Chapter 55

Here, in front of Miu, was a scene that made her think she had been transported to the Heian period, reborn in modern times. No, that’s not quite right. It might have been a grand cherry blossom viewing party like the one Toyotomi Hideyoshi held. The scene before her eyes was so grand and magnificent that she was deeply moved.

It was a grand sight. A sight she had never seen before, not even in her previous life, and not even on TV or in anime.

After passing through the gate, what lay before her was a vast park. The neatly trimmed lawn was lined with cherry trees protected by magic, and petals fluttered in the air. Under the cherry trees, many tables were set up, with a variety of dishes laid out.

From roast beef to salmon-topped crackers, salads to fish mousse, caviar, and shrimp in cocktail glasses. At the chef's table, steaks were being grilled, and the sushi chef was taking orders.

Of course, there were desserts too, with chocolate fondue flowing like a fountain, beautifully crafted cakes, ice cream, and even dango.

Was there any dish that wasn’t here? The variety of dishes was so extensive that it seemed impossible. Moreover, before they ran out, the maids would quickly replenish them.

There were also many drinks available. Maids carried silver trays with wine glasses, and a makeshift bar was set up, complete with sake and other beverages.

I underestimated it a bit. This castle is huge. No, it’s too huge. Just this garden alone is as large as several Hibiya Parks from my previous life.

Of course, there were many people. Nobles and influential commoners had come with their families, so there must be around ten thousand people in total.

I’ve never seen such a grand and magnificent cherry blossom viewing party. Even the one Toyotomi Hideyoshi held couldn’t compare to this. Ah, it wasn’t a cherry blossom viewing party. It was a debut party.

With her eyes sparkling in amazement, the gray-haired girl turned around and let out a surprised voice.

"Wow, Dad, is this the debut party venue?"

"Yes, it is. If you go further in, there’s a balcony where the Emperor will give a speech, and that’s it. After that, you can enjoy the food and deepen your connections."

Seeing Miu’s surprise, her father nodded with a gentle smile and explained. It seems like a simple debut party. Indeed, the castle is visible in the distance, and the balcony can be seen.

"I thought the debut party would be held in a party hall!"

"Other countries might do it that way, but Japan is different. The Emperor values deep connections with many people and doesn’t think formal etiquette is necessary."

I see. Indeed, in the original story, it was a scene in the garden. I thought it might be different from this party, but it seems I was right. I’m glad I brought Munin just in case. I never imagined the debut party would be held outdoors.

"The children of the 36 noble families will go up to the balcony to greet the Emperor. So, please wait a moment, Miu-sama."

Yazuya said with a slightly disappointed look. Indeed, it would be too much to greet everyone on the balcony with so many people. I’d say no thanks to that.

"During that time, I’ll go around the food with Tamamo. Let’s go in circles, in circles~"

"Okay, in circles~"

Holding hands with Tamamo, they spun around. The vast garden was so large that they wouldn’t bump into anyone. Tamamo’s kimono sleeves spread out, and Miu’s skirt fluttered as the two beautiful girls spun around, making the people around them smile.

"I’ll be back after the greeting!"

Yazuya puffed out her cheeks and dashed towards the balcony. She must have enhanced her body; she’s incredibly fast. Even in heels, she moves like a black panther. Be careful not to bump into anyone. Yazuya’s mother followed her with a smile.

"There’s about 30 minutes left before the Emperor announces the start of the coming-of-age ceremony. What would you like to eat, Miu-chan?"

"Hmm, I’ll eat something light! I’m looking forward to the feast when we get home!"

The feast at home is more appealing than the food in the garden. Especially the cake, which I think is better than a three-star cake, earning a seven-star rating. I think it’s worth calling a divine dragon.

So, I chose caviar, foie gras, ikura, and mousse-like dishes. I’ll eat expensive things I’ve never tried before. I need to be careful not to get too full.

"Let’s go, Tamamo!"

"Okay, let’s go, let’s go~"

Holding hands with Tamamo, they ran to the tables with the food. Maybe I should skip the caviar; it’s a delicacy, but I don’t like it. It’s just salty.

Tamamo wanted to eat steak, so we split it and ate it together. Seriously, this meat is too soft! It melted in my mouth. Is it milk horn bear meat? I’d like to see that monster once.

Under the watchful eyes of our parents, we ate and played together. For some reason, many people gathered around our parents, and children my age tried to befriend me.

I was very happy.

Why was I happy?

"Let’s share and eat together!"

Aim to try all the dishes! It’s a buffet, but the steaks are only slightly smaller than usual. I’ll get full.

So, Miu cleverly shared the food with her new friends. They seemed surprised at first, but it was a great idea. Let’s divide this chocolate mousse into six parts.

The new friends, who were initially confused and surprised, soon joined in the fun, and everyone enjoyed the food with smiles.

"Captain, I’ve divided the foie gras terrine!"

"Okay, distribute it to everyone!"

"I can’t divide the strawberry tart properly~"

"Leave it to me! I’ll fight for it! Hiss!"

"I’ve brought a lot of ice cream."

"Let’s eat our favorite flavors! I’ll have chocolate ice cream!"

