Inside the royal castle of the Kingdom of Sinfonia, King Ryze sat with a grave expression. The cause of his concern was a report recently brought to him by the national intelligence department.
The information in question was already spreading as a persistent rumor, primarily centered around the Hydra Kingdom. While no official announcement had been made yet, the news was attracting an immense amount of public interest.
"Then... you believe there is a high probability this is true?"
"Yes, Sire. The rumor that the Stone Monument Given to His Majesty Laguna by First Hero Hikari Kujo will be unveiled at the Hydra Kingdom's Founding Anniversary Festival is likely a fact. Something is being kept under extremely heavy guard within the Hydra Kingdom Royal Castle, and our sources believe there is a high chance it is that monument."
"I see... I should have expected her to be this shrewd. She has resorted to what one might call a forbidden move."
The original stone monument left by the First Hero still stood in the place known as Hero's Hill, where people from all over the world gathered to offer prayers and gratitude. Such was the magnitude of the legacy the First Hero had left behind.
Because her whereabouts following the Conclusion of the Friendship Treaty remained a mystery, various theories regarding her survival, death, or return to her original world had long been whispered about.
At the same time, rumors suggested that the Underworld King Kuromueina and the other members of the Hero Party knew the truth of her later years, but those details had never been made public.
Now, news that the Hydra Kingdom intended to unveil a stone monument gifted by the First Hero at their Founding Anniversary Festival was sending shockwaves through every corner of society.
The credibility of the claim was high. Laguna was a member of the First Hero Party and a world-renowned hero herself. It would not be at all strange for her to have received some kind of message from the First Hero.
The crucial point, however, was the timing. If the monument had been gifted a thousand years ago at the time the treaty was signed, it would still be understandable—though it would undoubtedly be world-shaking news.
Yet, if that were the case, the question arose as to why it had remained hidden until now. Consequently, a new rumor was gaining traction: that the stone monument had been gifted quite recently. If true, it would serve as definitive evidence supporting the First Hero Survival Theory.
Ryze and a handful of other powerful figures—those who had witnessed the clash in the God Realm over Kaito, the World's Singularity—had seen her with their own eyes. They had watched the figure of the Hero dashing across the battlefield. To them, the possibility that the First Hero still lived quietly somewhere in this world was entirely plausible.
This level of attention just because there might be a message from the First Hero... Ryze thought. When it is confirmed as fact, the interest will likely eclipse even the festivals in the Kingdom of Sinfonia and the Arclesia Empire. She has truly gone and done it.
In truth, while the Six Kings and Supreme Gods commanded tremendous respect, there were opportunities to see them—such as the Hero Festival held once every decade where they all gathered in one place.
The First Hero, however, was a figure of worldwide renown who had vanished into the shadows of mystery after the treaty. Her disappearance made her potential reappearance a spectacle of the highest order.
Classic Laguna, Ryze mused. He suspected that the way the information was currently flowing in a blurred, indistinct manner was part of Laguna's strategy. By letting rumors fly and allowing public anticipation to peak while the details remained unclear, she ensured that the eventual official announcement would have a massive impact, guaranteeing the success of her kingdom's festival.
"Anyone capable of such a move must be confident in the authenticity of their centerpiece. In other words, its status as the real thing is almost certain. Public interest is already peaking even here in the Kingdom of Sinfonia. Prepare the administration so we can issue a formal decree immediately once the Hydra Kingdom makes their announcement."
"As you command, Sire."
While the world was in an uproar, the First Hero at the heart of the storm—Noin—was currently slumped dejectedly over a table.
"Hahaha! So you ended up having to make a stone monument. You have it rough, Hikari~"
"It's not a laughing matter, Hapty... Just thinking about my profile rising again makes me miserable. If this leads to more of those strange statues being built, I'm going to be depressed before it even starts."
"Well, personally, I’m looking forward to the boost in Hikari Manju sales. Still, I’m surprised Laguna didn't demand you attend in person~"
"I would have flatly refused if she had. She was being shrewd; she identified exactly the right line where I was likely to compromise."
In reality, Noin had no desire to return to the limelight. As the First Hero, her words carried too much weight; she did not want a single statement of hers to ripple through the world and cause unintended consequences.
She had originally set out on the Demon King Subjugation simply because she wanted to help the people who had taken care of her, not because she sought fame or fortune.
Hapty gave a small, wry smile as she listened to her friend.
"Well, since we're at it, why don't we go see the festival too?"
"...I suppose so. I have no interest in going anywhere near the Central Square, but I'd like to check out the other stalls."
"Then it's a date~"
Hapty’s casual, lighthearted tone made it clear she was inviting her out of a desire to help her friend change her mood. Sensing her kindness, Noin finally allowed a small smile to touch her lips.
Serious-senpai: "I see. Not an appearance, but a donation. However... hmmm. Noin and Hapty are attending the Founding Anniversary Festival together. And Kaito just happens to have two spare seats on his tickets... Oh? Ohohoho?"