Ch.100Highlight (2)

Usually, festivals begin during the day and end in the evening when the sun sets, but occasionally, in special cases, they continue through the night until dawn.

Typically, festivals with special significance, like Foundation Day celebrations, tend to last longer and are considerably larger in scale compared to other festivals.

And festivals that continue into the night have a major difference from others—they become more vibrant as the night deepens.

During the day, the brightness makes it difficult to focus on one place, but night is the opposite. The surrounding darkness makes it easier to concentrate on areas illuminated by lanterns.

The increased vibrancy is somewhat of an illusion. Most people sleep at night to conclude their exhausting day.

For this, they need not only a comfortable shelter but also the quietness to sink into rest. That’s why the notion that “night is quiet” is fundamentally ingrained in people’s minds.

But what if a festival continues during such nights? What if, instead of being quiet, it’s noisy? What if performances more intense and entertaining than those during the day unfold?

People are too busy enjoying the festival without sleeping, making it feel even more bustling. The darkness is simply illuminated with light, so there’s no problem focusing on the festival.

Thus, the true essence of large-scale festivals is revealed only in the evening, and the highlight performances begin at night.

“No matter how I look at it, it seems more crowded than during the day. We might easily get lost if we’re not careful.”

“I know. I was surprised during the day too, but it’s the first time I’ve seen our territory this lively.”

“…”

At the entrance to the village where the full-scale festival had begun, Dave and Nicole exchanged words one by one as they observed the village scenery, which was not just bustling but packed with people.

“Father, how do you feel?”

“Hmm… just feels like more work to me…”

“Come on. If you’re happy, just say so.”

Our parents, who had just come outside after working until now, showed different reactions to the territory’s liveliness. Father had a somewhat dazed expression, while Mother wore a smile that conveyed genuine happiness.

I was also surprised to see the village filled with tourists, but now I was preoccupied with other thoughts. Naturally, it was because of Cecilly, who had briefly entered my bedroom before dinner and made a shocking statement before leaving.

Cecilly had asked if love between humans and elves could truly be realized, and I had answered that depending on the choice, it could lead to regret or longing.

But until then, I hadn’t noticed. She wasn’t asking about the relationship between elves and humans, but about love between long-lived and short-lived species.

Afterward, she left me confused with various meaningful remarks. Even someone as oblivious as me could guess what she meant by saying the bed was wide and such.

‘…Could it really be?’

I sorted through my tangled thoughts one by one. Although Cecilly often played mischievous pranks, I had a strong feeling that this time it wasn’t a joke.

As her evil cycle approaches, she’s becoming more faithful to her desires, and consequently, she’s expressing her desires more directly.

So what she said to me is likely close to the truth, which is utterly perplexing for me.

She must have clearly seen with her own eyes what kind of relationship Marie and I have, so I can’t understand why she left such words. I’m a bit afraid she might really ignore Marie and do something rash.

Even if it comes to that, I plan to firmly refuse. Marie and I haven’t even progressed that far yet, so doing anything with Cecilly would be nonsensical.

I can assert that such a thing will absolutely never happen unless Cecilly pounces on me, or I fail to control my own sexual desires and covet her.

“Issac.”

“…”

“Issac?”

“…Yes?”

“What are you thinking about that’s making your expression so stiff?”

While I was lost in thought, Mother called me. I emerged from my contemplation and turned my head at her words.

Mother was looking at me with a worried expression. Her purple eyes were dripping with concern for her child.

I stared blankly at her eyes for a moment before eventually letting out a bitter smile. Despite being with my family, I was lost in other thoughts—I’m truly a disappointing son.

“I’m sorry. I was a bit surprised because it seems even more crowded than what I saw this morning.”

“Is that so? Well, even this mother was startled, so how much more for you? How do you feel about it?”

“My feelings?”

“Yes. All of this is thanks to you, after all.”

At Mother’s kind words, I turned my head to look around at the village scenery. I think I was asked a similar question during the day, but as evening fell, it gave me a fresh perspective.

“Well… it’s peculiar. I should work hard on writing books from now on.”

“Hoho. So, are you thinking of resuming your serialization?”

“Hmm…”

I pondered as I scanned the festival-busy village one by one. Since I’m already registered as a recommended student by Professor Elena, I essentially just need to focus on history studies from the second year onwards.

This means I’ll have plenty of free time after the second semester ends, so there wouldn’t be a major issue if I started serializing then. I suspended my serialization not only to focus on academics but also because I was too short on time.

Moreover, facing a festival dedicated to the Biography of Xenon that I wrote with my own eyes, I couldn’t help but feel ambitious. Especially since a splendid character from the elven side was set to appear, my desire to write grew vigorously.

‘I wonder what reaction I’d get if I announced I was resuming serialization after being moved by the festival?’

Everyone here would probably cheer. Just imagining it sends thrilling shivers down my spine.

My heart wavered slightly as I personally felt the popularity I had never experienced in my previous life.

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Really?”

“Really?”

“Truly?”

When I answered like that, not just Mother but the rest of the family also asked me in surprise. I was considerably taken aback and scanned each family member’s expression one by one.

Every one of them was staring directly at me with wide-open eyes. Each different pair of eyes contained expectation and aspiration.

Even Father, though he didn’t show it outwardly, had an expression that subtly indicated he was looking forward to it.

“W-well, I’m just considering it. I haven’t made a decision yet.”

