The Good's Selling festival has finally arrived, and Olfea has traded its usual sleepy charm for a chaotic explosion of color, noise, and the kind of energy that makes you wonder if the town's been drinking something stronger than usual.
For a place that barely holds its population on a normal day, Olfea somehow manages to cram in merchants, travelers, and enough wares to make the streets look like a hoarder's attic. This tiny town has hosted the festival for decades, proving its resourcefulness and knack for organized chaos. The result? A treasure trove of exotic goods, rare materials, and people who range from delightful to "lock your doors."
The festival is not without its quirks, though. Prices soar, auctions turn into WWE matches, and there's always that one vendor trying to sell something ridiculous. Last year, I watched two grown men brawl over a "golden egg," which turned out to be a painted marble. The egg rolled right to my feet mid-fight, and I kept it as a trophy of human stupidity. It still shines on my shelf at home.
Of course, all this excitement means Nero is in peak meltdown mode. If stress were a person, it would look like Nero on festival day.
"Put the bigger jars in the front! No, not those! The expensive ones! Are you even listening?!"
This is Nero's Super Saiyan form—completely unreasonable, excessively irritable, and probably on the verge of throwing a potion at someone. He's also shamelessly hiked up the prices of his potions. Business strategy or highway robbery? Who's to say?
"Hey, Nero," I pipe up, leaning against a barrel, "Why don't you take a break? Get some sun, buy a caramelized apple, maybe unclench your jaw for five seconds?"
He glares at me like I've insulted his entire lineage. "What use is a stupid caramelized apple to me?"
It's your favorite treat, you stubborn mule. Of course, I don't say that out loud. Too soon and young to die.
Bored and baking in the sun, I scan the crowd, marveling at the mishmash of cultures and accents swirling through the streets. It's like walking through a living storybook. That's when I spot him—Mr. Not-So-Sneaky, trying to blend into the crowd with the subtlety of a horse inside a library.
I grin. This is my chance for some real entertainment. "Nero, I'm off to apprehend a runaway prince. Don't wait up!" I call, darting into the throng before he can yell something about work ethics.
Dodging through the crowd like a professional festival ninja, I finally catch up to my target. Grabbing his arm, I yank him into a quieter side street, ignoring the indignant yelp that escapes him.
"What the—? Who do you think—oh, it's you," he says, his tone moving from fury to resignation faster than Nero raises prices.
I bow dramatically. "Good to see you enjoying the festivities, Your Highness."
His eyes narrow. "Don't call me that."
"Then what should I call you? Mr. Hood-and-Dagger? Lord of Shadows? Ooh, how about Sneaky McRoyal?"
He sighs, pulling back his hood. "My name is Bastien Eryndor."
"Ah, a proper introduction at last," I say with mock reverence. "You're really opening up. Should I feel honored?"
He raises an unimpressed eyebrow, but I'm undeterred. Extending my hand, I grin. "Well, since we're getting formal: Celeste Might. Pleased to meet you."
Bastien hesitates, probably deciding if shaking hands with me will ruin his mysterious aesthetic. Eventually, he relents, his handshake quick but polite. "A pleasure," he mutters.
"Oh, the pleasure's all mine," I say, suppressing a laugh at his overly serious tone.
Leaning casually against the wall, he crosses his arms. "I couldn't stay cooped up in the inn. There's something I need to find here."
I smirk, folding my arms to match his stance. "I thought you were all about avoiding people. How's that plan going?"
He chuckles softly, which surprises me. "I think I've reached a conclusion, but it's too early to say."
"Ah, Olfea's magical air strikes again," I say with mock seriousness. "It clears the mind, lightens the soul, and might even lower blood pressure."
Bastien rolls his eyes, but there's a faint smile tugging at his lips. Progress.
"So, what are you looking for?" I press. "A mystical trinket? A rare book? Perhaps a golden egg?"
He gives me a side-eye so sharp I might've felt it physically. "I didn't say I needed your help."
"Well, tough luck, Your Highness," I say, grabbing his arm and dragging him back into the festival chaos. "I know this place like the back of my hand, and you clearly don't. Consider me your guide."
He groans but doesn't resist. "I'll allow it…for now."
I grin, triumphant. "Onward, then! To adventure!"
With Bastien in tow, I weave through the bustling streets, the festival's noise wrapping around us like an overenthusiastic embrace. Laughter, music, and the scent of something delightfully fried fill the air as I navigate the lost prince through the crowd, pointing out both treasures and traps.
"So, what exactly are you looking to buy? If you don't tell me, I can't help you. And trust me, you need my help," I tease, casting him a knowing smirk.
Bastien surveys the numerous booths, his gaze sharp but indecisive. After a moment, he exhales, "It will be my younger sister's birthday soon. I want to bring her a present."
