episode_0201

A Festival That Might Be the Last

The culture of Proserpina. It was a peaceful and beautiful culture to the extent that I was sure experiencing it would be a great opportunity for us humans. In the Dicalam, a reunion feast held by elves when a cherished one returned, one could experience all of Proserpina’s culture, making it an especially good opportunity, and thanks to it, I realized many things. In particular, this nature-friendly culture was so remarkable that it should never be underestimated, and it made me believe that elves had been able to maintain their strength until now. The fruits and crops cultivated by the elves were all very beneficial for health, and these benefits also applied to humans.

“Mmm…! This food is truly delicious. You’re saying this is made without any added seasoning, right? And it’s good for your health too.”

“That’s right, Black Saint-nim. Would you like me to share a little secret? I can guarantee that about half of the day’s accumulated fatigue can be resolved with this food! Of course, that’s if you use our Proserpina ingredients… But even if you make something similar outside, it will be very beneficial for your health.”

“That would be great…! Especially if I can make healthy food for Zeke-nim. So what ingredients exactly do you use to get such flavor without seasoning?”

The food here was truly unique. Being far from the sea, I’d assumed there was no salt, so all the flavors would surely be sweet or bland… but I was mistaken. Contrary to my expectations, Proserpina’s food, somehow, could also achieve an appropriate salty taste. Perhaps because of that, I definitely felt a sense of well-being. Drinking the soup, I started with a warm feeling in my throat, then a satisfying fullness in my stomach, and finally, a clear sensation in my head. Could it be the power of Proserpina’s crops and fruits?

While with Aria, I was recording information about Proserpina’s food, having come to some kind of soup stall—no, an event booth—and I seriously wondered about the soup in front of me. What magic had they performed to get such a perfectly salty taste from that soup? It wasn’t even overly salty, which made me even more curious…

“Zeke-nim! This person told me how they make the flavor! With just this, you can make it salty even when you run out of salt!”

“Wh-What?! What in the world is that… Huh?”

The moment I was wondering about the secret to the flavor, Aria showed me a bottle containing some dried berries, claiming that with just those, she could produce a salty taste, which left me bewildered. What are these dried berries? They’re dark red, so were they originally red? No… more importantly, I’ve never seen berries like this before… As I stared, puzzled by the unfamiliar berries, the elf who was simmering the soup smiled and said:

“Those are Darcheman berries, which only grow here. They have a mysterious ability to convert moisture absorbed from the ground into a salty flavor. That’s why if you chew them whole, they’re too salty to eat. But if you cut them into small pieces and dry them like this, they produce a moderate salty taste, so all elves love to use them. Plus, they’re a healthy food, so they don’t put any strain on your body!!”

“Uh… but isn’t that also a type of seasoning? Since it’s used to create flavor…”

“Ah, no, it’s not. The soup you just had… it was flavored only with that. So, it is originally the main ingredient of the soup. It’s just that by using it in different ways, it came to be used like a seasoning.”

When the elf simmering the soup showed the soup in the wooden pot and explained that they hadn’t added anything other than Darcheman, I immediately understood. So that’s why they said it wasn’t a seasoning. An ingredient that is, yet isn’t, a seasoning… that’s quite innovative. I suppose it must have other flavors besides salty, which is why it became the main ingredient of the soup? But wait… a wooden pot…?

“But can you really make and use pots out of wood? Usually, they’re made from stone or metal…”

“Ah, you mean this pot? The main material of this pot is wood that has fire-resistant properties, and the aroma from this wood actually enhances the quality of the food. If you go straight to the right, they’ll be distributing these pots there.”

“Hmm… It’s about time we replaced the pots we’ve been using, isn’t it, Zeke-nim? So it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go get a pot there. The food I make for Zeke-nim might even taste better.”

“Alright. Let’s go take a look.”

When Aria said that the pots we were currently using were in such bad condition that they needed replacing and suggested we go exchange them, I agreed and stood up. Even while doing so, I didn’t stop writing in my journal. One might think Aria would be upset with me for this… but right now, I was in a somewhat complicated posture: writing with my right hand while Aria held the journal steady with her hands, and holding Aria’s hand with my left. Ugh… Writing like this feels a bit awkward… But if it means Aria won’t complain, then I have no choice.

Proserpina’s trees are truly special. To the point where one might think trees adorn everything in Proserpina. Some trees are fire-resistant, used for pots and cooking utensils, while others, when pulled apart, resemble threads and are used for fabric. Furthermore, seeing how some trees are so hard they can be made into various weapons, it’s easy to understand why elves are called the People of the Forest. They possess countless trees, and thanks to those trees, they have developed their culture no less than us. It’s to the extent that they could effortlessly construct a boat they’d never seen before.

“Let’s see… pots, special seasonings… even scented candles and utensils… I thought they wouldn’t last long since they’re made of wood, but Proserpina’s trees are truly special compared to the ones we use, lasting over a year, up to 30 years… I’m surprised; I’ve never heard of such trees before.”

“Me neither. Even the Church didn’t know such trees existed, so this is my first time learning about them. Trees are as strong as metal…”

As I expressed my amazement at never imagining such incredible trees existed, Aria also agreed, saying she was greatly surprised as she had never learned about them from the Church either. To think there are so many types of trees with such great properties… Even if we consider that elves cultivate trees just as we cultivate vegetables, these trees have benefits in so many areas… Elves could live without any problems just by cultivating trees, so they didn’t really need to venture outside Proserpina. Of course, their hostility and hatred towards humans also played a part… Just as we were marveling at Proserpina’s trees, some elves suddenly appeared and placed flower crowns on our heads, saying:

“It’s not just the trees! The flowers are also incredibly beautiful, you know?”

“Woah?! A… flower crown? When did they prepare these…?”

“When there’s a festival, we usually prepare these, Zeke-nim. By the way, you two really suit each other! When we elves wear flower crowns, it’s either when we’re enjoying a festival or when we’re getting married~.”

“….?! M-Marriage?! Then that means…. Hehehehehe…”

When the elves said they wore flower crowns either during festivals or weddings and commented that we suited each other, Aria flinched, then beamed at me. Ugh… I knew someone would put ideas into Aria’s head again… Lately, every time someone puts ideas into Aria’s head, I get an ominous feeling. That’s because Aria has been hugging me so strongly that she almost crushes my waist… quite often lately…

“By the way, where are you two going now?”

“Hmm… For now, we’re still going to look around. I want to visit all the event booths. And… I also want to try the spear-throwing and archery experience.”

“Ah, I believe that’s currently taking place if you go straight to the left. I heard applications are closing soon…”

“….?! A-Applications closing?! Aria, let’s run!!!”

“Gah! Yes!!!”

When the elves announced the shocking news that applications for the archery and spear-throwing event would close soon, I grabbed Aria’s arm and urgently ran towards the location. But Aria, perhaps finding my running speed unsatisfactory, grabbed my arm midway and started running even faster, leaving me…?! Hovering in the air, being dragged by Aria?!

“Ah… Aria, wait!! Wait!!! I’m floating in the air!!! I’m floating in the air!!!”

“You said applications would close if we didn’t hurry! I don’t want to see Zeke-nim disappointed! So come on…!”

“No, that’s not being disappointed, it’s just feeling a bit regretful…”

“It’s all the same! Let’s go even faster!!!”

“Aaaaaaaah!!!”

Aria, claiming she didn’t want to see me disappointed or regretful, started running rapidly with me hovering in the air. Held by Aria’s hand and suspended in mid-air, I began to scream in inexplicable terror. Seeing me being dragged in that state, the surrounding elves seemed greatly shocked, some dropping items from their hands in confusion and bewilderment.

“What did I… just see?”

“I don’t know what it was… but it sounded like someone was screaming…?”

