Author's Note: I'm back! I'm sorry about not posting another chapter after a period of actively posting. I've been quite busy dealing with family stuff and preparing for university to start up so I haven't had as much time to focus on writing. I also really struggled to write the chapter so that's another reason why it was prolonged. But anyway, here's the first part of a two part chapter! I promise the next installment won't take so long to be published. Some exciting things will be happening!

Chapter 7: The Goddess Festival, Part 1

"Howdy, Nanami!" Wayne grinned as he glanced up from the pile of letters he was organising at his desk. "To what do I owe ya' the pleasure?"

I still wasn't fully sure if my meeting last night with the 'Goddess-in-training' Dessie was real or just the first sign of going insane. I hadn't dared glanced at the pond where I had encountered the deity on my way into Westown the morning after. Instead, I hurried to the post office to ensure I got there before a certain postman had left to complete his rounds.

"Hi Wayne." I gave him a small smile. I felt bad for distancing myself from Wayne recently. He wasn't responsible for the actions of others and I'm sure he never chose to have such a collection of… Interesting admirers. Wayne had been nothing but friendly towards me since I first arrived in Westown, from buying me seeds to introducing me to his unique friends. I didn't want to have any more problems with The Fanclub, but isolating myself from one of my first friends here was not the best solution to stopping their harassment, even if it was the outcome they wanted.

"I was wondering if I could borrow one of your books, it that's okay with you. I bought a book with you that you can borrow in return if you'd like." I remember Wayne mentioning his love for mythology and astronomy books before when he had first introduced me to Ford. After meeting Dessie I wanted to research into the Harvest Goddess to see if there were any answers to why I had the ability to see such deities. I knew that if anyone had a book that answered my questions, it'd be Wayne.

"Well, that's more than okay, Nanami." Wayne grinned as he led me out back into his living quarters. It was the first time I had been into this part of the post office, I suppose it never dawned on me that Wayne lived here too. The first thing that caught my attention was the giant bookcase in the centre of the room, it stood tall and was filled full with an array of different books. Each was equally worn with use and none seemed neglected in the slightest.

A small smile crept up on my face as I imagined Wayne spending his evenings reading takes of the starry sky after his busy rounds. A house without books truly is like a room without windows.

"What sorta thing are ya looking for?" Wayne asked as he leaned against his bookcase. "I'm sorry but I mostly read mythology and astronomy books, so I don't have many other types."

"Actually mythology books were exactly what I was looking for." I glanced at the different titles carefully then asked hesitantly, "Do you have any books about the Harvest Goddess at all?"

Wayne chuckled, "You're in luck, Nanami. After moving here I heard a lot about a Harvest Goddess that protects this town." He reached out and grabbed an old book from the top shelf. "A trader sold this to me at the market a while back, it's very old but it's all about the Harvest Goddess. Why were you wanting a book on the Harvest Goddess in particular?" He asked as he handed the book to me carefully.

"Oh..." I paused. I didn't know what the response would be like if I told Wayne the truth, so I blurted out the first thing that popped into my head. "It's just a general interest. I thought it'd be nice to read up about this town some more."

The book was bound in emerald green leather and was cracked and dry with age. I opened it carefully. The pages within were brittle and what remained of the book's original stitching was barely holding together. A faint scrawl on the inside of the cover declares that the journal once belonged to someone called Claire. I wondered if they had acquired the book as general interest or whether they sought it out for a reason too.

"This is perfect, thank you so much, Wayne." I glanced up from admiring the book and smiled.

Wayne flashed a grin. "It's a pleasure. You can borrow it for as long as ya heart desires." I like the way his lips lift upwards. The way his one dimple crinkles and the warm glow his happiness gives.

I glanced down at my bag quickly, trying to hide the redness in my cheeks. "O-Oh, that reminds me!" I stumbled over my words and wanted to kicked myself for being socially incompetent. I quickly took a book out of my bag and unwrapped the scarf that was keeping it safe and undamaged. I shouldn't have gone to such lengths to transport a mere book from my place to Wayne's but it was special to me. "I know it probably isn't your thing but this is my favourite book. It's about animal husbandry and animals in general, t-there's a few cute stories in here too. I know you said a few weeks back that you wanted to explore different genres so you're welcome to borrow it." I bit my lip tightly, feeling foolish for blabbering on.

"This looks like a great genre to explore, thanks, Nanami! How about I make ya some lunch as thanks?"

~~

That afternoon a friendship bloomed. I had only intended to pop over and ask to borrow a book, expecting to get back to the farm not long after. Instead hours of conversation about books and Westown passed by. Sometimes it was easy to judge Wayne on his reputation or flirtatious remarks, to assume he was shallow and one-dimensional. Instead, I got to know someone who was kind and passionate about the things he enjoyed. I left wanting another opportunity like the one today to come up.

I let out a loud groan and uncovered my blanket from my face. "It can't be 6AM already..." I mumbled to myself, displeased that morning had arrived after it seemed like I had only went to bed a few minutes ago. I blinked, closed my eyes, and blinked again, trying to adjust to the brightness of the sunlit room. I sit up, drag my feet off of the bed and let my legs dangle above the brown floorboards for a moment as I try to collect the motivation to get up and start my chores. I rubbed my back, it was still sore from all the bending down I did yesterday morning after planting the new seeds I had acquired.

I had just persuaded myself to stand up and begin the day when there was a loud knock on the door. For a moment, my heart missed a beat and I was filled with dread that the person behind the door could be that woman who was a little too fond of Wayne and damaged my crops because I had interacted with him. After spending the evening yesterday with Wayne I had forgotten about her threat. "Nanami? It's me, Megan. Pardon the intrusion!" The voice from behind the door declared. I took a deep breath and allowed myself to relax. That moment didn't last long when Megan entered my little shack before I had a moment to respond or quickly change out of my pyjamas and into something a little more presentable.

"Good morning, Nanami. You're looking energetic today." Megan smiled. I folded my arms awkwardly. She must have been joking since I definitely didn't feel energetic today. "I came here to tell you about a festival we're going to be holding in town soon. I'd love you to participate. The upcoming festival is going to be the Goddess Festival." I tried not to smirk. After everything that had happened with meeting Dessie recently, it was ironic that the Goddess Festival would be soon. "The festival is held to show gratitude to the goddess, who has protected our town since its founding. In honour of the goddess, we make a giant pizza and dance a whole bunch all day! If you want to participate come to the crossing area on the 27th of Spring. You'll have your Uncle's famous pizza to look forward to!"

"I'd love to participate, Megan. I'll see you there." I smiled and bowed politely. I wonder if the little goddess in training would make an appearance at the festival herself.

"You'll have to ask one of the lovely young men here to be your dance partner!" Megan chimed in before turning and leaving.

"Of course!" I said thoughtlessly without processing what she had actually until she had left. Young men? ... Dance partner?

I let out a large groan then fell back onto the bed.

No thank you.

Who on earth was I going to ask?