Harvest Festival

Clear blue as far as the eye could see. There were a number of white clouds floating

here and there like the seeds dotting a fruit. Compared to the summertime, the clouds

were higher up and much, much smaller to the eye. A cool breeze blew through the

wide-open sky.

The fall weather was pleasant. Perfect weather for a festival.

"As you can see, we've been blessed with a wonderful day. It looks like even the fickle

gods of weather are in a good mood today."

A goddess's gentle voice projected by a magic-stone amplifier reached every corner of

Orario. The source was at the heart of the city, in Central Park at the foot of the chalkwhite tower.

This was where all eight arteries of the city converged, a place where tens of thousands

of people could comfortably gather.

Today, however, the plaza looked different from usual. There were pagoda-like stone

towers with altars at their bases erected in the north, south, east, and west around

Babel—places of worship.

"The long-awaited season has come again. Winter passed, seeds matured into sprouts,

and then the shoots that grew were harvested. It all seemed to pass in the blink of an

eye. How did the year find you?" Demeter's voice carried across the city.

The four tall altars were crowded by countless humans and demi-humans, all of them

gazing up at the four goddesses atop each towering structure.

Damia, Hathor, Freya, and Demeter—goddesses of the harvest who resided in Orario

and were living symbols of the festival.

Suddenly, Demeter lowered her gaze.

"A great many things came to pass this past year—many of them frightening, and many

of them sad. A year is but an instant to us deities, but I will surely never forget these

few short months."

There was a desolate tone in her voice. The dregs of grief from Elegia. Around the city,

people's thoughts turned to the uproar at Monsterphilia, the destruction of the redlight district, the armed monsters that appeared on the surface, and various other

incidents that had occurred.

A momentary hush fell over the entire city. Then the goddess broke into a smile. She

raised her head to look out from the altar, regarding the children staring up at her with

joy on her face.

"And that is all the more reason why we should appreciate this moment for those with

whom we've parted ways this year. Celebrate with hearts filled with gratitude for the

abundance we enjoy."

Excitement bloomed on every face in the listening crowd.

Demeter's honey-colored hair fluttered as she opened her arms wide.

"We offer our thanks for the earth's bounty—and declare the opening of the Goddess

Festival!"

Wooooooooooooooh!

Cheers rose throughout the city. What sounded like thunderous applause at first

turned out to be fireworks set off by the Guild. And judging by the tricolor bursts of

flame, ice, and lightning blooming overhead, spellcasters from some familia or another

had decided to help out. Tendrils of white smoke rose up into the sky as the roaring

display went on. With all the children letting their pent-up excitement come out,

Orario was filled with sounds of celebration as the opening ceremony drew to a close.

Energy thrummed in the Trading Post and the commercial district and even in the

rebuilt slums of Daedalus Street.

The festival began with a proclamation from the goddesses, and it would end with one

as well. And every year, the one who initiated the festivities was none other than

Demeter, the goddess who maintained the largest agricultural enterprise in the city.

There was no better deity to announce the harvest festival than the very goddess who

brought abundance to Orario. Whether grains, vegetables, or fruits, Demeter Familia's

crops were what allowed Orario to flourish and profit.

And today was a day for all to laugh and play.

This was the beginning of the feast of plenty.

"Amazing…"

The cheers erupting all around the city can be easily heard wherever you are.

My first Goddess Festival. The first harvest season I've spent in Orario.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited by the thought of a huge festival being held in the

city known as the center of the world.

Bards conjure pleasant melodies on strings and pipes, urging passersby to make the

most of the festival and not waste any time.

I'd love to enjoy the festival to my heart's content, but there's something just as important.

Honestly, I'm equal parts excited and nervous.

I'm standing in front of the bronze statues of a goddess, waiting for someone.

"Syr still isn't here…"

This is Amour Square, a spot paved with colorful flagstones while various flowers and

plants brighten the space. There are lots of other people here besides me, and almost

all of them—everyone other than me, actually—are couples snuggling together.

Incidentally, this is the same place I once waited to meet up with my goddess to enjoy

a meal together (though that time Demeter and a few others followed after us and the

whole thing ended up not happening). It's also rather close to Wish Cafe as well as the

suggested meeting place noted in the second page of Syr's letter.

"Maybe I came a little too early…? No. Trust Master's lessons."

I am feeling a little nervous with the lovey-dovey mood around me, but I suppress my

doubts. Hedin—the elf who I've come to call Master after that short stint in hell—

appears in the back of my mind.

His training regimen was more demanding than anything Miss Eina ever put me

through. I remember sitting at attention and absorbing Master's lessons designed for

his incompetent pupil.

"It's absurd to even bother explaining it at this point, since it should obviously go without

saying, but the battle begins long before you meet. Coming early, late, or just on time—

they all affect a couple's power balance. It is a more complex and difficult match of

stratagems than what an adventurer will face."

"M-more complex…?! Wh-what's the right choice, then?!"

"There is no single correct answer. Just as there are countless ways to deal with the

multitude of monsters that you may encounter, the number of possibilities explodes when

considering your and your partner's personalities and how they might come together. It

is even possible for the weather on the day and the layout of the location to influence

things."

"W-weather and geography, too…?!"

The number of things that I needed to factor in shocked me. I turned pale at just the

thought of it. I could see how dating could be more difficult to master than adventuring.

A date truly was like war—no, like the Dungeon!

Incidentally, maybe because he understood that I didn't know anything about the finer

points of relationships between men and women and had too little knowledge to work

with, Master seemed to helpfully compare everything to the Dungeon or adventurers

when explaining things. It surprised me at first, but amazingly, I actually did seem to

remember it a lot better when he did that.

Though he did scold me and glare at me like I was a walking pile of trash while calling

me a Dungeon fanatic. I wonder why?

"It is necessary to make full use of all one's techniques and tactics from the very start—

however, in your case, messing around with pointless tricks is just a waste of time."

"Huh?"

"It doesn't suit your character. And above all, you are dealing with Lady Syr. She would

see through a half-baked psychological gambit, and it would simply earn you bad marks.

Because of that, you should instead emphasize that idiotic single-mindedness of yours."

"Meaning…?"

"Be at the meeting point before Lady Syr. No matter what. One hour early, three hours

early, however long it takes. You are going to emphasize how you appear to be the very

incarnation of pure innocence."

Master adjusted his glasses, looking like a wise general explaining his battle plan.

"Your aim for this festival will be to take and maintain the initiative in every regard.

Nothing more."

And so, armed with that plan, I've staked out my position here in Amour Square five

hours early. That said, the odd glances from people around me seem to be asking "How

long has he been there?" and it's starting to get really, really uncomfortable. I take a

deep breath in order to calm myself as I keep waiting.

I'll make it work. I won't waste the fruits of Master's training. And more than anything,

if I don't succeed, I won't have a tomorrow. Time to protect Hestia Familia…!

"—Bell!"

A voice rings out like the starting bell.

Sensing that the moment has come, I steel myself before turning around—and for a

moment, my breath catches. Syr is running over. I've never seen her look like this

before.

