After Amel left, customers trickled in at a sporadic pace. It was exactly the kind of moderate business I’d been hoping for, allowing me to enjoy the festival atmosphere just as planned.
In this world, baby castella was a staple of any festival. There were likely dozens of other stalls selling the same thing elsewhere, so we weren't in any danger of being mobbed by a massive flood of people. Still, those who did stop by were clearly impressed. Almost everyone who tried a sample right there ended up buying extra bags to take home. It really drove home just how incredible Shiro-san’s ingredients were.
I spent the lulls between customers chatting with Tre and the others or snacking on the various festival foods she’d scavenged for us. It was a pleasant, harmonious way to pass the time—until I suddenly felt a familiar presence.
I turned toward the sensation I’d caught with my sympathy magic and saw Agni walking toward us, her hair swaying like a scorpion’s tail.
"Miyama-sama, it has been some time. Tre-dono, I have arrived as promised."
"Ah, it’s Agni! Hey there!"
"Hello, Agni-san."
Agni bowed politely to me before addressing Tre with a wry smile. Tre had mentioned they were friends, and they certainly seemed close. Then again, Tre seemed like the type who could strike up a friendship with a brick wall.
"Megiddo-sama also requested that I purchase some for him... I hate to trouble you, but could I get twenty bags?"
"Of course. We aren't that busy, so we have plenty to spare. But... is twenty bags really enough for someone of Megiddo-sama’s size?"
"Oh, he intends to eat them while humanized... Actually, he originally wanted a thousand bags at the very least. However, Kuromueina-sama stepped in. She told him, 'I only ordered a hundred bags, so surely Megiddo wouldn't dream of ordering more than that? Unless, of course, you're planning to cause trouble for Kaito-kun?' After that, the order was reduced to twenty."
Agni made it sound like a polite suggestion, but knowing Kuro, she’d probably said it while radiating a bone-chilling aura of intimidation. After all, she’d tried to buy ten thousand bags herself before Alice shut her down.
"By the way, Agni-san. How is the ceremony going?"
"It’s far more crowded than usual this year. Not only are all the Six Kings in attendance, but Amel-dono, the Leader of the Winged Race, also joined midway through because she happened to be in the area. Quite a few famous figures have gathered."
So Amel-san headed straight for the ceremony after leaving here. Given her status, I suppose it made sense for her to be there.
"I didn't realize you could join a ceremony like that midway through."
"Yes. The formal party held later at the royal castle is a different matter, but the ceremony itself is in a large open space, so joining late isn't an issue—provided there’s room, of course."
"I see. I've never actually been to one, so I had no idea. Tell me, Agni, was there anyone else unusual there?" Tre asked, sounding genuinely curious as I started packing the castella.
"The mere fact that all the Six Kings are there is unusual enough. Among those I recognized, Flare-dono was present. The Death King also brought an unknown powerhouse with her. She possessed an incredible amount of magic power... Oh, and the Goddess of Harvest was there as well. It’s rare for a deity with a temple in another country to visit, but that’s about all for the notable guests."
"Hmm, I see... The Six Kings are all interested in Kaito—or rather, this stall—aren't they? But they aren't all showing up at once."
"Naturally, you wouldn't know this, but No Face-sama is on-site managing the visiting order. She decided it would be a nuisance if everyone mobbed the stall at once. That is why I waited until now to come."
Alice... you’re seriously too competent. I glanced at the cat kigurumi standing out front with the sign. She noticed me looking and gave me a firm thumbs-up. Alice’s ability to handle these kinds of logistical headaches behind the scenes was truly impressive. I was honestly grateful.
"For now, the plan is for the Death King's subordinates to visit after I return. Still, I find myself wondering who that woman with her truly is... She feels like a spirit, but I find it hard to believe there is a spirit of that caliber that I don't know about."
"Oh, that’s Spica-san. She’s the Blue Crystal Flower Spirit. Apparently, she’s never manifested in a spirit body before, so even Lilliwood-san didn't know she existed until recently."
"Truly? Miyama-sama, your knowledge is as vast as they say."
"No, I just heard it from Isis-san... Anyway, sorry for the wait. Here are your twenty bags."
"Thank you very much."
Apparently, Spica-san and Vul were next. It was nice to have a heads-up. Based on who I knew was coming, Magnawell-san would likely be after them. Camellia-san had also mentioned she’d stop by to buy some eventually, even if she wasn't officially representing Lilliwood-san. The real wild cards were Amaterasu-san and Mana-san... Regardless, I was looking forward to meeting Spica-san for the first time.
Serious-senpai: Alice is terrifyingly efficient. My biggest concern now is that dangerous God... I wonder when she’ll decide to make her move.