The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival

The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival (華やぐ帝都の収穫祭) is a festival event hosted in the Arwintar. It appeared in Mass for the Dead on September 30, 2024 to October 14, 2024. 
==Background==
The impact of the Crack disaster in E-Rantel was felt all the way to the distant imperial capital of Arwintar. While Emperor Jircniv was devising a plan to inspire his subjects, he was also pushing ahead with another "plan"...The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival Episode 0: Prologue
==Purpose of Event==
At the capital of the Baharuth Empire, Arwintar, a city located northeast of E-Rantel, slightly to the west of the Empire, lies the Imperial Palace at its center which is heavily guarded by the Four Imperial Knights, the Royal Guard and high-ranking magic casters.
The current Emperor and the master of the Imperial Palace, Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix, is glancing over documents he received from his secretary at the morning council. From the contents he displays his annoyance for a certain occurrence happening again. The secretary sadness confirms that "it" has occurred. 
For a while, the emperor has been receiving a series of reports about the damage caused by the Cracks within his empire's territory, as well as progress on dealing with the issue. From the looks of the reports it appears to Jircniv that nothing has changed at all since the world was torn apart----to which Jirnciv in fact, thinks might be better if he only receive those reports normally. The report that is the focus of his vexation is rather than one on some movement from one of the anti-imperial factions. Jircnvi is pretty sure the faction that on it is the one he's read about before.
The secretary affirms that it is, citing that His Majesty had given orders to keep an eye on this particular faction. Jircniv finds it irritating that despite exposing similar types of people before, the rest have not learned their lesson is opposing him as it now seem one new group keeps popping up. The emperor patiently reads through the report, before sighing, as even though it's part of his official duties, having to read the document with such obvious content is torture. Since there is obvious moment from the faction, the emperor informs his secretary that they can now take appropriate measures. He then directs the clerk to continue investigating into the organization that the report mentioned and that they will take action on the matter as soon as possible.
Tossing out the next report, Jircniv is ready for the next one. It turns out the report is actually a letter from E-Rantel, from the protagonist. The emperor finds the protagonist to be very kind to have sent a letter to him, just like the previous correspondence from the other day. In the letter, the protagonist writes to express his humble gratitude to His Majesty for attending the festival that was held in E-Rantel the other day. And hopes that the ideals of the Sorcerer Kingdom will be able to contribute, however small, to the cooperation with the other countries including Jircniv's, and to their further development. 
The sender expressed his heartfelt gratitude and respect for Jircniv's country's dedication. The letter and words written from the protagonist alone are enough to raise Jircniv's tired spirit. He shifts his attention back to the "Greetings and Victory" festival that was mentioned in the letter and that he attended, finding the event very interesting. The clerk reiterates the events that occurred on that day. According to a report from someone who accompanied His Majesty the other day, the protagonist walked through the city, visiting the residents' homes and distributing the harvest while greeting them. And concluded the event with a mock battle called a dedication demonstration. Apparently, it was a festival that had roots in an old legend that existed in the Sorcerer Kingdom. 
Since the kingdom is one made of multiple races, including humans and demi-humans it makes sense to the emperor. Although the festival was held due to the unique circumstances of certain country, the emperor thinks it might be something that is most needed in the world today. This catches the secretary's interest asking his liege to elaborate. 
In a situation where damages caused by the Chaos Beasts and Cracks are likely to continue, it goes without saying that :unity" will only become more important. Not just for humans....but for demi-humans as well. On the other hand, it is also true that "unity: is not likely to take root even if it imposed from the top, especially when the people are from different countries or races. 
In other words, as the clerk puts it, the culture of "Greetings and Victory" is extremely useful as a way to naturally increase the unity of the people. That is what Jircniv thinks, as the joy and pleasure that can be gained at a festival is enough to make the people favorable accept the purpose of the festival. In addition, by using "masquerades," they can ease the sense of discomfort and awareness of their physical difference with other races, and share various forms of entertainment together. By accumulating such experience, especially from childhood, it may even be possible to reduce the instinctive aversion to other races. 
