Seirei Gensouki Konna Sekai De Deaeta Kimi Ni
Spirit Festival

Spirit Festival.

Held once a year, it was a festival for the Seirei no Tami to thank the spirits.

「Under the merciful blessings of the great spirits, may their blessings and heavenly protection forever be with us, Seirei no Tami ..」

The surrounding area was wrapped in a solemn atmosphere. The prayer readings dedicated to the spirits are three elders, Arthura, Dominique, and Syldra, from the Beastmen, Dwarves, and Elves respectively.

At the same time that day, other than the few remaining as minimum security, the entire population of Seirei no Tami had gathered in prayer under the Great Tree where Dryad lived.

When the three elders ended their prayers, dressed in ceremonial garments, Oufia, Sara, and Alma performed the dance as an offering for the spirits.

"It's pretty…"

It was an amazing sight to see.

Next to Rio, Latifa earnestly watched the dance of the three, mesmerized and mesmerized by the puzzling sight.

Dryad also happily watched the dance performed by the three.

"Everyone! Once again, we can safely hold this year's Spirit Festival. None of this would have been possible without everyone's cooperation and prayers to the spirits. I pray that your devotion to your faith in the Spirit will never cease to be strong. 」

After finishing the sacred dance, Syldra called out to the people in a serious voice.

Although he did not speak out loud, he used spirit arts to spread his voice like a megaphone so that it still reverberated throughout the area.

「Then next, we will hold a blessing ceremony under the heavenly protection of Dryad-sama.」

Hearing Syldra's words, Latifa's body trembled.

Every year, it is customary for Seirei no Tami children who reach a certain age to receive the blessings of the spirits from Dyrad, along with a brief introduction during the Spirit Festival.

Since Latifa was not originally part of the village and joined later in her life, she was already past the age. However, it was prearranged for him to receive Dryad's blessing during the festival.

Moreover, by receiving the Dryad blessing, although it was not up to the level of a Spirit Contractor, one's prowess with spirit arts and Odo's capacity both increased slightly. Therefore, children who receive the blessing of Dryad can learn spirit arts.

Syldra, Dominique, and Arthura did a simple introduction to the Seirei no Tami children and then one by one, introducing them to Dryad for blessing.

When Dryad blessed the children who came before him by kissing their foreheads, their bodies were wrapped in a dim light.

「——In addition, a new friend joined us last year, Latifa from fox tribe.」

Finally, Latifa's name was called. Hearing his name being called, he approached Dryad's side.

Perhaps receiving countless gazes from Seirei no Tami that made him nervous, his movements were a little awkward. Reaching the Dryad, Latifa stood upright like a statue [1] causing Rio, who was watching, to smile wryly.

Soon Dryad blessed him and Latifa's body was surrounded by a dim light.

「And now, I want to introduce the figure who saved Latifa to everyone here. He saved Latifa, who was enslaved by the nobility of the human race, while being a member of the human race himself, and brought her to our village. At the time, due to a misunderstanding, we treated him badly, but he still forgave us. 」

At the place where Dryad gave Latifa his blessing, Syldra began the introduction of the last person.

Latifa was not the only one who would be introduced to everyone.

Rio's introduction was also decided beforehand.

「I am happy to introduce, benefactor Latifa and Seirei no Tami, Rio-dono.」

Climbing the stairs to the altar that was the same height as the roots of the Great Tree, Rio lowered his head as Syldra introduced him.

Syldra began to praise Rio's achievements for bringing many new recipes to the Seirei no Tami.

Furthermore, when it was revealed that Rio was contracted by the High Spirit Sect, Seirei no Tami began to noisily speak amongst themselves.

"Silent. It has been confirmed by Dryad-sama that the humanoid spirit is lying dormant inside Rio-dono's body, there is no mistake about that. We will not ignore the person who has made the contract with the High Spirit Enthusiasm. Therefore, we have decided to accept Rio-dono as Seirei no Tami's sworn friend. As a testimony to that friendship, she will receive a kiss of blessing from Dryad-sama. 」

Syldra spoke in a clear but serious voice, instantly silencing the crowd.

