Festival of Abundance

They say it's a bumper year. Everyone must have had it rough, but days like this do come.

You can't call it a good day until the Empire's ambition is over.

When I think of those still suffering right now...

That's true...

We can still eat our fill. Even our enemies will be busy stockpiling rations and take a break this season.

You should relax and enjoy it too, Elizabeth. A steady mind and body are how you succeed on an adventure.

You're right...

Ethan, you're right. I'll enjoy it with an easy mind.

I'll bake you delicious bread, Princess! I've been honing my skills lately.

Now I'm worried...

P-Please trust me! I've been training hard for Ethan and the Princess.

Hehe, alright, Bedi. I'll look forward to it.

Yes!

By the way, Morgana's awfully quiet. We're walking streets with full granaries talking about food, and she's not butting in?

Huh? I don't see Morgana anywhere.

Hm?

Ah...! Over there!

Mmwah mwah!! Soo goood!!

Don't shout nonsense like that! What are you, a wild animal?

Munch munch... gulp...!

It's delicious! There's so much food here!

I figured that's what you were saying anyway...

I can't remember the last time I saw such a peaceful village...

Right? We've been working hard and saved up a decent fund. I hear there's a market down there, let's go, Princess!

There'll be lots of pretty accessories.

Shall we...?

I'm coming too.

Huh?! Ethan, since when are you interested in markets?

Really. Usually Ethan only looks for a bed to crash in or a beer to wet his throat.

Like you'd understand the woes of a breadwinner. And don't act like you don't go to the market just to hunt for places to eat instead of shopping.

It's just that we've got a breather... I figured I'd pick up some cooking gear for camping and things to maintain my sword...

So it wasn't anything fun...

I'm a practical guy. I buy only what I need.

Ethan, are you not interested in the sights?

According to this flyer, there's even a performance at the market today...

A performance?

A play. There are banquets this time of year, but also many ceremonies to thank the gods.

If you don't mind... I'd like to watch it with you...

Mm... it is that time. The season of dance and instruments.

Villages blessed with a good harvest grow deeper in faith, and expressing it helps them forget a year's worries.

Hmm...

It'll be fun.

I see. I thought this world had no real entertainment, but there are plays.

Do you like plays, Ethan?

Neither love nor hate them. I do enjoy sitting and watching things now and then. It was kind of a hobby.

Back in my world I watched a lot, movies, plays, all sorts. Easy to watch from my room...

An expert, then!

In that case...

Yeah, let's go.

Yes!

Hehe, I should gift Ethan a cool brooch, too. Show some expert-theater-goer class!

No need. Don't blow cash just because we have it. Save it.

Oho! That smell...! I can't just walk past this!

All the food here shall be escorted into my stomach!

Is it okay to leave Morgana like that...?

This place is heaven for her. Leave her.

Bedi! Look at this. Isn't it adorable?

It really is! Ah, these earrings would suit you so well, Princess...!

Ah! There's a shop selling tons of clothes over there! Should we buy some casual wear?

C-Can we...?

It's fine! We've worked hard. We can afford... at least one outfit...!

Why are you watching my face for permission? We're not short on money, do as you like.

Waaah! Princcess!!

I can finally escape these sun-faded, worn-out clothes!

Sniff...! You've worked so hard, Bedi!

Looks like harvest season recognizes my effort at last... sniff...!

Ethan? What's that basket for?

This?

I end up carrying Morgana on my back a lot. She keels over at the drop of a hat or refuses to move because it's "too much trouble"...

That's true...

Every time I carried her, I thought, what if I had a basket to keep Morgana in?

You're going to carry her from the start?

Yeah. If she just fires magic from the basket, it'd be easier for her too. Like a mobile cannon.

And while inside the basket, even if she burns through her mana, we can let her rest instead of having to drag her around.

Somehow...

It's silly, but it makes sense. It would be easier to move.

Yeah. And this is...

What's this?

I bought one for you while buying mine. You sharpen your blade often too.

Thank you, Ethan...

It was on display among the small goods. It's not a magiteck item so it's probably superstition, but they say it protects the wearer's body.

You're a princess with a great task ahead. I want you unhurt and by my side...

Ethan... thank you... thank you so much...

I-It's nothing. It's the season of plenty, so I just wanted to do something.

Okay... I'll treasure it...!

Princess! Ethan! They're putting on a play over there!

Uh, y-yeah! I'm coming!

Everyone! You worked hard all year in the fields! Eat and drink your fill!

For our celebratory performance, our village pride, the Catfolk Troupe, will present <Beyond the Horizon>. Please give them a hand!

So there were shows like this...

Ethan! Fun, right?

Yeah. It was great... Maybe I should try to live with a little more leisure.

We'll get to do that once our adventure ends. But you...

....

P-Princess! It's the joyful harvest season...! Let's have fun~!

