While Kaito was losing himself in the musical, the majority of the attendees at the Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Anniversary Festival venue were staring toward the horizon—at the sunset. The reason was simple: no matter how much time passed, the sun refused to sink into the sea. Shallow Vernal had stopped it so she could watch the sunset with Kaito, but of course, only the two of them knew the truth.
As anxiety began to stir at the clearly abnormal sight, King Laguna’s voice suddenly rang out across the entire capital, delivered via Amplification Magic.
"This unsetting sun is a miracle specially granted by Shallow Vernal-sama to honor our Founding Anniversary Festival and the legacy of the First Hero. In an ancient tongue, the word 'Hydra' originally meant 'Unsetting Sun,' and this sight is the manifestation of that name. This miraculous moment will continue for just a little while longer, so let us engrave this magnificent sunset into our memories while offering our gratitude to Shallow Vernal-sama."
Upon hearing those words, the participants' fears vanished. If it were Shallow Vernal, the God of the World, stopping the sun was a simple task—and it was common knowledge that she had performed miracles across the globe during the previous Hero Festival.
Since today was a momentous occasion marking the first message received from the First Hero in over a thousand years, the crowd readily accepted that she had made a special arrangement for them. They followed Laguna’s instructions, engraving the miraculous sight into their hearts, and many offered prayers toward the lingering sun.
While the situation hadn't been perfectly resolved, the panic among the festival-goers had been completely averted. Laguna let out a long sigh of relief as she finished the broadcast, and Lilia, observing her, spoke up.
"……Did we, somehow, manage to settle things?"
"Aye, we should be fine for the time being. It was a massive help that you immediately confirmed things with the Goddess of Time regarding the use of Shallow Vernal-sama's name, Lady Lilia."
"Chronoa-sama and the others also judged it as unavoidable given the circumstances. I was told that through the Authority of the God of Thoughts, similar notifications will be sent to regions outside the capital, so there shouldn't be a large-scale uproar. Though, I expect the more devout will get worked up over another 'Day of Miracles,' much like during the previous Hero Festival……"
"Umu. Thanks to the Gods preparing thoroughly in advance, the contact via Amplification Magic across the entire capital went smoothly. In these sorts of crises, the initial response is vital. Being able to react instantly was a major victory…… The problem is that we don't know if this is truly the end of it……"
Laguna, Lilia, and the Gods had a vague inkling that the sun had been stopped so Shallow Vernal could watch it with Kaito, but they had no idea if the event would end with the sunset or if something else would follow.
In reality, they really were just going to watch the sunset together at the Clock Tower, but it was only natural for the observers to become suspicious and fearful.
"Well, the kingdom has gained an unbelievable amount of prestige. The economic impact of being the land that received a miracle from Shallow Vernal-sama will be immense. Overall, we’ve profited…… but it’s mentally exhausting."
"I understand that feeling all too well. The benefits I receive through my connection with Kaito-san are also immense, but in exchange, the stomach pains are equally great, so I cannot simply rejoice…… Well, that aside, I didn't know the name of the Hydra Kingdom had such an origin."
"Nay, there's no way such a convenient origin actually exists. I just made it up on the fly."
"……Eh? I-Is that so?"
"Umu. If one claims it’s from some lost ancient tongue, there are hardly any means to investigate it. In a situation like this, a bit of dramatic flair goes a long way. One can always come up with justifications after the fact. If one looks hard enough, there’s bound to be some similar-sounding folklore, or we could just find some old craftwork that resembles the sun and claim it’s proof…… Well, Lady Lilia, as a noble, you should learn how to deliver a plausible lie when the occasion calls for it."
Seeing Laguna laugh with the face of a successful prankster, Lilia wore an expression of genuine admiration.
Lilia was incapable of lying by nature, but she felt she had just witnessed the true shrewdness of Laguna, who had successfully reigned as King for over a thousand years.
"As expected of a King so beloved by her people. A masterstroke of statesmanship."
"……Haa, I really want to quit being King, though. Right now—well, today in general—I feel like quitting more than ever before in my life……"
The day wasn't over yet, so they couldn't afford to be careless, but having moved past one major turning point, the expressions on both their faces softened slightly.
Serious-senpai: "……One of the Three Musketeers of Optimism Flags is acting like the job is done…… Ah… I see where this is going."