A minor issue occurred in Archlesia Empireās Founding Festival with Shiro-san suddenly arriving at the last moment, but it didnāt cause much commotion. After I finished tidying up our stall with Amel-san, we had dinner together and called it a day.
We were able to enjoy ourselves leisurely, and our stall also turned out great with almost all of the prepared items sold out. Making a promise with Amel-san to hang out with her again, the stall-setting for the Founding Festival came to a close.
And a few days laterā¦ā¦ Seeing the expression of my sudden visitor, I couldnāt help wryly smiling.
[ā¦ā¦You know, donāt you think this truly expresses the unfairness of the world? Even if one says itās the truth of the world, I suppose it canāt be helped, but those who feel the disparity canāt help but feel sorrowful.]
[ā¦ā¦Errr, what exactly are you talking about?]
[No, itās not like Iām complaining to you, nor do I have anything Iām displeased aboutā¦ā¦ but I heard something about you setting up a stall in Archlesia after setting up one in Symphonia. No, not like Iām complaining or displeased with anything thoughā¦ā¦]
[You really look pretty displeased though!?]
In front of me sits Hydra Kingdomās King Laguna-san, sipping her tea with a slightly displeased expression on her face. I can understand what she wants to say. In other words, she probably wants to point out that itās unfair that I set up a stall for Symphonia Kingdom and Archlesia Empire, but doesnāt plan on setting up one for Hydra Kingdom.
[I mean, Symphonia and Archlesia are really flourishing, and for argumentās sake, I am Hydraās King, so seeing all that happening doesnāt feel amusing. Iām not saying Kaitoās at fault for it, but Iād like it if youād at least listen to this elderly Kingās complaintsā¦ā¦ You bring about an incredible economic impact, you know? Even if such isnāt intentional.]
[Hmmm. As for me, I really did just set up my stall.]
[Hahaha, one that causes quite the ruckus, that is. But still, overall, itās safe to say that it brings about substantial profits.]
Talking openly about the strategic aspects of her country and coming directly to who she thinks is the main reason to vent frustrations, itās truly just like Laguna-san. Itās also not like sheās demanding to have me set up a stall at Hydra Kingdomās Founding Festival, so itās relatively easy for me to interact with her.
[ā¦ā¦Rather, you wouldnāt ask me to set up a stall at Hydra Kingdom, right?]
[No, I wonātā¦ā¦ With how nice you are, youāll probably set up one if I did ask you, but you wonāt find doing that any fun, right? Besides, you wouldnāt have enough time for it.]
[Is Hydra Kingdomās Founding Festival coming soon?]
[Early next month.]
I see, thereās not even a month left huh. It would indeed become very hectic if I were to try setting up a stall, so Iād really like to excuse myself from doing that. Well, Laguna-san herself seemed to have guessed that, so she didnāt even try asking me that.
[ā¦ā¦Unnn? Arehh? In that case, why did Laguna-san come to visit me today? You seriously didnāt come here just to complain, right?]
[No. Well, I guess I did partly come for that, but I just came here to invite you.]
[Invite?]
[Umu. Even when you have attended Symphonia Kingdom and Archlesia Empireās Founding Festivals, you havenāt been able to go out much, have you? Thatās why the invitation is for you to simply come and enjoy the Hydra Kingdomās founding anniversary festival as a regular festival-goer. Our Hydra Kingdomās people are lively, so the festival is sure to be vibrant~~]
[I seeā¦ā¦]
Indeed, just as Laguna-san had pointed out, since I was running stalls at Symphonia and Archlesiaās Founding Festival, even when I looked around, I would only get to explore the vicinity of my stall. At least, I havenāt taken part in the main ceremonies of either festival.
In that light, Lagunaās suggestion is very appealing. It would be very nice to just purely enjoy the festival.
[That sounds great. I certainly havenāt been able to take my time just walking around, and Iām genuinely interested in how Hydra Kingdomās festival would be likeā¦ā¦]
[Umu umu! Sounds nice, isnāt it? And thatās why, I brought this here today.]
[Unnn? Whatās this?]
[I have prepared seats for the ceremony at the grand square. Ahh, itās not like theyāre VIP seats or anything though, just seats that can be purchased by relatively affluent individuals among the citizens. They offer a more spacious view compared to general seating. Four seats make up one space, so itās four tickets for one space. You can use all of them if you want, or just a part of them. If youāre not interested in attending the ceremony, itās also not a problem if you donāt use it. Kaito helped me back with the tourist spot before so this is more of a thank-you gift. Donāt be reserved and accept it.]
[Thank you.]
I was just thinking about wanting to see the ceremony, so these reserved seats tickets are much appreciated. Since Iāve received these tickets, I guess Iāll go invite someone to hang out with at Hydra Kingdomās Founding Festival.
**********
Serious-senpai: [ā¦ā¦Laguna sure is freaking capable. By inviting him like that, she can prevent the situation where he isnāt present at Hydraās Founding Festival unlike the other two countries, easily make a good impression on him, and even expect the secondary effect of him inviting his lovers. Since she isnāt demanding anything from him or restricting his activities, she will also not get caught within whatās considered as NG acts for those ensuring Kaitoās security.]
???: [By giving those reserved seat tickets, not only can Kaito-san leisurely enjoy the festival, but it also leaves a subtle impression on the foreign nobles and rulers who are attending the festival in the VIP seats. Itās highly likely that Kaito-sanās acquaintances, including Megiddo-san, will be in the VIP seats, so there is also the possibility of them greeting him at that time.]