Only one of the Swordfighter leaders from each group stepped forward—just in case an ergency broke out.
Of course, this had been arranged long before the ceremony began; everything in the Fireheart clan ran with precision.
Ryan Fireheart nodded in approval as the Swordfighters stood in disciplined formation, their armor gleaming beneath the crimson glow of lanterns that lined the Eternal Market’s grand hall.
"For the civilians and the Fireheart clan’s Swordfighters..." Ryan began, his deep, commanding voice filling the air.
Whatever he said after that, I didn’t pay much attention.
In short, it was the usual—thanks for your hard work, thanks for the work you’ll continue to do, and rest assured, your loyalty will be rewarded.
The rewards were impressive enough: rare dicine and a generous pouch of gold coins, easily double their monthly pay.
Yet, from where I stood, I noticed sothing strange.
The Swordfighters seed less moved by the rewards themselves, and more by the words of their elder. His voice carried weight—not just authority, but emotion. Sothing in it stirred pride deep in their chests.
That kind of influence... I didn’t fully understand.
Mio Fireheart and I stood quietly beside the Elder, a deliberate choice—our presence signified the acknowledgnt of the Fireheart bloodline toward its warriors.
A simple gesture, but one that worked wonders for morale.
"...I thank you for your hard work," Ryan finished at last, his tone softening.
Applause rippled across the hall, thunderous and alive.
Hundreds of hands clapping in rhythm created a rolling wave of sound that echoed through the Eternal Market’s stone pillars.
When I glanced up, the sky beyond the open arches had darkened. The last light of the sun faded into deep violet.
The first day of the Nine Day of the Flas ceremony was coming to an end.
’Thankfully, nothing annoying happened,’ I thought, exhaling quietly.
Even though the Fireheart clan’s Swordfighters kept strict watch, I’d been wary. Accidents were rare, but never impossible.
The truth was—I couldn’t rember everything. My mind, for all its precision, was full of holes.
I rembered so major events, yes. But not every small detail of this point in ti.
Maybe it was because I’d been too young and distracted back then... or maybe, in my previous life, I’d intentionally chosen to forget everything that hurt too much to rember.
Either way—
’I don’t think anything happens during this Nine Day of the Flas.’
The winter would bring its own chaos—that much I was certain of. But spring? Spring should pass quietly.
When the applause finally faded, I stepped down from the platform with Mio and followed the other Fireheart representatives out of the hall.
________________________________________
The night festival began soon after.
Lanterns blood like scattered stars across the Eternal Market. Music drifted through the streets, soft strings and drums blending with the laughter of Swordfighters finally allowed to relax.
Long tables overflowed with food—spiced ats, sweet syrup pastries, and steaming bowls of noodles.
Cups of rice wine passed from hand to hand.
The Second Elder himself had given permission.
Normally, the Swordfighters were bound by strict codes, no alcohol or indulgence while on duty. But tonight—tonight was different.
A reward. A celebration.
At first, the captains and their deputies resisted, keeping their formality intact. But once Ryan Fireheart’s laughter broke through—"Drink! You’ve earned it!"—their restraint crumbled. The night erupted in joy.
"What a ss," I muttered, watching the chaos unfold.
Swordfighters who’d spent years maintaining discipline were now arm-wrestling over chicken legs and singing battle songs off-key.
But I couldn’t really bla them. They were human, too—craving warmth, laughter, and a brief escape from endless vigilance.
I stood, brushing the folds of my robe. "I’ll get so fresh air."
Kevin rose from a nearby seat almost imdiately, as if he’d been waiting for that cue.
"Hmm?" I looked at him. "Why are you following ? Shouldn’t you be drinking with the others?"
He shook his head firmly. "How can an escort drink, young master? The festival is for the Swordfighters, not ."
"Huh. Aren’t you a Swordfighter too?" I asked, half teasing.
That caught him off guard. He froze mid-step.
Escorts of the Fireheart clan were indeed counted among the Swordfighters. They were trained, ranked, and bound by the sa oaths.
Which ant—technically—he was included.
"Uh... I..." Kevin stamred, scratching his neck awkwardly.
"Well, whatever," I said, waving it off. "Want to walk around the streets instead?"
His relief was almost visible. "Yes, young master."
The two of us left the Eternal Market behind and stepped into the festival’s outer streets.
The air outside was alive—torches flickered against banners painted with the Fireheart sigil, and vendors called out their wares in cheerful tones.
Children ran between stalls with wooden dragons in their hands, their laughter echoing through the night.
"The Eternal Market really is massive," I said, glancing around. "You hear stories about its size, but seeing it in person... it’s sothing else."
Compared to the inner courtyards of the Fireheart clan, these streets were a storm of color and life.
Light spilled across polished stone roads, and the scent of roasting at and sweet syrup filled the air. It was hard to imagine anything bad could ever happen in a place this alive.
I caught Kevin’s gaze following —he was alert, ready to block any danger.
I felt a pang of guilt for dragging him into this, but... the peace of the mont was hard to resist.
It felt like a glimpse of the world before everything went wrong in my last life.
"Should I buy so steam pockets?" I murmured.
Kevin tilted his head. "For that servant, right?"
I smiled faintly. "Not just her. The others will enjoy them too."
He nodded, satisfied. "Young master is definitely not like the rumors say. They always tell us not to judge based on stories, and it’s true—I still have much to learn."
I rolled my eyes. "It’s just steam pockets, Kevin. You talk like I’m giving away a fortune. Wait—how long have you even been my escort?"
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