Chapter 7: 05 - The Midsummer Festival

Huey rushed to the library after completing all his lessons of the day. Requesting the servants to leave, they did not mind and quickly left. Long since having grown accustomed to their young master's wish to be in the library on breaks.

Even in his first life he had enjoyed reading and the emotions it brought. He could drown himself in fiction untethered by the outside when lost within the garden of words. Oftentimes, he had wished he was the character inside the book. Where he could have a loving family, friends, and a cozy home.

This giant estate where he was pushed to the most isolated corner and forgotten.. was fancy, large, and grandeur. It spoke of riches many would never attain in ten lifetimes.. and yet the halls are so so cold. The cruelest of winter kisses frosting the air.

He did not want to accept it. The environment, and what he had become.

He had realized a long time ago, when the ghastly realization had settled and passed, it was rather ironic. To think his wish of escaping his life was to live in a novel, when he actually lives in a novel. As the role of a villain who met a deserved and cliche demise no less.

Huey settled into a comfortable position on one of the one-person couches. Lying horizontally with his back facing the couch, and legs perched up on one of the arm rests. A pile of books laid by his right on a small table. The red eyed boy was ready for his self-taught magic lessons.

It's not like he's a complete beginner. Contrary to popular belief he did listen to lessons, how else would he have consistently stayed within the top ten in a school of students with noble backgrounds? Although a bit ashamed to admit, a demon had taught him magic as well, although he couldn't remember who. Strange, but not unexpected. Demonic magic worked strangely. There were spells which enabled people incapable of recalling few to none about certain subjects after all. Huey just hoped it wasn't the kind in which any mention shall be known. He did not need the demon kind putting a target on his back this early.

Regardless of who they were, they were sensible enough to not teach him demonic magic. It would have corrupted a normal human's mind, but rather taught him new spells, skills, and gave tips. Huey could remember every single thing he had learned from his professors (demon included). It seems his memories turned eidetic when it came to academics. Although, remembering did not mean he could act on it. Priorly, his body had awakened magic. His soul however, has not yet become accustomed to it. Furthermore, his physical prowess is in one word, weak. Not egregious, but still bad. The strength of one's magic relies heavily on a person's innate potential and the state of their bodies. It was no wonder his magic was rather limited in the first round.

Think of the body as the temple. A tower. A tree. It is the foundation. All the techniques, skills, etc are the add-ons. If the foundation is not strong then everything would cave in and the body would crumble. While if the foundation is strong the power will grow to become insurmountable.

Therefore, he must build endurance. Start from the basics, and work back up.

To begin, Huey began regulating his mana throughout his body. Repeating the exercise like the book said. The tingling sensation of his attribute was oddly alleviating. From his core to his limbs and back, flowing steadily like a stream. The goal of doing this was so his body and soul could first become accustomed to long prolongs of balancing mana. It's essentially preparing himself for what's to come as it'd be devastatingly bad if his body gave out from mana burning (the overuse of magic till the body physically cannot take it/ the result of incapacitation upon coming in contact with high concentrations of mana).

"I'll work on building up my body's endurance, then move on to spells."

Easier said than done.

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

After the secret self lesson, Huey had washed up and instantly fell asleep early in the evening. Consistently controlling mana for two hours while reading books took a heavy toll on his body. As a result, he had woken up at around five in the morning feeling the most rejuvenated he's been for the past year.  The Young Master, who had woken early, decided to pay Apple a visit.

The sky held few clouds, all tainted with a pale gold which contrasted nicely with the blue bell welkin. The birds sang their melodies, harmonizing into a charming composition of tweets. The willow trees' branches fluttered as though they were waking up to dance under the embrace of the sun. All was calm at the Astaseul estate.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

Almost.

At the stables, a black haired boy was manhandling the reins of a tall, lean, and majestic stallion. Said "majestic" stallion mercilessly tugged at the reins much to Huey's chagrin. The boy fell against the horse before pushing himself back upright. The expression he held was one of pure betrayal and confusion.

"Apple! What happened to you! You were so cute before. Is this a horse's rebellious phase?! Do horses even have a rebellious phase?!" Exclaiming, Huey's face was flushed while trying to bring Apple to the field for a morning trot. "We used to be besties, I gave you apples, Apple."

As if in response, the black steed snorted and whipped its head away. Smacking Huey across the face with a black mane in the process. The horse walked past his master and strolled towards the field by himself with his head raised and everything.

