Olivia continued her nightly reflection in a prayerful posture, but her expression twisted as she recalled the events following the theater. For her, what transpired after the play represented the single greatest point of failure in the entire day.
(The unbecoming sight after the play... Even now, the memory makes me want to clutch my head in shame. To think that I interlaced my fingers with Miyama Kaito-sama’s as we held hands... And because I watched a play I could project myself into, I was so overcome with bliss that my mind went blank. Not only did I give Miyama Kaito-sama vague, nonsensical replies... but... but... I e-e-e-embraced him...)
Initially, her features had been distorted by anger and self-reflection regarding her own immaturity for letting her focus wander. However, as she relived the moments that followed, her face flushed a deeper and deeper shade of crimson.
Had she simply been embraced by him, her feelings of self-reproach for causing Kaito trouble might have been the dominant emotion. But at that moment, Olivia had mistaken the sudden turn of events for a dream. She had acted like a spoiled child toward Kaito, putting on a display so agonizingly shameful that it made her want to shrivel up and die.
(Aaaah... How foolish! Even now, I despair at my own shallowness! To cause Miyama Kaito-sama even the slightest trouble is a Great Sin deserving of ten thousand deaths, yet I had the audacity to cling to him and r-r-rub my cheek against his! To commit such an utterly scandalous act—I was no better than an indecent woman! It was a shallow, foolish display, as if I were in heat... I feel the need to undergo immediate and grueling ascetic training to purify my soul, but... no, reflection must come first. I shall exact punishment upon myself only after I have reviewed the day to its conclusion.)
Of course, neither Kaito nor Kaori, who were present at the time, viewed Olivia’s affection as scandalous or saw her as an "indecent woman." Given her usual air of solemnity and purity, the sight of her acting spoiled and rubbing her cheek against him was far more endearing than provocative.
However, to the pure-hearted Olivia, who was mortified by even the slightest exposure of skin, the act was so humiliating she felt as if fire would burst from her cheeks.
(In any case, if I dwell on this specific incident any longer, I shall be crushed by the weight of my own folly and embarrassment. Let us move on. At the cafe we visited afterward, I acted according to my initial plan, and there were no major unforeseen complications. From that perspective, it might be considered a passing grade. However, I must reflect on the fact that I underestimated Miyama Kaito-sama’s greatness. It was a lapse in judgment to forget that Miyama Kaito-sama, who possesses Wisdom that Sees Through Heaven and Earth, would naturally see through my own tiny, insignificant thoughts.)
Had she spoken those thoughts aloud to Kaito, he would have surely interjected with a denial, but as she was alone in her Prayer Room, his retorts were nowhere to be found.
She continued to work through the rest of the day, recalling the events on the boat and their time in the hilltop park. By the time she was finished, her face was so red that steam practically rose from her skin.
(...Just remembering it makes me feel as though my face is boiling. There are simply too many points of failure. As expected of a trial granted by the Great Shallow Vernal-sama... nothing ever goes as easily as one intends. Still, come to think of it... strictly speaking, I have fulfilled the command given to me by Shallow Vernal-sama. While it was far from perfect—and I fully intend to invite Miyama Kaito-sama again to complete a date flawlessly with a superior plan—I wonder... is there a next stage? I am still a small, insignificant being who cannot hope to fully grasp Shallow Vernal-sama’s Deep and Sublime Thoughts, but I can feel myself growing through this experience. Does that mean I should prepare for the next step? But what could it be...?)
The entire endeavor had begun at Shallow Vernal’s behest. While Olivia was dissatisfied with the result, she believed she had at least carried out her master's orders. Recognizing this as a trial meant for her personal growth, she began to ponder what was required for her to ascend further.
Right as she did so, the voice of Shallow Vernal echoed within her mind.
(...Actually, I hadn't thought about what comes next. So, I just decided now.)
(Sh-Shallow Vernal-sama!? Ha! Please, command me as you wish. Though I am immature, I shall certainly overcome any ordeal!)
(An ordeal? It isn't particularly an ordeal, but... very well. For the next time, anytime is fine, but you are to go on a date at the sea with Kaito-san. I have done so myself.)
(To be permitted to follow in Shallow Vernal-sama’s Footprints, even in so small a capacity, is the height of honor! I shall execute this command without fail!)
(Yes. Oh, and of course, since you will be at the sea, make sure to wear a "swimsuit" properly.)
(...P-Please forgive my insolence in asking for clarification. Um, is it that only Miyama Kaito-sama will wear the swimsuit, while I act in a supporting role to ensure his comfort... or...?)
(You are to wear a swimsuit as well and play with Kaito-san. I did so as well.)
(........................H-Hahiii.)
To reiterate, Olivia was so modest that even the smallest bit of exposed skin was a source of extreme shame. This marked the beginning of a New Ordeal for Olivia.
Serious-senpai: "Natural God!? What kind of outrageous killer pass are you throwing!?"
???: "Well, she said anytime would be fine, and given Olivia-san’s personality, it will take some time for her to work up the courage. It’s a story for the future, but the schedule for the next date with Olivia-san has been set."