As the three of them stood captivated by Radius’s efficiency, Mirei let out a cheerful cackle.
"Nyahaha! Feast your eyes on His Highness’s paperwork prowess-nya!"
"Umu. I’ve managed to put together a decent schedule, if I do say so myself. I intend to clear one final task today before the Lion King Grand Festival begins in earnest."
Radius jotted down Merchant Company Tour onto today’s itinerary.
Such a task had been planned for some time, but the timing was unexpected.
"As the Academy’s representatives, the students will need food, drinks, and various supplies provided by the school. Naturally, the Academy staff will conduct their own inspections, but I want the Executive Committee to verify everything as well."
"In other words, double the checks means double the safety-nya!"
"Exactly."
"I’m curious, though—why did you move that task to today?" Ren asked.
Since the schedule had changed so abruptly, he assumed there had to be a significant reason. Radius turned to Ren, speaking with the same unwavering confidence as before.
"Today was effectively the only day we could work at a relaxed pace. To put it simply, if we don't do it today, we won't have a chance to enjoy the festivities in the castle town for ourselves."
"...Ah, I see."
Ren, who knew Radius better than anyone, was the first to realize the Prince's intent. He turned to Licia and Fiona, who were still tilting their heads in confusion.
"It sounds like he went out of his way to make sure we, the Executive Committee, could enjoy the festival atmosphere a little ahead of time."
"Umu. We’ve been buried in work until today. Surely we’re allowed to be a little selfish. We’ll have plenty of duties once the Lion King Grand Festival actually starts. If we get our work done today, there’s no harm in enjoying ourselves early."
"So, you’re saying we should enjoy the bustle of the castle town while we do the Merchant Company Tour," Ren surmised.
Radius nodded.
"Since the festival stalls are allowed to open starting this afternoon, students from every school in the area—not just the Imperial Academy—will be heading into town."
It was effectively the first Lion King Grand Festival in four years. Judging by the energy in the air, the excitement was already palpable. To reward everyone who had worked so hard on the committee, Radius had cleared as much of the workload as possible to create a window for both duty and pleasure.
Radius began to walk away, Mirei trailing behind him.
"I’ll leave the route to the three of you. I have other business to attend to. Everything you need is summarized in those documents, so be sure to look them over."
"Wait—hey..."
Ren let out a helpless groan as he watched Radius depart so casually.
Once Radius was out in the hallway and alone with Mirei, he let out a short, heavy sigh. He touched upon the subject he hadn't mentioned to Ren.
"We have our own work to do. Beyond our committee duties, we must handle that other matter. I have no intention of overlooking whatever it is they're doing behind my back."
"I understand-nya."
The two of them exchanged those cryptic words in secret before leaving the Academy grounds.
Having no way of knowing what the Prince was discussing outside, Ren turned back to Licia and Fiona.
"So, what should we do?"
According to Radius’s parting words, the route for the tour was entirely up to them. Hearing Ren’s question, the two young ladies began to consult the documents.
"What if we start here? Then we can head this way... and then visit this place next—"
"Lady Fiona, if we go this way, we can see the shops on the Main Boulevard too."
"Oh, you’re right!"
When Licia proposed a route that incorporated the stalls on the Main Boulevard, Fiona nodded enthusiastically. It wasn't that they were neglecting their duties; they were still prioritizing the merchant companies, but Licia’s plan was simply the most efficient way to see everything.
"Is this okay with you, Ren-kun?"
"Ren, does this work?"
In the end, the two of them had the route settled before Ren could even interject. Since the list included names of merchant companies and facilities Ren didn't recognize, he had intended to leave it to them from the start. Sensing his mood, the girls had formed a plan before asking for his final approval.
Ren gave a quick nod.
"Let’s go with your plan."
Either way, Ren didn't know the shortest paths around town. It was better to trust their judgment.
As they made their way through the castle town visiting the various companies, they stopped at the street stalls as a matter of course. However, perhaps due to their noble upbringing, the girls seemed a bit hesitant to fully indulge themselves. Seeing this, Ren casually checked his watch and suggested they take a break.
He mentioned being thirsty and a bit hungry. After leading them to a few specific stalls, they found a vacant bench to sit down.
"This is delicious, Lady Fiona."
"This one is too. Please, Licia, try some."
"Is it really all right? ...Oh, it's wonderful! You should try some of this as well."
"Thank you. Hehe, this one is so sweet and tasty!"
Ren watched them enjoy themselves from the corner of his eye as he gazed out at the town. It was as bustling as ever—even more so today—and he soon spotted groups of students from other schools who had clearly skipped class to get an early start on the festivities.
The afternoon passed in the blink of an eye. The three of them returned to the Academy shortly before evening.
As Ren took his seat, feeling grateful for Radius’s thoughtfulness, he noticed something.
(Ah.)
He found a document that required Chronoa’s signature. He must have overlooked it earlier and forgotten to visit her.
"Sorry, everyone. I need to run over to Chronoa-san's office for a moment."
"Of course, go ahead."
"Understood. We'll handle the work here in the meantime."
Parting ways with Licia and Fiona, he headed for the Principal's Office. Though the representative selections were over, the campus was still lively with students who had been chosen as representatives practicing for their events. Quite a few spectators lingered to watch, making the after-school atmosphere as energetic as ever.
