Published: February 1, 2026
The city was buzzing.
It didn’t have the cheerfulness of the Founding Festival, but the air was full enough of expectation and longing to stir people up.
Children ran, adults walked, and even people who normally never left the city had gathered, just for today, at the southern gate. Letting themselves be guided along, they passed through the gate and now looked over the open plain before the gate—where certain preparations were underway—with eyes filled with anticipation for what was about to happen.
Normally, there was no guarantee of absolute safety outside the city walls, but today the area around the South Gate was under heavy guard, so even those who had no means to fight could enjoy being outside the Capital City without unease.
“I just want to finish my business quickly and go home, and yet I’m being forced to attend some pointless event.”
Walking against the flow of people heading out through the gate, a beautiful man with black hair the color of night moved forward.
Though he was at the calm age of middle adulthood, the deep shadows under his eyes stood out beneath dull red irises that were sharp as blades. He moved his legs briskly, walking at a fast pace, and women who passed him could not help sending a glance his way. The air around him, so clearly distinct from all others, was likely one reason why.
The man pushed through the crowd and walked along the inside of the wall. Spotting a door that led into the wall’s interior, he approached without paying any attention to the knight standing guard there.
“Today, the top of the wall is reserved exclusively for the nobles involved in this event.”
“If I hadn’t been summoned, I wouldn’t have come.”
He practically shoved the invitation letter that had been sent to him into the knight’s hands and passed through the door.
The knight hastily checked the invitation and, finding the name on it, turned back in shock, but the man didn’t respond to that stare. In silence, he climbed the stone stairway spiraling up within the wall.
The stairs that led to the top of the wall were lit by lamps but still dim. As he neared the exit, a cut-out rectangle of blue sky came into view.
He stepped toward that higher place, closer to the sky, his brows drawing together against the light pouring in.
“The wind’s strong…”
His hair was tousled with a whoosh, and he looked around, clearly annoyed.
Though the wind up on the high wall was a bit chilly, thanks to the clear weather it didn’t feel cold. Viewing stands had been built at regular intervals, and they were already starting to fill. Most of the “involved parties,” he figured, were simply investors here for the spectacle.
He cursed them as idle fools in his heart and searched for the culprit who had dragged him here today.
“Shadow, over here!”
“Denied. I can hear you without the shouting.”
Shadow walked through the space behind the viewing seats, wearing a displeased expression.
The man named Rei was the sort who stood out even if he did nothing. Though they were nearly the same age, Rei still retained a boyish liveliness, yet the unique air of his age drew people’s eyes all the more.
His golden hair shone brilliantly against the blue sky, and because he was here in his capacity as head of the military police, his formal attire matched the fine, built-in chair he sat in very well.
“How long has it been since we met face to face?”
“Since last year, when you came uninvited to Malcaid of your own accord.”
“Oh? So not that long after all.”
“Sit down, go on,” Rei urged, and Shadow dropped heavily into a chair and crossed his legs.
It was a rough way of sitting for a noble—probably a reflection of his irritation. He was a man who fully deserved his reputation as a workaholic; in truth he should right now have been at his desk back in the Commerce Nation (Malcaid).
“Heh heh, but it’s worthy of note, the appearance of the reclusive lord of the Commerce Nation who has never once shown his face in high society. Look, everyone around us is staring at you!”