"How long was I out for?"
Earl heard Alea's soft voice as he read a book by the window. The sky was becoming darker and darker by the second, but it was impossible to tell if it was day or night from the Spirit Mist that covered the air.
"It's almost nighttime."
"I see..." She said after looking at Earl. It was impossible to tell what she was thinking. Deep inside, there were many things she wanted to say. But in the end, she chose not to say anything. Earl would be hers no matter what because... he was the man she chose.
"You did a good job." Earl closed the book, unaware of Alea's thoughts. "Let's go enjoy the festival together."
"Okay..." Alea made her way out of bed. "Where's mom?"
"She left a while ago. We were going to look for Mature Spirits, but we can save that for tomorrow."
"What are you doing?" The Princess suddenly asked.
Earl, who had bent over in front of Alea, answered. "Giving you a piggyback."
"Fine." Alea tried her best to suppress her smile, but it was all for nought. A smile had already cracked onto her face.
A lightweight fell on Earl's back. He could feel her breasts pushing against his back, and it gave birth to numerous thoughts. Then, holding her legs tightly, he walked out of the room and then out the palace.
Outside, Artasia had transformed into the land of dreams. Rainbow mist-filled every corner of the city. Bright lanterns lined the roads, showing the way to travellers. The joyous laughter of children and the music of bards could be heard everywhere.
Earl stopped his steps for a brief moment to admire this scene. He could feel Alea doing the same as she lifted her head that was resting on his shoulder.
The Spirit Mist was their friend. The quantity of it made it impossible to discern the features of anyone besides their silhouette.
"Are you cold?" Earl asked.
In response, Alea hugged him tighter, transferring her body heat over. "No... You're warm. Very warm."
"You must be hungry."
"..."
"I might know a place."
"Okay."
Alea enjoyed the feeling of being on Earl's back. It was like they were in their own world. A world with just the two of them. She rested her face on his shoulder, feeling the warmth that came with it.
"Hehe..."
She suddenly giggled—her mood turning for the better.
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing~" She cheerfully said and nibbled on his ears.
"That tickles!"
"Hehe~"
She was happy.
"This is the place." Earl stopped at a restaurant that was a wooden, rustic mansion. It was steaming with people, and the smell that came out of the place was heavenly. There was a natural warmth to the area that was very pleasant due to the cold weather.
"Smells good. Hotpot?"
"Yes. Perfect for us. I'm going to let you down."
As Earl crouched, he was stopped by the protest of Alea. She held onto his shoulder tightly, and she muttered. "Wait."
"Hm?"
"I want to stay up here for a little longer."
"...Okay."
They entered the restaurant together with Alea on Earl's back. She only left his back when it came time to sit down.
The establishment was one where every guest had their private stall. A giant hotpot was placed in the middle of the table, and they would share it.
Food was served on the table. Various assortment of meats was plated as well as many exotic fruits and vegetables.
"This is my first time at a place like this."
"You can leave it to me."
"Really? I don't expect you to be reliable in these situations."
"You can leave it to me," Earl said more firmly than last time.
"If you say so." Alea sat back and watched Earl throw the ingredients into the pot.
A wonderful smell soon wafted from the pot. It was the smell of meat with rich fats, combined with the refreshing fragrance of greens.
Alea couldn't help but salivate a little.
"I'll feed you," Earl told her.
"Okay."
Earl carefully scooped up a small portion and blew on it lightly to cool it down before bringing it to Alea's mouth. The Elven Princess widened her eyes at the sudden taste. The warmth of the soup quickly went down her stomach and she felt all over. The soup was tasty and well seasoned with the right amount of spices. The meats, when cooked in this soup, gained a very compelling taste. It was very comfortable to eat in this cold weather.
"This kind of food should be enjoyed together." He said as he ate his share.
"Feed me more." She lifted her head as she said.
"I got it."
"Ah...~"
This scenario repeated until they finished all their food. Alea had a content look on her face as she leaned on Earl's chest.
"Is there anything you want to do?"
"Let's look around."
They stood in the streets after having paid for their food.
"Would you like another piggyback?" Earl smilingly asked.
"No," Alea answered blandly.
"That was cold."
"I want to walk next to you."
Without waiting for a reply, Alea hugged Earl's arm tightly, and they walked together.
On their walk, they came across many things. The illusory buildings that peeked through from the Spirit World, the playful cries of Mature Spirits. It was these things that made the Spirit Festival such a joyous occasion.
Eventually, they came across an unexpected encounter. Alea hugged Earl's arm tighter as she jumped. "It's so cute!"
From around the corner, a little furry animal approached them curiously. It was a white baby fox. From the presence that it had, it could be identified as a Mature Spirit.