Maybe I was a little too enthusiastic.
We arrived at the appointed location 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
(It was closer than I thought.)
We arrived at the largest library in the city.
It's a place that can only be reached by bus from my house. Actually, it was my first time here, so I gave myself plenty of time... but even so, it felt like I arrived early.
Well, I don't hate waiting that much.
Maybe because I'm not an active person, I'm good at just spacing out. There are several benches near the entrance to the library. I'll sit on one of them and wait.
With that in mind, I sat down.
Just as I was thinking of killing time by browsing the online news on my smartphone...
"Oh, it's Youhei. Hello."
It was only five minutes later.
Suddenly I heard a voice and looked up.
There stood a silver-haired girl.
"Thank you, Yohei-sama."
Next to her was a child in a maid's uniform...no, it wasn't.
There was also Mei-san, a small but impressive adult. Huh? I hadn't heard that Mei-san was there. But, well, I don't mind being with her so it's fine.
"Hello... that's early."
"That's what I should be saying. Even Yohei-sama is quick."
That's true. In fact, from their perspective, I was the one who was too quick.
"It's my first time here, so I left early in case I got lost."
The journey went much smoother than expected, and we arrived early.
Well, in the end I think it was good that I didn't have to keep them waiting.
"I left home early because I didn't want to keep Youhei waiting, but it seems that was a mistake."
"No, no, I don't mind waiting."
"Because I'm younger."
"I don't care about your age. Next time, you can take your time to prepare."
What a good kid. Really.
But I wanted to tell him that he didn't have to worry about it. We don't have a strict relationship, and it makes me feel more at ease if he thinks it's okay if I'm late.
"...Youhei-sama, it's just a ploy, so there's no need to worry. Lady Hime was just excited and restless and couldn't wait any longer."
"Mei-san, please keep that a secret."
"I blurted out something. Yohei-sama, please stop talking about that."
"Because I've already heard it."
I see... Besides being a good girl, Hime was just plain cute.
Apparently, he wasn't being considerate, he just couldn't wait.
"It was just a coincidence that I came early. I'll just say that the road was clear."
"Yes. Let's leave it at that... And Yohei, please don't stare too much. I'm too embarrassed to look you in the eye."
Hime fidgeted and turned away.
That kind of behavior is adorable, but I don't want to cause any trouble, so I think I'll look away for a while as instructed.
Instead, he turned his attention to the maid.
"Mei-san sent it for you."
"Yes. I'll come pick you up when you get home."
"...Huh? Aren't you coming to the library with me?"
I thought for sure he was accompanying me, but it seems that's not the case.
"I was just thinking of waiting with you until Youhei-sama arrived. Besides, I'll stand out in this outfit so I won't be staying long."
Certainly, maid uniforms are quite eye-catching.
Even now, people coming in and out of the library were staring at her. Well, Mei-san looks young, so it was amusing to see people around her thinking she was a child.
"That's why I'm going home for now. Lady Hime, please let me know when you get home."
"Yes. Thank you for sending it."
"Youhei-sama, please take care of Lady Hime. See you later."
With that, Mei turned her back on Kururi and walked away.
After that, only Hime and I were left behind.