「Fufu, please take care of me. The little hero [Eiyuu] of the human race-san. 」

In a serious atmosphere, Dryad smiled sweetly and gave a kiss of blessing on Rio's forehead.

Soon Rio's body was wrapped in a strong light. After a brief silence, Seirei no Tami began clapping in unison.

「Now, the ceremony has been completed. TIME FOR PARTIES, BABIES *! BACK TO YOUR PREPARATION! 」[TL*: just a little joke he actually said [It's time for a party]]

As the applause subsided, Dominique announced the end of the ceremony to dispel the solemn atmosphere.

After that, according to tradition, an open banquet was held in the village with Dryad's participation. Dominique's words also helped lift the mood of Seirei no Tami.

Syldra smiled wryly in a slight awe at the suddenly noisy atmosphere that accompanied the transition to banquet preparation.

「Umu, well it's like that. Not only to hold a grand ceremony but also to welcome our new brothers. 」

With Syldra's voice acting as a trigger, Seirei no Tami orderly dispersed and returned to the village.

「Rio-dono, in order to accept our unreasonable demands and suddenly change our mind, there are no words that can appropriately express our gratitude.」

After which, Syldra lowered her head to Rio in the noisy area around them.

—-

「Please don't care about that because it's also not a bad suggestion for me.」

Rio smiled weakly while shaking his head.

First of all, for what reason did Rio become Seirei no Tami's sworn friend?

It was because after he met Dryad, Arthura quickly and skillfully followed up with the elder council and wrapped everything up.

He [2] told the elders about the existence of the High Spirit residing within Rio and arranged for him to become the sworn friend of Seirei no Tami.

Rio vaguely felt that it was Arthura's goal all along.

Until then, Rio was considered as an irregular guest living in the village, despite being human.

However, he eventually had to separate from Latifa and leave the village. Whether he would still be recognized when he returned to the village again was another story.

Of course Rio is the patron of Seirei no Tami and circumstances allow him to be friendly with them, but even so, he who belongs to the human race is an element that cannot be ignored.

To freely invite Rio to their village many times despite being an outsider from another race, it definitely could not be said to be a favorable situation for the village government.

However, it was a different story if he became the sworn friend of Seirei no Tami.

Thus, even if Rio left the village, he would still be recognized upon returning; it also made it easier to visit Latifa.

After anticipating this problem, Arthura took action.

「Konon, we have received a lot of help from you. The doubts of some people who still harbor distrust towards you have been erased to this day. Furthermore, spilling the blood of Rio-dono, who is now one of us, means spilling our own blood. I swear on my behalf as an Elder. 」

Syldra showed an earnest expression as she spoke.

"Thank you very much. I also swear on Latifa's behalf that I will never turn against the Seirei no Tami. 」

That was Rio's answer.

The two floated lightly smiling and shaking hands with each other.

After which, they returned to the village and soon after, the Spirit Festival party began.

Food overflowed from every corner of the village square. Seirei no Tami was chatting amongst each other with a cup of sake in hand.

「GAHAHAHAHA! Rio brat, you are quite a skilled drinker! 」

Drinking with Rio, Dominique laughed out loud.

「Yes, that's because Seirei no Tami village produces a really amazing liquor.」

Staring in admiration, Rio emptied his sake cup.

Although a variety of liquor is issued for banquets, it is no exaggeration to say that liquor consists only of the best liquor with each liquor exceeding anything that can be produced by mankind.

"of course! Because this is the original liquor brewed only by our country! Not only does it have the most subtle flavor, it will not make you drunk, unlike the one brewed by humans! 」

Dominique laughed excitedly, praising her homemade drink.

「This is the precious Seirei no Tami Liquor Spirit! Try."

Dominique took a glass and Karafee [3] made of mithril, poured liquor and served it to Rio.

