There was hardly any time at all between the Arclesia Empire’s Founding Anniversary Festival and the Hydra Kingdom’s. With barely a month between them, anyone planning to run a stall at both would be incredibly busy.
Festival season was the prime time for business, so I imagined it was a critical period for those in the trade.
As for me, I was just going to the Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Anniversary Festival to enjoy the festivities. I wouldn't be running a stall, so I didn't need any special preparations. Since I was planning to travel there via Alice’s Teleportation Magic anyway, I really didn't have to prepare a single thing, which made the whole prospect quite relaxing.
“...Eh? So, Lilia-san, are you actually planning to attend the Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Anniversary Festival as well? That means you'll have completed the grand tour of all three nations.”
“Yes. Well... Arclesia was a bit of a last-minute addition, but I had originally intended to participate in the Hydra Kingdom’s festival. His Majesty Laguna has been visiting our estate quite often, so we maintain a regular exchange...”
“Well, calling it an ‘exchange’ is putting it politely. She mostly just comes here to have serious duels with Milady...”
Now that Lunamaria mentioned it, I’d noticed Laguna-san visiting fairly often. I see... she and Lilia-san were sparring about once a month. I suppose she just stopped by to see me as well while she was in the neighborhood.
Lilia-san and Laguna-san were currently on equal footing, sharpening their skills against one another in a cycle of wins and losses. That said, Laguna-san had remarked that she felt she wouldn't be able to keep up in a few years, so Lilia-san’s growth rate really was in a league of its own.
“This upcoming Founding Anniversary Festival is quite the hot topic as well, so it’s going to be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, since Kaito-san isn't running a stall this time, the attendance of big names is relatively restrained...”
“Hm? Is something special happening in the Hydra Kingdom too?”
“Yes. Apparently, a treasured stone monument that the First Hero-sama gifted to His Majesty Laguna is going to be unveiled. It's drawing significant attention because people think it might serve as evidence backing up the theories of her survival... though, of course, I know the actual truth.”
“Ah...”
I see, so Laguna-san was playing that card. Come to think of it, among all her connections, that was easily her strongest—a name whose renown rivaled even the Six Kings or the Supreme Gods. I doubted Noin-san was particularly enthusiastic about it, but Laguna-san had likely talked her into it somehow.
“Well, if it's just unveiling a stone monument, it’s not like Lilia-san will have to deal with anything crazy. That’s a relief.”
“Indeed. I don’t have any direct involvement with the event, so I intend to just take it easy and watch from the sidelines.”
“I wonder about that. Ordinarily, one would think nothing would happen, but when Miyama-sama and Milady are this optimistic, I can’t help but feel like some kind of trouble is lurking around the corner.”
“...Please don’t say such ominous things.”
Ah, but honestly, I understood exactly how Lunamaria felt. Since I was the catalyst for most of it, I couldn't really say it out loud, but whenever Lilia-san claimed things would be ‘fine,’ I couldn’t shake the feeling that a disaster was brewing.
However, I didn't think there was any real possibility of Lilia-san getting caught up in anything this time. The guest list was already finalized, so it wasn't like anyone else was going to be added at the last minute... It should be fine. Probably.
After finishing her tea and chat with Kaito, Lilia had returned to her office. She took a short breather after asking Lunamaria to deliver several documents.
At that exact moment, the air in front of her suddenly shimmered with light, and Eden manifested before her.
“E-Eden-sama!?”
“You may remain seated. I have come today to fulfill the promised reward. You were of great help to me during the Arclesia Empire’s Founding Anniversary Festival, after all.”
“Ah, no, I am just glad I could be of use.”
“I have prepared two things as a reward for your efforts. First, touch this gear.”
“Eh? Ah, yes—!?”
The moment Lilia touched the gear Eden held out, she felt a sensation as if something had settled deep within her. About five seconds later, her eyes widened in shock.
“...Hauteclere?”
“Ho, so that is the name of your Heart Tool. You likely understand its usage and effects by instinct, but I shall grant you the basic knowledge of Heart Tools as well. However, I have placed a restriction on that Heart Tool: you cannot grant the power of Heart Tools to others. For the specifics, consult the knowledge I am sending you.”
Immediately after Eden spoke, a flood of information regarding Heart Tools rushed into Lilia’s mind. Understanding the restriction Eden had imposed, she nodded with a solemn expression.
“...It’s the same type of ability Alice-sama uses. Honestly, it’s so powerful I can’t even fathom the proper situation to use it...”
“The power of a Heart Tool varies greatly by individual. If you have drawn such a potent one, you are fortunate indeed. That aside, there is one more thing... the primary reward. I shall grant this to you.”
“...What is this?”
“As a reward for your service, and with permission from Shallow Vernal, I have created a small world for you within the Dimensional Rift. Use it as you please.”
“...Hah?”
Hearing Eden state this as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Lilia’s jaw dropped, and she unconsciously clutched her stomach.
Serious-senpai: “In a way, isn’t this reward... actually just more stomach pain?”
???: “I mean, Lilia-san awakened her Heart Tool in five seconds... She really does have a bug-like talent.”