Chapter 9

"If you love something, you have to let go of it."

The words said by Margaret, really filled her head. Someday, do I have to let go of Lewis? She asked herself the question that couldn't be answered.

She lie on her bed while staring at the ceiling.

Yes, it's almost the time for the festival huh... She thought to herself.

The Godditude festival. It is held once a year to show your gratitude to the god by throwing some of the harvested crops into the bonfire.

on the festival, royalty, hierarchy, blood relation really doesn't mean a thing. People enjoy themselves with everyone, dancing, singing, and other stuff.

Lewis however, didn't really enjoyed the past festival. The reason was he had to behaved like a prince, ignoring the festival's reason. He don't wanted to act like a prince, he only just wanted to have fun with everyone else.

*****

As the residence preparing for the festival, the king once again called for Lewis.

"Father." Said Lewis right after he opened the door.

"Sit down, son."

"Yes, father."

He approached the king slowly and take a sit on the chair he sat the other day.

"Are you looking forward for the festival?"

Lewis didn't answer the question. He held his head down.

"I take that as a no." Added the king.

"It's not like I hate the festival, I just don't want to act like a prince. I want to be normal. Even just for one day."

The king looked straight at Lewis.

"Don't you know you're the next heir of the royal family? You got to put up a good image for other people to respect you. Even I know the importance of it." Stated the king.

"But father, the festival allowed you to be normal. Nobody's gonna care how I act. I wanted to be free. I wanted to do whatever I wanted to do, without worrying about my image."

The king kept looking straight into Lewis's eyes. Such a passion. The thirst of freedom he could saw I'm his eyes. How long does he saw the eyes since the Blood River War 30 years ago.

"Very well." The king decided. "I shall give you the permission to act like a commoner. Only for one day."

"Thank you father." Lewis felt really happy when he heard that.

"Father..." He added. "There's actually something I want to talk to you about."

"Go on."

"I've decided to propose to the ones I love on the festival."

The king didn't said a word. He just kept looking at Lewis.

"Have you asked your heart?" Asked the king.

"Indeed I have." Replied The prince. "And the girl I wanted to married is a farmer's daughter. I wanted to have your permission for marrying her."

The king lost in thought for some time. He looked around the castle, and returned to stare at Lewis's face.

"I couldn't say no, can't I? I mean... I'm also ex-mercenary for the case."

"Then..."

"Make sure she accept your proposal, son."

Lewis felt really happy. He's really glad he have an understanding father. He couldn't wait for the festival to come.