Volume 4 Chapter 17 Isn't That A Huge Trouble？
After parting ways with Alan, Randy teleported to the capital city with Liz, Ellie, Luke, and Cecilia in a secluded spot. Of course, they teleported to the house that Randy and the others were renting in the capital.
It feels like just recently they returned from Victor, but the difference in the scenery outside the window shows how time has passed.
Just like the lively streets of Rivernant, the view outside has been properly decorated for the birth festival. This area of the upscale neighborhood is only lightly decorated, but it must be more extravagant on the main street.
"Feels exciting, huh? Should we decorate the inside of the house too?"
"Can you please not forget our purpose?"
Cecilia sighed, and Randy pouted, saying, "I know, I know."
"Still, we came here suddenly. First, we need to figure out where Lady Annabelle is..."
"How about we check the Cathedral? They're probably in the thick of preparations for tomorrow."
Liz suggested, and the group set out towards the Cathedral.
While the area around their rental house was modestly decorated, the main street was impressively vibrant, as expected of the capital.
The shops lining the street were all adorned for the birth festival, with little 'Wishing Holy Tree' that gave off a strong Christmas vibe.
(Hmm, this really feels like an otome game.)
Randy felt a strange sense of modern Japan in this odd place, but the familiar sights were comforting and somehow lifted his spirits. As someone who used to be an ordinary citizen, he hoped to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Christmas without any judgment.
Just like now, they are walking happily along the lively streets while chatting casually with Liz and Ellie. It was hard to believe that just an hour ago, he had beaten up an S-rank adventurer.
"By the way, did the meeting go well, Randy?"
"Yeah, it did."
Randy sighed and said, "Still, it's up to the government now, but..." Even if the government is being arrogant, they can't just ignore the results of that duel. Even if it's fading, it's still a tradition in the Dukedom.
Plus, the overwhelming power Randy showed. He managed to incapacitate an S-rank opponent without killing him. In the end, Randy had only a scratch, while Cain was left powerless. To incapacitate someone without killing them, there needs to be a huge gap in power between the two,
like that of an adult and a child.
Even the government must realize this. The fact that Cain, who swung a magic sword with the intent to kill, was overwhelmed by unarmed Randy is undeniable. So, there's no point in embarrassing themselves further or thinking of reckless actions.
That would only go against the national interest.
"Well, old man will handle the government just fine."
"Randy, this isn't just someone else's problem for you..."
Liz pouted, and Randy shrugged, saying, "But it's about putting the right people in the right places," as he picked up an accessory that caught his eye.
To signal that this conversation was over, he held up the necklace to Liz with a smile.
"Doesn't this seem like it would suit you, Liz?"
"You're saying that..."
Even though she puffed out her cheeks, Liz accepted the accessory from Randy, looking somewhat pleased.
Luke and Cecilia watched the cheerful Randy and the others from a little distance, smiling at the scene.
"Liza, you look happy."
Cecilia murmured happily, knowing that last year Liz had spent her birthday studying.
As the Crown Prince's fiancée, she had been packed with various education, which made her neglect her studies at school.
To make up for that, even though it was her birthday, Liz had chosen to study instead. Cecilia hadn't heard that the Crown Prince, her fiancé, had accompanied Liz. Studying alone while feeling the festival atmosphere must have been quite lonely for her.
So, even though it wasn't the main event of the festival yet, seeing her with someone she cares about like that would make any friend happy.
"Shall we leave them alone for a bit... even with Lady Eleonora around?"
"Yeah."
The two smiled, taking a little distance from Liz and Randy, walking down the street── but Cecilia herself has forgotten. The fact that they are also a couple enjoying a stroll in town.
"Lady Cecilia, this──."
"Wow. It's lovely."
Luke picked up a small Saint doll. Instead of Santa Claus, it's one of those decorations, but the cute little doll seems to tickle Cecilia's remaining girlhood.
Luke, who understands that, is also quite something, but even now, the two are happily smiling in front of the adorable little items.
"...Those 2 are in a date mood."
Randy snorted as he turned around, to which Liz smiled and said,
"Isn't that nice? Cecily went around the birthday festival with Sir Dario last year... but apparently, it wasn't fun at all."
Liz said with a wry smile, and Randy let out a subtle ."Ah."
He doesn't know much about Dario, but from what he has heard, it doesn't seem like he got along well with Cecilia. Going out in town with someone you don't get along with would only be painful.
"Why did those 2 even go out together...?"
"Who knows? Apparently, Sir Dario invited her."
Liz, unable to stop her wry smile, made Randy sigh dramatically, saying, "That's the worst date invitation ever."
Was it something their parents told them? Or was it an obligation since they were supposed to be engaged? Either way, an invitation to a date that wasn't willingly accepted is incredibly rude from a woman's perspective.
In reality, Dario had mustered the courage to invite Cecilia, but... typical of a teenage boy, his strange shyness took over, and his blunt attitude came out instead.
