The banquet had no lavish dishes or delicacies. Conditions in the mountains were still harsh, and many people would not eat the Demonic Beasts Anno and the others had hunted, as it concerned their faith. In the end, Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others ate them instead.
"Ah, although resources are scarce and life is difficult, it feels like everyone is living happily," Fujimaru Ritsuka said thoughtfully as she looked at the smiling faces gathered around the fire.
"Perhaps they would have been happier before. Now, the main reason they're happy is because they survived." The man wearing a skull mask sat not far from Fujimaru Ritsuka. He was not eating, merely sitting there and watching the crowd as he murmured.
"Haha, isn't surviving the greatest stroke of luck? It's only natural to be happy about that." Arash sat beside him, holding something that might have been water or wine. His face looked somewhat flushed in the firelight.
"Arash said during the day that this era is shortly after Cursed Arm Hassan's death," Percival said to Fujimaru Ritsuka. "That's why he's so attached to this place."
Hearing Percival's words, Fujimaru Ritsuka turned her head and glanced at Cursed Arm Hassan.
His hometown?
No wonder Cursed Arm Hassan had reacted so fiercely during the day to their wish to enter East Village.
That also explained why Cursed Arm Hassan knew Lucet.
East Village was where Cursed Arm Hassan belonged.
Then... where do I belong?
Fujimaru Ritsuka's gaze dimmed slightly.
Could she truly return to the ordinary life she had once had?
"Mash."
A voice called from beside them, and Mash and Fujimaru Ritsuka both looked over.
It was Anno.
"Ritsuka, pardon the interruption." Anno gave Fujimaru Ritsuka a slight bow, then turned his gaze back to Mash.
"Ah, it's fine. Mr. Anno,