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Chapter 12: Lumineria Festival [1/2].

Kein\'s POV

It was weeks after I had last seen Rose. I wondered how she was doing and every time I visited the marketplace there was this tinge feeling of expectation or hope that I\'ll suddenly meet that girl who was always wearing an adorable shawl that hides her face but never her kind eyes.

I glanced at the market that seemed to be in a rush. Everyone was now decorating their homes and putting white candles outside.

Hmm... Even some new stalls I don\'t recognize are here too.

I finally came by Veronica\'s store and for some reason her shelf was empty. I glanced at the shelves not knowing if it\'s a good sign or a bad sign. I walked closer to her stall.

I saw Veronica\'s figure not too far away with a man I\'ve never seen before. He was talking with her happily and kissed her. "Hey, Veronica. Is business doing good?"

I waved and when Veronica saw me she suddenly hugged me hard. "Little charmer you came!"

Whoa, I was not expecting that but I like the hug. "Hello to you too, Veronica."

"I did it! I made it just like you asked and wow! I never thought making and designing adventurer bags would be so fun!" (Veronica) cheerfully told me everything that had happened while I was gone.

So she tirelessly made an adventure bag, making the right design for each adventure.

For mages more storage room, perhaps even an herb space. Cheap but sturdy leather, heck there\'s even a space for small throwable weapons. Heck, there were more compartments and it was pleasing to the eye. "Well done, Veronica."

Veronica clasps her hands together giggling happily, "Everything has sold out! Oh my! I\'m even getting private orders from nobles and other merchants! We\'ll be fine!"

I smiled and gave Veronica a thumbs-up as the man beside her wrapped his arms around her waist and gave me a friendly smile, "So who\'s this little fella? May I be introduced?"

"Oh right! Little charmer meets my boyfriend. His name is Peterson Mill." (Veronica) introduced her lover and I nod, I offered my hand for a shake and he gave me a firm one at that.

"My actual name is Kein Rosenguard. Finally, it\'s nice to finally meet you, Peterson." I greeted him. I know that this might be weird suddenly calling him by his first name and I\'m ten years old acting like some mature child.

We let go of both of each other\'s hands formally. Peterson spoke first, "Aw shucks please call me Peter. Has Veronica been talking about me?" (Peterson)

I nod, "A lot. Don\'t worry Peter, only good things I assure you." I told him and he sighs in relief.

Honestly, he seems like a sweet person and Veronica when she looks at him she\'s definitely in love. Her eyes are calm and collected more than usual when I see her.

"Oh yeah little charmer! I forgot to ask you, will you be here for the festival?" (Veronica)

A festival? Is that why all the people were decorating and putting up candles?

"What festival?"

Veronica takes out a brochure and hands it over to me. Hold up, they have those over here? It\'s making me think the kingdom has some worthwhile places to visit but not really.

There\'s the adventurer\'s guild, a tavern, some merchant ware stores, a huge tree that no one really visits much even though it\'s cool, but the kingdom of [Puronia] is definitely famous for other than art, sculptures, there\'s also holy places like shrines and churches.

To serve the light goddess, I think that\'s all I know for now. I wonder if Rose will actually be there...

"It\'s the [Lumineria Festival]!" (Veronica) points out a little spot on the brochure where it says here the Lumineria festival is the celebration of the light goddess giving them light and defeating the darkness.

"Lumineria? Festival? I mean so what do you do there?" I look at the brochure more closely and it just tells me some history of how it came to be but nothing else.

Peter gave me another brochure and for some reason, it\'s a map this time, "This is a map on where the fun game stalls happen. We hold competitions such as sculpture making, poetry, and painting."

My ears perked up at the mention of painting, "Did you just say painting?"

I haven\'t painted in weeks and I haven\'t visited Baron Hills for quite some time now. Oh no, I think I should do that next time but this sounds like a really fun festival.

Should I watch? Even bring Lenard along if it\'s fine?

I could sneak out again besides I won\'t lose anything on this. What\'re a few bruises compared to fun times at a festival? In an isekai world, I am surely not missing this. "Yes, there are usually prizes at the end of it. There\'s an entrance fee. I think it was 50 silver per person." (Peter) answered.

I can afford the entrance but is it really safe to paint in front of a lot of people? Surely it won\'t hurt for a little bit of fun.

Hmm, however, the real question is, "Is there any age limit on the competitions?"

Right, I\'m not sure if they take children to painting competitions. "There isn\'t, don\'t worry little charmer. Peter has seen your sketch of me that you gave me and he was impressed!"

