“Let’s go!”

She grabbed my wrist as I was preoccupied with the fireworks and took me away.

Now that I got a clear look at her, she’s wearing a kimono that brings out her elegant look that I never knew she had in her... still can’t shake that childlike vibe though.

Her beautiful platinum ash air was treading through the wind as we go.

“If we browse the shops now, there won’t be much competition!” [Enrica]

Now I get it!

So that’s why Enrica was so enthusiastic that she pulled me over.

It’s true, most of the dwarves are preoccupied with the fireworks so most of the shops are empty, smart thinking!

That got my heart skipping a beat for a moment so I’m glad I sorted out that it was just a misconception on my part.

“Mindset of the weak…. Don’t forget that, self” [Lan]

I mumbled to myself

“Did you say something?” [Enrica]

“Nah, it’s nothing” [Lan]

“That so…” [Enrica]

Not before long, we reached the stalls

“Do you have anything you wanna eat?” [Enrica]

“Not really” [Lan]

“Ah! Then let’s let you try something new” [Enrica]

We went to the stall that Enrica suggested

“Heya boss, 2 singles please” [Enrica]

“Oh, if it isn’t one of my regulars!” [Seller]

“Hehe” [Enrica]

“…” [Lan]

“Hmm? Singles? But you always get doubles with your friend” [Seller]

“She had something to take care of so she couldn’t come with me…” [Enrica]

“Then why are you buying tw- oh if it isn’t the tourist!” [Seller]

“H-Hello…” [Lan]

“I see… I see… 1 double coming right up!” [Seller]

“Aak! N-No boss, I said 2 singles, 2!” [Enrica]

“Hahaha really? Well, it’d be a waste to throw it away since it’s already done. Here lil missy” [Seller]

“Ah…. Fine, thanks boss” [Enrica]

“You’re welcome, do enjoy your stay Mr.Tourist!” [Seller]

“Will do boss” [Lan]

Hmmm?

“Hey Enrica, why didn’t you pay for that?” [Lan]

“? All of these stalls and stands are all free, why would I pay?” [Enrica]

“! Free? Why are there even stands and stalls in the first place if they’re for free? [Lan]

“Oh right, sometimes I need to remind myself that you’re not from here” [Enrica]

“…” [Lan]

“It’s like this… we don’t have any currency here. We all play different parts in our village and everything we do benefits each other. We elites protect and are sent outside for many purposes, the farmers take a portions for themselves then share with everyone, the ones that want to explicitly share to many, especially at events like these, put up stalls. Get the picture? It’s a give and take but not obligatory, it’s voluntary” [Enrica]

“W-Woah… what a beautiful way of living together. If only the surface was this way, there probably won’t be any robberies or theft… I’d still have my lunch in tact when I head to town. Such bliss…” [Lan]

“So that’s how it is out there huh? Sounds rough but I still wanna go there and see it for myself” [Enrica]

“I’m sure you will” [Lan]

“Yeah” [Enrica]

“So…. What’s this about?” [Lan]

“Ah… curse that stall… here, take this” [Enrica]

Enrica handed me a stick that looked like a fork

“If you eat this directly, it’ll get stuck on your throat and it’s hard to chew. Stick it here” [Enrica]

“Like this?” [Lan]

“Exactly. Now, on 3, pull as hard as you can” [Enrica]

“O-Okay” [Lan]

“1…2…3!” [Enrica]

“Hupp!” [Lan]

“Now spin it inwards, do it fast or it’ll fall!” [Enrica]

“Got it!” [Lan]

We both spun the stretchy rubber-like delicacy swiftly.

The stretched substance was slowly falling in the middle.

We spun and spun and spun until

“I did it! He he!” [Enrica]

“That was a bit nerve…racking” [Lan]

Before we knew it, we met in the middle. We both got embarrassed for a second then regained composure

“Okay, I’ll bite mine out, hold it steady” [Enrica]

“Got it” [Lan]

“Here I go…” [Enrica]

*Munch*

She looked like a kid, so cute-

*thud*

“Ah” [Lan]

“Mmm?” [Enrica]

“Sorry ‘bout that…hicc!” [Randwarf]

A dwarf that reeked of liquor bumped into me.

I was too focused on holding the stick that my balance was off.

I fell forward to where Enrica was and before that fateful encounter,

our eyes met.