Episode 25: Autumn Festival
Vineyards line the slopes leading up to the castle town.
The colorful grape leaves shimmer under the autumn sunlight, rippling like a golden carpet.
The castle town, taking on a gentle oval shape, spreads out as if burrowing into the mountains. The roofs of the houses, unified in a smoky black tile, mirror the castle’s design.
Rietberg constructed a solid fortress, creating a town within it for its subjects to reside.
The vast city is protected by a double wall consisting of stone forts and castles.
During past conflicts, while other lords’ castles turned to ashes and surrounding lands became scorched earth, Rietberg’s castle and town remained unscathed.
This impregnable city, having withstood the relentless violence of war, now opens its thick gates, welcoming the lively bustle of a vibrant festival.
“Wow! That’s amazing!”
A clear river flows through the center of the town’s main street, flanked by rows of festival stalls on either side of a stone bridge.
Freshly baked bread and pastries, vibrant vegetables, succulent fruits, bone-in meats, and sausages. Sizzle… Pop… There’s even hot wine and hot beer!
Sweet and fragrant aromas waft through the air, mingling delightfully and tickling their noses.
But it’s not just about food. Countless trinkets and crafts are also up for sale.
Bound books and prints, ceramic dinnerware and accessories, bright dyed fabrics with intricate embroidery, wooden crafts, and delicate lace work cover tables.
The stalls spread beyond the streets, even into the riverbanks, where tents spring up, showcasing an abundance of food vendors.
Puff… Puff… Smoke billows as river fish roast on skewers, their skin gleaming with a delicious char from just a sprinkle of salt.
“Song…?”
A familiar melody floats around, drawing Luke’s attention.
It’s as if whispers of song are being rhymed everywhere, sweet sounds wafting through the air.
Lyrics are lost on him, but the beautiful melody lifts his spirits, getting his heart to dance along.
“It feels like I’ve stepped into a fairy tale.”
Gazing over the bustling festival scene, Luke beams with excitement.
Each stall is uniquely decorated, colorful ornaments sparkling against the clear autumn sky as if he wandered into an illustrated fairyland.
“Now that we’re here, let’s grab something to eat! What do you want, Luke?”
“I could eat anything… as long as it’s with you!”
Just as he was about to fold his hands in gratitude, a vendor stacking mountains of fried sweets called out to them.
“Hey there, handsome and cute guys over here!”
Luke could hardly believe his ears.
Could it be that the “handsome” referred to Alexia and the “cute” to him?
(Well… I mean… she’s right about Alexia being handsome…)
Putting aside his own cuteness, he completely agrees on Alexia’s appeal; no one could argue with that!
“Want one? I’ll give you a discount!”
“Sure, I’ll take one.”
Alexia nods, handing over a bit more than the asking price, accepting a small paper bag and offering it to Luke.
“It’s called Snowball. Ever tried it?”
“Nope, first time!”
It’s a fried treat made by rolling cookie dough into balls and frying them, dusted generously with powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs.
“Delicious! It’s still warm!”
The fresh Snowball is piping hot, steaming with sweetness and a delightful crunch that could tempt anyone to eat them endlessly.
“Hey, look… that person…”
Feeling a piercing gaze, Luke suddenly looks up.
A short distance away, three young girls huddle together, whispering excitedly while sneaking glances at Luke and Alexia.
The plaid skirts they wear are traditional attire often donned by the village women.
With matching patterns in different colors, they seem to be dressed up especially for the festival—good friends, no doubt.
“That guy is so wonderful!”
“Right? Super cool!”
“I’ve never seen that face around here… Where could he be from?”
—Should I just approach him? But what if I chicken out? The girls ponder anxiously, while Luke smiles warmly, feeling like a comrade in arms. Of course, Alexia is cool—he completely gets them!
He fully understands their giddy excitement and wishes to cheer alongside them, wanting to elevate Alexia to star status!
“Luke, let’s check over there too!”
“Yes!”
Alexia points joyfully, and Luke follows her as eagerly as a little puppy wagging its tail.
The mesmerized girls exchange glances filled with intrigue.
“…The person next to her is also a beauty!”
“Yeah, such an adorable face! But…”
“But… is that… what I think it is?”
The gaze of the fair-faced youth upon the noble-faced one radiates unmistakably with the glow of love.
“…Love…!?”
Could it be a case of hidden emotions or a forbidden romance? Just the thought of it is enough to awaken their imaginations.
Giddy young maidens giggle excitedly, diving deep into daydreams of taboo love.
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