Under The Festival Sky

As Abell and Hugo walked toward Hallion's main square, the concentration of city guards increased the closer they got. The air buzzed with chatter as crowds speculated about Cedris and the Benedict family's upcoming speech.

"What do you think Cedris will talk about this year?" a man asked his companion.

"No clue," the woman replied. "Last year was about cracking down on criminals in the city, and look where we are now. Fewer crooks on the streets."

"It's terrifying, honestly. Amid all this chaos, Cedris keeps his promises. We're in the most dangerous era since the Liberator's time."

"I know! That's why I adore him. He's so reliable. If only you could be more like him," she teased, rolling her eyes.

"What? Don't compare me to that guy! I've heard he has a vast network of spies feeding him intel on everything happening."

"That sounds like gossip," she said, tugging his arm. "Come on, let's see what he has to say."

As the pair hurried ahead, Abell glanced at Hugo. "Is any of that true?"

Hugo smirked. "Since when are you interested in people? I thought Malignants were your main obsession."

"Shut up," Abell muttered. "I just figured I should learn more about the country."

Hugo's laugh turned a few heads. "Look at you, growing up right before my eyes!"

Abell's eyebrow twitched. "I meant the part about Cedris having a network of spies."

Hugo's grin faded slightly, and he looked away. "Honestly, I wouldn't know. I don't come to Western Eudora often."

Abell frowned, sensing Hugo was holding something back, but decided to let it go. As they continued walking, another question gnawed at him. "Hugo, why did we come to Hallion in the first place? It doesn't make sense to me."

Hugo sighed. "Listen, Abell, there are things I know that wouldn't make sense to you right now. In time, I'll tell you. For now, trust me."

"Fine, no need for a lecture," Abell muttered, waving him off.

Hugo smiled knowingly. "He reminds me of myself at that age," he thought.

The city square stretched wide under the pale glow of lanterns and moonlight, its cobblestones gleaming faintly. Towering stone buildings loomed in the shadows, their banners bearing the Benedict family crest—an owl perched on a crescent moon—swaying lightly in the night breeze.

At the center, a grand stage rose above the gathering crowd, its polished wood catching the flickering lantern light. The podium, shaped like an owl with outstretched wings, cast sharp, menacing shadows, its carved eyes seeming to watch the square.

Abell's gaze darted to the guards stationed around the edges of the square and the stage. There were only a few of them, their gleaming armor catching the light as they stood at attention, scanning the crowd. The sparse number felt wrong to Abell.

On the stage, members of the Benedict family sat in ornate chairs. Abell immediately recognized Cedris, the old man at the center, but the other two were unfamiliar.

"Hugo, who are the others?" Abell asked, keeping his voice low.

"That's Cedris's wife, Shana, and the young man is Theo. Wow, he's grown up," Hugo said, grinning.

"You've met them before?"

"Of course. I am Hugo Creed," he replied with exaggerated pride.

"Please, refrain from talking," a guard hissed, casting them a sharp look.

Cedris rose from his seat, his commanding presence silencing the crowd. "Thank you, my fellow citizens. Tonight, we gather for the annual Lunar Market Festival. I trust everyone has enjoyed themselves—I know my family and I certainly have. Every year, I'm amazed by the incredible innovations and resilience of our people."

He paused, scanning the audience with a piercing gaze. Then his smile widened. "It seems we have some high-profile guests among us tonight. I wasn't aware Hugo Creed would be joining us."

The crowd murmured in excitement as Cedris gestured toward Hugo. "Let's give it up for Hugo Creed—the hero of the southern region and a man who tirelessly works to keep us safe!"

Hugo gave a playful bow, earning a few laughs.

"And standing beside him is someone just as noteworthy—the son of Keeko Vespera."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. "Keeko? I remember hearing about her taking down a squad of Malignants with her bare hands!" someone whispered.

Feeling awkward under the sudden attention, Abell gave a stiff wave, his face heating up.

