Under the starry night sky, the garden's sparkling flowers shone like diamonds. Athanasia sat at her desk, sighing heavily.
Kan, standing beside her, asked, "Is something amiss, my lady?"
Athanasia leaned back. "I'm tired, Grandpa Kan."
Kan's expression turned sympathetic. "Then, my lady, shall we take a rest? I can bring you some tea."
Athanasia shook her head. "No need, Actually what i meant to say is that hmm..I heard the maids mention the Spring Festival starts tonight in town. May I... attend?"
Kan's brow furrowed. "My lady, it's not safe—"
Athanasia interrupted, "Please, Grandpa? Just one night? I've never been to the festival."
Kan sighed, relenting. "Alright, my lady."
Athanasia's face lit up. "Yay! Thank you, Grandpa!"
As she prepared to leave, Kan advised, "Wear something simple, my lady."
Athanasia nodded, excitement radiating from her. "I will, Grandpa!"
Racing out of the room, Athanasia's laughter echoed.
Kan's voice followed, "My lady, don't run! You'll fall!"
Athanasia's eyes sparkled as she walked alongside Grandpa Kan through the vibrant town festival. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, the sound of laughter, and the savory aroma of delicious food.
"Grandpa, I want to try those chicken sticks! They look scrumptious!" Athanasia exclaimed.
Grandpa Kan smiled. "Of course, my lady. Let's buy some."
As they strolled, Athanasia marveled at the colorful stalls and twinkling lanterns. They passed by a group of musicians playing lively tunes on traditional instruments, and Athanasia couldn't resist swaying to the rhythm.
Next, they visited a stall offering intricate, handmade crafts. Athanasia's fingers trailed over the delicate patterns, admiring the artisans' skill.
"Grandpa, look! This necklace is beautiful!" Athanasia said, holding up a stunning piece featuring a crystal pendant.
Grandpa Kan nodded. "Indeed, my lady. You have an excellent eye for beauty."
As the night wore on, Athanasia and Grandpa Kan continued their festive adventure, indulging in sweet treats, watching acrobatic performances, and laughing together beneath the starry sky.
Their joy was infectious, spreading to those around them as they basked in the magic of the Spring Festival.
As the festivities reached their climax, the crowd's excitement was palpable. "Everyone, everyone! The fireworks are about to commence! Please gather 'round!" a voice boomed, echoing through the night air.
The throng surged forward, their eagerness to witness the spectacle causing me to lose Grandpa Kan in the chaos. I frantically scanned the sea of faces, my anxiety mounting.
"Excuse me, please let me pass!" I implored, attempting to navigate the dense crowd. A careless footstep landed on my toes, and I winced in pain. "Ouch! Oh, dear heavens!"
Seeking refuge, I hastened toward a nearby water fountain. The gentle burble of its waters provided a soothing balm for my frazzled nerves. I sat, taking deep breaths, and tried to collect my thoughts.
Just as I began to feel overwhelmed, a panicked voice pierced the air. "My lady, where are you? Princess Athanasiaaaa, where are you?"
I rose, hoping to locate Grandpa Kan, but he was nowhere to be seen. I approached a passerby and inquired, "Excuse me, sir, have you seen a gentleman with gray hair and a kind face?"
The stranger shook his head. "No, I haven't. Sorry."
As the fireworks reached their grand finale, I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. The booms and crackles of the explosions created a cacophony of sound, mirroring the turmoil within me.
Just as I felt utterly lost and alone, a figure emerged from the crowd. His snow-white hair and silver-golden eyes sparkled in the fading light of the fireworks. His chiseled features and elegant attire exuded an aura of refinement.
Before I could utter a word, he fixed me with a stern gaze. "Athanasia, have you lost all sense? Do you have any notion how perilous this area is? You could have been kidnapped!"
His anger was palpable, but I stood my ground, intrigued by this stranger's familiarity. "Hm, excuse me, sir, but who are you, and how do you know my name?"
The stranger's expression turned incredulous. "Seriously? I am your cousin, Arion! You dimwit!"
My eyes widened as recognition dawned. "Arion? No wonder you seem so familiar!"
A mix of relief and gratitude washed over me. "I'm so glad you found me, Arion. I was terrified!"
Arion's gaze narrowed. "Really? You don't appear frightened in the least." come 9n let go home now .
As we approached the Eckart estate, the soft gurgling of the fountain in the courtyard grew louder, providing a soothing contrast to the turmoil that had unfolded. The sound of worried voices and shuffling footsteps filled the air, punctuated by the distant, fading melodies of the festival.
Upon entering, I was met with a sea of anxious faces, their eyes scanning me for any signs of harm. Grandpa Kan rushed toward me, his usually composed demeanor ruffled by concern.
"My lady, thank the heavens you're safe!" he exclaimed, embracing me tightly. The warmth of his relief enveloped me, a comforting balm for my frazzled nerves.
My uncle's voice followed, laced with a mix of worry and relief. "Athanasia, dear child, are you unharmed?"
I smiled, seeking to reassure him. "I'm fine, Uncle. A bit shaken, but unscathed. And I'm grateful to be reunited with all of you."
As I spoke, the tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by the warm, golden glow of relief and reunion. The soft lapping of the fountain's waters against its edges created a soothing background hum, a reminder of the peaceful sanctuary that lay within our estate's walls.