~Chapter 62~
“Festival?”
Ivan frowned at the unexpected word.
“Yes, it seems that many nobles and commoners have gathered at Cardonia Territory for the festival,” the attendant explained.
“Hmm,” Ivan murmured, impressed by Ruby’s clever idea. Using a festival to attract people would naturally bring attention to Cardonia Territory. Once people learned that there were industries that could provide for them, they might even settle there. The festival seemed to be the perfect culmination of Ruby’s strategy.
“I heard it’s going to be as grand as the Goddess Festival in the capital,” Sennis said, clearly excited about the event.
“You’ll be able to see it all tomorrow, as Ruby will take us around the festival grounds,” Barker added, just as excited.
Ivan had originally thought he would be spending some quiet time with Ruby, though he knew Sennis and Barker would also be there. However, Ruby, as the host of the festival, would surely be busy. He suspected she would have to squeeze time in between managing everything just to show him around.
The idea of spending time with Ruby during the festival wasn’t bad, but the reality of it made Ivan feel somewhat disappointed. Still, his curiosity about the world Ruby was creating kept him looking forward to it.
“Alright, let’s all take a look around tomorrow,” Ivan said, trying to keep his mood light.
Since he had never attended the Goddess Festival in the capital, he couldn’t help but feel a little excited about experiencing a festival for the first time at Cardonia.
The three of them continued chatting, mostly expressing their curiosity about what the festival would be like.
The next morning, Ivan got up early and started preparing for the festival. Because the dining room was crowded, breakfast was brought to his room.
Ruby had clearly put thought into the meal choices, as the menu was excellent. After eating a hearty breakfast, Ivan waited for Ruby to arrive.
There was a knock on the door shortly after.
“Who is it?” Ivan asked.
“It’s Lady Ruby,” the servant answered.
Ivan quickly stood up and opened the door. Ruby, who had been about to enter, was surprised to see Ivan standing there.
“Are you here to guide me to the festival?” Ivan asked.
“Ah, I was just thinking I should have mentioned it, but you already knew,” Ruby said, looking a little embarrassed.
“Sennis and Barker told me about it,” Ivan replied.
“I’m sorry, I should have told you myself. We’re holding a festival to celebrate the opening of Cardonia’s art district,” Ruby explained.
“I’ve never been to a festival, so I’m curious about how big it will be,” Ivan admitted.
“Have you never attended the Goddess Festival?” Ruby asked, surprised.
“No,” Ivan replied, nodding.
Ruby gave him a sympathetic look. “This festival will be just as fun as the Goddess Festival, I’m sure! I’ll take you to all the fun spots!”
Ivan followed Ruby as she led the way. Her long red hair swayed with each step, and Ivan couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement, as if a fun experience awaited him by her side.
When they reached the lobby, Sennis and Barker were already waiting for them. The other nobles were nowhere to be seen—perhaps they had already gone out to the festival.
“You must be busy. Are you sure it’s okay for us to be the only ones you attend to?” Ivan asked, though his tone didn’t truly reflect his gratitude.
“You three are special guests, so of course, I’ll take care of you personally,” Ruby responded with a smile.
“And the others?” Ivan asked, curious.
“The others were invited in my grandfather, Duke Lux’s name. I thought more nobles would come that way,” Ruby explained, confirming Ivan’s suspicion that the invitation wasn’t as exclusive as it seemed.
Ivan smiled, feeling his heart flutter again. Ruby had made him feel important by personally inviting him, and that made him feel proud.
“This is an honor, Lady Ruby,” Sennis said, holding both of Ruby’s hands as she expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you as well, Lady Ruby,” Barker added sincerely.
Ivan noticed that the attention had shifted to him, and he felt a little awkward. His natural reaction came out in an authoritative tone.
“Well, it’s only natural that I’d be personally guided,” Ivan said with an air of superiority.
He immediately regretted speaking so arrogantly and tried to hide his discomfort. But Ruby, instead of being offended, continued to smile and responded.
“Of course, Your Highness, you should be treated as a special guest,” Ruby replied with a smile.
Her use of the words “special guest” made Ivan’s heart skip. Was she emphasizing his importance as a friend rather than just as royalty?
He couldn’t shake the thought that Ruby, as a friend, was treating him like she would anyone else—someone who didn’t deserve to be treated with such formality.
Ruby’s smile never faltered as she gently reached out for his hand.
“Shall we go?” Ruby asked.
Ivan hesitated for a moment but then placed his hand in hers.
“Of course,” Ivan said softly, feeling his heart race as he felt the warmth of her hand in his.
Ruby’s small hand was soft and comforting in his, and he suddenly felt a rush of warmth spread through him. Without realizing it, Ivan’s nerves began to settle, and he followed Ruby and the others toward the festival grounds.
The four of them climbed into a carriage and set off toward the festival.
“What kind of events will there be at the festival?” Sennis asked eagerly.
“There are many events. There will be plenty of things for both commoners and nobles to enjoy,” Ruby replied with confidence.
“I’m curious to see what they are,” Sennis said.
“You’ll see for yourself when we get there,” Ruby said with a smile, certain that Sennis and Barker would enjoy everything.
As they rode, the excitement among the group was palpable. The anticipation was growing.
“Well, Your Highness, you must be excited too, right?” Sennis asked, turning to Ivan.
“I suppose. We’ll see what it’s like when we get there,” Ivan replied, trying to hide his excitement.
As they arrived at the market square, they were immediately greeted by the bustling noise of the crowd. The sight of so many people and the loud chatter filled the air.
“Be careful not to get separated!” Ruby called out to everyone.
However, Sennis almost got lost in the crowd. Barker, noticing, quickly reached out and grabbed her arm to pull her back to the group.
“It seems we’ll have to hold hands to make sure we don’t get separated,” Ruby said, offering her hand to Sennis.
“I’ll hold Sennis’s hand,” Barker said, reluctantly but understanding the need to stick together.
Sennis looked at Barker in surprise but nodded.
Ruby, seeing the situation, turned to Ivan and offered her hand to him as well.
“Sorry if it’s awkward, but could you hold my hand just for today?” Ruby asked, her tone polite yet somewhat shy.
Ivan hesitated for a moment but then gently grasped her hand. A tremor ran through him as he held her small hand in his, feeling a strange sensation that made his heart race.
“Thank you,” Ruby said, squeezing his hand gently.
The group proceeded through the festival, with Ruby leading them through the various attractions. She pointed out the best restaurants, the local shops selling unique fabrics, and even a weapons store that had rare items.
Ruby seemed confident that they would all enjoy the experience, and Sennis and Barker were filled with excitement as they eagerly took in every detail.
When they arrived at the center of the festival, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation.
“Today, we have a special treat for you all! The most famous circus troupe from across the continent will perform right here!” the barker shouted, catching everyone’s attention.
Everyone turned to look at each other, their eyes filled with excitement and curiosity about the performance that was about to begin.
