After much discussion, we decided that on the first day, Mother and Mint would go, while Karen and I would attend on the second. Chocola, as an exception, would participate for the entire duration.
「You’re everyone’s guardian, aren’t you?」
「Bark!」
Mother and the others planned to meet up with Grandma Seralinde and spend the day together. With Mine Ork-chan and Ji Ness-kun also joining, the group had grown quite large. While no serious dangers were expected, petty theft could still happen in a bustling festival, so I reminded them to stay cautious.
The next morning, we saw off Mother, Mint, and the rest as they mounted Ji Liz’s back. Left behind, Karen and I spent a relaxed day at the ranch with Pochi. We spread a mat on the grass, read books, played catch, and petted Pochi when he came over for attention. For lunch, we made rice balls and ate them outside.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, everyone returned.
Mint, drowsily nodding off in Mother’s arms.
Mother, looking content as she cradled Mint, along with a sneaky extra—a box of wine she’d brought back.
Chocola, showing no sign of exhaustion whatsoever.
And Mine Ork-chan and Ji Ness-kun, curled up and fast asleep on Ji Liz’s back.
「They were awake until just a little while ago, you know? They were so excited to tell Sui-kun and Karen about their day.」
「I see. Did you enjoy yourself, too, Mother?」
「Oh, of course.」
Next year, I’d like to go with you all as well—Mother mused wistfully, already looking ahead to the following year as she concluded the day.
※※※
The second day.
The next morning, we were sent off by Mother, Mint, and Pochi as Karen, Chocola, and I boarded Mine Ah-san’s back. Naturally, we brought plenty of meat as a gift.
「I’ll stay here and take in the view of the town. Go enjoy yourselves.」
Dropping us off at the usual meadow, Mine Ah-san wagged her tail playfully at the children watching from a distance, squinting her eyes in a motherly expression.
The town erupted into excitement over the arrival of a dragon different from the usual one. Eventually, a brave little boy approached hesitantly and asked, 「Miss Dragon, are you friends with the usual uncle dragon?」
Mine Ah-san smiled warmly and replied, 「I’m his wife, you see.」
A chorus of amazed cheers rose, and soon other children ran up to her. Perhaps her gentle, maternal smile broke through their initial fear despite the differences in species.
And so it goes—
「Alright, first stop is the Adventurers’ Guild. We should drop off the meat before it thaws.」
「Hmm.」
「Bark!」
And with that, our day of enjoying the Snowmelt Festival began.
※※※
「Hey, sorry to trouble you two again today. That deep-section meat you brought yesterday was a huge hit. Not just for the taste or rarity, but because you’re the ones who delivered it. Folks are even saying it’s got some kind of blessing tied to it.」
As we arrived at the Adventurers’ Guild, Cliche-san greeted us with a sly grin.
「Here’s today’s lot. The labels on the packages indicate the type of meat and the cut. You’ll handle the rest, right?」
「Yeah. We’ll prep it and sell it. Of course, it’ll be in our signature consommé stew.」
「You’re using it as advertisement, huh? Clever as ever. Just make sure it’s priced so everyone can afford it, okay?」
「Heavenly Bell-dono told me the same thing.」
「That’s because I asked her to remind you. Better safe than sorry.」
「I should’ve known it was your doing. Can’t outwit you, huh…」
Cliche-san scratched his head roughly but seemed to be enjoying himself.
「By the way, the whole town’s in full swing. What a party.」
Even on the way here from the meadow, the festive atmosphere was palpable.
The decorations weren’t as extravagant as I’d imagined, likely because this was Sidera—a place that valued practicality. Less effort for setup and cleanup, especially if it wasn’t something useful like food, seemed to be their philosophy. Still, the festival wasn’t entirely without charm. Stalls were adorned with ribbons, girls were handing out flowers, and the air buzzed with a festive energy distinct from the norm.
When it came to food and drink, though, they didn’t hold back. Not only the main street but also side alleys were lined with temporary stalls, as if determined to empty their reserves. Food and drinks of all kinds were on sale, with the prices marked down for the occasion. On our way here, we’d nearly stopped several times, tempted by the vendors’ enthusiastic calls.
「Oh, and Sui, steer clear of the taverns. Our guild’s idiots are all drunk out of their minds. If they see you, they’ll never let you leave.」
「Understood. I’ll avoid them.」
The adventurers weren’t bad people, not at all. In fact, they were kind and welcoming. But for today, it was best to keep our distance. I was grateful for their friendliness, but there were limits to what we could handle in one day.
「You’re busy so hang in there, okay?」
「You’re the only one who says that. Everyone else just takes it for granted that I’m running around like a madman. I can’t even have a drink until this festival’s over.」
Though he sounded exasperated, the satisfaction on Cliche-san’s face was evident.
He was likely happy—grateful for having made it through winter, for the arrival of spring, and for seeing the townspeople laughing and enjoying themselves.
「Bark! Bark, bark!」
「Heh, can’t wait any longer, huh? Alright, Cliche-san, we’ll leave you to it.」
「Yeah, have fun out there.」
After giving Chocola a pat and bowing in thanks to Cliche-san, I folded up the now-empty backpack and tied it around my waist.
Turning to Karen, I extended my hand.
「Shall we?」
「Hmm.」
Karen nodded happily and clasped my hand in return, swinging it back and forth more enthusiastically than usual.
Hand in hand, we stepped into the lively chaos of the festival, the vibrant sounds and sights of the bustling streets enveloping us.
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