As Olivia-san led us through the city, the landscape began to shift. Where we had previously been walking through a fashionable red-brick shopping district, we were now finding ourselves surrounded by winding canals, and the designs of the surrounding buildings were growing increasingly elaborate.
"Even within the same city, the atmosphere changes quite a bit around here," I noted.
"The stylish aura is incredible... Ah, Olivia-sama, aren't those the boats we're supposed to board?" Kaori-san asked, pointing toward the water.
"It appears so," Olivia-san replied.
I followed her gaze to the waterway. Lined up along the banks were boats with prows and sterns that swept upward—exactly the kind of vessels you’d imagine in a City of Water. Quite a few tourists were already milling about the area.
According to Olivia-san, the boats were automated, so there was no danger of them colliding despite their numbers. They likely departed at set intervals to maintain a safe distance. It felt more like an attraction at an amusement park than a traditional ferry.
"It looks like there are several types of boats," I said. "The sizes seem similar, but maybe the seating arrangements are different?"
"According to my research, there are several courses available, and the boat's design varies depending on the selection. For this outing, I chose the 'Date Course'."
"...The Date Course?"
"Yes. There were various options like the 'Tourism Course' and the 'Excursion Course', but I decided that the 'Date Course' was the most appropriate for our current circumstances."
"...I see."
This was just a hunch, but if they went to the trouble of naming it a "Date Course" and providing specialized boats for it, the design was almost certainly intended for couples or families.
Since the boats were self-steering, there was no need for a pilot or oarsmen. Without the need for operational space, the seating could be anything... and I had a growing suspicion that it meant "very close together."
"Olivia-san, just a quick question... did the Date Course require you to specify the number of people?"
"Yes. One must specify the number of passengers and their races in advance. I have placed our reservation for three."
In this world, a three-person date was a perfectly normal occurrence. Given the prevalence of magic, it wasn't surprising that they could adjust the seating or boat size to accommodate the party. They'd even asked for our races...
Still, I figured it would just be a bench wide enough for three to sit side-by-side. If it was anything like the theater seating, it wouldn't be a problem.
I realized how naive that thought was the moment we reached the dock.
Since we had a reservation, the check-in process was quick. We were ushered toward the boarding area, where the boats were indeed being sent off at intervals to keep them from bumping into one another.
As luck would have it, the group directly ahead of us had also chosen the Date Course. Coincidentally, they had the same composition as us: one man and two women.
The Date Course boat featured only a single long bench. It was just wide enough for three people to sit together—if they were pressed tightly against one another. At the very least, our shoulders would be touching the entire time.
...Yeah, this was definitely designed for intimacy. As I watched the group ahead, the man took the center seat and departed with his arms wrapped around the shoulders of both women.
"...Is that... how we're supposed to ride it?" Kaori-san muttered, her eyes wide.
"I wonder," I said. "We probably don't need to go quite that far, but the seat does look like a tight fit for three."
"This was clearly built with physical contact in mind, wasn't it?"
"Well, it is a 'Date Course.' I imagine it's meant for lovers and married couples."
In our specific case, Olivia-san’s petite frame meant we might have a little breathing room, but it was still going to be a very cozy ride.
"I-I-I-I am terribly sorry! I-I did not realize it would be this sort of arrangement... The possibility that I might cause Kaito-sama discomfort..." Olivia-san started to spiral.
"Don't worry about it," I said, cutting her off gently. "I don't mind at all. If anything, I was worried you and Kaori-san might find it unpleasant."
"That would be impossible!" she blurted out.
"Then we're all set. Don't let it bother you."
If I hesitated here, Olivia-san would drown in guilt. She might even try to stand the whole trip just to give us space. It was better to just be decisive and move forward.
I glanced at Kaori-san, who gave me a small, wry smile and a nod. She was fine with it, too.
...Though, there was one tiny issue. Once we sat down, a sign placed right at eye level caught my attention. It read: "Sitting with your arms around each other's shoulders is recommended."
Now what?
Serious-senpai: "If you act all composed, you'll self-destruct, Olivia..."