Alice and I walked side by side along the road dyed by the redness of
dusk.
The fifth day of the Six Kings Festival was really overwhelmingly
interesting from start to finish.
[Well, that was really fun. We also unusually didn't face any trouble…]
[…It's normally stranger to encounter that much trouble though.]
[…I guess that's right.]
[Ahaha, well, if Kaito-san enjoyed his time, that would mean my effort
was worth it.]
[But with all that fun and awesome stuff we tried, for most of them to
not be commercialized… is kind of a shame.]
According to Alice, most of the attractions and toys we saw today are
difficult to commercialize. There are apparently magic tools that would
have some functions similar to the attractions today that will be sold at
Kuro's festival tomorrow but… still, they're very small compared to the
amount of things we've seen today.
[Well, some of them are difficult to mass-produce due to cost and
technology but… It's not like bringing convenience to everyone's daily
life only brings great things.]
[…Is that how it is?]
[That's right. For example, if there is a magic tool that can automatically
create a dish that tastes even better than a chef's cooking, the chef will
lose their job. That's also the same case for magic tools related to the
production of items. That's why, we have to choose what to distribute
while keeping an eye on the situation of the world.]
[…I see.]
[Of course, it is great if things were convenient. But if everything can be
automated and anything can be easily obtained… then what awaits the
world is nothing but a gradual stagnation. In order for organisms to live
like organisms, a certain amount of competition is necessary for
everyone's life.]
The way she said it makes it seem like she had actually seen it. No, she
probably did see it. I can only guess, but I think that the world Alice was
in was a much more technologically advanced world than the one I was
in.
The fact that she is able to create a variety of new technologies, even if
they are still in an experimental state, is probably because she has the
knowledge to use as a basis.
A world where everything is automated and there is no competition.
Having seen the fate of such a world, I feel that Alice is deeply thinking
about the state of this world.
In fact, all of the attractions I saw today were filled with amazing
technologies… but all of them were created for the sole purpose of
having fun.
[…How should I say this… I feel like I'm rethinking a lot of things
regarding Alice today.]
[What's that? It's fine, you know!? Please give me lots of praises! I'm the
type of person who grows from praises. Now, COME ON!!!]
[…If it weren't for this stupidity of yours, I honestly could have
respected you.]
[You raised me up, only to fall down again!?]
Though I say that, well, there is no doubt that I have a lot of respect for
Alice. I think the reason why I enjoyed this day so much was that Alice
was with me.
I don't know if it's because of the cheerful, easy-going relationship I had
with her or not, but the atmosphere around me while I'm together with
Alice… is something I really like.
[…Speaking of which, why did Alice organize a festival like this? It's not
just about the money, right?]
[…You're changing the subject huh. Well, fine… Hope for the future is
what gives us the energy to live each day. So, I thought of showing
everyone a glimpse of the future. Of course, I made sure not to show
just about everything.]
[You've thought about this a lot huh… By the way, what's Kuro's festival
tomorrow going to be like?]
[It's basically just an orthodox festival. What's different is how there're
some magic items being sold, then there are the big fairs and a
fireworks display.]
[Heehhh… That's a little surprising. I thought it was going to be another
outrageous festival…]
Putting aside Alice, who used the word "fair" as if it's a matter of course,
Kuro's festival apparently isn't as outrageous as I thought.
I was so sure that it would be something like a baby castella festival, a
festival that was so far ahead of its time that no one was following it…
[Hmmm. Well, in the first place, the Six Kings Festival was being held
because Kuro-san wanted to have a "festival date with Kaito-san", so I
guess she was just sticking to her original intention.]
[…Wait right there, I kind of feel like I have found out an outrageous
new information! Eh? That's seriously the reason why the Six Kings
Festival is being held!?]
[Y- Yes… Well, in the first place, Kuro-san was the originator of this
festival, right? It's not like it would have that great of a reason behind
it.]
[…I- Indeed.]
Despite her position, Kuro is someone who hangs out most of the time
with commoners, and she often comes up with outrageous things on a
whim. In a sense, this time was another example of one of such whims.
M- Mhmm, I wonder what this ticklish feeling… I'm feeling happy, but
I'm also feeling astounded…
[…Incidentally, she'll be wearing a yukata.]
[Ehh? W- Why?]
[Well, after whispering some words to her ear—– Ouch!?]
[…Speaking of which, you've been whispering stupid things to Kuro and
Isis-san, haven't you? I forgot about it until just now. I've been thinking
about having some thorough discussion with you regarding this
matter.]
[…A- Arehh? Did I just dig my grave?… K- Kaito-san, you look scary, you
know… N- No way, I'm just being a little mischievous, don't you think?
It's just a prank from your cute, lovable girlfriend. Let's have a forgiving
heart with a smile on—— Ah, wait!? Could you please put those hands
that looked like you're going to pinch my cheeks away!? Stop focusing
on my che——– Ginyaaaaahhh!? M- My ears!?]
Grabbing Alice, who was making as usual, by her ears, I forcibly brought
her to a secluded place. Well, I've got a lot of things I'd like to say to her,
so let's scold her. Yep, let's do that.
Dear Mom, Dad——- Not only towards Kuro, Alice had been
particularly putting too many strange things into Isis-san's head. For
the sake of the pure Isis-san who will believe just about everything you
told her and act upon it, and also, for my sake——- Let's give her plenty
of scolding.