We took a brief rest before resuming the climb, but as expected, Olivia’s steps were heavy. Given her personality, I knew she would force herself to push through until the very end, but if she did, she’d be completely spent by the time we actually reached the park.
"Olivia-san, let me give you a piggyback ride, just like when we went to Hero’s Hill."
"N-No... I’m fine. I can’t possibly allow myself to trouble you over something like this, Kaito-sama. There’s only about a third of the way left, so I should be able to finish the climb without any issues."
"I’m sure you could, but you’ll be exhausted by the time we get there. You won’t have any energy left to enjoy the view or the sunset."
"I agree with Kaito-kun, Olivia-sama," Kaori chimed in. "The sky is already starting to take on a reddish hue, and we don't have that much time to spare. Kaito-kun should... hmm..."
As was her habit, Olivia rejected my proposal and insisted on walking, but Kaori seemed to agree that her current pace wouldn't cut it.
However, her expression shifted as a sudden thought struck her. A mischievous, teasing grin spread across her face as she turned toward me.
"Kaito-kun, this is the perfect time for that! Forget the piggyback—do a princess carry!"
"Mizuhara Kaori, you... what in the world are you saying?" Olivia stammered.
"A princess carry?" I repeated.
Olivia and I tilted our heads in unison at Kaori’s excited suggestion. A princess carry... well, I could do it. From when I’d carried her on my back before, I knew Olivia was surprisingly light. With physical enhancement magic, carrying her like that would be a breeze. The stairs were wide with low steps, so as long as I was careful, there was no risk of tripping.
"If you want this to feel like a date, a princess carry beats a piggyback every time," Kaori insisted. "It’s way more picturesque, and I’ve always wanted to see one up close. You can use physical enhancement magic, right? Then there's no problem. Olivia-sama, this is a classic date moment—you have to take the chance!"
"Well, I don’t particularly mind carrying you that way, but what about you, Olivia-san?"
"Ah, no, Kaito-sama? I told you, I’m fine walking, and I really can't let you go to such trouble."
"Do you dislike the idea of a princess carry?" I asked.
"N-No, that’s not it at all! Given how I react to being hugged or having an arm around my shoulder, my mental state would likely be in significant danger... but I don't feel any aversion to it whatsoever. It’s just that having you carry me would be a grave act of lèse-majesté..."
"I see."
It didn't sound like she actually disliked the idea, and with Kaori pushing so hard for it, I decided to just go ahead with the princess carry. I’d expected Olivia to be modest and claim she didn't want to be a burden, but I’d already learned how to handle that during our previous trip.
Sensing my resolve, Olivia’s eyes widened in realization. Her face went pale as she spoke up frantically.
"K-Kaito-sama... please, reconsider! Just this once, please reconsider! I can walk on my own—"
"Olivia-san, I’m sorry to say this, but... that’s a command."
"Uuu... Kaito-sama, you are... very rarely mean."
Remembering our exchange at Hero’s Hill, she had tried to talk me out of it, but she looked resigned the moment I used the word "command." Even so, she looked just a tiny bit happy; perhaps she’d known it would turn out this way the moment I first made the offer.
"Well then, Olivia-san. Excuse me."
"Ah, yes—Eek!?"
I let go of her hand and scooped her up into my arms. As I thought, she was incredibly light, and with my physical enhancement magic active, I didn't feel the weight at all. Olivia looked stunned for a moment before her face flushed a deep crimson—likely the brightest shade of red she’d been all day.
"T-To lift me so effortlessly... how powerful you are. Your core is so stable it reminds me of the trunk of the Great World Tree—so vast and solemn. Your merciful heart, caring for someone as immature as me, is as pure as the boundless sky. I can feel with my entire being just how great Kaito-sama is—"
"Olivia-san, let’s try to relax."
"I cannot lie to you, so please forgive me for disagreeing... but that is impossible. My face is burning, my heart is racing, and my thoughts are a mess. Not only is my mind filled with distractions, but I feel lightheaded; if I let my guard down, my soul might drift away to the Sanctuary."
I figured Shiro-san might have a problem if Olivia’s soul actually drifted up there, but it seemed she was simply too embarrassed to settle down. Still, it was clearly just embarrassment, not discomfort. In fact, she began to lean into me, her cheek brushing against my shoulder in a way that felt almost like she was acting spoiled. It was adorable.
Since it seemed to be an unconscious action—and pointing it out would only make her panic more—I simply started up the stairs, carrying her in my arms.
Serious-senpai: "What are you doing giving them an assist, you Stomach Pain Warrior?! They’re basically a couple now! They’re doing couple things!"