Calla decided she needed a change of scenery and announced to her maids that she was going out. They stared at her, wide-eyed and incredulous. It was no secret that the young lady of the Mills House rarely stepped outside the manor’s gates, so the sudden desire to venture into town was met with shock.

Ruby, her ever-loyal maid, and Matthew, one of the knights of the Mills House, were assigned to accompany her. To avoid drawing attention, they all donned simpler clothing—commoner attire that blended into the crowd. After all, Calla had no intention of flaunting herself as the daughter of the prestigious Mills House or as the fiancée of the Cromwell heir.

They left in a carriage from the estate, but Calla insisted on stopping halfway to walk the rest of the way on foot, avoiding the fanfare of a noble’s entrance.

As she stepped into the bustling town square, Calla’s eyes widened in awe. The streets were filled with lively chatter, vendors calling out their wares, and the scent of fresh bread and spices wafting through the air. Stalls lined the streets, showcasing colorful textiles, fragrant spices, handcrafted pottery, and various other goods that painted a vivid picture of local life. People mingled and haggled, the atmosphere buzzing with energy.

She couldn’t help herself—Calla broke into a jog, practically running toward the nearest stall, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She leaned in closer to admire bolts of vibrant fabrics and jars filled with exotic spices. Wow, everything here feels so alive, she thought, a grin forming on her lips.

As she wandered, something else caught her attention. Many houses and storefronts were adorned with flowers—daisies, roses, and other blooms hung in delicate arrangements from windowsills and doorways. In the center of the square stood a tall wooden pole wrapped in colorful ribbons, fluttering gently in the breeze.

“It looks like they’re celebrating some kind of festival,” Calla observed, glancing back at Ruby.

“Yes, my lady. Did you know that today is May Day?” Ruby replied, her tone respectful yet surprised.

“May Day?” Calla echoed, raising an eyebrow. She racked her brain, trying to recall anything about the day, but it drew a blank.

Noticing her mistress’s confusion, Ruby smiled and explained, “May Day is a celebration of rebirth, meant to ensure a good harvest and an abundant year… and it’s also a day to celebrate love.”

So it’s kind of like Valentine’s Day back in my world, Calla mused, nodding in understanding. She glanced around, taking in the joyous atmosphere. People laughed and danced, and a sense of lightness filled the air.

As she wandered closer to a group of vendors, she noticed a group of young girls giggling and holding flower garlands. One of them, a bright-eyed child with a wide grin, stepped forward. “Pretty lady, would you like some flowers?”

Calla couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. Pretty lady, huh? It feels good to hear that. Kneeling down to their level, she said gently, “I’d love to accept them. Thank you.”

The girls beamed with joy and eagerly placed the garland in her hands before scampering off, waving excitedly. Calla stood up, turning to Ruby and Matthew, who both looked bewildered.

“My lady, are you sure you’re okay accepting those?” Matthew asked, a note of concern in his voice.

She blinked at him in confusion. “It’s just flowers, you know. No harm in that.”

Continuing her exploration, she spotted a stall run by an elderly lady selling a variety of pastries. Her gaze landed on a beautiful cake decorated with delicate edible flowers. “Could we have that one?” she asked, pointing at the cake. I should bring something back for the maids who stayed at the mansion.

As Calla reached for her coin pouch to pay, the old lady waved her hand. “No, no. This is my treat for you, young lady.”

Calla shook her head with a smile. “No, you must have worked hard to make these beautiful cakes. How about this? You can treat me to this one cake, but I’ll buy two more, and I insist on paying.” With that, she placed a gold coin on the counter.

The old woman’s face lit up with a grateful smile. “Thank you, young lady. May you have a wonderful May Day!” She carefully handed three boxes of cakes to Ruby and Matthew, who took them with a mix of surprise and admiration.

“Let’s find a spot and enjoy some cake,” Calla said cheerfully.

Just as they were about to leave the crowded square, the group of children from before suddenly appeared, tugging at Calla’s hand. Matthew’s hand instinctively went to his sword, but Calla quickly waved him off. “It’s okay, it’s okay!” she reassured him.

The kids continued to pull her along, guiding her toward a platform at the center of the square. Cheers erupted as they climbed up, and a man’s voice rang out, “We welcome our May Queen!”

“May Queen?” Calla murmured, bewildered as the crowd erupted into applause. Before she could process what was happening, she glanced to her side—and froze.

Standing beside her, dressed in plain clothes much like hers, was a man she thought she’d never see in a setting like this.

“Ethan?” she blurted out.

“Rosalie?” he responded, equally shocked.

Wow, what a small world, she thought, staring at him in disbelief. What’s a noble like him doing here? He looked just as out of place as she felt. He’s even wearing commoner clothes, just like me. It seemed she wasn’t the only one dragged into this unexpected role.

