Using a Teleportation Magic Tool, I traveled to the gates of Yugfressia in the Demon Realm. I held up my permit card, and an entrance shimmered into existence before me.
Passing through, I arrived at the Garden of Myriad Flowers, Rosmiel’s home. Since I’d sent word of my visit ahead of time, she was already there to welcome me just past the threshold.
"Hello, Rosmiel. Sorry for dropping in so suddenly today."
"Hello, Kaito. Please, don't worry about it. You’re always a Grand Welcome here."
It had been a bit of a spur-of-the-moment idea, and I’d only checked her schedule yesterday, but she greeted me with a gentle, welcoming smile. As we made our way toward her house, we fell into easy conversation.
"By the way, Rosmiel, thank you again for coming to my birthday party."
"Oh, no, thank you. It was a bit frightening since I didn't know most of the guests, but I really did have a lovely time. But goodness, Kaito, you’ve been so busy lately. First that party on the ship, then a birthday celebration of that scale... you must be exhausted."
"It really hasn't been that long since the Shipboard Party, has it? I didn't actually have to prepare anything for the birthday celebration since I was the one being celebrated, but I have to admit, it’s pretty wild even to me that I’ve had back-to-back parties with the world's most powerful people."
"Hehe, you’re right. You’d never see a group like that gather under normal circumstances. I think it’s a testament to how much everyone admires you. It’s certainly impressive, though I’m sure it’s a lot for you to handle personally."
Now that she mentioned it, between the Shipboard Party, the opening of my brand’s store, and the birthday party, a lot had been happening lately. It had been hectic, but I’d enjoyed every bit of it, so I couldn't complain.
While we talked, we reached her house. She showed me to a seat and began preparing tea.
"So, did you have a specific reason for visiting today? Not that you need one, of course—I'm always happy just to have you stop by."
"Actually, there is something I wanted to show you. Rosmiel, you’re familiar with Recording Magic Tools, right?"
"Yes. They’ve become quite popular lately; I see the pictures in magazines all the time. They’re truly remarkable. They feel quite different from paintings, but the ability to capture a landscape so accurately is amazing. Paintings and photographs each have their own unique charm, of course, but I think it’s wonderful to be able to see exactly what a place looks like, even if you’ve never been there."
Rosmiel was notoriously shy, but she became quite talkative with people she trusted, sharing her thoughts on the technology with genuine interest. Since Recording Magic Tools were currently a hot topic worldwide, I was glad to see she was already familiar with them.
"Exactly. Since I’m involved with the Nifty booklets, I always make sure to carry the latest model."
"Ah, that makes sense. Nifty always has such wonderful photos. The articles are fascinating, too; I look forward to every new issue."
Technically, I’d promised Arisa I’d always stay up to date with the newest models. While it wasn't strictly an Arisa-dedicated Machine—I used it myself quite often—I usually let her have priority whenever I manifested her through Memories. When she wasn't around, though, I used it to take snapshots of my own.
"I’m sure the people making the booklet would be happy to hear that. Anyway, because it's a Recording Magic Tool, it can capture scenery with incredible precision."
"Yes."
"Well, you mentioned before that you’ve always wanted to see the Sanctuary flower garden. So, I asked Shiro for permission and took some photos."
Her eyes went wide, and she froze for a heartbeat. Then, she turned toward me with a start, her face alight with excitement.
"The Sanctuary flower garden?! Oh, I... I want to see it! Can I really?"
"Yes. Not the whole Sanctuary, of course, but I took photos of the garden where Shiro and I usually have our tea. I’ve already had them developed and brought them with me."
"Thank you! Oh, thank you, Kaito!"
"Wait—whoa!"
Overwhelmed with emotion, Rosmiel suddenly lunged forward and pulled me into a tight hug. Caught off guard, I reflexively steadied her. Her waist was incredibly slender, her body soft, and she smelled faintly of roses. I could tell she was over the moon with excitement, but the sheer suddenness of the surprise attack left my mind reeling.
Serious-senpai: "...Excuse me? What’s with this chapter title? They just started flirting seamlessly!"
???: "...In this context, is 'seamless' really the right word for that?"
Serious-senpai: "Shut up!"