Chapter 450: Games and Festivities (pt. I)

CHATTER CHATTER CHATTER

The whole village was abuzz, laughter and excitement dancing in the air. Two figures walked side by side, happily enjoying the view the village had to offer whilst relishing the refreshing winds and enjoying the gentle rays of the sun.

A couple days have passed since Grey and Yuna arrived at the village, and with the sun and moon rising and falling, the day for the founding festival of Malus village has finally arrived, the streets and paths filled with great excitement.

There were a couple of stalls here and there, and colorful garlands and banners hung all over the place. The whole village was bustling with excitement, adults and children alike running along the streets with smiles blooming on their faces.

"Hurry! Hurry! The games are gonna start already!"

"Hey! Wait for me!"

"We're not going to～! Last one to arrive is a loser!"

It was a much smaller and much cruder festival compared to the ones held in cities and capitals Grey and Yuna has been to, but it couldn't be any less wonderful. The atmosphere was great and so was the scent of wonderful food wafting all throughout.

The sight reminds Grey of village festivals held in rural areas back when he was still living on Earth. It wasn't really as grand as ones held in cities, but it sure was lively with different games and events happening almost simultaneously.

Be it the elderly or the children, everyone was equally as excited, chattering aloud without a single care in the world. There were even some rare merchants present in the village. It seems like some found their way inside the village while traveling.

"Waah～! This sure takes me back～!" ［Yuna］

"Oh? You've also experienced festivals like this, Yuna?" ［Grey］

"Un! It was much smaller, but we also had a festival like this back in my village! It was really fun! Mom and Dad always took me out to play..." ［Yuna］

Her voice was soon filled with excitement, but slowly dwindled down until a tinge of sadness could be heard. Her eyes and voice were full of longing, looking meekly at the wonderful festival playing before her very eyes. A bittersweet smile on her face.

It may have been a few years already and Yuna had already buried the pain deep inside her heart. However, from time to time, she couldn't help but feel down when she remembers the innocent and blissful memories of the past.

Her eyes wandered left and right, watching the villagers mingling merrily with one another, reminding her of the good old days when she was still young and oblivious to the world. The sight of little families hanging around pricker on her heart a little.

However, Grey didn't just let his fiancée be down in the dumps. He didn't even need a second to notice the shift in Yuna's feelings. He let her dwell on it for a while before intervening and cheering up the young lady in his own way.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" ［Grey］

Said the young man as he teasingly pecked on the soft cheeks of the young lady, turning her beet red in a heartbeat. Her eyes which were once down quickly turned confused and flustered the very next moment.

"W-What are you doing?! Dummy! W-We're still in public, you know?!" ［Yuna］

"Hm? It's just a passing thought... Here, why don't you try these strawberries Missus Rozelia gave us yesterday. They're really good." ［Grey］

"Hm? Reallyー No! That's not it! You're changing the topー Mmph!" ［Yuna］

"Sweet, isn't it?" ［Grey］

Yuna couldn't even finish her words, when Grey suddenly fed a strawberry to the little mouth of hers, cutting her all of the sudden. She wanted to get angry, but with how sweet and fantastic the strawberries were, she was easily strung along.

"Wh-What the?! These are so sweet～! They're delicious!" ［Yuna］

"Didn't I say so? Here, you can have some more." ［Grey］

"Un! Thank you～! I love these strawberries～!" ［Yuna］

There was no time to think. Before Yuna even noticed, her mind was already off what she was previously thinking of and she couldn't even remember why she was gloomy in the first place. Grey simply strung her along so fast, it was hard to realize.

Of course, Grey knew full well what he was doing. He had already promised to make Yuna happy and smile for as long as he lives, and though painful as it may be, her past was still a part of her. It was more than fine to dwell on it from time to time.

"Yuna, after the festival, later at night, what do you say we visit your parents? Let's take some food and tell them stories about the festival." ［Grey］

Uttered Grey in a low and calm voice. He made sure that Yuna was cheerful enough before saying such words, not wanting her to be crestfallen once more. All the while, he held her hand tight and smiled at her softly.

"So you knew what I was thinking about, huh... Are you a psychic?" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. How long do you think we've known each other for? All I need is a single look, and I could tell what you're thinking." ［Grey］

"Fufufu? We're the same then! I can also think what Grey is thinking!" ［Yuna］

"Really? Then what am I thinking right now?" ［Grey］

"Hmm... You're thinking that your amazing and adorable fiancée is super, super, super～ cute and beautiful! I'm right, aren't I?" ［Yuna］

Proudly proclaimed the young lady with a radiant smile on her face, which, much to her surprise, was met with a light pinch to her cheeks. It wasn't like she was wrong. Grey just wanted to pinch her cheeks for the sake of it.

