Chapter 17

The flower competition takes center stage among the four segments of the spring festival. This year's winner will receive a gold-plated flower wreath, and a tax cut for two consecutive years. I wonder who came up with the idea of a tax cut as a prize. Next, will be the culinary showdown, then the drinking competition, and finally the fireworks show which will happen towards the end.

"And the winner of this year's flower competition is Madam Fortfilia of Little Houseplant! Come on up, madam!"

The crowd roared in joyful chants and claps as they congratulated her. Though she was clearly old in age, her gait was so elegant that it seemed unreal. It seems she is a rather popular florist around here. 

My duty was to hand over the trophies to the princess as she passed them out to the winners. She could have asked a maid to complete this task, which would have been more fitting, yet she chose me, a slave. I thought she was merely using me to provoke the mistress, but she has been so nice to me lately that it's scaring me. Even her attendants became cordial with me.

"Miss Fati, how about a quick break? We can take over from here."

"I've brought you some water. I'm sure you must be thirsty from standing under the sun for so long."

"You can go sit underneath our tent over there."

Since they are her personal handmaidens, I suppose it's natural they would want to assist her directly but, what if it upsets her highness? She specifically asked me to carry out this task.

I raised my head in search of her gaze. However, it seemed she was already looking at me with those intimidating eyes of hers. With a slight nod and a faint smile, she cued me to leave my post.

"Thank you so much for taking care of me."

"Oh my! You will break your neck bowing like that. Haha"

"She's so adorable."

I went to sit underneath the tent they had suggested to me and as I awkwardly looked around, I unfortunately locked eyes with the mistress, who looked as though she was planning my murder inside her head. What a terrifying woman she is. One glare from her and I am trembling like a little leaf.

The crown prince, however, was quietly sitting next to the princess with his legs crossed and his arms folded across his chest. He appeared uninterested in the event ever since his arrival; however, I am grateful that his attention has not yet strayed towards me.Though behind that ominous black mask of his, it was hard to know what he was actually looking at.

Meanwhile…

A few young men were stealing glances at her. Meanwhile, her gaze focused on every aspect of the events that were unfolding before her. Occasionally, the wind would blow a few strands of her hair on her face, and she would gracefully tuck her long bangs behind her ear. There was so much happening around us,yet she was the only person in this entire crowd who captivated me so. I want to run up to her, grab her tiny and delicate hand and run just for the fun of it. 

Fatima…who are you, truly?

+++++

The festival was a success, which filled me with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I helped to make it possible. We set the price of the strawberry preserves at two silver gouds per person, and we provided the participants of the contests with theirs for free. It was the princess' way of thanking everyone who took the time out of their busy day to come and celebrate together. Though I'm a little sad I did not receive one myself. I heard it was good when eaten with fresh bread.

"Curse the fate of the slave." I sulked while kicking a small rock.

"Who are we cursing?" blurted a familiar voice from behind me.

"Aah! That scared me!"

Good heavens! I nearly fell.

"Why are you so jumpy all of a sudden?"

"You suddenly came out of nowhere!" I shouted.

"Oh, my poor heart…"

She seems to be in a better mood.

"The fireworks show is about to begin. I know a perfect spot with the best view."

"Fireworks?" she responded excitedly.

"Have you ever seen a fireworks show before, Fati?"

"Of course I have! Back in Ecchelon I used to go with… oops!" she gasped loudly as she covered her mouth.

It seems she had accidentally let out something she shouldn't have.

"Is that your homeland?"

Ecchelon, huh…there lies my first clue.

"Huh? Uh…y-yeah. I grew up…in…in a humble home n-near the slums…haha…"

It's obvious that she's lying. Which means there is more to her being a citizen of Ecchelon than she's letting on. Hm…should I keep probing?

"That explains your accent. I knew I heard it somewhere; I just couldn't remember where exactly."

"I-I have an accent?" she asked with a blank stare.

Was she not aware of that fact?

"Either way, please keep this a secret from everyone, Sir Nate. I beg of you. Please?"

I could use this situation to bargain for the truth, however that is not the image of me I want to paint in her head. I don't want her to think of me as some deviant who took advantage of her weakness. I'm sure there is another way to find out the truth. 

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. By the way, the princess had asked me to give this to you."

I saw how she was drooling while watching the people enjoy it with their families, so I stole one for her. But if I tell her that, she will refuse it out of the fear of being accused of thieving. She let out a loud gasp, as she quickly snatched the jar from my grasp. She was squealing and twirling around while holding it in the air like some sort of precious treasure.

"Her highness is a saint. She is not only beautiful on the surface,but truly kindhearted as well. I must thank her properly tomorrow. How wonderful!"

Emilia? A saint?

"Thank you, Sir Nate. I will enjoy it wholeheartedly." she exclaimed as she suddenly wrapped her arms around me.

Her embrace felt warm. Her flimsy arms wrapped around my waist felt like they would break if I so much as moved. My heart was thumping loudly, and my face felt as though it was on fire. What in the world is happening to me?

"Are you alright Sir Nate? Are you not feeling well? Why are you covering your face like that?"

"Uh-huh…" I mumbled.

There was nothing else I could say at that moment.

"Oh no! We should hurry back to the estate immediately."

When she finally separated herself from me, I could finally breathe. Though I felt a bit disappointed.

"Are you hurt, Sir Nate? Did I hug you too tightly?"

"I'm fine. No need to worry."

The sudden loud bangs of the fireworks pervaded the air which startled us. She was gaping at the twinkling lights that were dancing in the sky with a big smile on her face. She was happy.

"Sir Nate, we may not have known each other for a long time,but for the past few months, you have shown me more kindness than anyone I have ever known. Hence, I want to believe that you are a good person. No-I know you are a kind man. Which is why I want you by my side always. Don't leave me alone, and don't go to strange places without me, because more than anything, I hate being by myself."

She gripped my shirt while sobbing her eyes out. The whole time she was murmuring those heartfelt words, she never once glanced at me. She was probably under the impression that I could not hear what she was saying because of the noise. However, the sincerity of her words flowed into me like a raging river. My chest, heart, and mind were in complete disarray.

"Happy Spring Festival Fati." I said as I embraced her.

Though you are a mystery to me, I will stay by your side until I am able to earn your complete trust. I promise.