The invitations to the Six Kings Festival delivered by Caraway-san, the messenger of the Six Kings... the sheer list of incredible commemorative gifts they contained had left us in a state of complete shock.
"I understand your surprise. I am quite taken aback myself... But if I may, would it be all right if I continued the briefing?"
"Ah, yes. I’m sorry."
It seemed the explanation wasn't over yet. Caraway-san spoke gently, and Lilia-san nodded in a flustered hurry. Then, Caraway-san straightened her posture, her expression turning serious.
"Next, regarding the privileges—certain benefits are conferred according to the rank of the invitation."
"Privileges...?"
"Yes. Those invited may bring guards—or rather, companions—provided they apply in advance."
"I see. That’s a necessary measure, considering how many nobles will be attending," Lilia-san noted.
It seemed that those who received invitations were allowed to bring non-invitees along as their escort.
"However, the number of companions and their permitted range of movement vary by rank. Bronze and Iron Ranks are permitted a single companion, and their access is quite limited. Silver and Gold Ranks may bring up to three people and are allowed entry into all areas except the Central District."
"I see. Then what about Milady’s Platinum rank and Miyama-sama’s Black rank?"
"Platinum Rank permits up to five companions and grants access to all districts except for the Central Tower. Additionally, upon presenting a Platinum Rank invitation, goods at stalls and other venues will be half-price."
"W-Wait, there are discounts too!?"
It seemed Platinum Rank was on a completely different level, even coming with shopping perks. Apparently, the discount only applied to the invitation holder and not their companions, but even so, the benefit was staggering.
"And as for the Black Rank... there are no restrictions whatsoever on the number of companions or the districts you may enter. You are welcome to bring hundreds of people if you so desire."
"Wait, what?"
"Furthermore, if you present a Black Rank invitation, all facilities and products are free of charge."
"Free!?"
The Black Rank really was in a league of its own. Everything was free, and I could bring an entire army if I wanted. Well, fortunately, I didn't actually know hundreds of people...
As I stood there, dazed by the absurdity of it all, Caraway-san continued with a gentle smile.
"Additionally, those holding Gold Rank invitations or higher are eligible to attend the party hosted by the Six Kings-sama, which will be held in the Central Tower on the seventh day."
"That sounds like quite the prestigious event..."
"Indeed. Since the Six Kings-sama themselves will be in attendance, it is a seat of great honor. It is said that fewer than a hundred people in the world are eligible to attend."
"In that case, the only ones here who can go are me and Lilia-san, right?"
Attending a party hosted by the Six Kings was likely a massive status symbol for the nobility. That was probably why the entry requirements were so much stricter than anything else.
"And finally, Miyama-sama..."
"Y-Yes?"
"I have heard that for those with the Black Rank, the Six Kings-sama will arrange private accommodations for the duration of the festival. Is there any mention of it in your envelope?"
"Eh? Um..."
Prompted by Caraway-san, I looked inside the envelope again and found a card slightly smaller than the invitation itself.
'Central Tower's Top Floor Special Suite'
I felt a wave of dizziness. Judging by the name, it was in the tower standing right in the center of the venue. Wouldn't staying there be some kind of public humiliation? Or would other people not know? Either way, a suite... I had a very bad feeling about this. Specifically, I feared that a room far more lavish than anything I could imagine had been prepared for me.
"Miyama-sama, as a Black Rank holder, you must be a guest of the highest importance to the Six Kings-sama. It is wonderful."
"I-Is that so...?"
"Yes! It is a truly great honor!"
Caraway-san spoke with her hands clenched in excitement, while I could only manage a noncommittal reply. I had a feeling this was going to be incredibly exhausting. I watched blankly as Caraway-san moved on to the finer details of the schedule.
Once the briefing reached a stopping point, Caraway-san prepared to leave the mansion for her next destination. It felt unnecessary for everyone to follow her out, so Lilia-san and I saw her to the front door. Just as we were exchanging parting words, Caraway-san turned to me with a look of profound seriousness.
"Miyama-sama, this is a personal matter, but may I speak of it?"
"Eh? Oh, sure."
"I am truly sorry!"
"Wait... what? Sorry for what?"
I had wondered what she wanted to say since she’d specified it was personal rather than official, but then Caraway-san suddenly bowed her head deeply in apology. I was completely lost. Why was someone I had only met today apologizing to me?
"I was the one who cast the Recognition Inhibition Magic on you when you first arrived in this world, Miyama-sama."
"What...?"
"Blinded by greed, I committed an act of great insolence. I know it is not something that can be forgiven with mere words, but I wanted to tell you this much. Please, feel free to laugh and dismiss this as mere self-satisfaction."
"..."
I looked at Caraway-san as she bowed desperately. After a moment of silence, I let out a wry smile.
"Please, raise your head. I really don't mind at all."
"B-But..."
"Look, it's not like any harm actually came to me because of it."
If I thought about it, the only 'harm' from that Recognition Inhibition Magic was that I got a little lost. And even that ended up being the reason I met Kuro, so if anything, I felt like I should be grateful.
I told her I wasn't bothered, but Caraway-san remained frozen with her head bowed. She probably didn't know how to react to such a casual response.
"How about this? I’ve officially received your apology, so I forgive you. Therefore, please don't worry about it anymore, Caraway-san."
"Miyama-sama..."
"Thank you for the thorough explanation today. If we meet again, I’d be happy if you’d just treat me as a regular acquaintance."
"Yes... I understand."
Hearing my proposal to let the matter be water under the bridge, Caraway-san slowly raised her head. She looked at me with a soft smile that made her cat ears twitch slightly.
"Thank you, Miyama-sama. We will likely see each other again during the Six Kings Festival. If there is ever anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Well..."
"I wish to repay your generosity. Please, let me help you with whatever I can."
"I see. Then I’ll count on you if the opportunity arises."
When I nodded, Caraway-san knelt on one knee, offering a knightly salute before standing back up.
"Then, everyone, let us meet again at the Six Kings Festival."
"Yes. Good luck with your work, Caraway-san."
"Thank you very much. Until then."
With a final light bow and a smile, Caraway-san departed. Once she was out of sight, I turned to head back into the mansion with Lilia-san, only to hear a soft voice beside me.
"As always... you are such a kind person."
"Eh?"
"Um, what I mean is... as your lover, I'm proud of you. That’s all."
With that sincere word of praise, Lilia-san hurried back inside ahead of me.
Dear Mother, Father—I’ve finished listening to the explanation of the Six Kings Festival, and things have really become outrageous. I'm a bit bewildered by being treated like a State Guest, but a festival produced by Kuro and the others... I'm actually quite looking forward to it.
As a side note, there was only one person besides Kaito who received a Black Rank invitation.
Shallow Vernal.