◇21 At the Founding Festival
The next morning, just before noon, Tanya returned safely to the kitchen car.
When Tanya and the others arrived at Estelle's house in Euphonium, Estelle's mother was apparently in a critical condition.
That evening, she suddenly lost consciousness, had a high fever that wouldn’t subside, and began mumbling deliriously. The doctor said there was nothing more they could do.
It was then that Estelle's “Gift,” Sacred Miracle, intervened, and her mother, who had been in critical condition, was saved.
The fever broke, and soon she regained consciousness.
Of course, both Estelle and Robert cried uncontrollably. Even Tanya, who had no direct connection, ended up crying as well.
“That’s a relief... So there’s no need to worry anymore?”
“The town doctor says there are no issues at all now. In fact, he even said it was a miracle.”
Well, Sacred Miracle is the name of the Gift, so that makes sense.
Still, they decided to stay in Euphonium for now to monitor her condition.
The letter Tanya brought back from Estelle was filled with an overwhelming amount of gratitude. Estelle must have been incredibly relieved.
I'm glad... though I'm still concerned about the flag with Elliot that I might have broken. But I suppose a life is more important than anything else.
Wait, should I be trying to break more flags in my case...?
But if Estelle ends up happy with Elliot, that would be best, I think. Unless some destruction flag comes my way.
For now, I suppose things have calmed down.
I gazed at the symbol of my Gift on my right hand.
Level 4. When I woke up this morning, the level had gone up. It must be because Estelle’s favorability increased. Or perhaps it’s more due to the event of Estelle’s awakening that triggered the boost.
In fact, Estelle’s level also went up. I guess I’m kind of benefiting from that, too.
I wonder if completing major character events causes levels to rise?
I really want to test what I can summon, but both my father and mother are busy with public duties for the Founding Festival today.
Apparently, they’ll have time tomorrow, so I’ll have to give up for today. It can’t be helped. If something were to happen while I was doing it on my own, that’d be bad.
“By the way, I’ve been wondering... What’s this red stain on the car?”
The red-black substance spread across the bumper and front of the vehicle. It definitely looks like blood... Could it be that someone was run over...?
“On the way back, we were speeding when something suddenly jumped out in front. I ended up running it over.”
“Just like I thought—?! Wait, was the person... did they die?!”
“Yep, instant death.”
Oh no...! What should I do...?! What’s the protocol in this situation?! Tanya ran them over, but the car is mine, so... what should I do...?!
“This kitchen car is really sturdy, though. It didn’t even get a scratch after running over a goblin.”
“…Goblin? Did you run over a goblin?”
“Yeah.”
A goblin, huh... Well, that’s a relief... I think?
I inspected the kitchen car, and there wasn’t a single dent. Even if it’s foreign-made, this thing is way too durable, right?
...Could it be that summoned stores and their related items can’t be damaged...? No way, right?
“Oh, and please keep Estelle’s Gift a secret, okay? It’d be a problem if the wrong people noticed.”
“I understand. Lord Euphonium asked me not to tell anyone either. I won’t speak of it.”
Wow... Even Estelle’s dad understands the power and danger of her Gift.
A Gift that can heal any illness is definitely something shady individuals would want to get their hands on.
Fortunately, the specifics of a Gift can only be known by the person who possesses it, so if it’s just categorized as a healing Gift, it probably won’t attract too much attention. Healing Gifts are actually fairly common.
“That reminds me... How did you find out about Lady Euphonium’s wife’s crisis?”
“Huh?! Oh, well, it was... um, a prophetic dream or, you know, just a feeling…”
“Did you receive a Divine Revelation?!”
I was caught off guard by Tanya’s surprised expression when I blurted out the lie.
Rarely, but it is said that some people who receive Gifts from the gods also receive Divine Revelations.
For a Divine Revelation to be given, one must be greatly favored by the gods. And if someone falsely claims to have received such a revelation, they could have their Gift taken away.
