Chapter 23: Pincotat Grand Festival (1)
October 17, morning.
"Reinhild, wake up. We're here."
Reinhild slowly opened her eyes and looked at the bustling street. After about a minute, she finally moved away from Subaru's shoulder and lazily yawned.
"Want some coffee?"
"Mm."
Reinhild opened her small mouth and bit the straw in front of her. With the help of the caffeine, her brain gradually woke up. Only then did she stretch out her hand from under the blanket to take the cup from Subaru, sipping it while observing the surroundings.
"This is really a bustling city!"
"Pincotat used to be one of the Five Great Cities of Lugunica, but now it should have declined. After all, Pincotat thrived as a commercial city through trade with foreign countries. Because of the royal issues, our country's foreign trade has almost stopped. When I passed by here last year, it wasn't this crowded. Now the foot traffic is about the same as when I was a child."
"So, something must have happened recently? Ahahaha."
Subaru laughed awkwardly, then carefully observed the surroundings. Suddenly, he saw something familiar.
"That's a crepe! I didn't expect to see it here."
"Although it's declined a lot, most of the shops from foreign merchants have been preserved. This place is still full of goods from all over the world. Let me see… grassy flavor… honey flavor. Subaru, which one do you want?"
"Chocolate cream, I guess."
Reinhild nodded, then increased the strength of her "Divine Protection of Presence Reduction" ability slightly, then naturally jumped from the dragon carriage to the street and walked to the shop.
—A few minutes later—
"Sorry, there are more people than I expected."
"Thanks. Hmm, it tastes better than I thought. By the way, Reinhild, aren't you going to try it? Have a bite."
"Then I'll try a small bite."
Reinhild lightly bit the crepe Subaru handed her, her eyes lighting up before she took a big bite.
"This tastes good."
"Right? But there are so many people. I didn't think there would be traffic jams anywhere besides the capital."
"Well, we're not in a hurry. Subaru, is there anything else you want to eat? I can go buy it for you."
"Hoho, here. Be careful, the takoyaki inside is very hot."
"Ah, okay."
"But what exactly is this? It doesn't look like octopus, right?"
[Divine Protection of Identification]
"It's the tail of an undead lizard."
! ! !
—
And so, they slowly moved along while eating various delicious street foods. Before they realized it, they had finally arrived at the central lodging district. After leaving more than a dozen fully booked inns, they finally found a hotel with a vacant room near noon. However—
"Only one room?"
The staff nodded at a surprised Subaru. Perhaps noticing Subaru's hesitation, the staff gestured to the crowd in the lobby.
"Actually, at this time, it's hard to find two vacant rooms anywhere. Ours became available because a couple had to check out early for an urgent matter, so we have a double room free."
"Um, Rein?"
Noticing Subaru's gaze, Reinhild nodded.
"Then let's take that room."
Subaru decided immediately.
"Then I hope you enjoy your stay."
"Isn't this a couple's suite?"
Subaru shouted, looking at the room. Although, due to the times, there were no magical toys, no enormous TVs showing indescribable things, and no coin-operated machines, the pink heart-shaped bed, the various medieval-style pamphlets, and the mysterious bottles and jars all suggested the room's intended purpose.
"What's wrong, Subaru? Is there a problem with this room?"
Reinhild clearly didn't have the usual knowledge of such rooms. She first placed their luggage down, then naturally sat on the bed and picked up the stack of pamphlets next to her.
"I see. No wonder Pincotat has so many people."
Subaru looked at the dust on the ground with some regret, then shivered suddenly.
"Do you know the reason?"
Subaru hurriedly sat beside Reinhild, who was staring at him, then looked at the only remaining pamphlet in her hand. Its title: Pincotat Grand Festival.
Speaking of Pincotat's most famous event, it was the Dragon War over thirty years ago. That battle involved the Empire's War God, the Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, the Kingdom's Sword Saint, and the Divine Dragon. Even today, it remains one of the most popular heroic biographies, not to mention at the time.
"You could say, a true merchant city. But why isn't it the Divine Dragon Festival?"
"Oh, so it's this event. It seems to have disappeared when I was five. Initially, it was planned as a Divine Dragon Festival, but you know the Divine Dragon Church's style."
"Indeed. Even though Pincotat was saved by the Divine Dragon, merchants couldn't organize this event. It's not just about profit but pride. So they chose Wilhelm and the others?"
Subaru understood. Wilhelm and Theresia's story was widely known. A war hero marrying the Sword Saint, and Wilhelm's efforts during the Pincotat incident until the Divine Dragon descended made him a savior of the city. Most importantly, their love story was like a fairy tale.
"Yes. But after my grandmother was defeated by the White Whale, this festival took on an ominous meaning. Wilhelm tried to stop it seriously, but now—perhaps because the White Whale has been defeated—it continues."
"Unexpectedly, even events from over ten years ago still have such influence."
"I heard countless couples are formed every year. It's the world's largest matchmaking event at the time. But this time, it's not just the festival itself—it's Princess Anastasia showing off her power."
Reinhild pointed to the portrait on the left of the pamphlet.
"I see. Crush-sama was the main hero of the White Whale War. Priscilla's territory had an unprecedentedly abundant harvest. Our efforts to purge evildoers were essentially Felt's contribution. In such cases, continuing to participate in the royal selection means you must show your worth."
Subaru looked at the crowd outside.
"Seeing this, I kind of understand why Princess Anastasia could revive the kingdom's economy."
"Indeed. Although Western Karalaki is a commercial kingdom and many Western merchants are in Pincotat, Princess Anastasia's influence is remarkable. The festival lasts 20–30 days… I want to experience this festival."
"Mm, then let's enjoy it fully."
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