Huey huffed and mumbled, "Acting all high and mighty." He then declared rather loudly in a taunting manner, "I guess I'm just gonna have to enjoy this myself! Or give it to the other horses who are much better behaved!"

He took out a glistening red fruit from his bag. The product was large and ripe and was no doubt extremely sweet and juicy. Just by looking at it one could see their reflection against the smooth cherry surface.

Apple's ears perked and faced Huey's direction. The boy smirked, a mischievous smile decorating his face when he saw the horse stop walking.

He continued.

"MMMM an extremely juicy apple grown from the most exquisite orchard ever. It's too bad that my horse who I bought this delicacy for is an ungrateful brat! It would be such a shame if such a fruit goes to waste! Ah! I know! I'll feed it to Toto! You know, the white horse who you oh so despise!"

That was the final trigger, Apple instantly turned around and sped towards Huey. His pitch black pupils locked onto the red fruit in Huey's palm. Right as he was about to clamp down the boy had moved it away and tucked it into his bag.

He gave a smug smile. "I'll give it to you only after your behavior changes." If Apple were not a horse, he probably would have growled. "Treat me with respect and I'll give you these apples every week-including that biscuit you wanted."

It was a quick contemplation for the animal. Food really is the way to everybody's heart.

Huey grinned in relief and led a now peaceful Apple to the horse field. Unbeknownst to him, the servant boy assigned to the horses could barely hold in his astonished laughs. The infamous young master (albeit much more docile now) was having a heated conversation with a horse! And the horse even understood everything! The boy peered at the rest of the animals in the stable with a new found curiosity.

Are all the Astaseul animals this intelligent?

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

"You've finally managed to tame the damn thing again." A gruff voice remarked in relief.

A built middle aged man observed Huey and Apple's harmonic laps across the venue. No yelling or aggressive neighing, no struggling, no falling, and no banter between the pair. It was just like in the past.

Huey tuned the canter down into a trot before coming to a complete stop. The boy dismounted and took off his helmet which revealed a head full of sweat. His voice was fatigued but firm as he answered, "The power of food."

Jeronimo Welsing, a retired knight now acting as a horse back riding coach, hummed in understanding.

"Makes sense, that horse only calms down when you give it food. Now come along, you must clean its hooves, lessons are almost over." The man waved his arm and sauntered off leisurely. Thick fingers scratching his stubble.

"Yes coach." Huey announced and guided Apple back to the stables.

The day afterwards were the same as usual, academic lessons with Sir William, lunch, etiquette lessons with Miss Reuslo, swordsmanship practice, secret magic practice in the library, and dinner which consisted of some sort of beef dish. It was tasty was all Huey bothered to know.

On the 19th hour, Huey had requested to be left alone for the remainder of the day.

His finger twitched in subdued anxiety. The way Owen was staring at him when he was ordered to be left alone... it's like he knows something.

He slapped his cheeks which soon reddened from impact. The pain sobering up his thoughts.

He muttered motivatively, "Stop thinking about this. It's festival time."

With haste, he opened the cabinet and changed into the prepared outfit. Smoothing out any wrinkles, Huey grabbed his bag, stuffed his wallet inside, opened the window, and leapt out. It was fortunate that his room was on the first floor, because if he had to do some parkour or land on his ass he'd rather stay inside.

'Or I could've snuck out from the inside but the chances of Owen catching me is 99.9%..'

Kuhum.

He coughed before running in the directions of the stables using the foliage as cover. Unfortunately despite it being seven in the evening the day was still bright thanks to it being summer. Maybe a dark cloak wasn't such a good idea after all. Soon Huey arrived at the stables. He crept towards Apple's stall, wary of any servants who tended to the animals. Arriving before his steed, Apple neighed at him.

Huey shushed the horse and began gearing the saddle and reins.

"Hey Apple, we're going out today and I need you to be as sneaky as you can. I'll give you two biscuits later if you do."

With the horse being such an intelligent glutton, promptly shut up and patiently allowed Huey to tack him up. After finishing, Huey brought Apple through the back exit where there was a forest trail. After a couple minutes of traversing through the mini woods the pair arrived at the estate's grand and domineering iron gate. Towering at nine feet, the fence would usually be impossible to pass.

Huey smirked and began fumbling through his bag for something round. Meanwhile guiding Apple towards a lump in the earth.

"Heh, this is nothing to Apple." His eyes curved mischievously.

