On the morning of the second day of the Six Kings Festival, I gave a long, leisurely stretch as I stepped out of the tower.
I seemed to have slept for a remarkably long time. I had a vague, haunting suspicion that something terrifying had happened, but I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was.
Well, setting that aside, Isis-san had surprised me by preparing a lunch box for today. Since I was scheduled to tour the festival with Lilliwood-san, and Lilliwood-san doesn't actually eat, Isis-san had been thoughtful enough to look out for me.
I truly felt like the luckiest man in the world to have a girlfriend as wonderful as Isis-san.
Lost in those pleasant thoughts, I walked outside, only to find that the scenery had been completely transformed from the day before. In the space of a single night, the city had turned into a lush woodland. Greenery overflowed everywhere, as if the venue had been dropped into the heart of a deep forest, with towering trees and vibrant flowers blooming in every corner.
The buildings themselves had been altered to look like log cabins, shifting the urban landscape into something reminiscent of the streets of Rigforresia. I had heard they would change the entire theme day by day, but seeing it in person made me realize just how terrifyingly vast the power of the Six Kings truly was.
Still, I quite liked this verdant view. It felt calming. I didn't know the science behind it, but since "forest bathing" was a thing back home, perhaps there really was some kind of relaxing effect at work.
As I admired the flowers swaying in the gentle breeze, I scanned the area for Lilliwood-san and spotted her immediately. She was currently in her "tree-merged" form, which made her impossible to miss.
"Good morning, Lilliwood-san. Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
『Good morning, Kaito-san. No, I have only just finished handing over the day's operations to my kin.』
On the first day, Megiddo-san had given a verbal overview of the festival during the Opening Ceremony, but from the second day onward, guests received their guidance at their accommodation or at the city gates.
Today's theme was "Communing with Nature," which felt very appropriate for Lilliwood-san. The handout had only provided a brief outline, suggesting that the specifics were meant to be a surprise, so I was quite curious to see what was in store. According to the guidebook I’d bought from Alice, they were even selling houseplants and the like.
"It really is spectacular out here. The scenery is beautiful, and I’m excited to see what the festival has to offer today."
『Fufufu, I am glad to hear it. There is much to see, but this time in particular, we are holding a sale for rare plants that seldom reach the open market.』
"Is that so?"
『Yes. For instance, the Meduvana plant I used to wash your body yesterday only grows in specific regions of the Demon Realm, making it quite expensive.』
Whoa there, Lilliwood-san. Let’s not go digging up yesterday’s memories. If possible, I’d like to keep my eyes fixed firmly on the future... or rather, if I start remembering that, I’ll get way too self-conscious. Please, have mercy.
"T-That reminds me! The guide mentioned that we could receive a World Tree Sapling as a commemorative gift. Is that... really okay? I mean, the size and everything..."
It was a clumsy pivot, but it was something I’d actually been worried about. When I thought of the World Tree, I pictured Lilliwood-san’s main body—that sky-piercing behemoth that was taller than even Magnawell-san. I certainly didn't have the space to grow something that massive.
When I asked about the growth rate and size, Lilliwood-san gave me a reassuring smile.
『Ah, please do not worry. The saplings being gifted to you have been adjusted so that they can be grown in a simple pot.』
"Oh, I see. That’s a relief."
『The World Tree is often described as a concentrated mass of Healing Magic Power. It is said that brewing its leaves into tea can cure all ailments, and eating its fruit can heal any wound... though that is a bit of an exaggeration. However, it does constantly emit a minute amount of healing power, which provides a relaxing effect.』
Perhaps it was embarrassing for her to describe properties that also applied to her own body, as Lilliwood-san’s cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke.
If it was a potted size, I could probably imagine something like a bonsai or a standard houseplant. I could handle that.
『There is one drawback to the adjustment, however. It will likely only produce a single fruit per year.』
Honestly, that was more than enough. It was worth saying twice: that was plenty.
Wait, it actually grows the Fruit of the World Tree? A world-class rarity just grows that easily in a pot? Well, I suppose I, who had been chugging world tree juice as a substitute for energy drinks, wasn't really one to talk.
"I understand. I'll make sure to raise it with care."
『Yes. That would make me very happy.』
The last time I’d raised a plant was a loofah back in elementary school, but considering the source of this one, I absolutely couldn't let it wither. I’d have to buy some books and study up.
『Now then, shall we be on our way?』
"Ah, yes. Once again, I’m in your care today."
『The pleasure is mine. I am truly happy to be able to tour the festival with you, Kaito-san.』
"..."
This lady had a dangerous habit of saying things like that with a perfectly innocent smile. Between that and what had happened yesterday, I had a feeling I was going to be very conscious of her today.
Regardless, I was lucky to have Lilliwood-san as my guide, so I resolved to enjoy myself to the fullest.
Dear Mother, Father—The second day of the Six Kings Festival has begun, and I’ve started my tour under Lilliwood-san’s guidance. I don’t know all the details of today’s festivities yet, but that’s exactly why—I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like.