Chapter 94: The Harvest Festival
Chapter 94: The Harvest Festival
Sometimes, a well-timed response can make someone more willing to open up. But in this case, it didn't really matter how well the response was crafted.
Senior Mage Mirajane explained to the new recruit, Rod:
"Of course, it's the Harvest Festival. Magnolia holds the Harvest Festival every October. It's a celebration for everyone in the city."
"Oh, the Harvest Festival," Rod recalled the special festival he and Natsu had attended last month, which was held early just for them.
"Basically, it's all about eating, drinking, playing, and dancing around the bonfire, letting everyone enjoy and express their joy."
Rod asked, "Is it really necessary to put aside missions for this?"
Mirajane replied, "Of course, it's the biggest celebration of the year. We celebrate the year's harvest and pray for good fortune in the coming year. It's a very important event for everyone."
Rod nodded, "I can see why it's important."
He remembered that many places held harvest festivals in the fall, and for the locals, it was as significant as the New Year, a time when thorough preparations were essential.
Mirajane added, "It's not just a regular celebration. As the only mage guild in Magnolia, Fairy Tail is responsible for organizing a magical parade on the night of the festival.
Everyone stays at the guild to prepare for the parade, which is a well-known event across the entire Ishgar continent.
People from nearby towns and villages come to watch, and Magnolia will be packed with visitors."
"Parade..." The word made Rod think of negative connotations, thanks to too many bad news stories. The term itself was neutral, capable of both celebration and protest.
The guild's parade was clearly meant to be a celebratory and performative event, likely using magic to make it spectacular.
Rod asked, "What exactly do we need to do?"
"You need to hurry up and clear that table!" Laki complained, "Stop chatting and get to work. My stomach is already protesting."
Hmph, does it really take two people so long to clear a table?
Mirajane apologized to Laki, "Sorry, we'll be quick."
Rod hurried to say, "Sorry, sorry, I was asking too many questions."
Laki put her hands on her hips, feeling even more irritated.
Rod carried the dishes on a tray, and Mirajane meticulously wiped the table clean.
Afterward, it was lunchtime for the bar staff, the time to fill their stomachs.
But the conversation continued as they ate.
"The most important part of the magical parade is the magic performance. It needs to be spectacular and unique, showcasing our guild's spirit. We want to make it so captivating that people can't help but want to join us."
Rod thought about it. If he participated in the parade, summoning a bunch of monsters to run down the street...
That wouldn't look good.
Unless he made them perform, like having Shadow Wolves jump through rings of fire, but that would make it look like a circus.
"Looks like there's nothing for me to do. My magic doesn't have much of a showy effect."
He couldn't just summon an Ember Crown and demonstrate how to use fire to irritate a Fire Dragon Slayer.
Mirajane said, "That's not true. Summoning all those monsters out of nowhere is already very impressive."
"Right, right, how could you not be involved?" Laki added, "There's a major event you absolutely can't miss—the Miss Fairy Tail Beauty Pageant!"
"..." Rod looked at her, "Me? In a beauty pageant? Can it get any more ridiculous?"
Laki was impressed by his reaction, "Who said you had to be a contestant? Don't you want to vote? Mirajane will be participating, you know~"
Mirajane gently touched her cheek, "Oh, Laki, you make it sound so formal. I feel a bit shy now."
“Seems like we have something to look forward to, huh?” Rod mused. “Hey, Laki, aren’t you going to participate?”
“No way. I can’t beat Mira, so there’s no point in entering. Besides, I hate perverts, and it’s uncomfortable being looked at like that.”
Laki waved her hand playfully. “And you’re still asking if I’m going to participate? You should be more interested in what Mira will wear on the day.”
“Of course, I’d like to see—” Rod stopped himself. “But don’t ask me about this. It’s a competition, and I don’t really understand it.”
“Just make a wish. What if Mira agrees?”
Laki tried to tempt him. “Like a swimsuit, cat ears, or a bunny outfit. Don’t they make your heart race?”
Even if they did, he couldn’t say it. Rod sternly replied, “I’m not that kind of person!”
Mira chuckled. “You make it sound like something Erza would do.”
The specifics of the Magic Parade hadn’t been finalized yet, so asking Rod was pointless.
According to Mira, in the past, the guild master often picked participants on the day of the parade, and everyone just improvised.
Sometimes, even with a plan, unexpected events would force last-minute changes.
No matter what, everyone always gave their best, and each parade turned into a visual spectacle.
This freedom in magical performances was why the Magic Parade of Fairy Tail was so famous.
It perfectly matched the guild’s style.
Days passed as Rod stayed busy with his routine.
Every evening, he pushed himself to the limit with intense workouts until he could barely move.
Then, gritting his teeth, he summoned a Crimson Scion to cast Ember Crown, a spell that, while not restoring stamina, helped heal the damage from overexertion.
This way, when he woke up the next morning, he wouldn’t suffer from severe muscle soreness and cramps.
However, once October arrived, Rod’s training regimen slowed down.
Following the typical story pattern, something significant could happen during such a large festival, so it was wise to keep his magic and stamina reserves full for any emergencies.
Moreover, Magnolia had seen a surge in tourists and vendors, and it was possible that some troublemakers had mixed in with the crowd, so caution was necessary.
“Good morning, Rod. You look as energetic as ever today.”
“Good morning, Gildarts. Where have you been the past few days?”
“Preparing for this, of course!” Gildarts pointed to several large crates on the first floor.
“These past few days, my family and I have been working overtime, and we’ve finally produced enough items to make a big push during the Harvest Festival!”
During the festival, wooden carvings and woven goods should sell well.
“You’ve worked hard. I wish you a successful business.”
“Ha ha ha, thanks!” Gildarts hung a string of colorful flags outside the shop and pulled out a bunch of balloons to inflate and hang.
“By the way, are you going to participate in the Magic Parade this year?”
“I’m not sure. I’m still a new member, having only joined three months ago.”
“I know, but you’re the strongest new member!”
“Even you know about that…?”
It seemed that even ordinary people subscribed to the Magic Weekly.
As the Harvest Festival approached, nearly every household, like Gildarts, decorated with flags, balloons, and banners, creating a festive atmosphere.
The streets were visibly more crowded, and vendors were eager to capitalize on the opportunity to make a profit.
Rod said goodbye to Gildarts and headed to the guild with Worm.
The little creature had grown from the size of a palm to that of a basketball, still round and plump, and ran around restlessly at Rod’s feet.
The air was filled with enticing aromas, and Worm was almost overwhelmed.
So, Rod decided to take Worm to the guild kitchen, where it could enjoy a meal and help develop the next version of Poro delicacies.
(End of Chapter)
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