~Chapter 89~
Bang! Bang!
From the early morning, fireworks exploded noisily.
It was the highlight of the Verdant Festival—the Children’s Competition Day!
“Finallyyy!”
I shot my eyes open and rushed to get ready.
Unlike the prayer day, I chose comfortable clothes for moving around instead of a heavy, trailing dress. Mask on, we all headed to the competition hall together.
The huge stadium was overflowing with people.
“Wow, is this where the sword tournaments are held?”
“Usually, yes. Today it’s just for the competition.”
Dad explained, holding my hand tightly.
All the people made me a little uneasy, but I got used to it quickly—because whenever I walked beside Dad, everyone avoided his gaze.
‘Oh no… is public opinion about Zebret… the worst right now?’
Could it be because we were too loud in church yesterday?
‘This is bad, really bad.’
I sat in the noble seats, deeply worried. From the side, I could see the emperor’s podium.
“His Majesty the Emperor is arriving.”
“Ah—it’s Licht.”
I spotted a familiar face following behind the emperor.
Licht, dressed in dazzling clothes, gave me a bright smile. Even more handsome than yesterday.
I started to wave—
But someone grabbed my wrist.
“Don’t wave so freely. People will misunderstand.”
“Eh?”
It was Khalid, standing next to me.
“To be exact, don’t just wave to anyone. It’s too precious.”
“…That makes even less sense.”
Still—
‘Wow. My friend looks amazing.’
In full knight’s uniform, Khalid looked so cool. From the golden epaulets, to the cloak draped over one shoulder, to the neatly polished sword—he was the perfect little knight.
‘Wait… why do all the noble girls keep turning back to look at him…?’
They peeked, blushed, and whispered to each other.
Of course, it’s obvious—Khalid is handsome enough to make anyone stare.
But still.
‘What’s this feeling…?’
Then Khalid curled his lips into a smile.
“Annoying.”
“What is?”
“The stares.”
“My thoughts exactly!”
I nodded quickly.
“So it really is annoying!”
“Why are you annoyed?”
“Well, because…”
I stopped talking.
…Because those girls seem like they’ve fallen for you?
No, no. That would sound weird!
“Then what about you, Khal? Why are you annoyed?”
Hiding my confusion, I asked him back blankly.
“Because even with your face covered, you still…”
Khalid froze in place, just like me.
Silence.
“Enough.”
Dad twisted my head back with one finger. His eyebrows were raised in disapproval.
“You two… shouldn’t talk for too long.”
“Why not?”
“Don’t know. Just a feeling.”
I was about to protest when—
A long, grand horn filled the air.
“Woooaaah!”
Bang! Bang!
At the same time, fireworks exploded wildly. Petals and colorful confetti fluttered down.
I peeked and saw Asha, her blank fish-like eyes staring as she fired the firework magic tool. She looked like an overworked office worker trapped in routine.
“The competition begins!”
My heart raced as I looked straight ahead.
“Before the main event of the Verdant Festival begins, His Majesty the Emperor will give a commemorative speech.”
Of course. Every event needs a long speech from someone important.
I nodded, gazing at the podium where the imperial family sat. Next to Licht were young princes close in age to him, looking bored.
“Beloved children of Vamilon.”
The emperor’s calm voice rang out.
‘Wow… seeing him like this, he’s so majestic.’
In the tearoom, he’d just seemed like a kind uncle.
Smiling gently, the emperor continued:
“Verdant Festival is a place to thank the goddess who grants us a fresh new season. And it is also a celebration for our growing children. I hope it will be a joyful and meaningful time for you all.”
A good speech! I almost clapped—
But then his lips opened again, so I had to stop.
“This festival began with the words of Emperor Halivis NN years ago…”
‘Ah. He’s the long-winded teacher type.’
Still, as a patient child, I folded my hands and listened quietly.
“—And so, under Emperor Ozel, who pacified the South, Verdant Festival was established. A festival wishing for fairness and health for our beloved children. And now…”
“Yes! Finally starting.”
I spread my hands wide, ready to clap—
“But then, how did the name ‘Verdant Festival’ come about?”
“….”
It felt like a thousand years passed.
Oh dear… truly amazing. Licht’s father…
If the attendants hadn’t stopped him, his speech might’ve gone on until next year.
Meanwhile, the faces of dying, exhausted children brightened.
Because—the prize had been revealed!
On the podium, the Hero Collection Card was proudly displayed.
“Did you see the card in person?”
“It was insane.”
“Even the thickness of it felt different. Truly the Verdant Festival Edition.”
Excitement spread like waves. Truly, the dream and hope of all children across the continent…
“Why do kids even want something like that…”
Dad rubbed his forehead in annoyance.
He looked so embarrassed—it was funny.
“I want it, I want it so badly…!”
I hopped like the other kids, reaching out my hands. That’s when my eyes met Void’s.
“Void brother, did you see? The real thing is—”
“Sigh.”
Void exhaled deeply, looking troubled.
“Alright, alright, I get it.”
“Get what?”
“You think if you look at me with those eyes, I’ll just give in?”
What’s he saying?
“Fine, I gave in just now. Even if the world collapses, I can’t beat you. Ever.”
“…I didn’t even say anything yet.”
“Exactly. How can you control people just with your eyes? If you want the card that much, I’ll give it up.”
Once again, Void was impossible to understand.
But honestly, I wasn’t even interested in the card anymore…
That’s when—
An announcer stepped onto the podium.
“As you all know, there was an unfortunate incident at Ipsun recently. His Majesty the Emperor has added an additional prize for the first-place winner, as comfort and encouragement.”
The crowd murmured.
With a wave of the emperor’s hand, an attendant carried out a box wrapped in red velvet.
The cloth was lifted, revealing a clear glass case. Inside—an herb glowing faintly with mystery.
“Ah! That’s—!”
Several people gasped.
The emperor smiled softly.
“Some of you recognize it. Yes, this is the Memorial Herb, recently brought to me by an academy professor of herbalism.”
Whispers spread.
“As you know, it is excellent for concentration and memory.”
“Of course!”
Children were uninterested, but parents’ eyes sparkled.
“One root is said to guarantee your next semester’s grades!”
Really? That sounded like a salesman’s exaggeration.
Still, Memorial Herb was indeed rare—something usually only presented to the emperor. Worth more than gold or jewels, so no wonder the legends spread.
‘So that’s why the professor of herbalism visited the palace. To offer this.’
The herb glowed a brilliant blue, its root trailing like a beard, its stalk standing tall like a ginseng.
‘Winning this herb would definitely be more honorable than any money or jewel. It would bring glory to the family.’
It was the perfect prize to turn around the festival’s dying atmosphere.
“Ruby, careful. Your eyes are burning.”
“Huh?”
“They’re practically on fire.”
Dad poked my forehead.
“If you needed that herb, you should’ve told me sooner.”
“No, but that’s the emperor’s herb… it’s so rare…”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“…”
“Just tell me if you need it.”
Whoa. That aura.
The confidence of someone who has everything in the world.
“Well… I do kind of want it, but it’s fine.”
“Hm?”
“It’s right there in front of me. I’ll just win it myself!”
The moment I shouted that, the whole place fell silent.
I had whispered softly… but somehow, it echoed like thunder.
