Chapter 5: The Festival Unfolds
That evening, Luck and Niko sneaked out to the old manor garden. The path was overgrown, and the manor itself looked abandoned. Luck’s heart pounded as they reached the garden. Sure enough, wild roses sprawled over broken stone arches.
She knelt and touched the velvety petals. They were the same vivid red from her dream. Niko carefully cut a few blossoms, and they tucked them into a basket. On the way back, Luck whispered, “Do you think this means something?”
Niko looked at her, curious of what she is talking about. So, she replied “Remember, I dreamed of roses last night which is why I decided to include them in our product. I am just curious if -- hey that hurts!" Before she could even finish what she is about to say, Niko flicked her forehead, which is in fact a stings a little. For a kid like her, of course that kind of gesture would definitely hurt.
"Don't overthink it, kiddo. Your much younger than me but you already have a lot of things going on that head of yours" Niko said. "You see, you are not a prophet or something, your dreams are just dreams so you don't need to think about it meaning something big. I am not saying that you are weird or anything - sure, you put into action whatever you dreamed of but it was all on you and not because of some dream"
Luck was taken aback with what she heard from the boy who was just four years older than her. She didn't expect that a kid would lecture her about something when in reality her soul is much older than his. However, she cannot deny the fact that he is right - that she shouldn't actually overthink everything that is happening to her. But then again, if Niko knew the truth he wouldn't say that or worse they wouldn't have the relationship they have right now.
She is well aware that all of the things happening are simply because of her confusion of why she was brought to this place and the mystery of her identity. But of course, there is no waay that she will tell anyone about such a thing, not even her closest friend.
Her deep thoughts was then interrupted when she saw Niko's hand right in front of her face.
"Let's head back and finsh the wreath of our future" he said with a huge smile plastered on his face and she smiled back as she nod her head. Maybe, she should first enjoy being a kid before she worry about anytthing else.
-
A few hours later, the two came back from the old manor. When the other children saw them, they didn't waste any time and begun to wove the roses Luck and Niko gathered into the wreath’s center. A flower can only stay fresh for about a few hours and it even depends on its looks, luckily the festival will start before the sun sets, and the roses the two picked are of the best ones that could last until the festival ends.
The wreath is about halfway done and the children are amazed on how bright red color stood out among the other flowers. Luck knew it wasn’t just about looking nice—it represented how the kids in the orphanage survived before she came and before she put her plan into action, even when things were tough. As they finished, Matron came in and looked at the wreath. Her usually stern face softened. She gently touched one of the roses. “It’s beautiful,” she said quietly.
Luck smiled. “It’s more than just flowers. It’s about how far we’ve come.”
Niko wiped his hands, looking proud. “Think it’ll work?”
Luck nodded, determination in her eyes. “It has to. For everyone.”
As time went by and the festival is just a few minutes way, Luck couldn’t help but wonder if the wreath was more than just a pretty decoration— but due to Niko's words, she decided to brush it off. And with the festival coming up, she needs to be in her best behaviour and she needs to show everyone in the town that the orphange is just more than being a place to abandon children.
-
The village was buzzing with life, its narrow streets decorated with colorful banners and lanterns. Stalls selling roasted meat, sweet pastries, and handmade crafts lined the square. Music filled the air, and children darted between the adults, their laughter adding to the festive atmosphere.
Luck took a deep breath, her fingers fiddling with a small pressed flower bracelet around her wrist. The orphanage kids were gathered near the square’s edge, their excitement tinged with nerves. Niko gave her a nudge.
“You look like you’re about to faint,” he whispered.
Luck shot him a glare. “I’m just… worried. What if they don’t like it?”
Niko gave a reassuring smile. “They will. We’ve put our best effort into it. And besides, it’s beautiful.”
Matron stood nearby, keeping an eye on the younger kids as they tugged at their slightly mended clothes. Luck noticed that the matron acts different from her usual demeanor - she doesn't show that she doesn't like tending to the kids and Luck thought that it is quite the improvement. However, despite the improvements, it cannot be denied they still looked a bit out of place among the finely dressed townsfolk and visiting nobles.
“Remember,” Matron said, her tone softer than usual, “this is our chance. Show them what we’ve made with pride.”
Luck nodded, though her stomach still felt twisted with anxiety.
-
The festival’s highlight was the talent and crafts showcase. The mayor, a portly man with a booming voice, stood on a raised wooden platform in the center of the square. One by one, crafters and performers were called up to present their creations.
“Arietta’s Pottery!” the mayor called, and a middle-aged woman stepped forward with a set of intricately painted bowls. The crowd murmured in appreciation.
Next came a group of musicians, their flutes and fiddles weaving a lively tune that made a few villagers dance. Then, a blacksmith presented a set of ironworks—decorative yet sturdy.
Niko nudged Luck again. “We’re next. You ready?”
Luck wiped her clammy hands on her skirt. “I think so. Just… stick close, okay?”
Finally, the mayor raised his voice once more.
“And now, from the Orphanage, we have… the Flower Wreath!”
The murmurs from the crowd were tinged with curiosity. Most hadn’t expected the orphanage to participate. Luck took a deep breath, gave Niko a quick nod, and stepped forward with the older kids, carrying the wreath between them.
As they approached the stage, the sunlight caught the vivid red roses woven into the wreath’s center, making them seem almost aglow. The marigolds and bluebells framed the roses, and the braided willow branches gave it a solid, graceful shape.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as they got a better look. Whispers followed, but they didn’t sound mocking or dismissive—instead, they were filled with admiration. Luck could hear the crowd whispering loudly.
“Is that from the orphanage?”
“I’ve never seen flowers used like that.”
“The colors are beautiful!”
Lady Helena, who stood near the stage with a few other nobles, smiled warmly at Luck and gave her an approving nod. "This is it. I need to stay focused"