The weather was perfect for a day at the park. Even though the Kingdom of Sinfonia enjoyed a stable climate year-round, the temperature today was particularly pleasant. Of course, thanks to Shiro-san’s Blessing, I would have been comfortable regardless of the season.
Reaching the shade of a large tree, I’d planned to simply spread out the groundsheet from my Magic Box and lounge for a while, but Illness-san had other ideas. She had suggested a lap pillow.
Wondering exactly how to proceed, I glanced her way. She was already settled on the sheet, daintily placing a handkerchief over her lap.
"Now then, Kaito-sama, please come over here."
"Ah, yes. Then, if you'll excuse me."
Since she seemed ready, I gave a brief word of courtesy and rested my head on Illness-san’s lap, right where she’d laid the handkerchief. A faint, pleasant scent of perfume wafted over me, and I looked up into her gentle gaze.
"How does it feel to lie there?"
"How should I put it... it’s very comfortable. I mean, of course, I feel a bit embarrassed, but more than that, it’s soothing. I can feel the tension naturally leaving my shoulders, and I can really relax."
"Hehe, I’m glad to hear that. But I also felt a little embarrassed myself. It’s a strange thing, isn't it? I’ve given you lap pillows several times before, but I suppose I’m more aware of it now that we’re officially a couple."
At a quick glance, Illness-san seemed to be smiling as gently as ever, but when I used Sympathy Magic, I could definitely sense a faint trace of nervousness. However, it wasn't the kind of tension that makes someone go rigid; rather, it was a subtle shift in her heart. Because she recognized me as her lover—someone truly special—her feelings felt slightly different than they had before.
"I’ve done this a few times now, but I never quite know which way I should be facing," I confessed. "Should I stay on my back, or turn on my side?"
"I’m not sure there is a 'right' answer," she replied, "but I prefer being able to see your face."
"Fair enough. I think I prefer looking at you, too. It’s calming. Though I suppose my position might change if I were to fall asleep..."
"You’re welcome to sleep if you like," she offered.
I shook my head slightly. "Actually, I’m not all that tired. Besides, it’s so peaceful just talking with you like this. It feels like a waste to spend it asleep."
"Oh? Hehe... that makes me feel a bit ticklish, but I'm very happy."
She gave another cheerful laugh, stroking my hair with one hand while reaching out to take my hand with the other. As expected, she exuded an incredible sense of motherliness, the aura of a refined woman. Yet there was something else now—a certain playfulness, a desire to be close. The way she held my hand felt different, softer. She was showing a side of herself that was far more affectionate than before.
Realizing she was directing her affection toward me as more than just a servant or a friend made me feel a little flustered, much like her. But it wasn't a bad feeling at all.
I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, wondering what to do with my other arm. It was hard to return the gesture and stroke her hair while lying down like this. I decided there wasn't much I could do in this position anyway, and there was no need to force it. But just as I settled in, her hand moved from my hair.
She gently brushed my bangs aside. Before I knew what was happening, she leaned down, catching me off guard, and pressed her lips to my forehead with a soft sound.
I blinked in surprise as she pulled away. She was beaming at me, an innocent, radiant smile of pure happiness.
Serious-senpai: "H-hah... I see... So she just went ahead and did a forehead kiss right to his face, something she used to only do secretly while he was sleeping... She’s pretty good..."
???: "Serious-senpai, your legs are shaking... You’re like a newborn fawn."