Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 84

"Ah, this is 'Mirra's Choice.'"

"Huh?"

During the evening, as we showed everyone the apology gifts, Seriana seemed to recognize the title upon seeing the painting.

"Is it a famous painting?"

It's a painting of a woman in a red dress, with what looks like a prince-like man on the left, a glamorous-looking older man, and a naked muscular man kneeling.

What in the world is this?

I couldn't help but think that, but... is it expensive?

"The motif is famous, yes. It's often given to adult women by their families. It symbolizes not being swayed by power or wealth."

"I see."

I see. So it's a moral lesson.

But what's with the muscular guy on the right?

They didn't bother mentioning him, so is it about infidelity or something?

"But why me?"

"It's a famous painting, and maybe because you asked about Mirra's Blessing? They wouldn't put so much meaning into an apology gift for you if they were that foolish."

It's a bit harsh, but yeah, I guess.

"By the way, what are you going to do during the festival starting tomorrow? Elena and I are going to the castle."

"Huh? I'll just lounge around in my room."

"...Don't commoners enjoy festivals?"

Well, the whole capital has a slightly festive atmosphere, right? It was like that back in Rutol too.

But...

"During this time, I was always stuck washing dishes from morning till night at the tavern. The customers never stopped coming... I always hoped those guys would just drop dead..."

Thinking about it now makes me mad...

"...Alex, you should take him with you tomorrow."

"Understood. I won't be drinking, though..."

Alex nods reluctantly, shrugging his shoulders.

"You'll be returning to Zelkis next year, so this might be your last chance to see the festival in the capital. It'd be nice if you could take him along."

Elena advises me with a soothing tone as I grimace. Well, I've messed up quite a bit recently, so I'll just listen quietly for now.

"Oh, and..."

As I was about to agree to go to the festival, Seriana starts talking as if she remembered something.

"Tomorrow, wear the dress. It's a gift of apology, so you need to use it properly, okay?"

"...Huh?"

◇

I don't know the official name, but it's basically a festival celebrating the founding of the nation.

It lasts for three days, and in the royal palace, the national treasure, the Divine Sword, is showcased, and various events are held.

But only nobles, foreign dignitaries, and those invited for their achievements get to see it. It's strictly a noble's event.

But what about commoners?

They're taken care of as well.

During these three days, instead of going through the usual process of multiple approvals, you can just apply and set up a stall. Furthermore, not just stalls but all shops are eligible for this, and during this period, the sales are exempt from taxes.

I don't understand the taxation system, but I've figured out one thing.

Was this why I was so busy?

"Is something wrong?"

I must have groaned audibly because Alex asked me.

"No, just noticing how crowded it's going to be."

Leaving the noble district and entering the commercial area, both the usual eateries and even those that don't usually offer food are spreading something on their storefronts.

Because of that, despite it still being before noon, there's an incredible amount of foot traffic.

"It's unlikely anyone's coming from other territories, but people from the royal capital are gathering here. Don't get off, okay? We won't be able to find you if you get lost."

"Got it."

By the way, I'm perched on Alex's shoulder.

Red dress, red hat, red shoes.

Total young lady style.

I heard last night that Miral is usually depicted in red clothing.

Everything I'm wearing was a gift, but it seems like they took that into consideration as well.

Quite impressive they managed to prepare all this in such a short time.

Their sincerity came through.

Still, being dressed entirely in red is quite flashy.

With even more people around than usual, using the Levitation Stone would attract too much attention, so permission was denied.

As a result, I ended up sitting on Alex's shoulder with the Levitation Stone in hand.

It doesn't weigh anything when levitating, so it's not a burden, but I still feel like I'm causing trouble.