That said, Cecilia doesn't know any of that. As a result, it turned into the worst date for both of them. Knowing that there was a past of a terrible date, Liz can't help but smile at Cecilia's happy appearance.
"I'm glad Cecily looks happy; it makes me happy too."
Liz smiled, and Randy nodded, thinking, "Maybe we should just leave them alone." They had been relying on the two of them to help develop the geothermal heating equipment. They needed a break.
"Luke will probably keep Miss Cecilia entertained."
"Yeah."
Liz nodded, knowing the reason why Luke had been chatting up every woman he met. At that time, Luke's mother, Martha, was already sick. Luke's constant flirting with women was a way to escape his feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and helplessness.
He was just a kid, around ten years old, seeking the love of a mother by reaching out to women everywhere. Of course, Luke wouldn't admit that back then.
"Thanks to that, he's pretty good with women."
"Better than you, Randy?"
Liz tilted her head, and Randy made a playful face, saying, "Who knows?"
Liz puffed her cheeks in frustration, but she had never heard any romantic stories about Randy from either Luke or Alan. So, she probably tried to dig a little, but it seemed like she got sidestepped.
Randy placed his hand on Liz's puffed cheek and said, "Well, it's just as you imagine." He then turned back to look at Luke and the others.
"I'll just go with that."
Liz reluctantly agreed, glancing back at Cecilia, just like Randy.
Suddenly, the 4 of them made eye contact and smiled shyly before returning to their conversations. With their mutual consideration, the two pairs maintained a delicate distance and finally made their way to the Cathedral after some time.
In front of the Cathedral, a large crowd of worshippers had gathered, creating quite a lively scene.
"Even after everything that happened, there are still so many devoted people."
"Well, the Saintly Lady and the Church's upper management are different."
As Liz said, it was the upper management that had been misusing the Church as their own property, separate from the teachings of the Church, the Saints, and the feelings towards the goddess. Additionally, Saint Catherine event was finally coming to fruition here.
Especially around the capital city, the popularity of Catherine is no joke.
"Tomorrow, there's going to be a 'Saint's Blessing Market' in front of the Cathedral."
"Is it a huge bazaar?"
"To put it simply."
Liz scratches her cheek, and as she says, this square will turn into a massive bazaar tomorrow. Various items donated by guilds and nobles, antiques, materials, and things made by the children from the orphanage will be sold.
The 'Saint's Blessing Market,' hosted by the Church, is one of the biggest events. The children's creations from the orphanage are especially popular because the sales go directly to the orphanage as donations.
There's even a superstition that says it's good to display them by your bedside that night. It's like waiting for Santa's presents in a stocking, but whatever the reason, if the orphanage kids benefit, that's a good thing.
Especially this year, with the corrupt upper management cleared out, the kids should be able to welcome the new year with peace of mind.
Thinking about it, the people's faith is not to be underestimated. However...
"With so many people here, it's tough to look for Lady Annabelle."
With this many people, searching for someone is not easy. Cecilia looks around anxiously, furrowing her brows and saying, "What should we do?" Liz laughs and replies, "It'll probably be fine."
It's true that finding Annabelle in this crowd is hard, but they have Randy. Standing out with his bright red hair, anyone who knows him would recognize him from a distance...
"E-Everyone!"
..And this, it seems like hr has become a landmark for Annabelle as she runs over from a bit far away.
"See?"
"I see."
As Liz turns her gaze to Randy, Cecilia nods in agreement just as a breathless Annabelle appears.
"Wh-what are you doing here?"
With her cheeks flushed, Annabelle grabs Liz and Cecilia's hands and bounces around. Since the 'Seven Wonders' incident and Victor's Thanksgiving, Annabelle and Liz have become quite close friends.
And of course, that includes both Randy and Luke.
"I thought I could help with something."
Randy said, flexing his muscles, explaining that he came to thank Annabelle for helping with Victor's Harvest Festival before.
At first, Annabelle shrank back, feeling shy...
"Actually, I'm in a bit of trouble right now..."
"Trouble?"
"Yes..."
Everyone exchanged glances at Annabelle, who looked down, clearly struggling to say it. It seemed she couldn't just talk about trouble in a place with so many people around.
Randy and the others led Annabelle away from the crowd and into the shadow of the Cathedral.
"So, what's the trouble?"
"Do you know there's an event called the 'Saint's Parade' tomorrow?"
Annabelle tilted her head, and everyone nodded.
This parade comes from a time when a certain Saint visited a barren land, and wherever she walked turned into a fertile place.
The Saint's Parade is a celebration meant to cleanse the land and wish for a healthy year ahead.
"So, what's up with the parade?"
"Actually... Saintly Lady Catherine is missing."
""""Huh?""""
The 4 of them voiced their confusion, their questions blending together and disappearing into the wind.
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