After finishing my conversation with Noah-san and Rachel-san, I was considering who to visit next when Caraway, standing on the stage, used an amplification magic tool to announce the next performance.
"Ladies and gentlemen, while I hope you are all enjoying the party, we have prepared another wonderful performance for you through the generosity of the Phantasm King-sama. Many of you are likely aware that the Phantasm King-sama is incredibly versatile, and her skill with musical instruments is said to be world-class. However, as she rarely appears on the public stage, those who have actually heard her play are few and far between. Today, however, she will be performing specially for this party. Please, lose yourselves for a while in the beautiful melodies the Phantasm King-sama has prepared."
It seemed more time had passed than I realized. This musical performance entertainment was scheduled for around the midpoint of the party, which meant the event was already halfway over.
I pulled out my watch to check the time; sure enough, quite a while had passed. In a way, though, this timing was actually quite helpful.
With that thought in mind, I paused my greeting rounds for the time being and headed toward the staff-only door located off to the side of the stage.
Alice's performance was planned to last for approximately forty-five minutes. During that window, it had been arranged that I would wait in a separate room so that my presence as the host wouldn't distract the guests from the music.
...Well, to put it plainly, it was a designated break time for me under that pretext. Going around and greeting everyone was surprisingly exhausting, so I was grateful for the chance to take a breather.
Knowing Alice, she had probably included this performance specifically so that I could rest for a while without feeling guilty about it.
Regardless, a break was a break. I decided to head to the rest room and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Thinking this, I exited through the staff-only entrance/exit and began walking toward the rest room. Suddenly, I heard the door I had just passed through swing open. I turned back.
There, emerging from the doorway for some reason, was Fia-sensei.
"Hi there, Miyama-kun. Is it alright if I come through?"
"E-Eh, yes, that’s fine... but did something happen?"
"Ah, no, I don't have any urgent business, but you're heading for your break, right?"
"Ah, yes. While Alice is performing, I'm supposed to be resting."
Upon hearing my reply, Fia-sensei nodded with a satisfied expression. It was the look of someone whose expectations had been confirmed.
"Greeting rounds are busy work, and they can really wear you out. As the organizer, there are things you have to be mindful of and people you have to be considerate toward, so taking a break is important. That's why I thought I'd help you relax while you rest—after all, I'm quite good at massages."
"I see, that’s very kind of you... but shouldn't you be listening to the music, Fia-sensei?"
"It's fine. I've heard Shaltier-sama play several times before. Besides, I'm not very good at sitting still for long periods anyway."
I smiled back at Fia-sensei as she gave a wry laugh. I hadn't planned on sleeping in the rest room, so I was glad for the company.
Since Fia-sensei was my lover, I could speak with her naturally without any tension. Honestly, I was quite happy she had decided to join me.
"Then, if you're offering, I'd love to have you come along."
"Hehe, leave it to me! Well then, shall we go? Do you have a private room, Miyama-kun?"
"Yes, it's the room I've been using as a waiting area. It's just a short walk from here."
"I see, I see. Well, it might be a short walk, but since we're lovers, let's hold hands!"
Watching Fia-sensei beam with such a bright, cheerful smile made me feel naturally happy as well. I took the hand she offered, and after firmly interlocking our fingers in a lover's hand-holding, we set off toward the rest room.
"Ah, I'm a bit late in saying this, but that dress looks really lovely on you. You're very beautiful."
"Oh! Thank you! Since I usually conjured my clothes with magic power, I'm almost always in the same outfit. I was a bit nervous about this, so I'm glad you like it, Miyama-kun."
"Ah, I see. I've always thought making clothes with magic power seemed very convenient, but I suppose it has the downside of always looking identical unless you're making a conscious effort to change it."
"Yes. I can change them, of course, but it requires fine-tuning the magic formula, which is a bit of a hassle. Most people just stick with the same outfit because it's easier. If I dispel them and remake them, they're instantly clean again, so it’s definitely convenient."
Maintaining clothes made of mana requires a steady supply of magic power, so it isn't an option for anyone who isn't reasonably powerful. Then again, I'd heard that even some powerful people like Kong-san aren't very good at it...
Engaged in such peaceful small talk, we walked together down the hallway.
Serious-senpai: "W-Wait just a second! Aren't we in the middle of a heartwarming greeting rounds development? Why are we suddenly shifting to a private break alone with your lover?!"