After a few awkward waves to the cheering crowd—both of them unsure of what exactly they were supposed to be doing—they finally stepped off the platform. A middle-aged man, who appeared to be the head of the event, approached them with a nervous smile.

“Congratulations, my lady and my lord. You’ve been chosen as our May Queen and May King among the crowd! It’s an honor, and we hope you’ll participate in the procession and ceremony.”

“I refuse,” Ethan stated flatly, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

The man’s face fell, panic flashing in his eyes. Calla glanced at Ethan, then back at the head. The success of the festival is on the line, she realized. Without a second thought, she stepped closer to Ethan and, to his surprise, slipped her arm through his.

“We’ll do it,” she announced with a bright smile.

“What are you—” Ethan began, but she cut him off, leaning in close to whisper in his ear.

“Do you want to ruin the festival?” she murmured softly. “We’re nobles, so we have a responsibility to our people. If you’re uncomfortable with me, just think of it as one of our ‘public appearances.’”

He frowned, clearly weighing his options, but before he could argue further, she added with a mischievous grin, “Besides, don’t you think it could be fun?”

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Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he looked at her, a mix of irritation and amusement flickering in his gaze. He let out a resigned sigh and turned back to the head of the event.

“We’ll do it,” he repeated, his voice calmer this time.

The head’s face brightened with relief, and he quickly instructed his assistants to explain the flow of the procession and the details of the crowning ceremony.

As they listened to the instructions, Calla couldn’t help but glance up at Ethan, a small smile tugging at her lips. I guess we’re in this together now, Ethan. Let’s see how this goes.

＊＊＊＊

Calla and Ethan rode through the town in a decorated open-air carriage, flower petals raining down as the crowd cheered and waved enthusiastically. Calla returned their waves with a bright smile, while beside her, Ethan sat stiffly, barely acknowledging the crowd’s energy.

“You’re really bad at pretending to enjoy yourself, you know?” Calla teased, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

“And you’re surprisingly good at putting on a show,” Ethan replied, a hint of dry humor in his tone.

“Someone has to make up for your lack of enthusiasm,” she shot back with a smirk.

“Or maybe I’m just letting you shine,” he quipped, finally glancing her way.

Calla chuckled softly. This banter… it’s just like my best friend. It’s almost as if they’re the same person.

She shook her head lightly, a small smile playing on her lips as she continued waving at the crowd.

After the procession, Calla and Ethan were guided to the center of the town square to participate in the traditional ribbon dance. Colorful ribbons wrapped around a tall wooden pole swayed gently in the breeze, their bright hues adding vibrancy to the celebration. Calla eyed the intricate dance steps being demonstrated by the other participants, her confidence faltering.

I’m really not cut out for this, she thought nervously, trying her best to follow along. She stumbled several times, her feet struggling to keep up with the rhythm and patterns. Meanwhile, Ethan moved with ease and grace, his steps fluid and perfectly aligned with the music. The sight surprised her—he looked so natural, almost as if he’d done this a hundred times before.

Just as she tried to match his movements, Calla’s foot caught on the hem of her dress, sending her teetering forward. Before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

“Careful,” Ethan murmured, his voice low.

Their faces were mere inches apart, and Calla found herself staring into his jet-black eyes. She’d seen Damian’s face up close countless times, but something about this moment felt strangely different. There was an intensity in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat.

What… is this feeling? she wondered, a strange warmth spreading through her chest.

Quickly brushing off the moment, she stepped back, her cheeks flushed. “Th-thanks,” she stammered awkwardly before returning to the dance. She moved through the rest of the steps stiffly, her heart still racing.

Ethan watched her with an unreadable expression before resuming the dance, his movements as calm and composed as ever.

When the dance ended, they were guided to the center of the square for the crowning ceremony. The head of the festival stepped forward, placing a delicate flower crown on Calla’s head and a leafy crown on Ethan’s. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Calla couldn’t help but look around at the joyful, beaming faces.

The head of the festival raised his hands to quiet the gathered crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, today we celebrate the May Day Festival, a tradition that blesses our land with prosperity, joy, and love. To honor this special day, our chosen May Queen and May King will now recite the ceremonial vows, passed down through generations.”

He turns to Calla and Ethan, who stand side by side, both wearing their newly adorned flower crowns. With a nod, the head gestures for them to step forward.

“May Queen, please recite your vow to the people,” he says, offering Calla a small parchment with the traditional words.

Calla glances down at the paper and clears her throat, trying to project her voice as confidently as possible. The crowd hushes in anticipation.

“I, as the chosen May Queen, vow to bring light and joy to our people. I pledge to honor this land, nurture its spirit, and carry the hopes and dreams of our town with every step I take. Just as flowers bloom under the sun’s warm embrace, I promise to cherish the people, foster love, and sow happiness wherever I go.”

