“You want to go to the festival?”

My voice came out louder and higher than usual, even surprising me. Claude’s eyes widened slightly, then softened into a gentle curve.

“Yes. Didn’t that man mention earlier that there would be fireworks in the square? It looks like there’s also a night market. It’s our first time experiencing something like a ‘Second New Year’ festival. It should be fun.”

“Alright!”

A festival! Even though I had heard the explanation earlier, I hadn’t really considered the idea of actually joining in with the crowd to enjoy it. But as soon as Claude suggested it, I found myself quickly getting excited.

I clenched my fists and turned to Guinness, shouting with excitement.

“Guinness, let’s go quickly!”

Guinness had been quietly washing her face with warm water in a basin in the corner and now glanced at me, puzzled by my sudden enthusiasm, ignoring whether Claude had come by or we were even talking.

“What?”

“Come on! Don’t you remember what that guy said earlier? We need to get there early to secure a spot for the fireworks. We should leave before it gets too late.”

The thought of attending a festival for the first time made me overly excited. The excitement was evident in my voice.

I quickly turned to Claude and asked,

“What about Father Adrian and Andrew? Aren’t they coming with us? Or are they waiting downstairs?”

“My lady…”

“Guinness, why aren’t you getting ready? Come quickly!”

Was I the only one feeling impatient? I looked at her, growing restless, and stomped my feet.

With her face flushed from the warm water, Guinness sat at the table, watching us with an odd expression.

“My lady.”

“What?”

“Look behind you.”

“Huh?”

Behind me?

I turned around, but there was nothing there—just Claude, standing as usual with a calm expression. When our eyes met, he raised an eyebrow.

I looked back at Guinness and asked,

“What? Was something there? There’s nothing.”

She continued to gaze behind me, her tone enigmatic.

“It’s gone now.”

After a moment, she added,

“I must have seen it wrong.”

And then, once more,

“Just forget about it.”

“What was that about…?”

Something felt off. Just as I began to feel uneasy, she casually rolled up her pants to wash her feet and nonchalantly said,

“Why don’t the two of you go on your own?”

“Huh? Just the two of us?”

“Yes.”

Without even looking up, she focused on pouring warm water over her feet.

“But Father Adrian and Andrew might want to go to the festival, too. Won’t you feel lonely being left behind by yourself?”

“They probably won’t go either.”

“Really? They said they aren’t going?”

I turned to Claude in surprise, and he nodded solemnly.

“Why? Are they not feeling well?””

He muttered, looking down.

“It seems so. They mentioned being tired.”

“Should we call for a doctor? Should I check on them?”

Neither of them had shown any signs of being overly tired or exhausted until now. The fact that they were too tired to join the festival made me worry that they might be seriously ill.

I started to move past him toward the door, but his arm quickly blocked my path.

“Claude?”

When I looked up, our eyes met. He held me back with his right arm and grasped my shoulder.

“What’s wrong?”

He hesitated, struggling to find words. Growing frustrated, I shook his shoulder slightly.

“What’s wrong? Tell me.”

“…They just said that they were feeling tired today, especially since there are so many people around. There’s no need to worry.”

His voice finally emerged, breaking off in pieces, and his stiff expression looked uncomfortable.

“Are you sure?”

His behavior seemed suspicious. Just as doubt began to creep in, Guinness’ voice boomed from behind me.

“Sometimes people just have days like that. Andrew’s getting older, you know. Even before we came here, he would often get tired on his own.”

“Really? Even Father Adrian was tired today…”

“It’s been over a week since we stayed in a decent place. Unlike us, Father Adrian isn’t used to this kind of rough journey, so he probably just wants to rest.”

I turned back to see Guinness shrugging her shoulders. It made sense.

“Then, let’s go just the two of us.”

“Alright.”

Claude answered promptly.

‘He must be eager to get going, too.’

I nodded, convinced.

He must have been frustrated with the group taking so long to get ready, especially since we needed to get to the square and secure a spot for the fireworks.

“Let’s go! We’re off, Guinness!”

In any case, it was our first festival. The worry I had for the others faded, replaced by excitement once more.

There was nothing else to bring, so I was about to head out when Guinness called out from behind.

“Please take care of His Highness, my lady!”

“Don’t worry!”

I laughed, closing the door behind us.