"This is…"

As the drink flowed into the glass, a rich aroma drifted into Rio's tickling nose, intoxicating himself with scent alone.

Enchanted by the viscous liquid, he brought the glass to his lips and poured the contents into his mouth.

In an instant, a shock struck Rio's body.

The liquor disappeared the moment it entered his mouth, as if it was evaporating.

No, the drink must have passed through Rio's throat.

However, it felt so overwhelming that he immediately swallowed without getting a chance to enjoy it.

The alcohol is very strong and easy to drink. With such a beautiful taste, it lived up to its name Spirit Liquor.

"How's that? My rubber is also included in it. 」

Saying such words, Dryad appeared from his side with a sake cup in hand.

「GAHA, GAHA!」 [Cough in surprise]

Unknowingly Rio choked due to his sudden appearance.

「Kyaa, what's up with that, geez. What is it, for you to suddenly do that? 」

Dryad stared lightly at Rio with a somewhat annoyed smile.

「Sa— SAP!?」 [TL: I know this is an old joke, but he thinks it's the sap of his honey pot [if you know what I mean]] [ED2: You have to live under a rock if you don't 't.]

He asked Dryad if, when he calmly stated that a certain material from one part of his body was used, true or not.

"That's right. That's why it's called Spirit Liquor. As a spirit, the Great Tree is my main body; sap is extracted from it for use in Spirit Liquor, hence the name. My sap is also an ingredient for magic medicine. 」

Dryad said that while showing a proud expression on his face. [TL: my side is injured because of this GAG sap]

「I— I understand ..」

Of course, the word supreme is suitable to describe the liquor because there is no drink that can even hold a candle. Rio had no doubt the medicine was of high quality seeing how the sap could produce such an incredible liquor.

「However, you can actually hold your liquor. Generally only dwarves can drink it without being dissolved. 」

"Very. You are too good to be a human being. 」

Admiring Dryad, Dominique gave her approval while calmly swallowing a large amount of liquor.

「Of course, this sake is very strong. Even so, it is very smooth and easy to drink. 」

Rio stared at the glass filled with Spirit Liquor in awe.

「Akummmm fine.」 [ED: Something is coming .. 」]

—-

With a cheerful looking expression, Dryad directed his gaze behind Rio.

On impulse, he followed his line of sight.

「!!!」

There, he found Oufia with an extremely red face, anyone could tell she was drunk at a glance. With an unsteady gait, she was seen walking to Rio.

「Rio-shyama ~, aye ~ you two?」 [TL: Have a better idea for–> Where are you, Rio-sama?]

Rio was shocked at how Oufia deviated from her usual behavior. Worst of all, he sat down beside Rio and spoke as if his tongue could not

「E— Etto, Yufia-san. Maybe you drink too much? 」

For a while, Rio anxiously asked Oufia about her condition with a narrow smile plastered on his face.

「A— Aa— Aiym fwineee ~. Jyis ish nyot enough chu knock mee out ~ 」[TL: Me, I'm fine.] [TL: It's not enough to bring me down]

YOU DON'T SEE ALL! Rio did a tsukkomi to her in his mind.

Then, for some reason, Oufia brought her body closer to Rio, clinging to him.

「That's not Rio-hyan's! Jyust how long do you chu keep using formal tones with usss? 」[TL: It's not Rio-san! How long will you keep using the formal tone [4] with us?]

「Etto, formal tone?」

「Jyat, why, as if you chwying chu distance yourself from usss.」 [TL: That's why, just as you try to distance yourself from us.]

Contrary to her usually calm and slightly wind-headed attitude, Oufia was currently looking at Rio with a strange and steady gaze.

Rio grimaced at the power of his arrogant words.

