Chapter 279.1. The Opening Ceremony Seems Boring, Right?

It’s quite noisy. Even though they’re high-ranking nobles, for them, chatting is more important than eating. 
It reminds me of the company drinking parties from my previous life. No one touches the food; instead, they drink and chat. I’ve had experiences where I silently shed tears seeing dishes like grilled matsutake mushrooms, Japanese beef steak, and melon dessert untouched.
Mii-chan enjoys the food. Grandpa Odin is into wine only, so I’ll eat for both of us. 
Mii-chan, seated on a too high for a child, swings her legs excitedly, waiting for the dishes to arrive.
“Is this Miss Miu’s first time trying the food here?”
Ouga, with his stern face but gentle expression, starts a conversation.
“Yes, I’ve always supported this festival in front of the TV before!”
I wanted to go to the food stalls, but they didn’t take me. Papa was attending, and Sora and Mai were there too, so the whole family couldn’t go out. Before that, we were commoners, so we never had a chance to come here. 
They said she would definitely get lost if they took her to this festival with the largest turnout in Japan. It’s tough, even though Mii-chan is usually quiet.
“The food here is enjoyable. You should savor it.”
“Yes, I will enjoy it!”
I respond with a smile to Ouga, who expresses enjoyment rather than deliciousness.
“Hahaha, that’s right. The only times all the heads of the 36 families gather are at the New Year’s party and this martial arts tournament. Isn’t it fun?”
“Yes, it is. By the way, Countess Takano seems to be on good terms with Marquis Teijou.”
“Yes! Marquis Teijou is my benefactor! Yamiyo-chan is my best friend and Mashiron and I get along well too.”
Enraku gave a sly smile, and Kohaku mama checked her relationship with Teijou Marquisate. With Mii-chan’s enthusiastic response, the Emperor nods in satisfaction. 
Teijou Marquisate is the Emperor’s trusted supporter, and Takano County’s good relationship with them is a clear statement of allegiance to the Emperor.
“Mii-chan and I are best friends too, right?”
“Yes, I’m best friends with Se-chan too!”
She smiles and nods, and Sena pushes forward with our friendship. There’s a reason for her to sit at the round table with the Emperor.
“Excuse me. This is a Calicoran’s Amuse.”
The waiter places the dish on the table without making a sound. It appears to be turnips with an orange sauce.
Calicoran? What’s that? I look around, and everyone except Grandpa Odin is already eating normally.
So, Mii-chan eats it calmly. Don’t worry; she has learned how to use cutlery. Her manners are impeccable.
“Excuse me, may I have chopsticks?”
I raise my small hand and request them from the waiter.
Now, there’s no risk of being looked down upon or criticized by other nobles. The strategist Mii-chan is at your service.
I receive the chopsticks and take a bite. It’s crunchy like pickled turnips but with the moisture of daikon and the mild taste of cauliflower… It’s another mysterious ingredient, part 2.
“Here’s Tritonaton and Flaming Oyster Roll with Caviar on top.”
The waiter presented a wildly burning roll. When I lightly tapped it with my chopsticks, the flames went out.
Delicious. It’s hot, scorching even, but delicious. Could this be a dish exclusive to magicians with body enhancements? If commoners ate this, they would definitely get burned.
I had underestimated the magical world. Even in something as simple as cooking, there’s a gap between magicians and commoners.
“Is Houretsu not attending today?” 
The Emperor asks Mii-chan, and she nods.
“Papa and the others are enjoying the festival leisurely. Only Mii-chan attended!”
They wouldn’t let her attend such a dangerous place. All 36 families gathered, and nothing happened? No, that’s unlikely.
I remember the content of the martial arts tournament in the original story. 
There wasn’t much going on. At most, Shin won and gained recognition from the people, defeating some minor villains.
But she doesn’t intend to rely on the original story. There’s probably something different happening. If Mii-chan is the villain, she won’t miss this chance.
“This martial arts tournament has the highest level of security. Houretsu should be able to enjoy it with his family, right, Ouga?”
“That’s right, Your Majesty. We have deployed top-notch warriors here.”
These are the men who are setting up the flags. They probably think that Mii-chan is worried about security.
Even with the best security, some people take action. I’ve already dealt with 3.
She won’t say, I’ll bring them during the tournament, even if her mouth is torn open. The Emperor realizes this and smiles wryly as he watches Mii-chan gobble up her food.
As we continue to eat, one of Uncle Enraku happily takes a small amulet from his pocket and places it on the table.
“Come to think of it, there are usually people collapsing from heatstroke in this scorching weather, but it seems fine this time?”
Uncle Enraku shows off the amulet. I recognize it.
“It’s an Ice-Infused Amulet made from magic paper, right? Even in the heat, it blocks the strong sunlight with cold air, making it comfortable for the person wearing the amulet. It lasts 2 days and costs a thousand yen at the regular price!”
“It was made by cooperation between Aburage Viscounty and the Druids. In terms of the technology to create such everyday items, Cat Kitty is one step behind Aburage Viscounty.”
“The nationally managed Mist Dungeon in Lake Biwa has turned into an Ice Dungeon. The quality of the ice material is quite good. The sales of the material are doing well, and we’re benefiting from it.”
Kohaku mama praises the Aburage Viscounty, and the Emperor loosens his expression happily. It seems his pockets have been warming up quite a bit.