It wouldn't surprise me if she said her dress was made specifically for this date. The

skirt just barely reaches her knees and somehow still seems to emphasize her slender

legs. There is a ribbon wrapped around her waist instead of a belt that just highlights

her slim frame even more. She has a cute bolero jacket draped over her shoulders. And

she is wearing a pair of pumps that suits her perfectly. Despite not wearing any

makeup, she seems even more elegant and beautiful than usual. She never wears

earrings normally, but for some reason I can feel my heart throb as I spot the telltale

gleam of earrings behind her swaying blue-gray hair.

In short, she is utterly captivating.

"You're early! I was planning to arrive a little earlier myself, except I found you already

here!"

I guess she'd been hurrying because her breathing is just a tiny bit ragged and her

cheeks are slightly flushed. She takes a pocket watch out of her handbag and smiles.

Cute. So cute.

I freeze, unable to respond, unable to think of anything else.

"…More importantly, Bell… Your clothes…"

Syr studies my outfit in amazement.

I've come fully armed for this date. A plain white shirt, a vest, and a deep red jacket.

Plus a matching tie. I'm also wearing a properly fitted pair of pants and leather shoes.

Anyone who knows how I normally dress would probably have been just as surprised

as Syr. There are even white gloves to complete the outfit.

I'm covering so much skin that I probably look like a gentleman or a butler. Or maybe

it just looks like an outfit chosen to match elven tastes. That would be a reasonable

guess, since Master is the one who selected it. Apparently, I have no sense for clothes,

since I only ever wore armor and combat gear—and because of my familia's

circumstances, I've never really had money to spend on clothes before. That's why

Master said, "Do you intend to disappoint Lady Syr and ruin her impression of you all at

once, you incompetent rube?" with a scoff before taking the initiative and coordinating

my hopeless clothing situation in the little time left before the festival.

The makeover didn't stop at my clothes, either. I even have my hair swept back and

out of my eyes.

I know it's totally different from how I usually dress, so I can't help but ask:

"D-do I look weird?"

"Eh? Ah, no, I didn't mean it that way. It's just… you look so different from normal, so

I was a little surprised is all…" Syr responds, waving it off.

Her face seems almost a little red as she looks me over. I'd been too preoccupied by

how she looked to notice her reaction until I finally managed to cool my head a bit. We

were both thinking the exact same thing.

"Uh-huh, it's definitely different from your usual look, but this isn't bad… Yeah, it's

quite nice… and almost like you hit all the things I like about you with it…" Syr places

her hand on her chin as she murmurs to herself.

Meanwhile, my heart is about to explode. There is something that Master told me I

absolutely had to do. And he had also said that if I missed my first opening, I would

get boxed in by embarrassment and never get another chance given how pathetic I

was.

Seize the initiative.

That was what Master told me to do, so I work up my courage and hold out my hand.

"Shall we, Syr?"

"Eh?" Syr freezes when I make the offer.

"Let's enjoy the festival together."

I'm smiling right now, right?

My face hasn't gotten weird because of my nerves, has it?

I tamp down the burning sensation in my ears as I look straight at her and say, "Let's

hold hands."

I guess she hadn't expected me to say that, because she's gone completely still. I just

catch yet another expression I've never seen before.

"...Y-yes, please."

Her eyes shift from my face to my hand and back before slowly… nervously, Syr sets

her hand in mine. She is definitely blushing. She immediately looks down to hide it, but

the rosy-red blooming on her cheeks is easy to spot.

Though it isn't like I'm super calm and composed, either. My heart is pounding so hard

that it might come flying out of my chest at any moment. It's all because of the soft

touch of her fingers I feel as I take her hand and we slowly, very slowly, begin to walk

together.

It's like the noisy world around us has stopped in place. As if everyone is looking at us.

No, it must be my imagination. It has to be. Let's just go.

Do your best, me!

"Ah."

Seize the initiative, seize the initiative, seize the initiative—as I desperately repeat

Master's maxim to myself, I freeze. There is something crucial that I forgot. Syr is

understandably surprised when I suddenly stop and turn toward her. I look her right

in the eye.

"You look absolutely lovely today, Syr!"

There's no way to stop myself from blushing as I say it.

I smile to hide it as I carefully convey what I'm already thinking out loud.

This time, Syr's cheeks turn a very obvious crimson.

A word about the activity around the city…

From the moment Demeter declared the start of festivities, Orario's enthusiasm could

not be contained. This was the long-awaited Goddess Festival. The eddies of noise

were louder than ever, but they were not harsh on the ears: the pleasant footsteps

pattering across the streets; playful, overwrought praise of the bounty of the earth;

full bands appearing out of nowhere, trumpets and flutes blaring, drums thumping;

dwarves dressed in formal attire singing with booming voices coming from such small

frames, drawing laughs and cheers in equal measure from the crowds.

Beneath the clear blue sky, everyone had the right to enjoy the holiday. The town had

already come alive with sounds of celebration.

"—The neighborhood is so lively, so why do we have to work?!" a goddess's cry rang

out.

The source was West Main Street. Specifically, The Benevolent Mistress.

"Calling me out of the blue and just to help out at a tavern?! What's the big idea?! Also,

the amount of work is going to kill me! This isn't just worse than Jyaga Maru Kun—it's

even worse than Hephaistos's place!"

Hestia was running around taking orders in a tavern that was packed just like every

other venue in the city. She was wearing a green waitress uniform and a white apron.

It was unmistakably The Benevolent Mistress's customary uniform. Her black hair was

tied up and flipping around while her enormous breasts heaved, barely contained by

the uniform, attesting to just how hard she was working. She was starting to swoon

from how busy the bar had become.

"Quit complaining and get back to work, meow!"

"Did you forget we went out to help white-hair, meow?!"

"D-damn it! You're not wrong!"

Chloe and Ahnya were taking advantage of her weak spot, so Hestia could do little

besides struggle to bite back her tears.

It had all begun when they burst into Hearthstone Manor without warning. About a

month ago, they had answered Hestia's call for help, and now they had come to claim

their reward—or more precisely, to call in a favor. Chloe and Ahnya aside, Runoa's

stance was more of a "It's not like we did much more than going to pick them up from

the deep floors." Either way, the three of them had faced danger in coming to their aid,

so Hestia and the rest of the familia could hardly refuse.

From the very first day of the festival—in other words since early that morning—they

had been worked like so many pack mules.

"I had finally managed to get time off from my job, but what's the point now?!

Waaaaah! Beeeeeellllll!"

"Quit chatterin' and put your back into it! Don't you dare start slacking now!" the dwarf

behind the counter roared.

"Eep?! Sorry boss!" The startled goddess jumped as she replied in a panic.

Mia worked everyone to the bone, whether mortal or not, and her angry shouts shook

the very heavens. Hestia was powerless before her. She had already messed up and

apologized dozens of times, becoming little more than a puppet who had no right to

object.

"The utter lack of dignity… and yet, she's our patron goddess. It almost makes Lilly

want to cry…" Lilly sighed, unable to hide her exhaustion as she watched Hestia getting

scolded again.

"Don't be ridiculous. Even I'm terrified of that dwarf… though, did she really have to

force me to make these uniforms…?"

Lilly was wearing a cute, smaller-sized uniform, but for Welf, who was busy hauling

ale, all it reminded him of was his mental exhaustion as he recalled Mia's demand: "I

don't have uniforms for prums or men, so make your own!" A part of him still felt like

there was something very strange about taking the knowledge he had gained making

battle clothes for Bell and using it to fashion uniforms for a part-time job at a tavern.

