─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
I smiled from ear to ear when I heard we were staying for tomorrow's moon festival. I have only been to one festival in my previous life. Though my memories are a bit blurry, I remember not being able to afford the festival food or the rides due to my parents' financial circumstances at the time. Perhaps tomorrow I can get the full experience of enjoying a festival since money will not be an issue.
'What a bother. Not only do I have to stay in a lowly hotel, but I have to wear the same outfit tomorrow as well? Since when did my standards in life lower down to this?' The trashman mumbled in disbelief as he held my hand, walking out of the alleyway.
'Thank you so much, daddy. You are the best daddy in the world.' I replied in hopes to lighten up the mood.
He looked down, side-eyeing me, and sighed.
'This is your first time here. I suppose it is only right for you to enjoy it.' He answered with a lighthearted tone.
The street lights were a dim, warm yellow that illuminated the festival's decorations beautifully. I continued to look around in amazement. Seeing how happy the children were with their parents made my heart ache.
I miss my parents. And while this man is technically my biological father in this world, he does not see me as his child. What is the point of having all the money and power in the world when you have no love to give?
A sweet aroma traveled to my nostrils, making my stomach growl in hunger. I looked around, trying to find where that alluring aroma came from. I stopped in my tracks while I sniffed deeply.
'What is it?' The trashman questioned while looking back at me.
'Daddy… this smell… sweet smell… It made me hungry.' I confessed while patting my stomach.
He raised an eyebrow while staring at me.
'That smells like caramel moon bread. It is tradition to eat that as a snack during the moon festival. Do… you want to try it?' The trashman questioned in a careless tone.
Did this man seriously ask if I wanted to try it? Did I not say that this smell made me hungry? Was he not paying attention to what I said? Did he forget that children eat? Okay… let's be strong. Let's not be a smart ass. Remember, he controls your life span.
I took a deep breath before I presented my acting face once again. I smiled as big as I could while nodding my head.
'Yes! Please daddy! I would love that!'
He displayed a disgusted face and began walking towards the smell as he held my hand.
'Your smile is ugly. Do not smile like that ever again.' He stated as we walked through the crowd.
What the hell, man?! I gave my heart and soul to you, and this is how you repay me? By insulting me?! What kind of monster are you to call your own precious daughter ugly? The last time I checked, everyone tells me I am the most beautiful child anyone has ever seen! In fact, If I am ugly, that makes you ugly too since I apparently look like you, you bastard! Ugh… whatever. Let's endure this mistreatment for the sake of food.
We finally reached the food post. It was filled with various kinds of bread, pastries, and fruit.
'My, my! What a beautiful young girl you have, sir! She is like the Giodivonian sun. So bright and youthful.' Stated the food vendor
He looked at me with a nonchalant expression, ignoring the food vendor's words.
'What do you want to get? Get whatever you'd like.' The trashman asked.
I nodded and pointed at the chocolate covered strawberries and moon-shaped bread.
'That will be one silver coin, Sir.' replied the vendor.
I looked at the trashman as he reached for his money bag. He hesitated as he looked into his pouch. Oh, right. I don't think Giodivonian citizens are familiar with gold coins. After all, one gold coin can buy acres of land.
He reached into his cloak once again, this time- pulling out another pouch.
Jeez. How many money pouches did you bring? That's a total of three money pouches!
'Here.' The trashman replied while handing the food vendor a silver coin.
So he has a full bag of silver coins, after all? That's convenient. And here I thought that this man has never seen a silver coin in his whole entire life.
The food vendor handed the delicious treats to the trashman, and he turned around to face me.
'Let's take a seat while you eat.'
I nodded and held his hand as we walked to a nearby bench.
'Daddy, I know gold coins are not common here unless you belong to a noble family or the royal Giovivonian family. But where did you get silver coins from?' I questioned.
'Only nobles that belong to the Giodivonians have access to gold coins. In fact, each noble family has its own gold coins. This represents their identities, ranking, and their household name. For example, the duke and duchess have a lion and an owl symbol on their gold coins. The marquis and marquess have a double-headed crow, the earl, count, and baron family all share the same symbol- two crossed swords. As for us, we have our own special gold coin. On one side, the sun and the moon. On the other side, a crown. Everyone is familiar with this symbol. It is the strongest value one can have amongst this empire.' He explained as he crossed his arms.
I nodded my head as I indulged in the delicious moon bread.
'Mommy, the fireworks will start soon, right?' A tiny girl questioned as she clung onto her mother's dress, passing by us.
I quickly looked at the trashman with excitement with gigantic cheeks stuffed with moon bread.