I-I’m not lying, though? Tanya must have misunderstood... I just said it was a prophetic dream or an omen...
Anyway, starting today, the Founding Festival will last for two weeks. I have to enjoy it for Estelle’s sake, too, even though she went home (though I told her to).
I had planned to go with my father and mother, but both of them had to attend events for the Founding Festival on the first day. My father is a royal prince, so it’s apparently required that he make an appearance at such occasions.
Since children are exempt from this, there was a suggestion that I go around with Elliot, but I graciously declined.
I can’t invite Princess Luca or Tifa, either. Wait, does that mean I don’t have any friends I can casually hang out with, except for Estelle...?
Hmm, maybe I should have socialized more at Elliot’s birthday party...
Ugh, this is a problem. I’m alone. Well, not exactly alone since I have the guards with me, but still.
“Alright! Sakuraile, I’ll show you around the capital!”
Just as I was thinking that, my grandfather, the Duke of the Borderlands, showed up. Apparently, my mother had contacted him. Well, it’s definitely better than wandering around alone, but... is he free?
“I heard from Duke and Ashley. Did you get into some trouble?”
“Ah... well, um, yes...”
It was undoubtedly about what happened yesterday. If your daughter comes home covered in blood, you’d naturally be worried. The Euphonium Baron family has close ties with my grandfather, so I’ll have to properly tell him what happened yesterday and how it ended.
After hearing the story, my grandfather let out a deep sigh.
“You’re still a child. You should rely more on the adults around you. It may be difficult to trust people here since you haven’t been here long, but...”
“No! That’s not it! I trust everyone here!”
This is the truth. By observing the adults' attitudes, I can tell whether their feelings are sincere or just a facade. Thankfully, everyone working for the Philharmonie Duke’s household has been considerate of me.
I deeply regret making everyone worry.
“What you did might have been wrong for a duke’s daughter. But thanks to that, the Euphonium Barons were saved. I’m proud of you.”
Saying that, my grandfather patted my head with his large hand. It made me feel a little embarrassed.
“By the way, are you planning to wear that outfit to the festival?”
“Huh? Is there something wrong with it?”
I looked down at the clothes I was wearing, checking if there was anything strange about them. I didn’t think anything was off, but is there something wrong?
“With that outfit, it’s obvious you’re a noble’s daughter. You might attract unwanted attention. It’s customary to wear more common clothing when attending the Founding Festival or religious ceremonies. It can make others feel intimidated.”
Eh...? I didn’t know that was a custom.
But now that I think about it, when Elliot and Estelle went around during the festival in the game, they were both wearing simple, everyday clothes.
But I thought that was because it would have been bad if Elliot was recognized as the crown prince. No, I’m also technically royalty, so I suppose it would be bad if I was recognized too.
“Alsa, do we have clothes like that?”
“Of course, my lady. Nothing will be overlooked.”
Alisa, the maid, replied as if it was the most obvious thing. Wait, is this general knowledge?
Led by Alisa, I was quickly changed. In the mirror, I saw a plain town girl with inconspicuous clothes. It felt like I had returned to my days in the slums, though these clothes were far better than those from back then.
“Do I really need glasses, too?”
“They’ll help create a sense of simplicity, while still maintaining a bit of charm. I think they’re necessary.”
Oh, I see... I stared at my unfamiliar self in the mirror, wearing braids and glasses. It didn’t look bad, I guess.
When I returned to my grandfather, he too had changed into inconspicuous, plain clothes. He looked like a craftsman from somewhere.
Not just my grandfather, but Tanya, Alisa, and the other guards had also changed into civilian clothing. If you’re seen with guards and a maid, people will know you’re a noble. But still...
“If we go by the Duke’s carriage, won’t it defeat the purpose...?”
“We’ll get out before we enter the third district, so it’s fine. Don’t worry.”
The main areas of the Founding Festival are the Third and Fourth Districts. Our estate is located in the First District, while Estelle's Euphonium Baron family resides in the Second District.
