Draw of the Cards

Chapter 1: a Happy Content LIfe

It was a bright day in the little settlement in the Isles of Patch, and in fact, excitement was coursing through the air within the village. Of course, there was a reason why the people of this little town were happy and excited. A holiday was right around the corner, after all.

It was the beginning of Spring, so the people of Remnant were preparing to celebrate the coming of the new season, a tradition inspired by the Story of the Four Seasons, and the people of Patch were no different. Already, people have decorated around the town and have prepared stands for a festival as winter ended and color returned to plants and trees.

It was always a big deal, and nearly everyone liked holidays like this, as all the positivity deterred the Grimm away more around this time. Perhaps that's why the atmosphere around the town was always lighter around these holidays.

Even the dusty old bookstore in Patch had brightened up a little for the occasion, at least that's what the old owner, Kale Schwei, thought as he organized some books on a shelf. Even one as old as him, who had seen many things in his old life, couldn't prevent a smile from forming as he kept himself busy with his simple job.

It wasn't the most extravagant of professions, especially when many people didn't care too much for reading old books like the ones he kept in the modern age; however, it was enjoyable enough for him, and he made enough to not shut down.

Of course, the store was quite large, so he couldn't run the place by himself anymore with his weary bones and aches. Fortunately, he found some young blood a few years ago that was more obsessed with the place than he was.

"Here are the new books, Old Man Kale." A bright young man called out as he entered the room carrying a large box full of books in his hands.

"Ah, thank you, my boy. You can set it down over there." The old man smiled as he gestured over to a spot near the shelf.

"Roger that!" The young man replied happily as he walked over and set the heavy box down with ease. He then stood back up and wiped some sweat off his face with a smile. "Do you need help sorting those?"

"No, my boy. I'm just about done." Kale smiled as he turned to his employee. "Thanks again, Ginger."

"No problem. It's what I'm here for." Ginger smiled. "I'll go clean the counter then."

It had been several years now since he had arrived at Patch, and he had changed quite a bit. Now nineteen years old, he was much taller than he was as a child, though his growth spurt didn't last too long, causing him to become a few inches shorter than Yang when she hit hers. While he hadn't gotten more sporty than he was before, he still managed to keep a healthy build, though he was a bit on the slimmer side of things.

He kept his usual color palette, too, with his normal outfit being a dark brown button-up shirt that had white buttons and white lining and black pants that also had white lining, along with his still copper hair and violet eyes. He didn't wear glasses anymore, either, having chosen to wear contacts normally instead.

"Hmm, you seem more cheerful today. Is the holiday spirit getting to you, too?" Kale asked with a sly smile as his assistant grabbed a cloth and a bottle of all-purpose cleaner.

"Is that really a bad thing? I think it's great that everyone can just forget about all the bad things and just enjoy themselves around a holiday like this. Besides, it's the Spring Festival! How could I not be happy around this time?"

"Haha. I suppose you're right." Kale nodded. "Remind me. I tend to forget these things in my old age, but the festival is scheduled to happen tomorrow afternoon, correct?"

"That's right. Do you have any plans for then?"

"Afraid not. Can't really party hard as I used to." Kale laughed mirthfully a bit. "But just because I can't have any fun doesn't mean you shouldn't. You don't have to come in tomorrow."