"Goddess Hestia, everyone… I'm truly sorry…"

Meanwhile, Lyu just looked miserable.

She had fallen into the deep floors with Bell and had been rescued alongside him, so

seeing Hestia Familia being put through the wringer at the tavern pained her

conscience. If it were a burden she could bear alone, she would have far preferred to

atone for it herself. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of The Benevolent Mistress had no

room for such fanciful generosity.

"It's nothing for you to worry yourself over, Lyu! We've all been saved by you several

times before, even aside from that expedition. What better time than now to repay our

debts? Be it a part-time job or whatever else!" Mikoto, who was doing the best of the

new hires, responded cheerfully.

It had been disappointing to have to cancel her plans after she had battled her

embarrassment to invite Takemikazuchi to wander the festival together, but above all

else, Mikoto had a strong sense of duty.

The girl had endured all sorts of training while also struggling against poverty in the

Far East, which gave her the skills to cook, wash, clean, and do virtually anything else

well enough to get even Mia to begrudgingly say, "Heh, so there is someone who can do

real work after all, huh?" An all-rounder even as an adventurer, this was an area where

Mikoto's strength shone through on a wholly different level.

"Take orders, check around the floor, wash dishes, or take out some trash during the

lulls…"

"Yep, that's right. Generally speaking, you'll be fine if you just follow whatever Mama

Mia tells you to do, but if you can react on the fly, then all the better. I heard you were

a former princess, or former prostitute, or something, but you can really work."

"I-I'm on a quest for enlightenment, so…!"

Haruhime, who had been pursuing a new career as a maid, was second only to Mikoto

in getting things done around the tavern. Her tail was spinning as Runoa mentored

her, and the renart did everything she could to help out: taking and delivering orders,

cleaning tables, washing dishes, taking out the trash, and even going out to buy

ingredients at a moment's notice. The Benevolent Mistress was a high-pressure

workplace that required all sorts of different jobs to be carried out, and every single

one demanded speed.

Other than Ahnya and them, the employees were all constantly working in the kitchen.

The work situation made Hestia want to scream. "How do you even manage with so

few people on a normal day?!"

"Meow-ha-ha… This is my Hestia Familia scapegoat plan! If we don't have money to

hire temp workers, then all we need to do is call in a favor!"

While Hestia and the others were running around, Chloe grinned evilly at the respite

she had gained. It went without saying that this was the true goal all along.

"The crowds'll love the goddess and followers who look as good as we do, meow! And

those bountiful bosoms! It's a win-win all around! Even Mama Mia can't complain! It's

purrfect!"

"I feel bad for Hestia and the rest, though… But your plan is definitely working."

"Meeeow! Not too shabby, Chloe!"

"Heh-heh-heh, praise mew more!"

Chloe, Runoa, and Ahnya had withdrawn to the kitchen for a moment as they watched

Hestia Familia running around working. In truth, The Benevolent Mistress was getting

much more business than the other taverns. Part of it was the word spreading that

Hestia Familia themselves were working there, and part of it was what Chloe had

alluded to earlier: the effect of gorgeous girls driving up interest. The dazzling Eastern

beauties Mikoto and Haruhime working as waitresses drew the gaze of practically

every customer in the tavern, both male and female. And the sight of Lilly desperately

pumping her legs as she sped around the tavern was especially appreciated by the

deities who wanted to pat her on the head and play with the adorable prum.

They were doing a wonderful job filling the hole that Syr had left. And because of that,

Ahnya, Chloe, and Runoa were ready to set out for their real goal.

"Mama Mia's out of the kitchen! Meow's our chance!"

"Let's go, Lyu!"

"B-but…"

"Aren't you curious about Syr and white-hair? Besides, this is our only chance to enjoy

the festival! It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore and eat, meow!"

Lyu was perturbed by the thought of them shirking work to spy on Syr and Bell's date.

She found herself unable to move, feeling uncharacteristically indecisive. But then—

"Are you really going to be okay with it if their relationship changes without you

knowing it?" Chloe's eyes narrowed and she dropped her usual teasing tone.

That caused Lyu to move… and she broke. She stayed silent as she placed her hand on

her chest and just barely managed to nod.

"Then let's go, meow!" Ahnya said as she led the charge out the back door. Lyu turned

back, furrowed her brow apologetically vaguely in Hestia Familia's direction, and then

got dragged along by Chloe.

"I'm sorry for sending you that letter out of the blue like that…"

"When I read that you wanted to go on a date, it totally caught me by surprise."

We chat as we walk around holding hands.

I can't completely calm my nerves, but I do my best to keep it from showing and not

act too awkward as we stroll through the festively decorated streets.

"I'm sorry, but I just really wanted to see the festival… That's why…" Syr is right beside

me, beaming at me like she wants her expression to convey how she really feels.

"Thank you so much for coming."

Her hair sways and a faint aroma tickles my nose. I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't

skip a beat.

After showing me such a cute smile… there's no way I can tell her it's all because Hedin

blackmailed me. I manage to respond with an awkward smile. She squeezes my hand

a little tighter, an embarrassed smile of her own still on her lips.

It's strange to picture what we must look like, but the two of us blushing together like

this must make us seem such a pure, innocent couple.

But the moment my imagination goes that far, I stop myself from thinking about it.

After trying so hard not to lose my cool, it would all be wasted if I end up causing my

own breakdown.

"We're lucky the weather cleared up."

"Yes, it really is. I never do this normally, but I actually prayed to the gods, asking for

it to be nice out even if only for today."

I narrowly hang on by making small talk as I guide us toward the sounds of the festival.

Heading southwest from Amour Square, we step out onto Main Street.

"Uwaah…!"

There are so many stalls and so many wooden crates filled with a dizzying array of

grains, fruits, and vegetables.

My breath catches as I take in a view of the city I've never experienced before.

The city's southern shopping district has never been lacking for excitement even in

normal times, but it's also the part of town that has gotten into the festival spirit more

than anywhere else. Centered around South Main Street, it's filled to the brim with

people and the rich bounty of the harvest season.

"That's the Goddess Festival's famous attraction…"

The most eye-catching thing in the street is the string of wooden crates lined up like

minecarts, each large enough to hold a bull. They are filled with mountains of golden

wheat, colorful berries and apples, enormous pumpkins, and every other sort of crop

imaginable. The overflowing wealth of the harvest is as alluring and magnificent as

the contents of any treasure chest.

There are no salespeople standing by the crates, and I almost assume they're only

there for display until I spot someone casually grab a piece of fruit and take a

delicious-looking bite out of it while passing by. And no one says anything at all, or

even gives him a second glance.

"I had heard a little bit about it, but… it really is fine to just take some."

"Yes. If you pay the fee to someone from either the Guild or Ganesha Familia, you're

free to help yourself. See how everyone has the same badge? That's the sign that

you've paid already."

Just like Syr said, apparently at Orario's Goddess Festival, once you cover a modest fee,

it's okay to pick up any of the fruits and vegetables set along the streets and eat to your

heart's content. To top it off, a lot of the nearby shops offered to prepare food as well.

