Being in Lilia-san’s bedroom was a novel experience, but I didn't want to be rude by letting my eyes wander. Our primary goal was deciding where to place the tabletop clock, so I focused on the task at hand.
"Putting it on the nightstand seems like the obvious choice, but do you think it would look too cluttered next to the music box?"
"You're right. Besides, to truly appreciate the craftsmanship, a brighter location might be better. If we put it near the window over there, the sunlight would catch the details beautifully..."
"That does seem like a good spot. We don't have any furniture at the right height there, though, so maybe it would be best to get a new mini table specifically for the clock."
Usually, direct sunlight isn't good for wooden items, but Nebula’s tabletop clocks were protected by status preservation magic, so that wasn't a concern.
We discussed the ideal placement further, testing the clock in a few different positions. Eventually, we settled on Lilia-san’s original suggestion, deciding that a new mini table would be the perfect addition to that corner.
"This really does seem like the best spot. Thank you, Kaito-san. I'll make sure to purchase an accent table and set it up immediately."
"No, I'm just glad I could help."
"Kaito-san?"
"Ah, sorry. I just couldn't help but notice that wardrobe—it’s easily three times the size of mine. I suppose that's just how it is for a noble? You must have so many dresses."
The closet was the most imposing piece of furniture in the room. I was idly wondering how many dozens of outfits could be tucked away inside when Lilia-san spoke with a strained smile.
"Actually, my gowns aren't in there. Those are kept in a dedicated storage room because there are simply too many to fit in here. I have to maintain a separate space just to keep up with the volume."
"Wow. So you really do have a massive collection, then?"
"I am a high-ranking noble, after all. Fashion trends for evening parties move so quickly that the numbers inevitably pile up. It would be far simpler if I could just manifest my clothing from magic power like high-ranking demons do... but I have obligations to maintain relationships with the various guilds and shops. It makes things complicated."
"Nobles really do have it tough in their own way."
"Fufu, quite. I suppose it’s unavoidable that having such power and wealth comes with a certain lack of freedom. Though, watching you, Kaito-san—someone who is the exception to every rule—I find myself thinking that having too much freedom brings its own set of problems."
"Ahaha... true. Thanks to everyone watching my back, I've been allowed to be quite free."
I replied with a wry smile to her teasing. I knew my antics often caused Lilia-san a great deal of stress, but she didn't seem inclined to scold me today. Her expression remained unusually gentle.
"In any case, back to the closet... This is where I keep the clothes I use most frequently. Inside, it looks like this."
"I see. So this is for your daily wear and your training gear?"
When Lilia-san opened the wardrobe, I saw mostly familiar outfits—the clothes she wore for her daily duties and the practical gear she used for practice.
"And then there are my accessories. Since I have many precious metals and gemstones, I keep them here rather than in the dressing room. This closet is enchanted so that only I can open it. This entire section is for my jewelry."
"Wow... it’s like stepping into a high-end boutique. You have so many... Wait, is it just me, or do you have an unusual amount of reddish-brown gemstones? Is that your favorite color, Lilia-san?"
"Aeh?! A-Actually... that is... well... umm..."
The jewelry Lilia-san showed me was exquisite, but a good third of the collection featured gemstones of that specific hue. Thinking it would be good to know her preferences for future gifts, I asked if she favored the color, only for Lilia-san to start glancing around in a flustered panic.
Her face was turning a deep shade of crimson. I wondered why she was acting so embarrassed.
"Umm, well... it’s a noble custom... to wear the colors of one’s fiancé or partner. This specific shade... it matches the color of your eyes, Kaito-san..."
"A-Ah... I see. So that’s why."
"Yes..."
"Umm... that's actually quite bashful to hear."
"I feel the same way."
The reason Lilia-san had so many accessories with reddish-brown gemstones was that they were the color of my eyes—in short, they were my color. Hearing that she went out of her way to collect and wear them for that reason made me feel incredibly self-conscious.
I was happy, of course, but it was also a bit ticklish. Needless to say, it took a fair amount of time for both of us to regain our composure.
Serious-senpai: "This sweet-and-sour mood is actually making my stomach hurt... Wait! Is that me? Does this mean I've become a stomach pain warrior too?!"
Machina: "......"
Serious-senpai: "Hey, what are you waiting for, you monster of gluttony..."