My date with Shiro-san continued even after the live concert. We spent most of the afternoon hopping between various events; besides the music, there were plays and all sorts of other attractions that were quite enjoyable.
True to its reputation as a trendsetting city, Hydra hosted events utilizing video preservation magic tools that hadn't reached wide circulation yet, which was fascinating in its own right.
At the moment, the technology was limited to simply replaying recorded fireworks displays, but I looked forward to the day when they might actually produce full-blown movies.
"By the way, you mentioned we were going to the Clock Tower this evening. Is there a specific time we need to be there?"
"I do not believe so. We can go whenever you wish, Kaito-san. The moment you arrive 'will' be the moment the sunset is at its most beautiful."
"I-I see. That’s a relief, then."
Under normal circumstances, that would have been a bizarre thing to say, but I knew for a fact that the sunset would indeed be perfect the second I arrived. When the God of the World said it, the weight behind those words was on a completely different level.
...Yeah. I needed to be careful and make sure we actually arrived when the sun was supposed to be setting. Otherwise, she might end up rewinding or fast-forwarding the world's time, which would surely spell disaster for Laguna-san's and Chronoa-san's stomachs.
"Maybe it would be best to grab dinner first, though it might be a bit early for that if we're going before sunset."
"That is true. However, eating after we arrive at the hot spring inn is also an option."
"Ah, right. A nice, relaxed meal sounds—wait, what?"
Hold on. Was I hearing things? She had just casually slipped the words "hot spring inn" into the conversation. Had we talked about that? I searched my memory, but I had absolutely no recollection of such a plan.
"We previously discussed going on a lovey-dovey hot spring trip together."
"We did. Yes, I remember that... but since when did that get merged with our festival date?"
"Just now."
Incredible. As expected of Shiro-san, she stated that she had "just now" come up with the idea with a completely straight, unfazed face. She was so unapologetic about it that I almost nodded in agreement, but I managed to restrain myself.
After all, this was far too sudden. I wasn't prepared for a trip—well, I could probably make do with whatever was in my Magic Box, but... This was bad. I didn't really have a legitimate reason to refuse. The best I could do was argue that a trip immediately following two full rounds of the Founding Anniversary Festival would be an exhausting schedule.
"...Shiro-san, could we perhaps save the hot spring trip for a different day?"
"I understand. That is perfectly fine."
Shiro-san agreed to my suggestion much more easily than I had anticipated. It seemed she really had just suggested it on a whim and wasn't particularly fixated on the "trip" aspect.
I let out a breath of relief, glad I had managed to avoid a grueling itinerary that went straight from a festival marathon to a vacation...
"In that case, let us simply stay overnight at a hot spring inn tonight instead."
"............U-Um?"
Wait a minute. Something was wrong. Had the situation actually changed at all? She was essentially saying that while the "trip" was being postponed, the "overnight stay for tonight" was already set in stone.
"Correct."
"...Er, so this is already decided?"
"You stayed overnight with Alice."
"Urgh... Y-You’re right."
I couldn't really argue with that. When I had come to the festival with Alice, we had stayed the night before heading home. If that was the case, it wouldn't be unusual to do the same for my date with Shiro-san.
Besides, it wasn't like I disliked the idea of staying overnight with her. I had only been hesitant because I was feeling a little worn out... but thinking about it more clearly, a hot spring was exactly what I needed if I was tired.
Actually, this might be a great idea. I really wanted to soak in a hot spring...
"Ah, well, okay then. Let's stay the night."
"Yes."
If there was one lingering point of concern, it was this... a hot spring inn... but where exactly?
Serious-senpai: "...Huh? Whoa, whoa, whoa... wait! Why are you just deciding on an overnight hot spring stay?! If Kaito is going, that means a mixed bath is a mathematical certainty!!"