◇ ◇
Two boys, one with brown hair and the other with black, clashed with wooden swords. Though they appeared to be under ten years old, the intensity of their struggle was far beyond their years.
Every time the brown-haired boy swung his sword, the impact gouged the earth. Every time their weapons collided, the shockwaves sent gusts of wind howling through the clearing.
To any observer, the tide of battle was clear. The brown-haired boy held the overwhelming advantage. While it seemed only a matter of time before the match ended, the black-haired boy clung on, refusing to give in until the bitter end.
"As expected of the Hero. Even the Prodigy can no longer hold a candle to him."
"Indeed. That 'Prodigy' had an impressive growth rate in the beginning, but now he’s barely indistinguishable from any other mediocre talent. As I thought, the one to fulfill our long-held ambition is Oliver, the Hero."
"True enough. Though even a mediocre talent should at least be able to serve as the Hero's Shield."
A group of adults watched the fight from a short distance, their conversation continuing until the duel finally reached its conclusion.
The black-haired boy fell flat on his back. The brown-haired boy stood over him, breathing heavily, the tip of his wooden sword pointed at his opponent’s chest.
"Hah... hah... hah..."
"Man, I lost again. I really can't beat you anymore, Oliver. Hahaha..."
"—! Why won't you take this seriously, Orun? Your strength shouldn't be at this level! You were much more incredible before!"
"You’re overestimating me... I was giving it my all. It’s true that I might have been stronger once, but you’ve grown and surpassed me. That’s all there is to it. There's no way a guy like me could win against a genius like you."
"I don't believe that! I don't count this as a victory! Someday, I'm going to beat you when you're actually trying!"
"I’m telling you, this is me trying..."
"Shut up! Just you watch. I’m going to make you get serious if it’s the last thing I do!"
The brown-haired boy, Oliver, turned his back on the black-haired boy and marched away in a huff.
"..................I pray that opportunity never comes," Orun muttered, his voice so faint it didn't reach Oliver’s ears. "I—don't want to kill you. I’d hate for you to die because of me..."
◇
"Lady Shion, it is almost time to return."
A woman who appeared to be a lady's maid called out to a silver-haired girl. The girl had been watching the boys from a spot separate from the adults.
"Right, I understand. I’ll go say goodbye to Orun first."
"As you wish. We shall prepare the carriage."
The silver-haired girl, Shion, walked over to Orun, who was still lying on the grass.
"Good work, Orun. That was a shame."
"Shion? You were watching? Man, I really showed you a pathetic side of myself."
Orun sat up, looking awkward and uncomfortable.
"That's not true. You were cool, you know? Besides, I know how strong you really are."
"Real strength or whatever, this is my limit."
"But, that's—"
"Yeah. It's because I was weak. I couldn't stand the way people looked at me with fear, so I cried for help. And because of that, Oliver ended up having to carry the burden alone. So I have to take up his share, too—"
"I won't let you be alone, Orun!"
"...Shion?"
"I’ll become strong enough to stand by your side! Strong enough so we can defeat ■■ together! After all, I’m a ■■■■ too, just like you. I’ll be with you forever! Even if you go somewhere far away, I’ll definitely catch up! So, please... don't try to shoulder it all by yourself."
Orun stared at her blankly, his face slowly flushing red as his eyes began to shimmer with moisture.
"It’s about time for you to go home, right? I’ll walk you to the carriage," Orun said quickly, turning his back to her and walking away.
"Ah, wait! ...Huh? Hey, Orun? Are you crying because you’re happy~?"
"As if! Save the teasing for after you’ve caught up to the 'serious' me."
"Hmm~? But didn't you just say that fight was your true strength? In that case, I’ve already surpassed you~"
"Guh... don't use my own words against me."
"Ahaha!"
The two walked toward the waiting carriage, their conversation light and cheerful.
◇
When they reached the carriage, Shion turned back and looked Orun straight in the eye.
"I know I was joking just now, but I’m serious. I’m going to catch up to you. So for now, keep being my guidepost. Someday, I'll make sure we can walk that path side-by-side!"
"...Understood. Just don't get lost, okay?"
"I won't! My sense of direction isn't that bad. Anyway, see you later, Orun."
"Yeah. See you later, Shion."
With a final farewell, Shion climbed into the carriage.
"Master Orun, we shall take our leave now."
"Yes. Please be careful on the road."
The lady's maid bowed to Orun before following her mistress inside. The carriage began to roll forward.
"Orun~! Bye-baaaay!"
"Lady Shion! That is unrefined!"
Ignoring the maid’s scolding, Shion leaned out the window and waved enthusiastically. Orun mirrored the gesture, waving back until the carriage vanished from sight.
A few hours later, the clearing would be reduced to a barren wasteland, marked only by the scars of a violent battle.
And every person who had been there—
◇ ◇
I woke up with the morning sun hitting my face. I sat up and gave a long, deep stretch.
"I really slept in. Is it almost noon? It's been a while since I've stayed in bed this late..."
Today was the first day of the Thanksgiving Festival.
Since I’d finished my immediate workload yesterday and had the whole day off today, I’d indulged in some well-deserved laziness. I didn't have any specific plans, but I figured I’d at least grab a meal outside. I tidied myself up and headed out.
◇
"Ah, Master Orun! Good afternoon."
