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Chapter Sixteen
After Leonard left, Evelina returned to the room and sank onto the bed.
Her face remained expressionless. Slowly, she raised a hand, brushing it gently across her features before opening her eyes.
Leonard had claimed with unwavering confidence that Evelina possessed immense mana—more, in time, than even he had.
Yet she felt nothing extraordinary.
“That can’t be true,” she murmured.
Evelina had never heard that her late mother was a mage.
When Adrian’s mana was tested, the crystal orb hadn’t flickered.
Yet Evelina’s crystal had turned pure white in less than ten minutes.
She couldn’t decide whether to feel joy or fear.
A quiet unease settled in her chest, as if she held something far beyond her station, something unearned.
“I wish… I had no mana at all.”
She sighed, lowering her hands.
Leonard’s relentless persuasion had left her no choice but to agree, yet the decision brought no joy.
‘Even if I learn magic, what good will it do?’
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Berri entered.
“Milady Archduchess, I’m here to prepare you for the outing.”
“Of course.”
Lost in her thoughts earlier, Evelina had forgotten about the festival.
To ease her movement, Berri wove her hair into a single braid and chose a simple, unadorned gown—nothing elaborate.
“Perhaps a necklace? Your look feels a bit plain,” Berri suggested.
“No, it’s fine. With so many people, I’d worry about losing it.”
Berri smiled. “If you lost it, the Archduke would likely have ten identical ones made in a heartbeat.”
Evelina laughed, assuming it was a jest.
But Berri was serious. If Evelina were even slightly upset over a lost necklace, Arsene would buy out the shop and replace it with a dozen more.
Berri shrugged and tied Evelina’s cloak without another word.
To conceal her blindfold, Evelina had requested a hooded cloak for extra cover.
Outside, Arsene was waiting.
To her surprise, Karina stood beside him.
Both wore hooded cloaks identical to hers.
“Mother?” Evelina asked.
“I felt like strolling the capital—it’s been ages. I hope I’m not intruding,” Karina said.
“No! I’m thrilled you’re here! And Arsene?”
Arsene closed his eyes briefly before meeting her gaze.
He’d hoped for a quiet date alone with Evelina, but his mother’s presence had upended his plans. It irritated him, though he hid it well.
Since Evelina seemed unbothered, he nodded with a gentle smile.
“I’m happy too. We should do this more often.”
Evelina beamed.
Her bright smile melted Arsene’s frustration like snow under sunlight.
If Karina’s presence brought Evelina such joy, it was worth it.
The three boarded a carriage and headed to the shopping district.
“Wow!”
Evelina stepped out, eyes wide with wonder.
The streets, bathed in sunset hues, sparkled with vibrant lights.
A fragrant aroma filled the air, mingling with laughter and chatter.
Though night had just begun, some revelers were already tipsy, singing as they swayed.
Unlike the stifling noble gatherings Evelina knew, this scene buzzed with life.
She felt a spark of excitement.
Before moving forward, she pulled her cloak tighter, hiding her blindfold beneath the hood.
Unless someone stood close and peered up, it remained concealed.
With the crowd so dense, getting lost was a real risk. Arsene extended a hand.
“Let’s hold hands so you don’t wander off.”
“Y–Yes…”
Evelina hesitated, then shyly took his hand.
His hands, calloused from years of swordplay, were warm and reassuring.
Though he’d always been by her side, this was their first time holding hands like this.
Her small hand fit easily within his.
Flustered for no clear reason, Evelina fidgeted until Karina spoke.
“Sweetheart, won’t you hold your mother’s hand too?”
“Yes.”
Evelina took Karina’s hand, feeling the same callouses—traces of her past as a knight.
Karina smiled, intertwining their fingers.
“Let’s go. I’m a bit excited myself—it’s been years since I walked the capital like this.”
Evelina took a deep breath and stepped forward.
The crowd made her pause, but curiosity soon won out.
Spicy, salty scents teased her nose. Vendors hawked skewers and trinkets, their voices lively.
“Evelina, we haven’t eaten. Want some street food, or should we find a restaurant?” Arsene asked.
“Um…”
Evelina turned toward a stall wafting the rich aroma of spicy grilled chicken.
Without a word, Arsene led her there, their hands still clasped.
She giggled at the sudden pull.
The smell grew stronger as they approached.
Evelina swallowed instinctively.
“Hey there! Enjoying the festival with your family?” the vendor greeted with a hearty laugh.
Evelina flushed at the word family, turning her face slightly.
“Three skewers, please,” Arsene said.
“Just a moment!”
Evelina watched, fascinated, as the vendor sprinkled fiery spices onto the steaming skewers, adding a sweet sauce before wrapping the ends in paper.
“Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy!”
Evelina took a careful bite.
Unlike the refined dishes at the Archduke’s manor, this was bold and delicious.
The spices sparked on her tongue, igniting a cascade of flavor.
“Is it good?” Arsene asked.
“It’s amazing! You both have to try it!”
Normally, Karina and Arsene wouldn’t touch street food, but Evelina was the exception.
They each took a bite.
Karina nodded approvingly. “Surprisingly tasty. Let’s finish these and try something else.”
“Yes!” Evelina agreed, relieved that Karina enjoyed it.
She glanced at Arsene. Half his skewer was already gone—a silent endorsement.
They bought more.
For the first time, the three filled their stomachs with simple snacks, not lavish dishes.
“Want anything else?” Arsene asked.
“No, I’m stuffed,” Evelina said.
“We’ll be out a while,” Karina said gently. “If something catches your eye, just say so.”
Evelina shook her head. “I’m really full.”
“Then let’s grab something to nibble on during the puppet show,” Karina suggested.
They bought fries with spicy sauce and drinks before heading to the plaza.
The puppet show stage was so popular that front-row seats vanished quickly.
Fortunately, the crowd was still thin, and they claimed seats near the front.
Evelina worried the wooden chairs might be uncomfortable for nobles like Karina and Arsene.
But they sat without hesitation.
Surprised by their ease, she took her seat, placing the fries on her lap.
She was full, but one more bite wouldn’t hurt, she thought, eyeing the tempting fries.
As more people arrived, the plaza hummed with noise.
Darkness fell. The square’s lights dimmed.
The crowd quieted. Then the stage lights flared.
“Thank you all for being here!” the host’s voice boomed, amplified by a magic spell.
He stood beside the puppet stage, smiling warmly.
“Tonight is special! Our annual Founding Festival puppet show features enchanted ball-jointed puppets that move with magic!”
A doll appeared in a burst of shimmering light.
Though clearly a puppet, its lifelike walk and blinking eyes were uncanny.
Evelina stared, mesmerized.
If not for the wooden joints, she might have mistaken it for a tiny person.
She’d overheard maids raving about this show, but seeing it in person was breathtaking.
Arsene, however, seemed bored.
His gaze drifted to Evelina.
Her mouth hung slightly open, the fries forgotten in her lap.
Feeling playful, Arsene plucked a fry, dipped it in sauce, and slipped it into her mouth.
Startled, Evelina turned to him, eyes wide.
“Your mouth looked empty,” he teased.
“Arsene, don’t tease my girl,” Karina chided softly.
Evelina chewed, cheeks flushed.
As the show continued, her mouth fell open whenever she was engrossed.
Each time, Arsene slipped in another fry.
By the end, the box of fries was empty.
