Episode 96
A few days later, the Empire held a festival to commemorate their victory.
This festival was special, spanning a long schedule of one week.
A banquet, where nobles were invited to the imperial palace, was scheduled for the last day of the festival.
Therefore, unlike the previous time, there was no need to juggle the tight schedule of attending the festival during the day and participating in the banquet at night.
However, since Lloydin had been busy catching up on piled-up work after returning to the capital, we didn’t have time to leisurely enjoy the festival together.
Although it was a bit disappointing that I couldn’t pester a busy person to go to the festival, I had half given up this time.
Fortunately, the day before the festival ended, Lloydin had some free time, and I got up early to prepare for a trip to the bustling downtown area.
Last festival, I went with Ian, but this time it was just Lloydin and me.
Perhaps that’s why I couldn’t hide my excitement while getting ready.
“Madam, how about this hair ornament?”
Lia asked, showing me a hair ornament adorned with blue gems.
“It’s pretty. Let’s go with that.”
The ornament matched perfectly with the light sky-blue dress I wore and the midsummer weather.
In the afternoon, after all the preparations were done, I went outside to find Lloydin waiting for me in front of the mansion.
“Duke.”
“Madam.”
“Did you finish all your work? You don’t have to overextend yourself because of me.”
I asked him, trying to hide my excitement about going to the festival.
“I finished all the urgent work. And I’m not overextending myself. I wanted to go to the festival with you as well.”
“That’s a relief.”
I couldn’t help but smile at Lloydin’s words, realizing he felt the same way as I did.
“Shall we depart?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
The carriage carrying us sped toward the bustling downtown area.
When we arrived at the entrance of the festival, the loud and lively sounds were constant.
Watching many people enjoying the festival in their own ways, we mingled among them.
The festival was incredibly fun.
There were many things to see and eat, making me think it would have been nice if Ian and Dalia could have come with us too.
Of course, the time alone with Lloydin was much better than I had anticipated, but I couldn’t help but think of those children, who now felt like family.
While wandering around without realizing how much time had passed, I suddenly heard a boy’s voice.
“The play is about to start. Please come and watch in the small clearing to the east.”
A boy who looked about Ian’s age was walking around the street, repeating the same message like a parrot.
“Let’s go see the play.”
I said, looking at Lloydin with curious eyes.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes, I’m curious about what kind of play it is.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Alright.”
As we decided to go see the play and started moving, we encountered one problem.
Neither of us knew where the eastern clearing was.
“Hey, kid!”
I called out loudly to the boy who was eagerly promoting the play.
“Me? Are you talking to me?”
The boy, looking puzzled, pointed at himself and asked.
“I have something to ask you. Where is the eastern clearing?”
“Oh, are you going to watch the play?”
“Yes, but we don’t know where it is.”
“If you go straight this way and then turn right, you’ll see a big tent, which is the theater.”
The boy used his hands to show us the direction.
“Got it. Thanks.”
“But did you buy tickets?”
“Tickets?”
“Yes, you need tickets to enter. I happen to have exactly two tickets left. Do you want to buy them?”
The boy’s face lit up with excitement as he spoke.
“Sure. How much are they?”
“Uh, let’s see… 50, no, 100 pennies.”
“100 pennies?”
“Yes? Yes.”
It was obvious that he was asking for more than the usual price, and his clumsy attempt made it clear. His eyes were filled with fear of being caught lying.
“Is it really 100 pennies?”
“Yes? Well, actually…”
When I questioned him, hesitation filled the boy’s eyes.
“The truth is, it’s 50 pennies. I’m sorry.”
He finally admitted to lying.
I looked at the boy silently for a moment and then turned to Lloydin.
When our eyes met, we exchanged a knowing glance and nodded.
Understanding my intention perfectly, Lloydin handed 100 pennies to the boy.
“Here you go.”
“What? But it’s only 50 pennies…”
The boy’s face showed clear confusion.
“You did lie at first, but you quickly told the truth. So, this is a reward for that.”
“Uh…”
The boy, either still not understanding the situation or just stunned by his good fortune, stood there staring at us blankly.
“Go on, take it.”
I urged the boy to take the money with a gesture.
“Th-thank you! Here are your tickets!”
The boy’s face brightened as he accepted the money and handed us the tickets.
“You should hurry! The play is about to start. Actually, follow me. I’ll guide you.”
The boy, seemingly eager to earn the extra 50 pennies, enthusiastically led the way.
“That would be great, thank you.”
“This way!”
Following the boy, we headed towards the eastern clearing.
Just as he described, a large tent appeared shortly after.
“Show your tickets at the entrance to go in.”
“Thank you. You saved us from getting lost.”
“I’ll be off now. Thank you.”
Despite his earlier attempt to overcharge us, the boy ended on a polite note.
After he left, we approached the tent.
“Show your tickets, please.”
A man at the entrance inspected our tickets, giving us a quick glance.
“You may sit anywhere you like. Please, go in.”
Following his direction, we entered the tent.
Inside, it was more spacious than we had imagined. We found seats towards the back and looked around.
People were bustling around the stage, busy with final preparations. Others were gradually taking their seats to watch the play.
“Have you ever watched a play before?”
“No, I haven’t. How about you?”
“I haven’t either. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“So am I.”
As we exchanged a few words, the tent suddenly darkened.
“Oh, it’s starting.”
Excitement surged within me, anticipating a new experience.
Shortly after, the curtains rose and the play began.
The story was quite intriguing.
It was a heroic tale of a man who endured numerous hardships and persecutions since childhood, ultimately gaining recognition from many people.
The part where he overcame monsters with his strength and bravery felt oddly similar to the life of the person next to me.
By the time the play ended, it was completely dark outside.
We returned to the bustling downtown area, grabbing a few snacks to eat.
“How did you like the play?”
“I enjoyed it. How about you?”
“I liked it too. The final scene where he shed tears of joy after being acknowledged was so moving, it almost made me cry.”
“…I felt the same.”
I paused and looked up at him.
Throughout the play, I had glanced at Lloydin occasionally, wondering how he was reacting since the story closely resembled his own life.
Although I couldn’t read his exact thoughts, it was clear he was deeply engrossed, his eyes glued to the stage. Sometimes, he bit his lip as if trying to hold back his emotions, which made my heart ache.
“I appreciated the hopeful message. Everyone wants to be recognized, and if you try hard enough, anyone can be acknowledged.”
I wanted to tell him not to lose hope, but instead, I just smiled brightly.
As if understanding my unspoken words, he smiled warmly back at me.
Bang!
As we continued to walk hand in hand, exchanging feelings through our glances, the dark sky suddenly lit up with a burst of colors.
The highlight of the festival, the much-anticipated fireworks display, had begun.
“Wow, fireworks!”
I exclaimed in delight, captivated by the exploding colors in the sky.
Like a child seeing fireworks for the first time, I bounced with excitement, my eyes fixed on the sky.
“Duke, let’s go over there!”
I pulled Lloydin towards a spot with a better view of the fireworks.
From the slightly elevated area, the vibrant fireworks filled the night sky with their beauty.
“They’re so pretty, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are beautiful.”
Lloydin nodded, looking at me.
The way he gazed at me, with a peculiar expression, made it seem like he was speaking to me rather than about the fireworks.
