Chapter 34. Lights in the night sky

The request of the young head of the Order came as a surprise to Remesis.

Every year, at the end of the fall season, the capital of the Nadal Empire held a grand event called the Lantern Festival. This festival was equally popular among children and adults. People believed that if you make a wish on this day and launch a lantern into the sky, it will definitely come true. Mostly, of course, young people dreamed of such a dream.

Adults did not really believe that a lantern launched into the sky would solve their problems. Therefore, the festival served mainly as entertainment. People from all over the empire came to the capital to watch the colorful show and have fun. And there really were a lot of options for spending leisure time there. Concerts, exhibitions of handicrafts, delicious delicacies and much, much more.

It just so happened that this year the period of the Lantern Festival and the council at the Imperial Palace coincided. But Remesis learned about it directly from Liana Daehsin, as she had no interest in it before. To be honest, festivals and other such things were the last thing she was interested in right now. Did she really have time for fun?

But the young head of the order, despite her busyness, still wanted to go there. It was all about the girl's younger sister, who had long dreamed of attending this festival. But this year, because of work, neither her father nor her older sister could go with her. Because of this, the girl was very upset.

So Liana wanted to come there at least for a little while to buy a gift for Gardenia. Some symbolic souvenir related to the festival. At first Remesis didn't understand why the girl was telling her all this. Did she want to show her caring older sister side in front of someone? But everything became clear when it came to the request itself.

— Could you come with me and help me pick out a gift for my sister?

Remesis choked on the marigold tea she was drinking when she heard this suggestion.

— What?» she interjected, «Why would…?

— The thing is… I don't know what kids are interested in these days. I'm afraid of making a mistake and buying something inappropriate. But you and Gardenia are almost the same age, so your opinion might help me.

Remesis frowned. «Actually, I'm not eight years old, but twenty. How would I know about childhood hobbies? And besides…»

— Everyone's tastes are different. What I might choose may not be to your sister's liking.

The young head smiled.

— Still, I have a feeling you won't let me down.

Given Liana's insistent stance, the girl realized that she would not be able to turn away so easily. She had to repay the «debt» she had unwittingly acquired. Though Remesis had not originally signed up for this at all, it could not be helped.

«Just one day…» — the girl had to agree with her heart.

The next day Remesis had a day off, which she safely spent recovering. After the miraculous healing potions Liana had sent her, the girl felt much better. Her head no longer ached, and there was no nausea from dizziness either. True, she would have to wear a bandage on her head for another week, as it was on her forehead where the largest hematoma was.

According to rumors that spread even faster in the Imperial Palace than in Carter Manor, Remesis had learned that the ducal heir's well-being was being cared for by the best Imperial healer. There were maids on duty at his bedside twenty-four hours a day, and according to them, the boy complained that Remesis might have given him some sort of contagion with her bites. He demanded to be tested for various infections. After hearing about the drama her brother had played out over it, Remesis only snorted.

Michel was furious when he found out he couldn't hold his sister accountable. He asked the Duke to file a complaint to the Emperor, but he refused. A direct suit to the sovereign was a last resort that Michael certainly didn't want to take. In the end, the dispute had to be officially settled by «mutual agreement».

After the day the young man was publicly humiliated because of Remesis, he never tried to hit on her again. He didn't even look in her direction. Only a silent embittered expression said that he still hadn't forgotten the offense. At least this incident had served as a clear lesson to him.

Remesis was able to attend the second council meeting on her own. The topic of the meeting was the food supply of the population. The Nadal Empire was known for always having glorious weather and a bountiful harvest every year. Over the centuries, it has always fed itself on its own and has not resorted to imports from neighboring countries.

However, the last two years have seen a record drought, leaving many regions of the empire facing food shortages and starvation. Even those grains that yielded crops the following year yielded far less than usual. The land was rapidly drying up. «Is this really the kind of natural crisis that happens once a decade?»

Of course, it was mostly the commoners who suffered from this problem. The aristocrats living in the capital lived as usual and did not even notice the rise in grain prices. Nevertheless, this problem could not but be called significant. After all, commoners are the main labor force of any state. Taking care of their welfare was the main responsibility of the higher-ups.

