1210 Black Moon Soul Suppressing Festival (3) - Underworld Feast

To my astonishment, the food at the stall of that day was to be sold out half an hour before the deadline.

Even though we have prepared 20% more quantity than usual, this is the case. So many people came to Genos on this day.

“Maybe we should review the number of dishes even at night.”

"Yeah. At this rate, it looks like we won't be able to sell more than 50%." When I get back to the village, I'll talk to Reina. "

Lara-Ru, who was the partitioner in the daytime section of the Luu family, said that with a slightly regretful face. However, since it was a situation that could not be predicted at the late afternoon stage yesterday, this is probably the only way. Even when we were on the way home, the inn's food stall village was busy, so there should be no need to worry about people gathering to eat.

That's when we say goodbye to the Levites and return to the woods.

When I returned to Fa's house, Kama had already begun cooking for me in the afternoon.

“Good job, everyone. Was everything all right?”

"Ah, you're tired too." Asta set it up, so there's nothing wrong with it. I wonder if this can be done with loose ends. "

Bardou-Fou's companion, who had asked for a partition in my absence, returned a bright smile.

“Well, I'm glad to see you all again… I'd like to prepare some additional meals to fill that space, but can you help me?”

"Huh? That's not enough, is it?"... oh, by the way, Asta and the others are back a lot sooner. That's why the food sold out so quickly. "

“Yes, actually, I was expecting to be able to sell more than 50%.”

"That's a 50% increase!" He's really strong enough to lose the Easter Festival....... he's getting more and more excited to go down to town. "

And Bardou-Fou's companion smiles brightly. Many of them were scheduled to become festive spectacles after this work.

"Then I wish Asta and the others had left and started working right away." Even if we increase manpower from now on, we will not have enough Kamakura. "

“That's right, I hope we can prepare as much as we can without imposing.”

Then, Yun-Sudra, who was listening to the conversation right next to her, whispered.

"Um... maybe it's a strange offer, but how about I take care of the work at Fow's house?" If there's a lot of people going down to town, they'll be free for a long time today... and then I'll be able to prepare as much food as I want... "

"Oh, I see. But is there so much manpower left?"

In response to my question, Bardou-Fou's companion replied with a smile, "Of course."

"At this time, we were gathering manpower mainly from the blood of Gaz and Rats." The women of Fow's bloodline must have some free time. "

But I asked you guys to have a good morning, didn't I?

"No one is so exhausted." Now it's a rest period, so the men accepted the firewood cutting. "

Having said that, Bardou-Fou's companion laughed at Yun-Sudra.

"If you ask Yun-Sudra to take over as a partitioner, there will be no mistake." But Yun-Sudra is on stand duty day and night, right? Are you sure you're okay with your body? "

"Y-Yes. I had originally accepted this time as a temporary assignment... if Asta were to entrust me with the role of a partitioner..."

"If it's Yun-Sudra, I won't have to worry about it either." If you don't mind, can you ask me? "

"Yes!" Yun-Sudra replied with a glowing smile.

As long as it is really reliable. It would be easy for Yun-Sudra to do the stall business herself. But when I said something like that, she immediately frowned, so I kept my mouth shut.

Therefore, Yun-Sudra was asked to do the job at Fou's house as a steward of the Separate Corps. With this, even a 50% increase in quantity should have been prepared with leisure.

"After all, Yun-Sudra's reliability is out of one mind." I want to inspire her. ”

And it came to pass, that the women of Ratz, who were to be on duty at night, said: It's the few women who are older than me who can rely on three full-time employees.

At this time, the two remaining full-time employees, Malfira-Naham and Ray-Matua, are resting at their homes. They wanted to work both day and night at the stalls, so they decided to take a break just for the time being. With that in mind, Yun-Sudra was the only one who wanted to participate in the end of this time.

(I'm really impressed by Yun-Sudra's enthusiasm. Of course, other people are also a big deal.)

I was going to give Malfira-Naham and Ray-Matua a break, but I was told in advance that they weren't resting. The two of them declared, "If so, I'll do my job at home." Marfila-Naham told her bloodline that she was going to take care of her toddler because many of Ray-Matua's bloodline would go to work.

"But that's probably because everyone is looking at Asta's back." Besides, it's only natural for the women around the forest not to neglect their work at home. ”

That's what the Lats said.

