A minor issue occurred in Archlesia Empire’s Founding Festival with Shiro-san suddenly arriving at the last moment, but it didn’t cause much commotion. After I finished tidying up our stall with Amel-san, we had dinner together and called it a day.
We were able to enjoy ourselves leisurely, and our stall also turned out great with almost all of the prepared items sold out. Making a promise with Amel-san to hang out with her again, the stall-setting for the Founding Festival came to a close.
And a few days later…… Seeing the expression of my sudden visitor, I couldn’t help wryly smiling.
[……You know, don’t you think this truly expresses the unfairness of the world? Even if one says it’s the truth of the world, I suppose it can’t be helped, but those who feel the disparity can’t help but feel sorrowful.]
[……Errr, what exactly are you talking about?][No, it’s not like I’m complaining to you, nor do I have anything I’m displeased about…… but I heard something about you setting up a stall in Archlesia after setting up one in Symphonia. No, not like I’m complaining or displeased with anything though……]
[You really look pretty displeased though!?]
In front of me sits Hydra Kingdom’s King Laguna-san, sipping her tea with a slightly displeased expression on her face. I can understand what she wants to say. In other words, she probably wants to point out that it’s unfair that I set up a stall for Symphonia Kingdom and Archlesia Empire, but doesn’t plan on setting up one for Hydra Kingdom.
[I mean, Symphonia and Archlesia are really flourishing, and for argument’s sake, I am Hydra’s King, so seeing all that happening doesn’t feel amusing. I’m not saying Kaito’s at fault for it, but I’d like it if you’d at least listen to this elderly King’s complaints…… You bring about an incredible economic impact, you know? Even if such isn’t intentional.]
[Hmmm. As for me, I really did just set up my stall.]
[Hahaha, one that causes quite the ruckus, that is. But still, overall, it’s safe to say that it brings about substantial profits.]
Talking openly about the strategic aspects of her country and coming directly to who she thinks is the main reason to vent frustrations, it’s truly just like Laguna-san. It’s also not like she’s demanding to have me set up a stall at Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Festival, so it’s relatively easy for me to interact with her.[……Rather, you wouldn’t ask me to set up a stall at Hydra Kingdom, right?]
[No, I won’t…… With how nice you are, you’ll probably set up one if I did ask you, but you won’t find doing that any fun, right? Besides, you wouldn’t have enough time for it.]
[Is Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Festival coming soon?]
[Early next month.]
I see, there’s not even a month left huh. It would indeed become very hectic if I were to try setting up a stall, so I’d really like to excuse myself from doing that. Well, Laguna-san herself seemed to have guessed that, so she didn’t even try asking me that.
[……Unnn? Arehh? In that case, why did Laguna-san come to visit me today? You seriously didn’t come here just to complain, right?]
[No. Well, I guess I did partly come for that, but I just came here to invite you.]
[Invite?]
[Umu. Even when you have attended Symphonia Kingdom and Archlesia Empire’s Founding Festivals, you haven’t been able to go out much, have you? That’s why the invitation is for you to simply come and enjoy the Hydra Kingdom’s founding anniversary festival as a regular festival-goer. Our Hydra Kingdom’s people are lively, so the festival is sure to be vibrant~~]
[I see……]
Indeed, just as Laguna-san had pointed out, since I was running stalls at Symphonia and Archlesia’s Founding Festival, even when I looked around, I would only get to explore the vicinity of my stall. At least, I haven’t taken part in the main ceremonies of either festival.
In that light, Laguna’s suggestion is very appealing. It would be very nice to just purely enjoy the festival.
[That sounds great. I certainly haven’t been able to take my time just walking around, and I’m genuinely interested in how Hydra Kingdom’s festival would be like……]
[Umu umu! Sounds nice, isn’t it? And that’s why, I brought this here today.]
[Unnn? What’s this?]
[I have prepared seats for the ceremony at the grand square. Ahh, it’s not like they’re VIP seats or anything though, just seats that can be purchased by relatively affluent individuals among the citizens. They offer a more spacious view compared to general seating. Four seats make up one space, so it’s four tickets for one space. You can use all of them if you want, or just a part of them. If you’re not interested in attending the ceremony, it’s also not a problem if you don’t use it. Kaito helped me back with the tourist spot before so this is more of a thank-you gift. Don’t be reserved and accept it.]
[Thank you.]
I was just thinking about wanting to see the ceremony, so these reserved seats tickets are much appreciated. Since I’ve received these tickets, I guess I’ll go invite someone to hang out with at Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Festival.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [……Laguna sure is freaking capable. By inviting him like that, she can prevent the situation where he isn’t present at Hydra’s Founding Festival unlike the other two countries, easily make a good impression on him, and even expect the secondary effect of him inviting his lovers. Since she isn’t demanding anything from him or restricting his activities, she will also not get caught within what’s considered as NG acts for those ensuring Kaito’s security.]
? ? ? : [By giving those reserved seat tickets, not only can Kaito-san leisurely enjoy the festival, but it also leaves a subtle impression on the foreign nobles and rulers who are attending the festival in the VIP seats. It’s highly likely that Kaito-san’s acquaintances, including Megiddo-san, will be in the VIP seats, so there is also the possibility of them greeting him at that time.]
