Tomorrow is the Commemoration Festival… essentially, the Founding Day.
In the royal capital, as well as in various territories, small-scale festivities will take place.

Of course, the same goes for Riana.
Last year, we were busy dealing with the boss and other matters, and since it was still a newly established territory, things weren’t stable enough to host a grand festival. Although some alcohol was distributed to the residents, it seemed like a modest affair.

This year, however, things have changed. Over the past year, Liesel has worked tirelessly to connect with people and stabilize the territory.
Additionally, with the children born last year, there are more guests expected to visit from within the territory and beyond. As a result, we’ve decided to hold a grand celebration.
There’s also the matter of the new dungeon, among other things, which we’d like to promote.

While lazing around on the bed in the bedroom, I listen to Seriana as she tells me the schedule for tomorrow.

Today, it’s just the two of us in the room, so she’s also lying on the bed as we talk.
When Elena or Teresa are around, she doesn’t let her guard down like this, even before bed. But now, she’s clearly relaxed.
Well, I’m not one to criticize.

“So, Elena and Alec will be staying at their own place for a while, right?”

“Yes. Elena’s relatives are coming to check on her, so even after the festival ends, she’ll remain at the lower mansion for a while.”

Elena and Alec’s new residence is mostly complete, including the interior.

However, as the staff needed for management are still being trained, Alec has been using a room within the estate, while Elena has been staying here.
Fortunately, they haven’t had many visitors, so it hasn’t been an issue. Now that the territory has settled, their roles as nobles are starting to emerge.
I don’t know who these relatives are, but perhaps this visit is a kind of trial for them.

“I’ll introduce you to a few guests, but you’re free otherwise. Oh… but please refrain from going to the dungeon. That goes for everyone who uses Riana’s dungeon, not just you.”

“Speaking of which, dungeons are off-limits in the royal capital during the Commemoration Festival too, aren’t they? Got it. I could use some downtime anyway.”

Come to think of it, ever since the new dungeon appeared, I’ve been tirelessly exploring it to collect 100 cards.

…I’ve overdone it.

On top of that, there was the recent boss fight.
I’m a bit burned out on dungeons and monsters. I wouldn’t say I’m completely spent, but I do need to recharge, so I plan to take it easy for a while.

For a regular old adventurer, blowing off steam might involve alcohol or women… but I don’t have that option.
Looks like lazing around the mansion is my only choice. Maybe I’ll play with the babies.

◇

The next day, the Commemoration Festival begins.

In the morning, a small ceremony was held at the central plaza where Liesel delivered the opening declaration and a greeting.
The event was so lively that I could hear the cheers even from the mansion.
Following the royal capital’s example, the festival in Riana allows registered shops to operate tax-free during this period. Coupled with free alcohol from the lord, it’s undoubtedly a lively affair.

Even now, well past noon, the festive noise reaches the mansion’s hall.

…It’s bringing back unpleasant memories.
From what I’ve overheard, the district with the church is excluded, and ever since Liesel arrived in this city, orphanages have either been relocated to other towns, closed down, or ceased receiving orphans altogether. Reasons vary, but the number of children in orphanages has dwindled to almost none.
It’s fortunate that children are no longer being exploited, but it still irritates me for some reason.

“Oh? Lady Sera, is something the matter?”

As I was lost in thought, my frown must have caught someone’s attention.
It was an older man who’d come as a representative from another town within Riana’s territory.

“I’m just struggling to match faces with names and everything else…”

Though it might be impolite, I’ve established a reputation as someone who isn’t great with such things. It serves as a convenient excuse since I genuinely don’t remember them.

“Haha! Well, for someone as young as Lady Sera, us old men mustn’t leave much of an impression.”

The man laughed heartily before heading back to join the other older gentlemen.
Over there, Liesel was entertaining the male guests, while Seriana and Elena were speaking with the female guests a bit farther away.
Both groups had already finished paying their respects to the children and were now casually chatting.

After giving her opening remarks, Liesel returned to the mansion to host a luncheon with the visiting guests.
It also served as an opportunity to introduce the children—not just the twins, but Elena’s child as well—likely as a gesture to showcase the next generation.

Meanwhile, I was helping the nannies look after the children. Occasionally, some guests would stop by to see the babies and exchange a few words with us.
The three babies, lying on the bed, seemed to be in good spirits and didn’t fuss despite the unfamiliar faces peeking at them.

“Lady Sera,” one of the nannies called out to me as I watched over the children.

“Hm?”

“The Madam…”

Looking over at Seriana, I saw her motioning for me to come over.
Oh, here comes one of the servants…

“Lady Sera, the Madam is calling for you.”

“…Alright. I’ll be right there.”

“We’ll take care of the children, so please don’t worry.”

“…Thanks.”

Even so, I felt a bit reluctant.
She’s probably going to tease me, isn’t she…?

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Seria ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Robe】・【Floating Orb】+1 【Shadow Sword】【Crimson Bee’s Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・7 cards

Seriana ・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards
Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・3 cards
Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・7 cards