The Night Session featured a different array of monsters from the day, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the change of pace. Many of the nocturnal creatures had dark, muted colorations; the Night Dragons, in particular, were mystical and breathtakingly beautiful.
Even though she wasn't strictly nocturnal, I felt that Sieg-san’s pet, Sera, was another monster that suited the darkness. With her black body and her Wings of Aurora, she cut a truly striking figure in the moonlight.
Nebula, too, though not a monster herself, seemed to fit the nighttime aesthetic. Her distinct hair, shimmering like a star-studded sky, was likely the reason for that impression.
By the time we had fully enjoyed the Night Session Interaction Event, the hour had grown late. It was already 10:00 PM—high time we headed to our lodging.
Apparently, the Night Session continued until 2:00 AM, but the crowds were thinner than during the day. We managed to make a full circuit and interact with several monsters in just about two hours.
"Sieg-san, were there any other monsters you wanted to see?"
"No, I think I've seen them all once. It's getting late, so let's head to the inn."
"Understood."
I had wondered if there was anything else she wanted to do, but it seemed Sieg-san was ready to call it a night, just like I was.
Since Sieg-san had handled the reservations, I had no idea where we were staying. I simply followed her lead as she guided us through the streets.
After walking for a short while, we arrived at a place that looked... well, incredibly high-end.
"Wait, Sieg-san, is this it?"
"Yes. We're staying here."
"This looks like a pretty expensive place, doesn't it?"
"I heard it's an inn occasionally frequented by the nobility."
"Wait, really? Then the rates must be astronomical. Let me pay after all."
While it wasn't surprising that a famous tourist city would have luxury accommodations, an inn favored by nobles was bound to cost a fortune for a single night.
I made the offer, but Sieg-san simply shook her head with a faint, wry smile.
"It’s alright. It’s true that staying in a place like this would have been a financial struggle in the past, but... I have quite a lot in my savings now. I wanted to treat us to a nice inn for the occasion. Since I'm staying here with you, Kaito-san, I wanted it to be somewhere special."
"I see. Well, since I promised to accept your kindness this time, I’ll take you up on that. But next time we have a chance like this, it’s my treat, okay?"
"Hehe, of course. I’m looking forward to that next time already."
Exchanging such words, we stepped inside and went to the reception desk. Sieg-san took the key... wait, just one?
"Um, Sieg-san? There’s only one room key."
"Just one, yes."
"Where’s the key for my room?"
"That’s the key."
"And... your room?"
"It’s the same key. Ah, but it's okay! I—I made sure to book a twin room, so there are definitely two beds!"
No, that wasn’t exactly what I was getting at... but judging by her reaction, this wasn't a mistake or a lack of availability. It seemed Sieg-san had booked a twin room on purpose.
I got the distinct feeling that she was trying to force her way through the awkwardness with sheer momentum.
"L-Let’s just go to the room. It’s rude to keep standing around the lobby talking."
"Eh? Ah, right."
I could have gone back to the desk to ask for another room, but I didn't actually have the heart to do that. Urged on by Sieg-san, we began to head upstairs.
Sieg-san led me by the hand, her face flushing a deep crimson that was unmistakable even from behind. Seeing her like that made my heart race with various thoughts, but voicing them now would have been boorish.
Taking a quiet breath to steady myself, I decided to just go along with Sieg-san’s lead for the time being.
The room was exquisite and quite spacious, featuring a large table by the window. It was a truly premium suite, complete with a generous bath and several built-in magic tools.
"Wow... this is an incredible room."
"It really is big. I’d heard descriptions of it beforehand, but seeing it in person is still a bit of a surprise."
"We’ve done a lot of walking today. Shall we sit down and rest for a bit?"
"That sounds wonderful. And while we’re at it, would you like a drink? I actually brought along that fruit liquor we shared once before, Kaito-san. I thought it might be nice for tonight."
"The one we had in Rigforresia? I remember that being delicious. I’d love some."
The drink she was referring to was the one we’d shared on a porch during my visit to Sieg-san’s homecoming in Rigforresia.
It was a sweet Riple fruit liquor, and I remembered it being very tasty. Since she was providing the drinks, I figured I should provide the food. I searched through my things for some snacks; something simple like nuts seemed like the perfect pairing for a sweet liquor.
Serious-senpai: "Eek! She's—she's actually gone on the offensive!"