Because it had been too fast, the elves who had only seen someone screaming while being held by a woman’s hand were simply bewildered, not knowing what exactly they had just witnessed. Meanwhile, I, having arrived at the event held in the training ground by a hair’s breadth before applications closed, was gasping for breath, experiencing all at once the terror I had just felt. Ugh… It felt like something was coming up from inside…

“Zeke-nim, are you alright…? Should I heal you with divine power?”

“Ah… no, no… I’m fine now… *Phew*… I nearly died, but thanks to you, I made it on time… so I guess I should still say thank you… Thank you, Aria…”

“Hehehehe… I’m just glad Zeke-nim won’t be disappointed or regretful~!”

“Alright, alright… Participants, everyone. This event, which began four years ago! Thank you for participating again today…? Oh, this time, the noble individuals who made this festival possible have also participated!”

As twenty participants, including us, stood in a row, waiting for the event to begin, someone appeared in front of them and started officiating… Where had I seen an event like this before? It seemed a little similar to the Last Point Tournament in Ruam… The moment I was greatly bewildered by how similar the current proceedings were to an event I’d seen before, twenty elves appeared from behind, handed us one bow and ten arrows, and began placing wooden targets in the distance. Then, the officiant pointed at the elves watching the event with a hand and said:

“Today, too, many elves are watching the competition. Who will be today’s victor, and who will claim today’s prize?”

“Hmm? Excuse me? I only heard there was a competition, not that there was a prize, so what is the prize?”

“Ah, yes. Black Saint-nim. The prize is…!! A Rainbow Leaf, which is a rare find from Proserpina’s trees!! It’s a very rare item, cherished as a talisman!!”

“A rare item… a talisman…!!!”

When Aria asked what the prize was, the officiant showed us the item, saying it was a very rare item called a Rainbow Leaf…!! Heavens… a leaf with such luster, shimmering with rainbow colors…!! On the surface, it looked like an ordinary bluish leaf, but to possess such a sheen… Seeing the Rainbow Leaf, I was greatly impressed by its mysterious appearance. However, Aria seemed more interested in its use as a talisman than its appearance, and she began to look serious. At that moment, the officiant held up an arrow and said:

“The competition is very simple!! It’s a game to see who can shoot 10 arrows fastest, and who can hit the center of the target most accurately with the most arrows!! So, shooting quickly is important, but accuracy is also key, isn’t it? Therefore, it’s crucial to shoot calmly and swiftly!! The competition will proceed in order, so how about everyone calms their minds first?”

“Black Saint-nim is going to win this, isn’t she? Black Saint-nim is strong enough to fell the World Tree, after all?”

“Yeah… I thought they’d win today… but there was a bigger opponent…”

As the officiant explained the event, the spectators reacted as if they had no expectations, believing Aria would surely win. Standing in the twentieth spot, closest to the spectator stands, I heard their whispers and inwardly chuckled in agreement. Yes, well… for Aria, this would surely be easy. Because Aria’s hands are precise enough to accurately strike with a staff…?

“…..”

‘…? Aria…?’

I had expected Aria to undoubtedly seize victory in this event, but I was bewildered to see her looking nervous, contrary to my expectations. Why did Aria seem so tense…? For Aria, this should be an easy task, shouldn’t it…? As I stared, puzzled by Aria’s nervous expression, the elf in the first position began to shoot their bow.

“Ooooh…!! 17 seconds! 8 hits! Not a bad score right from the start!!”

“….!! What the…?! How are they so good at hitting the target?!”

‘….Oh my goodness…..’

When the elf in the first position swiftly shot their arrows and achieved a decent score, everyone was greatly surprised, and I inwardly felt a deep sense of bewilderment. Uh… did I participate in this for nothing? Come to think of it, elves are already better at archery than humans, aren’t they…? So why did I join an event like this?! Couldn’t I just have watched from the spectator stands?! I was inwardly aghast at having participated in this event needlessly, but it was already too late. Each time the next participant shot their arrows and achieved a better score than the previous one, my heart began to tighten with tension. Finally, after the eighteenth participant shot, and it was Aria’s turn, I felt a slight inward relief.

