We decided to start by heading into the largest general store I could see nearby, making our way right up to the entrance.
That said, trying to shop while holding both of their hands wasn't exactly practical. We wouldn't be able to pick up any products, and even if the store was on the larger side, three people moving through the aisles abreast would only get in the way of the other customers.
"I'll let go of your hands before we head inside," I said.
"Eh... Ah... Yes."
Her expression shifted for a fleeting second, taking on the lonely look of an abandoned puppy. I felt a twinge of guilt—honestly, a reaction that cute felt like foul play.
"Ah, wait, it's only temporary! It's just that holding hands while we browse would be a bother to the other customers. We can hold hands again once we're done and moving to our next stop."
"Y-Yes! ...Hah!? Ah... Aahhh..."
I spoke in a bit of a rush, and Olivia-san’s face lit up with a cute look of relief for a moment. However, she immediately seemed to realize something, turning pale and beginning to tremble.
Since I had spoken with her several times and considered us reasonably close, I was able to guess why she was reacting this way right away.
"M-My deepest apologies! To think I showed such a base, shallow reaction, as if I were begging for Kaito-sama's mercy... and even forcing you to worry about my feelings..."
"Okay, stop right there. You haven't committed a 'great sin,' and you aren't in the wrong. If anything, the responsibility lies with me for not discussing this properly beforehand. I'm not changing my mind because of your reaction; I had intended to do this from the beginning. So, there is absolutely nothing for you to feel responsible for... right?"
"Y-Yes... Oh, none could match such mercy... This divinity, this warmth... Truly, Kaito-sama is the very Incarnation of Affection!"
"You're exaggerating..."
I cut her off just as she looked ready to drop into a dogeza, reassuring her that she hadn't done anything wrong. For the time being, I managed to stop her from acting like she had committed a capital offense, just as I'd hoped.
In exchange, however, she was now looking at me with eyes reflecting maximum religious devotion, and she had naturally clasped her hands in prayer. We were still standing right in front of the shop, so I figured it was best to move inside quickly.
After gently persuading Olivia-san to stop praying, we finally let go of each other's hands and entered the store. The shop seemed to focus on small trinkets and accessories; it was filled with various tabletop interior pieces, giving the entire place a very sophisticated atmosphere.
"Ooh, this is so stylish," Kaori remarked. "There are so many cute pieces... They wouldn't really fit the vibe of my restaurant, but they'd be perfect for a private bedroom. I might actually pick something up."
"Tabletop interiors...?" Olivia-san asked. "What sort of efficacy do these items possess?"
"It's not really about efficacy," I explained. "It's more that placing them on a desk or a shelf makes the space look brighter or more sophisticated. You enjoy them visually. Even just one small piece can change the whole mood of a desk. Plus, some of them are actually practical, like serving as pen holders or memo clips."
"I see! As expected of Kaito-sama. Hearing words so overflowing with wisdom makes me feel as though my own horizons are expanding."
Perhaps because her faith was so over-the-top, I got the feeling that my favorability with her increased no matter what I said. Even now, she was staring at me with a look of pure, unadulterated respect.
Compared to when we first met, her expressions had become much more varied. Being the target of such full-throttle affection made me feel happy, if a little ticklish.
Then again, if anyone were to say that this was just like Olivia-san, they wouldn't be wrong.
Serious-senpai: So this one has the dog attribute too... She certainly looks like she'd get along incredibly well with Anima and her lot.