Snowbound Flames

Chapter 35: The Joys Of Christmas Day (Special)

Morning in Tempest began with a blanket of snow covering the streets, rooftops, and trees. The town bustled with activity, everyone excited for the second day of Christmas celebrations. Rimuru, however, was reluctantly pulled from bed by Shion and Shuna, both of whom insisted she couldn't sleep through Christmas morning.

Breakfast was lively, with Rimuru's closest subordinates gathered around the dining hall. Milim burst in late, loudly declaring she was starving, and promptly began devouring pancakes. The table was festively decorated, and the subordinates exchanged small gifts. Diablo handed Rimuru a finely wrapped package containing an elegant magical pen.

"Perfect for your many documents," he said with a sly smile.

"Gee, thanks, Diablo," Rimuru muttered, already thinking of the pile of paperwork awaiting her.

As breakfast wrapped up, Guy appeared in his usual dramatic fashion. His crimson eyes scanned Rimuru, narrowing. "Don't tell me you're planning to bury yourself in work again?"

"I mean... I have a lot to do," Rimuru replied, laughing nervously.

"Nope." Guy grabbed her hand, tugging her out of the dining hall. "Not today."

The streets of Tempest were even livelier than the day before. Vendors sold steaming cups of hot cocoa, roasted chestnuts, and a variety of festive snacks. Snowball fights erupted in every corner, and laughter filled the air. Rimuru walked alongside Guy, marveling at how the town transformed into a winter wonderland.

"Not bad," Guy admitted, watching a group of children decorating snow sculptures. "For something you introduced just a few days ago, it's surprisingly... enjoyable."

Rimuru grinned. "I told you, Christmas is all about bringing people together."

Guy smirked, glancing at her. "You seem oddly sentimental about it."

"Can't a slime be sentimental?" Rimuru shot back, sticking out her tongue.

Lunch was another feast in the central plaza, with tables packed with festive dishes. Rimuru eagerly dug into Japanese-style fried chicken, sweet potato tempura, and a fluffy Christmas cake that Shuna had decorated with intricate snowflake designs. Guy sat across from her, calmly enjoying his meal while Rimuru practically inhaled hers.

"You're going to choke if you keep eating like that," he remarked.

"Food is serious business," Rimuru replied, though her words were muffled by a mouthful of cake.

After lunch, the pair wandered the festival again, joining in activities like decorating a massive Christmas tree in the plaza. Rimuru and Guy placed the star on top together, much to the cheers of the onlookers. Later, they participated in a snowball fight, with Rimuru using her slime abilities to create elaborate defenses, while Guy's raw speed made him nearly impossible to hit.

As evening fell, the citizens gathered for the final feast of the day. This time, Shuna and Shion outdid themselves with a lineup of desserts: a traditional Christmas pudding, Japanese-style yule logs, and Rimuru's favorite taiyaki, shaped like snowflakes. The subordinates were in high spirits, laughing and sharing stories around the table.

After dinner, it was time for the lantern release. Each person lit a paper lantern, writing down their hopes and wishes for the coming year. Rimuru smiled as she wrote hers: May Tempest continue to thrive, and may everyone stay happy.

Beside her, Guy raised an eyebrow. "You're awfully optimistic."

"Hey, I have to be," Rimuru replied. "What about you? What did you wish for?"

"That's none of your business," Guy said, though his smirk softened.

The lanterns floated into the night sky, their warm glow a striking contrast against the dark, starry backdrop. The sight was breathtaking, and for a moment, everyone stood in silence, taking it in.

As the celebration wound down, Rimuru felt exhaustion creeping in. She stretched, stifling a yawn as she said goodbye to the citizens and her subordinates. Guy walked beside her as they headed back to the castle.

"You're tired," he noted.

"No kidding," Rimuru replied, rubbing her eyes. "But it was worth it. Today was amazing."

When they reached the castle, Rimuru waved him off. "Goodnight, Guy. Thanks for... well, dragging me around today."

"Hmph. You'll thank me more tomorrow when you're not drowning in paperwork," Guy replied.

Rimuru chuckled, heading to her room. Once inside, she barely managed to kick off her shoes before collapsing onto the bed. She stared up at the ceiling, thinking about the day's events.

"I really do have the best friends," she murmured before sleep overtook her, still dressed in her festival clothes.

And so, Christmas Day in Tempest came to a close, filled with laughter, warmth, and memories that would last a lifetime.