The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over Edgefield. The town was bustling with activity as preparations for the evening's event were underway. Sky had taken it upon herself to help me find a suitable outfit for the celebration, and Vice had taken Alice under her wing, teaching her some basics about business. I hoped she wasn't teaching her anything weird, but I felt a sense of contentment. Vice was rough around the edges, but she had a kind heart, and seeing her interact with Alice made me believe we had made the right choice in recruiting her.
Sky returned with a bundle of clothes. "Here," she said, handing me a neatly folded outfit. "Try this on. It should fit you nicely."
I took the clothes and went inside the cart to change. The outfit was simple yet elegant—a white shirt with a high collar, a dark blue vest, and matching trousers. It was far more refined than anything I had worn before, but it made me feel like a real merchant. Sky rushed up to me. "Here, let me fix the collar." She began straightening my collar a bit, a slight blush on her face. She seemed like the caretaker type. Once she was done, Vice nodded. "Looks good." Alice followed with a beaming smile and echoed Vice, "Looks good." Even if she couldn't see, it seemed she wanted to be supportive.
I smiled back at her. "Thanks, Alice. You look lovely too." She was wearing a small, white dress with lace trimmings that Sky had picked out for her. It matched her innocent and pure demeanor perfectly. Her purple hat was slightly askew on her head, which was unfortunate; I wished she could take it off.
Vice saw my expression and walked up to Alice. "What's up with this hat?" She took it off and froze once she felt her ears. She took a second to process what it was and once she figured out she was a demi-human, her expression changed. Vice frowned, "Do you have this on here to hide her ears?" I frowned, "I just don't want her to be looked down on." Vice crossed her arms defiantly, her eyes narrowing. "Listen, Key, Alice shouldn't have to hide who she is. If people judge her for being different, that's their problem, not hers." I hesitated, looking at Alice, who seemed a bit uncertain without her hat. "But what if people are cruel to her? I don't want her to get hurt."
Sky stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Vice is right, Key. Alice is strong, and she has us to protect her. She shouldn't have to hide herself to fit in." Vice tossed the hat back on my cart, "Plus, if they say anything, I'll kick their teeth in." Alice mimicked Vice in a cute way, "Kick their teeth in!"
I smiled at both of them. I guess she doesn't need to be babied; she has grown up a lot in only the short time I have been with her. I wasn't sure she had the best role model, but I was sure she would feel better if she could let her ears free. I took a deep breath, looking at her earnest face. "Alright, Alice. If you're okay with it, then let's leave the hat off tonight."
Vice smiled approvingly and ruffled Alice's hair. "That's the spirit, kiddo." With that decision made, we made our way to the mayor's house. The streets were lined with lanterns, casting a soft, warm light. The townsfolk greeted us with smiles and nods of appreciation, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This town had been through a lot, and I was glad we could bring some hope and joy back to it.
Vice pretty much stuck to her usual style, but Sky wore a nice red dress and red high heels. Her hair was tied back nicely; it was a bit weird to see her out of her armor, but she looked beautiful. She blushed a bit when she saw me looking at her, "Shall we go?" I nodded, "Y-yeah, let's go."
When we arrived at the mayor's house, the front yard had been transformed into a festive gathering. Tables were set up with various dishes and drinks, and a small stage had been erected for speeches and entertainment. Marcus and Felica greeted us warmly, their faces glowing with happiness.
"Key, thank you for coming," Marcus said, shaking my hand firmly. "We're honored to have you here."
Felica hugged me again, her gratitude palpable. "You saved our daughter. We can never thank you enough."
I smiled, feeling a bit overwhelmed by their gratitude. "I'm just glad I could help."
As the evening progressed, the townsfolk mingled, enjoying the food and drinks. There was a sense of camaraderie and relief in the air, a stark contrast to the tension and fear that had gripped the town before. I stood on the stage, feeling a bit nervous as Marcus introduced me to the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we celebrate not only our town's resilience but also the heroism of Key Creed," Marcus announced, his voice filled with pride. "He brought us the medicine that saved many lives, including my daughter's. Please give him a warm round of applause." The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and I felt my face flush with embarrassment and pride.
I held up my drink, which was just some fizzy water, "I appreciate the kind words and trust. Really, it was your town that welcomed me with open arms. I hope to make this something of a second home as I will be on my way once again tomorrow." I announced to the crowd. There was a murmur of surprise and disappointment, but also understanding. Edgefield had become a part of my journey, and leaving it behind would be bittersweet. But it was time to move forward and continue our adventures.
"To Edgefield and all of you," I toasted, raising my glass high. "May the future be bright and prosperous!"
The crowd echoed my sentiment, and the festivities continued with renewed energy. People danced, laughed, and shared stories late into the night. Sky, Vice, Alice, and I mingled, enjoying the warm hospitality and the sense of community. The older women couldn't stop touching and coddling little Alice, saying to me how cute she was. I had no idea people would take to her so strongly. I guess in her little dress she did seem like something to be protected. Vice seemed to be talking to some of her old business partners and even to a few debtors.
At one point, I found myself standing by the edge of the gathering, watching the lanterns sway gently in the evening breeze. Sky joined me, her dress flowing gracefully as she moved. A band was playing soft music. Sky stuck out her hand, "Care for a dance?" I blushed. Maybe it was her role in the guard, but she was a forward woman. I frowned a bit, "I don't really know how. I mean, I would be lying if I said I have been to many parties like this."
Sky smiled, "I will show you. You will have to learn eventually; business parties will be more the norm as you expand." I took her hand and she led me to the dance floor, her steps graceful and confident. As the music swelled, she guided me through the steps, her hands firm yet gentle. I stumbled a few times, but Sky's patience and encouragement kept me going. Eventually, I found a rhythm, and we moved together in harmony.
"You're doing great, Key," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I chuckled, "Only because you're a good teacher."
As we danced, I caught glimpses of Alice giggling with some of the children from the town, her ears twitching with delight. Vice was deep in conversation with Marcus and a few other townsfolk, her demeanor relaxed but still commanding respect. The night wore on, and the atmosphere grew even livelier. Lanterns illuminated the faces of the townsfolk, casting a warm glow that made the evening feel magical. Sky and I eventually joined the others, enjoying the food and the company.
The party ended with Marcus and Felica giving me their final regards. Marcus patted me on the back, "You're a good man. I hope that you will come to visit us again." Felica followed up with, "Absolutely, anytime. I will show you some of my home cooking next time you come." I nodded approvingly, "Sounds great. I will take you up on that offer." Felica nodded, her eyes misty. "Thank you again, Key. For everything." My eyes twitched a little as I walked away, "You're welcome."
As the night came to an end, we made our way back to the inn. Alice was half-asleep, leaning against Vice, who carried her gently. Sky walked beside me, her expression thoughtful.
"You did good tonight, Key," she said softly. "You made a real difference here."
I nodded, "Thanks, Sky. Tomorrow will be a new dawn for The Key to Wonderland, our first real start." With that, we took off back for the inn. As we settled into our rooms, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The road ahead was uncertain, but with friends like Vice, Alice, and Sky by my side, I felt ready to face whatever challenges came our way. The night was peaceful, and as I drifted off to sleep, I dreamed of the adventures and possibilities that lay ahead, confident that together, we could achieve anything.