PS2: Click here to start reading Oran Knight 54 and Merchant Noble 69.

 

 

On the Night of the Starry Sky Festival

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

**Today’s Diary**

In the southern village where I used to live, a festival meant the harvest festival. On that day, many people would drink alcohol, and meals made with ingredients we usually saved up were prepared lavishly. Everyone would gather and have a noisy, good time. I really loved that atmosphere.

So, when I hear the word ‘festival’, I can’t help but think of that clamor, and a bit of homesickness runs through me. Even though my family isn’t there, the place itself is where I spent the first 15 years of my life. Of course, I feel a connection to it.

Ah, this isn’t really what I meant to write about today. But since it’s a diary, I suppose it’s okay to write about whatever comes to mind.

Today, I participated in this town’s festival. It was quite different from the kind of festival I know, so I want to write about it.

 

—

 

“Starry Sky Festival?” (Lux)

“It’s called the Starry Sky Festival. You haven’t heard of it, degozaru?” (Hana)

When I tilted my head in confusion, Hana mimicked the gesture with the same curious tilt. It wasn’t just me. Most of the Catrap members had blank expressions. Even Lite and Lev seemed puzzled.

Seeing our conversation go nowhere, Rick-san stepped in to help.

“Ah, Hana, I’ve recently learned this too, but apparently the Starry Sky Festival isn’t held in many towns. It seems like it’s mostly held in towns in the north.” (Rick)

“What!?” (Hana)

Hana was shocked and leaned back in disbelief.

“I also thought it was a festival held all over the country, but after visiting various towns, I noticed that only northern towns celebrate it. So, I looked into it, and it turns out the festival originally comes from Solar, and it eventually made its way to Rozan.” (Rick)

The Principality of Solar, which was our enemy in the ongoing war. It was strange that their culture had spread all the way to our country.

“From what I’ve gathered, it seems to have originally been a festival celebrating the birth of a god that’s worshipped in Solar. Over time, though, it changed, and now it’s more about praying for happiness under the star of Verga.” (Rick)

Rick-san continued.

The star of Verga was one of the brightest stars in the night sky, shining year-round without shifting much. It was considered a vital guidepost for travelers. As a former hunter, I was also taught to look for the star of Verga if I ever got lost at night, so it was a familiar star to me.

“Huh, so what kind of festival is it?” (Lite)

Lite leaned forward as his curiosity piqued.

Lately, I’ve been keeping an eye on Lite and Lev since I accidentally saw them sneaking around the academy, but they haven’t done anything suspicious since. So, I’ve been trying not to overthink it. If I catch them in the act again, I’ll definitely confront them then.

“There are lots of food stalls, and everyone parties late into the night, degozaru.” (Hana)

Hana explained simply but clearly.

“Hmm, and that’s happening the day after tomorrow?” (Frank)

Frank didn’t seem too interested, but he was at least listening.

“Yes, indeed. I heard from a Raider (Commander) senior that the dorm curfew will be extended that night. Shall we all go enjoy the festival?” (Rick)

Usually, we’re not allowed to enter or leave the academy dorm after 9 PM without permission, but on the night of the Starry Sky Festival, the curfew is extended to 11 PM.

I later learned that this extension was made to accommodate soldiers on leave from the frontlines who stay out late for the festival.

“Stalls, huh? Sounds good. I bet there’ll be plenty of delicious food.”  (Ratt)

Ratt-kun was already daydreaming about the festival’s street food.

“Sebas would worry if I stayed out too late… but I do want to participate.” (Maria)

Maria said. She was a bit conflicted, but she still expressed her interest in going.

No one else had any objections. Unanimously, we decided to attend the Starry Sky Festival together.

 

 

“Onii-chan!” (Noris)

Noris came running up to our meeting spot through the crowd. Maria and Hana had gone to pick her up.

“Noris, there are a lot of people here tonight, so don’t get separated.” (Lux)

I said, trying to sound like a responsible big brother. But she shot back.

“I’m used to walking through crowds when I do grocery shopping, so I’ll be fine. You’re the one who better not get lost, Onii-chan!” (Noris)

She’s got a point, my little sister. But hey, I can make it to Rita-san’s house by myself these days! Well, sometimes I take a wrong turn.

Anyway, the main street of Rodon, now that night had fallen, was packed with people. Everyone had food and drinks they’d bought from the stalls in hand, and the atmosphere was lively. In addition to the usual streetlamps, the stalls were lit up, and even shops that normally would have closed by now had their lights on. The whole street was brightly illuminated.

