Chapter 279

The snow festival grounds were divided into several sections, each hosting a different event.

"What are those people doing? They're throwing snow?"

Reina tugged on Clael's sleeve and pointed to a slightly distant spot.

There, two teams were throwing snowballs at each other.

"It's snowball fights. They're battling by throwing snowballs at each other."

Clael explained.

Teams of five were hiding behind snow walls, throwing the snowballs they had made.

At the edge of the match area stood a referee, counting how many snowballs hit.

"Wow, this looks fun. It seems like anyone can join in... if you'd like, shall we try participating too?"

"No way! This isn't a competition for someone like Lady Reina!"

The one who raised their voice in panic wasn't Clael, but Reina's friends.

"That's right! Even if it's just snow, throwing it at someone is barbaric!"

"What if Lady Reina got hurt... ah, just imagining it gives me chills!"

"Please, don't do it! My heart might explode!"

"I-Is it really that serious?"

Pressured by her friends, even Reina was taken aback.

Saying that snowball fights were barbaric might be going too far... but Clael could understand not wanting Reina to do it.

He didn't really want to see Reina throwing snowballs at people—or getting hit by them.

(I mean... the opponents would probably feel awkward. Not just because it's Reina, but throwing snow at a noble lady?)

Not only Reina, but her friends were also well-bred young ladies.

Even if it was that kind of event... throwing snow would surely make the opponents hesitate.

"...Throwing snow at the Saint is the height of disrespect. Evil must be cut down."

"Hm?"

They turned toward the chilling voice, but only saw a crowd. The speaker was unknown.

Apparently, one of Reina's devotees was lurking nearby. That made it even more impossible to let her join.

"I see... if everyone feels that strongly, I'll refrain."

Reina backed down with a slightly disappointed look.

It was a shame they couldn't enjoy the event together.

"Then, shall I go ahead and join by myself?"

Clael made that suggestion.

Even if he couldn't participate, he could still enjoy cheering them on.

Clael was also a noble, but it was hard to tell from his appearance or demeanor, unlike Reina and her friends.

The opponents probably wouldn't feel as intimidated.

"Lord Clael?"

"Yes. I'll gather some teammates and join, so Reina, please cheer from over there."

"I see... that sounds good."

Reina looked worried at first, but soon nodded in agreement.

"In that case, I'll prepare your teammates. Please wait just a moment."

"Huh? Prepare them? But Reina doesn't know anyone in this town...?"

Clael was puzzled by her words, but soon the so-called teammates appeared.

"Yes, these little ones will protect Lord Clael."

"Bear!"

Like a ninja, a small figure landed in front of them.

Standing there was—of course—a bear plushie.

Not just a bear. A dog, a cat, and even a shoebill plushie with a strangely melancholic face appeared.

"...You want me to compete with this team?"

"Yes, it's an ironclad formation!"

"............"

Reina puffed out her chest proudly.

Certainly... plushies infused with Holy Spirits had top-tier combat abilities. They could easily overwhelm average soldiers.

With this team, they might actually aim for victory...

(But joining with a team that looks like a Sylv○nian family is kind of embarrassing...)

So Clael thought to himself, but in the end, Reina's smile overpowered him, and he ended up joining the snowball fights.

He had hoped the reception desk would turn them away, but they accepted his entry for the lighthearted reason of "It looks like it'll be fun."