In order to solve the dilemma of food shortage, the council members discussed possible solutions for seven hours. Among those suggested were forced importation and lowering the land tax for the commoners. In the end, when Remesis left the meeting room, she was utterly exhausted. Although she was not invited to the general discussion as before, she was tired just listening to it all.

The girl really wanted to go back to her palace and relax, enjoying a cup of iced tea with lemon. Just what she needed in the heat of summer. But as she took a step in that direction, she remembered in time that she still had things to do today. The girl groaned angrily, stopping halfway down the hallway.

She and Liana had agreed to meet in front of the city gates at eight o'clock in the evening. Today was the last day of the festival. When Remesis had hoped the girl would change her mind or forget about this meeting, her wish didn't come true. Liana had even smiled at her at the round table and explicitly hinted at her wristwatch as they left the hall. Remesis' eyebrow twitched at the sight of it. «Looks like she's really not getting off my back…»

Since the meeting ended very late, there wasn't much time left before the appointment. The girl only had time to return to her palace in time to warn Hannes that she was leaving.

Since there were no servants in the palace provided to her, in addition to his primary duty as protector, the knight had to assume other functions. He would see the girl off and meet her after meetings and then return to the palace to attend to business. This time she caught him in his kitchen apron while preparing dinner. Seeing the fish and stewed vegetables in the cauldron had an extremely depressing appearance, Remesis was even a little relieved to avoid it.

The little lady told the knight of her plans. Surprised, Hannes Wrightly couldn't help but ask:

— Your Highness, where are you going at this hour?

— Uh… I have a meeting with a friend,» Remesis hesitated, for some reason not wanting to give the name of the order's successor.

— «A friend?» — He frowned, «Your Highness, it is not safe to be out at this late hour. If you really intend to go, I can't let you go alone.

The man angrily put his hands to his sides and looked like a strict mother who wouldn't let her child go out late at night. Remesis felt funny when she compared this scene to that.

The girl giggled softly. The knight, on the other hand, was not amused at all.

The commander felt a great responsibility, after all, he alone was responsible for the safety of the princess. If anything happened to Lord North's wife, it would be on his conscience. Because of this, the knight behaved more strictly than usual, and even argued with Remesis. But the girl made it clear that she didn't need that. She didn't want to make an awkward situation even worse.

At the thought of Hannes being behind them during the walk and constantly watching… Brrrr!

— No, it's okay! My friend… uh… Will be able to protect me. So there's no need for you to go.

It took a while for Remesis to finally convince the knight to let her go. But like a caring mommy, he still didn't agree to it so easily. They agreed that Remesis would return home no later than ten o'clock in the evening. Otherwise, the knight promised: that he himself would break the legs of her «friend». Imagining this picture, the girl giggled again.

Remesis arrived at the meeting place at the appointed time, but Liana Daehsin was a little late.

Standing in front of the city gates, the girl began to wiggle on her toes out of boredom. But she stopped instantly when she noticed a familiar figure from afar. It seemed to her that the girl looked a little different today. Her hair, the color of ripe walnut fruit, was done up in a simple but elegant style. It was held up by a golden hairpin.

Liana wore a plum-colored robe, with long billows and a double row of embroidered golden constellations. Remesis would be lying if she said she didn't look like a divine being descended to sinful earth at this moment. The girl involuntarily fixed her gaze on her. «She definitely only came to pick out her sister's gift?»

— I apologize, I was delayed by business.

Liana told her this as they drew up. But Remesis slowed down a bit and didn't react. Watching her reaction, the young head's lips stretched and she clarified with a chuckle:

— What is it? Have you been rendered speechless by my beauty?

— Nonsense!

Remesis frowned and instantly averted her gaze.

— I'm too young to think about something like that,» she muttered.

The girl coughed, realizing that she had indeed been staring for too long. The last thing she wanted was for this person to make up anything else as well.

Liana found it amusing.

— Hehehe. You talk about your age with such a serious look that even I feel younger.

They walked down the avenue, and Remesis involuntarily glanced around. Liana Daehsin, this time slowing down and walking beside her almost foot to foot, spoke:

— I've heard that the best time to enjoy the festival is when it's dark. I guess we were lucky.

