Volume 2, Chapter 18 – Hunting Festival (1)

“I hereby declare the 37th Hunting Festival officially open!”

Cheers erupted throughout the semi-circular, colosseum-like venue built outside the city walls.

Around fifty participants had gathered on the stage.

I couldn’t tell exactly how many spectators there were, but it was a massive crowd.

Given the size of the venue, there were probably at least a thousand people here.

The atmosphere was electric, as one would expect from an annual festival.

However, I was personally amazed by the announcer’s throat—the man was projecting his voice across this huge venue without a microphone.

“And for this year, we are honored to have the presence of Saint Fiene Argentata-sama!”

Another roar of cheers broke out. I peeked out from the heavily guarded VIP seats and gave a small wave.

This triggered yet another wave of thunderous cheers.

Rеαⅾ on ΚαtRеadiոɡСαfе

Hmm, is this what it feels like to be a celebrity or an idol? I’m still not used to it; it’s a rather ticklish feeling.

“The contestants will surely show us the skills they’ve honed through their usual hunts! Now, let us proceed immediately to the competition. The rules are simple: participants will enter the forest to hunt. Whoever brings back the most valuable prey will be the winner!”

Another massive cheer. But if the hunting is happening inside the forest, what exactly is there for the audience to enjoy?

“And as a prize, the winner will receive ten kilograms of Klaubretz’s finest specialty beef, as well as a commemorative Crystal Trophy, which will be presented by Saint-sama!”

Huh? I didn’t hear about that. Well, I suppose that’s fine.

“Now, let us have Saint-sama ring the bell to signal the start of the competition!”

I stood up and struck the bell placed at the front of the VIP section with a hammer.

A dry clang echoed through the venue.

“The competition… starts now!”

Cheered on by the crowd, the contestants streamed through the venue gates and disappeared into the forest.

Reαԁ оn ΚαtRеαԁinɡCαfе

I hope Lu-chan does her best and Manages to get that ten kilograms of beef.

Now, what should we do in the meantime?

Just as I was thinking that, people carrying instruments, young women dressed up in folk costumes, and several large barrels were brought into the arena.

Wait, could it be?

“Now then, while the contestants are hunting, we shall have the grape stomping right here in the venue!”

Once again, the crowd erupted.

Oh, I knew it. Autumn is grape season, after all!

“Come now, all you young ladies who are up for the challenge! Please feel free to join in!”

Another roar of cheers. Looking closely, I noticed the spectators already had bottles of alcohol in their hands.

Reaⅾ οn КatRеadіnɡСаfе

“Furthermore, the food court is now open! Various dishes await you, including skewers, wine-stewed meats, sausages, and cheeses made with Klaubretz’s specialty meats. We also have a wide selection of local beers and wines. Come, eat, drink, and enjoy the festival to your heart’s content!”

And yet another roar of cheers.

I see. Apparently, the people staying behind spend their time eating, drinking, and making a ruckus.

“Fiene-sama, will you not be participating in the grape stomping?”

“I’ll pass. I have a feeling things would end up… terribly.”

I suspect that if I participated, by next year, the wine would be given some random name like “Saint Wine” and sold for an exorbitant price.

Wait, did I just hear someone click their tongue?

Oh well, whatever. Let’s just enjoy the gourmet food.

“Chris-san, since we’re here, let’s try some of the food too.”

“Yes. I will accompany you.”

Rеаd oո КаtRеαⅾіոɡСаfе

◇ ◇ ◇

“Hmm, it feels kind of lonely without Lu-chan stuffing her face,” I murmured after walking a bit through the food court.

Indeed, Lu-chan is our party’s designated glutton and gourmet scout.

Whenever we visit a place like this, she usually looks around frantically, pointing out things that look delicious or things she wants to eat, eventually leading us to the best meals.

I’m probably not the only one who thinks that when Lu-chan scampers around like that, she seems more like a dog than an Elf.

I don’t know if they exist in this world, but I feel like calling her a Dog Beastkin would be far more fitting.

“It can’t be helped. Lumia is surely doing her best in the forest right now.”

“That’s true. I hope she has a great time.”

While wishing Lu-chan luck, we bit into some beef and vegetable skewers.