The Central Plaza where the ceremony for Archlesia Empire’s Founding Festival is held. In the space there for attendees and guests to watch the ceremony, the atmosphere was tense.
Chris tried desperately to think of what to do, but no matter how wise she may be, she had too little time.
Rather, her mind was only filled with the thought that this would just be a dream. However, even that wish was in vain…… as Megiddo landed in that space from the sky.
[Alright, we’ve arrived! Yo, Lillywood, Magnawell! I came here to see you!]
“…….………..”[………………..]
It was fortunate that she did not land directly on the plaza in the middle of the ceremony, but it was still very conspicuous to land from the sky on the seats where powerful beings gathered, an area that originally gathered a lot of attention due to the splendor of the guests.
It didn’t take long for everyone around to realize that it was Megiddo who had appeared. Seeing Megiddo raised on hand in greeting after dropping off Akane and Kaori, seemingly unconcerned about what was going on here, veins popped out of Lillywood and Magnawell’s forehead.
However, as to be expected of the Six Kings, they instantly exchanged eye contact and nodded to each other before taking action.
“Megiddo, I understand that you’re rushing here because you were late, but showing up directly at the venue isn’t commendable, is it?”
[Ahhn, what are you……]
[Indeed, doing that would inevitably cause trouble. Considering your personality, I understand “your desire to attend according to schedule”, but even if that’s the case, you could have just arranged for a substitute in advance.][……No, what in the heck are you two……]
Amidst Megiddo’s confusion from their unexpected reaction, Lillywood and Magnawell continue to speak as if they intend to forcefully push through with the narrative “Megiddo was originally scheduled to attend but arrived late”.
Such is understandable. Indeed, it’s more acceptable that they were originally scheduled to attend but arrived late due to a delay caused by some trouble, rather than having one of the Six Kings abruptly intruding during the ceremony. It provides a better explanation and resolution.
[War King-sama, we have been waiting for you. Please wait a moment and we will have your seat ready as soon as possible……]
[Ahh? No, it’s not like I’m here to attend your———- Ahhn?]
Chris also understood Lillywood and Magnawell’s intention and immediately started talking as if Megiddo had been planned to attend from the start.
Megiddo, who was about to deny those words, had her attempt cut short as Lillywood and Magnawell lightly placed their hands on both of Megiddo’s shoulders———- their hands gripping with a force that could almost crush them, and whispered in a voice audible only to Megiddo.
“……Enough with that and align your words with us.”
[……You can either match what we’re saying, or you can get a good scolding from Kuromueina, whichever you prefer.]
[……O- Ou…… I don’t really know what’s going on, but alright. However, why is it that you all look so mad?]
“And whose fault do you think……”
[Calm down, Lillywood. This is just what they are.]
With Kuromueina’s name being brought up, Megiddo had no choice but to obediently comply, and even though he looked perplexed, he ultimately accepted that he is now attending.
In such an atmosphere, where it was believed that the worst-case scenario had been averted…… the next focus of everyone’s attention was on the two individuals that Megiddo had brought along.
Amidst the gathering of powerful beings, the two individuals brought to that scene, trembling with expressions that seemed like they were on the verge of collapsing, caught everyone’s attention. Chris, who knew Kaori, hurriedly approached them and spoke to them in a hushed voice.
[Kaori-san…… Why are you here……]
[Ahh, C- C- C- Chris-san…… It’s— It’s been a while…… I- I- I’m sorry for t- t- the sudden arrival…… Errr, w- we’re not sure why this happened either, but when I was with Akane-san over there, we were suddenly brought here by War King-sama……]
[Ahh, those two are apparently Kaito’s acquaintances. They kinda mentioned wanting to meet Emperor Archlesia, so I brought them along while I’m at it.]
Chris had a rough idea of what was going on after hearing Kaori’s pitifully trembling words and Megiddo’s words, but it was difficult to move the two who were attracting so much attention away from the scene as if nothing had happened.
While she was thinking about what she should do, a high ranking noble in the audience opened their mouth.
[Oya? Could those two be the former Hero actors? Good gracious, as to be expected from Emperor Chris. Not only maintaining a solid relationship with the otherworlders who have completed their roles as Hero, but also inviting them to the ceremony, it’s truly a deep friendship they have established…… If I may ask, were they also involved in that trouble that caused War King-sama’s delay?]
[……Yes, I invited the girls as a sign of our friendship with the other world, but a little trouble occurred and War King-sama solved it. We will have to prepare their seats as well.]
[I knew that was the case. We as well think that the otherworlders are important….. but our people are a bit confused, so it would be great if Your Majesty could give a few words of explanation.]
[Yes, indeed. I will explain immediately.]
With the favorable reception towards the two by a high-ranking noble holding authority, the questioning gazes toward Kaori and Akane from the surrounding people gradually dissipated.
While patting her chest in relief, Chris apologized to the two for having decided to have them suddenly participate in the ceremony, and told the people that the two of them were former Hero actors who have decided to live in this world, and that they would also be guests this time.
Fate, who was watching the scene from a distance, giggled with some amusement.
(……That noble, they’re someone instigated by Shall-tan huh? Even though she does all sorts of things, she’s still as kind as ever. In that case, I guess I’ll follow up on them too…… Let’s have the fate of the populace favorably accepting those two’s attendance become definite…… Alright, that does it……)
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [The stomachs of the two who ended up participating in the ceremony by chance seem like they are about to explode. With that, they should have a moment of respite from further stomach blows…… or will they? The Stomachache Black Hole had still kept her silence…… Seems like there are still more things that are about to happen……]
