Lala continued to carefully apply medicine to Fenn's bruises, offering him a warm smile. “So, your name is Fenn?” she asked.

Fenn blushed slightly. “I-I-It's my nickname actually. My real na-me is Fenrir Lennon.”

Lala's eyes widened in amusement. “Fenrir, as in the mythical wolf? That's so amazing,” she remarked.

Fenn looked at her in surprise. “Was it your mom, or dad who gave you that name?” she asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

“It was my mom,” Fenn replied slowly. “She was a big fan of Fenrir’s in the stories and believed they were real.”

“Was?” Lala looked confused, as Fenn slowly continued, with a small smile. “She passed away when I was seven years old.”

As Fenn said so, Lala seemed sad, as a awkward silence fell over them. Fenn started to panic, thinking it was his fault for bringing up the past.

But because of his panic movements, Lala slowly started to smile again, the mood slightly returning back. “Maybe your mom wanted you to grow up strong and powerful, so she gave you the name Fenrir.”

As she spoke, a memory flashed through Fenn's mind. He saw himself as a little kid, lying in bed while his mother sat beside him, telling him stories. Her voice echoed in his mind, encouraging him to grow up healthy and strong to protect those he treasured.

Lala's smile grew warmer as she continued to tend to Fenn's bruises. “Your mom sounds wonderful,” she said softly. “She must be so proud of you.”

Fenn's eyes softened at the memory. “She always wanted the best for me,” he said quietly. “She used to tell me bedtime stories every night, always encouraging me to be strong and protect those I care about.”

Lala nodded, her eyes glistening with understanding. “She must have been a great storyteller.”

Fenn chuckled, a bittersweet smile on his lips. “Yeah, she was. Those stories were my favorite part of the day.”

As they continued talking, Ray and Kai watched from a short distance, the conversation between Lala and Fenn sounding clearly to him. As the two were almost next to them, Ray froze in his step, as Kai wondered what happened. Ray's thoughts lingered on the stories Fenn had shared about his mother, a reminder of the strength and love that family can provide.

As Ray listened to Fenn's recollection, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. “I miss my mom,” he said softly.

Kai glanced at Ray, noticing the wistful look in his eyes. Ray smiled faintly, staring ahead. “She used to do the same thing every night. Before I slept, she'd tell me bedtime stories and stay beside me until I fell asleep.”

Kai listened to Ray's soft confession, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Yeah, it sounds like you had something really special with your mom."

Ray nodded, a tender smile on his lips. "She was amazing. Every night, those stories were like a promise of safety and love," he said, his voice tinged with fondness.

He rubbed his eyes, attempting to hide the slight glimmer of emotion. With a long sigh, Ray turned back to Kai, his casual smile reappearing. “Guess we all have our memories to hold on to, huh?” he said, his tone lighter.

Kai smiled back, understanding the depth of Ray's words. They shared a quiet moment, the weight of their memories bridging the gap between them.

The moment of quiet reflection passed, and Ray turned back to the group. Lala had finished applying the medicine to Fenn’s bruises, her gentle touch and comforting words having done wonders to lift his spirits.

“Thank you, miss Lala,” Fenn said, offering a small, appreciative smile. “You’re really good at this.”

Lala grinned back at him. “Just doing what I can to help. Also, just call me Lala.”

Ray and Kai joined them, and Ray gave Fenn a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “You’re going to be alright, Fenn. Remember what I said—once you’re out of that job, come find me.”

Fenn nodded, a spark of hope in his eyes. “I will, Your Highness. Thank you.”

Kai glanced around, then at Ray. “We should get going if we want to make it to the duchy in time.”

Ray nodded. “Right. Let’s move out.”

Ray along with the rest said their goodbyes to Fenn, who watched them depart with a hopeful glint in his eyes. Side by side, Lala and Ray engaged in conversation about their journey. Kai, lost in his music, bobbed his head to the rhythm while Ray smoothly maneuvered his wheelchair forward.

As they walked, Kai caught sight of someone approaching from the corner of his eye. It was Karina, her lively hair fluttering in the breeze as she neared them. Both Lala and Ray noticed her simultaneously, leading Ray to greet her with a wave and a smile. Kai, not to be left out, acknowledged her with a nod and his own smile.

"Hello, lady Karina," greeted Ray, his tone warm. "It's great to see you!"

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Returning the smile, Karina expressed her surprise. "Greetings, Your Highness and the young duke! It's a pleasure to see you both in good spirits," she said, pausing briefly as she noticed Lala.

With a gentle bow, Lala introduced herself to Karina. "Greetings, Lady Karina. I am Lala, attendant to young master Kai."

Delighted, Karina responded, "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Karina Teal," reciprocating Lala's respectful gesture.

Curious, Karina inquired, "If I may ask, where are you all headed, Your Highness?"

Ray waved his hand with a smile, assuring it's all fine to ask, as he elaborated, "We're on our way to the duchy for the Moon Festival's commencement. It's gonna be a grand festival."

Karina's face brightened at the mention. "The Moon Festival! I've longed to experience it again after the first time I witnessed it! It seems wonderful."

Seizing the moment, Kai suggested, his words projecting next to him. "Then why not come along? The more, the merrier, right?"

Karina's enthusiasm wavered with uncertainty. "Really? Would that be acceptable...?"

With fervor, Ray assured her, "Of course. Your company would be delightful. I'm confident the Baron and Baroness would certainly let you tag along with us."

Karina paused, contemplating.

After a brief reflection, a radiant smile spread across Karina's face. "Alright, I'd be thrilled to join. Thank you so much!"

