Despite some unexpected trouble, the start of the Harvest Festival was finally drawing near. This was the big event for me, Kusunoki-san, and Yuzuki-san.
We gathered at the inn’s entrance before heading out to the Spirit Forest. Before we departed, Sieg-san stepped forward and offered me a cloth-wrapped bundle.
"Sieg-san? What’s this?"
"……"
"Wait—is this a bento? Thank you so much!"
"……"
It seemed Sieg-san had prepared lunches for the three of us.
The Harvest Festival was scheduled to run from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon. While some people apparently returned to the city to eat, the vast majority prepared bentos to take with them. Sieg-san’s hobby was making sweets, and I had sampled her treats a few times before. They were always meticulously prepared and delicious. She had also mentioned that she cooked regularly, so I was genuinely looking forward to having this for lunch.
After thanking her properly and accepting the food, we all headed for the venue.
Incidentally, Lilia-san and her group weren't participating in the festival itself. While the threat of the Black Bear had been dealt with, the local Security Force was still in a state of collapse. There were lingering safety concerns, so they had recruited volunteers from among the Hunting Competition participants to patrol the perimeter of the Spirit Forest. Lilia-san and the others had volunteered for that duty.
When we reached the city gates, we found a massive crowd already gathered.
Unlike yesterday’s Hunting Competition, there were a striking number of women and children in the group.
"There are a lot of kids here," I noted.
"Yes," Rei-san replied. "The primary goal of the Harvest Festival is to interact with the spirits. For the Elf Race, achieving good results here is practically a guarantee of a successful future. Every parent is eager to have their child participate."
I see. For an elf, being loved by spirits was a great honor. Success at the festival could open the door to becoming a Spirit Mage. Since Spirit Mages were highly respected and held privileged positions within elven society, it made sense that parents would want their children to walk that path.
While Rei-san was explaining this to me, Lilia-san handled our registration. An elven man, likely a festival official, approached us with a warm, welcoming smile.
"Now then, I’ll need you three participants to listen to a few instructions and precautions. It will take a bit of time, but—"
The man started to step toward us, only to be suddenly hoisted into the air.
"……You scum! To think you would dare waste Master’s time, which is worth more than a thousand platinum coins... such sacrilege is a capital offense! Shall I tear you limb from limb right here and now?!"
"……Anima…… put him down. Also, where did you even come from?"
"Hah!"
Anima had appeared out of nowhere. She was currently holding the man by the collar, lifting him effortlessly with one hand while spouting those violent threats. I let out a heavy sigh and ordered her to release him.
Anima obeyed immediately. She dropped the man and turned to me with a sharp salute.
"Good morning, Master! I am currently patrolling the city! I witnessed a display of insolence toward you during my rounds, so I came to ‘eliminate’ the offender!"
This girl, seriously... She wasn't just a bared blade; she was a lit stick of dynamite. I’d definitely have to give her a firm talking-to later.
Rubbing my temples at her bizarre logic, I gave her a new order.
"Right. Everything is fine here... so you can go back to your job."
"Hah! Anima shall now return to her mission!"
"Yeah... do your best."
"Your words are far too kind! By your leave!"
Standing at attention with a loud reply, Anima marched back to her patrol with a disciplined, rhythmic stride.
Once she was gone, I bowed to the bewildered official.
"I’m so sorry. Anima was being incredibly rude..."
"A-Ah, no, I see... So you’re the ‘Master’ from the rumors?"
"Rumors?"
"Yes. A warning has already gone out. It says that if anyone belittles their ‘Master’—meaning you—in her presence, they’ll be beaten senseless immediately."
"……I am truly, deeply sorry."
How did she manage to get an official warning circulated in less than half a day?! What on earth did you do, Anima?! Even Rei-san was letting out a weary sigh, as if he’d simply given up on her.
Feeling exhausted before the festival had even begun, I listened as the man finished his explanation.
The rules weren't complicated. Every participant was given a bag with properties similar to a Magic Box. The goal was simply to place harvested fruit into the bag. The bags were crafted by spirits and could distinguish between this year’s harvest and last year’s, making it impossible to cheat.
The man also warned us not to harm the spirits or litter in the forest. Violating these rules would result in immediate disqualification. Finally, he mentioned that if we ran into trouble, we could firmly grip the magic crystal attached to the bag; it would alert the Security Force to our exact location. Given how many children participated, the safety measures were quite thorough.
"Alright, Aoi-chan, Hina-chan. Here’s a bit of advice from a veteran," Fia-san said. "Once you enter the forest, the spirits should start showing themselves... but they’re very shy. Don’t rush them. Wait for them to come to you. As long as you remember that, the two of you should do just fine."
"Yes!" they answered in unison.
"Um... what about me?" I asked.
"Kaito-kun? Well... I think you’ll be fine just doing whatever feels natural."
Fia-san gave the girls solid advice, but she had nothing for me. Why?!
"Miyama-kun."
"Yes, Rei-san?"
"Regarding the Fruit Assortment for the winner’s prize... it’s very fresh, which means it spoils quickly. I recommend putting it into your Magic Box as soon as you receive it."
"……Wait, it’s not like I’ve actually won yet."
I didn't know if he was joking, but Rei-san spoke as if my victory were a foregone conclusion. Surely I couldn't beat the professional Spirit Mages, right?
"Oh? Luna, what’s that?" Lilia-san asked.
"They were taking bets on the winner over there," Lunamaria-san replied, holding up a wooden tag. "I went and put my entire salary from last month ‘all-in’ on Miyama-sama."
"……Go buy a share for me as well."
"At once, my Lady."
"Wait... Lilia-san? Lunamaria-san?"
Lilia-san hadn't hesitated for a second. I didn't mind them betting, but why were they betting on me?
"Oh, Luna-san! Me too, please!" Aoi-chan chirped.
"Me too!" Hina-chan added.
"……"
"Kusunoki-san and Yuzuki-san as well?! Wait, Sieg-san, why are you pulling out your wallet too?!"
I had no idea how it had come to this, but everyone was suddenly betting their lives on me. This was way too much pressure!
Dear Mother, Dear Father—The Harvest Festival is finally starting, and I’m ready to join the festivities. I don’t know how it happened, but for some reason, Lilia-san and the others have decided... that I’m the favorite to win.