If you bring an ingredient that isn't really meant to be eaten raw, they'll cook it for you

free of charge.

Looking around, I see children and adults alike enjoying themselves.

There are stoves set up for baking fresh, piping-hot bread, but also steaming potatoes

and other buttered vegetables, too. Other places are slicing fruits and using them to

top ice cream. An elven girl is dancing excitedly with an armful of wheat that she

carries over to a shop where a kindly-looking prum woman takes it from her and gives

her a bowlful of a milky porridge that had already been cooking in a big pot. It looks

like it was sweetened, and the girl's eyes glimmer when she sees the berries and

flower petals on top of the porridge she eats, savoring every bite.

Everywhere I look, I find another amazing sight. Even if it was a harvest festival, if I

had done something like that back in the village where I grew up, I would have been

scolded and had the wrath of the gods called down on me. In fact, that's exactly what

happened when Gramps did something wild and I got caught up in it, too.

I restrain myself so I don't stare in awe at everything little thing like a country

bumpkin since I am on a date with right Syr now, but I can't help the fluttery feeling in

my heart at the thought of getting to see such a colorful, exciting scene with her.

It's probably a scene that could only happen because we're in Orario, where the magicstone industry is incredibly advanced.

"Since we're here and all, shall we try something?"

"Yes. It's a little early for lunch, though. That said, I didn't eat anything for breakfast."

"Really?… Actually, since I was busy getting ready for the date, I didn't eat anything,

either."

"Hee-hee! That's why I didn't eat, too."

I am a little bashful seeing Syr giggle as she holds her hand over her mouth, but I

quickly call out to the nearest member of the Guild. The badge costs one thousand valis.

It is in the shape of a little shield and depicts wheat and Demeter—Demeter Familia's

emblem—along with the word "South" in Koine. Seems like the foods on display at

each Main Street are different, so if you were going to walk around and explore all of

them, you would have to buy different badges at each street. I guess that's all a part of

the Guild's event planning. Even with all this happening around the city, they are still

keeping track of things.

Apparently, it is a common sight every year for people to try to sample every Main

Street's displays and end up too full to move.

Incidentally, the badge is a magic-stone item and impossible to forge. Anyone who

tries to pull any weird moves will immediately get arrested by the volunteers from

Ganesha Familia keeping watch all around the city.

With Master's teachings and all, I try to pay for both of us myself, but Syr refuses to

back down on this matter, so we end up splitting the cost. I tremble, hearing Master's

voice in the back of my head saying, "One point deducted" as I take some wheat grains

that look like nuggets of gold to one of the stalls with a stove. Handing them over to a

stout old lady, she hands me back some bread that had just finished baking. I tear off

a small piece and add some of the peanut butter she had suggested—

"D-delicious!"

"Mm-hmm, this is excellent!"

It is piping hot and just a little bit sweet. It feels like my cheeks are going to melt. Even

though I rarely enjoy sweet things, I'm tempted to get seconds. I break into a smile as

our eyes meet, and we continue our stroll while quieting our stomachs' rumblings by

snacking along the way.

"Say 'ahhh,' Bell."

"Eh?"

"Say 'ahhh' and I'll give you some."

All of a sudden, I see that Syr has torn off a bit of bread and is holding it out in front of

me. There is a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

—It's come to this already!

I flinch a little internally at her sudden offensive. But it's okay. I already studied how

to deal with this! Even after she collapsed once, Cassandra had rallied and kept going,

trading dozens of bites with me until she started to run a fever. Her sacrifice will not

be in vain!

I hold Syr's outstretched hand with my right and take a bite of the bread as if it were

only natural.

"Eh?"

"Mmm, it really is good. Would you like some, too?"

"Huh?" Syr's wide-eyed, not understanding what's going on as I return the favor.

"Here, say 'ahhh,'" I say, flashing a perfect smile.

She is undeniably flustered seeing me still holding her hand.

"…A… ahhhh…"

And then she takes a bite. Her cute lips gently brush against my fingers through my

glove. I maintain my smile as she keeps my hand pressed against her lips while she

chews.

"How was it?"

"…It was delicious…"

I can see her cheeks flushing as she hides her face behind my hand. She refuses to meet

my eyes as I say, "I'm glad you liked it!" before finishing off the last of the bread.

"…Huh? Wait, what?"

Syr cocks her head in confusion as I flash a teasing grin and then gently take the lead

as we begin to walk again.

There are plenty of other things besides food being sold on South Main Street.

Accessories of flowers and nuts, and protective charms associated with the festival go

on as far as the eye can see. Not to mention the roadside stalls set up on cloaks laid

out on sidewalks, offering all sorts of accessories. In one corner, there's even a lively

puppet theater putting on a show with what must be a mage involved in the

production, because the performance really seems to pack a punch. And farther down

at the boundary between the street and Central Park is a gate done up to look like it's

made from ears of wheat.

We're standing in the shopping district where there's a casino and a theater and all

sorts of other entertainment, but right now, no one is thinking about anything besides

the festival.

But the crowds are really something because of that…

I normally don't visit this part of town too much, but I can still tell it's far more

crowded than usual. Not so packed that you can't move around at all, of course. But

there's definitely a lot of jostling when passing people, and the children running

around can suddenly scamper by right in front of us, so it's important to stay on our

toes.

…I probably shouldn't compare the two, but I guess this is still better than the Dungeon

where monsters can attack you out of nowhere.

I maintain a natural pace as I shield Syr from the crowds as best I can, guiding her by

our linked hands with a marginal amount of strength so as not to bother her, sometimes

nudging her toward me and other times slightly shifting her away as needed. And of

course, always protecting her from big, broad-shouldered people passing by, and

constantly looking ahead while making sure to pick a path that doesn't involve any

swerving or drastic course changes. When a horse-drawn cart comes, I let go of her

hand for a moment and continue chatting as I guide us to the side of the road.

I'm Level 4. A full-fledged second-tier adventurer. Moving deftly in a crowded flow of

people comes naturally—is what I'd like to say. But being able to maintain the proper

positioning while escorting someone is the fruit of Master's teachings.

"If Lady Syr suffers even a single scratch, I will kill you."

His eyes had been deadly serious. A chill settled over me as I put my life on the line to

master how to properly escort a lady. But because of that effort, I'm able to take care

of Syr like this. I try not to draw attention to it, of course, but I think that she might be

starting to notice.

"…"

Her blue-gray eyes are fixed on me as we walk.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Ah, no, it's not there's anything wrong, but…"

When I meet her gaze, she looks shocked in a way that isn't like her.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this… I'm supposed to be making your heart race, but

for some reason it's my heart that won't settle down… urghhhhh, something's strange…"

She places a hand on her ever-so-slightly reddened cheek as she cocks her head.

Ummm… I guess I should interpret that as a sign she's enjoying the moment?

I am a bit stunned by her reaction—but my hand flashes out a moment later.

"Excuse me… but pickpocketing isn't a good thing to be doing, if you ask me," I warn

the man.

"Eep?!"

Syr is shocked as I wrap an arm around her shoulder while catching the wrist of a man

who was reaching out for her bag.

"There is a dramatic increase in pickpockets during festivals relative to normal times."

Another admonition from Master.

