The moon is more important to the Empire than anything else.
There’s a theory that when the Empire was founded in the beginning, the one who received the moon’s power was the Emperor.
After all, the relic that triggered my reincarnation was also named Moon Stone.
Especially the full moon, which is revered as the most noble and sacred of all moons, prompts the Empire to celebrate a festival in its honor.
This festival is called the Full Moon Festival.
Consider it a sort of National Day that celebrates the Empire’s birth while honoring that moon during the summer when the sky is the clearest.
Thus, celebrations commence across the Empire.
Naturally, this place, not far from the capital, is no exception,
and as the darkness gradually settles in, the lights in the streets shine even brighter.
“Today marks the start of the Full Moon Festival. I heard you’re participating.”
“Yeah. I’ve never gone before. I’ll have to join this time.”
The reason I’m watching my father’s expression is just on the surface.
Isn’t there something else I actually want from this festival?
What has always been important in my reincarnation is, of course, information.
At first, I was clueless and suffered, but at some point, I started gathering information to uncover the cause of my death.
Thus, the information I gathered has continued until now.
Whether it was assassination or a death orchestrated by someone, if it’s death, then I could rule out that possibility for myself.
Of course, a lot has changed this time around, but everything I’ve gathered isn’t just a piece of scrap paper.
“By the way, these days, I feel like the Duke has taken a shine to the Young Master.”
“Can’t blame him. I’ve done something.”
I’ve found a way to gain something from Adele, not to mention I’ve cut off ties with Violet pretty well.
Considering the indecisive version of myself from before my reincarnation… it wouldn’t be too much to say I’ve turned over a new leaf.
Because of that, my activities have become freer, so I think gaining a connection with the Saint this time is entirely due to me changing my mind.
How wonderful would it have been if I had done this earlier? If I had, I wouldn’t be struggling like this now.
“I’ll leave as soon as the festival starts. If anyone asks, tell them I’m outside.”
“Understood.”
As Renold bows and heads outside, my gaze drifts toward the street in the distance.
In the alley that used to be dark, flames burn brightly, and people bustle about, eagerly awaiting the upcoming festival.
A city filled only with light,
and being close to the capital, its scale is considerable, making it impossible to find a gap among the throngs of people.
It’s no wonder the capital is nicknamed the City of Light.
Whether it’s day or night, it shines alone across this vast continent,
earning that title.
The city, symbolizing the light of the full moon, always emitted a dazzling light bright enough to obscure the stars.
As the pale light descends and touches that light, and while the veil of light blankets the city,
this day, when shadows lose their way and scatter, can truly be called the Festival of Light, the Full Moon Festival.
“Jay will definitely be here.”
Technically, he’s always lived in hiding, but this festival will see him discovered as a corpse.
Naturally, it’s my goal to prevent that.
Though he claims to be an Alchemist,
in reality, Jay possesses information-gathering abilities that even the guilds of this Empire can’t match.
It’s a regret that I found him only later on.
I’m now living like this and perhaps finding hope in the existence of Jay might be the reason I could end my reincarnation.
Perhaps it’s because I found hope in the idea that my reincarnation might end at the existence of Jay.
Of course, I would have to die again afterward, but that doesn’t give me a reason to simply let death happen.
So, if I have to list what I will do at this Full Moon Festival, it would be saving that person named Jay.
I can’t even enjoy this festival.
Instead, I find myself sneaking away from the light into the shadows, and it brings a bitter smile at the thought that this is what my life has become.
…Even in such a bright city, at this moment, someone is facing the threat of death.
Even though the light is bright enough to dispel shadows, darkness still exists.
I guess I should say the emotions I’m feeling now are rather mixed.
Watching the Full Moon gradually brighten, I quietly let out a sigh.
All I wish for is for the night to come a little later.
#
Yuria was assisting her father, who was hosting the Full Moon Festival.
Since he knows I’m participating, he probably wouldn’t say much if I disappear from the Ducal Residence.
Even if I roam alone in this dawn, it means there’s no one who would suspect me.
In that case, all I need to prepare is a weapon for self-defense.
