Chapter 271: Chapter 271- Celebration

The celebration in Meltdown was in full swing, a vibrant display of resilience amidst the ruins. Music, laughter, and the smell of roasting food filled the central square.

The ceremony for awarding contributions had proceeded smoothly, with other teams and individuals receiving their due recognition. When it came to Julian’s group, City Lord Glaine stepped forward, his voice booming over the crowd.

"And for our most distinguished guests, your rewards require a bit more... preparation!" Glaine announced with a theatrical flourish. "I assure you, it will be worth the wait, so please, enjoy the festivities!"

Julian, standing with his team, felt a familiar urge to question the delay, but he suppressed it. For once, he decided to simply let the matter go and absorb the rare, peaceful atmosphere.

As the formalities concluded, the group mingled. It was then that Dori, a capable scout and an old acquaintance of Clarissa, approached them. Her eyes immediately sought out Clarissa with a warm smile, which then shifted to Julian.

"Julian! It’s good to see you up and about," Dori said, her tone laced with genuine concern. "I heard about your injury. Are you fully recovered?"

"I’m fine. It wasn’t a problem," Julian replied with his typical brevity.

Dori’s shoulders relaxed in visible relief. "Thank goodness. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help during that incident."

"Don’t say that!" Emma chimed in brightly. "You help in your own ways!"

As Dori continued to make pleasant conversation, her gaze lingering on Julian a little too long and her smiles directed a little too specifically his way, Clarissa observed the interaction with a knowing, gentle look.

Veronica, standing beside her, leaned in and murmured, "You see it too, don’t you?"

Clarissa gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod, her smile turning wry. "Yes. It seems Julian has captivated another heart."

Veronica let out a long, weary sigh, shaking her head in exasperated amusement. "Good grief. Just how many is that now? And of course, the man himself is completely oblivious to the look in Dori’s eyes."

True to form, Julian stood with his usual impassive expression, utterly unaware of the quiet flutter of affection he had once again inspired, while the women around him exchanged looks of shared, resigned understanding.

Away from the central stage, a rare sight unfolded. Zoe, with her characteristically blank expression, had a firm grip on Celestia’s wrist and was silently but insistently pulling her through the various food stalls.

Zoe would point at a dish, Celestia would purchase it, and they would both try it. While Zoe’s face remained an unreadable mask, the subtle speed with which she ate indicated enjoyment.

Celestia, for her part, maintained her composure, but the occasional soft "Hmm," and a slight nod suggested she, too, was finding unexpected pleasure in the simple culinary tour.

Not far from them, Emma’s excitement was palpable. "Aya, come on! Let’s go check out the dessert stalls! I saw someone selling honey-glazed fruits!" She grabbed Aya’s hand, pulling the shy blacksmith away from the crowd’s edge.

Aya, though slightly flustered, offered a small, genuine smile and allowed herself to be led, her eyes wide with curiosity at the vibrant celebration.

Meanwhile, Dori’s conversation with Julian was abruptly severed by a loud, boisterous laugh that made several people nearby flinch. A large, muscular man named Joe clapped Julian on the back with enough force to stagger a lesser man.

"Julian! Long time no see!" Joe bellowed. "Is that precious body of yours all healed up now?"

Julian didn’t stagger. He simply turned his head, his gaze cool and unimpressed. "Wasn’t that long," he replied, his voice dripping with dry sarcasm.

Joe’s grin widened, not at all offended. "Had me worried! Took you so long to recover, I thought I’d never get the chance to duel you again and finally wipe that smug look off your face."

The air around the two men grew tense, the festive mood momentarily shattered by the unspoken challenge. Julian’s expression remained unchanged, but a familiar, dangerous calm settled over him.

"That won’t be a problem," Julian said, his voice low and even. "The outcome would be the same as last time."

Joe let out another booming laugh, though this one was slightly more restrained under Don’s watchful eye. "I know, I know! I’m just excited! That stubborn old man finally handed over the blueprint! Can you believe it?"

A rare, sharp glint of interest showed in Julian’s eyes, though his tone remained as dry as ever. "That’s good for you. Let’s hope you manage to get the blueprint home without accidentally using it to start a campfire or wipe your brow."

Don pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering a quiet, "Why do I even bother..."

