The March was a time for the Spring Festival, regardless of the territory the country currently resided in. If it was in the eastern territories, it could be a lovely time full of flowers. But in the West, the spring was late to arrive. Yet, the cold weather didn't concern people, who were glad to put their worries aside and enjoy the occasion. Not to mention all the supplies donated by some noble houses and the royal family.

The street musicians occupied every square and corner available. Trying to keep conversation going, some people talked so loudly they were practically shouting out the music. Dietrich winced when one of the drunk workers laughed close to his ear. When he heard that the princess was going to visit the festival, his imagination drew a pleasant picture of night walks and pleasant conversations. Not a noisy place reeking of cheap street food.

"I feel we could spend the time much better in a more… appropriate environment," - voiced his opinion Dietrich. After finishing talking to a vendor, Cornelia quickly wrote something down in her notebook.

"We are here not to enjoy ourselves. Events like the Spring Festival are a good opportunity to survey people's needs and concerns. Many come to the capital, and even if they are reluctant to express their opinion on current policies, you can get a lot of information by observing the variety of goods, prices, and..."

She stopped without finishing her sentence. Concerned about her safety, the knight moved closer. However, when he followed the princess' gaze, Dietrich's face became tense.

The company of young men and women would look like any other group they had seen before, if it weren't for the certain black-haired guy among them. Only the separate pieces of their dialogue could be heard, but it was obvious that they were joking around, teasing one of the guys.

"The killer is…"

"Stop spoiling the plot!" The guy with russet brown skin and short, tightly curled hair moved closer to the open book in a desperate attempt to hide its contents. The company burst out laughing. It was surprising to see someone whose face was like a stone mask laughing and smiling so freely. 'I guess it's because he's among friends. But it's a relief to know that he is actually a normal human being.'

She stared too long - they noticed. Feeling awkward for not stepping away in time, Cornelia approached the company. Whatever Dietrich thought about the festival, it was obvious that many people enjoyed it, and she didn't want to stand in their way. They instantly turned into much more serious versions of themselves. All of them wore the same olive-colored uniform; all looked young but were otherwise different. One by one, Sieg introduced them: Owen, the oldest with dark brown skin, a shaved head, and a broad nose; Hedy, whose red hair contrasted with her pale skin, blue eyes, and freckles, Nico, who held the book; Elke, the chubby girl with light brown hair and beige skin who watched the princess and her knight cautiously; and the youngest one, who looked about fourteen, was Timo. Like Sieg, he also had hazel eyes.

They exchanged greetings. Sieg asked how Isis was doing. But Cornelia felt an awkwardness in the air. It would be rude to simply leave, but that was definitely the best thing to do. They were carrying shopping bags, filled with food and candles, as well as more unexpected things like balls of wool. Curious, she decided to ask just one question before leaving.

"Why do you need this?" – the princess nodded to the package with yarn that Sieg was carrying. Usually calm and collected, he hesitated a bit before answering.

"To knit, Your Highness."

"Really?" - Cornelia raised her eyebrows. "You can knit?"

"Yes, you Highness. It's a hobby that helps collect thoughts."

Dietrich scoffed quietly, but Cornelia didn't pay attention to this.

"That's amazing! I never was good at such things. Now I can see that you were sincere in praising Queen Maria's stitches."

"Your Highness, do you have any hobbies?"

"Well, I like horse riding, fencing, and reading, but those are hardly hobbies and more like skills."

Elke slightly pulled on the sleeve of Sieg's jacket, but he didn't notice and continued with the conversation.

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"What about painting? Isn't it popular among noblewomen?"

"Definitely not painting. I'm so terrible at it that you can't even disguise it as modern art."

Sieg chuckled and Cornelia couldn't hold back a smile. Now, the eyes of all their companions were riveted on them. Timo was the only one who seemed excited by the encounter and took the chance to participate in the conversation.

"Oh, actually, we all have hobbies. Elke paints with sand, Hedy carves candles, and Owen plays the harmonica. And I spin yarn."

"Traitor," whispered Elke as quietly as she could.

"Yarn? So, the wool in the sacks at that time..."

Timo smiled from ear to ear. He was almost jumping with joy.

"Yep, it was for me! It was my idea. Am I brilliant, right?"

"We could all argue about this," Hedy mumbled, avoiding looking at the nobles.

The knight coughed.

"I think we should get going, Your Highness."

"Why? Are you in a hurry?" - Cornelia glanced at Dietrich, then addressed Timo again. "It's impressive that all of you have something like this."

"Well, it really helps to concentrate and calm down disarrayed thoughts. We really need it! So every ma…"

Timo couldn't finish his joyful statement as Owen's elbow slightly hit him in the ribs and Sieg finished the sentence for the boy. "Every man needs a hobby."

Dietrich, whose mood was getting gloomier with every minute, scoffed.

"What every man needs are a goal in life and honorable work, not something as insignificant as wasting time on leisurely whims."

Cornelia frowned.

"I think it's pretty remarkable to have something to do aside from work. But I guess you really have to part ways with us now. It seems like the long wait has made you rather restless."

No, I..." - the knight began to protest, then stopped in the middle of his sentence. "Fine. Please don't return too late, Your Highness."

While they bid farewell to Dietrich, Owen took packages from Sieg and Timo.

"Why don't you look around at the festival together, Your Highness? Me and Hedy will take back what we bought, but if you don't mind, others can keep you company."

We can?!" – rejoiced Timo.

"We what?" asked Elke, at the same time, but without any delight in her tone.

The princess tilted her head. The mixed reaction from the young company was a bit confusing, but funny. Surprisingly, the conversation with Sieg lasted longer than usual, and it was interesting talking to his friends too. 'Maybe it's because of the festival, the atmosphere feels lighter than usual.'

"I still have some work to do, but, sure, if my presence wouldn't be a bother."

"Not at all, Your Highness," Sieg assured her gladly.

"Then Sieg will treat us to honey locust beer," - announced Timo joyfully, but was immediately reprimanded by Nico. The youngster was only allowed to enjoy the juice. For others, it wasn't a problem. But just to make sure that he wasn't overstepping any boundaries, Sieg simply asked the princess, "If you allow?"

"I see no reason for refusal."

With a bow, Owen and Hedy left while the company decided on drinks and directions. After they passed a few shops, maneuvering through the crowd, Hedy said, "Have you lost your mind? We all should have left, and before this conversation took so long.

"Are you suggesting that I should have shut up the princess? Or ran away? By the way, I saw that you received another letter from Ilse. How is she?"

The girl pulled the sleeve of Owen's uniform, slowing down his pace.

"She is fine. The margrave treats her well, but don't change the topic. What were you thinking? And Sieg is not better – introducing us to her."

"Isn't it a good thing, though? Sieg had already been on a mission with the princess. There's a high chance he, or Elke or Timo, will need to accompany her in the future. So, it's better if they get along."

Hedy gave him a long, expressive look that made him puzzled, but nothing more. She was left with no choice but to convey her thoughts in words.

"Good relationships can be dangerous to us, Owen. She doesn't risk anything."

Finally, the man's deep-set brown eyes showed Hedy that his concerns had reached him. He returned his gaze to the road.

"Relax. Nothing like that will happen. She doesn't even know who we are, and that will remain the case. I just want others to cheer up a little."