Adam's saying things I don't understand again... But he's finally cheered up. Good!

Amidst the deafening cheers, I turned around and waved to the spectators in all directions.
Hey there, little girl! What's your name, where do you live? Want to go get something to eat with this big sister?
That uncle over there, hello too! Remember my form well and tell your kids as a bedtime story!

Seeing my enthusiastic response, the chaotic cheers gradually unified:
"One more!"
Eh~ What are you saying? Too quiet, can't hear you!
"One more! One more!"
That's more like it. Come on, Adam, let's do something even bigger!

I grabbed Adam, ready to pull off another big move, when a crisp sound—like a staff striking stone—came from the high platform.
I looked back and saw a pale blue pillar of light descending onto the stone platform.
The man who seemed to be the Baron stood up, walked to the table holding the horn cup, his expression serious.
What, what? You're such a killjoy.

He declared loudly,
"Truly impressive. Everyone has showcased their grace and vitality. Now, according to tradition, in my capacity as town mayor and lord, I shall bestow the 'Horn of Plenty Cup'!"

With these words, the cheers immediately died down, shifting into hushed discussions. The gazes from both on and off the dance floor focused on the gleaming horn cup.
I caught sight of Rosemary standing with Adam's sister, Emily. The young girl was clutching the pendant on her chest, her little face pale—probably praying for us? So cute.

The lord continued,
"Sir Grey Wilson, the Hero, you have not only performed great deeds for the kingdom in past wars, but your performance on the dance floor today was also exceptionally skillful."
"You and your partner, Mary, did not make a single mistake throughout the twenty-seven-minute dance piece. You are undoubtedly among today's finest!"

The volume of discussion suddenly rose, turning noisy. Clearly, many were happy, many were dissatisfied.
Eh, eh~ Is that so? Well, can't be helped. After all, Adam and I made several mistakes midway and even stopped for a while.
Grey is indeed a good dancer. It's one of the important tools for wooing noble ladies, after all.
But Rosemary, don't be sad. Grey is quite thick-skinned. I'll just easily steal the Star God's Eye from him.

Just as I was plotting to myself, the pillar of light suddenly moved down from the platform, slid into the dance floor, and landed directly on me.
Whoa, so bright.

The lord said,
"But! Spirit and passion can sometimes move hearts more than perfect technique!"
"Adam Hammer and Sylvia—the two of you displayed unparalleled vitality and courage, embodying the indomitable spirit of this town!"
"You are tonight's unquestionable, most dazzling victors!"

After a moment of silence, cheers and applause once again flooded the dance floor, shaking the ground.
A smile bloomed on the lord's face, even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes looking animated.
"You two, please step into the light together. It will guide you onto the platform..."
"Adam, get ready."
"Huh? Yes."

I supported Adam, planted my feet on the ground, and leaped into the air in a single step, clearing the crowd and the distance, landing lightly right before the lord.
The lord took half a step back in fright, but then burst into hearty laughter. He lifted the horn cup and presented it to us.
"Congratulations!"

Hmm... I'm happy, but since I'll have to leave eventually, I can't accept this thing.
So, I gave Adam, who hadn't quite found his footing yet, a light pat on the back.
He visibly tensed up again, stiffly extended his arms, and carefully accepted the horn cup.
The lord gave a knowing wink, an expression fitting for a middle-aged man.
"I've already heard from my son. You must continue to work hard!"
Adam's face instantly flushed red. He then showed a determined look in his eyes and said,
"Yes! Thank you!"
...What's with that?
Just when I was starting to feel a bit better, everyone starts talking in riddles in front of me again.

The lord gestured for Sylvia and me to face the audience. He then continued,
"With that, the morning dance concludes—but the dance floor will remain open until three in the afternoon. Please, make full use of it!"

Sylvia and I jumped down from the high platform, passed through people coming over to join the excitement, and arrived before Rosemary and Emily.
The musicians were still playing, but the tune had changed to a light, cheerful folk melody, completely different from the frenzied, storm-like drumbeat from before.
Many young men and women entered the dance floor, dancing casual steps to the music.

Rosemary stared at the horn cup in Adam's hands, her eyes excited yet hesitant, and said,
"Mr. Adam, Miss Sylvia... Is it really okay for me to be the one to open it?"
Adam said,
"Naturally. We participated precisely for your sake."
Exactly. Nothing beats the reward of seeing a beautiful maiden grateful to you.
"Then... I'll open it."

