Ch.4114. What is a Festival?

As time passed after our departure, the sun rose and began to emit its full heat.

The surrounding landscape gradually changed as we entered the paved road. Luke and Kariel found themselves riding side by side.

“Ten years ago, no, even five years ago, a sight like this would have been unimaginable.”

Luke was the main speaker. With his helmet tucked under his arm and a relaxed smile, there was a hint of pride visible in his expression.

As they climbed the hill and reached the top, a vast plain opened up before them. Like a painting, endless waves of purple stretched as far as the eye could see.

The fragrant scent of flowers drifted pleasantly on the breeze. The road was wide enough for several carriages to travel side by side, and on both sides of this well-paved path, the purple waves created a magnificent spectacle.

Expanding their view further, they could see various buildings and structures in the distance. Some people were faintly visible, sitting and painting the scenery, while beyond the purple waves, dozens of sheep frolicked freely in the outer fields.

Under the open sky, the vast violet waves emitted vivid colors, strikingly prominent in the warm sulfur-colored sunlight.

Despite being quite far away, the intense fragrance was intoxicating—it was a field densely packed with lavender. This was a landscape Kariel had briefly heard about during regional studies at the academy. He had wondered if seeing it in person would make any difference.

It did indeed.

…Though it was difficult to put into words.

This was the Imperial Territory of Berkhart, which had long been under direct imperial rule. From here, seemingly close yet in some ways distant, was a place that had once been an unguarded border when the empire was not yet an empire, without even a drawn line. And now, it was the Videnberg Margraviate, a protective barrier of the empire and home to one of the few branch families of the Enzul house.

This place, the Baronens Barony, was part of that territory. Once surrounded by infamy for turning away Saint Kariel, the Baronens family had steadily demonstrated their dedication to the church and the people under the pretext of atonement. Now, 300 years later, the Baronens family was recognized as the rightful rulers of this region.

Avoiding central politics and remaining fiercely loyal to Margrave Videnberg despite their proximity to the Imperial Territory, they never turned their gaze outward. They were the very model of faithful knight-nobles.

This was proven without fail during the Demon King’s invasion.

“The damage from the Demon King’s invasion was certainly great, but the war is over now. Since then, the most important thing has been internal affairs—restoring the devastated territory and making it livable again.”

However, if a knight were also good at internal affairs, they would be the perfect worker. At least the current Baron Baronens had some shortcomings in that area.

“Fortunately, my brother had talent in these matters.”

Even during the war, he had shown some aptitude for supply management and internal administration… at least better than the baron. But lacking aptitude as a knight, he had been neglected since childhood. Especially for the current baron, who had served as the head of the Baronens family that considered it both an honor and duty to protect Saint Kariel’s name, and who had distinguished himself in the war, such incompetence might have been unacceptable.

“Still, it was a peaceful time. There are different approaches for different situations.”

As they descended the hill and entered a path flanked by endless lavender fields, the scent became so concentrated it was almost like having pure perfume poured over them—strong enough to cause a headache. Still, it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.

However…

“There are so many bees.”

“Those little ones are all our comrades.”

It had been less than a few years since Baronens became famous throughout the empire for its honey distribution. Hadn’t some foreign merchants made fortunes by securing distribution rights for Baronens lavender honey?

“This year, there’s been a lot of rain, so the harvest has been delayed. As a result, it’s coinciding with Saint Kariel’s feast day, making it an especially busy time.”

What had appeared faint from above was now clear up close—surprisingly many people were busy harvesting among the lavender fields. If the buzzing of bees was audible even from the paved road, Kariel wondered with slight concern how deafening it must be near the lavender fields.

“Don’t the bees sting?”

“Just as we’re intoxicated by the flower’s fragrance, those little ones are too busy with the scent to notice us. As long as we don’t disturb or provoke them, we each go our own way and do our own thing.”

This attitude of harmonious acceptance, even with mere insects, avoiding conflict—was it a sign of compassion? Or perhaps leisure? Or was it strange to be so absorbed in such thoughts?

Kariel was lost in contemplation. Luke, who had been quietly observing him, asked after some time had passed:

“What do you think? Does it inspire any poetry or music? I’ve often heard that artists find inspiration here.”

“I’m not a minstrel, so not really…”

“Well, who says only minstrels can sing songs, recite poetry, or play instruments? You do it if you want to, and if not, you don’t.”

“……”

It was truly a thought-provoking statement. Though seemingly simple, it resonated deeply with Kariel.

He hadn’t realized there was a thorn in his heart until coming here, seeing and hearing all this, making him understand more clearly. The pain he had accepted as normal, something to be endured—perhaps it wasn’t so normal after all?

The smile of a girl picking flowers while sweating. The sunlight shining down on her. Everything was brilliant, bright, and sunny.

Rather than flinching in fear at the sight of flying bees, she smiled gently, playfully blowing at them—a carefree attitude that Kariel had never seen or imagined in his lifetime.

Such simple happiness, contentment, and leisure overflowed all around him.

After passing through the lavender fields and several small villages, they finally saw it—a small city without defensive walls, outer fortifications, or inner walls, just a church perched prominently on a densely forested hill.

This was the inner courtyard of the Baronens Barony—Kariella had finally come into view.

The sun still had some time before setting. Though visible, they hadn’t quite arrived yet.

Nevertheless…

“We’re here.”

Indeed, all hearts seem to feel the same. Beside him, Luke let out what might have been a sigh of relief.

“Come on! Let’s hurry! Pick up the pace! We’re home! I’ll have the entire tavern cleared out for us tonight! Let’s ride until we drop!”

Naturally, the soldiers’ cheers echoed like battlefield cries.

“Yeaaah!!”

…The fact that the Saint was among them, arm in arm with the soldiers and rejoicing—well, Kariel wondered if he should pretend not to have seen that.

====

As soon as they arrived, Luke headed to the lord’s manor to report, sending the rest of the group straight to the tavern. As a result…

“Listen to this! A ferocious wolf-beast with bloodshot eyes was charging at us! And there was this trembling young man, when young Ruel grabbed him by the scruff of his neck! And calmly dealt with the beast! And that’s not all! He stepped on the knee of a bear-like monster, climbed onto its shoulder, mounted its head, and just—swish!”

As the young man stood on a round table, waving his cup while telling the story, the soldiers responded with cheers of “Ohhh!”

Not just the soldiers. The villagers who had joined them also began staring intently at the black-haired boy sitting awkwardly in the corner, sipping from a wooden cup.

“Was he really that impressive?”

At the question from a middle-aged man with a thick beard, the young soldier insisted:

“If Sir Luke had arrived any later, we would have had multiple casualties, I tell you!”

Having arrived in the village ahead of the others to deliver news as ordered by Luke, he had been caught in the chaos and nearly met with disaster. He clearly understood that this was one of the few ways he could repay Kariel.

“If that’s what he says…”

“……”

It was embarrassing to receive such praise for something that wasn’t really that remarkable.

It had been exactly five days since leaving the Imperial Territory. Accounting for rest stops for the horses, they had traveled for three days, reducing sleep to make progress. Whenever he did manage to doze off, he had nightmares, and suffered from headaches and full-body pain like seizures, so he hadn’t really slept properly anyway.

But the most serious issue was the anxiety—the constant fear of being chased and captured at any moment.

On one hand, there was a vague belief that Elhermina would somehow manage the situation. On the other, there was the anxiety that she might ignore even that and try to find him by any means.

‘If they were truly determined to capture me as a criminal…’

I wouldn’t have made it this far.

But he still didn’t know for certain. Not yet.

“Why aren’t you drinking this good stuff?”

Before him, the woman called the Saint was pouring golden liquid into a large cup. And gulping it down greedily.

Without her armor, she looked exactly as she had when he’d seen her wake up that morning.

“Ahhh!”

…Could it really be that good?

“One drink before bed and it’s the best thing ever.”

Suddenly, a man from the next table joined in with a flushed face.

“Young lady, have you never experienced a hangover? Are you immune to that? You’re fearless! Is it because of your build? More manly than a man! Your face is kind of pretty, but also not? Ah, I know! Should I say you’re handsome instead?”

“I’m human too, so of course I get hangovers. And isn’t calling a woman ‘manly’ an insult? I often hear I’m handsome, but that’s an insult too! Saying my arms are thin but my legs are thick! Or why my abs are so firm! And yet why my chest is so motherly! Huh?!”

“But why are you drinking so recklessly? Did something good happen?”

“Are you afraid of hangovers, so you don’t enjoy this good drink? Or does your wife make you pray at church instead? Something good? Yes, there is! Right, Ruel?”

“Oh my! When you put it that way, this old man has nothing to say! Ruel? What’s that? You there, dark one?”

Laughter erupted among the drunkards.

“……”

Kariel watched the scene, just sipping water. She offered her cup suggestively.

“Just one drink! How about just one?”

“I don’t like losing my edge.”

“Ah, so stiff! Just like a knight candidate! So that’s why you came all the way to Kariella right in time for the feast day?”

…That wasn’t it. He had planned to come here, but he hadn’t known it would be right before the feast day. The village was already bustling with festival preparations.

…Originally it wasn’t a festival, but over time it had naturally evolved into Kariella’s unique celebration that combined the feast day with a festival?

“By the way, did I mention I was a knight candidate?”

“You handle a sword like a master and rush to help the weak without thinking of personal gain. For someone with your skills, it might have been just lending a hand without much risk to yourself… but for people who have nothing, even that small help can be life-saving. Not everyone can show such loyalty, refusing rewards and acting like it’s the natural thing to do.”

“Is that so?”

He had helped because he was asked to help. It was just good luck.

On the other hand, he had been suspicious too. Wondering if it might be a trap, pretending to need help to lure him in.

…He had considered all possibilities.

In truth, either way would have been fine. If help was needed, he would provide it; if it was a deception, he would deal with it.

“The sun is still up, but you look exhausted already?”

“……”

“Having trouble sleeping?”

“Perhaps it’s because I’m not used to it.”

He brushed it off vaguely.

“Then, how about sleeping with this big sister? I could teach you how to sleep peacefully.”

With a flushed face, yet with a strangely heated gaze, she—Alesia—put down her cup and leaned in slightly with that suggestion.

“How to sleep peacefully?”

Is there such a thing? Kariel pondered for a moment.