Also, Lilly is always harshly warning me, "You are always so full of openings, so try to

stay on your guard, please! If I were a thief, I would have robbed you at least forty times

by now!"

I guess Syr had been an easier target because she hadn't been as focused on her

surroundings.

I'm never really comfortable with these sorts of things. This pickpocket is surely just

a normal person not associated with any familia, and he blanches in the face of the

superior vision and speed of an upper-tier adventurer. Noticing the commotion

immediately, two members of Ganesha Familia quickly take him away.

"U-umm… Bell…?"

Scratching my cheek as I watch them disappear into the crowd, a vanishingly soft voice

brings me back to my senses. Syr looks embarrassed at the close contact. I immediately

let go of her shoulder and turn to face her. She has a shy smile that almost seems

reflexively awkward for dealing with something she isn't used to.

"I'm sorry. Are you all right?"

Syr's cheeks flare up again.

"Not bad, kiddo!"

Runoa was peeking out from behind a corner along with Chloe and Ahnya, watching

Bell and Syr.

"It sort of feels like white-hair is kind of cooler than usual, meow!"

"Yeah, yeah. It's like more than just his looks have changed."

"When did he turn into such a lady-killer?! His hottie level is eight hundred, nine

hundred, a thousand…! Meow?! It's still rising?!"

Their little band was currently observing the date from a distance—Ahnya had

tracked Syr's scent after they broke out from The Benevolent Mistress. Well, it was

more like they were just sort of doing whatever they wanted.

They were certainly not paying any heed to the odd looks they were getting. Ahnya

had a crepe in one hand and a hot potato in the other as she chowed down on both.

"Meow! Look at that perfect positioning…!"

"What do you mean, Chloe?"

"He's protecting her from the press of the crowd at all times, meow! What an insanely

high-level technique… anyone other than me would miss it!"

Chloe was looking smug for some reason as she explained how Bell was even now

naturally protecting Syr as they walked.

"He's no little rookie meow, he's a proper gentle-rookie!" Chloe declared.

""Ooohhhh!""

"…"

But Lyu was just silently watching Bell and Syr, a hand pressed against her chest.

We tried all sorts of food, chatted, and sat down on a bench for a quick break along the

way. It was quite a lot of fun strolling through the festivities in the shopping district.

Somewhere along the way, it started to feel like she was staring at me, but when I

glance over, she quickly smiles to hide it.

"Is there something else you want to try, Syr?"

"Hmmm… I should hold off for now. I ate a little too much already…"

"Maybe you had too many berries earlier, after all."

"Grrrr!"

"Ha-ha-ha."

Syr glares at me when I tease her, but her expression quickly reverts to a smile.

It's hard to describe, but it feels nice. It's a lot of fun even just exploring the stuff

around us. And with a little time, it feels like my earlier awkward stiffness has faded

some.

—Which I suppose means it's time to shift into the real meat of the plan.

"Was there anything you wanted to do today, Syr?"

"Eh?"

"If there was anything in particular you wanted to do, then please let me know."

Master's first rule: The man should always be leading the woman. But he should also

ask if there's anything she has her heart set on. It's important to strive for mutual

understanding.

A date is an operation that comes together through the efforts of two people, but it

can't just be a job. It's supposed to be an unselfish effort in order to enjoy a moment

together with someone. That's the whole point.

"Ummm… nothing in particular…"

"In that case, there is a place I kind of want to go. Would you mind accompanying me?"

Rule number two: To the greatest extent possible, put what you are thinking clearly

into words. Hesitation is the enemy.

However, always remember that even if your partner doesn't seem to mind, you are

always being tested. Never let your guard down.

Have confidence, be kind, and be brave.

"—You must consider everything related to the planning of the rendezvous by yourself.

That alone is absolute," Master had said.

If it wasn't a date I planned myself, it wouldn't mean anything.

"I will teach you the fundamentals you need, and I will beat the proper frame of mind

into you, but that is all. When it comes to the event itself, I will say nothing."

"Ehhh?! B-but…"

"Fool. Advice from others, books, divine revelations—they are all nothing more than

suggestions. If you can't gather all the available resources and put together a way to

make Lady Syr smile by yourself, then she will not truly be pleased because it won't

contain any of your own character."

"!"

"How much joy can a man and woman share together? At the end of the day, that is the

essence of a date."

Of all of Master's teachings, that one had the most impact on me.

At first, I had only been doing this to protect Hestia Familia, but then I realized I also

want to make Syr happy. I want to repay her. That's something real, too.

The way she always makes lunch for me. How she always greets me at the tavern. And

when I was battered by the distance that had opened up between me and a certain

someone so very far beyond my reach, she had been the one who told me I didn't have

to go on adventures. And during the War Game, she had given me a protective charm.

And during the incident with the Xenos, when my body had become unbearably cold,

it was she who wrapped me in gentle warmth.

I remember it all. She's given me so much. I want to repay that however I can. That's

why, even though I've never gone on a date before, I'm giving this my all.

Syr breaks into a smile.

"…Okay, then let's go see the place you wanted to see!"

I smile back happily, my cheeks reddening slightly.

"It's a bit of a long walk, so let's take a coach."

We head to a road where cabs often pass. I hold out my hand to hail a ride—not one

of the cheap plain carriages or covered wagons that are common around Orario, but a

cab with a magic-stone stabilizer. When taking a normal carriage, there are usually

noticeable shocks and jolts, but the stabilizer serves as a shock absorber, so it's less

rough on your bottom. Naturally, that's also something Master taught me. He had even

threatened me if I made Syr ride in any carriage that wasn't at least this quality.

If I were alone, I would have just run there, but with Syr, a carriage is the right tool for

the job. Higher-grade cabs cost more, but this isn't the time to be scrimping. And I had

amassed a large war chest while undergoing Master's training.

The carriage that we climb into is an odd model where the driver sits in a higher

position in the back, but with a crack of the whip, we're off. It's on the smaller side and

compact enough to have a little turn radius, but the fluffy seats are just the right size

to accommodate two people. The decorations on it are luxurious, and it might just be

my self-consciousness, but it feels like we're drawing attention from the people on the

street. Then again, it might just the beautiful girl sitting next to me who's catching

everyone's eyes.

When we pass through the southwest district, the stabilizer cannot totally suppress

the bumps, and when the carriage sways and our shoulders bump together, Syr and I

blush a little and smile at each other.

"If I may?" I step out first and hold out my hand for her.

"Thank you very much."

Stepping down from the carriage, we have reached our destination at East Main Street.

It pales in comparison to the shopping district, but it is still amazingly lively.

Something seems to be going on at the amphitheater where Monsterphilia had been

held, because I can hear roaring cheers coming from that direction.

Holding hands, I guide us away from East Main Street and into the alleys. Even the

narrow side streets are brilliantly decorated and lined with beautiful flowers.

"Hmm? This is…" Syr looks around, as if noticing something.

Not long after, we reach the end of the alley.

"Ah! It's Big Brother!"

"And Big Sister!"

Lots of smiling children are waiting there.

"Lai? And Fina?"

"Waaaah! You look so cute, Big Sis!"

"What's with you, Bro? You look so stuck-up!"

"What a smooth guy…"

"Ah-ha-ha…!"

Syr is surprised as Fina, Lai, and Ruu all rush over.

