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Harvest Festival (1): Gellar’s Story

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*Today’s Diary*

The other day, Lamie-senpai said that the matter regarding the serial number of my beloved gun, the “Counter,” would take some time. There’s no point in rushing, so I’ll wait for Lamie-senpai’s update.

More importantly, after Frank thoroughly maintained my beloved gun, the “Counter,” as he said, it feels like its performance has greatly improved. I’m looking forward to using it in class. However, there are no practical classes scheduled soon, leaving me eager with no outlet for my enthusiasm.

Tomorrow, there’s an event called the ‘Harvest Festival’, which is an opportunity to interact with the citizens of Rodon.

 

—

 

“Harvest Festival?” (Lux)

“Indeed. The Harvest Festival and the Academy’s Cultural Festival are the two major events where the citizens of Rodon and the academy students engage with each other, degozaru.” (Hana)

Hana, being a true Rodon native, said that every year the citizens eagerly anticipated this event.

“What kind of things do you do?” (Heinz)

Heinz asked.

“The academy staff will be mobilized to help with the harvest at a farm on the outskirts. Since a lot of people will be gathering, food stalls will be set up and the freshly harvested vegetables will be cooked and served to the citizens, degozaru.” (Hana)

Hana’s explanation painted the event as a peaceful and enjoyable one.

“After the Harvest Festival ends, preparations for the Academy Cultural Festival begin, and the town bustles with activity leading up to the festival. It’s a famous tradition in Rodon, degozaru.” (Hana)

As we listened absentmindedly, Rick-san, with a slight grin, added some words.

“It’s fun to participate as a citizen, but… even though I only saw it from the outside, it’s tough for the academy staff.” (Rick)

We didn’t take Rick-san’s words too seriously at the time. We had no idea how exhausting it would actually be…

 

—

 

To the south of Rodon lies a massive, there was incredibly vast farm.

It supplied food for the Rodon City, one of the largest in our country, and the surrounding area. It was so large that it seemed as if the entire Rodon City could fit inside it.

Various crops were cultivated here, and many of them were currently in the prime of their harvest season. That was why there was never enough manpower, and any young, physically active person was welcomed unconditionally. For example, soldiers who undergo daily training.

“Hey! Once you’re done over there, take this box to the other side!” (??)

“Is anyone free? Help with the harvest!” (??)

“Hey, we’re washing the harvested crops here, so can a few people come over and help?” (??)

Voices echoed throughout the sprawling farm, resembling a battlefield.

I finished carrying a bundle of straw twice my size to the designated location. Just as I took a breath, someone nearby immediately gave me another task. While the citizens and soldiers participating in the festival worked together to enjoy the harvest and share the joy, the citizens would also take breaks to enjoy food from the stalls, helping out between rests as part of the festive atmosphere.

On the other hand, we academy members were expected to work tirelessly, running around with barely a moment to rest.

Earlier, I saw Frank collapse by the roadside, but I didn’t even have time to check on him. He had mentioned he was building up stamina during academy life.

I wonder if Maria is alright.

“Hey! You there with the gray hair! Can you help out over here?” (??)

“Alright, I’m coming!” (Lux)

Rick-san’s words, “It’s tough for the academy staff”, suddenly hit home as time flew by.

It was purely by chance that I spotted Gellar, the genius Knight (Ritter) girl from Class 1-A. While handling one task after another, I somehow ended up near the edge of the farm. There, Gellar seemed to be arguing with a farmer who appeared to be in charge of the harvest. No, it looked more like the farmer was scolding her one-sidedly.

Curious, I approached to listen in.

“You’re a student at the academy, right? Help out properly!” (??)

“Well… I can’t really do it…” (Gellar)

“Then, why are you even here!?” (??)

I hurriedly stepped in.

“What’s going on?” (Lux)

“When I asked for some help earlier, this girl showed up, but all she says is that she’s never done it before and can’t do it.” (??)

“I see. I’ll help out instead! What do you need me to do?” (Lux)

“Oh, really? That’s great. Just make sure the girl here doesn’t get in the way.” (??)

With that, the farmer taught me how to harvest the crops.

As I carefully cut the long, orange vegetables from the vines, which had grown to the height of my head, I tilted my head slightly in thought.

I remember that the boys were assigned tasks like harvesting and carrying loads at the academy, while the girls helped with washing, sorting, or assisting with cooking. So why was Gellar sent here?

As I worked, I noticed Gellar standing idly in my peripheral vision. She stayed there the entire time I was working.

“Thanks! You’ve really helped us out.” (??)

Once we had finished the task, the farmer thanked me with a smile. I, then, walked over to where Gellar was standing. When I got close, Gellar quietly said.

“Thank you. You saved me.” (Gellar)

“It’s no big deal, but why were you sent here?” (Lux)

“…Because I don’t fit in with my class…” (Gellar)

As we made our way back toward the center of the farm, Gellar slowly began to explain her situation.

Gellar was certainly known for her exceptional leadership in practical combat. However, it was also widely known that the Seg Household had adopted her solely to elevate their social status. Although her team treated her decently, she faced hostility from the rest of the class, especially from the other noble students. Her fighting style, which sometimes involved abandoning other Knights (Ritter), had also caused resentment, and there was undoubtedly some jealousy involved.

There was one particularly pushy noble in Class 1-A, who frequently gave her a hard time like this.

“That’s awful! You should report this!” (Lux)

After hearing the story, I said indignantly,

“It’s fine… I understand how they feel.” (Gellar)

She smiled softly.

“But…” (Lux)

I began to say.

“Thank you for worrying about me. But in reality, I was sold off by my parents. I’m just a tool for the Seg Household, meant to become a general… I don’t really care about the academy life during these three years.” (Gellar)

Hearing her say that left me speechless.

We walked in silence for a while.

Then, out of nowhere—

“Hey, Lux! They’ve got food ready! Hurry up and come!” (Ratt)

Ratt-kun appeared, waving his hand and calling out to me.

“Well, I’ll leave you here. Thanks again.” (Gellar)

With those parting words, Gellar ran off.

I watched her retreating figure, crossing my arms and letting out a thoughtful “Hmm”.

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