Magnolia is located in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Fiore and has a population of sixty thousand. Passing through the towering Cardia Cathedral in the city center, one can find Fairy Tail, the city's only Mage guild.
August and Layla strolled through the town streets. True to being the home of Fairy Tail, Magnolia's bustling atmosphere was truly breathtaking. Magic shops lined the roads everywhere, far larger in scale than those in the towns they had visited before, and their merchandise closely followed the trends of *Weekly Sorcerer*, offering everything imaginable.
Walking into the town and following this street straight ahead led all the way to the guild at the end. This perfectly straight road must have been specially designed for Gildarts, Layla thought. Speaking of which, this town was currently in its normal mode—Gildarts must have been out on a job.
"Shopkeeper, is all this street decoration for some upcoming celebration?" Layla asked the magic shop owner, casting her gaze out toward the street.
"You must be visitors from another town. This is our annual Harvest Festival, so the whole town is preparing to celebrate. In three days, Fairy Tail will hold the Fantasia parade. You certainly picked a great time to visit! Even though Fairy Tail is always causing trouble, we still love them dearly, and the Fantasia parade is a magnificent sight." The magic shop owner also looked out at the bustling figures of the residents in the street.
Merchants on both sides of the street began decorating their shops, hanging colorful balloons and ribbons to create a festive atmosphere. They poured care into every single detail, imbuing the entire street with vibrant life. Various roadside stalls had also been set up, selling Fairy Tail merchandise, offering shooting games, and staging circus performances.
A few children could be seen running through the streets dressed in costumes, playing Mages chasing monsters. The child dressed as the Mage wore a magic hat marked with a heart, a cape, and a wooden magic wand; even more amusingly, he was followed closely by a small dog wearing a slightly smaller magic hat. The child playing the monster up ahead shouted as he fled, while the two children behind him chased after him with glee.
Crowds could be seen everywhere on the street, discussing how wonderful last year's Harvest Festival had been and how this year's might be even more spectacular.
"It truly is good timing," August murmured, walking among the crowd and taking in the lively scene with a hint of admiration.
"Grandpa, we have to come early that day! I heard all the town residents will gather right here. We mustn't be late and miss out on the front row—I'm so looking forward to it." Layla gazed at the shops lining the street with merchandise, unable to contain her excitement. *(A few years from now, once they all join Fairy Tail, I'll buy up every single piece of merchandise they have, hehe.)*
"No worries. The town is huge, and there will be plenty of seats in the viewing stands. You'll be able to see from anywhere, and you can even watch from the rooftops," an older man nearby suddenly chimed in.
"Really? That's wonderful! But once it's over, it'll just be gone. What a shame," Layla said, her expression shifting to one of disappointment upon hearing the man's explanation.
"Don't worry, they use Lacrima recorders. Over at that magic shop, every year when the Fantasia parade is held, they have dedicated staff recording it." Hearing this, the man pointed Layla toward an old shop that had been in business for many years, explaining patiently.
"Grandpa, how much money do we have left?" Layla asked, her eyes wide as she looked at August with hopeful anticipation.
"None. Stop dreaming." August refused offhandedly, knowing what she was planning without even looking at her.
"Ah? That hurts... But it's fine, I'll just make money doing jobs later." Layla felt a bit dejected, but cheered up upon realizing she could buy whatever she wanted once she earned her own money from jobs.
"It really is a good time to visit," August remarked softly. The everyday life here felt so peaceful and pleasant.
Meanwhile, on another street, a grandfather and grandson were having a conversation. The grandson wore a short-sleeved red shirt with a yellow lightning bolt emblem and blue trousers. The grandfather wore a light yellow cape bearing the Fairy Tail emblem on the back.
"Grandpa, aren't you participating in the Fantasia parade this time?"
"This is a stage for you to shine! Let me just enjoy it from the audience."
"Will I be able to find you?"
"My whereabouts don't matter."
"Then... during the parade... I'll do this!" With that, the young boy made an upward-pointing gesture with his finger, as if sending a signal.
"What is that?"
"It's a message for you!"
"Even if I can't find you, Grandpa, it will remain my proof that I am always watching you."
"Laxus..." The old man looked at his smiling grandson, his eyes gradually welling up with tears, filled with deep emotion.
"Just you watch, Grandpa!"
Nearby, August withdrew his God-Earpiercing Magic. The moment Makarov had appeared, August had locked onto his position and cast the spell, curious to see what kind of person the current Guild Master of Fairy Tail really was.
At the same time, inside the Fairy Tail guild hall, a group of people were organizing the order of the parade procession and the performance lineup. They were confirming participation willingness and arranging everyone's positions and acts within the parade. The decoration and preparation of the floats were also proceeding at a frantic pace, with the magic props and lighting effects on the vehicles undergoing meticulous tuning and preparation.
Finally, once all preparations were complete, the city's residents and visitors began waiting impatiently for the magic parade to arrive. They eagerly anticipated losing themselves in the joy and surprises brought by magic during this miraculous holiday. The entire city seemed to cheer amidst the countdown, welcoming this one-of-a-kind grand celebration.
"Grandpa, where are we staying?"
"Balsam Village is quite famous. We'll be staying there for the next few days."
"What? Didn't you say we were out of money? Why can we still afford to stay in a place like that?"
*I said I was out of money, meaning you were out of money. I still have some.*
"You're toying with a child's feelings."
"If you don't want to come, I'll stay there by myself."
"Don't do that! I'll stay."
Balsam Village, located to the west of Magnolia, was a place with antique architectural styles. The streets were lined with traditional Japanese wooden buildings, their roofs covered with red glazed tiles, and wind chimes hung from the window lattices, exuding a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Villagers wearing traditional kimonos or yukatas walked along the streets, lending the entire village an ancient and elegant charm.
There were many Japanese-style pubs and inns here, serving various authentic Japanese dishes and hot spring delicacies. Most importantly, the hot spring district boasted numerous bathhouses and hot spring inns, allowing visitors to relax their bodies and minds in the baths and experience the soothing comfort of the springs.
"Layla, tomorrow we're heading deep into the eastern forest to find that Healing Mage and check on your condition."
"Ah, blissful—this is what life is all about! By the way, Grandpa, what did you just say?" Layla lay submerged in the hot spring, soaking in the relaxation.
"Ah, if you didn't hear, I said it's been a while since I trained, so tomorrow I'll finally—" August saw right through her.
"Alright, alright, I heard you! Can't you just let me enjoy myself for a moment?" Layla hurriedly cut August off, muttering under her breath. Granny Porlyusica... I wonder if she can cure me.
The "Super Express" pub was one of the premier popular spots in Balsam Village. Its taciturn chef, who did nothing but nod his head, alongside countless ultra-delicious, top-tier dishes, deeply captivated the hearts of food enthusiasts.
"No way, this chef looks so familiar," Layla blurted out, swearing softly as she looked at the chef standing before them with his high forehead, walrus mustache, and incessantly nodding head.
The chef prepared a meal for Layla and August, and switched the diner's gramophone to a relaxed, soothing record, maximizing the dining experience.
The restaurant was packed with customers. Watching the chef constantly nodding his head at the cooking counter while preparing meals, one couldn't help but think how hard he worked.
After finishing their meal, Layla and August returned to their inn to rest.