Vivianne had several things she absolutely wanted to do before turning into sea foam. One of them was going on a ‘date’ alone with Matilda.

According to what Matilda had told her before, a ‘date’ meant ‘spending enjoyable time with someone you like.’

Of course, Vivianne had been on dates before. She had gone with Kian and with Theodore too. But she felt like she had never properly done it with just Matilda, which disappointed her.

Just then, Matilda mentioned that there was a ‘fireworks festival’ happening in the downtown area and suggested they go see it. 

Vivianne didn’t know what that was, but since Matilda recommended it, it seemed like it would be good. Matilda had never suggested anything bad.

Theodore offered to come along as an escort, but she deliberately refused because she wanted to go with just the two of them.

Vivianne tied on her favorite lace ribbon and carefully dressed in the gown she had chosen herself at the boutique before. Since they would be doing a lot of walking, she wore flat shoes with low heels, which made her steps feel much lighter.

From the carriage heading to the downtown area, she couldn’t contain her excited mood.

“Vivi, you look happy?”

Matilda asked gently, watching Vivianne hanging from the carriage window and looking up at the sky.

“Of course. It’s a date with Matilda.”

“You like it that much?”

“Yes, it feels like even the weather is helping us.”

Vivianne answered with a bright smile and a dreamy expression.

“Matilda, you said that fireworks thing can’t happen if it rains, right?”

“That’s right.”

“The sky is incredibly blue and there are no clouds. It definitely won’t rain.”

“You’re right. Since the weather is clear, the fireworks will be very visible.”

“Really? Those fireworks? I’ve never seen them before. I’ve been curious the whole time. Are they pretty flowers? What do they look like? Do they bloom at night?”

Vivianne chattered away, pouring out questions without pause.

She doesn’t know what fireworks are. Since she said she was a mermaid, perhaps it was natural that she wouldn’t know.

Matilda stroked Vivianne’s cheek with an expression that said she was dying of cuteness.

“You’ll know when you see them later. Vivi will love them.”

“I’ll definitely be able to see them, right?”

“Of course.”

“I’m excited. I feel like only good things will happen today!”

This fantastically beautiful weather was the first stroke of luck.

With her heart fluttering, she unconsciously tapped her toes. Since it was a date with her favorite person, it felt like only good things would happen.

* * *

Just like she had hoped, luck followed in an almost strange way.

The second stroke of luck was at a place called a ‘dessert shop.’

When she said she wanted to eat something very sweet, Matilda brought her there. The shop was filled with colorful and pretty cakes and pastries.

“Pick what you want to eat. I’ll treat you, Vivi.”

“I have money too. Mother, oh no, um, Mother Baldwin gave me this much to spend while having fun.”

Vivianne jingled her coin purse in front of Matilda.

“Oh my! If you carry it around so carelessly like that, you’ll lose it. Vivi is a bit clumsy.”

“That’s true.”

“It’s dangerous, so I’ll keep it for you.”

“…Yes.”

Vivianne obediently handed over her coin purse to Matilda.

“Today is a date, so let me treat you. I want to be the best date partner for Vivi.”

“I like Matilda the most!”

“We haven’t even started yet. Eat something delicious first and then evaluate me.”

“…Yes!”

After pondering for a long time about what to eat, Vivianne chose a fresh cream cake topped with strawberries and a mont blanc. But what came out wasn’t what they had ordered.

“This isn’t ours…?”

When Vivianne asked carefully, the employee answered with a nonchalant expression.

“You’re our 77th customers today. As a commemoration, we’re serving our shop’s special menu.”

The ‘special menu’ was so much that her eyes widened. The table was filled to the brim with various sweet desserts. It was an absurd amount for two women to eat.

“…Um, I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t think we can eat all this. It’s too much.”

“We’ll deliver the leftovers to your home. Please eat comfortably.”

Bewildered by this rare kindness, she took a bite and it melted in her mouth.

“Matilda, eat some too. It’s incredibly delicious.”

Had she been too focused on eating? When she looked at Matilda sitting across from her, she was watching with a pleased expression like a mother feeding her young.

“I am eating. Vivi, eat to your heart’s content too.”

