The area assigned to Erial was uniquely configured. The ground was divided into sections color-coded in red, blue, and various other hues. At the center of these zones stood a raised platform, elevated by a single step like a small stage.
That wasn't all. In the very center of the layout, encircled by the various color-coded zones and the initial platforms, stood a second stage raised even higher.
"Hmm. I can tell that a great deal of thought has been put into the presentation, but the intent remains unclear. If she intends to dance on those stages, the space is far too small for a participatory performance," Flare mused.
"True. I can tell the colored areas will be used for something, but I can't quite picture how," I agreed as I scanned the venue.
Right then, an individual who appeared to be one of the World King’s subordinates approached us.
"You are Miyama Kaito and his party, correct? Lady Erial requested that I bring you all to her."
"Ah, yes. Understood. Lead the way, please."
It felt a bit strange to be singled out as the group’s representative among this particular company. Logically, I knew it made sense given my friendship with Lilliwood, but when I was out with the residents of the mansion, I usually thought of Lilia as our leader. Perhaps it was because she had effectively filled that role during the Treasure Tree Festival.
I had sent a Hummingbird to Erial beforehand, letting her know I wanted to introduce Sieg and the others. Following the guide, we moved behind the stage into a restricted area reserved for staff. The space served as a preparation area for Erial and her team, and it reminded me of a backstage dressing room at a concert venue.
In the center of the largest room stood Erial. Instead of her usual dancer’s costume, she was dressed in casual streetwear—likely prepared specifically for today—that looked perfect for street dancing.
"Welcome... in other words, thank you for coming. Joy of reunion... in other words, I'm happy to see you again, Kaito."
"Hello, Erial-san. I'm sorry for intruding while you're so busy."
"No problem... in other words, don't worry about it."
"Is that your costume for today? You have a different aura than usual; it looks wonderful on you."
While the outfit looked casual at a glance, parts of it were made from reflective material that sparkled whenever the light caught it. I imagined it would look even more brilliant under a spotlight—a costume meticulously designed for stage presence.
"Happy words... in other words, I'm glad you think so. New faces... in other words, these are the friends you mentioned in your message. Introduction... in other words, I am Erial. It's a pleasure."
Thanks to my advance notice, the introductions between Erial and the others proceeded without a hitch. Despite her unique speech pattern, Erial was a kind person at heart, so there were no issues.
She even graciously agreed to sign the autograph Sieg wanted. There was something so reassuring about the Seven Princesses... without naming names, they were a far cry from certain other high-ranking subordinates.
"Hello, Erial."
"Grateful for every visit... in other words, you came again this year, Eingana. Thank you."
"Your performances are always so creative that I look forward to them every time."
"Meeting expectations... in other words, I'll do my best not to disappoint you. One question... in other words, there's something I'm curious about. First visit... in other words, I believe this is Nizbel's first time here. Apology if mistaken... in other words, sorry if you've been coming and I just didn't notice."
"No, your assessment is correct; this is indeed my first time attending."
As fellow Six Kings' Executives, they clearly shared a rapport. Eingana was a regular at the Harmonic Symphony, so she and Erial seemed quite close. Erial, on the other hand, looked a bit surprised to see Flare, who didn't seem like the type to attend music festivals.
"I had planned to attend eventually, but it is difficult to find the motivation without a specific reason. However, Eingana happened to invite me this time, so I decided to take the opportunity."
"Convinced... in other words, I see. Welcome... in other words, I'm glad you came regardless of the reason."
"Indeed. I look forward to seeing your performance as well."
"Acknowledged... in other words, understood. Keep your expectations high."
After a brief exchange with Flare, Erial’s expression shifted as if she had just remembered something.
"Recollection... in other words, speaking of which, Megiddo-sama was here two performances ago."
"Wait, Megiddo-san was?"
"Occasional visitor... in other words, Megiddo-sama doesn't come every year, but he stops by the Harmonic Symphony from time to time."
"I-I see..."
Well... I knew it. Despite his appearance, Megiddo actually possessed a refined appreciation for the arts. I knew that, yet there was still an indescribable sense of dissonance seeing a guy like him at an event like this.
...And for some reason, why was Lilia staring off into the distance with a look of absolute certainty that a meeting was inevitable?
???: Well, Gorilla-san actually knows quite a bit about art and music. And besides... they’re bound to run into each other.
Serious-senpai: They definitely will. Of course they’ll meet. A flag that blatant was just raised; there’s no way the Flag King isn't going to have a run-in with him.