「Although you are very kyose chu Yatita-hyan, you nyot chwying chu shorten the dispute with usss. Nothing changed shince lasht yearrr. TL [TL: Although you are really close to Latifa-chan, you are not trying to shorten the distance between us] [TL: Nothing has changed since last year]

Rio became confused as to how to handle Oufia's drunk and passionate speech. When he was about to signal to the others to help with the eyes, he discovered everyone had abandoned him and his surroundings were deserted.

（OI!）

In the distance, he saw Dominique and Dryad grinning fearlessly because of his predicament; Rio tsukkomi'ed them in his mind.

Towards the place where Rio and the drunken Oufia were sitting, only one person dared to approach.

That's Sara.

「Aaah, my goodness! Oufia, you are troublesome Rio-sama. 」

Saying that, Sara also sat next to Rio with an empty sake cup in her hand.

Although Sara did not seem drunk, Rio's vigilance was at its peak at that moment.

Even though Rio referred to them as Oufia and Sara and interacted with them earnestly, it did not mean that he was close to them. [5]

Latifa usually breaks the ice and the conversation flows from there. Without him, Rio did not feel close enough to talk to them.

Rather than friends, they were closer to close friends; rio had interacted with the two while keeping their distance.

Regardless, Sara, just like Oufia, had come and attached herself to Rio.

「But, aren't you too far away, Rio-sama? Rio-sama has also received the blessing of Dryad and become our sworn friend right? We want to be closer to you. 」

「Jyats riight's. I am shecond Shara-shaan. 」[TL: That's true. I am the second Sara-san]

Oufia pulled Rio's arm from the other side to agree.

（How did it go??

For some reason, pulling his hands from both sides were two beautiful girls from high standing of the Beastmen tribe and High Elf.

The murderous atmosphere emerged from those nearby in his enviable state, but the person himself was unable to enjoy the situation.

「Muu ~, Oufia-onee-chan and Sara-onee-chan, how sneaky!」

As if wanting to pour oil into the fire, Latifa came and hugged him from behind.

「Latifa, don't tell you too ..」

Turning around to face Latifa who brought her face closer to an uncomfortable face, she faintly smelled the sweet fragrance of the Spirit Liquor floating from her lips.

In the distance, he could see Arthura laughing cheerfully seeing him in a difficult situation.

「Yeah, no matter how favourable the Spirit Liquor is, the three of them obviously drank too much.」

And, as she was in a daze, another girl called out to Rio in an excited tone.

"Good night. May I accompany you as well? 」

It was Alma.

"of course. It seems that Alma-san is the only one who has not been drunk. 」

When their eyes met, they exchanged a short greeting and Alma sat in front of Rio with a small bottle of liquor in hand.

「That's reasonable because Dwarves are a race that can hold their liquor.」 [6]

Alma said that with a slightly flushed face and a shy smile.

「Alma-shaan, very cute ~」 [TL: Alma-chan, very cute ~]

Oufia suddenly hugged Alma.

「Wawawa, Japan-nee-san. It's ticklish. 」

Although Alma was embarrassed, she let Oufia continue to hug him.

「Although in the past, Alma was a crybaby who kept chasing us from behind. You grew up to be more like an adult recently; Oufia and I became a little lonely. You also call us "Nee-san" now, no longer "Onee-chan" as before, let alone—— 」

—-

「WAA, Sara-nee-san! What are you saying!? You're drunk!"

In a panic, Alma hastily cuts off Sara, who recites their childhood stories.

「I also want to hear the childhood story of Alma-chan! Right, Onii-chan? 」

While happily staring at the bewildered Alma, Latifa stated.

"Rubber."

Rio gladly approved Latifa's words.

「E — even Rio-sama .. A— aa— True! N — now is the time to deepen our friendship with Rio-sama! 」

Alma indirectly signaled a temporary truce with Oufia and Sara.

「Riight Jyat's. Nyow zhe chu time becomes preferable with Rio-shama! 」[TL: That's true. Now it's time to get closer to Rio-sama!]

Oufia immediately jumped up with the idea.

Despite being drunk, her pleading demeanor was successfully transmitted to Rio.

"With me?"

