Terminology Explanation: Molting refers to the process by which a bird replaces its feathers.
Winter in the Village of the Great Tree finally came to an end, and spring arrived. Even the Nyunyu-daphne were rejoicing, declaring it spring beyond any shadow of a doubt. The village plum trees were already in bloom, and it looked as though the cherry blossoms would join them any day now. It seemed like we would actually be able to enjoy some proper flower viewing this year.
However, before there was time for play, there was work to be done. It was time to get back into the fields. I couldn't help but smile. It was finally time for the Universal Farming Tool to shine.
"Wait, the parade?"
Ah, right. This year’s Village Parade was scheduled for after the rice planting was finished. As for the Outside Parade, it was set for ten days after the local one. The Demon King apparently intended to invite a large number of guests and had requested that much of a buffer. The Civil Official Girls in charge of the logistics had judged the request reasonable, so the schedule was finalized.
For the time being, I decided to focus entirely on the farm work.
But before that, there was one more thing. Since it was spring, Zabuton had finally woken up. For the sake of Yoko’s honor, I decided to keep the details of her formal apology to myself. I simply want it known that despite being an apology, it was strangely moving—even if the onlookers all watched with completely blank expressions. There was definitely a sense of raw emotion there. I still find myself wondering why that scene felt so poignant. The world is a mysterious place.
In any case, I did my best to defend Yoko, so Zabuton didn't scold her too severely. Instead, Zabuton turned her stern attention toward me. She warned me never to go anywhere carelessly, even if it was a place I knew well. She insisted that I always be accompanied by guards and told me to remain extremely vigilant whenever I met someone for the first time. She was quite firm about it. I promised her I would be careful.
I also had a reunion with the Pond Turtles as they emerged from hibernation. It had been a while. It seemed they hadn't broken the ice themselves this year. Apparently, the timing had been tricky; just when it felt like spring was starting, a sudden cold snap would hit. I checked to see if they were feeling alright, and they looked perfectly healthy, which was a relief. I told them to make sure they ate plenty.
During a break from the fields, I watched a peculiar sight. Dos, Raimeiren, Hiichiro, Gral, Giral, Guronde, Hakuren, Rusty, Draim, Graffaloon, and Helzernark—the entire Dragon Family—were marching in a thunderous line through the forest a short distance from the village. They were in their Dragon Forms, practicing for the Outside Parade.
Originally, the Dragon Family had declared they wouldn't participate in the parade beyond the village borders. They argued that while the Village Parade was a private affair, joining a national event might call the impartiality of the dragon race into question. Giral and Draim had been eager to join from the start, but Dos and Raimeiren had been adamant about staying out of it. Guronde and Graffaloon had also leaned toward declining.
Everything changed because of a single question from Hiichiro, who had been sitting on Raimeiren’s lap.
"Can't I participate?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Raimeiren’s stance flipped instantly. And once Raimeiren changed her mind, Dos followed suit. Not a single person dared to object after that. Thus, the Dragon Family was officially added to the Outside Parade roster. I did wonder if the whole "impartiality" concern was just going to be ignored, but I kept it to myself.
Additionally, while they weren't present for practice that day, Domaim, Kuon, Kuorun, Sekiren, Marksbergark, and Suiren were also scheduled to participate. Unfortunately, Hikaru, Himiko, and Kukulkan were still far too young for the Outside Parade. Lananon could have joined, but she said she preferred to stay at the Village Head's Mansion and relax. I thought she might be being modest, but it seemed she genuinely wanted to stay behind, so I asked her to look after the house. We would only be gone for about half a day, anyway.
On a side note, when the Demon King came by for a meeting about the parade, he watched the Dragon Family’s practice session with incredibly distant eyes. I wondered what was wrong. Was his vision failing? I knew glasses existed in this world, so I made a mental note to recommend them to him when the time was right. Eyesight is important, after all.
A short while later, the Wyverns found out about the Dragon Family’s participation and came forward to request that they be allowed to join as well. Our first encounter with the Wyverns of the Iron Forest had been a disaster, but since accepting their apology, things had been peaceful. The Small Wyverns still handled our communications, and the large Wyverns were friendly enough to help cull magic beasts and monsters near Village Five.
However, the Wyverns were apparently dissatisfied with that level of association. They wanted a public stage to show off just how close our relationship had become. When I checked with the Demon King, he said, "Wyverns? That’s perfectly normal! I welcome them! In fact, I welcome them wholeheartedly!"
With his blessing, I granted them permission. It wasn't exactly my place to authorize it, but I acted as the messenger for the Demon King's approval.
Shortly after that, roughly forty large Wyverns arrived, even though the parade was still quite a way off. They were currently stationed in the forests near Village Five, working alongside the local adventurers to clear out dangerous beasts. It was actually quite helpful. Apparently, this was just the advance party, and more were expected soon. I told them to wait near Village Five and asked if they had enough to eat. They told me that the monsters and beasts they were hunting were more than enough to sustain them. I told them to let me know if they ran short; I could provide vegetables, at the very least.
Just as the field work was starting to reach a manageable point, the Giant Swan arrived.
"Looks like I made it in time," she announced.
She was followed shortly by the Giant Black Swan.
"Don't you go flying off on your own! Though I suppose it's a relief we made it..."
These were the same swans that had visited last year. Judging by the way they immediately began bickering with Aegis, the Phoenix Chick, over who would fly at the head of the formation, I gathered they intended to join the Outside Parade.
"Hmph. Of course we are," the white swan declared. "I must spread my beauty and love to the world! Oh, and I'll participate in the village parade for you as well."
As always, her self-obsession was unmatched. I acknowledged that she was beautiful even without her striking a pose every five seconds, but I had to ask her to keep her movements to a minimum. Every time she moved, feathers flew everywhere. She claimed it couldn't be helped because she was molting, so I suggested she stay in her human form instead. Then again, if the Giant Swan stayed in human form, it would likely just lead to more headaches.
"It has been quite some time," the black swan said politely. "I heard that a shrine has been built to honor the Bird God. We are truly grateful. We heard news of a massive parade and hurried here in the hopes of being allowed to join the procession."
I welcomed the Black Swan and gave my approval for the parade. I told her she was welcome to join the village one as well, though I had to insist she fly behind Aegis. Since the parade was still several days away, I told them to rest wherever they liked and assured them that food would be provided.
"Thank you. I understand perfectly. I'll make sure the White Swan behaves herself," the black swan promised.
I really hoped she would. I then asked if the Giant Crow and the Giant Peacock were coming as well.
"They wanted to come, but it seems they won't make it this time. I am, however, carrying the treasures they wished to offer to the shrine."
I see. I told her I would find time to guide her to the Village Five Shrine.
"I look forward to it," the black swan replied, before noticing the White Swan had already vanished. She hurriedly chased after her.
Personally, I really wished they would stay in their human forms while moving about. The feathers were getting everywhere.
Dragon Family: "We're joining in!" Demon King: (Staring into the distance) Beezel: "Typical..." Randan: "Here we go again." Gratz: "Good grief." Hou: "Honestly, shouldn't we have expected this?"