Chapter 607: A Night of Lanterns
The heart of Sabel’s capital had transformed completely beneath the night.
Rows upon rows of glowing lanterns stretched across the streets, suspended above the crowds like rivers of stars.
Their shimmering glow danced across the water, along with the drifting lanterns of various sizes and forms released by the people.
Music echoed from every direction.
Lights emerged from across the streets and coastline while distant laughter, music, and lively chatter drifted through the sea breeze.
The vendors’ lively calls filled the air as countless visitors wandered through the decorated streets.
Stalls lined both sides of the pathways, offering food, items, and festival games that drew excited festivalgoers. The scent of grilled meat, sweet syrup, spices, and sea breeze blended beneath the vibrant celebration.
At the centre of it all, the main canal cutting through the capital was especially crowded.
Small boats decorated with lanterns drifted slowly across the water while performers entertained on floating platforms, drawing applause and cheers from the people gathered along the stone walkways.
Amidst the bustling festival, Elis walked quietly along the canal path, accompanied by Eli and Athillia.
The princess consort’s hood remained drawn low, concealing most of her features beneath the lantern light. Even so, her gaze wandered constantly from one sight to another, unable to hide her curiosity as she took in the lively atmosphere around her.
"I never thought it would be so happening like this," she murmured softly.
Eli walked nearby, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings out of habit despite the relaxed surroundings.
"Well, this is one of Sabel’s biggest celebrations, according to Mr Halven," Eli replied. "People come from nearby islands and even from distant lands just to experience it."
"And the numbers have increased even more because many came seeking our services," Athillia added. "Since the free Healer House opened, the surrounding businesses have been thriving as well. In the end, everyone benefits."
"Not yet to our benefit. Our goal has not yet been reached," the young knight said.
"It will be achieved soon. Don’t worry too much about it. The captain gave his word, and he’s handling everything meticulously," Elis replied calmly.
She paused briefly before continuing. "Of course... We all carry our own hopes and expectations into this expedition."
Eli gave a small nod.
"I’m not doubting that," he said. "I just hope we can achieve it and return home soon."
"We’re all hoping for the same thing," the princess consort replied.
Athillia glanced at her curiously.
"Does that mean you’ll return with us, too? But what about your husband?" she asked. "Aren’t you supposed to remain here with him for the sake of the baby?"
Elis slowed her steps.
Her expression gradually turned sombre as memories of her separation from Kiev resurfaced in her mind—how bitter their parting had been, and how impossible it had seemed to mend what had broken between them.
One hand moved instinctively to rest over her swelling belly as she lowered her gaze.
"...I don’t know yet."
Her voice grew quieter.
"It depends on how he reacts when he learns about our child... and whether he still has a place for us in his life."
"He will reconcile with you. Definitely, I have faith in that," Eli said earnestly. "He may be stubborn, but he isn’t irresponsible. And he cares about you the most. He even stood against our king for your sake. That alone says enough."
Elis gave a faint half-smile.
Of all people, perhaps she understood Kiev the best.
His resilience. His determination. His quiet kindness and the gentleness hidden beneath his stern exterior.
But in the end, Kiev was also someone with unwavering conviction when it came to duty.
Once he believed something was right, he would not turn away from it. And that had been where they clashed.
Elis followed her heart, believing that feelings should be spoken and choices should belong to the people involved.
But Kiev... he carried the burden alone and made decisions based on what he thought was best for everyone, even if it meant sacrificing himself, or becoming the one others resented.
That was the kind of man he was.
And perhaps, that was also why she feared what answer awaited her the most.
She stayed close to Elis’s side. Thankfully, although the area was crowded, everyone still kept a respectful distance from one another amid the bustling streets.
The visible presence of guards and soldiers stationed around the festival grounds also helped maintain order and prevent the gathering from becoming chaotic.
’Grrr...’
A low rumbling sound suddenly came from Elis’s side, loud enough for both her and Eli to hear. The two of them turned at once towards the source.
Athillia immediately covered her stomach, her face flushing with embarrassment.
The young knight blinked.
"Haven’t you eaten dinner yet?" he asked.
The Bargesian princess shook her head.
"I was waiting for you."
Her answer made him pause.
"But you were busy helping the patients."
Guilt surfaced on Eli’s face almost instantly.
Normally, they would eat together. But today had been unusually hectic at the Healer House.
With the celebration approaching, Rafe had announced an early closure, leaving only emergency cases to be handled. Because of that, everyone had rushed to finish the remaining treatments before closing for the day.
