Chapter 30
Fisherman’s Festival & Market – In Other Words, The Big Catch Festival
Back on Earth, autumn is the season for festivals where people give thanks for the year’s harvest and pray for a bountiful yield next year, right?
Even where I lived, we’d have festival floats to see, stalls lining the shrine grounds, and I’d go hopping from food stall to food stall with my friends. I missed the last one because it was right during the peak of my prep for the recommendation entrance exams, but a childhood friend from the neighborhood brought me some grilled squid. Even though that guy was also a student aiming for a national university, he’d say stuff like, “Taking breaks is important too, you know?” I was jealous of his grades, which were good enough for him to be so relaxed.
Those guys have probably already made their university debuts by now.
Well, I’ve made my debut as a magician!
Now, here in the imperial capital of the Gasmania Empire, situated as it is on the coast, the autumn festival is the Big Catch Festival. It’s to express gratitude to the sea god for a safe fishing season and a bountiful catch. Around the statue of the sea god inside the church, they’ve piled offerings of fish caught this morning, dried fish, and seaweed mountain-high, making the cathedral smell fishy… I mean, filled with the scent of the sea.
The fishing boats docked inside and outside the fishing port—which houses both the fishermen’s cooperative and the adventurer’s guild with its lighthouse—are decorated with colorful cloths and flags. With so many boats, it feels like a procession of mikoshi shrines, creating a wonderfully beautiful scene.
“Shunsuke!”
Hearing my name, I turned around to see Vīcha waving at me.
“Good morning, Vīcha-san. I look forward to working with you today.”
“Yes, likewise.”
Even though Vīcha-san is supposed to be a mermaid, today she’s wearing a light, beautiful dress. Her skirt, the same cherry-blossom pink as her scales, flutters in the sea breeze. Her dark green hair is done up, revealing the nape of her neck, which is usually hidden and looks quite alluring.
A satin sash is draped from her right shoulder to her left hip, where she’s attached an ornament bearing an emblem.
“Vīcha-san, you’re wearing shoes today.”
“Yes, this ornament on my hip is a magical tool. It allows me to borrow a human form for today. I thought it would let me enjoy the festival more.”
“That’s great.”
“But, well, they suddenly gave me shoes with heels, so it’s a bit of a challenge.”
Vīcha-san is apparently one of the daughters of the mermaid chieftain from a country much further south. When I once asked her what someone of her status was doing helping fishermen with work like an ama diver, she explained:
“Mermaids are very prolific, so a position you’re born with doesn’t guarantee anything. I have twenty older sisters. So, I’m free to do what I want, but the flip side is that without the responsibilities that come with status, I have to be self-reliant. That’s why I fish.”
She’s a strong and beautiful person. But just for today, let me call her…
“Well then, Mermaid Princess, shall we go?”
Trying to be cool, I offer my hand.
I’m in my usual, so-called acolyte attire today.
“Yes!”
Her smile is dazzling! She’s even wearing light makeup today.
There’s a large square in front of the fishing port.
A large cave opens up on the south side, and beyond it, you can see the horizon.
At the edge of the cave are the lighthouse and the guild, and from there, buildings like the fishermen’s cooperative and the church surround the square.
The square is packed with citizens.
In the center of the square, my schoolmate, the Third Prince, Lord Seilado, noticed me and threw me a wink.
Next to him stands an older, handsome man who looks just like him—His Highness Crown Prince Atlantic von Gasmania.
Escorting Vīcha, I circle around from behind Lord Seilado towards the harpsichord set up for today in one corner of the square. The spot beside it is where Vīcha will stand.
Lord Seilado approaches and whispers in my ear.
“I didn’t know you had musical talent, Shunsuke. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Whoa, please don’t put pressure on me. But seeing your face has eased my tension a little.”
I give a social, beaming smile.
I sit at the harpsichord, and the signal comes from the Crown Prince.
It’s the song praising the sea god that Vīcha and I performed before. It seems to be the festival’s opening piece.
“Here goes, I’m counting on you!”
“Leave it to me, Prince ♪” With a flutter of her cute wings, Yellow-chan takes off from my shoulder. Is Yellow-chan dressed up today too? She’s in a slightly longer one-piece dress, with her yellow hair tied in a bun on top of her head.
Of course, probably no one else can see her.
This instrument is meant for indoor performances; it’s not suited for outdoors, let alone in a crowd. But with Yellow-chan’s wind control ability, the murmuring of the crowd is suppressed and it grows quiet.
