Naroaika

Chapter 15

It was finally the day of the festival. An event where there was no distinction between the nobles and the commoners and I was excited as much. Al arrived at the Celeste Mansion in a carriage.

“Shall we go, Lady Jerinah?”  He said as he held out his hand to me.

I took his hand and got on the carriage. I felt so nervous.

“My darling angel doesn’t need to ride with him, you can come with Papa!” Father started acting dramatic once again.

“You better stop this, Roscoe. Let the kids go on their own.” Mother replied.

But father would not listen and ordered Zed to go with us who was again stopped by mother and quickly send us off saying they’ll be there later.

The ride was quiet as neither of us spoke for some time. I felt embarrassed and by the looks of Al, I could say that he felt the same.

“Is Mr. Keilan attending the festival too?” I asked.

I noticed that he looked uncomfortable as I asked that but he replied that Mr. Keilan had gone to the palace.

‘Must be to pick up Juliette.’ I thought.

After a silent ride, we reached the town centre which was filled with people. The King stood on a high elevated place and declared the festival to be open.

“May the King continue to protect the land of Naroaika and let his light shine upon us.” The crowd shouted in chorus.

“Don’t they seem like they’re worshipping the King?” I whispered to Al.

“As someone who rules and protects the people of this land also providing them with food and other basic necessities, I believe it is so.” He whispered back.

The town had stalls opened on both sides of the street. There was a delicious smell coming from some of those stalls.

“Let’s go and eat!” I said.

“Don’t go far away from me. You’ll definitely get lost in this crowd.” He said.

I nodded.

With Al walking in front of me, I looked around at the stalls that were selling different items. As I passed through each of them, my eyes caught hold of something cute and I stopped to look at it. 

“Hey, Al do you think I should get… this?” I looked around but Al was nowhere to be seen in the crowd. I walked ahead for sometime hoping he hadn’t gone far when felt something touch my shoulders. ‘A hand?’

I turned around immediately to see the person behind me. It was Al.

“Didn’t I tell you not to go far away from me?!” He suddenly started scolding me but in a less angry tone.

‘He still looks scary when he is angry.’ I thought. I couldn't hide my expression.

“I’m sorry. I was just worried.” He apologized and he held out his hand to me.

I glanced up at him. 

“I don’t want you to get lost again.” He said looking away to the other side. 

With that said, we walked around the town as we held hands. I kept quiet as it was embarrassing but at the same time, I didn’t dislike it. 

As we went around, I visited every food stall to taste the food. The food were all so tasty! Though Al worried about me getting a stomach ache, I couldn't careless! We were to leave this world soon enough, why not enjoy everything to the fullest? (By everything I mostly meant the food)