Night fell.
In Foss Town's square, people gathered, singing and dancing around a huge bonfire.
Everyone spontaneously brought out their own furniture to set up dining tables, and the tavern owner generously sponsored unlimited beer and rum.
At the most prominent table.
Old Ross stroked his beard, his eyes filled with confusion.
He couldn't understand how a young, beautiful woman could suddenly appear in his grandson's room.
Makima, sitting across the table, was serene and peaceful, and had behaved very politely in front of the old man, which made Old Ross admire her more and more.
(Hmm... the little interlude earlier doesn't matter. I just didn't expect that kid to be so capable, actually managing to charm such a beautiful girl.
His return this time has truly brought a great surprise to this old man, ho ho ho ho...)
Old Ross chuckled inwardly. He believed there was nothing more satisfying in his later years than seeing Reo, whom he considered his own grandson, find a good woman to accompany him.
Unconsciously, Old Ross's gaze towards Makima had changed from confusion to the doting look of a grandfather towards his granddaughter-in-law.
Dish after dish of delicious cuisine was brought to the table, and friends who had played with Reo in childhood came forward, making the atmosphere lively.
Makima had been quietly observing from the side.
She was very curious about Reo's mystery, constantly analyzing internally, and also preparing herself mentally for this unfamiliar world.
(...The character of a hero from a storybook, perhaps.)
Makima mused in her heart.
Just then, a brown-haired young man, with a gossipy and excited expression, draped an arm over Reo's shoulder and asked, "Brother Reo, who is that Red Hair lady over there?"
Reo glanced at Makima, who seemed to create a tranquil space around her, and smiled slightly.
"My companion."
A simple sentence, yet it caused ripples in the eyes of Makima, who had astonishing hearing.
The companions around them all started to tease, each displaying an expression that all men understood, and speaking even more unrestrainedly.
"As expected of Brother Reo! To be able to adventure on the high seas with such a lovely lady! How romantic... It truly moves me!!"
"Hey, hey, Roger... Isn't it about time you confessed to Jenny?
Why not take this opportunity?"
"Hmm...! ? Mind your own business! I'll seize the opportunity myself!"
"How weak... At this rate, you'll probably be single for life! Hahahaha!!"
Reo smiled and drained the beer in his cup, his bold and unrestrained manner making the passing town girls show expressions of adoration and infatuation.
After chatting for a while longer, Reo left the battle at the drinking table and made an unexpected move.
Makima, who had kept her eyes lowered, felt the movement beside her and couldn't help but glance over.
"Something wrong?"
Reo set down two large beers and chuckled.
"Can't I sit here if nothing's wrong?"
"..."
Makima turned her head and quietly looked at Reo.
Reo felt no pressure, merely looking towards the men and women dancing hand-in-hand around the bonfire in the distance, their faces filled with enthusiastic smiles. In this world, no matter which country, it seemed no one could refuse a feast.
Everyone's daily toil and various unhappy events seemed to vanish the moment the gathering began. The people of this world seemed to be very carefree.
But, it didn't feel bad.
Reo smiled and said, "Instead of thinking about your morbid world, why not experience a new life in this world? Parties are very lively; why let yourself be so lonely?"
Makima looked up at the Moonlight surrounded by stars in the sky. The nights in this world seemed even more magnificent than in her own world, and the wind was more charming, filled with the scent of the sea. Although the surrounding environment was noisy, it had a strange infectious power.
"?!"
Makima felt her hand being taken by a large, warm hand, and then a whole mug of beer was placed in her hand. Then she saw Reo's hearty smile, his eyes very serious.
"Since things have come to this, don't think so much.
This is my first night back in Foss Town, and everyone has made full preparations for me. Such a gathering, so lively and boisterous, I won't allow my future companion to feel loneliness and emptiness here alone."
Clink!
The sound of wooden mugs clinking.
Reo smiled and said, "I know a little about Miss Makima's capacity for alcohol, and I'd like to experience it now. My words cannot be refused, you know."
Makima's eyes widened slightly. Her delicate face and current expression made her look quite adorable.
Makima believed that humans were loyal and easily manipulated, smart yet foolish, and also very fond of her. She liked humans, just as humans liked dogs.
Perhaps long ago she had had a delusion, but human foolishness and arrogance had caused her wish to be twisted.
But the man in front of her was different.
Mysterious and unfathomable, with a powerful aura, his presence was even more captivating, making it impossible to look away. She had always distinguished others by their scent, but for some reason, Makima felt she couldn't remember him by scent alone; she needed to use her... heart more.
Reo drank heartily.
Makima also started drinking, not quite understanding why. As she drank, she quickly emptied her cup.
"Ho ho, as expected of Miss Makima, truly a heavy drinker!"
Reo praised her cheerfully, then leaned closer to Makima.
Their distance was so close, their bangs touching, they could even feel each other's breath.
Makima didn't resist; her face merely showed a slight flicker of emotion, her usually calm expression, which always held a subtle smile, finally changed.
"Then, next is the dancing part. Miss Makima would be the most suitable to be my dance partner.
Still the same, you can't refuse, you know."
Reo took Makima's hand and strode towards the dancing crowd by the bonfire.
Makima looked at her hand being held, then at the tall figure in front of her. Her long-empty heart seemed to be invaded by a strange feeling.
She felt that ever since she came to this world, she had been manipulated by this man.
She was completely unable to perceive or understand this man's inner thoughts and feelings.
He seemed to know her very well, but she knew nothing about him.
This feeling of not being able to fathom the other person, and of being unable to control herself, Makima couldn't remember how long it had been since she last felt it.
What a strange feeling... she didn't know how to describe it in words... Music swirled, the dance floor was lively, their distance was so close, their contact so intimate.
(Reo... a strange man. But he's worth observing. Let me see what kind of person you truly are.)
Makima thought this to herself, and the corners of her lips finally curved into a slight smile.