That makes me pause. I blink at him before giggling. He shoots me a glare.
He narrows his eyes. "What?"
I shake my head, still grinning. "Oh, don't misunderstand me. I just like seeing this side of you. His Highness is a doting brother. Who would have thought?"
He scoffs. "Of course I am."
"Awww, His Highness is getting all soft on me," I coo, nudging him with my elbow.
He levels me with a look. "If I were 'soft,' I wouldn't still be putting up with your antics."
"Ha! You like my antics," I retort.
"I tolerate them."
"Same thing."
Bastien sighs as if he regrets every decision that led to this moment. Too bad—he's stuck with me now.
After a quick survey of the area, I spot the perfect place for a gift. "Oh! I know exactly where to go."
Dragging Bastien forward, I lead him to a small but elegant booth where Elena stands, looking effortlessly elegant with her glossy red hair and ocean-blue eyes. Elena is a true artist, turning scrap metal into delicate masterpieces.
"Elena!" I wave enthusiastically. "I arrived to throw my money at you."
She giggles, her gaze shifting to Bastien. A slow, knowing smile creeps onto her face. "And you've brought company?"
"Oh, him? He's here to buy a present for his little sister." I push Bastien forward slightly. "I told him he can't leave empty-handed."
Bastien takes in the stunning glass and metal figurines, his usual mask of indifference slipping just enough for me to tell that he's impressed.
I scan the collection before plucking a small sculpture from the display—a girl hugging a dog. I hold it up to him. "This one's cute. Sophisticated. A perfect gift."
He lifts it toward the sunlight, inspecting it with the scrutiny of a man assessing a battle plan. Then, after what feels like an eternity, he nods. "This is truly a masterpiece. I'll take it."
Elena beams with pride as she carefully wraps it up. Bastien hands over the payment, and I fight the urge to tell her that royalty just bought from her stall. Maybe I'll drop that bombshell later.
Feeling victorious, I loop my arm through Bastien's again. "Now that your mission is complete, how about some snacks? Do you like caramelized apples?"
His expression immediately flattens. "That's a child's snack."
I place a hand over my heart, dramatically offended. "How dare you? Are you saying my master is childish?"
"Well, if the shoe fits."
I gasp even louder. "You insolent—!"
Bastien smirks, clearly enjoying my indignation. I swat his arm, but he doesn't even flinch.
"You're just teasing me!"
He shrugs. "Could be."
We hold each other's gaze for a moment before breaking into laughter. Honestly, spending time with him is a refreshing break from my usual chaos.
Before I can further defend the honor of caramelized apples, a commotion nearby catches my attention. I squint at the scene, and my mood instantly sours.
"Oh, for the love of— It's him again."
Bastien follows my gaze. "Who?"
I sigh. "Fucking Jerry."
At that exact moment, Jerry—our town's resident con artist—shouts, "Behold! The rarest, most magical creature you've ever seen! A pearly white lizard! Capable of incinerating entire forests with a single breath! It nearly burned my hair off!"
I roll my eyes so hard I might pass out.
I march toward him, Bastien right behind me. Inside a small cage sits a trembling white lizard, curled into a ball.
Bastien tilts his head. "Was his hair always like that?"
"Yes."
"Hm."
I push through the crowd, stopping in front of Jerry's stall with my arms crossed. "Jerry."
His grin falters. "O-Oh! Celeste! You're here to buy this majestic, mystical beast?" He gestures at his half-bald head. "See? It did this to me with its fiery power!"
"You have fallen so low, Jerry! You are trying to sell a poor lizard that you found in your garden, stop fooling these people!"
Murmurs spread through the gathered crowd. Some people step back, their suspicions now confirmed.
Jerry flails. "B-But it's real this time! It was eating my lettuce, and then it—"
I ignore him, bending down to inspect the lizard. The poor thing is trembling, tail wrapped tightly around itself. But as soon as I reach a finger toward it, something happens.
The world shifts.
Its eyes—bright jade, like something out of a forgotten dream—lock onto mine, and a wave of nostalgia crashes into me so violently I nearly stumble. It's warm, yet inexplicably sorrowful. My throat tightens.
And then—
"Help me… please."
I jerk back, heart hammering. The voice wasn't spoken. It was inside my head.
Jerry is still rambling when Bastien suddenly steps forward, tossing a coin pouch onto the stall. "How much?"
Jerry blinks. "Uh, 200 silver—"
Bastien levels him with a glare so fierce, Jerry physically flinches.
"100 bronze," Bastien corrects, voice low and deadly. "And I won't report you to the Animal's Protection Division."
