Fireworks and Summer Memories

The fireworks are just... kinda boring.

Huh? Boring?

Well, maybe it's just me. But the way they go pop-pop in the sky... I don't know. Feels half-baked. Like bread that wasn't finished.

Ah, like eating steak and realizing you're out of sauce?

...Why is your brain always stuck on food analogies?

Hey, I've evolved to prioritize survival. As long as the meaning gets across, what's the problem?

Were the fireworks in your world that much better, Ethan?

Oh, totally. Not even close.

The scale, the shape, the colors... These shabby fireworks don't hold a candle.

They were such a big deal that confessing your love under the fireworks became like a time-honored tradition.

Just imagining it sounds amazing...

Yeah. I'd love to see it myself someday, if I get the chance.

You know, I think we could make it happen here too. If we could make the fireworks bigger or add materials for color...

That won't be easy. We'd probably have to fight monsters to gather those materials...

That's just another Tuesday for us. If we pull it off, we could have an incredible fireworks show.

Let's do it, Princess! I really want to see it now...!

Hmm... Why are you so into fireworks all of a sudden?

Don't tell me... is there someone you want to confess to?

Ethan... wants to confess...?!

N-No, it's not like that.

We've been soaked in blood and sweat, fighting nonstop. This is our first real break, and I want to enjoy it.

Who knows how long I'll get to spend with all of you...

Hmph...

Ethan...

...Princess! Let's help Ethan make the best fireworks ever!

I'll find every material we need. I'm strong enough to do it now!

Bedi, that's very brave of you, but... are you okay with the undead? I heard powdered undead bones are used in fireworks.

W-Whaaat?!

T-That might be a bit...

Fufufu! This is...

Perfect. Everyone's on board. Let's find a fireworks expert and ask what we need!

W-Wait, Ethan! Why'd you cut me off?!

Oh please. You were definitely about to say something like, "This is the perfect moment for someone of my caliber to step in."

That's not what I was going to say!

...Huh? Really? Sorry...

So what were you going to say?

I was going to say: this is exactly the kind of moment where we should fill our bellies and think things through! Can't you hear the sound of this meat sizzling?

...

Hehe, I'm hungry too, Ethan. It's been a while since we've had a festival, let's eat and then talk it over.

Great idea!

Sigh... Fine, you win.

My wallet's feeling pretty full today, so how about we take a lap around the stalls?

Ethan. Fancy seeing you here.

Isabel?!

Hello, Duchess. It's been a while.

Princess Elizabeth... Oh! And I see the rest of the Swordbringer's party is here too.

H-Hello, ma'am.

I've heard plenty about your exploits. But what brings you here?

Merlin invited us. The soldiers are struggling from the heat, so she planned this to boost their morale.

Makes sense... Fighting well is important, but so is resting well.

Enjoy your evening.

Um, Isabel...!

Yes?

I wanted to ask... Do you know anything about the fireworks used in festivals?

Hmm... If you mean festival supplies, not so much...

But I do know the principles and how they're made.

That's perfect! I want to make the fireworks show even more spectacular, any ideas?

You want to enhance the fireworks?

Ethan says fireworks in his world are way more vibrant.

He said you could change the color, size, and even how they launch, and the whole thing becomes this breathtaking show.

I see... That does sound lovely. But why the sudden interest?

He wants to confess under them. Classic kid behavior.

Stop it! You're gonna make Isabel get the wrong idea.

Confess...?

F-Fireworks are just romantic, that's all! Probably why he said that.

...This festival was Merlin's idea, to lift everyone's spirits. We've all been through so much.

And if the fireworks light up the sky the way Ethan hopes... maybe it'll give everyone the strength to keep going.

Princess... You are so considerate...

Hehe... I feel like I can read Ethan's mind now, even with my eyes closed.

Isn't that right, Ethan?

...Huh?

O-Of course! That's exactly what I meant!

Hmmmm...?

What?! What!!

Well... whatever the reason, you want to make the fireworks more impressive.

Alright. I'll help. Experimenting with the fireworks might even benefit our research into Magitek weapons.

Isabel...! Thank you!

Thank you, Duchess.

Sigh... I just know this is going to get exhausting.

The key is the shape of the fireworks, the base materials, and the additives.

We can commission various shapes from the workshop, but the problem lies with the base and additives. Ordinary stuff won't do.

I had a feeling... I was hoping we could just crank up the magic stone power.

Magic stones might help with altitude, but that's about it. And they're extremely rare.

You could only use a pinch of powder for a festival firework at best.

That is such basic information, Ethan.

