I like crossing the most

Chapter 963 The Last Routine 142

Chapter 963 The Last Routine 142

The Crimson Demon Village Chief's expression suddenly changed.

Oh no, he's so focused on the karuta (flower cards) that he's forgotten about the lion dance that's about to harass them!

"Hurry! Gather all the Crimson Demons who are currently unemployed and have them assemble at the village entrance as soon as possible to join me in defeating the powerful enemy—Lion Dance!!"

"Yes!"xN

The Crimson Demons shouted in unison.

Not long after, the Red Demon Clan's alarm sounded.

[Crimson Demon Clan Alert! Crimson Demon Clan Alert! Crimson Demons who are not currently engaged in any activity, please assemble at the village entrance immediately! Lion Dance is approaching! Lion Dance is approaching! Repeat! Repeat! Crimson Demon Clan Alert! Crimson Demon Clan Alert! Crimson Demons who are not currently engaged in any activity, please assemble at the village entrance immediately! Lion Dance is approaching! Lion Dance is approaching!!]

"Gurgle gurgle gurgle——————"

When the Crimson Demons reached the edge of the village, they did indeed see the so-called lion dance—all of them were bright red, resembling the lion dancers of China, but they weren't human; they were real lions. Each lion had a large bell hanging from its chest, which jingled as it ran. While it looked festive, their large numbers created a considerable sense of unease, and most importantly, they truly threatened to destroy the entire village.

"Just like I heard, it's a huge group..."

Looking down at the lion dancers below, You Gou said to the other Crimson Demons with a headache, "What should we do? Should we use high-level magic to take them all out in one go?"

"Wait, that's too much!" Youyou quickly stopped her, saying, "Those children are innocent! And—"

"Woo~~"

"Even the little babies are included." Seeing the little lion dance still sobbing in grievance, Youyou said with overflowing sympathy, "Killing them or something is too pitiful."

"How gentle she is... truly my daughter!!"

The Crimson Demon Village Chief said this with a proud expression, then added, "Normally, we would use magic to repel them. But this time, we'll use a different method, for the sake of my kind daughter!"

"Different methods?"

Lynn asked with some curiosity, "Village Chief, what method do you plan to use?"

“Well…” the Crimson Demon Village Chief thought for a moment and said, “The Lion Dancer will go back once he’s satisfied with the festive atmosphere… so let’s take advantage of this habit.”

This is also a custom of lion dance in this world.

After thinking for a moment, Lynn suggested, "In that case, perhaps playing the flute and drums would be better to create a festive atmosphere for the Lunar New Year."

"To create a festive atmosphere for the New Year... huh?" The Crimson Demon Village Chief stroked his chin, lost in thought. After a moment, his eyes lit up, and he shouted, "Isn't this the perfect stage?! Everyone, it's time to truly showcase your masterful skills!!"

"Oh—!" xN

The Crimson Demons roared, while the Lion Dancers stared blankly at their frenzied antics. The Crimson Demon village chief, however, grew increasingly excited, raising his arms and shouting to his people, "The time has come! The first Crimson Demon Village Flower Card Tournament begins!!"

"Eh eh eh——————"

Youyou's eyes widened in shock.

But there was no time for her to be shocked. Under the pretext of 'protecting the village from the Lion Dancer,' the Crimson Demon Clan finally launched the Crimson Demon Village Hanafuda Tournament. Everyone was eager to try their hand at the competition and show off their skills.

The Crimson Demon Village Chief stood at the front and shouted to the crowd, "Come on, warriors who dedicate your souls to the Hanafuda tournament! Answer my invitation and reveal your true forms here!"

In layman's terms, it means giving a brief self-introduction.

The Crimson Demon Clan always uses such shocking and worldly statements to do things that leave people dumbfounded.

"First and foremost!!" The Crimson Demon Village Chief pointed into the distance and shouted, "The purchaser of the Void Thousand Demon Items... Archmage Wiz!"

"I'm Wiz, who runs a magic item shop in Axel. Nice to meet you."

Wiz gave a very standard self-introduction.

"Second place!" the Crimson Demon Village Chief shouted again, "The rare dancer and karuta preacher... Miss Lynn!!"

