“Yes, We Are?!”
The king’s absence brought a sense of relief to many people who had spent years living in fear of him.
Some maids were finally able to ask for permission to attend the annual festival, an event they had missed almost every year because of the king’s strict rule.
Yes, the festival!
The academy had declared it a class-free day because of the celebration.
Ella had promised to meet Isabel at noon.
They planned to do some shopping, and to make the day even better, it was also Isabel’s sister’s birthday.
It was a double celebration, and they intended to buy her the perfect gift.
Tyla was delighted that Ella had finally made a friend and no longer spent all her time at home.
Whenever Ella returned from school and told stories about her adventures with a girl named Isabel, Tyla could see the happiness in her eyes.
One of her greatest wishes had finally come true.
Perhaps sending Ella to school had truly been a good decision.
After lunch, Ella headed to the market where Isabel was already waiting.
“There you are!” Isabel exclaimed as soon as she spotted her.
“It’s busy today,” Ella observed, looking around at the crowded streets.
“Of course! It’s the festival,” Isabel replied.
“Everyone is buying clothes, accessories, and gifts so they can look their best.”
“Oh.”
“Come on! Let’s buy my sister a gift!”
The shopping trip was fun, and before long they headed toward Isabel’s sister’s birthday celebration.
Because it was the festival season, the party wasn’t held at the Edward Villa.
Instead, it was hosted at one of the most famous restaurants in the kingdom—Sun Taste.
Located in the heart of Wei Town, Sun Taste was a luxurious establishment.
Its elegant furnishings and beautiful decorations made it clear that it catered mainly to nobles.
Dancers entertained guests while soft music filled the air.
Behind the restaurant stood a small villa where travelers could stay overnight, though such accommodations were rare in the kingdom.
Ella’s eyes widened as she admired the luxury around her.
The restaurant was owned by a woman, and judging by the portrait displayed near the entrance, she was both young and beautiful.
Ella couldn’t help admiring her.
One day, she wanted to become a woman like that—someone who could stand on her own and build a life for herself.
Soon, they were led into the banquet hall where the birthday celebration was being held.
The hall was spacious enough to host several noble families.
Elegant tables filled the upper level while the center floor was reserved for performers.
Since the celebrant was the daughter of a chief, many influential families had been invited.
The Shen Family.
The Bill Family.
The Williams Family.
The Patrick Family.
The Frederick Family.
And many other noble households.
Ella and Isabel wore similar dresses and sat together.
Unlike the other young ladies, Isabel did not remain with her family, but Ella didn’t bother asking why.
After a beautiful performance, Mr.
Edward, Isabel’s grandfather, rose from his seat with a cup of wine in hand.
“Good day, everyone. It is a pleasure to have you all here during this wonderful festival season to celebrate my beloved granddaughter’s birthday and her coming of age.”
The guests applauded politely.
“How old is she?” Ella whispered.
“Nineteen,” Isabel replied.
“In our family, children are not allowed to leave the villa freely until they turn nineteen, except during important occasions like festivals.”
“Oh.”
“…And now,” Mr.
Edward continued, “please welcome our celebrant!”
The hall erupted into applause.
A young woman dressed in a flowing red gown stepped gracefully onto the stage.
A delicate veil covered her face, adding to her elegance.
She was even more beautiful than Isabel.
Known for her talent in music and dance, she had chosen to perform a dance for the guests today.
As the music echoed through the hall, she moved with remarkable grace, perfectly matching every note and rhythm.
When the performance ended, Isabel immediately rushed forward.
“Sister!”
The young woman turned and smiled.
“I bought you a birthday present.”
“Thank you, Sister. You’re the best.”
Then her gaze shifted to Ella.
“Who is she?”
“She’s my friend,” Isabel introduced proudly.
The young woman’s eyes widened.
“Isn’t she the king’s wife? You’re friends with the king’s wife?”
“Yes, we are!” Isabel declared proudly.
The celebrant quickly walked toward Ella and took both her hands.
For a brief moment, her eyes became misty.
“You still look the same,” she whispered.
Ella frowned.
“What?”
The young woman blinked and smiled.
“Nothing. I said you look beautiful.”
“Thank you. You too.”
Ella handed over her gift.
“Thank you, my lady,” the young woman said with a bow.
“Alright, Sister. We’re leaving now. I still want her to enjoy the festival.”
Without waiting for a response, Isabel grabbed Ella’s arm and pulled her away.
“See you later!”
They waved and disappeared into the crowd.
The young woman smiled softly before opening Ella’s gift.
Inside was a white jade rose.
Her fingers trembled.
“It’s still the same…”
Tears gathered in her eyes.
“You’re alive.”
On a bridge overlooking the small lake of Wei Town stood King Anderson.
Dressed entirely in black to avoid attention, he had arrived in the kingdom that very night and decided to observe the festival before officially entering the palace.
His sharp eyes scanned the lively streets below.
Then he saw her.
Among the crowd stood a young woman dressed in an expensive gown.
Although she wore fine clothing, she seemed completely unaware of her own beauty.
She laughed freely with her friend while enjoying roasted meat from a street vendor.
Something about her caught his attention.
His knight appeared behind him and bowed.
“My Lord, everything is prepared. A room has been arranged at the inn. Tomorrow, we can proceed to the palace.”
Anderson nodded but kept watching the crowd.
“Who is she?” he asked.
The knight followed his gaze.
“That is King Randolph’s wife. The girl beside her is the Third Miss of the Edward Family.”
“I see.”
A faint smile appeared on Anderson’s lips.
“My brother certainly has good taste.”
The knight continued.
“She attends Shadow Academy and has become acquainted with the younger generation of the major noble families.”
“Interesting.”
Anderson’s smile deepened.
“In such a short time, she has managed to attract the attention of so many influential people.”
His eyes remained fixed on Ella.
“Let’s see what our stay here brings.”