Re: Konosuba

Chapter 8: summer festival!

The Eris Summer Festival in Axel was everything one could hope for in a bustling, fantasy-themed town. Colorful banners and lanterns adorned the streets, and the sweet aroma of festival food drifted through the air. Children ran around with toy swords, and vendors called out, advertising their wares and games.

For Subaru and his companions, it was a sight unlike anything they had experienced before. Having been invited by Kazuma’s group, they found themselves caught up in the vibrant atmosphere of celebration. The streets were alive with excitement, and every corner of the festival grounds seemed to promise fun and adventure.

“Wow, look at all these people!” Emilia said, her voice brimming with awe as she took in the festivities around them. She was dressed in a summer yukata light purple, adorned with delicate floral patterns that complimented her silvery hair and brought out the violet hue of her eyes.

Subaru, standing beside her, could hardly tear his gaze away. “Emilia-tan, you look… incredible!” he exclaimed, his face flushed. The sight of her in traditional festival attire was enough to send his heart racing.

Emilia blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Subaru. I’ve never worn something like this before. It feels a little strange, but… I like it.”

“You’re not the only one who cleaned up nicely tonight, you know,” Ram chimed in with her usual smug expression. She was also wearing a yukata—pink with crimson accents that highlighted her hair and eyes. Standing beside her, Rem’s blue and white yukata brought out the deep color of her hair and eyes, making her look as ethereal as a spirit in the festival’s glow.

“You both look amazing!” Subaru gushed, giving them an exaggerated thumbs-up. “I’m the luckiest guy at the festival right now!”

Kazuma, who had been lurking nearby, grumbled under his breath. “Of course he’s surrounded by beautiful girls… again. Why does this guy have it so good?”

“Are you sulking, Kazuma?” Aqua teased, sidling up beside him. Unlike the others, Aqua had opted for a yukata that was almost scandalously short, showing off her long legs. The fabric was a deep blue, patterned with waves and splashes that seemed to shimmer under the lantern light. She gave a twirl, showing off the way the fabric clung to her figure. “Well? Don’t I look like a goddess tonight?”

“More like a waterlogged goldfish,” Kazuma muttered, earning a swift smack on the head.

“Rude!” Aqua huffed, crossing her arms. “You could at least try to appreciate my beauty once in a while!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Kazuma sighed, rubbing his head. He looked around, only to spot Darkness not far away. She was wearing a sleeveless yukata with a plunging neckline, the fiery red fabric hugging her curves dangerously close to the line of propriety. As usual, she seemed completely oblivious to the stares she was attracting.

“You could have picked something less revealing,” Kazuma grumbled, averting his gaze with a faint blush.

Darkness’s eyes shone with mischief. “What’s wrong, Kazuma? Afraid you can’t handle a real woman at a festival?”

“I’m more afraid you’re going to cause a scene,” Kazuma shot back, trying to maintain his composure. “You’re supposed to be a knight, not a—!”

“A what?” Darkness leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. “Say it, Kazuma. I dare you.”

Kazuma sputtered, quickly backing away. “Never mind! Just… behave yourself, okay?”

While Kazuma dealt with his chaotic companions, Subaru was soaking in the sights and sounds of the festival with Emilia and the others. They passed by a variety of stalls: goldfish scooping, ring toss, and even a mysterious game that looked suspiciously like a magical version of whack-a-mole.