Chapter 265.1. Mii-chan And The Portable Shrine

Contrary to expectations, it was a warm welcome in the countryside.
There were numerous hearty dishes, and even though it was a small festival, people were dressed neatly. 
There were friendly middle-aged men and women, children happily munching on fried chicken, and even people in happi coats and hachimaki. 
Surprisingly, there was even a portable shrine. 
What did I expect, you ask? I thought the arrogant Baron would be rubbing his round belly, welcoming me with a condescending laugh. 
And then, quiet Mii-chan would be bullied and put in a pinch. Until the strong and cool Mii-chan would punch the Baron and save the day. 
Since there weren’t enough people, Mii-chan plans to play two roles. I was thinking of punching when the Baron laughed so condescendingly. 
It might be too early, but I planned to skip it because the feast would get cold.
“Countess Takano Miu and Lady Birei, please come this way.”
The Baron, who looked like a bandit with his scruffy beard, gestured to some placed on the stage. 
They were iron pipe decorated with paper flowers on top of red mats. 
It was a somewhat cheap, homemade seating arrangement. Behind them, there were red and white curtains, which made for an indescribable sight.
What kind of face? It’s like this.
“Kya! Mii-chan is welcomed on the main seat!”
With an excited smile full of joy, I ran up to the stage and sat down with a pat. 
She swung my legs back and forth, a delighted Mii-chan. 
What a fun welcome party. Mii-chan really liked it. She didn’t expect it to be so unexpected.
“Wait, Mii-chan! Wait!”
From behind, mama followed, looking embarrassed. But she was heading towards a man hiding in the shadow of a table. 
He’s mama’s older brother. He was also the next head of the Tobita family’s trading company.
He grunted and crossed his arms, and mama blushed with embarrassment.
“Brother! Why is this happening?”
“Well, our hometown has always been like this, right? Besides, that kid who won the high school essay contest the other day was the same.”
“It’s always been like this, but… It’s too much!”
Tobita’s older brother smiled weakly. Despite entering middle age, his face was still flawless, and he looked like an actor or a model.
Like mama, he was a gentle and kind-hearted person. But now he was overwhelmed by mama’s anger.
The Baron pretended not to see mama’s anger and respectfully bowed to Mii-chan. Contrary to his appearance, he was a well-mannered man.
Mama hurriedly came to the main seat and sat down next to me. After briefly checking their situation, the Baron began to speak.
“Today, we are honored to welcome Countess Takano, the world’s greatest recovery magician, and Birei-san, the pride of this land. This Hotta is deeply grateful that both of you’ve attended this event.”
To Baron Hotta, a man with a serious expression, I raised my hand and answered politely.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to meet all of you in my beloved hometown.” 
Mii-chan said with her usual earnest demeanor. Baron Hotta raised his head, grinning.
“Thank you, Countess Takano. Well, I suppose everyone is getting bored with long speeches, so here’s a brief one.”
He said, raising his hands.
“Welcome, Countess Takano, and the pride of our hometown, Takano Birei-san. !”
“Pride of our hometown!”
“Banzai, banzai!”
“To our Countess!”
“Cheers!”
Everyone began chanting ‘banzai’ in unison, creating a lively atmosphere. Of course, Mii-chan was excited too.
“Banzai! I’m Mii-chan. I’m Takano Miu. Nice to meet you all! I already know most of you!” 
Mii-chan exclaimed, raising her slender hand and joining in the banzai.
I was eager to stand on the pipe in her excitement, but I was stopped because it would be unsafe.
Mama was hiding her face in embarrassment and trembling. It seems she didn’t anticipate this turn of events.
“We also have prepared an award ceremony. For the pride of our hometown, the outstanding Countess Takano and Birei-san.” 
Baron Hotta announced, holding up a certificate that seemed to be sold in stationery stores. However, mama was already shaking her head in embarrassment.
“I will accept it on mama’s behalf!”
“Oh, we also have a championship cup for you.”
He even produced a small mystery championship cup. It seemed like Mii-chan had won something.
“Thank you! Wow, this is the first time I’ve received a certificate!” 
The town hall deputy handed it to me. They seemed like they wanted to elaborate on the contents of the award, but that wasn’t necessary.
After receiving the certificate, Mii-chan proudly waved it around.
“Now, it’s my turn to show my gratitude!” 
I snorted my nose as I activated my magic.
[Area Extra Heal II]
A pure white aura radiated from Mii-chan’s body, and a magic circle spread across the ground. 
Everyone was taken aback as their faces were illuminated by my magic.
My healing magic, as always, worked its wonders on the people.
“Wow, my scar disappeared!”
“My blemish is gone!”
“I had a sore back, but now I feel fine!”
“My glasses prescription didn’t match… wait, I can see clearly now!”