The festival period flew by like wildfire. Citrina was busy as it took ce near Dartrin Street.


    She released half of the ready-made jewelry and essories, including designs that were bing famous among the gentry ss.


    It was also among thedies of the aristocracy. They came by the atelier from time to time and sent letters of request.


    However, thedies with titles of count or higher did not stop by.


    The harvest is less than predicted since only daughter of viscounts and lower are showing interest.


    The situation was clear.


    But she guessed she would have to keep an eye on the situation a little longer.


    But Citrina still had one more card up her sleeve. A card that was happy to be used.


    Desian and Aaron would be there together on thest day of the homing ball, and it was certain the Blue Ocean would make the news.


    Its already night.


    For tomorrows ball, Citrina nned to go back to the townhouse where Adc would be.


    She locked the atelier doors and stepped out.


    Will I be able to get a public carriage on a festival day like today?


    She had a sense of frustration.


    The day before the ball was a festival night. Exquisitenterns covered the entire area, including the capital square.


    Everyone was able to enjoy the luxurious festival thanks to the blood, sweat, and tears of the imperial pce wizards.


    Dartrin Street is quiet, but


    Citrina slowly leaned against the atelier door.


    On days like this, it felt like she was alone.


    Happy festival day, everyone.


    She worked diligently and had a home to return to.


    Citrina recalled the family she was connected to by name alone, with whom she had severed allmunication.


    Yeah. Its quiet, Rina.


    A man leaned by the atelier doors.


    Citrina looked at him in surprise. He was too tall for Citrina to look him straight in the eye, and a smile bloomed like a flower on his pale face.


    Del?


    Rina.


    It was her childhood friend.


    A man with a cold appearance, surrounded by disturbing rumors.


    He was a person who was somehow sharp, an unknown part of him like the dark side of the moon.


    Nevertheless,


    What are you doing here?


    ording to the n, they were to meet tomorrow morning.


    Del, the ball is tomorrow!


    Do you know its a festival night today?


    Already?


    Looking at Desian, Citrina scrambled through her recollections.


    The festival night was a special celebration for the people of the empire. Thats because this was a time to enjoy a beautiful night with family, lovers, and friends.


    Citrina opened her mouth vacantly.


    Ive never experienced festival night, so I kind of forgot.


    Desian took a step towards her. The smell of wet grass hit her nostrils.


    Citrina guessed that he had been standing here for a long time.


    Love permeated his every action.


    Feeling her heart throb, Citrina whispered softly.


    Lets go together.


    Then lead the way.


    How should we get there?


    If its okay, Ill use movement magic.


    Citrina held out her hand casually, as she would for arge dog to give her their paw. It was an unconscious act.


    As he gently held Citrinas hand, Desian muttered an incantation.


    She and Desian were very close now. Her warmth spread into his fingertips.


    She closed her eyes as the magic took affect, and when Citrina opened her eyes, the spell had been cast.


    Grass spread around them everywhere. It was not the noisy downtown center of the festival, but a quiet contained space.


    They were on a mountain.


    A small chair appeared in front of her. Citrina walked slowly.


    The wind is refreshing, Del.


    And also the wind.


    Yeah, the wind is cool too.


    Citrina looked at Desian. The wind murmured in her ears.


    In Citrinas previous life, she often took walks at night. In her current life, Citrina had never had the chance to enjoy this type of simple pleasure because she was too busy living.


    Citrina smiled, cherishing this softfortable feeling instead of the way she regrly had to stay sharp and aware.


    Butaside from that, there was just one problem.


    UmIm suddenly conscious of it.


    Once you know that someone has feelings for you, you cant go back to being oblivious.


    That was natural.


    Citrina slowly withdrew her hand.


    The view is really pretty.


    She heard a controlled voice stating that the view was nice. If she listened objectively, there was no self-consciousness in her voice.


    So Citrina pretended to be unaware.


    Yeah, its pretty.


    After he replied to her, Citrina jabbed her the tip of her tongue out of her lips.


    She thought he was a normal friend, but it was odd.


    She felt a littlenervous.


    They were at the top of a mountain where all of the capitals festivities could be seen.


    A couple ofrge viges could be seen from up here. The cluster of buildings that formed the viges twinkled like fireflies.


