Even though I was used to lavish meals to some degree, an Authentic Course Meal like this was, surprisingly, a first for me.
The Cooking served at Lilia-san’s mansion was certainly opulent enough for royalty, but it was never served in formal courses. I’d had a multi-course meal at a high-end restaurant during the Six Kings Festival, but that had essentially been Chinese Food.
"Illness-san, do you come to places like this often? You look so at ease, like you've done this a hundred times."
"No, hardly ever. Since I don't actually need to eat to survive, I rarely have full meals. I've studied the theory behind Illness-san's Table Manners, but I've had very little practice. I hope I'm not being unsightly."
"Not at all. You look incredibly beautiful—elegant, even. Even to an amateur like me, your manners look perfectly refined."
To be honest, I thought her table manners were flawless. Even without knowing much about the subject, the grace with which she handled herself made her seem emminently sophisticated. Lilia-san always ate with great poise, but Illness-san seemed to be on an entirely different level.
"I think you're overstating things, but I'm glad if I'm not making you feel uncomfortable."
"Actually, I'm the one who's worried. Do I look... out of place?"
"You look wonderful. Your posture is perfect and your expression is so dignified that I find myself quite captivated."
"I... I think you're the one exaggerating now."
I was relieved to hear that my lack of etiquette wasn't making her uncomfortable, but such blunt praise made me blush. I didn't even need Sympathy Magic to tell she was being sincere. She looked so happy, her smile so radiant, that it was actually me who was being swept off my feet.
As I was lost in thought, a soft, slightly mischievous smile played on her lips.
"However, since this is a special occasion, I think I might behave a little improperly."
"Huh? Improperly?"
"Yes. Since we're all alone in this room, I'd like to do the thing I couldn't do at the cafe."
"...Oh, you mean..."
"...Would you mind if I moved my chair a little closer?"
It wasn't hard to guess what she had in mind. Her mention of the cafe made it clear, and since we were in a private, soundproof room, there was no one around to see us. A server might walk in when the next course was ready, but I assumed she had a sense of the timing.
I saw no reason to refuse, so I nodded. She slid her chair next to mine, cut a small piece of food, and held it out to me, cupping her other hand beneath it.
"...There you go, Kaito-sama."
"Thank you... I'm a little embarrassed doing this in a place like this, but I'm happy."
"I understand. I'm sorry for being so selfish... but I've wanted to do this for you for so long. It makes me very happy. Here comes the next bite... Oh, right. I believe I'm supposed to say... Aahn."
With her sweet voice and charming smile, she was absolutely captivating. This intimate moment was everything a date between Lovers should be. The only downside was that I was far too flustered to actually taste the food... but her smile was so dazzling that it didn't really matter. I was just glad she was happy.
Serious-senpai: "Ah, ahhh! Tomorrow is the Release Date of Volume 9 of the Comic Version! The digital version will probably be released at the same time, and I'm right there on the back cover, so please buy it!! You can go to the official HP from the Link in the Activity Report, and there are links to mail-order sites there too!!!"
???: "...You're trying with all your might to look away from the developments in the Main Story. Also, the release date is 'the day after tomorrow'."