62 I Am a Man Who Rides the Waves (1/2)

The season for the Festival of the God of War is has arrived.

I walk through the bustling streets of the royal capital. Everyone's faces are different from usual.

The people going to and fro are of different races, different nationalities, and different occupations, but all share the common goal of enjoying the festival. Though they're not talking to each, and may never meet again, everyone seems to be bound together by a curious sense of unity.

That's what festivals are.

And I, well, I don't hate this atmosphere.

If I had to say why, it'd be because I can do that.

Where a large number of people have their attention focused on is precisely the greatest stage.

Festival of the God of War.

”There's no choice but to ride this big wave, right?”'

I can finally enact that item from my to-do list.

By that, I am referring to: Entering a tournament as a mystery entree and making the audience go ”Oi, oi, that guy's definitely going to die” to ”Wait, that guy is that strong?!” to ”Who on earth is that guy?!?!”!

In order to make it happen, I'm going to need everyone's help.

I make my way through the crowds, heading for the royal capital branch of Mitsugoshi Co.

With the mentality of 'it's my friend's shop so it's ok,' I ignore the line and go directly into the store.

The place is enveloped in the flurried air unique to peak business hour, but it is not long until a pretty attendant spots me and approaches.

”This might sound like a lie, but I'm friends with the owner here.”

”We have been informed.”

I am doubtful for a moment whether she's actually been informed, but quickly realize that she has indeed.

I am brought to the room from the last time, the one with the fancy chair. I sit in that fancy chair.

Umu, this chair really does make me feel like a king.

A cup of 100% apple juice is prepared for me.

They sure know their stuff. I am in the apple juice faction rather than the orange juice faction. This chilled juice is delicious in the heat of summer.

Chirin, chirin, rings the sound of summer.

”Oh, wind chimes...”

I look out the window to see wind chimes hung up, beyond which is the blue sky and a large cumulonimbus.

”Please wait for a brief while.”

I nod. The attendant lady goes off to call for Gamma, and another one arrives with a large fan and begins fanning me. While wearing a summer one piece with high skin exposure.

”I'm feeling slightly peckish.”

”We'll bring something immediately.”

While staring at the cumulonimbus, I make up my mind to come leech off this place if I ever find myself troubled for food.

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The moment Gamma hears of her beloved master's visit, she delegates what she's working on to her subordinates, then hurriedly makes her way to the 'Chamber of Shadows.'

She has on a thin, black dress, with matching summer-like white heels. After spraying herself with a refreshing perfume, into the Chamber of Shadows she goes.

”Excuse me.”