After finishing our clothes shopping, we visited a few more shops before returning to the venue at just the right time. We bought our tickets for the Night Session and stepped inside to find the atmosphere completely transformed from earlier in the day.
The entire area was dim and ethereal. While there was enough light to see by, the illumination was dominated by deep, muted tones.
"It certainly has a night-session feel to it," I remarked.
"Many nocturnal monsters are sensitive to light, so they’re very careful with the illumination," Sieg-san explained.
"...Looking around, there are a lot of bird-type monsters."
"Unlike the Day Session, the Night Session is organized by species rather than size. This area is dedicated to bird-type monsters."
"Ah, I see. That’s why there’s nothing but birds."
As I looked around, I realized she was right. There were monsters resembling gargantuan owls and several other birds with somewhat unsettling appearances. One owl-like creature stood nearly five meters tall; I was fairly certain that if I stumbled across it on a dark road, I’d scream.
"By the way, Sieg-san, which monster did you want to see? We should probably decide soon to make the most of our Interaction Ticket."
"Oh, right. It’s a very popular species and there aren't many here, so we should probably hurry."
"What’s it called?"
"The Blue Ear. It's a monster characterized by its large ears. It's named that because its ears glow blue when it enters its Battle Readiness state. In terms of appearance... I suppose it’s similar to a bear."
"...Hmm."
A bear-like monster didn't sound particularly "cute," but then again, pandas were a thing. Given its popularity, it might have a surprisingly endearing look. Thinking that to myself, I walked along with Sieg-san until we arrived at our destination. Luck was on our side, as there was hardly anyone else at the enclosure yet. It looked like we wouldn't have to wait long to use our Interaction Tickets.
"Look, Kaito-san! There it is. Isn't it cute?"
"Wait, is that... Oh, I see."
As we purchased our tickets, Sieg-san pointed excitedly toward the fence. I followed her gaze and saw the Blue Ear.
To be blunt, it was a Giant Koala. A bear-sized koala... I could certainly see why it would be a hit.
Our turn came quickly, and we approached the creature. The Blue Ear seemed to have a mellow temperament; it sat on the ground like a stuffed teddy bear, watching us intently as we drew near.
"Haaah, it’s so cute. It’s a rare species, so getting a chance to touch one like this is quite precious."
"It's very docile."
"Blue Ears are gentle herbivores. Even without magical restraints, they rarely attack people. Of course, you have to be careful if their ears glow blue, as that means they're in Battle Readiness... Oh, it’s so soft."
"The ears feel unique. They're squishy—almost addictive to the touch."
The Blue Ear remained relaxed even as Sieg-san and I reached out to pet it. It shifted its body slightly whenever it felt a bit ticklish, but for the most part, it simply let us do as we pleased.
"Wait here a moment, Kaito-san. We're allowed to feed it, so I'll go buy some treats from the staff member."
"Oh, sure."
With Sieg-san gone to buy food, I was left alone with the Blue Ear for a short while. Up close, it was truly massive. Ordinarily, its size might have been intimidating, but its calm demeanor and lack of hostility made it feel approachable. When I stroked its head, it made a blissful expression. Its friendly response was charming; I felt like I was beginning to understand its popularity.
Sieg-san eventually returned with the treats.
"Wait, is that a ripple?" I asked.
"Yes. Blue Ears love fruit. Here, you go."
She held out the ripple on her palm. The Blue Ear took it carefully with both paws and began to munch away.
"This is a very soothing sight."
"It really is. Here, Kaito-san, you try. You’re allowed to give it one treat too."
"Alright, once it’s finished that one..."
I took the ripple from Sieg-san and waited for the Blue Ear to finish its snack. I held the fruit out on my open palm, and just as it had with her, the creature took it by sandwiching it between its paws. The squishy sensation of its paw pads against my hand was incredibly pleasant.
"Still, the fact that it likes ripples as much as I do—huh?"
"Hehe, I think it heard you, Kaito-san."
"Ahaha, thanks, little guy. But I'm fine, really. You eat the whole thing."
As soon as I mentioned my own love for the fruit, the Blue Ear had paused and held its half-eaten ripple out toward me. It seemed it wanted to share its favorite snack with a fellow fan. Touched by the adorable gesture, Sieg-san and I spent a while longer enjoying our time with the creature.
Serious-senpai: "Tell me! How many more chapters until the Interaction Event ends and we move to the Lovey-dovey Lodging Event?! Three?!"
???: "Actually, it starts next chapter-ssu."
Serious-senpai: "That's too fast!?"