The Otherworld Restaurant Suiren sat quietly in Friendly City before its opening hours. Akane and Frau were inside, having just finished a delivery of ordered goods. They relaxed and chatted as they snacked on some light refreshments Kaori had prepared for them.
"Hoo. So you want a recommendation for where to buy some private clothes, do you? If it’s outfits you’re after, it’s got to be the Hydra Kingdom. The number of shops there is on a whole different level. People talk about their avant-garde designs a lot, but they’ve got plenty of classic styles, too. But what’s the occasion? Is it something so important that you’d go out of your way to buy them outside Friendly City?"
"Ah, well... how should I put it? One thing led to another—or maybe it was just a coincidence—but I ended up with plans for a date with Kaito-kun."
"Eh? Really? Oh, that’s great! I’m actually quite a fan of that kind of talk..."
"And also with the Pope."
"Why?! How does the Pope suddenly pop up in that sequence of events?!"
"No, it’s not that she appeared out of nowhere. She was kind of the trigger from the start... Um, let me explain from the beginning..."
When Kaori first mentioned a date with Kaito, Akane had been wearing a smirking, delighted expression. However, the moment she heard that Olivia was joining them, she barked out an immediate retort.
Akane had lived in this world long enough to know that a date involving one man and two women was perfectly normal, so she didn't intend to make a fuss about the arrangement itself. However, it was an entirely different story when the other party was the Pope.
Faced with Akane’s shock, Kaori gave a wry smile and proceeded to explain the circumstances.
"...I see. Well, that’s... Man, you really have it rough, as usual. But then again, if you look at it another way, doesn't it mean you've become close enough for the Pope to show that much concern for you? Thinking of it like that, is it actually a win? Hmm, that’s a tough one."
"Ahaha, truly. Well, there's no point worrying about what’s already been decided, so I plan to just make the most of it. Even though I traveled all over the place before opening my shop in Friendly City, I haven't really had many chances to go out and have fun in other cities lately. In that sense, I am looking forward to it. That’s why I thought I’d take the plunge and buy some new clothes, since it's a date and all. Sales have been good lately, so I’ve got plenty of room in the budget."
Kaori had already resigned herself to the idea of a three-person date with Olivia and Kaito. Her current mindset was simply to enjoy the rare opportunity.
"So, I decided to ask for your help, Akane-san. I’d be really happy if I could get some advice from you."
"...I understand the situation, but Kaori-sama, shouldn't you reconsider? Just look at the Chairman’s outfit. Is it not reckless to ask for fashion advice from someone dressed in such an overly avant-garde... no, such a foolish way?"
"If you were going to be polite and use 'avant-garde,' then stick with it! Why did you go out of your way to swap it for a more insulting word?! And you, Kaori—what's with that 'she might have a point' look on your face?!"
"Ah, no, ahaha..."
Hearing Frau's blunt critique, Kaori’s eyes drifted to what Akane was currently wearing: leopard-print clothes. Akane proudly called it the "good old Osaka auntie style," and for a split second, Kaori couldn't help but wonder if relying on her for fashion tips was indeed a blunder.
The sharp-witted Akane quickly sensed that shift in mood and threw a sharp retort back at Kaori as well.
"Hmph, whatever. In that case, as someone who once self-proclaimed as Naniwa's Fashion Leader, I’ll give you a proper coordination myself."
"Chairman, are you aware? Anyone can 'self-proclaim' themselves as anything."
"Pipe down! Anyway, because of that, you don't have to worry about the travel costs. Put that money toward the clothes instead."
"Eh? Akane-san, are you coming with me? I’d be happy to have you, and it would make me feel more secure, but... are you sure it’s okay?"
"I just finished a big transaction recently, so I’m free. Don't worry about it."
"Chairman, will the cost of the clothes be a business expense?"
"There’s no way they’d be included! Buy them with your own money!"
Akane proposed accompanying Kaori on her shopping trip. Since Akane was a master of teleportation magic, the issue of distance was virtually eliminated, which was a massive help for Kaori.
After the three of them discussed which city in the Hydra Kingdom they should visit, they set off on their shopping excursion via teleportation.
Serious-senpai: "This side feels quite peaceful for a change..."
???: "But then again, Kaori-san has the stomach pain attribute, so surely something will happen during the date, won't it?"
Serious-senpai: "Stomach pain attribute...?"