CH 147.1

Chapter 147.1. Festival, Elves, And Awareness

-Miu’s Dad POV-

A middle-aged man approaches, and Yoshiyuki smiles warmly and nods.

“I’m Takano Yoshiyuki, acting head of the Takano County.”

“I’m Takano Miu, the promising ace of the Takano County!”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kusano Kamatori.”

A burly man with a sunburned and well-trained body smiles broadly. His elf-like ears indicate that he is a mage. He must be around 190 centimeters tall, taller than me.

While scratching his head, Kusano-san hesitates a little before speaking.

“Ah… I heard that someone important was coming.”

“Haha… It’s embarrassing to be called someone important, but I suppose that’s the case.”

“Well, I’m the leader of this druid village, so I guess I’m someone important.”

“Nice to meet you. Thanks to everyone, the Sacred Flowers is growing well, and I’m amazed by this fantastic sight.”

“I look forward to working with you. Thanks to all of you, the sacred flowers are growing well, and I am thrilled by this fantastic sight.”

This place, where the sacred flowers’ petals dance in the air, is a breathtaking sight for everyone. I only have gratitude for Kusano-san and the others who created this flower field.

“Well… We’re grateful for the help we received with our homes and everything.”

“It wasn’t me who made the preparations, but rather…”

“Thanks to the efforts of Takano County, we were able to secure this land. Truly, Takano County is remarkable.”

Feeling that there might be a misunderstanding, I try to correct it, but the executive interrupts loudly. Then the executive whispers, “The County’s family name is more appropriate,” so I nod with a wry smile.

Gardo Farm is a farm run by commoners. I understand they need support because they are a rapidly growing company that has become a force to be reckoned with.

If that’s the case, it’s easy for me to stand at the forefront of this conversation, as I have invested in this project.

“I only provided a little assistance, but if I could be of any help, I would be delighted.”

“No, it’s not just a little… Are you a ‘do-gooder’?”

“Haha… I suppose I might be a bit of one.”

I was called a “do-gooder” occasionally in the Ministry of Magic. I smiled and nodded. I wonder if they think I’m a “do-gooder” because I’m giving money to people I have no connection with.

Just as I thought, Kusano-san happily changed his expression and turned around, shouting.

“Hey! This person is a do-gooder!”

“Oh! So you’re a do-gooder!”

“That’s according to plan!”

“We’ll let everyone know!”

“Um…?”

For some reason, they smile excitedly, causing a commotion and running around in a hurry. I’m puzzled, with my mouth hanging open. Mii-chan, you don’t have to run around and have fun too, you know?

“If you’re a do-gooder, we were planning to hold a festival. Join us!”

“Huh, a festival?”

“Oh, if we’re having a festival, let’s coincide it with today’s Holy Flower shipment.”

“Uh, a festival?”

“Well then, I’ll join in the preparations for the festival. We’ll have everything ready by evening, so until then, please enjoy sightseeing with your family. Maybe we can even have a bingo tournament. Let’s make the prize a set of accessories.”

The executive and his subordinates leave with cheerful smiles, enjoying themselves.

I wonder what the festival is all about. I tilted my head in confusion. But the answer would become clear in the evening.

Later on, I returned to the inn and joined my wife. We strolled around the flower fields until evening came. There was a scene where Mii-chan happily ran off to help with festival preparations, with Kongo-san and the others chasing after her. It was enjoyable.

Since it was a festival, we were encouraged to eat outside, so we headed towards the plaza. There, long tables were set up, piled high with dishes on large plates.

Many people had gathered, filling their small plates with food.

“It feels more like a banquet than a festival.”

“Yes, it does, my dear.”

“I’ll get some food!”

There were no food stalls, but it felt like a standing party. As I noticed Kusano-san making a table, he noticed us and waved his hand.

“Oh, you’ve arrived. Let’s get started. Please come this way.”

“Um, is this a celebration of the shipment of the sacred flowers?”

It was hard to understand, but it seemed like they were waiting for us. Perhaps it had something to do with being investors.

“That’s part of it, but it’s not the main focus.”

Kusano-san took the microphone and stood on the platform. The people who were chatting stopped and turned their attention towards her.

After confirming that he has everyone’s attention, Kusano-san begins to speak.

“We have someone here today who helped us. To express our gratitude, we have decided to hold a festival.”

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

“Now, first, take a look at this!”

Kusano-san pointed to something covered with cloth, about 5 meters tall. I wondered what it could be.

“Take a look! We made this hastily, but I think it turned out well.”

He removed the cloth, revealing a stone statue. It was an old man with a white beard, it’s bearing a striking resemblance to the elderly mage I saw during an audience with the Emperor.

The craftsmanship was exquisite, making it appear almost lifelike.

“We created this statue to show our gratitude to the ones who helped us!”

“Oh, it’s wonderful!”

“Let’s make it a monument!”

“Let’s make it a commemorative day!”

The applause and cheers filled the air. I see. The hermit must have saved the druids. I heard that he had driven away the hunting mercenaries, so this must be their way of expressing gratitude.

“I never thought a land free from monster attacks could be so pleasant. We thank the hermit who helped us. Originally, I wanted the statue to depict him holding a spear, but unfortunately, the spear we found and stored in the warehouse went missing. So, unfortunately, it ended up being this style.”

Kusano-san expressed his gratitude and proudly presented the stone statue. It seemed that the land was much more enjoyable than the forest.