After returning from Rigforeshia, I went to sleep in my room…… 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 at…… but what time is it now?]

[It’s 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, it’s Shiro-san after all, so I guess there’s no point in getting into it too deeply?

[Errr, here it is. My souvenir, fruit sticks.]

[Thank you. I’m very happy…… However, it’s a bit too much. I may not be able to eat it all by myself. Ahh, if only someone would eat it with me……]

She started to perform some kind of skit. Moreover, the fact that she’s sneaking glances at me, together with her usual inflectionless voice, was quite surreal. Rather, this is definitely that, right?

[……Shiro-san, I’ll ask this just in case…… but is there no option where I can go home without eating with you?]

[None.]

[……I see. Well, if Shiro-san is fine with it, would you like to eat with me?]

[Let’s do that.]

Well, guess I’ll just think of it as a little evening snack. In fact, I’m 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 underway……

[Ummm, Shiro-san…… Is something the matter?]

[What are you talking about?]

[No, it’s fine if it’s just my imagination…… but somehow, the atmosphere was different than usual, or rather, I feel like you’re a little tense……]

[…………………]

I can’t perfectly read Shiro-san’s emotions, and my Sympathy Magic doesn’t work on her either. That’s 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.

[……I’m sorry for calling you at this hour today.]

[No, don’t 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 don’t think I would have known if Shiro-san hadn’t told me the time. However, Shiro-san slightly bowed her head and apologized.

[……Why, I wonder? I myself don’t really know. It would have been fine if I had waited until Kaito-san got up…… but perhaps, I wanted to see your face as soon as possible.]

[……Did something happen?]

[Something happened, and something may have not…… It may have already happened, or it may not have happened yet.]

[What does that mean……]

[Fufu, I don’t understand it either. However, seeing Kaito-san’s 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 doesn’t understand, I wouldn’t understand it either…… I’m glad to see you’re feeling better than earlier.]

[……Kaito-san, are you worried about me?]

[Eh? Ah, yes. It certainly…… may seem a little strange to worry about the near-omnipotent God Shiro-san…… but I would worry about someone I’m worried about.]

[………………..]

Arehh? What is this? The atmosphere around here seems to have changed more blatantly than before…… Although the expression on her face shouldn’t have changed, it somehow feels as if Shiro-san is sad.

[……Kaito-san…… Why…… are you……]

[Eh? Ummm……]

[……No, my apologies. It’s nothing.]

[……Is that so?]

Shiro-san was about to say something, but stopped mid-sentence. I could somehow sense that she didn’t want me to go into it any further though, so I couldn’t say anything else. After a few while, within an indescribable silence, eating fruit sticks and drinking tea…… Shiro-san quietly spoke.

[Emotions…… Heart…… They’re all very complicated things, aren’t they?]

[Shiro-san?]

[I have never felt so bitter that I am not omniscient than I am today. My own heart…… is something I couldn’t understand.]

[……I don’t 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 don’t 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.]

[……It seems that was also the case for Kaito-san huh.]

[Yes, however…… I think that those uncertainties were also part of what makes up my heart. It’s 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 succeed…… Things might not go exactly as I want, but it was still pleasurable.]

[……Things might not go exactly as I want…… but it was still pleasurable.]

[I think Shiro-san is confused about a lot of things, not because you don’t understand how you feel, but because you’re starting to understand. In that case, I’m sure there’s no need to be in a hurry. That confusion is also part of who Shiro-san is now, right?]

[………………….]

When Shiro-san heard my words, she closed her eyes and fell silent…… And after opening her eyes, she looked at the sky and spoke.

[……Kaito-san. Is it wrong to seek something I couldn’t obtain? Is it wrong to choose any means to achieve it?]

[Hmmm. That’s difficult to answer. That might be wrong, but that could also be right…… However, I trust Shiro-san, so if you were to try to acquire something by any means necessary…… I think you have a good reason for that.]

[Would you despise me for that?]

[No, I wouldn’t. I may not agree with some of the details to whatever you want to do, but that isn’t a reason for me to deny what Shiro-san desires.]

I don’t know what the meaning of this exchange was. I don’t even know what the almost omnipotent Shiro-san wants to acquire. However, I think this conversation is necessary for Shiro-san.

