Chapter 368: Ambermoon Festival 1
"Rhea, I think our daughter might be in trouble again," Norman remarked as the two strolled through the vast garden that surrounded their estate in the early morning light.
"I asked Venus if she was feeling well, but she hasn’t been very responsive," Rhea replied, a note of concern in her voice. "Do you think she might need a change of scenery? Perhaps we should take her sowhere new."
Norman sighed, his expression thoughtful. "I believe she’s feeling lonely, dear."
"That could very well be the case," Rhea agreed, her worry deepening. "Most of her friends are married and settling into their lives. Just yesterday, I heard from one of her friend’s mothers that their daughter is expecting. I can’t help but think we could have made a more inford decision when arranging Venus’s marriage. So much has happened since then, and it feels like Venus has been losing herself little by little."
Norman nodded, his expression turning somber. "That was my mistake too. Now, it was all in the past. Regretting it won’t give us any results," he asserted. "I have a thought lately," he added.
"What is it?" Rhea asked, eager to hear his idea.
"Why don’t we invite Alora and Prince Magnus to visit?" Norman suggested. "Prince Magnus has the ability to read minds and he can see what Venus is truly going through. What do you think?" He waited for Rhea’s response, watching her closely.
"That’s a wonderful idea, my Lord. I’ll send a ssenger later today. Hopefully, they’ll be available," Rhea replied, her tone hopeful.
"Alora always makes ti for us; don’t worry about that," Norman assured her. "As much as Venus insists she’s not interested in marriage, I can tell she’s envious of those around her who have found happiness. I can feel it," he said with conviction.
Rhea nodded in agreent, her eyes reflecting her shared concern. "I feel the sa way. Venus’s marriage ended before it ever really began," she murmured as her voice almost cracked in pain.
"That’s why we need to do sothing for her," Norman remarked as he resolved to improve his second daughter’s life.
"I think we should go back," Rhea said.
"Yes, we should," Norman replied and they went back to their residence.
~~~~~
Over breakfast, Venus ntioned to her parents that she planned to go out. "I attend the Ambermoon Festival every year, and since today marks the first day, I’d like to go," Venus inford them.
"Of course, you should go," her father, Norman, encouraged, hoping the outing would lift her spirits. "But be cautious. It’s not just humans who gather at this festival," he advised, his tone both warm and concerned.
Venus smiled reassuringly. "I understand, Father. I’ll be careful. I’ll return before evening, so there’s no need to worry about ," she assured them.
"Hmm. Take so money from your mother and enjoy yourself," Norman said, his voice gentle.
"Of course," Rhea smiled warmly at Venus, urging her to finish her breakfast quickly.
Once they had all finished their al, Norman excused himself, ntioning he had a eting outside, while Venus headed upstairs to get ready. She took her ti brushing her hair, then placed the comb on the dressing table and admired her reflection in the mirror. Satisfied with how she looked, she smiled and headed downstairs, where Rhea was already waiting.
Rhea handed Venus a small pouch filled with coins. "Thank you, Mother," Venus said, grateful.
"I wish Alora were here. She’s never had the chance to attend this festival. Maybe she can join
on the final day. Mother, could you send her a ssage?" Venus requested hopefully.
"I will, dear. Enjoy the festival, but rember, stay away from isolated places," Rhea cautioned.
"I promise I won’t," Venus replied, waving a goodbye before stepping into the carriage that awaited her, ready to take her to the bustling market.
Venus finally arrived at the bustling market, where the vibrant energy of the Ambermoon Festival filled the air. She made her way through the throngs of people, her senses overwheld by the sights, sounds, and scents of the celebration.
The heart of the market, where a grand magic show was typically held, drew her attention, and she eagerly moved toward the center.
This wasn’t the kind of magic practiced by witches or mystical beings, but rather the skillful illusions crafted by human perforrs—clever tricks designed to captivate and bewilder the crowd. The area was already packed with onlookers, their excited chatter creating a lively atmosphere.
Determined to get a good view, Venus gently maneuvered her way through the crowd, nudging past people until she stood at the front, where she could clearly see the perforrs. Two young won stood on a small platform, their eyes gleaming with excitent as they prepared to begin their act. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, their cheers rising as they urged the perforrs on.
Cards appeared from thin air, coins vanished only to reappear in unexpected places, and objects floated as if by magic. The crowd’s cheers grew louder with each successful trick, their enthusiasm fueling the perforrs’ energy, making the show all the more srizing.
As the performance ended, a young boy ca forward with his hat, collecting donations from the appreciative crowd. So people dropped coins into the hat, while others simply walked away. Venus smiled and placed two coins inside, then moved on.
"That was a wonderful performance," she murmured to herself, her smile lingering as she strolled through the bustling market. Her steps soon brought her to a sweet stall, where a delightful array of confections was on display, their sugary aromas filling the air.
"What would you like to buy, Miss?" the seller asked, his voice warm and inviting.
"Two honey cakes and two sesa sweets, please," Venus replied.
The man quickly wrapped the treats in a small envelope and accepted the four coins she handed him. Venus thanked him and began enjoying one of the honey cakes as she continued walking. The sweet, rich flavor lted on her tongue, adding to the pleasantness of the day.
As she wandered through the market, Venus suddenly rembered the stunt show she had planned to see. "I almost forgot about the stunt show," she murmured, picking up her pace. But in her haste, she accidentally bumped into soone, causing the envelope of sweets to slip from her hands and spill onto the ground.
"Can’t you watch where you’re going?" the man she collided with snapped, his voice filled with irritation as he stord away without a second glance.
"My sweets," Venus murmured, looking down at the scattered treats with a sigh of disappointnt. She considered buying them again and was about to turn back to the stall when she noticed a group of familiar faces—so of her friends—gathered around the sa sweet stall.
A sudden wave of anxiety washed over her, and without a second thought, she quickly turned away, her heart pounding as she walked in the opposite direction, hoping to avoid any awkward encounters with them.
She ca to an abrupt halt when a man suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
"Your habit of running away hasn’t changed, has it?" he remarked in a mocking tone, his voice dripping with condescension.
Venus’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized him. The familiar taunt could ca from only one man.
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