8 Chapter 8: Answer and Twin Moon Festival

C: "And you just said that you killed it easily. Just who are you?"

Hans placed the spoon back to the plate and closed his eyes, preparing for a serious talk.

H: "I am…"

Anya stopped her hands and waited for the words of Hans while Ceres readied her dagger in case something unexpected happens.

Ceres along with Anya is now waiting for Hans answer after Ceres' interrogation. Their surprise about how Hans could defeat the known dangerous monster, which is called Slime, had them question the real identity of the man in front of them.

Unlike how Hans perceived the Slime to be the weakest monster in a fantasy world because of his books and games, it turned out it was quite a dangerous monster to the point where people are advised to run away from it as soon as they encounter it.

And now comes Hans' answer.

C: "You are…?"

A: "*gulp*"

*gurgle~~~*

And a loud sound from one's stomach was heard.

A: "Ah. Ehehehe~ I'm still hungry~~ Tee-hee."

C: "A-Anya??"

The tension immediately disappeared after they heard the complaining stomach of Anya.

H: "Ahaha… Let's just eat for now. I'll tell you later."

A: "Yay~! Okay~!"

C: "*sigh* Alright…"

They went back to their meal setting aside the issue at hand.

H: "But I don't know if you will believe me or not."

C: "Waimf ish daft?"

H: "Hm? What'd you say?"

Ceres chews with her mouth filled like a squirrel forming a big bulge on her cheeks.

C: "*gulp* Why is that?"

Hans was a bit surprised by the display of Ceres eating, finding it as if he was watching a small squirrel stuffing itself with food.

H: "Haha. What a cute way of eating."

C: "Nah-!? Wh-What are you saying all of a sudden?! Again with that c-c-c-cute!"

H: "Hm? I just said what I thought."

A: "Mufufufu…~ Is that youth coming to Ceres…~?"

Anya did not mean much anything beneath her words, but Ceres took it as if Anya was serious at teasing her.

C: "Anya…??"

Ceres was smiling all the while but a strong dark aura was emitting from her as she looks at Anya.

A: "(> x <)"

C: "F-Forget about that c-c-cute thing. S-so? Why are you saying we won't believe it? Ahm… *munch* *chew*"

She forced the subject to go back to the previous one and hid her emotions by continuing her meal. But glancing towards the direction of Hans, he saw a lonely face as he stared towards the distance.

H: "I'll tell you later."

C: "… Hmph. Do what you want."

H: "Yeah."

A: "Hmmm~~!! Delish~~"

…

..

.

C: "Thank you."

Unwillingly, Ceres thanked Hans for the food. Even if she is wary of him, she still properly do what needs to be done.

A: "Thank you, Hans~"

H: "You're welcome. And thanks for the smoked meat. It's quite delicious. You know how to season it well. And the heat regulation is perfect to not burn it. And the sauce! Where did you get the sauce? I need to know here you got it!

C: "Huh…?"

A: "Uhm…~?"

Anya and Ceres were dumbfounded by the sudden glittering of Hans' eyes, followed by an energetic explanation of the smoked meat.

H: "And of course the slight crisp of the outer layer is something not to be ignored. It hides the soft and tender meet inside making a surprising contrast! Then the juicy and sweet fat inside the meat that flows out after the first bite is… Awesome! It makes you want to leave the crispy skin while enjoying it as it lasts!"

A: "H-Hans…~?"

H: "I'm pretty sure this would be perfect if it was sliced so you can enjoy the parts of the meat thoroughly. But the sense of eating it in a stick also has its own points. If this is cooked with proper equipment, I wonder how much more deli-"

C: "Stop!! How long will you be spouting nonsense!?"

H: "Huh? Oh… Sorry. Almost spent the day explaining how it's good."

A: ["Almost spent…~"]

C: ["The day…?"]

They both almost had the same thought.

A: "A-Anyways~ I'll put away the dishes~"

H: "Ah. Let me help, Anya."

C: "No. You will tell me your reason why you were here."

H: "Oh… right."

Anya stood up from her place while bringing the plates and other cooking tools, tidying up everything. She trusts Ceres enough to leave the issue to her.

C: "So? Why were you wandering the forest alone?"

H: "… Let me first tell you who I am before coming here."

