In the central street of Landmark, the capital city of the Landmark territory.
Rumors began circulating that Ryu’s stall at the Harvest Festival would be the last one this year.
This was because Ryu and Leanne were scheduled to attend school next year.
In their place, Tauro, the eldest son, would return from school after graduation. However, the locals knew that Ryu was the one who came up with the menu for the Harvest Festival stall.
Thus, someone speculated in a small restaurant in town that this might be the last chance to taste the luxurious sweets that came once a year.
Those who heard this speculation didn’t take it as a joke. They spread the news to others as if it were a fact: “Did you hear about that?”
The rumor spread rapidly.
“They say that the best sweets young master Ryu has ever made will be served at the Harvest Festival, and this year will be the last chance to try them. You’ll regret it if you don’t eat them!”
As a result, the anticipation and expectations grew.
Ryu also heard the rumor and began to feel anxious.
“Whether it’s the best or not depends on the taste buds of the people who eat it!”
Ryu felt crushed by the pressure and wondered if he should rethink the menu.
However, Leanne reassured him with confidence.
“That crepe is delicious, so be confident!”
Every year, the locals looked forward to the Landmark family’s stall. Upon hearing it would be the last, villagers from far away began to gather, thinking,
“This year, I must taste the famous sweets made by young master Ryu!”
The town became crowded and had an unusual atmosphere, with some even arriving the day before.
Some people, unable to find lodging, intended to camp out in the square where they guessed the Landmark family’s stall would be, forcing the soldiers to patrol and warn them.
The location of the stall was decided by lottery every year, and the Landmark family followed this rule.
Ryu’s father, Farza, was known for not favoring the best spot even though they were the ruling family.
As Ryu, Leanne, and his younger sister, Hanna, walked around the square observing the atmosphere, some people saw them and assumed,
“They’re here to scout the location. It must be here again this year!”
This would probably spread as another rumor, leading to more people camping out.
In reality, this year, Hanna drew the lottery to decide the stall’s location, and it turned out to be a corner on a street just off the main avenue.
Yes, it was an unfavorable spot.
Corners are not ideal because they don’t see as much foot traffic.
The square would have been the best location, but Hanna was shocked by her bad luck.
“Anywhere we set up will be fine.”
Leanne and Ryu comforted her together.
Therefore…
To those planning to camp in the square, it’s pointless to argue with the soldiers.
Ryu internally commented as he saw some young people arguing with the soldiers in the square.
Early in the morning of the Harvest Festival, the square was bustling with merchants setting up stalls in their allocated spots.
Ryu and the others could set up their stall instantly using Ryu’s magic storage, so they didn’t appear until just before noon.
Because of this, several unoccupied spaces in the square were assumed to be reserved for the Landmark family, and lines started forming in front of these spots early on.
Those spaces were merely left open to accommodate the anticipated crowd, but the people in line didn’t know that.
“I’m sure this line is the right one!”
“No, it’s over here! Last year, it was diagonally across from here, so this is the spot!”
“You’re wrong. I heard from a merchant who drew the lottery that it was an unexpected place. So, it must be in the corner of the square!”
“Is that information for real?!”
As arguments broke out among the lines, a group from a distant village gathered, unsure where to line up and consulting among themselves in a corner away from the square.
“We heard it’s the last time, so what should we do?”
“We have no idea where to line up.”
While the villagers were expressing their confusion, a group of children arrived.
“We’re setting up the stall here, so could you please move aside?”
One of the children asked the villagers.
“Oh, sorry!”
As the villagers hastily moved, the stall appeared before their eyes in an instant.
“””What the…?!”””
The villagers were astonished, and an elf among the children spoke up.
“Rejoice! You are the first in line for the Landmark family’s stall!”
The group from the distant village had the good fortune of becoming Ryu’s first customers.
