Chapter 23: The Festival of Growls

The village of Ebonwood buzzed with excitement as the preparations for the inaugural "Festival of Growls" were underway. It was to be a cultural celebration, a unifying event that would weave together the diverse threads of the village into a vibrant tapestry of community spirit.

Lord Simha, once Satoru, watched with pride as the villagers set up stalls and decorations. The festival was his brainchild, a way to honor both the beastkin heritage and the new life they had built together.

"**Let this festival roar with our joys, our triumphs, and our unity,**" Simha announced to the gathered crowd. "**Today, we celebrate not just as individuals, but as one Ebonwood.**"

The air was filled with the scents of cooking, a symphony of aromas that promised a feast for the senses. Simha had introduced the villagers to the fast foods of his past life—burgers, pizza, and an array of Japanese dishes. The cooks took to these new recipes with gusto, their hands crafting the foreign delicacies with a touch of Ebonwood's unique flair.

As the festival progressed, the villagers reveled in the tastes of these new cuisines. Laughter and chatter echoed through the air, punctuated by the occasional contented growl from the beastkin as they bit into a juicy burger or savored a slice of pizza.

But amidst the merriment, Simha felt a pang of nostalgia. Something was missing—a familiar comfort from his previous life. He pondered this absence until realization dawned upon him. There were no cold drinks, only raw beer brewed by the villagers.

"**We have forgotten the spirits of my homeland,**" Simha mused. "**The refined taste of Japanese alcohol, the crispness of a cold beer on a warm day.**"

Determined to fill this gap, Simha set out to recreate the beverages of Japan. With the help of the village's brewers, he introduced the process of distillation and fermentation, refining the raw beer into a beverage that mirrored the quality of modern alcohol.

"**Let us raise our glasses,**" Simha toasted, holding aloft a cup of the newly crafted beer. "**To Ebonwood, to our future, and to the bonds that grow stronger with every shared sip. Kanpai!**"

The villagers joined in the toast, their cups raised high. The introduction of the new drinks was a resounding success, adding another layer to the festival's allure.

The chapter closes with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the Festival of Growls. The villagers, united by food, drink, and laughter, danced and sang late into the night. Ebonwood had found its rhythm, and it beat to the drum of togetherness and joy.