Resting on Illness-san's Lap Pillow under the shade of the park trees was a moment of pure bliss, but staying like that forever would have been a waste. I felt like I might actually fall asleep if I didn't move, so I sat up after a while and decided to chat with her side-by-side.
"Kaito-sama, I can prepare some light snacks too?"
"Oh, so we can eat and drink here? I'm not exactly hungry, but it might be nice to have something to nibble on."
"Then, how about some cookies?"
"Thank you. I'll have some."
What Illness-san prepared were Bite-sized Mini-cookies. When I tried one, the slightly sweet, buttery flavor spread through my mouth; it was delicious.
They were perfect for eating while chatting. As I thought that, Illness-san took out a tube-like object—or rather, what was unmistakably a water bottle.
"...You're quite prepared. Were you perhaps anticipating coming here?"
"No, it's not exactly like that. However, it's true that I was hoping I might be able to go somewhere else with Kaito-sama after going to the cafe. So, I prepared various things."
"Thank you. I mean, you've really done so much for me..."
"Please don't worry about it. Since I'm doing it because I want to, how should I say... when I think that by doing something I can help Kaito-sama spend his time comfortably, it makes me terribly happy and blissful. So, it was fun while I was preparing too."
I could tell that the smiling Illness-san's words weren't a lie even without using Sympathy Magic. The feeling that she truly enjoyed looking after me—that it made her happy—came across so directly that I felt a bit embarrassed.
"How should I say this... it might be strange for me to say it, but as you mentioned earlier, you really do have a very devoted air, Illness-san. While I'm happy for that, please don't push yourself too hard."
"Yes. But I'm really not overworking myself. It's the same with my usual work. Especially doing this and that at Kaito-sama's mansion is a fun time for me, so it can truly be said to be time spent doing what I love."
"When you put it that way, I can't really say anything. But please let me thank you... Illness-san, thank you so much, as always."
"Hehe, hearing Kaito-sama say that makes me very happy."
She really did many times the work of an ordinary person on a daily basis. Although she seemed to have plenty of capacity, I had my concerns, but seeing how she truly seemed to enjoy her work put me at ease.
And while I felt relieved, I also felt a bit of an urge. Since we were together as a couple, and there was no one else in sight, I wanted to spend time in a more romantic way. In this situation, the thing I could do right away was...
"Illness-san, um... may I put my arm around your shoulder?"
Asking for permission felt a little awkward. I knew she wouldn't refuse, but I still felt a nervous flutter in my chest.
Upon hearing my words, Illness-san looked blank for a moment, then showed a happy smile.
"Yes. With pleasure."
"Then, excuse me."
Having successfully received permission, I placed my hand on her shoulder and drew her closer. The petite Illness-san felt even more delicate than I expected; her shoulders were quite small and... how should I say, soft.
Illness-san leaned against me slightly. Feeling a faint warmth where we touched and on my hand resting on her shoulder, I felt a bit ticklish but happy.
Just as I was thinking of continuing with some light small talk, Illness-san suddenly spoke up as if she had just thought of something.
"Kaito-sama, if there is anything else you want to do, there's no need to ask me for permission."
"Huh? Um... what do you mean by that?"
"Well, Kaito-sama is a kind person, so I know you are always considerate of my feelings. So, for the sake of future simplification, I thought I would say it in advance... no matter what you do to me, it's fine. Because I... am yours, after all."
As she said this with a smile, the benevolent aura that seemed to envelop everything also contained a certain allure; she was so beautiful that it took my breath away.
Serious-senpai: "Guaaaaah... a No-guard Style... you say...?"
???: "I get the feeling she wasn't guarding herself to begin with, but declaring it to him in person is, well, quite lovey-dovey."