Chapter 368 – The Hospitality of the Otherworld Ambassador

“Good evening, Ambassador.”

“Good evening, Annie-san.”

As the sun began to set, the children from the orphanage arrived accompanied by staff members. Annie from the Mage Corps, who had been dispatched from the Royal Castle to teach at the orphanage, came along as well.

Even Alpha had joined them. After jumping down from the carriage together with Caduceus, it boldly entered through the front door toward the courtyard.

Since they were coming from the western district, I had asked Alpha if it could serve as an escort for the children, and it nodded and gave a single bark to accept. Well, since I wasn’t sure how far it could stray from me, I had Caduceus help with escort duties too, but it seems Alpha had no problems coming all the way to the house. So I guided the children to the courtyard.

“Dame Mercedia. Are His Highness Josiah and Her Highness Stephania’s schedules still manageable?”

“Yes. I believe they still have some time available.”

“Then… could you please inform them that there will be a small entertainment event and ask if they could stay until then?”

“Understood. I shall convey the message.”

Mercedia nodded and headed toward the guest room where King Melvin was.

While the children from the orphanage had arrived, I had received word earlier that King Melvin and the others would be returning to the Royal Castle soon. It seems they created free time by postponing whatever administrative duties and approvals could be delayed.

So apparently, after this, they’ll return to the Royal Castle and work together with Prince Josiah and Princess Stephania to finish all their tasks in one go. The fact that they made time in their schedule and even came in disguise shows how dutiful they are.

Meaning this is the only moment when all the invited guests are gathered. I waited for the right timing, after the orphanage children who arrived later had eaten some food, interacted with the Lindwurm, Corulis, and Noble Leaf, and things had settled down a bit.

I stood on the stage, and once everyone’s attention was focused on me, I bowed.

“Thank you all for coming today. I wanted to give something back to everyone for the congratulations I received, which is why I’ve taken the stage once more. I’d like to perform some simple magic entertainment, if I may.”

As I said this, applause broke out. Waiting for it to quiet down, Irmhild and the others began playing a quiet melody.

In time with the music, I expanded a Magic Circle. In my right palm, I created a black sphere using Dark Magic, and in my left palm, I created a sphere of light using Light Magic. The two spheres slowly rose as if intertwining—then burst near the ceiling as I made a motion of clenching my raised palms.

The surrounding scenery transformed completely. A dark canopy covered the entire courtyard, with countless particles of light, large and small, twinkling inside the dark dome. It was an impromptu planetarium created with magic.

I had taken care to color-code the constellations and make them easier to understand.

I could tell that not only the orphanage children but everyone who came to the banquet was amazed. The opening was a great success. After giving them a moment to comprehend the change in scenery, I slowly began moving the constellations.

I connected star to star with threads of light—further emphasizing that they were constellations.

Then, using the Lantern I borrowed from Marlene, I made the constellations appear as illusions emerging from the celestial sphere.

The constellations in this world also mostly feature familiar creatures like Pisces. So I started with something easy—a fish. As a faintly glowing fish descended from the celestial sphere and swam around among everyone, the children cried out in delight.

Next came cats, dogs, horses, birds—and even Dragons and Griffins. Illusions of various constellations raced around the venue. The music played by Irmhild and the others also became more lively to match.

I added variation by having them descend to where they seemed almost touchable or slip between the seats, letting everyone enjoy themselves.

And then—matching the climax of the music, the animals formed into a line and gathered in one spot, becoming a sphere of light.

That lasted only a moment. When I raised my hand, it burst again, showering the courtyard with countless shooting stars. It was a shower of light, but completely safe—it didn’t hurt or itch when it touched you. Cheers erupted. As the rain of light finished falling, I clenched my fist, and the darkness that had covered overhead also gathered in one spot, clearing the sky in an instant.

Light and darkness. And then Illusion Magic. Once the magic was dispelled, nothing remained behind. Only the sky of Termwills, with evening approaching, spread out above.

