Side Story:
Serafina Becomes Sirius for a Day
“YOU’RE ‘CAPTAIN FOR A DAY’?” I repeated.
That was the unexpected answer Fackt had given me when I asked him why he was wearing a fancier knight uniform than usual.
“Yes, that’s right. It’s a public relations-focused endeavor in which someone who doesn’t usually hold a position temporarily assumes full responsibility for the role and its duties for an entire day. When tasks are handled by someone who doesn’t typically manage them, it piques curiosity and generates greater interest in them. This initiative aims to highlight and reaffirm the value of those responsibilities.”
Well, now it made sense why Fackt looked so dazzling in that captain’s uniform adorned with a ton of decorations.
“Reaffirms the value, huh…?” My eyes lit up as a brilliant idea suddenly struck me, but the other knights immediately started shouting words of warning to their current “captain for a day.”
“Fackt! Why’d you have to open your big mouth?!”
“Do you see the look on her face right now? There’s a one hundred percent chance—one hundred percent, I tell you—that she’s thinking of getting into some unnecessary mischief!!”
Well, that was rude. All the ideas I had were intended to benefit others.
“Hmph. There’s nothing unnecessary about what I just came up with. It’s something to help Sirius. I’ll think up ideas to help the rest of you next time.”
I felt a little bad that the plan I’d come up with was for Sirius, even though he wasn’t there and all the other knights were, but they didn’t seem to mind. In fact, they let out sighs of relief.
“Oh? That means it doesn’t have anything to do with us, does it? Thank goodness…I think? There shouldn’t be any consequences for us if we’re not directly involved, right?”
“I don’t think we’ll be in harm’s way. And if we’re talking about the vice-commander, he should be able to handle anything himself.”
The knights looked relieved, although I could still see some traces of skepticism on their faces.
Standing as tall as I could, I announced confidently, “I had a great idea! Since I messed up showing how kind Sirius is, this time I’m going to show how valuable he is! And to do that, I’ll become ‘Sirius for a day’!!”
The knights collectively grimaced at my declaration.
“…Huh?”
“Wh-what in the world are you saying, Princess?”
“This is bad! I have no clue what it means, but all I can smell from ‘Sirius for a day’ is trouble!!”
Seeing the how the knights reacted, it was clear that Fackt spoke the truth. I wasn’t Sirius, but just the fact that I said I would be him was enough to make everyone pay attention right away. It was easy to see how someone handling tasks they didn’t usually manage would “pique curiosity” and “generate greater interest.”
“Okay, I’m going to do it!” With my resolve firmly set, I headed to see Father so I could make my plan a reality.