I’d picked up a guidebook on dating spots at one of the flea market stalls, but this wasn't really the place to stand around and read it. For the time being, I moved away from the crowds and leafed through the pages.
I noticed immediately that the magazine had been published recently. It was quite a high-end production, featuring actual photographs that made the various dating spots look incredibly vivid and inviting.
Of course, that quality came at a price—the page count was fairly slim, making it clear that photographs were still quite expensive to produce.
"I can’t really take my time with this right now, but do you see anything that looks good?"
"Let's see... Oh, Kaito-san, what about this page?"
"Eh? This one? Let’s see... 'Experience a Special Moment at the Clock Tower Special Observation Seat.' The Clock Tower... Oh, that one."
The page catching Shiro-san's eye featured a clock tower that towered over the rest of the capital. I remembered it well. It was the same tower where a terrorist attack had targeted Mitsunaga-kun during my first visit to the Hydra Kingdom. Alice had intervened and settled the matter before it turned into a disaster, so it hadn't caused any lasting damage, but the memory stayed with me.
I hadn't realized the place was a popular dating spot.
I scanned the description and learned that a private observation room was tucked away at the very top. Apparently, it was available for use by reservation only.
However, they only took one group per day. Combined with its reputation, the lottery odds for a seat were supposed to be astronomical.
"It says the sunset from the Clock Tower is spectacular—a guaranteed way to create a perfect moment for a couple. But apparently, you need incredible luck just to win the lottery for a seat."
"I see. That sounds wonderful. It is still midday, so going immediately would be a waste of the view, but I would like to visit it with you in the evening to experience this 'perfect moment.'"
"Actually, about the lottery... Wait, look at this. It says the tower is closed during major events in the capital. It lists the day of the Founding Anniversary Festival as an example, so it looks like it’s definitely off-limits today."
It made sense. Between the security concerns following the previous attack and the risk of overexcited festival-goers doing something dangerous, closing it off was a logical safety measure.
Upon hearing my explanation, Shiro-san nodded slowly and spoke.
"I see... God of Space-Time."
"Here!"
"I wish to experience a 'perfect moment' with Kaito-san."
"There is no issue. A seat has already been prepared at the Clock Tower, and the King of Hydra has been informed. I can guide you there whenever you desire, Shallow Vernal-sama..."
"I understand. I shall call for you again when the time comes."
"As you command!"
Talk about overwhelming support. As expected—or rather, she had probably anticipated this. I had a feeling that because Shiro-san knew she might take an interest in the capital's popular spots—the kind of places featured in this magazine—she’d finished all the backroom negotiations well in advance.
I wasn't sure whether to be impressed or slightly terrified, but the sheer thoroughness of her preparations was undeniable.
"...Come to think of it, Shiro-san. Just now, and earlier too, you seemed to hesitate a bit when you called for Chronoa-san."
"Yes, I was a little conflicted. She is growing steadily, but she hasn't reached Fate's level yet. I decided it was best to wait a bit longer. Though I doubt it will take much time..."
Watching Shiro-san’s lips curl into a faint smile, I realized what she meant. She had been debating whether or not to start calling Chronoa-san by her name.
Since the White God Festival, both Chronoa-san and Life-san had clearly been growing in Shiro-san’s estimation. She’d considered using their names the way she did with Fate-san, but since they weren't quite there yet, she’d decided to stick with "God of Space-Time" for now.
As she spoke, Shiro-san’s expression softened. She looked like a parent watching with pride as her children grew.
Serious-senpai: "I assume I should take this to mean there will be an 'Evening' segment following the 'Afternoon' one?"
???: "That seems like a safe assumption, doesn't it?"
Serious-senpai: "Goddammit!"