Chapter 81

In the border city of Lester, the Mushroom Festival was held on the last day of October, which marks the end of autumn. Originally, it was a festival held in the village that was governed by the Viscount Lester. At that time, mushroom hunting was very popular in the region, and people would proudly show off the mushrooms they had gathered from the forest. Nowadays, the mushrooms found around the border city of Lester are all small and round, but even so, on this night, everyone would gather in the city square, place baskets of mushrooms on their heads, and perform a peculiar dance, which had become a tradition.

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One day in early October, Al was participating in a tea party held in the pavilion of the Revi Company's courtyard. The participants were, as usual, Patricia, Luella, and Patricia's female knight, Joanna. Behind them, female servants stood in attendance. Patricia, as always, kept glancing at Al and blushing, and Al couldn't help but feel flustered by her gestures.

"…So, there will be a gap, but the next time will be on the night of the Mushroom Festival. I want you to keep that day free. Okay?"

"Sure, but don't you and Luella usually get called to the lord's mansion for such events?"

As the tea party was nearing its end, Luella mentioned the next meeting. Patricia, who hadn't seen Al for almost a month, was a bit teary-eyed. However, it seemed that she had various commitments before the festival, making it difficult for her to visit Luella.

Al tilted his head when he heard that Luella might be able to sneak out on the night of the festival. It was his first autumn in the border city of Lester, and he wondered if, in such a city, the viscount, nobles, knights, and members of large trading companies would dress up and enjoy themselves in their own mansions.

"The Mushroom Festival isn't like that. It's a festival to celebrate the harvest. Every year, knights and merchants gather in the square in front of the lord's mansion. Many traveling performers also come. It's very lively. I think Patricia will initially be seated near the Viscount Lester in the venue set up in the square in front of the lord's mansion, but many people come to greet the viscount, so I think it will be easy to slip away. The Revi Company always sets up a stall in the square to sell easy-to-eat dishes. Then, they place tables in the back and invite traveling performers to join in the fun. Let's enjoy it together."

Luella's description of the festival made Patricia's eyes sparkle. From her position, she probably had never participated in such a festival, only observed it.

"Perhaps we should invite Lady Tara, the viscountess. If she comes, it will be easier for Patricia to visit us."

Joanna suggested. Lady Tara was Lord Nalish's mother. If Nalish and Luella were to be married, she would become Patricia's mother-in-law.

"Yes, I'll discuss it with my father. However, there's a possibility that we will have other guests on that day, so it depends. Lady Selena. Al, you should know about her."

Selena?… Al thought. He was sure he had a classmate with that name in middle school. After a moment, he remembered. It was the girl called Princess Selena. She was an active girl who often took the lead in school events. She was one of the Rain Border Baron's daughters, known for her luxurious curly blonde hair.

"Ah, I remember. What's she here for?"

Luella sighed heavily at his reaction. She seemed a bit exasperated.

"It's said that she will come with Viscount Eugene, but I don't know what their business is. However, I believe Lady Selena is engaged to Lord Sanjay. As you know, Lady Selena is a very active person. Perhaps she has come to see what the border city of Lester is like, as it will be her new home."

Viscount Eugene was someone Al had heard about a few times during his middle school years in the capital. He was known as a capable aide to the Rain Border Baron and a handsome man, to the point where small portraits of him were secretly sold among women.

"I see. It doesn't really concern me. I understand. I'll keep that day free."

Al nodded. Patricia looked at his profile with a happy expression.

"Then, the next time will be at the end of October."

The tea party ended, and Al stood up with a smile. Patricia quickly stood up as well.

"Lord Al, here."

She said, taking out a folded handkerchief. It was embroidered with a blue rose and Patricia's name. The blue rose was larger and more elaborate than before.

"That's very skillful. For me?"

At Al's words, Patricia smiled broadly and nodded. When their eyes met, she blushed and looked down.

"Yes…"

"I've been making it to give to Lord Al every day."

Patricia, who could only respond in a small voice, was flustered. Joanna, standing beside her, spoke a bit quickly.

Patricia's behavior made Al feel a bit helpless but also touched. He thought of his sister and instinctively reached out to pat Patricia's head, but he quickly withdrew his hand, realizing it would be disrespectful. However, Patricia turned even redder and stiffened.

"Sorry, thank you. I'll take good care of it."

Al waved and left the courtyard. Luella and Joanna watched the two of them with smiles, without any particular reprimand.

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