After returning from Rigforeshia, I went to sleep in my roomā¦ā¦ when I found myself in a familiar flower garden.
[Good morning, Kaito-san. I would like to receive my souvenir.]
[Ummm, Shiro-san? I have a lot of things I want to throw a tsukkomi atā¦ā¦ but what time is it now?]
[Itās been a minute since the date changed.]
[Well, it certainly is the next day huh!?]
I did tell her she could receive it tomorrow, but this is just too unexpected. No, well, itās Shiro-san after all, so I guess thereās no point in getting into it too deeply?
[Errr, here it is. My souvenir, fruit sticks.]
[Thank you. Iām very happyā¦ā¦ However, itās a bit too much. I may not be able to eat it all by myself. Ahh, if only someone would eat it with meā¦ā¦]
She started to perform some kind of skit. Moreover, the fact that sheās sneaking glances at me, together with her usual inflectionless voice, was quite surreal. Rather, this is definitely that, right?
[ā¦ā¦Shiro-san, Iāll ask this just in caseā¦ā¦ but is there no option where I can go home without eating with you?]
[None.]
[ā¦ā¦I see. Well, if Shiro-san is fine with it, would you like to eat with me?]
[Letās do that.]
Well, guess Iāll just think of it as a little evening snack. In fact, Iām somewhat hungry, so I guess this is just right. With that in mind, I gave my consent, and with a light wave of her finger, Shiro-san prepared a table, chairs and some tea. Taking my seat as prompted, the late night tea party went underwayā¦ā¦
[Ummm, Shiro-sanā¦ā¦ Is something the matter?]
[What are you talking about?]
[No, itās fine if itās just my imaginationā¦ā¦ but somehow, the atmosphere was different than usual, or rather, I feel like youāre a little tenseā¦ā¦]
[ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦]
I canāt perfectly read Shiro-sanās emotions, and my Sympathy Magic doesnāt work on her either. Thatās why, this was just my hunch. However, it seems that Shiro-san had an idea about what I was talking about, as she stopped drinking her tea for a bit and fell silent.
[ā¦ā¦Iām sorry for calling you at this hour today.]
[No, donāt worry about it. However, you somehow feel different from usual.]
Even though it was this time of the day, since it was always daytime in the God Realm, I donāt think I would have known if Shiro-san hadnāt told me the time. However, Shiro-san slightly bowed her head and apologized.
[ā¦ā¦Why, I wonder? I myself donāt really know. It would have been fine if I had waited until Kaito-san got upā¦ā¦ but perhaps, I wanted to see your face as soon as possible.]
[ā¦ā¦Did something happen?]
[Something happened, and something may have notā¦ā¦ It may have already happened, or it may not have happened yet.]
[What does that meanā¦ā¦]
[Fufu, I donāt understand it either. However, seeing Kaito-sanās face, those feelings seemed to go away.]
The tense feeling I had felt from Shiro-san earlier disappeared, with the corner of her lips raising a bit as she said this. I get the feeling that she was somewhat enjoying our conversation.
[Hmmm. If Shiro-san doesnāt understand, I wouldnāt understand it eitherā¦ā¦ Iām glad to see youāre feeling better than earlier.]
[ā¦ā¦Kaito-san, are you worried about me?]
[Eh? Ah, yes. It certainlyā¦ā¦ may seem a little strange to worry about the near-omnipotent God Shiro-sanā¦ā¦ but I would worry about someone Iām worried about.]
[ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦..]
Arehh? What is this? The atmosphere around here seems to have changed more blatantly than beforeā¦ā¦ Although the expression on her face shouldnāt have changed, it somehow feels as if Shiro-san is sad.
[ā¦ā¦Kaito-sanā¦ā¦ Whyā¦ā¦ are youā¦ā¦]
[Eh? Ummmā¦ā¦]
[ā¦ā¦No, my apologies. Itās nothing.]
[ā¦ā¦Is that so?]
Shiro-san was about to say something, but stopped mid-sentence. I could somehow sense that she didnāt want me to go into it any further though, so I couldnāt say anything else. After a few while, within an indescribable silence, eating fruit sticks and drinking teaā¦ā¦ Shiro-san quietly spoke.
