Chapter 12

The sky was clear and bright, the perfect weather for a festival day. Excitement and joy filled the air, creating a palpable atmosphere that made my heart race as I made my way toward the palace gates.

As I approached, I spotted Glenn waiting for me. He wasn't in his usual knight's uniform; instead, he wore elegant nobleman's attire. The dark green coat complemented the color of his eyes, and the silver accents on his outfit glimmered in the sunlight, making him look even more handsome.

"Glenn! Sorry for the wait!" I said, feeling a bit embarrassed about how dressed up I was. I hung my head slightly as I greeted him.

"I'm sorry, m'lady, but I'm waiting for someone else," he replied, his voice gentle but with a hint of coolness.

"Huh? Were you waiting for someone else?" I looked up, puzzled by his words. Glenn stared at me for several moments before bursting into laughter.

"Are you joking with me right now?" Frustration welled up inside me at his teasing, so I turned to leave. Just then, he caught my hand.

"Wait, Nerina!" Glenn said, his laughter fading as he held onto my hand. "I was just shocked to see how you look."

"Then why did you laugh? Do I look like a clown?" I shot back, feeling a mix of irritation and embarrassment.

He looked genuinely apologetic. "Don't be mad, Nerina. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I thought you were someone else, and I laughed at my own stupidity. If you hadn't looked up, I might have lost you as my partner."

He squeezed my hand gently, his expression sincere. "I promise I wasn't laughing at you. I was just happy and a bit overwhelmed by how lovely you look tonight."

His words made me soften, and I felt my tension ease. "Well, thanks for the compliment. You look handsome as ever," I replied with a playful punch to his shoulder. "And this is for laughing at me."

"Ow!" he exclaimed, feigning injury while managing a grin. "Let's enjoy the festival together, shall we?" He linked our arms, and we set off.

As we walked through the bustling streets of the festival, vibrant colors and lively sounds enveloped us. I could see that Glenn attracted attention; women cast him second glances while men eyed my unique hair color.

Glenn noticed the extra attention and laughed lightly. "Looks like we make quite the pair tonight," he said, glancing sidelong at me with a grin. "You're definitely turning heads with that hair of yours."

Feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride, I chuckled. "I guess that's a good thing," I said, taking in the lively scene. "I'm glad to be here with you."

We continued to explore the festival, enjoying the various stalls, games, and performances. Glenn made it a point to keep me engaged and entertained, occasionally stopping at booths to try new foods or participate in games.

As we strolled, I noticed a charming shop filled with an array of trinkets and keepsakes, from hand-carved figurines to intricately designed jewelry. I spotted the perfect gifts for both Lys and Glenn and couldn't resist going inside.

For Glenn, I chose a finely crafted necklace imbued with protective magic, adorned with a delicate charm that glowed faintly, suggesting its protective properties—perfect for a knight like him.

As for Lys, I selected a small, elegant wooden box beautifully crafted, perfect for storing his lunch or small items. It seemed to fit his practical tastes and lifestyle, especially given how much he appreciated the meals I prepared for him.

When we made our way back through the festival, the lights began to dim, and a cool evening breeze swept in. I reached into my bag and pulled out the necklace I had chosen for Glenn.

"Glenn, thank you for accompanying me today. I had such a good time thanks to you," I said, handing him the necklace.

He accepted it with a warm smile. "Thank you, Nerina. I'll cherish this properly." He paused, then reached into his pocket. "And since you always seem to stare at the May Bells whenever we pass by, I bought this for you. I hope you like it."

He placed a delicate bracelet shaped like May Bells into my palm. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the tiny flowers intricately carved and set in silver. My heart swelled with happiness, and I couldn't help but smile widely as I admired it.

"Glenn, it's perfect. Thank you," I said softly, my fingers tracing the delicate petals.

Seeing my reaction, Glenn's eyes softened. "I'm glad you like it. It reminded me of you—graceful and full of life."

The sincerity in his voice made my heart flutter, and I knew this bracelet would become one of my most treasured possessions. The night had been filled with joy and laughter, solidified by this meaningful exchange of gifts, making the festival even more special.

When I finally arrived home, the night was deep, and a comforting quiet filled the house. Lys must have gone to bed early after a long day of work. Not wanting to disturb him, I tiptoed into the kitchen and carefully placed the elegant wooden box I had bought for him on the table, beside it leaving a handwritten note:

"Lys, here's a souvenir for you. - Nerina."

Satisfied, I took one last glance at the gift before quietly making my way to my room, exhausted but exhilarated from the day's excitement.

The next morning, I woke much later than usual. Sunlight streamed through the window, and I could hear gentle birds chirping outside. Stretching lazily, I prepared myself for the day's work, a content smile lingering from the memories of the night before.