    At the top of the mountain was arge crimson bench. Desian led her over to it.


    Citrina and Desian sat side-by-side.


    After a moment of silence, Desian whispered.


    When you were young, you wanted to see this nightscape.


    Did I?


    Yeah.


    It was strange to hear a recollection she didnt even remember. He seemed like he remembered every sentence she had ever said.


    When did his feelings begin?


    Citrina was unable to fathom the answer and paused before speaking.


    I dont remember.


    A gust of wind chilled her cheeks.


    Forget all of the bad memories. Only think about the good things. Okay?


    Then Ill only think of you.


    Her eyes were calm, but her manner was quite brazen. This sharp man became blind and docile.


    Citrina chuckled.


    Del.


    Maybe this was the magic of the night.


    Slowly, Citrina turned her head and looked at Desian sitting next to her. He also looked at her in the dark night.


    There are many beautiful and good things in this world.


    Is that so?


    Desian asked in a questioning tone, but Citrina knew it wasnt a question.


    Looking at his midnight-ck eyes, Citrina opened her mouth slowly.


    Yeah. Im sure of it.


    This friendly viin and the strange feeling inside her aroused by the night kept agitating her mind.


    Then let me know what it is you like.


    Desian had an infinitely friendly and gentle face. She couldnt believe this man was the viin in the original work, and that he was a man hounded by ferocious notoriety.


    Ill let you know.


    Citrina didnt think about the gossip. Instead, she faced the man she saw in front of her.


    I look forward to what youll tell me.


    It was a docile and friendly attitude.


    His kind gaze held none of the sharpness that she felt at first ce not long ago.


    I used tobefore I thought to go to the festival with my family.


    Desian listened silently. Citrina slowly opened her mouth again.


    But today its nice being here with you.


    She smiled at him.


    Me too.


    Desian knew.


    Citrinas heart was weakened right now, and the word family was her trigger.


    He even knew that at the word and his friendly conversation, Citrinas wariness copsed.


    Of course, Desian had no intention of bing her family in that sense.


    Desian smiled grimly.


    It was clear what thoughts were going through Citrinas head right now. She wasnt aware, but Desian knew.


    It was polite to clear up her confusion at this point.


    Thats because he was a kind friend.


    Look at the sky, Rina.


    -pop!-


    Twinkling stars poured down from the sky. Sparks shed down like a meteor shower.


    Citrina stared at the glittering fireworks in the night sky. It was an intense sh that made even the lights of the viges feel shabby. It was breathtakingly beautiful.


    Citrina spoke, barely breathing.


    Its like being in a fairy tale.


    It like she was back in a fairy tale, riding in a pumpkin carriage, like the pleasant feeling of returning to simpler times.


    They were under a night sky full of fireworks. If this was a cliche romance novel, they might have kissed.


    However, Citrina did not love Desian yet.


    Del, when you like the world


    Citrina spoke slowly again.


    If he treated her as he had been, as his precious loved onewell, that would cause her to grow closer to him.


    Dont be too nice.


    What about to you?


    Dont be too nice to me either. This a world where you need to watch your back. [T.L. Note: Citrina literally says, This is a world where you open your eyes and cut your nose]


    Listening to Citrinas mischievous words, Desianughed softly.


    I still want to be nice to you.


    Even though it sounded corny, his voice was strangely powerful.


    Why would you?


    He smiled with a drowsy look in his eyes, but she was persuaded.


    Citrina shook her head lightly and burst outughing.


    Del, I guess I cant beat you.


    Upon hearing Citrinas response, Desian nodded his head. Then he reached out one hand and gently ruffled her hair.


    I always lose to you.


    Seeing him like that, Citrina cast her eyes down. She was enveloped in a strange sense of agony.


    For example, her thoughts drifted to these things:


    Should she fix her messy hair? Was fixing her hair crossing a line?


    She had never been conscious of these sorts of things until now.


    They were special to each other. It could been because they were like family, or it could be that they were the first people to share significant feelings with each other.


    Anyway, Citrinasmiled as she closed off her thoughts, which had been flustered since earlier.


    It makes me feel strange.


    Night seemed to make people more sentimental.


    But Citrina knew she couldnt me her feelings on the night.