When I returned to the group with Flare-san and Eingana-san in tow, Lilia-san addressed them, her expression radiant with joy.
"Nizbel-sama, Eingana-sama, it is truly an honor to encounter you both again."
"It has been a while, Duchess Lilia. I am glad our paths crossed by chance," Flare-san replied.
"Hello, Lilia-san. It has been quite some time since the Dragon Carnival, hasn't it?" Eingana-san added with a smile.
Lilia-san had previously greeted Flare-san at the mansion, and she had met Eingana-san during the Dragon Carnival.
"Just look at that delighted face of hers," Lunamaria-san remarked. "It's a far cry from the terror she felt when we ran into Gluttony-sama."
"Well... considering I'm doing something similar this time around, I'm not really in a position to judge," Sieg-san replied with a wry smile, currently busy collecting autographs from the Seven Princesses.
"I am already acquainted with Duchess Lilia, but I see many unfamiliar faces here," Flare-san said, turning to the rest of the group. "I am Flarebel Needsveld, one of the Four Great Magic Dragons serving the Dragon King, Magnawell-sama. You may call me Needsveld."
"And I am Aquarina Eingana, also of the Four Great Magic Dragons. Please call me Eingana, the name bestowed upon me by Magnawell-sama."
Since it was the first time they were meeting anyone besides Lilia-san, the two dragons offered their formal introductions.
"My name is Lunamaria. I serve as a maid for the Ducal House of Albert."
"And I am Sieglinde, the Captain of the Security Force for the Ducal House of Albert."
Flare-san studied them for a moment before nodding in approval. "Both of you appear to possess abilities at the absolute pinnacle for humankind. Given your youth, you are undoubtedly exceptional talents with much to offer, just like Duchess Lilia."
"I'm Aoi Kusunoki."
"I-I'm Hina Yuzuki."
"Hmm... you two are like hatchlings fresh from the egg," Flare-san observed, her eyes narrowing with interest. "However, that simply means you are bundles of untapped potential. I look forward to seeing how you grow."
"...No mock battles, Flare," Eingana-san interjected, her gaze hardening.
"Eingana... it seems we need a long, thorough discussion about exactly how you perceive me."
As Flare-san smiled while evaluating their potential, Eingana-san had immediately cut her off with a sharp warning. I had a feeling something had happened between them in the past—most likely something that left Eingana-san as the victim.
"A-Anyway, Lilia-san," I said, stepping in. "Flare-san and Eingana-san were actually planning to see Erial-san's performance too. I suggested we head there together—is that all right with you?"
"Yes, of course! It would be a distinct honor. I would be delighted!"
"Our thanks, Duchess Lilia. We shall impose upon your company for a time," Flare-san said.
Lilia-san’s response time was incredibly fast when dealing with the Four Great Magic Dragons. I’d expected a quick decision, but she had agreed instantly. No one else had any objections, so Flare-san and Eingana-san joined our party.
Just as we were about to set off toward Erial-san's area, Eingana-san spoke up as if a thought had just struck her.
"Does everyone have shoes that are easy to move in? If you are wearing something restrictive, I recommend renting or purchasing a new pair at this plaza before we proceed."
"Um, Eingana-san... why is that?" I asked.
"Heavenly Flower Princess Erial's performance is always a dance, but it follows three distinct formats. The first is a showcase featuring Erial and her attendants; the second is a versus format where they recruit volunteers for a dance battle; and the third is a participation format where everyone gathered joins in a massive dance. These formats rotate in order. Since the last Harmonic Symphony featured the versus format, this time is guaranteed to be a participation-style event. You will definitely want comfortable footwear."
"I see... that’s good to know. You're incredibly well-informed, Eingana-san."
"Eingana is a true lover of music," Flare-san explained. "She attends the Harmonic Symphony every year, so her knowledge of the event is quite extensive."
This was an incredibly lucky break. Since this was the first time any of us had attended, having an expert guide felt like a massive weight off our shoulders.
"Actually, this is the first time for all of us, so we don't know much about the festivities," I admitted. "Eingana-san, if there are any other things we should watch out for regarding the Seven Princesses' performances, would you mind teaching us?"
"Of course. I would be happy to give you a brief explanation while we walk."
When I asked for her help, Eingana-san readily agreed. It was a huge relief. Honestly, I kind of wanted her to stay with us even after Erial-san's show, though I knew she and Flare-san probably had their own schedule to keep.
Serious-senpai: "Come to think of it, during the Treasure Tree Festival, they had Reijihart and Sylphia; during the Six Kings Festival, they had Alice's guidebook; and during the White God Festival, they had Sky's guidance. This is the first time the entire group has started a festival completely in the dark."
???: "Well, since the Harmonic Symphony is effectively a massive music festival, having an expert around really does make all the difference."