[Emotionsā¦ā¦ Heartā¦ā¦ Theyāre all very complicated things, arenāt they?]
[Shiro-san?]
[I have never felt so bitter that I am not omniscient than I am today. My own heartā¦ā¦ is something I couldnāt understand.]
[ā¦ā¦I donāt think Shiro-san is the only one who feels that way though.]
[Eh?]
Hearing the words I quietly muttered, Shiro-san looked unusually astonished.
[Even I donāt know myself the best either. Before I knew it, I would sometimes find myself doing the opposite of what I was thinking. There are many times I find myself wondering what I wanted to do.]
[ā¦ā¦It seems that was also the case for Kaito-san huh.]
[Yes, howeverā¦ā¦ I think that those uncertainties were also part of what makes up my heart. Itās difficult to express my heart and feelings, but I still want to convey them to someone. I try to do a lot of things to achieve that, but whether I will fail or succeedā¦ā¦ Things might not go exactly as I want, but it was still pleasurable.]
[ā¦ā¦Things might not go exactly as I wantā¦ā¦ but it was still pleasurable.]
[I think Shiro-san is confused about a lot of things, not because you donāt understand how you feel, but because youāre starting to understand. In that case, Iām sure thereās no need to be in a hurry. That confusion is also part of who Shiro-san is now, right?]
[ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦.]
When Shiro-san heard my words, she closed her eyes and fell silentā¦ā¦ And after opening her eyes, she looked at the sky and spoke.
[ā¦ā¦Kaito-san. Is it wrong to seek something I couldnāt obtain? Is it wrong to choose any means to achieve it?]
[Hmmm. Thatās difficult to answer. That might be wrong, but that could also be rightā¦ā¦ However, I trust Shiro-san, so if you were to try to acquire something by any means necessaryā¦ā¦ I think you have a good reason for that.]
[Would you despise me for that?]
[No, I wouldnāt. I may not agree with some of the details to whatever you want to do, but that isnāt a reason for me to deny what Shiro-san desires.]
I donāt know what the meaning of this exchange was. I donāt even know what the almost omnipotent Shiro-san wants to acquire. However, I think this conversation is necessary for Shiro-san.
[ā¦ā¦Thank you, Kaito-san. It seems like I was a little distressed.]
[Iām glad if I could help you solve your problems, but was I able to help you in some way?]
[Yes. As expected, I just canāt seem to give up. Thatās why, I have decided to struggle.]
[U- Unnn? Errr, are you talking about that thing you wanted to acquire?]
When I asked that to Shiro-san, who spoke of such a thing in a voice unlike usual, sounding somewhat refreshedā¦ā¦ Shiro-san gave me a slightly mischievous, yet incredibly dazzling smile.
[That isā¦ā¦ still a secret.]
ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼ ļ¼
The 9th day of the Wind month.
In the late afternoon of the day, when I was thinking that the Wind month was in its midpoint, me, Aoi-chan, and Hina-chan were on our way to the reception room where Lilia-san called us in.
[I wonder whatās going on? Telling us to quickly come thereā¦ā¦]
[Hmmm. Normally, that would mean that thereās a guest butā¦ā¦ A guest who wants to see us three?]
[I donāt think I can think of anyone like that.]
The fact that I was called into the reception room, I could assume that we have a guest. If I, alone, or either of the two of them was called, it would have been understandable, but if it was a common guest of us three, it would be very limited. Hina-chan was tilting her head in curiosity, while Aoi-chan had a puzzled look on her face, as if she also doesnāt have any idea who that guest could beā¦ā¦ In fact, Iām feeling a little anxious about whatās going to happen. Reaching the reception room quickly, we knocked on the door before we entered the roomā¦ā¦ Inside were Lilia-san who called us out, as well as Lunamaria-san and Sieg-san. Other than them, there was also a cat-eared woman in the reception roomā¦ā¦ Who could it be? I donāt recognize her at all.
[Everyone, I apologize for suddenly calling you out.]
[N- No, Lilia-sanā¦ā¦ Did someone come to visit us?]
[No, to be exactā¦ā¦ Along with me, Luna and Sieg, she has come to visit for the six of us.]
