Paimon's cheeks were stuffed so full that she looked like a little squirrel. After a bit of effort, she finally swallowed the last bite of food, patted her tiny belly in satisfaction, then spread her hands and shook her head helplessly.
"Wow, that hat looks so weird… and the person wearing it is weird too."
She blinked her big eyes and mumbled with a confused expression.
Just then, the group of children who had been playing in the distance perked up at the sound of voices. As soon as they spotted Dunyarzad, their eyes lit up like they'd just seen a rare treasure. With cheerful shouts, they rushed over in a swarm.
In the blink of an eye, Dunyarzad was surrounded by the adorable little mob.
"Whoa! It's Sister Dunyarzad!" one of the children squealed with excitement.
Another child clung to the hem of her robe, gazing up with admiration. "Sister Dunyarzad, I really like you!"
The person referred to as "Farris," Vihar, ouldn't help bursting into hearty laughter at the scene. Still chuckling, he teased:
"Hahaha… Miss Dunyarzad, just look at you! Your charm clearly outshines even Yalda Candy—by a mile!"
Dunyarzad gently patted the children's heads and responded with a warm smile. "Really? If the little ones like me, then I couldn't be happier."
"Right?" Vihar chimed in cheerfully. "Since the preparations for the Sabzeruz Festival began, it's only been a few days, and already all the kids adore you!"
Dunyarzad gave a delicate cough.
"Ahem… Oh~ Noble Knight of Flowers, I'm honored that you know my name!"
Vihar blinked, then quickly caught on.
"Ah… ah! Ahem, haha—of course! By the name of Farris, Knight of Flowers, I commend your noble service to the great Sabzeruz Festival!"
Then he turned to the children.
"Alright, little soldiers! Take your reward of Yalda Candy, hold your loyalty to Lesser Lord Kusanali in your hearts—and dismiss!"
The children mimicked him with enthusiasm.
"Yes, Sir Farris!"
Paimon tilted her head in confusion. "What kind of play is this supposed to be now?"
Dunyarzad chuckled as she explained, "Hehe, the Knight of Flowers is actually a symbolic figure for the Sabzeruz Festival. In the past, the person playing the role would ride atop a flower float. The kids loved it."
Vihar nodded in agreement. "Thanks to Miss Dunyarzad's sponsorship, these children get to make such fun memories during their childhood."
"Oh! Right. Want some Yalda Candy too? It's one of the festival's specialties. I've got a few boxes here—take a look and pick one."
Paimon looked back and forth. "Pick one… Aren't they all the same?"
Vihar chuckled. "Haha, that's where the fun comes in! Each box contains a random flavor—you won't know what you're getting until you open it."
"There's Zaytun Peach, Harra Fruit, Sunsettia…"
Paimon's eyes sparkled. "Ooh, they all sound yummy!"
Farris went on, his tone unchanging.
"…And also Lizard Tail and Onikabuto Beetle."
Paimon's eyes nearly popped out of her head as she shouted in disbelief:
"Wha—!? What are those flavors supposed to be!?"
Dunyarzad, smiling as always, offered a gentle explanation.
"Compared to Lizard Tail, the Onikabuto Beetle-flavored Yalda Candy is just a little spicier."
Paimon instinctively clapped a hand over her mouth, as if afraid she'd scream. After a long pause, she finally recovered and stammered:
"D-Dunyarzad, y-you've actually tasted those flavors!?"
"Ugh… okay, in that case, Lumine can choose for me. I really want a Sunsettia one!"
Lumine crossed her arms and rolled her eyes with a groan. "Hmph, even if I'm choosing, there's no guarantee I'll pick the right one… If I pick wrong, you'd better not blame me!"
Farris, calm as ever, gestured toward five ornate boxes laid out in front of them.
"Alright~ Now watch carefully. From left to right, they're numbered one through five. Pick a number!"
Lumine narrowed her eyes, locking her gaze onto the boxes as if trying to see through them to divine the flavor hidden within. After a long moment of deliberation, she shouted with resolve:
"I pick box number three!"
Farris clapped his hands softly in response.
But what followed was a letdown.
"Sorry! That one's Zaytun Peach flavor."
Paimon looked down at the Zaytun Peach candy in her hand with utter disbelief, her expression crumpling in disappointment.
"Ugh… I really thought you had amazing luck from surviving all those battles… guess not~"
Lumine narrowed her eyes.
"Hmph. Flying Zaytun Peach…"
Though her voice was soft, it clearly reached Paimon's ears.
Paimon stomped in the air in frustration.
"Hey! Who are you calling a flying Zaytun Peach!?"
Paimon: Hmph!!
Vihar just chuckled and clapped again, speaking in a kind tone.
"The Sunsettia candy is actually in box number four. But, since today is a day for celebration, what matters most is that everyone's happy! So, both boxes are yours—take them!"
Paimon's anger vanished in a flash. Her eyes sparkled, hands clasped in front of her chest as she exclaimed with delight:
"Waaah, really!? That's awesome! Thank you, Candy Knight!"
Vihar facepalmed with a helpless smile and corrected her.
"Aiya, I'm not the Candy Knight! I'm the Knight of Flowers! Don't forget!"
Dunyarzad covered her mouth and giggled at the scene, playfully teasing:
"Hahaha… Paimon really hit where it hurts, didn't she? One hit KO to a Knight of Flowers without even a flower float!"
Meanwhile, Paimon had already opened the box and popped a Sunsettia candy into her mouth. She let out a satisfied "Mmm~" and slowly savored the sweet flavor.
Moments later, she smacked her lips and grinned.
"Hehe, it's delicious! Well, whatever kind of knight he is, we've got all this tasty candy now, so let's keep moving!"
With that, she zipped off ahead. Lumine and Dunyarzad exchanged smiles, then followed after her.
_
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