Rosemary nodded gratefully, gently unscrewed the sealed lid of the horn cup, revealing it packed full of wheat stalks, fruits, and nuts. Emily said excitedly,
"They seem to be the best varieties from this year's harvest. So pretty!"
...Pretty is pretty, but where's my crystal?
"The Star God's Eye should be at the very bottom. Why not pour the other things out and look?"
"Alright."

Rosemary tilted the horn cup, slowly emptying the filler onto a clean table nearby. Just before it was completely empty, a small, delicate cloth pouch slid out of the cup.
Our eyes all lit up simultaneously.
"This is it!"

I excitedly picked it up and opened it. However, inside the pouch were only a few ordinary-looking plant seeds sealed with wax.
...What is this?
"Those are specially selected seeds, Miss Elf."

Grey had approached unnoticed, wearing a teasing expression.
So disgusting. Did this deadbeat futures trader foresee this?
"Mr. Grey, what's going on? Wasn't the dance the final location?"
"Yes, my apologies. After deciphering the clue in the 'Apple Fate-Seeking,' I altered it to lead you two to the First Ears Dance."
He paused, his smile deepening.
"In reality, the Star God's Eye is hidden in the barn where the small dance is held."

No, calm down, can't get angry. If I get red-faced, he wins.
"You're quite frank, telling us the truth just like that. Could it be you're confident you can reach the barn before me?"
Grey waved his hand exaggeratedly. Can't you not be so over-the-top?
He said,
"Just joking. I wouldn't dare race someone who can jump three or four meters."
"However, my companion arrived at the barn well before the dance even started. By my estimation, he should be about ready to return with the crystal now."

...So participating in the dance was also his way of stalling me. Really.
As always, overflowing with petty tricks. I didn't notice at all.
Then, given this guy's personality, since he didn't directly wave the crystal in my face while doing a tap dance and gloating, there should still be room for a turnaround.
I sighed and said,
"It was my oversight. Are you willing to let us have the crystal?"
"Of course. I only ask for one very simple condition."

Grey extended his hand toward me. What, if you want dog food, go to a pet store.
He showed today's most nauseating smile, inexplicably glanced at Adam, and continued,
"Miss Elf, please spare me twenty minutes of your time."
Oh, that's all? No problem at all.
"Of course. Where to?"
I agreed immediately. Just as I was about to walk to his side, Adam grabbed my wrist, looking at Grey with hostility in his eyes.
Ah, I get it. Teenagers love to overthink.
Didn't I say it before? My feelings for Grey are just friendship; nothing strange will happen.
And Grey's feelings for me are also completely platonic, not a trace of...
...Probably? There shouldn't be, right? Mr. Grey, Hero-sama, no matter how disgusting he might be, should have some ability to see past appearances to the heart, right? Not to be swayed by looks?
Hey, Adam, it's all your fault! Now you've got me scared too!

Grey interrupted my thoughts, saying,
"Miss Elf, wonderful expression. Shall we go?"
"Wait, wait, wait! Let's be clear, I'll only go to crowded places!"
"The general store and the butcher shop shouldn't be lacking in people."
Ugh! This tasteless, perverted creep... No, no matter how you think about it, it's probably not that.
Grey said,
"To celebrate you and Adam winning the cup, and me getting the crystal, I plan to host a feast, so I need a lot of ingredients. You wouldn't mind helping frail me carry a thing or two, would you?"
...So it was nothing after all.
Adam, look at you. Just because this guy's an idiot and was laughing so disgustingly just now, you shouldn't think so poorly of him.

Just as I was about to agree readily, Adam spoke first,
"Then I'll go too. You'll definitely invite me anyway, right?"
"Ha, of course. By the way, isn't there an empty plot of land in front of your house? How about we hold it there? We can invite your mother as well."
"As long as you promise to keep it reasonably quiet."
Adam's eyes clearly lit up, but his words remained sharp.
Grey smiled and nodded, then turned to Rosemary, who had been quietly standing to the side, and asked,
"And what about you, Miss Client? Will you join us as well?"
"I'd be delighted. Thank you very much for the invitation."
Rosemary responded with a gentle smile, then shifted the topic.
"But please allow me to first deliver the good news to my brother. He's also been searching for the Star God's Eye all morning to help him get into the Mage Corps."
Grey and Mary exchanged a glance, then both showed relieved smiles. He said,
"Your brother... his name wouldn't happen to be Basil, would it?"
Rosemary and I both widened our eyes. She asked,
"Yes. How did you know?"
"Haha... You'd better ask him yourself. Look, he's coming this way now."

As Grey spoke, he pointed not far away. Following his direction, I saw a young man walking along the path.
He was holding a delicate small box, smiling, and jogging along to the folk tune.
Then, his head, still wearing that smile, rolled from his neck.