n

n

n

"Instead of my usual garb, I should probably wear something inconspicuous like peasant clothes…

" I noted, interrupting them.

nThe five stopped what they were doing and turned to me.

n

"Milady wants to go undercover?

" Lily declares.

n

"Exactly,

" I said while nodding my head.

nEveryone seemed to think within themselves for a while before Erin stepped in.

n

"Then if it's alright for milady, I can lend you some of mine,

" was what she said.

n

"What are you saying! Milady shouldn't wear something shabby!

" Mari interjected.

n

"Let us purchase new ones!

" Amy seconded..

nFreesia nods her head,

"I also agree…

"

nThe five of them, who had all calmed down, got chaotic again. Their topic this time is good quality peasant clothes and where to buy them. It's obnoxious, really, and pretty funny to watch.

n

"Calm down everyone, goodness! It's fine if it's shabby or old or whatever. You don't need to worry about it,

" I pacified them.

nThey are so inclined on giving me the best that it's such a pain sometimes.

n

"But--

" one of them was about to protest but I didn't let them.

n

"It would be a hassle if you run right now in the capital to buy clothes, you know. Erin can just lend me hers.

"

nThere was a pause, a short one, but it's better than them screaming at each other.

n

"If that's what milady wants…

" Erin uttered, succumbing to my whim.

nI let out a satisfied smile. Thanks to the heavens it's finally settled.

n'Maybe I should invite Kai and Lost too? How about my friends though…'

nIt would be troublesome to send a letter right now and invite them immediately. They are still busy with their lessons and will require them more time to prepare.

n'I can just invite them for tomorrow night then if this goes well…'

n

"Alright, go and inform George about our plans for tonight. Also, ask Kai if he wants to join us too,

" I ordered.

n

"Yes, milady.

"

n

"On it, milady.

"

nThe five then did what they had to do and I was just waiting for night-time to come. Erin went to her quarters to pick up a dress for me while the others finished their remaining tasks.

nThat night, I didn't eat dinner. I'm planning to have my fill in the plaza. It would be bad if there weren't going to be food but that would be impossible, anyway. Food is a must in festivals! I also told George to inform my brother and father about my plans when they get home before us so they won't have to worry.

nMy maids were preparing with me and I got to wear Erin's clothes this time. But I had a little problem...

n

"Errr…

" I grumbled under my breath, adjusting the dress on me.

n

"You still look beautiful milady!

"

n

"Milady's beauty will shine through no matter what she wears.

"

nI heard their compliments but it didn't reach my ears. I was busy.

n

"It's kind of tight in the bust part though…

" I commented.

n

"I'm sorry…

" Erin whispered.

nI looked up at her with furrowed brows,

"Why are you apologizing?

"

n

"I am not well endowed so my clothes are constricting for milady, I apologize,

" she responded.

nIt made me laugh out of amusement.

n

"Silly…

"

n

"My dress won't also fit you, milady,

" Mari voiced out--

"It's possible if it's from Freesia though…

"

nAll of us glanced at the icy beauty at the side, our eyes are particularly zoning right on her generous bosom. Freesia was unperturbed as usual, not shying away and had even looked a little smug in my eyes. Well, yeah. Freesia is also gifted in that department.

n

"But the size is the problem. Milady is tall, after all,

" Erin remarked.

nThere was silence again. You could literally hear the cicadas outside, screaming to the void.

nIt's not really a big deal to me anyway, I just find it a little uncomfortable, but it's manageable.

n

"Nadia!

" Kai greeted me as soon as we arrived outside the manor.

nI beamed at him after inspecting his whole get-up. The two of them were also wearing peasant clothes that actually worked on them.

n

"You look great, Kai.

"

nKai grinned in response, looking cheeky. I glanced at Lost and chuckled. He was wearing a straw hat atop his head which was kind of out of place. Nevertheless, he looked cute with it.

n

"Let's go!

"

n---***

n

"Wow…

"

nMy head was snapping from side to side, taking in all of our surroundings with interest. There were a lot of people strolling around, and I meant A LOT. I felt like I was in a whole new world and this wasn't the capital that I used to know.

nEverywhere your eyes could see, there will be a sea of people camping in front of the bustling stalls. The peals of laughter and jeers that came from them were being accompanied by music from a nearby band.

nThere was a variety. Children, young teens, adults, and even elders-- they are all present and having fun, creating a very lively atmosphere. It was already evening but the lights from the lamps and lanterns kept the festival bright and full of life. It's like it is still daytime.

n

"Don't stray away from us, Nadia. There's a lot of people right now and it is easy to get swept away,

" Kai informed me. Both him and Lost were sticking to my side making us look like a sandwich.

n

"Okay.

"

nUno and Dos, --don't ask me why his name is like that, I have no idea either-- appeared behind us and acted as lowkey bodyguards. Both of them were also wearing common clothes, of course, so they wouldn't stand out and reveal our own standing. Our goal right now is to mingle with the common folks and throw away my rank for a moment. Fufufufufu~

n

"This place is packed,

" Kai muttered my same sentiment.

nIt really is…

n

"There are merchants from neighboring kingdoms here, milady. All of them are either selling wares or their very own delicacies!

" Erin exclaimed as she brimmed with excitement--

"My personal favorite would be the vegetable skewers from the North.

"

n

"Mine is the Froot Kingdom's fruits! Their purple oranges!

" Mari piped in.

n

"We can try them all if you want, milady!

" Erin added.

n

"Let's do that then!

" I said with a large smile plastered on my face.

nOur first activity was now decided. Eating! And maybe buy whatever caught our eyes later, who knows. It's a good thing that I'm currently swimming in cash so we can splurge as we want.

nWe went from stalls to stalls, trying everything that looked delicious to us. The vegetable skewers that Erin had mentioned were awesome. It was round, wrapped in flour and actually didn't look like vegetables at all. There were also deserts, more sweets, some rice puddings I have never seen before and tasted like heaven, and a lot more.

nWe also bought the purple oranges which looked peculiar to me. Is it still called orange when it's purple? I have no idea…

nAnd then we noticed one particular stall that has people swarming in. I got curious and wanted to see what's the deal, so we went there and had a look. And my oh my! I saw something familiar!

nI blinked when my eyes were greeted by an interesting bunch. It's a fairly huge stall and they sell a variety of foods that cannot be seen here in the empire, nor on other kingdoms, nor in this entire realm if I may say.

n

"What are those? It looks normal to me…

" Kai whispered beside me.

n

"But they are selling like hotcakes though?

" Erin also commented.

nMari peered at the side,

"Maybe it's good…

"

nKai must have noticed my silence so he looked at me with inquiring eyes.

n

"Nadia? Are you not feeling well?

"

n

"Ah, no… It's just…

" I mumbled, shaking my head.

nI stared at the displayed snacks again and hummed to myself.

nAren't those fries? And chips? There's popcorn too…

nWhat is this… Why are all these here?

n