The more the emperor thinks about the idea, the more amazing it seems...to the point he praises it as an extremely well-thought-out custom "for controlling countries and groups with a mixture of multiple races." Privately the emperor, while not knowing who devised the festival, admires that the person is more fearsome strategist than he envisioned. From this he concludes that there are many wise people in the Sorcerer Kingdom. His clerk agrees that the more he hears about this event, the more impressive it seems...even he wants to see this "Greetings and Victory" event on his own someday. Jicniv feels the same and if the next opportunity presents itself would definitely do so. It was then the emperor raised a meaningfully smile, having sprout an idea. 
Later at the Great Tomb of Nazarick on the 9th Floor in the Round Table Room. There Momonga listens to a report from a Greater Doppelgänger acting as the protagonist. The report being that the doppelgänger has learned from a personal letter from the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire that he wants to host a "Greetings and Victory" event in order to unite people across nations and races. 
There would likely be resistance if a foreign nation's customs were suddenly tried to take root in the Empire, so they wanted to first carry out the event as a form of entertainment to soothe the hearts of the people enduring hardship. Doppel-Slimeko adds that since they wanted to hold the event in another country rathe than E-Rantel this time, she and her partner thought they should let the Supreme Being know just to be sure. 
Momonga understands, and sees that apart from their objectives, the event was determined to have great benefits for the humans as well. Albedo comments that the benefits, other than being easing the mental burden on humans, it would be an attempt by Jircniv to curry favor with the Sorcerer Kingdom, which he disparagingly compared it to be just like a dog wagging its tail. From the Empire's perspective, introducing the custom of "Greetings and Victory" from the Sorcerer Kingdom, which is made up of humans, demi-humans, and heteromorphs, is not only a way to show cooperation with the Sorcerer Kingdom, but also has an aim to more widely publicize the attitude of accepting other races besides humans to other countries. After all, the Empire has a "precedent." 
The doppelgänger of the protagonist asks for elaboration on this "precedent." Demiurge takes over the explanation, stating that in the past, the emperor cracked down on many slave traders in the Empire. During that time, he also rescued many different races...including elves. With that in mind, this proposal....it is safe to assume that the intention is to further reinforce the Empire's position. 
That into consideration, Momonga recollects that the emperor was infatuated with the protagonist, but that wasn't all. This request was made after careful consideration of the benefits to his own country. Whatever the case, it's almost certain that this will be an opportunity to solidify the influence of the Sorcerer Kingdom, as there are many benefits to this request.The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival Episode 1: The Spread 
In the imperial capital of Arwintar, at an inn and bar called the Singing Apple Pavilion, where workers gather, the bar was buzzing with one particular topic. It being the upcoming "Greetings and Victory" event which is brought up by a warrior. A magic caster while not having much details can only say that the event had appeared in E-Rantel in the part, as part of a custom of the Sorcerer Kingdom. One person, a thief remembers that he heard it from an adventurer from that city, saying it was similar to a Harvest Festival. 
The trio then glance towards the worker Regi who is at the bar boredly sipping from her mug. They recall that the female worker is from New Six Arms, and heard that she was in E-Rantel recently so they ask her what the festival was like. The worker does vividly recall the festival, saying that apparently, the idea was that "the importance of greetings leads to victory in the group work of harvesting," so people dressed up in costumes, handed out harvests, and held something like a martial arts tournament. The martial arts tournament included participants from the Four Knights, traveling adventurers, and even participants from the Sorcerer Kingdom, calling it amazing.
The trio become interested that the fact that the Four Imperial Knight participated and asked if they won. Though can't be answered as Regi wasn't there until the end, so she doesn't remember much. Even without the outcome, the idea that a martial arts tournament in the imperial capital is receptive. And so they return to the rumors of the "festival" that has yet to take place.
Regi who was watching the chatter then decides get more drinks for herself. Just as she prepares to order some more, the bar of the door opens with Peshurian coming in. The armored warrior having found her then tells Regi that their boss is calling.
The duo then arrive a New Six Arms' hideout, where the rest of their comrades, minus Shizuni are waiting. Zero complains that even though the sun has yet to set, Regi is drinking too early. Though in Regi's defense her habit is not bad enough to get drunk. Since Zero called her back, she assumes that they have a new job, which the monk confirms.
