Thanks to some mysterious power, we boarded the gondola without having to wait in line. I wasn't sure if "gondola" was its official name, but it looked the part, so I decided that name would do.
As I stepped inside, I spotted a sign near the entrance that read "Height Limit: 3m or less." Given the vast range of statures among the races in this world, it made sense, even if I rarely encountered people that massive walking around the city.
Most beings who stood over three meters tall were Demons, and all Demons possessed at least some proficiency in magic. Larger races were typically taught body-size alteration magic or Humanization Magic by their parents or kin from a young age. It was a matter of etiquette; that was why Megiddo-san always used humanization whenever he visited towns in the Human Realm.
"The interior is pretty simple. There’s plenty of room for two, but it might be a bit of a squeeze for four."
I took my seat. The layout reminded me of a Ferris wheel gondola, where the most natural arrangement was for two people to sit facing each other.
...Or so I thought. Shiro-san sat down right beside me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"...Um, Shiro-san? Given the layout, wouldn't sitting across from each other be a bit more normal?"
"True. However, I sat here because I wanted to be next to Kaito-san."
"W-Well, when you put it like that, I can't really argue. Let's just stay like this, then."
It was her signature Strong Style. Personally, I didn't mind her sitting next to me, so it wasn't an issue in the slightest.
Before long, the gondola began its slow ascent. According to the attendant's explanation, the ride would take about twenty minutes as we drifted leisurely over the capital.
"Wow, this is actually pretty impressive. Seeing something this large just floating in the air..."
"In reality, it moves along a trajectory defined by a magic formula. This box itself only utilizes a levitation formula; it's being pulled along by other magic tools."
"I see..."
"Now, Kaito-san, let's confirm an important fact."
"Yes?"
The view from the floating gondola was magnificent, offering a panoramic look at the capital teeming with people. With the Founding Anniversary Festival in full swing, the city looked vibrant and festive even from this height.
I was lost in the scenery when Shiro-san spoke, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.
"...We're finally all alone."
"............"
My own words from a few moments ago flashed through my mind—along with Shiro-san’s mention of a "Guaranteed Commitment." And then, we had "coincidentally" stumbled upon this attraction at such a perfectly convenient time.
C-Could it be...? Shiro-san, was this your goal all along? N-No, wait, calm down. That promise only happened after we spotted the attraction... Then again, we were definitely alone now, and it wasn't an exaggeration to say the mood was perfect.
"Twenty minutes is quite a fair amount of time. I am looking forward to it."
"...Y-Yeah, me too."
Shiro-san’s smile was refreshingly pure, yet it left a deep impression on me. This felt like it was going to be a very long twenty minutes.
...It really is only twenty minutes, right? There isn't any time manipulation involved, is there?
Serious-senpai: "Ah, this looks bad..."