Time with Claire II

Festival.

50 Years have passed after the Kingdom of Azes quelled the rebels.

The festival was meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary, in regard to those knights who fought for the kingdom.

Exactly half a century ago, there was a rebellion that took place in the kingdom.

Two out of the three generals that held military rights in the kingdom, were part on the rebels side, and some high ranking nobles also joined their ranks.

The rebel army could even rival the royale family, which is said to be the strongest.

Left with no choice, the royale family used an ancient artifact passed down by generation to generation to end the war—or so was told.

It was one of the most extreme incident in the Kingdom's history. A lot of people suffered, the commoners to be exact, were the most affected.

For them, that time was a time where their life could end, unknowingly.

Magic thrown everywhere, loud sounds of fighting echoed, screams of agony could be heard, and a lot more.

The commoners used everything possible to keep themselves hidden, away from the battle outside. No matter what place it is, be it underground or under the sewer, they treated it as a hiding spot.

They experienced famine. The kingdom was chaotic, and they didn't have any food nor clean water. In short, many died.

It was good that the war only lasted for about a month. The royale family couldn't take its people's suffering, forced them to use their ancient artifact.

...

Ren and Claire arrived at the city via flying magic.

The kingdom was very lively, laughters echoed all around.

A lot of people are on the streets.

One could see food stalls all over the place. I guess a lot of merchants are doing their utmost best.

"What do you want to do first, Ren?" Claire asked while holding his hand, she held his hand saying that he might get lost.

"We have already eaten, how about we look around before we decide?" Ren suggested.

"Okay." Claire agreed.

The two went around the place.

...

The activity was very fun. Claire bought a mask for the two of them to not be out of place.

For some odd reason, a lot of people are wearing masks.

Even though they already had breakfast, it still didn't stop them on eating a lot of sweets as they explored the place.

There were magic tricks for people to be entertained with. This was not shown in detail in the game, that's why Ren was quite surprised on how they could use magic that way.

Claire was attracted at a beautiful dress in one of the shops, she was supposedly not going to go in and buy it. Because she didn't want to waste and ruin Ren's time.

Ren was quite observant and immediately noticed what she was thinking.

He said with a smile. "Mother, although I don't have the money to buy one for you. But I can at least let you buy it with no one stopping you, don't worry about me."

"No-no... it's fine." Claire shook her head.

"Let's just go, okay? I'm sure you also don't have that much free time, why not enjoy it? It doesn't bother me at all." Ren assured her.

"Hm, okay. My son is the best, fufu." Claire's chuckled as she nodded, and patted his head.

...

"How is it?" Claire asked for his opinion after dressing up.

"You're very beautiful, mother. I don't think any woman could rival your beauty." Ren complimented.

"Oh, you..." Claire was very happy.

But it was not the same case for the two women hiding at the moon symbol on his palm. And a certain beautiful black haired chibi, floating invisibly, chuckled knowing the twos reaction.

...

"What is this?" Claire asked somewhat surprised.

"A necklace, it's a present for me. I used my own money that I earned on buying that, no worries." Correct. Ren did have a money, though it was not enough to buy those expensive clothing. But buying a cheap necklace is possible.

It was the money earned by selling the remaining flame cores to the refiner. It was in the thousands, it's bound to have some remains.

"Thanks, can you put it on me?" Claire leaned down.

"Of course." Ren nodded and put the necklace on her neck. He gotta say that the necklace he chose was very suitable for her.

"Mother is extremely happy, you know..." Claire smiled, and brought him into her embrace.

"That's good." Ren smiled.

...

"How about joining, mother?" Ren asked while holding a poster.

It was a beauty contest. One of the festival's main and most popular event.

"Eh...? No, that's not possible for me." Claire declined.

"Ah, is that so. It would be good to see you on stage." Ren nodded in understanding.

"..." Claire looked at Ren's face, agonizing.

"...Mother will join, if you want." In the end, Claire accepted after thinking hard.

"Really? I don't want to force you." Ren was taken back by her sudden acceptance.

"You will cheer for me, right?" Claire smiled.

"Yes, gladly." Ren nodded.

...

As Ren expected. Claire took first place. With her beauty, it was not even a contest. Her beauty was out of their league.

Her beautiful dark hair was one of the things that stood out the most. Just by looking, it's as if it's you are looking at a galaxy that could make one feel entranced.

Her beautiful smile that was on her face looks so cute and seductive at the same time.

Like how Ren went with Freya in the city. Claire was also in a disguise, especially changing her blonde-golden hair into a dark one.

Her original hair is very eye-catching after all, it was only meant for those who have royale blood.

"I kinda regret on letting her join this contest. I should be the only one who could see and experience that sight. What a mistake." Ren mumbled. He chanted on his mind not to repeat the mistake again.

"What did you say? It's too loud here. I couldn't hear." Claire on his side asked.

"It was nothing." Ren smiled in response.

...

They went back after watching the fireworks. It was fireworks made with magic, so it has quite a degree of adaptability.

Fireworks on earth can't be compared. With that being said, this was the greatest fireworks Ren experienced seeing.