Evan D. Sherden, Running. (2)

The dungeon city of Pellati was defined by the sea. The dungeon explorers were usually familiar with the sea. Naturally, most of the events were related to the sea as well.

We have to be prepared to deal with threats in case monsters appear from the ocean during the Dungeon Festival.

Evanas always, the cautious Commander.

It was not that there were no events inside the city, but the more you came to the beach, the lighter peoples clothes got and the more cheers an attractive body would get. Only knights who were wary of the walls facing inland were in a pitiful state.

There are so many stores! And its all seafood.

Thats because seafood is the best in Pellati. With the owner of the Brotherhood Skewers opening a restaurant for grilled skewers in Pellati, the perception of monster meat has improved a lot, and now many people in Pellati open their own stores with monster-cooking certificates.

In the past, people would believe that monster meat is poisoned or cursed. Its a good thing we have come ahead of those times.

In addition to the dungeon city of Sherdens headquarters, the brand of Brotherhood Skewerscreated by Evan and the owner, Banehad a branch at Silk Line and Pellati, which sold skewers made of marine monster meat, taking advantage of the local creatures.

Whenever the owner had free time, he immersed himself in learning Pellatis cooking techniques or experimenting with different sauces.

Anyway, where did everyone else really go?

At first, all of them were definitely together, but so many people naturally fell apart from the group, and now only Evan and Arisha were left.

Belois, who always wanted to be around Evan, missed him because Arisha was a Pellati native and had the right to order around numerous people, and she had used her influence to take Evan with her, but of course, this was a secret to Evan.

Dont worry too much, Evan. Theres a strong guardian attached to you, so itll be okay.

Well, Im sure.

Well, even if there was a chance, it would usually be solved if Belois fired a foxfire. Evan managed to give up joining the group and decided to go along.

Next to him, Arisha said with her affectionate, shy eyes.

And Evan, dont be nervous, I can protect you.

Thats very reassuring. I feel a little pathetic about myself making you say that.

I know what Evan is worried about, so I dont think its pathetic anymore.

Arisha said so with a relaxed expression and set her index finger on Evan. A confident smile was cool, but he thought it was not the right time to smile like that.

Arisha, looks like youve already gotten used to me

Thats funny.

Evan got relaxed in the atmosphere and allowed himself a mirthful laugh.

Arisha was fascinated by how Evan smiled; she somehow managed to come to her senses, looking blankly at him. She had been with him for many years, but she never got used to it: his smile was enough to make her heart explode from beating too fast.

Lets go. Ive got a notice from my father about the order of the main events. You can attend the costliest events and enjoy them without having to pay.

Its really nice to know the criteria for choosing an event.

Numbers never lied.

This mindset also had something in common with the Yo-Ma Great War poison. Evan followed Arisha with a bitter smile again.

Come a little closer so you dont get separated.

Yeah, theres a lot of people.

Arisha secretly tried to put her arms in his own, but he didnt reject it. She thought this would be all right, considering how hard it must have been to separate the other group from them, especially from Belois. Evan couldnt help but know what she was thinking.

I hope they are enjoying themselves.

They must be! Im sure they are! Its not the last night, so itll be alright.

Evan smiled inwardly and raised his head to look at Arisha, who was shaking while answering in case shed get caught by Marquis Soline for stealing his son. Birds flying over the sky in the distance looked like they were laughing.

Arishas guidance was excellent, indeed. No, of course, her guidance was excellent, but what was even better was her position in the city!

As soon as Arisha appeared with Evan, all the queues disappeared, and the people in the front rows would fade in the background to leave them a good seat, and all the events could be enjoyed to their fullest capacity. Her influence was the best.

Lady, the target is now at C-7 This is how you should make the next journey

Great.

Moreover, Count Pellatis family, who hosted events all over the coast, guided Arisha to the optimal route for her to enjoy the evening with Evan.

Evan, lets go there next. Theres a band playing.

Good. The Lut Girls didnt come?

They go to Sherden often because youre there I was surprised to hear about the guarantee from Maybell.

Maybells hands made things happen, but it was also evidence that Evans beauty was famed across the lands. Of course, Arisha saw Evan and settled in Sherden, so she could understand how the Lut Girls felt!

Oh, thats Master Evan, the second son of the Marquis of Sherden!

What?!

What?

Master Evan! Everyone, warm up, warm up, warm up!

Surprisingly, the Lut Girls were present at the event!

MaybNo, I was asked to perform at the Dungeon Festival by Baroness Sollayu Jun. Thats why we came!

Thank you. Im glad to be able to see your performance here.

Hey, guys, you heard that? Master Evan says hes happy!

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

At every event, the Lut Girls leader, who Evan recognized now, approached him and explained the situation. While Evan was purely amused, Arisha looked slightly puffy. Maybell must have planted a spy among them because she couldnt come!

From now on, its our turn! Lut Girls debut song. Everyone, please cheer for us.

Look over here, please!

However, it was undeniable that the Dungeon Festival itself had become even more appealing with the advent of the Lut Girls. For now, Arisha, the daughter of the citys ruler, was forced to greet their stage with applause.

Evan, youre not going to stay here, are you?

No way. Lets just listen to a few songs. If Im with them, theyre going to keep performing until they drop from exhaustion.

What do they plan on singing?