Well, much like any other time, Yuna was quick to retaliate with a bit of pounding on Grey's shoulder. They really were a pair of lovers like no other, their mood shifting from bitter to sweet to sour and spicy in just a matter of seconds.

"So, what do you think? Are you up for a late night talk?" ［Grey］

"... Un! Let's tell them lots and lots of stories!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. Looks like we won't be sleeping tonight then." ［Grey］

Soft and subtle giggles and chuckles were adrift in the air, two figures striding quite aimlessly in the village full of festivities. There were a lot of sights to see and a lot of events to experience, letting their feet take them wherever.

With the founding festival at its peak, many houses are holding their own share of games, events, and competitions, making the festival very lively. Some were also giving presents to their neighbors, making it seem a little bit like christmas.

For one, Rozelia and her husband held a wing drinking contest using both grape and strawberry wines they made throughout the year. Nestor, Alto, and the Guards also held one of their own, letting everyone mock battle with them.

Of course, as the village Chief, Falroe also made sure to hold different games and events. Most of which were traditional games in the village, and some were ideas Grey and Yuna pitched in from their previous experiences.

However, the main game is to be held in the afternoon. It was a tag-like game played around the vicinity of the village center where they had to grab a small bell and hold out until the hourglass ran out of sand. The last to hold the bell wins.

"Everyone～! Welcome! Welcome! You are quite excited, aren't you?!" ［Falroe］

"Ohh! Chief, I heard we have some new and interesting games this year?!"

"Chief, let's start the games already! I'm already itching to play!"

"That's right! I'll make sure to win the grand prize today! You'll see!"

Just in time, Grey and Yuna arrived at the village center where many people gathered. There was Falroe in the middle, hyping up the crowd until their voices reached the sky. Beside him were his family members, just as excited.

If there was anything surprising, it was that baby Uldred wasn't bothered by how loud everyone was at all. Rather, he was sleeping so soundly, one could mistake that he was inside a serene and peaceful slumbering place.

Meanwhile, Kris, Zeke, and Eldhart were all raring to go and destroy the events. It may be because they were influenced by Kris' hotheaded drive that both Zeke and Eldhart are now burning with passion. They were all determined to win.

"Oh my! Grey～! Yuna～! Over here～!" ［Valka］

A little bit of calling from Valka, and Grey and Yuna then approached her. She held the slumbering Uldred in her arms yet the little baby didn't awoke even when his mother was waving her hands so enthusiastically. What an amazing baby.

They waved their hands and greeted the others as they drew closer. And before long, the first game already started. And as expected of Merusia, things really are more extreme and insane. Even village games are over the top.

"Bamboo pole climbing... Somehow... It's really amazing..." ［Grey］

Before them, several poles of bamboo were erected firm and tall. On top rests a small flag which fluttered in the wind, colorful and brilliant as can be. It was a game where they race towards the top until one grabs their flag, the first one to do so, wins!

However, there was a tinyー no, a huge catch. While back on Earth, the poles would only be about 5 to 10 meters tall, however, before them were poles just a little under a hundred meters. It was amazing where they could find a bamboo pole so long.

Moreover, the poles were also oiled and hardened, with the participants only given a tough piece of fabric and a rope tied from the very top to pull themselves upward. No matter how magical Merusia it, it truly was exaggerated.

"You can do it, Dear～! I believe in you! You too, Zeke～!" ［Valka］

"E-Eld! Y-You can do it! Y-You can do it!" ［Reina］

"Go, Papa! You can win this, Papa!" ［Ruru］

Yet strangely enough, everyone didn't really find the situation strange. Rather, they supported everyone quite enthusiastically, even cheering on them with merry and cheerful smiles afloat on their faces. Even the meek Reina was screaming.

No, if there was something strange, it was that even the host, Falroe, participated in the game. He was even standing in the front, warming up his muscles enthusiastically as if he was going to battle. He really was an interesting man... right...

"Mister Kris, aren't you going too?" ［Yuna］

"It's not like I can't... Rather, I shouldn't. I'll be spoiling everyone's fun if I joined. Plus, watching in the sidelines is also fun in itself." ［Kris］

"Ohh... So Mistre Kris still has some common sense left, huh?" ［Grey］

"Huh? What did you just say, you brat?" ［Kris］

And as usual, Kris and Grey were up to their usual shenanigans. They may not be able to participate because of their absurd strengths, but are still able to have fun in their own ways, teasing one another as if there was no tomorrow.

"Ready... Set... Start～!" ［Valka］

Before long, the whistle was blown and the game finally started. As soon as it rang inside their ears, everyone quickly leaped up to the air, jumping as high as they could and making sure they had a head start against one another.

