After completing all the preparations, the day of my promised camping trip with Isis-san finally arrived. Our destination was a secluded spot in the Western Region of the Demon Realm, often referred to as a hidden paradise. Ordinarily, it would have been a difficult place to reach due to the rough terrain and the abundance of monsters prowling the route.
However, for Isis-san—who held power as a cornerstone of the Demon Realm’s summit—it was a simple matter to reach it using teleportation magic using world coordinates.
The site we arrived at was just as I had imagined—no, it exceeded my expectations. It was a wide-open clearing on the shore of a massive lake. The ground was level with firm soil, making it an ideal spot for camping.
"It’s a wonderful place."
"……Yes…… It’s quiet…… and peaceful."
"I’d like to start relaxing right away, but shall we set up the tent first?"
"……Yes."
We started by scouting a location for the tent, eventually settling on an open area with a clear view of our surroundings, situated a comfortable distance from the lakeshore.
I had heard that pitching a tent was usually a grueling chore involving driving stakes and knotting ropes, but since this wasn't a survivalist expedition but a casual, "pseudo-camping" leisure trip, the tent was a magic tool.
"If I set it in this open spot and infuse it with magic power…… Ah, there it goes."
"……Should I…… place these magic crystals at the ends of the cords…… in the four directions?"
"Yes. That should be all it takes."
Four cords extended from a cylindrical object that served as the tent's core, each with a magic crystal attached to its tip. I pulled the cords out to their full length and placed the crystals on the ground. Once magic power was infused into them, stake-like objects materialized around the crystals and drove themselves into the earth.
I split the work with Isis-san to set them in all four directions. Just as we placed the final one, the central cylinder emitted a soft glow. A few seconds later, the tent unfurled from within, pitching itself automatically.
"……That was instantaneous."
"……It’s convenient…… But…… this is my first time…… in a tent."
"Actually, it's mine too. The inside is…… Ah, it's more spacious than I thought."
"……There are even simple beds…… So adventurers…… sleep…… in places like this."
I had splurged on a fairly expensive model, so the interior was likely far more commodious than the gear carried by a typical adventurer, but the speed of the setup was impressive regardless.
The tent also came equipped with a simple monster-warding barrier for peace of mind. However, in this specific instance, with Isis-san present, no monster would dare approach us anyway, so we likely wouldn't even notice the barrier's effects.
"Well, that's the setup finished. Shall we take a stroll nearby?"
"……Yes…… I want to walk…… everywhere…… with Kaito."
Isis-san’s shy smile as she said that was as lovely as ever; just looking at her was enough to fill me with a sense of happiness.
When I reached out my hand, Isis-san took it with a joyful expression. Our fingers intertwined in a lover's hand-holding grip as we began strolling along the lakeside together.
"It really is a massive lake."
"……Come to think of it…… in that novel…… they went swimming in the lake."
"I didn't bring any gear for swimming, so we might have to pass on that…… but with a lake this size, we could do almost anything if we felt like it. Oh, that's right—I brought fishing tackle too, so let's try that together later."
"……Yes…… I’m looking forward to it."
Under a crystal-clear blue sky, the lake sparkled as it caught the sunlight. My beloved lover walked beside me, our hands joined as we laughed and chatted. This was truly wonderful; it was the kind of moment that made me realize exactly what happiness felt like.
"……Kaito…… How was…… your stall at the Founding Festival?"
"It was great. I got to experience so many new things…… Oh, by the way, Spica-san, who came as your proxy, seemed like a very gentle person."
"……Spica is a bit…… relaxed…… but she heals everyone around her…… She’s a very good girl."
"I see. Your castle has certainly become much livelier recently, hasn't it, Isis-san?"
"……Yes…… Every day is truly…… fun now…… and it’s all…… thanks to you, Kaito."
At Isis-san’s castle, Iris-san, Polaris-san, Sirius-san, Rasal-san, Spica-san, and Vul were all living together now. It was a stark, bustling contrast to the days when Isis-san lived there in solitude. Seeing her look so genuinely happy brought a warmth to my chest.
"That’s not true. I think it’s because of your own personal charm, Isis-san."
"……I wonder…… if that’s really it?"
"Yes. Certainly, the influence of people like me—or Alice, who first recommended Iris-san as a subordinate—played a part, but that's definitely not the only reason. I’ve spoken with everyone there, and it’s immediately obvious how much they all adore you. So, please have confidence in yourself. Until now, people just didn't notice because of the accidental influence of your magic power of death, but you have a natural charm that draws people in. I guarantee it."
"……Fufu…… Yes…… If Kaito guarantees it…… then it must be true."
A delighted smile bloomed on Isis-san’s face. She hugged my arm tightly, pressing her body against mine as we walked. That sweet, affectionate reaction was so incredibly endearing that my heart felt like it might burst. I was more certain than ever: Isis-san was truly a captivating person.
Serious-senpai: "………………………………………………………………"
???: "Senpai, pull yourself together. This is still just a jab."
Serious-senpai: "I can't tell if you're trying to comfort me or drive me to despair with that comment……"