Ok, you got me.I said town, but that’s not entirely correct.This pce is a vilge named Marsora, a rather rge one, but still a vilge.There’s not yet a thousand people living here for it to deserve the term town.Nearly a thousand, but not quite.We do have walls, but they’re simply a sturdy wooden palisade to defend against the random monster that strolls out of the forest.However, those are extremely rare here, and this vilge has been peaceful my entire life.I can’t remember a single incident where someone’s been hurt by an attack.

  It’s a nice summer day out with a blue sky and a cool breeze.As it’s like this, taking a stroll on my birthday seems like a great idea.I decide to take my time and enjoy myself while heading for the clothing shop.Eventually, I come to the main pza with the well and take a seat on the edge to rex and enjoy the view.

  “Hey, Akari!”

  Yeah, sure, I’m still stuck with this name.With short, blonde hair, green eyes, and a stocky build, the one calling out to me is Garen, a friend of mine.I’ve known him since childhood.

  “Hi Garen, what do you want?”

  “I just wanted to wish you well for your birthday. I know it’s not much, but here!”

  In his outstretched hand is a small open top box.Within it, lies a sewing needle.It may not be very rge, but it’s good quality craftsmanship.He probably made it himself; after all, he is the bcksmith’s son.

  “Thank you for this. But why?”

  “It’s your birthday, right? And this is just a small gift. I know you’ve been trying to become a tailor and thought it would be of use to you.”

  “Thank you! This is very nice.”

  “Where are you off to now?”

  “Just heading to the shop. I’m also going to see if Thomas remembered what day it is.”

  “Ah, right… Thomas.”

  “What is it? Don’t tell me you also believe those rumors?”

  “Rumors? No, it’s just… nothing. Enjoy your birthday!”

  After a minute more, I continue on my way to the shop and subsequently find who I’m looking for.The clothing shop owner, Miss Delia, a middle-aged, light blonde haired woman, seems to be checking over some measurements for a new dress.

  “Good morning, Miss Delia.”

  “Likewise, Akari. What brings you here today?”

  “Today is my coming of age, and as I’m now an adult, I wanted to ask for a more official apprenticeship.”

  “Apprenticeship? Oh, Akari, I’m sorry!”

  “What?”

  “I can’t take you on permanently. This vilge barely has enough need for a single tailor. I wouldn’t have enough work for you to be here as a full apprentice.”

  I struggle to keep calm, as screaming at her won’t help me right now.

  “But, but you knew I wanted to be a tailor! Why are you just telling me this now!? I thought you liked my work?”

  “I’m sorry, but I have my reasons. I’ll still ask for your aid during busy days, and if you create something yourself, I may buy it, but that’s all I can do. I’m very sorry, Akari.”

  “Yeah, sure! I think I have to go.”

  I’m too angry to cry right now, and need to leave before I do something I’ll regret.So I head in the direction of my boyfriend and hope he’ll at least mitigate such a terrible start to my special day.His family seems to be fine with me since I have a good working spirit and look halfway decent, and they’ve never said anything about social status to me.Well, they’re not patricians, just wealthy compared to most people here.A vast majority of the town’s trade with the capital goes through them.When I’ve nearly arrived at their home, I spot someone turned away from me at the entrance to the property.Even from here, I’m certain that is Thomas, judging by his lean frame and light brown hair, and I quicken my pace.But then he turns to the side.

  I can’t believe what I’m seeing!Thomas is with some short, well dressed, dark brown haired girl who is most definitely not me!Upon closer inspection, I recognize Sinora who’s locked in a tight embrace with Thomas, as if it’s the most natural thing to do while in a retionship with someone else!

  Sinora is the eldest daughter of the wealthiest family in this vilge, who are also the only true patricians currently living here.They control the majority of the northern forestry business as well as the local carpentry, and most of the town was built by them.Sinora herself is a nasty fiend, with way too much money given to her.

  I approach the two of them, as I at least want to know what is going on.

  “Hello, Thomas. Might you be so kind as to expin to me what is going on here?”

  “Oh, Akari!? You know, I wanted to talk to you.”

  “While I think I have the gist of what you might want to say, I really need to ask if you’re insane in regards to the timing? Any other day would be better.”

  Sinora decides that now is the time to butt in.

  “Oh, was something special happening today? Sorry to hear that, but we’re busy here. We’re making ties between the important businesses in this town, so if you have something special going on, why don’t you go do it? Oh, also, I’ve heard Miss Delia wanted to tell you something.”

