Chapter 58: Terra's Origin Festival
As preparations for Terra's Origin Festival ramped up in earnest, the shifts grew increasingly grueling, and the students were wearing down day by day. Simply standing guard might have been one thing, but mingling in the crowds every single day to keep order was no small feat. Even those shifts, lasting just two or three hours, often left them swept up in the throng, flustered and disoriented. The students' fatigue mounted relentlessly.
Only then did it hit them—A, this really isn't a vacation. This is brutal.—thoughts like that fueling their focus on duty. They had to put on a good show to earn the imperial knights' approval.
At last, the students' shifts neared their end. The main event of Terra's Origin Festival was set for tomorrow.
"Hey, hey. You hear? No more shifts starting tomorrow!"
It was Leb Heinz's voice. Beaming with excitement, he relayed the news Carmen had shared that day.
"What? Who said that?"
"Lady Carmen!"
"For real?"
"Yeah. We were supposed to work the festival too, but with so many imperial knights staying on, they say students can stand down."
"Whoa, what a relief... Honestly, I was at my limit. Those shifts were killer. And daytime slots, no less."
"Mine were evenings and still brutal. Yours must've been hell. Anyway, lucky break. Ah, tonight I can finally sprawl out and sleep."
The area buzzed with cheers, students' joyful voices rising.
Ashytara was no different. She turned to Ludenberg Lavante beside her.
"Good timing."
"Yeah."
"Plans for the festival?"
"Training right after the main event."
"Again? Aren't you tired? Maybe take a breather."
"Can't afford to get caught. I've seen some progress lately."
Ashytara didn't brush it off with something complacent like You're already strong enough. She understood the drive behind his relentless routine.
No other student trained with Ludenberg's maniacal intensity day in, day out. The body wouldn't hold up.
His obsession stemmed from lacking divine power. Yet he grew stronger ceaselessly, fueled by unyielding self-belief and effort.
Ashytara couldn't presume to judge that effort's worth. All she could do was offer a word.
"Then I'll join you."
Like before went unsaid, but he caught it. Back in the Lavante duchy, supporting each other through joyful sessions.
Faint echoes of that hazy past washed over Ludenberg. His voice trailed wistfully.
"...Yeah."
In the dim workshop, plainly dressed figures gathered. Their attire was ordinary, but their eyes burned with undisguised fanaticism, blind zeal, and veiled ferocity.
"Preparations complete, Jepita?"
"All set, Karema."
"Good. Execution tomorrow evening—peak festival hours."
"Understood. What word from headquarters?"
"Just follow the plan and your lead. The High Priest says your actions will open the path naturally."
"I see. Heavy responsibility."
The man, Jepita, eyed the opposite figure tensely.
"What's heavy about it? We just unleash the erosion beasts and watch."
"These are headquarters' prized creations. Even without highest-grade ones, these upper-grade specimens embody countless believers' toil. This mission matters. Variables could arise—best stay combat-ready."
"Fair point. I'll steel myself."
"No specific targets to eliminate?"
"None. Just sow chaos and terror. Agents in other cities will amplify it. May their panic hasten the Lord's revival."
"No word on the Apostle?"
"None. The Lord is only beginning to regain strength. On the day He recovers more, He'll name our guiding Apostle."
"Our duty weighs heavier."
"Indeed. But don't let it crush you, Jepita."
"I know my limits."
"Eight years... so long. But this endless peace ends today."
"Time to bring divine judgment on those lulled by false gods. Go. Don't forget your vital mission—plunge them into chaos first."
As Karema finished, Jepita addressed the others.
"Yes, sir!"
They vanished in an instant.
"Farewell to this workshop too. Doll-making was rather fun."
Faint regret tinged Jepita, but he shook it off, cloaking himself in murderous intent.
Dawn's vivid sunlight heralded morning, warm breezes carried flower scents swirling about—a vibrant spring scene incarnate.
At the plaza's heart, the floral altar; Terra's priests and knights; and throngs of spectators.
Nearly every soul in Solemnute packed the square—Solem, Lanur, Setra, Mare, Celioum delegations mingled, offering congratulations.
Yet the stars shone brightest: today's leads.
First, Idilrock Seraha. Terra's Saintess, newly anointed five years prior. The youthful girl, platinum hair like spun silk cascading quietly, face veiled, ascended the altar. Her pale golden eyes brimmed with boundless compassion—befitting a saintess.