We probably were, as the streets were filled with people. However, Remesis grumbled anyway:

— What's with the 'enjoying'? We came to pick out a gift for your sister.

— I keep that in mind,» the young head grinned.

In fact, Remesis thought of something else: she couldn't believe that Halias Daehsin could actually let his daughter go to the festival knowing who she was going with.

— By the way, what's up with his Eminence? — Remesis inquired casually. — Does he know you're here?

— I hope not,» the girl smiled strainedly, «At least my servant should have had my back…

Liana remembered her faithful valet, who had hardly agreed to take this risk. By now, Orson was probably drenching himself in sweat from fear as he took a seat in her bed and pretended to be 'asleep'. One could only hope that there would be no surprise visits from guests during this time.

«Mistress, please come back soon! I won't last long…»

— Ah, that's how it is,» Remesis smirked. It appeared that even someone as noble as Liana Daehsin was capable of deception.

That was only her problem, though. Remesis had no interest in anything that didn't concern her, so soon the girl's attention returned to the festival.

Even if Remesis didn't plan on coming here, she still couldn't force her eyes not to look at it. The lively streets were decorated with marvelous lanterns and a variety of stalls. There were food stalls and children's stores, as well as gambling stores and casinos.

However, most of the spectators were still absorbed in the main theme of the festival — the launching of lanterns. A multitude of colorful dots were already lighting up the night sky.

Noticing Remesis' interested gaze looking upwards, Liana suggested:

— Do you want to start the flashlight?

— What? No!» the girl said flatly at once.

For the young head of the Order, this was yet another cause for amusement. After all, Remesis's firm refusal was due to a belief: that there was a belief for two people launching lanterns together. And certainly Remesis didn't want to do anything of the sort with Liana Daehsin.

They wandered like this for a while, looking at the merchandise on the stalls. The thought flashed through Remesis's mind, «Wow, what a mess I've gotten myself into, picking out a gift for Asil's mistress…» Lamenting her unenviable fate, the girl wanted only one thing: to get it over with.

Finally, something suddenly caught Liana's attention.

— Wait a minute.

— А?

Liana suddenly grabbed her arm and dragged her somewhere. Remesis didn't even have time to breathe.

— Look,» she led her over to one of the counters, «there are a couple cute things here.

The girl stared dumbly at the counter where accessories were sold.

— Dear customers, take a look! — The salesman immediately joined in, «Today, many new products from the Mediterranean continent have arrived. The unique materials and affordable price will surely please you…

Remesis stared helplessly at the man who was trying to sell them his goods. The girl hesitantly asked her companion:

— Are you sure you want to buy a piece of jewelry? They sell a lot of toys here.

She doubted that a seven-year-old child could be interested in jewelry. It would be more appropriate to buy a doll that was in fashion.

But the Supreme Astrologer's eldest daughter shook her head.

— My sister already has a lot of toys. I want to buy something more valuable and memorable.

Remesis sighed.

— He said to take a look,' Liana insisted, 'Maybe there's something suitable here.

At Liana's request, the girl looked at the items on display with a bored look. They were unique jewels that could only be found at the festival. However, the little lady regarded them with a rather impassive gaze. Perhaps due to her age, but right now, she was much more attracted to the sweet corn counter in front of her than the cold gems.

Nevertheless, there was still something to be said.

— This looked good.

Remesis' hand reached out and picked up an accessory just the right size for the little girl. It was a bracelet woven from platinum threads, with small emerald-colored stones as pendants. It matched Gardenia's green eyes perfectly.

The corners of the young head's lips stretched when she saw what the girl had chosen.

— As expected, you have good taste, Princess Rania,» she said sincerely.

The aristocrat didn't hesitate to purchase the jewelry after one remark from Remesis. As if that was enough for her. The excited merchant had packed what appeared to be one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in his shop. The bracelet, worth twenty thalers, was securely packed in a soft cloth pouch.

Remesis's jaw dropped when she only now recognized the value of the bracelet. This was what it meant to live large… The money the bracelet cost would be enough to feed Fortress Nord for a month. But Liana had easily parted with it to buy a useless, beautiful trinket.

