On the second night, I was with both Bea and Gwen this time, coupled with a few of our subordinates and guards. We were one big group but it doesn't matter to us. We are here to have fun after all.

I wanted to drag my brother Nathaniel either but alas, he had visited the palace this time as well. He sure is busy...

We haven't done much last night because of the crowd and we were too overwhelmed in eating lots anyway. Last night, all we did was eat, so tonight we will properly explore the capital. And eat at the same time, of course. There are still a lot of foods that we haven't tried yet!

Also, I wanted to let my friends taste the food from my world. That's why the first thing I did was drag them on the stall and made them eat it. They were a little reluctant first because the food is rather ordinary and strange-looking in the eyes. Nonetheless, because of my incessant goading, they gave in to my whims.

.

Beatriz, who adores sweet foods more than anyone else, hopelessly fell in love after trying the caramel-flavored popcorn. She didn't even bother trying the rest because she was so hooked on it. Much more so when I introduced her to the caramel apples and the so-called banana-cues. I don't have any idea what these banana-cues are so I tried it for myself and well... let's just say that I was also pleased.

Gwen liked the fries more though and the potato chips. She also liked the popcorn but salted one coz, after all, she doesn't have a sweet tooth. I had warned her to go easy on the fries and chips because they are not meant for everyday consumption. The merchant said that they are healthy though because the oil used in frying these are made from vegetables.

Well, alright then...

Now, we are wandering around aimlessly, going to and fro with no particular destination in mind. Gwen and Bea's hands are currently preoccupied, holding a large paper bag against their bodies. If you are wondering what they are then you might already have guessed it. Bea's walking alongside me, stuffing her face with popcorn while Gwen happily munched away the fries she purchased.

Aside from eating, we also watch some street performances that we pass by. There are a lot of wandering performers that visit the capital during important festivals like this. We even saw a dance production from exotic dancers.

We were mixed along with the roaring crowd, immersed in the whole spectacle, and were rather feeling mesmerized by them. Not only are they great dancers but they are bewitchingly beautiful as well!

We also watched a trick involving fire. I was scared shitless by the way. I mean, how can they just swallow a flaming stick??? It's already frightening to see them lumbering the flames around as if it's only a plaything for them, much less putting it inside their mouths. What kind of wicked play is that?

Though I admit that when a man suddenly spewed fire like he's some sort of a dragon-man, I was kind of impressed.

There are a lot more and in variety. There's stand-up comedy, a mini drama, and talent shows. Along the way, as we fooled around more, my eyes caught sight of the two familiar figures mingling among the sea of people.

'Aren't those Noah and Rosa? They also went to enjoy the festival huh...'

I looked down and saw their hands intertwined as they jumped from stalls to stalls, laughing occasionally. Seeing them like that, they are definitely in a secret rendezvous.

A secret date in the capital! How romantic!

"Fufufufu aren't they too bold?" I muttered lowly, chuckling to myself.

Though they are wearing slightly normal clothes, they could still be recognized by people who know them. Just like me. One look and I already identified who they are, heh.

"Hey, Nadia! Let's go over there!" Gwen suddenly grabbed my attention.

My eyes left the happy couple and turned to the direction Gwen was pointing at. She must have not noticed Rosa and Noah yet, which is good. Let's divert their attention to someone else before they spot them and jeopardize their situation.

"Sure," I answered and went along with them.

The place Gwen had mentioned was an open space in the middle of the plaza. There was a raised podium at the center, higher than a person, and in front of it gathered a swarm of people. I was curious why they had garnered such a big crowd and wondered what's happening over there.

It turns out that it's the event that my maids kept gushing about. The choosing of the Festival's Muse. A string of ladies would compete with one another by standing there in the middle of the podium and do something interesting. It could be singing, dancing, playing magic tricks, acrobatics, or whatever.

Doesn't matter as long as you get the gathered audience's approval. It's also possible to just stand there and look pretty. If the masses liked you enough to earn their votes, then you win as the Festival Muse.

It's rather silly to me. Watching a bunch of ladies competing for attention and embarrass themselves wasn't really my cup of tea. I find it boring and apparently, my companions are all thinking the same so we left halfway through.

"The capital has always been like this during festivities?" Gwen uttered her question with renewed interest.

Judging from their bright faces, I could already tell that they enjoyed it. Though they looked a little exhausted because we have been tirelessly going around after all.

"My maids told me so," I answered and sipped on a drink we had purchased on the way.

"Really? Why didn't I know of this..." Gwen grumbled as she pouted-- "I'd rather be here than attend balls..."

"Mmm," Bea agreed with her.

A small chuckle escaped my lips.

"Does that mean that we are going back here for the next founding festival?"

"Of course! I want to stay away from any palace events sometimes," Gwen grinned at me.

Can't blame her. Imagine, within a year, there would always be countless parties and balls thrown regularly without hitch. If you are from the nobility who practically lives in formal events, you would surely get tired from it.

This trip to the plaza is a breath of fresh air for us. At least we can relax our guards from now and then and we don't have to put up a dignified facade as members of prestigious families.

"Are we going back now? We kind of visited everything here, I think..." Gwen declares.

That's to be expected. We're all spent anyway...

As we went on our way back to our parked carriages, we passed by an inconspicuous establishment. If not for the big glowing sign saying 'Book Sale', I wouldn't notice it at all.

'Oh, a bookshop? I never knew there's a bookshop around here...'

The two noticed that I stopped walking and was staring at the shop so they halted their steps.

"Do you want to go in?" Bea inquired.

"Mmm..." I replied.

It has been so long since I read a novel. I have finished going through all the books in our library so now, I'm kind of craving newer ones.

The three of us went in, leaving our attendants outside to stand guard and wait for us. The chime above the door rang when I opened it and we were immediately greeted with the sight of shelves filled with books.

An attractive woman appeared at the side where the counter is, dressed in white, and with a pleasant smile on her luminous face.

"Welcome, dear guests."