56 Fireworks

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"PWAYOWOYUKS?!" I gleed with joy with a mouth full of food.

"AMA…ugh... kid, do you have no shame? All these damn etiquette classes you take, and for what? To eat and talk like a pig?!" The trashman lashed out with a disgusted look.

I quickly chewed and swallowed before I attempted to speak again.

"I am sorry, daddy. It's just… I really want to see the fireworks! I have never seen them before! Do you think we can stay to see them? It would mean the world to me if we stayed to see them, daddy." I persuaded him with a puppy-eyed look.

He side-eyed me and clenched his jaw tight as he closed his eyes.

"I am the emperor of this whole continent, and yet, I am this girl's puppet. The Giodivonian gods must be tossing and turning as they laugh at my foolishness." The trashman mumbled while shaking his head.

"Do I even have a choice?" He questioned as he stood up.

"Seems like you are finished eating with your pig-like eating habit. Let's go watch the fireworks then, piggy." He teased as he held his hand out in front of me.

This man… this bastard… dares to call his own daughter a pig… How much do I have to deal with just to live a happy life?

I closed my eyes and sighed gently. Just enough to not make it noticeable. I lifted my head and displayed a gentle smile while nodding.

Is that good enough for you? Not too ugly this time, right?

I stood up and grabbed his hand.

As we followed the group of people in front of us, I could see the crowd form as they waited for the fireworks from far away.

Upon arriving, children of all ages were hyping up for the fireworks. Couples were holding hands, displaying their affection for each other. Everyone seems happy here. Genuinely happy. Something I am not used to seeing with this man who stands beside me.

"Let's go over there. The closer, the better." He said as he continued to walk, holding my hand.

"This should be good enough… I heard this is the best spot." He said as he loosened his grip from my hand.

The crowd of people began to form around us within seconds.

"How annoying. I hate crowded places… especially with… ugh…" He mumbled in disgust.

The street lights suddenly began to dim.

"The fireworks are about to begin!"

"I hear this year's fireworks will be better than last years!"

"Could it be because the noble family decided to attend this year's moon festival?"

"Noble families couldn't be bothered with this kind of thing. They usually hold their own fancy ballroom parties, drink expensive champagne, and dance with those heavy, useless gowns. What a waste." A few people around us discussed.

Well, they aren't wrong about that. Ballroom parties are only used to form connections with influential noble members, negotiate with business, and gossip. It is just a giant social gathering to form alliances. It is no different than rich people's charities from my past life.

I looked up at the trashman and tugged his cloak to grab his attention.

"Daddy, could you please put me on your shoulders? People are blocking my view." I explained.

He looked down at me for a brief moment before he lifted me up like a ragdoll and placed me on top of his shoulders.

"Don't worry, I will hold onto you." He replied.

BOOM!

BOOM!

The fireworks began to pop, causing the crowd to gasp with excitement.

The crystal clear sky was filled with countless colors, displaying a replica of a galaxy. The smell of gunpowder brought a familiar memory. Quite similar to this one. As I looked up at the colorful midnight sky, tears began to stream down my cheeks.

"I miss you, dad… I miss you, mom." I whispered.

The fireworks ended with the national anthem of Giodivonia that was sung with passion and great respect from the citizens of Giodivonia. Everyone got on their right knee as they placed their left arm to their chest as they sang powerfully with pride.

He placed me down on the ground.

"Just follow along and do what everyone else is doing." He whispered.

As we mimicked the crowd of people, I observed everyone around me. I have never seen anyone represent their country with so much dignity and satisfaction. Seems like people love this country.

I smiled as I looked at the trashman. It is no surprise that the emperor knows the national anthem of his own country.

Shortly after, the street lights were once again bright, causing the crowds of people to break up, leaving in small groups.

"Is the festival over, daddy?" I questioned as he picked me up.

"It is over for today. Let's head to the hotel. I have someone there who will assist you with your bath. Try to get some sleep while I am gone." He explained as I laid my head on his shoulder.

I nodded as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.