“So you might solidify your thoughts after watching the performance?”

Why are your thoughts going in that direction, Mother?

Mother clasped her hands together and her eyes sparkled as if she was truly looking forward to it. She seems quite eager to read the Biography of Xenon.

To that, I couldn’t give a definite answer and just rolled my eyes. I’m not sure how excellent the performance will be at this point, but I wonder if it can meet my expectations, having experienced the splendid culture of my previous life.

‘Still, they said it’s the best orchestra and theater troupe, so I can expect something decent.’

Moreover, I heard both groups have a bit of an eccentric streak. Especially the Matrix Theater Troupe is rumored to be unparalleled in their direction.

I silently watched Dave, who had started to indulge with the salary he received from the military, and then shifted my gaze elsewhere.

“Oh?”

Suddenly, a few people caught my eye. Although they were far away, their golden hair and gorgeous appearance stood out even more in the dark night. Lastly, their neat attire tailored to their individual styles.

It was the siblings Leort and Rina. They weren’t visible in the morning, but it seems they joined the festival in the evening.

Along with their appearance, a subtle noble aura emanated from them, making it feel as if their space was separate from the rest. In fact, it wasn’t just a figurative expression since they had guard knights accompanying them.

‘But they look very tired.’

Rina, whom I met last time, looked exhausted, but today it seems worse. It’s noticeable even from a distance.

Although she tried to cover it with makeup, she couldn’t hide her melancholic expression.

‘I’ll meet them during the performance.’

They seem busy looking at the exhibits right now, so I shouldn’t intrude. Not that I would ever approach them first anyway.

Anyway, as we enjoyed ourselves like this, the highlight of the festival—the performance—approached. Even Dave, who had been enjoying himself like a rogue, was caught by Father.

Eventually, our family, along with many others, arrived at the performance venue, but it wasn’t the small stage set up in the central square of the village. It was a truly eco-friendly stage that used the entire vast plain as a single stage, temporarily constructed.

There wasn’t enough time to build a structure, but the performers seemed pleased nonetheless. Perhaps they liked the spaciousness of the stage.

I remembered what Lirus, the conductor of the Lirus Orchestra, had hinted to me. They would collaborate with the Matrix Theater Troupe to present a fantastic stage.

I wonder if they can satisfy my expectations, which have been heightened by the culture of my previous life. I’m secretly looking forward to it.

“Issac!”

“Marie?”

While waiting in the central VIP seating area, Marie suddenly appeared. Seeing her alone without her family, it seems she spotted me while sitting elsewhere.

As Marie approached, the attention of my family members sitting on either side of me turned to her. She didn’t seem flustered by the collective gaze and greeted them politely with a beautiful smile.

“Hello. Nice to see you again.”

“Yes. Did you enjoy the festival enough?”

“It was as fun as the Foundation Day festival. There was so much to see.”

“That’s good. Where’s your family?”

“They’re sitting over there.”

Marie pointed to the area just below as she answered. When I turned my head in that direction, her family was indeed sitting in a row.

The VIP, or noble-exclusive, viewing area was designed at a height of two stories to provide a clearer view of the stage. It was a decision to at least create viewing stands if they couldn’t construct a building.

This means the vast plain is surrounded by viewing stands, making it a unique stage. I’m not sure how they’ll handle it after the festival ends, but it’s not something I can influence, so I didn’t worry about it.

“I’m really sorry, but can I take Issac with me? I’d like to watch together…”

“Of course. Issac?”

“Yes.”

In response to Marie’s plea, which could be interpreted as desperate, Mother gave her approval instead of me. I also wanted to sit with Marie, so I stood up without protest.

As I rose from my seat, I noticed Marie’s expression brighten considerably. I blinked as I looked at Marie, whose blue eyes were twinkling.

Hmm… even in the dark night, Marie is cute. This is an undeniable fact. It’s not because she’s my girlfriend; Marie is always beautiful.

“I’m jealous. I want to sit with my girlfriend too.”

“What are you saying when you don’t even have a girlfriend?”

“You don’t have a boyfriend either.”

“I choose not to have one, not that I can’t get one.”

“I didn’t say anything about that?”

Leaving the bickering siblings behind, I was led by Marie’s hand to the seat she had reserved.

It was at a higher position than where I was sitting before, providing a much better view of the stage. She had found such a good spot.

“Hehe.”

“…”

As soon as Marie sat down, she wrapped her arms around mine and started nuzzling her face against it. In response to her cat-like grooming behavior, I gently stroked her head with a soft smile.

She also made purring sounds and clung even closer as I caressed her head. I feel sorry for even thinking about another woman when I have such an affectionate and lovable girlfriend.

“You two look good together.”

“?!”

While we were displaying our affection, a familiar voice penetrated my ears from behind. It was a sultry voice that somehow seemed to contain a hint of dissatisfaction.

We both turned around in surprise. We had deliberately sat in an empty viewing area, so we couldn’t imagine anyone else being there.

And when we turned around, Cecilly was watching us with a bright smile, having arrived without our notice. This situation feels somewhat familiar.

“Oop.”

While we were still flustered, Cecilly moved to the seat next to me. Her actions were so natural that Marie and I couldn’t say anything.

Regardless, Cecilly subtly wrapped her arms around mine and whispered to me in a seductive voice.

“After the performance… you know?”

“…”

“You can look forward to it.”

I doubt I’ll be able to concentrate on the performance.