The grand hall of the Hydra Royal Castle was buzzing. Within the venue designated for the Founding Anniversary Festival Party, many nobles had already gathered, engaged in spirited conversation.
The primary topic of their chatter was, of course, the anomalous situation—or rather, the miraculous event—that had just occurred.
First an unsetting sunset, and then a meteor shower across a sky full of stars. It was like a scene from a dream. Truly a divine miracle... It has driven home the greatness of the Creator God-sama once again.
While keeping a watchful eye on the room, the daughter of a Marquis from the Arclesia Empire—acting as her father’s proxy—let her thoughts wander. She had already finished exchanging brief greetings with the nobles she knew, so she had plenty of time to ruminate before the party officially began.
The Creator God-sama demonstrated her power before us during the previous Hero Festival as well. Since that was the hundredth festival, the prevailing view is that it was a special commemoration, which I find to be the most likely explanation. As for this miracle... rather than a favor to the Hydra Kingdom, it seems more natural to view it as a blessing bestowed in honor of the First Hero-sama’s message.
Shallow Vernal, the Creator God, almost never exercised her almighty power in front of the masses. In fact, the only instances clearly attributable to her direct intervention were the miracle at the Hero Festival and this one.
While the Supreme Gods often exercised power under her instructions—as seen during the Six Kings Festival—it was common knowledge that Shallow Vernal acting personally was an extreme rarity.
Moreover, she had never heard that the Hydra Kingdom held particularly deep ties with the God Realm. Considering no members of the God race had even attended this ceremony, it was difficult to imagine Shallow Vernal had performed such a miracle for the kingdom's sake.
Regardless, the fact that a miracle occurred on the day of the Founding Anniversary Festival is an incredible boon for the Hydra Kingdom. His Majesty Laguna will certainly spin the narrative in that direction. Many will likely want to hear the details... though it will be difficult for me to get the story directly.
The Marquis's daughter predicted that the highest-ranking leaders, such as Chris and Ryze, would inevitably swarm Laguna. As a mere proxy, she wouldn't be able to get a word in. She was curious, but pushing her way through would only damage her reputation. She concluded that she should simply collect whatever information she could from the sidelines.
Oh? I've made a blunder. I was so lost in thought that I’ve walked right up to the entrance... I’ll be in everyone's way here; I should move—
Realizing she had reached the doors of the main entrance, the Marquis's daughter chided herself for her distraction and prepared to turn back. At that exact moment, a newcomer to the venue called out to her.
"Sorry, could I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is—Th-th-the Underworld King-sama!?"
It was only natural for the girl to turn around and find her eyes nearly popping out of her head in shock. Standing before her was Kuromueina, the Underworld King. Never expecting to be addressed by one of the Six Kings, the girl straightened her posture, her spine snapping taut with terror and awe.
Kuromueina offered a wry, gentle smile at the girl’s reaction.
"Do you know where Laguna-cha—where the Hydra King is?"
"H-Ha, ah, um... I-I have not yet seen her in the venue, so she must be elsewhere in the castle... Likely in her office or a similar room. I am terribly sorry, I do not know her exact location..."
"No, it's fine. Knowing she isn't in the venue is enough. I'll try asking one of the maids... To be honest, I hadn't planned on attending this party, but something caught my interest... Well, I'll go look for her. Thanks for the help."
"Y-Yes!?"
After offering a bright smile and a casual wave, Kuromueina left the hall. The Marquis's daughter watched her go, finally letting out the breath she had been holding.
That was terrifying. To think I would end up speaking with the Underworld King-sama... It's a shame I couldn't introduce myself, but she seemed to be in a hurry, so detaining her would have been rude. Still, why would the Underworld King-sama show up so suddenly... Is this also related to the Creator God-sama’s miracle?
Serious-senpai: "Someone who can actually talk back to those two selfish gods has arrived!?"
???: "She probably sensed Shallow Vernal-sama stopping the sunset and all that, so she cut her own schedule short to intervene. Seriously, for Lilia-san and the others, she’s a messiah."