"'Bored.'
I'm just lazing around in bed now since there's nothing I can do. I'm too lazy to train or anything like that either.
'Maybe I should just go for a walk.'
But to where?
'COME AND JOIN THE ROYAL FESTIVAL, HAPPENING TONIGHT!'
I looked out the window. People in iron armor, or the royal guards, were announcing that there would be a festival.
This festival is probably organized by Queen Zizi. What's the purpose of this festival, though? Is it just to bring some liveliness to the kingdom? Or is there something else behind it all?
I went to the kingdom to have a look. Many people were gathering there. Everyone was working together; some were in charge of decorations and other preparations. I also saw a few well-known people around.
Sena Fourseason, an upper-class noble known for being very friendly with the common folk. Sena has a feminine appearance: white hair, a pretty face, a friendly expression, and wearing noble attire.
But, unfortunately, he's male. Yes, you heard that right. I was just as shocked; his appearance is so convincingly feminine.
Kabu Dybowski, though his face looks intimidating and his attire resembles that of a bandit, is very kind. He treats people well.
It seems Queen Zizi is good at judging people, seeing how many gather here and how they all seem friendly with each other, even though I don't know most of them.
It's hard for me to remember so many people. I just remember as best as I can, and if I forget, that's not my fault.
Since they were gathering there, I joined their conversation. There were about nine of them, including Queen Zizi.
'Ah, Leywin, why are you here?' Sena asked. We've met before, so he seems to remember my name.
'Oh, nothing. I'm just looking around.'
'Then why don't you join us? We're discussing some recent news,' one of them said, someone I didn't know.
'Recent news?' I asked, curious.
'Hmm, let's go inside first,' said Queen Zizi.
Entering a room prepared by Queen Zizi, we each took our seats.
'So here's the situation. Recently, there's been talk of murders happening every night. We got information from a young girl who survived an encounter with the killer. She said the killer calls himself "Blood Stalk." He might appear again tonight, which is why we're holding this festival,' explained Queen Zizi.
'So the festival is to see if he dares to come and kill again tonight, right?' I added.
'Good! You catch on quickly,' said another person I didn't recognize.
'If he's not foolish, he won't come here tonight. If he's planning to kill, he'll probably observe the area first, and upon realizing there's a festival, he'll postpone his plans for now,' I suggested.
'That's true. So what should we do?' asked Queen Zizi.
Sena looked worried. 'What if he kills one of us? Is that possible?'
'Hmm, it could be. We still don't know much about who this "Blood Stalk" is. It's possible he holds a grudge against this kingdom.'
'A grudge, huh. Queen Zizi, do you think you might have done something that wronged someone?' I asked.
'I'm not sure about that, but everything I've done has been for my people,' she replied.
That's what she said, though some people here seemed to grow suspicious of her. I think Queen Zizi is too good-hearted; she does everything for her people.
Still, there's a chance she might have offended someone unintentionally.
BOOM—!
Suddenly, an explosion sounded from outside the room. Queen Zizi, Sena, and the others were startled, immediately rushing to look outside.
Most of the people outside were also running away from the explosion site.
'W-what's happening?' Sena asked, worried.
The building in the center, where they planned to light a bonfire for the festival, had suddenly exploded.
'How could it explode? The fire wasn't even lit yet!' Queen Zizi exclaimed.
In this spot, right in the center, was the bonfire area, which shouldn't have been touched at all. Surrounding it was a wide street, and along this street, several buildings like food and drink stalls, houses, and other places lined the way.
Those places had been decorated as beautifully as possible, but it seemed someone had planted explosives inside the bonfire area.
'Someone here could be the culprit.'
Hearing that, several people frowned and looked at each other, seemingly suspicious of one another.
Meanwhile, Sena looked tense. 'Hmm, Lord Four, why do you seem so nervous?'
'N-no reason, I'm just trying to guess who did all this,' he said with a forced smile.
'Phew. That's enough for now; we'll figure it out later. For now, let's get the festival back on track,' said Queen Zizi."