Eldhart, Zeke, Falroe, and other C-rankers leaped at least 30 meters in an instant, the others following them at distances of 15 or 20 meters or more, then wrapping their fabrics around the oily pole and grabbing rightly ahold of the rope.

They raised the fabric with one arm and pulled the rope with the other, making sure to balance their legs on the slippery poles and slowly making their ascent, some slipping up and some hugging the poles tightly as they slowly slid down.

One... Two.. Three... They grabbed and pulled, taking steps time and time again. If they go up too fast, they will slip up and fall. If they go too slow, they will fall behind others. It was a race in which balance was a must.

"Go Papa! You're almost there! Just a little more!" ［Ruru］

"My～! This reminds me of the times when we were still young～! Your father really is cool, isn't he? Right, Aria? Reina?" ［Valka］

"Geez, Mom! Stop gushing!" ［Aria］

Cheers and support came ringing all over the place, everyone cheering on their favorites and shouting as loud as they could. Everyone was going along with such a silly looking game, yelling loudly as if it was a grand competition.

It didn't take long before people started falling and slipping down their bamboo poles. Thankfully, they were all skilled and experienced enough to slow down their descent and not hurt themselves, no one sustaining any noticeable injuries.

While Zeke and Eldhart may be the stronger ones in the competition, they were also the ones with the least amount of experience. Such was a barrier slowing them down and preventing them from charging about without much hesitation.

Before long, only a few people remained in the competition, slowly inching towards the top with their bodies already lathered in oil. Baby Uldred had also woken up from the liveliness in the air, looking a bit confused but adorable.

"Just a little more... A little more..." ［Eldhart］

"Huhuhu! You need to be a little more daring than that, boy!" ［Falroe］

"Agh! So slippery!" ［Zeke］

They took their steps and they dragged themselves upwards. With the passing of time, everyone closed in more and more to the top. And before long, a couple of hands reached out towards the little flaglet, struggling desperately to reach it.

However, only one hand was able to reach it before the others. It wasn't Falroe, Zeke, or Eldhart, but rather, it was the leader of the guards and also Falroe's senior. He was the winner of the competition last year, and it seems like he had defended his title.

He dropped down as soon as he took ahold of the flag, grabbing the rope just at the right time to cushion his descent, making the ground rumble a little. What followed after was a cacophony of cheers and applause.

"Woohoo! That's the captain for you!"

"Hahaha! What did I say?! I won the bet again!"

"Argh... Dammit, I thought the Chief would win this time."

After the Captain of the Guards grabbed ahold of victory, everyone then took the runner-up places one after another with Falroe coming in at first, Zeke at second, Eldhart at third, and many guards coming after them.

With the conclusion of the first game, it was now time for the next games. The poles were quickly cut and uprooted, then piled up one after another. After which, the next layout of the playing field was changed, tons of rope brought out.

The next game was a blindfolded rope maze where, as the name implies, one has to get to the finish line while avoiding a maze of colorful ropes whilst blindfolded. It was an easy concept for a difficult game, everyone soon gathering at the finish line.

"Fufufu! Aria, take care of your little brother for me, okay?" ［Valka］

"Mom... You're not young anymore, you know?" ［Aria］

"Fufufu! What are you talking about? I still got it!" ［Valka］

This time, new participants joined the game, including Valka. After a light kiss on the baby's forehead, she immediately handed Uldred to Aria, and let her take care of her youngest brother for a while. There was a smile blooming on her face.

Of course, as it was a blindfolded game, shouting directions from the sidelines was allowed. Rather, it was encouraged. Such a rule only meant that it will be one hell of a game where chaos and ruckus will be abrew as if there is no tomorrow.

Everyone soon took their places by the starting line and blindfolds were wrapped around their eyes. Everyone was greatly excited, shouting their candidate's names and cheering on them as much as they could.

"Ready! Set! Go....!!!!" ［Falroe］

"Mom! Mom! Lower your head! A little more please!" ［Zeke］

"Go! Mama! You can do itー Ah! There's a string in front of you!" ［Ruru］

As expected, a pandemonium of voices broke out as soon as Falroe rang out the start signal and everyone slowly advanced, maneuvering themselves in a maze of colorful ropes, everyone instructing them with loud voices.

They docked their heads, raised their legs, stood still, and inched ever slowly. Each more was made carefully, the pressure weighing down on their hearts. Yet at the same time, they couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Surprisingly enough, even though the whole place was loud and chaotic, somehow, everyone could pick out which instructions were for them, allowing them to advance one step at a time and make good progress,

"Mmn... I wish I could join too..." ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. Maybe next time. We'll make a maze where you wouldn't be able to sense the ropes. How about that?" ［Grey］

"Ehh...? Wouldn't that be really difficult then?" ［Yuna］

"That's the whole point, My Dear." ［Grey］

The race progressed at a smooth pace, everyone going back towards the beginning every time they touched the ropes. Yet even more surprisingly, many were also able to progress smoothly without failing, taming their steps slowly but surely.

