After Laguna left, I sat in my room and stared at the reserved seat tickets she had given me. There were four in total, though I didn't necessarily need to use them all.
The Founding Anniversary Festival was only a few days away. Since my primary goal was to enjoy the festivities normally—with the ceremony viewing being more of a side event—it seemed like the right move to invite one of my lovers.
However, choosing Shiro-san or Kuro here would be a blunder. If I wanted a quiet, normal experience, it would be impossible with celebrities whose mere presence commanded the spotlight.
I needed someone who wouldn't draw too much attention, someone whose schedule was likely open right now... and someone I could talk to casually.
"Alice, do you want to go to the Hydra Kingdom's Founding Anniversary Festival with me?"
"...I'm a little curious as to what line of logic led you to pick me, but honestly, I'm more than happy to go."
"Well, I just figured I could relax and have fun if I went with you. Plus, you helped out so much with my stalls in both the Kingdom of Sinfonia and the Arclesia Empire, so I wanted to do this as a way to say thanks..."
"Ooh... Is Kaito-san in his affectionate phase? Man, all of Alice-chan's hard work was worth it!"
"...Maybe I should invite someone else after all."
"Wait, wait! It was a joke, a total joke. A Transcendentally Beautiful Girl Joke!"
It was a typical response for her, but our plans for the festival were settled. I knew I could enjoy a relaxing time with her. I'd probably end up footing the bill for everything we ate at the stalls, but that wasn't much of an issue. More than that, Alice was knowledgeable and attentive; having her by my side was always a comfort.
"By the way, are you inviting anyone else?"
"Hmm, no. I think it’s better if it’s just the two of us this time. If Kuro or Fate-san came along—as close as you all are—it would probably turn into an uproar."
"Well, that’s true. In that case, let’s make the most of it and enjoy a nice, quiet time together."
I remembered asking Alice once about going on a date with others included; she’d mentioned that Kuro and Fate-san were fine, but anyone else was a hassle. Alice was kind at heart, so she would have managed even with a group... but yeah, just the two of us was fine for now.
"...Thinking about you and festivals reminds me of something."
"Whoa, watch what you say there, Kaito-san! If you keep going, I’ll die of embarrassment and flee. Are you sure about this? Don't underestimate how much of a scrub I am when it comes to romance!"
"I’m telling you, that isn’t the kind of thing you should say with such pride..."
I recalled a time when Alice and I had gone to a festival together. Some parts of my memory were still blocked, apparently the work of Alice's best friend—the Creator of another world. I couldn't remember anything involving that person. I suppose that was the extent of a Creator God’s power, just like Shiro-san’s.
However, I remembered the moments when that person wasn't around quite clearly, and I still cherished the memories of my date with Alice. She seemed too embarrassed to even bring it up, though...
"So, what's the Hydra Kingdom's festival actually like?"
"Essentially, it’s not that different from Sinfonia or the Arclesia Empire. If I had to name a specific trait, it would be that Megiddo-san attends the ceremony every year. He’s quite partial to the Hydra Kingdom, you see."
"Ah, right. I think I’ve heard that before."
The Hydra Kingdom was known for its national spirit of taking on challenges. Megiddo-san apparently found that very appealing. They were the only ones of the three nations to have an elected assembly, and they were aggressive about various reforms, giving them the image of a cutting-edge nation. I’d visited them recently for the Flying Board Tournament, and perhaps because of that progressive vibe, the citizens were full of energy and the festivals were always lively.
"...Though, this year, Laguna-san might finally play her Joker."
"Her Joker?"
"Yes. Setting aside the fact that she wants to retire, her competence as a king is exceptionally high. Right now, both Sinfonia and Arclesia are making huge waves with their festivals. If Hydra just does the same thing they do every year, it’ll look like they’re falling behind. In terms of actual national power, Hydra is technically at the top, but the general public doesn't see it that way."
"I see..."
It made sense. Commoners were easily swept up by impactful news. The Six Kings or the Supreme Gods attending in full force were powerful talking points. If Hydra did nothing, there was a risk people would assume they were losing their momentum, which could negatively impact their economy.
"So, what is this Joker?"
"It’s a bit of a forbidden move. Among all the cards Laguna-san can play, there’s only one that can truly stand on equal footing with the Six Kings or the Supreme Gods..."
"...Ah. I think I already know who you mean."
"Poor Noin-san... She’s in for it."
Exactly as Alice said. Laguna-san held a card that was every bit as powerful as the Six Kings or the Supreme Gods: the card of the Legendary Hero, the bridge connecting the three worlds.
Serious-senpai: "This is... signs of a new stomach pain!?"