Whatever it is, it's not unreliable. It seemed that everyone was exhilarated by the arrival of an unknown festival, but they never neglected their feet.

With such a satisfying feeling in mind, I'm also solemnly proceeding with my work.

I usually spend the time I spend at the study group on the whole day. Still, I had to figure out how to re-assemble the schedule for the next round in simultaneous progress.

This is truly the rush of the Easter Festival.

That's why the unusual rush is what makes us so much more excited. We were already enjoying the fun of the Soul Suppression Festival without wearing black cloth from our heads.

Then about three minutes passed, the fifth hour of descent.

The time remaining until sunset was the end time of the next round.

The sun leans to the far west as soon as it leaves Kamaguchi to load its packages, giving a sign of dusk.

And I found Ai-Fa standing in front of the main house, who hadn't seen her for a long time.

"Hey, Ei = Fa. Were you out somewhere?"

"I can't leave the house without telling you anything." I just picked them from your bushes. "

The front door of the main house was decorated with three-wheeled white flowers.

I don't know his name, he's like a flower in Southern California. Ei = Fa stared at the flower while she exchanged words with me.

"You're leaving soon, aren't you?" Well, you should pray before you do that. "

Yeah, I got it.

I'm also going to stare at those flowers with Eifa.

The image of my mother, who was lost a long time ago, is overlaid with white flowers. My mother, who was very gentle and always laughing, got sick when I was seven.

And I can think of Ei = Fa's parents.

I heard from my father, Gil-Fa, that my mother, Mei-Fa-Fa, was a powerful hunter, and Mei-Fa was like Sheila-Lou. Also, Gil-Fa was a brunette like me, and May-Fa looked a lot like Ai-Fa, but I didn't know them.

"... what kind of a crowd was your mother?"

And Ai = Fa asks in a quiet voice.

I felt calm and smiled, "That's right."

"Anyway, I was a calm, quiet person." Even if I did something wrong, it would be like giving me a kind greeting... my dad was a stubborn person, so I might have been caught in the wrong place. "

"... are you like your mother?"

"Oh, it's just what it looks like." Because the contents resemble a stubborn dad. "

"I don't have the impression that you're stubborn... but I do feel like I lost my courtesy when I met you."

Ei = Fa spilled a tickle and a laugh.

"What about Ei = Fa?" They were both kind people, weren't they? "

"Hmm. My father Gil was never a sweetheart, but he didn't ruin his voice." In a sense, it was dazzling... and no matter how painful it was, it was still strong enough to keep smiling. "

Well then, what about your mother?

"My mother May was a modest personality, but I was often scolded by my mother." Well, I said that I wanted to be a hunter since I was a child, so I had to take all the trouble. ”

The air was full of silence, as if the rush earlier was a lie.

There's a sign of the wagon approaching. Yun-Sudra rushed from Fou's house after finishing her work.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Asta." We were able to prepare all the dishes assigned to us. ”

"Thank you. We're ready to go, too." It's time for the Soul Quenching Festival. "

Yun-Sudra nodded, "Yes" as she scorched her cheeks.

From the back, the women who finished the loading work came out. So the still air disappeared, and the heat suited to the forestside village disappeared.

"Well then, let's go back to the house." I'm going down to the station town by sunset, so I'll see you later. "

"Yes, everyone, thank you for your hard work." Please be careful in the city. "

While such words were exchanged, a new wagon arrived. The men who were asking for the escort. During the night, Luu's blood relatives were expected to provide escorts, but it was said that the personnel should be reinforced at night, and there was a large number that was not the same as during the day.

"Ah, Asta. Actually, I need to talk to you, but if the wagon is empty, can you give us a ride?"

Joe Lang, who was smiling, approached. It was Yumi who was staying at Run's house that followed.

"Hey, Joe Lang and Yumi are going to be out of town so early."

"Yes, I wanted to spend as much time with Yumi as possible."

That's why you don't say such words!

Yumi blushes and pretends to slap Joe Lang on the head.

Side by side, I calculated it as "erm".

"Kamado and the hunters are going to take out four wagons with 10 people each... but in a different frame, four hunters are going to ride with us." If you do that, you'll be able to accommodate the entire number of guests. "

"Is that so?" These four huntsmen... ah, it's their job to bring them back to the village so that other compatriots can use the wagon. "

"Yeah. It's a waste to leave your wagon in the station town." So if you wait at home, you should be able to pick me up sometime. ”

“No, then I think we should walk there. That way, you and Yumi can stay together for a longer period of time ─ ─"

"Ahhhhhh!” Yumi's face became even more red.

