In the name of this Kingdoms King, Baride Rezo Largofiely, and with the arrival of the new year, I hereby announce the commencement of the New Years Festival!

The balcony faced the courtyard of the Royal Palace.

Standing there, Largofiely Kingdoms King, facing the courtyard filled with n.o.bles and commoners alike, proclaimed grandly.

With this, the Kings words marked the beginning of both the new year and the New Years Festival.

Along with the Kings declaration, food and drinks began flowing through the Royal Palace courtyard.

During the festival, a part of the Royal Palace was opened to the public; in the Palace where theyve never walked in, the common people were looking around curiously.

Of course, the critical places were sealed off; knights and soldiers adorned in ceremonial weapons and armor were stationed around those places.

But, the knights ostentatious outfits were also very popular among the little children. The children, particularly young boys, were gazing at the imposing figures of the knights that they couldnt normally look at so closely with sparkling eyes.

Also, the knights who were getting these glances of admiration from the children responded a bit awkwardly to the childrens expectations by proudly puffing out their chests.

Among the crowd there were also some who were drunkards who, after trying to enter the prohibited areas, were being sent back by the knights; this too was also one of the customary practices of the New Years Festival.

Naturally, not just the Royal Palace, but all the streets of Levantes were filled with the festive spirit. The sounds of clanking wine gla.s.ses reverberated all over the streets, and musicians and acrobats competed over their skills.

In the marketplace, merchants had proudly displayed their wares and were busy calling out customers.

Just for this day, n.o.bles who normally didnt go out to the city to shop they normally made servants buy things for them or called merchants to their homes were also busy browsing the displayed wares mixed with the common people.

However, when the streets are engulfed in such an atmosphere, then naturally crimes such as pickpocketing or purse-s.n.a.t.c.hing would also increase.

Thus, among the people who were enjoying the festival, figures of soldiers in majestic armor and templars were scattered all over the city.

so this is the festival of this country

Tatsumi, who was walking around the city as a warrior priest, muttered as he looked at the joyous atmosphere of the people.

In a town overflowing with the stir of excited voices along with various music, it was easy to tell that everyone was really enjoying the festival.

It seems like the lively atmosphere of festivals was common everywhere. Even in a different dimension it didnt change. Tatsumi came to realize while patrolling the city.

At the same time, he kept a vigilant gaze on his surroundings.

Right now he was in the middle of maintaining the public order as a warrior priest. He couldnt afford to become absorbed in the festival atmosphere and overlook crimes.

However, it was still the height of the festival. Even Tatsumi couldnt hold back his excitement.

Then, over there.

but, Lord Giuseppe also asked for an unexpectedly unreasonable thing.

The one who said this in a disgruntled tone was Verse who was Tatsumis patrol partner. Naturally, he was also walking through the festive town in full warrior priest uniform.

So, did Tatsumi agree to Lord Giuseppes plan?

Well its more like I had no choice but to agree

As his former teacher, and now someone who already considers him family, if Giuseppe asked for something, as long as its nothing excessive, Tatsumi would not refuse.

It certainly wasnt something easy to agree to, but Giuseppes plan was also the road Tatsumi had to take.

That being the case, it would be good to take up this opportunity.

It certainly is an unreasonable request but I dont dislike the content itself

Hehe. So lovey-dovey.

Verse said teasingly. Of course, he didnt forget to nudge Tatsumi with his elbow.

T-Thats, what I said earlier

Yeah, I know. I wanted to go see the jousting tournament finals, but this seems more interesting. But how should I explain this to Nanau?

As I thought, should I not tell Nanau?

That would be better. She has a pretty loose mouth. Besides, information is information. Women can get excited and unintentionally blurt something out that is also possible.

Then, is it okay to not tell Miloulle as well?

Tatsumi drew the figures of the girls of the demon beast hunting group in his mind.

Hmm, what should we do? After all Im not that close with her. I can only say to leave it to Tatsumis judgement.

Verse and Miloulle had often met each other through Tatsumi, and also through Verses Lover Nanau, an employee at The Elfs Resthouse.

However, they werent acquainted to that extent.

But, is there a possibility that the story would leak from Miloulle to Nanau

Thats true, the female group would be excited over a story. If you consider the possibility of the information leaking out, it would be best not to let them know.

Tatsumi himself didnt think Miloulle was such a talkative person, but as Verse said information was information. Again, it would be better if only a few people knew the secret.

It cant be helped. I feel bad for Miloulle but Ill keep silent. Will she ask Jadokh to attend the a.s.sembly hall on that day?

Tatsumi decided apologizing to Miloulle in his heart.

After that as a precaution, perhaps it would be better to keep quiet in front of Neez and the other as well? Sargo has an unexpectedly hardened mouth, but Silo is really simple, isnt he?

Yeah, I also agree with that.

Tatsumi decided without hesitating over Miloulle.

A Relief Center had been established in the courtyard of each Church. During the New Year Festival, the Relief Center was one of the busiest departments.

