Founding Festival (1)
The capital city came into view as soon as we left the academy, and it was quite the sight. Stalls lined the streets stretching from the entrance, merchants tempting passersby with their visuals and scents, and curious crowds flocking to them. The festive atmosphere was thick in the air right from that scene.
Of course, this was just the outskirts of the capital, so there wasn't much worth seeing here. To really have fun, we'd have to head into the heart of the city. Still, the shops weren't empty—students just starting to enjoy the festival were drawing crowds. Especially since they'd stocked up on stuff that'd appeal to students, like fortune-telling or love charms.
It was that age where they were super into that kind of thing, so they'd sneak glances or check them out now and then. I ignored it all. Unless it was a real deal astrologer, saint, or saintess reading your future, that junk rarely worked. The students knew it too, but some still bought anyway. Desperation makes fools of us all.
Surprisingly, though, Rana didn't spare them a glance.
"You not into that stuff?"
"Huh?"
She finally turned toward the stalls, but only glanced for a second before looking back at me.
"Kyle, you like fortune-telling?"
"Not really. Just asking."
"That's surprising. Didn't think you'd believe in that."
"It's not like that..."
Whether I said anything or not, Rana grinned ear to ear.
"Wanna try it? If you want, sure. But Grandpa says not to trust that crap. He tried it once ages ago and got chewed out big time."
"Told you, no."
I hadn't known Ratral had that kind of history. Then again, aside from being Rana's grandfather, he was basically an extra.
"Hehe, good thing. He called it a waste of money—better to buy something tasty instead."
Rana beamed at my denial, clearly enjoying it. Whatever, as long as she wasn't interested.
"Let's get outta here first."
The path to the main streets was packed. Students stopping at stalls made it worse—people jammed shoulder to shoulder.
"Where to?"
"Fountain Square seems good to start."
"I know a shortcut!"
Rana grabbed my hand and pulled me along. Anyone else, I'd have shaken them off, but I followed her lead. Moving wasn't easy, though. The street was basically clogged with students; even small steps meant bumping into people constantly.
Somehow, we broke free and ended up in an alley.
"This the shortcut?"
"Fastest way to the fountain!"
The alley had that usual shady vibe, but nothing ominous. Plus...
"Looks familiar. You come here a lot?"
It twisted and turned, complicated as hell, but Rana navigated without hesitation—like a casual stroll.
"Yeah! There's a place nearby I sponsor. Been a few times, so I know it well."
Made sense. She was nobility; sponsoring was right up her alley. Totally her style.
By the time we chatted our way to the end, the fountain was in sight.
"We're here! Festival's got everyone out."
"Yeah. No room to breathe."
The 100-meter-wide Fountain Square was swarming with festival-goers. At least 500 just in plain view. First day of the festival, and it was already sigh-worthy.
"Don't stray too far. Stick close."
"I'll glue myself to you! But don't worry—told you yesterday, you mask my scent pretty well."
No need to bring that up out loud, but... whatever.
"Hmm, where first? Food street? Or games?"
I pointed to the food and entertainment districts. Rana looked at me.
"You eat yet, Kyle?"
"Nah."
I'd skipped on purpose, figuring we'd snack along the way.
"Hehe, me too."
"You must be starving."
"Famished. So... ta-da! Knew it'd come to this—brought this!"
She pulled out a worn ticket. Not ordinary; magic pulsed from the lettering. I blinked at the words.
"Undersea Table? The one I know?"
"Yup!"
Rana nodded proudly.
The Undersea Table was the empire's most famous restaurant. 400 years of history, tied to Tiran Empire's founding. But tradition alone doesn't cut it—the food was divine, worthy of "heavenly taste" hype. It drew crowds from across the empire and beyond, making reservations a nightmare.
"How'd you score that? They're famous for no tickets."
They didn't issue them. Always booked solid, endless visitors. Students like us? Forget it.
"Snagged it from Grandpa's drawer!"
"That's stealing..."
"Shh! If we're quiet, no one'll know...!"
She clapped her hands over my mouth. I didn't stop.
"Still, taking someone's—"
"Shhh! Don't say it!"
She mashed harder at my protest. Her freakout made me pause. Once she calmed, she pulled away and whispered close.
"Didn't steal it. Grandpa got it ages ago and gave it to me."
"You sure it's okay to use?"
"He said he's eaten there tons—over it now. So I can do what I want."
She puffed her chest triumphantly. If she said so...
"But Rana."
"Yeah? What?"
"Yelling it like that..."
Dozens of eyes and whispers turned our way. Most had heard her shout and were staring or murmuring.
"Oops!"
Rana flinched, stuffing the ticket away quick. But the attention didn't fade.
"Run for it!"
I deployed magic, grabbed her hand, and bolted. As we ran side by side, she whined.
"Ugh, messed up... Grandpa said be careful."
"Everyone slips up. Just watch next time."
Talk was cheap—the situation sucked. Crowds surged, and presences chased us: civilians, adventurers, pickpockets. Over 100, easy. Diverse bunch.
As I said, Undersea Table was packed daily. Festival days? Impossible without pull. Premiums for transfers happened. Holding a usable ticket now? Priceless.
That's why we were targets. But escape wasn't impossible.
"Rana, step in my footprints behind me. Can you?"
"Yeah!"
I let go and infused mana into my steps. First footprint spread earth energy for foundation. Second layered magic atop it. Third, fourth—same. Deploy, combine, fuse. Mana, spells, martial principles. Like stacking a tower, step by step toward completion.
All to shake these thieves. Rana kept up fine. After a while, I planted the final step and stopped. Array complete.
She halted too.
