After Shiro-san teleported Olivia-san away, she and I returned to our date at the Founding Anniversary Festival.
Looking at the likely state of Laguna-san and Lilia-san right now, a wave of guilt washed over me, but there was nothing to be done about it anymore. Or rather, in this specific instance, was I really to blame? Shiro-san was the one who performed the teleportation, and since it was such a sudden move, it would have been nearly impossible for me to see it coming.
Then again, if I traced the chain of events back to why Shiro-san and Olivia-san were even at the festival... yeah, that was definitely on me. If someone pointed that out, I wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
"With the ceremony about to begin, it finally feels like the Founding Anniversary Festival is starting in earnest," I noted.
"Which means our date is also starting in earnest," Shiro-san replied.
"I suppose... you're not wrong?"
I watched the throng of people streaming toward the square in front of the Assembly Hall. The opening ceremony's start time was clearly drawing near.
Since I had already seen the ceremony before and Shiro-san didn't seem particularly interested, we decided to skip the square and just enjoy the festival normally. In fact, because so many people were flocking to see the message from the First Hero, the rest of the area was relatively empty and much easier to navigate.
Quite a lot had happened already, giving me the impression that a significant amount of time had passed, but the fact that the ceremony was only just beginning meant it wasn't even noon yet.
The festival was only just getting started. Considering the sheer scale of the incidents that had occurred so far, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of anxiety about what the rest of the day held in store.
"By the way, Kaito-san. Is there anything you'd like to say to me?"
"Something to say? About wha—?"
I tilted my head at her sudden question, but as I turned to look at her, I froze in shock. Shiro-san’s outfit, which had been casual only moments ago, had transformed without me even noticing.
She now wore an elegant, floor-length white dress adorned with blue floral patterns. A wide-brimmed white hat rested on her head, and her hair—which had actually grown longer—was loosely tied and draped over her shoulder.
She had mentioned she might change her look halfway through, but I didn't expect such a complete surprise attack. Being who she was, adjusting her hair length was child's play, of course. Her new look was so striking and different from her previous one that I found myself staring in spite of myself.
If her previous style had been casual and energetic, this was the picture of a refined, sophisticated young lady.
It went without saying that Shiro-san was a beauty beyond compare, but draped in these elegant white tones, she possessed a beauty that felt almost divine. Furthermore, she was practically vibrating with an aura that screamed, "Well? Praise me."
"...Er, the sudden change took me by surprise, but that dress looks incredible on you. You have this sort of mystical beauty, Shiro-san, so refined clothes like that really suit you. That big hat is also very cute."
"Fufu. Thank you. I am very pleased... so, a little more, please."
Ah, she wanted an encore. Since she clearly enjoyed the compliments, I had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time I'd be expected to provide them.
"I really like that hairstyle too. Seeing it at a different length is refreshing, and the way you have it draped forward looks very mature and composed. Combined with your usual atmosphere, it's so charming it actually makes my heart race just looking at you."
I meant every word. Shiro-san was undeniably captivating, and I was genuinely happy to see her in a different style.
Upon hearing my praise, Shiro-san’s lips curved into a distinct, satisfied smile. It seemed she was pleased with my review.
Just as that thought crossed my mind, vibrant lights shot up into the sky from all corners of the city... and the words "Deeply Satisfied" appeared in the air, written in massive rainbow letters.
...She just had to bring out a new one. I could practically hear the sound of Chronoa-san and the others' stomachs shattering in the distance.
Serious-senpai: "A God who destroys stomachs as easily as breathing... And look at that subtitle... Is there a nighttime segment too? Are you two just going to keep flirting?"