Chapter 14 Day of Aeloria
Just as the trio was about to exit the dark alley, a voice echoed, stopping them in their tracks.
"The moon's beautiful, isn't it?... Luna." The voice said, revealing a grey-haired man in his twenties with light purple eyes. Handsome was the least they could call him, as if an angel himself had descended.
"It's been a while, Nox." Luna said with a melodious voice.
Arthur could see the emotions between them, as the same redness connected both of their figures.
"Who is he, Ginny? And why is he calling you Luna?" Arthur asked with a cute pout, as if pleading for her attention.
While quickly giving a small glare at the newcomer, he once again tried to maintain an innocent persona in front of Ginny.
Arthur's words brought her out of her nostalgic trance, and she quickly responded in a formal tone, "Your Majesty, he is Nox de Arigon, heir to the Margrave of Arigon in the southwestern region of the Empire, and... my childhood friend." She said, stumbling slightly over the final sentence.
'Hmm, a childhood friend of Ginny? She trusts him... Maybe I'll give him a chance. But if he tries to take Ginny away from me, I'll kill him.' Little Arthur thought, as his surroundings darkened and he subconsciously leaked magical power.
The surge of magic didn't go unnoticed by the two adults.
Meanwhile, Rosaline was lost in her own thoughts.
'He certainly is handsome. But it looks like His Majesty's nanny has some sort of relationship with him. They are childhood friends, right? That makes sense. His name is Nox de Arigon, the next Margrave of Arigon. I think he's famous for his swordsmanship. Hmm, both of them look really good together. That must be it!' She mused while indulging in a romantic fantasy about childhood friends falling in love.
Then, she stole a few secret glances at Arthur and thought, 'Maybe we will be like them in the future? Aren't we childhood friends right now?'
Oblivious to her thoughts, Arthur turned toward the grey-haired youth with a questioning gaze, as if trying to gauge his intentions.
But Nox did not react negatively. Instead, he gave an elegant bow, indicating his status as a vassal of the Emperor, and said in a soft tone, "I greet His Majesty, the Sun of Eldorion."
Arthur nodded, his hostility slightly decreasing.
But curiosity gnawed at him, and he couldn't help but ask, "Why is your name different from others, Nox?"
"It's because my family's original homeland was in the Central Continent. My family and our people migrated to the Eldorion Empire as refugees. Thanks to the generosity of the previous Emperors and the Dracon Imperial Family, we were not only accepted but also granted land and titles. For that, my family and my people will forever be grateful to the Imperial Dracon family." He spoke with admiration and gratitude in his voice.
Luna looked uneasy, knowing that in the noble circles of the Eldorion Empire, the Arigons were often regarded as outsiders. Even noble families of lower rank would look down upon them. What was worse, the Arigon family and their people predominantly followed the Holy Seal Religion, rather than the Western Branch that the majority of the Empire and its nobility adhered to.
Because of this, the Arigons were generally left out during noble social gatherings. Whenever Luna and Nox attended the same event, other noble children would attempt to ostracize and belittle him. But thanks to his superb talent in Aura, all of his challengers were defeated in at most five strikes.
If Luna was considered a genius in magic, then Nox was a genius in Aura and swordsmanship. His current rank was unknown to Luna, as she hadn't seen him in five years, but she believed he must be at the wall of the 4th stage in Aura or an intermediate master swordsman already.
"Let's leave it at that. Since I'm here, how about I have the honor of escorting you around the district? I've got plenty of connections in this area," he offered in a gentlemanly manner, causing Luna to blush slightly.
As love blossomed, Arthur threw a wrench in the mood by asking, "Why should I trust you? I haven't heard of your name before. Besides, isn't this the first time we're meeting? What are you planning?" Openly displaying his suspicion, even if Nox was Ginny's childhood friend.
Before Nox could reply, Luna intervened, "Please, Your Majesty. Let's rely on Nox this time. He has plenty of connections in the commoners' district of the capital. Didn't Your Majesty want to watch tonight's festival? Let's go quickly, or else we'll be late." With that, she grabbed Arthur and Rosaline's hands and pulled them forward, passing Nox, who simply watched with a small smile.
Sigh
"Fine," Arthur relented, giving Nox one last glance before ordering,
"Lead the way."
"Certainly, Your Majesty," Nox replied with an elegant bow.
After walking for a while, they arrived at a bustling crowd, where vendors displayed unique antique pieces and accessories.
Among the crowd, various performers showcased their skills. Some played melodious tunes, while others danced in styles unique to their cultures, embracing their heritage. The Eldorion Empire was vast, housing a diverse range of customs, languages, and traditions. For the common folk, who spent most of their lives working to sustain their families, festivals like these were rare chances to unwind and celebrate unity amidst diversity.
Originally, the Harvest Festival was observed in rural areas as a way for farmers to mark the beginning of the harvest season. Agriculture formed the backbone of the Empire, with nearly seventy-five percent of the population engaged in farming. Timing was as crucial as the quality of crops, and the festival allowed farmers to pinpoint the right moment to begin stockpiling and selling their produce.
