In the East Main Street district, Shirou and Riveria walked side by side along the bustling street, quietly taking in the scenery.
Stalls lined both sides of the road.
Wreaths of every kind decorated the storefronts, and colorful flags fluttered overhead.
The crowd was dense and lively.
Looking around, Shirou couldn't help smiling.
"As expected of a festival. It's really lively."
He glanced at Riveria.
"Have you really never participated in something like this?"
"Not really," Riveria replied calmly. "I've attended smaller festivals before. As for the Monster Festival... that would've been a very long time ago. Back when I first arrived in Orario."
Dressed in casual clothing, Riveria drew attention wherever she walked.
Unlike her usual attire, the clothes she wore today-chosen after Shirou's encouragement-gave her a softer, more approachable presence.
Even so, her beauty was impossible to hide.
Royal Elf.
A title that wasn't exaggerated in the slightest.
Even in simple clothes, she was striking. And elves, by nature, had an excellent sense of fashion.
"I see," Shirou said lightly. "Maybe it's because you're usually too strict. People probably don't dare invite you."
He smiled.
"You'd be more approachable if you smiled a bit more."
"...Smile?"
Because of her status as a Royal Elf, other elves always treated Riveria with reverence.
She disliked that attitude.
She even found it unpleasant.
But changing it wasn't easy.
Noticing her hesitation, Shirou spoke again, his tone relaxed.
"Don't overthink it. Changing someone isn't that simple. Just do what you want to do."
For some reason, Shirou always felt Riveria resembled Artoria.
Not just the similar voice.
But the personality as well.
Stubborn.
Upright.
And unexpectedly cute.
The smell of food drifted through the air.
Stalls selling all kinds of snacks lined the street, and even Shirou felt tempted.
After all, what was a festival without food?
He bought two portions of fried potato balls and handed one to Riveria.
After a brief pause, she accepted it.
"I remember Ais likes this the most, right?" Shirou asked.
"That's right," Riveria replied. "She's liked it since she was little. If I recall correctly, her favorite flavor is red bean cream."
Mentioning Ais Wallenstein softened Riveria's expression.
Her fondness was obvious.
A true "mommy elf."
Just as they were about to continue walking, familiar voices sounded nearby.
"...Plain fried potato balls, and..."
"Red bean cream flavor. One."
The voices made both of them pause.
They turned at the same time.
"...I thought this might happen," Shirou muttered, "but this is a bit too much."
"With so many people here," Riveria added, "it really is quite a coincidence."
Standing at the stall were Loki and Ais.
Since they'd already met, ignoring them would be rude.
Shirou sighed lightly.
"What a coincidence. Loki. Ais."
"Huh? Oh-it's Shirou..."
"Eh?!"
"Why is Riveria here?!"
Loki turned around and froze.
Her expression instantly became exaggerated, as if she'd been struck by lightning.
"Why am I here?" Riveria replied evenly. "Because Shirou invited me."
"Then why didn't you come when I invited you?" Loki shouted. "I invite you every year!"
Another lightning strike.
Unable to endure the obvious preferential treatment, Loki finally exploded.
Before Riveria could respond, Shirou stepped forward and patted Loki on the shoulder.
"Of course it's because I was the one who invited her."
Critical hit.
Loki's face went pale.
She collapsed to the ground, muttering about Riveria being stolen away.
Watching the defeated Loki, Shirou turned back and gave Riveria a confident OK sign.
After all, he was the one who invited her.
There was no reason to let Loki make things awkward.
Riveria rubbed her forehead helplessly.
Everything Shirou said was technically correct.
So why did it still feel strange?
After the unexpected encounter, the four ended up walking together-at Loki's strong insistence.
She'd never had Riveria and Ais attend a festival at the same time before.
Yesterday, after getting Ais's agreement, she'd tried inviting Riveria as well.
Her plan had been obvious.
Riveria saw through it immediately and refused.
But now?
Invited out by Shirou.
Coincidentally met.
How could Loki possibly let this opportunity slip?
That was her thinking.
And that was exactly what she did.
But-
Why was the outcome completely different from what she'd imagined?
Walking behind the three of them, Loki stared at Shirou chatting comfortably between Ais and Riveria.
Confusion filled her eyes.
Why?
This was supposed to be her dream scenario.
First time bringing both of them to a festival.
First time having both by her side.
These two joys should've multiplied into something even better.
She should've been the one in the center.
So why-
Why was she the one left behind?
"Ais..."
"Brother seems to really enjoy festivals."
"Riveria..."
"I've never seen you look this relaxed."
"Shirou..."
"If there's a chance, let's go together again next time."
Watching the trio she couldn't break into, darkness crept into Loki's eyes.
Hehehe.
Shirou, you brute.
Stealing my girls right in front of me.
Unforgivable.
That's it. You're expelled.
I, Loki, swear it.
"Loki," Shirou suddenly said, turning back, "you should come too next time. It's more fun when it's lively."
"Mm. Definitely."
Loki's expression instantly brightened.
With a wide smile, she declared, "As expected of a pillar of the Loki Familia! After Finn retires, you'll have to be our Captain!"
"...Huh?"
Why was she suddenly talking about something so far off?
What was she even thinking?
Completely bewildered, Shirou hurriedly declined.
After weaving through the crowded streets, the group gradually approached the Colosseum.
At that moment, Shirou noticed something off.
Guild staff nearby looked uneasy.
Members of the Ganesha Familia were also moving hurriedly, weapons in hand.
"...Looks like something troublesome has happened," Shirou said quietly.
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter