Chapter 98. Side Story 3 - Vacation

Mother suggested we go, and we headed to the banquet hall on time, choosing suitable attire from what we'd brought.

Too gorgeous and we'd stand out too much; too plain and we'd be ignored. We aimed for an appearance suggesting we hailed from a reasonably high-ranking family.

Oh, and concealing our true identities was a given, of course.

"Is this it? The architecture is rather unique."

"The windows are a bit small, aren't they? The Southern Region is cold, so they prioritize insulation more than in the Capital."

We showed the invitation Mother gave us to the guards at the main gate and entered. Not as extravagant as the Capital, but still a rather gorgeous building.

Entering with anticipation for the cuisine, we found the local dignitaries all gathered.

"Who are they?"

"They don't seem to be from around here...."

Most of the faces were unfamiliar. Of course, having been away for over a decade, it would have been stranger if I *had* recognized anyone...