We spent quite some time at the inn before leaving.
Mainly, I tried to appeal to Jane for another room, but somehow Urkahn's looming presence made everything up a notch in difficulty. My words kept getting interrupted by Jane, who has a peculiar habit of jumping to conclusions. In the end, I even went back upstairs with a complimentary 'gift' special only to couples.
After that, we spent another good amount of time trying out the traditional outfit of Skairolmr, which consisted of many cloth layers and several needs to fold. I myself succeeded, but I had to drag Jane to our room in order to assist Princess Violet. No matter how close we are, or how much we look as a couple, I want to maintain a line of respect for a lady, especially one who isn't in a relationship with me.
Though, I find it amusing to see Princess Violet's blank expression as Jane closed the room door to help her change.
By the way, the complimentary 'gift' is indeed the matching traditional outfits.
Before Jane had the chance to ask for any ridiculous requests, I took Princess Violet's hand and quickly led her out of the Ivy Cottage. Only after I passed by a few customers in the dining area of Ivy Cottage and head out, did I realise my mistake of holding her hand.
I admit, I did so to escape Jane, but another reason was to hide my reddening face. As if the matching outfit wasn't embarrassing enough, Princess Violet's charm only served to deepen the shade of red on my face.
Indeed, if one is beautiful, whatever one wears will be suiting. Though the person in question herself is likely unaware of this fact.
Well, if the princess tells me that she finds wearing matching outfits fun, who am I to deny her? Actually, I could have, if not for the fact that she was holding onto my wrist in an iron grip.
I can also bear to wait, but there is something important that I had to attend to which requires my early departure from the Ivy Cottage. After a few turns around Flurea, I came back to where I parked the carriage. Thankfully, the carriage is still secure and looks untouched. On the driver's seat rests a tiny furball.
"Thanks for being the watchman." (Me)
I pat the furball gently. I know leaving it to watch the carriage sounds ridiculous, but I had no choice when I got dragged away by force with no time to react. I sort of entrusted it with a task to follow my smell and alert me if the carriage got compromised, but it seems like it isn't necessary. Well, it seems like the little fox doesn't care either.
"Hmm?" (Me)
I notice a slip of paper tucked underneath the little fox. Initially, I thought it found a makeshift blanket to lie on, but when I gently removed it, I found something scrawled over it.
"…Candice?" (Me)
And immediately, I find the little fox staring back at me with eyes that I couldn't read.
"…Is that your name?" (Me)
The only response I got was a pounce onto my shoulder, followed by a twirl. The soft fur on its tail brushed gently against my neck, as though giving me a ticklish sense of affirmation.
"I get it. Candice, that is your name… I'll call you Candy instead. Since you're sweet looking and… Ow!" (Me)
It bit me! It bit me on the neck when I gave it a cute name! What did Princess Violet do to you for the past few days!?
I'm not giving in dammit. You're Candy and that's final.
I grab it by the neck and tossed it to Princess Violet behind me, who immediately wrapped the little fox in her bosom and fawn over it. The little fox struggled while looking at me with eyes of hatred. I stared back in defiance, my face brimming in triumph.
That's right Candy. You can't tell me what to do.
After that, I took the carriage back to where the Ivy Cottage is. I asked Urkahn about the place to secure the carriage, which turns out to be slightly far away. I also went back to politely decline dinner served by the Ivy Cottage since we will be out enjoying the festivity of the fireworks display tonight.
Although, it only proved how bad it was a move on my part. Jane could be seen holding onto her husband's hand tightly behind the counter while trying not to overexcite herself.
[I hope you two will enjoy yourselves to the fullest tonight! Shall I recommend some good dining areas with a suitable atmosphere for couples such as yourself?] (Jane)
We left with Jane waving at us while Princess Violet continues to hug the little fox in tight embrace. I had simply declined her politely in that regard while trying my best to not collapse from this unceasingly increasing pile of misunderstandings. Princess Violet herself seems ignorant as she questioned me about the delicacies of Flurea and pestered me to increase our pace.
[Rey, Rey, let's go to the food stalls before what Jane call the fireworks, starts!] (Violet)
With that ultimatum, I was dragged into the central area of Flurea.
***
It is a surprise that with the amount of money spent on food and beverages, I still have not emptied my pocket. I should really start considering work that has a decent pay to support our current lifestyle centred about luxurious expenditure.
In spite of that, I cannot deny that I myself am enjoying the festivities of Flurea alongside Princess Violet.
Being based off the theme of flora, it isn't surprising to say that the entertainment and cuisines are any different. With that being said, this does not mean that every dish in Flurea is vegetarian.
And yet, I find myself investing more of my enthusiasm in the vegetarian dishes over the rest. Candy seems to be enjoying herself as well as she literally devours an entire plate of food larger than herself in size.
