The moment they stepped into the capital, the group was immediately greeted by a breathtaking wave of festivity. Voices overlapped in every direction, conversations echoing through the streets they walked along. The capital of Nuzantra was packed with people — stalls lined the sidewalks, merchants calling out, while the main roads were crowded with passersby moving like a ceaseless river.

In the midst of that lively chaos, Luna looked around in quiet wonder. There were countless street vendors from distant regions, each offering perfumes of spices and unfamiliar aromas — flavors she wanted Daisy to experience. Because of that, she stopped several times, purchased snacks, and chatted with various merchants.

A few minutes later, Rima exhaled deeply at the sight.

"Lun… I know you love your daughter very much, but isn't this going a little too far? Daisy can't possibly finish all of this," she said, half-scolding.

Behind them, Abiyasa struggled to carry the pile of food and snacks — the stack was so tall it nearly covered his face.

Luna blinked — ah… yes, she may have gone a bit overboard.

"Sorry… hehe. Alright, let's put these away first," Luna said with an awkward smile.

"Allow me, my Lady," Lusserina replied swiftly.

"Thank you, Lu."

Lusserina stored everything neatly into her spatial inventory, then nodded politely.

"Geez… instead of wandering, just follow me," Rima said, arms crossed. "I'll show you the real Festival of the Moon Goddess."

The group continued onward. Several minutes of walking later, they arrived at the central plaza of the capital. Luna froze for a moment at the sight before her. It wasn't just a massive crowd — a grand theatrical stage stood tall in the center of the square.

"A stage…?" Luna murmured.

"A theatrical stage," Rima explained. "They'll perform the heroic tales of those who once called upon the Moon Goddess to defeat the Demon King."

"That's…"

On the side of the stage, Luna noticed several important figures seated in a distinguished section reserved for VIP guests. Security around that area was extremely tight — royal guards stood in rigid rows, hands clasped behind their backs, facing the crowd like immovable statues.

Soon, the host called out for King Siegfried to give the opening address. The king rose, walked to the center podium, and delivered a short yet dignified speech.

"…"

Once he finished, King Siegfried returned to his seat. On his right sat Prime Minister Allan and Radhimar; on his left, Luna recognized Queen Anastasia, Verni, and Guildmaster Zetya. She also spotted other familiar faces — Prince Hasby, Barqa's Guildmaster, Hektor, and even Gale, the wind swordsman — all seated among the VIP ranks.

When Luna's eyes happened to meet Radhimar's, his expression transformed instantly — from composed to glowing bright, as if he had just spotted a rare treasure. His hand began to lift, about to wave—

Luna immediately shot him a sharp glare.

Don't even think about it, she spoke directly into his mind.

Radhimar froze, puffed his cheeks slightly, then lowered his hand in defeat, pouting like a child.

"…"

After the short address, the curtains of the stage were pulled up — and the theatrical performance began.

Several minutes passed…

"This is…" Luna whispered.

"Yes. It's your story — you and the other Tower Guardians," Rima murmured, smiling faintly.

They stopped for a while to watch. Since there were no empty seats, they stood there while enjoying the performance. To give Daisy a better view, Luna lifted her gently — letting the child sit against her chest, supported by her arms.

For several minutes, Luna didn't say a word. Her eyes were fixed on the stage — on the scenes being reenacted before them.

As the performance reached its climax…

Luna's breath caught in her throat.

A memory dragged her inward — violently but quietly — as if her soul had been pulled backwards.

She saw herself standing on a vast grassland alongside her comrades. Their bodies were exhausted, their clothing torn and burned. Not far ahead, the colossal Demon King stood towering — shrouded in a suffocating aura of darkness.

"See you on the other side, my friend," said a swordsman.

"Yes — until we meet again," another replied.

And then — a giant meteor descended from the sky, crashing into the Demon King with cataclysmic force. A blinding white light swallowed everything — until all vision turned to nothingness.

"…Mom…"

"…Mother…"

Luna blinked — the present returned in an instant.

Her cheek felt warm. A tiny hand was touching her face.

"Ah…"

Daisy — sitting on her lap — looked at her with worry, her small hand brushing Luna's tears away.

