The village bells began to chime once again, their deep, resonant tones echoing across Enohay Village. The sound signaled that the first phase of the festival was nearing its conclusion, drawing everyone's attention to the village center.

As the villagers gathered, they noticed a ceremonial rug laid out in front of the village well. Intricate patterns wove across the fabric, dyed in vibrant colors that represented the unity and traditions that made up Enohay.

Sitting on the rug was Owain Inin. His posture was refined, legs crossed gracefully as he cradled an old, weathered book in his lap. The way he carried himself exuded calm authority, drawing both children and adults closer.

When the villagers had all assembled, Owain raised a hand and spoke in a voice that carried his usual warmth and assurance. "My dear children of Enohay, this marks the final booth of the first phase of our festival. To close this part of our celebration, I have a story to share—one that I hope will entertain, inspire, and perhaps teach us all something."

A wave of excitement swept through the children as they realized this was their chance to gather close to the chief. Foreseeing this and the possible chaos though, the parents took a moment to guide their young ones.

"Go on, but sit up straight." One mother urged her son.

"Listen carefully and don't interrupt," a father added, but mainly to his daughter, "make me proud."

"Be respectful of Chief Owain, got it?" Another reminded.

Some children laughed at their parents' overly serious reminders while others pouted, but their spirits remained high. They eagerly grouped together and made their way to the ceremonial rug, settling in front of Owain. The laughter and chatter from earlier died down as they found their places, their excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.

Owain placed his hands on the book, his fingers brushing against its worn cover. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could begin, a familiar voice rang out from behind the well.

"Wait for me!"

The clear, melodic tone of the voice was unmistakable, and it caused a ripple of murmurs through the crowd. Everyone in the village recognized it—Tsubasa Inin.

Dama's heart skipped a beat, and Owain's calm composure softened into a knowing smile. The two of them exchanged a glance, their shared secret about Giona giving their expressions an almost conspiratorial air—something Moa picked up on from somewhere else within the crowd.

All eyes turned as Tsubasa emerged from behind the well, her hands clasped behind her back. Her presence alone brought a sense of ease to the villagers. Himon Koul, the first to react, made his way over to her, his excitement clear. "Chiefess! I'm so glad you're here! Where have you been?" He asked, his curiosity laced with genuine enthusiasm.

Tsubasa met his gaze with a composed smile, her eyes twinkling with a quiet secret she wasn't ready to share. "Oh, just handling something very important..." she said in a light, dismissive manner, echoing the words Owain had spoken earlier that day.

Her response satisfied most of the villagers, who nodded in understanding. After all, it wasn't uncommon for Tsubasa to handle delicate matters behind the scenes. Moa, however, wasn't so convinced.

Owain gave Tsubasa a slight nod of approval, and Dama couldn't help but grin. Despite everything, especially the fact her presence meant Giona was alone, he didn't feel scared. Opposite in fact, Tsubasa would not have left Giona if she wasn't confident nothing would happen.

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Tsubasa gracefully moved to join the rest of the villagers, her hands still folded behind her back. She offered a slight bow to Owain before finding a place among the crowd, her presence small and quiet, yet a significant addition to the gathering.

However, Owain raised an eyebrow, his expression laced with playful confusion. He tilted his head slightly, staring at her as if she had grown a second head. Tsubasa noticed his look and quirked her own eyebrow in response, an unspoken "What?" passing between them.

Owain broke the silence with a broad grin and waved her over. "What are you doing, you old goose? Get over here! If I have to do this, you're doing it too!" His tone was light and teasing, carrying the warmth of a bond that had weathered decades of shared experiences.

The crowd erupted into chuckles, the children giggling at the unexpected banter between the two elders. Even Dama found himself snickering, unable to resist the humor in the exchange.

Tsubasa, ever composed, dismissively waved her hand as she began making her way toward Owain. "Yeah, yeah, you old fossil." She retorted. Just as she reached the ceremonial rug, she grinned mischievously and added, "I hope you know I will remember this stunt later tonight."

Her words sent the laughter into a full-blown crescendo. Adults and children alike burst into hearty laughter, their shared amusement filling the village square. Owain shook his head, his own chuckles blending with the crowd's as Tsubasa took her seat beside him, an unmistakable sparkle of amusement in her eyes.

Amid the laughter, Dama noticed a soft, maternal laugh beside him. Turning his head, he saw Alexandra standing there, her eyes lit up with the same warmth she always carried.

"Ms. Alexandra!" Dama called softly, catching her attention. "Where's Mr. Liam? I thought he'd have a booth this year."

Alexandra's expression softened further, a mixture of pride and gentle sadness. "Oh, Liam wanted to, but after helping set up the festival, he's been over at Ronoa's house."

"Ms. Ronoa's house?" Dama echoed, tilting his head in curiosity.

"Yes, he's spending time with Juin." Alexandra explained, her hand rising to rest on her cheek as her gaze drifted momentarily. "Remember that Juin's illness has made it so he can't leave the house. Liam felt bad that he would miss the festival. So, he's been doing everything he can to bring the festivities to him."

Dama blinked, thinking about how selfless Liam's actions were. "That's really nice of him." He said, his admiration for the man clear.

Alexandra nodded, but Dama noticed the faint shift in her expression. Her smile remained, filled with admiration for Liam's kindness, but her eyes betrayed a quiet longing. He could tell she wanted him by her side, especially with the upcoming dance that was a hallmark of the festival. Yet. she knew Liam couldn't abandon Juin, not with the condition he was in.

The sight of her conflicted expression tugged at Dama's heart. He smiled as an idea formed in his mind. He turned to Mumu and Nini, who had been standing nearby, their stitched faces tilting curiously toward him, as if sensing his idea. "How about it, Mumu, Nini?" Dama asked, his voice light with excitement. "Want to go visit Juin?"

At his words, both plush companions perked up. Their stitched ears twitched as a smile formed on their faces in response. Mumu nodded while Nini's tail wagged at the same speed whilst bowing her head, both actions signifying their willingness.

Alexandra, surprised by Dama's suggestion, asked, "But what about the story? Won't you miss it?"

Dama shrugged with a small smile. "It's okay, I'll just ask Granny Tsu about it later. Either way, I haven't visited Juin in a while. Plus, I'll make sure Mr. Liam has time to enjoy the festival, too!"

His answer confused Alexandra for a moment, but before she could ask further, Dama turned and began weaving his way through the crowd, waving back to her. "Don't worry, Ms. Alexandra, I'll free up Mr. Liam's schedule!"

By the time his words registered, Dama had already disappeared into the distance, leaving Alexandra standing there with a growing realization. She smiled warmly, her heart swelling with appreciation for the boy's thoughtfulness. "That little rascal..." she murmured fondly, her conflicted feelings easing ever so.

Right then, Owain and Tsubasa would say in unison, their voices intertwining like two encroaching rivers, "Once upon a time..."

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Next: (Extra Chapter 33) The Sickly Boy of Enohay

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