“It’s indeed famous. It’s a noble version of the May Flower Festival,” Maylie explained.
May Flower Festival was a festival held in the season when white flowers of may trees were in full bloom. It also marked the end of spring and the beginning of summer. On the day of the festival, people made a huge bonfire in their village’s lot and decorated their doors with broken may tree branches. Women wore a may flower around their ear and men wore it on their chest and attended the festival. They gave the flower to the person they were interested in. For that reason, many couples would be born when the May Flower Festival was over.
“It’s unlikely for nobles to attend the may flower festival held in the town square. They can’t save their face if they follow and enjoy the commoners’ festival in public. That’s why they gather together, wearing masks, and this is that ball,” Maylie added.
“How do you know that?”Azriel asked.
“It’s famous in Modjankle. I should know this since I’ve decided to become a reporter,” Maylie shrugged.
The May Flower Festival, famous as lovers’ festival? Azriel looked down at the card with a more confused look. “Then, shouldn’t I not attend this?”
“Why?” Maylie asked.
“I haven’t decided anything yet,” Azriel replied.
“Did he say that he’ll take it as a positive answer if you come?”
“No, it wasn’t that. He just asked to give him a chance since we don’t know each other well yet…”
Maylie looked at her struggling friend quietly. She thought about her most precious friend, the Wizard of the Horizon who cherished that friend more than anyone, and their ambiguous relationship. She spoke all of a sudden. “Why don’t you go there?”
“What?” Azriel asked.
“This is where nobles lightly have fun. Besides, it’s a masquerade. You don’t have to reveal who you are,” Maylie placed the invitation on Azriel’s hand. “And maybe you’ll make up your mind if you spend more time with him.”
“Hmm…”
Maylie was right. Azriel would only be able to reject or accept Charles without doubt only if she learned more about him. The fact that he was the king was something she could worry about after she made up her mind.
“And a masquerade, don’t you think you have to attend at least once? It’s interesting. It must be completely different from what you’ve heard. Aren’t you curious?” Maylie added with a slightly excited tone.
“…Honestly, I’m curious.”
“It’s a rare opportunity. I will help you with the dress and preening. I’ve always wanted to properly adorn you.”
Azriel sighed lightly and nodded. “Alright. I should go there.”
“That’s a good decision! Then, let’s go pick out a dress right now!” Maylie sprang up and pulled Azriel. At least dozens of various dresses inside the dress room of the castle. Even though Azriel seldomly wore them because she liked clothes that were comfortable to move around in, the boutique that Rhema hired used to bring all kinds of clothes in bulk. Azriel barely spoke while almost being dragged by Maylie. “Wait, Maylie.”
“What?”
“Let’s go to the ball together.”
“What are you saying? I’m fine.”
“Aren’t you curious about masquerade? If we go together…”
“Tell me about it after you come back. I’m busy preparing for my graduation and working as a cub reporter at the same time. Come!” Maylie opened the door to the dress room wide. She picked up the dress nearby with sparkling eyes. “Try this on, Azriel!”
“What? Now?”
“Did you think you were going to pick one without trying them on?”
“But we still have a lot of time left.”
“We should pick one since we’re here. I’ve always wanted to dress you like this! …This, this, and this, too!”
“Urgh, that’s too many!”
“Hey, hey, quickly!”
The dress room became boisterous. Marthi, who followed them, soon fell asleep leaning on a cushion.
*
It was around supper time when Rhema Reshith, who had been out, came back. As soon as he arrived, he ran into a spirit who was pouting.
“They’re not coming out, keep saying, ‘just a minute, just a minute’! They said they’ll eat later! It’s healthy for you when you eat on time! Brownie’s dishes are tasty and healthy for you!” Brownie pouted.
“What do you mean?” Rhema asked.
“Esthera is not coming out! She’s in there all day long! Brownie will make supper all over again! Something that she can hold and eat! A sandwich! Tasty sandwich! I will surely feed her!” Brownie flew away, whining. Rhema stood there for a moment and headed to the dress room where the spirit pointed. He could hear girls’ giggling sounds as he became nearer.
“Wow, you look good in this, too. What do we do? I can’t choose,” said Maylie.
“Isn’t this one better? That one’s a little too much,” said Azriel.
“What’s too much about it? That dress will think the same when it sees it’s you who it’ll be put on! Now, let’s try this one, too.”
“Maylie, can’t we stop now and decide now?”
“No! Try this one last!”
“You said that earlier. Hey, we can’t wear all of the dresses here today. Brownie will get upset waiting for us.”
“Uhh. It’s because you look good with everything! It’d be easier to decide if there’s one that’s way better than others…”
Why is Azriel choosing a dress all of a sudden? Rhema tilted his head and knocked on the door. Inside became noisy before Maylie and Azriel popped up.
“Azriel,” Rhema called her.
“Rh, Rhema! Didn’t you say you won’t be home for supper? You are early.”
“I got it done earlier than I expected. Is everything okay?”
“It’s… Umm…,” Azriel hesitated, brushing her disheveled hair with her hand. Maylie interrupted. “Azriel was invited to a masquerade, so we were choosing a dress that she’ll wear to it.”
“Masquerade?” One of Rhema’s eye brows was raised slightly. He asked, looking back at Maylie. “What kind of ball is it? Who invited…?”
“It’s a masquerade named the night of may flower held at the Duchy of Madriol,” Maylie answered him.
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