Time flowed, and the day of the swordsmanship tournament in the city had arrived.
The city center was filled with a festive atmosphere, with street vendors lining the streets, and the townsfolk eating, drinking, and playing.
And amidst this bustling vibe, I felt out of place.
‘…I can’t calm down.’
I was always more of a homebody back in my original world, and Ken’s memories reflected that this lively atmosphere was uncomfortable for me.
Of course, I wouldn’t mind the food.
That’s why I stood awkwardly beneath the Clock Tower in the Square, the meeting place.
“…Ken!”
And soon, the person I was waiting for called out to me.
“Sorry. Did you wait long?”
It was Mary Hyde. She seemed to have hurriedly run over, catching her breath with a flushed face.
“No, I just arrived, too…”
I ended up losing focus, captivated by her appearance.
The academy uniform was neat and pretty, but her casual outfit was a fluffy and cute contrast to her usual image.
A combination of a white blouse and a tennis skirt!
Any guy would have their heart racing.
“D-do I look strange?”
“Uh? N-no…”
Noticing my fixed gaze, she fidgeted with her blouse collar and cautiously looked up at me.
“You look great.”
I expressed my sincere thoughts.
It came from the heart, and it wasn’t mixed with any flattery.
Perhaps it wasn’t bad because she soon smiled, grabbing my wrist.
“Then let’s go.”
“…Ah, yes!”
Mary leading… so assertive.
Since we had quite some time before the tournament started, we decided to explore the festival.
“Where should we go first?”
Mary walked beside me, expressionless yet somehow cheerful. She seemed to really enjoy the festival.
‘Having fun is one thing… but that hidden shop…’
By the way, today’s festival is one of the rare mini-events in the game that only happens a few times a year.
And what’s important about this festival?
It’s the items sold at the hidden shop!
These items are keys to quickly clear an event that will happen in the future.
So, I kept searching for the shop from my memories while wandering through the street vendor area with Mary.
“This tastes great.”
“Yum, yum, you’re right! It’s super delicious!”
Of course, I wouldn’t miss out on the various foods.
Mouthwatering scents kept pulling me in.
Well, the shops weren’t going anywhere anyway.
As I savored the juicy taste of a chicken skewer, Mary, who had been staring at me, asked,
“Ken, you really look happy eating that.”
“Yum, do I?”
“Yes, seeing you makes me feel good too… Do you have a favorite food?”
“I like most meat dishes.”
I answered based on Ken’s taste.
Since it was Ken’s body, it made sense that his taste was my taste.
Hearing my answer, Mary intently examined the chicken skewer and muttered, “…I see.”
What does that mean?
Afterwards, we moved away from the food stalls towards the vendors selling street performances and various trinkets.
“Wow! Amazing! I’ve never seen any of these before!”
I shouted like a child excited by a new sight.
Adventurers and traveling merchants displayed unique items not found in regular shops.
A street magician put on a small performance using magic.
The festivals I had seen in the game felt like just passing events, but this lively performance and unique items made my heart race.
“Is this your first festival, Ken?”
Hmm, did I look a bit odd being excited at this age?
“Well, I’ve seen them, but it’s my first time actually being here…”
If we’re talking about seeing it in the game, I can’t even count.
But experiencing it firsthand is completely new.
For example, vendors selling water balloons or strange rings to couples.
And kids joyfully running around with those water balloons.
Every scene and smell was new and fascinating.
“So today’s festivities are your first festival ever?”
Mary, who was watching the performances beside me, bumped her shoulder against mine as she said that.
Her soft shoulder brushed against my arm.
“…I guess that’s right?”
Feeling odd about such an obvious question, I continued.
“I’ve never come to one with a guy, either.”
Mary glanced up at me from the side, and this time leaned her shoulder against my arm.
I could feel Mary’s warmth through her shoulder touching my arm.
That warmth somehow felt a bit hot, making me more aware of that spot.
‘Why… why am I feeling this way?’
Thump.
Thump, thump.
What’s going on?
It should just be our arms and shoulders touching.
Yet my heart raced as if it were being conveyed through the contact.
“What do you think? Is your first festival to your liking?”
“Uh, yeah. I think sometimes… this sort of thing isn’t so bad.”
“Right? Even if it’s lively, it’s enjoyable.”
The atmosphere was becoming increasingly sentimental.
Despite the surrounding noise and vibrancy, it felt as if it was only our space that grew quiet.
In that awkward atmosphere, I focused on the performance, unsure of what to do.
Mary, who had been watching the performance with me, turned her head towards me.
“I think it’s fun being here with you, Ken.”
“…I’m glad to hear that.”
While her expression was the usual blankness, I sensed some nervousness in her eyes.
“…Ken.”
“…Yes?”
Those eyes looked as enchanting as a lake beneath a moonlit sky, ready to draw me in.
“Do you, by any chance, have a type of girl you like…?”
Before she could finish her sentence.
“Hmm?”
“Oh.”
We unexpectedly bumped into someone.
It was Adrian, walking alongside Emily.
“Why are you two together…?”