[……Thank you, Kaito-san. It seems like I was a little distressed.]

[I’m glad if I could help you solve your problems, but was I able to help you in some way?]

[Yes. As expected, I just can’t seem to give up. That’s 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 refreshed…… Shiro-san gave me a slightly mischievous, yet incredibly dazzling smile.

[That is…… still a secret.]

＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

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 what’s going on? Telling us to quickly come there……]

[Hmmm. Normally, that would mean that there’s a guest but…… A guest who wants to see us three?]

[I don’t 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 doesn’t have any idea who that guest could be…… In fact, I’m feeling a little anxious about what’s going to happen. Reaching the reception room quickly, we knocked on the door before we entered the room…… 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 room…… Who could it be? I don’t recognize her at all.

[Everyone, I apologize for suddenly calling you out.]

[N- No, Lilia-san…… Did someone come to visit us?]

[No, to be exact…… 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 me…… What do all of us have in common…… 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 order……. Ah, before that, I’m Caraway. I’m a Viscount-level, high-ranking Demon. I have come this day as an envoy for the Six Kings. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.]

[Ah, yes. Errr…… I’m Miyama Kaito.]

[I’m Kusunoki Aoi.]

[I’m Yuzuki Hina.]

After the cat-eared woman…… 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.]

[……Invitations?]

Hearing Caraway-san’s 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 Realm…… The Six Kings Festival will be held.]

[A collaboration of the Six Kings?]

[……That’s unheard of.]

Lilia-san was astonished by Caraway-san’s words, and Lunamaria-san also muttered in surprise. Of course, that’s the same for us too, as we’re 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 restricted…… And she said that it’s 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.

[……Does anyone have any questions so far?]

[N- No, we’re fine.]

[Well then, everyone, here……]

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 Kings…… Though each invitation has a rank.]

[……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: “It depends on the number of Six Kings who sent you their invitations”. The higher the rank, the more privileges you get and the more luxurious, the “memorabilia” you will receive.]

[……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 start……]

""

At Caraway-san’s urging, the homeowner, Lilia-san, opened her envelope first. Thereupon, from inside Lilia-san’s envelope, a slightly large card with a shiny platinum color came out.

[……Wonderful. Lilia-sama has received a platinum-ranked invitation huh…… It looks like you’ve 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- Yes…… 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-san’s platinum-colored invitation had the Six Kings who invited Lilia-san and their memorabilias, just like Caraway-san said but…… The contents were……

<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 Devil’s Wine>

<Phantasmal King: No Face

Memorabilia: One Holy Sword, Excalibur>

<Underworld King: Kuromueina

Memorabilia: A State-of-the-Art Teleportation Magic Tools>

—-filled up with outrageous stuff.

[……W- What is…… t- this…… this is……. Kyuuuu~~]

[Milady!?]

All of them look like they’re dangerous memorabilias……No, they’re items that aren’t on the level of mere memorabilias anymore, as they have greatly exceeded Lilia-san’s tolerance level and made Lilia-san faint. While looking at Lilia-san with pity, the next person to open her envelope was Sieg-san…… Sieg-san’s 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>

—-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 me…… No, at the envelope in my hand.

[……I- I’m afraid of Kaito-san’s invitation.]

[……Lilia-san’s memorabilias were quite tremendous, but thinking that Kaito-san’s would be more than that…….]

[K- Kaito-senpai, please open it!]

[U- Unnn.]

Pushed by everyone’s appeal, I opened the envelope I was holding…… And from inside comes an overflowingly high-class, jet-black invitation.

[I- I’m surprised…… For it to be a black rank…… That means you’ve received an invitation from all the Six Kings…… 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- Eeeehhhh……]

Why do I kinda feel like something outrageous just happened? How strange. I mean, this should just be something like receiving an invitation, right…… No, I certainly know all the Six Kings but……

And thus, not only Lilia-san and the others…… 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 wait…… 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?