Ever since Evan and Arisha had traveled all over the city to enjoy the festival, as the two are known to be engaged externally, there was nothing wrong with being together like this.

This way.

Youre surely a good escort.

Im sure of this canteen, too. There have been reports that sales have been on the rise for hours.

Well, should I analyze the taste here and let the owner of Brotherhood Skewers know

Evan and Arisha, who enjoyed performances, events, snacks, and filled their stomachs, wandered around the city in an opulent fashion, feeling relieved that they had finished everything they had to do at the festival.

And surprisingly, he had never met any of the other members of the group. Evan thought that Pellatis Dungeon Knights could not be underestimated. He wanted to have a discussion with them about the field performance, though.

Its getting quite chilly now that its night time.

But the wind here makes me feel good.

Yeah, I forgot about it.

At Evans words, Arisha smiled and agreed. The gesture of sweeping away the golden hair that was scattered by the wind and the smile around her mouth was more beautiful than the best of portraits by the most renowned painters. Evan suddenly became curious when he saw her.

It had already been more than three years since Arisha joined the Dungeon Knights. Twenty percent of the 15 years of her life.

Arisha, what makes you stay in Sherden, and what do you plan on doing when you get back here? And what about the future?

Evans thoughts would always lead to the disaster of the in-game Evan: Arisha leaving him for the protagonist and murdering him. But now, over the years, he started realizing more and more that this world was not a mere game; it was reality. His destiny was in his own hands now.

Evan.

Hm?

Arisha didnt answer him. Instead, she told him about the fireworksa landmark of any Dungeon Festival.

The fireworks will start soon. My father, who saw Sherdens fireworks three years ago, is expecting a much bigger festival this time so that you can look forward to it.

Hes surprisingly competitive, too.

It wasnt bad news. Evan loved fireworks. Three years ago, on the last day of Sherdens Dungeon Festival, he did not forget the fireworks. After solving the Mahwa problem, he went to see the sky light up with everyone.

Was Belois next to him at that time?

But Evan, today is my monopoly.

Youve got a mind reader, too, dont you?

You dont have a poker face at all.

Oh God, I thought I had mastered it by now

Thats the fun part, Evan. You still have a long way to go.

Arisha giggled and pulled Evans hand.

Ive got a good place to see the fireworks. Lets go.

Arisha felt a little nervous, but she couldnt back out now. Evan moved along with Arisha in a gentle manner.

After passing through several private houses, they took a carriage prepared on one side of the road up the hill. The horseman drove the carriage without a word, dropped them off the top of the hill, and went back quietly.

He saw knights standing guard from far away, but they didnt look over here, as if they were on regular patrol and Arisha hadnt planned this.

This isnt just a good place, its a VIP spot, right?

Same thing. Come along.

Come to think of it, Evan could see that there were seats for other VIPs around the middle of the hill. There were some people he saw in Roizens Hidden Stage.

I cant believe you kicked them out and set up a place just for the two of us here

Im not trying to show off, but Im sort of a papas girl. Oh, Evan, he likes you a lot, too. So, he did this as a gift for us both.

Evan grinned at Arishas self-convincing explanation and asked if there was something that came to mind.

What about Prince Crow?

Im sure hes stuck in the house practicing trident. Evan, didnt you teach him how to use it so that you dont have to see my brothers face during your stay in Pellati?

Im surprised you realized it

What had happened between Arisha and Crow that ruined their sibling bond? When Evan was about to ask, a spark was fired from underneath.

Shhhhhh! Bang!

As soon as the flame, which had been rising in high spirits, reached its peak, it drew a massive circle of sparks in the sky that was a majesty to behold. Evan felt both the excitement and beauty in his heart.

Right?

Aside from that, this VIP seat was really perfect. The calm surrounding area made him feel as if Evan and Arisha were the only ones in the space, and he could enjoy the fireworks rising one by one.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The fireworks were the most fitting climax for a busy day. Fireworks sprang up in succession and burst out in radiant colors, so great that Evan didnt want to think of the budget right now.

Among them, what was especially great was the sight of fireworks exploding and making large models or letters.

Amazing, isnt it? This magical flame was the result of Mana Roads contribution and the Magic Kingdom.

Oh, its magical indeed.

On Earth, there was chemical technology that helped people make it.

But come to think of it, the overall level of science and technology, including chemistry, was not that high in this city.

Its pretty. Shall we buy some for the festival in Sherden?

You can decide that?

From this year on, Brotherhood Cooperation has decided to participate in planning the Dungeon Festivals. Maybells got all the fancy stuff in her hands.

Shes really out of control.

Really.

Overwhelmed by the vast flames, Evan and Arisha spoke in a hushed voice and watched the fireworks being fired one after another.

He could see people cheering around from below, but the sound didnt reach here at all. It felt as if no one else existed apart from them.

Evan?

Was that why?

Youre only relieved when youre around Belois. Youre so wary around me.

Arisha.

Arisha managed to say everything she wanted to say to Evan this whole time.

You know, Evan, actually, Ive been heartbroken this whole time So I want to talk about it all today.

About your relationship with me, dont just avoid it like you always do make it certain.

The majestic landscape and the cheerful voices disintegrated, and only Arishas face and voice were clear. Evan gulped down, sensing that the biggest crisis of his trip was coming.

It was the moment when the absolute confession event, which Evan had been expecting a little bit, was about to start. It was time to face his worst fears.