And so it was the next day.
　It was another fine day with mild sunshine, making it a perfect day to go out.

I'll pick you up in the evening.
"Yes, thank you.

　The mermaid concierge drove the carriage back to the inn with a wave of her hand. The lower half of her body is still a fish, but she is very dexterous. It's a testament to her skill at her job.
　Anyway, Allen strokes his chin and smiles.

"I see. So you wanted to come here.
"Huh. ......

　Charlotte's face turns red and she turns her head.
　But her eyes are glancing forward, half in confusion, half in anticipation. Her eyes also have a certain sparkle to them.

　In front of them is a colorful entrance gate.
　There was a sign on it that read.
　It's called ...... Unoha Magic Zoo.

　As the name implies, it is a theme park where demonic animals are raised. In reality, it is more of a research facility, but it is open to the general public and is very popular.
　There are such facilities all over the world, but this is one of the largest. It seems to have rare monsters such as the Ancient Dragon and the Phoenix, and is very popular among both domestic and foreign visitors. Allen had even heard of it in the past.
　Allen unfolded the pamphlet and groaned.

It would take me a whole day to see it all. Well, let's take our time.
"But are you sure you want to go to ......?

　Charlotte opens her mouth apologetically.

I'm sorry that you have to go along with my ...... selfishness.
"Well, I don't have anywhere else to go. I don't have anywhere else to go.

　Allen chuckles and nods his head.

"So you like demons, huh?　I didn't know that at all.
It's not so much the demons as it is the 'petting zoo' section of the ...... guidebook that caught my attention.
"Oh, I see. I see.

　If you look for the map in the pamphlet, you will certainly find a "petting corner". Apparently, there were docile demons on the loose, and they could be freely fed and petted.
　Allen was very convinced, but for some reason Charlotte only made smaller and smaller noises.

Ugh ...... sorry for being so childish ......
"What are you talking about? Look at that.
Huh?

　He patted Charlotte's shrinking shoulders and indicated the entrance gate.
　Inside were families with small children, groups of young people of a similar age to Allen and his friends, and elderly tourists.
　Charlotte's mouth dropped open as she looked at them.

"This isn't just a place for kids, is it ......?
"You'll see. Age doesn't matter at the zoo. So don't be shy.
"Oh, really, ......?

　Charlotte stared in amazement at the people being sucked into the gate. Seeing her reaction, Allen suddenly realized.

...... Is this by any chance the first time you've been in a place like this?
Yes. ...... I've read about it in picture books, but...

　A long time ago, when he was still living with his mother, he received a second-hand picture book from a neighbor kid.
　In the book, which she carefully read until it was worn out, there were many pictures of children wearing headgear and interacting with animals. .......

I've always wanted to visit ...... one day.

　I've always wanted to go there." As she spoke, Charlotte stared blankly at the zoo gate with a dreamy look in her eyes. It was a profile like that of a little child left behind,......, and Allen's chest tightened.
　But he did not show it, and smiled fearlessly.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. Let's be kids again!
"Yes, ......!

　It's a great way to get to know the people in your area.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

　Today is the day to bring back Charlotte's lost childhood. I'll do my best to pamper her and keep her company. That's what I promised myself.

"Ah!

　As soon as she stepped into the park, Charlotte's footsteps came to a halt.
　She wondered what was going on and followed her gaze to see the stand of a store.

　The item for sale was a fuzzy catsuit with ears that looked like a cat or a dog. Children and couples were buying them in droves, and there was an air of excitement in the air. It was a typical scene of a tourist attraction.
　Allen chuckled.

"Do you want one?
"Yeah, yeah, but ......
No need to be shy today. Here, pick a color.

　Then he took Charlotte to a stand and let her browse.


　At first he was confused, but soon his eyes lit up and he began to choose. The gloomy colors that had been in the air before she entered the room had all but disappeared.
　Allen was very happy with it, but ...... soon Charlotte made up her mind.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.
"Yeah, I got it. ...... Wait, why are there two?

　Charlotte chose a pair of light brown cat ears and a pair of white cat ears with a black border.
　If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always ask her. She looked up at me as if she was praying.

"Oh, Mr. Allen, would you like to wear ...... with me?
"..................

　I'm speechless. There was no other way to react.
　But it made Charlotte's shoulders slump.

Oh, you don't like this childish stuff, do you, Mr. Allen? ...... I'm sorry. ......
"How could I not like it?　Shopkeeper!　Pay the bill, please!
"Thank you.

　Allen paid with two silver coins. I've had it up to here.
　And so, both of them wore the cat ears.
　Charlotte's were light brown, of course, and Allen's were white with a border.
　Charlotte's eyes sparkled as she stared at Allen's head.

"Wow, ......, that looks great on you!　You're so cute, Allen!
"Oh, yeah, .......

　I think Charlotte looks better than me when I say that, but I couldn't find the right words.
　It's not my fault that my smile is drawn out.

(I'll have to delete ...... if anyone I know sees it.

　Memory or life. It depends on the case.