The next day, as promised, Ageha and I headed out for our date.
The celebratory mood following the victory showed no signs of fading; the citizens we passed all seemed to be in high spirits.
"Hey, Ageha."
"What is it?"
Walking beside me, Ageha turned to look my way.
"I was wondering... do you actually have any money?"
"I do, yes."
As she spoke, Ageha opened her <Item Box>.
Several coins materialized in her hand.
"It’s a bit awkward to admit, but I really don't have much of anything on me..."
I hadn't been allowed to keep any money when I was imprisoned in the dungeon on false charges. Even though I’d had chances to step outside since then, I hadn't exactly had the peace of mind to worry about building up my personal funds.
"You don't need to worry about that. I have more than enough."
Relying on her to pick up the tab felt a little pathetic.
The least I could do was be a proper escort. I’d already made some preparations; yesterday, I’d asked the servants working at the Royal Palace for recommendations on where to go.
"You're not hungry yet, are you?"
"No, we just finished breakfast, remember?"
Incidentally, one of the palace servants had delivered breakfast directly to our room that morning.
"Are you interested in plays? I heard there's a famous theater here in the Royal Capital."
"Oh, I think I’d like to see that!"
"Then let's head over there now."
The servants had told me the theater was the capital’s most popular date spot.
With that in mind, I led Ageha toward the theater.
"I am terribly sorry."
The receptionist bowed her head apologetically.
When we tried to buy tickets for today, she informed us that the theater was already at full capacity and everything was sold out.
"Um, would there happen to be any openings tomorrow, then?"
"Tomorrow is also fully booked."
"When is the earliest we could get in?"
"Let me see... The soonest available date would be six days from now."
The receptionist spoke with a regretful expression. Having to wait six days suggested the place was doing incredible business.
"What do you want to do, Ageha?"
We didn't have any concrete plans for the immediate future.
We could stay in the Royal Capital for six days, or we could set out for another town tomorrow.
Since the royalty had told us we were welcome to stay at the palace for six months or even a year, I doubted they would complain if we stuck around for another week.
"If you want to see it, Kiska, then of course I don't mind."
"What I want to know is whether you want to see it, Ageha."
I felt like Ageha was always just deferring to me. While that made me happy in its own way, I wanted to hear her actual opinion once in a while.
"Hmm, well... I'm happy doing anything as long as I'm with you, so it's hard for me to say..."
Ageha replied.
Hearing her put it like that made me feel a bit bashful.
Just how much did this girl love me?
"Well, it’s a rare opportunity. Let’s watch it together."
"Okay."
And so, we booked a reservation to see a play six days from now.
Afterward, we had lunch at a restaurant the servants had recommended, and then we spent the rest of the day wandering aimlessly through the city.
True to its status as the Royal Capital, the variety of goods in the shops was immense. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time just looking at everything.
Since our dinner was being provided by the palace, we headed back before evening.
"May I come in?"
After dinner, while I was relaxing in the room with Ageha, there was a knock at the door.
When I opened it, I found Highness Eligion standing there with a servant.
Apparently, dinner was served in different rooms according to social rank. Since we’d eaten in the guest room, we hadn't had a chance to see Highness Eligion, who was a member of the royalty.
"I've come because I have a favor to ask of Hero Ageha."
"What is it?"
"I was wondering if you would please attend the upcoming Triumphal Ceremony?"
Ageha had already turned down the invitation once before.
"I'm asking again despite knowing you refused previously. This is a grand Triumphal Ceremony, and I truly wish for you—the Hero—to be a part of it. I know the citizens would be overjoyed if you attended."
Despite Eligion’s persuasion, Ageha wore a sour expression.
She clearly had no desire to participate.
"If you're truly against the idea, could you tell me why?"
Sensing her reluctance, Highness Eligion gently probed for a reason.
"I don't want to stand out. If it becomes public knowledge that I'm the Hero, I won't be able to walk through the streets without everyone staring at me. I’d get exhausted just trying to deal with it."
"I see. In that case, you're welcome to wear a mask during the event. That way, your identity won't be revealed, and you’ll still be able to walk through the city in peace. What do you think?"
Ageha looked conflicted.
She probably hadn't expected him to offer such a specific compromise just for her.
"By the way, when exactly is the Triumphal Ceremony being held?" I asked.
"Six days from today."
Six days. That was the same day we were supposed to see the play.
"Unfortunately, I have plans on that day. So I can't attend," Ageha stated.
"What kind of plans?"
"I'm going to see a play. I've already bought the tickets."
Ageha flourished the tickets to show him.
"I see. It is indeed on the same day."
Highness Eligion pressed a hand to his forehead, falling into thought.
"Very well. I’ll have the theater move your reservation to the following day."
"Wait, you can do that?"
"I am royalty. If I give the word, a simple ticket exchange is easily handled."
Because Highness Eligion was always so friendly, I tended to forget that he was the prince of this nation.
Of course he could easily change a theater reservation.
"There’s no need for that. I want to see the play six days from now."
"I see... However, I really can't shift the date and time of the Triumphal Ceremony."
As he spoke, Highness Eligion glanced at the tickets.
He noticed something and let out a soft exclamation.
"These are Dud Seats."
"Dud Seats?"
"Did you buy these today?"
"Yeah, we did."
"I thought so. These seats are located at the very edge, directly behind a massive pillar. They're quite famous for it. People call them the Dud Seats because you can't see a single thing from them."
"Is that true...?"
"The theater is incredibly popular in the capital. It’s said to be impossible to get a good reservation less than six months in advance. The only reason you found tickets for six days from now was likely a cancellation due to the Triumphal Ceremony. Even then, only the Dud Seats would have been left."
I was impressed; I hadn't realized the theater was such a big deal here.
To need a reservation six months in advance... it was popular beyond my imagination.
"However, being royalty, I can secure a Special Seat for you seven days from now instead."
"A Special Seat?"
"Yes. I can provide a private box in the center of the third floor—the best view in the house. It’s a private room where no one else can bother you."
The mention of a "private room" clearly piqued Ageha’s interest; her eyes lit up.
"Of course, the condition for the Special Seat is your attendance at the Triumphal Ceremony."
The offer was undoubtedly tempting, but Ageha still seemed hesitant about the public appearance. She couldn't give an answer right away.
"Highness Eligion, I’m allowed to attend the ceremony as well, right?"
"Of course. Kiska-kun is a major contributor. I would be delighted if you joined us."
I see. In that case—
"Ageha, why don't we go to the Triumphal Ceremony together? Highness Eligion has gone to a lot of trouble for us, and they've been taking great care of us here at the palace. It wouldn't hurt to live up to their expectations."
Between the theater upgrade, the room at the palace, and the meals we’d been given, we owed them a fair amount. It felt right to do something in return.
"Okay. If Kiska is walking with me, I’ll do it."
Ageha finally agreed.
"Excellent! It’s a deal, then."
Highness Eligion nodded with a satisfied smile.