Ren cut through the crowds of students. After a few minutes, he reached the Principal's Office. He knocked, and a bright, cheerful voice immediately called out, "Come in~!"
"Excuse me."
Ren gave a polite greeting as he entered. He found Chronoa resting on the sofa.
"I found a document that needs your signature. Are you busy?"
"Not at all! I’ll always find the energy to work if it's for Ren-kun!"
He handed her the papers. Chronoa murmured "I see, I see" to herself as she began to process them. As Ren stood there with nothing to do, her voice reached him again.
"I won't be on-site much during the actual festival, so if you run into any trouble, be sure to ask the other teachers."
The comment felt a bit sudden, but she likely wanted to tell Ren as soon as possible since his committee work would continue. She paused her pen, looked at him with an apologetic expression, and then went back to work.
Ren paused.
(Come to think of it...)
Chronoa had mentioned before that she had duties during the festival related to the Legend of the Seven Heroes.
"If it’s work the Executive Committee can help with, we’re available."
"...It involves meeting with royalty and nobles from other countries. Do you still want to help?"
Ren quietly averted his eyes. Chronoa immediately shifted her position to catch his gaze again.
"Ahaha! I'm just kidding! It's okay, really. We adults have to do our part too, otherwise it would be a disservice to how hard you and the others have worked. Don't worry about us; you just make sure to enjoy the festival!"
"I’m sorry. But if things truly get difficult, we'll—"
Hearing that, Chronoa stood up. As she stepped in front of Ren, her profile was bathed in the crimson glow of the setting sun. Her beauty was almost mystical, and Ren found himself holding his breath as she locked eyes with him.
"Nyufufu~"
Without warning, Chronoa reached out and ruffled Ren's hair.
"Wh-what was that for!?"
"No reason! You just had such a serious, cute face, I couldn't help myself."
"...You couldn't help yourself?"
"Tahaha! But Ren-kun, that’s a no-no!"
Chronoa extended her index finger and poked the tip of Ren’s nose. His eyes went slightly cross-eyed trying to follow her finger, which made her giggle.
"You worry about us adults way too much! So, don't you mind my workload. Don't go underestimating the power of an adult!"
"I'm not underestimating you. I just thought I should help if I could."
"You really are a sweet boy. Even though you’re taller than me now, unlike when we first met... maybe I really should have just spirited you away to the Imperial Capital back then."
"I already live near the Capital now, though," Ren pointed out.
Chronoa giggled as she finished signing the documents. Then, she shifted the topic.
"Ren-kun, Ren-kun."
"Yes, what is it?"
"It’s a bit sudden, but how have your Strong Sword Arts been lately?"
Ren hesitated. "How have they been?" was a difficult question. He felt like he was hitting a massive wall. He hadn't made any significant progress with his unique combat arts either.
Chronoa peered deep into Ren’s eyes, as if searching for something.
"I see, I see. It looks like that mysterious power of yours is growing, at least."
Ren stiffened. "—!"
That was right. He remembered she had said the same thing back in Clausel.
"Ch-Chronoa-san? By mysterious power, you mean...?"
"The power you're hiding, Ren-kun."
Chronoa replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Don't worry. I haven't told a soul."
"But...!"
"You want to know how I noticed? It’s simple—I just tend to pick up on things easily. I don't know the specifics, though."
"...You're not actually reading my mind, are you?"
"Tahaha, no, no. Nothing like that."
This was Chronoa Highland, one of the world's greatest mages. Ren realized it was pointless to try to comprehend the full extent of her abilities. He took a breath and forced himself to stay calm.
"Have you told Licia-chan or Fiona-chan about it yet?"
"No. It’s a strange power, even to me. It's hard to explain... I used a bit of it during the fight at the Great Clock Tower, but I haven't told anyone about its true nature."
"In that case... why don't you just tell them?"
Chronoa’s suggestion was incredibly blunt, leaving Ren blinking in surprise.
"You've been keeping it a secret because you had your own reasons, right?"
"That's... yes."
Ever since he was born, he had hidden it because he knew the implications of being 'that' Ren Ashton. Even after moving to Clausel, he had justified the secrecy by telling himself that revealing his skills was the same as exposing his weaknesses. It wasn't a lie, and that logic had helped him gain everyone's understanding.
Chronoa looked at him with a gentle gaze.
"The fact that you've thought so much about it and kept it safe isn't wrong. But I think it would be good for your future to consider another perspective."
"What kind of perspective?"
"Don't you think it’s okay to share things with people you’re willing to show your weaknesses to?"
Her words were simple, yet they resonated deeply within Ren. He wasn't the same person he used to be, and he found himself listening intently to her advice.
"Living the rest of your life keeping secrets from the people you care about most... that’s a lot harder than you might think, Ren-kun."
Bathed in the evening light, Chronoa looked ethereal. Her voice carried a strange weight.
"Once the Executive Committee work and the festival are over, why don't you think about it?"
"...I will. I'll do that."
Chronoa smiled warmly at his answer. She drew her staff and swirled it gently over Ren’s head. A soothing, comfortable sensation washed over him, calming his mind.
At the same time, he felt the physical exhaustion from his training sessions simply melt away.