Having learned from my first mistake, I decided to refer to Alice's
guidebook from then on.
The stores not listed in this guidebook shouldn't be under the control of
the Six Kings, as they had joined later. There are some stores that aren't
under the control of the Six Kings that were prepared by applying in
advance, but the description written in the guidebook also stated if that
was the case.
And then, I guess it's really to be expected from the subordinates of the
Six Kings… It's also the same case for the Peerage-holders, but they
weren't running away, even when they were standing before Isis-san.
Well, though I say that, they weren't able to completely endure being
exposed to Isis-san's magic power of death if they didn't have the
strength that is nearly on par with her, so most of them had shaking
legs and pale faces.
But still, the subordinates of the Six Kings didn't run away. If they had
ran away, it would be an act equivalent to ruining the reputation of
their master, the Six Kings, so they held unto their willpower and
served us, their customers.
The tremblings of the Baron-ranks and the Viscount-ranks were quiet
loud, but the Count-ranks were able to somewhat endure it with just
their faces turning pale, which showed just how strong their abilities
were. It seems like Ozma-san was able to converse with us with his
usual wry smile on his face, so I guess the Count-ranks were on another
level compared to the Baron-ranks.
[…What an interesting ornament. You joined feathers together to make
this?]
[…This is… an ornament of the Winged… that lives in the Eastern part
of the Demon Realm… which they used… in their prayers.]
[I see.]
As one would expect from a huge flea market, there were all sorts of
unusual items on display. Thanks to the knowledgeable Isis-san, who I
was going around with, I was able to get explanations about things I
didn't know, which was something I very much appreciated.
[This Winged you mentioned, are they different from the Harpies?]
[…Unnn… Harpies are Humans… The Winged are Demons… They
resemble each other… but they're a little different.]
[Fumu.]
Speaking of which, I've heard of the Harpies before, but I've never seen
one before. I had vaguely imagined that the Harpies had wings instead
of arms, while the Winged had wings growing out of their backs. I'd
really like to meet them if I had the opportunity.
With such things in mind, I was looking around the stalls with Isis-san…
when an accessory suddenly caught my eyes.
[…Arehh? The decoration on this brooch, it's that flower that Isis-san
gave me before, right?]
[…Unnn… Blue Crystal Flower… It's a flower that doesn't wither at all…
so it's popularly used… as an ornament.]
The stall that caught my eyes had a variety of accessories on display,
one of which was the flower I received when I first met Isis-san.
The price was… one gold coin!? In other words, one of these was a
million yen!?
[…It's an incredibly expensive item, isn't it?]
[…No… Blue Crystal Flowers… aren't that… rare… I think this price… is
probably because… the maker… is popular.]
[Ahh, so that's why it's expensive. Errr…"Florence"…Is that the maker's
name?]
[…Unnn… She's very popular… but she's… quite whimsical… so she
hardly… makes accessories.]
According to Isis-san, it was a rare and precious work that really didn't
come around very often, so we may have been lucky to have found it
here.
[…Incidentally… Florence… is "Shalltear".]
[…Huh?]
I think I just heard a name that sounds very familiar… Eh? No way, this
accessory was made by Alice? And this was very popular?
W- Well, Alice certainly is skilled in making things… so I can see Alice
making accessories like this. I mean, how many pseudonyms does that
woman have?
A bit stunned by the shocking revelation from Isis-san, I pulled myself
together and called out to the owner of the stall.
[…Excuse me, I'd like to buy this brooch.]
[Y- Yes! Thank you very much!]
The shopkeeper, somewhat intimidated by Isis-san, accepted the gold
coin from me and handed me the brooch.
As if she was surprised that I had purchased that brooch, Isis-san tilted
her head with a curious expression on her face.
[…Kaito?… What are you… going to do with it?]
[Ahh, you see, this flower is a reminder of the first time I met Isis-san…
so I couldn't help but buy it. And thus, Isis-san. Here you go.]
[…Eh?]
[I thought it would suit Isis-san well… so I bought it as a present.]
Holding the hand of the surprised Isis-san, I handed her the brooch I
had purchased.
As its name suggested, this blue crystal-like flower would surely suit
Isis-san well.
[…Are you fine with it?]
[Of course!]
[…Thank you!]
When Isis-san received the brooch from me, she clasped it in both of
her hands as if it were very important to her. How should I say this…
Every single gesture she makes is just so adorable.
After holding it for a while, Isis-san pinned the brooch on her chest.
Perhaps, it was because Isis-san was wearing a gothic dress with more
white than usual today, but the blue brooch looked great on her.
[As I thought, it really looks great on you.]
[…Thank you… Kaito… I'm happy.]
[I'm glad to hear that you're happy with it, Isis-san.]
[…Unnn… I have more… wonderful memories… together with Kaito.]
The smile on Isis-san's face, as if she were truly happy, seemed to
overshadow the blooming Blue Crystal Flower on her chest… Looking
beautiful, snatching my eyes away.
Dear Mom, Dad———- Gathering lots of memories together with me.
As the two of us went around the festival, giving gifts like this, and
looking at Isis-san's beautiful smile, the words Isis-san said back then
came to my mind. Even in the future, we will continue to experience
moments of happiness like this——- Accumulating memories.