Karina's agreement to join them lightened the mood further. The group chatted for a few more minutes, Karina sharing bits and pieces of her day with genuine enthusiasm. Eventually, she mentioned she had some things to take care of and would meet them shortly for the trip.

"We'll be ready and waiting," Ray assured her with a smile.

“Thank you, your highness. I shall be quick on my work then.” Saying so, Karina parted ways with them, hurrying to complete her task. Ray and Lala waved her, but Kai had his eyes narrowed, a serious expression underneath the bangs.

After she went, the three continued on their way out of the academy. Outside, the carriage stood ready for their journey back to the mansion. With Kai comfortably settled, Ray and Lala climbed in. Ray sited across Kai, with Lala taking a seat next to Kai. Ray then asked the carriage driver to go back to the mansion, as they set off. On the way, their conversation flowed easily, shifting to the duchy and the surrounding environment.

"The duchy is stunning this time of year," Ray said, gazing out the window. "The Moon Festival really brings out its beauty. Especially the cherry blossom."

As Ray mentioned cherry blossom, Kai looked up at him. “Wait, what?” Kai thought to himself, as he quickly asked Eva about it, but Eva didn’t find any record of cherry blossom tree.

Kai thought for a few seconds, before he asked Ray through the projection. “What is the cherry blossom?” Kai put on a confused look, as Ray gave an understanding nod. “Ah, right. It will be your first time seeing it, so you don’t know about it.”

Ray wondered for a while, as an idea came to his mind. He looked at both Kai and Lala, as he began his explanation.

“-The cherry blossoms, also known as "Lunar Petals," bloom only once every ten years. This rare event coincides with the commencement of the Moon Festival, a grand celebration that marks the beginning of a new decade.

The Lunar Petals are unique to the trees of the Arch Duchy, the only place in the entire world where these trees grow. Throughout the decade, the trees remain a vibrant green, their leaves a testament to resilience and patience. However, on the night, before the beginning of the Moon Festival, under the gaze of the full moon, a miraculous transformation occurs.

Bathed in the moonlight, the leaves of the Lunar Petal trees turn a delicate shade of pink, radiating an ethereal glow. As the night progresses, these leaves begin to fall, swirling gracefully in the wind. They embark on a mesmerizing journey, traveling great distances across Lunara, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of the people.

The sight of the falling petals is a profound moment for the kingdom's inhabitants. They gather in open fields, atop hills, and by the rivers, watching the petals dance through the air. With each petal that drifts by, people close their eyes and make wishes, believing that the magic of the Lunar Petals will carry their desires to the heavens.

The Moon Festival, with its celestial beauty and the enchanting fall of the Lunar Petals, is a symbol of hope and renewal. It reminds the people of Lunara of the beauty in patience and the magic that lies in the rarest moments of life.”

Slowly, as Ray’s explanation ended, he noticed Lala completely mesmerized by the words of the cherry blossom. She had her eyes closed, as if imagining the sight of the cherry blossom in her mind. Ray then next looked at Kai, who was as if in a deep state of worry.

“Kai? What’s wrong?” Ray asked, worry evident in his eyes.

But Kai put on a small smile, shaking his head saying it’s nothing. Lala then suddenly started to asked many questions to Ray; Till when the festival goes on? Does the petals travel across the ocean and so on.

Ray slowly started to answer her questions one by one, but Kai was lost in his own thought. Looking outside the window, he wondered back to the memories he received on the night he was brought to this world in a new body.

“I’m sure there was a mention about some ‘holy night’, where the night sky is filled with glowing petals. But whenever that night came, the other Kai always felt sick. His body would start to heat up, and pain surged through the body; and unable to bear with it, he would go unconscious. Only to wake up next morning all fine, but he was never able to witness that holy night ever in his life.”

As Kai was lost in his thoughts, Lala and Ray were excitedly talking about the festival. Ray was explaining further, as Lala listened to him carefully.

Lala nodded, her eyes bright with anticipation. "I've heard so much about it. I can't wait to see it for myself!"

The carriage seemed to be divided into two groups, one excited about the upcoming event; and the other worried, thinking of the warning and the issue of falling sick.

After some time, they reached the mansion, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. It was almost time to depart for the duchy. Lala was pleasantly surprised to bump into Ana right as she came down from the carriage.

"Sister!" Ana hugged her, eyes sparkling with joy. "I've been taking lessons from Lady Anastasia. She's taught me so many wonderful things. And now we are going on a trip with brother Kai!"

Lala hugged her back, as smile widened seeing Ana all happy. "That's fantastic, Ana. I'm glad to see you're learning so much."

Nearby, Kai looked over Hiro and Sakura, as the two noticed his gaze and gave a smile to him. "Anastasia volunteered to teach Ana," Hiro explained, the pride evident in his voice.

Sakura nodded, her smile warm and welcoming. "Anastasia is a wonderful teacher. And Ana too is a good learner. Anastasia rarely praises someone, and she says she’s very happy to teach Ana."

As they were talking, Karina arrived at the mansion by her carriage, carrying her luggage. Sakura and Hiro seemed confused, but Ray stepped forward, explaining their invitation for her to join the trip.

"We asked Karina to come along with us. I thought it’s better to have more people along with us," he said, turning to Sakura with a grin.

Sakura's face lit up with delight. "That's wonderful news!” Sakura looked over Karina, as she greeted her. “Lady Karina, we'd be thrilled to have you with us."

Panicked, Karina bowed a few times, her gratitude clear. "N-No duchess! I should be the one thanking you all here. Thank you for having me. I look forward to the trip."

-To be Continued