Chapter 18: Star-Greeting Day

Even on the day of the Star-Greeting Festival, Falco still hadn’t said anything to Shou. Almost everyone in town knew that Falco would be leaving soon, yet he remained silent. Though she felt a bit lonely, Shou had already resigned herself to the fact that this was just the kind of person Falco was.

The festival wouldn't start until the evening, but even during the day, the town was lively with street stalls and festivities. The younger children had spent the past few days diligently clearing slimes from the rocky areas in preparation for the event. Today, however, they would finally get to enjoy themselves, spending their saved-up allowances on festival treats.

The girls had gathered at Aura’s large home. For this special day, they had custom-ordered festival outfits from Aura’s shop, earning their money by collecting herbs.

As usual, Shou chose to wear pants and a tunic, but this time, the colors were much more vibrant than usual.

Everyone had been eagerly anticipating this—Shou dressing up properly for once. They were far more excited about it than Shou herself.

Her sleek black hair, golden-honey complexion, and warm brown eyes stood out among the others.

At Shou’s request, they had tailored a sky-blue tunic that would complement the green hunter’s belt she always wore. The tunic was trimmed at the hem, collar, and cuffs with a lighter shade of green, matching the belt. The tunic was a little longer and more flowing than usual, and for once, she had taken the time to tie up her normally messy hair. Her bangs, which usually fell over her eyes, were clipped back with a soft pin, revealing her smooth forehead, well-defined eyebrows, and striking brown eyes. Her lashes, darker than what was common in Deep Forest, were long enough to cast delicate shadows on her cheeks.

The younger girls sighed in admiration.

Their own light-colored, soft hair and eyes in shades of blue, green, and gray were beautiful in their own right, but—if given the chance—they would gladly trade for Shou’s thick, dark locks, deep-colored eyes, and long lashes.

And yet, Shou felt the same way about them. They all envied each other.

Once dressed, they excitedly set off into town together.

The boys, both younger and slightly older ones, pretended not to be waiting, but their restless movements gave them away.

When the group of brightly dressed girls finally arrived, the town’s energy seemed to rise. The adults nearby smiled warmly and showered them with compliments.

The boys, slightly flustered, awkwardly joined in the festivities.

This year, however, was a little different.

Who’s that girl in the sky-blue tunic?

The boys stood frozen in surprise, while the girls simply gave them exasperated looks.

Just then, Falco arrived.

"Shou!"

"Falco!"

Wait. Shou?

No, no, that’s not right. He’s part of the boys’ group. And sure, his hair is black, but the face is different… right? But… that’s… Shou?

"It suits you well. You look adorable no matter what you wear."

Falco lifted Shou high above his head and spun her around. Shou giggled in delight.

To Falco, it probably didn’t matter whether Shou was a boy or a girl.

"Do you want to go around the festival with me?"

"I do, but I promised Aura and the others."

"I see. Be back by evening, then."

With a small sigh, Falco hugged her briefly before setting her gently on the ground. Shou dashed off toward Aura and the others.

"Sh-Shou?"

"What, Cain?"

"Uh, well, um…"

"What?"

"…It suits you."

"Thanks!"

Shou beamed before heading off.

Cain really is cool.

And with that, the festival began.

The boys, still a bit dumbfounded, trailed behind them in confusion.

"Shou is… Shou."

Cain’s words made sense. The others nodded.

It wasn’t just about Shou, though. Tonight, they would enjoy the festival with the cute younger girls and the slightly more elegant apprentice girls.

They had earned plenty of allowance from hunting slimes.

That night, Shou’s dressed-up appearance became the talk of the town.

Afterward, the church became noticeably busier with young hunters and apprentices.

Falco, of course, did not take kindly to this development.

By the time Shou returned that evening, Falco was waiting for her with two lanterns.

Alongside them were a packed meal, a blanket, and a coat.

"Come on, let’s go to the rocky cliffs."

"Yeah."

Falco wanted to carry her, but Shou shot him a cold look.

There are so many people around.

But she was weak against Falco when he looked dejected.

"Falco, hand."

"Hand?"

"Let’s hold hands."

"Like this?"

"Yeah."

Falco held Shou’s right hand in his left.

With their free hands, they each carried a lantern.

Falco preferred holding her, feeling reassured by her warmth.

But even now, just holding her hand, the warmth still reached him.

"It’s summer, after all."

Shou lacked sentimentality. That wasn’t the point.

Falco was frustrated.

How could he express this warmth, this tenderness he felt?

Shou glanced at him with amusement.

"It’s not that complicated, Falco. Just say you love me."

Just saying I love you.

That warmth—this feeling inside him—was that what it was?

Had he loved Shou all along?

Something settled in his chest.

They laid out the blanket and sat together.

As the sun set, lanterns began to glow one by one.

"Come back, night. There are plenty of stars on the ground too."

A quiet wish filled the darkness.

Falco wrapped his arms around Shou from behind and murmured,

"Shou, I’m leaving for the summer hunt."

"Yeah."

"I’ll be gone for two months."

"Yeah."

"I’ll definitely come back."

"Yeah."

He held her tight.

Shou patted his arm lightly and said,

"You took too long to say it."

"…Sorry."

Falco buried his face in her hair.

Honestly…

"Don’t worry."

"Mm."

"I won’t disappear while you’re hunting."

"Mm."

"We’ll always be together."

"Mm."

Even apart, their hearts would remain connected.

Falco believed that.

And so, the Star-Greeting Festival came to an end.

Three days later, Falco was still struggling to accept leaving.

He didn’t want to be apart from Shou.

But Shou was busy and barely spared him a glance.

Gina scolded him.

Leon was exasperated.

Gaius told him to pull himself together.

Yet, even on the morning of his departure, Shou had already rushed off somewhere.

She didn’t even come to see him off.

Was she angry that he had waited until the last minute to tell her?

Falco trudged to the meeting point.

"This year, the Black Rock Lizards have appeared early and in large numbers. They’ve been requesting arrows from us constantly."

Gaius, the leader, called out.

The hunters responded with a roar.

"Thanks to our healers, everyone is in top condition. This year, we’ll have five healers, including apprentices. A reassuring thought."

A murmur of relief spread.

"For the next two months, give it your all! Let’s show them the strength of the Northern Town!"

A loud cheer erupted.

Falco, however, was still sulking.

"Hurry up and get on the wagon, Falco!"

Leon snapped at him.

Just then—

"Shou!"

Aura’s voice.

Falco looked up sharply.

"Take care! Have a safe trip!"

"Yeah, I’m off!"

That was Shou’s voice.

Why was she—?

"She’s in the healer unit, idiot."

"Leon?"

"The apprentices are coming too."

Shou… was coming?

There!

Their eyes met.

She was smiling.

"Shou…"

"I told you—we’ll always be together."

Falco had only thought she meant in spirit.

"Shou!"

"Ugh, someone drag Falco onto the wagon!"

"Shou!"

Shou gave him a helpless smile.

Chuckles rippled through the crowd.

And so, in a completely undignified fashion, the summer hunt began.