Eli looked at her.
"Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"
Athillia looked away slightly.
"Since we’re already out here at the festival, I thought you’d ask me to eat something," she said quietly before glancing back at him. "So I waited."
Seeing the two younger people, Elis smiled softly.
A celebration like this was exactly the kind of occasion young couples would look forward to—walking together beneath the lights, sampling food from the stalls, and making small memories amidst the festive atmosphere.
"Why don’t you let Eli take you to dinner?" the princess consort suggested. "It’s still early, and there are so many delicacies to try tonight."
Athillia immediately shook her head.
"We can’t just leave you."
Then she softened and glanced towards Eli.
"I’m fine if Eli just gets me some meat skewers and bread," she said. "We can sit over there and eat."
She pointed towards an empty bench nearby.
But just as she finished speaking, several festivalgoers arrived and occupied the spot.
The Bargesian princess stared at it in disbelief.
"...And now it’s taken."
Her shoulders drooped in disappointment.
"Elis!"
Elis turned at the voice calling her name.
Through the moving crowd, she caught sight of Rafe approaching them, with Armel following behind him.
The two quickly made their way over while she and her companions stopped and waited.
"You’re here," Elis greeted with a smile. "Are you done with work?"
Rafe exhaled and nodded.
"Yes. Finally."
He stretched his shoulders lightly.
"I’ve handed all the remaining cases over to the new support team. Emergency cases are still being monitored, but everything else is settled."
His expression relaxed slightly.
"So tonight... I finally have some time for myself."
"You’ve worked hard. You ought to get some rest," said the princess consort.
Rafe smiled faintly.
"Well... I heard you were here, so I thought of joining," he said. "Thanks to Armel for leading me here. Otherwise, I’d probably still be wandering around."
Elis turned and smiled at Armel.
"He’s always good at finding people."
The teenager grinned proudly at the praise.
"Where’s the Captain?" Eli asked. "Doesn’t he want to see the festival up close?"
Rafe shook his head.
"I don’t think he wants to join."
His gaze drifted briefly towards the direction they came from.
"He’s at the veranda by himself again, as usual. I thought of asking him to come, but..." he paused momentarily, "...he seemed deep in thought. Better leave him alone for now."
Eli nodded lightly.
Kyren probably had little interest in the festival anyway.
Though he had improved greatly compared to before, there were still moments when he would quietly withdraw and isolate himself. Everyone understood the reason behind it and knew better than to disturb him during times like those.
Athillia suddenly spoke up, breaking the brief silence.
"Since we’re all here," she said, looking around at everyone, "why don’t we go and get something from the nearest tavern?"
Elis smiled and shook her head.
"I’m not feeling hungry. I’d rather stay here and watch the lanterns."
"You’re not coming?" the young knight asked.
The princess consort refused again.
"No. I’m still full. I had dinner before we came out. You two go ahead."
The young couple paused and exchanged hesitant looks.
"Don’t worry," Rafe said. "Armel and I are here. We’ll accompany her. We won’t go far and will stay just around this area. You can meet us here again in an hour."
Athillia’s face immediately brightened at the suggestion.
"Really? You don’t mind?"
Rafe nodded.
"Go enjoy yourselves. Festivals don’t happen every day. Both of you have been working hard lately and deserve a break."
The Bargesian princess turned instantly towards Eli, her eyes sparkling.
She grabbed his arm eagerly.
"Let’s get meat skewers!" she insisted. "I saw a stall selling them earlier! They looked so good, my mouth’s been watering ever since!"
Eli stared at her for a moment before letting out a quiet laugh.
He had already guessed it.
The way she specifically mentioned skewers earlier had been far too deliberate. Amused by her straightforwardness and the excitement she could barely hide, he shook his head lightly.
"I knew that was what you wanted the moment you brought it up."
Athillia puffed her cheeks.
"Oh, please! I’m starving!"
The young knight smiled helplessly.
"Alright..." He gestured ahead. "Come on. Let’s go."
The young princess’s face lit up immediately.
Without waiting, she tugged him along and began walking ahead through the crowd.
"Oh! And I want sweet bread too!"
She pointed excitedly at another stall. "And that roasted squid! Look at that! And we should try those fruit drinks!"
Eli was pulled from one direction to another as she continued talking nonstop, her eyes moving from stall to stall with growing excitement.
"You’re planning to eat the entire festival at this rate," he muttered.
Athillia looked back and grinned.
"Then you better keep up!"
Behind them, Elis, Rafe, and Armel remained where they were and watched them leave.