The children from the orphanage are excited to see us.

"Well, if it isn't Bell. To think you'd really stop by to visit."

"Hello, Maria."

The head of the orphanage, Mother Maria, welcomes us.

We're just inside Daedalus Street.

Straight down the big stairs at the entrance, the residents of the slum have set out

their own stalls—though it might be more accurate to call it a flea market with a

festival twist. Lai and the other children from the orphanage have their own little stall

open, too.

"What sort of shop have you all made?"

"Ummm, we have ale!" Fina bursts out with a smile.

There are several barrels lined up beside her as she laughs cheerfully. And when she

turns the tap, what comes out is indeed ale.

"A nice older dwarf said ale is the best for making money during a festival! And we

helped him brew it!" Lai says, puffing his chest out proudly.

Behind him, a red-faced dwarf who must have been that friend of theirs grins and gives

a thumbs-up. Well, it's true enough that alcohol goes well with festivals, and there are

plenty of people who have secretly had some even at a young age… but I hope the kids

didn't drink any…

They look excited as they ask me if I want some, but I smile awkwardly as I gently turn

down their offer. I shouldn't be having any alcohol during my date with Syr, and I have

a feeling I might get blasted by Master's magic if I did…

After that, the children drag us along to continue the tour.

Fina takes Syr's hand, and Lai pushes my back while Ruu clings to my arm like a

fawning little brother (sister?). The other children are all running around, not giving

us a moment's pause as they point out one thing after another for us to see.

"Wheat cookies!

"We borrowed a stove to cook them!"

"Try one! Try one!"

They have other things on sale besides just ale, namely some nicely browned cookies

that are slightly misshapen and fried vegetables that came straight from the

orphanage's field. Part of the reason I make a point of buying some is because they

had made the food themselves, but it's also because they just seem plain delicious.

Maria watches over us kindly as we play around, just like the first time we came to

visit.

During the incident with the Xenos, I had hurt them all. There was a time when they

rejected me. But that only makes it that much more amazing to be able to laugh and

smile together with them again like this.

"Let's dance, Big Sis!"

"…That sounds like a wonderful idea!"

Perhaps the ale all the slum's residents had been savoring was starting to take effect,

but everyone seems to be sporting rosy cheeks as they pull out old, beaten up musical

instruments. The music they're playing on a whim doesn't exactly mesh together

perfectly, but it's still a pleasant melody, and a bunch of girls invite Syr to dance in the

street.

This is a Daedalus Street–style folk dance. First they form a circle, and then they dance

like they did for the nursery rhyme the first time I visited.

Syr has a gentle smile on her face. I suppose you could call that parental love. She's

holding hands with the children and kicking her legs in time with the beat, and when

an Amazon girl grabs onto her from behind, she pretends to be mad while wrapping

the girl up in her arms and nuzzling their faces together.

My smile reaches my eyes as I watch her laughing and having fun from a short distance

away. I've seen it once before. This is a side of Syr that I still don't really know. This

isn't the same girl who works at the tavern. It's an innocent figure, one that I had

wanted to see again.

"Big Brother!" Fina cheerfully clings onto me.

"Not now, Fina. Bell is taking a break," Maria scolds her gently while giving me a

wooden mug of freshly squeezed fruit juice.

I say my thanks as I accept the drink…

"Thank you very much for stopping by. But is this really okay? The two of you were

enjoying the festival together…"

"That's not it at all, Maria. I thought about a lot of different things, but… the reason we

came here is because I thought that Syr would be able to enjoy herself here with them."

That is how I really felt. And hearing that, Maria's concern is replaced by a gentle,

motherly smile. She says, "Thank you so much," and I manage to answer with, "I should

thank you as well." A slightly more adult reply than usual.

"Big Bro, you're so cool today!" Fina suddenly looks up from rubbing her cheek against

my stomach as she wags her cream-colored tail. I can't help blushing a little bit after

getting such a direct compliment.

"And Big Sis is wearing supercute underwear today! When I hugged her before, I could

tell even through her clothes! I'm sure they're her special-date underwear!"

Is this girl a budding underwear designer?

"Big Bro! Where are you going to spend the night with Big Sis?" Fina eyes are sparkling.

"What are you talking about?!" I accidentally raise my voice a bit at her sudden question.

Does she know what she's saying, or…?

"I mean, today is the harvest festival, right? Mother Maria said that today is the day of

the year when the most couples are blessed with children!"

My face twitches and I turn beet red. A split second later, fast enough to shock even an

adventurer, Maria covers the innocent little girl's mouth and exclaims, "Fina?!"

Fina only manages to get out a muffled "Mgh?!" as Maria blushes and tries to laugh it

off. All I can do is force myself to laugh, too. The sudden awkwardness is almost too

much to bear.

There is no way that would happen, but even imagining it… I can't totally clear the

redness from my cheeks as I glance over toward Syr.

"Argh!"

A prum boy in the circle dancing falls over. It's a big fall, too. His arm is red from a big

scrape.

"Ossian!" Lai shouts.

The pleasant music stops.

Tears well up in his eyes faster than they can fall from his cute, round eyes. And before

Maria or I can run over, Syr wraps him in a hug.

"Are you okay, Ossian?"

"B-Big Sis…!"

"It hurts, doesn't it? Go ahead and cry. It's okay, Big Sister knows a spell to make you

smile again."

She kneels down, hugging Ossian. She doesn't pay any heed to her clothes getting dirty

as she gently holds him close. Ossian desperately tries to muffle his tears as he cries

into her chest. Her pale, white hands caress his back, occasionally patting it, like

rocking an infant.

"Let the tears out. Let the tears out.

Because you aren't really there.

In a garden of flowers, red tears, and blossoming gold.

May the light we still can't see guide us.

Let's smile together. Yes, let's smile together.

Because I'm sure we'll meet again someday."

She began spinning a magic spell almost like a lullaby. No one can move. Everyone's

eyes are transfixed. She almost looks like a goddess tenderly comforting a child. Her

beautiful voice fills the silent corner of the Labyrinth District.

"…I'm okay now. I won't cry anymore…"

"Really? That's wonderful! Then how about a big grin instead?"

Encouraged by Syr's beaming face, Ossian manages to crack a smile, too. Soon,

everyone watching the heartwarming scene has one, and new cheers start going up.

Lost in the moment, my own lips slip into a smile as Maria and I walk over to them.

We clean Ossian's scrape and bandage it up.

"Thank you, Mom, Big Brother!" He grins, back to his usual cheer.

It was almost like Syr really had cast a spell on him.

"Will you join me, Bell?"

"Eh?"

"The continuation of the dance. Everyone hasn't had their fill yet."

Syr stands up as she looks around at everyone.

Lai, Fina, Ruu, Ossian, all of the children burst into laughs and cheers. It's a new

beginning. I had long since broken into a smile myself.

"May I… may we have this dance?"

"Gladly!" I respond, taking her hand.

Holding hands, we begin to dance: an improvised waltz with Syr and me in the center.

There's no need for etiquette. It's enough that it's fun.

The children all join hands and begin twirling around us. And then some children start

playing ocarinas, looking like they're having the time of their lives. Unwilling to be

outdone, the adults pull out what seems like an ordinary barrel and began drumming

out their own rhythm. Claps and stamps. A small, nameless band fills Daedalus Street

with music and dance.

