The central plaza was unrecognizable. Hundreds of lanterns hung above us, and the air smelled of grilled meat, freshly baked bread, and sweet spices. Musicians played drums and flutes, setting a cheerful rhythm throughout the place.
—"Ren-sama, come this way-nya!" Noko grabbed my hand and dragged me from one stall to another, as if she wanted me to try absolutely everything there.
—"Wait, I haven't even finished this fried bread and you're already pulling me somewhere else."
Noko took me to a stall with a steaming bowl.
—"What's that?" I asked, staring at the bowl.
—"It's traditional spicy soup-nya!" Noko smiled. "You have to try it!"
She insisted so much that I gave in and took a sip, but it was so spicy I barely survived.
Maya was more than happy with the food. She held two skewers in each hand and was already negotiating for a third.
Zara, on the other hand, visited every dessert stall, tasting a little of each sweet offered to her.
In the middle of the plaza, a group of warriors organized an archery game, and Noko shoved me toward them without warning.
—"Come on, Ren-sama! Show your aim-nya!"
I missed the first shot… and on the second, the arrow flew so close to a spectator it nearly pierced his ear. I thought he would be furious, but surprisingly, the whole crowd just laughed.
—"When we first arrived, I felt some tension, and now… everyone's being really kind," I commented.
—"Remember, you've earned everyone's approval-nya!" Noko said, clinging to my arm.
The night went on with music, dancing, and endless toasts. In the end, I felt more relaxed, even joking with some warriors who had looked at me like an intruder just hours earlier.
That was when a guard approached Ragan, bowing to whisper something in his ear. The king frowned for just an instant before smiling, making sure not to alarm anyone.
—"Ren, Noko…" Ragan said as he walked over. "It seems tomorrow we'll have a little excursion. There's a minor matter outside the city that I'd like you to accompany me for."
—"A minor matter?" I asked.
—"Nothing serious, but it's something we need to resolve. I'll be counting on you tomorrow."
Amid laughter and music, the feast continued until morning, but I couldn't shake the thought of what Ragan really needed our help with.