"It's alright. I'm just… moved by the performance," Luna whispered, squeezing Daisy's small hand in return.

Rima, beside her, knew exactly that wasn't the truth. She didn't say anything — she only watched Luna with a quiet sadness in her eyes.

Luna slowly wiped her tears away.

"So? Was it fun?" Rima suddenly asked, breaking the silence. "Daisy, did you like it?"

"Mm… I like it…" Daisy nodded, smiling shyly.

"And you, Lun? Did you enjoy it too? This is your first time, isn't it?" Rima teased with a sly grin.

Of course, Luna had seen theatre before — back on Earth. But that wasn't something she could casually admit.

"Yes. I like it… and yes, this is my first time," she replied gently.

"Good. If you both enjoyed it, then — let's move on! Next destination!" Rima declared with sudden excitement.

Rima then led the way, holding Daisy's tiny hand as the child skipped along cheerfully. Luna watched them for a moment — then turned her gaze back toward the stage. The entire troupe was lined up in a neat bow, receiving waves of applause.

Wherever you all are now… I hope you're living happily.

She lifted her head slightly, looking at the clear winter sky — then quietly followed the others.

"Is something the matter, my Lady?" Lusserina asked.

"No, nothing. Let's go."

Their footsteps continued onward. Several minutes later, they arrived near the southern gate of the capital.

"Rim, why are we heading outside the city?" Luna asked.

"Just follow me. You'll see soon enough," Rima replied with a mischievous smile.

Once they stepped beyond the gate, Luna was surprised. Usually, this area only had a few guards and a small line of people waiting to enter. But today — it was completely different. There were dozens, no, hundreds of people gathered outside.

Guards.

Merchants.

Adventurers.

Families.

Spectators.

All kinds of people.

"This…" Luna was stunned.

"This is also part of the festival," Rima said calmly.

In the midst of the crowd, Luna noticed something that immediately caught her attention.

"There are so many horses…" she murmured.

"Well, of course. They're preparing for the horse race," Rima replied.

A horse race…?

Back on Earth, Luna had only ever seen such races through television — never in person.

"But… where is the arena?" she asked.

"Arena?" Rima looked at her, puzzled.

"Yes. Aren't horse races usually done in an arena?" Luna clarified.

"What do you mean by arena? It's always done like this here. Where did you even get such an idea?" Rima asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ah… She slipped. Her mind reflexively compared this world with her former one.

"I heard it from a friend — he said he once saw a horse race in an arena," Luna explained with a strained smile.

"Hmm? I don't know where your friend witnessed that — but here, this is how it's always done," Rima answered casually.

"I see…"

"So if there's no arena, then where do they actually race?" Luna asked again.

"They'll run a marathon from here to a nearby village in the south. The committee is already waiting there. That village acts as the final checkpoint," Rima explained.

"Oh? How far is it?"

"If you ride a horse — without a carriage — you'll reach it in about nine hours. But with a carriage, around twelve," Rima answered.

"There are three intermediate checkpoints between the city and that village. Participants must visit each one to prevent cheating," she added.

Hmm… For a moment, Luna wondered — if Langit were to join the race… how long would it take?

Rima smirked knowingly.

"You were wondering how long Langit would need if he participated, weren't you?"

Luna froze.

How!? How did she—!?

"Why? Did you forget we're twins? Naturally, I know exactly what you were thinking," Rima teased with a wicked grin.

"So what's the prize for the race?" Luna asked, changing the subject.

"For first, second, and third place — royal or noble families usually purchase their horses as riding mounts. Even horses that don't win are generally purchased as well — to be used by the royal army," Rima explained.

"Ah, I see… then everyone benefits," Luna replied.

"Lady Luna, it seems the race is about to begin," Lusserina interjected.

Several participants lined up — each holding the reins of their own horse. Their colors varied: brown, black, and even pristine white.

Once everyone was ready, a sorcerer stepped forward — raised his arm — and fired a fireball into the air.

It burst like a flaming signal flare.

BOOM—!

In the very next second, the participants spurred their horses forward — racing across the open ground and disappearing into the horizon.

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