[ [ [ Eh? ] ] ]
Hearing what Lilia-san said, the three of us tilted our heads again, still not understanding the situation. Lilia-san, Lunamaria-san, Sieg-san, Aoi-chan, Hina-chan and meā¦ā¦ What do all of us have in commonā¦ā¦ Thereupon, as if to answer our question, the cat-eared woman spoke.
[I could understand why everyone is confused. Let me explain it to you in orderā¦ā¦. Ah, before that, Iām Caraway. Iām a Viscount-level, high-ranking Demon. I have come this day as an envoy for the Six Kings. Itās a pleasure to make your acquaintance.]
[Ah, yes. Errrā¦ā¦ Iām Miyama Kaito.]
[Iām Kusunoki Aoi.]
[Iām Yuzuki Hina.]
After the cat-eared womanā¦ā¦ Caraway-san briefly introduced herself, she sat down at the seat Lunamaria-san had prepared for her.
[Well then, let me tell you first the business as to why I have been sent. I have been entrusted by the Six Kings this day, to give everyone their invitations.]
[ā¦ā¦Invitations?]
Hearing Caraway-sanās words, telling us that she has brought an invitation from the Six Kings, Lilia-san asked on our behalf.
[Yes. Within a duration of 7 days, from the 24th to the 30th day of the Fire month, a festival jointly held by the Six Kings in the Demon Realmā¦ā¦ The Six Kings Festival will be held.]
[A collaboration of the Six Kings?]
[ā¦ā¦Thatās unheard of.]
Lilia-san was astonished by Caraway-sanās words, and Lunamaria-san also muttered in surprise. Of course, thatās the same for us too, as weāre speechless, startled by the information that the top of the Demon Realm is collaborating to do something. Caraway-san explained to us in detail. This would be the first year that the Six Kings Festival has been held, and thus, the number of participants is restrictedā¦ā¦ And she said that itās limited to only those who have an invitation sent by the Six Kings. The festival will be held for 7 days, with each of the Six Kings organizing the festival for 6 days one by one, and as for the 7th day, it will be the day of the festival where all the Six Kings will participate. The venue is a large island in the Demon Realm, and it seems that you can be picked up and dropped off, free of charge, by the Flying Dragon Services prepared by Magnawell-san.
[ā¦ā¦Does anyone have any questions so far?]
[N- No, weāre fine.]
[Well then, everyone, hereā¦ā¦]
When Caraway-san confirmed that we had somewhat understood what the Six Kings Festival was, she took out neatly decorated envelopes and handed it to us in turn.
[In that envelope, you will find your invitation sent by the Six Kingsā¦ā¦ Though each invitation has a rank.]
[ā¦ā¦A rank?]
[Yes, there are six types of ranks: iron, bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and the highest rank, black. The criteria for the rank is simple: āIt depends on the number of Six Kings who sent you their invitationsā. The higher the rank, the more privileges you get and the more luxurious, the āmemorabiliaā you will receive.]
[ā¦ā¦M- Memorabilia?]
[Yes, to celebrate the first time that the Six Kings Festival has been held, the guests will receive a memorabilia from the Six Kings who invited them. Please check your invitations for that information, as they should be listed on it.]
[W- Well then, I will startā¦ā¦]
""
At Caraway-sanās urging, the homeowner, Lilia-san, opened her envelope first. Thereupon, from inside Lilia-sanās envelope, a slightly large card with a shiny platinum color came out.
[ā¦ā¦Wonderful. Lilia-sama has received a platinum-ranked invitation huhā¦ā¦ It looks like youāve received an invitation from five of the Six Kings.]
[R- Really?]
[Yes, please open the invitation. Inside are the names of the Six Kings who invited you and the names of the memorabilias you will receive.]
[Y- Yesā¦ā¦ Eh?]
As urged by Caraway-san, Lilia-san opens her invitation, and she completely stiffened. After a little while, she began to sweat profusely. Curious about her reaction, we all walked behind Lilia-san and quietly peeked at the invitation.