That's right, Apple's jump record was 2.23 meters. Add that with the dirt slope it's as easy as pie to get over. The youth patted the side of the black stallion's neck and brought a large, ripe, and red fruit to its eyes.

He whispered, "If you make the jump this entire apple is all yours."

The enticing fruit was like an oasis in a desert. The horse neighed before walking backwards slowly. Huey, who was riding Apple, felt butterflies flap around in his stomach so he stuck his body closely against the animal's. Once at an adequate distance of around ten meters, the creature torpedoed straight towards the gate and up the slope with a fervour fuelled by gluttony. Huey was glad he had leaned down lest he get thrown off by the capricious momentum. He could feel Apple's powerful muscles tense and flex as they trampled over the ground. Everything felt so forcibly grounded, then they were afloat. The butterflies disbursed all at once, leaving a ticklish sensation in his guts. He knew even with his eyes shut that they were high over the fence, the floating sensation was soon washed away by a harsh impact. Fortunately he didn't open his mouth or he would've bit his tongue off for sure.

Huey slowly stood upright and looked behind to where the nine feet high fence stood. They had crossed it.

"Goddess Eelia... Good job Apple! Good job! You badass horse! WOOOO!" Apple then buckled slightly and nipped at the air. The youth quickly fed the horse the fruit and the pair galloped towards the village.

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

Huey left Apple at a local stable with promises of biscuits again. After paying the person in charge he quickly moved towards the main attraction. The thumping in his chest could not be contained, the thrill of sneaking out had not yet passed and now he was in such a lively festival! Everything was so bright, loud, and fun. Stars sparkled in ruby eyes, the light of the festivities making it glimmer like real gems.

"Wow.."

He took in everything. Of colorful decor, Joyful families, playful friends, boisterous vendors with bustling markets, and the mouth watering scent of street food. Since he's out here anyways, why not indulge himself? After all, the night is long.

Purchasing some meat and potato skewers, Huey ate while checking out all the offered festivities. He hasn't had this much fun since he regressed! Everyday was filled with a monotonous schedule and forced to reaccustom to a formal way of living. As someone who's lived over a decade on Earth it was stifling. Here, at the Midsummer Festival, he's no longer an Astaseul. He's just Huey: the child of a wealthy traveling merchant.

A warm smile that would be impossible to be found on Huey Astaseul took shape. His dimples showed and his eyes crinkled at the edges, with fair cheeks dusted with a hint of pink. He walked around in hopes of finding something he'll need. Looking at the colorful street markets a jewelry store caught his eye. On one of the display cases laid a violet gemstone. It resembled an amethyst in color and was sanded down to a kite-diamond shape.

'This.. isn't this a mana stone?'

Mana stones. Like its name suggests, is a stone imbued with mana. It can only be naturally formed and is a rare and valuable resource as it allows even ordinary people to use magic. If used as an ingredient it can be made into a variety of spells, artifacts, and more depending on its elements. This valuable resource was being sold for two gold coins only! Determined to purchase the item, he ringed it up to the vendor.

"I would like to purchase this gem."

The vendor was a chubby man with a shaved head in between. He rubbed his hands together and replied amiably, "A good eye sir, would you like to look around while I wrap this for you?"

"No it's fi..." Huey was about to refuse when his eyes wandered to a set of bracelets.

On the left was one made of a thick red thread, braided together. The jade beads on it were miniscule, with six lined evenly next to each other on half of the bracelet. Two more beads were attached to the ends of the accessory where the threads laid loose in a tied knot. A single silver star was positioned in the middle of the six jade ones. It was a simple and modern accessory. The matching one was the same, but instead of a silver star it was a golden sun.

He reached out to take the star one when his fingers brushed against someone else. They had grabbed the one with the sun. Huey stole a glance, but the mysterious figure was wearing a cloak as well and he only caught a couple strands of pink hair (or orange? It was hard to tell with the lighting).

Since other people still needed to shop he quickly turned towards the vendor.

"I'd like this bracelet as well." He ordered.

"Of course, in total that will be two gold coins and one silver coin."

Huey paid for the two items, stuffed the packaging into his bag, and left.  A giddy feeling at finding something good for cheap was great. Although he could swear someone was staring holes through his hood. He brushed it off as probably the pink haired person from before. Since he just purchased the matching piece to the one they were holding. Oh shit! Could it be that it was a gift and he just took one of the pieces? Eh... oh well. First come first serve.

