Two days had passed since the magical three-day Green Festival of Windfield. The festival's final days had been just as enchanting as the first. Emma found herself reminiscing about the joy and warmth that filled those hours. They had eaten to their hearts' content—though Ethan, as usual, managed to doze off mid-meal, his head nearly landing in his plate. Ellie, on the other hand, hadn’t eaten much at all, instead slipping her food to Emma and Ethan with a quiet smile. Emma had tried to refuse at first, but Ellie’s persistence won out, and eventually, she had no choice but to accept.
Emma and Anna had spent those days exploring every corner of the venue, their laughter often ringing out above the cheerful hum of the crowd. They had joined the singers in their melodies, tried the strange but delicious green cakes, and marveled at the glowing decorations that transformed the venue into a dreamlike wonderland.
The highlight, however, had been introducing Anna to Emma’s family. Her parents had welcomed Anna warmly, their genuine kindness making her feel right at home. Ellie and Anna had shared a quiet but heartfelt conversation, while Ethan had lingered at a distance, sneaking shy glances. Emma couldn’t help but smirk—she had her suspicions that Ethan might have developed a crush.
Anna’s father, Mr. Smith, had been an impressive figure. With the same silver-white hair as his daughter and piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold decades of wisdom, he had an air of quiet authority. Anna had proudly revealed that he was a General in the Hero Association and a Dual-Type Green Stage Awakened, with mastery over Earth Magic. Her mother, Vera, was equally remarkable, a Yellow Stage Awakened Caster who wielded both Water and Plant Magic with precision. Emma hadn’t even known Plant Magic existed before, but hearing about it fascinated her. She had eagerly shared stories of her own parents’ abilities, brimming with pride as she recounted their strengths.
The magical rain that fell during the festival had left a lasting impression on the village. The next day, news spread that those who had been ill were miraculously healed, and every crop in Windfield had ripened overnight, ready for harvest. It was as if the rain itself had carried the blessings of the elder tree, weaving its magic into the fabric of the village.
These had been some of the best days of Emma’s new life—a life that, for all its complexities, was proving to be more wonderful than she had ever imagined.
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The weekend arrived, bringing with it a special occasion: the grand opening of the Royal Bookstore to commoners.
Emma had been buzzing with excitement ever since she first heard the news. While the Royal Bookstore had long been a treasure trove for scholars and nobles, this was the first time its vast collection would be accessible to people like her. The prospect of discovering new books, of learning more about the world she now called home, filled her with a sense of giddy anticipation.
The morning sun cast a golden glow across her room as Emma opened the curtains. Already dressed for the occasion, she adjusted the collar of her simple yet elegant dress and let out a breath of excitement. Just as she was about to grab her comb, her mother’s voice called from outside her door.
“Emma! Are you ready? We’re going to be late!” Her tone carried an edge of impatience.
Emma cracked the door open slightly and called back, “Yes, Mom! I’m coming!”
She turned to the dressing table, where her comb waited. Her silver-white hair, still slightly tangled from days of neglect, glinted in the sunlight. Bracing herself, she began to work through the knots. The task wasn’t without its moments of pain—her scalp protested at the occasional tug—but the end result was worth it. Her hair, now smooth and shining, framed her face beautifully.
Satisfied, Emma stepped out of her room, her footsteps light as she hurried to meet her mother. Vera stood near the doorway, her arms crossed, already dressed and waiting. Her dark blonde hair was neatly pinned up, and her sharp white eyes fixed on Emma with mild disapproval.
“Young lady,” Vera began, her tone stern, “when did I call you?”
Emma hesitated, offering a sheepish smile. “Uh… about eight minutes ago?”
Her mother’s stern expression softened slightly, though she still gave a small sigh of exasperation. “You shouldn’t keep people waiting, Emma. Now come on, we need to leave before we’re late.”
“Yes, Mom,” Emma replied, falling into step beside her as they exited the house.
The streets of Windfield were already bustling with activity. The remnants of the festival lingered in the vibrant decorations and the lingering smiles of the villagers. As they walked toward the center of the village, Emma’s excitement grew. This wouldn’t just be a trip to the bookstore—it was also an opportunity to see more of the Eldo-Clearoth Kingdom, a place she was only beginning to understand.
The kingdom’s capital awaited, its spires gleaming in the distance, promising new discoveries and adventures.
“I can’t wait to get there,” Emma murmured to herself, a small smile playing on her lips.
And so, with her mother by her side and the thrill of possibility in her heart, Emma began another chapter in her journey—a journey that had only just begun.