Hans straightened his back and looked at Ceres with a straight face. Ceres sensing it will be something serious, she did the same and started to listen intently.

Hans began explaining who he was.

A soldier who fought for his country with his squad members. Their country was on the verge of collapsing because of the invading enemy and that his job was to prevent that from happening. He was trained in the battlefield and that was how most of his life went by.

C: "…"

Ceres listened without changing her expression. Hans did not think she would receive the story like that since some part of his story may not match up with how war is received in this world.

But Hans continued his story until the part where his last mission started.

He and his squad was almost on their way home when the enemy soldier sent re-enforcement and killed off all those they have just rescued. Moreover, one of her squad members rushed in towards the enemy range because of the unpardonable occurrence.

He had to help his subordinate but more importantly because he promised to that person that he will protect her and will send her home safely. But he could not handle the number of the enemies and perished.

C: "… Then why are you here? Aren't you dead?"

*shing*

Ceres began unsheathing her dagger again as she suspects Hans to be lying.

H: "Let me finish."

C: "… Hmph."

All the while, Anya listened to Hans while tidying up. Hans brought his hand to his chest as if to calm himself down. And with a solemn expression,

H: "I was transferred to this world."

C: "Huh?"

A: "Eh?"

Both Ceres and Anya widened their eyes as they heard the unbelievable from Hans' mouth. Hans brought his hand to his chest as if to calm himself down. And with a solemn expression,

H: "I was transferred to this world."

C: "No, I heard it right. Why repeat it? *sigh* So you were [summoned], you mean?"

H: "Summon? Is that possible?"

C: "If you are a [Great Magician] with an unparalleled amount of mana, it is."

H: "Hm… But no. I wasn't. I told you, I died before coming here. But aren't you surprised by knowing I'm from a different world?"

C: "Well, a bit. It's my first time seeing someone from the other world."

H: "So it's still something that happens here?"

C: "Yeah. There are great magicians that will summon something from the other world to make them their familiar. It is said that those familiars comes from a different world than ours."

H: "I see."

Hans crossed his arms while processing the information in his head.

C: "But you are saying that you aren't summoned. How did you end up here then?"

H: "Right. I think I should ask first, do you guys know a white human figure that sends souls to another world?"

C: "White figure?"

Ceres and Anya looked at each other and shook their heads.

C: "What did that white figure do?"

H: "He's the one responsible for transferring me here. But I see. So you guys don't know him either. I thought maybe he was a god in this world."

Hans thought of an idea to find the whereabouts of the white figure who sent him to the other world. He thinks that maybe there will be a chance for him to return to his previous world using another way.

He may be transferred to a fantasy world which is a dream like situation for him, the former world where he came from is still where his friends are. It will never hurt to find a way to return to his former world.

C: "So is he a magician then?"

H: "No. He is not. Or so I think at least. I was sent to an unknown space and then after talking for a while, he said he will transfer me to another world and dropped me to this forest. Even I don't know what kind of world I would end up."

C: "Hmm… I see."

Ceres held her elbow with her right hand and placed her left on her cheeks, contemplating on the information she just got.

H: "Then here we are."

C: "It's not really that unbelievable at some points. But there are some things that doesn't explain much."

H: "I see. But that's what really happened. All I can ask from you is to believe me."

A: "Ceres~ I think he's telling the truth."

Anya joined the conversation after she was done with the cleaning. She wipes her hand with the apron she is wearing as she sat down the bench she was using.

C: "Hm… If Anya says so."

H: "You really believe Anya instantly when she says something. Is that what they say the bond of sisters?"

Hans did not say it out of spite but pure curiosity. He was a bit surprised by how they treat each other. It seemed to him that they were close enough as sisters but they do not look alike for sisters.

A: "Hehe~ Ceres, Hans said we're sisters~ I'm so happy~"

H: "You're not?"

C: "Yeah."

H: "Oh. Sorry about that."

A: "It's okay~ we're like sisters anyways~ Or more like, I already consider her as my little sister~"

C: "Hmph."

H: "I see you're really close then."

Hans smiled while looking at them.

C: "Anya, can I tell him? Not that I want to though..."

A: "It's fine~"

C: "*sigh* I see. Anya has a special ability to sense the emotion of a person. So if she says that you're not lying then you're not."

H: "Special ability?"