Of course I knew that.

But if you want big, dazzling bursts, you need altitude first.

Then... should we go get the materials?

Get them? From where?

Well...

There's a mine nearby that goblins took over. It should still have plenty of minerals.

There might even be magic stones down there.

Then let's go! Goblins are no big deal!

Great! No point hesitating, let's head out!

Good luck, everyone. I'll stay here and wait.

Yeah right. Since when do you get to decide that?

It's a festival! There's so much good food! And you want me to go fight smelly goblins for magic stones?!

Enough! Just come with us already, you little... Ow! Did you just bite me?!

Grrrr...!

...E-Ethan. Let me go in Morgana's place.

A narrow mine would limit the Fairy Queen's magic anyway. And since I brought it up, I should go.

Isabel... You're an angel!

Duchess... Are you sure it's alright to leave your post?

Yes. I've become quite curious about this firework show Ethan described.

Shall we?

There's not much. Even if we refine it, we'd only get a handful.

Hmm...

It's fine. There's a vein.

Look, see how it runs down along the wall? If we go deeper into the mine, we'll find more minerals...

And a higher chance of finding more magic stones.

Exactly. That would help with the fireworks... and with the Alliance's war efforts too.

But how did such a large mine go undiscovered until now?

The Empire never established strong control across all of Britannia. Especially near the sea.

While they were focused elsewhere, the goblins found this place and turned it into their hideout.

I see...

Still not enough to make me grateful to goblins, though.

Of course. If monsters get too strong, nearby villages suffer.

...The mine's old, so the deeper areas might not be safe.

Let's move quickly.

I'll take point. I memorized the layout, and with the World Tree's power, detecting threats won't be a problem...!

That's reassuring. Alright, go! Bedivere!

Yes!

E-Ethan... Bedi's not a dog, you know.

Hehe... You're a lively bunch.

Isabel was right. These guys won't go down easy.

That one's a goblin mage. This won't be simple.

And look at their formation.

They've got the troll holding the front line while the goblins cast spells from the back... Not bad for a bunch of idiots.

It's fine...!

I'll take care of the incoming magic. While I draw their attention, you and the princess can charge in and finish them!

Ooh... Nice plan, Bedivere.

You used to tremble in narrow, dark places, and now you're out here giving tactical advice. I'm impressed.

Right? She's become so reliable.

W-Well, of course... I-I have to protect the princess, after all...

Flattering her is nice, but I don't think we have time for small talk. They're moving.

Then let's go. Fast and clean!

Yes, Ethan!

Ethan! There's a ton of magic stones here too!

Whoa, that's insane! This isn't just enough for fireworks, it could boost the military power of every kingdom!

Isabel, you really are something... No wonder you lead Aurelia.

It was a team effort. But yes, this should be enough to make a proper propellant.

Which means we can launch fireworks higher, right?

It'll also be useful for other kinds of fireworks, like ones with sustained bursts...

Like fountain-type fireworks!

You have something in mind?

Yes. I'm no expert, but I remember a lot of fireworks from back home.

There were hand-held ones shaped like sticks, and others that shot out sparks like a fountain... All really popular types.

Then that should make production easier. First, we need to start mining the stones.

I'll dig up a ton!

Bedi, I appreciate the energy, but be careful.

We're deep underground, and it could be dangerous. We won't be able to mine everything ourselves.

Yes, Your Highness...!

Princess Elizabeth is right. There's a risk of collapse, so let's just collect what's exposed for now.

Good idea. We can ask the Miner's Guild to handle the rest once we get back.

You're late! What were you even doing down there? You look like sewer rats!

Says the one who turned into a pig in the meantime...? Seriously, get that bread out of your mouth.

Morgana! We brought back tons of magic stones!

Oh...? You actually did it. Not bad, considering I wasn't there.

It was all thanks to Isabel.

There's still a lot of minerals left to dig up. I'm sure they'll turn it into a proper mine soon.

I'm happy... but... I can't feel my arms...

I could tell you were pushing yourself. That was the most intense I've ever seen you, Bedivere.

Hehe... I'll probably be sore all over tomorrow...

Between all the mining and monster hunting, I'm not surprised. Let's rest while they refine the stones.

Hmph! I invited you to this festival so you could relax, and you still found a way to overwork yourselves?

M-Merlin...!

Merlin... it's not what it looks like...

Why the surprise? Morgana already told me everything.

Ethan... I hear you found someone you want to confess to?

That's not it!!

Always so stiff, and now you've finally grown a softer side, Ethan.

When was I ever stiff...?