"Done?"
"Yeah. They won't follow."
Ten minutes lost in illusions, then dreams—grabbed by guards, jail time. Obstructing festival traffic was serious.
"Phew. Thought I'd die from the stench..."
"Tough?"
"Yeah. Too many creeps."
Poor Rana, stuck with that nose forever. Anyway.
We hit the food district and Undersea Table. Not far—the place was huge, right at the street's start.
And there it was.
"Famous spot, huh."
"Totally mobbed, Kyle."
The line snaked from the entrance, 300 meters at least. Desperate souls willing to wait. Laughable—maybe 100 get in?
But not us.
"C'mon, Kyle."
"Right."
We bypassed the queue straight to the door. A waiter emerged as we approached.
"Thank you for visiting Undersea Table. Your reservation name?"
"No rez, but we have this."
Rana handed over the ticket. Sweat beaded on his brow.
"One moment, please?"
Voice steady, actions frantic—he bolted inside. Soon returned with a middle-aged man, likely the manager.
"Welcome. I'm William Herschel, manager of Undersea Table. Party of two?"
"Yes!"
"This way, please."
He bowed deeply, leading us. Queue murmured, ignored.
The interior lived up to the hype: floors and ceilings evoked the sea, utensils, candles, decor all ocean-crafted. Immersive underwater vibe. Eyes feasted before the food.
"Whoa, Kyle—look! Fish swimming."
"Yeah, no water though."
Fish floated mid-air. Not aquariums—infused sea aura kept them drifting.
"Heh, first time here?"
"Yes! Totally!"
"It is."
He smiled.
"An honor. Never dreamed I'd host all three generations of Heytald and Arden."
"We didn't say our names..."
"No need for surprise. That ticket? I gave it to Lord Ratral 30 years ago. Seen your father, Lady Rana, so granddaughter's obvious."
Ah, explained the wear.
"And Arden? You'd know without asking."
"Of course."
We reached the 6th-floor VIP room—the only empty one en route.
"This one's free?"
"Reserved for ticket holders. Even imperial family can't use it without."
He answered kindly. Pulled chairs, perfect service.
"First-timers—mind if I select courses for you?"
"Fine by me!"
"Please do."
"Any allergies or dislikes? Seafood, ingredients?"
"I eat anything!"
"Same."
Prep questions done, he left with:
"Best view in the house. Browse, relax till food's ready. Soundproofed—no leaks."
I caught the implication.
"No funny business."
"Heh, whatever you're thinking—no, just safe for private talk."
Grandpa-like chuckle as he exited. Obvious intent, but pure enough. Why adults obsessed with student romance? Academy staff too.
Rana ignored, already at the balcony on "view."
I joined her.
"Kyle, check the capital. Stars at night pretty."
"Yeah. Beautiful."
Capital wasn't simple—six districts, magic-veined. Visible from above.
"Don't stand—sit. Comfier."
I activated the balcony's magic tool. Mana chairs and table formed.
We sat side by side, gazing out.
"Nice breeze."
"Yeah, makes me all lazy."
Gentle wind chased summer heat, cooling us. Post-run, yeah, drowsy.
"Could nap like this."
"No sleeping."
"Hehe, 'cause I'm with you."
Rana giggled. Silence followed—not awkward. Just savoring: restaurant ambiance, festival buzz, peaceful core. Calming trio.
Maybe Rana felt the same, not wanting to break it. Long quiet later, she spoke.
"Wish Elraim-unnie was here."
Small sigh for the departed knight.
"Rana. You like Elraim?"
"Totally!"
Grin at the thought.
"You wouldn't get it, only child. So lonely. Always wanted siblings. Elraim-unnie feels like one—like we grew up together."
Made me second-guess sending her. But no softening.
"Means I get you all to myself now."
"Monopoly's great. Happiness of your crush being yours."
She turned, beaming, then faced forward.
"Y'know, Kyle, people misunderstand me? Think I'm pure innocent kid. Not true. I know everything. What you hide 'for my sake'? I know. And Kyle..."
"Spit it out."
She hesitated; I prompted. Words flowed.
"I know you fought with unnie. Cloi likes you. Princess and Senior Ruina too—all eyeing you."
"Figured."
"Yeah."
She nodded. Expected—she'd surveilled Evan via summons in the novel. Not that intense now, but aware.
"But can you monopolize? Me and unnie alone make two. Won't fight her over you, but others? No guarantee."
"Probably..."
"Not probably—definitely."
Certain tone. No argument.
"What to do? Kyle Arden's that charming. And Kyle."
She hopped off her chair, gripped my head, faced me.
"I'm not greedy. More girls besides me and unnie? Fine. Nature of things. I get it."
Her eyes shone brighter than ever.
"No need to hold back for me. I won't get jealous. Got it?"
"Got it."
"But won't let anyone steal you. I'll be your number one."
"Doubt it. Elraim's there."
"Unnie's unavoidable. Time together's different..."
Lip pout at the force majeure. Adorable—I smirked faintly.
"Kidding."
"You're mean sometimes... Huh?"
She glanced inside, surprised.
"Kyle, food's here! Let's eat."
"Didn't expect no fanfare."
Figured VIP meant personal chef rundown. Nope.
We headed to the table. Plates with a small note each. Explained the dishes; bottom said:
「Didn't want to ruin the mood, so sent silently. Enjoy your meal.」
Seemed mine only, judging by Rana.
"Kyle, says they'll clear when done."
Why so invested in kids' romance? Academy too—back off already.
Anyway.
"Delicious..."
"So good!"
Undersea Table's fare lived up to "heavenly"—pure bliss.