Vol. 5 Ch. 1 Ep. 3: Sudden Encounter 2

D-Damn! Who'd have thought that Schale would show up!

I knew it! We should have stayed home! We shouldn't have done any of this!

Huh? You're the one who said we could make a fortune pickpocketing the huge festival crowd!

What are you talking about? I thought you were the one saying we could rip people off during the festival preparations!

I-It doesn't matter! E-Everyone, fall back!

...They fled pretty quickly, after all that boasting.

But what an amazing fight! How did you do that?

Each command lined up perfectly with what I was going to do... We were completely in sync, like I reunited with a puppy I played with long ago...

Or like a long-lost childhood friend returned to fulfill an old promise, like in a story!

Ah...

You're not?

Speaking of amazing, Miss, I've never seen anyone fight like that!

With those skills and that outfit, you must be from the Hyakkaryouran!

"(The Hyakkaryouran...)"

Ah, so, the truth about that is...

Wait, that can't be right. Someone told me that they won't be patrolling the academy anymore, not after they were ordered to disband or something like that.

No!

Er, I mean... There's been a misunderstanding. I'm not here in any official capacity.

I mean, if I were from the Hyakkaryouran, I would likely be reported if anyone learned I was out on patrol, so...

Is that right?

Well, it sounds too complicated for me, Miss. I don't know the details, but there's one thing I'm sure of.

I'm grateful for your help.

Thank you, and you there too. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't retrieved my wallet. Thank you so much.

Ah... It was nothing! I'm just grateful I was able to help you.

Now, please let me introduce myself properly.

My name is Ka...

Y-Yukari! Thank you for your timely assistance.

Oh?

Hmm, you say that like it's natural to help people in need.

...Ah!

Renge told me about something like this!

There are villains in the world who approach you with a smile...only to ensnare you in their wicked webs!

They make a show of their generosity to trap you in debt, then charge you double for the help they gave, crying "Remember what you owe me?"!

...Oh no, am I in trouble?!

...Ah. I'm sorry, I didn't know.

But thanks to you, I was able to right that wrong without anyone coming to further harm.

Mmm, that means I have a favor to repay... What to do, what to do...

...Ah! I know just the thing!

I'll show you around Hyakkiyako!

"W-Wait, I have other business to take care of..."

This way, Sensei!

The Hyakkiyako Academy district receives many tourists, especially during a festival...

The performers at that theatre are incredibly popular...!

There! Make sure the connection's tight so it doesn't fall!

Hey! Why are these materials piled up here? We need to clear this area immediately!

Whew! How can I possibly check out all of the performers who signed up for the festival? The list of names is endless!

Give me a hand, we're blockin' traffic!

You look hungry! Don't work on an empty stomach, have a bite!

"Everyone's so busy."

Of course! The festival is going to open soon.

You have good eyes, Sensei, to perceive it in a single glance.

There is indeed something special about this festival...

For the first time in twenty years...the Hyakkiyako Lantern Festival is being celebrated!

There's an old story about it...

Long ago, Hyakkiyako emerged from the ashes of conflict, reborn as an alliance.

The scars of strife, however, do not fade easily.

So, the person who led Hyakkiyako in those days proposed that the academy hold a lantern festival...

So that when everyone released their lanterns, they would also let go of their pain. That way, everyone would be united by their vision for a better future...

Um, that's...

That's a story from before I was born... So I'm not certain...

Hahaha! Well, that ain't the important bit!

S-Sorry?!

You festival staff? Or tourists who got here a bit early?

Well, either way, look at all our preparations! Heck of a view, eh?

I'm not sure why this festival was shut down previously, but it's wonderful to celebrate it again.

Yeah! No matter what others say, Hyakkiyako is an academy of festivals!

I don't think we've held a festival since, you know, that day... I guess we're just working extra to have a reason to celebrate!

We're so busy, we're accepting help from anyone who walks in off the street, hahaha!

The Festival Department worked night and day to return this festival to life. The president threw herself into the preparations, her energy was inspiring!

The Festival Department's president, you say...

Someone said a famous miko is going to perform a ritual during the festival!

Ah, so you heard about that as well!

It's supposed be the highlight of the Hyakkiyako Lantern Festival! The district is buzzing with speculation...

I know everyone is excited for the festival, but...

The Hyakkaryouran deserves more than to fade into...

Young mistress! I was told you fled the mansion after the Declaration of Dissolution was pronounced!

So this is where you have taken refuge!

...Ugh!

"...Huh?"

Here already...! I have no choice!

Ahem. Schale's Sensei. I extend my deepest gratitude for your assistance today. For the service you rendered me, I, Yukari, will always be grateful and...

*pant* *pant*! Young mistress! Wait for me!

...and sorry, I have to go!

It's a shame to leave the stage first, but it's time to make my exit!

My lady! My lady! There's no need for such haste! My lady?!

"That was...fast."