Hearing the cheerful melody, more and more guests start to show up. Fina and Ruu

take them by the hand and bring them into the dance circle.

The music never ends, and the smiles never stop. For a short while, everyone forgets

that Daedalus Street is a slum and simply enjoys themselves.

"Haah… Now that was a dance."

Syr sighs in a comfortable sort of exhaustion as she rests on a brick bench.

We are taking a breather while watching the children and the other revelers continue

dancing. Opportunities like this are probably rare in this neighborhood. Lots of people

are gathering around the stalls as Daedalus Street enjoys its boom. Whether she had

intended it or not, the kindness Syr showed the children is what made this moment

possible.

"That song before was beautiful. What sort of spell was that?"

Maria had gotten busy, so I hand Syr a cup of fresh juice in her stead. She thanks me

and answers my question.

"It was improvised. I just made it up on the spot," she responds, sticking her tongue

out.

"Eh? Really?"

"Yes. I just wanted Ossian and everyone to smile."

I sit down next to her in surprise before noticing what had happened to her clothes.

Her pretty clothes had become totally filthy while she was getting Ossian to stop crying.

The damp spots from his tears are one thing, but dirt and very noticeable crimson

blood have stained her jacket.

Maybe noticing my gaze, Syr's eyebrows arch.

"I got a little bit dirty, but aren't I just as cute this way? It's like a whole new look!"

Someone who didn't know what had happened would be hard-pressed to say that it

looked cute, even as flattery. But even so, she's still smiling. She doesn't seem to find it

unpleasant at all. As if it doesn't bother her in the least. If anything, she looks positively

sunny and cheerful.

Something about it just makes me feel so very warm and fuzzy. I wouldn't ever dare,

but it almost makes me want to wrap my arms around her and give her a big hug. And

it makes me wonder if that smile is what I had always been hoping to see.

"Did you know that they were opening a shop here, Bell?"

"Yes. Maria told me. You were planning to come by, too, weren't you?"

"Yes… I was thinking I might come by myself on another day," Syr murmurs. "I guess

you saw through me," she adds as she watches the people walking through Daedalus

Street with a deep interest.

"A lot has happened… but I was thinking it would be nice to play here together with

you and the children again."

Daedalus Street has been almost entirely restored. The children had been living in

temporary housing, but they were finally able to go back to their old lives. I had wanted

to pay them a visit with Syr to celebrate their return. It would be like coming back to

a memory that was just our own.

Her eyes narrow.

"I'm glad," she says pensively. "I'm so very glad… This has been a lovely date."

A beautiful smile crosses her lips as she looks at me.

There is no way I wouldn't be totally drawn into that. But there is something else

pressing at my heart as I break into a natural smile.

"…? What is it?"

"Nothing… I'm just glad, too."

I am pretty sure that my lips are twisted into a big smile like the children's. I fully

understand it's a bit childish, but I can't help being honest about it.

"Who knew it would feel so nice to know you enjoyed my date plan?"

I flash a broad grin as I put the feelings blooming in my heart into words.

Seeing that, Syr freezes. It looks like her face has gone red, too. It seems almost

miraculous, but I quickly stand up and regroup.

"Syr, let's get you some new clothes!"

"Bell?"

"I still have a bunch more places I'd like to see with you."

I take her hand as she looks surprised and give her a gentle tug.

Syr seems flustered as I shout good-bye to the children and Maria while leading her

away. They wave and cheerfully shout, "See you later!"

I really am starting to enjoy myself.

I want to pay Syr back even more! I want her to enjoy everything to her heart's content!

"That is sufficient. When it comes to dealing with her, defense is a fool's errand."

The white-haired boy led the girl with blue-gray hair away by the hand as Hedin

observed from above.

He was keeping watch from atop a temple at the corner of the neighborhood, his

vantage point rising just a little bit higher than the surrounding buildings.

The voices of people enjoying the festival could be heard in the distance below him.

"If you let her seize the initiative, you'll never get a chance to make your move. In

which case, the only choice is to press the attack. Lead her around with unpredictable

situations. The only way to make this day special is to maintain the lead throughout.

If you get the wrong idea and attempt to make any sort of lewd move, though, you will

die then and there."

Currently, Freya Familia's members were spread out in a wide area centered around

Syr.

Under the plan "Flover Guardian" (named so by Hegni), they were observing the

couple from atop roofs, behind buildings, and mixed among the crowds like private

guards, all in the name of protecting the girl. It would perhaps be more accurate to say

that they were surrounding Syr and Bell.

If Syr were ever in any danger, they would immediately become either shields to

protect her or swords to cut down any who might cause her harm.

And because of that, if Bell even attempted to take her to a suspicious location, he

would immediately be annihilated. The unfortunate rabbit did not know the thin ice

he was skating across as he went about the date with his life on the line—though he

had noticed the countless glares piercing him as a cold sweat formed in his heart.

"Though worrying about a late bloomer like you losing your mind is just a waste of

time."

Ordinarily, this much force was not used for Syr's protection. At most, there were

usually just one or two first-tier adventurers watching from the shadows. The reason

such a large number of even second-tier adventurers had been deployed was because

it was the Goddess Festival and most of all because Syr had brought Bell along out of

a clear affection for him.

Put simply, the members of the familia were jealous. That was just how important the

girl Syr Flover was to Freya Familia.

"Passing marks thus far…"

Meanwhile, Hedin was being run around on lookout for a different reason. Guarding

Syr was the pretext, but his real goal was to supervise the date rather than observe it.

He was watching as Bell, whom he had completely reprogrammed, escorted Syr.

On one level, it was for the sake of fulfilling Syr's wish. If Bell did something

irredeemably foolish, Hedin fully intended to unleash one or two relatively serious

spells. True to his alias Hildsleif, he would surely be able to use his precise magic

control that was said to be the best in the city and erase the boy from Syr's field of

view with a precise lightning strike. And after that, he would severely punish the boy

to break him down even further.

His aptitude for retaining lessons is terrible, and he's unbearably inefficient, but… as

expected, he isn't betraying expectations thus far…

Thinking back on the five days of training, Hedin had adjusted his view of Bell Cranell.

He had caught the attention of the goddess whom Hedin loved and respected by

growing at a blinding rate. He was undoubtedly an unbearable eyesore, but he had

shown his worth during the training he had endured for this day.

Hedin despised incompetents. Those who continued to live aimless lives were nothing

more than slaves to pathetic pride and self-respect. Precisely because he was an elf

with a longer lifespan, he refused to tolerate the sloth of other races who could not

live so long. He also found other elves absorbed in their own pompous arrogance

completely unbearable. Every day he found himself thinking that those worthless

incompetents should actually start living their lives.

And at the same time, Hedin highly valued competence. And part and parcel with that,

he also reserved a base level of appreciation for those who strove to better themselves

without sparing any effort.

In that regard, Bell Cranell passed. He had quite literally put his life on the line to live.

From how he defeated the minotaur as a Level 1 adventurer to the way he persevered

through the clashes with Apollo and Ishtar, and the way he handled himself during the

Xenos incident or his rumored actions in the deep levels—he had tackled all those

things with a deep resolve. He had overcome adventures that an average person could

not begin to imagine, and was still desperately trying to catch up to the first-tier

adventurers.

