A party on the last day that only those with Gold-Rank invitations or higher could attend. It was being held on the roof of the Central Tower.
The rooftop seems to be larger than it was when I visited on the first day, perhaps due to the use of Spatial Magic, and even with the large number of participants, there was still plenty of space.
In addition, the wind does not blow in due to the wards set up in place, so it is quite comfortable.
The format was more like a stand-up party, with the Six Kings greeting each attendee first before moving on to free chatting. Kuro and the other members of the Six Kings, Shiro-san and the rulers of the Human Realm were seated at a higher level, where they would respond to the participants who talk to them.
...Well, it seemed like Chronois-san was the one interacting with the guests for Shiro-san...
Everyone seemed to be quite busy, including, Magnawell-san, who was unable to enter the venue and had only moved his face near the tower to participate. Lilia, who had come with me to the venue, was currently having a conversation with some people who looked like nobles.
Incidentally, as for me, it seems like Alice had taken care of it, so there aren't too many people gathering around me, allowing me to relax and enjoy my meal.
[...Kuro and the others seem to be really busy.]
[Mogu... mogu... Well, there usually are few opportunities to have a direct conversation with the Six Kings. The participants are all people with a certain reputation, so they're keeping it in moderation but... Even if that's so, it would be inevitable that the organizers of the festival are busy.]
[...And yet, here you are. What the heck are you doing here?]
Alice responded to my mutterings while eating large amounts of food. No, no, aren't you one of those organizers? Why the heck are you eating here as if it was the most obvious thing in the world?
Ahh, I see, I guess this just like that time with the opening ceremony, where she left a clone to guard me while her real body is on the stage...
[Please don't worry! The one here is the real bo———- Fugyaaahhh!?]
[Seriously, what the heck are you doing...]
[Well, I mean, Alice-chan isn't really interested in that kind of thing... so "I left it to Pandora to handle the greetings".]
[...That means, the one on stage now dressed as the Phantasmal King is Pandora-san?]
[Yes, she was occasionally acting as my stand-in.]
Although it's easy to forget because of her usual unusual words and actions, Pandora is the first one of Alice's subordinates. When necessary, she sometimes dresses up as the Phantasmal King and acts as her stand-in.
I would tilt my head in question if you ask me if this is one of those necessary times though...
Well, Alice is just acting as usual in a way... let's just greet some of the people I know. As for greeting Kuro and the others, I'll greet them after things over there have settled down a bit, and I'll go look for my other acquaintances for the time being.
If it's possible, I'd like to greet someone who seemed like I'd be able to calmly chat with...
[...Oya, if it isn't Miyama Kaito-kun. For us to meet in a place like this... Well, no, as a researcher, I'm someone who doesn't rely on uncertain factors like fate... No, pardon me. I didn't mean to insult God of Fate-sama. It's just that as someone who really lacks knowledge regarding this aspect, I can't surmise the supernatural power of fate. Oh, I'm sorry, I digressed. What I'm saying is that, coincidence it may be, I'm glad to see you again.]
[G- Good evening, Fors-san.]
[Ahh, pardon me. I forgot to say the most important thing. Please don't think I'm being impolite, I'm just a bit distracted. No, my apologies. Well then, once again, good evening.]
The one who appeared with talking skills that was overwhelmingly jaunty... was Fors-san, the Elven Elder and the companion of Neun-san, the First Hero.
Even at this luxurious party, she was still wearing her dark green robe, which was something I had expected she would wear.
[By the way, I don't think lavish parties like these really aren't my thing. You see, I'm basically a shy person, you know? However, my title has become so large that I have to deal with troublesome things like these parties. I also received invitations from the Six Kings... through my connection with Laguna, but well, I would have preferred declining this party.]
[H- Huhh...]
[Your face looked like you're asking me why I'm here. You may have already guessed it, but as usual, Laguna pulled me along. And yet, there she was, sitting among the rulers' seat, while I'm left here in a seat I don't like. Good gracious, what a troublesome person she is. For someone like me, who is "shy and quiet", this kind of event can be very painful.]
[...Eh?]
[Unnn?]
This is strange. I thought I was hallucinating the last time I heard her saying this... but I'm hearing words like shy and quiet again, words that don't fit her at all.
Fors-san might think that she's a taciturn person... but I think she's making a terrible misunderstanding.
[Oops, I guess I'm wasting my time by rambling on too long. I'll just tell you my true purpose in talking to you.]
[Your true purpose?]
[Yeah, you see, you helped me when I was lost, remember? I want to thank you for that. Of course, I understand that you have a noble heart that doesn't want anything in return, but that doesn't make me feel any better. You didn't seem too interested in eyeball or insect cuisines, so I've been trying to figure out what to do... when I remembered something great for that. Do you also like those "soba" food?]
[Soba? Y- Yes, I like them.]
[That's great then. I'm actually growing some buckwheat that you used for those soba at the request of Hikari... Neun. It might sound like I'm just praising myself, but I think my buckwheats are pretty good. So, I thought of treating you to some of them later. If it's possible, I'd like you to come visit Rigforeshia later. No, of course it would be logical for me, as the one who should be thanking you, to visit you, but as you know, I'm severely directionally challenged. To be honest, I'm not sure if I can even reach the Royal Capital.]
Fors-san offered to serve me soba as thanks for showing her the way. Since I haven't had soba for a while... I'd like to eat some.
When I told her that I accept her proposal, a soft smile appeared on Fors-san's lips.
Dear Mom, Dad————– How should I say this... I feel bad that I've made Fors-san worry about such things, but to be honest, I'm looking forward to the soba. The only concern I have left would be————- if I would be overwhelmed by her talking skills.