  Remember how I called her a fiend?Case in point!

  “Not a problem, I already spoke to her, and it seems I now have more free time than I had pnned for. But you know this, it seems. Somehow, I have the feeling that the timing was your idea.”

  “Sorry, but it’s not like an apprentice who can’t even pay to have the position is worth very much. Even less so when someone says they might stop all of their many purchases if said apprentice is taken on, as well as the special order for a bridal dress. Oh, have I mentioned we’re now engaged? Like I said, my parents and his wanted to join forces for the wood trade. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you.”

  It takes everything I have to not sp that smug grin off her faceShe is less than a year older than me, and I’ve known her my entire life, but she’s always disliked me.I don’t even know what her problem with me is.As far as I can recall, I’ve never really gotten in her way.Maybe it’s just because I’m not part of the club that follows her every command.

  “I’m surprised as well. Seems you’re perfect for each other. I simply can’t compare to such close soulmates!”

  Thomas finally decides to speak up again.

  “I’m sorry, Akari, but this is best for everyone. The town will prosper when our businesses join together. Also, I was pnning on telling you on another day.”

  “Yeah, sure. I think I’m done here then. Bye.”

  I turn around, quite agitated, and hear that girl’s snickering behind me.After a single step I turn and use my full strength to sink my fist in this asshole’s face.Why not her’s?While she’s always been bad news, at least she’s always been openly hostile towards me.However, betrayal is something I cannot forgive.Also, it might bother her if she has to stand beside someone who has a broken nose.Two birds with one punch.So I quickly depart without paying any attention to what happens behind me.

  I need somewhere to rage where no one is at.A single punch merely left me fuming, and I have to get away.I head to the nearby gate and exit out into the forest to the north where no one will see me.There’s not even a constant guard at this gate as it’s peaceful here, and a monster hasn’t been seen in years.My feet wander while I attempt to clear my head.Mum taught me how to navigate in this pce, and I’ve walked around in here many times before.I’ve no fear of getting lost.

  By the time I’ve managed to calm down, the sun is well on its way across the sky.I’d best be headed home.I’m probably already going to be te as it is.

  *Spsh*Suddenly, something falls on my head and drenches me.It takes me a moment to realize I’m now soaked with water.I don’t know where this came from, but at least there’s no indication that it’s a more unpleasant kind of liquid.Only, how is this possible?It hasn’t rained recently, and I haven’t seen any water dripping off the leaves.*Spsh*This time it hits me right in the face.Water doesn’t do this on its own!What is happening!?After wiping off my eyes, I look around to find the source.It doesn’t take long to spot it, as I quickly notice a glowing blue light in the shade of the woods before a ball of water comes flying and smacks me in the nose.When my eyes clear, it’s still hovering there and begins forming another ball.

  I think this is magic!There’s no water in the immediate area, but I can see it forming out of nothing right in front of me.It’s forming water much faster than should be possible though.I’ve seen mages shoot water when I had the chance to see a tournament once, but this is too much, too fast, and for too long, especially for just a joke.Yet, this light continues sending water at me, disregarding the fact that it shouldn’t be able to.I think it may have even sped up.Any other day I would have just tried to run away, as everyone knows that random magic in a forest is never good for you, but my special day has been completely ruined.The start of my adult life couldn’t be worse.My previously cooling temper snaps.

  I run and jump at it, trying to grab it in my hand, but it dodges me at the st second.I try punching, spping, grabbing, jumping, everything I have, but I can’t seem to even touch it.This infuriating light always moves out of reach at the very st moment.After releasing a shout of frustration, I hear something like the jingle of the tiniest bell, and I’m certain this thing is ughing at me.Eventually, my rage burns out, and I notice it’s starting to get dark.Now I’m definitely te.

  As I turn to head home, the light starts shooting water again, but I need to get back before I end up in more trouble than I already am.The more I ignore the light, the more it shoots water at me, following close behind.Although, now it seems to be dimming, and slowing down.It’s gotten bold from me ignoring it, and comes right next to me in order to spsh me again.Now’s my chance!

  Right that moment, I swing at it as fast as I can.I could’ve sworn my hand would connect with it, but it seems to slide around my hand at the st moment and then fly away.However, for the first time since I was spshed, it’s now floating utterly still in front of me, barely bright enough to see.When I take a few steps closer, it becomes apparent as to why.It got caught in a spider web!By what’s left of its light, I can even see the spider on its way.Carefully, I draw close to see what has been teasing me this entire time.

  I can’t believe my eyes!It’s a fairy!