One month swiftly passed, and the festival commenced. On the first day, many strolled through the city, their expressions bright with joy.
Stalls had been set up at every corner, each selling different items.
"Is everything in order?" Stephen asked Tristan, who responded with a nod.
Stephen stepped onto the grand stage he had asked the carpenters to construct a month prior.
Clearing his throat, he held up a voice amplifier that he had bought from the system shop.
"I would like to say a few words." He started. "Last year brought many hardships."
"The drought ravaged the economy, bringing with it countless misfortunes."
Everyone had somber expressions recalling how they had suffered from the numerous tragedies that unfolded in their territory.
"This festival marks our slow yet steady recovery—our strength and resilience. Even after such adversities, we have endured! I urge everyone to enjoy the festival to their heart's content!"
The crowd quickly erupted in unified cheer, smiles illuminating their faces.
Stephen stepped down from the stage, straightening his suit. Though he would have loved to explore and enjoy the festivities, his duties as count allowed him not a minute's rest, and he returned to his estate.
Meanwhile, many visitors moved in and out of the city. While the numbers were not overwhelming, a fair number of travelers could be seen, including some from nearby towns.
All citizens were given three days off to celebrate and make merry—even Tristan breathed a sigh of relief. Although he had been tasked with overseeing any issues that might arise, he still found time to spend with his wife.
There were people from other territories, cities, and some vendors that were given approval by Stephen to sell during the festival.
Shibal and his people engaged in friendly conversations with others. At first, those from the Sahara had struggled with the dialect, but after several months, they had managed to learn it.
Roch and his family also attended.
The deli café had been closed, as Arthur, Marcel, and their family had come to visit the city.
"Look, big brother!" Brice, Roch's younger brother, pointed eagerly at a nearby stall, tugging on Roch's arm. Both stood in front of a stall, Brice's eyes gleamed with hunger. "Buy this for me!" he pleaded loudly.
Roch sighed and gazed at the unfamiliar food. "Pardon me, but what is this?" he asked, uncertain.
Roch knew little of his lord's recent undertakings, as he had been away; all he knew was that the economy was gradually beginning to recover.
Kale who attended the stall smiled and answered, "It's fried chicken, sir. It's one of the new varieties of poultry we're offering!"
Setting aside his curiosity, Roch purchased one for his little brother, who devoured it in one bite.
"Big brother, I want another!" Brice said, pointing at the stall with pleading eyes.
"But I just bought you one..." Roch sighed and returned to the stall for a second time. He watched his brother eat with pure delight. "Is it good?" he asked.
"It's amazing! It's super tender and juicy! Here take a bite!." Brice offered a piece to Roch.
Curiously, Roch took a bite, his expression softening. "This...is quite good," he said.
"I know, right?" Brice replied. Roch hurried back to the stall to buy one for himself.
Nearby, Jocelyn was carrying her toddler. "Oh, Ignace, you're getting too heavy for Mama to hold," she murmured as she set him down and held his hand. Ignace's eyes sparkled as he pointed to another stall.
The two of them stood before a stand displaying an array of toys. Jocelyn noted that some of the toys resembled carriages, albeit in strange forms. "Pardon me, but what are these toys?" she asked.
"These are car toys, ma'am," the stallkeeper replied. "We also have educational toys, like flashcards and puzzles."
After a moment's thought, Jocelyn purchased two car toys for Ignace, who beamed with delight.
Arthur, on the other hand, was with his younger sister and brother. The three sat on a bench, enjoying their drinks.
"This is delightful!" Laure exclaimed. "And these chewy little pearls taste heavenly! It's sweet and refreshing!"
The three sipped happily on their milk tea.
Manuel and his granddaughter perused the various stalls. "Would you like one of these?" he asked, to which his granddaughter nodded eagerly.
They bought a fluffy cloud of cotton candy. "It melts in your mouth, Grandpa! It's delicious!"
Manuel clutched his chest, near overwhelmed by his granddaughter's adorableness.
Meanwhile, Maeva picked out hair clips from another stall. "Isn't this one cute?" she asked Tristan, who nodded.
Tristan looked around at the assortment of new items, especially the variety of foods he did not recognize. 'Is this why the lord had been so busy?' he wondered, recalling the count's training of numerous workers.
People were scattered about, some eating, others buying various items. Many were astonished and delighted by the offerings.
