After purchasing the Behemoth, I had no desire to head back to the race track, so I spent some time walking through the capital of the Arclesia Empire with Alice.
The Behemoth didn't cause a scene or attempt to intimidate the people around us. It simply followed a few paces behind me, its temperament remarkably calm.
"It's certainly well-behaved."
"Actually, they’re usually anything but... It must be incredibly attached to you, Kaito-san."
"Ah, that reminds me... I should give it a name."
"Gru?"
It felt wrong to keep referring to it by its species name forever, and I knew I had to come up with something... though, to be honest, I’ve never had much confidence in my naming sense.
"Alright then! Allow the legendary Alice-chan—whose naming sense is beyond reproach—to bestow a name upon our new friend!"
"..."
I didn't recall her ever having such a reputation, but Alice puffed out her modest chest with pride nonetheless. She tapped a finger against her chin, deep in thought for a moment before speaking.
"How about Bellfried... Bell for short?"
"...I'm genuinely surprised a normal name came out of your mouth."
"What’s that supposed to mean!?"
To my shock, Alice had actually suggested a very good name. I had been certain she would come up with something bizarre... This was a pleasant surprise.
"Is Bellfried okay with you?"
"Gau!"
The Behemoth seemed to like the name as well, nodding vigorously at my words. Smiling at its adorable reaction, I reached out and stroked its head. Bell let out a contented sound and rubbed its face against my hand.
After a few moments of affection, Bell stood up on its hind legs and gave Alice a sharp, patronizing pat on the shoulder.
"Gru."
"...Hey, listen here, you beast. What's with that 'good job' look? You're talking down to me! Your attitude is way too different compared to how you treat Kaito-san! I think it's time I taught you to fear the human race—"
"Gau!"
"Gyah!?"
Alice, venting her frustration, raised a fist toward the creature... only to be sent flying by a swift slap from Bell.
As expected of a magic beast, its physical strength was terrifying. A normal person’s neck likely would have snapped. Well, it was Alice, and she seemed practically immortal, so I suppose it was fine. I’d just have to make sure Bell didn't do that to anyone else.
"Excuse me?! Kaito-san! Don't you think your treatment of me is a little too callous?!"
She recovered fast... After a slap that intense, there wasn't even a hairline fracture in her mask. Alice spread her arms wide and began shouting at me in the middle of the street.
"I thrive on affection, you know! Love me more! Hug me! Come on, I'm waiting!"
"...Bell, go."
"Gruaaah!!"
"Gyahhh! Noooo!"
As Alice continued to shout nonsense in public with her arms wide, I set Bell on her.
Yeah, Bell was a fantastic addition to the team. Having a partner who could physically enforce a straight-man routine on Alice was truly a blessing.
"Wha—Kaito-san?! Why are you nodding to yourself—Higyah?! The horn! Watch the horn! It's going to go right through me!"
"Bell, come here."
"Gau!"
"...Phew. I really can't say anything careless around here... Taking a hit from a Behemoth is seriously exhausting."
The fact that she could shrug off an attack from a legendary magic beast with just "exhaustion" meant her own specs were probably monstrous...
Then, I suddenly remembered our bet.
"That's right, Alice. What's the verdict on our contest?"
"Ah... well, it was a total defeat for me. Even if we went back to the track now, I don't feel like I could win against you, Kaito-san. Rules are rules, so I'll stay true to my word and grant you one request."
"Hmm."
Personally, I wouldn't have minded calling it off, but Alice seemed determined to honor the agreement. That said, even if she told me she'd do anything I asked, nothing immediately came to mind. I decided to put it on hold for now.
As I was thinking, Alice began fidgeting. I couldn't see through her mask, but it felt like she was looking up at me with expectant eyes.
"I-I suppose it can't be helped... I'm prepared for this."
"Prepared for what?"
"The inn district is that way... Come, indulge your wild beast's instincts on my body to your heart's content..."
"Bell, go."
"Gaaaah!"
"Gyahhh! Not a literal wild beast! Stop ittt!"
Since the words were barely out of her mouth before she started talking nonsense again, I sent Bell after her once more.
"...No, seriously... please stop using the Behemoth to deliver punchlines. One of these days, I'm going to actually get hurt."
