"They're here! They're here..."
"What a beautiful carriage! Registration forms, quick, give me one..."
"Give me one too, give me one too..."
"Everyone, slow down! Don't push, don't push..."
"There's enough for everyone, so nobody push! Even if you get one, it doesn't mean you'll be selected. This is only the preliminary selection..."
"Cut it out. If you don't join, you won't even have a chance. At least if you go, you can try your luck..."
Romon was eating and drinking fruit wine in a private room on the second floor when a sudden uproar rose from the street below.
The noise was so loud that people could not help turning their heads. Men's and women's voices were mixed together in a chaotic jumble, yet it sounded exceptionally lively.
"What's going on? What are they making such a fuss about outside?" Romon's seat happened to be beside a window. The glass was bright and clear, allowing him to see everything outside.
Romon had just finished the wine in his cup, so he set it down on the table, leaned forward, and looked below.
The sight left him staring blankly.
The street was already packed solid with people, as though some parade were being held. A strange procession was moving along below, stopping and starting as it went.
"Come on, come on, no pushing! No pushing! These are registration forms for the celebration events! Anyone who wants to sign up, hurry and get a form! All kinds of entertainment and acrobatics are welcome—magic performances, combat skill demonstrations, dance performances. Anyone who wants to put on a show for everyone during the festival can register with me! The deadline is three days. Miss it, and you'll lose this year's chance to perform, so don't regret it later!"
A bizarrely shaped large carriage