Daily Date
It was a holiday afternoon.
I was resting when I heard a knock at the door.
Ahem.
Hi there! It's Vera, delivering with heart!
There's a letter for you, Captain! It requires a signature, so could you come out for a moment?
I thought I'd already received all the bills for this month...
Hold on, I'll be right there.
I quickly threw on some clothes and opened the door.
Ta-da! The sender was... Vera!
Getting a letter from someone this adorable—Captain, you must be quite the big shot!
...
...
M-maybe I overdid it a bit... Sorry...
But could you still accept the letter anyway...?
I took the letter and opened it.
A one-day date plan invitation...?
Ehehe, yup! You got dragged into my personal business and went through a lot...
So I wanted to repay you somehow!
All you need to do is show up. It's all planned, produced, and directed by Vera! Here's your Vera's one-day date plan invitation!
...Once you sign, we can get started right away...?
I'd love that.
...Ehehehe.
Thank you, Captain! Let me know when you're ready!
Vera bounced out of the room, practically skipping.
I was glad to see her looking so happy.
The first plan was a deluxe restaurant meal.
...Are you sure you aren't pushing too hard, Vera?
You're supposed to be saving money.
Hehe, you're underestimating me, Captain!
Don't worry about it. Today, it's all on me!
I tried to order the cheapest item on the menu, but Vera insisted we get the signature dish instead.
...And it was absolutely delicious.
Now it was time to get our check.
Ta-da!
...A coupon?
Hehe, it's a discount coupon!
This restaurant has a dessert delivery service for nobles, and I was their main courier for a while.
I got these as tips for each delivery!
I saved them up for a whole year, and now...
Bam! That's 85% off!
With that much discount, even I can afford what we got today!
...Vera!
W-wait, Captain! I didn't mean to make you cry...!
You're using something that precious... on me...?
The plan continued.
Next up is a treasure hunt!
Although it's at the flea market.
Hehe, there's more to this than meets the eye!
You never know what treasures might be selling for a steal at a flea market!
It's the perfect place for a treasure hunt!
Sounds fun! What are we hunting for?
Oh, I'll be the one buying things.
You just follow me around and enjoy the view, Captain!
Oh, okay...!
We wandered through the flea market together.
This ring is enchanted with a fire detection spell. It glows red when you're near a flame.
Ooh...!
Hehe, you've got quite an enticing look on your face.
Ah, Captain! Don't just buy anything that catches your eye!
Think it over thoroughly before making any impulse buys...!
It's a ring with a fire detection spell...!
...
Ooh...!
This one! This would totally suit you, Captain!
...Groucho glasses?
But these are special Groucho glasses... There's definitely something about them!
Would you please try them on, just once?
Mm... well...
*Gasp*
...
What's wrong?
I was just joking around...
But I'm shocked how good they look on you.
...I'll take a pair, please.
...Time flew by faster than expected.
Wow, we sure bought a lot of stuff, ehehe...
But don't worry, I didn't go over budget!
Probably because you haggled with that terrifying smile...
Vera... you're kinda scary...
Th-that's something you can forget all about!
Anyway... time for the final course!
Follow me, Captain!
Lead the way.
According to Vera, the last plan was watching a performance from VIP seats.
...You've walked a lot today, Captain!
We arrived at a quiet park where a large vehicle was parked.
A cruiser?
Hehe, that's right! You recognize them instantly now!
Don't tell me you went into debt for it...!
What? N-no no, not at all!
It's a rental! Just for tonight.
Now, let's set up the folding chairs we bought earlier...
Put the heating stones in this little stove...
Here, Captain, take a seat.
...You said it was a performance, right?
Hehe, did you already figure it out?
That's right! The performer is... me, Vera!
An ocarina?
Yes!
But I only know one song, the one my mentor taught me...
Smiling shyly, Vera put the ocarina to her lips and began to play.
...Soon, a delicate melody sang through the air.
The melody was simple, but there was a pure and unadorned beauty to it.
The song ended quietly.
S-so, how was it?
...I'll never forget it.
...Hehe, really?
The gift I wanted to give you, Captain, was this view.
The sparkling night sky, the engine's warmth, the bubbling coffee, and the sound of the ocarina...
It's the kind of moment I once lived... and one I didn't have to lose, thanks to you, Captain.
That's the kind of scene it was.
...Captain.
Thank you, for everything so far.
And I look forward to everything from here on, too!
Same here.
After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Vera and I returned home before it got too late.