Chapter 155 – Dance of the Fairies

“Flower viewing?”

When I asked, Claudia’s eyes widened.

Since I woke up this morning and found my physical condition had returned to normal, I was proceeding with my plans for flower viewing as scheduled.

Most of the lethargy and heaviness in my body had disappeared. Or rather, I felt even better than usual.

“Yes. Since it’s spring, I thought we could find a nice spot nearby and all go out together. Would you like to join us, Claudia?”

When I asked, Claudia looked surprised and widened her eyes.

“…This is the first time I’ve received such an invitation.”

“I think others will be coming too… Would it be inconvenient for you?”

Claudia seemed to prefer avoiding attention, but… I wondered.

“Not at all. The people coming are Theodore’s acquaintances, right?”

“Well, I suppose so.”

After thinking for a moment, she answered.

“Yes. If you’ll have me, I’d be happy to join you. It’s a celebration of your recovery and our victory.”

Hearing that Claudia would come, Irmhild’s expression brightened.

“Besides, observing the people around you is important for me to understand Termwills’ present and future.”

For her too, huh. I wasn’t sure if it would be helpful or not.

“…If you can’t go too far from the labyrinth, I can look for a suitable location within Termwills.”

“There are restrictions, but it’s not like I can’t go far. And if it’s in this area, it should be fine. Even the old mine mountains are above the labyrinth.”

“I see.”

If that’s the case, then Claudia’s range of movement is surprisingly wide. Today I planned to ride Lindwurm and search the area around Termwills for a good flower viewing spot. Actually, I intended to invite everyone else and make preparations before going out.

“By the way, what kind of restrictions?”

“If I stay away from the labyrinth for too long, my power doesn’t recover and I weaken, I suppose. But there’s some flexibility.”

Saying this, Claudia closed her eyes and smiled self-deprecatingly. For a short outing like flower viewing, it shouldn’t be a problem either way.

“Then I’d like to go shopping for ingredients and such for the boxed lunches we’ll bring on the day.”

“If Grace-sama is going out, I’ll accompany you as well.”

“Then I’ll come too.”

It seemed Ashley and Sheila would be accompanying Grace.

Those staying home would be Marlene and Irmhild, plus Claudia. Lavigne would also be staying home. Since we were going to look for a flower viewing spot, Seraphina decided to come along.

Apparently, by following the fairies’ presence, she could identify good locations and when they would be in full bloom.

“Well then, I’m off.”

“Since you’ve just recovered, please don’t push yourself.”

“Right. I’ll be careful.”

Responding to Grace, I flew through the sky on Lindwurm.

If I used magic to block the wind hitting my body, all that remained was the pleasant spring sunlight, the clear blue sky, and the view of Termwills spread out below.

“For now, let’s fly around the nearby forests and mountains randomly. If Seraphina finds any places that interest her, we can check them out.”

“Okay. Leave it to me, Theodore.”

When I spoke to Seraphina perched on my shoulder, she nodded happily.

Grace had been worried since I’d just recovered, but my condition was excellent.

My magical power felt sharpened, and I sensed strength filling every corner of my body. Was it the contrast from recovering from illness? Maybe because the lethargy was gone, my body felt particularly light. The good weather and warmth probably contributed to my mood too.

“Alright, Lindwurm. You can fly faster.”

Lindwurm let out a cry and rapidly increased speed. Seraphina laughed delightedly.

While Lindwurm flew around searching for places with good flowers, I checked the communication device. Since I’d received get-well messages from various people, I decided to circulate information about the flower viewing along with my thanks.

‘I’ll come to the flower viewing too. Can Ophelia and Viola join as well?’

This response came from Albert. Naturally, I sent back an approving reply.

“That area over there might be good.”

Seraphina pointed. About halfway up a mountain near Termwills. There was a slightly open space on a gentle, sunny slope—a place where pale-colored flowers grew in clusters.

Lindwurm and I landed near the flower field.

Hmm. Quite the location. The view was excellent, and Termwills could be seen in its entirety. The distant sky was hazy, making it a peaceful spot.

“The flower fairies seem amused.”

“Amused?”

“Yes. They say it’s rare to see humans accompanied by fairies.”

Seraphina put her hand near her ear, listening intently.

