"Umi, does their speech start soon?" The Valmont family's address marks the beginning of the night; everyone waits eagerly to start the feast, but tradition requires the Valmonts to offer a few words before the festivities can comnce.
"I'm not sure, but it should be soon," Umi answers, a spark of excitent lighting up her eyes. She's clearly looking forward to the night ahead.
The most important and extraordinary night lies just around the corner—sothing new, sothing that makes my heart race. Noble families from kingdoms both large and small have gathered to celebrate, including the noble family from the Forsadana kingdom.
A night to be filled with drinking, feasting, music, and so much more. As the first notes fill the air, a tingling sensation stirs in my chest, excitent building with the lody that sets the perfect tone for the Valmonts' grand entrance.
Julian begins his speech, his voice resonating across the grand hall. "Good evening, everyone. We have reached the final and most cherished day of this festival. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have journeyed to Luminara for this occasion, with particular gratitude to our esteed guests from Forsadana..."
Everyone is captivated by Julian's charm; his words bring the once lively hall to a respectful silence—a testant to his mastery of speech. With a relaxed, diplomatic, yet warmly inviting tone, he draws everyone in, welcoming them into his own realm of words.
"...With that said, my daughter would like to share a few words," Julian announces, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall toward Yumiko.
"Hi! Thank you all for coming; we are truly grateful! I hope we have a wonderful night ahead of us!" Yumiko's lively words break the silence, filling the room with warmth and gratitude.
"I hope tonight becos a mory to cherish—a night of joy and feasting. Thank you all for being here. Now, let the festivities begin." Julian ends his speech with a final note, prompting loud, warm applause that echoes throughout the grand hall.
With Julian's words spoken, everyone begins to feast, creating a scene to behold.
Umi's eyes, bright and reflective of the colors around us, sparkle with an expression that rivals her look from the rooftop on the first night of this festival.
...I feel like I'm staring—maybe I am—but I just can't look away from her eyes, her soft lips, the smoothness of her long blue hair... "...You truly are... a beauty..." The words slip out in such a low tone that she doesn't hear them, yet sohow, I feel as if they reached her.
"Are you okay?" Her voice breaks my gaze, and I quickly swallow.
"Oh... y-yes, I just... never mind—Miss, you look fantastic tonight." The words finally co out, and I feel sowhat relieved they did. But... I've never said that before. Was that strange?
"Oh... well, thank you, Kaito. You look quite well yourself, Sir." She giggles softly, amused yet sincere, as though she truly ans it.
A warmth spreads through my chest—sothing new, a feeling I haven't quite felt before. "Thank you, Umi..."
She replies with a kindhearted smile—a smile I can't help but return. As laughter and music fill the air around us, the night begins, a long, joyful night shared with those around .
Part 2
"Where is she?" I wonder, glancing around the vast hall. Yumiko should be here by now... maybe she'll show up soon.
I wish Umi had stayed a bit longer before heading off, but knowing her, she barely rembered what to do. She has a job to do as a maid, so she went off to help the others. But now, here I am, alone, still searching for Yumiko.
As I wander, the grandeur of the hall starts to impress itself upon . Towering white walls stretch up to the high ceiling, giving the space a palatial feel. The polished floors shimr beneath the glow of the chandeliers, intricately textured in a way that seems almost too perfect. Tables are heaped with an endless variety of delicacies, from fine wines to unfamiliar spirits and bite-sized treats, each more inviting than the last.
Then, a voice cuts through the hum of the crowd—a familiar, lively voice. "Kaito!"
I turn. "Oh... Yumiko!" There she is, her excitent palpable as she bounds toward .
"Co on! Aren't we trying all these dishes?" She's beaming, and I can't help but smile. Her energy fills every room, brightening even the smallest monts, though, of course, there are a few we don't discuss.
"Oh... yeah, sure, I would love to."
"Great! Co on, then."
"Yes, I'm coming..." With that, we set off to explore the delicate dishes before us.
It doesn't take long for Yumiko to find her first treat—so kind of soft, creamy cheese, I think. "Ah... so good!" she exclaims, savoring each bite as if it's the best thing she's ever tasted.
