Chapter 15

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'Evening Primrose Festival... is it?'

'Yes.'

While having tea after breakfast with my father, he brought up this topic.

'The Evening Primrose blooms only once every five years, under the full moon, deep in the forest. Many people come to the nearby Enelus Village to see it, and the village has turned it into a festival to promote itself.'

Tutte added, pouring more tea.

'So, this year is the blooming season, Father?'

'Yes, there's also an event in my territory, but Aries says it's time for you to see more of the outside world... I'm against it, but...'

He seemed hesitant, probably worried that I would say, 'I hate you, Father,' if he opposed it.

(This sounds like an interesting event. I've never been to a festival before, so I'm curious. I wonder if I can invite my friends?)

'Father, may I invite my friends?'

'Hmm? Yes, of course. Invite as many as you like.'

'Thank you, Father.'

I smiled at him, and he let out a relaxed sigh, but quickly returned to his usual self.

(I'll ask Zaha and Magilka the next time we train.)

Zaha had become a regular at my training sessions, and surprisingly, since the magic incident, Magilka had started to visit frequently to observe my studies. In return, she brought me various books, so I had no complaints.

(I don't think they'll gain anything by watching me, though. Most of my abilities are cheats given to me by the gods.)

While thinking about this, I waited for the time when they would visit.

---

'Evening Primrose Festival... I remember that.'

'Well, I'm going to that festival, and I was wondering if you two would like to come?'

On a sunny afternoon, I brought up the topic in the usual courtyard where the two of them were gathered.

'Hmm, I might consider it if there's a boxing match, but it's just to see flowers, right?'

'Oh, Master Zaha... The Evening Primrose Festival isn't a violent event. It's a romantic place where couples confess their love in front of the mystical scene. They say that if you confess in front of the blooming flowers, you'll be bound together forever. That's why many couples visit the festival.'

Tutte sighed sweetly and corrected Zaha's blunt comment.

'...I'm a bit interested...'

Magilka, who had been silent, agreed thoughtfully.

'Oh, I didn't know Magilka was such a romantic.'

'I'm interested in the five-year blooming cycle and the fact that the Evening Primrose is a magical plant. It might have some real effects, and I'd like to bring it back for research.'

(You're not a romantic at all.)

'So, will you come with me, Magilka? Zaha, you'll stay behind.'

'What, just me! That's not fun... Something interesting might happen, so I'll come too.'

(Hmm, you lonely guy.)

I chuckled and smiled at Zaha, who turned red and looked away, saying, "What?"

'Alright, we'll go to my villa a few days before the festival, so be prepared.'

I said this, excited about the upcoming trip with my friends. Little did I know what was to come...

---

'Hello, Miss Mary.'

On the day of departure, something unexpected happened. A blond boy descended from a modest carriage in front of my mansion, disguised to avoid attention.

'L-L-Lord Rayforce!'

Seeing him after a long time and the pressure of being in the presence of royalty made me extremely nervous. Despite my flustered state, I managed to bow deeply and looked around for someone to explain the situation, but my two friends avoided my gaze.

(Grrr! Don't run away! Explain this!)

'Now, now, Miss Mary. Don't glare at them like that. It was my idea to surprise you.'

The prince, noticing my silent pressure on them, tried to protect them with a guilty look.

'I'm so embarrassed. I didn't know Lord Rayforce would be joining us, so I was taken aback.'

'Yes, I heard about the Evening Primrose Festival from the two of them and really wanted to go. When I told them I wanted to join, they said they would keep it a secret to surprise you... It seems they didn't tell you.'

(Those guys... They knew I'd cancel the trip if they told me, so they kept it a secret. And they even told the prince!)

I glared at them again, and they quickly turned away. I had forgotten that, as future court knights and magicians, they had more contact with the prince than I did. This was going to be a difficult journey.

(And it's an event I organized... Oh, my stomach hurts...)

'Sigh... Well, there's no point in talking about it here. Let's get going.'

I sighed deeply and urged everyone to prepare for departure. The servants immediately sprang into action. We set off for Enelus Village, where the Evening Primrose Festival would take place!

(I bet the village chief will faint...)

I apologize for the short story. Thank you for reading this far.