The city of Vailor seemed to breathe a different air that morning. The streets were filled with colorful pennants, small wooden arches being assembled, and vendors running back and forth. The smell of hot food and sweets began to dominate the breeze, and even the usual noise of the guild seemed more lively. The Lantern Festival wasn't just an annual event — it was one of those moments when the entire city allowed itself to forget its problems for a day.
Takumi observed all of this as he walked with the group. Vespera tried to carry three bags at once, tripping every three steps. Elara walked behind them, wearing a tired expression, as if her mana were already asking for a vacation before the festival even began. Liriel walked between the two, with a posture far too elegant for someone who had lost three simple spells during the week.
"I still think this festival exists only for people to spend money," Elara said, massaging her forehead.
"And to eat," Vespera replied, nearly dropping a bag of apples. "Mostly to eat."
"I can… help with that." Liriel extended her hand, but the tip of light she tried to materialize burst like a blown-out candle. She sighed. "Or maybe not."
Takumi chuckled softly. "It's just a festival. Let's relax today."
The group turned the corner and, at that moment, a blue glow streaked across the sky — the first set of magical lanterns being lit by the city's mages. It was a simple but beautiful spectacle. The lanterns rose slowly until they were suspended by threads of mana that shimmered like improvised constellations.
"Looks like it started earlier this year," Takumi commented.
"Of course it did," replied a familiar voice behind them.
When they all turned, Rai'kanna was standing there, smiling calmly. Her light dress contrasted with her usual wild air, and her golden eyes shone in the lantern light.
Takumi blinked in surprise. "Rai'kanna? I thought you had already returned to the realm of the demi-dragons."
"I did," she said, stepping closer. "But I came back just to see the festival. And…" She smiled at Takumi. "To see you."
Elara narrowed her eyes immediately. Vespera nearly dropped all the bags. Liriel crossed her arms.
"How long are you staying?" Takumi asked.
"Just tonight. I don't want to get in the way…" She glanced at the girls behind him, clearly sensing the atmosphere. "…of your group."
"You're not in the way at all," Takumi said innocently.
The three behind him thought exactly the opposite.
Lyannis appeared shortly after, emerging from the crowd with a gentle smile. "Rai'kanna ran so fast to get here before the lanterns went up that she almost ran over a vendor."
"That's a lie," she replied.
"He yelled for five minutes."
"An even bigger lie."
Takumi laughed. "It's good to see you both."
"The last adventure left us missing it," Lyannis said. "But I hope things are calmer here this time."
The group moved toward the main square, where music was beginning to play. Dancers moved with colorful ribbons that glowed under the magical light. Children ran around with small lanterns attached to wooden poles. The atmosphere was contagious — even those exhausted from the last adventure began to relax.
Takumi bought star-shaped sweets and offered them to the girls. Vespera took two at once. Elara tried to take just one, but she looked more tired than she admitted. Liriel bit into the sweet delicately, as if taking part in a sacred ritual.
"You three are strangely quiet," Takumi remarked.
"We're observing," Elara said.
"Yeah… observing," Vespera repeated, staring at Rai'kanna.
"No one here is quiet," Liriel stated, even though she was clearly irritated.
Rai'kanna pretended not to notice the tension — or perhaps truly didn't. Takumi simply sighed and walked a little ahead, admiring the lanterns rising higher and higher.
The festival continued with small performances, vendors offering food, and simple games. At one of them, Vespera tried to hit a target with a ring… and missed all five attempts. Elara tried to use a basic spell to help, but her mana failed and the ring fell onto her own head. Liriel, determined to prove her usefulness, conjured a flash of light to illuminate the target — the flash exploded and startled half the line.
"I tried to help," Liriel muttered.
Takumi just laughed. "You're impossible."
When night finally fell completely, the most beautiful moment of the festival began. Hundreds of lanterns were lit at the same time, lighting up the sky with golden and bluish colors. The reflection of the lights on the windows created a vibrant glow that seemed to transform the entire city.
Takumi stood still in the center of the square, watching the sky as if it were the first time he had ever seen something like it. Rai'kanna approached him.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said softly.
"It is," Takumi replied. "It's a good rest after everything we've been through."
She looked at him for a few seconds. "You've changed a little."
"Me?"
"The flame inside you is different," she said. "Calmer… and at the same time stronger."
Takumi looked away. "That's just your imagination."
"Maybe." She smiled. "Or maybe not."
Elara approached soon after, interrupting the moment. "Takumi, do you want to walk around the fair with me? Just to take a look at the lanterns up close."
Vespera appeared at the same time. "With me too! I found a game you'll like!"
Liriel showed up right behind them. "Takumi, the priests are giving out blessings of light. You might need one."
The three spoke almost at the same time.
Rai'kanna crossed her arms, watching the scene with an amused smile. Lyannis simply shook his head.
Takumi took a deep breath. "We can… go together. All of us."
The girls all made the same expression: pure disappointment, though silent.
But they went along.
The festival continued with laughter, calm steps through the illuminated city, and small moments that felt too light to be real after so many dangerous adventures. It was exactly the rest the group needed — even with the silent tension among the girls around Takumi.
At the end of the night, when the lanterns began to fade and only a few still shone in the sky, Takumi looked at the entire city glowing under the magical light.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt a clear sense of peace.
A peace he didn't know how long it would last.