A boy with light brown hair under ten years old and another with black hair of similar age faced each other, wooden swords in hand.
Their clash was fierce—far beyond what one would expect from children.
When the brown-haired boy swung, the ground gouged from the impact. When swords met, gusts whipped around them.
Clearly, the brown-haired boy held the advantage.
The end seemed only a matter of time, yet the black-haired boy clung desperately.
"As expected of the hero. Even the prodigy can't keep up anymore."
"True. The prodigy grew fast back then—impressive—but now he's just average. The one to fulfill our long-cherished wish is Hero Oliver."
"Yeah. Still—the prodigy could at least serve as the hero's shield."
A few adults watched from afar, conversing.
Finally, the match ended.
The black-haired boy fell backward. The brown-haired boy—breathing hard—pointed his sword tip at him.
"Haa... haa... haa..."
"Damn... lost again. Can't beat Oliver anymore. Haha..."
"—! Why won't you go all out, Orun!? Your real strength isn't this! The old you was way stronger!!"
"...You're overestimating me. That was full power... Maybe I was stronger before, but you grew and surpassed me. That's all. No way a genius like you loses to me."
"I don't believe it! I still don't accept I've beaten you! Someday I'll make you go all out—and win!!"
"I told you—that was all out..."
"Shut up! Just watch—I'll force your real strength out someday!"
The brown-haired boy—called Oliver—turned and walked away.
"...I hope that day never comes. I don't want... to kill you... I absolutely don't want you dying... because of me..."
Orun—the black-haired boy—whispered too softly for Oliver to hear, staring at his back.
◇
"Shion-sama, it's time to return."
In a separate spot, watching the fight, a silver-haired girl was addressed by a maid-like attendant.
"Okay. I'll say goodbye to Orun first."
"Understood. We'll prepare the carriage."
Called Shion, the silver-haired girl headed toward Orun—still lying down.
"Orun, good work. Too bad."
"Shion? You were here? Sorry you saw that embarrassing side."
Orun rose with an awkward look.
"No such thing. It was cool. And I know your true strength."
"True strength or not... that's my current level."
"But that's—"
"Yeah. My heart was weak. Couldn't handle everyone's fearful stares—so I cried out. As a result... burdened Oliver... So I'll carry his share too—"
"I won't let you be alone!"
"...Shion?"
"I'll get strong enough to stand beside you! Strong enough to defeat ■■ together! I'm the same ■■■■ as you. I'll always stay with you! Even if you go far ahead—I'll catch up! So don't carry it alone..."
At Shion's words, Orun froze—then his face reddened, eyes moistening.
"Shion—time to go, right? I'll walk you to the carriage."
Orun turned and walked toward the carriage—speaking quickly.
"Ah—wait! ...Huh? Orun? Are you crying from happiness~?"
"No way. Tease me after you catch my real strength."
"Hmm~? Wasn't that fight your real strength? Then I've already passed you~"
"Guh... Splitting hairs..."
"Ahaha!"
Chatting happily, the two walked toward the waiting carriage.
◇
Reaching it, Shion turned and stared firmly at Orun's face.
"I joked earlier—but I'm serious. I'll catch up for real. So for now—be my guide. Someday we'll walk side by side!"
"...Got it. Don't get lost?"
"I won't! I'm not directionally challenged. —See you, Orun."
"Yeah. See you, Shion."
Shion finished her farewell and boarded.
"Then Orun-sama—we'll take our leave."
"Safe travels."
The maid bowed to Orun and entered. The carriage began moving.
"Orun~! Byeee!"
"Shion-sama! That's improper!"
Ignoring the maid, Shion leaned out—waving big.
Orun waved back energetically.
A few hours later—that place became barren wasteland, scarred by fierce battle.
Everyone present—
◇◇
Sunlight through the window woke him.
Sitting up, he stretched wide.
"—Slept well. Almost noon? First time sleeping this much in ages..."
Today was Gratitude Festival's first day.
Yesterday wrapped up tasks; today free—so he'd indulged in sleep.
