As the night of the Harvest Festival came, they prepared themselves for the upcoming meeting with the Guild Master and the Imperial Crown. Those who had the invitation from the King would go.
Some people from the Guild will also be there either as extra hands for guarding, ushering, or anything that the Palace wants them to do. As for Shin and Laverna, they are attendants.
Shin would wear his Hakama, looking like an elegant gentleman, remembering his training in etiquette. After he's done wearing his clothes, Yuri waves her hands at Shin.
"Okay, okay, since you're done, you get out. Out, out, out, pretty boy! Laverna and I need to have a little chat before you two go off and charm the royals." She gently but firmly nudged Shin towards the door.
Shin, a little flustered but understanding, bowed slightly to Laverna. "I'll be waiting for you outside." He gave Yuri a pointed look, then exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Yuri turned back to Laverna, her expression softening. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes, putting some makeup on." She picked up a small brush and dabbed it lightly on Laverna's cheekbones.
Laverna, who had been watching the whole exchange with wide eyes, finally spoke. "Yuri, what are you doing? It feels… strange."
Yuri giggled. "Relax, relax. I'm just adding a bit of blush. You were looking a little pale, that's all."
Laverna wrinkled her nose. "Blush? Is that what this… this pink dust is? I feel like you're painting me like one of those… those jesters from the circus."
Yuri laughed, a bright, bright sound. "A jester? Oh, gods, no! Trust me, Laverna. I know what I'm doing. A touch of color here, a bit of definition there, and you'll look absolutely stunning. You'll see."
She continued her work, carefully applying subtle shades and highlights to Laverna's face. Laverna, still a bit skeptical, sat patiently, her eyes darting around the room.
As Yuri applied the makeup, Laverna began to remember her lost old memories. Yuri reminded her of her sister.
Although she doesn't remember her face, she remembers that they used to play house and pretend to put makeup on her face. She smiled, relished the feeling. Yuri, seeing the smile, thought that she's doing a good job.
After a few more minutes, Yuri stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face as she opened the door for him to come in. "Shin! Come here!"
Shin, turning from where he was adjusting his sleeves, was indeed mesmerized. He gazed at Laverna as if a goddess had descended from heaven. The Kimono robes were a perfect fit, concealing her scarred body just in case anyone else saw. "You look beautiful, Laverna."
Laverna felt a jolt of warmth at his praise, her heart betraying her with a rapid beat. The resistance she once had faded a month ago, replaced by a sensation she couldn't quite name. She tried to suppress the blush creeping up her cheeks, looking away with a pout as she muttered a quiet, "Thanks."
Yuri beamed, covering her mouth with her hand, clearly amazed at her own skills. "Well, seems I have a gift for being a stylist, too!"
Shin nodded, then looked at Laverna and said, "Tonight will be stressful."
Laverna reached out, her hand meeting his with a reassuring grip. "It is what I have trained for, Shin. I am ready for whatever awaits us." Her voice was calm and steady, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she felt inside.
She knew the gravity of the situation, the weight of the secrets they carried, and the potential danger that lay ahead. But she also knew that she was not alone. "We face it together."
Shin smiled, his eyes reflecting a warmth that eased the tension in the room. "Are you ready?" Laverna met his gaze, her own hardening with determination. "Yes."
Before they went, Laverna walked towards the mirror and stared at the girl in the reflection, amazed. "I can't believe that's me..."
Yuri, like a big sister looking out for her, placed a hand on Laverna's shoulder, reassuring her. "It's you, and you're beautiful. Now, let's go show them what you're made of, shall we?"
Laverna nodded, smiling, thinking that she's blessed with people who support her now. As soon as Laverna would take his hand, they would walk side by side, coming down the stairs.
The stares of people looking at them in majesty, but people knew who they were. They bowed their heads to them, with Shin just nodding to those who would greet them as he acknowledged them, just like his father would've done, acting like royalty, Laverna doing the same.
He would keep Laverna by his side, smiling at her as they head over to the Festival, with the Carriage bringing them to the Royal Palace. Yuri and the others waved to them, encouraging them and telling them 'Good Luck'.
From the Lucky Sturgeon, the familiar voices of their guild mates and patrons rang out.
"Go get 'em, Shin!"
"Don't let those nobles push you around!"
"Laverna, show 'em your charm!"
"You both better come back with stories!"
The warmth of their send-off filled the air as Shin and Laverna stepped into the carriage, carrying with them the hopes of those who believed in them.
As they approached the grand city center, the atmosphere was alive with celebration. The streets were packed with people of all walks of life, moving about in excitement.
Vendors lined the roads, offering spiced meats, roasted nuts, and candied fruits, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma. The sound of minstrels playing lively tunes mixed with the laughter of children chasing one another through the crowd.
Acrobats and fire dancers dazzled the festival-goers, their performances drawing gasps of delight.
The Palace loomed ahead, an awe-inspiring sight. Towering walls of pristine white stone glowed under the lantern-lit sky, their countless windows reflecting the festival's golden hues.
The sprawling courtyards stretched endlessly, with finely trimmed hedges and fountains that danced under the moonlight. The sheer scale of it was overwhelming, a stark contrast to the structured, functional home Shin was used to.
"Wow. The West sure is different." He said under his breath that only Laverna could hear.
Laverna's wide eyes darted from one marvel to another. As a former slave, she had only ever seen such grandeur from afar. To be walking among the nobles and esteemed guests of the kingdom felt surreal. Yet, standing beside Shin, she felt grounded, as if she belonged here.
As they arrived, the Guest Announcer took their invitations, inspecting them with a practiced eye. Shin handed over the envelopes with a polite smile, maintaining his silence. The announcer returned the smile, bowing slightly in respect. "Welcome, honored guests. We have been expecting you."
Shin gave a nod in acknowledgment, while Laverna remained composed, her rehearsed role keeping her silent as Shin took the lead. The usher stepped forward, gesturing for them to follow. "This way."
The Palace was vast, its corridors winding like a labyrinth. Countless gilded doors lined the hallways, each leading to chambers filled with secrets unknown to outsiders. Without a guide, one could easily become lost in its endless grandeur.
As they walked, the announcer glanced at Shin. "It is rare for newcomers to be summoned directly for an audience. You must have made quite the impression."
Shin met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "We simply did what was necessary."
The announcer chuckled, intrigued but not pressing further. "That remains to be seen. Regardless, may fortune favor you."
As they walked, Shin felt a pulse of unease through the crest, Laverna's nervousness seeping into him like a whisper in the dark. He glanced at her, catching the way her fingers tensed at her sides. Without hesitation, he reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
She turned to him, startled, only to be met with his reassuring smile. "You'll be fine. We both will," he murmured softly.
His warmth, his presence, combined with the familiar scent of moonflowers, wrapped around her like a calming breeze. Her nerves, though still present, began to settle. Laverna exhaled, gripping his hand a little tighter before nodding. "Right. Together."
The usher finally stopped before a grand set of doors, bowing slightly. "The meeting room is just beyond here. Please, enter when you're ready."