When he saw it, Ei = Fa entrusted the sprig he had picked up from under his feet to Yumi. Understanding the meaning, Yumi tapped Joe-Lan's shoulder with his twig.

"Oh, even the branches convey the power of humor, what a happy feeling."

Yumi said, "Yumi!” He raised his voice and threw the innocent twig away.

"Well then, let's go." Din's wagon should be headed for Luu's settlement first. Jo-Ran and Yumi, be careful on the road. "

Then we were forced to leave.

In the noon section, the black cat Sachi, who was on the answering machine, was also rounded at my feet this time. Jilbe and the others were kept at Fow's house, but she was the only one appointed by the patriarch to serve as my escort. At the Easter Festival, Sachi had earned more trust from Ei = Fa because he was the first to sense the approach of Dugou [Suri].

When you arrive at Luu's settlement, you will find Din's wagon waiting for you. And in the center of the square, there were a lot of people.

"Please wait. Were there any problems with you?"

Reina = Lou responded ruthlessly to my call with a "yes".

"After hearing from Lara, I prepared 50% more food." How was Asta? "

"Yeah. Thanks to Yun-Sudra and the others, we're all alone." It's a crackling night, so let's do our best. "

“Yes,” Reina-Lou squeezed her face even harder. Even so, since Reina = Luu was a young face, she lived in a state of dependability and cuteness.

In addition, another figure is approaching us. It was a pair of Lara-Lou and Sin-Lou.

"Asta, good work. I think it's okay because I have a sister, Reina, and Zwei-Rutim, but thank you very much."

Yeah. Lara = Luu, do your best.

Lara = Luu and the others are heading to the castle town, not the stronghold town. The nobles of Genos invited me to visit the Soul Suppressing Festival in the castle town.

Lara-Lou and Sin-Lou, the women of Gazran-Rutim and Rutim, Tur-Din and Zay-Din, Dick-Dom and Moln-Rutim-Dom, Chim-Sudra and Ea-Fow-Sudra, and Vin's young parents and their companions were chosen as members. After all, for the people around the forest, it would be more important to stay in the station town, so it seems that the usual town members such as Ziza-Lou and Dalí-Sauthi dared to leave out.

Also, of course, Din's house will put out stalls at night, but they are entrusted to people who usually help stalls with dedication that does not require on-site cooking. The three women trained by Toole-Din had grown up to be able to do this kind of work without any problems.

“I'm thinking of getting as close to Vermes as I can. Even at your harvest festival, we weren't able to deal with them much."

And Gazlan-Rutim smiles at me. Ghazlan-Rutim has volunteered for this assignment so that he can maintain a proper relationship with a diplomat, Hermes. As far as I was concerned, I was grateful to have noticed Ghazlan-Rutim.

"Thank you very much." Even Gazlan-Rutim would be delighted to have Vermes. ”

“Yes, it will still be difficult to fill Asta's absence, but I would like to do my best.”

That's how we got out again, wishing you well.

In addition to the four façades, there are three in Lu, one in Din, and two groups heading toward the castle town, and the total number of wagons is ten. It is probably since His Highness the Dakarmas' feast of praise that so many units have descended into the city. Moreover, it seemed that many people, including me, had an even more unusual feeling because the evening was getting closer and closer around here.

And when we went down to the station town, we agreed to find even more extraordinary sights there.

It was filled with people in various guises.

Ai Fa, who stepped off the gate, looked around with a stern gaze.

"This is... beyond my imagination." It's like you're lost in a strange place. ”

It was absolutely impossible for Ai = Fa to spill such emotions. We were told beforehand that the Soul Suppression Festival was like a masquerade ball in a town, but I didn't imagine that it was such a precaution.

Many people wear black cloths like hooded cloaks. During the day, the toddlers were in the same shape, but this time, the adults were doing the same thing.

Moreover, most of these people were freshly painted black with charcoal around their eyes. It was a costume that looked like a dead skeleton. Moreover, some of them were decorated more like skeletons by applying white powder to their faces.

And -- surprisingly, that costume was the easiest thing to do.

Some of them painted their faces black.

