eight o’clock.
It went without saying that this world didn't have convenience stores. I had assumed that the only places still open at this time would be a handful of bars and eateries.
"Tonight is the night of the Night Market, so I intend to head there."
"A Night Market?"
"Yes. It is a market held in the Demon Realm, organized by the nocturnal races. It takes place about twice a month. They sell various specialized goods there—many items that can only be found at that specific venue."
"I see..."
So such a thing existed. It made sense, though; the Demon Realm was home to a vast array of races, so it was only natural that some would be nocturnal.
A special market held by nocturnal races... honestly, I was intrigued. It sounded like a hidden event. If I hadn't bumped into Illness-san right then, I might never have had the chance to learn about it. I really wanted to see it for myself.
Perhaps sensing my curiosity, Illness-san offered a small smile.
"If you are interested, Kaito-sama, would you like to come along?"
"Wait, is that really okay?"
"Of course."
"Then I’d love to join you. I’ll go get ready."
"In that case, I shall wait for you by the entrance. Please come whenever you are prepared."
"Understood. I'll be as quick as I can."
Her suggestion was a godsend. As someone fascinated by the idea of the Night Market, I was grateful for the chance to go with someone as knowledgeable as her.
I didn't want to keep her waiting, so I hurried back to my room, changed quickly, and made my way to the foyer. Illness-san was standing just outside the doors, gazing up at the moon. Bathed in the silver light, she looked breathtakingly beautiful. For a moment, I found myself catching my breath.
She noticed me then and turned her gaze my way.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Ah, yes. All set."
"Then shall we?"
"Yes. Oh, and... it’s a bit late to say this, but even though I don't see you in private clothes often, I think you have excellent taste. Today’s outfit really suits you—that mature style looks great on you, Illness-san."
"Kuhihi. Thank you very much. You look quite wonderful yourself, Kaito-sama."
She gave her characteristic laugh, her voice gentle. Even though Illness-san was among the shortest of my acquaintances, her poise and the way she carried herself felt remarkably sophisticated. She had the air of a truly capable, elegant woman.
I was genuinely looking forward to seeing what the Night Market had in store.