All worries were thrown completely to the wind, though, when the time for the festivities came. Everyone explored the town, laughing and gawking like children at the merriment. They spread out, sampling the foods and watching as the citizens took advantage of the revelry to show off unusual talents. Mai had to drag Jounouchi from the spot where he stood, watching awed as a juggler managed more objects than either of them cared to bother to count. Jounouchi didn't mind, though. He would have forgotten lunch otherwise.
Nagusami was just about to leave, when she heard the familiar bell. More than a little annoyed, she put her plans on hold and went to Seto's quarters. He was standing by the window as usual, was not wearing his usual dark trench coat. "Yes?" she asked, in a hurry to be off.
"I was wondering," he said slowly, "if you would be willing to show me around the city."
This request took her by surprise. "I…well…"
He turned to make eye contact.
"Maybe," she said slowly, an idea coming to her, "but on two conditions."
"Fair enough."
"One, you can't be solemn all the time. You have to smile and enjoy yourself or it's no fun."
"I'll…try," he said reluctantly.
"And two, you are my equal for the day. No putting on airs or I'll lose you down an alleyway. Trust me, I know the city well enough to do that easily. You'd never find me."
"All right," he consented, and followed her as she skipped down the hallway and out into the festival. They met two of her friends at the fountain in the middle of town, both of whom were a little giggly at the idea of spending the day with one of the kingdom's greatest heroes. They all set out right away, and there was plenty to see.
Nagusami persuaded Seto to try thirteen variations of kuin (all different colors), seven pastries, four meat pies, nine different kinds of native fruit, and two cakes. He protested, of course, that he could never hope to eat all that, but she shushed him. "You have to at least take a sample and tell me what you think would taste good for dinner in the castle," she told him firmly. He chose them all.
They found Jounouchi and Mai down the street away, Jounouchi still stuffing his face, and Mai inspecting the beaded shawls at a nearby stand. She made a few teasing remarks about Seto spending the day with Nagusami's all-girl gang, but was generally amicable.
They ran into more of Nagusami's friends, who were watching Yami take on an old man at a tricky-looking board game while Yuugi sat on a barrel and watched from the side. The old man was obviously a veteran, while Yami kept asking for clarification on the rules.
Yami, of course, was winning.
Nagusami stayed and watched a while with her friends, but Seto occupied himself with observing those passing by in street. The game held little interest for him, as he had designed it himself somewhere back in the other place.
Next they found Mokuba and Adina. The two children had changed into street clothes and had managed to win a puppy at some game booth. It followed them loyally, jumping at anything and everything that moved and yapping loudly. "Call it Jounouchi," suggested Seto with a smile.
Mokuba laughed. "He'll be furious." He looked at Adina. "What do you think?"
Adina gave a mischievous grin that was much unlike her usual, quiet self. "Oh, call him that. I want to see what our great hero does."
As the afternoon wore on, Seto, Nagusami, and her friends arrived at the large central fountain to find a group of musicians playing a lively tune. All around, couples danced; and children scampered rhythmically underfoot, laughing and shouting delightedly. Groups of girls joined hands and formed spinning human rings, giving off the fragrance of fresh-picked blossoms. Others wandered about, presenting random bystanders with bouquets of wildflowers. One suddenly dropped a large bunch into Seto's hands and ran off, leaving him bewildered.