The viewing of otherworld dragon models with the cheerful and happy Lilia-san was unexpectedly enjoyable and fulfilling. First of all, many of the dragons are cool and life-sized, so they held quite the intensity with them.
Each one of them has an explanatory sign nearby, so it's easy to understand what they are, making things interesting. Lilia-san seemed to be having fun, which in turn made me happy.
[Fuu, they're wonderful dragons, aren't they? Feeling the accumulation of history and the process of their evolution is just happiness.]
[Ahaha, Lilia-san sure is enjoying yourself. It sure is refreshing seeing you having an atmosphere different from usual.]
[I- I guess so. I'm also aware that I'm getting a little bit excited. I always strive to behave like a lady in everyday situations but... wait, Kaito-san!? What's with that doubtful look in your face... There's no way you're thinking my usual self isn't particularly ladylike or anything like that, right?]
[...….]
Lilia-san does sometimes demonstrate a strong commitment to acting like a lady. I've seen many instances where she tries to behave in a ladylike manner, like when I just returned from staying for a couple of months in my previous world or in various other moments where she's quite conscious about it... but well, I haven't seen it persist for long periods very often.
[Hmmm. I don't fully understand your concept of ladylikeness, but the way I see it, Lilia-san comes across as someone approachable in a positive way rather than appearing overly noble-like. You just have this friendly feeling around you.]
[Aoi-san and Hina-san did mention something like that as well. I personally am glad to be able to foster a sense of closeness with everyone, and I have no complaints about our current relationship dynamics... but the absence of noble traits in me is certainly something I'm troubled about.]
[Ahh, but I believe your lack of negative noble traits is precisely a good thing though.]
Indeed, when asked whether Lilia-san truly feels like a noble, I would be troubled to say she does... no, perhaps, she might actually have done some noble-like interactions or subtle probings that we haven't seen, but personally, my impression of Lilia-san is just that of a kind and approachable person.
After hearing my words, a complicated expression appeared on Lilia-san's face, as she crossed her arms and tilted her head.
[...Hmmm, I, too, bear the responsibility of overseeing my Duchy, and considering I'm older than Kaito-san, even if only slightly, I would really like to present myself as someone more dependable.]
[Unnn? Putting being noble-like aside, Lilia-san is already usually very dependable though?]
[Eh? I- Is that so?]
[Yes, in fact, during events like the Six Kings Festival, as well as when everyone goes out together, Lilia-san is the reliable one among our group. In reality, me, Aoi-chan and Hina-chan rely on you, Lilia-san.]
[...S- So that's how it is. T- Thank you.]
After hearing my words, Lilia-san's cheeks flushed with a bashful expression on her face, yet she had a small smile that suggested she was happy. I think this kind of demeanor is actually quite adorable.
I don't have the impression that Lilia-san is unreliable at all, and in fact, I rely on her quite a bit in our daily interactions. It's just... There are often stomachache-inducing situations occurring, with either of us getting caught up in some sort of trouble, which makes it so that I see her looking pitiful... No, well, most of those situations are my fault, so I can't really tell her how she looked pitiful those times...
[...A- Alright... T- There should be a good atmosphere now. W- We've got a great date... I think. Given the situation, this time I'll properly take the lead... a- and I should be able to... k- k- k- kiss him... probably... I'm sure...]
[Lilia-san?]
[Ah, no, it's nothing! Come on, let's go to the next spot! I'll be the one leading this time!!!]
[Eh? Ah, yes. I'll be counting on you then.]
It seemed as if Lilia-san was whispering something, but I couldn't make out what it was. When I called out to her, Lilia-san seemed slightly flustered as she held my hand, leading me to the next location.
It may just be my imagination, but I felt that she was a little more nervous than before, but even though I was tilting my head in wonder, I just followed Lilia-san's lead as we moved on to our next location.