That day, the mansion was abuzz with a single topic. It wasn't just our home, either; the entire world was likely rippling with excitement over the same news.
The details of the first-ever festival hosted by the God Realm had finally been announced.
I had heard whispers from Shiro-san and Fate-san, and Lilia-san had been consulted by Chronoa-san as well, so I knew that such an event was in the works. However, I hadn't known the specifics until now. Along with the official announcement, Chronoa-san had personally delivered a guide containing all the details.
The event was named the "White God Festival." This was undoubtedly a reference to Shiro-san. However, because she wasn't the one actually organizing it—the three Supreme Gods were the hosts—they likely avoided using "Creator God," a term that pointed to Shiro-san too directly.
Still, since Shiro-san was the unrivaled pinnacle of the God Realm, it was only natural for them to choose a name that evoked her image.
The festival was scheduled for the 1st of the Month of Heavens. Moving forward, the plan was to hold it on that same day in any year that didn't have a Hero Festival. As a point of comparison, the Six Kings Festival in the Demon Realm had spanned seven days, whereas this event would take place over just one.
The Middle Level of the God Realm—usually strictly off-limits—would serve as the venue. The novelty alone was enough to generate massive hype.
"No admission restrictions... I imagine a staggering number of people will attend," Luna-san murmured as she scanned a line in the notice.
We were all gathered together—Lilia-san, Luna-san, Sieg-san, Hina-chan, Aoi-chan, Anima, and even Eta and Theta—poring over the information.
When the Six Kings Festival was first held, it had been invitation-only, restricted to guests and their companions. The White God Festival, however, had no such hurdles. Anyone could participate freely.
"The Middle Level is the main hub, but since the Lower Level is also being opened, the crowds might be manageable," Aoi-chan noted.
"It says ordinary citizens can even set up stalls in the Lower Level if they apply in advance. That's going to be so lively!" Hina-chan added, her face lit with anticipation.
While the heart of the festival was the Middle Level, the entire Lower Level was essentially being turned into a marketplace for anyone who submitted a successful application. Given the unprecedented level of attention the White God Festival was receiving, the potential for profit was astronomical. I suspected the competition for stall space would be fierce.
"The Middle Level is on another scale entirely," Sieg-san said, her eyes wide with shock. "They’re even selling limited quantities of Glorious Tea and Shallow Grande... not to mention a host of other local specialties I’ve never even heard of."
The rest of us nodded in agreement. The Middle Level was under the direct management of the Gods. Alongside the planned festivities, they were selling food and drink unique to their realm. Beyond the famous luxuries like Glorious Tea and Shallow Grande, there were apparently staples offered at very reasonable prices. There was no doubt demand would be through the roof.
Being a God Realm event, there were also religious ceremonies. For instance, temporary temples were being erected in the Middle Level where visitors could learn the proper etiquette for prayer. However, these sessions were strictly by reservation, requiring advance application due to limited capacity.
"The prayer sessions are by reservation only... I suppose they'd have issues if they just let everyone in?" I asked.
"Most likely," Lilia-san replied. "If it were open-access, the crowds would probably be so immense they wouldn't even fit in the temple. Opportunities to offer prayers at the feet of Shallow Vernal-sama are practically unheard of, after all."
I see. Being in the Middle Level meant being much closer to the Sanctuary where Shiro-san lived compared to praying from the Human Realm. It made sense that so many would want to take part. Clergy and the particularly devout would surely fight tooth and nail for those slots. The competition was going to be brutal.
"By the way... Master, will you be able to tour the grounds with us?" Anima asked. "Is there a chance Shallow Vernal-sama might summon you to the Sanctuary?"
"Ah, about that. Shiro-san actually messaged me earlier," I explained. "She wants to invite me over at 6:00 PM, so she asked me to keep my schedule clear from then on. Until then, it sounds like I'm free to wander the festival as I please."
Anima's question was perfectly valid; I'd been wondering the same thing myself. Since the Supreme Gods were the focus of this event, Shiro-san intended to remain in the Sanctuary throughout the day. However, sensing my uncertainty, she’d reached out to confirm that I could spend the day with my friends.
At 6:00 PM, the God Realm's weather would be magically changed to night for a fireworks display. She'd invited me to watch them with her, so I’d likely be heading to the Sanctuary to spend that time by her side.
There were still a few days left before the opening, but I was already looking forward to it. This festival was a major first for this world, and the excitement was contagious.