It's a new request from the Emperor, apparently it's to provide security for a "festival" that will be held soon. Malmvist wonders what's so special about a festival. So far Zero hasn't heard anything about it either. But figures that it's just an excuse to hold a festival just like the one held in E-Rantel. At the mention of the festival, perks Regi's attention which Zero clarifies with for that it is for the "Greetings and Victory" event that Regi and he participated in the other day, and now seems that will be held in the Imperial Capital as well.
Regi finds it to be a bold bold by the Empire. But Zero tells her to listen to what he has to say before declaring that. It seems the emperor predicted that there would be backlash and obstruction from the Anti-Imperial Faction.
Furthermore, the emperor asked for New Six Arms cooperation in providing security on the day and in detecting any plans for disruption leading up to the event. It sounds like an interesting money-making opportunity to Regi, but finds it odd since "Greetings and Victory" is a festival in the Sorcerer Kingdom, so is it okay to hold that in the Imperial Capital? 
From what Zero heard, it seems there's no problem about that. Apparently the Sorcerer Kingdom has already been informed of the event. Regi finds that the Empire is well prepared, and secretly hopes "Greetings and Victory" will be well received by the people of the Empire. Without a doubt, to her it seems like there would be a lot of benefits for Nazarick as well which explains why Momonga gave permission to the Empire.
Malmvist has a question for Zero. From what he heard from him the other day, this "festival" doesn't seem like a bad thing...but is it really worth going to the extent of inciting the danger of Anti-Imperial Faction rioting? Zero informs his comrade that it's the other way around. He believes Jircniv is planning to use the festival to lure out and eliminate some of the Anti-Imperial supporters again.
This shocks Malmvist as well as Peshurian. Zero simply states that there are still many disquieting anti-imperial elements, but they are not necessarily all united, so it will not be easy to catch them all at once. There are even rumors that there are anti-imperial groups among them that are made up entirely of merchants, not even nobles. It's not necessarily true that they're all in league with each other. The reality is that those who aren't connected to other groups like that have to be eliminated one by one, even if it's a hassle.
Malmvist uses that their job is like looking for a needle in a haystack, which is exactly what Zero says as the emperor wants to find all the troublemakers from the anti-imperial faction. While it sure seems like a tedious task Regi voices that she has no intention of slacking off.
Even though she says that Zero notes that Regi has been pretty stressed out because she still hasn’t found a partner Shizuni. Now knowing their task Zero tells his team that they will first investigate the interior of the Imperial City. And for this part of the job he apologizes to Iguva as he will have to be left behind. Besides gathering information, Zero tells everything he has also been asked by the emperor to do one "preparation."The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival Episode 2: Festival Rumors
== Preparations ==
At the Round Table Room, Lupusregina returns to Nazarick, to immediately report to Momonga the details of the "mission" she had heard from Zero. Lupusregina is informed that Momonga had indeed sanctioned the event based on a letter from the emperor. Albedo states that the Empire has long been promoting its tolerant attitude towards other races, both inside and outside the country, and she imagines this event is part of that.
However, at the same time, it would also further solidify the growing influence of the Sorcerer Kingdom. Hence why Momonga gave his permission. Lupusregina understanding then goes on about the mission of the New Six Arms. Zero seems to think that one of the purposes is to take advantage of the festival to expose dissatisfied elements, such as anti-imperial factions which Momonga finds intriguing. The Sorcerer King knew Jircniv had a lot of enemies within the Empire, but it seems like they keep coming up one after the other.
Demiurge tells his liege that before the protagonist went missing, the Pleiades maid posted an interesting report that may also be related. Unfortunately Momonga does not remember what Lupusregina had reported at the time, but thankfully Lupusregina asks Demiurge to refresh her memory.
On one of the missions the protagonist was working on something in E-Rantel right up until he went missing. The work was deciphering secret letters that had been seized from criminal organizations in the kingdom and neighboring countries. Among them were secret letters exchanged between a merchant from the Baharuth Empire capital and another merchant who was suspected to be backed by some other country. Apparently, that merchant from the Imperial Capital had some kind of grudge against the Emperor, and formed an anti-imperial group with others who shared the same views. However, as there is currently no evidence that they have had contact with other anti-imperial groups, it is assumed that they are relatively new.