Lilia-sanās platinum-colored invitation had the Six Kings who invited Lilia-san and their memorabilias, just like Caraway-san said butā¦ā¦ The contents wereā¦ā¦
<Death King: Isis Remnant
Memorabilia: A Mountain That Could be Mined in the Northern Area of the Demon Realm>
<World King: Lillywood Yggdrasil
Memorabilia: Fruit of the World Tree>
<War King: Megiddo Argetes Borgnes
Memorabilia: A Cask of Devilās Wine>
<Phantasmal King: No Face
Memorabilia: One Holy Sword, Excalibur>
<Underworld King: Kuromueina
Memorabilia: A State-of-the-Art Teleportation Magic Tools>
ā-filled up with outrageous stuff.
[ā¦ā¦W- What isā¦ā¦ t- thisā¦ā¦ this isā¦ā¦. Kyuuuu~~]
[Milady!?]
All of them look like theyāre dangerous memorabiliasā¦ā¦No, theyāre items that arenāt on the level of mere memorabilias anymore, as they have greatly exceeded Lilia-sanās tolerance level and made Lilia-san faint. While looking at Lilia-san with pity, the next person to open her envelope was Sieg-sanā¦ā¦ Sieg-sanās invitation was bronze and she seems to have received invitations from two of the Six Kings.
<War King: Megiddo Argetes Borgnes
Memorabilia: Premium Alcohol Set>
<Phantasmal King: No Face
Memorabilia: Wyvern Leather Wallet>
ā-Is what was written there. Perhaps, Megiddo-san was praising Sieg-san because of what happened before, and Alice might have invited her because they had once fought together. Lunamaria-san, Aoi-chan, and Hina-chan seemed to have been invited by Kuro, and Lunamaria-san seemed to be especially happy about it.
And a little while later, Lilia-san regained her consciousness and gathered with everyone, staring at meā¦ā¦ No, at the envelope in my hand.
[ā¦ā¦I- Iām afraid of Kaito-sanās invitation.]
[ā¦ā¦Lilia-sanās memorabilias were quite tremendous, but thinking that Kaito-sanās would be more than thatā¦ā¦.]
[K- Kaito-senpai, please open it!]
[U- Unnn.]
Pushed by everyoneās appeal, I opened the envelope I was holdingā¦ā¦ And from inside comes an overflowingly high-class, jet-black invitation.
[I- Iām surprisedā¦ā¦ For it to be a black rankā¦ā¦ That means youāve received an invitation from all the Six Kingsā¦ā¦ I had been informed that this time, the Six Kings have only prepared one black rank invitation among all the invitations that were sent to the Human Realm.]
[E- Eeeehhhhā¦ā¦]
Why do I kinda feel like something outrageous just happened? How strange. I mean, this should just be something like receiving an invitation, rightā¦ā¦ No, I certainly know all the Six Kings butā¦ā¦
And thus, not only Lilia-san and the othersā¦ā¦ but also Caraway-san came around behind me. Before their gazes, I timidly opened the invitation.
""
<Death King: Isis Remnant
Memorabilia: 10 Books of Long, Ancient Grimoires About Forbidden Arts>
Wait a moment there, Isis-san!? Why the heck is there something outrageously dangerous written here!? What the heck am I supposed to do with that!?
<World King: Lillywood Yggdrasil
Memorabilia: Seedling of the World Tree>
A seedling!? No, no, wait a freaking waitā¦ā¦ Are you telling me to raise this? The World Tree?
<War King: Megiddo Argetes Borgnes
Memorabilia: Sacred Wine>
The heck is that!? Just the combination of those words frightens me, you know!? This is alcohol, right?
Stop right there!!! Magnawell-sanās fangs and claws? No, no, just one of them would be about the size of a building, you know!? What the heck do you want me to do with that!!!?
<Phantasmal King: No Face
Memorabilia: Holy Sword Laevateinn and Demonic Sword Calamity>
Whatās the point of giving me those things that sound like legendary swords, idiot!!! You want me to save the world!? Neun-san had already saved it before!!!