"It's a pleasure to enjoy karuta with everyone, and I'm so glad you all accepted me. Anyway, please take care of me today." Lynn greeted everyone politely.

Incidentally, since they are not members of the Crimson Demon Clan, even if their self-introductions aren't overly dramatic or chuunibyou-ish, they won't be disliked by the Crimson Demon Clan. This is because they are a group that prefers to enjoy their own private world and won't forcefully coerce others into changing.

"And then, the third one...!"

As the Red Demon village chief drew out his words, the Red Demons introduced themselves one by one.

"My name is You Gou Hui! The Crimson Demon Clan's unparalleled talent development will eventually make me a writer!! My sealed eyes saw through the truth card earlier than anyone else!!"

"I am Dongdonggu! The foremost shopkeeper daughter of the Crimson Demon Clan, destined to become the shopkeeper! My sealed arms will win the true Hanafuda card before anyone else!"

"—Alright! The new legend has finally begun!"

Oh oh oh————

Cheers erupted from below.

The Crimson Demon Village Chief coughed again and said, "Come on, let's recite the first line right away..."

"Have it!"

He was quick to act and won a flower card in one go.

"Wow, that's fast, Miss!"

Wiz was astonished.

Youyou also exclaimed in admiration, "As expected, you're quite skilled. By the way, what was that line you just said...?"

"Immersed in the sweet moonlight, the feast of the gods continues." The Crimson Demon Village Chief slowly uttered the theme for this event.

"Although I don't quite understand the meaning, it's a sentence with a very Crimson Demon Clan style."

Lynn did not seem discouraged.

Ultimately, this was just a recreational activity for the Crimson Demon Clan, not a real competition.

However, as the karuta tournament progressed, the atmosphere took a strange turn.

Youyou said in a slightly frightened voice, "I mean... I don't know if it's just my imagination, but the lion dance seemed really unhappy..."

"Hmm, is it not lively enough...?"

Yougou also discovered this problem.

"You're still far from it!" The Crimson Demon Village Chief retorted, not to be outdone. He shouted again, "Our karuta tournament has just begun, and next up is this—"

"Haaaaaah!!?"

"Hey, so fast!"

Youyou was startled by the shout, but Youyou shook her head and said, "No, no one took a card this time."

Wiz asked, somewhat puzzled, "So, what was that sound just now...?"

"Waaaaah! No!!"

“Ahhhhh!”

"Oh no! My head's been bitten!"

A Crimson Demon was accidentally bitten on the head by the Lion Dance. Although he did not die, his bright red face still made people worry.

"There's no other way now." The Crimson Demon Village Chief sighed softly and said, "Everyone, it's time to show the true value of the Crimson Demon Clan!"

"Wait!" Youyou stopped him again, shouting, "If you cast any magic here, everyone will be affected!"

"What should we do about this rare New Year's festival?"

Wiz also looked panicked.

"January...? Yes!"

As if struck by a sudden thought, Lynn picked up a musical instrument from the side and shouted, "Lion dancers, listen to me sing the New Year's Song!"

Then she began to sing.

The lion dancers stopped making noise and listened quietly, sometimes clapping their hands as if to express their joy.

"It's the song Lynn sang just now." You were quite surprised by what you saw and said, "They seem very happy."

"Oh, oh, they're dancing to the music!"

The Red Demon Clan village chief was also astonished.

Then, as if feeling uncomfortable, he shouted, "We can't lose to them! Let's get our drums and flutes ready and follow the music!"

So, amidst the sounds of the zither and flute, Lynn began to hum a New Year's song.

Seeing the monsters moving to the music, Wiz couldn't help but say happily, "The lion dancers, whether big or small, all look so happy!"

“Youyou, you can sing too. I taught you earlier, right?”

"Okay, then..."

Youyou hummed along to Lynn's tune.

The Crimson Demons were slightly surprised and praised, "Oh, quite impressive! Even the Lion Dancers are captivated. Yoyo! Before becoming the clan leader, you should call yourself the Crimson Demon Clan's number one Lion Dance Envoy!"

"Absolutely, absolutely not!!"

Youyou, of course, had a look of resistance on her face.

Before long, the lion dancers, perhaps satisfied, let out a howl and quickly flew away.

"The lion dancers have gone home...!"

Lynn also stopped humming.

