Attention for the background character

Chapter 15

Damn, waking up just now still makes me feel tired. Though, I don't feel like going back to sleep.

I look out at the night sky outside my window. The night seems calm and soothing. Peaceful as can be. I was still in my outfit from earlier today. It must have been a few hours since I took that nap.

I guess I can go out for a walk in the garden. I need to take my mind off of things. Reassess my mind and think of what to do next.

Stepping out of my room, I find the hallway empty. No workers? Strange, maybe Elliot asked them to stay away from my room to prevent them from disturbing me. Walking to the garden without seeing anyone, I step into the outdoors.

It's dark out though, so I don't want to make any noise to alert anyone.

It was a pleasant garden. All the plants and flowers were healthy and colorful. This place seemed like it came right out of a fairytale. I brush my hands against the rows of purple lilacs as I walk down the stone path. So many flowers with purple colors to them, I feel like if I lay down here, my hair would be mistaken for one of them.

The air here smelled wonderful. I leaned in to smell the lilacs, taking in its sweet scent when I heard a distant light sparkle from beyond the estate. There was a boom sound that accompanied the light.

A firework?

I waited for more sounds and light to follow, but nothing came after that. Did it set off accidentally? I walked around to the gates to inspect further.As I approached the main gate, I spotted a figure looking outside the metal gates. Her black hair was turned to me as she stared blissfully outside.

Isadora was looking at where the noise came from. Our mansion was up a hill looking down the town, so she was looking down at the distant, bustling streets. Her fingers pressed against the metal bars of the gates, leaning forward as if trying to get past it.

What is she doing here, at this hour?

I was able to recall this part of the novel. Isadora had come out the main entrance, wanting to enter the front yard where no one was. Her intention was to wander the courtyard then the back garden where I just came from. Of course, a loud noise disturbed her.

She heard a single firework accidentally setting off, then she came to the gate to get a better look at it. Down below in the town, a small festival was being held. Merchants from all over the country and beyond were making their way across the nation to sell goods. Performers would take to the streets, dancing and playing their instruments to attract the crowd. Citizens come to attend and have fun, while keeping an eye out for what may interest them. Such an event had attracted Isadora who was far away from it all.

Slowly, I approached Isadora from behind.

"Before you came here, have you ever attended such things?" I asked, not really caring for her answer.

Isadora turns to me, gasping in surprise, "Lady Violette!" She took a moment to catch her breath before answering.

"I've seen these kinds of events...but due to my background, I was never able to buy anything," She explains. Right, before she came here, Isadora must not have had enough money to properly enjoy a festival. She couldn't enjoy such a time to its fullest potential. But now that she was a part of the Itzal household, she could afford to go and enjoy it until she gets tired.

"That's a true shame," I comment. In the novels, she attended this event by sneaking out of the mansion on her own. Since I wasn't here, she didn't feel the need to ask for anyone's permission. But now...

"My lady, these kinds of events...what is it like to attend?" She asked, curiosity glimmering in her mint eyes.

"Usually, nobles don't partake in an event held by the commoners. It's usually a grand holiday or a festival held by a high ranking noble. If this event had taken place in another noble's land, I wouldn't care so much," I tried my best to give a response to dismiss this topic quickly. I never experienced a festival in Cresia, but from my old life, it was rather fun. However, there was always something missing whenever I went to these events alone.

"But if I had to guess what it's like...it's the type of place you enjoy with a friend or a partner," I lean to the side, crossing my arms as I look to the ground.

Ever since I've gotten older, I've attended the summer festivals in Osaka on my own. While it was nice to enjoy the festival as it is, it was so lonely. I didn't have anyone else to enjoy it with me, thus I stopped going since I couldn't be at my happiest.

"If I had to make another guess, I think someone like us would find a good partner while walking around that festival," I added. Isadora was a bit confused when I said that. She might not know what I'm talking about, but having read the novels, I know exactly what I meant.

Because if I recall correctly, this festival was when Emory Zephyr made his debut.

Normally, when I reread the novel for the 100th time, I would look forward to the festival chapter. Emory's debut was an introduction of a vital and charismatic character. Isadora met Emory by chance. From then on, Emory would be smitten by her angelic nature. He promised to her that he would become her mentor. He became Isadora's mentor, her friend and her guardian in this new noble world.

Looking at Isadora, I anticipated her question that I'm certain I can predict. My answer is already clear though.

"That sounds...amazing."

I'm sorry Isadora.

"My lady, is it alright for me to attend this festival?" Her eyes beamed with anticipation.

I need the Count's favor more than you. I can't let you ruin this for me.

I held in a deep breath as I prepared my answer. It hurts me to say this, but if she goes to the festival, I risk losing Emory falling for her.

"I'm quite mad with what happened earlier today. I worry you will make a fool of yourself there at the festival too," It took a lot out of me to say that. I really didn't want to say that. The disbelief and confusion on Isadora's face made me instantly regret it. But I cannot risk this no matter what.

"You won't be going to the festival this year." I have to ensure my survival by any means.

The disbelief on her face turns to disappoint. Yet she raised her head.

"Yes, my lady," She bows to me, respecting my wishes. I feel my chest tightening in sorrow. I wish she could have come with me. Spending time with the main character would have been wonderful. But her being the main character is why I cannot let her come with me.

"Let us return to our rooms, it's getting late," I told her, to which she nodded. Before I followed her into the mansion, I turned to look at the festival down below.

What lovely fun it would have been had things been different.

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A/N: Super sorry for the late update! I procrastinated on this chapter a lot! .·'¯'(>▂<)'¯'·.