Jerry practically wilts under the pressure, snatching the coins and shoving the cage at me. I barely register the exchange, my mind still reeling.
"Celeste?" Bastien's voice finally pulls me back.
I shake my head, clutching the cage to my chest. "That was… uh… something." I exhale shakily before flashing him a dry grin. "You really shouldn't have. I was about to grab the cage and run."
Bastien chuckles, leading me away from the crowd. "I'd rather not let my companion commit theft."
I smirk, bumping his shoulder. "So, I'm your companion now? I got upgraded!"
He sighs, but there's a small smile on his lips.
"Wait, were you really going to report Jerry to the Animal's Protection Division?"
The Animal's Protection Division is basically like an animal welfare law. Since in this world having pets is not that common, this Division protects animals only from being sold in the black market, or having their organs sold.
"No. That was just a bluff." He answers seriously and my eyes widen with a grin, "His Highness is capable of deception? You got me shaking in my boots now!"
He rolls his eyes and sighs, but I am happy that I have got the lizard in my possession. It truly feels like I belong to it, and I can tell it also feels the same. I can see it in its eyes.
As I cradle the lizard, Bastien observes it with mild curiosity. "What are you going to do with it?"
I shrug. "Keep it. Obviously. Can't let Fucking Jerry get his hands on it again."
He nods. "Make sure he doesn't deceive others, either."
Bastien looks thoughtful for a moment before his gaze settles on me, sharp and unreadable.
"Tell me, Celeste. If you had no way out of something—just one option, no alternatives—what would you do?"
I blink up at him, my brain taking an extra second to process. Did he just spring a philosophical dilemma on me in the middle of a festival? That's unfair.
"That's… a loaded question," I finally say, narrowing my eyes.
There's a flicker of amusement in his expression, even as he tries to look serious.
It's a good question, though. I've spent years believing I was backed into corners, forced into impossible choices. But looking back, I realize most of those barriers were my own doing. I had choices—I just didn't like them.
I cross my arms and purse my lips. "I guess I'd roll with it and figure things out as I go. See where the situation takes me." Then, I flash him a smirk. "But if you're seeking wisdom from this sagely young woman, my best advice is: don't die. That's very important."
A snort escapes him, and he shakes his head with a chuckle. "Noted. I will take your profound wisdom to heart."
I grin, satisfied with my handiwork. But then, something shifts in his expression. A quiet, serious sort of decision settles in his features, and he exhales.
"Tomorrow," he says, his voice softer, "I'll return to my palace."
I freeze, my playful demeanor cracking slightly. "Oh."
That's... soon.
I mean, I knew he wasn't here forever, but still.
"Right," I say, shifting my weight. "Duty calls and all that."
There's a beat of silence before he suddenly takes my hand. Before I can react, he bends slightly and presses a kiss to the back of it.
My brain short-circuits.
I forget how to breathe.
What.
"I truly enjoyed my time here, and it was all thanks to you," he murmurs against my skin. His voice has dropped into something deep and velvety, and it is NOT HELPING MY BRAIN FUNCTION.
I gawk at him, utterly speechless.
Bastien straightens, his amber eyes glowing warmly in the afternoon sun. "May time treat you fairly, Celeste, and I hope that you never change."
Oh, that is NOT fair.
"You—" I sputter. "You are not playing fair, Your Highness! Charming a lady like that is practically a crime!"
His lips quirk up. "Who charmed who, I wonder?" He tilts his head slightly. "But I spoke the truth."
I groan dramatically, rubbing my temples. "I take it back. I hope time makes you bald."
That earns me a full laugh from him. And stars above, it's a nice sound.
Despite my theatrics, an odd warmth settles in my chest. It feels... comfortable, but also a little bittersweet.
He doesn't leave right away. Instead, we stand there, lingering in the golden light of the festival. We talk about small things—how much he regrets not trying the caramelized apples (I was right, obviously), and how I should avoid getting scammed by Jerry ever again (as if I fell for his schemes in the first place).
And then, after a while, the moment inevitably comes.
He steps back, pulling his cloak around him. "Until we meet again, Celeste."
I swallow, forcing a grin. "Try not to get kidnapped on your way back, Your Highness."
He chuckles, shaking his head before finally turning away.
I watch him disappear into the sea of people, the crowd swallowing him up like a tide.
My heart tugs just slightly.
With a long sigh, I plop onto a nearby bench. "Well. There goes my fun."
A soft rustling makes me glance down.
The lizard is watching me, head tilted.
I blink at it. "...Or maybe not."
Sitting in that small side street, away from the noise, I suddenly have this strange feeling.
Like I've just crossed paths with something bigger than me.
Like fate is watching.
And as I stare into those jade-colored eyes, I realize I don't mind at all.