Interlude

This kind of thing isn't cheap, nor is it easy to get your hands on as protective gear.

Even in [Äußerst], the only place Galan knew that could get his hands on this was the largest local merchant guild. The boss must have paid a high price to get these two pairs of Alchemy Gloves... No wonder he went out so early this morning and came back with such a big bag Magic Item of this level must require a lot of resources; just storing them would require specialized equipment of a high level.

But the more you think about it this way, the more monstrous Fitz seems to become.

"You're telling me I wasn't wrong, this thing really does look like a rag! Why did you hit me?"

"I'm standing up for my the boss."

Just as Galan's slap was about to land on the large bump on his forehead, Fitz quickly ducked and dodged the blow.

However, Galan didn't actually mean to harm him, otherwise, given his abilities, he certainly wouldn't have been able to dodge that attack.

"Stop messing with me... By the way, didn't you prepare a gift to give away? What, haven't you given it to anyone yet? Or are you planning to wait until after the party to do so?"

After lowering his body, Fitz inadvertently caught sight of a black bag hanging from Galan's waist. The bag was squared up by its contents, making it easy to see that it was a box.

After all, he had prepared those medicines himself. Fitz recognized the box he had found earlier that day at a glance, which reminded him of the matter.

Let's not talk about it...

Galan was immediately annoyed by Fitz's sudden remark.

He had originally planned to come with Lia, and perhaps find a suitable time to deliver the gift, taking advantage of the party atmosphere to invite her to dance or something.

But this guy suddenly ran off, saying he had something important to do, and hasn't come back yet.

"I wonder what that guy went off to do..."

Galan murmured helplessly.

He simply couldn't imagine what could possibly make the other person so eager to do it, so urgently, so soon before the [Winter Festival] begins...

Could it be because he's spent too much time with Amber and has been influenced by her?

"Hey, tell me! Is the person you're giving this to your crush?"

"What's wrong? You like gossiping too?"

Galan glanced at him, stuck out her tongue, and showed a hint of disgust.

This guy usually acts like a tech geek, but I never expected him to reveal the ugly side of his personality at this time, being so concerned about his relationship problems.

"It's not like you'll die from just saying it... Sigh, I can totally understand you. Isn't it normal for young people to have such wonderful experiences?" That's what the boss said, right, right!

Seeing Galan's fist about to strike, Fitz quickly raised his hand to block it, begging for mercy.

But knowing his nature, even if he gets beaten up, he'll probably come back to act like a jerk again soon enough.

Thinking of this, Galan lost the mood to lecture him. He withdrew his hand, rested his chin on his hand, and quietly looked at the people below who were immersed in the festive atmosphere, lost in thought.

"Ga... Galan."

Just then, a familiar voice rang out behind them.

Fitz turned around first and saw an Elven Girl wearing a plain white dress, with golden hair and white high heels.

The reason I could tell she was Elf at a glance was because she had swept up all the hair that was hanging down by her ears, completely revealing the long, pointed ears that were unique to Elves.

But seeing her outfit, Fitz couldn't help but ask, "Hi? Miss, are you going to your wedding?"

It was as if she dressed up on purpose; Lia's outfit was very similar to that of a bride in a wedding dress. If you didn't know better, you would think that today's event was not a [Winter Festival] but her wedding.

"Lia? You... went back to change your clothes?"

At this moment, Galan also turned around, and after seeing Lia's outfit, he was stunned for a moment, unsure of what to say next.

In his opinion, this was completely unlike Lia's usual attire, or perhaps he was simply surprised because it was the first time he had seen her like this?

But for some reason, upon seeing such an unusual Lia, his heart began to pound uncontrollably.

Am I late?

Seeing the crowd dancing below, completely surrounding the massive bonfire, Lia knew she was a little late.

Amber had told herself that it was best to get a good spot by the campfire before the party reached its climax, because only then would the couple receive the Goddess's blessing.

However, there was no room left around the campfire, and they couldn't even squeeze down from the Galan. The reason Garan had been standing there was because all the steps were already crowded with people, making it impossible to go down.

"It's not too late. As long as you come, it's never too late, no matter when."

Galan chuckled softly. He had naturally noticed the self-reproach on Lia's face and was also surprised that she would dress up specifically for the Winter Festival.

To be honest, before this, he always felt that he was just trying to knock on a clueless stone, but now it seems that some of his judgments were wrong.

"Lia, I've prepared a gift for you, take a look!"

"Um."

Seeing Galan pull the bag containing the box from his waist, Fitz was already poised to watch the show and maybe even whistle for fun. But before he could make a sound, Galan kicked him away.

"He...?"

"It's okay, I don't know him. He's probably just here to cause trouble."

Galan smiled, indicating that it wasn't a big deal. "On the contrary, why did you dress up specially today? Are you looking forward to it? Yes, [Winter Festival]."

Galan knew that Lia hadn't expressed any particular interest in the festival itself beforehand; she was only looking forward to it because she could eat a lot of delicious food that she didn't usually get to eat.

But judging from her current behavior, something else seems to have piqued her interest.

"Hmm, I'm still somewhat looking forward to it..."

For some reason, as she said this, Lia unconsciously lowered her head and her gaze shifted unnaturally to the side.

How about we dance together?