It’s unreasonable to get one from the Ducal Residence; just casually wandering around should be sufficient.
I hesitated to wear a robe, thinking it was too conspicuous, and then tossed it aside.
I can just wear what others wear.
Since I don’t go out much, not many people knew my face.
As I stepped out of the Ducal Residence, the hot air touched my skin.
The Full Moon Festival would start in just a few minutes with fireworks blasting as the full moon, hidden behind clouds, completely reveals itself.
Only then could it be said that the festival’s curtain was about to rise.
“It’s better when there are lots of people.”
It would be troublesome if I happened to run into someone I know.
As far as I remember, Adrian and Adele had never participated in this festival, but Yuria had started patrolling around halfway through.
If I were to discover someone dying in the process… that would mean my plan is falling apart.
Thus, my plan was to blend well within the crowd and move to the intended location.
Isn’t there plenty of time right now? With all the times I’ve saved before, I should just operate as usual.
Boom— Dung—
The drums thundered, and a trumpeter walked through the streets playing.
Fireworks created through magic bloomed in various colors, turning into stars and decorating the dark sky like a galaxy.
But that light must not be brighter than the moon.
The Full Moon Festival is about expressing gratitude to the moon that gave birth to the Empire by emitting a humble light.
I felt like I’ve seen this kind of scene many times.
In the past, I would have sparkled my eyes in admiration at this sight, but now it’s just a boring festival I’ve experienced hundreds of times.
Didn’t I remember every action and accident that would happen?
Walking through this street, I often bumped into the same people.
As I twisted my body, a little kid hurried past the gap.
It was a child who had always collided with me for some time now.
And when I stepped here, I noticed a chunk of meat that someone had dropped below.
Since it was soaked in blood, there was a time when I was suspected of being the killer who killed Jay just because of the blood on my shoes.
Now, those are all memories that have turned to dust.
Though I can’t exactly say the process of being interrogated is a fond memory.
I’ve seen so much of it that it’s become too familiar and dull.
The lovers whispering beside me, the drunken man staggering.
These were things I’d already seen countless times. Thus, there was no thrill left.
Perhaps the emotions I have now have dried up completely.
This might be something that’s dried up.
Someone might think of me as a strange person.
Even though I’m walking right in the middle of this festival, here I am, solely searching for a weapon with a blank expression on my face.
Still, sometimes my numbness can be quite chilling.
I’ve smiled before, but when was the last time I truly cried?
Considering I can’t even remember, I’d say I’d have to go back at least dozens of times.
Yet even with such thoughts, my steps didn’t pause.
Even without looking ahead, it was a familiar path drenched in lingering thoughts.
Once, I closed my eyes and walked as I remembered, but never did I bump into anyone and arrive unharmed.
I widened my strides and then narrowed them, avoiding the cobblestones.
Perhaps it was the moment I resigned myself to the fact that everything would be the same. Suddenly, I collided with someone in front of me and was knocked back.
“Ah… I’m so sorry. I was just lost in thought…”
As I attempted to apologize, a familiar voice reached my ears.
“There you are! I’ve been looking for you.”
I momentarily gaped at the face that appeared. According to my memory, she was not a person I would see at this full moon festival.
Why was a woman who should have been too busy with her own responsibilities in the capital here?
Her unique hair, reminiscent of moonlight, flowed about.
The sole ruler of the North, cloaked in her fluffy, fur-lined cape.
Adele smiled at me, like a predator targeting its prey.
On her refined face, devoid of any scars, a rather wicked grin was present.
Did she have an agenda with me?
As that question crossed my mind, a chilling sensation ran down my spine from a sudden recollection.
“I distinctly remember telling you to come to the North. What on earth gave you the courage to ignore my words? After all, you’re just a duke’s offspring. I hardly think you are the Duke Taylor himself.”
“…If I said I had my reasons, would you believe me?”
“No, if you told me directly, I might believe it.”
So that was the problem, huh? I think I underestimated this woman named Adele.
From the rumors I’d heard… they said once she set her sights on something, she wouldn’t let go, and they even called her a ‘dog.’
So, am I being bitten by a dog right now?
