{Argus's POV}
In the end, Ying Zhu tried eating human food, but he said he couldn't taste anything and stopped eating. However, when he saw Argus playing with a Beast Core, he asked if he could have it.
"You can have it. There are plenty more if you want more. What will you do with it?"
To answer his master's question, Ying Zhu put the core in his mouth.
"So, you can eat Beast Cores, huh? You can take as much as you want until you're full."
Ying Zhu nodded. After that, they left the inn to enjoy the festival.
"Let's go, Master! I want to enjoy the festival, even if it's just for today. You should rest too since you've been so busy this week." (Astrea)
Astrea said with concern.
"Yeah, it's been one hell of a week for me, well, three weeks, to be exact." (Argus)
Argus agreed in his mind. He had awakened and become a summoner. He met twins from a legendary race. He had just wanted to level up, but he got caught up in a kidnapping incident that turned out to be a plan by an Abyssal Servant. That was also when he met Astrea, so he couldn't say it was all bad.
After that, he met the guild leader of the Adventurer's Guild in the capital city. He met a grumpy old dwarf and fought him as part of an assessment. He experienced a mini beast horde. He met a very mysterious version of Astrea and signed a Life and Death Contract with her.
He lived in the forest for a while. He fought a Unique Golem in a cave. He received a quest to clear 10 dungeons. He was punished by the system, increasing the number of dungeons to 20. He met Sylvan in a dungeon. He fought a mini horde of dungeon monsters with a realm higher than his own. He fought a strange new race that almost killed him due to his 'experiment.' And finally, he met his third Soulbound, Ying Zhu.
The past few weeks of his life, starting after that ceremony, had been so busy that Argus hadn't had enough time to rest.
Looking at the joyous atmosphere around him, Argus began to relax. It was so different from the previous night. He gazed at the colorful, busy streets with a sense of calm he hadn't felt in a while.
Everywhere he looked, colorful banners hung, fluttering in the breeze. Bands played lively music, filling the air with rhythm and cheer. The group could even smell the aroma of different delicious foods wafting through the streets. People walked around, chatting and laughing, their faces glowing with happiness. Children ran by with cotton candy, and couples strolled hand in hand, enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Although they had just finished eating, it seemed Astrea's stomach still had room for more. She was already eyeing a food stand with excitement. Seeing this, a smile appeared on Argus's face, something he hadn't even noticed he was doing.
This vibrant and cheerful atmosphere was a stark contrast to the tense and hectic days of the past three weeks.
'I guess I need to relax before I form my own core. That is also part of my plan, since my Soul is still weak.' (Argus)
Argus looked at his companions, starting with Astrea. She was already lining up at the stall she had been eyeing earlier, still carrying Sylvan in her hands. She seemed excited, her eyes sparkling as she waited for her turn, not noticing the glances of people around her. Argus then glanced to his left and saw Ying Zhu, who was busy taking in the sights around him. Ying Zhu was curious about this new world he had entered, a lively and vibrant place so different from where he came from.
'Hmm, I guess my Soulbounds also want to experience this festive mood.' (Argus)
He looked at Sylvan, who was swaying happily in Astrea's arms, and then at Ying Zhu, who was observing everything with interest. The festive atmosphere was infectious, and despite everything Argus had been through recently, he could feel a sense of peace and contentment.
"Let's enjoy this festival." (Argus)
The group thoroughly enjoyed the festival. Argus tried every food that Astrea wanted, sampling everything from savory snacks to sweet treats. She was given extras by the vendors, which made her happy. They wandered through the village, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. They played games like ring toss and dart throwing, winning small prizes that made them smile.
The festival featured many activities, and the group joined in as much as they could. Argus was often persuaded by Astrea to participate in different events, while Ying Zhu eagerly tried everything without hesitation.
Astrea was the one who truly immersed herself in the festival. She eagerly tried everything she wanted to do, from tasting different foods to participating in games and performances. Her happiness was evident as she enjoyed the festival to its fullest, making everyone around her smile.
As night fell, the festival's atmosphere shifted to one of anticipation and excitement.
"Okay, everyone please take your seats; the show is about to start."
A voice announced. The group heard this and noticed a small crowd beginning to gather.
Astrea's curiosity was piqued, so she approached one of the villagers to ask about the event. The old lady she spoke to smiled warmly.
"Oh, what a beautiful lady you are. There will be a play starting in a few minutes. You can find a seat if you'd like to watch."
"Thank you very much." (Astrea)
Astrea replied, grateful for the information. She then returned to the group to share what she had learned. Argus looked around and noticed that many people were staring at Astrea.
'Well, she is a beautiful woman to begin with.' (Argus)
Throughout the day, wherever they went, nearly everyone turned their heads to look at Astrea. Her striking appearance made her a standout even in this rural village, far from the cities.
Astrea, however, seemed either unaware of or indifferent to the attention she was receiving. She was thoroughly enjoying the festival, taking advantage of discounts and free food offered to her due to her beauty, which she gladly accepted. Fortunately, no one attempted to approach or flirt with her.
Argus's presence went relatively unnoticed due to his new skill and title, which helped him blend into the background. Ying Zhu's appearance, with his mask and cloak, also allowed him to blend in easily, as many festival-goers wore similar attire. This made him practically invisible in the bustling crowd.
Argus looked at his companions, and it was clear they were all eager to watch the play. Even Sylvan, the plant monster, seemed interested. Not wanting to dampen their enthusiasm, Argus decided to go along with their wishes.
Astrea, smiling, began searching for a place for their group to sit. As she approached the seating area, it was packed, but suddenly, a space cleared just enough for them to sit comfortably.
Sigh, the advantage of being beautiful.
A few minutes later, the play began.
"Once upon a time, in a city divided by a bitter feud, two young lovers from opposing families met. Their love, though deep, was doomed by the conflict around them. Despite their efforts to be together, fate had other plans."
When Argus heard the narrator's introduction, he immediately recognized the story. It was the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet, a story he had read in an ancient literature book. Despite this, he chose to watch the play as his Soulbounds were completely engrossed in the performance.
The play was more captivating than what Argus had read. It combined live action with magic, making it far more exciting than the book he had read. The magic added a dynamic flair, and the live performance brought the story to life in a way that was not possible in the written version. There were new twists and turns that weren't in the book, but the essence of the story stayed true.
Astrea's emotions shifted throughout the play. She was easily moved by the actors and their performances, showing her engagement with the story. Sylvan and Ying Zhu were also captivated by the play. Argus watched them closely and wasn't entirely sure if they completely understood the plot. However, it was clear that they were absorbed in the experience.
"And so, under the watchful gaze of the stars, their love remained eternal. Though their lives were cut short, their tale lived on through the hearts of those who heard it. The city would remember them, and their love would be cherished forever."
The audience began to applaud, some crying as the ending was very sad. Astrea was also crying beside Argus. She leaned on his shoulder, making his shirt soaked with her tears. Argus started patting her head to calm her down, but it seemed to have little effect. He could only smile bitterly and wait for her to calm down.
"Th-thats wonderful, but do they really have to die?" (Astrea)
The sight of her crying made people around her pity her. Some even started crying themselves when they saw Astrea's tears. Sylvan swayed gently, and Ying Zhu joined in the applause, copying those around him.
Despite the sadness of the ending, it was clear everyone had enjoyed the show. Even Argus, who wasn't usually a fan of performances as an avid novel reader, found himself appreciating and enjoying the experience.
After that, they had dinner and returned to the inn, despite Astrea's protests, which Argus chose to ignore. Sylvan stayed with Astrea, while Ying Zhu returned to Argus's shadow. It seemed that this would be his favorite space from now on.