The capital of the Arclesia Empire was alive with the energy of the Founding Anniversary Festival. While the stalls grew increasingly crowded the closer they were to the Central Square where the official ceremony was held, two women walked through a district far removed from the heart of the festivities.
Both were dressed in commoner's garb and, at a distance, appeared as though they might be sisters. However, the young woman leading the way carried herself with an unmistakable nobility. Though her outfit was simple, the fabric was of a quality that spoke to a refined, high-class upbringing.
"...Milady, the Master is going to scold you again."
"It will be fine. We'll be back in time for the ceremony. Besides, we nobles need to understand the lives of the citizens better. As a young lady of a Reformist noble house, it is my duty to observe the streets and learn for myself."
"Your words are noble, but I suspect your actions are driven purely by curiosity, which is what gives me a headache. There’s no telling what kind of danger could find a Young Lady of a Marquis House in a place like this..."
"That’s why I have you to protect me. Don't worry, I won't stay long. We'll head back soon."
The young woman was indeed the daughter of a Marquis, and the woman following behind was her maid and bodyguard. Belonging to the Reformist Faction, the young lady had long been fascinated by the lives of commoners and frequently visited the city incognito, always accompanied by her maid.
"Lately, the Conservative Faction’s influence has waned, making it much easier to move around. Honestly, those conservatives are so stubborn... They don't have overwhelming power like the Six Kings, yet they act as if they’re superior based on nothing but past glory and bloodlines."
"Well, bloodlines do matter. To many, that is exactly what defines a noble."
"It's just such outdated thinking. I’m not saying we should go as far as the citizen-centric politics of the Hydra Kingdom, but the nobles of Arclesia really need to change. Dealing with so many blockheads is exhausting. That’s why people say we’re lagging behind Hydra and Symphonia."
"Such things usually change starting from the top. The Former Emperor was a staunch conservative, but since Her Majesty Chris took the throne, reforms have been moving at a rapid pace. It likely won't be long before the empire looks the way you envision it, Milady."
"I hope so. I truly do... Oh, but we came here to see the festival, didn't we? No point in wasting time on politics. Come, let’s see the stalls!"
Smiling at the maid's words, the young lady cast a cheerful gaze around the area.
"Actually, wouldn't a place closer to the center have been better? It would make the return trip easier..."
"Most of the stalls near the square are things I’ve seen a hundred times. Besides, it's too crowded to move. It's in out-of-the-way places like this where you find the truly unique shops."
"You really are having the time of your life, aren't you?"
"Of course! It is a festival, after all... Oh? I’ve already found something unusual."
The young lady's eyes landed on a specific stall. It was difficult to put into words, but it felt somewhat... ominous. It was heavily decorated and stood out in a very peculiar way.
"...Doesn't that look a bit suspicious? I can tell it’s a general store even from here, but doesn't it have a lot of... strange things?"
"The best treasures are found in shops like that. Come on!"
Exhilarated, the young lady hurried to the stall, her eyes shining as she looked over the eccentric collection of items on display.
"Excuse me, may I take a look? These are all so rare and fascinat—"
"Ah, welcome, O Guided One. You may conduct your selection to your heart’s content."
"...Ah, yes."
The young lady froze, her eyes widening as she looked at the shopkeeper, who spoke with a theatrical, exaggerated flair.
(Wait... isn't that... Amel-sama, the Leader of the Winged Race? There's no mistake. She doesn't have wings—she must be hiding them—but as a Marquis's daughter, I could never misidentify such a vital national figure. W-W-Why is the Leader of the Winged Race running a stall in a place like this?! No, wait, more importantly, I must not be disrespectful! If I were to offend her, my father would be in serious trouble...)
Amel was generally unknown to the public, and since almost no one had seen her face, she went unrecognized without her wings. However, as a member of the high nobility, the young lady had seen her before. Though her etiquette training kept her face calm, she was panicking internally.
"If there’s anything you’re curious about, I’ll explain it. Please, feel free to ask."
"Eh? Ah, yes, thank you very mu... ch..."
Drawn by the new voice, she shifted her gaze to the person standing beside Amel. Instantly, all the color drained from her face.
(Ababababa... Is that... is that Miyama Kaito-sama? There's no doubt about it. It’s the same face from the portraits... No, if it were just him, it could be a lookalike, but if he’s with Amel-sama, he’s definitely the real thing... Awawawawa, why is someone like him running a stall here?!)
Kaito was equally legendary among the nobility. Her parents had shown her his portrait countless times, drilling it into her head that he was the most important person in the world and that she must never, ever be rude to him.
(C-C-Calm down! I am a daughter of a Marquis! I cannot let this panic show on my face! If I were to incur the displeasure of Miyama Kaito-sama, our entire house would vanish by tomorrow morning!)
Desperately trying to maintain her composure, the young lady subtly pressed a hand against her stomach as it began to throb with a sharp, agonizing pain.
Serious-senpai: "I'll tell you exactly what just happened... Based on the usual order, I thought a certain Stomach Pain Warrior of the Demon Realm would be appearing next, but instead, a nameless mob of a young lady just took a direct body blow to the gut..."