I begin to play the harpsichord. Simultaneously, I activate wind magic centered around us.
I adjust it so that my playing and Vīcha’s singing resonate just a little, then amplify the volume to reach everyone.
My magical power mixes with Yellow-chan’s magic, spreading a refreshing breeze across the square.
It produces an effect just like being in a concert hall with the best acoustics.
Vīcha also seems to be enjoying herself immensely as she sings.
Ah, what a beautiful person.
Even though I was suddenly thrown into this different world, I’m happy, aren’t I?
I can tell myself that I can’t stop grinning.
“So cute.”
“Is she an angel?”
“Ugh, Shunsuke, you’ve grown up so well…”
“Shunsuke, he’s really multi-talented, isn’t he?”
“I’m glad I came for the opening!”
I can hear various voices.
Hey, Yellow-chan! That’s distracting. Stop picking out specific voices and sending them just to me. Well, it’s nice to be praised, I guess…
And so, the song ends.
The Crown Prince stands up, holding a magical tool that amplifies his voice, and declares:
“With this, we hereby commence this year’s Fisherman’s Festival!”
I have her cancel the wind magic over the crowd.
A uniform cheer rises up with a “Whoa!”
But our music continues. We keep the volume amplified for this!
We continue with the second song as planned. We’re still ramping up the energy!
“Everyone, sing along—!” Vīcha shouts.
Yeah, yeah, a solo idol is born. Or so I nod to myself in my heart.
Some people sing, others clap along, and everyone in the square sings the same song.
Music is great for experiencing this sense of unity, too!
I also sing while playing. I’m a boy soprano, so I harmonize by following two notes above Vīcha.
Even though it’s still morning, the venue is at its peak!
The third song ends, and amidst the great applause, I take the Mermaid Princess’s hand and wave to everyone with my other hand. The two of us bow, and another cheer erupts!
I hug Vīcha. Then, holding hands, we make our exit into the church building.
“Whew—, good work, Vīcha. You were wonderful—”
“You too, Shunsuke. On the way back, everyone from aunties to young girls was looking at you with passionate eyes.”
“Really? But Vīcha! They were chanting your name!”
The priest of the church also came over.
“You were both magnificent. Would you consider becoming our regular performers from now on?”
Vīcha answers first.
“I usually need to be in the sea. I can only maintain this form for about one day every few months. This magical tool requires quite a lot of magical power.”
“And I’m still a child, and just a first-year at the academy, so my studies are the priority for now. If I’m invited occasionally for things like慰问 visits to the treatment clinic, I might be able to help out. But only as a volunteer, of course.”
The priest seemed convinced.
“I see. Well, please feel free to come by whenever you feel like singing or playing again. I, for one, and many others, I’m sure, would love to hear you.”
” Yes, thank you very much.”
We harmonized again.
“Good work, you two!”
Two glasses are placed on the table set where we sat down.
“Thank you, Arisa-neechan.”
“Thank you, Arisa-san. You’re dressed quite chic today.”
Arisa is also a maid today. This time, it’s a classical long skirt with an apron.
“Mmm— I’ve been wearing this a lot lately. It’s good since it’s been getting cold lately. But Vīcha, that dress really suits you. I’d heard you were a real princess, and now I’m convinced!”
“Thank you, Arisa.”
The sight of two girls talking is nice, isn’t it? It’s like a painting. A princess and a maid standing together is better than a boy and a maid!
I unconsciously take a picture with my smartphone! The church background gives it a nice atmosphere.
Oh yeah, I finally got to the point where I can use the Item Box normally.
I went crazy organizing those folders. On days like this when I can’t wear my waist pouch, I use the Item Box.
But this seems to be quite special too; spatial magic is rare to begin with. I take things out and put them in behind my back, or like a magic trick. So I can take out my smartphone with a flick too. Well, only small items, though. Magical tool bags like magic bags are more common, and well, my waist pouch is also a magic bag, so no one finds it strange. I was the one who was nervous about using it in public at first.
Digression over.
The festival is just getting started. I want to enjoy myself!
I heard there’s something like an arm-wrestling tournament sponsored by the Adventurer’s Guild too. I haven’t entered, though.
“Arisa-neechan, I’m gonna go change and start over.”
“Right, I’m gonna go eat my way through the stalls too!”
“Well then, Vīcha, see you later.”
“Let’s do this again sometime.”
