We Can Be Great Friends, Right?
The moon was bright in the night sky, and the cool breeze made the atmosphere refreshing.
The academy was lively as many students gathered under the moonlight in small groups, chatting and enjoying themselves.
Ella had found a quiet spot away from the noise and arranged the table for her group to enjoy the meal they had cooked.
Zeliah brought over the wine, and they all sat around the table, digging into the food.
“Miss Ella, what was your hometown like? Was it busy like this, or was it peaceful?” Desmond asked, breaking the silence.
“It was fun!” Ella replied immediately.
One would think that since she had been locked away for most of her childhood, she never had the chance to visit the city during festivals.
However, that was not the case.
Ella had sneaked out countless times to attend festivals when she was younger, though she stopped after people discovered she was the king’s illegitimate daughter.
“You have festivals?” Isabel asked excitedly.
“We do! In fact, one of them is the best event I’ve ever witnessed. Do you want to hear about it?” Ella asked.
“It would be our pleasure,” Zeliah said.
“Alright. My hometown is located between four forests. To the east lies the Foggy Forest, the most dangerous of them all. To the west is Blackwood Forest, filled with wild beasts. To the north is the Green Forest, which is much safer for travelers. To the south lies the Swamp Forest, where the waters are shallow enough to cross by boat. Most of the houses there are built from wood, and part of our city extends into that region.”
She paused briefly before continuing.
“Our kingdom is divided into three major cities: the East, West, and South Regions. The East Region is the calmest. It is blessed with natural beauty and is perfect for sightseeing. Because it borders the Foggy Forest, the sight of the green trees covered in soft white mist makes the city look magical. The West Region is known for trade and business. Many wealthy merchants and influential families live there. The South Region is the busiest and most lively part of the kingdom. It is famous for entertainment, delicious food, music, and festivals.”
Everyone listened attentively as she spoke.
“The greatest festival in my hometown is the Moon Festival. On that day, the entire city becomes peaceful. No one is allowed to play music or make unnecessary noise. Families, friends, and lovers gather together on grassy fields or anywhere the moon can be seen clearly.”
A faint smile appeared on her face.
“The tables are filled with all kinds of food and drinks. People tell stories, share memories, and make peace with one another.”
Her voice softened.
“It is a day when people express their love and appreciation for those they cherish.”
She sighed.
“But I never truly got to participate in that festival. I could only watch from afar as the entire city sat together like one big family. I always wished for a life like that. But for someone like me, a member of the royal family who was never truly accepted as family, it was impossible.”
Silence fell over the group.
“You don’t have to worry, Ella,” Isabel suddenly said as she stood up.
“I know what it’s like not to be accepted.”
She raised her cup high.
“I’ll fight anyone who gets in your way! Anyone who is against you is against me!”
Desmond leaned closer to Eric and whispered,
“Why do I have a feeling she’s drunk?”
“Miss Isabel, are you drunk?” Zeliah asked.
“Me? Drunk?” Isabel scoffed while struggling to keep her balance.
“That’s impossible! I can drink an entire bottle by myself!”
“Isabel, it’s obvious you’re drunk!” Ella said helplessly.
“How are we supposed to get you home?”
“Ella,” Isabel said, pointing at her.
“I know you had many wishes growing up, but think about today.”
She pointed at the food on the table.
“We’re under the moonlight, surrounded by food and drinks, just like your Moon Festival.”
Then she pointed at herself before turning to the boys.
“And you have us.”
Her expression became serious.
“We can be friends, right?”
The boys exchanged glances.
They had never allowed any girls into their circle before.
“We can, right?” Desmond said eagerly as he looked at Eric and Zeliah.
Zeliah smiled.
“It would be great to have you as friends.”
Everyone turned to Eric.
“Yes,” Eric said calmly.
“We can be great friends.”
“Perfect!” Desmond jumped to his feet.
“Now we can enjoy delicious meals together every cooking class, hang out after school, and attend Miss Sally’s birthday party together!”
He turned toward Isabel.
“Right?”
“Yes!” Isabel shouted.
“Who’s Miss Sally?” Ella asked.
“My sister…” Isabel mumbled before collapsing face-first onto the table.
“She really can’t hold her liquor,” Eric muttered.
Ella laughed softly.
“Can someone take her home? I told my maid not to pick me up tonight since it’s not far from here.”
“Leave her to me!” Desmond volunteered immediately.
Far away across the vast blue ocean, the waves were calm as a gentle western breeze blew across the handsome face of King Anderson Lockwood.
Standing at the bow of his ship, he gazed across the endless sea while enjoying the cool night air.
King Anderson possessed the power of wind itself.
With a simple thought, he could control its direction and use it to sense movement and locations from great distances.
A knight appeared behind him and bowed.
“My Lord, King Randolph is currently absent from the kingdom. No one knows his whereabouts, and he left with only his personal knight.”
“And who is governing in his place?” Anderson asked.
“His assistant Leo and his wife.”
“His wife?”
Anderson turned, amusement flashing across his face.
“I heard from the locals that she has not yet been officially crowned queen. She is said to be the illegitimate daughter of the King of Florida Vile Village and possesses no magical powers.”
“A king’s daughter without powers?” Anderson chuckled.
“Now that is interesting.”
The knight remained silent.
“A powerless girl married to one of the most powerful kings on the continent?” Anderson’s smile widened.
“She sounds far more interesting than I expected.”
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the knight.
The knight bowed and disappeared.
“So Randolph finally got himself a wife.”
Anderson folded his arms as the wind brushed against his silver hair.
“Brother, let’s see what kind of woman you’ve chosen.”
He turned back toward the ocean.
In the distance, the shores of Moon Vile Kingdom were beginning to appear.
Anderson smiled.
“Perhaps this trip won’t be boring after all.”