I was still looking at Adele with a calm expression, but it was indeed somewhat bewildering.
Why was Adele here? She had never participated in the full moon festival before.
As the memories I knew became a jumble, my eyes narrowed slightly.
“Then, why are you here?”
“Because I wanted to come. Oh, and here’s another reason to add.”
She said this, then let out a small laugh as she leaned her face closer to mine.
We were so close that our breaths could barely touch.
Pulling on my nape, she suddenly pulled me forward, making our eyes meet, and Adele smiled softly.
“If I said I came to see you, how would you respond?”
The woman’s enchanting smile, despite her notoriety, was simply beautiful.
She had snow-white skin contrasting with her red lips.
Looking at her attire, she resembled the guardian of the North, but her appearance could easily be described as saintly.
Such a woman laughed playfully. I, stunned for a moment, gathered myself and quietly replied.
“…That can’t be right. Please let go of me.”
“Your reaction is so boring. I was hoping you’d at least blush.”
Whether she actually meant such a thing, she chuckled and distanced herself. Then she tilted her head, observing my attire, and spoke up.
“A man enjoying the festival all alone, has our Duke Taylor been particularly disadvantaged in love?”
“Is it that our Duke Taylor has really bad luck with women?”
“It hasn’t been long since the engagement was broken. What do you think others will say if you start seeing another woman?”
“They’ll probably think he’s a capable guy. Isn’t it strange to say anything about that?”
“I suppose you could think that way. Anyway, I’m off now. I have things to do…”
Indeed, that attitude was not fit for a noble.
It’s not that I disliked it, but what can I say?
I feel more familiar with being Adele Igrit, the mercenary captain, than with the title of Grand Duke.
After all, he led a mercenary group before becoming a Grand Duke, so I guess it makes sense.
Just as I was about to leave to do my part, Adele caught me.
“I didn’t say you could go.”
“…I have my own busy schedule.”
“If you were really busy, you wouldn’t have come all the way here. If Yuria Taylor is somewhere, it’s on the other side, and the Ducal Residence is quite far away. What could be so urgent?”
Could it be that the position of Grand Duke wasn’t just handed over?
Adele, who swiftly shot down my excuses, continued speaking.
“By the way, do you know much about the Full Moon Festival?”
“I know it well. I’ve seen it several times.”
“That’s good to hear. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about this festival.”
“Is that so? I figured as much. Haven’t you only been in the North?”
“I lived buried in work and war. So today, I came here to take a break.”
She replied with a charming smile.
But why was she saying this to me?
So, I nodded and responded appropriately, when suddenly Adele extended her hand.
Almost like she wanted me to place my hand on top, showing her palm.
“…What is this?”
“I told you, I don’t really know about the festival. You, on the other hand, are wonderful at it. Aren’t you planning to escort a lady? I’m a bit disappointed.”
“I believe you said that I’m escorting you, Your Excellency.”
In response, Adele nodded and waved her hand once.
Claiming her arm was hurting and insisting that I take her hand made me chuckle unintentionally.
To be precise, it was a snort of disbelief. I wiped my face in disbelief and asked again.
“…Didn’t I say I needed to go because I was busy?”
“I know. But you could at least show me around the festival. Right?”
“What if I just leave? Are you planning to go back?”
“No.”
Are you threatening me or something?
I felt a pinch of tension, but Adele was just rolling her eyes, pondering her answer.
A moment passed, and with a somewhat serious expression, Adele opened her mouth.
“You’ll be sad.”
Very sad.
She added while waving her hand again.
As I gazed at her gently fluttering hand, like leaves swaying in the breeze.
No thoughts of drawing my sword, just that she would be sad.
I began to seriously question if this was really the Adele I knew.
However, I couldn’t just remain silent. Her face was gradually starting to distort, urging for a response.
Looking at her wavering hand, I finally took her hand, and Adele smiled softly.
“Alright, then let’s go enjoy this Full Moon Festival or whatever.”
What on earth is happening? In my confusion, I checked the time.
There’s still time until dawn.
So… a little bit should be okay, right?
I felt like a nanny dealing with a child.
Is it really a problem that she’s about three years older than me?
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