“What should I eat first? There’s so much to choose from!” (Ratt)

Rat-kun was already scanning the stalls, eagerly searching for something to grab.

“Oh, that looks good!” (Lite)

Lite was equally focused on selecting his first meal.

“Ah, a candied apple.” (Lev)

Lev, who had been quietly watching Lite, murmured softly.

“Do you like candied apples, Lev?” (Lux)

I asked.

“In the town where I used to live, we had a small festival every year, and that was always the thing I looked forward to the most.” (Lev)

She said, narrowing her eyes in fond remembrance.

“Then I’ll go grab one for you. Anyone else want a candied apple?” (Lux)

I called out.

Sonia and Noris both raised their hands. Seeing that, I dashed over to the candied apple stall. I bought one for myself and four others, and after handing them out, we wandered down the main street, munching on the treats and casually checking out the festival.

“The real fun of the Starry Sky Festival begins late into the night, degozaru.”  (Hana)

Until then, we all enjoyed buying food from the stalls and having a good time.

 

—

 

“Huh?” (Lux)

I looked around, but I couldn’t see anyone from our group.

I didn’t get separated, did I? No way I got… I got separated.

 

—

 

“Hey, where’s Lux?” (Sonia)

Sonia realized Lux was nowhere to be seen, and Frank replied.

“Probably standing in line at one of the stalls nearby.” (Frank)

They glanced around but couldn’t spot him.

“Did he get lost? Should I go look for him?” (Rick)

Rick-san offered, but Sonia shook her head.

“Rick-san, you stay and keep an eye on everyone. I’ll go find him.” (Sonia)

With younger members like Noris and someone as high-ranking as Maria, Sonia preferred to have Rick-san stay with the group. Besides, if it were Lux who went missing, there was no real worry about him being kidnapped or anything like that.

She weaved her way swiftly through the crowd. Since joining the academy, Sonia had diligently trained as a scout, and her skills were proving useful in navigating the busy streets. After wandering around for a while in search of Lux, she finally spotted a boy with gray hair looking around nervously.

“Lux!” (Sonia)

She called out, and he turned to her, relief washing over his face.

“Oh, you came looking for me? Thanks, you saved me.” (Lux)

His innocent smile made her heart skip a beat. It might have been the first time they’d been alone together since the camp cooking training in the forest. Realizing that, she suddenly felt nervous. But seeing Lux’s carefree smile, completely oblivious to her flustered state, made her feel a bit irritated. She couldn’t help but think how busy her own emotions were, and the thought made her laugh.

Lux, noticing her chuckling, leaned in and ask.

“What’s wrong?” (Lux)

“Nothing.” (Sonia)

She replied and was about to lead him back to the group when…

“Starry Sky Festival is starting! Please collect a torch from the nearby staff!”

Then, came an announcement from all around.

Curious about what was happening, the two of them looked on as an elderly couple walking nearby spoke to them.

“Is it your first time at the Starry Sky Festival?” (??)

“Yes.” (Lux/Sonia)

They both answered.

“Then you’ll want to get a torch from the staff over there.” (??)

The elderly woman said kindly, pointing them in the right direction. They followed her advice, receiving torches from the staff, who then lit them. A small flame flickered at the tip of each torch, like a candle.

“Now just wait a little.” (??)

The old lady said, and as they stood by quietly, the streetlights and other sources of light in the town began to go out one by one. In an instant, the city’s light was swallowed up by the darkness. The only thing illuminating the main street was the sea of tiny torch flames, swaying like a red river of flickering light. As they were both struck by the fantastical atmosphere, voices rang out again.

“Now, everyone, make a wish, and blow out your flames!” (??)

A wish… what should my wish be?

Taking a deep breath, Sonia gently blew on the flame, and it vanished with ease. The river of flames also disappeared, leaving them in complete darkness.

“Now, look up at the sky.”

The elderly woman told them.

Overhead, the sky was filled with countless stars, twinkling so brightly it seemed as if they were about to fall. They must have always been there, but seeing them like this took their breath away.

“So beautiful.” (Sonia)

Sonia murmured, just as one of the stars streaked across the sky.

“A shooting star…” (Lux)

That first shooting star seemed to trigger a cascade, and one after another, stars shot across the sky in quick succession, twinkling like silver rain over their heads. It felt as if the flames they had blown out had risen up to the sky and turned into stars, only to fall back down, overflowing and spilling like a downpour. The overwhelming spectacle of falling stars captivated them, and they stood there, silently gazing up in awe.

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @

Previous Chapter | Table of Content | Next Chapter