After enjoying the quiz, I headed toward a more exclusive area with everyone else—a place where rare items and artifacts were on display.
It was essentially a museum-like setting, featuring various exhibits related to the God Realm.
"Shallow Vernal-sama has granted special permission to display several items from the Sanctuary this time, so the competition for the lottery was quite intense," Sky-san explained.
According to her, the exhibition area was located inside a building designed to resemble a temple. Admission was strictly limited, requiring both prior application and a winning lottery ticket.
From items used by the Gods during previous Hero Festivals to rare flora from the God Realm, the collection featured items truly worthy of the title "secret treasures." It had been a major topic of conversation even before the festival began.
In particular, the inclusion of artifacts from the Sanctuary—a domain forbidden even to the Supreme Gods without permission—was a highlight. Since these were items associated with Shiro-san, several flowers that only grew in the Sanctuary, such as the Eternal Flower, were currently on display.
"However, recognizing that rarity once again makes me realize how incredible Master is for being invited to the Sanctuary so frequently," Eta remarked.
"Even for this exhibition area, he can bring us along without needing to enter the lottery. As expected of Master... yes," Theta added.
Indeed, just as Eta and Theta said, reconfirming the monumental status people like Shiro-san and Fate-san held in this world made me realize just how extraordinary the people in my life were.
Kuro and Alice were legendary figures on a global scale. Even if those around her were simply too incredible, Lilia-san herself was a former Princess and a current Duke, and she possessed enough power to contest the title of humankind's strongest with Laguna-san. She was actually quite impressive.
As we chatted and approached the entrance of the exhibition area, I suddenly caught sight of a familiar face at the edge of my vision.
It was truly a day for crossing paths with acquaintances, but since I’d spotted her, I should at least say hello.
"Sky-san, sorry. I saw someone I know, so I’m going to go greet them."
"Understood. In that case, we will wait at the entrance. There are commemorative gifts for sale here, so please take your time. We shall all enter together once Miyama-san returns."
"That helps. Well then, I'll be back in a bit."
Sky-san, who promptly made arrangements so the others wouldn't be left waiting and assured me it was fine if the conversation ran long, really exuded an aura of extreme competence.
Grateful for her precise thoughtfulness, I walked over to the person I’d spotted at a quick pace.
"Hello, Camellia-san. What a coincidence to see you here."
"Kaito-san? Hello... You surprised me."
"Sorry for calling out so suddenly. I just happened to see you from a distance and thought I’d say hi..."
"No, it's not that... I was just surprised you noticed me among so many people."
"It's not that extremely crowded, though..."
When I spoke to Camellia-san, she seemed shocked by something rather unexpected. It was true that the festival was busy, but since this area was mostly for events that required prior registration, it wasn't nearly as packed as the other levels.
"N-No, it's not that... I have such a plain presence that it's overwhelmingly common for me to go unnoticed..."
"Uh, really? Well, we are acquaintances, after all, so I can recognize you even from a distance."
"...Come to think of it, Kaito-san, you always notice me immediately even at Lilliwood-sama's castle. Fufu, it might be a strange way to put it, but it makes me happy."
Now that she mentioned it, I remembered Lilliwood-san saying once that Camellia-san was excellent but had such a thin presence that people rarely noticed her. Honestly, I’d thought she was joking.
I’d never felt like Camellia-san was hard to see, so it was likely that my Sympathy Magic was playing a role.
"By the way, Camellia-san, were you here to see the exhibition?"
"...Well, I came to the festival because a friend invited me, and that friend wanted to see something in the exhibition area... Unfortunately, neither I nor my friend did enough research. When I left my friend to go check the requirements, they told me that prior application was mandatory and we couldn't enter. I was just on my way back to deliver the news."
"Ah, I see how it is."
I see... I see. Well, we weren't strangers, and Camellia-san had always looked after me whenever I visited Lilliwood-san. It might be a small imposition on Sky-san, but I wanted to help her if possible.
"...Camellia-san, if you'd like, why don't you come with us? I think if I ask, they can probably make room for two more people."
"Eh? T-That would be wonderful, but... wouldn't it be a bother?"
"Camellia-san, you've always been kind to me, so please don't worry about it."
"...Thank you so much. My friend was really looking forward to this... It's shameful of me, but I'll take you up on your offer. I will definitely repay this favor later."
"Don't worry about it. For now, let's go find your friend."
I gave the apologetic Camellia-san a gentle smile and walked with her toward where her friend was waiting a short distance away.
But I wondered... what kind of person was Camellia-san’s friend?
Serious-senpai: "Phew, what Flag Recovery Speed... I can't say anything except that it's just like him."
???: "Sympathy Magic, the Sanctuary Flowers, and even the Eternal Flower obtained in the quiz... with the event items fully stocked, this is a Guaranteed Victory."