SWNOVELXO Chapter 5 part 12
The city of Lapis was engulfed in the festivities of the Otherworld Festival.
With the festival in full swing, the streets had become lively and bustling. As I wandered through the city, I noticed that besides the tourists, there were also many individuals who were clearly not human.
People covered in fur, those with tails or wings, beastmen, demons, elves, dwarves—beings that seemed as if they had stepped right out of mythology or fairy tales.
These were the “peculiar neighbors” known as the residents of the Otherworld.
It wasn’t often that two worlds connected on such a grand scale as they did during the Otherworld Festival. The appearance of a gate was a rare phenomenon. Because of this, whenever a gate was created, many residents of the Otherworld would come to visit each year.
And that was why the Otherworld Festival had become a signature event of the city of Lapis.
Tourists gazed in fascination at the wandering residents of the Otherworld, sometimes even taking pictures with them using their smartphones. The long-time residents of Lapis, on the other hand, had grown accustomed to these travelers and could be seen chatting with them like old friends.
Those who could cross into this world from the Otherworld were generally good-natured, and at the very least, malevolent beings were unable to pass through. That alone was proof that the protective barrier was functioning properly.
“Sophie, please teach me the art of parades.”
“In exchange for covering all my festival stall expenses.”
“I see.”
I didn’t have that kind of money.
I’d have to file an expense claim with the mayor later.
As we strolled through the city, basking in the cheerful atmosphere, I noticed that Sophie had disguised herself to avoid being recognized as one of the Seven Sages. She wore glasses and a knitted cap, and her hair had been magically turned brown.
“Quite a crowd, huh?”
“Is it unusual?”
“Well, this is just a small town. It’s usually busy during the festival, but this many people must be because you’re participating in the event. And we’ll be putting on a parade for all of them.”
“Zuberi, you look pleased.”
“Of course! If we do a good job, we might even get a flood of joyful tears.”
That’s right—if we put on a moving performance, countless people would be brought to tears.
An opportunity like this didn’t come often.
And with Sophie, one of the Seven Sages, by my side, we had an unbeatable combination.
However, Sophie furrowed her brows at my words.
“What do you even do with joyful tears?”
“Huh?”
That’s right—I hadn’t told Sophie about the curse yet.
If nothing changed, my life would be cut short by a curse in just ten months.
I had told plenty of people before.
It should have been easy to say.
“Well, uh… that’s…”
The words wouldn’t come out.
“Zuberi.”
“Yes?!”
“That food stall looks good.”
“Huh? Oh, the skewers…”
Just like that, Sophie abruptly changed the subject, and my tension drained away.
She was staring at a food stall.
It seemed to be selling Turkish-inspired cuisine.
Drawn by the aroma, Sophie wandered toward it.
“I want some.”
“Then buy it.”
“I have no money.”
“Even though you’re one of the Seven Sages?”
“Everything is managed through my card.”
“Such bourgeois decadence…”
As I watched Sophie’s back, I thought to myself—I couldn’t say it.
We had finally grown close, and I didn’t want to tell her that I might die.
Saying something like that felt like it would only hurt her.
Without saying anything, we continued exploring the various stalls, and before I knew it, the conversation had drifted away.
Though this was supposed to be a reconnaissance mission for the parade, Sophie seemed to be enjoying herself far more than I was.
She was carrying an armful of food, her usually expressionless face stuffed full like a hamster’s cheeks. To say she wasn’t having fun would be absurd.
“Do you not usually attend events like this?”
“Mmph mmph.”
“Swallow before you talk.”
“…It’s not that I don’t, but I’ve never taken my time like this before.”
“Even though you’ve traveled to festivals all over the world? That’s surprising.”
“When I go, it causes a commotion. And going alone was boring.”
I see.
Until now, Sophie had always been the main attraction of such festivals as one of the Seven Sages.
So whenever she walked through the streets, it became a spectacle, and wandering alone must have been lonely and uncertain.
“Then, does that mean that by walking around together like this, I’m your first real friend?”
“I don’t really understand the concept of friendship, but you’re my assistant.”
“I see. That means war.”
“Either way, I’m getting a little tired.”
“Want to find a place to rest and eat all the food you bought?”
Was there a hotel nearby?
Why a hotel, you ask?
Some questions are better left unasked, my friend.
As I entertained such foolish thoughts, Sophie suddenly grabbed my hand and led me into an alleyway.
Was she… leading me to a hotel?
Was I the one being taken?!
Just as I began to panic, we arrived at a small open space.
Behind a building, there was a sunlit bench that looked perfect for resting. I hadn’t even known such a place existed.
“I found it by chance the other day.”
“You’re discovering places even I don’t know about… impressive.”
There weren’t many people around.
Only one woman sat at the far end of the wooden bench.
There was enough space for us, so if we asked, she’d probably let us sit.
“Mind if we sit here?”
“Not at all, go ahead.”
The woman smiled kindly.
She wore a cardigan and had an elegant air about her. Her tied-up blonde hair shimmered beautifully in the sunlight.
I sat beside her, and Sophie took the seat next to me, sandwiching me between them.
As soon as she sat down, Sophie immediately began devouring her food like a hamster.
“Sophie, eat slower.”
“Munch munch.”
She looked delicate, but her appetite was fierce.
As I scratched my head, exasperated by Sophie’s lack of restraint, the woman beside me chuckled softly.
“You two seem close.”
“Ah, sorry for the noise.”
“Not at all. It’s usually so lonely here, so this is nice.”
“Are you waiting for someone?”
“Yes… Someone I met here exactly one year ago.”