Louise stepped out of the palace practically glowing with excitement. She was clearly delighted by their new assignment.
"First of all," she said decisively, "our clothes are way too conspicuous. We'll need to change into something ordinary if we're going to investigate properly."
Sora glanced down at himself—Earth-style T-shirt and coat—then at Louise in her academy uniform. She wasn't wrong. The two of them stood out like sore thumbs.
They headed to a nearby clothing store, bought a pair of plain civilian outfits, and left their original clothes with the shopkeeper for safekeeping.
Next on Louise's very serious list: transportation and lodging.
"For a proper investigation, we need horses and an inn. Let's see… horses cost four hundred gold coins, noble inns are two hundred a night…" She stared into her dainty coin purse—only a hundred gold pieces jingled inside—and sighed.
"Is there any way to make a lot of money quickly?" she murmured.
Sora chuckled. "There's no need to buy a horse, and we don't need a noble inn either. A regular place will do just fine."
Louise frowned immediately. "But… I'm not used to sleeping in 'regular' inns."
Sora grinned mischievously. "That's okay. I sleep just fine anywhere. Let's share a room."
She froze mid-step; her face turned scarlet, and steam practically rose from her head. "Wh–Who said anything about sleeping in the same room?! Absolutely not!"
"Arguing won't change my mind," Sora said cheerfully as he grabbed her by the hand. No way I'm passing up this opportunity, he thought. "C'mon, let's find somewhere to stay."
As they walked through the street district, a large, flamboyantly dressed man stepped out from a corner alley and waved them down.
"Hey there, handsome!" he said, his voice rich with theatrical charm. "Looking for a place to stay? How about our lovely Fairy Pavilion? Fair prices, excellent service, and plenty of cute attendants to brighten your night!"
Sora raised an eyebrow. "...Fairy Pavilion, huh?" After a moment of thought, he shrugged. "Why not? Let's have a look."
They stepped inside. At once, several pretty maids greeted them with bright smiles and deep curtseys.
"Welcome, esteemed guests," they chimed in unison.
Sora took in the glittering chandeliers and the polished wooden floors. So this kind of establishment exists here too, he mused. Guess human taste doesn't change across worlds.
"Alright, boss," he said to the flamboyant clerk. "Give us a room with good soundproofing."
"Of course, right away!" The man flitted his hand dramatically to a maid. "Show our guests upstairs. And while they wait..."
"Would you like something to eat, my good sir?" the man added sweetly.
Sora settled into a chair—and pulled a still-blushing Louise down onto his lap. "Sure. Five pounds of beef and some side dishes, please."
"Yes, right away!" The host gave an extravagant bow and strutted off, hips swinging.
Louise sat stiffly, her face bright red as she fiddled with the hem of her skirt.
"Relax," Sora whispered teasingly in her ear. "We'll save the real fun for tonight."
With a squeal and a thud, Louise fainted right there in his arms.
"Haha!" Sora couldn't hold back his laughter. "You're way too easy to tease."
When she came to, it was thanks to Sora pinching her nose until she started squirming for air.
"You're awake? Perfect timing." He held up a piece of freshly cooked beef, dipped in a zesty sauce. "Say ah, Louise."
Her cheeks flushed again, but under his calm, coaxing gaze she hesitated… and then parted her lips just enough to take a bite.
The nearby maids burst into a chorus of giggles.
Louise lowered her head, mortified, refusing to look at anyone.
Sora, of course, wasn't done. "Your turn, Louise. Feed me."
She blinked in shock as he handed her the fork. "W–What?"
He just gestured encouragingly with his eyes.
For a split second, she seriously considered stabbing that fork straight into her insufferable familiar's forehead. Is tormenting me his favorite hobby? she thought furiously.
Instead, she speared a hefty chunk of beef, dunked it aggressively in sauce until it was nearly black, and shoved it toward him with all the grace of revenge.
"Here."
Sora tilted his head, amused, but she missed the mark—twice.
"Hmph. Don't want it? Fine. I'm done feeding you." She pouted, crossing her arms.
Chuckling, Sora leaned forward and took the entire oversized bite in one go. His cheeks puffed out, and he could barely chew or speak.
Louise smirked with satisfaction, watching him struggle. The tables had turned.
"Want some more?" she said sweetly, picking up more pieces and holding them out until he raised his hands in surrender.
"Enough, enough! I'm full!" Sora groaned.
Louise smiled triumphantly.
After dinner, Sora suggested they explore the capital a bit more before dark.
Louise's eyes practically sparkled. "Let's!"
The royal city was breathtaking—broad paved streets wide enough for four carriages to pass side by side, fountains glittering at every crossroads, and rows of vibrant shops lining the lanes.
They wandered through the bustling market district, admiring trinkets, magical devices, cute dolls, and mouthwatering snacks. Louise's laughter filled the air, bubbling and unrestrained.
By the time they returned to the Fairy Pavilion more than an hour later, the dining hall had closed. Most of the maids were gathered around a table, chatting or playing cards.
"Welcome back, dear guests," said a tall maid with a black headscarf, smiling politely.
"Oh, are those playing cards?" Sora asked. "Louise, do you know how to play?"
She looked intrigued but hesitant. "I… I'm not sure."
"Well then," Sora said cheerfully, "Miss Maid, could you teach her?"
The maids glanced at one another, then nodded and waved them over. Sora ushered Louise to the table and took a seat beside her.
The black-haired maid patiently explained the rules, and before long, Louise was laughing and trading playful remarks with the group—completely absorbed in the game.
Sora watched her from the side, his smile softening. Not bad, Louise.
Then the black-haired maid turned to him, leaning close enough for her perfume to fill the air. "You're nobles, aren't you?" she said in a half-whisper, practically pressing her arms together. Her neckline left little to the imagination.
"That obvious?" Sora said with a roguish grin. "We're just here to experience common life for a while. My wife and I."
"Your wife?" The maid arched a brow, glancing at Louise. "She's adorable—and so young."
"She's sixteen. Just petite," Sora replied smoothly.
"I see. Mr. Noble, where do you hail from?"
"That depends," he teased. "Why don't you tell me your name first?"
"Jessica," she said, smiling coyly. "Just Jessica."
"A lovely name," he said.
"Hey, Sora," Louise called suspiciously from the card table. "What are you talking about with the maid?"
Jessica straightened up quickly. "Nothing at all, Miss! I was just inviting him to join our next game."
"Oh! Then come on, Sora, let's play together," Louise said brightly. Her earlier tension seemed forgotten now that she was having fun.
"Since Louise insists…" Sora sat beside her again.
Under her eager tutelage, he picked up the rules quickly, and they all played for an hour before the owner returned, clapping his manicured hands.
"All right, darlings! Time for bed—it's past midnight!"
The maids giggled among themselves as the players dispersed.
Sora turned to Louise with a slow grin.
Louise met his gaze and immediately turned bright red.
Without a word, Sora scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward their room. The maids, blushing and whispering behind them, could hardly contain their curiosity about what the young couple would get up to next.