The village of Morningveil was transformed by joy. With the wyvern gone, the townspeople insisted on holding their annual Festival of First Harvest in full swing. Bright banners flapped in the wind, children danced with garlands, and bells rang from the chapel tower.
Bell walked through the village square surrounded by laughter, fruit vendors, and confetti. A dozen villagers shouted blessings to him. Seria tried to hold back her smile, walking just a step behind.
Cid, holding two candied apples, ambled over with a lazy grin. "I'm pretty sure three girls just proposed to you, Bell. You planning to form a kingdom-wide harem or do I get to pretend to be your jealous ex in public?"
Bell chuckled. "They're just excited. And you're definitely not my ex."
"Phew," Cid replied. "Dodged a scandal."
They were called on stage by the mayor to receive tokens of gratitude. Bell received a ceremonial blade. Seria, a pendant of white opal. Cid got a potato pie and applause—he bowed like royalty.
Later that night, music echoed from the bonfires and dancing filled the square. Bell danced with Seria once, her hand light in his, her eyes avoiding his smile. Cid clapped offbeat from a bench, laughing at nothing, sharing wine with a group of children pretending to be adventurers.
In the firelight, no one noticed that Cid never drank.