Candy revealed a smile, "It’s okay. Let him come here more often to gradually get used to it, but don’t make it so strong next time. I’ll take him to Central Park to rest."

Miss Brandi shook her head, "Candy, the law enforcers have placed Central Park under martial law right now. It’s better if I carry the master and go back to Bloody Rose Bar with you."

Candy nodded, "However, what happened in Central Park? It seems like it’s placed under martial law every Peace Festival."

"It’s said that a huge evergreen tree was stolen."

Inside the restricted area of Central Park.

William looked at his superior, Carlos, "Sir, is it really necessary to make such a fuss over a stolen tree?" Honestly, his date with Fannila and Gurenia had been ruined.

Carlos glanced at the young man, "Go and see for yourself."

William walked over to the glowing pit; there was a line of writing.

"This tree has been called by the holy light; it has gone to fulfill its own mission. If anyone wishes to discuss the subsequent losses and compensation, feel free to come find me in Andrey. — Mr. Raymond."

William furrowed his brow, "Sir, should we go to Andrey?"

"Do you want to become the shining beacon of the City of Wandering?"

"What? What shining beacon?"

Carlos said coldly.

"Literally, a shining beacon. Ascend to the sky, shoulder to shoulder with the sun. Remember the name Raymond, also known as the Demon of Light, the Golden Calamity. Do you know how the Peace Festival came about? Because of him."

"I... Damn, that’s the Demon of Light!"

"Kid, you’ve still got a lot to learn."

Bloody Rose, when you woke up, it was already evening. The Bloody Rose Bar was already drenched in the wild festivities of the revelers, and you immediately began to clean up.

"Just, why does it feel like there are so many more guests today?"

On the bar counter, a black cat was sullenly gulping down drink after drink. A person wearing a bird-beak mask appeared beside the black cat, their black tentacles reached straight into the cat’s drink.

"Veraliz? What are you doing here?"

"Plague Doctor? You’re here too? No, wait, what are you doing in a bar?"

Lyle revealed a smile, pointing at the group behind him who were recklessly pouring drinks.

"They are the Andrey Liches. I’ve made some new discoveries recently; they can now drink. But I need to supervise them to prevent any major trouble, right?"

Veraliz immediately shouted out.

"So, that bastard Avonreiter is hiding from me and drinking here?!"

Watching Veraliz about to explode, Lyle quickly grabbed her, "You’re blaming the gentleman mistakenly, he really is occupied with something important, he hasn’t been able to leave these past few days?"

"What is it? Where is he now?"

"In a tree."

"???"

"Mr. Raymond got a Christmas tree from somewhere and placed it in the Church of Holy Light. He told me that these days are when the incarnation of the holy light descends. He’s praying devoutly in the church all day long, hoping for the incarnation to come."

"For that, he has prepared several sacrifices for the holy light, a few people of great evil."

"This... Gentleman?"

"Yes, including the gentleman, the trio from the Literary Society have been rated as the biggest bastards by Mr. Raymond this year. They will be hanging on the Christmas tree these days, guarded by Mr. Raymond."

"But, isn’t Avonreiter’s boss, Darkness, very protective?"

"Yes, hence Mr. Darkness is the brightest star at the top of the Christmas tree."

"..."

Today, there were just too many people, and some patrons were guzzling drinks like madmen, even though their bellies were swollen like a ball.

You wearily went to the backstage; this was the employees’ rest area.

Candy was sitting there and, upon seeing you, excitedly pulled you over.

He stretched out his palm, calling over the bartender.

"Mr. Vorburn, please give him a Small Wish."

A pale pink cocktail was placed in front of you, adorned with a couple of cherries at the top.

Mr. Vorburn explained the significance of the drink.

"That’s a special pair of cherries; the flesh is sweet and sour. They come in pairs, with their flesh joined together but only one pit inside. The drink is Lychee Fruit Wine. The meaning of this cocktail is to always ’lychee’ together."

Candy’s face turned beet red. He was anxiously explaining, "It’s not like that. I... I forgot that the Small Wish turns into a special drink during the Peace Festival. It usually doesn’t mean that."

You looked at the flustered Candy and smiled, downing the Small Wish in one gulp. You gave Candy a joyful smile.

"Candy, this drink is very tasty. Thank you, Candy. I’ve had a more marvelous day today than all my previous ones combined."

In your smile, Candy also gradually regained his usual gentleness, but the blush on his cheeks remained stubbornly present.

Candy took out a beautiful apple tied with a yellow ribbon from his little basket. It boasted a bright color, the scent of potion, and the embellishments from the little yellow cap, which was Candy himself. He pushed the apple, brimming with blessings, to you.

Candy revealed a smile just like the one this morning when he asked for your company.

"Happy holidays, Qing."

PS: What a pity, it was almost a 10,000-word Chapter.