Preparations For The Founding Festival

After briefly discussing the matter of the Founding Festival with the startled Erin and the overjoyed Sloda, Arthur immediately went to report it to Morgan.

Arthur thought he might get scolded for pushing things forward on his own, but for some reason, Morgan only looked surprised and muttered, “I see… it feels a little hasty, but certainly effective… leave the rest to me,” before slipping back into work mode.

Well, she knew he lacked a little knowledge and experience, so it should be fine. More importantly…

“Hey Kei!! These are the dishes Sloda said he’ll prepare. Let’s eat them together!!”

“Wow, they look so delicious!! And there’s even Gokuuma Bird and the smoked meat you bought as a souvenir, Lord Arthur!!”

“Exactly. Since it’s a special occasion, I thought I’d gather as many tasty things as possible. Everyone was delighted to help out.”

Spread before Arthur, who looked smug, was rice on a luxurious plate with side dishes arranged in colorful variety. Alongside the local dishes Arthur had sampled on his travels were Britannia favorites like steak, fish dishes, and fresh vegetables assembled into a beautiful salad—clear proof of Sloda’s seriousness.

“But… every year, I thought you showcased your healing magic, Lord Arthur. Was it really okay to change that so easily?”

“Ah, this kind of thing is just a festival, after all. My healing magic is no more than a showpiece. It’s better for everyone to enjoy delicious food together. People always make too big a deal out of things.”

“I see… so that’s how it is. Since we commoners don’t have much connection to the ‘Founding Festival,’ I thought it was a more solemn event.”

Hearing Arthur’s casual words, Kei smiled in relief and ate her meal. Seeing Kei happily say “Mmm, delicious,” Arthur also smiled as he began eating.

But in truth, the “Founding Festival” was nothing like the casual event Arthur described. For nobles, simply attending it became a lifelong status. For merchants, being involved in it guaranteed a secure future. Especially for royalty, it was said to determine whether one could ascend the throne, depending on how well they impressed foreign dignitaries and others they usually had no dealings with.

That was why Erin had been shocked and Sloda ecstatic when Arthur had asked about presenting rice there.

But Arthur had no knowledge of any of this, and Greed hadn’t said anything in particular. Morgan had offered plenty of advice, but at the time, Arthur hadn’t listened to a word.

In his past life, the reason Arthur had been chosen as king despite thinking nothing through was solely because his healing magic had been too outstanding.

“By the way… what should we do with this thing we got from Erin?”

“Hmm… oh right, that.”

After finishing the meal and relaxing over tea Kei had prepared, Arthur pointed to about five dresses of different colors in the corner of the room.

After the party, Erin had told him, “If you liked it, I’ll send you something similar as a gift,” and when he had carelessly agreed, she really did send them.

Honestly, receiving dresses was nothing but trouble for him.

“These dresses are kind of unusual. The ones nobles wear are all heavy with decorations and look hot, but these are light and easy to move in.”

“Yeah, apparently they’re trendy abroad.”

Yes, the dresses Erin had sent were of a rare style in Britannia: mermaid dresses, tight from the torso through the waist and knees, then flaring softly from the knees to the hem, like a mermaid’s tail.

Since Rod’s mother, the queen, preferred traditional gowns, such dresses were seldom seen in this country. That was why Erin had stood out at the previous party.

“Would you like to try wearing one at the Founding Festival, Kei?”

“What!? I’m honored, but I couldn’t possibly wear one at a party with nobles present.”

“I see…”

Arthur’s face darkened, disappointed that he wouldn’t get to see Kei in the dress, but Kei smiled reassuringly at him.

“Besides, as your exclusive maid (big-sister role), I have to take care of your needs, Lord Arthur.”

“Heh, you’re right. Of course, you’ll continue as my exclusive maid.”

“Yes, of course!!”

Kei nodded without hesitation at Arthur’s words. Normally, a commoner’s attendance would be unthinkable, and in the past, she would have declined out of fear. But now that she knew Arthur truly relied on her, she had no doubts.

She thought: ‘I may be nervous—no, very nervous—but as his big sister maid, I’ll do my best!!’

“But what about the dresses?”

“Hmm, leaving them unused feels like a waste…”

Arthur fretted over what to do, since he couldn’t wear them himself but also didn’t want to leave gifts untouched.

“In that case, I have a good idea! This way, the dresses won’t go to waste, and your reputation will also rise, Lord Arthur.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Ufufu, leave it to your exclusive maid (big sister)!”

Puffing out her ample chest proudly, Kei gave Arthur her confident reply.