<Underworld King: Kuromueina
Memorabilia: A State-of-the-Art Autopilot-powered Magic Ship (Storage Magic Box Included)>
A freaking ship!? That isnāt something you use as memorabilia, you know!? Which world do you use 'shipsā as a measure of memorabilias!? ā¦ā¦This world? ā¦ā¦The heck is that, thatās scary. I mean, a magic box that can hold a whole ship is absurdly expensive in itselfā¦ā¦
G- Geez, it isnāt just on the level of outrageous anymoreā¦ā¦ H- How the heck did this happenā¦ā¦
I received an invitation to the Six Kings Festival, the first festival that will be held jointly by the Six Kings in the Demon Realm. What was written on it wasāāā Several memorabilias that made me doubt my eyes.
The invitation to the Six Kings Festival brought by Caraway-san, the Six Kingsā envoyā¦ā¦ completely astonished by the astonishing memorabilia listed there.
[I can understand why youāre surprised. I was actually surprised as well butā¦ā¦ My apologies, but may we proceed with the explanations?]
[Ah, yes. Excuse us.]
Apparently, the explanations are still going on, and Caraway-san calmly called out to us, to which Lilia-san flusteredly nodded. Thereupon, Caraway-san straightened her posture and spoke with a serious expression on her face.
[Now then, on to the privileges. One would be granted privileges according to the rank of your invitation.]
[ā¦ā¦Privileges?]
[Yes. Those who have been invited can bring an escortā¦ā¦ or you could say, a companion along if they were to request for their tickets in advance.]
[I see. There certainly would be lots of nobles invited, so this is a necessary measure.]
As for those who have received an invitation, it seems that they are allowed to have uninvited people accompany them as their escorts.
[However, the range of action and number of companions will vary depending on their rank. Bronze and Iron ranks are limited to one person, and their range of action is quite limited. Silver and Gold ranks are allowed to invite up to three people, and they are allowed to enter all areas of the venue except the Central Tower.]
[ā¦ā¦I see, so what about Miladyās Platinum and Miyama-samaās Black?]
[Platinum ranks are allowed to invite up to five companions, and they are allowed to enter all areas of the venue except the āCentral Towerā. In addition, the guests with Platinum-ranked invitations may buy any merchandise in any stall for āhalf the priceā.]
[I- I can have a discount!?]
Apparently, the platinum rank is the one that sets you apart from the rest, and it even comes with a discount from stalls. It seems that this is only applicable to those who hold the invitation and not to those that are accompanying themā¦ā¦ But still, thatās quite tremendous.
[ā¦ā¦And as for the Black rankā¦ā¦ You donāt have any limit to the number of people who can accompany you or the areas you can enter. It means that you can even bring as many as hundreds of people with you.]
[ā¦ā¦Ehh?]
[Plus, if you present your Black-ranked invitation, all establishments and merchandise will be āfree of chargeā, but this would only apply for you.]
[Free!?]
Apparently, the Black rank is even more prestigiousā¦ā¦ I could get anything for free and take as many people with me as I want. No, well, fortunately, I donāt know hundreds of people like thatā¦ā¦ In response to me, being really stunned by her words, Caraway-san continued to speak with a gentle smile on her face.
[Next, those with invitations of Gold rank and higher are also eligible to participate in the party hosted by the Six Kings at the Central Tower on the 7th day.]
[That also sounds kind of awesomeā¦ā¦]
[Yes, as the Six Kings will be attending, it shows how prestigious it is. It is said that less than a hundred people are eligible to participate.]
[ā¦ā¦That means, the only people who can participate in that are Lilia-san and I.]
Being able to participate in a party hosted by the Six Kings would probably be a big status for the nobles. Thatās why it seems that the restrictions on participation are much stricter than others.
[And lastly, Miyama-samaā¦ā¦]
[Y- Yes.]
[Iām told that the Six Kings will arrange accommodations for the Black ranks for the duration of the eventā¦ā¦ Is there anything written on your invitation?]
[Eh? Errrā¦ā¦]
After hearing Caraway-sanās words, I looked at the envelope that contained the invitationā¦ā¦ and found a card that was slightly smaller than the invitation.