Thanking Demiurge for the explanation, Lupusregina simplifies if that in other words, regardless of whether the sender of the secret letter actually takes action,——it is possible that similar people will take advantage of the upcoming "Greeting and Victory" event and take some kind of action. Demiurge says that is right. If one were to take advantage of the hustle and bustle of the festival to make another commotion, it will drown out the other "commotion" and make it harder to find.
Momonga now having heard the explanation, allows him to jog his memory of definitely receiving a report like that from the protagonist. Taking advantage of the hustle and bustle of the festival to cause trouble...makes Momonga feel like has heard a similar story somewhere before. He supposed it's from someone he knew who said before that it was based on a mystery novel or something, recalling a quote of: "To hide the leaves, go into the forest."
Unintentionally Momonga muses this aloud, the profound words shocking all in the room, which match the given situation with the anti-imperial faction. They all think Momonga totally grasps the situation in the Empire. To Albedo it is expected of Momonga....to be able to read between the lines even from a trivial report. Thus is seen as a wise king. Momonga on the other hand is emotionally conflicted that he blundered his way up to everyone's expectations. He recovers quickly, and goes with the flow, stating that he guess this is a good opportunity for them to attract forces that may be hostile to the Sorcerer Kingdom.
Demiurge determines that Momonga intends for that purpose, he'll use the request that the New Six Arms received. Lupusregina is then told by Momonga  please continue with the request she has received with her worker team.
Also, in order to weed out any suspicious anti-imperial figures, it would be best to start a separate investigation. And for that Momonga thinks on who would be the best person to do this.
With the "Greetings and Victory" event fast approaching, preparations for the venue were being hastily made all over the Imperial Capital. At the Singing Apple Pavilion, the workers comments that the venue is already under construction. Apparently, the Sorcerer Kingdom will be lending out costumes for the festival, as part of a tradition to dress up.
Some of the workers take interest in participating and getting costumes, with a few making jokes that their current attire would be good enough. Regi enters the establishment, pulling up a chair at the bar and orders some pork stew and her usual drink. Once her order is ready, Regi tucks into her meal and drink with gusto.
The workers nearby notice that she is in a happy mood and inquire if something had happened. Regi tells the workers that she's in a good because of a pre-celebration. She got a job offer that looks like it'll pay pretty well and thus is celebrating.
When asked about the work, Regi, claims that it's an escort job, apparently involving transporting luggage from the Sorcerer Kingdom from E-Rantel to the imperial capital. This information comes as a surprise to the workers, and Regi explains that the Empire is preparing for the festival that originated in the Sorcerer Kingdom, so the latter wanted to deliver supplies for that festival.
As for the contents, the worker hasn't heard anything specific, but anyway, she is going to go there tomorrow to pick up the package. As she boasts her new job, a man with an unassuming appearance gets up from his table and leaves the bar. This does not go unnoticed by Regi, who smiles, quietly musing to herself that she caught a fish. Outside in the streets of Arwintar, the man walks to a door and knocks gently to be let in by the owner.
The next evening, outside the Imperial Capital—there were men dressed as travelers, all well-armed and appear to be workers. The men appear to be waiting for the packages being transported from the Sorcerer Kingdom. It appears they were tipped off after one of their associates overheard Regi of New Six Arms talk about the job in the Singing Apple Pavilion. While some believe the tip to be truth, a few find it suspicious that the woman would openly boast about the assignment so brazenly especially in a bar. Their colleagues though ignore the suspicion as there isn't much time until the festival and it is imperative to intercept the convoy. 
However the workers are interrupted when Zero, Peshurian, Malmvist and Regi appear. New Six Arms came looking for a fight and Zero informs the workers that he knows that they are all anti-imperial faction members and that they are here for them.The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival Episode 3: What is Scattered
After the last anti-imperial member falls, New Six Arms stands down to rest and arrest the men. New Six Arms then returns to their base where they are greeted by Iguva who notes that from his perspective that the "job" went off without a hitch. Though Malmvist comments that Zero looks kind of gloomy ever since coming back from the sting.
Zero sighs and tells his comrades that something just doesn't seem right, and its bothering him. It being about their job being to "fish out" the anti-imperial faction, which they did so by spreading false information as instructed by Jircniv. They also succeeded in apprehending the people they had caught. And while Zero doesn't intend to deny that point, he asks if his comrades feel that it was a bit too "simple." The workers are taken aback by their analysis.