He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the square. "But while we celebrate, let us not forget the challenges beyond these walls. Many outside this city are struggling. Just last month, I visited a village near the border. Once full of life, it now lies in ruins—its fields destroyed, its homes abandoned. The rising tide of Malignants is devastating not only our region but the entire country."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and Cedris raised a hand for silence. "This is not just their fight; it is ours. The growing Malignant threat stretches our resources and threatens our unity. I am working tirelessly with other leaders to bring aid to those in need and protect what we hold dear."

"Including the Alsaints?" someone called out.

Cedris's expression hardened for a moment before he nodded. "Yes, even the Alsaints. Though our history—particularly my history with Ephraim—is complicated, we cannot let old grudges divide us. I am committed to uniting our efforts, for the survival of this region and country depends on cooperation."

"But this fight is not just against the Malignants. There are others—those who would exploit this crisis to sow discord and undermine the unity we've worked so hard to preserve. To them, I say this: we will not falter."

"I wonder who he's talking about?" Said a man.

"Maybe he's talking about Fractured dawn or the Alsaints hehe." Said a creepy woman.

"Shut up, let's go we haven't the time to listen to this." Her more mature friend said.

Straightening, Cedris's expression softened again. "Tonight, let us celebrate the strength that has brought us this far and the hope that will carry us forward. Together, we will overcome these trials and build a brighter future for all of Eudora."

A huge applause erupted from the crowd, chants of Cedris's name filling the square. He sat back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face as he basked in the adoration.

Abell, however, frowned, turning to Hugo. "I don't get it. Cedris didn't seem that friendly when I met him, but hearing his speech, it's like he's a completely different person."

Hugo chuckled. "That's politics for you. I guess you know more than the average person. Flaws and all, he still runs this region well. Don't overthink it—focus on yourself.

Before Abell could respond a voice caught the attention of the crowd

Theo stood as the applause for Cedris began to fade, his movements a little stiff but determined. The crowd quieted, curious about the young man.

"Good evening, everyone," he began, his voice steady but carrying a hint of nervousness. "It's an honor to stand here with my family and see the strength of Hallion firsthand. Your resilience, your innovation—it inspires me to work harder every day."

He paused briefly, scanning the crowd, his expression earnest. "I may have much to learn, but I promise to dedicate myself to serving this region. Together, I believe we can face any challenge and build a brighter future."

As the crowd erupted in applause once again, Theo gave a small, respectful bow before retaking his seat, a flicker of relief crossing his face.

"Hmm so that's the guy that old man was talking about, his grandson." Abell thought to himself.

"Interested in him huh, don't worry you'll see him soon at the academy, I've heard he's quite strong." Hugo said.

"Anyways, let's get out of here, I'm spent." Hugo said. let's find a room for the night. Hopefully it doesn't cost too much.

As the crowd began to disperse and the festivities wound down, the two slipped away, leaving the lively square behind.

Meanwhile, near Noctua Hall, two figures lingered at the bottom of the steps.

"Man, I can't stand those elites. Did you hear that speech, Zelene?"

"Yes, I'm aware of it. That's why we do what we do," Zelene replied coolly.

Nissa tilted her head, feigning ignorance. "Hey, Zelene, why are we here again?"

"Really, Nissa? Didn't you listen to him before he sent us here?"

Zelene muttered, her voice low but certain. "He said we'd find what we need in this city."

"Oops, sorry! Hehe. Good thing I have you." Nissa grinned and threw her arms around Zelene, who sighed but didn't push her away.

Nissa chuckled, brushing her hair back. "And by 'we,' you mean me doing the heavy lifting while you play strategist, huh?"

"If you keep talking, I might let you explain to him why we failed," Zelene replied coolly. Nissa immediately fell silent, her grin fading.

As they reached the top of the steps, a guard stepped forward, blocking their path. "The building is off-limits at the moment. Please come back another time."

Nissa's grin widened as she leaned closer to Zelene, whispering, "Looks like someone needs to be persuaded."

Zelene's expression didn't change as she adjusted her gloves. "Quietly, Nissa. We don't need another mess."

Moments later, the soft thud of boots hitting the stone steps echoed faintly. The guard was nowhere to be seen, and the two women slipped through the shadows of Noctua Hall like predators on the hunt.