What's done is done, and what his stomach needed was a spicy meat skewer. Huey beelined towards the stall with his stomach growling at the thought of food. That's one trait he and Apple share, they both love food.

Before he knew it, it was nearly ten in the evening. He should probably return soon if he wants to be able to wake up the next morning. Turning back, he bumped into someone and spilled his drink all over them!

Shock reverberated through him and he audibly gasped at the mess.

"I'm so sorry!" Huey apologized.

Panic struck his features while fumbling through his bag for a handkerchief. Upon finding one he peered up at the person he had rudely smacked into. He couldn't see the face of the person very well thanks to a hood and mask blocking the other's face.

"No, it's fine." The stranger said, but their back was completely soaked!

Huey couldn't shake off the guilt though. "I am so, so sorry, please take this." He handed the stranger his handkerchief.

The person waved his hands in refusal. "Oh there's no need! I'm telling you it's really fine. How would I give this back to you?"

Huey pressed on, nearly shoving the handkerchief into the face of the person a head taller than him. "I insist. Please take it or my conscience won't let me sleep, and you don't have to bother returning it."

The stranger hesitated for a couple seconds before accepting the item.

He sighed. "If you insist, thank you." Huey exhaled in relief.

"What are you looking at?" He enquired curiosly.

"Hm? Oh, just a hair clip. I wanted to buy it for someone, but I have unfortunately lost my wallet, it seems.." He laughed dejectedly. Huey could swear he saw drooping ears and a tail on the person.

'Like Uncle Tammy's dog.'

He forced down a giggle and offered, "I can buy it for you." Hands already reaching into his wallet.

However, the person immediately refused. Crying out, "No! You have already given me your handkerchief. Buying it for me is.. a bit embarrassing." He scratched his cheek.

Huey smiled. He couldn't really see due to their hood and mask, but he could tell the person was blushing. How cute. Chuckling to which the taller male blushed even more.

Taking the opportunity, he replied, "It's fine really. Is it the pearl one?"

"You don't have to do this, I'm sure I'll find another way."

"Is it the pearl one?" The raven haired boy pointed at the hair clip.

"You-"

"Is it the pearl one?"

Although reluctant, the other male replied hesitantly, "...Yes."

In response, Huey clapped once. "Great, shopkeeper, I wish to buy this hair clip. Oh and wrap it as a gift too."

After the shopkeeper wrapped up the hair clip and Huey had paid, the two moved to the local fountain. Sitting on the edge of the architecture, the soothing trickle of the water behind them calmed much of the anxious-talking to a stranger!!!-nerves. The shorter male waited patiently for the person beside him to finish patting his shirt dry-ish. He expressed his gratitude again.

"Thank you so much, I don't know how to ever repay you."

Huey waved it off. "It's fine, how'd you lose your wallet anyways?"

At that question, the cloaked figure seemed to curl in on himself in embarrassment. "Ah.. some kids stole it from me."

Huey snorted, "Seriously? Well you do look like a sheltered rich kid. Be careful next time, people often make children in the slums steal money." He stared into the bustling festival, the sun had gone down and it was dark. The new moon illuminated the sky in a pleasing and aureate light.

The chill ambience dampened a bit at the passive remark though.

The person clenched his fists on his lap. "Taking advantage of the pitiful state of less fortunate children.. how cruel."

Huey shrugged. "That's just how things are. It's a dog eat dog world, trust me, I would know." He let the words sink in a bit with a suspenseful pause. "Either way, I hope you didn't have anything precious inside that wallet because I doubt you'll get it back."

The other boy shook his head, a placid smile on his face despite going broke from theft.

"I don't have anything of worth in it, I just hope the children will be able to buy some food with that money. They looked quite skinny."

Huey spared a glance at the person whose looks were still obscured by the disguise. Irritation bubbled, but he couldn't speak since he was doing the same. Sighing, he.. probably shouldn't tell him that the money will mostly go to street thugs forcing the kids. Huey dipped his fingers into the fountain. The cold numbing his fingertips. He guided his hands across the water, watching as it parted and an indent trailed behind.

"You... you're really kind you know that?"

The other chuckled, the sound husky and attractive. "I get that a lot."

He hummed back. "It's nice, there aren't many truly good people in this world."

Although Huey wasn't looking, the other male was definitely staring at him with exasperated amusement. He could feel it.

"You're one." The person blurted out, voice mellow and fixed as if he was stating a fact.

The boy whipped his head up to stare at the other's covered side profile. Huey called out in denial, "What? No I'm not, I'm far from kind."