āCentral Tower, Top Floor, Special Suite Roomā
ā¦ā¦Iām feeling dizzy. Reading its name, itās probably a tower that is erected in the middle of the venue butā¦ā¦ Is that also some kind of public shame play? ā¦ā¦No, would the others know about it? Well, however, thinking about that suite roomā¦ā¦ Is it just my imagination? I have a very bad feeling about it. To be specific, Iām feeling afraid that the room prepared would be far more luxurious and gaudy than I imaginedā¦ā¦
[I suppose it means that the Black rank Miyama-sama is one of the biggest and most important guests for the Six Kingsā¦ā¦ Thatās splendid.]
[I- Is that soā¦ā¦]
[Yes! Itās a great honor!]
Looking at Caraway-san who looked a bit excited while grasping her hands together, I could only give her a vague reply. Something tells me this is going to be very tiring again, and as I was thinking like thatā¦ā¦ I watched Caraway-san in a daze as she explained some finer details.
After the explanation was over, Caraway-san decided to leave the mansion to head to the next location. Though it may not be all of us, Lilia-san and I saw Caraway-san off at the door, but right at that moment when we were about to say goodbyesā¦ā¦ Caraway-san turned to me and gave me a serious look.
[ā¦ā¦Miyama-sama, I want to talk to you about something personal, but do you mind?]
[Eh? Ah, yes.]
[Iām sorry!]
[ā¦ā¦Ehh? Yes?]
I was wondering what she personally wanted to talk about, not as an envoy for the Six Kings butā¦ā¦ For some reason, Caraway-san deeply bowed her head to me and apologized. Eh? What is this? Whatās going on? Why am I being apologized to by someone I just met today?
[ā¦ā¦When Miyama-sama came to this world, āI was the one who casted Recognition Inhibition Magic on youā.]
[ā¦ā¦Eh?]
[I was blinded by greed and was very rude to you. It isnāt something I can apologize and be forgiven forā¦ā¦ but I just wanted to say these few words. Please, feel free to laugh at me for being self-satisfied for this.]
[ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦]
Looking at Caraway-san, who desperately had her head low and was telling me that it was for her own satisfaction, after a brief moment of silence, I wryly smiled.
[ā¦ā¦Please raise your head. I donāt care about that matter at all.]
[ā¦ā¦H- Howeverā¦ā¦]
[Look, itās not like anything happened to me anywayā¦ā¦]
If weāre talking about if the Recognition Inhibition Magic did any real harm to me at that time, then the worst that happened was that I got lostā¦ā¦ Thatās the reason why I met Kuro though, so Iām rather grateful to her instead. Telling her that I donāt care about that matter while thinking about that, with her head still bowed down, Caraway-san stiffened. Perhaps, she didnāt expect my reaction and didnāt know what to do.
[ā¦ā¦Then, how about we do it like this? Iāve certainly received Caraway-sanās apology, and I forgave you for that. So, Caraway-san, please donāt worry about it either.]
[ā¦ā¦Miyama-sama.]
[Thank you so much for your courteous explanation today. If we ever meet again, I would be happy if you treat me as an acquaintance you can be carefree with.]
[ā¦ā¦Yes.]
Hearing my suggestion to let bygones be bygones already, Caraway-san slowly looks up. Then, she turned to me and gave me a soft smile that made her cat-ears pretty.
[Thank you. Miyama-samaā¦ā¦ Iām sure weāll see each other again at the Six Kings Festival, but in that case, please let me know if I could be of assistance.]
[Errr.]
[I want to thank you for your generosity. I would be happy to help in any way I can.]
[ā¦ā¦Yes. Well then, if thereās an opportunity like that, I will be in your care.]
When I nodded, Caraway-san got down on one knee and after giving me a knight-like bow, she stood up.
[ā¦ā¦Well then, everyone, Iāll see you all at the Six Kings Festival.]
[Yes. Good luck with your work, Caraway-san.]
[Thank youā¦ā¦ Excuse me then.]
With that, Caraway-san light bowed her head again and left with a smile on her face. After she was out of sight, Lilia-san and I were about to return to the mansion, when I suddenly heard a small mutter.
[ā¦ā¦Youāre as kind as usualā¦ā¦ arenāt you?]
[ā¦ā¦Eh?]
While saying such praise that doesnāt sound like sheās being sarcastic at all, Lilia-san returned to the mansion a step ahead of me.