Festival

'Why is this palace so wide?!'

Wang Yichen couldn't help but express his frustration with a complaint as he continued his search for the entrance to the banquet hall.

After wandering around the grand hall for over twenty minutes he was already on the verge of giving up.

'Zaeir has never explored this palace after being escorted to the room by the guards. How am I supposed to find the banquet hall like this…

'There's no one here to ask for directions either. Just where did they go to leave such a place deserted?'

Despite his fatigue slowly dissipating, Wang Yichen pushed himself to walk a few more minutes before finally succumbing to exhaustion. The aftermath of his exertion still lingered in his body.

As he wandered, he stumbled upon the palace's backyard, a stunning and tranquil oasis. A central water fountain adorned with various types of blooming flowers caught his eye.

Wang Yichen quickly located a bench and sank onto it, giving his exhausted body a much-needed respite.

As he sat, the brisk wind swept across his face, revealing the doubtful crimson iris that flickered in his eyes.

'I wonder if these memories will fade away once I return…'

He gazed up at the bright moon and pondered, "I wonder if these memories will fade away once I return..."

In the serene backyard, Wang Yichen noticed several other couples who had sneaked out of the banquet.

Some playfully teased each other, while others engaged in shameless displays of affection.

'It appears I have stumbled upon the perfect location to exacerbate my emotional distress. But, it's not as if I won't have another opportunity in the future.

'Once I return home, maybe I should go search for one. No, I cannot prioritize my own desires over my mother's deteriorating health,' Wang Yichen mockingly mused to himself.

He began tapping his fingers on the wooden bench, contemplating whether or not he should continue his search.

"Now that I've come across some people, should I ask them for directions? But then again, would they not simply dismiss me for intruding on their moments?"

He let out a sigh, "What a headache."

Wang Yichen then made a decision to wait in place until Kael came to fetch him.

He smiled to himself and quietly mused, "I wonder what expression will Kael put on upon his return."

Without thinking, he reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone but was reminded of its absence.

He chuckled at his mistake and muttered to himself, "Of course, in this world, there are no phones or internet to pass the time. What other ways could I occupy myself while waiting?"

Wang Yichen decided to forgo his earlier plan and instead took a leisurely stroll after resting for a few more minutes.

He knew that he would soon be departing from this world, so instead of lazing around, he wanted to make the most of his remaining time.

After exiting the backyard, he arrived at the palace entrance where he was greeted by several servants who were waiting outside.

The area was significantly wider than the courtyard he had just left, with a red carpet spread across the pavement.

Many people were chatting with each other except for a few that were taking care of the horses. This also includes the servants that came with him.

Shortly after, a frail young boy emerged from the crowd and approached him While his facial features weren't great, his bright golden hair stood out from the rest.

The boy bowed and said in a low voice, "My apologies for being late, sir."

Wang Yichen waved his hand and replied, "No need to be so tense. I snuck out of the boring gathering so you're not at fault here."

The young boy exclaimed in astonishment, "S-snuck out?!"

Wang Yichen nodded, "Yes. Lith, when Kael comes back, please tell him that I won't be returning for a while," he said with a serious tone.

He noticed the surprised and worried look on the young boy and quickly responded.

He waved his hand and clarified, "Don't worry, I just wanted to take a walk and explore the palace a bit. But when Kael returns, please let him know that I'll be away for a while."

Lith nodded and said, "Yes, sir. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Wang Yichen smiled and patted his shoulder, "Thanks, I appreciate it."

"Also lend me your lantern, I want to explore around a bit."

Lith watches as he took the bronze lantern from him and went toward the distant city covered in a light golden hue.

"He seems to be a bit different today… Especially those eyes…"

…

Wang Yichen wiped his sweat with one hand while clutching the bronze lantern with the other. "Even the staircase down is so painful, and why does the palace have to be atop a mountain!?"

He complained aloud as he made his way down the long stair.

The dimly lit lantern provided enough light for him to see his footsteps, but the journey was still treacherous.

"I should've taken the other route or asked for someone for a ride," he said regretfully.

Soon, the candle within the lantern began to fade away.

Luckily, the golden light has already started to become clearer–lighting up his surrounding.

Soon, the candle within the lantern began to flicker and fade away. Fortunately, the golden light from the stores ahead began to illuminate his surroundings.

The moment he step foot into the city, Wang Yichen was greeted by a plethora of shops, bustling with families and activity.

He was not surprised, as the Emperor was hosting a banquet and celebrating his birthday with a festival.

Upon venturing deeper into the city, Wang Yichen came to the realization that things were far more complex than he initially anticipated.

The festival was a bustling and lively event, much like the joyous atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.

Red lanterns and streamers adorned the streets, and the air was filled with the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers.

Families bustled about, dressed in their finest attire, as they went from booth to booth, enjoying the wide variety of food, games, and performances.

The aroma of sweet and savory snacks filled the air, and vendors sold everything from delicate silk garments to trinkets and souvenirs.

At the center of the festival, a grand parade took place. Colorful dragons and lions danced and pranced along the streets, accompanied by a chorus of musicians and dancers.

It was a joyous and lively celebration, full of laughter, excitement, and a sense of community.

Wang Yichen's eyes widened, revealing his crimson iris as he took in the full sight.

His mind became more unstable as he thought of more possibilities.

"Why is it here?

"How is it here?"