Having finished presenting gifts to Shiro, Lilia, and Sieg, I decided to stop there for the evening. The sun was already setting, so any remaining gifts for my other lovers would have to wait until tomorrow.
I planned to give the next one to Anima once she returned from her errands, and then to Kuro when she dropped by later tonight. Anima was apparently out on investment-related business, but she was expected back soon. I had already asked Caraway to tell Anima to come to my room as soon as she returned, so I expected a visit at any moment.
Just as that thought crossed my mind, I sensed a presence approaching through my Sympathy Magic. I didn’t usually keep it active, and my range was negligible at best, but I’d left it on while waiting for Anima. It didn't take long to feel her nearby.
It wasn't like Detection Magic, so I couldn't pin down her exact location, but I could tell she was heading my way. Her emotions were palpable—she was clearly struggling to suppress a wave of eager anticipation. A moment later, a knock sounded at the door. When I gave her permission to enter, Anima stepped inside.
"Master, I was told you had business with me?"
"Welcome back, Anima. Yeah, I’ve got a little something for you."
"Understood! Please, I am at your disposal for whatever you require!"
"...Hmm?"
Anima snapped her back straight and saluted with perfect military form. Her expression, however, was positively giddy. I could practically see the phantom image of a dog wagging its tail while being told to "stay."
Ah, I see. Since I hadn't given Caraway any details, Anima must have assumed I needed her help for something important. She was clearly overjoyed to be relied upon, and now she was vibrating with enthusiasm as she awaited her "business"—or rather, her orders.
"Actually, Anima... it's not a favor or anything like that. I just called you here because I have something I want to give you."
"Oh... Is that so...?"
She slumped instantly. For a bear demon, her dog-like energy was off the charts. Watching her react like a puppy that thought it was going for a walk only to be told it was actually bath time was strangely adorable. However, Anima quickly regained her composure and looked at me curiously.
"So, Master, what did you wish to give me?"
"Well, I was helping Amel prepare for our festival stall today, and we ended up making some original accessories. I made this one specifically as a gift for you."
"...Eh? For... for me?"
I had prepared a necklace for her. I’d given her a hair ornament in the past, so I’d ruled those out. Since her combat style focused on hand-to-hand fighting, I figured bracelets would just get in the way. I’d initially considered earrings, but given the unique shape of her ears, the design work felt like it was above my amateur pay grade. A necklace was the safest bet.
It was set with a beautiful brown gemstone called Grand Amber. I thought the color matched her image perfectly. I held it out, and Anima accepted it with trembling hands. She looked incredibly tense, but her twitching ears gave her joy away.
"Thank you so much. This was so sudden that I can't think of anything clever to say... but I'm truly, truly happy."
"I'm just glad you like it. I made it myself, so it's probably a bit clumsy, but I hope it's to your liking."
"I love it! I don't know how to put this feeling into words, but my heart is overflowing with happiness!"
I chuckled. Seeing her that happy made me feel good too. That phantom tail was practically a blur now. Even through my Sympathy Magic, the sheer volume of her joy was almost overwhelming.
"By the way, to change the subject, you haven't had dinner yet, right? I'm still hungry too, so why don't we eat together?"
"Yes! It would be my honor!"
Anima beamed at me. I smiled back and gently reached out to lead her. She flinched for a split second, then her face lit up even more as she squeezed my hand back. Hand in hand, we walked together toward the dining hall.
Serious-senpai: "Ugh... This is rough... I need serious content, and I need it now..."
???: "No, it's not like the next thing is going to be serious just because this series ends, you know? I mean, next up is definitely the Arclesia Empire Founding Anniversary Festival, so the only thing that's going to be 'serious' is the state of those Stomach Pain Warriors' ulcers."