Chapter 55: Townsperson A Participates in the Elven Summer Festival (Part 1)

The following morning, the two of us set out to explore the Elven Village, which was buzzing with excitement for its decennial festival. It had been too dark to see much the night before, but now the houses were colorfully decorated with an abundance of flowers and ornaments, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.

Just to be clear, for the record: we definitely slept in separate rooms.

Even after being egged on by that pervert, I didn't try any midnight raids on her bedroom. I maintained a proper level of self-restraint.

It’s true that I don’t think Ana thinks poorly of me. There are even times when I suspect she might view me as more than just a friend—provided I’m not just being conceited, that is.

Even so, if I were to cross that line, there would be no going back. If I let myself go that far, I didn't have the confidence that I could ever stop myself.

And if I were to ask if Ana would throw everything away to follow me after the fact, the answer would almost certainly be "No." Knowing her as I do, I can say that for certain.

However, from the moment we woke up for breakfast, Ana had been acting strange. She was... awkward, for lack of a better word.

Did something happen?

As I walked along the road with her, the locals said whatever they pleased, but I kept my replies vague.

"Hmm, so that girl is Allen-san's?"

"That's right. Ana-sama is very precious to me."

That wasn't something I particularly felt the need to deny.

"My, isn't she quite the beauty?"

"How unexpected. I didn't think Allen-san was the type to choose a girl based on her looks."

"He never even spared a glance for the Elves in the village, after all."

"Who knows? I wonder about that."

It wasn't like I had chosen her for her face, but I doubted they’d believe me if I told them I’d fallen for her personality. Besides, saying that out loud with Ana right there would have been way too embarrassing.

"But if that's the case, you have to protect her properly. Come now, young lady. Come over here."

Looking puzzled, Ana was led into a building by a beautiful Elf woman—though, if I recalled correctly, she was an "auntie" well over four hundred years old.

A moment later, Ana emerged wearing a flower crown.

"What's that? Ah, Ana-sama. It suits you very well."

"A-ah, thank you, Allen. And, um... what exactly is this?"

"That is a necessary item for a man and woman to have their relationship recognized during this festival. The boy must desperately protect the girl he’s fallen for. If he succeeds and the flower crown remains unsullied until the end, the girl presents it to the boy she likes in front of a Spirit. By doing so, they receive a Spirit’s Blessing and the two are united."

Hey! No one mentioned there was an event like that!

"There are five couples participating this year. By the way, people will only be throwing fruit at you, so rest easy. Now, hurry along to the Central Plaza."

"Ah... um, Allen. You'll... you'll protect me, right?"

"Of—of course!"

I had been completely played. No one told me the festival involved this kind of event.

Still, even with fruit, a direct hit could cause an injury. If I sent her home with a swollen face, it would turn into a diplomatic nightmare.

With that, I steeled my resolve.

---

When we arrived at the Central Plaza, the other four couples had already gathered. In typical elven fashion, it was a collection of handsome men and beautiful women. The participants ranged from forty to five hundred years old; apparently, age gaps didn't matter when it came to these pairings.

A beautiful melody began to play, and we started to dance.

"Dancing" might have been an overstatement on my part—I was simply moving my feet exactly as Ana instructed—but I think I managed to look like I was trying my best.

But with Ana in my arms, catching that faint, floral scent of hers, I couldn't stop my heart from pounding.

Whether she was aware of my feelings or not, the "Protect Ana from the Fruit" event began. If I could keep her safe for one hour, we would win.

A gong was struck to signal the start of the attack. Immediately, the other four couples used magic to bolt away at high speeds.

"Wait, what!?"

I let out a startled cry, but fruit was already screaming toward us from Ana's blind spot.

"Ana-sama! Excuse me!"

I hurriedly swatted it out of the air, then scooped Ana up in my arms and dashed off.

"Wha—A-Allen! What are you—!"

Ana protested from my arms in a fluster, but this wasn't the time for a debate.

"Ana-sama! We're running!"

Just then, a Water Spear flew toward us, blocking our path.

Hey! Hold on! I thought they were only throwing fruit!

"Anything goes as long as you don't cause injury or break anything!" the Elf who had cast the Water Magic shouted at me.

If that's how it's going to be, then fine!

I whipped up a smokescreen and took off before it could dissipate. After weaving through the village, I ducked into the shadow of a building.

"Hah... hah... I think we lost them."

"A-ah. Um, Allen..."

In my arms, Ana was staring up at me, her face flushed with bashful heat.

Ugh, she's too cute.

Staring back at her, I found myself paralyzed by that unfair level of adorableness.

"H-hey. Allen? Um, well... I can walk on my own now."

"Ah, s-sorry."

Panicking, I quickly set her back on her feet.

"And, um... thank you. You s-saved me."

"No, it was my pleasure. I, uh... sorry for being so forward."

"No, er, um... s-sorry."

"Huh?"

"No, I... u-um... w-w-was I heavy?"

Ana asked the question with her face turning a deep shade of crimson.

Is she doing this on purpose? Is she trying to destroy my sanity?

The sheer destructive power of that question was enough to make such an impossible thought cross my mind. I took a deep breath to steady myself, enduring the sudden urge to just pin her down right there.

"No, Ana-sama. You're very light. I could carry you for hours."

"W-we're doing this for hours!?"

For some reason, a flustered Ana shouted at the top of her lungs. Worried her voice might have given us away, I scanned the surroundings.

There, right in my line of sight, was that pervert wearing a leering, mean-spirited smirk. Other Spirits were beginning to congregate around him as well.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me.

『Oh-ho! I heard that-o! I heard that-o!』

The pervert began to mock us, using exaggerated gestures to pantomime our conversation.

『"Honey, was I heavy-o?" "Oh, my angel, you are light as a feather-o! I'll kidnap you and keep running for a hundred years-o!" "Oh, Honey, you're so dreamy-o!"』

The countless Spirits gathered around him immediately began to mimic his movements in perfect unison.

"Why, you...!"

"H-hey, Allen! The Elves!"

Following Ana's gaze, I saw the village Elves closing in on us with mischievous grins, clutching various fruits in their hands.

"L-let's get out of here!"

"Right!"

I grabbed Ana’s hand, and we scrambled to make our escape.