There’s a round of soft applause and nods of approval from the townspeople. Calla takes a breath and, in a moment of spontaneity, decides to add something of her own.

“And… I wish that all who celebrate today find joy, laughter, and maybe even a little surprise romance!” she adds with a wink, earning delighted giggles and murmurs from the crowd.

Ethan’s brow furrows slightly, but there’s a faint curve at the corner of his lips. He steps forward as the head of the festival turns to him.

“And now, May King, please recite your vow.”

Ethan glances at the parchment briefly, his voice low but clear as he begins the traditional lines.

“I, as the chosen May King, vow to protect and support our people. I pledge to honor this land, safeguard its strength, and stand as a symbol of resilience and courage. Just as the mighty oak stands tall and unyielding, I promise to guide our people, shield them from harm, and lead with wisdom and integrity.”

He pauses for a moment, then looks down at Calla, his gaze softening just a fraction.

“And… I wish for a bountiful year ahead, not only for our land but for every heart gathered here today. May love, in all its forms, find its way to those who seek it, and may our people know both prosperity and peace.”

Calla is taken aback, sensing a deeper sincerity in his words. The crowd bursts into cheers, clearly pleased with their new May King and Queen.

The head of the festival steps forward again, raising his arms to address the crowd. “With these vows, we welcome our May Queen and May King!” The applause grew louder, and Calla couldn’t help but smile at the joyous faces around them, feeling a small but significant shift between herself and Ethan.

＊＊＊

After the ceremony, Calla and Ethan found a quiet spot away from the crowd to catch their breath. Their attendants stood at a respectful distance, watching over them but giving them space. Calla sat down on the steps with a sigh, her legs aching from the long day. Ethan noticed her action and raised an eyebrow.

“Did you give up pretending to be the perfect noble lady?” he asked, a hint of teasing in his voice.

“Perfect noble lady? Please,” Calla scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. “I don’t even know how to sit gracefully on stairs. Besides, isn’t it exhausting pretending all the time?” She paused for a moment, glancing at her surroundings. The previous owner of this body was always graceful and poised, she thought with a pang of guilt. I’m the complete opposite. I’m sorry if I’m tainting your image. She silently apologized to the former Rosalie.

Ethan’s expression shifted, and he crossed his arms, clearly taken aback by her bluntness. “It is. But I didn’t expect you to admit that so openly.”

Calla shrugged lightly. “I’m not the type who can keep up a facade for long.”

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze softening as he looked at her thoughtfully. He glanced at their attendants, then took a step closer to her. “You’re different from how I remember you.”

Because I’m not her, Calla thought, but she only smiled and replied, “People change.”

Ethan considered her response quietly, then asked, “Back there, why did you insist on participating? Even if we refused, they could have found someone else to replace us.”

Calla tilted her head, looking up at him. “I wanted to live up to their expectations. We were publicly announced as the May King and Queen, and if we backed out at the last minute, it would have disappointed a lot of people.”

Ethan’s gaze lingered on her, as if he were trying to see through her words. “You’re taking your role more seriously than I expected.”

Calla let out a small chuckle. “It’s not just that. It was… kind of nice, you know? To just be a part of something for once. No pressure, no expectations—just enjoying the moment for what it was.”

Ethan’s expression softened, but his voice held a note of skepticism. “No expectations? You’re engaged to one of the most influential families in the kingdom. Expectations are all we have.”

“That’s exactly why I wanted to escape for a while,” Calla replied softly. “Just to be Rosalie—no, just to be me, without the titles, the status, or the weight of what’s expected of us.” She paused, then glanced up at him with a mischievous smile. “And maybe dragging you into it was my way of saying… lighten up a little?”

Ethan shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Calla laughed softly, and they both fell into a comfortable silence. The music from the festival drifted over to them, and they watched as people danced and celebrated in the distance.

“Why were you here, anyway?” Calla asked after a moment, genuine curiosity in her voice.

Ethan’s gaze shifted to the festivities. “I was curious. I wanted to see why people find so much joy and contentment in such simple things.”

Calla looked at him in surprise. “So you’re not as stiff and unapproachable as you seem. Who would’ve thought?”

“Don’t let that get out,” he murmured, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. “It would ruin my reputation.”

She grinned. “Your secret’s safe with me… for now.”

They both fell into another quiet silence, watching the distant figures twirl and laugh under the soft glow of lanterns. The weight of expectations and formality seemed to lift, if only for a brief moment.

For the first time, Calla felt a strange sense of companionship with Ethan—an understanding she hadn’t expected. Maybe this engagement isn’t as suffocating as I thought, she mused quietly to herself. At least, not when we’re both willing to drop the masks, even if just for a moment.