The Eve of the Spirit Festival

"I'm back," Earl announced as he closed the door behind him.

"That was quick," Saryll remarked bored at her desk. She was leaning on her arm while fiddling with some papers. A far cry from the majestic image she presented herself to be.

"I would rather be here."

"Really? Should I give you more work?"

"That is abusive behaviour."

"I hold the key to controlling you now, hehe~"

"What is that?"

"My ass!"

"..."

"..."

Earl let the silence sink in for Saryll to fully realize what she just said. As expected, she blushed profusely, her face turning redder by the minute.

To save this lady, Earl faked a cough and spoke. "Anyways, it looks like you have one more meeting later with the Ofrain Kingdom."

"The Ofrain Kingdom," Saryll narrowed her eyes and looked at the documents. "It's weird. They are only bringing one Royal Knight."

The Royal Knights were the main military force of the Ofrain Kingdom. The equivalent of the Elven Kingdom's Spirit Knights and the Ablax Kingdom's Court Mages.

"Why is that weird?"

"Usually, they bring at least 3 as a show of dominance."

Earl quickly thought of an answer. "Could it be related to the Holy Continent?"

For context, the Ofrain Kingdom was the nation founded by the Hero King. As a key force in defeating the Demon Lord, they are expected to assist the Holy Continent in the war against the Demon Continent that was currently taking part.

"That seems like the most likely scenario. You're pretty smart. Did someone teach you?"

"Not you."

"Grr..."

"I'm more interested in the stages of the Spirit Festival, though." Earl suddenly changed the topic.

From what he read while organizing the event with Saryll, the Spirit Festival happened in stages. It was a once every 10-year event, and the grandest in the Elven Kingdom.

This was the time when the barrier between the Middle World and Spirit World was weakest.

The festival would only truly begin after the Spirit Festival Youth Competition when the Spirit King descends to reward the winner.

"The stages, huh? It's very beautiful. That's all I'll say. I don't want to spoil the experience."

"Naturally, I get a leave, right?"

Saryll licked her lips and said sweetly, "If you please me~"

Meanwhile, at the gates of Artasia.

A grand carriage belonging to the Ofrain Kingdom peacefully entered the city. The emblem of the Hero King was boldly imprinted onto the carriage. This emblem was the source of respect and admiration from many.

Later, a certain girl with pink hair and fox ears stopped to admire the city. Her ears wiggled in excitement.

"Paula~ So this is your hometown?~"

While guests from afar arrived at the Elven Kingdom, two dragons from a foreign land arrived.

Formerly world-renowned Demon Kings, they have faded into history, only known by a select few.

Zeddro the Anima.

Idu the Ethereal.

That was their identity.

"The Great Continent, eh? My old bones haven't stepped on this land for a long, long time." Idu spoke. He was a majestic white dragon. Wings that filled the sky, and scales that shone with brilliance comparable to the distant stars. His form was lean and slim, having an otherworldly beauty to it.

"It's just as I remembered it," Zeddro said. As the older of the two, his form was larger than Idu's. They were like complete opposites in appearance. He had dark scales that was pitch black. His frame, filled with beautiful, streamlined muscles.

"Father loves this place."

"He does have a lot of worshippers here. We are getting closer to him."

"If I recall, that's the Elven Kingdom we're heading to? That's a scary place~"

"Let's just sneak in." Zeddro decided.

"Sounds good to me."

Their bodies turned transparent and they crossed the border. After travelling some distance, Zeddro suddenly stopped.

"Wait."

"What's up?"

"I smell a familiar scent."

"Who?"

"Lilith."

Alea POV

It was the day of the Spirit Festival which means that I will be competing in the Youth competition today. I make my way to Earl's house in a jolly mood. The Spirit Mist of the Spirit Festival was just starting to set in. The Spirit Mist is the first sign of the Spirit Festival. It means that the barrier between the two worlds is becoming thinner.

The streets are encompassed in this light, colourful rainbow-like mist. Combined with the fact that the sun is just rising makes this a beautiful scene.

It didn't take me long to reach the house that quickly became a familiar place. I stand in front of the door, calming my rapidly beating heart. It's always like this when I'm about to see Earl. I'm so excited to see him. To hold him. To hear his voice.

I bring my hand to the door to knock but when I heard those sounds, my hand froze.

It was the sound of sex.

The moans of Lily and Aria. An intense sense of jealousy fills me. At the same time, I felt pricks against my heart. For the first time, I begin to despise these sensitive ears of mine. I could almost visualize everything they were doing and that was enough to make me feel terrible. I know that if I knock right now, these sounds would stop. They would tidy up and welcome me with bright smiles on their faces. I know it was something I should come to accept. I've always known about it. Even before I confessed to Earl, I've always heard these sounds.

I know. I know. I know.

That's what I keep telling myself. I must be out of it today. This sticky feeling of jealousy won't go away. So I drop my hand and walk away. What's up with these tears in my eyes?

I'll be in a better mood when I see him later today.