Today is the long-awaited festival. Lil had stayed up late last night to watch the fireworks, but she was able to wake up easily this morning.

That’s how excited she was for the festival. Although Kohaku and Marron couldn’t go to the festival, they still woke up early to see her off.

Lil could only attend the festival in the morning, since not everyone could leave the base at the same time. Everyone took turns enjoying the festival, alternating between morning and afternoon. Lil had been told she could attend both, but she declined, thinking it wouldn’t be fair to enjoy it alone. Besides, she also had duties taking care of the divine beasts.

Lil went to the festival with Rosaline and Gloria . Waved off by Kohaku and the others, she rode out from the base on horseback. Joyful music from the city could already be heard. In the town square, traveling performers had gathered to show off their skills. Apparently, a circus had come to town as well.

“Shall we have breakfast first?”

Gloria said, pointing toward the food stalls. Cries of “limited menu for today only!” could be heard from the vendors. Lil wondered why hearing something was “limited” made her want it more.

The three of them bought various dishes and shared them. All the while, upbeat music filled the air, and Lil felt more and more cheerful.

She overheard that a parade for the new king was being held in the royal capital. In the city, illustrations and photos of the new king were being sold in abundance—and the face looked very much like Ian. Seeing it, Lil once again realized that Ian really was a prince.

At the square, a bard was singing the tale of the first king. The story went that the first king was a great man who had quelled the chaos of the land after incurring the wrath of the divine beasts. Lil didn’t really understand what it meant to incur the wrath of divine beasts—after all, they were all so kind. She wondered what someone could’ve done to make them that angry. Gloria and Rosaline smiled gently at her curiosity.

Lil decided that next time she met the old dragon, she’d ask him.

Next, they entered a circus tent, and Lil was amazed. The circus performers were incredible—walking on tightropes, jumping through flaming hoops, all with beautiful coordination.

When the beast tamer appeared on stage, Lil noticed something strange. The lion on stage was clearly speaking. Was it not a divine beast?

But the lion seemed to be having a great time.

“Behold my amazing skills!”

He roared loudly. Lil decided to report it to Rosaline just in case. Rosaline was utterly shocked, but since the lion seemed to be enjoying himself, she decided to leave it be for now. Since meeting Lil, Rosaline had learned that there were divine beasts blending into human society.

Apparently, the lion was the star of the troupe and hugely popular. Some people had even come just to see him. Lil wondered if the troupe knew he was a divine beast. Divine beasts have long lifespans, so someone was bound to notice eventually. Lil prayed that the lion and the troupe would continue to have a good relationship.

After watching the circus, they spotted a fortune teller near the tent. Rosaline explained that some people possessed the skill of “interpreter” or “fortune teller,” and this woman had a skill certificate displayed in a frame. If she had a certificate, she must be a real fortune teller. Rosaline checked just in case, and it didn’t appear to be a forgery. Apparently, some people did try to do business with fake certificates.

The three of them decided to have their fortunes told. The fortune teller looked at Lil and said:

“You’ve had a rather difficult life, haven’t you? But things will take a turn for the better. As long as you don’t stray from your path, those around you will surely support you. You are blessed with good people. Just be careful not to fall into excessive self-preservation.”

Lil straightened up. In other words, she needed to value others over herself. She resolved to keep doing her best for everyone’s sake.

Rosaline had her love life read, and her mood plummeted. Though Rosaline seemed like she’d be popular, apparently she wouldn’t have a good encounter for at least five years. In five years, she’d be over thirty. No wonder she looked so down. Lil sympathized with her.

Gloria, on the other hand, was in high spirits after being told she’d be recognized at work.

The two of them invited Rosaline out for sweets to cheer her up.

The fun times passed in the blink of an eye. They bought some tasty-looking treats on a whim and headed back to the base. It looked like they’d have plenty of fun stories to share with those who stayed behind.

When they got back, a bird-shaped magic device had arrived from Ian. It said he’d return properly tomorrow. Lil was delighted and went to report it to the divine beasts.

When she told them about the lion at the circus, the divine beasts burst out laughing. Apparently, it was a funny story from a divine beast’s perspective. They all said they wanted to meet him.

Lil hadn’t realized festivals could be so fun. She really wanted the divine beasts to experience it too.