There were those who carelessly lost themselves to the festive atmosphere and drank too much, those who broke into fistfights over trivial things, and those who got injured in the jousting match or the Gissh tournament.

In addition to the people suffering various injuries, even lost children were brought to the Relief Centers.

For the Priests accompanying these people, this place was like a battlefield.

In one corner of this battlefield, Calcedonia was administering healing energy to the injured.

Its alright, I understand. But dont the excuse that its a festival and start fighting like this again, okay?

The middle aged man who was brought to the Savaiv Churchs Relief Center after getting into a fistfight was smiling embarra.s.singly while he directly received treatment from the Holy Maiden.

weell, I might have gotten carried away in the moment. But, if I can receive treatment from the famous Holy Maiden then I dont care how many brawls I get into.

The man laughed. Calcedonia sighed and slightly increased the pressure of her treatment on the place of injury he had been beaten on his left cheek, so she was applying painkiller ointment.

Ouch!

Dont get carried away in moment.

Y, yeah. No, Holy Maiden is also pretty tough, huh. Well then, arent you disliked by that rumored fiance of yours?

The rumor that Holy Maiden Calcedonia had gotten engaged to a man from a foreign country with black hair and black eyes, had recently spread all over the Kingdom. It seemed like even this middle aged man had heard this rumor.

Dont worry. My husband and I are on very friendly terms.

Calcedonia smiled. The man, fascinated with that smiling face, muttered thoughtlessly.

No, Ill give up, huh. No way, when shes smitten to this extent.

The middle aged man said goodbye to Calcedonia and left the Relief Center.

Seeing him walk out steadily, Calcedonia made sure he wont have any problems and reached out to the next injured person.

An older female priest came approaching and called out to Calcedonia.

Lady Calcedonia, please take a break now. Ill subst.i.tute for you here.

Is that so? Then, I will take a break.

Calcedonia switched places with the older priest and returned to the Relief Centre waiting room.

Oh, Calsey. Youre on a break too?

Ah, Lady Calcedonia. Youve worked hard-

When Calcedonia entered the waiting room, the voice that called out came from a girl with fluffy chestnut colored hair and bluish gray eyes, and a female priest with ash blonde hair and brown eyes who looked to be a bit older than Calcedonia.

The chestnut haired girl was a Junior Priest; meanwhile, the ash blonde haired woman had the holy symbol hanging from her neck showing the status of Acolyte.

Kuri and Laraina? You guys are also on a break?

Having found familiar faces, Calcedonia approached the two with a smiling face.

Even if you say waiting room, this place was just a tent mounted in the corner of the Churchs courtyard. Therefore, even though its considerably wide, there werent a lot of chairs or tables.

Instead of a chair, Kuri and Laraina were sitting on a rug placed on the ground, so Calcedonia also sat down on the rug next to them.

In a familiar manner, Kuri got up and prepared a cup of tea, offering the warm and fragrant cup to Calcedonia.

But was it good, Lady Calcedonia? Lady Calcedonias s.h.i.+ft wasnt supposed to be today

We are truly grateful for your help. But, arent you going to see the festival with your rumored fiance?

Kuri and Laraina were one of the few friends Calcedonia had.

Particularly, Laraina was in the same year as Calcedonia; she came to care about Calcedonia, who didnt have many friends, like an older sister, and their relations.h.i.+p has been continuing since then.

On the other hand, Kuri was like Calcedonias subordinate, and in the past she had also been entrusted with sending a message to Tatsumi.

Im fine. Because my husband is working this afternoon, even if I stay alone at home, it cant be helped. Besides, after my husband gets off work, we plan to watch a little bit of the night festival and then return home together.

Calcedonia smiled happily. Laraina and Kuri spontaneously glanced at each other after seeing her smiling face.

Recently, Lady Calcedonia has changed, huh.

Thats true. Before, she never smiled naturally like this. But, I feel a bit bitter that she can speak so fondly. I never thought a day would come when Calsey would speak fondly of a loved one.

Both Laraina and Kuri had talked to Tatsumi before but they werent that close to him.

However, they were well aware of Calcedonias feelings, and they also knew that Calcedonia really cherished her fiance, Tatsumi.

Especially, even when Laraina was cracking jokes her expression would be gentle. Because she knew this, Calcedonia would also not take her words to heart.

Ufufu. I heard the same thing from those who were injured earlier.

Ah, is that so.

Laraina shrugged at her amazement.

If youre that in love, why not get married quickly without being hindered by engagement?

Huh? Marriage?

Without thinking, the fantasy of being married to Tatsumi floated in her head, and Calcedonia immediately turned bright red.

Youve already lived together for one year now, why are you being shy now?

Looking at the blus.h.i.+ng Calcedonia, Laraina sighed instinctively.

B-Because!! O-Once again, getting marriedt-that is

Then, you dont want to officially get married to that fiance?

W-Want to get married!! Geez, thats enough!!

Calcedonia replied immediately with her fists clenched and her face blus.h.i.+ng bright red.