The 8th Day of the Wind month. I was taking a leisurely stroll around the town the day after I told Lilia-san my feelings for her.
Lilia-san and I have become lovers, but Lilia-san is still the usual, as during the birthday party, her face looked red from start to finish, she was nervous that I felt bad for her, so I wasn't able to talk with her that much.
But unlike before, even as her face turned red, she's still frantically trying to make conversation with me... How should I say this… She looked very cute.
Anyway, "Operation: Present" was a success, and now, I've decided to take some rest for three days as I promised to Kuro.
I tried checking with Kuro again, and it seems like I don't need to be stuck in my room resting for three days, and she's just telling me to take it easy and not do anything hectic for the next three days.
I've been holed up in my room lately, so I think it's a good time to take a leisurely walk alone like this once in a while.
Walking around, thinking of buying some food at the food stalls or looking at the shops that are lined with products that I don't know what they're for, I heard a familiar voice.
[...Arehh? Miyama-kun?]
[Eh? Ahh, Dr. Fear. Hello.]
Turning towards the voice, I saw Dr. Fear dressed in her vestments, holding a large black bag in her hand.
[Unnn. Hello... How unusual, seeing you in a place like this. Are you shopping?]
[Ah, yes. I'm just randomly looking around... Dr. Fear, did you visit a patient?]
The large bag in Dr. Fear's hand looked like it contained some kind of medical tools, so I asked her that, and she nodded with a kind smile.
[Unnn. I'm back from a medical visit... Recovery Magic isn't effective when dealing with illnesses, and some patients find it difficult to come to the clinic in the first place. So, I would do home visits a few times a month.]
[I see.]
With the same gentle doctor vibe around her, I think that Dr. Fear is someone that makes others feel relieved. Perhaps, that's why she's a doctor.
At that moment, Dr. Fear looks at me, a look of contemplation on her face.
[...Hmmm. It's sort of a good timing for me to meet you here, isn't it... Miyama-kun, would you be interested in a summer resort in the Demon Realm?]
[Eh? A summer resort?]
[Unnn. You see, it's getting warmer these days, right? It's hard to tell because the temperature doesn't change that much in this country, but in some parts of the Demon Realm, it gets really hot this time of year. That's why it has become a standard to travel to summer resorts. That also includes the Humans.]
[Heehhh... Unnn? But what does that have to do with me?]
I remembered hearing that in this world, the Light month is summer and the Heaven month is winter.
The Symphonia Kingdom feels like spring all year round, and the temperature doesn't change much, but it seems like there are places where it gets hot in some areas.
That's why I was convinced that there would be a summer resort, so I nodded my head, but I still didn't understand thy she was asking me about it at this time.
Thereupon, Dr. Fear pulls out what looks like a card from her bag and speaks.
[In fact, there was a patient who made a reservation for the day after tomorrow, but suddenly got sick and couldn't go. She gave me this ticket for her reservation as a thank you... I couldn't say no, so I received this from her, but I was examining a pregnant woman who was about to give birth. There's no way I could just leave her examination while she's pregnant, so I wouldn't be able to find the time to attend that... However, I thought it would be a shame not to use the things given to me, so why don't you go, Miyama-kun?]
[Eh? No, but...]
[Miyama-kun has been a big help to me with Noir-san's treatment. It can't be helped if you're busy, but if you're not, would you like to take it?]
[...Hmmm.]
I feel bad about it, but I don't think it's a good idea to refuse her kindness.
Moreover, I'm going to be leisurely anyway, and if I'm looking for a place to relax, this summer resort would be just fine.
After thinking about it for a while... I received the reservation card that Dr. Fear held out to me.
[...Well then, I'll be presuming upon your kindness. I'll thank you for this one day...]
[Ahaha, it's the contrary. I'm the one who's asking you to go after all.]
[I- Is that right?]
[Unnn, unnn. Don't worry about it... If you insist on thanking me, you can just visit me and let's have some chat.]
[...Yes. Thank you.]
Thanking Dr. Fear once again, who has a kind smile on her face, we chatted for a while before saying goodbye.