‘Still, if it’s Aria, she’ll surely be fine, right…? If it’s Aria…’

“Alright!! The nineteenth participant, Aria Ritt!! Black Saint-nim, please draw your bowstring!!!”

“……*Uhm*…..”

When the officiant asked her to draw the bowstring, Aria, with a somewhat uneasy expression, pulled the bowstring as instructed. Then, the moment she immediately shot an arrow, it flew off the target, and the elves present, along with me, were greatly flustered by the shocking sight. Wh-What?! Aria missed just now…? S-Surely it was a mistake…?

“What happened to Black Saint-nim…? Did she just miss that…?”

“It went completely off target… She must have made a mistake, right?”

The spectator stands, as confused as I was, buzzed with murmurs, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Then, as Aria continued to shoot, failing to hit the target at all, even the officiant seemed stunned, stuttering. Could it be that Aria… isn’t good at archery with a bow…!! Th-That’s right!! It’s simple when you think about it…!! Aria has no experience handling a bow…!!

“My… my goodness… All ten shots are out of bounds… Yes… Everyone is shocked by this unexpected result…!!!”

“….Ah… The talisman for Zeke-nim…”

“Finally, Zeke…!!! It’s Zeke-nim’s turn!! Please draw your bowstring!!”

Aria seemed dejected at the thought of not being able to give me the Rainbow Leaf, bowing her head as if she had lost the world. Seeing her like that… I felt a strange sense of calm. Aria, so gloomy… That simply won’t do. If Aria failed… then at least I… I will obtain that leaf. My heart instantly calmed as I was filled with the thought of winning this event for Aria, and with that resolve, I drew the bowstring. One shot… then swiftly, two shots… and then three shots…

“A-No….?!”

“…..What is that person…? Are they even human…?”

“….? Zeke-nim….?”

Everyone present was greatly astonished by my performance, but I heard nothing. I merely continued to shoot arrows, driven by the thought of winning for Aria. Seven shots… eight shots… nine shots… and finally, ten shots. After shooting all the arrows, I finally came to my senses and was once again greatly shocked by the scene before my eyes… Uh… uh-uh-uh…?

“In… 14 seconds… all ten shots hit the target… A… a new record!! It’s a new record!!! The winner is Jid Looprian!! Proserpina’s distinguished guest has claimed victory!!!”

“….I… I won?!”

Because I had been shooting calmly with a clear mind, I hadn’t known the result, so I was greatly shocked when the officiant announced a new record. And at that moment, all the surrounding elves clapped and congratulated my victory, and I, in a daze, received the Rainbow Leaf from the officiant. After the celebration for my accidental new record ended, I looked up at the sunset sky and chuckled to myself, saying:

“My goodness… My father taught me how to shoot a bow before, but I never knew it would be this helpful.”

“…..”

As I sat on a tree root, admiring the sunset, and expressed my bewilderment that the archery I’d learned from my father long ago would be so useful, Aria remained silent with a gloomy expression, seemingly bothered by her complete defeat and failure to win the Rainbow Leaf herself. I chuckled softly and handed Aria the small box containing the Rainbow Leaf. When I passed her the Rainbow Leaf, Aria flinched and said to me:

“Ze… Zeke-nim…? This is what Zeke-nim won…”

“Actually, I was so determined to give it to you that I just went for it without thinking. You gave me that doll before, remember? This is my way of returning the favor, Aria.”

“Huh…?”

“Honestly, I was so focused on wanting to give it to you that I didn’t even realize it would turn out this way, you know? So, you could say I got this… thanks to you, couldn’t you?”

When I gave an awkward chuckle, saying I had shot the arrows earlier with the thought of wanting to give it to her, Aria looked bewildered. Then, at my words, suggesting that I might have obtained this leaf thanks to her, Aria smiled brightly, took the Rainbow Leaf, and wrapped her arms around me. My mind had been truly complex due to the continuous actions of the Church… but being able to enjoy a festival like this and cast away worries isn’t bad… Although it felt a bit out of place with the current situation… reducing tension like this actually isn’t bad for mental health, and it felt like this might be the last festival I could truly enjoy.