Peter scratches his back and he looks away, "I mean, you certainly captured my beautiful girlfriend\'s eyes. I think it was really cool."

Oh good lord. Does he know I tried flirting with Veronica once– I feel guilty now. Peter seems like a nice person- I\'m really sorry for hitting on your girlfriend! "Hey, if you two ever tie the knot. I\'ll be free to draw a portrait of you two together."

With the sudden suggestion of marriage from me.

Peter and Veronica look at each other before blushing, their faces having a deep shade of red. "M-Mariage is a far off plan don\'t you think, Peter?" (Veronica) says first laughing it off.

"Y-Yeah. We\'re not ready yet but... maybe someday." (Peter) blushes while playing it off but it was clear that he was flustered.

These two are adorable together if I\'m being honest. A sweet couple that supports each other. I want that kind of relationship someday with someone who truly cares about me like that.

I looked at the brochure and kept it in my pocket, "Thanks for this. I\'ll get going now Veronica, and Peter. Hope to see you soon. I have to get to the art store and buy some things."

"See you little charmer!" (Veronica) waves me off as Peter holds her gaze for a moment before helping her clean the stall.

Peter is a lucky dude.

Someone pretty and charismatic as Veronica, such a catch. I\'m really envious of him. She was my type but the age gap hnhh... fifteen years is too much!

In any case, I\'m actually here to take up some new paint, canvas, and motivation.

The city has its people being so cheery for the upcoming festival, they\'re now moving their stalls in corners to make way for a bigger pathway in the middle, there were white decorative streamers on the pillars full of flowers that I\'m guessing won\'t wilt for a couple of days, and it was breathtaking to see.

I\'ve seen colorful festivals all over the world due to my travels with my daughter back on earth but I never imagined I can experience it once again, the noises, the scenery, and the people. How I miss them all this time.

It might be in another world but it sure feels similar to what we had back on earth. "I miss it..."

In any case, there is no time for reminiscing the good memories with them. I have to look forward to surviving this new world full of weird shit and cute ladies at least. I clenched my fists, determined to find happiness in this new life!

However- a sudden realization hit me in my head, "Actually, I don\'t know what makes me happy in this world. I don\'t have much reason to live actually."

"Hmm, I mean other than Lenard I don\'t think there\'s anyone else who would be sad if I died," I muttered to myself as I continued walking into the art store, feeling like I\'ve forgotten something but nonetheless I bought all that I needed with a wide grin in my face as I stored it all in my [Storage Ring].

"Well, the festival is in a few days. Perfect timing! Aunt Haren would also be away by that time! And I can ask Lenard to finally hang out with me!"

Yes! Finally some bonding time with my cousin outside that horrible mansion I call home.

.-.-.-.-.-.

"Okay, Lenard. Wanna go and have fun at the Lumineria festival?" I asked Lenard as soon as I found him in the garden. He was smiling while holding a watering can, carefully watering the flowers he really loved. "I don\'t know Kein... mother won\'t be-"

"Come on! Say yes! Finally we can hang out without Aunt Haren being, you know- particularly harsh!" I tried persuading him some more, I really don\'t want to go on my own.

Lenard looks at me a little concerned before finally giving in with a sigh, "The festival is in two days yes?"

I nod only noticing the stiff demeanor of his body. "Don\'t tell me you\'re busy by then- Lenard..."

Lenard looks away, "I-I\'ve been well, spending time with Lord Vincent and we actually um... need to buy something together on that day but I can\'t tell you what it is I\'m sorry..." he lowers his head in apology, a little scared even.

"Hey, it\'s okay! You know I can just join with you. I won\'t judge." I told Lenard as he finally raised his head up to meet my gaze. It was a little more serious than before but still I could tell it\'s not something Lenard is not ready to tell.

"I would like to bring you with us but I don\'t know if Lord Vincent would permit it. I\'ll ask him, Kein but please I hope you understand why I\'m acting like this..." (Lenard)

I crossed my arms in understanding, sighing but still managed to put off a faint tired smile, "Of course, surely it\'s something private you guys are not ready to tell me yet and it\'s okay. I understand."

I don\'t know what happened but I can see it\'s that. Even if they don\'t ever tell me, it\'s okay. We all have our secrets and I guess I\'ll just hold onto them until the day of the festival. "Well, if you guys ever change your mind, in three days in the afternoon I\'ll bring all the things I need on that." I point at my ring as Lenard nods in understanding.

