One of the Civil Official Girls announced the end of the parade, signaling the start of the banquet.
It had been a magnificent spectacle.
I hadn't moved around much myself, but the constant standing and sitting had taken quite a toll on me. I wouldn't have gone through with it if it hadn't made everyone so happy—especially Zabuton. She helps me in so many ways, yet I’ve rarely been able to repay her.
I know, I know. I’ll do my best again next year. Hahaha.
However, it would be a huge help if we could reduce the number of costume changes just a little. And if she could place a bit more emphasis on practicality... No, no, it’s not that I want to wear them as daily attire; I’m talking about ease of access when I need to use the outhouse.
Clothing that makes it a struggle to pull down my pants is a bit much. The outfits that changed by adding or removing modular parts were fine, but that one-piece suit I wore toward the end was a close call.
Kuro, Yuki, thank you for your hard work as well. You stayed by my side the entire time. Good dogs.
Ah, you lot from the Angel Race flying over there. Come here for a second.
We didn't plan for that many bombing runs in the second half, did we? I mean, it certainly livened things up, but just because the result was good doesn't mean you’re off the hook. The Civil Official Girls were lamenting how much the schedule was being thrown off. Make sure you go and apologize to them.
Also, Kudel, didn't you do about ten runs all by yourself? I know you love dive bombing, but show a bit more restraint. Trying to act cute won't save you.
Well, whatever, not tonight. We can talk about the details tomorrow.
Are the Harpies doing all right? Their formation was falling apart a bit toward the end. Hahaha, I’m not blaming them for a lack of training. We can be strict another time. Today, make sure they feel appreciated for their efforts.
At the banquet, food and sake were laid out as usual. Since there were so many people, half of the event was buffet-style, but that didn't seem to cause any issues.
I had prepared a VIP Area rather than just specific seats, but the only ones currently occupying it were Ruincia and Rigne. Dos, the Demon King, Progenitor-san, and the others were over there dancing in a circle with the villagers. Is that the Mayim Mayim? It certainly looks like it.
Those with a talent for instruments began to play music. It was a nice atmosphere. Kuro's Children and Zabuton's Children were starting to join in the dance as well. I wanted to jump in too, but I couldn't just leave Ruincia and Rigne to their own devices. The conversation between the two of them was... well, it wasn't exactly flowing.
"Children, assemble!"
I decided to merge the Children's Area with the VIP Area.
"Tiselle, sorry, but could you keep Ruincia company? Gol, Sil, Bron—you three take care of Rigne. You guys okay with that? Good, I’m counting on you. Alfred, Urza, make sure the other kids don't scatter too far. Oh, and feel free to eat the food on the tables in the VIP Area. Also, if Tia brings Aurora over, guide them to Ruincia. You won't have to go looking for her; I’m certain Tia will come here eventually. It's just that she probably won't approach Ruincia on her own initiative. I'm counting on you."
As I gave those instructions, I also put in a word with Ramrias, the High Ogre Maid, and the Soil Dolls who were supervising the children. It’s not that I didn't trust the kids. It was just insurance. Purely insurance.
"Fairy Queen! Don't monopolize the sweets table. I know the doughnuts are delicious; I'm the one who taught everyone the recipe. Making them isn't that difficult, but the dough is a real labor of love. First, I had to develop a doughnut-specific wheat, and then after repeated trial and error... Hey, are you even listening?"
"Fine, fine. You can eat as much as you like, just don't hog the whole tray. Tomorrow, I'll give you your favorite pudding if you behave."
She became remarkably obedient after that.
The Mountain Elves... a few of them were missing. Had they gone back to the Universal Ship?
During the final stage of the parade, the Universal Ship had actually taken flight—and I don't mean that metaphorically. The residents of Village One, Village Two, and Village Three, as well as the Lamia Race and the Giants—who knew of its existence but rarely had the chance to see it in action—had all been astonished.
When I suggested taking the Giants and the Lamia Race back on the ship when they departed, they seemed quite overwhelmed by the offer. There’s no point in keeping the ship as a mere decoration, so I want it to be used effectively. Right now, it’s only used for transporting supplies to and from Village Four.
It might not be a bad idea to establish a regular flight service to the Northern and Southern Dungeons. Or perhaps even connect it to Draim's Nest and Howlin Village... though maybe it wouldn't get much use? I’ll try proposing it at the next meeting.
For now, I made sure to set aside plenty of food and sake for the Mountain Elves who had gone to perform maintenance on the ship. And sweets, of course.
"...Malbit, what on earth are you doing there?"
She was tied up in knots, bound securely with rope.
"Did Ruincia do this to you? There, there. I’ll untie you, but you have to tell me what you did first. Ah, did you get too carried away during the parade? No? You tried to do a dive bombing run like Granmaria and the others, but Ruincia punched you, tied you up, and stopped you? How many times did she hit you? Honestly, even if it was your fault, tying you up like this seems a bit extreme..."
Wait. Apparently, she had tried to bring out a Horned Spear for the display.
"Ruincia, thank you. Malbit, you can stay tied up for a while longer. I'll let Kierbit know where you are so she can help you later."
Phew.
One way or another, it had been an exhausting day. I was glad this year's parade was a single-day event. Last year, we had traveled to every individual village.
"If we do it every year, the prestige will decrease. Let's hold the parades in the sub-villages only once every few years instead."
That was the proposal the Civil Official Girls had made during the planning meeting. It was a welcome suggestion. Although the village representatives had seemed a bit disappointed, they appeared to accept the reasoning. I felt a bit bad, so I’d have to make it up to them by holding small banquets whenever I went to check on their fields.
Now then, I was tired, but I had one more small task.
Aegis, the Phoenix Chick, had likely worked harder than anyone today. He was currently fast asleep right on top of a table, having nodded off in the middle of his meal.
I suppose I should carry him back to his bed.