The reason why I don’t want our carriage to enter the kingdom is because… A ludicrous fiesta is currently taking place.

Our group stepped through the colossal gates, partnered by fellow guests and carriages, unaware they were soon subjects to a parade. Crowds lined the street on both sides; most of them carried water buckets and bottles. We’re unable to discern a single word we utter due to the shouting and hooting of people. The aroma of asphalt, partnered with damp wood and clothes, scented through the atmosphere.

Without Guinelle’s barrier protecting us, I could randomly say I’m wet right now. Our glittering dresses and tuxedos caught the attention of many, splashing the liquids at us. Some distinguishable individuals who could summon water wore blue from top to bottom. Their grin made me clack my tongue. “Tsk!”

Today marks the day of the birth of Crosborn Entertainment. Though the main event didn’t originate in this land, the man who started the agency, Michael Crosborn, was born here. He invented the art of water-bending, which is currently famous across the world for dancing. His abilities were useless in battle. He should’ve joined Avatar though.

Crosborn’s era developed the advancement of the culture through various types of art, including painting, music, dancing, theater arts, and more. For notable performances of every type, the Crosborn Award will be granted to those who reached the pinnacles of its knowledge. This is every performer’s dream.

“This scenery is one hell of a pain,” Ellen commented loudly so I could hear. “Can the author skip this part?”

“Don’t you like being surrounded by the ominous stares of the public?” I asked.

“Even you try to defile my image, Quimora. I’m not a masochist!”

Kingsley, who’s currently behind me, tapped my shoulder and signaled me about a certain observation. Someone’s keeping a violent eye on us.

I turned forward the road and continued walking, “It’s best that we have eyes chasing us. They won’t dare to move between this euphoria.”

We reached a certain manor, which was offered to Rox as per the invitation stated. Since the offer allowed her to invite her family, we’re currently disguising ourselves as her siblings. We’re now called the family of Alligots. I hope this won’t offend his real brother.

We stood before the entrance gate, lying between the perimeter wall. Beyond was a smooth road surrounded by flower gardens. The creak of the heavy gates swinging sounded loud, even without anyone opening it.

“Quimora, should there be an automated door installed here?” Ellen asked.

“I suppose.”

From the white mansion, a man walked towards us. He stood tall at 5'9" with a warrior's build, a testament to his rigorous training and disciplined lifestyle. He had short, chestnut brown hair and emerald green eyes to take center stage. His complexion is fair, with a few freckles dusting her nose and cheeks.

“Miss Roxeanne Alligot, I presume?” The man asked, putting a hand into his pocket.

Rox presented her business card made of platinum which contained her signature. After witnessing this, the man put his left arm over his abdomen and bowed.

Guinelle whispered to me, “Quimora, should we trust this guy? Greeting someone while hiding a hand in a pocket signifies a threat. It’s immoral.”

“Can we just see where it goes? I suppose he’s just giving us something in return.

The man took the keys of the manor from his pocket and gave them to Rox. He straightened his back and greeted us with his deep monotone voice. “For introductions, I’m Undra Grivuke, the right-hand man of the king who handles the military of the kingdom. We appreciate your visit to the Kollaria Kingdom. I hope you find your time enjoyable here. And…” His leer with his emerald-green eyes wandered across us who were behind Rox.

Rox muttered, “These are my siblings. They wanted to visit the kingdom for sightseeing. As per the invitation, I’m allowed to bring my family for their leisure. We’ll be in your care from now on.”

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“I do apologize, but I think you misunderstood. The manor will be reserved for your private use for a month. As per your private request, you didn’t want any outsiders to dwell inside the place, is that right?”

Rox scratched her head and stuttered, “I–I forgot.”

“Well then. It’s a pleasure talking to the prodigy of magical research. We appreciate the time considering our kingdom’s request for development. I shall take my leave.”

The man diligently passed through Rox but not to us. It’s like he considered us inexistent. He left the manor unfazed. Even Rox, who caressed her arm, doubted his identity. “Why would someone with high status greet us here? A butler should be enough.”

“Questions later. You want to play games now, right? Inspect the manor first for any surveillance.”