I don\'t really mind if I go on alone but... I guess spending festivals all alone is kind of depressing. I thought I could at least bring Lenard with me but I guess not.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Lenard\'s POV

After the talk with Kein, it has been two days after that meaning the festival will be tomorrow and I have no idea how to talk to Lord Vincent about this. I mean should I approach him casually or just ask him about it straightforwardly?

I told him before that maybe we could stroll together again but this time we will actually buy something for him to enjoy- after all gaining Lord Vincent\'s trust wasn\'t easy and I\'m sure he and Kein will get along right?

"What\'s wrong?"

"Eep!"

I was a little startled as the teacup in my hand rattled, Lord Vincent\'s sweet but concerned voice ringed in my ears asking me if I was alright, I gave him a polite smile.

I forgot I was actually holding something warm, I know from his perspective it was like I was staring weirdly at the brewed tea I have at my hands. I hope he doesn\'t think I\'m a peculiar oddball now. "It\'s about Kein..."

He looked at me intrigued as he sipped from his cup but still waited for me to continue, "Kein asked me if I wanted to go with her to the upcoming Lumineria Festival tomorrow and I was hoping well..."

"You wanted to ask me if we could cancel our certain appointment to perhaps get to bond. I suppose that is what you\'re trying to say?" (Lord Vincent) said as he set down his now empty cup. "I do not mind... but do you think we can still do well... go back to that store in private?"

I felt my body relaxing that he would trust me with something like this. He wants to go back to that store we went to before, the one where I bought a different kind of lipstick shade for him and he definitely liked it. I would be happy to accompany Lord Vincent anywhere.

"Of course, Lord Vincent. And please, perhaps try trusting my cousin. She\'s also somewhat the same as us." I told him giving the best smile I could muster that made Lord Vincent smile back. It was a beautiful rare smile I ever see him do but I never take them for granted.

"It is no wonder, surely, if you spoke highly of her. She must be a good person." (Lord Vincent) nods as he stands up from his seat and takes out a piece of paper from his [Storage Ring] and a quill.

His hands wrote with haste, "I must get going soon. I must prepare for tomorrow and tell my father of what we will do for the festival, of course. We will be accompanied by guards and Kein can come along for an excuse that you need a helper."

Wait! That\'s a great idea! "I\'ll also tell my father about it! Surely he\'ll agree if it means to spend time with you."

I told him almost choking on the last bits. "Well in any case. If it\'s possible, I don\'t want your brother to interfere with our appointment at the festival. I know your father so tell him I request that it will only be you and your cousin who will take on the excuse as a helper."

Lord Vincent finishes the last part of the letter before offering it to me, "It is a letter of request to invite you to a stroll alone in the capital city to celebrate the festival. Give it to your father and he will understand."

I nod, swallowing the saliva as I momentarily looked at his gloves that held the letter but I ignored my nerves and took it gently, our hands brushing again and it seems that I just can\'t keep my heart to settle down. "Thank you, Milord."

Lord Vincent gave me a smile before waving off his farewells. I stood there alone with my letter and tried finding my father\'s study to where I know he\'s waiting and he\'s doing work.

I walked around the mansion halls as finally I stood in front of the door leading to my father\'s study. I knocked three times, "Father? May I come in?" I ask as I lean a little closer into the door.

"You may, Lenard. Come in." (Father)

I heard his faint voice as my hands wandered around the doorknob and turned it, the door opening as it creaks a little eerie. I saw my father with my mother who looked at me for a second before returning to glancing around her nails.

"Greetings to mother and father." I muttered as I looked at the calm man who raised me. He straightened his back, eyeing me.

"What is it Lenard? Is something the matter?" (Father) looked a little concerned but surely it\'s to see if I made trouble or not but fortunately for him I\'m not one for trouble.

I offered father the letter Lord Vincent made with the Wolford seal. "It is a request if I can leave tomorrow with Lord Vincent of the Wolford family for the Lumineria festival." I told my father as he raised his eyes and quickly snatched the letter away from my grasp.

My mother heard me as well so quickly she stood up and cheerfully clasped her hands, "My! An invitation from the son of the Duke! Lucas will be so thrilled!"

I looked down at the floor. Feeling guilty about my brother.

"Haren. Behave yourself." (Father) told my mother and she crossed her arms.

"Can\'t you see?! This is a chance for our little boy to get closer to the influence of a family with high power!" (Mother) told my father as she sat back down in our seat.

