As we turned onto East Street and walked for a while, the atmosphere shifted. Unlike the central plaza, which was dominated by food stalls, this area was filled with storefronts displaying handicrafts and artisanal goods.
The district had a distinct feel, showcasing everything from fine ceramics to intricate woodwork. According to Cento-san, the "Five-colored Pottery" of Sinfonia was quite famous, and indeed, pottery seemed to be the main attraction here.
"Is the Five-colored Pottery located over in that area?" I asked.
"Yes, that’s right," Cento-san replied. "While that style is the most common, that shop over there actually sells ceramics from the Hydra Kingdom. You'll find traditional crafts with deep roots like the Five-colored pieces here, but there are also modern innovations, particularly the Class Blue wares from the Hydra Kingdom."
"I see... Does any particular shop stand out to you, Cento-san?"
"As expected of the Founding Festival, the quality is exceptional. I’ve been looking for some small plates... and that shop over there looks promising."
The shop Cento-san indicated displayed plates of various sizes, each leaving a vivid, beautiful impression. If it had piqued her interest, I certainly wasn't going to object.
We reached the stall. Cento-san began examining the plates with a look of intense concentration, so I stepped back a little to stay out of the other customers' way.
"So, Tre-san, Sien-san... do either of you know much about this sort of thing?"
"I'm completely clueless!" Tre-san chirped. "My only thought is that they sure are pretty."
"I know a bit," Sien-san added. "Cento says that with Five-colored Pottery, the key is the vividness and balance of the colors. It’s not just about the beauty of the individual hues; the way they harmonize with one another is essential."
I see. Harmonious colors, huh... Personally, I felt like I was in the same boat as Tre-san. I could tell they were beautiful, but I lacked the technical eye to understand exactly why one was better than the next.
I was absentmindedly watching Cento-san make her selection when I suddenly spotted a familiar face out of the corner of my eye.
"Ah, Tre-san, Sien-san, excuse me for a second. I saw someone I know, so I’m going to go say hello."
"Hm? Sure thing. We’ll be right here in front of the shop."
"Understood."
It looked like Cento-san would still need a bit of time to choose, so I decided to go greet my acquaintance and moved away after letting Tre-san and the others know.
It was an unexpected person to run into... or maybe not. While ceramics didn't quite fit her image, woodwork felt right at home for her.
"Hello, Camellia-san. What a coincidence to run into you here."
"Oh? Kaito-san? Hello... My, you really are quick to notice things. It's quite rare for an acquaintance to find me in a place like this."
The person I had spotted was indeed Camellia-san, who had been browsing a stall filled with wooden cups. She turned around with a slight, wry smile before giving me a gentle look.
"But I'm delighted to see you. Thank you for your kindness during the Harmonic Symphony and the tea party."
"No, the pleasure was mine."
"Well... we shouldn't keep talking in front of the shop. Please wait just a moment."
After making that remark, Camellia-san purchased the two wooden cups she had been eyeing. She tucked them away using space-time magic, then stepped away from the stall to a less crowded spot with me.
"I had planned to visit your stall later, but meeting you here is a pleasant surprise. Are you out shopping for handicrafts today?"
"Ah, not for me, really. Cento-san is with me, and since she’s a pottery enthusiast, we headed this way."
"I see. Now that you mention it, you were managing your stall with Tre-san and the rest of them, weren't you?"
"That's right. I suppose it's only natural that you'd know them. I should have brought them over to say hi."
As a Six Kings' Executive who has lived for an incredibly long time, Camellia-san likely has plenty of interactions with Tre-san and her group. Especially since Tre-san is on good terms with Til-san, I imagined there was a lot of overlap with the World King's subordinates.
"I wouldn't say I'm particularly close with Tre-san's group, but we do see each other quite often. Within our faction, Til-san and Jutia-san are the ones who are truly on friendly terms with them."
"Ah, that makes sense. I can definitely see those two getting along perfectly with Tre-san."
The cheerful, outgoing Til-san and Jutia-san were a natural match for Tre-san. I could easily picture the three of them chatting up a storm and having a blast together.
"On another note, Elly mentioned that she wanted to invite you to the Garden of Myriad Flowers. Please let her know when you have a free day."
"Understood. Will it be okay if I tell Rosmiel-san?"
"Yes. She’s been saying it for quite a while now... but it felt like if I left it to Elly, she would never work up the courage to bring it up herself."
"Ahaha, that sounds like Rosmiel-san."
Since Rosmiel-san is famously shy, the idea that she would find it difficult to invite someone herself was exactly as I had imagined.
I chatted with Camellia-san for a bit longer before heading back to Tre-san and the others.
???: "By the way, Serious-senpai. You were executed by Shallow Vernal-sama on the back cover of volume 7 of the manga, weren't you?"
Serious-senpai: "...I hate her."