C: "A [Gift]."

A: "Ehehe~"

Anya then bashfully scratched the back of her head.

[Gift]. An ability gained by a person the moment he or she is born. A rare talent given by the goddesses to chosen children. They can go as to being a special skill in specific tasks, or special powers like special healing, or powerful magic.

Only a few person have this and is considered as something powerful that it must be concealed for the purpose of not attracting those who plans to use them for their own evil deeds.

H: "So it's like you can read minds?"

A: "Not really… I just feel it, like, ding~! Then I already know what you feel and what your intentions are or even what kind of a person you are~"

H: "Oh… That really is a powerful ability. By the way, do Ceres have one? A Gift."

C: "Yeah. I won't tell you though."

A: "Eh~ But you told mine~!"

C: "You trust this guy, right? Well, I still don't."

A: "Muu…~ Oh but… Hans. Aren't you scared?"

H: "Of what?"

C: "Most of the general public are scared of those who have Gifts."

A: "Yes~"

Anya agreed without a shred of worry on her face.

H: "Hm… Well it's powerful enough to know what you are feeling and what kind of person you are and such. I guess it can't be helped."

Knowing someone who could understand you like the back of their hand can be a good quality of someone, more especially if it's about a friend. But it has its own bad side to it. Since even without the consent of the person, their inner emotions will be read.

Everyone has a façade that they use every now and then. Something to protect their true self from the harsh society. But with the ability of Anya, it's easily broken like a piece of paper.

A: "For them, it's like breaking in to your own personal space…~"

H: "Right. I can see that."

C: "So you're scared of Anya too?"

H: "No. Why would I be? If it were not for Anya's ability, I may have been already cut down by that dagger of yours."

A: "Fufu. Thank you, Hans. You really are weird."

H: "Huh? I said something good, right? But then I'm weird??"

C: "Hmph."

…

..

.

A: "Oh~ Right~! You haven't told us how you defeated the Slime~"

C: "Oh right. What a blunder. I forgot about that. You being a soldier doesn't add up to that point."

After their meal, they went another round in the forest to gather more ingredients for their restaurant. Ceres will hunt the animals they stumble upon while Anya gathers the herbs and edible plants she finds.

Hans insisted to follow them and help since he had nothing better to do for the time being.

H: "Even if you say it like that... I just cut the spherical structure inside it."

C: "Spherical structure?"

Ceres wore a confused look as if a huge question mar was floating above her head. But all of a sudden,

*boing*

"Oh. It's easier to show you than explain it. Wha… That warm yet cold sensation again… Do you guys feel that?"

A slime appeared out of nowhere. A wild Slime appeared.

C: "What are you talking about?! There's something we should worry about more!"

H: "A slime, huh. But really, don't you feel that? Like a water or air flowing…"

A: "Wh-Why is it here…~?? I thought they are far more deeper in the forest~!"

Hans and company are now around the edge of the forest where the light passes more brightly than it is deep inside. Less monster roam around this place since the mana that the monsters absorb are flowing lesser than it is deep inside. That is why the monster only gathers inside.

Even the track that the travelers use is around the edge of the forest to avoid the monsters. It is definitely rare for a monster to appear aside from the deepest part of the forest.

C: "Stand back, Anya!"

A: "O-Okay!"

H: "Uh…"

Hans was confounded by Ceres and Anya's reaction towards the slime.

*shing*

H: "Oh well. Here let me show what I was talking about."

He brought out his combat knife.

C: "Y-You! You plan to fight it?!"

A: "L-L-Let's run away…~!"

H: "Hm…"

Hans stiffened his body into a stance, bending his body forward while holding his knife with his left hand and foot in front.

*boing!*

The slime launched itself towards Hans, using the speed of that of a bullet.

H: ["It's much faster this time, huh?"]

Without waiting for it to get near him, he dashed forward and greeted the incoming slime with a downwards slash.

H: "Ha!"

*slice!*

*bloop*

The monster's remains dropped to the ground and disappeared without a trace. Like those he defeated before meeting Anya and Ceres, he sliced the sphere like object inside the slime and it instantly without further resistance.

H: "Phew… See? It's easy, right?"

A: "…"

C: "…"

Ceres and Anya froze in their place because of what they just saw.

