After finishing lunch and taking a short nap, I headed back into the Founding Anniversary Festival with Shiro-san. By now, Noin-san’s message was likely being shared at the Square in front of the Assembly Hall. Since we had no intention of going that way, we set off in the opposite direction.
Eventually, we reached an area that felt like a flea market—a square packed with various stalls. Instead of food, the vendors here focused on things like accessories and antiques. It had a pleasant, engaging atmosphere.
"They certainly have a lot of different things for sale," I noted.
"This is that part, isn't it?"
"That part?"
"The part where Kaito-san finds an accessory that suits me and gives it to me as a gift."
She just made an incredibly demanding request! Don’t get me wrong—I didn’t mind getting her a gift, but finding an accessory that actually complemented Shiro-san was a task of monumental difficulty.
She was, quite literally, a divine beauty. Her looks were so striking that any ordinary accessory would be completely overwhelmed by her presence.
"T-That feels like a bit much for me. I’m not sure I could find anything in a stall like this that could actually match your beauty. I think I'd have a better chance of making something that suits you from scratch."
"My. I wasn't expecting quite that much, but what a delightful offer."
"Huh?"
"I shall look forward to it, then."
Wait. Something was wrong. The conversation had taken a bizarre turn. Was I really going to make Shiro-san an accessory now? The difficulty level had just skyrocketed!
Actually, hadn't I already made her one once before?
"That was that, and this is this," she said with absolute certainty.
There wasn't a hint of hesitation on her face. If anything, she seemed to be in exceptionally high spirits. Well... I suppose it was my own fault for being so careless with my words.
"I mean, I can't do anything professional. I'll just end up using a kit from Alice like I did last time."
"Yes, that is perfectly fine. I would find that many times more delightful than something bought from a shop."
"Ugh, when you put it like that... Fine, I understand. I'll do my best, so please don't get your hopes up too high."
"Hehe. Thank you, Kaito-san."
Seeing her look that happy, I couldn't exactly back out. I’d made a necklace before, so maybe I’d try a bracelet or a brooch this time.
I’d inevitably have to rely on Alice again. I’d probably have to agree to make one for her too just to get her help. There was no way I could do this alone.
"W-Well, putting that aside for now, let's keep looking around."
"Yes, let's."
I’d worry about the accessory after the festival. For the moment, I wanted to browse the stalls. Despite the variety, the square wasn't cluttered; the shops were grouped somewhat by category.
The first stall we happened upon sold paintings. There were all sorts of works lined up.
To be honest, art was still a mystery to me. I could appreciate a pretty landscape, but the more abstract pieces were beyond my comprehension.
I could see a painting that cost several times more than a landscape and still have no idea what made it special. Maybe someone like Rosmiel-san would understand, but...
I leaned over and whispered to Shiro-san. "Shiro-san, do you see what's so good about those?"
"Not really. I cannot tell any difference between them."
"Right... Shall we try another shop?"
Shiro-san didn't seem interested at all. In fact, it seemed she understood art even less than I did—or more likely, she just had no interest in it whatsoever.
We moved on to the next stall, which seemed to sell books. They looked like brand-new copies rather than old ones.
Guidebooks for the Hydra Kingdom’s geography and landmarks were displayed prominently, so it was likely a shop catering to tourists.
As I scanned the selection, my eyes landed on a magazine titled 10 Recommended Date Spots in the Hydra Kingdom for Couples!
"Kaito-san, let's buy that one."
"I had a feeling you'd say that. Well, sure. I don't know much about the landmarks around here, so it'll probably be a good reference."
Whether or not we’d actually be able to visit those spots during the Founding Anniversary Festival was another matter, but magazines like this were always fun to read.
If we found somewhere that looked good, I might take her there later.
Serious-senpai: "...Afternoon... you say...?"