But it was not only the townsfolk who were amazed. Visitors from smaller villages wore expressions of pure joy as they sampled the food.
Commoners from neighboring territories had also come, eating and shopping with enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Tobie's legs were shaking as he stood beside his three friends: Medard, Omer, and Gabriel. All four trembled with nerves.
"Omer, what if we make a mistake on stage?" Gabriel whispered, biting his nails.
"Don't be so anxious, Gabriel! You're making it contagious!" Medard hissed.
The four young men had been close friends since childhood, each working different jobs within the city.
One day, the count had summoned men from across the city. They remembered standing among a group of over a hundred.
Then the count had begun selecting, putting each man to the test with singing, dancing, and various acts. In the end, he had narrowed them down to just four.
The four had been shocked to be chosen and even more so when they learned the task at hand. They were to avoid contact with their families and undergo rigorous training.
It was all in preparation for the festival.
Since the festival spanned three days, a different performance was planned for each night.
Tonight, they were to give the first performance. They knew the count had high expectations, and any failure would be a bitter disappointment.
"We just need to give it our best, yes?" Tobie tried to reassure them.
---
"A performance?" one commoner asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, the town criers were announcing it all day—a performance in the central square," another replied.
Tourists, too, had heard, and their curiosity was piqued.
Hours passed, and night fell. Chairs had been arranged, and everyone took their seats. Even young children sat eagerly with their parents.
"Will it be a bard or a jester?" people wondered with anticipation.
"Everyone, please settle down! The show is about to begin!" The announcer, Emeric, stood on stage and called out before quickly retreating to the side.
The curtains parted.
On stage stood Tobie, Gabriel, Omer, and Medard, each dressed in distinct attire, each holding a microphone.
Tobie's insides quivered. 'What do I do?' He looked out at the crowd, then closed his eyes, remembering the count's advice.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he stood firm as the lights flickered, and the strumming of a guitar introduced a soft, ballad melody that drifted throughout the city.
"I've been searching through the dark, finding pieces of my heart,
But it feels like home when I'm standing next to you."
The crowd grew eerily silent as Tobie took a few cautious steps forward. With Tobie leading, Gabriel then joined in, his voice steady yet filled with emotion.
"I've been waiting all my life, like a shadow in the light,
Now it's clear the world was always leading me to you."
Next was Omer's turn. He held the mic firmly and sang, "There's no wall too high, no river too wide."
Medard continued, his voice resonating with strength, "No matter where you go, I'm standing by your side."
Each of them glanced at one another, exchanging silent encouragement. They all joined together for the chorus.
"You and I, we're stronger than the tide,
No storm could ever pull us apart, no place too far.
No matter what we face, we're one embrace away,
Together, this is our forever home."
Medard then took the lead, his voice warm and tender. "When we're lost in city lights or stars above the sea, Everywhere feels right when you're here with me."
Omer followed, "People change, seasons fade, but we won't drift away,
'Cause with you, I've found a love that'll stay."
Tobie's voice softened, heartfelt and honest, "There's no shadow long, no night too cold."
Gabriel sang, his voice unwavering, "When I'm with you, I'm never feeling alone."
All four then sang together, voices blending seamlessly.
"You and I, we're stronger than the tide,
No storm could ever pull us apart, no place too far.
No matter what we face, we're one embrace away,
Together, this is our forever home."
Gabriel and Tobie sang in harmony, "So take my hand, we'll find our way,
Every single sunrise, every single day."
Omer and Medard followed, "We've come so far, look at where we are,
Nothing can break what's in our hearts."
Then, all together, they sang the final chorus with a swell of emotion that filled the square.
"You and I, we're stronger than the tide,
No storm could ever pull us apart, no place too far.
No matter what we face, we're one embrace away,
Together, this is our forever home."
The guitar strums slowed, signaling the song's end. Tobie took a deep breath and held his mic one last time, his voice soft but clear.
"In this life, you're my guiding light," he sang.
Gabriel followed, "Together, we'll make it through every night."
Omer's voice joined in, "You and I, forever side by side."
Medard's voice echoed softly, "This is our forever home."
When the last note faded, silence lingered for a moment before the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, cheers, and shouts.
"Encore! Encore!"
"That was amazing!"
Stephen, observing from the side, smiled. 'It seems the training paid off.' Though the four still had a long way to go, they had delivered a heartfelt performance that resonated deeply with the audience, just as Stephen had hoped.