Lunamaria was strolling through the Royal Capital, which was alive with the year-end bustle. Having finished her growing years and reached a height that could pass for an adult, she was now a minor celebrity within the kingdom, recognized as a top-tier adventurer.
At the moment, however, she found herself with far too much time on her hands.
"Mother is visiting Big Sis Fia, I haven't taken any new requests, and I have absolutely nothing to do."
With no particular destination in mind and nothing on her schedule until she had to pick up Noah in the evening, she let her gaze wander as she walked. Eventually, her eyes landed on a specific sign.
"The Sinfonia Kingdom Martial Arts Tournament... Ah, right, it is that time of year. This might be a good way to kill some time."
The tournament mentioned on the sign was hosted annually at the end of the year by the Kingdom's Order of Knights. It was an open competition, allowing those who were not members of the knights to participate.
As an event where those confident in their strength from across the kingdom gathered, it was quite popular.
Lunamaria considered it for a moment, then approached a stall selling admission tickets.
"May I have one ticket? A standing-room-only seat is fine."
"Here you go... Oh? I’ve seen you before. Aren't you 'Lunamaria of the Black Lily'?"
"Ah, I suppose I do have a name like that."
"You're just spectating instead of entering? I’d think someone like you could give the knights a run for their money."
The Black Lily was Lunamaria’s epithet as a top-tier adventurer, much like Noah’s Bloody Princess. She was a vocal admirer of the Underworld King Kuromueina; perhaps in imitation of her hero, she always wore a black long coat while working as an adventurer, which had led to the nickname.
She was currently in her civilian clothes and lacked the coat, yet her fame was such that even the elderly woman at the tournament reception recognized her.
"Hmm... what is the winner's prize this year?"
"The Dagger of the Howling Wind."
"Ah, the one imbued with Aero Cutter magic. It’s rare and valuable, I suppose, but I can manage Aero Cutter on my own. It seems like a lot of work to fight during my time off."
"Is that so? That’s a shame. If you had entered, all the Three Flowers of Sinfonia would have been in the same arena..."
Hearing the woman’s regretful mutter, Lunamaria’s eyebrow twitched.
"Heh... so that means the White Rose and the Crimson Camellia are here."
"Yeah, it’s the first time either of them has entered."
"Well now, I’ve been wanting to see them at least once. The timing is perfect."
"They’re both incredibly powerful. Here, standing-room-only seat 3R."
"Thank you very much."
In the Kingdom of Sinfonia, there were three individuals who held epithets based on flowers. Lilianne Rea Sinfonia, the White Rose War Maiden; Sieglinde, the Knight of the Crimson Camellia; and Lunamaria, the Adventurer of the Black Lily.
Pleased that she would get to see the combat of those she was ranked alongside in such an unexpected place, Lunamaria took her ticket and headed into the arena.
The venue was currently engulfed in a frenzy. Lilianne, already acclaimed as a once-in-a-generation genius, had just secured victory by shattering her opponent’s sword with her bare hands.
Watching the scene, Lunamaria sipped a drink she had purchased at a stall.
"..."
Her eyes were sharp, looking almost as if she were glaring at Lilianne as the Princess waved to the cheering crowd.
While Lunamaria had been reasonably entertained when the event began, her expression had shifted into one of boredom—or perhaps, irritation.
It was disappointing. That was Lunamaria’s honest impression. However, her disappointment didn't stem from the participants' lack of skill.
"She smiles with such a boring face. Like a finely crafted doll... It’s irritating."
The words she whispered were drowned out by the roar of the crowd, reaching no one's ears.
Lilianne, who had secured the position of runner-up in the tournament, was walking through the arena’s inner corridor after responding to the waves of praise.
As a path reserved for participants, there should have been no one there who had not taken part in the matches. However, standing directly in Lilianne’s path was a woman with hair the color of the clear blue sky.
"Who are you? How did you get in here?"
"I have my tricks. But let's put that aside. May I ask you one thing, Princess?"
"What is it?"
"Was it fun?"
"Eh?"
At Lunamaria’s question, Lilianne tilted her head, looking genuinely confused.
"You’re so obsessed with the voices around you, your shoulders are stiff, you've forgotten how to relax... You just stand there with a painted-on smile. You lack true charisma, Princess."
"Wh—... What are you saying so suddenly?"
"I hate it, you see. Brats like you who overstretch themselves for no reason. If you don't even know how to let your guard down, you're going to break eventually."
"..."
At Lunamaria’s confrontational tone, Lilianne’s gaze sharpened.
Silence fell between them as they probed each other with their eyes. After a long moment, Lunamaria let out a sigh.
"Well, I suppose nothing I say will reach you right now. At least, not yet."
"I don't understand. I have no idea what you are trying to say."
"My name is Lunamaria. Remember it. Next time, I’m going to make sure I save you."
"I don't recall asking to be saved, nor do I see a reason why I would need it."
"Yes, you didn't ask. I'm going to save you simply because I want to. That's all there is to it. Until we meet again, Princess."
With that, Lunamaria turned her back on Lilianne and walked away, giving a casual wave of her hand.
"My name is Lilianne."
"I have no intention of calling the current you by your name... you boring Princess."
"!?"
Lilianne glared at Lunamaria’s retreating figure, feeling an indescribable surge of irritation.
This was the first meeting of the two women who would eventually become best friends—a bond acknowledged by both themselves and everyone who knew them.