New Year's Festival
Phew...
Good work, Captain.
You too, Clarissa.
Yeah. So now we just have to clean up, right?
Huh? You're going to clean?
It's fine. Just rest. I've got it.
...
Ever since our last bet ended, Clarissa had been approaching training seriously.
But maybe because we'd said everything there was to say?
There was a lingering awkwardness between us.
Oh, right! Did you know today's the New Year's festival?
Ah, the New Year's festival? I heard about it in Candle Square.
Why do you ask?
Hmm?
You want me to go with you?
So many cool little stalls.
They melt sugar into candy, toss rings onto poles...
Is NOA like this every year? People really get into it.
Huh? What's that one?
A shooting game?
Hmm... Can't have a shooting game without me!
I'll give it a go!
Oh! Thank you! Here you go, 35 shots per round!
...Huh?
Hey, no matter how many times that first prize target's hit, it won't fall over.
That can't be. Maybe you're mistaken?
The target is standing a bit far. You probably just missed.
...What do you think, Captain?
It didn't fall even when it got hit.
Yeah, the prize targets never go down!
Mister, that's not fair! Give us our money back!
Tsk! What rotten luck.
If you're going to make a scene, take it elsewhere.
Keep it up and I'm calling the town guard.
But it really won't fall... And I spent all my money... Hngh...
You put something heavy inside, didn't you? Show us!
You think I'd sabotage my own shop?! Beat it!
Ahaha!
Hey kids, tell me what you want.
No rush. Take your time picking.
Because I'm going to win everything on this shelf for you.
Hmm... Did I overdo it?
Didn't think he'd cry and apologize like that.
How'd you knock the targets down?
Ahaha! Easy.
Even the heaviest target will topple if you keep hitting just the right spot.
...Hey, Captain.
Hmm?
There's something you want to say, right?
You had a reason for suddenly asking me to come to the festival. Didn't you?
Well...
Hmm?
...I'm sorry!
...
Even if it was for your sake, I said some really harsh things last time!
...Why would you think that?
Because you stopped teasing me.
I figured I went too far...
...Ah!
Look, Captain! Over there!
That's one huge firework!
Smoke erupted from the site Clarissa pointed at.
Just when the final fireworks of the festival were just about to go off.
BOO!
Ahaha! Surprised? Totally caught you, didn't I?
Ah, that was fun. You have no idea how hard it was to hold that in.
Okay, first. I'm not mad.
I know why you did it, Captain.
Yeah, it was unlike you to act that way.
But it was for me, right?
So thanks.
Second, I was holding back on teasing you on purpose.
I promised I'd give this my all. I couldn't mess around.
I do have some social awareness, you know, Captain.
That's minus square root of eight Clarissa points for you!
That's a weirdly specific number!
And third!
I'm sorry too!
Looking back, I really was under pressure. I told you everything, Captain—even what I shouldn't have.
I'm sorry for worrying you.
No, I'm the one who should be sorry.
No, I'm more sorry!
No, I really mean it! I'm sorry!
Well then, I've actually been sorry since the first day we met!
We both lowered our heads, trying to apologize. But then our eyes met and we couldn't help but laugh.
Ahaha! We'll be here all night at this rate.
How about this?
Let's forget what happened, and just try to treat each other better from now on.
...Honestly, I didn't expect this.
Didn't think you'd miss my teasing. Feeling a bit empty without it?
Guess I'll have to tease you even harder for your sake, Captain. Ahaha!
Right? Captain?
...Go easy on me, please.
We walked the streets, closer than before, enjoying the rest of the festival together.