In the East Main Street district, Shirou and Riveria walked side-by-side, taking in the sights of the bustling festival. Wreaths of all kinds decorated the street, and colorful flags fluttered overhead, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Shirou couldn't help but smile as he took in the lively scene. "As expected of a festival, it's so lively! Riveria, have you really never participated in one of these?"
"Not at all," Riveria replied. "I've been to some smaller festivals, but as for the Monster Festival, that would have been a long, long time ago, when I first arrived in Orario."
Dressed casually, Riveria stood out among the crowd. Her elegance and beauty, despite the simple attire, drew the attention of many passersby. As an Royal Elf, she possessed a beauty that surpassed even the Gods. Her fashion sense was impeccable, a trait that all elves shared.
"Is that so?" Shirou said, grinning. "Maybe it's because you're usually so serious that people don't dare to invite you. You should smile more."
"Smile?" Riveria raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, you know, just smile. It wouldn't hurt," Shirou teased.
Riveria had always been regarded with reverence, but she disliked this treatment. It felt uncomfortable, like people were afraid to approach her. However, changing her image wasn't something that could be done overnight.
Noticing her slight discomfort, Shirou offered her reassurance. "Don't worry. Changing people isn't easy. Just do what feels right to you." He couldn't help but think Riveria was quite similar to Saber Artoria in some ways—not just in their shared voice (since they were both voiced by the same actress), but in their stubbornness and surprisingly cute moments.
The smell of various foods wafted from the nearby stalls, making both Shirou and Riveria hungry. After buying two portions of fried pOttarto balls from a vendor, Shirou handed one to Riveria.
After a moment of hesitation, Riveria accepted it.
"I remember Ais loves these the most, right?" Shirou asked.
"That's right," Riveria replied. "She's loved them since she was little. Her favorite flavor is red bean cream, isn't it?"
When Ais was mentioned, Riveria's gaze softened, showing the affection she had for Ais. She truly played the role of a "Mommy Elf" to perfection.
As they were about to continue walking, they overheard familiar voices nearby.
"Uh, plain fried pOttarto balls and..."
"Red bean cream flavor, one."
Both Shirou and Riveria turned around, surprised by the coincidence.
"This is a bit too much of a coincidence," Shirou remarked.
"It really is," Riveria agreed, scanning the crowd.
Since they had crossed paths, it would be rude not to greet them. Spotting Loki and Ais at the fried pOttarto ball stall, Shirou called out, "What a coincidence, Loki, Ais!"
"What? Oh, it's Shirou..." Loki turned to face them with an exaggerated expression.
"Eh!!! Why is Riveria here?!"
Loki looked as if she had been struck by lightning, her surprise obvious.
"Why am I here? Naturally, Shirou invited me," Riveria explained.
"Then why didn't you come when I invited you? I invite you every year!" Loki exclaimed, clearly frustrated.
Shirou, stepping forward, patted Loki on the shoulder and said, "Of course, it's because I invited her!"
To this, Loki, now deflated, collapsed onto the ground, muttering about Riveria being "stolen" from her. Shirou chuckled at Loki's defeated state and gave Riveria an "OK" gesture with a grin. He wouldn't let Loki make things difficult for Riveria.
Looking at the scene, Riveria rubbed her forehead, feeling a bit uncomfortable despite the fact that Shirou's words were true.
---
After the unexpected encounter, the four of them, under Loki's strong suggestion, decided to stroll around together. This was the first time Loki had managed to get Ais and Riveria to attend the same festival. She had invited Riveria the day before, hoping to make it a memorable outing, but Riveria had seen through her plan and refused to participate. However, with Shirou's invitation, Riveria had joined, and they had run into each other. Loki, never one to miss an opportunity, seized the moment to have both of them by her side.
As they walked behind the trio, Loki's expression grew more confused. She watched Shirou walk between Ais and Riveria, chatting happily with both of them.
Why did this happen? Loki thought to herself. This was supposed to be my dream day—taking Ais and Riveria out together, to enjoy the festival with both of them by my side. Why did it turn out like this? Shouldn't I be the one standing there, beside them?
"Ais..."
"Brother seems to really like the festival," Ais commented, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Riveria..."
"Indeed, I've never seen you so happy," Riveria observed.
"Shirou..."
"If there's a chance, let's hang out together again next time!" Shirou said, excitedly.
Loki stood at the back, unable to interject, her eyes darkening with jealousy. Shirou, you big brute, how dare you steal my girls right in front of me! Go to hell! There's no place for you in the Loki Familia anymore! I'm definitely going to expel you from the Familia. I, Loki, mean what I say.
"Loki, you should come along next time too. It's definitely better when it's livelier!" Shirou suggested, oblivious to the brewing tension.
"Mm, definitely!" Loki replied, forcing a smile. "As expected of a pillar of our Loki Familia! After Finn retires, you'll have to be the Captain of the Loki Familia!"
Why is she talking about something so far off? What is she thinking? Shirou wondered, bewildered. He humbly declined, feeling a bit out of place.
---
Passing through the crowded alleyways and arriving near the Colosseum, Shirou and his group quickly noticed the unease among the Guild members. Members of the Ganesha Familia were also seen urgently leaving with weapons in hand.
"It seems something troublesome has happened here?" Shirou remarked, his voice lowering.
--------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter