One afternoon, I found myself engrossed in a book. It was a title Isis-san had recommended to me—a story written like a travelogue following a married couple as they journeyed through various regions of the Demon Realm.
Though it lacked any grand, dramatic climaxes, the descriptions of the landscapes and local cuisine were vivid and realistic. It was the kind of book that naturally left the reader in the mood for a vacation.
A vacation, huh... Come to think of it, I didn't think I’d ever actually been on a proper trip with Isis-san. Because of the influence of her Magic Power of Death, her range of movement was naturally limited. As a result, our time together was almost always spent with me visiting her castle or her coming over to my place.
Even when I went to see her, it was usually just a day trip. I realized we had never done anything that could truly be classified as "traveling."
Still, there was no rule saying we had to go to a crowded tourist trap. Since I possessed a Storable Cottage, we could just as easily head out with the mindset of going on a camping trip.
Spending some quiet, relaxing time with Isis-san in a place rich with nature, like those described in the book... the thought alone made it sound like a wonderful idea.
I felt like I was onto something, but I wondered what she would think of it. I decided to ask her when I went to return the book.
A short while later, I arrived at Isis-san's castle. We sat down for tea and shared our thoughts on the story.
"It really was a lovely book. It almost makes you want to pack a bag and head out somewhere," I remarked.
"...Yes... the descriptions of the scenery... were so delicate... The prose was truly beautiful."
The conversation about the book was lively, and the atmosphere between us was perfect. Sensing that this was as good a time as any, I decided to pitch the idea I'd been dwelling on.
"...Actually, Isis-san. I was wondering if I could ask your advice on something..."
"...Yes?"
"If you're open to the idea, would you like to go on a trip with me?"
"...A trip? ...With Kaito... just the two of us?"
"Yeah. Instead of going to a tourist spot, I was thinking of something like a camping trip in the middle of nature... I mean, reading that book just made me realize that you and I haven't really traveled together before. So, I thought... well, it might be fun."
Halfway through my explanation, I felt my nerves begin to flare. It was only natural, of course, but an invitation like this implied staying overnight. As soon as I became conscious of that fact, a sudden wave of embarrassment washed over me.
I stole a quick glance at Isis-san to gauge her reaction. A radiant, blossoming smile spread across her face.
"...A trip with Kaito... I would love to go!"
"Then it's a date. Let’s talk about where we should go. I’ve looked into a few spots, but you know the Demon Realm much better than I do, Isis-san. Or maybe we could try to find one of the places from the book."
"...Mm... now that you mention it... they did camp in that story too... The specific location wasn't mentioned... but based on the descriptions before and after... it was likely the Western Demon Realm."
"I see. Shall we narrow our search to the Western Demon Realm, then?"
"...Yes... I’ll go find... some books to use as a reference."
Even just watching her from the side, I could tell how excited she was. She looked positively buoyant as she went to fetch some materials regarding the west.
I was glad she was so happy. It had been a bit of a whim, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. I still had the fishing gear I’d bought a while back; if there was a river nearby, we could spend some time fishing.
Maybe I should even buy some more proper camping supplies to make the experience feel authentic. I’d have to decide all that while talking things over with her.
Honestly, I was starting to get pretty excited myself. I felt a restless, impatient flutter in my chest, wanting to get started on the planning as soon as possible.
Serious-senpai: "W- Waaaaaahhh!? N- No way, I- Isis...!? Aaaahhh (Despair)"