Joe, however, just grinned, completely missing—or choosing to ignore—the jab. "Don’t you worry! This is going straight to my craftsman! Just you wait, Julian. Next time we fight, I’ll have a weapon that can finally match that fancy sword of yours!"

"Looking forward to it," Julian replied, his voice flat, implying the exact opposite. He watched as Don successfully steered the still-chuckling Joe away into the crowd, the potential disturbance safely averted.

Veronica took a delicate bite of a spiced pastry, watching Joe’s retreating back. "Finally, the noisy one is gone."

Clarissa nodded in agreement, sipping her drink. "Well, he is quite loud."

Julian, his attention shifting, turned back to Dori. "Where is Mr. Leighton,?" he asked, referring to the leader of Dori’s settlement.

Dori gestured towards a raised platform at the far end of the square. "He’s in deep discussion with City Lord Glaine. They’ve been talking for a while now."

Clarissa’s expression turned curious. "Is Mr. Leighton considering moving his people here permanently?"

"It might be a good choice," Veronica commented, surveying the bustling, well-defended square. "This place seems like it will hold. It’s becoming a proper sanctuary."

Julian’s expression darkened slightly, his voice low.

"I’m not so sure that’s a good idea..."

Before anyone could respond, the lively noise of approaching footsteps cut through the celebration. Laughter and chatter mixed with the hum of the festival lights, the group from WolfTown had arrived.

Luke appeared first, waving casually as always.

"Well, well, look who’s here! Enjoying the party without us?" Luke’s cheerful voice called out as he strolled up, hands in his pockets.

Beside him, Vivi smirked, her hands on her hips. "Hah, of course he’s here. Can’t resist the spotlight, huh?"

From behind them, Rogan gave a half-wave, his other hand busy shoving a handful of roasted nuts into his mouth. "Mmph! Hey, guys!" he managed around the mouthful.

And at the very back, Rea strolled in with a calm expression, glancing around. "The party’s lively, but I don’t see Kevin around. Did he not come with you?"

Julian’s eyes scanned the bustling crowd, a slight frown on his face. "I saw Kevin during the award ceremony, but I don’t see him now."

A knowing smirk played on Vivi’s lips. "He’s probably off somewhere with Belle."

Just then, Rogan approached the group, his demeanor as calm and steady as ever. "Julian," he said in his low, even tone. "Sefi mentioned yesterday that she wanted to talk to you about something."

Sefi, who had been quietly standing behind Rogan, instantly flushed a deep red. She waved her hands frantically in denial. "N-no! That’s not... I didn’t... Rogan, you misunderstood!"

Vivi turned her sharp gaze to the flustered girl. "Sefi, it’s not good to keep things to yourself. If you have something to say, you should be honest."

Sefi ducked her head, her shoulders hunched, clearly overwhelmed by the sudden attention. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, unable to form a coherent sentence under their collective gaze.

Julian, observing her clear embarrassment, decided to cut to the chase in his typical blunt manner. "What is it, Sefi?" he asked, his voice neutral. "Do you want me to train you again?"

Sefi’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. The directness of his question seemed to break through her panic. She took a shaky breath, still avoiding direct eye contact, and managed a tiny, hesitant nod.

"...Y-yes," she stammered out, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I feel like I hit a wall. Your guidance last time was... very helpful." A look of immense relief mixed with lingering shyness washed over her face now that the secret was out.

Julian gave a small, acknowledging nod to Sefi. "I’ll make time for you. I’ll let you know when I’m available."

Sefi nodded rapidly, a wave of relief and gratitude washing over her features now that her request was out in the open and accepted.

Luke, ever the encourager, chimed in with a grin. "That’s great! And hey, your skills have really improved since the last fight. You were holding your own really well out there."

Veronica, hearing the praise directed at Julian’s indirect teaching, couldn’t resist a proud, slightly haughty smirk. "Of course she’s improved. Julian is an exceptionally talented instructor when he bothers to be. It’s only natural his student would excel."

Vivi, standing beside Luke, let out a playful, teasing sigh. "Let’s just hope Julian doesn’t teach her any of his... strange habits."

Sefi, her cheeks still pink but her voice firmer now in Julian’s defense, immediately shook her head. "N-no! Julian-sensei doesn’t teach me anything weird!"