Regi though does admit that now that Zero mentions it, that may be true. She can't deny the possibility that the anti-imperials were just stupid people who didn't think things through. Zero points out that even now, it is certain that many anti-imperial factions are trying to undermine the emperor's authority. Even if they don't disrupt the festival itself, wouldn't it be quicker to cause a major incident or accident on the day, highlighting the Emperor's powerlessness in preventing it? To be honest, Zero was skeptical about whether he would be able to catch anything with this dummy information, but the results are as shown here. So maybe——-Jircniv has some other information that he hasn't shared with them about the anti-imperial faction that's been moving around lately.
——Meanwhile, somewhere other than the imperial capital, in a dark room with candelabra. A person comments that the preparations for the festival are going smoothly. Their colleagues worries if that is alright? The festival they are talking about is "Greetings and Victory", said to have originally been a custom in the Sorcerer Kingdom. They wonder if it is really a good idea to easily expand their custom of accepting species other than humans. And while the people admit it is true that such concerns cannot be denied. However--if the festival is held and is a success without any harm, they think it will at least have the great benefit of strengthening unity among the people of the Empire. Having said that, the man gave a meaningful smile when he underscores, if it is successful.
The scene changes again, to a certain place in the imperial capital in a nice suite a young man comments about the "arrangement" on the day that is shown on the diagram he and his colleagues are looking at a desk. In one corner of what appeared to be a map, there was a large marker marking the location. A wealthy looking man states that they lure him out at this point to disrupt the "arrangement." But asks what will happen next? His younger colleague tells him not to worry, as he opens the blueprint and, pointing, explained the "procedures."
The other man understand and agrees that they will get started on the preparations right away, and provide the necessary personnel, weapons, and supplies. A third person, a weak minded one replies that it is amazing that they were able to secure personnel and supplies under these circumstances. The wealthy man simply says that wherever there is something, there is something and he just put a bridge over there. Hearing that the third man states he won't dare ask about the origins of the resources……but he's sure it's enough to liven up the "festival." His comrade confirms that it'll definitely be exciting. Enough to make the emperor...panic.
== Harvest Festival==
The young man leaves the home, going out the door where night has fallen over the imperial capital. He is heading home when he is jumped by someone from behind, and his knocked out with a chop to his neck. His assailant is none other than Sebas. The undercover agent of Nazarick then asks Narberal to assist him in moving the man which the woman complies.
Sometime later, at the imperial capital or Arwintar, the day was blessed with fine weather and with the Empire's first "Greetings and Victory" festival. In the courtyard of the Imperial Palace, Nimble informs his majesty Jircniv that they are due to depart. The emperor is then escorted by Nimble and Leinas to his carriage.
At the Grand Arena, a large number of people had gathered for the special venue in the arena, as Emperor Jircniv was to personally give the opening address. Meanwhile——on the road from the Imperial Palace to the arena---the road Emperor Jircniv was taking his carriage, knights were stationed at regular intervals for security.
IN addition Peshurian and Malmvist were positioned at various streets on guard duty. While at a shady inn room, Regi in her festival costume was with her sister Narberal dressed as a witch.
Zero himself was standing nearby at the arena, standing guard, waiting for the emperor's arrival. As Zero lurked near the arena, he recalled what had happened just a few days ago. It happened at the workers' base when Regi burst in, after having gone out to gather information for their preparations.
Regi claimed that she used various connections to try and find the people on the list she received from Zero. But she found something better in her investigations, which she dumps on the table before her teammates. Zero and the other flip through the papers and see that to their shock, they contain maps and blueprints of the imperial city.
Regi explains that apparently, recently, a group of anti-imperial have been meeting occasionally to discuss things. She found the scene, did a little research, and luckily found the papers.
According to Regi's report, there was a plan was to attack the Emperor and his party as they went to the Grand Arena for the "Greeting and Victory" event. The plan of the anti-imperials first was to create a commotion on the route from the Imperial Palace to the Grand Arena, forcing the Emperor and his party to pause for a moment.
The location where they were going to cause trouble was already a busy place, making it difficult for even the knights to guard. That's was supposed to happen. The purpose was probably to temporarily weaken the Emperor's security and then the anti-imperials would launch an ambush with real attackers at a different location near the arena, and attack them when they arrive.