I see… Apparently, fairies rarely show themselves to people, but occasionally I could glimpse fairies with translucent wings among the flowers. Maybe they revealed themselves because Seraphina was with me.

“Won’t we be a nuisance if we all come barging in?”

“I’ll ask them.”

Seraphina flew off and talked with the flower fairies about various things.

When she returned, she was beaming.

“They said it’s fine as long as we don’t damage anything. They say this area is comfortable for them because magical power leaks from the labyrinth.”

…I see. So the fairies settled here because of the labyrinth’s magical power, which created the flower field.

It seemed they were welcoming us, so this location should be fine. Once I found out when the flowers would be in full bloom, the flower viewing date was automatically set.

Then came the day of the flower viewing. Surprisingly many people ended up participating. Party members, workshop associates, those who fought in the battle against the cult. If Talcott was coming, Cindy would join too. Ophelia seemed to have invited them. Additionally, Justia the Siren, Dominique the Harpy. Heather the guild receptionist and Auria the Guild Master.

King Melvin… apparently decided to decline, saying if he went, others wouldn’t be able to relax. He also seemed busy with work… That was somewhat disappointing.

Instead, I received an inquiry about letting Rosemary go out occasionally. As King Melvin, he must be concerned about Rosemary being in limbo. Since she wasn’t involved in the assassination incident, and with the premise that it wouldn’t develop into a family dispute without inheritance rights involved, King Melvin probably had some parental feelings.

Due to subjugation magic, she’s currently prohibited from using magic and preparing potions. There’s some risk in her going out due to assassination dangers… but Mildred would accompany Rosemary as both escort and supervisor.

Actually… she was the unsung hero this time. She cooperated in various ways, and staying in the North Tower all the time must be suffocating. Appearing at such an event should be a good change of pace.

So it was decided she would wear a disguise ring and participate as the fortune teller Anastasia.

Perhaps because I’d invited so many people, the number ended up being unexpectedly large. So it was decided that each participant group would bring food they prepared. The transportation also became quite lively, with multiple dragon palanquins being used—like some minister’s or daimyo’s procession… but with royalty participating and it being a victory celebration, this wasn’t bad either.

We settled near the flower field, enjoying the floral scent and scenery while savoring the food.

Irmhild seemed to have immediately started performing with Justia and the others. Those three monster girls always volunteer as the musician team at times like this.

When their performance began, the fairies also peeked out from among the flowers… cautiously at first. Gradually they began showing bolder movements. They flew around dancing here and there, unexpectedly creating a very fantastical scene.

Seraphina flew off and joined them, dancing happily among them. What was particularly striking was how Claudia watched this with gentle eyes. People listening to the performance by Irmhild, Justia, and Dominique.

Perhaps this was what Claudia wanted to confirm.

“Did you see what you wanted to see?”

“Yes.”

Claudia closed her eyes and smiled. Following her example, I looked around at everyone.

“It’s amazing, Talcott-sama.”

“Indeed.”

Cindy and Talcott were talking while looking at the flowers and fairies from a slight distance. They seemed to be getting along quite well. I hope those two work out.

“I’ve seen various entertainments, but this is quite something.”

Even for Rosemary in her Anastasia form, this seemed to be a novel sight as she watched the fairies’ dance with deep emotion. Well. I feel the same. You wouldn’t see something like this at royal castle or noble house entertainments.

“Oh?”

Rosemary turned around. Approaching were Albert and Marlene, both with serious expressions.

“…Do you have business with me?”

“Since we don’t get many chances to meet… I’ll say it here. I think I need to apologize to you. I also had some suspicions about you.”

At Albert’s words, Rosemary’s eyes widened. Then, hiding her mouth with her feather fan, she laughed as usual.

“Well, I was also quite harsh toward you all, so aren’t we even? There’s no reason for you to apologize.”

“That’s a separate matter.”

“Is it? How dutiful of you.”

That was the end of their conversation. Rosemary… how should I put it… she seems to rate Albert and Marlene relatively highly. It appears she saw them as potential rivals, so she tried not to get emotionally involved.

Still, Albert’s current words didn’t seem unpleasant to her. Throughout the flower viewing, Rosemary’s mood appeared to be quite good.