Inside her castle in the capital of the Arclesia Empire, Empress Chris sat at her desk, working through a mountain of paperwork. Despite the staggering volume of documents, her expression remained bright, almost cheerful.
Noticing her mood, a female aide spoke up as if making idle conversation.
"The economy has been on the upswing lately. It’s a promising trend."
"Yes, the entire nation seems to be gaining vitality, and I want to nurture this atmosphere. Honestly, I’d like to give it one more push, but I suppose I shouldn’t be too greedy."
"Your policies are certainly bearing fruit, Your Majesty, as is the reputation of the lands under the God of Fate’s divine protection. However, forming a partnership with the Lord Trading Company was truly the most significant development."
"Indeed. Since the largest merchant guild in the country sided with our reformist faction, the other guilds have become far more cooperative."
Chris stopped her pen and murmured thoughtfully. Ever since she had ascended the throne, she had been fighting to reform the Arclesia Empire—which had been in a dire financial state—while constantly clashing with the conservative faction.
In recent years, those efforts had finally begun to show results. Between the rising national morale from policies tailored to the common folk, the massive publicity of the tourist attractions blessed by the Supreme God, and the backing of a world-class merchant company, the entire Arclesia Empire was currently riding a very favorable wave.
"I want to ensure the upcoming Founding Anniversary Festival is a success to solidify this prosperity."
"Speaking of festivals, the one in the Kingdom of Sinfonia was extraordinary. Every one of the Six Kings participated; the publicity and economic impact were in a league of their own."
"…I’m sure it was a nightmare of stress for the organizers, but even so, I can’t help but be envious. Miyama-sama truly is an incredible force of nature…"
The conversation shifted naturally to the Founding Festival of the Kingdom of Sinfonia. It was exceedingly rare for all of the Six Kings to gather for a single national event. Usually, only the specific King with the strongest ties to a country would attend.
For the Arclesia Empire, their connection was strongest with the Dragon King Magnawell. Every year, one of the Four Great Magic Dragons—with the exception of Grandireas—would attend as his proxy.
"Well, while we may not match Sinfonia, the Dragon King-sama obtained a special split body this year, allowing him to travel without being hindered by the size of his main body. We’ve received word that he intends to attend the Founding Anniversary Festival in person, which is a great honor."
"I almost wish Miyama Kaito-sama would open a stall at our Founding Anniversary Festival as well… Your Majesty, is there no way you could make that happen?"
"Hahaha, certainly not. His appearance at Sinfonia’s festival was likely just a whim. He set up in an area away from the crowds, so it was clearly for his own amusement rather than business. Precisely because he is the sort of person who would say yes if I pleaded with him, I cannot afford to ask him carelessly."
"That is a delicate balance to strike."
In reality, if Chris were to beg, there was a high chance Kaito would agree even if he didn't feel like it. However, taking advantage of his kindness in such a way would only come back to haunt her in the long run.
Beyond the inevitable criticism from other nations, Chris herself had no desire to burden him. There had been a time when she viewed Kaito as a political asset to be utilized, but now that he had become a genuine World Singularity—and more importantly, now that she had grown close to him and developed genuine affection—the idea of exploiting him for national gain was unthinkable.
"Well, there’s no point in daydreaming about things we can’t control. Let’s focus on ensuring the Founding Anniversary Festival is a success through steady, reliable means. Enough chatter; it’s time to get back to work."
"Understood."
The aide nodded with a small smile as Chris resumed her duties. Since the Empress’s demeanor had softened, the atmosphere in the office had become much more pleasant.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Another aide entered, carrying a single letter. While Chris received a massive volume of correspondence daily, they were usually sorted and delivered in batches. For an aide to bring a single letter personally suggested it was of great importance.
"Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty. A letter has arrived for you from Amel-sama. According to a separate note included with it, she plans to open a stall at the Founding Anniversary Festival and has sent this formal application."
"Amel-dono? Not on behalf of the Winged Race, but as an individual? That is quite unusual… The Winged Race usually only puts out a small accessory stall as a matter of formality. This is unprecedented."
The Winged Race was an isolationist species. Their participation in the Founding Anniversary Festival had always been minimal—just enough to satisfy their obligations to the Empire.
For Amel, the Leader of the Winged Race, to open a personal stall was something that had never happened before. Surprised, Chris unsealed the letter and read its contents—only for her eyes to go wide.
The details written in the application were nothing short of shocking.
Stall Description: Items of Chaos Dyed in Eternal Darkness <<Regalia>> Stall Owner: Amel, My Sworn Friend Product Support: Master of Phantasms Wearing a Temporary Guise, Absolute Young Spirit of the Starry Sky
Chris tilted her head at the characteristically nonsensical phrasing regarding the items and product support, but she instantly recognized who was meant by "My Sworn Friend." Sensing that this year’s Founding Anniversary Festival was about to become a whirlwind of chaos, she sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead.
Serious-senpai: "The top-tier heavy hitters have begun their warm-up."
Machina: "Since it looks like things are actually going that way, my beloved child truly is as amazing as expected~!"