Ah, y-yeah. Thanks, Bedi.

Everyone run! Goblins have appeared!

G-Goblins?! At a time like this?!

Kyaaah!

...! Elizabeth! Bedivere! Let's go!

Yes!

N-Nothing to worry about! I'll drive them all off with the power of the World Tree!

Urgh... Why are these guys so persistent...?

It'd be great to finish them off with one powerful attack, but... there are too many of them!

Damn... Maybe we should've brought Morgana with us...

A little opening would help... but these goblins won't stop coming...!

I shall hold this place.

...?!

I do not know the situation, but I will stand fast. Will that suffice?

Galahad?!

Galahad! You saved us.

I'll finish them cleanly!

Haa... you saved us, Galahad. Thanks.

Think nothing of it. My shield exists to protect people like you. (Tsk! Struggling with this much?)

Thank you, Galahad.

...Are you still here?

Huh?

I thought Ethan would have left long ago. Aren't you always busy?

Ah... yeah, that's my life in a nutshell.

Have your assignments been few of late? I did not expect you to stay in a village this long.

We were taking a short break.

For a while the Alliance decided to grow stronger in preparation for a big battle. It's harvest time, so we were doing maintenance.

There are still plenty of monsters. Fighting every day hasn't changed.

I see...

Without you, this fight would have dragged on.

I was so surprised. I thought an angel had descended from the sky...!

Right. That was a cool entrance... We were rattled by more enemies than expected, but thanks to Galahad we finished fast.

It's so much easier when someone tanks on the front line.

I appreciate the praise, but... (At least you know.)

It seems it isn't over. (Help me this time!)

P-Princess! More enemies are swarming in!

I see orcs this time as well. To think such a large host of monsters was this close to the village...

No time to grumble about being tired. We stop them here no matter what!

Galahad. You'll help... right?

Of course. I shall be the shield of Ethan and the Princess. (Ugh, fine. You're helpless without me.)

Solid. Let's go...!

Yes, Ethan!

The enemy is beginning to fall back.

Haaa... Guess they finally gave up...

Monsters are so mean. Instead of stealing, they should till their own fields...

If they had that kind of intellect and civilization, we wouldn't call them monsters...

So, Galahad. What brings you here?

...I received an invitation.

An invitation?

While speaking with a troupe... their director invited me to watch their play.

An invitation for a knight of Britannia to attend a play? How'd that happen?

The moment they saw me, they praised me as the one they'd been looking for. Perhaps they need a new member...

I had no reason to refuse, so I accepted. (You sure ask a lot. Curious, are we?)

Huh? Galahad, you're into theater?

Refined taste is a virtue for a maiden. I'm no expert, but I do enjoy plays a little.

From the sound of it, that director wants to recruit you for the troupe...

The director said I had talent as well. Embarrassing as it is... (At least they recognize beauty.)

So I thought I might take the audition for fun. (A hobby beats knighthood.)

Ah... got it...

That's great! Ethan is a theater expert!

Is that so? (Why is that big-busted sow acting chummy with Ethan?)

Yes. We didn't know either, but Ethan said he used to spend time sitting and watching all sorts of things.

In his world you can watch all kinds of performances from your room! Amazing, right?

Mm...

In that case... you could share that knowledge with me...

Will you grant me the chance and aid me? (If you know so much, help me out, jerk!)

Well... the phrasing's weird, but I don't see why not...

Ethan!

Phew, that brat... She's way late, but seeing her sprint over like that is kind of admirable.

Huff, huff... Ethan...! What on earth happened?

Goblins showed up. We're rushing to wipe them out before they trash the village.

Sorry I couldn't contact you, it was urgent...

That's not it! Why was there so little money in your wallet!

They were just finishing a stir-fry I really wanted to try... but the budget was short so I could only suck my fingers!

So that's what this is about...

That's because... Ethan said we need to curb Morgana's spending, so the money...

Bedivere, don't tell her that.

Eek!

Look at her. She's gone feral.

Fairy Queen Morgana. Have you been well? (Morgana's so cute with that flat chest♡)

No! You heard it just now. This pig is starving me...!

Wow...

Do you mean Ethan? I do not believe he's that sort of person...

Galahad...! I didn't know you thought that highly of me!

If it's Ethan, I'm sure he'd at least feed you while working you hard. (He won't take care of anyone but me.)

R-Right...

C-Cheer up, Ethan.

Huh...? Princess! Someone's running this way!

I have a bad feeling. Be careful.

A-Are you with the Swordbringer's party?

Calm down! What happened?

O-Orcs... Orcs are headed this way!!

The Orc horde was on the move.

I didn't expect there to be more enemies. I pushed harder than usual and now I'm exhausted...

You got too hyped. Blow all your power just because you got stronger and you'll gas out fast.