H: "Hm? Heeeeey? Earth to Ceres and Anya? Oh, this is not Earth anymore. Hahahaha."

They stood like solid statue in front of Hans with the lights in their eyes gone.

H: "Ah! Are you inflicted with some kind of poison by other monsters?! Are you okay?! Answer me you two! How will I be able eat more of those smoked meat if something happened to you two?!"

Hans then cried bearing a despair in her heart.

C: "Is that what you're worried about, moron?!"

*bonk!*

Ceres punched Hans on the head.

H: "Ow! That hurts… I see, you're okay… Phew… Don't scare me."

C: "That's my line?! How did you kill it like some insect??"

Ceres, while sweating profusely, shouted her confusion with Anya grasping her arm in fear from the slime they encountered.

H: "I told you, just attack its weakness. That sphere like object inside it."

C: "You make it sound so easy… I even used my Gift before and couldn't do that…"

Ceres placed her palm on her forehead in disbelief and heaved and exasperated sigh.

H: "What kind of Gift?"

C: "I'm not telling. *sigh* I felt like an idiot for getting scared. Just who in the world are you?"

H: "I'm a soldier from anoth-"

C: "We know that already."

Shaking her head while heaving another sigh, Ceres shook the still frozen Anya to wake her up from the shock.

A: "Ah! Is this heaven~?! Geez…! Waaaaahh~!! I told you we should've ruuuun~!"

Anya flails her hand with her eyes moistened from tears.

C: "Don't worry, Anya. This guy dealt with the slime."

A: "Hans did~? So we're not dead, yet…~?"

C: "Fortunately."

H: "Haha, you guys are funny."

Hans laughed while putting back the combat knife in its sheath.

C: "You're just weird."

H: "Huh?!"

A: "Yep~ You are~"

H: "Huhh?!"

…

..

.

A: "So Hans~? What are you going to do from now on~?"

Of course, Anya was talking about how Hans will live from here on out. Hans came from another world. With no family, or even just acquaintance her could rely on, there is no way he can live comfortably here, much less because he does not have any clue about this world.

H: "Hm…"

Hans and co. are now out of the forest with the surrounding scenery is now painted with orange from the setting sun. They are on their way to Floresia Town with the cart full of loots pulled by a horse in tow.

H: "For now I should find an Inn."

A: "I see~"

C: "But do you have money?"

H: "Ah…"

A fundamental question if you want to survive in any world.

Money.

Everywhere you find a civilization, whether it is the other world, money is one of the basic needs for one to survive.

Food.

Clothes.

Shelter.

One can only attain them if they have a sufficient amount of money. Of course one could just go to the forest and gather some edible plants for food and just look for leaves to weave into a clothing. Anywhere is fine to sleep in as long as it is safe. But the convenience of having proper food and clothing along with a comfortable bed is much better and satisfying than living like a cave man.

Unfortunately, the wallet was in his bag before he came this world. But even if he did have it, the currency of this world is, of course, different than that of his former world.

C: "You don't, huh?"

H: "Yeah…"

C: "Just sleep in a stable then. You can ask someone with one."

H: "I guess I should…*sigh*"

Hans heaved an exhausted sigh, feeling that he will be having a lot of hard time just by living by the day.

A: "That won't do, Hans~! You can't sleep properly inside a stable~!"

H: "I'll try the forest then…"

Hans shoulder dropped as he was about to turn around towards the forest.

A: "Sheesh! I'm telling you we'll let you stay in our place~ How does that sound~?"

C: "Anya?!"

H: "Huh?! I-Is that okay…?"

A: "Of course~!"

In the eyes of Hans, a bright light surrounded Anya and…

H: "A… A goddess has descended…!"

… is what he thought.

C: "I won't accept it!!"

A: "Geez… Ceres, stop being stubborn~"

C: "I'm not being stubborn! I'm just being cautious of this guy!"

Ceres' concern is plausible. A stranger is about to stay at their house. A person who they just met earlier. But for Anya, she already knew that Hans is not a bad person. And Anya is good at judging characters. Moreover, Anya is the type who cannot leave an abandoned puppy in the rain.

A: "I told you…~ He's not a bad person~"

C: "But…"

After some time of walking, they are now nearing the town when Ceres could not restrain her irritation anymore. The orange sky is now replaced by deep dark blue and is filled with countless stars.