Holding Arisa’s hand, I pretend to exit through the church’s back door, but instead connect the space to the lobby of the mansion’s annex.
Like that tool of a certain cat-shaped robot, we return.
Sebastian and the others are all at the festival venue today, so no one’s here.
“Okay, let’s change and meet up!”
“It’s a race!”
I change into a worn-out trainer with a mouse character on it and jeans that I wore all the time as a kid, plus a Major League cap. I recently had my old room’s belongings moved here.
Yep, me with my black eyes and black hair! Confirmation is important. Just like earlier, when I was in my acolyte clothes.
As I’m hanging the acolyte clothes on a hanger,
“Shunsuke, you ready?”
“Whoa, fast! Well, I’m done too though.”
Arisa is in her usual adventurer’s leather armor, even though she said it was a race. Wasn’t she cold in that?
“Alright, let’s go.” I offer my hand.
“Okay. Shunsuke’s instant movement? It’s so convenient.”
“Please keep it a secret; it seems very rare for people to use this.”
Right now, in the imperial capital, it seems only the professor at the Magic Department can do it.
“Okay.”
“Eek, Shunsuke, what are you doing?!”
In a flash, we appear right in front of the lighthouse’s giant lens. I didn’t know where else to pop out.
Everyone should be too absorbed in the festival events to look at the sky.
“Arisa-neechan, hold still. It’s fine, just hold on to me.”
“But we’re floating! Or flying!”
Carrying Arisa-neechan in my arms, I float next to the lighthouse.
“Hmm, everywhere is so crowded— I wonder where we should land.”
It’s a huge crowd, but I don’t see any elves. There are just a few beastfolk. I heard that other mermaids besides Vīcha have also taken human form today.
“Ah— Really. Wouldn’t it be better to just go from that lighthouse deck down the stairs to the guild?”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
We exit the guild and return to the square, which is now packed solid without a gap.
The spot where the harpsichord was has been taken over by stalls.
We’re in different clothes now. I hold Arisa’s hand so we don’t get separated as we tour the stalls.
Whoa, grilled whole squid! Smells great!
“Ma’am, one of those, please!”
“Sure thing! Thank you. Oh my, you’re the acolyte from earlier—”
“Shh! How did you recognize me?” Even though I’m wearing such a childish trainer.
“Well, it’s because Shunsuke’s face is just so cute.”
“Eh? Not just the clothes?”
“Ahahaha, after that opening, I became your fan, you know. They say fans develop the ability to spot their ‘oshi’. My daughter says that. She’s a chaser of the Second Prince.”
What’s that? I’d heard there were people in Japan who chased the imperial family, but this seems a bit different.
And ‘oshi’ activities? That term exists in this city too? And I’m the subject?
“Please, have mercy. But, next time I perform at the church, please be generous with the offerings. I’m just a struggling first-year academy student, you know.”
“Is that so? Aren’t you receiving support from the nobility?”
“I am, but I can’t just rely on handouts forever.”
“How admirable! That’s worthy of Lord Dominic taking an interest in you. Well then, I’ll support you even more! Here, take another one from me. No charge!”
“Huh? Wait a sec—”
“That’s great, Shunsuke!”
Geez…
“Oh, alright then. Thank you very much.”
“Do your best—!”
“Yes!”
What was the point of sneaking in and out so carefully? It was completely meaningless.
I had a rough time right from the start.
Well, I did appear in front of such a huge crowd.
The church and the guild approached Lord Dominic directly about today’s opening ceremony, and he said, “It’ll further cement my image of being pro-commoner, so do it,” and that’s how it was decided.
I think I’ll get a performance fee later. For my tuition. So, I practiced with Vīcha a couple of times, and we just had our main debut. I’d already greeted the Crown Prince then.
For a while, I walked along munching on my squid. I pulled my cap down as far as I could.
Arisa-neechan is eating the second squid.
Ah, it’s Goda. Urisa-nii is there too!
They’re roasting corn. Of course, I’m the one who provided the soy sauce.
“Goda!”
“Hey, Shunsuke, eating something good, I see.”
“Yep, got it over there.”
“You became famous in an instant, huh.”
“I was somewhat prepared for it, but ‘somewhat’ doesn’t even cover it.”
As I said that, I finished the squid and was licking my thumb.
“Where’s the trash?” I asked, holding the skewer.
“Just toss it here.”
“Urisa-nii.” He brought out a basket where corn husks were being thrown away.