“…Yes!”

These were desserts she couldn’t eat freely at Baldwin because she felt self-conscious. Vivianne instantly fell into the sweet taste and ate frantically.

“Vivi, wait a moment.”

“Yes?”

Matilda wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin. It reminded her of when Kian had wiped the corner of her mouth with his fingertips, making her feel unnecessarily embarrassed.

“How embarrassing. Did I get a lot on me?”

Her face flushed hot. She had been eating too carelessly. Had anyone seen? With her reddened face, she looked around in all directions.

“No. It’s because Vivi has a small mouth. What does it matter if someone sees? Eat to your heart’s content.”

“You know, I’ve done it with Kian and with Theo too.”

“Done what?”

“Dating. I think… dating with Matilda is the best!”

“I’m honored. Then I’ll ask you on dates often, pretty lady.”

“Yes!”

Matilda also seemed to be in a good mood and smiled brightly.

* * *

The third stroke of luck was at a place called a ‘general store.’

Since Matilda said she would buy her a ribbon, they stopped by the general store.

“I’m fine though. I have lots of ribbons at home.”

“I’m rejecting your rejection, Vivi.”

She had tried to politely decline, but was firmly turned down. Since Matilda said she would buy it, she tried not to choose anything expensive.

“This one. This is pretty.”

“Why did you pick such a cheap one? I’m rich, Vivi.”

When Vivianne chose a plain ribbon without any decorations, Matilda scolded her.

“Still, I like this one.”

As Vivianne was about to pay, the clerk made an unexpected suggestion.

“How about this one? There’s only one left so I set it aside. I think it would suit you well.”

“Me?”

The lace ribbon was embroidered with small pearls. It was clearly an expensive-looking item. While Vivianne stared at it bewildered, the skilled clerk tied the ribbon in her hair.

“Look, miss. Isn’t it pretty?”

She showed her with a hand mirror. It really was a pretty ribbon at first glance.

“It’s found its perfect owner. Since you’re a customer as lovely as a princess, I’ll give you a discount with my authority. Please wear it and go.”

What should she do? When she looked at Matilda, she nodded with a pleased expression.

The clerk quoted an incredibly low price. According to Matilda, it was even cheaper than the ribbon she had originally chosen.

No matter how she thought about it, it was somewhat strange, but thanks to that, she was able to choose a ribbon she really liked.

* * *

When they came out to the plaza, it was bustling with crowds of people. The surroundings were already covered in dusky darkness.

“There are so many people. Did they all come out to see the fireworks?”

She had been to the ‘opera house’ too, but it wasn’t this crowded. This was the first time she had seen so many people gathered together.

“Vivi, we could get separated here, so we need to be careful. Hold my hand and walk with me.”

“Yes, Matilda.”

Vivianne firmly grasped Matilda’s hand.

However, when people suddenly crowded in, she ended up letting go of her hand. Startled, Vivianne looked around frantically. She couldn’t see Matilda in the crowd.

“…Matilda!”

She tried to stop, but couldn’t. She was suddenly being pushed backward by an unwanted force. Her heart pounded and her mouth went dry. She didn’t know what to do since she couldn’t move as she wanted.

“Ah…!”

Just as her knees buckled and she was about to fall, someone caught and supported her from behind with firm strength.

“Th-thank you.”

She wanted to turn around, bow her head, and greet them, but the situation didn’t allow it. Her heart was pounding. Seeing the back of her head touching a broad chest, it seemed to be a tall man.

Just like Kian or Theodore.

“Oh, I-I’m fine…”

He shielded Vivianne’s body from behind and instantly broke through the crowd.

Being held by a stranger. This situation was somewhat embarrassing, but he was trying to help. There wasn’t really any other way.

Who is it? Still, she was in quite a predicament and he helped her. He’s a good person.

She wanted to see his face but couldn’t manage to do so. Looking at his sleeves, he seemed to be wearing a robe.

From his embrace came a somehow familiar scent. It wasn’t a smell she always encountered, but one she had smelled before.

Vivianne recalled the smoke that Kian used to smoke alone on the third floor. This person must also smoke something like that.