I had been relaxing and chatting idly with Jutia-san over some iced tea when, partway through our conversation, she took on a pensive look.
There hadn't been anything particularly strange about the flow of our talk, but I felt a bit concerned and decided to ask what was on her mind.
"Jutia-san, is something the matter?"
"Ah, well, you see, you see... how should I put it? Kaito, is there anything you’d like me to do for you?"
"Huh?"
I tilted my head, not quite understanding why the conversation had taken such a turn, but Jutia-san's expression was deathly serious.
"See, I meant to help you out by introducing you to some people, but you ended up handling everything just fine on your own. And now, here you are, treating me to this delicious new black tea. Somehow, you see, somehow, it feels like I’m the only one getting anything out of this... I know you don't care about that kind of thing, ze-i. But, you see, but, I really want to do something for you in return... I was just wondering if there was anything at all..."
"I see. I think I understand how you feel, Jutia-san, but nothing comes to mind right away."
I could sympathize with her position. If our roles were reversed—if I had gone out intending to lend a hand, only to realize I wasn't needed, and then gotten treated to tea on top of that—I would likely feel the same way. I would want to find some way to be useful or return the favor.
Since that was the case, I wanted to come up with some kind of request... but being asked so suddenly, I couldn't think of anything on the spot.
Was there anything? Something that wouldn't be a burden for Jutia-san, but that I wouldn't normally be able to ask for unless I had an opportunity like this... Oh, wait.
"...Jutia-san, you’re quite the singer, aren’t you? I heard the grand chorus during the Harmonic Symphony, and your voice was truly beautiful."
"Eh? Oh, yeah! Well, most of the Spirit Race are gifted singers, but I’ve got plenty of confidence in my own voice, ze-i! For us, singing is a vital way to commune with nature, after all. Everyone—everyone—puts a lot of effort into practicing their music, ze-i!"
"I see... In that case, since we have the chance, would you mind singing something for me? Back during the Harmonic Symphony, it was a large group performance... so I was just thinking I’d love to hear a solo from you, Jutia-san."
I thought it was a fairly good proposal, even if I did say so myself. As she’d said, singing was a specialty of the Spirit Race, and she certainly seemed to have the confidence to back it up.
I would be happy to hear her beautiful singing voice again, and since it was her specialty, it should be an easy way for her to feel like she was doing something for me.
Jutia-san gave a bright smile and nodded enthusiastically.
"Sure, sure! If that's the case, leave it to me! I'll sing my heart out so I can live up to your expectations, ze-i!"
"Thank you. I'm looking forward to it."
Jutia-san readily accepted my request and began pulling out several magic tools to prepare. Among them was something that looked like the soundproofing tool I’d seen used at the stalls during the Kingdom of Sinfonia's Founding Anniversary Festival, so it seemed she intended to perform right here.
It had been a sudden suggestion, but I found myself genuinely excited to hear her sing.
Serious-senpai: "With the subtitle 'Date Plan Execution', I was sure he would be going on a date with Olivia... but he's on a date with Jutia instead. Isn't this title fraud?"
???: "Isn't it as usual?"
Serious-senpai: "...Well, I suppose so."