Nothing pressing, but might as well eat out—got ready and left.
◇
"Ah—Orun-san, hello!"
At the building entrance—Sophia called out.
"Sophia, hello. Heading somewhere?"
"Yes. Helping Ngetsu-tei today—so on my way there."
Ngetsu-tei was "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky"'s restaurant.
Festival season brought crowds—spare explorers helped out.
Incidentally, the place he'd eaten with Sophia when they met was Ngetsu-tei.
"Right. No plans—I'll walk you."
"S-Such! You don't need to escort—"
"Crowds are heavy—better avoid trouble, right?"
Recent child kidnappings—all under ten.
Sophia should be safe—but she's cute; weird guys might bother her.
Can't always guard—but when possible, act as deterrent.
"...Then... please?"
"Alright—let's go."
◇
"As expected—this time of year, crowds are insane..."
"Yeah. First time seeing it this packed."
Heard about it—but not this extreme.
Staring at masses too long might make me sick...
Might need frequent breaks to sightsee.
"First time?"
Sophia asked—tilting her head.
"Yeah. In hero party days—didn't walk town daytime. Heard stories—seeing it's different. Honestly didn't expect this much..."
"I see. It's yearly for me—so assumed you were used to it."
Ten years here—natural assumption.
Even I'd think that in her place.
"Drinking in daylight too—real peaceful..."
Peaceful—but crowds mean trouble.
Military reinforced; major clans patrolling—should be fine barring extremes.
Will and Anthem-san from our clan were on patrol now.
"...Is alcohol tasty?"
"Hmm... Enjoy drinking while chatting—but alone? Not really. Taste is whatever. Interested?"
"Yes. Normal curiosity—what's it like?"
Here—fifteen marks adulthood; drinking allowed then.
Unlike other nations—age advances by birth month here.
Born April 15th? Turn fifteen April 1st.
Sophia's December—so six months.
"When December comes—have Selma-san take you. She goes to bars alone sometimes—knows good spots."
"...You remembered my birth month?"
Sophia widened eyes—shocked.
"Clan policy partly—but you're my disciple. Basic profile—got it memorized."
"I see... Sorry—I don't know yours..."
She lowered head apologetically.
No need to worry...
"Just remembered on my own. No rule saying masters must know disciples' birthdays—don't sweat it."
"Yes... Um! Can you tell me yours!?"
Serious—pressing close.
Too close... but focused Sophia doesn't notice.
"June."
"—Eh... June?"
She panicked.
"Yeah—what's up?"
"N-Nothing! Really!"
Hiding something—but not urgent. No need to pry.
Chatting like that—reached Ngetsu-tei's back entrance.
"Orun-san—thanks for walking me!"
Panicked earlier—but back to normal now.
What was that?
"No problem. Work hard helping the shop."
"Yes! Heading in!"
Sophia called energetically—entered.
—Now, per plan—stroll town, grab lunch.
◇
Wandering freely—reached stall-lined street.
Delicious smells everywhere.
Decided on something casual—spotted yakitori stall.
(Grandpa said last time—'Festival's best with yakitori and beer, strolling town.' No drinking—but yakitori sounds good.)
Decided—wove through crowd toward stall.
Closer—grilled sauce scent stronger; stomach growled.
Reaching counter—saw black-haired girl in foreign clothes talking to owner.
"Just bring money—give me one first."
"Not doubting you, miss—but cash only. Sorry—get money first?"
Girl slumped—stomach growled pitifully.
...Expression blank—but radiating sorrow.
(Blank face yet this much pathos—impressive... Wait—what's she doing?)
Owner looked awkward too.
Others wanted yakitori—but hard with this scene...
Approaching owner—girl noticed me.
"...Orun?"
"Uncle—two skewers please."
"Oh—sure. Three large coppers."
Ignoring her for now—paid, took skewers.
"Thanks. —Hey—let's step away first."
Thanked owner—handed one skewer to black-haired girl—Fuka Shinonome—urging her to move.