Chapter 39.2 – The Village’s 300th Anniversary Celebration

On the day of the festival, the weather was perfect for an outdoor event.

A moderate number of clouds were providing shade as they floated across the blue sky. Although the sun was dazzling and hot like summer, the wind that blew through from time to time was faintly cool.

It was the perfect day for a festival.

It’s in the dead middle of summer with a temperature to match. I’m starting to sweat all over just from standing… but for some reason I’m still wearing long sleeves.

Lian wore formalwear specially prepared by Lowendahl made of a thin linen-like material.

At a glance, it just looked like a regular garment, but the clothes breathed very easily, allowing the wind to blow freely through the fabric.

The color Lian wore… wasn’t the monotone suit that his brother and father wore. It was light blue. Lian couldn’t help but feel bothered by it.

The collar and cuffs were casually embroidered with floral and ivy patterns in a soft, white thread with an exquisite balance that was not too austentatious.

The color of the fabric and the design look incredibly luxurious and beautiful… but I think it’s a little too eccentric. I told them I wanted the same monotone fashion as the rest of the family, and they said, “These colors will allow sunlight to pass through. This fabric is the softest and the coolest, so you’ll be able to wear it for a long period of time without your shoulders becoming too stiff.”

…The way they said it…. I had no choice but to wear this.

The reason I have a long day ahead of me is because I have a nerve-wracking business trip where I will have to keep a smile plastered on my face from start to finish.

I need to be able to conserve my stamina so that I can deal with all the stress this will take on my mind and body. I don’t have time to worry about the color I’m wearing.

…Even if the blouse is frilly and it flutters, I won’t worry about it. And while I’m on the subject, why am I the only one with a frilly shirt?! Why does everyone else have a crisp-looking simple dress shirt?

…Well, it’s the clothes Lowendahl prepared for me, so I shouldn’t complain… ugh.

Lian took the vague feeling and the entire self-reflection on his thoughts of formalwear, and threw them out the window as he raised his head and looked up.

Above the village’s oversized plaza, on top of the gentle, verdant green hill…

The stage was set up. Lian’s father could be seen performing a welcoming ceremony while sweat cascaded down him like a waterfall.

As for Lian, he sat at the end of the stage with his mother and brother. Sometimes his father turned his gaze to Lian with teary and worried eyes and looked as if he needed a pep talk. Lian would glance back, saying, “You can do it, you can do it. If you’re a man, you can finish up this speech and make a big impression.”

Well, speaking in front of these people would definitely make me cringe. I’m the second son, so it seems like I don’t have to give a speech, which helps me out a lot. It really helps.

Lian slowly peered around the square.

The statue in the center of the village square is of the Owen’s first patriarch, who has his head raised and his chest puffed out with a pigeon—no, a “Pigeotto”—perched on his right hand, basking in the sunlight and smiling. All while actual pigeons are perched on his shoulders and head. Somehow, it seems like the statue is in a better mood and is smiling.

To the side of the stage, a famous orchestra, apparently brought all the way from King’s Landing, was playing a gentle tune.

The center of the plaza was round and spacious; the surroundings were overflowing with many flowers.

As soon as the opening ceremony was over, the plaza became an area for visitors and villagers to dance.

Scheduled first is a dance that isn’t Bon Odori¹, called “Lieis’ Village Dance.” They would all clap hands in a circle, jump, jump around some more, and then skip.

The little ones really like it; they often perform it for me and they even taught me how to dance it.

In this green square blooming with summer wildflowers, there are not only the Owen family’s relatives and friends, but everyone who lives in Lieis village as well as…

There are many people from neighboring villages and towns.

There are too many people—I can’t even count them.

Among the crowd were, of course, Marie, Efaa, and all the little ones from the church.

Lian’s eyes met theirs and he smiled and waved.

Next to them was Alfred.

Alfred raised one eyebrow in a way suggesting, “Just hang in there,” and he laughed as he waved his hand up high at Lian.

Next to Alfred were Mr. and Mrs. Cheddar and their three children.

Mr. Cheddar laughed as he too raised his hand and waved. Mr. Cheddar was giant and had had his three children hanging from his head and shoulders so Lian could see him clearly from his position.

