"Derieu-neechan, there's a really fun stall over there"
Every time someone called out to me, I smiled and replied, only to be called out to again right away.
Since it was a festival day, the frequency of people talking to me was even higher than usual, but I didn't find it unpleasant at all. On the contrary, I was simply happy to feel the vitality of the people in this city.
Finally, the city my husband aimed for—the one we concubines helped build—was complete and recognized as a nation. The voices of the city were celebrating that fact. A feeling welled up inside me that I simply couldn't put into words.
"You look very happy, Elder Sister."
"...Sniff, sob. This Anna is overjoyed to see such a face on you, Princess."
"There, there, Anna-san, calm down."
Beside me was my younger brother, along with Anna, who grew up with me like a sister. And... the extra one... Well, I don't dislike Lily. But somehow, she just irritates me.
"That is only natural. I also devoted myself to building this town. My feelings on the matter are deeper than most—though, of course, it was only possible through the strength of everyone, not just my own."
Saying that, I slowly looked around the central plaza of the commercial district, where many stalls were set up.
It was overflowing with smiles.
Everyone was celebrating this day together.
"Even back when I was a Princess, we never had anything like this. I suppose this is what Father and Mother intended to entrust to us."
"Yes. They always told us from a young age to protect this, to cherish it, and to nurture it."
"His Majesty and the Queen were deeply loved by the people. They always emphasized that as nobles and as king and queen, our duty was to protect the citizens."
Anna murmured, gazing at the surroundings as if they were dazzling.
"Should I say it's too late now, or that I've finally managed to offer them a proper tribute?"
"Indeed. I wonder what would be the right way to put it?"
My brother and I shared a slightly complicated look.
Would Father and Mother be happy that we finally understood what they meant 200 years later? Or would they be utterly exasperated?
"Umu, but Raie is no good."
"Why not?"
"Because your contribution to this place was only a tiny bit."
"Uh... well, that's true..."
After reuniting with my brother, we had talked with Yuki and the others, and eventually welcomed him here, guiding and explaining everything to him.
In the end, my brother offered his cooperation and, due to his position, became an Allied Dungeon Master. However, in reality, he's more like a subordinate.
It seems this brother of mine isn't a reformist like Yuki; he'd apparently been a shut-in in his dungeon, focusing entirely on defense. Well, I suppose that can't be helped. It's not like he was personally summoned by a god and told to save the continent, like Yuki was.
Ah, and speaking of which, the one who gave my brother his power was that useless goddess, Luna. Apparently, she tried a lot of trial and error with the local people before bringing Yuki here, but nothing ever bloomed, so she was forced to summon Yuki as a last resort... How deplorable.
...No, should I be grateful because I got to meet Yuki? But to go as far as tearing him away from his family... I'll have to have a talk with Yuki about this someday. The other wives feel the same way.
"Oh!! What a breathtakingly beautiful woman!!"
Hmm? I hear a strange voice.
And a nobleman appears before me.
"Would you please consider becoming my concubine? I swear I will spare you from any hardship."
He held out a flower toward me.
...How troublesome.
It's only been two days since we opened to the public. No matter how much we explain, there are always nobles who think they can make commoners submit just by showing off power and wealth. In another country, it might be different, but such foolishness is not permitted here.
Besides, where does he get the nerve to claim he can provide a life more comfortable than the one I have here?
Furthermore, I am already married. To think he would try to put a hand on a Representative's wife...
As I was thinking this, the flower the foolish noble thrust forward passed right by me and moved toward Anna and Lily behind me.
"Eh?"
I froze.
I mean, well, I pride myself on being quite cute and a certified beauty, but...
"Do not worry. I shall even guarantee the livelihood of your younger brother there. You have nothing to fear!!"
"Uh, Anna-san."
"Lily, at times like this, it is necessary to give a firm refusal."
Anna stepped forward and responded to the noble.
"With all due respect, this person is traveling incognito, just like yourself. I shall act as though I did not hear your previous statement. We understand your sentiments, but please take your leave."
"Oh, my apologies for the rudeness. I see, no wonder you keep such flowers as your guard. Attendant-dono, I am moved by your consideration. I shall repay this debt eventually."
The noble caught on to Anna's words and disappeared back into the city crowds.
"Listen, for a noble, it is considered a rudeness not to call out when one finds something excellent. It is a custom. That gentleman was likely a man who truly embodies what a noble should be. It was a social pleasantry. You might not be used to it, Lyrie, but from now on, nobles who act like 'true nobles' will come to Weed. Make sure to observe them closely and handle them appropriately."
"Ah, yeah. I get it. But... hey, I don't think that's the problem right now..."
In short, to that noble, I was completely outside his field of interest.
I found out later through private investigation that he was a noble with a good reputation who happened to have a daughter around my age. I suppose I can understand why he didn't look at me that way.
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm just a child after all."
"M-My Dear Elder Sister! He treated me like a younger brother too!!"
"H-He is exactly right! Princess, you are not a flower for the masses, you are a singular, precious bloom!!"
"Look, you have Yuki-san, Derieu-sama!!"
At Lily's words, I reflexively looked around.
"That's right!! I have someone I dearly love!! I don't care if anyone else ignores me!!"
I wanted to see Yuki; I was sure he would comfort me. And as if in immediate response, Yuki's mana signature drew near.
"Derieu, what's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Derieu-oneechaaan!!"
"Yaho desuuu—!"
Oh, the two children came running to me as well. I scooped them up and lunged straight at Yuki.
""Kyaa!? I can't breathe desu!""
"Whoa, easy there. What happened?"
Yuki held me just like that and asked gently.
"Listen to me!! It was terrible!!"
And so, I ended up joining Yuki for a meal.
"So, where have we decided to go?" I asked.
"At first it was the supermarket, but..." (Ratz)
"Well... There's no way we're eating supermarket food on a festival day like this, right?"
"Exactly. Milly, since it's a special occasion, why don't we go somewhere nice?" (Yuki)
"But there's hardly anything better than Yuki-san's cooking, is there?" (Milly)
"That's the problem~" (Ratz)
"...Then, will you leave it to me?"
With that, we spent the day bustling about and having fun together at a shop recommended by Labyris.