I was greeted at the entrance of the building by Sophia.
"Sophie, good afternoon. Heading somewhere?"
"Yes. I’m supposed to help out at Rougetsu-tei today, so I’m on my way there now."
Rougetsu-tei was a restaurant run by the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky. During the festival, the influx of customers was so intense that any Explorers with free time were drafted to help the staff. Incidentally, that was the place where I’d first eaten with Sophie when we met.
"I see. I don't have any plans, so I’ll walk you there."
"O-Oh! You don't have to go that far for me—"
"I heard the crowds are pretty wild right now. It’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble, right?"
There had been rumors of several child kidnappings in the city over the last few days. I’d heard the victims were all under ten, so Sophie was likely safe from that specific threat, but she was still a cute girl. It wasn't hard to imagine some drunk or creep bothering her. I couldn't protect her twenty-four-seven, but when I had the time, I didn't mind acting as a deterrent.
"...I-In that case, if it’s not a bother... I’d appreciate it."
"Alright, let's go."
◇
"The crowd is on a whole different level this year..."
"No kidding. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this packed."
I’d heard stories, but seeing it in person was something else. Just looking at the sea of people was starting to make me feel a bit motion-sick. I’d definitely need to take breaks if I was going to wander around.
"Is this your first time seeing it?" Sophia asked, looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"Yeah. Back when I was in the Hero Party, I never really walked around the city during the day. I’d heard descriptions, but seeing it for real... honestly, I didn't think it would be this extreme."
"I see. It’s the same every year, so I just assumed you were used to it."
I’d lived in this city for nearly a decade, so her assumption made sense. I would have thought the same if I were in her shoes.
"There are even people drinking in broad daylight. It’s actually quite peaceful..."
Peaceful or not, this many people in one place was a recipe for trouble. However, the military had increased its presence, and Explorers from the major clans were helping maintain order. Wil and Anthem-san were probably out on patrol right now.
"...Is alcohol actually good?"
"Well, I like drinking while catching up with people, but the taste itself is nothing special. I almost never drink alone. Are you interested?"
"Yes, a little. I can’t help but wonder what it tastes like."
In this country, you’re considered an adult at fifteen, which is also when you’re legally allowed to drink. Unlike other countries where your age changes on your specific birth date, here your age increases on the first day of your birth month.
Sophie was currently fourteen. Her birth month was December, which meant she’d be able to drink in about half a year.
"When December rolls around, you should ask Selma-san to take you out. I heard she goes to bars by herself sometimes, so she’d be the expert."
"............You remember my birth month?" Sophie’s eyes went wide with surprise.
"You’re my student, Sophie. Even setting aside clan policy, I’ve made sure to learn your basic profile."
"I see... I’m sorry. I didn't even know yours, Master Orun..." She looked down, clearly feeling guilty.
"I just happened to remember it. There’s no rule saying a student has to memorize their teacher’s profile, so don't worry about it."
"No! Um... could you please tell me when your birth month is!?" she asked, pressing closer with a dead-serious expression.
She was getting a bit too close for comfort, but she seemed too focused to notice.
"My birth month is June."
"—Eh? June?"
When I told her, Sophie’s expression shifted into something resembling panic.
"Yeah. Is something wrong?"
"N-No! It’s nothing at all!"
She was clearly hiding something, but she didn't seem distressed, so I decided not to pry. Shortly after, we arrived at the back entrance of Rougetsu-tei.
"Master Orun, thank you so much for walking me here!"
The panic from a moment ago had vanished, replaced by her usual bright smile. Seriously, what was that about?
"Don't mention it. Good luck with the shop."
"Yes! I’m off!"
With an energetic nod, Sophie disappeared into the restaurant.
Now then... back to the plan. Time to find some lunch.
◇
I wandered aimlessly through the city until I hit a street lined with food stalls. The air was thick with savory aromas.
I decided to grab something here. Scanning the options, I spotted a stall selling grilled chicken skewers.
Now that I think about it, Grandpa used to say that strolling through the festival with a skewer in one hand and a beer in the other was the height of sophistication. I'll skip the beer, but the skewer sounds great.
I wove through the crowd toward the stall. As I got closer, the smell of charred sauce made my stomach growl in anticipation.
When I reached the counter, I saw a girl with black hair wearing foreign clothing standing there. She seemed to be in the middle of a negotiation with the owner.
"I will bring the money soon. So please, just let me have one now."
"Look, kid, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but it’s cash only. No pay, no skewer. Come back when you’ve got the coins."
The girl slumped her shoulders, looking utterly dejected as her stomach let out a loud, pitiful rumble. Her face remained perfectly stoic, yet she managed to radiate a profound sense of melancholy.
How does she look that sad with a completely blank face? And wait... what is she even doing?
The stall owner looked awkward, clearly feeling bad but unable to give away free food. Other customers were hovering nearby, hesitant to approach with her blocking the way.
As I stepped forward, the girl noticed me. "...Orun?"
"Two skewers, please," I said, ignoring her for the moment.
"O-Oh, sure. That’ll be three large copper coins."
I handed over the coins and took the two skewers from the owner.
"Thanks. —Here. For now, let's get out of the way."
I thanked the owner and handed one of the skewers to the girl—Fuuka Shinonome—before leading her away from the crowd.