After our encounter with Til-san, we decided to get our bearings and figure out where everything was located for the festival. We set off toward one of the reception desks scattered throughout the city to gather more information.
As we navigated the bustling streets of Yugfressia, my eyes caught a familiar figure in the distance.
"Oh? Is that Camellia-san over there?"
"Wait, where?"
"In that slightly open area ahead... she might be hard to see because of the crowd."
I pointed her out, but Sieg-san tilted her head in confusion, unable to spot her.
The crowd was certainly thick, making visibility poor. Since there was no way my vision could actually surpass Sieg-san's elven sight in terms of sheer magical enhancement, it was likely just the density of people blocking her view.
Camellia-san also tended to wear rather plain, muted colors, making her notoriously difficult to pick out when she blended into a group. According to her, it was simply because she had a "thin presence."
"I... I can't find her. Where is she?"
"She's pretty far off, so it can't be helped. It looks like she's handing something out—let’s head over there."
Lilia-san and the others couldn't spot her either. Since I was the only one with a visual lock, I led the group toward her.
Camellia-san was indeed holding a bundle of papers, distributing them to passersby. I wondered if it was some kind of guide. As we got closer, the others finally noticed her.
"Ah! I see her! Right there!" Hina-chan exclaimed.
The others looked relieved as they finally caught sight of her. Considering we had to get quite close before they noticed her, Camellia-san's claim about not needing Recognition Inhibition Magic to go unnoticed in town might actually be true.
"Hello, Camellia-san."
"Kaito-san? And everyone else, too. Hello. So, you've come for the Harmonic Symphony."
"We have. What are you handing out?"
"Oh, these? Just simple venue guides. Please, take one if you’d like."
"Thank you. This is perfect—we were actually just looking for a map."
The paper she handed me was a map of Yugfressia with the major events listed. It was exactly the kind of guide we had been looking for.
Glancing at it, I saw that the locations for the events hosted by the Seven Princesses were clearly marked. This would make finding Til-san's performance much easier.
"Wait... come to think of it, aren't you hosting some kind of performance or show, Camellia-san?"
"I am. While the scale differs for each of us, all the Seven Princesses serve as representatives for the festivities. I’m scheduled to host an event along with a significant number of my subordinates."
"Then why are you the one handing out maps?"
"Ah, well... the Harmonic Symphony is the largest event for those of us under the World King, and nearly all of our subordinates participate. It’s a rare opportunity for a large number of people to work toward a common goal. If I were to micromanage everything from start to finish, I’d be hindering my subordinates’ growth. That’s why I prefer to step back into a supporting role and leave the leadership to them."
That made sense. As an executive, if Camellia-san started barking orders, everyone would follow them perfectly, but they’d never learn to think for themselves. Stepping into the background to handle the behind-the-scenes work was typical of her kind-hearted nature.
"Of course, each of the Seven Princesses has their own style. Til-san and Erial-san prefer to be at the forefront of their own events. On the other hand, Elly—as you know—is quite shy, so being the center of attention is difficult for her. She’s working behind the scenes, much like I am."
"I see."
"Camellia-sama!!"
As I was processing Camellia-san's explanation, a voice called out and a woman came running from the distance.
She wore a sleeveless top, leggings, and a skirt, with her rust-colored hair tied back in a short ponytail. Her outfit gave off a distinct ninja-like vibe.
"Lanza-san? What is it?"
"Reporting! Preparations on our end are complete! I’ve come to fetch you, Camellia-sama!"
"I see. That was quite fast. Very well. I’ll head back as soon as I finish distributing these last few guides."
The woman gave a bright, energetic report. After Camellia-san's nod, she turned back to me.
"Kaito-san, this is Lanza-san, one of my subordinates. Lanza-san, this is Miyama Kaito-san."
"So this is the one the rumors are about... It is an honor to meet you! I am Lanza, a Spirit of the Spear-branch Tree and a new recruit under the World King! I look forward to your acquaintance!!"
"Ah, right. Nice to meet you too."
Her voice was incredibly loud. She was certainly an energetic person. After exchanging a few more words, Lanza-san shouted, "Well then!" and charged off again. She was like a whirlwind.
"...She’s certainly spirited."
"Yes, she really is. She has incredible initiative... though I didn't expect her to join the World King's subordinates so quickly after that incident."
"Incident?"
"Oh, no, nothing. She has quite a personality, but she’s skilled and reliable. Ahaha..."
Camellia-san gave a weak laugh, her expression a mix of amusement and exhaustion.