Nebula had created a new variety of tea leaves specialized for Royal Milk Tea. Deciding there was no time like the present, I thought I’d head out immediately to give some to Ein-san and Jutia-san as a gift.
I had a strong urge to show off Nebula’s handiwork... or rather, that was pretty much my primary motivation. I felt like I finally understood the heart of a parent wanting to brag about their child. I mean, it wasn’t as if Nebula was actually my daughter, but still...
With that in mind, I contacted Ein-san and Jutia-san to see if they were free, though I deliberately kept the reason for my visit a secret. I wanted to maintain a sense of surprise regarding the tea leaves, but that wasn't the only reason for my vagueness.
If I were to ask if they were free because I had "business" to attend to, then—setting Jutia-san aside—Ein-san would undoubtedly prioritize my request over any other plans she had, provided Kuro wasn't involved.
It wasn't quite as extreme as the talk Pandora-san had given me about how it was a natural duty for the Ten Demons to adjust their schedules to my convenience, but it was a fact that she would prioritize me even if it meant pushing back other appointments. While I was grateful for the dedication, I also felt a bit guilty about it, so I simply sent a Hummingbird asking what she was doing "right now."
It turned out Ein-san was attending an "Opinion Exchange Meeting" for the World Maid Association. All right, Ein-san can wait. I had no desire to get caught up in that particular scene, so I just sent a reply wishing her luck with the meeting. Honestly, even though she was in the middle of a conference, she replied at lightning speed... how very typical of her.
A little while later, a reply arrived from Jutia-san as well. She said she was currently in the Spirit Tree Forest within Rigforresia.
This worked out perfectly. I could travel to Rigforresia via teleportation magic, and since I’d visited the Spirit Tree Forest during the Treasure Tree Festival, I knew exactly where it was.
I checked if she was free, and since she said she had no particular plans and that it was fine for me to visit, I activated my teleportation magic tool and set off for the forest.
Once I arrived in Rigforresia, I walked for a bit. To reach the Spirit Tree Forest, I didn't actually have to pass through the town of Rigforresia itself. Instead, I circled wide to the right from my registered teleportation point near the front gate.
This was a massive help. Since I’d become awkwardly famous in Rigforresia, I didn't really want to walk through the city streets. In a way, I felt like I finally understood Noin-san's struggle.
I almost wished I had a magic tool that could provide Recognition Inhibition... but I suppose that's a tall order. If even someone as powerful as Noin-san—a Count-class—was bad at it and didn't use it, it must be an incredibly advanced spell. Besides, if a magic tool for it actually existed, Noin-san would already be using it herself.
(I have great news for the Kaito-san who feels that way! Right now, you can obtain an accessory with Recognition Inhibition effects simply by going on one lovey-dovey date with me! Furthermore, if you choose the overnight date option, you’ll receive an Information Concealment effect as a bonus! And if you act now, I’ll give you a second set for free!)
She just started pitching to me like a weird TV shopping channel! I—no, wait... Honestly, I wanted it. It would be useful in so many situations, and if I got an extra one, I could give it to Noin-san as a gift.
Besides, there was no downside for me. If my lover, Shiro-san, wanted to go on a date, I’d normally agree even without any special conditions.
...The only thing that concerned me was the "lovey-dovey" part she tacked onto the front. My intuition told me she was plotting something... or rather, it felt like she’d been picking up some very strange ideas lately.
"Shiro-san, I’m perfectly happy to go on a date, and an overnight trip isn't a problem at all, but... what exactly are you planning?"
(It is a "Heart-pounding 2 Days 1 Night Steamy Hot Spring Trip Just for the Two of Us.")
She really went there... And because she said "heart-pounding" with absolutely zero inflection, the monotone delivery was surreal.
(I have improved the hot spring we visited with Kaito-san previously. I have designed the hot spring inn in a traditional style, created a specialized spatial dimension, constructed a vast natural landscape, and even built Mount Fuji.)
She’s talking about some truly ridiculous things... Also, even if the mountain is the exact same shape, is it technically correct to call something built in another world "Mount Fuji"? Well, I guess that doesn't really matter... More importantly, if she’s already built it, didn't she just assume I’d say yes from the start?
(Is it no good?)
"I think using that tone is a low blow. Like I said, I’d love to go on a date, and an overnight stay is fine too."
(Then it is settled. I will contact you with the schedule later... I will also deliver the promised items at that time.)
What just happened? I was supposed to be in Rigforresia to deliver tea leaves to Jutia-san, yet I’d somehow ended up confirming an overnight hot spring trip with Shiro-san... Well, I suppose it’s fine.
???: "Look at him. This is a protagonist who has spent so much time walking into sudden events and overcoming them that his expression has completely changed. He has the look of a veteran."
Serious-senpai: "His tolerance for sudden events is way too high."