Kaori’s expression was impossible to read, but as someone who could pivot quickly, she composed herself after a few moments and spoke up.
"For now, since I don’t really know much about pre- and post-date prayers, let’s just focus on the actual day of the outing."
As a diner owner, Kaori had plenty of experience dealing with various customers. One thing she had learned was that it was dangerous to carelessly touch upon religious topics.
In the world of Trinia, where gods truly existed and people had the chance to see them—even if only from a distance during the Hero Festival—faith ran deep for many.
Since the Friendly City Hikari was home to the cathedral that served as the Head Temple of the Divine Religion, many devout believers visited her shop. If she were to indulge them in a conversation about prayers, it would inevitably turn into an endless lecture. Based on her experience, the best response was to let it slide without denial and pivot to a different topic.
"That’s right. To start, you’ll meet Kaito-sama at the cathedral, and then teleport to a Trade City in the Arclesia Empire for some shopping, correct?"
"Yes. Olivia-sama is quite famous in the Friendly City. Even if you’re in casual clothes, there’s a chance you’ll be recognized and cause a scene. I think going to a different city is for the best. Besides, this Trade City was featured in a magazine as a recommended date spot!"
It was worth noting that Kaori, despite giving advice, had exactly zero romantic experience. Her knowledge was strictly limited to magazines and fiction. She was well aware of this fact, so she stuck to a classic date plan rather than suggesting anything eccentric.
"...But is such a vague schedule really alright? We haven't decided specifically what to buy or which shops to visit."
"Olivia-sama, over-planning a first date down to the minute is a recipe for disaster. Well, my own knowledge is mostly from magazines, so I shouldn't act like an expert, but... apparently, the odds of a packed schedule going exactly as planned are pretty low. If you cram it too full, you won't be able to handle unexpected situations at all... or so they say."
"I see... Personally, I find the lack of a detailed itinerary unsettling, but Kaori’s words carry weight. If I were unable to handle an unforeseen event and made a fool of myself in front of Kaito-sama, it would be a lèse-majesté that even jumping into a volcanic crater couldn't atone for."
"N-No, I don’t think it’s quite that serious... But anyway, when it comes to raw Romance Experience, people like us don’t even reach Kaito-kun’s ankles. We’re essentially date amateurs, while he’s a date pro. Honestly, it’s much better to just set a general schedule and let Kaito-kun take the lead."
It was a simple fact. Kaito was far more experienced in dating than either of them. Even with a vague plan like window shopping, he would likely lead her quite effectively.
"While I have no desire to burden Kaito-sama, it would be the ultimate lèse-majesté if my lack of experience prevented him from enjoying himself... Dating is truly a difficult endeavor."
"Well, for now, if you just ask him where he wants to go, he’ll probably make it work. After that, you’ll have lunch at the place you reserved and then see a play. It would have been great if there were movies, but..."
"Regarding the theater, you strongly recommended a romance, Kaori. Is it necessary for the theme to be romance?"
"Absolutely! Speaking of dates, it’s romance movies—I mean, romance play appreciation. You watch it together to set the mood, and then you talk about your impressions at a cafe afterward. Must be nice... I wish I could do something like that... even if I am past the age for 'youth' and all..."
"I see. I will need to confirm with Kaito-sama, but I will take it under advisement. Now, about this cafe..."
At that moment, Kaori had made a fatal error without realizing it. She assumed Olivia’s response was strictly about the choice of play.
However, Olivia was serious to an extreme. Furthermore, while her influence was largely contained within the Friendly City, her actual power was comparable to that of a Supreme God.
Thus, Olivia had clearly overheard the self-deprecating words Kaori had muttered under her breath and taken them literally.
Specifically, she took them to mean that Kaori also wanted to join the date with Kaito...
Serious-senpai: "As expected of a Stomach Pain Warrior, she's digging her own grave beautifully..."