"The fact that it would only be an injury is the part I find incredible."
I offered a dry retort as Alice stood there, panting heavily. Just how durable was this girl?
With her antics finally settled for the moment, I stroked Bell's head to reward its hard work.
"Anyway, it's still a bit early, but... do you want to go grab some dinner?"
"Eh? Are you treating me?!"
"...Didn't you make a decent profit yourself?"
"Food tastes best when it's on someone else's dime!"
"You really are a piece of work, aren't you..."
I gave a wry smile at her unwavering consistency. I was just starting to look around for a place to eat when Bell raised its head and let out a low, warning growl.
Noticing the change, I looked up and saw a group of individuals clad in ornate armor approaching us. They were clearly knights. When they reached me, the knights simultaneously dropped to one knee and bowed their heads.
"You are Miyama Kaito-sama, correct?"
"Ah, yes... Um..."
"I am Baldo, Commander of the First Knight Order of the Arclesia Empire. Please forgive our sudden intrusion. Her Imperial Majesty has expressed a desire to meet with you, Miyama-sama. If it is convenient for you, she has requested your presence at the castle."
"Huh? What?"
The sheer suddenness of the request left me stunned. The Emperor... the ruler of this entire nation wanted to see me? Why? I couldn't wrap my head around the situation at all.
While I stood there hesitating, Alice stepped in front of me with a flourish.
"Hold it right there. If you want to invite Kaito-san, you'll have to go through me first—his world-renowned partner."
"..."
Since when were we partners? I desperately swallowed the urge to correct her. I probably wasn't going to be able to handle the conversation well anyway, so if Alice was going to negotiate, I supposed that helped—
"Our first demand is a gourmet dinner!"
"...Bell, shut her up."
"Garuaaa!"
"Hiyaaaaaa!"
I take it back. If I left this to Alice, we'd never reach an actual conclusion. Ignoring her for the moment, I turned back to Baldo and apologized.
"I'm sorry for my idiot friend... Um, why me?"
"Yes. It seems Her Imperial Majesty has met you once before. Upon hearing that you had arrived in our country, she expressed a strong desire to see you again."
"Met me before? Uh, I’m sorry, I’m not very familiar with this country's nobility. What is the Emperor's name?"
"Indeed. Her Majesty's name is Chris... Chris Dia von Arclesia."
That name didn't ring a bell at all. Met me before? Where could that have been? I had never even left the Kingdom of Sinfonia before this trip, and the name Emperor Chris meant nothing to me.
However, this was an invitation from the sovereign of a nation. If I refused, I worried it might cause diplomatic trouble for Lilia-san.
"...U-Understood. I'll come with you."
"We are honored. A carriage is waiting just ahead."
Baldo bowed deeply at my answer and led us to an incredibly opulent carriage parked nearby. I climbed inside with Alice. Since Bell obviously couldn't fit, it would have to run alongside us.
"Kaito-san... are you actually an acquaintance of the Emperor? Seriously, who are you...?"
"I have no idea myself..."
I could only tilt my head in confusion as Alice questioned me with genuine amazement.
After about ten minutes in the carriage, we arrived at a massive structure that truly lived up to the title of a royal palace.
I had expected to be taken to a formal audience chamber to give my greetings, but instead, I was led to a spacious reception room where rows of maids and butlers stood perfectly still against the walls. While feeling overwhelmed by being treated like a state guest, I waited for the Emperor. A few minutes later, the doors at the far end of the room opened, and a figure dressed in magnificent regalia appeared.
"Welcome, Miyama-sama. It is an honor to see you again."
"...Wait, what?"
I stood there, dumbfounded, as I looked at the Emperor’s bright, welcoming smile.
...I had definitely met this person before. I recognized her face perfectly. But... what? This person was the Emperor?! No, that couldn't be right... Because this person was...
"...'The driver from the dragon carriage when we went to the barbecue?'"
"Correct."
"Eeeeeeeeh?!"
Dear Mother, Father—For some reason, I was summoned by the Emperor and ended up at the royal castle. But to my absolute shock, I ended up being reunited with someone completely unexpected.
Lilia: "He's still not back yet..."