𝐊𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭
The cheerful sound of instruments was drifting along the night beach.
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In the center of the circle of people lit by the bonfire, villagers in strange attire were dancing.
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“How about it, are you enjoying yourself?”
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Kiel sat down next to Luke.
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She was wearing a hair ornament with bright red bird feathers and several dazzling ornaments on her body.
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She had just been in the center of the dance.
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“Yeah, but it’s amazing. I’ve never seen a festival like this before. And the dance, does it have any significance?”
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“Isn’t it? This dance is based on a legend passed down through the Kranken clan.”
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Kiel proudly pointed to two men dancing in strange decorations.
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One was wearing a large dark gray mask and similar armor on his body.
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The other was draped with several long white belts from his body and wore a pure white mask.
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“Those are modeled after the two divine beasts that appeared in this area a long time ago. And the goddess who calmed those divine beasts.”
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“I see, I heard about it at yesterday’s party too, it’s conveying the legend of the goddess that is passed down in this area.”
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“Yes! It is said that this island was created when those two divine beasts were sealed. Our ancestors were given this island as a reward for helping the goddess. That’s why we still hold a festival every year to honor the goddess.”
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Kiel stood up and held out her hand to Luke.
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“Come on, Luke, let’s dance!”
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“No, I. . . Can I really join such an important dance?”
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“It’s okay! Dancing is something everyone enjoys together!”
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“Kiel!”
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Just as Kiel was about to pull Luke’s hand, a voice rose from outside the circle of people.
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“Are you okay!”
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A figure could be seen coming through the crowd.
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It was a young man of about the same age as Kiel with a handsome face.
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He was followed by several young men of the same age.
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“Errant. . .”
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As soon as she saw the young man, a look of annoyance appeared on Kiel’s face.
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The young man called Errant stood in front of Kiel and suddenly grabbed her shoulders.
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“Kiel, I was worried! I heard you were attacked by Dorkin, but you’re okay, right?”
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“I’m fine.”
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Kiel brushed off his arm in a curt tone.
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“That’s why I told you, going to the mainland is dangerous. You know that, don’t you? The island is in a tense situation right now. It wouldn’t be surprising if we were attacked at any time. And you’re not just an ordinary person. Your decisions affect the future of the island. You need to take that more seriously. . .”
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“I know that without you telling me!”
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Kiel exploded at Errant’s admonition.
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“I know how dangerous the island is right now! I didn’t want to go! But I had no choice! If I had refused there, what would have happened?! You know that, don’t you, Errant!”
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“Kiel. . .”
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Errant was taken aback, but Kiel’s anger showed no signs of subsiding.
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“And even if you say you were worried, you’re not really worried about me! You’re always thinking about the clan!”
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“No. . . that’s. . . Kiel, I’ve been given a big role as the head of the young men. So I have to think about the village. Can’t you understand that?”
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“Then don’t use superficial words like ‘I was worried’!”
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With a shout, Kiel ran off.
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“Ki. . .”
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Errant’s outstretched arm slowly drooped.
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“Why. . . won’t she understand. . .”
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“Um. . .Kiel is. . .”
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“What are you doing!”
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When Luke tried to talk to Errant, a shout came from afar.
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“That’s Kiel’s voice!”
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Luke started running as soon as he shouted.
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“Luke, I’m coming too!”
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Alma followed Luke, and the Kranken clan followed her.
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Shadows running in the dark were visible.
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It was not one person, but a group of people.
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“Wait! What are you going to do with Kiel!”
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Thanks to Kiel’s struggle, Luke and his friends were able to catch up with the group easily.
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“Tsk, they caught up.”
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It was a young man with a strong physique and sharp eyes that reminded him of a beast.
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His face and body were tattooed with patterns different from those of the Kranken clan Kiel belonged to.
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He held Kiel under his arm, and several men followed him.
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“Gaston!”
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Errant shouted.
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At his voice, the beach was wrapped in tension, and the villagers surrounded Gaston all at once.
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Everyone had a knife in their hand and glared at the intruder with a stern face.
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“Gaston, what do you want, you of the Rivasura clan! Tonight is the sacred God Calming Festival!”
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Errant confronted the man who seemed to be the leader.
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However, the man called Gaston looked down at Errant with a smirk, without being disturbed at all.
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“Don’t get so worked up, Errant. Your proud playboy is ruined.”
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“Don’t mess with me! Let go of Kiel right now!”
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“That’s right! Put me down right away! I’m not an object!”
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Kiel, who was held by Gaston, swung her arm and shouted.
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“That’s a tough negotiation. After all, tonight is the important night of the God Calming Festival.”
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Gaston smirked.
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“You guys know that a shrine maiden is needed on the night of the God Calming Festival, right? That’s why I came to pick her up.”
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