[Ch. 46] The Baron's Celebration (Past)

Korph sat in the carriage moaning, "What is the inn like?"

Amanda spoke with a dreamy look in her eyes, "The inn is wonderful. My lady rents it out every year just for this event. In the port city, the inns have taverns for travelers to come and drink or eat. The rooms are also located in the same building so it's very convenient. It's a tradition in the port city to drink all night after the parade so most of the inns are booked."

Mona smiled, "That sounds nice."

She nodded enthusiastically, "It's even better because they are so terrified of Lady Moao that they make sure everything is perfect. The food and dessert are amazing!"

The closer they came to the port city, the slower the carriage went. They could see more and more people along the sidewalk. Soon, the people were piling into the road since the sidewalk had no more room. The carriage finally stopped, and the driver opened the door helping them all out. Amanda thanked him and led them to a building. A wooden sign hung over the door saying "The Sckeeves".

"Whoa." Korph said, staring at the building in wonder, "What is it?"

"This is the inn. My lady rented out the rooftop so we can watch the parade from there."

They walked inside and looked at the cobblestone room. On the far-right side was a fireplace and across from it was a bar with several barrels behind it. The far-left side had wooden stairs and the middle room was complete with long tables. It looked a bit more dirty and grungy than it appeared on the outside. A short lady with scraggly brown hair ran over with a larger gray-haired man. They deeply bowed to the group upon noticing Amanda and the medallions.

The man spoke, "Oh! Miss Amanda. Welcome back. How is Lady Moao doing?"

She smiled and motioned for them to stand up straight, "She is good. She is currently preparing for the parade."

"Of course! It's such a blessing to have the daughter of the Baron use our inn again this year. Lady Moao mentioned some travelers would be attending as well. We are grateful for your visit, travelers." Once more the two bowed deeply at Mona, Raylon, and Korph.

"It's a pleasure to be here." Mona smiled warmly while bowing slightly. The two seemed to breathe in relief after seeing her warmth.

"My name is Jack and this is Fillandra. We will ensure your stay here is nothing less than spectacular. Please feel free to ask us for anything." They bowed once more, "Fillandra will lead you to the roof and we will have your food and drinks ready for you shortly. I will have your bags taken to your rooms. Here are your keys. If you need anything, please feel free to ask."

They were led up the roof that had a wall separating the two. The wall was half cobblestone and a white glass stained with a flower design covered the upper half. They sat at a table overlooking the street. Korph grabbed the side and leaned over excitedly, "Wow! We can see everything!"

"Prince Korph! Please be careful! You could hurt yourself!" Amanda grabbed at him and tried to pull him back with no success.

Raylon looked over the roof, "Wow. You really can see everything." Below, the crowd began to grow and crowd the sidewalk. He looked in the distance, "Amanda. What is that?"

"That's the market square. It's where the nations get together and sell items. You can find anything there. Lady Moao said we will visit there tomorrow. It will be very busy so be careful. The market is a beautiful place, but it also attracts all sorts of people. So be careful that no one steals your money."

Korph licked his lips, "I bet they have all sorts of things."

Amanda nodded, "They have items from all over the continent. Not to mention that the pirates also come to the market to sell their wares too."

Raylon grinded his teeth just thinking about that 'business' partner of Moao's. Fillandra came up being followed by other staff and began to place food and desserts on the tables in front of them. Raylon took a bite of the plate in front of him and smiled. Korph and Mona also took a bite revealing faces full of pleasure. "Do you like it?" Amanda asked.

Raylon nodded, "It's so sweet! What is it?"

Amanda looked at it, "This is saklovi. It's a noodle dish that this inn is known for."

"Mine's spicy." Korph said graciously wolfing it down.

She took a bite of her own, "Mine has more of a milder taste. This is a very versatile dish so it can be made to the consumer's taste."

Raylon glanced up from his dish, "How did they know what we would like?"

She shrugged, "Perhaps Lady Moao let them know beforehand."

Korph spoke with his mouth full, "How did she know I liked spicy food?"

Mona smiled, "Perhaps Lady Moao is more observant than we give her credit for."

Raylon took a sip of his drink and grinned at the sweet juice, "What are these drinks?"

Amanda looked, "It seems like you and Mona got strawberry coconut juice. Korph and I have melon lemonade. They import fruits from the islands."

"That sounds expensive."

Amanda nodded, "It is quite expensive. We also have to purchase it from the pirates since they reign over the sea."

Raylon recalled the sweet candy that he was given by Moao, "Oh, do you know that candy that is in brown cubes that melt in your mouth?"

Amanda thought for a moment, "Do you mean chocolate?"

"I must get more. We don't have that kind of sweet in my Kingdom."

"That shouldn't be very hard. Tomorrow at the market we can stop at a booth." After a while, they could hear cheering starting. Amanda jumped up and leaned over the railing, "It's starting!"

They all quickly clamored to the railing and looked over. People in bright red and yellow clothes walked down the road in the front in horizontal lines. A strange sound filled the air from traditional Sadon woodwind and percussion instruments. The music was very upbeat and went with the cheering from the crowd. The musicians were followed by girls who were dancing to the music. They wore bright flowing dresses covered in bells that rang with every movement.

After the dancers passed, several decorated platforms on wheels rolled past. The parade floats were all made to resemble something from the kingdom. They were in awe of all of the detail that went into the float. Some floats used magic to create colorful bubbles and others sent small fireworks into the air.

Raylon noticed them tossing something into the crowds, "What are they throwing?"

Amanda answered him, still smiling at the parade, "That would be candy or toys for the children."

Raylon pouted slightly, "I wish we were down there so we could get candy."

Amanda laughed, "It's only for children. If an adult were to get it they'd be judged harshly for it."

Mona noticed Raylon's pout and rubbed his arm, "It's okay brother. We can ask Lady Moao to help us get some tomorrow."

After dozens of floats passed by, they heard whistling. They saw the military marching announcing the Baron. Four majestic spiritual beasts pulled the carriage where Moao and the Baron stood next to each other. There was a faint smile on the Baron's face as he calmly waved to the crowd. Next to him, Moao still wore her blank expression without even trying to look interested.

Amanda waved her arms, "Lady Moao!"

Korph also followed her lead and began to wave his hands erratically. Mona giggled and gave a lady-like wave. Moao looked up at their shouting and erratic movements. She made eye contact with the pouting Raylon. Her lips slowly curled up, shattering her usual expressionless face.

Raylon's eyes widened at the sight.

Moao suddenly tossed something up at him without the slightest explanation. Raylon caught it on instinct and looked at the item in the palms of his hand.

Amanda giggled, "Looks like Lady Moao threw you a piece of candy."

Raylon ignored their jeering faces and popped the candy into his mouth. A warm smile spread across his face as he indulged in its sweet taste.

To him, it tasted even sweeter than usual.

Raylon and the others sat back down after the parade had finished. The crowd below began to dissipate as they followed the floats down the road. Mona clapped her hands, "That was so amazing! There were so many colors!"

Korph nodded, "It wasn't as boring as I thought it would be."

Amanda smiled at them, "Well I'm glad you both enjoyed it. Lady Moao really hates the parade."

"Why is that?" Raylon asked out of curiosity.

"I think it is because she has to deal with so many people. I'm not sure if you have noticed, but she isn't good with people."

Korph muttered, "We've noticed."

She continued, "Also, the parade ends at the town square where the Baron gives a long speech. She has to stand behind him and listen. I think she hates that more than anything."