Leaving Chronoa’s temple behind and descending to the Lower Level, we were met with the massive crowd I’d expected.
"Wow… This is quite the density. It’s almost as packed as the temple was back when we received our blessings."
"True. But compared to the Six Kings Festival, which was invitation-only, or the Hero Festival, which lasts a full month, I think having this many people around makes it feel more like an actual festival."
"Ah, you’ve got a point there."
Aoi responded to my idle musing. She was right; if you were looking for that classic festival atmosphere, this was definitely it. And while it was certainly crowded, it hadn't reached the point where moving around was impossible.
Well, since people were still being processed at the gates, there was no telling how much the crowd would swell later on...
"Master, shall we head to the Middle Level immediately?"
"Hmm, the Lower Level is probably only going to get more crowded as the day goes on, so maybe it’s better to look around here first? They’re supposed to have entry restrictions for the Middle Level, but since they’re providing us with a personal guide, I don’t think we have to worry about being turned away."
As I answered Anima’s question, I glanced at the others. No one seemed to have any objections to my suggestion of touring the Lower Level first.
"In that sense, we’ve got it easy," Hina noted. "Since Kaito-senpai is with us, we don't have to worry about hitting any capacity limits."
"That is true, and it is a relief, but… a Sky God, was it? Usually, one would never have the chance to meet a High-ranking God like that in their entire lifetime."
"Milady, it’s a bit late for that. Besides, isn't it better this time since we actually have a heads-up?"
While we chatted, the group began to move as one. Looking back at the Treasure Tree Festival, Hina seemed to be a huge fan of these events; her excitement was clearly through the roof.
I watched with a wry smile as Aoi held Hina back from bolting toward the nearest stall, then I let my own gaze wander.
Since anyone could set up a shop in the Lower Level as long as they filed an application, a vast variety of stalls lined the streets. There were the usual staples, but also some quite rare sights…
"Oh, look! Over there—doesn't that Danish Taiyaki look amazing?"
"…Taiyaki? As expected of a grand festival, they have some truly rare stalls here."
"Huh?"
Aoi, Hina, and I all tilted our heads in unison at Sieg’s soft comment. We all thought the Danish Taiyaki looked delicious, but based on her tone, it sounded like it wasn't just the Danish version that was rare—it was Taiyaki itself.
"…Sieg, is Taiyaki considered rare here?"
"Eh? Yes. You generally only see it at massive events like the Hero Festival."
"It’s minor enough that you almost never see it at an event the size of the Treasure Tree Festival we visited recently," Luna added.
I tilted my head at their explanations. I suppose this was what they called a cultural difference. For those of us in the Otherworlder Group, Taiyaki was a common sight.
Well, I guess even back home you didn't see it at every single festival, but come to think of it, I didn't recall seeing a single Taiyaki stall in the city here either. I did remember seeing Takoyaki back in the Hydra Kingdom, though.
"…Just out of curiosity, what’s the most popular festival food in this world?"
"Baby Castella," Lilia answered almost instantly.
"…Wait, does that have something to do with Kuro?"
"Most likely. The Underworld King is a figure of immense popularity, and her love for Baby Castella is common knowledge."
There was only one person who came to mind when she mentioned those little sponge cakes. I see. If Kuro—one of the Summits of the Demon Realm and a well-known street-food enthusiast—loved them, then it made perfect sense that Baby Castella would become a trend.
No wonder I saw them everywhere... In fact, those stalls on the sixth day of the Six Kings Festival that were overflowing with Baby Castella might have actually been a fairly realistic depiction of the world's tastes.
"Well, since we're here, why don't we try some?"
"That sounds lovely. We don't get many chances to eat it, and I'm interested to see what Danish Taiyaki is like," Lilia said with a smile and a nod.
"I’ll go buy them—"
"Wait, Anima, I'll go with you."
The ever-attentive Anima was about to head off as our representative, but since our group was large, I figured it would be too much for one person and decided to tag along.
They seemed to have both red bean and custard fillings, so I bought a mix of both. After paying, we left the stall and started walking back to the others.
As we walked, Anima spoke up in a low voice.
"…Master, didn't that stall owner just now look a bit like Fia-dono?"
"Oh, now that you mention it, her hair color and length were the same. From a distance, she really did..."
I glanced back to double-check. The woman running the Danish Taiyaki stall did have the exact same hair color as Fia, and even her height and build were similar.
Up close, their facial features were different enough that you could tell immediately, but from a distance, it was a mistake anyone could make.
…Wait. I feel like I’ve heard this exact conversation somewhere before. Now, where was it…?
Serious-senpai: "I seriously didn't expect Fia (Temp) to make a reappearance."
???: "Actually, instead of a reappearance, this is technically her first appearance in the story proper..."