The first day of the season when the crop ripens and gets ready to be cut down and stored away, marks the start of the harvest festival. A festival that lasts three days and is the most famous celebration across the east continent.
Days of happiness and joy. Where everyone celebrates a new start and a good harvest. A busy time for farmers and sellers alike.
But for the members of the imperial council meetings and me it's the countdown for the upcoming war. The time for stress to sky rocket with the ticking of the clock.
I sigh and look at Haru enjoying the view of the decorated city from the carriage. Jasper by my side also looked at the sight that was as bright and flashy as ever. Beauty of the city during the harvest festival can't be explained by simple words and everyone puts their heart and soul into it.
"Leo stop here." I commanded and the carriage came to a halt at the start of the festive street. We all got down from the carriage and looked over the bustling street that had all kinds of people gathered together.
"Jasper, Reed is here with some information. Go and meet him at the usual meeting point." I whispered to him. He nodded and diverted from me and Haru and disappeared into the crowd.
"Haru let's go."
"Ok brother." he skipped happily in front of me as I followed him.
***
Half the day went by exploring the market and buying gifts for Haru's friend. I too also bought some gifts for Remus and Dea as they can't attend the festival like normal people. After some time we came to a stop as I saw Jas and Reed come our way.
Reed bowed and said "May the moon goddess bless the lord and young master with their light."
"Uncle Reed!" Haru went and hugged the man who hugged him back.
"Reed, I leave Haru with you and Jasper. I have work to do. Haru be good ok."
Reed nodded and he held Haru's hands - an old habit between them- and Haru's smile faltered a bit but he also nodded at me. I turn a sharp eye to Jasper giving him a subtle warning to not follow and to stay put.
I turned around and headed to a back alley. A shadow jumped out and handed me an envelope and vanished.
'Father's dark knights are fast.'
I opened the envelope that my father dearest sent my way and looked at the contents.
'As expected the nobles' knights are not prepared at all. I will have to do something about the formation and arrangement to push them back a little so my army can fight freely.'
With a flick of my hand the paper burned and I leaned against the wall of the alley.
'How long have I worked for all this stuff? planning and manipulating everything but now that it is actually happening it feels almost like a lie.' I sigh as I look out into the much brighter street compared to the alley.
'Lies are the worst and the best thing in the world because they can destroy but also protect. But... no matter what they always hurt each time with much sharper and bigger wounds. but if I am asked if it is worth it, my answer will always be...yes.'
The burden in my chest increased just a bit when I sensed someone in the alley walking in.
"I told you to stay with Reed and Haru."
"Can't help it, my lord. I am a shadow."
"Of course." I say as I push off the wall and walk out the alley leaving Jas behind.
"Kaan~" he called out so dearly and sweetly I froze dead in my steps. I turned back to him, his face was that of happiness. He looked at me with a smile that seemed like it was just for me.
He said in his dearly voice "Will you give this day to me," he extended his hand, "Haru is with Reed so nothing to worry about for a while right?"
I hesitated by the offer and just stared at his hand and then his face and back at his hand. A memory flashed through my mind of us - me and Jasper- running away from training for the first time to come here and watch the festival dance.
No matter how long I stood and hesitated, his smile never faltered and I gave in to it. I decided to give my hand to him. He took it and pulled me out on the main street.
'Just like old times.'
We explored the street. It was my second time but I went with it anyway. I can't understand my heart sometimes. It wants peace - which I will only get when I cross the pearly gates- but moments like this give those thoughts a conflict, a challenge to survive on this planet and find peace here. Surrounded by everyone I hold dear.
'Can I have that? Tell me, Jasper.' I look at his broad back that has protected me and carried me in tough times.
I don't know what he felt but his back tensed and he turned to me and grabbed my wrist.
His mouth opened and closed many times, as his face went to a dark place.
"Kaan, My lord, I have no idea what you are thinking of but let me tell you, this world will meet its end when you are gone."
A breath caught in my lungs as the burden in my heart squeezed it. A breeze passed between us as we stood in the middle of the crowded street blocking many peoples' way.
A single string of control helped me nod and we resumed on our way.
'If I could Jasper I would personally burn the heaven and freeze the hell for you. But I can't, not like this, not now but one day I will and then we can celebrate it together. So wait until then. I promise the fruit of heaven glazed with hell lava for you.'