"Hey, hey, calm down!"
James, who was on guard, quickly jumped back with remarkable agility.
Whoosh! A punch whizzed past him, making a dangerously close sound.
Asuka, who was about to throw a punch strong enough to break bones, was restrained from behind by several hands. It took five people to finally hold him back.
James, who had narrowly escaped getting hit, yelled,
"See, I told you you wouldn't like it!"
"If you knew, why the hell did you ask, you idiot!"
Asuka was furious, his eyes radiating a clear intent to kill.
However, James responded seriously,
"No, I thought maybe, just maybe, you might actually like it. It's worth a try if it suits your tastes..."
"What kind of nonsense is that? Try it yourself!"
"Look at my size. If I did that, even our own department would start throwing stones at me!"
The crowd around them nodded in agreement, echoing, "Right, right." Asuka was left speechless by the absurdity, too shocked to even react.
The question James had dared to pose to Asuka was indeed this:
"How about you participate in the cross-dressing contest?"
The cross-dressing contest was a traditional event held during the festival at Greta Academy, steeped in history.
Participants would go on stage, wave their hands, or showcase a talent, and then be voted on to decide who best fit the cross-dressing theme.
However, finding participants was always a challenge.
James muttered regretfully,
"Really, when I think about it, you're the perfect choice from our year. Look at the guys in the swordsmanship department; all beefed up. Just imagining them in drag is enough to make you lose your eyesight."
"The perfect choice, huh! You want a perfect punch?"
Asuka's eyebrows shot up dangerously. As his struggle intensified, those holding him back struggled to maintain their grip.
James cautiously added,
"Ah, if you really hate the idea that much, you don't have to do it. I was just asking."
"If you ever spout that kind of disgusting question again, I swear I'll hang you from the swordsmanship department building!"
"O-okay, got it..."
Everyone cast regretful glances at Asuka. He, however, was huffing and puffing, finally managing to free his hands. Then, someone posed a question,
"If Asuka's not up for it, how about Helmut? He seems like he could pull it off too."
But as Helmut gave him a fleeting dark look, the person quickly shut their mouth.
Helmut was actually curious, not understanding why Asuka was so repulsed by the idea of cross-dressing. It even piqued his interest a bit.
'3,000 marks is quite good. It's just for a moment, isn't it?'
Compared to the fees for mercenary quests, it was a generous amount.
But there was no guarantee he would win if he participated, and it would be awkward to dash off the stage if the high priest showed up during the contest. It was regrettable that he couldn't attend.
Asuka grumpily asked,
"Aren't we just deciding the winner ahead if Alea from the magic department participates?"
"Alea? Yeah, that's true."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Alea would win hands down. Who could compete?"
"But since Alea won't participate, there's a chance."
"Asuka would have guaranteed our department's victory."
Everyone muttered regretfully. But as Asuka's glare hardened, they quickly fell silent.
Helmut knew all too well that Alea wouldn't participate, and not just because it would be unfair. Even if she wanted to, her guardian, the dean, wouldn't allow it.
'Cross-dressing, huh...'
Come to think of it, had he ever seen Alea in female attire? He had seen her in a teddy bear pajama, but that was about it.
'Curious.'
Would there ever come a day when he could see her like that? It was an unknown future. Not likely to happen anytime soon.
But when the festival began, Helmut found himself facing an unexpected situation.
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It was the first day of the festival. Alea was called into the dean's office.
"Hecate sent you a gift. She said to enjoy the festival."
The dean, usually stoic, handed Alea a box.
Though renowned as a quirky yet respected magician, to the great mage Hecate, he was little more than an easily manipulated subordinate. It's a wonder what leverage Hecate had over him, as he couldn't seem to refuse these errands.
'Or maybe they had some relationship in the past.'
Alea shelved the thought. It was neither something he wanted to know nor was it his business.
"Isn't there something weird inside?"
Alea eyed the box suspiciously. Knowing Hecate's unpredictable nature, even his mentor wasn't entirely trustworthy.
"Check the contents yourself. At least the box isn't cursed."
The dean waved him off with a tired gesture.
"Go on."
Reluctantly, Alea took the box back to his dorm room.
If anyone at Greta Academy could be utterly indifferent to the festival, it was Alea.
He had planned to immerse himself in magical research during this festival too. It might be noisy outside, but...
'It would be problematic if I caught the high priest's eye.'
With the high priest visiting Baden, choosing Greta Academy in Baden for its independence from the temple's influence was deliberate on Alea's part.
Like Helmut, Alea had reasons to avoid encountering the high priest.
The high priest might see through the magic cast on Alea by the great mage. Not just see through, but recognizing Alea and recalling Hecate would spell big trouble.