Well, whenever I enter your room, you always freak out...

T-That's because you try to climb onto my bed! I refused of my own free will!

Fufu... One day, I'll eat you up anyway.

Don't eat me!

Merlin, thank you for inviting us to such a grand festival.

Queen Cristina! It's been a while.

Yes. And to you as well, Ethan.

Your Majesty.

I overheard something amusing while passing by. Fireworks... I hear you can change the shape of the sparks, is that true?

Ah, yes. In theory.

Then could you make the shape of a rose?

Your Majesty, such a precise shape would be difficult to...

It's possible!

E-Ethan?!

The materials we've got now are just basic propellants. If we mix in different chemicals and ingredients, it's definitely doable.

Even if that's true, there's no way we can gather all those materials in such a short time...

For each color, red, yellow, blue, white, you need different minerals and ingredients.

Right now we're only using ordinary yellow and white.

It would be nice to have more colors. Each kingdom could showcase its representative colors at their festivals.

Indeed... If it works as Ethan says, it could become a local specialty.

But to make different shapes, we'd also need custom firework shells. We might not have enough time.

Hmm... What if we split into teams?

Split up?

Yes...! Since we've all agreed to make the best fireworks possible, we'd be faster if everyone handled separate tasks.

Good idea, Bedi.

Th-Thank you, Princess.

I know a place where we can get red materials. Morgana and I will go.

Uh...? Did someone say my name?

I was wondering where you'd gone. What did you stuff your face with this time... You're gonna get fat, Morgana.

...Gulp.

Quiet, Ethan.

Please get as much red as you can. I'll buy the rest from Mercia.

I want to see the night sky over Mercia filled with red roses... Fufu.

Understood, Your Majesty!

Honestly, all this fuss over fireworks... Humans must have too much energy to spare.

Morgana, Ethan just wants to make an unforgettable festival with us.

Not exactly, but... close enough.

Either way, I'm not interested in helping. Different kinds of fireworks? Just shoot them up and I'll...

Alright, we're short on time, so let's move.

Wait a second! Listen to people till the end!

Yeah yeah, later. I'll leave this part to you, Merlin.

Ugh.

Fufu... Don't worry. The bigger problem is the blue material... What's your plan for that?

...Is Queen Katrin here too?

Yes. I invited the leaders of each nation.

...! Princess Elizabeth, are you thinking of Isiel's Blue Rock?

Yes, Grand Duchess. I've heard that when its powder meets fire, it glows bright blue.

If that's the case... it would make a perfect ingredient.

Then we should meet Queen Katrin and head to Isiel. It's not far by boat from here.

Alright. In the meantime, I'll oversee the firework shell production.

I'll provide whatever funds you need. I'm looking forward to it, so do your best.

Alright. Let's go!

You're really not going to listen to me, huh? Keep ignoring me and I'll eat every last bit of food here!

Eek... I'm sorry, Morgana. I'll be quick, so please save my portion...

Hmph!

Don't worry about her. She'll come around when she sees the fireworks.

I agree.

Do your best, Ethan. I'll keep Morgana from going out of control.

Leave it to me. We'll make the most spectacular fireworks ever!

Ahaha... Everyone's getting fired up...

That's a delightfully odd idea, though I suppose that's just what I'd expect from you, Swordbringer. Still, since the cause is good, I'll help.

Thanks, Katrin.

On one condition, I'm coming with you.

Huh? Is it alright for you to leave your seat?

It's fine. This is a grand festival where everyone can gather and unite.

A plan to brighten such an occasion couldn't possibly exclude Isiel.

It's reassuring to have you with us, Your Majesty, but... it could be dangerous.

It's fine, Princess Elizabeth. I can protect myself.

Everyone! We're ready to set sail!

With this much, fireworks won't be the only thing we can make.

...I didn't expect there to be so much.

This will help the people of Isiel too.

If this helps them make it through the harsh winter, then it was worth coming here, even without fireworks.

Yeah...

I-I don't think now's the time to celebrate.

Bedi? What is it?

That's...!

All the noise from our fighting must have drawn every monster in the mountains. If we don't hurry, we'll be eaten!

W-What do we do, Ethan?

Damn it... We've come too far to turn back now.

But...! They're just fireworks. I mean, I'm looking forward to them too, but this is dangerous!

...No, Bedi. Ethan...

Bedivere. Look at all these resources, and the monsters here.

Whether it's for the people living below or for the festival... we can't just give up and walk away, can we?

Y-You're right...

I'm sorry, Ethan, Princess. I wasn't thinking straight.