At that incomprehensible request, an uncertain expression appeared on Rio's face.

「Yes, if you are Latifa brother besides you are also our brother. We always wanted to get to know you better. However, Rio-sama always seems so far away, or rather we can't take a chance— Anyway, that's how we always feel, I hope you understand. Please don't say you don't like us ~ 」

Sara explained their situation in a rather serious atmosphere [despite being drunk] to Rio.

Although she laughed through her explanation, it left a strong impression on Rio making her unable to refute it.

A small laugh unconsciously came out from him.

「A— what? Is there something funny about what I said? 」

Maybe it was because she was drunk, or maybe it was because she felt embarrassed to directly admit how they wanted to be her friends, Sara's face flushed red when she asked Rio.

「No, it's nothing. Sorry about that. I don't laugh because I find it funny. I am truly grateful Latifa is blessed with such wonderful friends. I laugh with joy. 」

「Au— Is That? Then, uhm, it's okay .. 」

Receiving Rio's gaze in advance, Sara timidly nodded at his words.

「Now after you mentioned it, I never got a chance to express my gratitude properly for taking care of Latifa. Sara-san, Oufia-san, Alma-san, thank you so much for being friends with Latifa. 」

With a smile, Rio bowed expressing his gratitude. [7]

「T— no. Please don't mind that, because it's natural for us to do so. 」

「Riight Jyat's. 」

「As Sara-nee-san said.」

As if recalling something, the three of them answered him with embarrassment.

「And if you are fine with it, please make friends with me.」

Rio lightly lowered his head while smiling; a hint of embarrassment could be seen on his face.

"Of course!"

The three answered him with great joy.

Although they were all a little drunk, the feeling of wanting to befriend Rio was sincere.

「Fufu, everyone finally became good friends!」

Still clinging to her back, Latifa happily expressed her feelings.

「Ahaha. Something good seems to work. Hey, bring drinks and dishes. Let's start deepening our friendship with this. 」

Dominique came over laughing cheerfully.

Arthura also followed from behind.

「As I thought, you guys have the right to this ..」

「Hoho, I want to know about it, because it turns out fine, I will leave it to your imagination.」

Arthura said that while still smiling kindly.

「Dominique-ooki-jiji-sama [8]. How can we deepen our friendship with this? 」

Seeing the amount of food and drink on display in front of him, Alma asked curiously.

「You are a dwarf so you should know. We will eat, drink and laugh together! 」

Dominique shouted as she laughed out loud; though loud, her voice was not pleasant.

「Please don't group me with that muscle head tribe.」

Alma hit her statement with a cold look.

「Guha ~. Really, this girl. So how's that, Rio-boy. Although he was a bit tense when it came to jokes, he had advantages. She's also one of the funniest girls around here. After going through great tribulation to become Seirei no Tami's sworn friend, why don't you take one of these Seirei no Tami girls as your wife? 」[9]

Domonique started talking about such a thing while smiling brightly.

Rio remembered that he also said such a thing at their first meeting.

（I want to know how serious he is .. But, well it might just be a joke.)

「P— Please don't start saying something stupid like that!」

Although Rio only smiled and accepted Dominique's words as a joke, Alma protested with a flushed red face.

"Rubber. The opinions of the people involved should also be respected. 」

She was surprised that Rio defended her.

"Is that so? So Alma doesn't find Rio-boy fun? 」

「T— no, I am not saying that Rio-sama is unpleasant .. It's just that we are still young so we have to take one step at a time ..」

Alma answered solemnly even though her red face was flushed.

「Alma-syaa ~ n, so cuuut ~ e. ~ N, mee chuu will be ~ waifu Rio-syama ~~~ 」

Oufia said that while caressing Alma's head. It really can't help because Alma's reaction is so adorable.

—-

「HOHOHO! Latifa! You're not just gonna give up? Sara too. 」[Dominique]

「Ya!」 [Latifa]

「Wha— why am I also included !?」

In contrast to Latifa honest answer, Sara protested with a red face.

