The sea bordered a mountain range in the southern reaches of the Demon Realm. The water’s surface churned violently before a colossal water dragon, Eingana, breached the waves.
Flarebell Nizbel, who happened to be standing atop a nearby crag with his arms crossed in meditation, noticed the commotion and shifted his gaze toward the sea. Recognizing the visitor, Eingana spoke in a voice that resonated through the air.
"What a coincidence, Nizbel. Still devoted to your training, I see?"
"I have been sharpening my Magic Power through meditation, as I found myself with idle hands. It is rare for you to emerge completely from the depths, Eingana. Ah, I see. It is already that time of year."
"Yes. The Harmonic Symphony begins tomorrow."
"You always did have a penchant for music. Unfortunately, I have little ear for such things."
Eingana was a true connoisseur of music, frequently visiting classical concerts and other performances. For her, the triennial Harmonic Symphony was the highlight of her calendar, and she always meticulously adjusted her schedule to attend.
"Why don't you join me, Nizbel?"
"Hmm. It may indeed be a failing on my part to leave such ignorance unaddressed. My schedule is clear. Perhaps participating wouldn't be a waste of time."
"Then it is decided. We shall go together. If there is anything you find confusing, I shall act as your guide."
"Very well. I shall leave it in your hands."
Nizbel, ever the embodiment of ambition, accepted Eingana's invitation. He viewed the Harmonic Symphony as a perfect opportunity to overcome his lack of musical appreciation and further refine his character.
"Shall we discuss tomorrow’s itinerary, then?" Eingana asked.
"No, wait a moment. I must first finish the training I had originally scheduled for tomorrow within the remaining hours of this day."
"...I-I see."
Inside Kuromueina's Castle, nestled within the Demon Realm, others were equally eager for the coming festivities.
"I can’t wait! Tomorrow is finally the Harmonic Symphony!"
"Try not to get too carried away, Raz. Though I must admit, I’m looking forward to it as well."
Funf watched with a pleasant laugh as Razlyria expressed her joy, her small body fluttering excitedly around the room.
Because Razlyria was close friends with Tiltania—and because she was a Fairy who naturally adored song and music—she never missed the Harmonic Symphony.
"Hmm, since my schedule is open, I think I’ll join you this year."
"Funf-oneechan, are you really coming? Then you have to go with Raz! Let’s go together!"
"Fufu, alright. We’ll go as a pair."
"Hooray! I’m going with Funf-oneechan! This is going to be the best one yet!"
Funf happened to be free, and since it was a rare occasion, she decided to make the most of it. Upon hearing the news, Razlyria’s excitement doubled, and she zipped through the air with even more vigor.
Watching the scene with a warm smile, Funf suddenly seemed to recall something. She paused for a moment and then sent a Hummingbird flying toward a certain acquaintance.
In the Northern Region of the Demon Realm, within the desolate expanse of the Land of Death, three of the Death King’s subordinates sat conversing over Black Tea inside Isis's Castle.
"...Harmonic Symphony? Hmm, I have heard the name in passing, but I have never attended," Sirius remarked.
"The same goes for me," Polaris replied, adjusting her white pointed hat with a wry smile. "However, the festival itself doesn't particularly concern us. Our focus is the tea party held immediately afterward."
Sirius, who had spent most of her life immersed in martial training, was largely ignorant of such social events.
"Isis-sama has been invited to the tea party hosted by Lilliwood-sama, which follows the Harmonic Symphony," Polaris continued. "Since Isis-sama wishes for us to accompany her, it has been settled that we will all attend the gathering."
"I see... However, I am unfortunately untutored in the ways of proper etiquette."
"Do not worry. I hear it is not a particularly stiff affair."
"If you say so..."
As Lilliwood's best friend, Isis naturally received an invitation to the post-festival tea party every three years.
In the past, the volatile nature of her Magic Power of Death had prevented her from attending. This time, however, thanks to Kaito’s influence, her power was far more stable. Combined with the support of her three loyal subordinates, she had finally decided to accept the invitation. Iris, Polaris, and Sirius would all be going with her.
"Ah, and I should mention," Iris added, "Kaito Miyama will also be attending the tea party. If the timing is right, you will likely have the chance to meet him."
"Oh, that is fortunate," Polaris said. "He is an exceptionally important individual to us. I was hoping to offer him my greetings sooner rather than later."
"I know little of this Kaito Miyama, other than the fact that he is Isis-sama's lover," Sirius admitted. "What sort of man is he?"
"It would take quite some time to give you the full history, so I shall provide an abbreviated version for now. Let’s see... the first time I met him was during the Six Kings Festival..."
As Iris began her explanation for Sirius's benefit, Polaris reached into her pocket and quietly pulled out a card. She gazed at it for a moment, the high-quality material catching the light.
Inscribed upon the elegant card were the words: Kaito Miyama Fan Club Member No. 85.
Serious-senpai: "Wait just a minute! The number of club members has increased by at least eight times since the last update!?"
???: "By the way, this club is strictly a 'those who know, know' type of organization. You can't even find it without a high level of personal skill or information-gathering ability."
Serious-senpai: "...The total Combat Power of the membership must be terrifyingly high."