Some held on to the cloak with the feathers of black dyed birds, and some turned on the cloak.

Instead of painting their faces, some people wore a mask of horseshoes and grew horns like gamma.

The right half was pure white and the left half was pure black. They were so thorough that they dyed their hair, their faces, and even their hands.

"... this is how you dress up with underworld dwellers?"

Yeah. We don't know much about that, but fairy tales and myths are full of underworlders.

While answering like that, I was finally able to find where my feelings had fallen.

The Soul Festival of Underworld God Gili Gu was like a Halloween party, not an Obon.

And then there was the festival of the dead in Mexico or someplace. I didn't know what kind of festival it was, but I remember seeing a folkloric artifact with a guitar set on a skeleton in a Mexican hat.

"... the black costume is prone to darkness." We need to keep our eyes peeled and play the role of an escort. "

While spilling a very practical twist, Ai = Fa stupidly stepped onto the street by the inhabitants of the underworld.

I checked the traffic again, and half of the people dressed like that, and the rest dressed as normal. But if half the humans are dressed up in this crowd, it's enough impact. And it was only the people of the west that were dressed, and the people of the east and the south were clothed in their usual clothes, or were clothed with black cloth.

In addition, residents of the post town and peddlers will not spend copper coins on costumes at the top festival of the year. Looking up close, the black and white dress was also very easy to finish, and it was of unparalleled quality compared to the masquerade ball held in the castle town.

However, it seems that naive costumes have a unique atmosphere or a strong atmosphere. To put it very bluntly, the fact that an adult is dressed in a rough finish makes him feel a certain kind of madness.

However, everyone who dressed like that seemed to have fun. At dusk, it seems that you are dressed like you would never be allowed to do anything in your daily routine, and you are very exhilarated. The vitality and enthusiasm that arose from it was like painting a completely different space in a well-known station town.

"Somehow, there's a lot of people there!" Well, we're going to the castle! "

Two wagons carrying Lara = Lou and the others headed straight north on the road. Half of the people brought their wagons to the stall area, and the other half rented stalls in the [Kimusu Tail Pavilion] and [Southern Daiki Pavilion].

Since I'm in the latter group, Ei = Fa, who entrusted Gilles' reins to another hunter, will accompany me. Yun-Sudra, who was in this group, was just wandering his gaze with a bewildered look.

"Really, you have an amazing look." In this situation, trying to feel the dead up close... makes me feel a little scared. "

"Yeah, I think I'll concentrate on my work first, too." No matter what the underworld dwellers are like, if you give me a copper coin, I'll be your guest. "

Yun-Sudra smiled as I responded.

"That's right, I want to apprentice Asta as well." You can't do a second job in any situation. ”

We aimed for the [Kimusu's Tail Pavilion] while being protected by the hunters headed by Ei = Fa.

Then, when I arrived at the [Kimusu's Tail Pavilion], tables and chairs were put out to the front in the same way as on the Easter Festival. Even there, about half the customers were dressed as underworld dwellers.

"Good work, everyone around the forest." The Levites will be waiting for you in front of the warehouse. "

Terrier-Mass, who was delivering the drinks to the table in the front, greeted me with a gentle smile. Yun-Sudra smiled back at you.

"Terrier = Mass is what it always is, isn't it? I was relieved somehow."

“Yes, my father told me I didn't have to dress weirdly.”

Terrier-Mass, who speaks like that, does not seem to be afraid of his guests' disguise. She must have grown much stronger after various experiences, weddings, etc.

Then I went around the back, and Levi and Ra's were waiting for me. Of course, they were just as they had seen during the day.

"Hey, it's been a hell of a commotion." To be honest, I can only do business with the people around the forest. ”

"Hmm. You should be careful not only of outlaws, but also of drunks." I'm sure that as the night gets deeper, more people will lose control. "

Ai = Fa responded in such a way that she was not afraid of shards.

Then, just like during the day, push the stall and continue down the street. As it approached the open-air area, it was decided to meet the eight wagons that had finished unloading.

"Then I'll borrow these wagons." I'm going to give it all back before you finish the business. ”

Yeah, be careful.

Eight hunters pulled the wagon as they nodded to Eifa's words. The piston transports are about to begin, and dozens and hundreds of forest dwellers are coming from all over the forest. In that way, the station town surrounded by this unusual enthusiasm should have become more noisy.