“Imagine how surprised they’d be if they knew how skilled you are.”

“Indeed.”

We shared a laugh, and when I looked up, our eyes met. Claude smiled softly—a warm smile.

“Shall we head down?”

“Yes.”

Somehow, my words came out haltingly. We descended the creaky stairs to the bustling first floor, where people were talking loudly and drinking.

As we wove through the tables and headed for the door, Claude suddenly turned around.

“…What is it?”

I looked curiously at the hand he extended toward me.

“Let’s hold hands.”

“Why?”

“There are a lot of people outside. What if I lose you?”

“I’m sure I can follow along just fine. Don’t worry.”

I tried to brush it off and continue walking, but he stood his ground, refusing to budge.

“You’re supposed to protect me. Guinness said so.”

He was as confident as ever.

Was it the warmth from the crowded inn, or was it something else? My face felt hot.

“…Alright.”

‘It’s just easier to hold hands so we don’t get separated in the crowd. That’s all.’

Hesitantly, I extended my hand, and he grasped it firmly.

“Let’s go.”

Claude smiled, satisfied, and pushed open the worn inn door.

A rush of cold wind swept under my hood and through my cloak.

The loud chatter of the inn’s patrons faded behind the wooden door, replaced by the sounds of people chattering on the streets and hurried footsteps mingling with the winter breeze.

Claude carefully adjusted the hood covering my head. He tied the cloak’s string tightly, pulled the hood down over my face, and patted it gently.

“You’re so particular.”

I muttered, readjusting my hood after he had finished, and glanced at him. His own clothes remained unadjusted, with the cold wind brushing his cheeks and nose, which were faintly reddened. He grinned.

“Shall we head to the square? You wanted to see the fireworks, didn’t you?”

“Sure.”

I took his hand without hesitation. Claude led the way, cutting through the crowd with ease.

Even though it was our first time here, he navigated skillfully, following the flow of people toward the center, occasionally asking for directions.

As I watched the back of his head, a strange feeling welled up inside me.

He was… kind.

Very much so.

No matter how close a friend, it’s not easy to accompany someone on such a rough journey for over a month just to see them off a little further.

For him, this journey had no benefit, yet he had earnestly asked to join us.

And throughout the journey, he had been considerate, always checking if I was alright, subtly relieving any discomfort I might have had.

‘He’s always been kind to women.’

I reminded myself that I was the first friend with whom he had shared everything, and it was natural for him to be so attentive to a close friend.

Claude was truly a good friend. He was showing me a deep friendship, different from what I had experienced with Reedmore, Isla, Felicia, and Pogos.

‘I should be just as good a friend.’

I strengthened my grip on his hand, reaffirming my resolve.

Without turning back, Claude tightened his grip in return. The thick leather gloves warmed our hands.

“Oh no…”

When we finally arrived at the square, it was packed with people, leaving no room to breathe.

“It looks like we’re too late to find a spot.”

I scanned the area, but there wasn’t a single open space left.

“We should have come earlier.”

I was just as disappointed.

In the center of the large square stood a tall clock tower, with a fountain a little further off to the side. A small stage had been set up nearby.

A wizard, presumably in charge of the fireworks, was sitting on the stage, muttering something as he made preparations.

Firework sticks, magical powders, and other materials were scattered around the stage.

Aside from a small gap between the stage and the crowd, there wasn’t a free spot in sight.

“There’s nothing we can do.”

Claude turned to me.

“Let’s look around the other areas. We can explore while we’re at it.”

His voice was surprisingly cheerful.

We didn’t have to watch the fireworks from the square. The lively atmosphere around us quickly dispelled any lingering disappointment.

Claude’s bright blond hair peeked out from under his hood, his clear, glassy eyes looking directly at me as he smiled.

“Alright.”

He replied with equal cheerfulness.

Hand in hand, we eagerly turned around and began exploring.

We navigated through the crowd with light steps, stopping at various stalls where vendors called out loudly.

Laughter came easily.

In that moment, the complicated political situation surrounding me, the duties I bore, and thoughts of vengeance and resentment didn’t cross my mind at all.

There was only joy.

Both sides of the main street were lined with a mix of hastily set up tents, established shops, and well-maintained stores, all packed with merchants eager to take advantage of the busy night.

Each one was shouting at the top of their lungs, trying to draw attention.