Four Centaurs—or perhaps I should say, four riders—brandishing matching long spears thundered across the ground. They maintained a staggered two-column formation as they galloped. Since their form remained perfect despite their breakneck speed, the offset was clearly intentional, likely to ensure they didn't obstruct each other’s vision.
As the quartet passed the scaffold where I sat, Daga, the Lizardman standing by, launched a whistling arrow into the vast sky. At the sound of that signal, the Angels and Harpies took flight, and the High Elves struck up their instruments. This year's Village Parade had officially begun.
Leading the procession was a contingent of the Beastman Race. At their head stood Galf, clad in leather armor. Every member of the group, Galf included, carried curved swords in both hands, dancing as they advanced. While it looked like they were moving as they pleased, they synchronized their steps at key moments; this wasn't just random flailing. They had practiced enough that they could have moved in perfect unison if they’d wanted to.
The truth was, when the Civil Official Girls told the Beastmen they would lead the parade, every single one of them had burst into tears. That included the girls and even the blacksmiths like Gatto. Seeing their reaction, I’d felt a pang of guilt for not giving them the lead position sooner. I hadn't realized they wanted it quite that badly. Of course, the front is a prime spot—it’s the most visible, after all. Still, I didn't think it was worth weeping over, but I decided to keep that thought to myself. Regardless, the Beastmen had spent every spare moment rehearsing, and the results were magnificent.
Technically, Sena was the Beastman Representative, but Galf had taken the lead in her stead. Just a few days before the parade, we discovered she was pregnant. Consequently, she joined Ann and Ramrias in the spectator seats this year. I felt bad for her, given how hard she’d practiced, but even if she had insisted on participating, her fellow Beastmen likely would have physically restrained her.
Following the Beastmen were the High Elves. Their march featured a blend of percussion, wind, and string instruments. It wasn't a flashy performance, but the sound carried an incredible, powerful weight.
Behind the High Elves came the Giants from the Northern Dungeon, wielding massive hammers. They had been meticulously crafting these tools specifically for this event since around last summer. They swung them about with pride, showing them off to the crowd. A few even used them to strike the decorative stakes placed along the route. I was relieved to see they had some practical utility; it would have been a shame if such well-made equipment was only for show.
Next were the Lamia Race from the Southern Dungeon. They marched while juggling multiple bladed chakrams. Watching them swap the hoops in every direction while shifting formations made it clear they had practiced intensely. I was impressed, though a small part of me wondered if the blades were strictly necessary.
After the Lamias came the Inferno Wolves, led by Kuro and Yuki. Perhaps because they were mindful of the upcoming Outside Parade, they looked even more dignified than usual. Not a single wolf broke eye contact with the path ahead. Their discipline was impeccable.
Then came Zabuton and her children. Zabuton led the way, towing a long line of connected carriages. Inside were her children, hidden away in their various kigurumi costumes. If we were preparing for the Outside Parade, the Centaur Race would have been towing them, but since this was our internal village event, it felt strange to mix the Centaurs into Zabuton’s group. Thus, they became a train of wagons pulled by Zabuton herself. A few of the spiderlings were poking their heads out of the costumes to wave, but I’d have to warn them—that won't fly during the Outside Parade. They’ll get scolded if they don’t stay hidden.
There was a slight gap after Zabuton’s group, though the line hadn't broken. It was simply the space required for the Dragons to follow in their true forms.
The line was led by Dos, followed by Raimeiren, Hiichiro, Gral, Giral, Guronde, Hakuren, Rusty, Draim, Graffaloon, Domaim, Kuon, Kuorun, Sekiren, Marksbergark, Suiren, and Helzernark. Usually, a single dragon walking would cause the ground to shake, but they were being so careful that the tremors were minimal. They moved slowly, but given their sheer size, there was no risk of them being left behind. Hiichiro looked like he was having the time of his life, and I could tell Gral was grinning even in her dragon form.
At the very end of the line was one more figure: Lananon in her dragon form. She wouldn't be joining the Outside Parade, but she was participating today. I had assumed she was skipping the external event because she couldn't transform, but it turned out she actually could. I wasn't sure when she’d achieved it, but apparently, she just didn't like being in that form and hadn't told anyone. The only person who knew was Rusty, who had eventually convinced her to join the procession. While I didn't want to force her, it was important to introduce her form to the village. If people didn't know what she looked like as a dragon, someone might accidentally attack her in an emergency. Lananon had finally agreed to join the internal parade with a positive attitude, but...
Lananon’s dragon form was something to behold. Covered in grey scales, she was slightly larger than a typical adult dragon. Her eyes were a fiery red, but they projected intelligence rather than raw ferocity. I thought she looked incredible, but perhaps Lananon found it subpar, which explained her reluctance. Depending on the angle of the light, her grey scales shimmered like fresh snow.
Interestingly, when Dos and Giral saw her for the first time, they both began to tremble. Apparently, she bore a striking resemblance to a historical figure they both knew who shared her name. Did they look that much alike? Or was it just the name? When I asked, they said no, it was something else entirely. Giral had even tried to use Guronde as a shield. Maybe their magical wavelengths were similar? Or just the general aura? Whatever the case, I had to remind them not to be so frightened, as it was hurting Lananon’s feelings. Looking closely at Giral’s dragon form, I noticed new scars on his head and neck. That was undoubtedly the result of the "discussion" he’d had with Guronde after trying to hide behind her.
While that was happening, the Angels and Harpy Race swept past Giral’s side. Reginleiv took the lead for the Angel Race, with Malbit and Ruincia slightly behind her to the left and right. Further out were Suarlou and Razmaria. While the Harpies were lightly equipped, the Angels were in full heavy gear—the same golden Battle Raiment they wore when searching for Count Pugyal last autumn. They looked mystical, and the atmosphere was so intense they looked ready to charge straight into a war zone, likely because Reginleiv was leading them.
The reason Malbit, the Angel Race Leader, wasn't at the head was simple: command ability. Malbit and Ruincia were strategists and politicians. When it came to leading a group in actual combat, Reginleiv, Suarlou, and Razmaria were superior. They’d even held a mock battle with small teams to decide the lead, and Reginleiv had claimed the victory.
As an aside, Kierbit also fell into the strategist category. Tia could lead a unit, but she was most effective in one-on-one combat. Similarly, Granmaria, Kudel, and Corone could lead troops, but they were far more devastating when operating as a specialized three-person cell.
The Harpies accompanying the Angels were lightly dressed but carried heavy packs on their backs and legs—armaments and rations for the Angels. They were essentially the logistics and support crew. I wondered if they also joined the charge, but apparently, that was a last resort. Their primary duty was to stay back, recover any injured Angels, and facilitate a retreat.
I noticed several unfamiliar faces among the Harpies, likely the new members Razmaria had brought back from the Garlet Kingdom. She had spent the winter there monitoring their internal power struggles and had returned the moment spring arrived. I hoped the kingdom was doing alright, but seeing Razmaria flying with such a joyful expression, I chose to believe everything was under control.