I'll be careful...

Just how many Orcs are we talking about?

On the way here I did observe suspicious movement in the nearby Orc villages.

If they're all involved... this won't be an easy fight.

A coalition? Orcs aren't exactly known for teamwork...

A harvest-sized headcount. Plenty of monster reaping to do.

Are monsters wheat to you...

I don't care. I'm furious right now, and I'm not cooling off until I burn everything to ash!

We've got no choice but to fight. If we want to protect these golden fields, we'd better steel ourselves.

An Orc band that can command Goblins... it might be a large tribe.

Or there could be another enemy pulling strings.

Another enemy?

It was odd to see Goblins "dominated" by Orcs. Their eyes were out of it. Same for the Orcs.

Monsters don't leave their territory on a whim.

Hmm...

I... also felt something ominous... faint, but not from ordinary monsters.

If so... then an enemy is involved?

Maybe, Princess.

If even Bedivere thinks so, odds just went up. We'd better go in ready.

This hardly seems the time to leisurely seek your advice on acting.

Dame Galahad... you're probably still feeling the aftereffects...

I am fine, Princess. I shall assist as well. (Ugh, I need to score some points here.)

I'll rack up a debt and cash it in later! (Shall we go, Ethan?)

...?

What's wrong?

Your inner voice just slipped out... this happened before, too...

A misunderstanding...!

Ethan!

What?! Why are you yelling all of a sudden.

No time to dawdle. Let's move! We'll finish fast and then I'll take back my rightful wallet!

There is nothing rightful about that!

Sigh... fine... let's deal with what's in front of us first...

Should I go scout the enemy? I can move pretty well now...!

Hmm...

You should wait here, Bedi. If we all head out, we can't cover for a what-if.

Goblins might slip in like before. Can you guard the town?

Ah... okay...

Don't be too down. You're a huge help, Bedi. It's just... you look tired, so I want you to rest.

When the hunt's over, let's browse the market together. Harvest season means tons of food.

Yes...! Princess!

Please be careful. The town... I'll guard it to the letter!

Don't worry too much, Bedivere. This fight's getting carried by a certain glutton here anyway.

Who are you calling a glutton!

The enemy's wavering.

They're resetting their lines. Good. Let's use the lull to catch our breath.

Hngh...! Haaah! S-Stop wriggling around! I am the...! Hah! Huff...! F-Fairy Queen, you know!

...If we don't rest, Morgana's going to drop dead like that.

She's unusually liberal with her mana today...

Why are you so worked up? Because you couldn't eat? That's it?

"That's it"? That's it, you say...?

You really are a fool, Ethan! People live with goals! The great Fairy Queen is no different!

The food that floods the market this season blows the imagination! The variety, the flavor, overwhelming!

Do you know how many stalls pop up on the most bountiful festival day of the year? Visiting all of them is my life's goal!

....

You don't need a break?

Of course not. My training differs from the others from the ground up. (Pathetic! This is basic.)

So... are you quitting knighthood?

Pardon?

Oh, I heard you were taking the troupe's entrance exam, so I wondered.

Not at all. I must fulfill my duty. I'm merely... interested. (As if!)

Fair point. In your prime, fighting monsters and enemies nonstop would drive anyone up the wall.

Plenty of people have hobbies... If you do join the troupe, I'll cheer you on.

By the way, Ethan, are you truly well-versed in theater?

No, no. I've just watched a lot. Those guys ran their mouths.

Is that so...? (Tch. Useless.)

If you really knew, I was going to ask why the director said I had "talent."

Ah...! I think I know why.

...? Really?

Yeah. It's...

Ethan!

Right. Looks like the enemy commander's stepping out in person.

Good. My mana's recovered enough...!

...We can talk later. The enemy comes first.

You...!

Cut the third-rate villain act.

What's your game? There's an unspoken rule against starting wars during harvest, isn't there?

How peaceful you sound. That's a pact for honor-bound sorts like you and Vortigern!

The doctrine of Tiamat spreads regardless of time or place.

Looks like they're going to fight.

Didn't think we could talk this out anyway. Even if we tried...

We've got someone on our side who doesn't listen, too.

Whatever that was, it looked more like a suspicious ritual than proselytizing...

For the sake of those enjoying their happy holiday, we won't be letting you go.

Prepare yourselves, I'll blow you all away!

...! Ethan, watch out! These people... something's!

Kyaa!

Is everyone all right...?

Whew. We lived thanks to Galahad's shield.

Ugh... self-destruction. Filthy pig tricks.

We'd have been hurt if Galahad hadn't blocked it...

Really. Thanks, Galahad.

As long as this maiden stands, no finger shall touch Ethan. (You're not just thanking me with words, right?)

Uh... mm...

What's the matter? (Hmph! Getting flustered now?)