And besides the people who were carrying out the plan, there seemed to be someone else collaborating behind the scenes....he even Zero has not an inkling who that that person is though. Zero gave the information to the knights in advance so now they are ready for the ploy. At the same time, Regi was peering out from a vacant room near where the commotion was expected to occur. While she is keeping watch, Regi thanks Narberal for her help in gathering information as it was really helpful. The other Pleiades maid tells her she should thank Sebas later as it was he who got the information from the people who were planning the attack. 
Though that is true, Regi points out that Narberal did some research to try and pinpoint them so she deserves some credit. Now that the plan of the anti-imperials is known all that's left is to hit back at the idiots. Regi then heads out of the room to get started on her business!The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival Episode 4: The Smoldering Buried Fire
In an ally street, three men, presumably anti-imperials are electrocuted by Narberal assisting Regi. One of the men attempts to escape, but is blocked by a troop of imperial knights who apprehend him. The knights thank Regi for her service as they take away the dissidents. Rego then directs some of the knights to the rendezvous.
Meanwhile, near the arena—cheers are heard as the emperor's carriage passes. In the crowd, a man wearing a cloak observes the passing vehicle. WHat's ore he notices that there isn't a lack of security. He wonders if it could be that the first "distraction" failed. A man next to him, asks what should they do and is told that they will talk later once they leave the area. The two make haste from the crowd, going towards an alley, cursing how their plan fell apart before they are approached by Malmvist, Zero Peshurian and Regi with a troop of knights behind them.
Zero backed by troop of knights tells the conspirators that the people they gave them instructions have been caught. The men don't go without a fight, but in the end are defeated and arrested by the worker and knights. A pair of knights inform Zero and their commander that the men who orchestrated the attempted attack on the emperor have been captured using the information that Zero had given them. Though they have been arrested and taken into custody, the knight tells the other knights to stay vigilant for a while.
As the knights head out to carry their tasks, Malmvist comes over to Zero commenting that the biggest hurdle seems to be over. Zero though points out that festival is not over yet and still have a job to do. Regi coming over, finds it a pity because she is going to miss out on the dedication demonstration at the arena. Zero tells her not to worry as she could participate next time. And so the Imperial Capital's first ever "Greetings and Victory" was held without incident - and ended in great success.
== Aftermath ==
Although there were some troubles before the event, looking back, it was a safe and uneventful success. A month had passed since the festival. In his chambers, the emperor is once again shifting through reports. As the organizer of the festival, he is confronted with a letter that makes him react with a tense look on his face, as if the "real thing" was about to begin.
The missive is from the Assistant to the Chief Priest of the Theocracy, which states that no instructions were given from the home country regarding this incident. Said incident is regarding the attempted ploy to disrupt the festival.
However, from the letter after investigating, [they] found testimony that some of the temple's relatives, who were indebted to the temple, had acted in this way out of consideration for the Theocracy. [They] believe that the Theocracy also bears, even if indirectly, responsibility for causing this to happen to the individual in question, and [they] would like to formally apologize to the Empire for this.
A clerk though in regards the recent attempted attack on His Majesty that took advantage of his "Greetings and Victory"...investigations are underway to determine the mastermind and the general background to the incident. Jircniv heard that the man who planned the attack was one of the slave traders in the Imperial capital who suffered great losses when slave ownership was restricted some time ago.
All in all, to the emperor it was worth deliberately providing a "hunting ground" in the form of a festival originating from the Sorcerer Kingdom, and then having Zero and the others spread the "bait" of false information, that they succeeded in luring the dissidents in.
The clerk comments that it's shocking that the Theocracy and the Temple were also involved in this matter. Among those who had contact with the slave traders, there were some who frequently visited the temple. Moreover, there were several of them but that alone is not enough to conclude that they were related to Theocracy. However, it is also true that perhaps due to the current difficult situation, the ties between the Theocracy and local temple forces have become stronger than ever before.
This is true as the temple enshrines the Four Great Gods who are worshipped within the Kingdom and Empire. Given the circumstances, it is perhaps self-evident that the Theocracy, which worships the Six Great Gods, including the Four Great Gods, would be involved with the temple forces. In addition, considering the signs that some of the perpetrators were trying to disrupt the preparations for the festival itself, like this "Greetings and Victory"--there is no doubt that the very existence of a festival that could strengthen ties with other races is viewed as a source of worry in the human-supremacist country.