Everyone worked together to try all the dishes, enjoying the food with happy smiles. Just as the atmosphere became warm and friendly, a trumpet sounded, and a middle-aged man stood on the balcony in the back.

"That’s the Emperor, Miu."

Mother called out, and I squinted. ...Yeah, I can’t see him well. Children who have awakened to ‘Mana’ can see him with ‘Enhanced Vision.’ It’s quite impressive. Tamamo can see him too. It seems not everyone in this group can see him, so not everyone is a mage.

"Mom, I can’t see him well."

"Ta-da! I brought binoculars!"

Surprisingly, it was a housewife’s wisdom. Mother proudly took out binoculars from her bag. Some of the adults around her also had binoculars. They’re all smart.

"Mom, let me use them, let me use them~"

"Sure, be careful not to drop them."

"Okay! Thank you!"

The demanding Miu jumped up and down, and Mother handed her the binoculars with a smile. I quickly looked through the binoculars at the Emperor.

A middle-aged man in a mantle and crown was saying something, but I couldn’t hear him at all. He’s making a fist and speaking, but he’s too far away. Even with a microphone, it’s choppy.

But it’s not a problem. I know this scene. I remember it. It was described from the protagonist Shin’s perspective. As a duke’s family, they should be near the balcony inside the palace for the greeting.

"Next, he’ll say something like, 'I will introduce the fourth Holy Maiden born to our royal family.'"

The Emperor lowered his hand and leaned forward, turning his face towards the back of the palace. Then, a silver-haired, red-eyed girl in a white robe with gold thread embroidery walked slowly. An old man in a wheelchair followed her, with a blanket over his legs.

‘Investigate’

‘Tainai Yu: Level 38, Leg Seal III, Disease I’

Out of curiosity, I checked, and he’s quite strong but has a leg seal. It’s a Level III seal, which is quite difficult. He also has Disease I.

"Let’s show everyone the power of the new Holy Maiden. The power of the next generation’s royal Holy Maiden!"

I think he’s saying that. It’s lip-sync dubbing, but the Emperor’s speech makes the surroundings quiet, and everyone’s attention turns to the girl.

When the maid removed the blanket from the old man’s legs, both of his legs from the thighs down were missing. Hmm, a complete loss of the legs results in a Level III seal. So, what kind of loss would a Level IV seal be?

Well, I’ll find out someday. For now, let’s see the Holy Maiden’s power.

Shin is nearby, so he can see everything, but I’m just a minor character, so I can only watch from a distance.

Even from a distance, I can see. The kneeling girl’s body is covered in pure white light, which gradually intensifies, and the Holy Maiden’s face contorts in pain. This binoculars have excellent resolution; I can even see the Holy Maiden’s expression. They must be expensive. Did you buy them for today? They’re new.

While worrying about the diagonal direction, I watched as a burst of light was released from the girl’s body, forming a ring of light that scanned the old man’s body from head to toe.

The Holy Maiden stood up, raised her hands to the sky, and solemnly opened her mouth. In the original story, her voice was described as cute and clear, like a little bird’s, but I can’t remember the details.

"May healing be upon you! 'Unchara kanchara'"

Lip-sync dubbing has its limits. I forgot the name of the healing magic. Sorry, Holy Maiden. I should have brought a sound amplifier.

However, regardless of my dubbing, the Holy Maiden’s power was real. Light gathered on the old man’s legs, forming the shape of legs. As the divine and dazzling light subsided, the old man’s legs were perfectly restored, looking healthy and even a bit younger.

"Wow! They’re healed, they’re healed, En-chan!"

Tamamo tugged at my skirt, her eyes shining with excitement. Indeed, I agree. To heal a Level III loss, she must be the heroine.

"Yeah! That’s amazing! She’s the new Holy Maiden!"

Everyone gasped and looked on in amazement. The old man, who had been in a wheelchair, stood up, confirmed that he could walk, and knelt before the Holy Maiden, tears streaming down his face.

‘Investigate’

‘Tainai Yu: Level 44, Disease I’

I checked to see if he was completely healed, but... huh? Why is ‘Disease I’ still there? Is it different from the game, where the recovery magic used depends on the specific injury?

I tilted my head in confusion. The Holy Maiden looked pained and wobbled. Maybe the mana consumption is high.

The Emperor extended his hand to the wobbling Holy Maiden, who took it and smiled back.

He then lifted the Holy Maiden in his arms, showing her to everyone, and declared proudly.

Yeah, even if I don’t remember, I can guess what he’s saying.

"May my daughter, Seina Togami, be blessed! Let us all celebrate the birth of the new Holy Maiden."

He must be declaring that. Seina Togami, the Holy Maiden of this ‘Night of Magic,’ the Emperor’s daughter, and the protagonist’s heroine.

This party was also the Holy Maiden’s debut party.

I met the protagonist’s next character. The heroine from the original story. I wonder if I can ask for an autograph. I think it would be fine to be a minor character.

"But, I’m worried. If it’s that flashback scene, something bad might happen."

Miu frowned, looking troubled. I hope it’s different from the memory. But the current balcony scene is quite different, so maybe nothing will happen.

I’ll wait for Munin’s report and eat more food. This chocolate mousse has a fluffy texture and is delicious.