Over time, the festival evolved into a commoners' celebration in urban centers, boosting the economy. Sharp-minded merchants and lords seized the opportunity, charging vendors for licenses and permits to sell goods brought from across the Empire.
However, in recent years, another tradition had emerged—one that transformed the festival into the Day of Aeloria. Inspired by Saint Aeloria, a healer who wove magical songs to mend broken hearts and strengthen the bonds of true love, this day became known as a time for lovers to confess their feelings and promise eternal devotion.
And it was during this festival that love stories began.
"Hey there, Nox! How about we see who drinks the most? This time I'll win!" A drunken uncle suddenly shouted, challenging Nox with a slurred voice.
"Apologies, but I must escort my lady tonight. Let's continue our drinking competition another time," Nox replied gracefully.
Tch.
"Player," the uncle grumbled before downing another drink.
Suddenly, all the young ladies and girls in the area turned their gazes toward Luna with hostility. Many had hoped to be Nox's partner for the festival, only to be rejected in favor of a certain someone. Their eyes burned with jealousy and envy, though none dared cross the line.
Meanwhile, beside the charming couple, Arthur and Rosaline remained hidden under long hooded cloaks to avoid recognition.
After some walking, they stopped at several stalls where Luna and Rosaline began their shopping spree. Arthur spent coins on Rosaline's desires, while Nox did the same for Luna.
After what felt like an hour, both girls completed their final purchases, and the group made their way to a perfect viewing spot for the fireworks.
Luna gracefully carried Arthur and Rosaline using magic, stealthily landing on a five-story building's terrace. Nox arrived an instant later, using his sheer superhuman strength as an Aura Swordmaster.
"Did you get stronger?" Luna asked, surprised by his agility.
"I wonder. Wanna find out?" Nox teased, avoiding the question.
Arthur, who was watching the whole thing with a curious expression, acted as if he had achieved enlightenment.
Turning his gaze away from the older couple, he focused on the dazzling fireworks with Rosaline before gently taking her hand, demanding her attention.
"I'm sorry for this morning. I shouldn't have been rude to you, Rosa. Please take this as my apology," Arthur said as he revealed a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a delicate pearl necklace.
The pearls, harvested from the coast of Aquila Duchy, shimmered under the moonlight. Though it was an expensive antique, for royalty, it was a trivial gift. However, for Arthur, it held great significance.
Rosaline blinked, momentarily stunned, before her lips curled into a radiant smile. With a graceful nod, she accepted the gift. "It's okay. You didn't have to go that far for me. It was my fault too, for being insensitive. Please forgive me," she said softly.
"I will cherish it forever, Your Majesty," she added, her voice sincere.
Arthur pouted, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "From now on, call me just Arthur, like how I call you Rosa," he insisted as he carefully fastened the necklace around her neck.
Rosaline's cheeks flushed a soft pink, but she nodded. "Alright… Arthur," she whispered.
A gentle breeze brushed past them, carrying the scent of roasted nuts and sweet confections from the festival below. It was a moment frozen in time, an innocent promise between two childhood friends, witnessed only by the stars above.
Luna, who had been observing from the side, smiled warmly at the scene, her heart swelling with fondness. Meanwhile, Nox, who had also been watching, gave a small nod of approval—proud that the young Emperor had taken his advice.
Then, as the fireworks continued to paint the sky in brilliant hues, Nox turned toward Luna, reaching into his coat pocket. "Luna," he called, his voice unusually serious.
Luna turned to him, her light purple eyes meeting his own. "What is it?"
Instead of answering right away, Nox extended his hand, revealing a beautifully crafted hairpin. It was carved from moonstone, the silver sheen reflecting the light of the fireworks, and shaped into a delicate crescent. The intricate engravings of intertwined vines and roses shimmered with faint traces of magic.
Luna gasped, her breath catching in her throat. "This is..."
"You once told me you loved the moon, didn't you?" Nox said with a small smirk, but there was a rare tenderness in his eyes.
"So I had this made for you. I figured it would suit you."
Luna hesitated for a moment, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached for the gift.
"It's beautiful," she murmured, running her fingertips over the smooth surface.
"Thank you, Nox."
Nox took a step closer. "Here, let me," he offered, gently taking the hairpin from her hand. Without waiting for permission, he reached up and carefully tucked a stray strand of her silver hair behind her ear, securing the pin in place.
His fingers barely grazed her skin, but it was enough to send a shiver down Luna's spine.
"There," he said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "Perfect."
Luna lowered her gaze, flustered, though a small smile played at her lips. "You never change, do you?"
Nox chuckled. "And I never will. Not when it comes to you."
The moment lingered between them, unspoken words hanging in the air.
Meanwhile, Arthur, who had been too engrossed in his moment with Rosaline, finally turned around—only to see the meaningful exchange between Luna and Nox.
'Huh… So that's how it is,' he thought to himself, watching the way Luna's expression softened around Nox.
Just then, a particularly large firework exploded in the night sky, illuminating their faces in a cascade of golden light.
And just like that, under the brilliant glow of the festival, the Day of Aeloria came to an end—leaving behind promises, cherished gifts, and the first blossoming of love.
---
AN:-
Sorry for the cliché