Regrettably, they resembled each other enough to suggest a blood relation.
Alea set the box on his desk. After confirming there was nothing wrong using a few spells, he slowly opened it.
"What did she send this time?"
Upon seeing the contents, Alea narrowed his eyes. It was a small bracelet, and beside it lay a folded note. Alea read the note,
'Alea, are you doing well at the academy? I expect you to top your class this semester, as usual. It's only natural for my student. But since it's the festival, have some fun. I heard a high priest is visiting Baden, so I made this just in case. It temporarily strengthens the magic on you. Just wear it briefly, then take it off. The effect lasts for a day. Even the high priest won't notice, but try to avoid getting too close. Take care.'
Alea frowned. Hecate was renowned for her unique talent in crafting artifacts.
Though not particularly strong in one-on-one combat, her residence, filled with various artifacts, was impenetrable even if the temple deployed all its forces against it.
An artifact crafted by Hecate would undoubtedly shield Alea from the high priest's scrutiny, as she promised.
Hecate was considerate when it mattered, though her attention often went to strange places. At least, she was helping Alea conceal his identity.
After all, the reason Alea had to hide was because of her.
'No other motives, right?'
Suspiciously eyeing the bracelet, Alea decided to keep it for when it was needed.
However, the phenomenon Alea experienced upon wearing the bracelet was completely unexpected.
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The festival at Greta Academy was in full swing. After morning classes, students from all departments eagerly participated in the festivities.
Students from other academies also made appearances, and some tourists had come specifically for the event, as there were no entry restrictions.
Wesley's shaved ice shop was a hit, and nearby, leaflet distribution and soliciting were rampant.
Even the usually reserved students of the noble-filled Greta Academy let down their guard during the festival.
Some students from the magic department performed delicate illusion magic shows on a prepared stage, collecting money in hats, much like street performers.
'This is more varied than I expected.'
Helmut surveyed the market. It was a peaceful moment for him, something he hadn't experienced in a long time.
Having gone all the way to Basor for nothing but the martial tournament, he had no chance for leisurely exploration.
The temporary market at Greta Academy's festival offered a lively and somewhat amateurish vibe different from the city's usual marketplaces.
"Hey, Helmut, want some of this too?"
An evidently excited Asuka handed him a butter-grilled corn cob sprinkled with a bit of sugar. The buttery corn tasted delicious.
In high spirits and more generous than usual, Asuka, along with Sian, was thoroughly enjoying the festival, hopping from one stall to another.
'He's like a kid.'
Not just food, but there were also gambling-like games available.
"Top student of the swordsmanship department, Helmut! Show us your skills!"
Someone flattering him caught Helmut in passing and handed him darts. The closer to the center of the target, the better the prize.
The target's center was small and far away, making it clear the vendor didn't want to give away prizes easily. But during the festival, suckers were everywhere.
"Sure, I'll give it a try!"
Asuka, who was nearby, also raised his hand. The participation fee was 200 marks for three tries. Helmut gladly paid the 200 marks.
Certainly, festival prices were high. 200 marks was not a small sum.
"Nice!"
On his third dart, Asuka hit the third circle from the center and raised his fist in victory.
His prize was five academy meal tickets. Since each ticket was worth about 10 marks, it wasn't exactly a win.
But Asuka seemed quite pleased with his haul.
"Your turn. You're good with a bow, aren't you? Try for first place."
Darts and archery had entirely different principles, but Helmut managed to hit the target's center with his third dart.
The watching students cheered.
"The swordsmanship department's top student!"
"He's so handsome!"
What that had to do with anything was beyond anyone's guess. Applause followed as the dart booth's student employees handed him his prize.
"Congratulations, sir! A 1,000-mark worth teddy bear!"
Helmut, now holding a teddy bear almost as big as his torso, looked dubious.
"This is worth 1,000 marks?"
The fur and clothing seemed high-quality, but 1,000 marks seemed excessive. Did it have a special function? The employee explained,
"It has a magic alarm feature."
A clock was attached to the back. By setting the hands and pressing a button, it would ring at the set time.
The employee demonstrated the alarm for him. From the teddy bear, a lively voice emerged,
"Hello, friend? It's time! Don't be lazy, get moving!"
"…"
That this was worth 1,000 marks was beyond Helmut's wealthy comprehension. It wasn't even edible.
Then, the one person who appreciated such eccentric tastes raised his hand.
"Wow, this is really cool. Can I have it? I'll buy you food next time."
"Sure, take it."
Helmut easily passed the teddy bear to Sian. Asuka looked on with envy, apparently wishing he had asked first.
"I should've asked for it."
"Too late now!"
Sian held the teddy bear, genuinely happy.
Helmut was momentarily speechless.