After the checkup, we never found anything suspicious over the high ceiling and within the mansion walls made of smoothened marble. The fresh fragrance of the outdoor grass and the burning firewood scented the air. Most of us nearly slipped from the cold silk and satin sheets. Also, we didn’t detect any pest infestation around. Guinelle might’ve hated those.

I never experience any fatigue or hunger when I’m within a clone body, unlike these four dead-weights who rested their backs on the comfy cotton couch and sighed intensely. Ellen even complained, “Quimora, can we take a day off? Our legs are killing us.”

I sighed, “Tomorrow will be our utmost endeavor. By the way, Ellen, where’s your earpiece?”

Ellen suddenly regained her energy as her eyes bulged, unable to blink.

“...... I forgot.”

***

The next day, food stalls, merchant carts, tents, and the central water fountain made the hot sunny day of the lively kingdom’s marketplace vivacious. Each person passes through the place. The fragrance of bread and roasted meat attracted every customer passing through.

Ellen and Kingsley wandered around the town, each with a printed piece of paper listing all their objectives. As they promised Quimora, they set out in the morning, finding clues related to the stones and the banished prisoner. Ellen wore a see-through poncho and a summer skirt which attracted the ogles of men. Kingsley wore his usual polo and a necktie.

“It’s the best place to vlog, isn’t it?” Ellen asked. “Oops! I forgot to inform Rox to replace your speech robot. Those barbels still hit hard. By the way, want to eat first?”

Kingsley nodded. They approached a stall selling roasted alligator chops. The vendor shouted as an advertisement, “Croc meat! Buy now, and taste the magic savoring your tongue!”

The two approached and said, “May we buy two?”

“Sure! I’ll give you a special treat, a secret spice only given to couples.”

Ellen bumped Kingsley’s elbows and smirked. “They’re thinking of us as couples.”

Kingsley replied with silence, facing Ellen with an open mouth and tongue pushing slightly forward. Ellen pouted, thinking, You should be lucky I’m with you, Hmph!

As the ordered meat entered their mouth, the richness of the flavor bumped their tongue's nerves. The saltiness and sweetness balanced the relish while the umami, the secret recipe, attracted the addicting fragrance of the spice. As they swallowed a bite, their faces glimmered and their mouth slacked.

“This is delish! It’s like the salted roast beef in Shibuya streets but with the alligator meat! I never expected that our world would discover umami from scratch. What do you say, King? Oh, I forgot you can’t speak.”

Kingsley cued to Ellen, gesturing that the man ogled on her chest from the start. Ellen narrowed her eyes at the man and muttered, “Hey, gramps, do you know where you’re looking?”

“Uh… I–It’s just that… Why are you wearing something revealing in public?”

“This isn’t underwear! This is a swimsuit. I guess you uncultured townsfolk don’t have the luxury to visit the beach. Since you initiated the conversation, you can’t escape us now.”

“W–What do you mean?”

Ellen grinned and approached the man behind the stall, covering the side of her mouth and whispering directly in his ear, “Do you want to enjoy what’s underneath these revealing clothes? It may cost much depending on what you say.”

The vendor, whose face appeared beet red, stuttered, “I–I will answer!”

Ellen leaned back and crossed her arms. “Easy. Very cutesy, very demure. Do you know a man named Gaul Illiadarne?”

“I’m sorry, who?”

“Gaul Illiadarne. Do you want me to spell that for you?”

“Was that the former knight captain who’s said to be corrupt?”

“Corrupt?” Ellen pinched her chin and asked. “We’re completely unfamiliar with him. I think you have more to tell about him.”

“Hmm…” The man hummed as his view went down slowly to Ellen’s chest. “They’re a big shot, but I don’t know how that matter exploded. He’s a straightforward general, not revealing any secrets. I might be old, but only a few heard about his feats. No one even reacted when he was sentenced, and the public believed the matter about the corruption with ease. Everything else, I’m alienated from it.”

“I see. It’s not much information worth noting. If you have any other information about him, you know the price,” Ellen said with a smirk of promise.

Kingsley approached Ellen and tapped her shoulder. When he got her attention, he pointed his finger towards the end of the alleyway partially blocked by a crowd of people. When Ellen pivoted at the scene, she witnessed a hooded girl who carried the same bag of arson tools.

“Mary!? What is she doing here?”