Next to them was Mrs. Gouda from the apple orchard. She was in a good mood, jumping around and being overly energetic. All their faces were very red.

Hey, I think they’ve been drinking… Hey, I haven’t gotten to drink yet! I need a drink already!

In front of them were the three bad boys—Jade, Jain, Snay—and their families. Lian smiled because their eyes met, and the three of them waved back with bright red faces and necks. 

Unlike the Gouda family, I don’t think they’re drinking… so maybe it’s hot. I’m also wearing formal clothes.

I see the figures of the Magnificent Seven—no, the factory workers—who are still working hard.

Since their eyes met, Lian smiled and bowed his head lightly. They raised their fists high and gave him a set of wild smiles in return.

All the way towards the back were a few conspicuous people wearing hoods with white lines on a black background.

Oh no, they look like monks. Oh, and they just locked eyes with me.

The monks’ eyes began to water; they folded their hands and then prayed.

…Those are probably… people from that cult. I guess it’s fine if they show up, but dear goddess, I beg for them to shut up. Don’t even look at me. Stop.

If you’re going to sit here and worship me, then you can go and get lost!

Lian wondered if they got the hint when he turned his eyes away forcefully. They unclasped their hands and bowed their heads several times… 

This is too much.

Lian turned his eyes to other things to try and recollect his bearings. He saw his former classmates, his former underclassmen, and seniors who were with him at school. He also saw teachers from there as well.

Lian saw his grandfather Luzé’s family and other relatives of the Owen family seated as guests of honor at the table. The table sat on a carpeted floor, leaving it slightly elevated over the rest of the tables.

Those sitting at the extravagant table included the superiors who came all the way from the royal capital as well as people who were members of high society.

Lowendahl was serving food and drinks among the people at the table, holding a silver tray in one hand. He also quickly gave instructions to the maids. 

He moves in a smooth, stylish, and smart manner. Even the way Lowendahl pours wine is stylish. Next time, I have to ask him to teach me how to decant wine like that.

At the table at the end, Lian could see his master² eating and drinking with people who seemed to be his friends.

They don’t seem like friends; they’re eating and drinking without even talking to each other… Hey, wait, you old fuckers, you act like you’re already ready to leave. At least wait until after the ceremony.

Near the seats of honor, guarding the people related to the royal family, stood a knight with glasses and a knight with a tired face.

When Lian met their eyes, they looked at the guest of honor’s seat, shrugged their shoulders a little, and then smiled and nodded back at Lian.

Near the guest of honor’s seat were a knight with a shaved head and a fierce-looking knight. Alfred said with an annoyed tone, “The two of them scouted me, and even though I turned them down, it seems like they still haven’t given up. So they still come here sometimes.”

Well, that guy is still sending knights back home after beating them to a pulp. It’s not hard to see why they want to employ people who are overly powerful.

On their side, there were many knights who came to guard the village as well as knights Lian didn’t know.

Looking around, he could see the faces of a lot of people who had helped him.

There were many stalls lined up along the square. Some of the stalls were well-known to Lian. Some of the confectioners and tea shop owners that Lian frequented in town had stalls as well. The sandwich shop owners, too. 

I’m going to go there later to buy their sour cream and honey nut sandwiches because they’re incredible. Otherwise, I’m afraid they’ll sell out before I have a chance.

We prepared more tables and benches for the many people who would be coming, but the turnout is even more… than we anticipated.

Lian’s father had not expected that so many people would come to gather in a small village at the western edge of the country. Lian hadn’t expected it either.

All that considered…

Everyone is smiling.

They’re jubilant and joyous.

And as for the sky, it’s blue and beautiful, spreading out as far as the eye can see.

Then Lian turned his head to look towards the west.

Bright green mountains in full view.

Gentle hills with wildflowers in full bloom.

Houses that have become a relaxing shade of color over the many years.

Clear lakes and gentle rivers.

Fields of wheat with lush green ears of grain swaying in the breeze.

Cows and sheep grazing and lazing at their leisure in the vast pastures.

The scenery is serene, and it stretches out forever.

To the ends of the earth.

To the end of time.

Forever, unchanging, uneventful.

From now on, nothing… nothing scary will ever happen.

Forever.

I wish it could go on forever…

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