'If you saw what I did before you'd call me a demon.'

The stranger shook his head exasperatedly. He snarkily responded, "Yet you gave me your handkerchief, paid for me, and kept me company. I'd say that's pretty kind."

"That.. it's because of my conscience ok? Conscience!" Huey could feel a blush creeping over his face. The warm sensation was a bit uncomfortable in the summer heat (thankfully it was night time).

"Bad people usually don't have that."

Huey who tried to retort paused, his mind blanked briefly. Giving up on giving a response he stayed silent. The same husky laughter came from beside him and it made something warm blossom in his chest. Neither of them talked afterwards, simply reveling in the quiet serenity and each other's company. That was when Huey's Apple radar tingled. Perhaps putting a spoiled horse at a shabby public stable for three hours was not a very good idea. The boy stood up, dusting himself off before gazing at the other.

"Have a joyous midsummer." He commented.

Sensing the soon departure, the taller boy stood up as well. With a calm voice he commented, "Likewise, may I know your name?"

Huey gave a short chortle with a jesting expression. "It's polite to introduce yourself first before asking others."

A chuckle. "My apologies then, my name is Sorin Ceylon."

'HUH?!'

Huey heard something shatter.

"Pardon?" The smile on his face was frozen.

Sensing nothing wrong, the male reiterated the introduction. "My name is Sorin Ceylon."

...

Shit.

Huey couldn't hear, this was the protagonist of the world, the future hero, the world's saviour, and his murderer. For the first time since starting their interaction he saw the person's face. Although the man was wearing a mask, he could imagine it. The features hidden behind. Pale skin, a chiseled and handsome appearance, with snow silver hair, and droopy platinum eyes.

Sorin Ceylon.

His heart began thumping for a different reason.

Huey immediately angled his head so the hood would obscure his warping expression. His mask did not cover the lower half of his face after all.

He laughed stiffly. "Oh.. haha. Nice to meet you Sorin, I'm really sorry I have to cut this conversation short, but I have a very tempered horse waiting for me at the stables so I'm afraid I'll have to leave. It was nice meeting you! Have a good day!" Huey then tried to immediately speed walk away.

"Wait!" A palm grabbed his wrist.

Tried.

"What's your name?"

An expectant silence that strangled him oozed out. Should he give his name or not? A couple seconds went by unnecessarily slow until he replied.

"Elijah.

Sorin smiled. "It was nice meeting you too Elijah. I hope fate will allow us to meet again."

Huey turned away and grimaced. He absolutely hated, despised, and loathed to admit, but the protagonist looked dazzling then. Turning back he gave a smile. A professional one.

"Perhaps, if it is ordained by the stars."

The two waved each other farewells and Huey quietly walked to the stables (without having his curiosity distract him like before). The deep seated relief that washed over him upon escaping (and seeing Apple), made him let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Hey buddy, let's go home." The bratty animal, sensing his owner's mood, did not complain and the duo quickly made their way back.

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

Sorin somersaulted into his room through the window. The fluttering inside his stomach felt pleasant in a way. He touched the bag that held Siena's gift and Elijah's handkerchief.

Elijah.

The boy sighed, the tickling sensation felt sillily nice. It was new, but not unwelcome.

"You're finally back!" A whisper-yell echoed from the bed where a man with pale green hair and eyes sat. His appearance was wild and messy with relief pouring from him in waves. "Young Master, do you know how scary it was pretending to be you asleep in this house?! Please tell me you got what you wanted."

Sorin chuckled at his butler and friend. Nodding and dropping the bag on a desk.

"Sorry about that Aiden, I'll be quicker next time."

"Next time?!" The butler grumbled and rolled his eyes.

Sorin just shrugged apologetically. The blush that adorned his cheeks, still not gone. Elijah's soft voice and crimson red eyes that immediately had him spell-struck. He felt hypocritically bitter that the boy was wearing a mask. Even with the obscuring of his face he could tell he was good looking.

Sorin looked up at Aiden fussingly changing out of his pajamas. He had in fact gotten more than what he wanted. The hand which held Elijah's wrist ghosted against his lips.

The protagonist got a crush.

~🎩🪄 ✧ ✦~

Good luck Sorin, you'll need it 😇

I edited this while weird sounds were coming from my window at 2am so I

yelled stfu at it and it stopped 🤪🤪🤪

Remember to vote! ⭐️👈🤨