Remesis sighed and shook her head as they walked away from the counter with their newfound gift for Gardenia. She mentally complained, «All the aristocrats in the capital roll around like cheese in butter…» For a girl who had never dreamed of such extravagance, this was like a painful jab. «Instead of spending so much money on some rocks, it would be better to do something useful!»

Since the main purpose of attending the festival had been fulfilled, they were about to head back. Although Liana suggested she walk around some more, the girl was determined to return as soon as possible. «Hannes must be worried…» But at that moment, a noise was heard in the distance.

Bzzzz~!

Turning around, Remesis saw a group of people in costumes walking down the street. The main element of the festival started at a completely bad time. It was the beginning of the parade.

Bang!

The explosion of fireworks further roused the people on the avenue. A huge crowd of people were marching right towards them. They were beating drums, dancing and having fun. People came out to watch the parade from everywhere, making it difficult for the girls to get off the main road.

This happened as the people walked right past them.

Push.

Remesis was constantly being crashed into by rushing people. The eight-year-old girl began to be carried away by the flow of people like a fish amongst the waves of the ocean.

— Your Highness!

Liana was moving away from her with a panicked face. Remesis was being carried farther and farther away by the crowd of parade participants, and she tried desperately to resist, though it was useless. It seemed to the girl that the whole crowd was just going to crush her.

«I'm having trouble breathing…»

— Remesis!

When Remesis had already given up hope of getting out, someone's scream rang in her ears. Hearing her own name, Remesis looked up and saw the worried face of Liana Daehsin.

— Grab on!

The girl managed to grab her small palm and shield her from the crowd. The young head covered her with her body until all the people had passed by. Only then was Remesis able to pull away and exhale. Casually, she lifted her head and met her gaze. Liana was still clutching her shoulders tightly.

«Thank you.» — Remesis wanted to say it. But suddenly her tongue went numb. The light of the holiday lights refracted in the emerald pupils of the aristocrat, and the sight made the girl forget her last words.

They looked at each other in silence.

***

North, Fortress Nord.

After Remesis had left, Asil had been unusually quiet. Much quieter than usual. She refused to leave their room and kept staring out the window. As if she hoped someone would appear. The portions of food that were delivered to the room every day were simply left on the doorstep and the spoiled food was later taken back.

The princess neither slept nor washed her face, gradually turning into the same neglected beast she was before. Even if the castle servants feared Asil because of her intimidating aura, they involuntarily empathized with her. The sight of a little girl who looked like a puppy, missing her mistress daily, couldn't help but touch their hearts. Gradually, their wary gazes softened.

«Am I the only one who feels a little sorry for Her Highness? She misses our princess so much.»

«Their relationship is so cute. Even if they're only children, I've never seen such affection in a couple.»

Furthermore, after Remesis left, Asil didn't behave aggressively or pounce on anyone. She simply stared out the window and hardly ever interrupted from this activity. Therefore, the sincerity of her deep feelings could be easily believed.

The princess didn't pay attention to the next maid who brought her breakfast. Quietly leaving the tray at the door, the maid awkwardly said:

— Your Highness, eat something. Otherwise, the princess will be worried.

«…»

There was no reply as usual, and the girl sighed. Soon, she left. At that moment, another gust of cold northern wind blew outside. The girl, wearing her long ago clothes and a haggard look, sat on the windowsill and looked at the snowy road.

Kar. Kar.

A bird knocked on the window.

Asil opened the window and stretched her arm out into the street. A raven perched on her. The girl's look, hitherto gloomy and depressed, softened. She stroked the black feathers affectionately, and the bird responded with a quiet cawing. The princess put her pale fingers around the raven's neck and jerked sharply.

The bird's head hung gently to the side.

Asil ripped open the still warm body and pulled out a lump of wax from its belly, breaking it open and pulling out a strip of paper. Quickly reading the message, she tossed the raven's corpse out the window and closed her eyes in deep thought. An imperceptible chuckle touched her lips.

The dead black bird on the snow was quickly covered with falling snow.