Shiro-san had just manifested those giant characters from the sea when a water-themed performance suddenly began. An announcement blared via Amplification Magic, declaring it a commemorative display for the start of the Founding Anniversary Festival.
The speed of the damage control was staggering. It really drove home just how much effort the Gods were putting into this—the follow-up was so swift and seamless that even I, knowing the truth, might have mistaken it for a legitimate part of the show.
"...Hmm. Not a bad bit of coordination. Even though this isn't the original dimension, it's gratifying to see how much they've grown."
Shiro-san nodded with satisfaction as she spoke. I wanted to point out that they were only doing it to cover for her, but I suppose I could understand her maternal pride. She was happy that the Gods' teamwork had improved since the White God Festival.
Besides, the Gods themselves probably didn't see this as a chore. If anything, they'd likely weep with joy if they heard her praising them. In that case, I guess there wasn't really a problem.
"Anyway, let's put that aside and get going."
"Indeed. Oh, but Kaito-san, we have a problem."
"Ah, your hands are free, right? In that case, let's walk together."
I'd been with Shiro-san for a fair amount of time now. It might have been a blink of an eye compared to her other acquaintances, but our time as a couple had been incredibly dense. I liked to think I understood her pretty well by this point.
Given how she set the stage, I sensed her next line was going to be "My hands are free," so I beat her to the punch. I offered my hand and suggested we hold hands. For a rare moment, Shiro-san actually looked a little surprised.
"Oh? When did you learn to read minds, Kaito-san?"
"I'm not reading your mind; it's just a prediction based on experience. As your lover, I'd like to think I know you well enough to figure that much out."
"I see... Claiming to know me better than anyone else is quite a bold statement."
"Did I really say all that...?"
"In short, it was a 'Shiro-san is Mine' Declaration."
"How on earth did you make that leap!?"
I reflexively shot back at her wild logic, but then I noticed something. Her voice was as flat and expressionless as ever, yet the corners of her mouth were still curled up slightly, and her teasing was even more whimsical than usual.
She was clearly in a good mood. It seemed like she was genuinely delighted that I'd anticipated her wish and acted on it.
"However, it is an objective fact that I belong to you, Kaito-san."
"Ahaha, well, that's... quite an honor. Anyway, shall we?"
"Yes. I'll leave the escorting to you."
I gave her a wry smile, interlocked our fingers in a lover's hand-holding grasp, and began to walk. The Founding Anniversary Festival was just getting started. As I pondered where we should go first, I glanced at the high-spirited Shiro-san beside me and couldn't help but smile.
Serious-senpai: "This is the kind where the subtitle changes and starts from ① next... I'm an expert on this! This world is made so that I suffer!!"
???: "You've got that right."