Even after Kaori-san and Akane-san had moved on, still looking a bit exasperated, a steady stream of customers continued to visit the stall. Camellia-san had also stopped by as she’d promised, and we spent some time chatting about nothing in particular. All in all, I was having a great time running the stall.
"It’s almost time for the fireworks, isn't it?"
"Ah, you're right. But we won't be able to see them from here, will we?"
"I suppose not. We're in the shadows of the buildings. I think we’d have a view if we walked out to the Main Street, but..."
The sky had turned dark, and the fireworks were due to start any minute. From what I’d heard, it was going to be a pretty grand display. I wanted to see it myself, but I couldn't just leave the stall unattended.
As I was weighing my options, Cento-san and Sien-san both spoke up.
"Since it's a special occasion, why don't you go with Tre-neesama and Sien, Miyama-san?"
"The rush has died down, so I can handle the stall on my own. Tre-neesama and Miyama-san should take Cento to see the show."
"..."
Cento-san and Sien-san had made their proposals at almost the exact same time, both volunteering to stay behind so the others could enjoy themselves. They blinked at each other, momentarily surprised by the overlap.
"...No, Sien-san should be the one to go. I already had my request granted this afternoon."
"...Everyone agreed to that together, so it doesn't count. Cento-san, you should go."
They were both so kind-hearted that they each wanted to sacrifice their own fun for the sake of the other. Since they also acted as Tre-san's guards, it didn't seem like both of them could stay behind at once...
Seeing how things were going, an idea occurred to me. I chimed in to address them.
"Wait, hold on, you two... I'll stay here. Why don't the three of you go watch together?"
"Miyama-san?! N-No, we couldn't possibly let you!"
"She's right. If anyone stays, it should be me—"
"Alright! Then we'll leave looking after the stall to Kaito, and we're off to the fireworks~!"
"Tre-neesama!!"
I had barely finished my offer before Tre-san accepted with her usual breezy attitude, cutting off the flustered protests of her sisters.
As expected, Tre-san really understood. She knew exactly how to read the room when it mattered most.
"Well, I know you two are just trying to be polite, but if Kaito had to choose just one of you to stay, he’d just end up feeling bad about it. It’s better for everyone if you just go as the Three Sisters Set... Right, Kaito?"
"Exactly. And besides, you all went along with my suggestion earlier today, so think of this as a little thank-you gift from me."
"Ugh... When you put it like that, it's hard to say no."
"Are you sure you'll be alright, Miyama-san?"
"Yeah. Everyone's heading toward the show anyway, so there won't be many customers. If things get busy, I'll just have that Kigurumi over there stand in the stall."
It was true. Even if I stayed behind and a crowd suddenly appeared, I could just ask Alice to lend a hand. Though, looking at the sparse foot traffic nearby, I doubted it would come to that.
It seemed Cento-san and Sien-san really did want to see the fireworks after all. After a bit more convincing from Tre-san and me, they finally agreed to go as a trio.
As they were getting ready to leave, Tre-san gave me a wink. I responded with a quick thumbs-up. Cento-san and Sien-san always spent their time looking after Tre-san or me, so this was the perfect chance for them to actually enjoy the festival for themselves.
With Tre-san with them, I was sure they’d have a good time. She knew when to be serious and read the mood, so she probably wouldn't go and get herself lost this time.
Once I’d seen them off, I went back to baking Baby Castella, muttering to myself.
"...Well, doing this all by myself might be a little tricky..."
"In that case, would you like me to help you until the three of them return?"
"Huh?"
A voice suddenly pulled my attention away from the griddle. Standing in front of the stall was a familiar face... It was Illness-san in her casual outfit.
"Illness-san?!"
"Yes. I came by because I heard you were running a stall, Kaito-sama... and it seems my timing was perfect. If you don't mind, would you let me help you for a while?"
"I—well, I’d certainly appreciate the help, but... are you sure?"
"Of course. As you can see, I am currently off-duty."
"...Thank you so much."
Maybe it was because of that overwhelming sense of comfort she radiated, but I always found it hard not to lean on her kindness. As I looked at Illness-san and her gentle smile, I felt a twinge of guilt—but more than that, I felt genuinely happy to see her.
Serious-senpai: "W- What!? Illness... here!?"