"...The Dragon Carnival? What exactly is that?"
"Umu. Simply put, it is something akin to a tournament held in the presence of the King. Once a year, the dragon species serving under Magnawell-sama engage in mock battles to demonstrate their prowess before him. However, what makes this event unique is that only young dragons—those who have yet to reach a thousand years of age—are permitted to participate."
"Heh, so there's an event like that."
"For the young ones, it is a rare opportunity to show their strength to the King himself. They all get quite worked up for it, without exception."
I pondered Flare-san’s explanation as she exhaled a plume of purple smoke before me. A clash between young dragons... that sounded like it would be incredibly intense. If it included everyone up to a millennium old, there were bound to be many participants, making it an event of significant scale.
Still, I didn't quite grasp why Flare-san had come specifically to tell me about it.
"My comrade-in-arms, I would like to invite you to this Dragon Carnival."
"Um... I appreciate the offer, but is that the kind of thing someone like me is allowed to attend?"
"It is generally a private affair, closed to outsiders... however, I have secured Magnawell-sama’s permission to prepare a special viewing seat for you this time. There are two reasons for this. The first is simply that I wish for my comrade-in-arms to witness the heated battles of our kind. The second concerns what you told me previously—the matter of you making your rounds to greet the Six Kings' Executives."
"Ah, does that mean..."
"Exactly. All of the Four Great Magic Dragons will be in attendance for the carnival. I thought it would be the ideal opportunity for you to settle your business with everyone at once."
I see; that was a fantastic suggestion. I was currently in the middle of visiting the Seven Princesses of the World King’s subordinates, but there wasn't any strict rule saying I had to finish one group before starting another.
Besides, I was currently waiting for the next member of the Seven Princesses to become available, so getting my introductions to the Four Great Magic Dragons out of the way now made perfect sense.
Gathering them all in one place would save me the trouble of traveling to multiple locations. It really would kill two birds with one stone.
"That would be a huge help. I’d love to attend."
"I see. In that case, regarding the date and location—"
"Ah, sorry. Could you wait just a second?"
"Hmm?"
I paused the conversation as a certain person came to mind. In a way, this might be the perfect opportunity for her as well.
"...Flare-san. I’ll ask Magnawell-san myself later, but would it be alright to have one more seat prepared in the viewing area?"
"Fumu. That is no problem. There is no need even to trouble Magnawell-sama with such a request; I can arrange that much at my own discretion. Is there someone specific you wish to invite?"
"Yes. Actually..."
After seeing Flare-san off, I walked through the corridor toward Lilia-san’s office. When I arrived, it seemed Luna-san was out, leaving Lilia-san alone at her desk.
"Lilia-san, do you have a moment?"
"Yes, I’m free. Did something happen?"
"I just wanted to check if your schedule was open on a certain day..."
When I mentioned the dates Flare-san had given me, Lilia-san wore a contemplative expression for a moment before nodding.
"I can adjust my plans for those days. Is there a particular reason?"
"Yeah. Actually, Flare-san just invited me to an event called the Dragon Carnival. I was wondering if you’d like to go with me, if you’re free."
"......"
"You know, I promised a while back that I’d introduce you to Magnawell-san properly. I figured this would be a good chance."
"......"
"...Lilia-san?"
For some reason, she fell completely silent. As I tilted my head, wondering what was wrong, her expression suddenly shifted into one of pure, unadulterated shock.
Ah, I see... her brain just needed a second to catch up.
"T-T-T-T-The Dragon Carnival!? Are you... are you serious? Is it really that legendary..."
"I don't know if it's 'legendary' or not, but it's definitely the Dragon Carnival."
"I-I heard that no one except those directly serving the Dragon King is even allowed to approach the site where it's held...!"
"Right. Flare-san was kind enough to arrange special seats for us. I asked her if I could bring you along if you were free, and she gave me the okay, so I came to invite—"
"I’m going! I am absolutely going!!"
"—Whoa, Lilia-san!?"
"As expected of Kaito-san! To think I would actually get to attend the legendary Dragon Carnival!"
Lilia-san, who had been sitting behind her desk just a heartbeat ago, was suddenly standing right in front of me. She beamed with a radiant smile as she squeezed my hands tightly.
Well, I knew Lilia-san was a dragon fanatic and would be thrilled, and since this would finally fulfill her wish to be introduced to Magnawell-san, I was glad I asked.
I was glad, but... this woman just moved at a speed I couldn't even track, didn't she? Luna-san had mentioned she’d become incredibly strong over the last two years, and it seemed that was no exaggeration.
Serious-senpai: "...Uh, so I take it we are officially beginning the 'Introduction to the Four Great Magic Dragons + Date with Lilia Arc'?"
???: "That is correct."
Serious-senpai: "...And so begins another descent into hell."
???: "Isn't it always hell for you, Serious-senpai?"
Serious-senpai: "...Fair point."