On the surface, they said, "It is meant to guide people's minds to a healthy state, and does not go against the teachings of Theocracy," but...it was obvious that this was just a pretense. Although the emperor doesn't know what the Sunshine Scripture people in E-Rantel really think on this.
So, the truth of what happened here is probably that the anti-imperial faction and the temple forces, including the Theocracy, were teaming up to cause trouble in this incident. It seems that they had set up several intermediaries to make it difficult for the Theocracy side to get their hands on them.
——In any case, now that there is circumstantial evidence that the mastermind and those associated with France were involved in disrupting the Imperial Capital's "Festival". To Jircniv this incident is an intolerable challenge to the sovereignty and dignity of the Empire, which is why he lodged a protest with Theocracy the other day. The letter was admitted by the clerk to be quite a radical response. As the contents were: "I sincerely apologize if I am mistaken, but I believe that the wise members of your country will understand that there is sufficient circumstantial evidence to cast doubt on this matter from an objective standpoint."
Of course, this is assuming that these concerns are not unfounded. But the response received from the Theocracy was lame excuses which proves that His Majesty's prediction was correct. However, due to Theocracy's position, they will never admit it. Jircniv supposes that they will they maintain their stance that they will not admit any wrongdoing no matter what. But determines that's the compromise his Empire will get. But the suspicion that the Theocracy was involved in this case has not been completely denied.
At the very least, the Sorcerer Kingdom...is certainly not letting its guard down against the Theocracy. Ultimately it was not a bad "harvest." The results of teh datival was enough to get Jircniv what he wanted and thinks it could also serve as a gift for the protagonist. Jircniv smiled with satisfaction, confident in the "harvest" he had gained from the festival.The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival Episode 5: The Uncovered Leaves
In the Great Tomb of Nazarick, at the Round Table Room, after the "Greetings and Victory" ceremony in the Imperial Capital, Lupusregina returned to Nazarick and reported to Momonga. From her Momonga states that there's no doubt that the Theocracy had a hand in what happened at the event in the Imperial Capital. Lupusregina still in her costume reports that Emperor Jircniv has already sent a letter of protest to the Theocracy.
Demiurge has a suspect in mind that was involved in the event, being Enhela. Unfortunately as Momonga points out that they don't know to what extent that man was involved, but they should remain vigilant. But even the doubts that they will be able to get a hold of him that easily...drawing on his impatience. But reminds himself it would be no good to rush into something now and do something recklessly. Even so it bothers him on not knowing what he can do. Albedo notices his distress, but says he was just thinking about something, keeping his thoughts to himself.
Momonga then directs Albedo it would be best to tell Lupusregina "that story." Lupusregina is perplex on what is so important that Albedo must tell her. While the Pleiades was in the Empire...the protagonist had returned. This brings Lupusregina to be stunned hearing her missing comrade is alive and well. Albedo further adds that the protagonist was sent to a space beyond the Crack.
Albedo the tells Lupusregina the information she had heard from the homunculus who is staying in E-Rantel. According to the protagonist——Yuri, CZ and the others may be on the other side of the Crack. Lupusregina is at a loss for words in joy at hearing her sisters' possible survival. At the very least, they are safe. Right now, Demiurge is making preparations to go beyond the Crack. Once preparations are done there will be a chance for a rescue.
The Pleaides maid then has a request. When they are ready with the equipment to travel to the other side of the Crack, she would like to be assigned in the rescue. Since its mission of going to pick up her sisters, Lupusregina as the second born, it is her duty to carry out this mission. Momonga having already spoken to Narberal and Entoma about it, was planning to leave the mission to her and the others in the end as he wants them to bring their sister home. Lupusregna excitedly accepts the mission, with not a single hint of hesitation.
And then, around the same time in the Slane Theocracy, a subordinate priest has just returned after delivering a reply to the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire. He informs the Assistant High Priest of this, who tells him to rest from his journey. After the priest leaves, Enhela takes a moment to ease himself until returning to the "post-processing" of the incident.