Father sighs as he looks at me then back at the letter. "Haren, is your world only revolving about your troublemaker of a son? Lucas may have potential magic prowess but he can\'t even hold a book properly!"

I gulped. "Look at this letter." (Father) told my mother and she got up to take the letter and read it, her eyes going left to right and over till she got to the very bottom of the page.

"M-My darling Lucas is not invited? Only you? But why?!" (Mother) yelled as she looked at me. "Did you do something to make your brother seem unapproachable?! Tell me right now, Lenard. Or else."

"I-I..." I froze up completely but thankfully father stopped mother from saying more things that might hurt me.

"Haren. Do not make a fool of yourself. Lenard has been keeping Lord Vincent company unlike Lucas who just played around with a sword all day and didn\'t even bother keeping close with the boy." (Father) told mother and that made her mad but still she couldn\'t do anything but wrinkle the letter that she was holding.

Father looked at me, different to how he would at any other day.

Father\'s eyes looked hungry as he smiled, "Well done son. Keep this up and we will be in the graces of the royal family soon."

.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Meanwhile...

Vincent finally left the mansion and entered his carriage. "Take me to the palace."

The coachman nodded at the order of his master and whipped the reigns of the horses, the carriage left for the palace. The guards inspected the carriage and upon seeing the Wolfson seal on the carriage they let him in with a couple of bodyguards in tow with the young lord.

The butler saw Vincent and asked what he was doing here graciously. "Please, is the second princess here?"

The butler nods as he leads the way into the second princess\' study.

Vincent complained inside of how many stairs there are in the Royal palace but still managed to finally arrive to where the second princess was doing manner lessons from her governess.

"Now chin up, chest puffed out please. A princess must be proud to know her standing and must let others know of your position and see you as someone with higher power." (Governess)

Vincent thanked the butler as he excused himself. He waited for the princess to finish her studies. "That will be all. Please, be ready for the next lesson. It shall be how to attract suitors and how to impress them in the future."

The governess bows at Vincent who just eyed the governess quietly. The second princess Rosarie von Goldheart, was dying. Metaphorically, she was tired and almost fainted on the spot. "If it isn\'t my favorite person to see right now. Hello, Lord Vincent." (Princess Rosarie) greeted Vincent while keeping a straight face trying to smile under all that pain.

"Your highness," (Vincent) said worriedly about the condition of his friend. "Please should we sit down? Your feet might start swelling."

Rosarie laughs and just shakes her head. "I can just heal it later after all, I\'m a light princess. One of a kind apparently. So what are you here for Vincent? Not that I don\'t like the visit but I get that there\'s something more to it."

They both found a couch to comfortably sit together as the princess breathed a sigh of relief. Vincent smiles and starts to talk first, "Lenard asked me if I can accompany him and his cousin, Kein tomorrow for the Lumineria festival. How about you tag along, your highness?"

Rosarie stood up excitedly completely forgetting that her foot was in deep pain but still-!

A day with Kein! She has never been this excited and happy for weeks! She actually hasn\'t seen Kein in weeks! Goodness gracious, how can she be sane after all this?!

The princess usually looks around a particular canvas that her crush gifted to her in terms of coping but still the real deal is better.

"Yes! How could you even ask that, Vincent?!" (Rosarie) exclaimed, brimming with energy now but then replaced with guilt, "I wish I could bring my younger sister with me. I know she\'ll love the festival but... I know her schedule is really tight. Hmph as for elder sister, Cecilia. She\'ll actually be dancing for the Holy Mistral Dance tomorrow."

Vincent \'s sparkled by the mention of the dance he admires. "The Holy Mistral dance?! Cecilia will perform it?"

"Yeah, she was practicing the whole week for it. I think she\'s ready but if I\'m not lying, I think I\'m better." (Rosarie) bragged as she scoffed remembering how clumsy her elder sister was at practice but still she can\'t help but not deny how much of a hard worker Cecilia was at least.

"Well your highness, I will see you tomorrow. Should I start calling you Rose by then?" (Vincent) stood up from his seat after that long chat and the princess nods.

"Let\'s act like we definitely don\'t know each other. Thank you for telling me this, Vincent." (Rosarie) smiles as the young lord nods.

Vincent felt grateful and excited after that. To see the dance he loves to watch so much his heart couldn\'t wait until tomorrow indeed.

Rosarie after Vincent left felt giddy and began finding the perfect shawl to wear. After all she wanted to get ready for a certain someone. She thought about buying something for her younger sister, storybooks should be enough!

"I can\'t wait for tomorrow."

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