I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 19: Midspring Flower Festival

The arrival of the Midspring Flower Festival took me by surprise, its approach as subtle as a whisper. Despite the Sigma Estate being stationed several miles away from town, the festive atmosphere permeated even the walls of my office. The lively strains of music and the cheerful murmur of conversation created the illusion that the festival was unfolding right outside my window. I could even hear the staff outside muttering in excitement, just waiting for their time in the estate to be over so they could enjoy the festival too. I grabbed the small bell placed near my quilt pen and rang it.

With a soft tap on the door, Viola enters the office. She greeted me with a warm smile as she stood in front of my desk. I suggested that we grant the staff an early leave, so they could have the rest of the day to enjoy the festival. However, Viola's brow furrowed slightly at the proposition, she voiced her concerns about the tasks that needed daily attention as well as this affecting the staff's earnings. I reassured her that no deduction would be made since it was the Midspring Flower Festival. Despite her concern, a flicker of understanding danced in her eyes as she understood how much everyone had anticipated for this festival. With a gracious nod of gratitude before leaving to inform the good news to rest of the staff.

The bustling estate quickly fell into a hush as the staff departed for the day to partake in the festivities. Only a handful of guards remained stationed to uphold the security of the premises. While the allure of the festival beckoned to me as well, I know how important it is to complete the towering stack of documents next to me before selfishly doing as I desire.  Depending on how fast and efficient a noble can finish these paperwork for approval as well as reviewing them, will determine the lives of many other people.

I grasp the quilt pen tightly, moistening my lips in anticipation. The sooner I complete this task, the more leisure time I'll have to enjoy the festival. Immersed in my work, I work diligently until the sun dips low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the room. With a tired yawn, I extend my arm, stretching out the stiffness that has settled in my muscles.

"Well, that took longer than anticipated," I remark with a sense of accomplishment, a contented smile gracing my lips. "This should give Zwei a good break for at least three weeks. Now then, shall I go enjoy the festival as well?"

Rebecca's concern about my lack of a knight or personal maid was justified. As a noble, I am a prime target for numerous threats. However, the absence of such attendants also has its advantages. For example, I can move around freely without any constraint or constant surveillance. And so, I left the estate after informing the guards where I would be heading. I decided to take a stroll down the pavement leading to town instead of taking a carriage. I wanted to enjoy the beautiful view of nature. With each step, I burn in my memories of the marveling landscape of nature. The crisp, invigorating breeze carried the faint scent of wildflowers, playing with my senses as I breathed the fresh air of the countryside.

The journey to town on a carriage took roughly around twenty to thirty minutes, but on foot, it took about an hour or so. When I finally arrived in town, the sun had already bid farewell to the day, leaving the night sky ablaze with the twinkling chorus of stars and the radiant presence of the luminous moon. The vibrant melodies of the festival reverberated through the air, enveloping me in its lively embrace. Everywhere I looked, people wore masks adorned with intricate floral designs, whether painted or carved. Energetic children dashed about, adding to the spirited atmosphere, while the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the streets, tempting passersby with its savory allure.

I look around the market to find any available masks to wear for the festival. Just as Viola and I had suspected, the only masks left were the Belladonna mask and one other mask that had the Cosmo flower. Before I could even process my mind to pick up the Cosmo Mask, someone else had picked it up. In a twist of humor, my hand moved almost instinctively to the Belladonna mask, unbeknownst to my conscious decision-making.