Leaving the Victor Trading Company behind, Cornelia and Kaito set off toward the concert hall on foot. By choosing to walk rather than arrive in a carriage, she hoped to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. She also felt Kaito would prefer the low-key approach, and the short stroll through the city offered a pleasant bit of sightseeing.
The concert hall was a stone’s throw from the Victor Trading Company headquarters, so the trip was brief. Anne followed them from a discreet distance, providing more than enough security for the journey. Besides, Alice was always by Kaito’s side; in truth, any additional guards were entirely redundant.
"We still have plenty of time to spare," Kaito noted, "though perhaps not enough for a full sightseeing tour."
"I agree. We don't have time to browse shops far from the hall, but there are several cafes nearby. It might be best to pass the time in one of those until the performance begins."
"Good idea. Once we reach the hall, let's find a spot to take a break."
As they walked, Cornelia made polite small talk while her mind raced with anxiety.
(The Phantasm King’s words... and that strange suspicion Kaito-sama felt... Is something going to happen at the concert hall? Encountering other nobles is a distinct possibility. The Allegra Symphony is a rising star in the music world, so it wouldn't be surprising to find other aristocrats in the audience. If they see the two of us arriving together, they will undoubtedly assume we’re on a date.)
The most immediate concern was that a noble acquaintance might spot her and jump to conclusions about her relationship with Kaito.
(Still, how much impact would that really have? I don't have a fiancé, so no one can accuse me of being unfaithful. Unlike Eris-sama, I am not the primary heir to my house. Rumors might circulate that the Sharon family offered me up as a mistress to curry favor with Kaito-sama, but those would be nothing more than spiteful gossip. Thanks to Eris-sama's tea party, it’s common knowledge that Kaito-sama associates with various noble daughters in the Arclesia Empire. It should be manageable.)
Even if people thought they were dating, it wouldn't be a catastrophe for her. Such rumors were a dime a dozen in the social circle. Since she and Kaito had only met a few days ago, there was a limit to how much weight the scandal could carry.
Furthermore, because she wasn't the heir, she could simply retreat from parties and evening events until the gossip blew over. It wasn't an insurmountable problem.
(What about the other possibility? A chance encounter with one of Kaito-sama's acquaintances? But how likely is that? We’re not even in the capital; we're in a commercial city Kaito-sama is visiting for the first time. The odds of running into someone he knows during this specific time slot, in the narrow area between the company headquarters and the concert hall, are practically non-existent. And yet... the Flapping of a Giant Dragon...)
Logically, the probability was near zero. However, Cornelia couldn't shake the memory of Eris’s warning about the "Flapping of a Giant Dragon"—Kaito’s peculiar tendency to stumble into major events and influential people by pure chance. Her unease only deepened.
They arrived at the concert hall shortly after. As they scouted for a cafe, Cornelia discreetly scanned the crowd.
(I don't see anyone particularly high-ranking. Perhaps I was overthinking it?)
There were no famous figures within sight, nor was there the kind of commotion that usually accompanied a high-profile presence.
(If they were using Recognition Inhibition Magic, I wouldn't be able to tell... but if I start worrying about that, I’ll end up doubting everyone I see. I have to put it out of my mind.)
Concluding that things were safe for the moment, she refocused on Kaito.
"Oh, Cornelia-san. Look, that looks like a cafe."
"So it does. Shall we go in?"
They entered the shop and were shown to a table by a waiter.
"It’s not packed, but it’s pretty busy," Kaito observed. "I guess a lot of people are here for the show."
"It appears so. Many people like to arrive early and kill time in the area, just as we are."
"True... Now, let’s see. What should I order?"
As they browsed the menu, Cornelia finally felt her shoulders relax. It seemed they would make it to their seats without incident.
It was at that exact moment of relief that a stomach-turning dread struck with the force of a landslide.
"We'll wait here until the appointed time," a voice said.
"Agreed. We should head to the meeting spot about fifteen minutes before the start," a second voice replied.
"Oh, but I'm looking forward to hearing this new orchestra... Hmm?"
"Wait, is that...?"
A pair of new customers had stopped mid-stride while crossing the cafe. Kaito, hearing the familiar voices, looked up at the same time they turned toward him.
"Well, if it isn't my Comrade!"
"Flare-san? Eingana-san? What a coincidence!"
The two newcomers were indeed Nizbel and Eingana. Upon spotting Kaito, Nizbel broke into a delighted grin.
In stark contrast, every drop of blood drained from Cornelia’s face as she sat at the table.
Serious-senpai: "Letting your guard down in front of Kaito... That’s a Guaranteed Sequence for stomach pain."