Time passed quickly as they chatted, and Tineva came out of the kitchen carrying a large tray. On the tray were several plates of freshly baked berry pies. The golden crust gave off an enticing aroma, and one could faintly see the deep purple berry filling inside. There was also a pot of steaming herbal tea, its elegant fragrance diffusing through the air with the steam.
"Conditions are limited, so I could only prepare these simple snacks," Tineva said somewhat bashfully as she arranged the food on the table one by one.
"Not at all... this is already quite a feast!" Falia hurriedly helped Tineva arrange the plates as she spoke.
Luna Belle nodded in agreement with Falia, then picked up a piece of pie and handed it to her. "Try it quickly, Tineva's skill is top-notch!"
Falia thanked her and took it, carefully taking a bite just like Luna Belle. The crispy crust shattered between her teeth, and the sweet and sour warm fruit filling instantly filled her mouth. The perfect balance of sweetness and slight acidity brought a simple yet satisfying taste. Her azure eyes lit up slightly, and she nodded subconsciously.
"...Very delicious. Miss Tineva's skill is good enough to open a shop in the Imperial Capital..."
"Eh? Really? Hehe~" Tineva covered her face in embarrassment; she never expected to be associated with the Imperial Capital one day.
Ellen had sat down at the table at some point, unceremoniously stacking two pieces of pie and taking a large bite. It was so good she didn't even want to speak. Alice used a small silver knife to cut the pie into even small pieces, elegantly putting them into her mouth and savoring them.
"Miss Tineva, your cooking is wonderful! It's just..." Seeing Alice's somewhat hesitant expression, Tineva patted her chest and said, "Alice! Speak up boldly, what's the problem!"
"Ah... it's nothing major..."
"I've already guessed it... Alice wants to ask if the berry filling garnish on this pie could be a bit more symmetrical... right?" Luna Belle looked at Alice's display screen changing to a '(´°Δ°`)' expression and smiled.
"Belle... how did Belle know!"
In the warm and harmonious atmosphere, everyone enjoyed the tea and snacks. Luna Belle looked at Falia, hesitated for a moment, and then asked softly, "Falia, is this your first time in White Thorn City?"
Falia put down her half-finished herbal tea, the bottom of the cup making a light clinking sound against the wooden table. She fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing her words, then looked up and nodded.
"Yes. I come from the Empire. This trip is to track down a group of wandering Cultists. According to intelligence, they have been active frequently on the borders of the Silver Moon Duchy recently." She paused, her tone carrying worry. "This group acts mysteriously, uses cruel methods, and worships the abyss. They are called the 'Corrupt Abyss Cult'. Since you are settled here, be sure to be careful. If you find any suspicious signs, it's best to notify the local Guard Army immediately or... stay away as soon as possible."
"Corrupt Abyss Cult?" Luna Belle and Ellen looked at each other, both showing somewhat strange expressions. Alice also put down her teacup, her heterochromatic eyes looking at Falia.
"That..." Luna Belle scratched her cheek and asked, "Falia, the Corrupt Abyss Cult you mentioned... they should be a bunch of guys wearing black robes and bird beak masks, who like to perform evil rituals in remote places and can drive magical beasts, right?"
Falia was slightly startled, a flash of surprise in her eyes. "You... have encountered them?"
"More than just encountered them." Ellen yawned lazily, the tip of her Thiren tail unconsciously sweeping across the floor. "We just cleared out a nest in the forest outside the city a few days ago. The leader had a mask with a silver edge, called something like... a Priest?"
"The group of Cultists at Clear Water Lake... were they eliminated by you?" Falia asked next. "If that's the case, have you seen a 'holy relic fragment'?"
"Fragment?" Luna Belle recalled for a moment and shook her head. "I haven't seen anything like that... and the final Priest was personally dealt with by President Katerina. We only took out his subordinates."
"Katerina... I see..." After a long time, Falia finally spoke slowly. "That's good... Since it's her, then I estimate the fragment has already evaporated..." She let out a soft breath, her tense shoulders seeming to relax slightly. "Now that it's confirmed the 'holy relic fragment' has been destroyed, my main mission for this trip is considered complete. In a few days, I can return to the Empire to report."
"Eh? You're leaving already?" Tineva rested her face in her hands, her blue eyes blinking. "Miss Falia has just arrived! Besides, tomorrow is White Thorn City's busiest annual Harvest Festival! When Belle went out today, Sayu and Ruoyu brought invitations from President Katerina and City Lord Cecilia, sincerely inviting everyone to join the celebration!"
As she spoke, she ran to a nearby cabinet, took out two exquisite letters decorated with wheat ears and maple leaf patterns, and handed them to Luna Belle. Luna Belle took the invitations and opened them to look.
"It's true... Cecilia and Katerina both invited us to play! Falia, since your mission is finished anyway, why not stay one more day and join us for the Harvest Festival tomorrow? It's sure to be fun!"
"Harvest Festival..." Falia repeated the words in a low voice, a flash of confusion and hesitation in her eyes. In her memory, festivals were often associated with strict security duties. She had never truly participated in a joyful celebration themed around the harvest as an ordinary person. "I... have never participated in such a celebration," she said truthfully, her voice tinged with a bit of helplessness.
"It's okay! It's also our first time participating in the White Thorn City Harvest Festival!" Luna Belle enthusiastically grabbed her hand, and Falia's hand couldn't help but shrink back slightly in nervousness. "Let's all have some fun together! I heard there will be lots of good food, fun things, and performances! Think of it as... celebrating our successful shop opening, and also celebrating the successful completion of your mission?"
Although Ellen still looked like she hadn't woken up, she vaguely agreed. "Hmm... sounds more interesting than just sitting around."
Alice also nodded slightly, her waist-mounted display switching to an approving (•̀⌄•́) expression.
Feeling everyone's expectant gazes and the warmth from Luna Belle's palm, Falia found that her heart, accustomed to being frozen and rejecting others, wavered once again. She looked at Luna Belle's smile, which was as clear as sunlight, and finally nodded gently.
"...Okay. Then... I'll be in your care."
While White Thorn City was preparing for the upcoming Harvest Festival and was filled with laughter and joy... far away in the depths of a hidden valley somewhere in the Silver Moon Duchy, inside an ancient building shrouded in dim light, the atmosphere was completely different...