Founding Festival. Present day.
It’s been about 2 weeks since I started sword dancing with Soldio-san and the others.
Although Soldio-san found no ‘issues with my sword’, he found my experience in magic ‘lacking’. As such, my training revolved around casting my magic and using it while moving.
The training method he taught me involved casting spells with a priority on speed rather than power or casting spells at regular intervals. Naturally, it wasn’t possible for me to learn everything in such a short period of time, but my ability to focus and move while invoking magic has clearly improved.
Having someone to guide you really helps in making progress.
I also used the firewood throwing test we did that day as a reference for my morning training. But instead of firewood, I’m having the iron slimes and metal slimes charge at me from every direction.
Having lumps of metal throw themselves at you from every direction makes for pretty good practice as far as dodging and parrying goes. Those two variants’ hardness and my own body strengthened by ki. It would be extremely dangerous if not for those two properties, but so far there hasn’t been any problems, so that’s that.
To the slimes, it’s a way for them to train their attacks. Just yesterday I saw one slime taking care of a cave mantis. There have been many incidents in the past, where they accidentally defeated an intruder, but now, they have officially recognized crashing into their enemies as a form of attack.
With that the defensive strength of the abandoned mines will also go up. Continuing the training looks like a good idea.
The guild prioritized the safety of the highway, so they were able to prevent any damages to the town or any negative effects on the circulation of goods from the tunnel ants that appeared in the plains. Although they managed to scare the town people a little, they were successfully dealt with via a combination of human wave tactics and the power of monster beasts. Thanks to that, tourists poured into town and the atmosphere of a spectacular festival filled the air.
It was on the morning of such a day.
Everyone in the store gathered with faces full of spirit.
“Good morning!” [Ryouma]
“Ryoumkun, good morning. What do you think of the place? Hey! Get me one breakfast here!” [Pauline]
“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
I was given a hot dog, so I happily accepted. It would serve both as breakfast and a way for me to do some final checks before opening the stalls.
“Ryoumkun, why don’t you take a seat?” [Zeke]
“Thanks.” [Ryouma]
Zeke-san the butcher offered me a seat, which I accepted.
“Sure. Still, this place sure has changed a lot.” [Zeke]
Indeed. At first, this was merely an empty lot, but now all sorts of structures have been put up on it.
There’s an entrance facing toward the street, and at the very center of the once empty lot was now the stage of the Semroid Troupe. There was apparently someone in the troupe with such abilities. That person got materials from who knows where and suddenly built up the whole stage.
I was busy with the tunnel ants, so I don’t know for sure, but I think they completed the stage in just 1 or 2 days.
Before the stage were chairs and tables. There’s plenty of gap between them, so it might appear disorderly, but these chairs and tables were actually arranged by Prenence-san to optimize viewing area and moving space. In this way, the audience shouldn’t have a hard time moving around or seeing the stage.
With stalls that serve food and drinks on the left side facing the stage and stalls of the Morgan Company on the right side, the place gave a feeling that resembled that of a food court in a department store.
There was also space provided behind the stalls on both sides. In the Morgan Company’s case, they used that space for their storehouse. On our side, the space is divided by a hanging banner and a stone wall since we’re using the space both to transport ready-made goods and as the stage wing of the Semroid Troupe.
Public toilets were also installed separately in a corner so that guests and customers will be able to use them as they pleased. Of course, we’re making the most of the slimes and the store’s products.
In any case, we were able to complete all our preparation.
“All that’s left now is to wait for the festival to begin.” [Ryouma]
The Founding Festival will begin at 8AM.
Some hasty stalls have already started accepting customers at the main street, but our stalls will wait until the festival has officially begun.
On the first day, the people in charge of the store will be Zeke-san, Pauline-san, and the employees and wives of their meat store’s employees. Me and my staff won’t be working till tomorrow.
“Shall we start soon?” [Zeke]
“Sure.” [Ryouma]
I feel like time goes faster when talking.
In order to make it in time for the opening of the stalls, I quickly finished my food and cleaned up.
“I’ll be going then. I wish you all luck. I’ll come back in the afternoon.” [Ryouma]
“Just leave it to us!” [Zeke]
“You have fun too, Ryoumkun.” [Pauline]
Since I’m not a customer, I’ll just get in the way of those who are working. My visit here was really just meant as a greeting before the store opened. Now that the festival is starting, it’s time to leave.
The rough voices of men and women fell on my back as I left.
A few minutes while walking idly on the street. The bells of the church started ringing.
“Ah, it started.”
Although the festival had already half-started, it was another thing when a signal was officially given.
The enthusiasm of the people reached another level and the clamor grew rowdier.
It was as if all that pent up energy was now about to burst out.
The town looked dazzling with all the colorful cloths and flowers decorated along the street.
Now then, where should I go?
I’ve already eaten, so I think I’ll check the food-related places later.