One participant in particular was very good at picking out instructions and executing them perfectly, enabling her to advance at a much faster rate than the others, taking the lead by a huge margin, smiling ever so happily to herself.

It was none other than Valka, and the voice she was listening to was that of her dear husband's. They were very clear instructions and accurate as well. Instructions so well, that Valka cleared the game in just a couple minutes. Cheers rang in the air.

"Fufufu! Didn't I tell you, Aria? Mommy still got it～. I'm amazing, aren't I?" ［Valka］

"Uuu... Fine. I give up... Not like you'll listen anyway..." ［Aria］

"Mom! You're really amazing! You were fantastic!" ［Zeke］

"Fufufu! Then why don't you give Mommy a kiss as a reward?" ［Valka］

After Valka's victory, a couple more rounds ensued and a number of new participants also partook in the challenge. It was a whole half an hour filled with excitement and intensity, everyone winning prizes as they won their respective rounds.

Before long, the Blindfold Rope Maze was over and a few more games were played. There was an archery competition, some sort of piñata, the catching of an oiled pig, vertical shot put, bubble pop, statue dance, and many more.

Of course, there weren't just single player games, but also many which needed a pair or a group such as tomato dance, egg relay, charades, and a lot more. But perhaps the most interesting amongst them was the paper dance.

It was a game Grey suggested in which pairs would dance around a piece of paper and when the music stops, they would try their best to fit themselves into the boundary which was the paper, making sure they don't touch the ground until 5 seconds has passed.

The catch is, every round, the piece of paper is folded in half, getting smaller and smaller each time. It was to the point that they reached an area even smaller than their palms, most of the participants already eliminated.

"Grey... You really ought to give up. Respect your seniors, kid." ［Kris］

"Isn't it the senior's job to give way to their juniors?" ［Grey］

"Huhuhu. How lively! Kids these days really are something!" ［Falroe］

There were only four pairs remaining. It was the married couples Kris and Aria, and Falroe and Valka, the teen couple Eldhart and Reina, and the idiotically sweet and sappy couple, Grey and Yuna. It was a competition between the roughest,

The competition was so tight, they are now doing either handstands or one hand push-ups where their legs were floating. Their pairs either sitting on their backs or balancing themselves on the sole of their partner's feet.

A new round elapsed and the first to be eliminated was Eldhart and Reina when the latter lost balance. Then came Falroe and Valka as the area of the paper became too small for them to remain. All that remains are Kris and Aria, and Grey and Yuna.

Now, the area of the paper is so small, they have to do one-finger handstands just to remain in the game, neither pair wanting to let up. Everyone's eyes were on them, all excited and curious who will be the one winning the game.

"Yuna... You know, a couple weeks ago, while we were exploring the forest, we actually found a bundle of magic plants huddled around each other." ［Kris］

"Oi! Mister Kris, that's cheating!" ［Grey］

"Hahaha. Nothing is fair in life, kid!" ［Kris］

In a desperate struggle to protect his pride, Kris launched a devious attack against Grey and Yuna, aiming to target the young lady's weakness. It was a despicable plan but it was nothing much if it's what it takes to win.

"Yuna, tell you what. I'll give them 4... No, 5 of them! I'll give you 5 whole magic plants! Just let us win this time!" ［Kris］

"Oi! That'sー" ［Grey］

"So stingy! Make it 10!" ［Yuna］

"Yuna, don't go along with him!" ［Grey］

"Deal!" ［Kris］

Grey tried to retaliate, but be it as it may, it was all in vain. Kris and Yuna were able to strike a quick deal, Yuna soon hopping off of Grey's soles and into the ground. There was a bright smile on her face, only thinking about the magic plants.

"The winner is the Kris and Aria couple! Give them a round of applause!" ［Falroe］

It was a conclusion no one ever expected, one achieved with a devious mind. Kris is now laughing maniacally like a devil, Aria heaved a lengthy sigh, and Grey's face was painted with disbelief as he tried to process what just happened.

As for Yuna, well... She simply headed towards Kris and retrieved her magic plants. She already performed her side of the deal, and it was time to collect her payment. The latter quickly gave her what she wanted, much to her delight.

"Look! Grey! I got lots of magic plants!" ［Yuna］

"Yeah... Good for you... Yeah..." ［Grey］

"Teehee!" ［Yuna］

A sweet smile blooms on her face.

CHAPTER 450 END