Wiz said with a smile, "They must have fully enjoyed the first month of the lunar year and were completely satisfied before going back."

From this perspective, that is indeed the case.

And unexpectedly, that lion dance habit actually had an effect.

"I really hope they can come again," the Crimson Demon Village Chief sighed softly, a satisfied smile on his face. "Then, let's prepare even better flower cards!"

“Is this true?!”

The red demon clan member with a white bandage wrapped around his head shouted in disbelief. He was the unlucky guy who had almost had his head blown off by the lion dance earlier.

The Crimson Demon Village Chief sighed and said, "Status, reputation, even your whole life, you've chosen to give them up. My proud child, set off for the wilderness!"

"So cool, no wonder he's the village chief!!"

The Crimson Demons shouted their support for him.

"But, being aloof is..."

Lynn looked at Youyou somewhat awkwardly, while Youyou herself widened her eyes and screamed in surprise, "...You mean, lonely!?"

She was all alone, so she was eventually discovered.

Yugo added fuel to the fire, taking out paper and pen and saying, "Well, write it down now before you forget. It must be preserved as a Hanafuda card for future generations of the Crimson Demon Clan."

"Please, please don't do that!"

Youyou pleaded with her, her eyes brimming with tears.

a few days later.

After the matter with the Red Demon Clan was resolved, the three returned to Axel.

Lynn scratched her head and said, "I always thought January was the same every year, but this year is so new. It feels really good. Thanks to you, I've had a great boost."

"I've been tired since the beginning of the new year."

Youyou looked utterly hopeless; her eyes were vacant, like a dead fish, and her whole body had turned ashen. It was only because Lynn didn't offer any sarcastic remarks that she seemed to realize her mistake; otherwise, she might have truly committed suicide as an atonement.

"Hehe, you've worked hard."

Wiz smiled and said, "The Crimson Demons all seem to be having a great time. As for me—"

Then, strangely enough, her smile became slightly distorted.

"Miss Wiz?"

"No... Actually, it was while I was away that Mr. Barnier achieved record sales and was told he could take a break. His feelings became a little complicated."

Sure enough, without Wiz's interference, the magic item shop could survive on its own.

Youyou gave an awkward twitch of her lips.

"Please accept my condolences..."

She really didn't know what to do, because Wiz's business acumen was innate.

"Miss Youyou, your letter."

At that moment, Ms. Luna, a guild counter clerk, walked up to her with a letter in her hand.

"Ah, thank you."

"Who sent it?"

Hearing Lynn's question, Youyou looked down and her expression immediately turned helpless and angry. She muttered, "...It's Father again."

【Time is up……】

[A clash of reds, a bloodbath of madness, destruction is imminent! Only you can bring the organization to its knees. I hope you can forgive your worthless father, and may the eldest daughter become the new ruler!]

That's really scary.

Wiz asked in a panic, "Could it be... that something terrible has happened in the village again?!"

"No, even I wouldn't fall for the same trick twice in the same month!" Youyou said decisively, indicating that she wouldn't be fooled again.

Lynn gave an awkward laugh.

"...That's probably it."

Knowing the Red Demon Clan's temperament, she naturally knew this statement was likely a bluff. The real explanation, barring any unforeseen circumstances, would probably be—

The Hanafuda tournament is incredibly popular in the village! Come back as a challenger and become the champion!

“I think Miss Lynn is right!” After listening to Lynn’s explanation, Youyou agreed that it was indeed the case, but at the same time, she pouted and said angrily, “Ugh, Father, really…!”

"Hehe, I'd like to go back to the village for a look."

Lynn said this with a smile.

She was, after all, a mage, albeit only at the intermediate level. She could learn a great deal from the other party, so she was looking forward to going again.

"Hey, why?"

"Well... there are all sorts of reasons, but of course, the most important thing is that I felt really happy. Hehe, although what happened later was a bit of a headache. But it still felt very fresh and exciting."

Lynn smiled, winked at Youyou, and said, "Isn't that kind of New Year's celebration novel and interesting?"

“In that case…!” Youyou was slightly moved and said, “Then let’s go to the village together again!”

If she could go back to the village with Lynn again, the tumultuous journey back wouldn't be all bad... That's what Youyou thought.

(End of this chapter)