Behind her loomed a kindly-faced giant of an elder, beaming at the crowd. Harmata Tehner, Terra's Archbishop, appointed alongside her. He'd raised Idilrock from childhood, guiding her rigorously while living devoutly himself—unanimously chosen by Terra's faithful. His grandfatherly smile dispelled any intimidation from his stature.
Harmata stepped back, leaving Idilrock alone at the altar. Her clear voice rang out.
"May Terra's steadfastness dwell in you. What a joyous day. The sky is flawlessly clear, the flower fields encircling the plaza brim with fragrance. And every face here glows with vitality and happiness—what greater joy could there be?"
Murmurs hushed; all leaned in.
"This splendid scene you behold results from countless in Solemnute's labors for this moment. Before the rite begins, let me offer thanks."
Smiling, she continued.
"A grand scale, perhaps forced, yet not a word of complaint—all embraced the toil willingly. Special gratitude to the imperial knights and Solemnute Adem's students for their immense aid."
"Knights and priests from the other five orders, imperial support, countless faithful's help. Truly, this is everyone's creation. With deepest thanks, let Terra's Origin Festival commence."
Cheers and applause erupted.
Amid the roar, Idilrock withdrew with the choir, advancing to the plaza's center. The Earth's Hymn, heralding the rite, blended her voice with theirs, launching the festival proper.
The main rite followed this order: Choir and Saintess sing the Earth's Hymn, rejoicing spring's arrival with the benediction. All close eyes in prayerful thanks to Terra, envisioning their year's hopes. Then, partake in the Terra-blessed banquet for harmonious closure.
A simple affair—thanking Terra for spring after harsh winter, with prayers and festivities.
Idilrock wove jokes into the benediction, keeping crowds engaged. It ended merrily; all prayed silently, offering wishes.
The banquet: Delectable dishes from Terra's chefs filled the plaza. Savoring them concluded the rite, unleashing the awaited festival.
Stalls lined streets, spectacles abounded. Ludenberg eyed the scene, turning to Ashytara.
"You sure?"
"Yeah. Don't worry about me. You've got training."
"Hm..."
Her consideration gave him pause. Then:
"Nah, can't."
"Huh?"
"Feels wrong."
"What does?"
"Let's play."
"...Huh?"
"You want to too. Training can wait a bit."
Stunned by his sudden shift, Ashytara stared, then beamed.
"True."
"Anywhere. Wander aimlessly, or whatever you fancy."
"How about strolling till something fun catches us?"
"Perfect."
The festival teemed. Celebrating Terra's bounty—flowers, greens, foods—it tempted their bellies anew post-banquet.
"What'll it be? Thought we ate plenty, but these look good."
"Apple pie?"
"Yes."
They devoured delights.
"Mmm~ Delicious! Try some. Good?"
"Yeah."
Sweets galore at stalls; they indulged fully.
"Now what?"
"Wander the festival? No plans, just soak it in."
Post-feast, sightseeing. The merry crowds alone delighted them.
"Whoa! Look—fire-breathing!"
"You can too."
"With divine power. No flow from him. How?"
"Saint law tool?"
"No traces."
"Trade secret?"
"Probably. Wonder the trick."
"Doubt he'd tell."
Chatting idly, they reveled on.
"Where next?"
"Sit and rest if nothing else."
"Sure."
Despite wandering long, midday sun still reigned—the rite ended early.
Streets pulsed with life. Gluttons like them; parents spoiling kids; knight faculty peers laughing past—Cletta, Leila, Philia, grinning mischievously.
Eden and Mion whispered schemingly, faces grave.
Merchants bustled. All wore smiles, melting into the revelry.
Those varied expressions converged: joy. A festival, yes.
Ludenberg's face softened naturally. Festival. How long since last?
"Feels like ages."
"Yeah."
"Not bad, right?"
"No."
"Noticing again, Ludenberg."
"What?"
"You're too quiet. You used to chatter back."
His curt replies drew her playful pout.
"Am I?"
"Yeah. You'd light up and banter."
True enough.
"Guess so. You said I hadn't changed, but this part did. Don't talk much with others."
"Ah."
"Up for moving? Rested enough?"
"Yeah."
"Where to?"
"Knight quarters. Festival's fine for now. Evening round two."
"Spar?"
"Yeah. Wanna test my growth. Always lost to you."
"Bet I win again."
Rare teasing grin from him.
"Gotta try. Maybe I win this time?"
She grinned back, bolting for the knights.
"Loser buys dinner!"
"Hey? Haha—wait!"
Ludenberg laughed in disbelief, chasing after.