The night market
Author's POV – 9 Years Ago
Before the late Duchess Lady Marry passed away...
It was a beautiful day in the Duke's mansion. The young duke was practicing swordsmanship with his father, Duke Theodore . Meanwhile, Duchess Marry and Rosia sat in the garden, enjoying the peaceful moment. The duchess brewed tea, occasionally glancing up at the sky, lost in thought.The Duchess glanced at her daughter, who was peacefully eating her snacks, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She leaned down and wiped the crumble pieces of cookies from Rosia's mouth.
"Hmm… seems like someone is really hungry," said Duchess to Rosia.
"Hehe, can't be helped, Mother, when you made it," Rosia said sheepishly.
The Duchess chuckled, amazed by her buttering talent.
"Seems like my little princess wants something? Are you planning to rebel again?"
Rosia grinned shamelessly.
"Aww, you caught me so soon, Mother…"
The Duchess tried to suppress her smile and said in a serious tone…
"So, where do you think you are heading alone this time? Is it the garden? The bakery? Or something else?"
Rosia smirked while grinning.
"I am eight years old now, Mother. I am not a kid anymore, so think something big~~"
The Duchess raised her eyebrows and looked at Rosia with a concerned yet slightly proud expression. After all, she had often escaped from the mansion alone and had even kicked ass.
"Are you… Are you planning to go to the night market?" It was recently popular.
Rosia chuckled.
"You got me, Mother."
As their conversation continued, the Duke Theodore and Lucas also joined them.
"Dad!!" said Rosia in the same sheepish tone she used with her mother before.
The Duke chuckled and embraced her while standing.
"Hm? What is it, my princess?"
Rosia grinned sheepishly.
"Dada~ there's somewhere ..I want to go to again!!"
Lucas gave her a side-eye.
"Hah, I knew it."
Rosia glared at him and then looked at her dad with pleading eyes.
"Dada…? Can I? Please???"
Duke Theorder couldn't resist and agreed.
"Uhh… You did that again, but if you got any problem, tell me first. I do make sure—"
Before the Duke could complete his sentence, he got smacked by the Duchess.
"Is this what you are teaching your kids, Theo?" said the Duchess while scolding him.
"Uh… no…. sorry, sweetheart…" (said the Duke quietly, one hand rubbing where she smacked him.)
"Ahem… Mom, Dad, don't come looking for me, okay?"
says Raia with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Later in the evening, when the sun had long set…
A small, cloaked robe
figure emerged silently from the backyard of Duke's mansion. Of course, it was Raia. She slipped away effortlessly, using her magic stones to vanish into the shadows. In the blink of an eye, she teleported straight into the heart of the bustling night market.
Rosia's POV:
"Wow! So many people… and so much street food!" she gasped in awe, her eyes darting excitedly between the vibrant stalls.
She hurried toward a small, cozy shop, eagerly picking out some snacks. As she munched on a crispy, golden treat, she sighed happily.
"Ahh… If only I could come here every day… But the festival isn't even that long," she muttered, a slight pout forming on her lips.
Determined to make the most of it, she wandered through the crowded streets, visiting as many shops as she could. The dazzling lanterns, the scent of freshly baked bread, and the cheerful chatter of merchants surrounded her like a dream.
When exhaustion finally caught up to her, she found an empty bench near the market's fountain. As she sat down, she let out a contented sigh, gazing up at the twinkling stars above.
"Tonight is perfect," she whispered to herself, smiling.