With the Skytree attraction behind us, we moved on toward the Forest Castle as planned. Our timing was working out perfectly; if we kept this pace through the Forest Area, we’d be ready to move to the next zone just in time for lunch. We could pick a spot to eat on the way.
"I wonder what kind of attraction the Forest Castle is?"
"Since the Skytree was an aerial ride, I’m sure this one is at ground level. Given the name, though, it doesn't really sound like a coaster."
"But at theme parks, don't you often find coasters with names like that?"
"...Now that you mention it, that’s true."
I found myself nodding at Hina-chan's observation. Normally, you wouldn't expect a ride called a "Castle" to be a coaster, but in a theme park, it wouldn't be strange at all to have a coaster that travels through a building designed to look like a fortress.
In fact, both the Skytree and the Kraken Cruise had turned out quite differently from what I’d expected, so anything was possible.
We continued chatting as we walked, but just as the Forest Castle was coming into view, a curious sight caught my eye.
"...There are a lot of people over there, aren't there? But the atmosphere is a bit..."
"They don't look like they're here to play; they have the air of security guards," Aoi-chan murmured.
Following her gaze, I saw a significant crowd gathered up ahead. The presence of people wasn't strange in itself—enough time had passed since the start of the event that the people of Trinia, who lacked basic knowledge of amusement parks, should have been getting the hang of things by now.
However, the vibe was definitely different. Many of them were dressed in matching, uniform-like clothing... and as Aoi-chan said, they gave off the impression of security or a secret service detail.
"Ah, there is likely nobility present. When it comes to high-ranking nobles, it is common to see that many guards and attendants. There were no restrictions on the size of one’s party for this event, after all," Sieg-san explained.
"Well, the reason you all aren't used to seeing this is because of Lilia-san," Luna-san added. "Despite being a high-ranking noble, our Milady is stronger than an entire knightly order. Since she has no need for a massive escort, she only brings along minimal assistance, like Sieg and myself."
Hearing their explanation, we all nodded in understanding. It made sense once they pointed it out. We usually went out with Lilia-san without any guards at all, but we had simply grown used to a situation that was only possible because Lilia-san herself was overwhelmingly powerful.
For an ordinary noble, it wasn't unusual to bring extra security when venturing into the Demon Realm instead of the Human Realm.
Thinking of high-ranking nobles I knew, Elis-san and Cornelia-san came to mind. Both of them brought the strongest maids from their respective households as guards when they went out. When I went to buy specialized brushes with Cornelia-san, she’d mentioned that her guards were waiting a short distance away.
Elis-san might also have people guarding her from a distance most of the time, just keeping themselves out of sight.
However, since this was an amusement park and not a city street, hiding was likely difficult, so they were simply standing by in plain sight.
"I see. So if there are that many of them, there’s a high chance they’re quite high-ranking."
"Indeed. At least from an Earl's house or higher..."
"Makes sense... Hm?"
Lilia-san answered my murmur, and as I nodded and looked toward the group where the high-ranking nobles were expected to be, the guards moved aside as if clearing a path... and I saw some familiar faces.
Specifically, it was Elis-san and Cornelia-san, the very people I had just been thinking about. It seemed they had noticed us as well, as they both wore looks of total shock... Or was I imagining it? They both looked a bit pale.
"It’s Elis-san and Cornelia-san! To think we’d run into them here..."
"I am currently feeling a mixture of pity and dread for those two... Kaito-san, just who do you intend to summon this time?"
"Eh? No, I'm not planning on summoning anyone..."
Following our encounter with Akane-san, I was actually quite happy to see more acquaintances, but for some reason, Lilia-san looked as if she were pitying them... or perhaps fearing some impending doom.
Is she worried that another Six King might coincidentally show up? Well, it wouldn't be surprising if they were invited, but it would be a hell of a coincidence for one to appear the exact moment we ran into Elis-san and the others.
While I was pondering that, Elis-san and Cornelia-san began walking toward us. They were probably coming over to say hello. For now, I should give them a polite nod...
"Kai-chaaaan!"
"Huh? Fate-sa—Gofh!?"
...Something came. For whatever reason she had against my solar plexus, Fate-san suddenly manifested and dove into me, her head connecting with my stomach in her usual greeting.
Mystery_Entity: "The one chosen was... Fate-san, ssu!"
Serious-senpai: "This might be the most unexpected outcome of all. I knew a few of the Gods were invited, but I didn't think Fate would actually show up to the pre-opening on her own instead of tagging along with Kaito. I’d ruled her out entirely... And just look at Eris and Cornelia's faces. They were just about to say hello, and now a Supreme God has appeared right in front of them... I think I can actually hear the sound of their stomachs tying themselves in knots."