Volume 8 Chapter 1 Mushroom Festival
In the border town of Lester, there is an annual Mushroom Festival on the last day of October, celebrating the end of autumn. This festival started in a village once ruled by the Viscount of Lester, where mushroom hunting was popular. People would proudly display the mushrooms they found in the forest. Today, the mushrooms near Lester are small and round, but on festival night, everyone gathers in the town square, balancing baskets of mushrooms on their heads and dancing in a unique way.
* * *
One day in early October. Al was attending the regular tea party at the gazebo in the Levi Trading Company courtyard. The usual members were there: Patricia, Ruella, and Patricia's knight bodyguard, Joanna. Behind them were their female servants. As always, Patricia kept glancing at Al, her face turning red, and Al couldn't help but feel shy in response.
"...So, there will be a bit of a gap, but next time is the night of the Mushroom Festival. I want you to keep your schedule open. Is that okay?"
"That's fine, but don't you and Lady Ruella get invited to the lord's mansion for things like that, Lady Patricia?"
As the tea party ended, Ruella shared her thoughts on future plans. Patricia looked emotional, expressing that she would miss Al for nearly a month. However, visiting Ruella before the festival seemed challenging due to her busy schedule.
Al wondered if Ruella would sneak out during the festival night. This was Al's first autumn in the border town of Lester, and he imagined that nobles, knights, and merchants would celebrate in their grand homes, unlike a small village festival. However, Ruella explained,
"The Mushroom Festival is more than that. It celebrates the harvest. Every year, knights and merchants gather in front of the lord's mansion, and many performers come to entertain. It�s very lively! Lady Patricia will likely sit near Viscount Lester, but Lady Patricia can easily slip away since many people will be greeting him. The Levy Trading Company sells delicious food at their shop by the square and invites musicians to join the fun. Let�s enjoy it together!"
Hearing about the festival, Patricia's eyes sparkled. From her position, she probably had only watched such festivals and never participated.
"How about inviting Mrs. Tara? If she's with you, it would be easy for Lady Patricia to come visit."
Joanna suggested. Viscountess Tara was the mother of Naresh. If Naresh and Ruella were to get together, she would become her mother-in-law.
"That's true. I'll consult with my father. But actually, there might be other guests on that day, so it depends on that. Al, you should know about Serena." Patricia replied.
Serena? Al thought deeply. He remembered that she was a classmate from middle school. After a moment, he recalled the girl called Princess Serena. She was an active girl who always took the lead in school events. She was one of the daughters of the Baron of Rain, known for her rich, curly blonde hair.
"Yeah, I remember now. What does she want?"
Ruella let out a big sigh at his reaction. She seemed a bit exasperated.
"I'm hearing that she'll be coming with Viscount Eugene, but I don't know what the reason is. However, Lady Serena is supposed to be engaged to Sir Sanjay. I think you know this too, but Lady Serena is a very active person. Maybe she wants to see what the border town of Lester, where she will be marrying, is like."
Al has heard about Viscount Eugene a few times while attending middle school in the capital. He is known as a capable aide to Baron Rain and is quite a handsome man. He has even heard that small portraits of him are secretly sold among women.
"I see. I guess it doesn't really concern me. Anyway, I understand. I'll keep that day open."
Al nodded. Patricia was happily watching his profile.
"Well then, the next one is at the end of October."
After the tea party ended, Al stood up with a big smile. Patricia hurriedly stood up when she saw him.
"Sir Al, here."
She said this and took out a folded handkerchief. It was a handkerchief with a blue rose and Patricia's name embroidered on it. The blue rose was bigger and more colorful than before, and it looked even more elaborate.
"That's really well done. Is it for me?"
At Al's words, Patricia beamed and nodded. When their eyes met, she turned red and looked down.
"Yes..."
"It was made to be given to you every day, Sir Al."
Next to Patricia, Joanna spoke quickly because Patricia could only respond in a soft voice. Al found this reaction charming and thought of his sister. He almost reached out to pat Patricia's head but stopped, realizing it might be disrespectful. Patricia then turned even redder and tensed up.
"I'm sorry, thank you. I'll cherish this too."
Al waved his hand and left the courtyard. Ruella and Joanna watched the two of them with smiles, not particularly scolding them.
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