The villagers were quite enthusiastic as they got ready with the preparations for the ritual. They decorated the entire village with beautiful and colourful flowers and decorative clothing which they got from the Champa market with the help of Amar and his men.
Ira made some plans for them to invite the neighboring villages for the ritual and the opening ceremony of the trading spot. Her plan was to make them aware of the wasteland turned village.
She also made a few plans to earn through this event from the visitors by preparing the hand-made cost efficient game corner with all sorts of games including ball games, daggers, magic shows, etc...
She also made use of the horses of Amar and his men by opening an exclusive corner for Horse riding.
All of her plans required only manual labor. Only the decorative items cost them, but that too was taken care.
Finally, the d-day arrived!
Ira was taken to a home to get ready but the rope which bound her got in the way. The ladies that were preparing her for the ritual were confused on what to do. So they went to consult it with their elder.
"Yes... it is indeed a problem... Call General Amar here." The elder's tone was stern as he asked for Amar.
"Elder, I heard you called me here."
"Apologies for this old man's rudeness by calling you here. I thought it would be appropriate for us to speak about this matter here rather than somewhere."
Amar didn't say anything as he stood there and continued to listen to what the elder was saying patiently.
"Okay, I will get to the topic... It's about that young girl. I don't know what she did to be held as a captive by the King's royal guards. But, despite that I would like to make a request."
Amar nodded his head as he continued to listen.
"You are aware of the fact that we planned to honour the young girl for all her efforts by hosting the ritual and naming our village. But, there is a problem with that."
A few minutes later....
"Ahh... What do we do now? We don't have much time. We need to get her ready. But with these ropes..."
"Hahaha. Don't mind me. I'm fine with the way I look. It can't be helped. After all, I am a hostage..." Her eyes expressed something which they have never seen before. It was sadness...
Ira was a very optimistic girl with a beautiful yet mischievous and warm smile. The ladies were a little surprised to see her looking sad.
The silence filled the room until it was broken by the elder's arrival.
"Someone is knocking the door. I will go and see who it is." One of the two ladies went to the door and were surprised to see the elder.
He was dressed wisely in the green and white attire. He looked just like how he was when he was holding the position of the Finance mister.
The two ladies were moved to the points of tears to see him look so refined.
"Could you please give us a few minutes?"
"Yes elder. We will be waiting outside." The ladies went out giving them some space.
"Grandpa? Why are you here?" Ira was a little surprised to see him there. She was sure he would be very busy with all the preparations.
"Why? Shouldn't I come to see my granddaughter?" The elder sounded a little shy when he said that. But Ira on the other hand was quite happy to be called that. She had a beautiful and warm smile plastered on her face.
"Ohh... What a surprise, I never thought that you would accept me as your granddaughter. I'm so happy grandpa!"
Unable to take the sweet words uttered by her the elder cleared his throat. Ira somehow found him cute as she smiled mischievously.
"Let's get to the point. Are you planning on attending the ritual like this?"
"What can I do? I'm a hostage after all..."
The elder approached her with a warm smile on his thin lips as he slowly undid the rope that bound her.
"Grandpa, what are you doing?"
"Don't worry, I have already gotten permission from him and here!" He handed over an beautiful folded fan to Ira.
"This is my gift to you."
The folded fan was a little heavier than the normal ones. It was decorated with beautiful and colorful gems which complimented the light green color of the fan.
Ira had a dumb look on her face. She tried all sorts of tricks on Amar, but nothing proved to be useful. But now! Now! The elder was able to convince him so easily!
Ira clearly had no idea what kind of dealing was running between them and that bugged her. But now, she is free and above all, she can use her powers without constraint.
"Won't you accept it?" The elder had a grumpy look on his face seeing that she was not accepting it.
"Grandpa! Many thanks to you! This is a wonderful gift! It looks so beautiful! Ah, one more thing, how did you make him agree? I'm a little curious."
"My child, haven't you heard of the saying, 'Curiosity kills the cat.' I suggest, you don't have to know about it. Just do what you want to do."
'But... If I don't know their deal, I can't act rashly... It could put them in danger as well...'
"This fan might be useful. Don't lose it."
Ira just nodded her head as she smiled at him warmly.
Few minutes passed...
Ira came out of the room as she walked towards the center of the village where the ritual was taking place. The crowd looked at her in awe. She was one beauty beyond compare.
The pale green robe matched with white lose pants fitted her very well. She looked simply stunning. Everyone in the village instantly recognized the fan that was attached on her waist.
They looked at the direction of the elder in awe as they started mumbling among themselves.
"That fan... isn't that the elder's family heirloom?"
"Then, this could only mean that, he has taken Lady Ira as his granddaughter and successor."
Ira was curious about what those people were mumbling. But decided to continue with the ritual.