Everyone seemed stunned for a moment, but soon someone started clapping. It spread throughout the crowd, becoming thunderous applause. I bowed deeply once more before stepping down from the stage.

“We got to see something wonderful before returning to the Royal Castle.”

“Truly. We came here to celebrate, but I feel like we’re the ones who ended up having all the fun.”

King Melvin and Princess Stephania smiled cheerfully. Since the royal family members were leaving, I went to see them off at the front entrance.

“Not at all. I hoped it would serve as a break from your administrative duties.”

“With that display, I’m afraid I’ll be remembering it instead and won’t be able to focus on work. But no, we enjoyed it.”

“Indeed. I’ve thought this before, but… that way of using magic is wonderful, yes.”

Prince Josiah laughed, and Princess Adriana was playing by making a small sphere of light float and roll around on her palm. Perhaps she was ruminating on the earlier spectacle.

“Well then. Let’s meet again at the Royal Castle another day.”

“Yes. Please take care on your journey.”

“Mm.”

After that exchange, King Melvin and the others boarded their carriage and returned to the Royal Castle. Corulis also went to the Royal Castle with Princess Stephania. It turned back toward us and waved one last time, so I waved back. And so Corulis followed the slowly moving carriage back home.

“Ah, Theodore-sama. That magic earlier was wonderful.”

After seeing off King Melvin and returning to the courtyard, I was approached by Head Shrine Maiden Penelope. Director Sandra was with her.

“Thank you. I was a bit nervous showing it to someone involved in astronomy.”

That’s because the Moon Temple is knowledgeable about astronomy. It was the shrine maidens of the Moon Temple who determined the timing for the Sealed Door’s opening.

“Not at all. It was a splendid performance. The children might develop a deeper interest in the starry sky because of it.”

“That’s right, Penelope-sama. I think more children might wish to join the Moon Temple in the future.”

“That would be wonderful, Director Sandra.”

Penelope clasped her hands before her chest and smiled without reservation.

“That would make me happy.”

I looked around and observed the orphanage children. They were still excited from the earlier performance, gesturing animatedly. Not just the orphanage children—the Labyrinth Village children were there too. The Guild Master talking to Forestbird with similar reactions was… well, fine.

“Shall we go to the room and play cards?”

“Yeah.”

There were even groups of Labyrinth Village children and orphanage children heading together toward the guest rooms. Since they’ve met before, they’ve become quite friendly.

Penelope watched the children’s retreating backs with a gentle smile.

Next, I approached Irmhild and the others who had served as musicians.

“Good work, everyone. Thank you for today.”

“No, no. Theodore-kun, you’re the one who worked hard.”

“Mmm. It was fun with a different atmosphere from the theater.”

“Right? That earlier part was interesting too.”

Dominique and Justia laughed happily.

“Yeah. After this, I’d be happy if you could relax and unwind.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Mmm. I still haven’t eaten enough.”

Sheila also nodded and headed toward the tables. …Well, today’s dishes featured a lot of seafood. During their alternating breaks, they probably didn’t get to fully enjoy the meal.

Now then… Those staying overnight include Father and the others, Alfred and Ophelia, Elliot and Camilla, Auria and the Adventurer Guild members, Temple and orphanage staff, Miriam, Romina and Dorothy, Tephra, and Alpha—that’s the lineup.

We have more overnight guests than usual, but we’ve arranged for the servants to take breaks in shifts to reduce the burden. For nighttime security and patrols, we plan to utilize Rosemary’s Dolls among other things.

For the rest, we’ll let everyone—including the servants—relax and spend time using the Game Room or playing cards.

This unusually lively birthday was coming to an end as dusk fell and passed.

Once today is over, the focus will return to the Seal’s opening and countermeasures against Demons. In that sense, I’d say we’ve managed to sufficiently recharge our energy in preparation for everything starting tomorrow. This West Court makes me happy too.

So, let’s take it easy as well. I stretched lightly and headed toward where everyone else was.