Veronica: Rio, this is all festival food, right? Is there a festival on today or something?
Rio: You bet there is! Don't tell me you forgot? It's Rhodolite Foundation Day today! You should see all the street stalls they've got this year! There's way more than last year!
Veronica: Really? Are there any stalls I should be visiting?
Rio stuffed the last of an apple beignet into his mouth, his expression brightening as he clapped his hands together.
Rio: That's right, there is! I saw a secondhand book stall!
Veronica: What? Really?!
Rio: Yep! You know we get traveling salesman come through now and again. I bet they're taking advantage of the festival!
(Damn, I really want to go check it out! I bet they have tons of books I haven't read, too! But if I leave the store-)
Rio: Off you go, Ver. Go and have some fun.
Veronica: ...What?
Rio: I'll take care of the store while you're gone.
Veronica: Really? Are you sure?
Rio: Just who do you think I am? I'm your future husband, and I have to make sure you're always happy!
Veronica: In your dreams, Rio! But thanks, I really appreciate it!
Rio: You could thank me with a hug!
Veronica: How about a high five?
He'd been holding out his arms hopefully, but at my words, he lifted one hand higher than the other, and I slapped it cheerfully.
Veronica: I won't be long, I promise! And I'll bring you back a present, too!
Rio: Okay! Have fun! ...I just hope that sweet smile doesn't attract any undesirables.
I thought I heard him murmur the words under his breath as I was leaving, but I decided to pretend I hadn't.
**At the festival**
Stall Owner 1: Veronica! It's always good to see you! Here, let me give you this rose hairclip to celebrate Foundation Day!
Veronica: Wow, really? Thanks, it's gorgeous! I'll wear it with pride and tell everyone where I got it!
Stall Owner 2: Veronica! I bet you'd love our brooches, too! Here, this one's for you-but don't tell anyone it was a gift!
Veronica: Are you sure? Thank you so much! I love it!
I was already carrying an armful of books I'd bought, and it was a struggle to figure out what to do with all the gifts. But I was grateful for the kindness of the stall owners, and I thanked each one with a bright smile before moving on. As I made my way down the street, I noticed banners everywhere, proudly proclaiming 'Rhodolite Kingdom, the Kingdom of Roses.' (Sometimes I get so caught up in my books that I forget to pay attention to the real world, but... I love it here.) Roses influenced our traditional arts and crafts, our architecture, and even the palace in the distance was surrounded by them. A deep breath brought me the familiar, sweet smell of roses in bloom, and I smiled, glad all over again to be a Rhodolitian. (And now that I've got some new books, I should find something nice for Rio to thank him. I wonder if he'd like-)
???: Watch where yer goin', you little brat!
Veronica: ...Huh?
The gruff, angry yet was so out of place that I stopped and turned to look, along with everyone around me. My gaze was immediately drawn to a red-faced man, towering over a young boy who was sprawled on the road at his feet.
Boy: Waaah... waaaah-!
Drunkard: Whaddya doin', huh? Ain't cha gonna apologize? Well?!
(Not good!) The drunken man raised his fist threateningly, and I dashed forward, putting myself between him and the young boy.
Drunkard: And what do YOU want?
Veronica: What on earth are you doing?! He's just a little boy!
Drunkard: Shuddup! It ain't got nothin' to do with ya!
He raised his fist again, and suddenly it was flying straight towards my face. I wasn't about to abandon the young boy, and I jerked my arms up to block his attack, my books tumbling to the ground. Almost without thinking, I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the blow. (Hang on... wasn't that supposed to hurt?)
???: That's enough of that.
It was a voice I'd never heard before, but it had a compelling tone to it that made me open my eyes. The drunkard's fist hovered in the air, caught in the powerful grip of the tall, muscular man who stood behind him.
Charismatic Man: If you really want to kick up a fuss, I'll take you on, What do you say?
YOU ARE READING
Beauty and her Beast (Nokto)
General FictionYou've been selected as "Belle" to choose the next king out of the eight princes. If that wasn't hard enough, the princes turn out to be hot...and deadly. In a world of war and intrigue, will you be able to save his heart and yours as you enter your...