After passing through the First District, where the royal family and high-ranking nobles live, and the Second District, where lower-ranking nobles and wealthy merchants reside, we got off the carriage in front of the gate to the Third District.
“Wow, it’s so lively!”
The Third District was already immersed in the festive atmosphere. Flags fluttered from roof to roof, and the streets were filled with the bustle of people.
Stalls and food stands lined the streets, with customers peering curiously at rare products. A band played cheerful music, and people danced to the rhythm.
Inspired by the lively crowd, I began to feel excited as well. I didn’t dislike festivals.
“This is your first festival, Sakuraile, so let’s start with some rabbit skewers!”
What kind of food has such a direct name?
Following my grandfather, we walked to one of the stalls, and what was served was a very ordinary skewer. Oh, so it’s a skewer made with rabbit meat?
It’s like grilled chicken, then. I thought it would be a whole roasted rabbit, but...
The rabbit skewers were seasoned with salt, giving them a rustic, flavorful taste. Quite delicious. To be honest, I’d like to try it with sauce as well, but...
“Oh, they’re selling takoyaki, too!”
Tanya’s eyes lit up as she peered at the stall next to us. Takoyaki is sold here, too...
Come to think of it, I remember there was a scene in the game where Elliot and Estelle ate takoyaki during their festival date.
Hmm, I wonder if this world is actually the game world? The things that appeared in the game, like the stills and text, exist here too. That’s why I occasionally see elements of Japanese culture. It feels like a strange mismatch.
Grandfather, Tanya, Alisa, and I wandered around the festive streets, enjoying the atmosphere.
Caught up in the mood of the festival, I ended up buying things I didn’t really need. I bought a cheap but cute brooch without thinking. Well, I guess it’s fine.
As I carefully observed the people around us, I noticed quite a few nobles who were clearly disguised.
Just as my grandfather had said, it seems that dressing in commoner-style clothes and wandering around is a noble tradition at this festival.
I also spotted a few kids I’d seen briefly at Elliot’s party. Of course, I didn’t approach them.
Even if they noticed me, I didn’t think they’d talk to me. I imagine we both understood that we should avoid interfering with each other. After all, the main focus of the festival isn’t the nobles but the common people who live in the capital.
According to what my grandfather told me, there are even some foolish nobles who don’t understand that.
But it’s so lively. It seems that people from other countries have also come to the festival.
That sun-tanned child over there... Wait, is that Tifa?
I found a girl who looked strikingly similar to Tifa and couldn’t help but stare at her. Then, as if she noticed, she returned my gaze. Though her clothes were different, she really did look like her... Wait, no, this has to be her.
“Tifa?”
“Oh! It’s really Sakuraile!”
With a broad smile on her face, Tifanya, the third princess of the Kingdom of Menouet, rushed toward me.
“Huh, Sakuraile?”
The girl standing next to her also rushed toward us. Wait, is that Luca?
Both of them were dressed simply, a stark contrast to how they looked at the party, so I didn’t recognize them at first. They must have been in disguise. The guards standing behind them were also dressed plainly, but they were still armed with swords.
I never imagined I’d run into the princesses of Menouet and Prelude here. I’d heard they were planning to watch the festival and then head back, but I didn’t expect this.
“Did you two come together?”
“No, Prince Elliot was with us as well, but we got separated. Honestly, it’s not a problem; it’s easier to enjoy the sights without having to worry about him,” Tifa said with a smile.
“Yeah, no problem,” Luca added.
I don’t know why, but I feel a bit sorry for Elliot... I can understand that he’d want to avoid being too formal with the prince from another country, but still.
But look at Elliot, trying to invite the two of them to the festival. That’s quite bold. Or maybe it was an order from His Majesty the Emperor? Though the fact that they got separated is a bit of a setback for him.
He’s probably searching for them desperately by now.
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Volume 1 Chapter 22