Chapter 277.1

Chapter 277.1. Finally, Summer Vacation!

A large crowd had gathered by the shores of Lake Biwa.

It was the annual martial arts tournament, a big festival.

In this world, there were many such grand festivals, and Mii-chan was thrilled.

Under the intense sun, the crystal-clear water sparkled. People were enjoying themselves with smiles, despite the heat.

Takano Miu, the princess of the abyss, was also walking with a smile, wearing a white wide-brimmed hat and a white dress.

“There are so many people here! I can’t even see where the food stalls end.”

The scene resembled the rush hour of a crowded train. It seemed like there would be pushing and shoving, but since the area was spacious, they could still walk normally.

“That’s right, Mii-sama. Usually, this lakeside is quiet and serene.”

It would usually be an empty space, but today, for the next two weeks, it was a festival, as the companion walking beside me, Yamiyo, happily informed me.

“We’ll be together until the martial arts tournament ends, right? Both Kon-chan and I are really excited!”

“Konkon!”

With the little fox Kon-chan on her head, Tamamo seemed to be in high spirits. Kon-chan wagged its fluffy tail and looked very cute.

“…Trouble. Hoku-chan and Nan-chan are participating in a competition.”

“It seems to be a competition for stray animals, Sei-san. It’s called the eating contest.”

Sei-chan looked at her smartphone and told Mii-chan and the others with tired eyes. Yamiyo tapped her smartphone to show us a video. It seemed that Hoku-chan and Nan-chan were participating as a team.

“Is Nan-chan the only one eating?”

“It seems like the rules allow either of them to eat. They have to strategize and eat at their own pace.”

Tamamo explained the rules, and it seemed like an advantage for Nan-chan.

“In that case, they’re sure to win.”

Hoku-chan was sipping on iced coffee, leisurely cheering them on. Superfood Fighter Nan was wrestling with giant meat buns, piles of boiled corn, and a large plate of cold noodles.

The food disappeared as if sucked into a black hole. So it would be finished in no time by one person alone. They probably teamed up because they could eat twice as much.

“Well, then, we’re heading to the opening ceremony. What about you, Sei-chan?”

“…I’ll sleep at the hotel. I’ll come to support Yamiyo-chan and the others when you compete…”

The easygoing Sei-chan raised a hand and disappeared into the crowd.

“Well then, we’ll be going.”

Yamiyo announced with a determined expression.

“The opening ceremony seems boring.”

With Kon-chan on her head belly-up and slept. Tamamo staggered along behind Yamiyo.

“Good luck, guys!”

And so, Mii-chan waved her hand as she saw the two off.

She was left alone and felt a little lonely as they disappeared into the crowd.

“Master, I’ve bought soft-serve ice cream. We have vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.”

“Vanilla, please.”

Amidst the crowd, Nimue suddenly appeared and handed over the soft-serve ice cream bought from a food stall.

When I received it, Nimue whispered softly in my ear.

“This makes it the third one, master.”

.

She relayed that information, and when I turned to the person who had been waiting behind, Ranko-san asked, which flavor would you like, and playfully tapped her head. It was the usual routine.

Ignoring Nimue, who was getting scolded, I began to walk through the crowd, weaving my way through.

In the background, people talked about how tired they were from the crowd when suddenly, I saw a group of men carrying a man who had collapsed. I felt like I had seen these men somewhere, but it was probably just my imagination.

Still, the third one, huh? Even for an assassination, they seem to be underestimating her. Mii-chan should take this chance to show off that an impenetrable guard accompanied her.

Papa, Mama, Sora, and Mai, they all had formidable guards. Kongou-oneesan’s and Martini Old Man’s parties had also allocated members to my family. Shina and Saksara were secretly guarding as well.

With Nimue around, I felt secure. Besides, I wouldn’t even get a scratch from low-level assassins.

“Ranko-san, Nimue, let’s head to the venue.”

“Understood, young lady.”

“Please wait until I finish your soft-serve ice cream, master.”

Eating while walking is fine. So, we resumed our walk to the venue.

We arrived at a high-rise hotel, beautifully carved in marble, called the Kanna Imperial Hotel.

It was a magnificent building with walls that shone like mirrors due to the glass exterior. The doorman respectfully lowered his head and opened the door, so I nodded and entered.

In the main lobby, a huge fountain sprayed water, providing a refreshing breeze. The entire floor was covered in carpets, and on the ceiling of the five-story atrium, chandeliers made of gold and silver floated with the help of magical devices.

“Welcome, Countess Takano. I will escort you to the observation restaurant.”

As Owl Mii-chan admires the hotel’s splendor, the manager, dressed in an elegant suit, comes to her and bows reverently.

Naturally, the manager’s behavior here was elegant, as expected of a top-class hotel. I realized the pattern I often saw in manga and anime, where important people visit, and a sweaty manager rushes to greet them, was fiction.

“Before that, my shisho should have arrived. Do you know if he’s here?”

“Yes. If it’s the Arch Mage, he has already been escorted to the observation restaurant.”

“I see, that’s good then. Please guide me.”

Mii-chan, too, could start reading the room. Elegant manners are a piece of cake. All she needed to do was hide her mouth behind a fan and giggle, right?