Since this was an automated sightseeing boat, the speed was quite leisurely—presumably to allow passengers to fully soak in the scenery. I had been so preoccupied with the tension and confusion of draping my arms over their shoulders that I hadn't even noticed the view at first. But as time ticked by, the initial agitation began to fade, and I finally regained some of my composure.
"The view really is wonderful," I remarked. "I’ve seen the city from high vantage points before, but looking up from the water like this gives it a completely different feel."
"I agree," Kaori said. "I've never been there myself, but I wonder if Venice is like this? Though I'm just guessing based on what I’ve heard."
"Yeah, that certainly fits the image I have of it too."
Kaori-san had always been quick to adapt. While she had been stiff as a board the moment I pulled her close, she now seemed quite relaxed, leaning against me as she leisurely watched the sights.
In contrast, Olivia-san was clearly still radiating intense nervousness. Every time I thought she had finally calmed down, she would spiral right back into a state of high alert.
"How about you, Olivia-san?" I asked. "Are you able to enjoy the view?"
"Ah, yes! I am thoroughly enjoying the exquisite scenery," she replied. "I felt this during our previous boat ride as well, but simply being in your presence makes the world look more radiant and sacred. It must be the result of Miyama Kaito-sama's Overflowing Majesty. Oh, please do not misunderstand—it isn't that I feel any sense of intimidation. The atmosphere surrounding you is as warm and comforting as a sunbeam, and I can truly feel the depth of your benevolence and kindness. I must offer my humble gratitude to the world for the happiness of being able to gaze at this beauty by your side."
"Olivia-san, let's try to take a deep breath? Just try to relax a little more..."
"I cannot speak a single lie to you, Miyama Kaito-sama, so I shall be honest, however shameful it may be... That is simply impossible. Not that I find our current proximity unpleasant! In fact, I wish you would hold me even tight— Oh! Forgive me! I misspoke! At any rate, for someone as inexperienced as myself, this situation is far too stimulating. I judge it's impossible to get used to this in a short time, so I beg for your forgiveness."
"Right... I understand."
She was clearly flustered, yet she had delivered that "it's impossible to calm down" line with a strangely dignified, almost proud tone. Since she had made sure to mention that she didn't mind me holding her, I figured she actually wanted to stay this way. She was nervous and embarrassed, but also incredibly happy.
Her polite but panicked rambling was very much in character for her, and I found it quite endearing.
"By the way," I said, "how long does this tour take?"
"Normally, it is forty-five minutes," Olivia-san explained. "However, the Date Course operates more slowly than the standard tour, so it apparently takes about an hour."
"I see. We still have plenty of time, then. We can just take it easy."
It felt like we had only been on the water for ten or fifteen minutes, so there was no rush. An hour might sound like a long time, but for a leisurely canal tour, it felt appropriate. Now that I was getting used to it, the long bench felt more like a cozy sofa, and I felt I could truly relax.
Even Olivia-san seemed to be enjoying herself now, despite her lingering nerves. I decided to spend the rest of the trip just like this—engaging in light conversation while enjoying the scenery with a beautiful woman on each arm.
Serious-senpai: "Wait, hold on a second... These people aren't even officially lovers yet, and they’ve already moved from hand-holding to that intimate Lover's Hand-holding, then to hugging, and now they're practically snuggling with his arms around their shoulders... Isn't the pace a bit extreme? The Sugar Content is reaching critical mass! Let's dial it back for a minute, shall we?"