Don't Look at Me Like That!

Ivan stopped for a moment while walking hand in hand with Erda and looked around the street.

He had been so engrossed in teasing Erda that he hadn't noticed, but somehow, the atmosphere on the street seemed unusual.

The crowds had gathered to an almost excessive degree, and street stalls had sprung up everywhere.

This was his first time here, but even at a glance, it was clear that this atmosphere was not an everyday occurrence.

“Erda, is there some special occasion today?”

When Ivan asked, Erda blinked as though surprised.

“You mean you didn't know? Today is the Empire's Founding Day. Naturally, the streets would be lively.”

“···Ah, so that's what it was. My sense of dates has gotten a little hazy lately, so I completely forgot.”

Ivan immediately came up with a plausible excuse and glossed over the situation.

To be honest, now that he'd come this far, he wondered if there was any reason to hide his identity. Still, it never hurt to be cautious...