ILTV - Steam Punk Loop

Chapter 9 - Carnivals and Carnage

*** Based on the original I'm in Love With the Villainess novel

*** Some content is similar to the original so can be considered as SPOILERS

*** This is purely FANFICTION. I do not own any rights to I'm in Love With the Villainess

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** Rae's POV

SNAP-

CRACKLE-

POP-

Fireworks exploding everywhere in the sky. People are cheering. The Carnival has officially been opened.

"Look, look Misha! There's so many food stalls!"

"So the only thing that will get you excited is food."

"OF COURSE NOT! I mean, there are other things, but there's just so much food right now!"

Misha and I are exploring the Carnival together. We bought some food and played games. It honestly has been fun. Though, I kept looking around and kept getting distracted. Trying to find a certain blonde maiden among the crowd. Suddenly, Misha pulls me by the collar of my shirt.

"BLEGH!"

"Rae, look where you are walking! You almost hit that person that passed by!"

"Cough cough! Oh sorry sorry! I wasn't paying attention."

I apologized to Misha as I massage my neck. Misha can be very rough sometimes.

"Honestly, what am I your babysitter? Be more careful."

"I know I won't get lost as long as you are by my side, Misha."

"You are such a child sometimes Rae."

As we continued our stroll, we passed by the monster cages. I started to feel an ache in my chest again.

"Hey Misha."

"What is it?"

"What exactly is true freedom?"

Misha looked bewildered at my question.

"Why are you asking such a deep question all of a sudden?"

"I was just thinking, if you're inside a cage, does it take all your freedom away? Including your freedom of choice? Is it truly helpless once you are inside one?"

"Hmmm... are you referring to the monsters? Or someone else?"

Misha isn't off the mark. Having no choice in my parents plans on leaving Bauer makes me feel caged. Maybe that's why I have been feeling down whenever I see the monsters. Misha sighs and pats my shoulder.

"Don't think too deeply into it for now. The answer to your question is each person's perspective. Right now you have the choice to be depressed, or enjoy the festivities with me."

How can Misha be so wise? I'm so lucky to have her as my best friend!

"You're right, Misha. I'm sorry for dampening the mood suddenly."

"You are forgiven. As punishment, you are to treat me to one of those pork skewers over there."

"I THOUGHT I WAS FORGIVEN!"

We looked around to a few more stalls and we finally reached the grandstand where the stage was at the center. I looked up at the special viewing deck overlooking everything on the stage area. I can see the Royal family together. I looked around and I thought I caught a glimpse of her. My heart skipped a beat and I tried to look further, but then visitors for the king started flooding in, covering the people sitting. Wait, why would Lady Claire even be sitting next to the Royal family in the first place?