A Core Ship From The Start-Chapter 1534 - 1034 Instigation

Duanmu Huai walked up the slope, gazing ahead at the bustling festival grounds just beyond the mountain. No one seemed aware that mere moments ago, a catastrophe nearly capable of destroying the entire city was about to unfold...

But perhaps this was for the best, after all, this was the kind of discreet work the Tribunal dealt with.

For most people, living in blissful ignorance is sufficient; the Tribunal will naturally handle the rest.

"Doo doo doo—"

"Woo woo—"

Just as Duanmu Huai was standing on the hillside watching the distant festival grounds, suddenly, music began playing from nearby. Hearing it, Duanmu Huai paused for a moment. Intrigued, he proceeded toward the source of the sound.

Following the music, Duanmu Huai easily reached the other side of the slope, where he found two girls sitting at a small vantage point.

Hmm... the Wind Band Club members, Huang’zen Kumiko and Kousaka Rina, they indeed make quite a pair.

Duanmu Huai didn’t speak, simply leaning against a tree not far away and watching their performance. Huang’zen Kumiko was dressed casually, while Kousaka Rina wore a pure white dress, creating a charming aesthetic. Yet, it certainly was interesting they chose such a close spot.

Watching their performance, Duanmu Huai recalled the recent battle between the Fallen Angel and Demon on the other side of the mountain, bringing a chuckle. Perhaps this marked the boundary between reality and fantasy. These ordinary girls need only focus on their lives; as for world crises or battles between Fallen Angels and Demons, they probably couldn’t even dream of it.

Soon, the performance ended, and Duanmu Huai clapped a bit.

"Clap clap clap..."

Startled by the applause, the two turned around, and upon seeing Duanmu Huai, they exclaimed in shock!

"Ah—!"

"What’re you screaming for? It’s just me."

Duanmu Huai stepped out from the shadows, and upon recognizing him, Huang’zen Kumiko and Kousaka Rina relaxed.

"Phew... It’s just the teacher. You scared me; I thought it was..."

"You thought it was what?"

"Ah hahaha..."

Embarrassed under Duanmu Huai’s gaze, Huang’zen Kumiko turned her head slightly.

"I thought it was a bear..."

"........."

"By the way, why are you two here? Not joining the festival?"

"Reina brought me here..."

"Oh..."

Hearing Huang’zen Kumiko’s explanation, Duanmu Huai glanced at Kousaka Rina, who lowered her head, somewhat uncomfortable.

"Anyway, it’s late now. The deep mountains at night are unsafe. Sorry to interrupt your date, but it’s time you head home."

"What date? Teacher, you exaggerate..."

Huang’zen Kumiko laughed at Duanmu Huai’s comment, while Kousaka Rina stayed silent, staring at the ground as if there was a flower growing there.

Eventually, Duanmu Huai escorted them down the mountain and then returned home.

By now, the others had already come back satisfied.

"Ah, Mr. Duanmu."

Seeing Duanmu Huai return, Mary hurriedly greeted him.

"You’re back."

"I’m back."

"Great timing! We bought lots of good food for you, Mr. Duanmu."

Mary handed him a candy apple as she spoke.

"Oh, thanks. Did you get takoyaki too?"

"Yes! We worried about you being lonely by yourself, so we bought plenty of festival food. There were many fun activities at the festival, like goldfish scooping and balloon popping..."

Living in Fog City, Mary had never experienced such things before and was quite excited.

"Plus, nothing happened. Everything ended smoothly without casualties. It’s wonderful!"

"Well, usually festivals don’t involve casualties..."

Duanmu Huai responded to Mary’s remark, causing Naruse Mio to sweat nervously while Mary looked puzzled.

"Eh? Isn’t it customary at Japanese festivals to sacrifice someone as an offering?"

"That sounds terrifying! No way such things happen. See, everyone’s having fun!"

No wonder, Mary’s previous encounter with a Japanese festival was the one on Hidari Island — offering all islanders to The Ancient Dominator. Perhaps she thought it was a Japanese tradition.

"I thought it was to make everyone happy before sacrificing..."

"There’s no such thing!"

Chomping on a candy apple, Duanmu Huai smiled as he watched Mary and Naruse Mio chat. Speaking of festivals... it felt like the temple fairs he visited as a kid. Duanmu Huai’s memories included candied gourds, various snacks, shooting laser guns, ring tosses, snails, and such. Interestingly, since growing up, he hadn’t revisited such places. This festival likely had similar offerings.

He had to admit, it was quite fun.