I'll fight to the end!

Looks like you've found your resolve. Then let's move...

If we don't take care of those monsters fast, the festival's gonna be over before we even make it back!

We can't have that... I'm going to see those fireworks, no matter what.

Let's go, Elizabeth! We'll carve a path!

Yes, Ethan!

My god...

It's an Ice Dragon!

Ugh... What an overwhelming presence... Be careful, Bedi.

...It's furious.

So we've trespassed into its territory.

That explains all the monsters. Looks like they were all under that dragon's control.

We can't take down a dragon on our own. But that doesn't mean we can just give up and run.

Swordbringer, you mean to fight...?

Fortunately, it's not moving much... Looks like it was getting ready to enter a deep sleep...

Let's all attack together. If it's already that sluggish, even an ice dragon can be defeated.

I'll give it everything I've got. I'm stronger than before, so I can hold it off for a while!

Alright... I'll lend a hand.

Let's go!

Phew... Good thing we weren't too late...

Since the festival runs for several days, we made it in time.

You did well, Swordbringer.

You too, Katrin. Without your help, this would've been much harder.

If you're grateful, don't just say it, show me results.

Haha... Alright.

Isabel. To make this many in such a short time... the Duchy of Aurelia's craftsmanship is truly remarkable.

It's thanks to your assistance, Ethan.

Well done, Ethan.

Everyone working together for the success of the festival... all your efforts were worth it.

I just didn't want to miss out on the fireworks, that's all.

But it's not just selfishness, is it? You wanted to show everyone beautiful fireworks... Honestly, I'm impressed, Ethan.

The same guy who used to beg me to send him home has learned to care for others... Hehe...

...I'm exhausted, so could you not ruin my image right now?

Ethan, we're about to load the materials into the shells. Won't you help?

Ah, I'm no expert...

You can still give advice. If you tell the craftsmen what shapes to make, they'll have an easier time.

If that's the case, I'll gladly help.

I'll come too. I want to see how the fireworks you talked about are made.

Me too!

Oho. Looks like they're all done.

Morgana? Where have you been?

I told you, didn't I? I conquered every food stall here. A rewarding day.

And where did you get the money for that...?

I put it on your tab.

...

Morgana, your cheeks are puffed up...!

Hehe... Fairies have a habit of storing food in their cheek pouches.

That's just you, and only you.

Princess! We're ready!

Ethan, shall we begin?

Yeah...!

Woooow!

They're beautiful...

Hmm...

What's wrong, Ethan?

...This isn't it!

Huh?!

W-What do you mean, Ethan? These are amazing...!

You might think so, but it's nowhere near the fireworks I wanted to see.

After all this effort... I wanted you all to see something truly breathtaking.

Pfft! As expected, without me, you can't do anything properly, Ethan.

If anything, maybe it's because you weren't here that we managed this much...

Care to repeat that? I could give you the grand display you're dreaming of.

...Really?

Of course! Have you forgotten who I am?

Then help me!

Nope. Why would I help a pig who doubts and ignores the Fairy Queen?

Why not help him? You did eat plenty thanks to him.

I wouldn't say that was because of Ethan.

Morgana...! Please, I'm asking you too. Not for Ethan's sake, but for everyone here... lend us your strength.

Me too, please!

You hear that?

Sigh... Being popular really is a pain.

If you truly put on a grand spectacle... I'll wipe clean every tab you've put under my name...!

...! Ethan, don't forget those words.

Ohhh!

Wow...

Amazing!

Hmph, now do you see? If you want a memory worth keeping, it needs to be at least this grand.

Morgana... doing something genuinely impressive for once...!

Excuse you? I'm always impressive.

Morgana, you're the best!

From now on, don't doubt my skills, Ethan.

I'll give you that.

But Morgana... If you could do this all along, you could've said so earlier.

Ugh! I tried to, but you ignored me!!

Huh...? D-Did I...?

What do you mean "did I?!" This is why pigs are hopeless! Forgetful animals! Perverted beasts who only think about eating!

You're the one who only thinks about eating!

Fufu. So much energy... Youth really is something.

To think you truly made rose-shaped fireworks, impressive, Ethan.

Ah, Queen Cristina. I just kept my promise, that's all.

The people of Mercia were moved. I'm sure even the nearby towns saw the majesty of Mercia in those blooms.

It's a rare festival, Ethan, you can't just leave. Come with me.

Princess Elizabeth, Dame Bedivere, you as well.

Yes!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

If it's a feast, I'm not missing out. I still have room for one more meal.

Morgana... You really do smile more these days.