Chapter 59: Upcoming Festival
Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Upcoming Festival
Knock... knock... knock...
Owen turned his head at the sound of knocking coming from the front door.
"Who could it be? It’s almost night, so I don’t think it’s appropriate for anyone to visit at this hour." Owen stood up and walked slowly to the door.
"Coming..." he responded. He was starting to mimic the gentle way Arielle always answered whenever he came home.
Click... creak.
"Oh, young flower boy, where is crybaby Arielle?" an old woman spoke, massaging her hunched back. She had clearly walked the entire way to their house.
"Oh, hello Grandma, good day. Mom is sleeping soundly now... she worked really hard today."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, Grandma. Please come inside... I can’t just let you stand out here on the porch."
"Hoho, what a respectful youth..." She was delighted to receive such a warm invitation.
Owen signaled for the elderly woman to enter the room. It was basic courtesy to treat the old with respect.
Elders were the foundation for the youth, after all, and as a young man, he felt it was his duty to honor them.
’I don’t know what’s happening right now... But this is completely new,’ he thought.
He was entirely blank regarding the old woman’s sudden appearance.
This storyline of the game had never popped up before.
The elder hadn’t even appeared in the game, which had followed a strict mapping plan focused entirely on game quests...things like taming, time management, and specific conversations to spice things up.
There had been no mention of an old woman whatsoever...a new thing to him since that old woman popped.
That was why Owen had been so surprised earlier when he ran into her on his way to the barn.
"Thank you..." But I don’t plan to stay, young flower boy," the elder said, waving her hands as she politely declined his hospitality.
’What a good boy... He is so considerate to offer. I guess the younger generation isn’t completely lost...’ she thought, satisfied to see such a gentle soul among a modern crowd of spoiled youths.
Crybaby Arielle had raised her son incredibly well.
He was a good fellow who would surely look after his mother in the future.
"Oh... why is that, Grandma? I don’t think Mom can help you right now since she’s already exhausted."
"Well... I just wanted to let her know that a sudden event will be taking place in the village over the next three days. And it’s perfect timing, because you are here, young flower boy." She smiled gently, pausing for a moment to gasp for air.
Speaking in long sentences was a real physical effort for someone her age.
"Oh... is it related to me or Mom, Grandma?" Owen’s ears perked up. The flow of events was now completely diverging from the game now.
There had never been a festival or event related to the protagonist like this.
’Now, this is getting interesting...’
"You really are a wise young man. Can I sit here?" The village elder gestured toward a chair outside on the veranda.
"Of course, Grandma... let me get you some snacks first." Owen guided her over.
He couldn’t help but wonder if this really was about him. What kind of event would even require his presence?
"Then I won’t reject such a kind offer, flower boy." She smiled, settling into the seat. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect to receive such the utmost respect from a young man.
"Okay... just wait a moment, Grandma." Owen walked inside to fetch some drinks and snacks.
’I greatly respect you, Grandma... I respect all elders, but do you really need to keep repeating that "flower boy" thing? Owen was a bit lost for words, his mind momentarily occupied by the silly nickname.
Though it wasn’t terrible, he wasn’t going to complain about receiving compliments.
...
"Now, let’s continue what I wanted to say, young flower boy...sip..." the old woman said, taking a draft of the tea Owen had provided.
"Say whatever is on your mind, Grandma. I’m all ears."
"Hoho, that’s why I like you, flower boy. You can definitely help us."
"What kind of help, Grandma?"
"Then listen carefully to what I have to say... and decide if you will aid us," she replied, her expression turning serious.
This was about to become a massive deal, a secret kept for ages. The women of the village were finally ready to take action, and it was time to let the matter loose.
"Hmm..." Owen nodded, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"You see, young flower boy, we need a man like you for the upcoming opening ceremony of the festival," she explained, setting her teacup down on the table.
She looked just like a wise sage out of a fantasy novel.
"Hmm... okay..." Owen simply listened, waiting for her to get to the point.
"Are you willing to help the village, young flower boy?"
"Uhh... what exactly do I need to do? If it’s impossible, I can’t agree, Grandma. You know Mom is quite strict when it comes to me." Owen didn’t have a single clue what she was talking about.
If the favor involved displaying his manhood to everyone... Well, he would gladly reject (or maybe accept) the offer. But if it wasn’t anything scandalous, why not?
Granted, he wouldn’t partake in anything that might bring harm to his divine cock.
Having a metaphorical guillotine hanging over his head while helping them out was a hard ’no.’ However, if it were a heavenly blessing, Owen would gladly jump at the chance.
"Oh... you see, young flower boy, the passions of the women in this village are dwindling."
"Yes, so how is that related to me, Grandma?"
"I want you to help satisfy them..." she said with deep regret, her emotions surging with a sense of profound loss.
She wasn’t just an ordinary old woman; she was the village chief.
The upcoming festival was turning her mind into a complete mess because the local women desperately needed some attention.