Despite being confined to the mansion, the days passed quickly as I held repeated meetings with the mansion’s guests and provided medical treatment. And then, the first day of the Commemorative Festival arrived.

Last year, Liesel stood in the central square of the city during the opening ceremony and gave a short greeting, but this year is a little different.

The festival was a great success last year, and those gathered were lively at first, expecting the same excitement. However, they gradually quieted down, perhaps sensing that something was different.

But was it because they were perceptive…? Not quite.

It was because they saw the main force of the Knight Order lined up behind Liesel, including August in full dress uniform.

If it were just August, it might be understandable, but there was also Rick of the 1st Unit, Alec of the 2nd, and even Zighart, who had slicked back his hair and shaved his beard. And to top it off, Luban, who hadn’t been seen in the capital for a long time, was there as well.

They must have realized this was no ordinary matter.

By the way, I wasn’t there at the scene.

I was watching the square from a short distance away, at the headquarters of the Merchant Guild with Seriana.

This place is connected to the capital’s underground passage network, so we can safely return to the mansion from here.

But more importantly—over there, over there.

Once the square had quieted down, Liesel began to speak calmly.

First, she spoke of the most significant event of last year: the emergence of a new dungeon.

However, despite the influx of people from other territories, both the domain and the capital were managed without any confusion.

She expressed her gratitude to the people of the land for that.

Then, the winter monster assault.

Despite the abnormal situation involving multiple Demon King Types, casualties were kept to a minimum.

Thanks to the cooperation of the residents, the aftermath was also dealt with swiftly.

Looking back, last year really had a lot going on… I bet everyone listening was thinking the same.

Now then, here’s where it gets serious.

This year, distribution issues have begun to arise.

And it’s not just in Riana, but in most member states of the Great Forest Alliance. The cause lies in some of the western countries… That’s what he conveyed.

“Unfortunately, certain countries in the West, who harbor resentment toward the Great Forest Alliance, are cowardly attempting to wage war. We must stand and face them.”

The residents of the city had probably heard vague rumors, but hearing it openly declared by their lord gave it an entirely different weight.

Perhaps understanding this, the crowd began to stir again—then erupted into explosive cheers.

“…They’re cheering?”

I thought there might be some screams or at least anxiety—concerns that the territory, finally finding peace, might be thrown back into chaos due to war—but there’s no sign of that.

“Right. Well, for both those who’ve lived here a long time and newcomers, the only threats up to now were the monsters from the demon lands, right? Compared to such ambiguous threats, maybe it’s easier for them to rally when the enemy is clear. They’re not fighting themselves, but it’s still enough to get excited.”

Seriana, watching the crowd with interest, offered that analysis.

“I see…”

I wonder what the real reason is?

I still don’t really understand what war means to the people of this world—is it patriotism, or is it entertainment…?

Well, in any case, they seem to be welcoming participation. No signs of protests or riots—so I guess we’re fine.

“Alright then… that’s enough. Teresa, let’s go back.”

“Yes.”

Having seen enough, it seems she’s heading back to the mansion.

Seriana told her escort, Teresa, then activated a 【Floating Orb】 and started walking toward the underground passage.

The executives of the Merchant Guild began to panic at the sight.

This place is more under Liesel’s jurisdiction, and while I’ve run errands here before, it’s Seriana’s first visit.

They’re probably not used to it.

Sorry, that’s just the kind of lady she is.

I silently apologized to them while being carried by Seriana.

◇

Night of the first day of the Commemorative Festival.

While everyone gathered in Seriana’s bedroom and chatted, I lay on the bed, lost in thought.

The city is buzzing with talk of war, but the mansion isn’t.

That’s because Liesel already finished coordinating with the relevant people over the past few days.

And unlike last year, they’ll be leaving the capital tomorrow.

They’ll return to their assigned towns and villages and probably talk to the residents there themselves.

The 1st Unit will act as escorts, and even the farthest outpost can be reached in under a week if they hurry.

That said, things are still going to be hectic.

Last year was all about the dungeon, and now this year it’s war… A normal Commemorative Festival in Riana seems like a distant dream.

…Dungeon?

“!!”

“Oh? What’s wrong?”

I suddenly sprang up, prompting everyone to look at me suspiciously.

Elena’s here too for the first time in a while, so all their faces lined up like that was quite the sight—but that’s not the point!

“I never went to the dungeon…!”

The dungeon had been closed during the festival preparations due to manpower being diverted, but I had been told I could use it freely during that time.

But with everything going on, I completely forgot about it.

Once the festival ends, adventurers will resume exploring it, meaning I missed a rare chance to do whatever I wanted in there…!

“Oh… now that you mention it, you were told you could use it freely… Sorry for keeping you here.”

Seriana said apologetically, her face softening with guilt.

“Eh…? Ah, no. It’s fine.”

When she apologizes so honestly, it leaves me speechless.

“Sorry, Sera. It’s our first time facing war too, so we wanted to be fully prepared. That meant we needed your help as well.”

That came from Elena.

Well, it’s not like things like this happen every day.

Like she said, they wanted to do all they could.

Can’t really blame them for that… so I accepted it, but then…

“You’ll probably need to stay at the mansion for a while longer, so please continue holding off on going to the dungeon.”

“…Okay.”

Looks like the dungeon’s going to have to wait a bit longer.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Cloak】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Blade】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy Eye】【Dragon Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana・【Area Detection】・【】・40 cards
Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards
Alec・【Heavy Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards