Episode 113

The Berkley Fall Festival this year was a success. 

As soon as it opened to the public, a crowd flocked in, and the whole campus was soon filled with cheerful laughter.

Multiple stalls lined the path from the main gate to the main building, offering various products. Among them were club booths and vendors from outside the campus.

Inside the academy, the tantalizing aroma of food began to fill the air. Food was a must at the festival, and over half of the festival, stalls were selling various dishes, from cheap street food to high-end desserts and tea. The variety of food was extensive.

After selling out of dating pamphlets, Rose and her friends indulged in a variety of festival foods, filling their stomachs. 

“I can’t eat anymore.” 

Rose exclaimed as she handed a muffin to Briley, who looked disgruntled. The muffin was just one of many foods they had consumed, including fish pie, roasted potatoes, lamb shanks, gingerbread, tarts, and cakes. Their stomachs had reached their limit.

Adela, holding her stomach with both hands spoke.

“Me too. I can say our school uniforms are becoming a bit tight.” 

Briley seemed annoyed. 

“I guess everyone’s stomachs are as small as raisins.”

Rebecca snatched a muffin from Briley’s hand and pressed it to her lips. Briley, with a plump expression, reluctantly took a bite of the muffin. 

“You’re a big eater, Briley.”

“That’s the secret to my height.”

“Okay, let’s walk a bit and head to the main building. The concert is about to start.” 

The area near the main building was the center of the festival, with a spacious stage where various shows took place every hour.

As the four of them arrived at the main building, they saw a band preparing to perform on the stage. The arches over the stage were covered in ivy, and soft autumn flowers bloomed on the tall pillars on either side.

Many people had already gathered around the stage, so Rose and her friends had to stand at the back. Rose, being of short stature, occasionally raised her heels to get a better view. 

‘When was the last time I properly listened to an orchestra performance?’

It was truly enchanting. Rose remembered hearing such music when she accompanied her mother, Anna, to balls during her childhood. Quilts did not have orchestras of this size, and there were no leisure activities like concerts in the capital.

Rebecca whispered excitedly from the side.

“I hear these are court musicians sent by Her Majesty to celebrate the festival.”

Opportunities to enjoy such performances for free were rare. The academy’s festival was open to everyone regardless of age or social status, and a diverse crowd eagerly awaited the start of the concert.

The four friends stuck close together to avoid getting swept away by the crowd. After a while, the melody of string instruments filled the air.

Rose occasionally raised her heels to catch a glimpse of the performers. Various instruments produced a colorful blend of sounds, creating a harmonious piece of music.

‘Where have I heard this before?’

Rose wondered as she recognized the familiar violin melody layered over the deep notes of the cello. Shaking her head and racking her brain, Rose realized.

‘Ah, Jasper’s lamp music box.’

The music flowing from the lamp music box had been arranged for a full orchestra. The piece was known as the “Waltz of Love,” and it carried a romantic ambiance.

Unconsciously, Rose clasped her hands tightly against her chest while listening to the performance. Naturally, she thought of Jasper.

Would Jasper remember this music and their brief encounter in the garden when they were children?

As the movement progressed, Rose’s heartbeats quickened, and it felt as though the sound was wrapping gently around her ears.

For the first time in a long while, she felt the resonance of beautiful music. With her friends by her side and the breeze carrying the intangible notes, she felt content.

She was happy, and her eyelashes trembled with the joy she felt at the core of her being.

She didn’t want to let go of this happiness, if possible, forever.

* * *

Rebecca was the first to sit on the bench, letting out a groan. 

“Ah, my legs hurt. We’ve been walking for too long.”

Rose, along with her friends, had been enjoying the festival until evening. They had just watched a magician’s performance, where cards vanished as if by magic, leaving Rose astonished.

In ancient times, when the land was purer and the power of magic was much stronger, some individuals could perform powerful magic. Today, mana stones are used exclusively as energy sources after undergoing purification.

As Rose recollected the various wonders she had seen earlier in the day, she sat on the bench. Briley and Adela also took a moment to rest their legs on the bench.

The four of them sat in a row, trying to soothe their weary bodies while gazing into the distance. It was the time of sunset, with the sky gradually filling with hues of orange and the horizon turning a deep red.

‘I should start heading to meet Jasper soon.’

