Along the main street in the late afternoon, I took a leisurely walk. I didn't really have any particular goal in mind today, but since I had some free time, I thought of taking a stroll down the main street and do some shopping.
Being the best street in Symphonia's royal capital, it's very crowded today. As I moved my gaze while thinking about such things, my eyes suddenly met with a person who was walking in front of me.
[...Ahh.]
[...Geh.]
The one who looked at me with a blatantly displeased look on her face upon seeing me was Elise-san, wearing her usual fantasy robe.
We both live in Symphonia's royal capital, so it isn't really impossible for us to meet by chance like this but... Meeting her today was quite the coincidence.
[Hello, Elise-san. What a coincidence, meeting you here.]
[Yes, hello... Rather, it's quite rare for me to go out and buy groceries, but when I happen to go out, I just have to bump into you... It would be reasonable of me to think that Human-san has become my stalker, don't you think?]
I was suspected of being a stalker just because I ran into her on the street. No, well, Elise-san had the habit of speaking sharply, so if she's just suspicious of me, then it should be fine... I think.
[By the way, Human-san. Do you have some free time right now?]
[Ehh? Y- Yes, I think so.]
[Then, go shopping with me for a bit. I'll thank you with something appropriate later.]
[H- Huhh... Well, I don't mind.]
I'm just loitering around anyway, so going along with her shopping isn't a problem, but being invited by her still somewhat surprised me.
Rather, meeting Elise-san outside of her shop is quite rare, so how should I say this... It's kinda refreshing.
Nodding once when she heard my words, Elise-san then started walking. I figured that she wanted me to follow her, so I followed Elise-san and called out to her.
[So, what is it that you wanted to buy?]
[Various things... but most of it were stuff for the upcoming Valentine's Day.]
[Chocolates?]
[Nope, not that.]
[Arehh?]
[Valentine's Day is a good time for me to make money. I get more requests for compatibility readings, and I also sell a lot of accessories that bring luck in love. That's why, I'm going to buy materials for my accessories.]
Now that she mentioned it, that would certainly make sense. Elise-san runs a fortune-telling shop, so this would certainly be the time of the year where she would be especially busy.
Especially when it comes to accessories that increase one's luck in love, Elise-san, who is good at making magic tools, may be able to make something that actually has some effect.
[...Well, I'm sure that the Love Monster, Human-san, wouldn't need such accessories.]
[L- Love Monster? N- No, it's not like I'm...]
[Please look at the mirror and try saying that again. There's nothing to describe Human-san, who is dating not just some of the members of the Six Kings, but even God of Creation-sama herself, other than Monster.]
[.....]
This is bad... I can't refute her words. Let's stop expanding on this topic any further. I'm at too much of a disadvantage.
As we were walking along, exchanging such words, Elise-san spotted a stall and approached it.
[Welcome.]
[May I have a look at your products?]
[!?]
When the owner welcomed her, Elise-san's expression changed from her usual displeased one to one that I had never seen before... I mean, she kind of looks like a different person with that archaic smile on her face, which made me look at Elise-san in surprise.
[Oya? You lovers? Quite the handsome couple, you both are. You look great together.]
[Fufufu, saying stuff like that is impolite to him, you know? I'm just forcing him to go shopping with me.]
[!?!?]
...Who the heck is this? This elegant smile and polite words... Isn't she acting really different from her normal self!?
In front of the surprised me, Elise-san exchanged a few words with the shopkeeper and purchased some items.
Then, when she left the store with me, her expression returned to her usual one and muttered at a volume that only I, who was standing next to her, could hear.
[...You got a problem or what?]
[N- No, nothing at all.]
[I'm still working in a business that requires me to deal with people, so I can at least use a sales smile and use polite words.]
...But you never faced me with such a look, nor did you speak politely towards me... Ahh, no, she was speaking politely towards me when we first met at the Six Kings Festival, wasn't she?
She had been speaking sharply towards me ever since we met again in the Symphonia Kingdom though...
[I don't need to use polite words when talking with Human-san. I also don't have to keep up a business smile.]
[...Errr, does that mean that you could let your guard down around me or something like that...]
[...Think of it as you want.]
H- Hmmm... She was as salty as ever, but she didn't deny it. Does that mean that she thinks of me as a friend?
After a few hours of slowly visiting several stores and purchasing many items, we were currently walking towards Elise-san's shop when she suddenly called out to me.
[Human-san, since you've helped me out, how about some coffee?]
[Ahh, yes.]
[Also... I'll also give you this.]
[...Eh?]
Saying this, Elise presented me with a small, high-class-looking box... I think the logo on the box was the logo of a famous chocolate company.
That means, errr, that this is chocolate, right...
[I'm a little reluctant to say this... but I don't really hate Human-san. That's why, even though it's a few days early, I'm just going to give you some Valentine's Day chocolate.]
[Ah, yes.]
[By the way, I may be somewhat good at cooking, but I've never baked before, so the chocolates were bought from a store. However, I won't accept any complaints.]
[...Thank you. I'm happy to receive this.]
[...Speaking of which, it's already lunchtime, so come eat with me.]
[Yes. I guess I'll take you up on that offer.]
Even though she was still looking away, Elise-san's voice seemed a little gentler than usual.
[...You bring quite a lot of troubles but... I rather like you, Human-san.]
[Eh? Sorry, what did you just...]
[It's nothing. Come on, let's get going.]
Elise-san's mumbled words were too small to be heard but... I think Elise-san's cheeks seemed to be blushing a bit.