If he died somewhere along the way and passed from everyone's memories, Hedin at

least would remember and value that earnestness. Though only those who did not die

along the way were capable of being called first-tier adventurers—

Still, he had done enough to be acknowledged by Hedin.

Even now, with the unusual situation surrounding the date, Bell had been forced to

accept irrational requirements, and yet he had not run away from the ridiculous

challenge. Whatever the motive, he was attempting to break free from his incompetence.

That fact at least was something that Hedin could respect.

By no means had Hedin become attached to him, but he did hold certain expectations

for the boy.

"…Will you manage to get her to realize that which she desires?"

His murmur was swept up in the breeze without reaching anyone's ears.

A person approached him from behind.

"What are you muttering about, freak?"

"…Even I dwell on my emotions from time to time. Eavesdropping is a vulgar practice,

and you should restrain yourself, imbecile."

"You were the one muttering to yourself over there, asshole. Don't go blaming me for

your own stupidity."

It was Allen.

Many would've found it hard to believe they were in the same familia given how hostile

they were, not even willing to look each other in the eye as they spoke.

Allen stopped right next to Hedin, holding his silver spear as he looked down on Bell

and Syr.

"The others are starting to get their hackles up. You're the one in charge here, so quit

bein' lazy and do something about it."

His comment was rough enough that it almost sounded like he was trying to pick a

fight, but Hedin merely sighed.

In terms of position, Allen was the second-in-command of the familia. He hated the

role himself, but he had been assigned it after Hedin had turned it down. Though that

was years ago at this point.

Hedin nodded silently, acknowledging his misstep, and then, suddenly curious, he

glanced over at Allen.

"Where do you fall?"

Do you hate Bell when Syr looks at him like that? he asked silently with his eyes.

"Don't ask shit you already know the answer to," the cat person muttered in annoyance.

"My loyalty is to the goddess."

As if declaring they were done talking, Allen silently leaped away. Unnoticed by anyone

else, he continued following after the couple.

Hedin watched in silence as he disappeared from view before changing locations

himself in order to give new orders.

Leaving Daedalus Street, the first thing we do is get some clean clothes for Syr.

"It looks really cute on you, Syr!"

It's a nice little bolero jacket similar to her first one. Her dress is still the same, since

it had not gotten particularly dirty. I'm wearing a satisfied smile after successfully

demonstrating a man's resourcefulness by paying for the new jacket.

"Th-thank you very much…" Syr says, turning red.

"You have some petals in your hair!"

I reach my hand out toward her head as we walk along. Petal showers are pouring

down from buildings left and right for the festival. I comb out a peach-colored petal

that had gotten caught in her hair.

"S-sorry…" She turns red again, her eyes flitting around nervously.

Sensing her gaze going toward my right hand, I shift positions slightly.

"Shall we hold hands, Syr?"

I flash an apologetic smile for forgetting to hold her hand.

"Uuuurgh…" Syr turns red yet again and makes a noise that sounds almost like a puppy

growling cutely.

What…?

And then, right around when we reach East Main Street, she explodes.

"Something's off! Something's definitely off about you!"

She shouts as we walk down the middle of the street, startling not just me but everyone

around us, too.

"There's no way Bell, the meekest rabbit boy ever, could suddenly be able to say I look

beautiful or cute or stuff like that so smoothly!"

"I—I mean, I'm just being me…"

"Taking a break for me before I even start to notice that I'm feeling a little tired! And

noticing that I want to hold hands! There's no way! The childlike Bell who only ever

has dungeons, dungeons, dungeons on his mind! Who can't even begin to understand

a maiden's heart! That Bell would never, ever be able to do that!"

"Y-you don't have to go that far…"

Hearing how Syr really sees me is starting to eat away at my heart.

"Would you rather I not?" I ask nervously.

"No, I'm happy! I'm really happy! But this isn't how it was supposed to be!"

She seems to be having trouble controlling the redness in her cheeks as she vents at

me. She looks like she might start stamping her foot at any moment. It's so out of place

and childlike and cute.

"I was planning to be the one to hold your hand and tease you while you blushed like

always! And all sorts of other things…!"

Ahhhh, I can definitely see it…

If it weren't for Master's training, I would just be getting led around by the nose at this

point. I can't say whether it's a good thing or a bad thing, but she doesn't seem to be

entirely pleased with how things are turning out.

I start to get a little worried when I suddenly notice a nearby stall selling grapes on a

skewer coated in a glistening layer of sugar.

"Hmm…? Oh, they're selling candied grapes."

They look like cute little jewels, so I quickly buy one.

"Would you like one, too, Syr?"

Her eyebrows shoot up angrily when I take one of the grapes off the wooden skewer

and get ready to offer it to her.

"There! You just did it again! You were going to tell me to say 'ahhh' again, weren't

you!"

"No, I wasn't planning to do that quite so often…! I was just going to hand it to you!"

I recoil a little as she starts growling like a puppy again. Overwhelmed by her intensity,

a troubled smile flits across my face.

"So do you not want one?"

Faced with that, she turns undeniably red and looks away as she murmurs:

"…No, I want one…"

Her faint voice blends into the bustle of the crowd.

I start to hand her the grape, but she's staring at it like a capricious kitten, so I give up

and bring it straight to her lips.

She takes a small bite.

The surface of the candied grape crackles and there is a refreshing squish as she bites

into the grape itself. Judging from her reddened face, it is more bittersweet than

anything she has ever eaten before.

"—Gah?!" Chloe was suffering.

""Chloe?!""

Persevering in their pursuit of the couple, their little band was taking cover in the

shade of an alley. Ahnya and Runoa both cried out when the black cat suddenly

suffered a knockdown.

"I can't take it anymore… When you think about it, why do we have to watch their

lovey-dovey flirting, meow…? This is my epitaph:

A side of Syr that never

Did I wish to see.

Fading autumn of mine life.

"…gh!"

"Didn't we decide we were going to watch over their date?! Live, Chloe! Come back!"

"Chloe! Don't die on us, meow!"

A wave of bittersweetness crashed into the single girls, sapping their will to carry on.

As the three of them made a dramatic fuss, heedless of the trouble they were causing

for those around them, Lyu was…

"S-Syr… so bold… to think y-you were already that far along…!"

She was covering her bright red face with her hands and peeking out between her

fingers at the two of them in the distance.

While what they were doing was merely in the range of "more than friends" but not

quite at the level of lovers, it was too provocative for the naive, prim, and proper elf.

She also couldn't look away as she murmured in embarrassed shock.

The four of them were hanging on Syr's and Bell's every move.

Meanwhile…

""""Tch!""""

Freya Familia's adventurers charged with protecting Syr were all seething at Bell.

Elsewhere…

"""""Die in a fire, rabbit boy!"""""

The rougher adventurers in the crowd nearby, their glares filled with bloodlust and

envy, were glaring daggers at Rabbit Foot as he attended to his beautiful companion.

…I-it sort of feels like over a hundred people are watching us…

And keenly attuned to gazes directed at him, Bell quietly broke into a sweat as he

sensed the increasing sets of eyes and growing animosity every time Syr blushed.

Their harvest date was still far from over