We set off in the carriage driven by Anne-san. This was a trade city where commerce thrived, a fact reflected in the impressively wide roads. It was likely intended for the transport of heavy cargo, but for us, it meant a broad, clear view of the city as the landscape rolled past our window.
"There certainly are a lot of shops here."
"Yes. While it doesn't quite have the frenetic energy of a major logistics hub, many merchant associations keep their headquarters here, and the local events are always quite lively."
"I see. If so many associations are based here, I assume there must be significant advantages to keeping an office in this city?"
"There are several reasons. The most prominent one involves a former Head of the Sharon Count House—one from several generations before my father. He wanted to revitalize the city through commerce, so he instituted various tax reductions and exemptions for businesses. Those incentives drew in a multitude of merchant associations, and the city developed rapidly from there."
"That makes sense. I’ve heard the Sharon Count House manages a massive association of its own, so your family must have a natural talent for business."
"There was an element of luck in being the first to implement such a strategy. Nowadays, similar tax breaks are common in many regions, so this city isn't the only place with favorable rates."
I supposed that was the "first-mover advantage." If you are the first to succeed in gathering merchant associations, the city becomes a convenient place for trade and networking. Once that momentum builds, the value of keeping a headquarters there goes beyond mere tax rates, allowing the area to truly flourish.
Still, the fact that they were the first to try it and succeed was impressive. It was no wonder the Sharon Count House had become one of the wealthiest noble families in the Arclesia Empire.
"...Hm? What's that massive building over there?"
"That is the concert hall. It’s a relatively new addition, built a few years ago. The current City Representative has been pouring effort into the local music scene. While the city has always been a commercial powerhouse, it was somewhat lacking as a tourist destination. They likely wanted a landmark to draw people in. It is one of the largest concert halls in the country, built with a staggering budget."
"Oh? Do professional orchestras perform there?"
"Yes... One moment, please."
After asking for a second, Cornelia-san opened the small partition window connecting the interior to the driver’s seat. She exchanged a few words with Anne-san, then turned back to me.
"Thank you for waiting. It seems an orchestra called the Allegra Symphony is scheduled to perform today. They are a burgeoning group; though they aren't widely famous yet, they are remarkably skilled. People are already whispering that they'll become quite popular soon."
"I'm actually a bit interested. The Kingdom of Sinfonia has concert halls too, but since they're mostly in the North District, I haven't had much chance to visit. I've seen plays a few times, but I've never really gone to listen to a professional orchestra."
"Is that so? In that case, since you're already here, I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to experience it. While they are talented, they aren't yet famous enough to sell out a hall of that size on short notice. I believe you could still get seats today."
The idea of a live performance genuinely piqued my interest. I imagined it would be like an orchestra back home. Hearing music in a professional hall sounded like a powerful experience, and I found myself wanting to hear it.
However, it was a world I had little experience with, and a part of me felt a bit hesitant.
"That sounds great. But since I've never really attended a performance like that, I'm a bit nervous about going alone... If you're available, Cornelia-san, would you like to go with me after we finish our business at the association?"
"...O-Of course! If it is an invitation from Kaito-sama, I would be honored... I don't have any duties scheduled after our tour, so it isn't a problem, but... um, are you sure? With... with me? Just the two of us?"
"Of course. As long as it doesn't bother you, Cornelia-san, I'd definitely love to go together."
Cornelia-san seemed like she would know the proper etiquette for such an event, which was a huge relief. Going alone to an unfamiliar place usually meant being a bundle of nerves, but with her by my side, I felt I could actually relax and enjoy the music.
"...He has no... ulterior motive... right? Based on what Eris-sama told me... this isn't that kind of invitation, surely..."
"...Cornelia-san?"
"Oh! No, my apologies. I was just lost in thought. We will be reaching the Victor Trading Company very soon."
She had been muttering something under her breath, but when I called out, she replied with a flustered expression. It was a little strange, but seeing as we were almost at our destination, I didn't press the issue. Instead, I turned my gaze back out the window.
Serious-senpai: "From Cornelia's perspective, I'm sure it looked like a 'Wait, is he hitting on me?' moment, but she's dead wrong. That devil hasn't even realized he just locked in a future where he'll be punching stomachs with the Four Great Magic Dragons..."