The final day’s party was an exclusive affair, open only to those holding a Gold Rank invitation or higher. It was held atop the rooftop of the Central Tower.
Perhaps space magic was at play, for the rooftop felt even vaster than it had on the festival's first day. Despite the significant number of guests, there was plenty of breathing room. A barrier protected the area from the wind, making the environment quite pleasant.
The event followed a standing buffet format. After the Six Kings delivered their opening remarks, the party transitioned into a period of free socialization. Kuro and the other Six Kings, along with Shiro-san and the various human monarchs, were seated on a raised dais, receiving guests who stepped forward to pay their respects.
Though, in Shiro-san’s case, it looked as if Chronoa-san was handling every single interaction on her behalf.
Everyone seemed quite busy, including Magnawell-san—who was forced to participate by floating just his head near the tower since he was too large to fit inside. Even Lilia-san, who had arrived with me, was already occupied with a group of nobles.
As for me, Alice seemed to have pulled some strings to ensure I wasn't swarmed, allowing me to enjoy the spread at a leisurely pace.
"Kuro and the others really have their hands full, don't they?"
"Munch... mngh... Well, it’s not often one gets the chance to speak directly with the Six Kings," Alice replied, her voice muffled by the staggering amount of food she was shoveling into her mouth. "The guests here all have a certain level of standing, so they’re behaving with restraint, but being the host is still grueling work."
"And what exactly are you doing?" I couldn't help but ask as she spoke so nonchalantly. Wasn't she technically one of the hosts? Why was she gorging herself like it was her only mission? I assumed she had left a Split Body as a guard while her main body was up on the dais, but...
"Don't you worry! This right here is the main body—Gyah!"
"Seriously, what are you doing...?"
"I mean, Alice-chan has zero interest in that sort of thing. I left the social duties to Pandora-san."
"So the person dressed as the Phantasm King up there right now is actually Pandora-san?"
"Yep. I have her stand in for me from time to time."
I tended to forget because of her usual antics, but Pandora-san was the head of Alice's subordinates. When the situation called for it, she apparently donned the Phantasm King's mantle and played the part. Whether the current situation actually called for a body double was another matter entirely.
Still, Alice was just being Alice. I decided I should go greet some of my other acquaintances. I’d wait for the crowd around Kuro to thin out before heading to the dais; in the meantime, I’d scan the room. Ideally, I wanted to find someone who offered a more relaxed conversation...
"Oh, if it isn't Miyama Kaito-kun! To think we'd run into each other here. My, as a researcher, I don't typically place my faith in something as volatile as destiny—no, forgive me. I by no means intended that as an insult to the God of Fate-sama. It is simply that as a person of meager talent, I find the supernatural power of destiny impossible to calculate. Ah, apologies, I've strayed from the point. What I mean to say is that even if it is by mere chance, I am delighted to see you again."
"G-Good evening, Falce-san."
"Ah, forgive me. I've neglected the most important part. Please don't think me impolite; my excitement simply got the better of me. Truly, my apologies. Allow me to try again: Good evening."
She appeared with a brisk—no, exhaustingly fast—torrent of words. This was Falce-san, the High Elder of the Elf Race and a former companion of the First Hero, Noin-san. Even in this opulent setting, she wore her usual deep-green robe. Her consistency was truly something to behold.
"By the way, I cannot help but feel that such magnificent parties simply don't suit me. After all, I am fundamentally a creature of the shadows, wouldn't you agree? Yet, because my titles have grown so burdensome, these events only bring a mountain of trouble. I did receive an invitation from the Six Kings-sama due to our past connection—delivered via Laguna, mind you—but I honestly wanted to decline."
"I... see..."
"You have the look of someone wondering why I'm here, then. As you might have guessed, Laguna dragged me here by force. And then, despite doing so, she went off to take her place among the monarchs while I was cast out here into a social setting I am ill-equipped to handle. It really is a predicament. For someone as 'shy and quiet' as myself, an environment like this is sheer torture."
"...What?"
"Hm?"
That was strange. I thought I’d just misheard her the last time we met, but there it was again. She called herself "shy and quiet." Did Falce-san truly believe she was a woman of few words? That was a staggering delusion.
"Oh, I shouldn't monopolize your time. Let me get to the actual reason I spoke to you."
"The actual reason?"
"Yes. You helped me when I was lost the other day, didn't you? I wanted to show my gratitude. I know you have a noble heart that doesn't seek rewards, but my own conscience wouldn't be at peace. I noticed you didn't seem particularly fond of the 'specialty' or insect dishes, so I was at a loss... until I remembered something perfect. Tell me, do you like a food called Soba?"
"Soba? Oh, yeah, I like it."
"That's wonderful! Actually, I've been cultivating some at the request of Hikari... or rather, Noin. I don't mean to boast, but the crop turned out quite well. I'd love to treat you to some. If you could find the time, please visit Rigforresia at a later date. Ordinarily, as the one expressing thanks, I should be the one to visit you, but as you know, I have a disastrous lack of direction. Quite frankly, I have no confidence in my ability to reach the Royal Capital on my own."
Falce-san’s offer was simple: she wanted to treat me to Soba as thanks for being her guide. I hadn't eaten Soba in quite a while, and the thought made my mouth water. When I told her I’d be happy to accept, a gentle smile crossed her face.
Dear Mother, Father—I feel a bit bad for making Falce-san go to so much trouble, but to be honest, I’m really looking forward to it. My only real worry is whether I’ll be able to keep my head above water given her incredible talk skill... or if I’ll just be completely overwhelmed.