HTRTO 21

Chapter 21

Let’s Go to the Festival

After accepting Sid’s apology out of impulsive sympathy, Nigel’s daily life became boring.

No… it was about to become boring.

“Nigel! What should we do during the Flores Festival?”

The culprit was the Flores Festival, just two days away.

This ridiculous academy, which even took students’ social lives into consideration, had declared a holiday—just because the Imperial Ball was being held during the festival period.

And not even before a weekend like Friday—but right in the middle of the week, on Wednesday!

“…Study.”

Nigel answered with all his heart.

“Come on, it only happens a few days a year!”

But Allen never understood him.

“You’ve been studying in the library all weekend. You should take a break sometimes and refresh yourself.”

That wasn’t wrong—but hearing it from Allen, who relaxed all day anyway, made it less convincing.

And there was something Allen didn’t know.

Last weekend, Nigel did go to the library—but he couldn’t focus.

Because of a single letter in his robe pocket.

It was from Tyllin—the one he had been waiting for desperately—

But he could only read the first paragraph and couldn’t continue.

The reason was…

“Nigel! We’re hanging out, okay?”

“…Fine, fine.”

“Noah said he’ll have lunch with his parents tomorrow and come right after, right?”

Allen pointed at Noah with his fingers.

“Yes.”

Noah smiled gently.

Seeing that innocent smile made Nigel sigh.

That… that overly kind—

No, too kind boy.

The Flores Festival was held to thank the blessing of Goddess Kyrelia for the end of harsh winter and the arrival of spring and new life.

During the festival, flowers decorated everything—inside and out.

There was also a tradition: couples who exchanged flowers during the festival would eventually marry.

…Blessing of the goddess, my foot. This was clearly created by the author just so Meriel and Noah could exchange flowers and flirt legally.

And now what? He was skipping the Imperial Ball just to come here after lunch with his parents?

What a model son.

“…You really don’t have to skip the Imperial Ball because of us, Besselion.”

Nigel said sincerely again. It was already the tenth time today.

“No. I want to spend time with you two.”

Noah rejected him again. And once again, Nigel’s sincerity didn’t get through.

‘…Why? Is something wrong with my expression?’

Nigel briefly considered practicing expressions in front of a mirror.

“We have to be back at the academy by 10 p.m., so let’s hang out until 9! I’ve planned everything!”

Allen held out a notebook filled with writing. It looked completely different from his still-new history textbook.

Not wanting to crush those sparkling eyes, Nigel just bit his lip.

Tap tap.

Allen tapped the desk with his pencil.

“Hm… dinner time might be tricky. Noah, is there anywhere you want to go?”

“I’m fine with anywhere.”

“Okay, pass! Now Nigel’s turn. Nigel, what about you?”

“I don’t have—”

Nigel stopped mid-sentence.

Ah.

There was one place.

A place he really wanted to visit again.

Nigel smirked slightly and spoke again.

Clatter, clatter.

“Wow, guys! We haven’t even reached the plaza yet, and I can already smell flowers!”

Allen leaned out of the carriage window, sniffing the air.

A faint floral scent drifted through the fresh breeze.

“…I feel dizzy.”

“Are you alright, Nigel?”

“Ah… yeah. I’ll be fine after a short rest.”

Nigel, meanwhile, was half-lying in the carriage, groaning.

He hadn’t eaten enough breakfast, so he got motion sickness.

“I knew it—you ate less than usual. Planning to eat a lot for dinner?”

Nigel didn’t even have the strength to respond.

Allen closed the window and came over, gently taking Nigel’s hand and massaging it.

“When I was little, my dad used to do this when I got motion sickness.”

Gradually, the tension in Nigel’s brow eased, and his eyes closed.

“It’s okay… just rest, Nigel…”

Allen’s voice faded away.

Nigel blinked as he woke up, staring at an unfamiliar ceiling.

The wallpaper shimmered with gold threads, and the wooden molding looked at least 200 years old.

In short—

“…Allen?”

It reminded him of Allen.

“Ah, you’re awake, Nigel.”

Creak.

The door opened, and a familiar voice entered.

“Sebastian…!”

“It’s been a while.”

Sebastian smiled warmly as he placed a tray of refreshments on the table.

Nigel sat up abruptly.

The soft sofa wrapped around his body comfortably, relaxing him instantly.

Sebastian poured a well-brewed tea.

Sip.

The tea tasted… expensive.

“Where is this, and where’s Allen?”

“This is Young Master Allen’s villa. He has stepped out briefly to his personal vault and will return shortly.”

“Ah…”

Even if the surname Evans was common, Nigel should’ve realized—

From Allen’s spending habits—that he bought anything he liked without hesitation.

Allen Evans.

That “Evans” was that Evans—the Evans Trading Company.

“Ah, Nigel—you’re awake! How do you feel?”

Even knowing that changed nothing. Allen was still just Allen.

“Better, thanks to you. Let’s go out after I finish this tea. You said we’d play until 9.”

Allen’s face lit up.

“Be careful not to get hit by a carriage, and watch out for pickpockets today…”

“Sebastian, I got it!”

“Thankfully, you have a fine friend like Nigel with you today. Have a wonderful Flores Festival!”

Nigel and Allen waved goodbye and left the villa.

“Wow… Nigel, look! We haven’t even reached the plaza, and it’s already full of flowers!”

Flowers decorated mailboxes, door handles, signboards—everywhere they stepped.

And when they finally reached the main plaza—

It was overflowing with blooming flowers.

Flower carts lined the streets, and stalls displayed bouquets of every color.

“Buy flowers~ freshly picked~!”

Children wearing flower crowns wandered around with baskets.

The festival in Tyllin was nothing compared to this.

Every step brought more colors and fragrance.

“…It was a good idea to come.”

“Told you!”

Allen puffed up proudly.

“Since it’s the last day, it’ll be crowded. Stay close, okay?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he hooked his arm into Nigel’s.

“…Okay.”

Nigel had to admit—

If he wandered alone, he’d get lost and miss curfew.

So he tightened his arm.

Giggle—

Laughter rang near his ear.

Thanks to sticking close to Allen, they avoided getting lost and ate lunch safely.

But there was one downside.

“Aw, how cute. A young couple?”

“Newly dating? They’re holding arms so tightly!”

People kept mistaking them for a couple.

‘How do we look like a couple?’

Still, people smiled warmly—and some even gave them flowers.

As a result—

Nigel and Allen ended up covered in flowers.

Crowns, rings, bracelets—and bouquets in their hands.

“Allen… isn’t this too much?”

“They gave them with good intentions—just enjoy it!”

Nigel’s nose had turned red from the overwhelming scent.

But throwing them away felt wrong.

“…Fine.”

He knew exactly where to use them.

“Ah, Nigel, Allen—over here!”

In front of Andy’s inn, Noah waved.

Nigel let go of Allen and walked over.

“Besselion, hold out your hand.”

Noah obediently did.

Nigel placed a roughly wrapped red bouquet into his palm.

Noah froze instantly.

“Lower your head.”

Then Nigel placed his flower crown on Noah.

Now even his face stiffened.

“Don’t worry—you look good.”

Nigel smirked.

Finally, he could breathe again.

“…Pfft!”

Allen burst out laughing.

Did Nigel even realize what he had just done?

No—if he did, he wouldn’t look so refreshed.

This was getting interesting.

“Alright, shall we go inside?”

Nigel nodded brightly.

Creak.

The three entered the inn—

…but something was wrong.

It was too quiet.

Unnaturally quiet.

“Julie? Andy?”

Nigel looked around, unease rising.

“Julie…? Andy…?”

Creak.

At that moment—

Julie appeared from the kitchen, face red and tears streaming.

“Nigel… Andy… Andy is gone…”