Published: August 10, 2026
"Full Moon Market."
This is a market hosted by the merchant family, the Tsukimi Family. It used to be held once a month on the night of the full moon, which is how it came to be called the Full Moon Market, but now it seems to be held once every seven days. One large street becomes completely packed with stalls. It might be something like a small festival.
The main goods on sale are food-related items such as fish, vegetables, and meat. But over time, flowers, books, and antiques have also increased, and now it has become the country's largest market, selling just about everything.
Of course, there are also plenty of food stalls where you can eat as you walk.
The moment we stepped into a different street, the population density jumped dramatically, and Amelia's face lit up at the lively scene.
I'm already used to seeing collisions between people caused by anyone who foolishly looks at her face.
"So many people..."
"There are usually this many people around, but this time the vendors are probably especially fired up as well. After all, this may be the last market since the Full Moon Market began to be held, with no next date scheduled yet."
"...Because of the war?"
"Yes, exactly."
The war with the Kingdom of Reytis was growing more severe by the day, and its effects had reached even this place, which was not directly on the battlefield. That could be seen in many things: the absence of young men, the gloomy expressions on people's faces, goods that were not being restocked at stalls, and rising prices. In particular, vegetables and bread from the other side that had been brought in through trade with the Kingdom of Reytis had disappeared from the market.
On the other hand, even though two fortresses near our border have already fallen, perhaps we should be impressed that this is all the impact it has had so far.
"Apparently, under normal circumstances, there would still be enough leeway to hold the next market. But according to the head of the family, Lady Tsukimi Yayoi, when the people's hearts are frayed by war, even the slightest difference in prices or goods causes them to connect everything to the war and react too strongly. So she decided it would be better to wait until everything is over before holding the next market."
"...There's less fish too, not just things from Reytis."
"Because the men have gone off to war. There are fewer boats going out to fish, and everywhere is short-handed now. Thanks to that, we've ended up with some strange groups popping up."
"Strange groups?"
"Well, that can wait for later..."
Morganaite answered Amelia's tilted head with a wry expression. He didn't seem inclined to explain right now.
"This market was supposed to support the people's lives, right? It was also something to look forward to. What happens to that?"
"As expected of our Lady Amelia! Even toward another race, your compassion for the people is truly admirable! What a splendid person you are! Being able to serve you, Lady Amelia, is this Morganaite's one and only, greatest pride!"
"One and only?"
"That part was pointless."
"Y-yes. First, as for the people's lives, households with members who have followed the draft receive in-kind supplies and financial support from the country. And for people who lost their jobs or saw their income decrease because of the war, there is a similar, though smaller, amount of assistance as well."
"Where does the money come from?"
"From taxes and other reserves originally stockpiled in preparation for war. In addition, we've also received some support from the Elf race, so at this rate we should manage for a few more years. Ah, over there is a sweet known by different names depending on the region, even within this Yamato Country. Apparently, the sweet's official name still hasn't been decided because every time it comes up, a debate breaks out."
While answering Amelia's questions smoothly, Morganaite led us through the market.
As long as he didn't let his excessive affection toward Amelia show, he was clearly a highly capable attendant. It was frustrating to realize that.