Enhela realizes that he had underestimated Jircniv. He never imagined that the emperor would not only expose the anti-imperial faction from the start, but would also carefully set up a trap to cause a loss for the Theocracy and attack to this extent. He had mistakenly thought that since Jircniv had become so infatuated with the protagonist that he had lost his fangs and become a spineless coward...but he;s still very much the Bloody Emperor, even though he's corrupted.
The Assistant High Priest becomes angry. The Sorcerer Kingdom's "Greetings and Victory" is not at all amusing to the human-supremacist of the Theocracy. To his nation it's a hard custom to accept. But now, the situation has reached a point where it could spread not only to E-Rantel, but to the entire Kingdom....in the name of "unity". Moreover, the fact that it is expanding into the Empire is certainly not something the Theocracy can welcome. It would be wise to interfere with the Alliance while they can, so that it does not cause any rifts.
This time, the Theocracy's involvement was obscured behind the Empire's slave traders who had been arrested previously, and the nation had them create multiple intermediaries to prevent the perpetrators from tracing their involvement, but――――apparently, the Jircniv was a step ahead of Enhela.
In retrospect, Enhela believes that maybe he should have tried to control the operation remotely while he was still managing the site, which he was not used to...but still he never expected it to end up i a debacle.
In regards to the Emperor, after this incident, he must be convinced that there are not only those who are anti-imperial, but also those who are not happy with the very idea of ​​"Greetings and Victory"... in the Theocracy. What hurt the most were those people who got ahold of information about supplies for the festival being brought from E-Rantel..., though Enhela corrects himself as the people were caught by someone else, then they rashly tried to interfere, and were caught in a single fell swoop.
If they had act like that, it would be like admitting that his goal is not to cause trouble during the festival, but to disrupt the festival itself. No doubt that incident gave the Emperor certainty and powerful circumstantial evidence. Enhela wonders if those people who were caught were trying to curry favor with his nation. Without even a word of notice...it's their own stupidity for daring something so reckless. This is what makes those loyal to Theocracy so troublesome.
The Assistant High Priest supposes that even if he had used all his strength, there is no guarantee that he wouldn't have been outwitted in this incident, so it's all sour grapes.
Despite the failure of his plot, EnheLa, who serves as the Assistant to the Pontiff of the Theocracy, was smiling with a surprisingly happy look on his face. A dark laughter spilled from his mouth dissolved into the darkness without being heard by anyone.
Somewhere in the Baharuth Empire, at the hideout of the New Six Arms.
Iguva remarks that Regi has found her partner's whereabouts. Regi tells her teammates that she overheard someone that Shizuni was spotted in the Great Forest of Tob. Peshurian comments that it's quite far from the Imperial City and asks what kind of place is it.
Regi states that she doesn't know anything about the location. Actually, she wants to know, so she'll go and check it out. Zero grants her leave to go and scout the area. Though it's far away, it can't be helped. If he leaves it alone, who knows where she'll end up next. Zero comments that he didn't think that Shizuni was not only bad at using her hands, but also so restless...so the best would be for Regi to hurry up and go pick her up.
Regi thanks Zero telling him she owes him a favor for this. For Zero this is more or less for the good of himself and New Six Arms as it would be a problem if a useful person was always out of form.
That being said, Malmvist states that their boss has been very concerned about Regi for some time now, though Zero denies this. He tells Regi to go and find Shizuni and makes sure she returns safely so then they can have a drink. Peshurian wants to resume celebrating, which has been ongoing since yesterday due to their success in their previous job. A sentiment shared by Zero and Regi.
New Six Arms are left excited by the unexpected good news. A few days later, when Reggie and Shizuni return from the Great Tob Forest, and the celebration is more lively than usual. Regi in her monolog, says that she and her sister had joined New Six Arms, and before she knew it they became friends for a long time, and she think they're starting to look like good friends.
Their teamwork is impressive, and they even have a good chemistry when they exchange casual messages. They were also considerate of her when CZ was away. Really, despite their appearances, Zero and the other two are good people who care about their friends at heart. 
However in the dark corner of her mind she gives a sinister laugh, toying with the idea of getting permission, of how I could betray these toys in the most entertaining way possible. Just imagining it makes her shiver.The Glorious Imperial Capital Harvest Festival Episode 6: After the Festival
== References ==
Category:Events
Category:Mass for the Dead Events
Category:Festivals