She started to feel restless all of a sudden. She couldn’t just abruptly stand up and say she was going to Jasper. She was still looking for the right moment to bring it up naturally.

She felt like she was being watched from the side. It wasn’t just Rose who sensed the gaze. Rebecca leaned forward and looked to the side.

“That guy over there. Is he staring at us?” 

A young man with disheveled black hair was hiding behind a tree. When several of them turned to look in his direction at once, he seemed taken aback, his face frozen.

He wasn’t wearing a school uniform, so he wasn’t an academy student. His face was unfamiliar, he had a grown-up build, towering over most adults.

While they were all wondering who this young man might be, Adela shook her head and quietly called him.

“…Danny?”

Addressed by the nickname, the young man looked around nervously. 

Briley looked at Adela and asked in a puzzled voice. 

“Do you know him?”

“Yes, he’s a child our family is sponsoring… I guess he came to enjoy the festival.”

The Bluewoods were known for sponsoring talented orphans, and Danny was one of their sponsored children.

“Why did he come alone? He’ll get lost soon… It’s dangerous; I should take him home.”

Briley glanced between Danny and Adela and mumbled in confusion.

“Dangerous? He looks twice as big as you, Adela.”

Danny was still fidgeting and looking their way. Adela gracefully stood up from the bench and responded.

“He’s a child despite his size. He must have grown rapidly all of a sudden. He seems bigger since we last saw him.”

“How old is he?”

“Fourteen.”

“You’re only two years older than him, Adela. He’s too big for you to take care of… Uh-oh.”

At that moment, Rebecca elbowed Briley’s side, indicating to be quiet. Adela flawlessly greeted them.

“I had a wonderful time today, seniors. Thank you.”

Adela walked over to Danny with graceful steps. Rose waved her hand in greeting, but something felt odd. It was because of Danny.

As Adela approached, Danny’s face contorted, not knowing what to do, and he hunched his shoulders. His messy hair partially covered his ears and looked rather gloomy.

“Miss, I apologize if I’m disturbing… “

“No, Danny. Did you come here alone?”

“Yes, I’m sorry…”

“I’ll call a carriage and take you home.”

“Oh, no need, miss. I can go by myself! Please don’t. I’m not a child anymore.”

“But you haven’t been in the capital for long, and you might get lost since you’re not familiar with the streets. Isn’t that what Count Bluewood meant when he sponsored you? If you find this place uncomfortable…”

Their voices gradually faded away. Rose had been watching them closely and suddenly realized something. She turned to Briley and Rebecca.

“Guys…”

With a somewhat serious expression, Rose lowered her voice and whispered.

“It might be nothing, but… that boy Danny, do you think he might have feelings for Adela?”

Rebecca and Briley were momentarily speechless but then spoke simultaneously.

“Wow, Rose… you’ve become quite perceptive, haven’t you?”

“Yeah, it feels like it was just yesterday when you said you’d introduce Jasper to us. Your emotional growth is touching; it brings tears to my eyes.”

Rose was taken aback by their reactions. She thought she had made a profound discovery, but apparently, it wasn’t as significant as she had thought.

“Oh, so you see it too?”

Rebecca nodded and replied in a hushed tone.

“Even a seven-year-old passing by could see it. Everyone but you know when someone is in love.”

“Well… still, I’m glad my instincts have improved.”

If it had been last year, Rose wouldn’t have thought twice about seeing Danny and Adela together. She probably wouldn’t have even ventured out to enjoy a festival like this. But now, she could see emotions flowing in Danny’s face. His anxious eyes, trembling lips, yet a gaze that never lost sight of his target.

Briley let out a long breath, patting Rose’s shoulder.

“You’ve got to try everything to learn, after all. Now go to the primary source of your improvement.”

Rebecca rested her chin on Briley’s shoulder and grinned. 

“Right. You two should go see the fireworks and kiss already!”

“What? Oh, no… no…”

Rose stammered reflexively, and the word “kiss” that she had carefully tucked away in the back of her mind resurfaced.

Briley let out a soft laugh and pulled something from her jacket pocket, offering it to Rose. 

“It’s rose-scented gum, just in case. I had it for myself, but today, Rose, you might need it more.”

“I… I can’t believe you two are so shameless and saying things like this!”

“You’ll take it, won’t you?” 

Briley insisted with a smirk. 

Rose’s face turned red, but she accepted the gum that Briley offered.