<Dragon King: Magnawell Baskus Lardo Kurtzvald

Memorabilia: Dragon King’s Fangs, Dragon King’s Claws>

Stop right there!!! Magnawell-san’s 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>

What’s 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 isn’t something you use as memorabilia, you know!? Which world do you use “ships” as a measure of memorabilias!? ……This world? ……The heck is that, that’s scary. I mean, a magic box that can hold a whole ship is absurdly expensive in itself……

G- Geez, it isn’t just on the level of outrageous anymore…… H- How the heck did this happen……

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 was——— Several memorabilias that made me doubt my eyes.

The invitation to the Six Kings Festival brought by Caraway-san, the Six Kings’ envoy…… completely astonished by the astonishing memorabilia listed there.

[I can understand why you’re surprised. I was actually surprised as well but…… 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.]

[……Privileges?]

[Yes. Those who have been invited can bring an escort…… 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.]

[……I see, so what about Milady’s Platinum and Miyama-sama’s Black?]

[Platinum ranks are allowed to invite up to five companions, and they are allowed to enter all areas of the venue except the “Central Tower”. In addition, the guests with Platinum-ranked invitations may buy any merchandise in any stall for “half the price”.]

[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 them…… But still, that’s quite tremendous.

[……And as for the Black rank…… You don’t 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.]

[……Ehh?]

[Plus, if you present your Black-ranked invitation, all establishments and merchandise will be “free of charge”, but this would only apply for you.]

[Free!?]

Apparently, the Black rank is even more prestigious…… I could get anything for free and take as many people with me as I want. No, well, fortunately, I don’t know hundreds of people like that…… 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 awesome……]

[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.]

[……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. That’s why it seems that the restrictions on participation are much stricter than others.

[And lastly, Miyama-sama……]

[Y- Yes.]

[I’m told that the Six Kings will arrange accommodations for the Black ranks for the duration of the event…… Is there anything written on your invitation?]

[Eh? Errr……]

After hearing Caraway-san’s words, I looked at the envelope that contained the invitation…… and found a card that was slightly smaller than the invitation.

“Central Tower, Top Floor, Special Suite Room”

……I’m feeling dizzy. Reading its name, it’s probably a tower that is erected in the middle of the venue but…… Is that also some kind of public shame play? ……No, would the others know about it? Well, however, thinking about that suite room…… Is it just my imagination? I have a very bad feeling about it. To be specific, I’m feeling afraid that the room prepared would be far more luxurious and gaudy than I imagined……

[I suppose it means that the Black rank Miyama-sama is one of the biggest and most important guests for the Six Kings…… That’s splendid.]

[I- Is that so……]

[Yes! It’s 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 that…… 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 goodbyes…… Caraway-san turned to me and gave me a serious look.

[……Miyama-sama, I want to talk to you about something personal, but do you mind?]

[Eh? Ah, yes.]

[I’m sorry!]

[……Ehh? Yes?]

I was wondering what she personally wanted to talk about, not as an envoy for the Six Kings but…… For some reason, Caraway-san deeply bowed her head to me and apologized. Eh? What is this? What’s going on? Why am I being apologized to by someone I just met today?

[……When Miyama-sama came to this world, “I was the one who casted Recognition Inhibition Magic on you”.]

[……Eh?]

[I was blinded by greed and was very rude to you. It isn’t something I can apologize and be forgiven for…… but I just wanted to say these few words. Please, feel free to laugh at me for being self-satisfied for this.]

[…………………]

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.

[……Please raise your head. I don’t care about that matter at all.]

[……H- However……]

[Look, it’s not like anything happened to me anyway……]

If we’re 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 lost…… That’s the reason why I met Kuro though, so I’m rather grateful to her instead. Telling her that I don’t care about that matter while thinking about that, with her head still bowed down, Caraway-san stiffened. Perhaps, she didn’t expect my reaction and didn’t know what to do.

[……Then, how about we do it like this? I’ve certainly received Caraway-san’s apology, and I forgave you for that. So, Caraway-san, please don’t worry about it either.]

[……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.]

[……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-sama…… I’m sure we’ll 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.]

[……Yes. Well then, if there’s 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.

[……Well then, everyone, I’ll see you all at the Six Kings Festival.]

[Yes. Good luck with your work, Caraway-san.]

[Thank you…… 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.

[……You’re as kind as usual…… aren’t you?]

[……Eh?]

While saying such praise that doesn’t sound like she’s being sarcastic at all, Lilia-san returned to the mansion a step ahead of me.