Getting Closer part 3

Asahi brought Shiori to the other end of the plaza and encouraged her to play games. She wasted no time in trying everything she could. From throwing wooden rings to rolling dice and spinning the roulette, She was on the role while Asahi watched her with amusement.

Shiori collected prizes, and Asahi had to help her carry them. Asahi and Shiori wandered more, eating desserts and playing the rest of the available games. When their hands got full of prizes, Shiori asked to look at the shops instead.

A wooden animal mask was on display, and they each tried a painted one, a dragon, and a fox, respectively. Shiori and Asahi faced one another, only to laugh at its absurdity.

Shiori's attention was caught by a massive tree at the center of the plaza, with a crowd surrounding it. They were taking turns murmuring and hanging red papers on its thick branches.

"Oh, the wishing tree." Asahi said, nodding.

"What?" she turned to him with curious eyes. "I've never heard of that."

"It is a special custom here," Asahi said, sounding nostalgic. "Do you know about the legend of the dragon clan?"

Shiori averted her gaze. "No."

"Really, Shiori?" Asahi shook his head with a laugh. "How could you not know your history?"

"I'm not fond of listening to stories when I can play instead." She replied, looking guilty.

"Well, that's not how a proper-" He chided.

"Sorry," she cut him off, flushing in embarrassment. "I promise I'll listen this time, Your Majesty."

"Legends said that before the heavenly dragon went back to the land of the gods, it breathed on a baron wasteland, and a vibrant tree sprang from it," Asahi glanced at her as he told the tail. "Its flowers were colorful and fragrant; the fruits it bore were fresh and delicious all year round. People came and saw the magnificent tree. They cared for it, ate its fruits, and planted its flowers."

"As their reward, the gods granted the leader of that tribe a fraction of its powers. That man was Ryu Akira, the first Emperor, right?"

"Yes. As a tribute to the story, every year, members of the Imperial family choose the largest tree in the City and bring it to the plaza. We would decorate it, but instead of flowers and fruits, the people would write their wishes on paper and hang it on the tree's branches. They would pray for it to come true as they watched the fireworks, hoping the gods would hear their plea."

"Wow, I want to write a wish," Shiori dragged Asahi near the tree. "Have you tried it before?"

"No, I don't believe in such things."

"Shame on you, Asahi," lectured Shiori. "It's your family's legacy."

He shrugged. "I'd rather do things alone and not trust fate to hand me what I want."

"Well, whatever," she handed him a quill and paper. "You should do it with me, just this once."

Asahi frowned. "Do I have to?"

"Yes," insisted Shiori. "You don't want to be rude, do you?"

"I guess not." sighed Asahi.

The two wrote their wish, and Asahi finished first. He hung his paper without fanfare and patiently waited for Shiori. She carefully folded her paper and tried to place it at the highest branch she could reach. Shiori stood on her toes and stretched her arms but could not get the one she wanted. She was about to jump when Asahi intervened.

He murmured a gentle, "Excuse me, Princes." Near her ear and smoothly lifted her.

Shiori's breath caught, and she could feel her cheeks heating at the contact. At Asahi's nudge, she managed to hang her wish. As soon as she did, he let go of her like nothing happened. Shiori turned away to hide her face while Asahi suggested they look around more. She agreed, and the next thing they knew, it was already evening, and a tapestry of stars was already twinkling overhead.

"Oh dear," Shiori exclaimed. "I overlooked the time. Do you think they are already looking for us?"

"I am certain that Tatsumi had thought of an excuse to cover for us, but we must go back nonetheless."

"What," she pouted and turned to him with the biggest puppy dog eyes Asahi had ever seen. "Can we at least watch the fireworks? Oh, and I want to pray for my wish to come true. Can we stay for a bit longer, pretty please?"

Asahi grimaced but nodded. "Alright, let us find a great place to watch then."

"Thank you, Asahi," Shiori gave him a warm smile as they walked. "I knew that you're a great Emperor."

Asahi's eyes narrowed. "You're not just saying that to trick me, Princess?"

Shiori gasped and placed a hand on her heart in mock offense. "I would never lie, Your Majesty."

"Somehow, I doubt that."

She stopped and glared at him. "How dare you accuse a noble lady?"

Asahi raised his hands in front of him, covering his twitching lips. She looked so offended; it was funny. Most ladies would not dare to show the Emperor their displeasure, not Shiori. Being with her was truly refreshing.

"I was foolish," he said, trying to sound contrite, and quickly pointed at where he was eying. "Will you forgive me since I find this perfect spot?"

Shiori exclaimed in delight when her gaze followed where Asahi was pointing. A thick blanket was neatly spread out on a grassy part of the end of the street, a large chestnut tree covering it like a cozy umbrella. It was secluded, and it gave the stretch a relaxing vibe.

Asahi guided Shiori, and they gently sat under the shade of a magnificent chestnut tree. The two shared a bag of roasted chestnuts and enjoyed tea while they waited for the fireworks and the festivities to end.

Shiori and Asahi did not wait long; the gong resounded on the plaza, and the fireworks began. Colorful bright lights illuminated the night sky, sparkling like a magical tapestry weaved by the gods. Shiori was captivated by the display, her smile wide and eyes sparkling. Asahi, meanwhile, sat there silently, admiring the woman beside him. This trip was well worth it, he thought and pointed out the pretty lights to Shiori, whose soft exclamations of delight warmed his heart.