「Ahaha. The four of you can be brides. Seirei no Tami allows polygamy you know ~ 」

Red in the face and holding the spirit liquor in one hand, Dominique pushed them with a loud and crackling voice.

「Sheesh, you're heavily drunk. This old man really .. 」

Alma sent a tired look towards Dominique.

It was a really fun moment.

It had been a long time since he could laugh like that.

Rio noticed that he was also laughing with them.

Just like that, laughing and shouting, when the entertainer appeared, he noticed most of the Seirei no Tami were completely hammered and lying around the square.

Sleeping soundly on Rio's side were Latifa, Oufia, and Sara. Even Alma, who was a capable drinker, lay among them.

His condition was caused by trying to divert himself from his previous embarrassment by recklessly swallowing liquor.

「Umu. It was a disaster scene. 」

Uzuma [Arthura] spoke to Rio with a wry smile. [10]

「You can help me early if you think so ..」

Although Rio's face was a bit red from being a little drunk, Rio gave him an immediate answer.

「Kakaka, isn't Rio-dono also very happy? I can cure everyone's drunkenness by immediately using Spirit Arts but I won't do such a rude thing for such a long-awaited festival. Because it was everyone's intention to enjoy the festival drunk. It's also good for Rio-dono to release a little more. 」

「No, it's been a lot of fun for me.」

Restoring a weak and wry smile to the kindly speaking Arthura, Rio turned his gaze to Latifa, who was sleeping with a happy expression on her face.

When Rio first met her, Latifa was severely malnourished and only had the appearance of skin and bones. Now, he had a body that was suitable for a girl his age in their second growth period.

The scars on his body that were left from the abuse he received also completely vanished thanks to the elf medicine given to him.

It's not just his appearance that improves.

Latifa had become an agile girl who could often laugh and smile.

However, it did not mean that the wound in his heart was completely healed. However from glancing at his peaceful and sleeping face, one would never be able to guess that he was previously a cold-hearted slave.

「I feel it would be better if I tell him soon.」

He did not specifically say what.

This concerns the matter where Rio will soon leave the village. However, both of them were aware of the matter despite never speaking about it openly.

"I saw. It's a bit early but I think it's the right time. You will stay in the village for another year, right? 」

Given the time it took to complete the training under Syldra, Dominique, and the others, Arthura roughly concluded how much longer Rio would stay.

「Yes, I will stay at least that long.」

As for Rio, he believed now was the best time to break the news to Latifa whose life had stabilized.

Moments later and he might risk not giving her enough time to prepare emotionally, so he wanted to tell her as soon as possible and give her time to finish.

「Fumu, that's the best problem you have to face between the two of you. I will do my best to make sure he doesn't feel lonely, but that's not a problem that third parties like me should interfere with. I wish him all the best to persuade him, brother-dono..

Fascinated by the adorable Latifa sleeping on Rio's lap, Arthura gave Rio a few words of encouragement.

[1] [TL: just imagine something similar when you play an RPG and receive a stone curse, it is something like that]

[2] [TL*: This is the first time the author has said Arthura's gender because it is usually never used, but why do they use [Kanojo]? could it be referring to Dryad?]

[3] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaffe

[4] [TL: some info, Rio always used a polite way to talk]

[5] [ED2: He referred to them by the given name]

[6] [TL: I changed the context because the original text says Dwarves are a hard race to get drunk, it sounds weird, RIGTH, RIGTH – !!!] [ED: no]

[7] [TL: SMILE KITTAAAAAA ~ !!!!] [ED: She can smile without bitterness?] [TL: only in very rare occasions]

[8] [TL*: dear great-grandfather]

[9] [ED: He wants Rio as Alma's partner.] [TL: He's always been trying to do that since their first meeting]

[10] [TL: this may be a typo, here the original text says Uzuma, but then turns into Arthura without the scene where Rio talking to Uzuma can be found]