The streets were filled with laughter, with children darting through the bustling crowd clutching ribbons and sweets.
Numerous stalls lined the cobblestone road selling all sorts of goods and foods. Most prominently displayed were the variety of fresh produce from this year's harvest.
Sylvia followed close behind me, her wide eyes alight with awe as she absorbed the festival's lively atmosphere.
I noticed her gaze lingered on one particular stall, where trays of freshly baked apple pie were laid out for display.
"You've been staring at that stall for a while," I remarked.
"Just… observing," Sylvia's cheeks flushed as she quickly turned away.
I approached the stall and asked the vendor for a piece. The vendor smiled and handed it over. I quickly paid for them before returning to Sylvia.
"Here, take it."
"No, it's fine, but thank you."
I gently grabbed her hand and gave her the plate.
"Don't worry about it." I continued, "Didn't you say you wanted to experience what the world has to offer?"
She slowly nodded before taking a bite of the pie. Instantly, her eyes lit up as she savored the flavor.
We continued to walk, drawing curious glances from others in the crowd, their eyes lingering on Sylvia. She seemed to notice the gazes but chose to ignore them, continuing to look at some of the stalls set up along the street.
She eventually stopped at the minigames—sack races, pumpkin painting, scarecrow dressing, ring tosses, and many more.
"Want to try?" I asked, nudging her lightly.
The moment before she could respond, I heard a voice calling. I shifted my head to see Kaelon in the distance, running toward me.
"Yo Caelith! Didn't know you were here too."
"Oh… hey there, Kaelon."
Kaelon was about to say something, but he paused upon noticing Sylvia, who was slowly backing away behind me, her eyes fixed on him with a wary expression.
He quickly grabbed the front of my shirt and pulled me toward him.
"Dude, who is that girl next to you?!"
I looked at him with a pitiful and disgusted expression.
"You heard me. How in the world did you manage to meet someone as beautiful as her?!" His eyes locked onto mine, demanding an answer.
Kaelon's eyes narrowed, "No, it can't be…"
"You sick bastard, kidnapping and drugging a poor girl"
"Say what now?"
"Her grandfather sent her here to attend the Academy, and she needed somewhere to stay, so she's currently staying over at my place."
"Sure, I believe you, GUA—"
Before he could utter another word, Sylvia rushed forward, shouting
"I-it's true! My grandfather did send me here, and because I didn't have a place to stay, Caellith allowed me to stay with him for the time being."
"..."
Kaelon's eyes narrowed, his expression softened with pity, tears appeared, almost flowing from his eyes.
"... Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You poor girl, I can't believe he's holding your family hostage as well" He said, sniffling.
I fucking swear, this blockhead-
The surrounding crowd began glancing over at the commotion, their eyes following the unfolding exchange.
A voice rose up from the crowd, yelling, "Take your damn squabble outta here!"
Sylvia stood awkwardly behind me, her expression a mix of amusement and unease as she watched the banter unfold.
I quickly covered Kaelon's mouth before he could spout any more nonsense, as we swiftly left, dragging Kaelon away with us.
Eventually, we found a bench without anyone nearby.
Sylvia took a seat and resumed eating her apple pie.
I turned my attention back to Kaelon,
"Like I said, "Her grandfather sent her here to attend the Academy, and she needed somewhere to stay, so she's currently staying over at my place."
"Oh" said Kaelon, smiling sheepishly while awkwardly scratching the back of his head, "Well, why didn't you say so."
"Hand to god, I'm going to beat the shit out of this guy someday." I muttered underneath my breath.
I rolled my eyes, turning back to Sylvia with a sigh. "Just ignore this idiot. He doesn't know when to stop."
"It's fine." she reassures me, letting out a small laugh.
"So, what's her name?"
"My name Sylvia." Sylvia said calmly
Kaelon, collecting himself, flashed a wide smile as he extended a hand.
"Nice to meet you, Sylvia. I'm Kaelon. Uh, sorry about all that earlier. "
"Same here." Sylvia said, offering a small wave.
"So, how did you and Caelith meet?"
"I found her walking around looking lost," I said casually. "Figured I'd ask if she needed help, and the rest just sort of happened."
Kaelon raised an eyebrow, as he turned to Sylvia.
"So she just followed you without, like, asking 'who's this guy?'"
He smirked, "Master, teach me your ways"
"Has anyone ever told you to shut that damn mouth of yours?" I snapped
Kaelon flashed a mischievous grin, clearly enjoying my reaction.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop, please stop looking at me with those scary eyes."
I decided to change the subject and ask his process on awakening his mana core going.
"Hm? It's going okay, I guess."
"Wow, I was honestly expecting more from someone who scored an A-rank affinity." I said sarcastically
"The hell is that supposed to mean? Not like you're much better. I bet I could awaken my core before you."
A playful grin crept across my face, he's going to regret ever making this bet.
"Yeah, sure, I'll take you up on that bet."
Kaelon wasn't actually expecting me to agree to his proposal, and his eyes widened in shock.
"You're serious?"
"What? Getting cold feet?"
"H-hell no! Game on! Loser has to follow the winner's requests!" he shot back, falling right into my provocation.
"Great, I'll see you tomorrow at training camp. I still have to show Sylvia around before the festival ends today."
"Fine, I have to run some errands for the orphanage right now anyway."
He turned to Sylvia, "Enjoy the festival Sylvia, see you both later!"
Kaelon bid us farewell, and I turned my attention back to Sylvia, who sat on the bench, watching Kaelon leave with an expression of pity and amusement.
"Is something wrong?"
She shook her head, "No. I just feel sorry for Kaelon for making that bet with you."