Even after parting ways with Count Scott and his wife, I spent quite a while longer in the park with Illness, playing catch and chatting idly. Since our initial goal had been the cafe, we hadn't started until the afternoon, and the sky was already beginning to glow with the colors of sunset.
"Is it... about time to head back...?" she asked.
"I suppose so. It's getting dark, so let's head out."
"Yes... oh? Head out 'from the park'?"
The time spent relaxing with Illness was so pleasant that I felt a twinge of regret at leaving, but it was indeed getting late. However, that didn't mean the date was over.
"Actually, I thought it would be a shame for our date to end just with the cafe," I explained. "Since we're already heading toward the High-end Shop Area and we're both dressed fairly well—even if not in full formal suits—I thought it would be a good chance to visit a nicer place. I’ve reserved a table at a slightly upscale restaurant. So, if it's alright with you, Illness, how about we have dinner together?"
"Of course... I'd be delighted. It makes me... so incredibly happy... to know you planned this for me..."
We had come to the park because she wanted to, but I'd already planned on doing some window shopping anyway, so I had booked the restaurant in advance. I'd hemmed and hawed over the choice, but given her mature aura and our current attire, a restaurant in the High-end Shop Area seemed perfect. I’d narrowed it down using a magazine and then cross-referenced the details in Kuro’s "Gourmet Guide" to make sure there wasn't a strict dress code.
Upon hearing my proposal, Illness smiled happily and gently took my hand. I squeezed back, returning her smile, and we began walking out of the park together.
The restaurant I chose had been featured in a Sinfonia Royal Capital-related Tourism Magazine as a top recommendation for couples. It was also highly rated in Kuro’s "Gourmet Guide"; despite being high-end, it reportedly had a somewhat casual atmosphere, making it a great entry-level spot for the district.
Kuro generally favors commoner food, but she is well-versed in high-end cuisine too. However, her rating system is heavily weighted toward the actual experience of eating. Even if a dish is delicious, she tends to dock points if it's’s overly complicated to eat or if the proper way to consume it isn't immediately obvious. Of course, she still gives credit for flavor, but since her guide isn't a commercial publication—it's more of a hobby project she shares with her inner circle—it's heavily influenced by her personal tastes. While the guide is undeniably useful, I knew better than to rely on it exclusively, so I’d checked other sources as well.
As a side note, any shop that sells Baby Castella automatically starts at an eight-star rating in her book, so her judgment there is incredibly lenient. There's actually an entirely separate "Baby Castella Edition" where Kuro’s preferences are turned up to the max. I've barely touched those, though; the mere fact that there are 20 Volumes of the Baby Castella Edition alone is honestly a bit terrifying.
"The restaurant doesn't seem too strict about etiquette, so we don't need to worry," I said.
"I'm sure you... won't have any trouble with basic manners... Kaito-sama."
"Haha, well, I've had some practice. I eat with Lilia-san quite often, so I've picked up a lot just by watching her. She's a Duke, after all, so her table manners are exquisite. Though, in my personal opinion, the person with the most graceful bearing at the table is you, Illness."
"Hehe... that might be a bit of an exaggeration... but I'm happy to hear it."
While there are certainly others with flawless manners, there’s an inherent grace and refinement in the way Illness eats that really stands out. Of course, Lilia-san is elegant as well, fitting for a noble of her station, but Illness possesses a certain mature charm that is uniquely her own.
As for my own manners, they’re decent enough. Since I usually eat in the dining hall of Lilia-san's mansion, I’ve grown accustomed to aristocratic dining and have absorbed the rules naturally. Still, if you asked me to dine at a truly prestigious, stiffly formal establishment, I’d probably struggle. Thankfully, this place seemed more relaxed.
Serious-senpai: Well, I guess after living in a noble's mansion for over a year, you’re bound to pick up some etiquette...
Mystery Entity: That aside, a person's impression is important, isn't it? As a Duke, Lilia-san's manners should be perfect, but the fact that she isn't really associated with an "elegant" image is probably due to her personality.
Serious-senpai: True. And if we're talking about contrasts, there's Alice... I’m sure she’d be perfect if she had to be, but I can only ever picture her face-down in a bowl of rice.
Mystery Entity: Eating food deliciously is the best kind of manners, you know?