After resting in the relaxation room, Kaito spent a little more time enjoying the baths, just as Illness had expected, before finally returning to his quarters.
Since he had mentioned wanting a nightcap, Illness changed her clothes and made her way to his room, bringing along wine and an assortment of snacks.
"Thank you. Aoi and Hina were both at the after-party, and since I was the oldest one there, I felt I should lay off the alcohol. I guess I just wanted a little something before turning in for the night."
As the most senior member of the group during the Flying Board after-party, Kaito had felt a responsibility to set an example for the younger girls. While Shallow Vernal’s blessing ensured he would never become truly intoxicated, he still felt the effects of a mild buzz, so he had abstained out of politeness.
Now that he was relaxed, the desire to have a quiet drink while the excitement of the victory and the lingering joy of the day were still fresh had welled up within him, leading him to ask Illness for help.
"You're on vacation too, aren't you, Illness-san? Why don't you join me for a glass?"
"In that case~, I shall take you up on your kind offer~ and join you~."
Accepting Kaito's invitation, Illness poured a glass for him and then one for herself. They shared a quiet toast and began to drink.
As they enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the snacks, a thought suddenly occurred to Kaito.
"By the way, Illness-san, is there anything you particularly want to do? Or anything you’ve been wanting to get?"
"Oh my~?"
"Ah, no, I just realized I haven't really heard you talk about that sort of thing... I don't mean to pry, though."
At Kaito's words, Illness wore a rare, pensive expression. In truth, her only real desires were to see Kaito happy and to devote herself to his service—both of which were being fulfilled at that very moment.
When it came to physical possessions, she possessed almost no material greed. Between her considerable salary as an executive for the Phantasm King, her wages as a maid for the Albert estate, and the compensation she received from Kaito, she sat on a small fortune that remained largely untouched.
"Something I want for myself~? Thinking about it again~, it is a difficult question, isn't it~? I am sorry to answer a question with a question~, but for example~, Kaito-sama~, what would you choose~?"
"Me? Let's see... as for something I want to do, I'd like to play some video games soon. Talking with Aoi really got me in the mood for it. As for something I want... well, maybe that piece of cheese on the plate near you, Illness-san."
"Kuhihi~. That answer~ feels a bit like cheating, doesn't it~? Here you go~."
"Thank you... I don't know, I just have the feeling that if I’m not careful about voicing my desires, they might suddenly manifest right in front of me."
"Certainly~, that does seem likely~."
Kaito was right; if he were to clearly wish for something, there was a high probability that Shallow Vernal, who could read his heart, would take immediate action. Illness offered a wry smile, clearly in agreement.
After considering Kaito’s response, Illness grew thoughtful once more before she spoke.
"It isn’t a physical object, per se~... but I do find myself wanting to travel~."
"To travel? Like a trip?"
"Yes~. Whenever Milady is away~, I am usually the one left to look after the mansion~. When everyone else went out to things like the Treasure Tree Festival or the Six Kings Festival~, I found myself feeling just a little bit~... envious~..."
"...Illness-san?"
Kaito tilted his head curiously when Illness trailed off into silence. She offered a small, self-deprecating smile and shook her head.
"...That was a very unfair way to put it, wasn't it~? To have a wish in my heart~, yet speak so indirectly~ in the hopes that you would notice~... I feel quite ashamed~."
"U-Uh?"
"Kaito-sama~, I don't particularly have anything I want~, but I have thought of something~ I want to do~."
"What is it?"
Looking Kaito straight in the eyes, Illness spoke in a soft murmur, her expression overflowing with deep, heartfelt affection.
"...I would like to go on a trip~ with you, Kaito-sama~. If it’s possible~... I’d like to take our time~, away for several days~."
"...With me?"
"Yes~. Will you~ grant me that wish someday~?"
It was incredibly rare for Illness to voice a clear desire of her own. Faced with such a straightforward request, Kaito felt no desire to refuse. He looked at her and nodded firmly.
"I understand. Let’s definitely go. We can talk about the details—where we'll go and all that—some other time."
"...Thank you very much~... I am~ so very happy~."
Whether it was because Kaito had so readily agreed or simply the thought of the journey itself, Illness wore a look of pure bliss.
Serious-senpai: "It’s over... I mean, it’s not happening right this second, but he just promised an overnight trip with Illness, didn't he? Naturally, it’ll be just the two of them... This is it. The Illness Route flag has been firmly planted... It’s all over."