Anya is holding the reigns that are tied to the horse while walking and Hans walking beside her. Ceres is on the other side and is walking while almost like stomping her feet.

H: "Uhm… Did I do something…?"

C: "Who knows what you WILL do."

A: "I'm sorry, Hans~ She's been like this ever since she was young~"

H: "I-I see… By the way. I know it's weird for me to ask this but, has there always been two moons…?"

Hans tried to change the subject.

A: "… Ah… Yes~ It's not like that in your world~?"

H: "Uh-huh. It's just one. And it's usually yellow, not bluish like these."

A: "Hmmm~ That's interesting~ You see, I love the moons~"

Ceres looked up above and stared at the twin moons shining brightly in the night sky. Hans followed with a look of satisfaction and awe in his eyes.

H: "I understand. I sometimes spend my night before a mission staring at it."

A: "We're here~ And speaking of moons, look~"

What met them is the bright atmosphere of the town, evident in the huge gate that is embellished with all sorts of orb like lights. Beating drums and instruments echoes throughout the town and can be heard even in the gate. The town shines brightly from the torches and lights from the post lamps that are powered by magic.

All the while, Ceres silently followed behind them for the reason of observing Hans' every action.

H: "Ohh… Is there some sort of a festival?"

A: "Yup~! It's the [Twin Moon Festival]!"

They entered the gate and encountered the rowdy atmosphere that is brought by the fun and laughter from the townspeople.

H: "Haha. It's straightforward I don't even have to ask what's it about."

A: "Ehe~ Twin Moon Festival is celebrated in Floresia during the middle of the month of Seres when the twin moons shine completely. This day is the only night they fully shine~"

H: "N-New words… The months are named differently…?"

A: "Should I explain~?"

H: "That will be greatly appreciated."

There are exactly twelve months in a year with 30 days in each without a leap like in Hans' world.

The first month is [Oliel], second is [Toraste], third is [Theis], fourth is [Fovien], fifth is, [Faisten], sixth is [Sielma], seventh is [Seres], eight is [Estra], ninth is [Noires], tenth is [Till], eleventh is [Efolga], and lastly, the twelfth is [Tehalia]. All in order they form the [12 goddesses] that was once reigning the whole universe.

H: "I see. It's almost the same us ours except for the days. Is there a 'week' system in between the months?"

A: "Week~? Nope. The days in the years are just separated by months and is counted by ten. Maybe that thing you are calling a week is that every ten days~"

H: "Oho~ I see. I now understand. So it's the middle of Seres today then?"

A: "Yup~! It's the 15th of Seres and it's none other than… Ceres' birthday!!"

C: "Wha-?!"

Ceres, who was eagerly watching Han's every move, was shocked by the sudden revealing of her own birthday. And Hans on the other hand looks at Ceres with astonishment, but is soon followed by excitement.

H: "Eh?? Why didn't you tell so! Ceres, Happy Birthday."

C: "It got nothing to do with you."

H: "Ugh…"

A: "Ceres! Even though he went his way to congratulate you!"

C: "Hmph."

Ceres folded her arms and turned her head towards the selling stalls.

A: "I'm sorry. She's just embarrassed~"

H: "E-Embarrassed, eh…?"

Hans could only think one reason why, and it is not because Ceres was embarrassed. She just hated his guts, is all.

After leaving the collected materials and ingredients inside the restaurant, they went off to return the horse and cart to the rental house.

A: "Come on, Ceres. Let's go~ Hans too~"

H: "Huh? Where?"

A: "Walk around the festival of course!"

…

..

.

Ceres, Anya, and Hans altogether walked along the selling stalls that are set in in the market place where all sorts of merchants showcase their own merchandise. From clothes that are crafted by a famous artisan to armories that are made by master blacksmiths.

Food stall are also found around the plaza where a huge fountain is located. Lightings that are made by magic and torches are distributed equally illuminating the place into a tranquil atmosphere. Even with the loud beating of the drums, there are no signs of disturbance in the air.

In the middle of the plaza lies a small tower reaching approximately 2 meters which is made of wood and metal that has someone on top.

A: "Wooooow~ She's so beautiful~"

The person on top is a girl and is dressed in a layered cloth that resembles that of a princess. A see-through veil slightly covers her face as she dances elegantly and is directly bathe in the light of the moon. A sight to behold indeed.