"Yes... this is really good, really!" I agree, letting the flavor linger on my tongue. The cheese lts so smoothly, it feels like it's wrapping itself around each taste bud.
"Yes!" Yumiko practically dances in place, her enthusiasm infectious as she scans the table for the next treat. Her eyes light up as she spots a platter of small, golden pastries, their edges crisp and flaky.
"Oh, these look amazing!" she says, her eyes shining as she reaches for one.
I take one as well, catching a hint of honey or spice. As I bite into it, a delicate crunch gives way to a warm, sweet filling that takes by surprise. "Wow... it's almost too good," I say, savoring the layers of flavor.
Yumiko grins. "Right? I didn't think anything could top the cheese, but this..."
We continue down the line, sampling tiny skewers of marinated vegetables, cups of chilled fruit sorbet, and savory rolls filled with herbs and ats. Each taste adds another layer to the evening, blending perfectly with the lively hum of conversation and music around us.
"Isn't it just... perfect?" Yumiko asks, her voice softer now, as if the food has slowed her down, bringing a rare calm. "All of this—everyone here, the food... it feels like a night that could last forever."
"Yeah," I agree, letting my gaze drift over the bustling hall, the guests laughing and chatting as they taste and drink. "It's sothing special."
Part 3
As the night deepens, the room gradually grows quieter. Older n gather, chatting and drinking together, while the nobles engage in refined conversation. The maids continue their duties, maintaining their poised presence throughout the hall.
Yumiko is getting tired, no surprise after all the energy she's spent eating and socializing. I feel a bit tired myself, though sothing tells this night may still have more to offer, so I'm trying my best to stay awake.
The atmosphere in the room has shifted; it feels darker, not just because of the late hour but from the quietness and the way the hall seems drained of its earlier energy. Everyone looks a bit weary, though they keep the evening going with chatter, sharing long talks with friends and family.
Julian, however, still seems alert. I can easily spot his practiced, poker-faced expression—a look he's given often, one that holds both truth and amusent. He's a clever man, one who doesn't lie but chooses his words precisely, wielding them like a leader who could command an empire.
Since I arrived, I've felt like Julian has had an agenda. Every move he makes seems to work in his favor, always calculated. He's not the kind of man to make a misstep; rather, he's the type to turn any situation to his advantage. But I can't see what he's after. More power? An alliance? I could never figure out what goes on in his mind.
"Hey, Kaito, sorry, I'll go sleep—I'm really tired, and it's late," Yumiko says, lightly putting her hand over her mouth as she yawns.
"I see, that's fine. You go sleep; I think I'll be here a bit longer, might see if I get so ti to talk to your father." I can't even tell if she hears ; she looks ready to collapse.
"Ah... okay, I'll go now. See you, Kaito. Good night..." Her eyes dim as she turns toward the exit.
"Yeah, okay, good night, Yumiko." Did she really say good night to ? That's a first...
As she continues walking, the last thing I hear from her is a long, drawn-out yawn.
Now I'm here by myself... Most people should be going to sleep soon—it's late. But I bet Julian isn't going to sleep anyti soon; he'll probably sit here a while longer, sipping his wine.
What do I do while waiting for Julian to be alone? What do I even want to talk to him about? I don't know... Why am I even here? Most people have already gone ho, except for so drunks and the nobles.
I'm not supposed to be here... Eh... whatever. I probably won't even get the chance to talk with Julian, and if I do, I'd be way too tired to listen... Let's just go to sleep.
I take quiet steps out of the grand hall, finding myself to my room... ah—this day... It took a lot on .
...This—this whole festival has been amazing, though, these five days have felt like they just flew by, I don't mind it...not to much. These five days have been the best days of my life...
I think I have sunk deeper into this world, these new faces, this new place, everything starts feeling normal, like I am suppose to be here, a feeling I haven't felt before, not even ho in my room alongside my gas. This is where I am suppose to be, where I serve a purpose.
Lying there in my bed, sinking into the mattress as my eyes close and I slowly fall asleep, that familiar number appears in the darkness...
"...7..."
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