Dear Mom, Dad——– Having promised Kuro that I would stay at least three days resting, I went out to walk around town and met Dr. Fear by chance, to which I apologetically received a travel voucher. Well, anyway, since she has given it to me——- I guess I'll go to a summer resort.
Waving her hand to Kaito as he left, when Kaito was completely out of sight, Fear shifted her gaze to the shadows and muttered.
[...Like you said, I gave it to him, but was that okay? Lu-chan.]
[Yes. Thank you for your cooperation.]
At the same time as Fear muttered, Lunamaria appeared from the shadows and bowed to Fear, thanking her for her help.
In fact, the travel voucher that Fear gave to Kaito earlier wasn't given to her by a patient, but was something that Lunamaria asked her to give Kaito without him noticing.
[However, why do you bother to do this roundabout thing? If you just want to give Miyama-kun a travel voucher, why don't you give it to him directly, Lu-chan...]
[No, Miyama-sama has been wary of me lately, so the chance that he would accept it when I give that travel voucher upfront is...]
[Wary... Don't tell me, Lu-chan! You're trying to pull another prank again...]
[T- That's not it!? T- This is something that's entirely for Miyama-sama...]
[....]
[I- I'm telling the truth!]
When Fear looked at her with doubtful eyes, Lunamaria hurriedly came up with a word of defense.
For Lunamaria, Fear has long been her mother's doctor, and with her interactions with her, she herself loves Fear like a sister... She's one of the few people she looks up to.
[Mnghh… I'll believe you for now... You shouldn't trouble Lilia-chan too much, okay?]
[Y- Yes. I'll be careful.]
[Unnn, that's a good girl... Well then, I'll go back to the clinic. Come visit me again for a cup of tea, okay?]
[Ahh, yes. Thank you for the help.]
Even though her face shyly blushed as Fear stroked her head, Lunamaria didn't resist. It proves that she adores Fear that much, and it might be a surprising sight for others to see.
After patting Lunamaria's head, Fear then turned on her heel, walking towards the infirmary, and turned her head towards Lunamaria and smiled.
[I'll see you later then, Lu-chan.]
[Yes... wait, Dr. Fear!? In front! There's a signboard!]
[Eh? ——-Fugyaaahhhh!?]
In the Albert Duchy mansion, Lilia was sitting at her desk in her office, thinking.
Lilia had decided to take a well-deserved break after her birthday and had finished the necessary messages to send by noon today... and was currently holding her arm in her office.
[...What am I supposed to do on my break?]
[That's what happens when you work too much. How frightening.]
Hearing the words Lilia muttered, Lunamaria replied to her with a heartfelt look of amazement.
Lilia, who was serious and never took a day off to begin with, wasn't very good at resting in any way... She's so bad at it to the point where she'd start working even when she's on her vacation if she was left alone...
After letting out a sigh, seeing Lilia like that, Lunamaria took out a card from her pocket and placed it on the table.
[Then, My Lady. Would you like to go on a trip with me for the first time in a long while?]
[Eh? With you?]
[Yes, I was originally going to go with my mother but... my mother couldn't make it, so I thought that since you're going to have a vacation anyway... Look, it's that summer resort we've been to before.]
[Ahh, that quiet, scenic place. That's quite nice... I was just thinking about taking a relaxing vacation too...]
Hearing Lunamaria's suggestion, Lilia replied to her enthusiastically, and hearing her reply, Lunamaria lets out a grin.
[It's settled then...]
[Yes. Ahh, I'll pay for the travel expenses.]
[Understood... Well then, I'll be dropping my mother off to her appointment on that day, so I'll be a little late.]
[Unnn? I don't mind if I'm late in my departure though?]
[No, no, both of us know of that place anyway, so let's just meet there.]
[....I guess so. Alright then.]
After handing the travel voucher to Lilia, saying that with a serene smile on her face, Lunamaria bows and leaves the room... With an impish smile plastered on her face...
Not knowing that she had been set up by Lunamaria, Lilia began preparing quickly, looking forward to her vacation the day after tomorrow.