....Urkahn, I think I know the reason behind your vegetarian diet.
Beside us, Princess Violet watched incredulously as she took a sip off a specially made cocktail. It seems to be red wine that is infused with several different flowers, a blend that gives off both a sweet aroma and flavour.
Though enjoying herself, she seems to find it tragic that I seem to be evolving into a herbivore with passing time.
[Rey, I believe that a balance of diet is necessary and you should have more meat...] (Violet)
...I don't want to hear that from someone who only eats meat.
Feeling my disagreeing stare, Princess Violet began to leak out a pout. I feel my hair standing as I felt her eyes deepen in the colour of red.
Uh oh. I made someone upset.
"An order here please! Is it possible to have a bottle of this wine that this lady here is drinking? I'd like to get this amazing blend from you!" (Me)
"You have an eye for things customer! I'll get you another extra bottle for a lower price in just a minute!"
When the bottle arrived quickly, I pushed them to Princess Violet and quickly resumed eating. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch an expression of pleasant surprise.
Good. Bomb defused.
***
[You can really see everything from this spot! Jane was right.] (Violet)
Beside me, an excited princess jumped about with the bottle of red wine in her hands. As usual, Candy sits on top on my head while yawning in boredom.
What Princess Violet said is definitely true. Where we are right now, alone, is a slightly steep hill which oversees most of the townscape. Around us bloom a myriad of flowers that give off luminous light, giving this area a dreamy feeling. It seems as if this is a place where hopes and dreams are born.
After our devouring spree, Princess Violet wasted no time and again dragged me to the next destination. While I continued to be amazed by this place named Flurea, this hill in particular exceeded our expectations.
I gazed off into the sea of luminous flowers while Princess Violet spins beside me.
Flurea really is an amazing place. In the day, Flurea displays itself in its colourful splendour, but it seems that Flurea turns into a land of dreams at night. Especially right here on this hill; I would really come to convince myself that I exist in another dimension currently.
If I hadn't thought of being a non-alcoholic bartender, I would have naively wished to remain here forever.
After all, to me, this place right now is a literal depiction of a peaceful haven that no others can hope to compare with.
[What seems to be wrong Rey?] (Violet)
[…No, it isn't anything significant, Princess Violet. I just thought that this is the first beautiful scene that I've come to appreciate in my life.] (Me)
Indeed… As long as I can remember, the orphanage isn't a beautiful place. It is a place unfit to be called beautiful. Terdia wasn't exactly pretty either. If there was anything pretty I found beautiful in Terdia, it is the kindness that Amy has given to us.
Amy… I wonder how she is doing right now.
[Indeed, this is a beautiful place… But there is no need for any solemnity here. Fufufu…] (Violet)
Did I say something comedic?
[Oh Rey… Are you still wondering why I'm happy right now?] (Violet)
"…?" (Me)
Before my eyes, Princess Violet gave a charming smile to me, before turning around and walking away with arms behind her. Her fluttering long hair swung back and forth along with the gentle wind. It wouldn't be a joke to say that Princess Violet fits within this dreamy dimension to produce a serene spectacle.
[He said 'Princess Violet', he said it, hohoho.] (Violet)
Argh! I messed up! I leaked out my thoughts without knowing it!
Damn it! You spoilt my peace anyway! Give it back! And what's with that creepy laughter that you only hear from old men!?
[…I merely said so because I do not want to confuse myself and leak your highness' surname to the public, which could trouble your highness.] (Me)
[It's no use, no use! You already said it!] (Violet)
Before the happily dancing princess, I can only clench my fist in submission to my own loss.
Just as she is about to proclaim victory, a loud boom echoed throughout Flurea, catching the three of us by surprise.
I turn towards the skies and sighed in amazement. The fireworks that displayed itself can only be said to compliment the already attractiveness of Flurea. As the rumours appear to be, the fireworks in Flurea really looks to be the flowers of the skies.
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Princess Violet silently appreciating the show occurring in the heavens.
I guess it is a spectacular show for a member of the royalty who probably doesn't goes out of her castle often. I can somewhat understand her feelings as a member of the orphanage who finds it nothing but a prison after escaping from that hellhole. Unknowingly, I begin to smile.
Maybe, someone's happiness can possibly bring out your own. If that is true, then I probably can understand those who spend their life working in charity. What if one day, I finally become a non-alcoholic bartender of my own place?
I wonder if I can bring about the happiness of those I serve.
As the loud sounds continue to ring out the festivity of this event, something caught my eye without warning. A little while later, Princess Violet also seems to notice the same thing as she stood beside me dumbfounded. It happened so quickly, neither of us knew how to react.
Where the Earl's Mansion is – or was – now exists only a pile of rubble and debris.