After finishing a lunch that felt like hell—or rather, was quite literally a Baby Castella Hell—we arrived at the area where the magic tools were on display.
As one would expect from a festival hosted by Kuro, the head of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company—a firm that boasted the largest market share in the world—the magic tool district was buzzing with an intensity that eclipsed the other areas.
"This is incredible... Are all of these really magic tools?"
"They are. While our company has many official booths, there are plenty of independent stalls as well. Since many representatives from different branches—including my own—are attending, it’s a prime opportunity for creators to pitch their work."
"I see."
"A lot of new technology was unveiled during Shaltier’s festival yesterday, so we might already see some tools incorporating those latest techniques."
Magic tools possessed a potential that could truly be called infinite, and the field was still rapidly evolving. I had felt that firsthand during yesterday's festival as well.
The Demon Realm is a meritocracy, so it wasn't uncommon for craftsmen to be scouted based on the quality of their individual work. Thinking about it that way, this was a massive opportunity for them. Indeed, the independent stallholders seemed to possess an entirely different level of enthusiasm.
"You might find some magic tools that seem fresh even to you, Kaito-kun. Like in my company, many of the tools sold by large firms have their performance intentionally limited to balance out the costs. The products of a major trading company aren't necessarily the highest-performing ones."
"Heh... that sounds interesting."
"It is! Places like this are great. People competing and coming up with various ideas... that’s how technology develops. In a sense, this district might be the cutting edge of magic tools right now."
As she spoke, Kuro’s gaze was incredibly gentle. She looked as though she truly enjoyed watching the world grow. It was quite a contrast to her sparkling eyes when she was staring at baby castella dishes just a short while ago.
Then again, Kuro was said to be the Creator of Magic Tools. Perhaps seeing them evolve felt to her like watching her own children grow up.
"Well then, since we're here, why don't we take a look around?"
"Yeah! Let’s go, Kaito-kun... Wait, huh?"
"Hm? What’s wrong?"
"Aren't those Lilia-chan and the group?"
"Eh?"
Following Kuro’s gaze, I spotted Lilia-san, Luna-san, Sieg-san, Aoi-chan, and Hina-chan about a hundred meters ahead.
Setting Alice aside, I felt like I was running into Lilia-san and her group surprisingly often, considering how absurdly vast this venue was.
Kuro and I exchanged a nod and headed over to them. As we drew closer, their conversation reached my ears.
"Hina-chan, if you're that interested, why don't you just buy it?"
"Umm, but this is so expensive."
It seemed Hina-chan had found a magic tool she liked but was hesitating over the price.
"The magic crystals are of high purity and the magic formula is wonderful, so I don't think it's an expensive purchase at all..."
"No, it might seem that way by Lili’s standards, but this isn't an amount that’s easy to shell out."
"Milady still has the financial sensibilities of a noble, for better or worse."
Lilia-san, Sieg-san, and Luna-san were standing slightly behind Aoi-chan and Hina-chan. Since they were closer to us, I decided to greet them first.
"Lilia-san, Sieg-san, Luna-san, what a coincidence."
"Oh? Kaito-sama, what a coin... ci... dence...?"
"Hm?"
Luna-san was the first to react to my voice, but as she turned around, her eyes went wide and she froze. Her gaze was fixed firmly on the yukata-clad Kuro.
"Luna?"
"D..."
"D?"
Lilia-san and Sieg-san turned toward us as well, and noticing Luna-san’s strange behavior, they spoke to her first.
Luna-san began to tremble violently. A moment later, she snapped her head up, a massive fountain of blood erupting from her nose as she screamed.
"D-I-V-I-N-E!"
She clutched her face and collapsed. With a sickening gushing sound, a pool of blood began to spread rapidly across the pavement.
"Luna?! Wait, are you okay?!"
"Milady... I have... finally found... my place to die... I, the unworthy Lunamaria... have... not a single regret... in my life..."
No, no, dying from blood loss through a nosebleed is an incredibly pathetic way to go out!
"Stop talking nonsense..."
"I am... certain... that I was born... for this... very moment..."
Was she really okay with that being the climax of her life? The Fanatic looked satisfied beyond belief, though.
Kuro approached the fallen maid with a tilted head and held out a hand.
"Lunamaria-chan, are you okay? Here, stay still, I’ll cast a healing magic spell on you."
"Gah-ha!?"
"Why are you taking damage?! Wait, did I use the wrong spell?"
The moment Kuro’s healing magic hit her, Luna-san vomited blood. Honestly, maybe we should just leave her be. She seemed like the type who wouldn't die even if she were killed.
Dear Mother, Father—I've met all sorts of people since arriving in this world. I've seen eccentrics and people who are extraordinary in their own ways, but I really don't think there's anyone who fits the description of a "disappointing beauty" better than Luna-san.
Serious-senpai: "What's with that girl?! She's a main heroine with plenty of screen time in the story, yet she still has to shove her way into the afterword! This is my territory, the stage where I'm the star! Dammit... even though she's only in third place in the popularity poll..."
Me-o: "..."
Serious-senpai: "Wait... Huh? When did you get here?"
Me-o: "..."
Serious-senpai: "Hold on! Wait! I-I was lying! The popularity poll results were weird! You're number one! Stop! Put away the Murderous Flick Stance! Aaaaghh!"