Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Festival Fireworks
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We stayed put until the play ended, fully immersed for Ed's sake.
"I knew about it from history class, but seeing it as a play makes me so mad."
Ed stormed out of the theater and kept kicking the street pavement hard with a furious expression the whole way. The part where the Snow Leopard Territory first invaded and raided villages in the Wolf Territory must have been quite shocking.
In the end, the Rub Family, who ruled the Wolf Territory, seized the advantage, forcing the Snow Leopard Territory to admit defeat and meekly keep their tails tucked ever since.
Still, with such clear historical damages, Ed had every reason to be outraged.
"Ed, how about we play some games to blow off some steam?"
To cheer him up, I scanned the street stalls lined up around the theater.
There were games where you guessed the ball under shuffled upside-down cups, and others where you bet money on arm wrestling or card games.
Just as Ed's eyes lit up with curiosity again and we started walking slowly,
"It's not your average tangled mess."
A young man sitting with a small mat spread out and a deep hood pulled low spoke up. Judging by his attire and the large crystal ball on the mat, he was a fortune teller.
Usually, these street fortune tellers were old women, so a young man was a novelty.
"What do you mean by that?"
Billy stepped forward, realizing the words were aimed at me. The fortune teller's lips curved into a smile under his hood. Ed pressed close to my side and gripped my hand tightly.
"You bear a grave duty. You'll have to endure it."
Ignoring Billy and Ed as if they weren't there, the fortune teller spoke. His words carried a heavy warning tone. Just as I flinched and was about to respond, he thrust out his hand abruptly.
"I've said my piece. Now pay up."
"I didn't even understand it."
Absurdity made me stare at his palm, but there were too many suspicious things about him.
His palm looked soft and smooth, like he'd never done a hard day's work in his life.
Even with the hood, his visible face and overall silhouette didn't seem ordinary.
Just as I thought I shouldn't brush him off lightly,
"Hey! Scamming another victim?"
The town guard came running up with a menacing glare, shouting at the fortune teller.
"Scamming?"
"You'd do well not to take my words lightly."
The fortune teller leisurely folded his mat and vanished into an alley between buildings, regardless of the pursuing guards. His steps weren't rushed, yet his speed was astonishing.
"Ch-Chief! Was that guy trying to scam you, Chief?"
The guards, who had been focused on the fortune teller and only now noticed Billy, paled and asked.
'Chief?'
Back at the Morton or Rub estates, they always called Ramen or Billy 'Family Head.' Seeing him addressed differently made Billy seem a bit different from usual.
"A famous con artist?"
Billy didn't chase the fortune teller but eyed the panting guards.
"Yes, he pops up with his mat and spouts vague nonsense, then pockets a fat fee."
"No wonder they can't catch him."
Billy muttered while staring at the alley where the fortune teller had disappeared. His expression was grave.
With the con artist incident wrapped up, we headed to the hill with the best view of the full moon. Luna Festival ended with fireworks, and a maid had mentioned the hilltop was prime viewing spot.
"This is your first time really enjoying the festival, right?"
On the way up, I voiced my conclusion based on Billy's demeanor so far.
"Uncle, is it your first time?"
Ed chimed in, and Billy looked up at the high full moon.
"I wasn't interested in festivals as a kid. I was obsessed with training."
The brilliantly shining full moon filled his gleaming golden eyes. His deep navy hair, like the night sky, seemed even darker tonight.
His figure blended perfectly with the moonlit night sky, and I found myself unable to look away as we reached the hilltop.
"Whoa, the whole village is in view!"
Ed kept exclaiming in awe at the festival-lit village below. Seeing him brighter than usual brought a warm smile to my face.
We found a flat spot on the hill and sat down side by side. Gazing at the sky together, the moment felt utterly peaceful.
'It feels like just yesterday I was scared of entering the wolves' den.'
I reflected on my first time here. Billy's sudden invitation to come along, and Ed insisting on staying with me despite barely knowing me.
Those two wolves, who seemed impossible to get close to, were now beside me, staring at the sky.
"When do the fireworks start?"
Ed fidgeted impatiently and looked at Billy, perhaps thinking he might know. But Billy, new to enjoying festivals himself, wouldn't.
"No idea."
As expected, Billy gave a straightforward answer. Ed nodded and looked back at the sky.
We thought it'd just be us three watching the fireworks, but soon other wolf beastkin started climbing the hill. I'd been sitting comfortably, but now I shrank back self-consciously.
Then, glancing over, I saw Ed sitting ramrod straight with his chest puffed out, every inch the young master of the Rub Family.
'Right, I'm Ed's guardian in my own way.'
I subtly mimicked his posture, straightening my hunched shoulders. Sitting tall made me feel a bit braver.
Boom!
A firework shot from below and burst in the sky, painting a beautiful scene. Ed took in the colorful night sky and shouted excitedly.
"Lady Lami, let's come watch again next time!"
"Yeah, we definitely will."
I replied as if promising myself. Luna Festival happened around winter's start each year, so we'd have to stay here until next year for another.
I'd worried about surviving the wolves' den when I first came, but now we were making plans for next year.
Even I found the change astonishing.
On the way down after the fireworks, a chill wind made my nose sting. Sniffling and quickening my pace, suddenly my body warmed up.
Looking beside me, Billy had draped his coat over me and was walking ahead without a glance.
"Aren't you cold?"
"I'm fine, don't worry about it."
"Ed, you okay?"
I grabbed Ed's hand, worried he might be cold. I'd expected it chilly, but it was warm—warming my own instead.
"Pfft, this is nothing! I don't need a coat either."
Ed tried imitating Billy, taking off his coat to hand to me. Holding the awkwardly sized garment made me laugh.
This little kid felt so reassuring. I gave the coat back and helped him put it on.
"I'm fine too. You warmed me right up."
It wasn't a lie—my heart was warm. Ed beamed proudly, strode ahead, then turned back with a big grin.
His figure blended beautifully with the village lights below.
As we headed to the carriage after enjoying the festival, a large statue came into view ahead.
It was a statue of the Rub Family's first Family Head. Seeing it jogged a setting from the original novel.
'Wasn't there a magic circle there too?'
Curious, I veered closer for a better look. Billy had gone ahead to the carriage and was talking to the coachman.
"Lady Lami!"
Ed's urgent shout came just as someone yanked my arm. startled by the sudden grab, I turned to see familiar streaked hair.
'Zebra?'
The white hair mixed with black zebra beastkin stripes made my mood sour instantly.
Suspecting Jeb Horse, I tried to check his face, but a mask covered everything below his eyes.
"Come quietly while I'm asking nicely."
He'd timed it when I was away from Billy. Bold to enter Wolf Territory. I'd heard the Horse Family was wiped out after Jeb was captured by the Magic Tower—was this revenge targeted at me?
But with Billy and Ed here, his approach made no sense.
"When did you say anything nicely?"
I wrenched free from the rough grip and shot back.