“Hey, good work from this morning.”
He patted my head.
“Thanks.”
“I don’t know much about music, but I could tell it was amazing.”
“That’s right. Shunsuke was an angel. And earlier, in the sky—”
“Th-thanks,” I overlapped my voice with hers before she could say everything.
At the side of the stall, I used magic to produce water and rinsed my hands.
“Let me wash mine too.”
“Okay, Arisa-neechan.”
We both dried our hands on opposite ends of a towel.
“Next, wanna eat this?”
Goda asked, picking up an ear of corn with tongs.
“Sure. But before that…”
I took two cups from my spatial storage, filled them with ice water, and gave one to Arisa-neechan.
“Here.”
“Thanks. It was tasty, but it makes you thirsty, huh.”
“It’s salty stuff.”
We ate and drank standing up. That’s the way with stall food.
I felt it while eating the squid too, but when you walk while eating, half your face is hidden, so I managed not to get stopped!
And so, we walked along gnawing on roasted corn.
Doing this, holding hands is impossible.
“Shunsuke.”
Ah, it’s the Third Prince’s voice.
I turned around, and he was there in the same princely style as before. Behind him were his guards/schoolmates, Brid and Ras. Ras is a new student, ten years old like His Highness. He’s tall for a ten-year-old, though not as much as Brid. But both of them are good-looking too.
“Lord Seilado.”
“That was amazing earlier. I touch instruments a bit myself for cultural refinement, but you were incredible, Shunsuke.”
Well, including the time I took lessons, I’d been playing piano and such for ten years.
“You flatter me. And that was thanks to the Mermaid Princess’s wonderful singing.”
“And that outfit.”
“Yes?”
I responded while munching on my corn. Sorry for presuming informality without permission.
“It looks so comfortable. I’m jealous.”
My apologies. Even the acolyte outfit uses shiny materials, so I can’t wear it for long. And kids have short limbs, so we get things dirty.
“In this attire, touring the stalls is quite difficult.”
“I bet.”
“Also, I’m not permitted to eat unauthorized food in public.”
“I see.” The imperial family has it tough too.
“Well, I still have places to be. Enjoy the festival.”
“Yes.”
After parting with His Highness and waving to Brid and Ras too, I turned back to Arisa to resume our stall tour.
“Wow, so many beautiful people…” Isn’t ‘beautiful people’ a term older men use for women?
You’re playing dumb.
Especially those close to the imperial family, their mothers are all beauties, so everyone is good-looking.
“Yeah, they’re all sparkling, right? That’s my daily life at the academy. It’s so dazzling it’s a problem.”
“Shunsuke, you’re cute too, so it’s a feast for my eyes!”
Huh? I’m included in that? Oh.
“Ah, there’s a fish scooping game!”
“Not goldfish?”
“There are golden fish too.”
All sorts of fry-like fish are swimming in a big tank. Everyone’s swimming counter-clockwise.
Stalls aren’t just for eating while walking, right? Game-like ones are good too.
“Arisa-neechan, wanna have a contest to see who can scoop more?”
“You’re on! I won’t lose!”
I paid the old man and got our poi (paper scoops).
In the evening, Arisa and I, having eaten too much and deciding not to use magic, walked back to the mansion. On the balcony overlooking the sea, we temporarily released our spoils—the fish—into a tub filled with seawater we’d scooped up. I still don’t know how to produce seawater with magic.
“So I lost, huh.”
Well, I did scoop one up… or rather, one being.
“Kyahaha, Prince~!” What I had scooped up was a blue spirit-chan.
I could see her, of course. She’s swimming playfully with Arisa’s fish in the tub. It seems the fish can see the blue spirit-chans too. The other colored kids are all playing around the tub. Like a dolphin show, they’re happily riding on the small fish.
I stick the cotton candy stick into a conveniently sized knothole in the balcony railing.
“Can we eat it?”
“Of course. Call everyone over.”
“Yay! Thank you, Prince!”
“Shunsuke! You lost, so you know what that means, right?”
“Yeees.”
The bet for the fish scooping was that if I lost, I had to take a bath with Arisa.
A penalty? More like a reward.
I took out some special bath bombs from my Item Box. The tub is huge, so maybe two?
Maybe I was tired from my first real crowd since coming to this world; the moment I got out of the bath, I fell asleep instantly again. I didn’t notice at all that Arisa had slipped into bed with me again.
