Chapter 291: Fortress City Cayenne's Barbecue Party
While I was remodeling the castle and the city, the adventurers weren’t just playing around either.
A little less than a month was more than enough time for them to make things happen, and they had been quietly but steadily preparing behind the scenes. By the time I realized it, it was too late, and other organizations had already lent a hand to their secret maneuvers.
“Boy! We’re holding that carnival!”
“Eh? A barbecue party?”
Just as I was thinking about going home soon, Panamera came to me in the morning with a beaming smile and said, “Let’s hold a festival.” She is definitely a cheerful character, so Panamera’s statement didn’t feel too out of place. However, even so, preparing for something so suddenly is quite difficult.
“It’s no good if you just roast a medium-sized or larger magical beast whole, okay Panamera-san? Each magical beast has a proper cooking method, you know… You have to cut up the ingredients, do the prep work, and seasonings are important too, right?”
I’m in trouble if you just say it on a whim. I gently warned her with that kind of vibe. At that, Panamera made her eyes triangular and pursed her lips.
“Of course. How many battlefields do you think I’ve been on? Preparations are already done, so all that’s left is to hold it.”
“Eh?”
Hearing unexpected words from Panamera, I tilted my head but followed her.
We arrived at the plaza I made at the entrance of the fortress city. In the semicircular plaza, there were two shops from the Bell & Rango Trading Company and the Mary Chamber of Commerce, an inn, and other buildings like the Adventurer’s Guild and barracks.
A simple tent had been set up in the center. No, it was just a roof, so I should call it a tarp. Under that tarp, blocks of meat cut so beautifully it seemed like a joke were piled up.
As I stared in amazement, the adventurers standing around the meat noticed me, and Ortho, representing them, spoke with a smile.
“Ah, Lord Van! The meat is ready!”
When Ortho said that, Bell also poked his head out from the Bell & Rango Trading Company shop.
“We have prepared seasonings, fruit water, and alcohol here! Of course, we have charcoal too!”
Receiving such a report, I inadvertently burst out laughing.
“Isn’t it perfect?”
When I muttered that while laughing, Kusala pointed at the meat happily.
“That’s right! We figured it was about time for a barbecue party too, so we were preparing!”
When Kusala said that, the other adventurers also raised thick cheers. Was it held because Panamera called for it, or was it her idea after seeing the adventurers preparing? Well, everyone looks like they’re having fun, so let’s say it’s fine.
After thanking the adventurers who prepared, I turned to Panamera.
“So, it’s a big barbecue party tonight. Can we have a bonfire too?”
“Make it grand. Today shall be the festival day of Fortress City Cayenne. We will hold a carnival on this day every year from now on, so I’m counting on your help.”
“Please invite me as a guest! Isn’t this completely using me as labor force!?”
“I will pay wages, you know?”
“That’s not the issue!”
As I was protesting to Panamera while waving both hands, Rosalie from the Mary Chamber of Commerce walked over with a smile.
“Lord Van. If I may be so bold, I believe it would be best for you to cooperate with the annual help. Lord Panamera is a person who values duty and obligation, so if you assist with Fortress City Cayenne’s carnival every year, she will surely help you in times of need…”
When Rosalie said that with a meaningful smile, Panamera furrowed her brow in annoyance. It seems Rosalie was trying to get Panamera to admit she owed me one in front of the city administrators and many residents. However, this is not something a mere merchant should plot. Perhaps she is trying to strengthen her relationship with me even by forcing it a little.
As proof, although Rosalie proposed it with a natural smile, her fingers were trembling slightly.
On the other hand, Panamera snorted unamusedly and glared at Rosalie.
“You may intend to side with the Boy, but it is unnecessary care. From the beginning, I, Count Panamera Carrera Cayenne, and Viscount Van Nei Fertio have an equal alliance. Regardless of debts, if Viscount Van is in a predicament, I will help him even at the risk of my own life. Do not underestimate my oath as a noble, merchant.”
When Panamera stated that clearly, Rosalie hurriedly bowed her head deeply.
“I have spoken out of turn. Please forgive my rudeness.”
“It is fine. Today is a commemorative day. I shall overlook it.”
Panamera replied to Rosalie’s apology with a wave of one hand.
Now, having been told such a thing in a public place, I have no choice but to do my best as well. I also value my relationship with Panamera. I have no choice but to help with all my might.
“Then, since it’s a special occasion, maybe I’ll make a bonfire stand that can be used every year. I’ll make something gorgeous that suits Fortress City Cayenne’s carnival.”
“Ooh, I look forward to that!”
Hearing Panamera’s reply, I immediately set about preparing the venue.
If we’re going to hold a festival every year, something easy to set up and clean up would be good. How about something that can be used as an object to rest on in the plaza normally?
Thinking that, I first created a fan-shaped staircase in the center of the plaza. I attached large wheels underneath so they wouldn’t be seen. If pushed by five to ten adult men, it can be moved. There is a partial handrail in the center of the upper part of the staircase, and a bonfire stand can be installed attached to that handrail. By the way, I designed the bonfire stand with an image of flames so that it works as an object even without fire lit.
I think I did a good job.
However, preparing barbecue sets for everyone to grill and eat meat seemed quite difficult. It seems they had been preparing internally, but lining them up on the main street and lighting fires in all of them would be a struggle.
While I was thinking that, Panamera, who had been watching the preparations from the plaza with me, smiled as if she had just had an idea.
“Alright, I will perform the ignition ceremony. Everyone just needs to line up the stands in a row.”
“An ignition ceremony? We’ve never done that at my place either.”
I nodded, finding Panamera’s proposal interesting. At the time, I thought maybe I’d try it at my place too, but seeing Panamera actually perform the ignition ceremony, I immediately gave up.
After all, it was something only Panamera could do.
“Ignition!”
When preparations were complete, Panamera declared from atop a platform I made slightly higher than the bonfire stand. Immediately after, a flame with the force of a pillar of fire lit up on the bonfire stand due to Panamera’s magic, and several fires too large to be called sparks danced into the sky from that flame.
Those fires flew as if they were alive, lighting fires one after another in the Van-special barbecue stoves set up in each location. It was a very beautiful ignition ceremony, but this wouldn’t work without a mage of Panamera’s caliber.
As I was captivated by the ceremony created by fantastical magic, Panamera looked at me with a smirk and spoke.
“Shall I lend a hand during the carnival at Seatoh Village?”
“…I’d be grateful, but I won’t give you a discount, okay?”
“Tch.”
Although she clicked her tongue at the end, the carnival hosted by Panamera concluded successfully. The grand and luxurious carnival was bustling with activity, and everyone enjoyed the meat and alcohol with great joy.