Um... I can see something... embarrassing...

What would that be? (What is he on about?)

Th-the... b-backside... um...

Ah. You mean my elegant skirt? It's not underwear, so it's fine. (Kyaa!! My victory panties got exposed!)

No, anyone can tell that's underwear...

H-Hey, Ethan. Don't make Galahad uncomfortable. We should examine the enemy first!

R-Right.

Everything's blown to bits; not sure we'll find anything.

In the end, we couldn't uncover their plan.

They didn't know we were here. Targeting the village makes more sense...

What was their goal? It didn't look like they were just using monsters to steal food.

How are we supposed to know what's in those idiots' heads?

Maybe they built a monster army and used the town as a test... or for some other purpose.

Who cares. Blowing them all up felt great!

Envying Morgana's simple head at times like this.

Huh? You just called me simple, didn't you?

Don't talk about things you know nothing about.

From long years of knowledge and experience, I've learned this: blow off the trivial worries and move on.

...If you say so.

The rest of the monsters fled. We can leave the aftermath to the townspeople.

Yeah. Everyone's grown tough in wartime.

Princess! Ethan!

Bedi!!

A-Are you all right? I was on standby with the militia when I heard a huge noise...

You heard the explosions...

Huh? Explosions?

We fought Tiamat cultists; when they lost, they blew themselves up. They probably carried info that couldn't be allowed to leak.

Tiamat cultists... so that's the foul feeling I sensed...

Bedivere. Was the town okay?

Yes. Fortunately, no monsters came. I asked the militia to mend the palisade, then ran here.

I couldn't help myself, I was worried about the Princess.

Heheh, thank you.

...?

Shall we discuss theater now?

Ah, right.

Maybe he was just smitten with Galahad's graceful, noble looks?

Hmm...? (That didn't seem it.)

Actors must stand on stage and connect directly with the audience. You could be the lead without a hitch.

Thank you for the compliment, but I doubt that has anything to do with "talent."

If there's another reason... please speak plainly. (Say it straight, you blockhead!)

Uh... you sure?

Of course. Words that only flatter might feel nice, but they poison growth.

There's no one who knows me better than you, Ethan. Please give me guidance. (Why is he hesitating?)

...If you insist...

I'm no pro, but to me, for an actor, acting is what matters.

You are great at hiding your emotions... you'll act well, too. You are great at keeping a poker face.

Hiding feelings... do you mean me...? (Gasp?!)

Yeah. I've felt it a while, you're holding a lot back, aren't you?

That's...

I know it's hard to bare your heart. I've told you before, but you haven't fixed it.

But onstage, under the name of acting, maybe it'd be easier to speak.

That's a kind of talent, too. I bet that's what the director saw.

Perish the thought...! (Damn it! How is this idiot so perceptive?)

No? But before, and just now...

It's your imagination! Still... if I have a knack for acting... I'm not sure, but that helps! (Kyaaaa!!)

I speak far more frankly than before, so do not be con, (Hic...)

Rather, there's so much good food in thanks for the harvest. Perhaps you should direct your interest there?

Look! These are called dumplings! Meat stir-fry wrapped in a flour skin.

Oho! Magnificent...! I shall accept your tribute!

M-Morgana! You can't eat them all. Those are for the Princess and Ethan...

Gulp! Mmm, delicious!

Aaah...!

Oh... we can get dumplings here?

A merchant from the East brought them not long ago. They're easy to make here, so they've become pretty popular.

Trade's resumed, then. Good news.

Thanks to us fighting hard. With the sea lanes open, the Alliance will move even more actively.

Then for future's sake, now we rest hard... and eat dumplings while we're at it.

Surprisingly pleasant words from Ethan. Time to eat, sleep, and laze in luxury!

Munch, munch... gulp! Huhu, a taste of heaven!

Planning to eat them all yourself?

There'll be a torch show soon! Let's go watch, Princess!

There's so much to see this harvest. Right, Ethan?

Now I see how big a blessing a good harvest is. Makes me want to fight hard so we can feel this again.

You're doing well, Ethan. As always, steady training matters...

Didn't expect dutiful Bedivere, left to guard the town, to enjoy herself this much, though.

E-Eek?! I-I was... too tempted...

I-I'm sorryyy!!

Hah, it's fine. Let's all go back and enjoy the festival together.

Tsk... (Playing cutesy. In the end, she didn't even do her job right and still calls herself a knight.)

I'm looking forward to Galahad's troupe debut, too.

M-Me?

It's just a hobby, so don't give it mind! (Forget it! Forget it!)

Even if I'm interested, I haven't forgotten my duty as a knight... anyway, that's that! (Idiot!!)

It's the first time I've seen Galahad show her feelings like that.

People grow. Though some stay the same.

Guess someone's really hungry. I won't lose...!

Don't compete over that.