Held aloft in Kaito’s arms in a princess carry, Olivia’s mind whirled in a floaty, restless haze.
(How on earth am I supposed to put this into words? Great Miyama Kaito-sama’s noble face is so close... it feels as though the sheer radiance might scorch my eyes. This is nothing like that time he carried me on his back at Hero’s Hill. Even though the situation of Miyama Kaito-sama transporting me remains the same, does the distinction between front and back truly make such a world of difference?)
When Kaito had given her a piggyback ride before, she had been flustered, but she had still maintained a modicum of composure. Now, however, that composure had utterly evaporated. Her thoughts spun in an endless, erratic loop, and her skin felt uncomfortably feverish.
Being cradled against his chest meant his face was right there, and their bodies were pressed firmly together. Under such circumstances, it was perhaps only natural that Olivia felt so unsettled.
(Is it not a form of lèse-majesté to gaze upon Miyama Kaito-sama from such proximity? I understand, of course, that Miyama Kaito-sama would never condemn my actions as such. Even so, I cannot help but worry. As a matter of faith, is it not an error to be so close to the one to whom I offer my devotion—one who is effectively my God? And yet... I cannot look away. How beautiful and precious he is. To see his noble face as he carries my immature self so effortlessly, his gaze fixed calmly ahead as he strides forward—is he not so divine that he should be depicted by a master painter and enshrined within the Great Cathedral?)
It was a complete aside, but the expression Olivia wore as she looked up at Kaito—eyes shimmering with heat—was the very image of a maiden in love. However, she herself framed it strictly as religious fervor, utterly failing to view her own state with any objectivity.
(First, I must truly reflect on this... I have caused such trouble for Miyama Kaito-sama through my own immaturity... No, that is not right. Reflection, regret, and self-admonishment can wait. For now, the example I should follow is...)
As these thoughts crossed her mind, she turned her gaze toward Kaori, who was walking along cheerfully while admiring the scenery. The perspective Kaori had shared moments ago served as a vital guide for Olivia.
Olivia was an exceedingly serious woman, but she was by no means narrow-minded. Even when ideas conflicted with her current values, she possessed the grace to adopt them if she recognized their merit, allowing her to improve her own conduct.
(To be held by the Great Miyama Kaito-sama is an honor far beyond my station—a miracle of luck that one should never expect to encounter. If so, then rather than drowning my mind in shame and contrition, is it not the truly righteous act to be grateful and accept this unexpected blessing? If that is the case, then... I-It may be unforgivable... it may be the height of lèse-majesté... but I shall lean into Miyama Kaito-sama just a little more...)
Emboldened by Kaori’s philosophy, Olivia decided to fully embrace the joy of the moment and let her body relax, if only slightly.
As she did, the sensation of Kaito’s hands supporting her back and knees grew more pronounced. Her body—and her face—softened, pressing closer until she was leaning against his shoulder.
(...He is so warm. What a mysterious feeling. My heart should be as restless as a raging storm, yet at the same time, I feel a profound, tranquil happiness. It is as if two contradictory emotions are coexisting, and yet it feels right. More than anything, to be so close to Miyama Kaito-sama... to be permitted this proximity... makes me so happy.)
Her entire body felt hot enough to boil, yet somehow that heat brought a sense of comfort. It was an emotion that Olivia found entirely foreign.
No, she had felt these stirrings before. But until now, she had always suppressed them as mere distractions. Now that she was finally accepting them, she felt a strange ticklishness and an irrepressible sense of bliss.
Olivia did not yet have a name for this emotion. However, she knew it wasn't unpleasant, nor did she feel it was something that needed to be cast aside.
(Truly, I am shallow and irreverent today... I must reflect on this properly later. I am causing trouble for Miyama Kaito-sama, and I should be mired in deep regret for my own helplessness... yet I find myself wishing that things could stay like this forever.)
While her mind continued its internal struggle, Olivia snuggled into Kaito’s shoulder and closed her eyes with a faint, content smile, looking for all the world like a pampered pet.
Serious-senpai: "T-This is getting bad... actually, when you think about it, isn't Olivia a ticking bomb? Her affection level for Kaito is skyrocketing through the roof while she still hasn't even realized it’s romantic love. What’s going to happen when she finally connects the dots? Yikes..."