I made it all the way down the stairs with Kaori-san still in a princess carry. To be honest, I’d expected that carrying her the entire way would be a grueling ordeal, but it proved surprisingly easy.
It felt like more power than usual was surging through me today, making me wonder if my Physical Enhancement Magic had reached some new level... but then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Alice. She was standing in a blind spot where neither Kaori-san nor Olivia-san could see her. She gave me a brief thumbs-up and then vanished.
...Ah, I see how it was. It wasn’t that I’d suddenly grown stronger; Alice had been assisting me with some kind of remote support magic. According to Alice's Assessment, I probably wouldn’t have made it to the bottom carrying Kaori-san without being completely exhausted—if I could have managed it at all. I made a mental note to thank her later.
"We're here, Kaori-san. I'll set you down now."
"Thanks. Wow, Kaito-kun, you're actually quite strong. You were so steady the whole time, it really felt secure. Being carried like a princess was a nice experience... though I'm so embarrassed that I'll probably be writhing and rolling around on my bed once I get home."
"Ahaha... Right. So, dinner at a restaurant is our final stop, right? Olivia-san, is the place close by?"
I gave a wry smile at Kaori-san’s honest confession and turned to Olivia-san to confirm the schedule. She still looked a bit tired, but nowhere near as bad as she’d been during the climb up.
Still, there was no denying her fatigue. I thought about suggesting we rest for a bit before moving on, but then a realization struck me. If I’d used Memories, couldn't I have buffed Olivia-san so she could handle the walk with ease? The idea hadn't even crossed my mind until I saw Alice’s secret intervention.
It was too late now, but I decided I’d try that approach if another opportunity ever arose.
"Yes. To minimize travel time, I’ve reserved a table at a well-regarded restaurant near the Park Where They Plan to Watch the Sunset."
Judging by her response, Olivia-san seemed fine to continue. I checked our reservation time just in case and saw we had plenty of leeway, so we took a short breather before holding hands and setting off again.
"Olivia-sama, which restaurant did you choose in the end?"
"I decided on the Restaurant Strongly Recommended by Mizuhara Kaori."
"Wait, really? That’s amazing! How did you even get a table? I heard that place is so popular it stays fully booked for months..."
"Indeed. When I sent an Inquiry Letter, they informed me that a reservation would be possible at any time, so I proceeded with the booking."
...That brought back memories of our lunch. Olivia-san had likely sent the letter from the Great Cathedral under her own name, and she had clearly done the same for dinner. From the restaurant’s perspective, the Pope herself was asking for a table. Of course they were going to move heaven and earth to accommodate her, regardless of how long the waiting list was.
"Hey, Kaito-kun... is this going to be another VIP Treatment situation like at lunch?"
"I’m almost certain it is. But since the restaurant knows the Pope is coming, they’ve probably taken steps to ensure we aren’t bothered. In that sense, it might actually be more convenient."
"Ah, I guess so. If it means we don't have to worry about a scene, then it's probably for the best... but as a commoner, getting VIP Treatment always makes me so nervous."
"Haha, I know exactly what you mean."
"No, Kaito-kun... you're definitely on the VIP side."
I chuckled at Kaori-san’s exasperated mutter as we followed Olivia-san toward the restaurant.
Serious-senpai: "The date’s almost over. I don't think there are any more big events left..."
???: "Kaori-san's Hug is still on the table."
Serious-senpai: "............"