A: "Every year, the town chooses a young girl to dance for the festival~ She represents the goddess in the legend who sacrificed her life to protect the world from the worst disaster. And then the chosen girl will dance like that in a way as a prayer to the goddess to thank her for saving the whole world~ Ah! This festival is done only in some parts of the world though~"

H: "Seres…"

Hans muttered softly as he gazes upon the mysterious yet elegant figure of the dancing goddess atop the small tower.

C: "… What…?"

Ceres hesitantly responded to him after being called by her name.

H: "Ah-… No. I just wondered if maybe the month is called Seres because it was the month when the goddess saved this world."

A: "Actually~ They just chose the perfect date that would fit the descriptions in the legend. It is said that after saving the world, she turned into a moon and joined the other. That is why they became twin moons~ But some believes that it's not a mere legend and that's why some places holds this festival."

H: "What about you?"

A: "Me~? I believe in it~ Fufu~"

H: "Hmm… What about Ceres?"

C: "I don't have a reason to tell you."

Ceres just replied curtly.

H: "… I see you believe in it."

But Hans, on the other hand, is starting to get used to Ceres' treatment to him. Hans has always been good at adapting.

C: "Don't put words into my mouth, stultus."

H: "S-Stultus?"

A: "It means fool in a long lost language~"

H: "Ehh~ I'm impressed. You even know other languages. That's great."

C: "Hmph. It doesn't concern you."

H: "You're welcome."

Hans flashed a huge smile.

C: "Idiot… *sigh*"

A: "Fufu~"

…

..

.

A: "Say, what about this one? You should change that hair pin already~"

After watching the performance they proceeded back to the stalls after Anya insisted on buying something for Ceres as a birthday gift. They are on a stall that is selling different kinds of accessories.

C: "I don't need a new one. This will do."

A: "Geez… It's quite old, you know~?"

C: "It's fine."

H: "Ceres! What about this one? It looks like a gem."

Hans was bringing a small hair pin that has a small bead like gem attached to it and showed it to Ceres.

C: "I don't want anything you recommend."

H: "I see you don't like it… I'll find a better one then."

C: "Do whatever you like."

He placed back the accessory to where it was and returned to looking at the accessories.

H: "As expected of the other world… The accessories here aren't on par with ours. They're… otherworldly…"

Hans held his chin and carefully browsing the wares while being impressed at them at the same time.

A: "Aren't there any like that in your world~?"

H: "Yeah. And moreover, the accessories aren't that much popular since the world is already plague with war. If one would want something to create and sell, he better make a gun or something that can be used in the war."

Saying that, he picked an accessory and carefully checks it out.

A: "Ehh… That seems awful…~"

H: "Well, you get used to it. I don't know about the girls there though. Aha! This one. Ceres! I have confidence you will like this one. Ta-dah~"

C: "I don't like it. Or rather I just don't like you."

H: "I see… Hm... It seems I should look for another me."

Hans placed his hands once again on his chin and thought to himself with a serious expression.

A: "Hans… That would be impossible~"

C: "…!"

H: "Hm?"

Ceres stopped at a stall where they also sell accessories. She is intently staring at a certain accessory with eyes like those of a small child. The accessory was a blue gem crafted into the shape of a crescent moon. The surface of the gem is smooth to the point it reflects beautiful lights like the stars that surrounds the twin moons. A perfect accessory to sell in the day of the Twin Moon Fesitval.

H: "You like that? It will look good on you. It matches the color of your eyes."

C: "Hmph. I don't like it anymore."

Ceres turned her head and went her way to the next stall. Hans once again took a glance at the accessory.

H: "…"

…

After much deliberation, they went on their way and went home.

A: "It's hard to look for a good present…~"

C: "Anya. I told you it's okay already. We're not kids anymore."

A: "But still…"

Anya felt regretful about not being able to pick a present for her sister. Though that sister did not want anything, Anya still wanted see Ceres happy about her birthday even once.

C: "Anyways we're here already. Come on."

A: "Ah, right~! Hans~ This is the place~"

H: "Oohh…"

Spreading her arms wide, Anya faced Hans with a bright smile she could ever show.

A: "Welcome to Lunaria Café!"

…

..

.

Chapter 8 End