Chapter 375: Again With The Great Spirits
"I guess this is a great success?" Lyan muttered to himself, gazing out over the bustling streets of Grafen. The festival was in full swing, and the sheer number of people flooding the area exceeded his expectations. From the stalls selling crafts and foods to the lively games and the music that floated in the air, everything seemed just perfect. People were smiling, children were running, and the atmosphere was charged with joy and excitement.
He leaned on the wooden railing of the castle balcony, observing the crowd below. Word had spread far and wide, thanks to the bards he’d hired to sing about the upcoming celebration. Not just the people of Grafen, but even those from neighboring towns and territories had arrived. The turnout was more than he’d anticipated, and it warmed his heart. With the crowds came money that would circulate through the market, benefitting both the merchants and the city’s coffers. It was the type of economic boost Grafen sorely needed, especially after the war.
Lyan’s eyes wandered across the crowd until they landed on a specific group—a group he knew better than anyone. His girls. The scene made him smile, his heart swelling with warmth. There they were, scattered yet somehow united in their energy and joy, spread across the colorful courtyard.
Belle, Alina, and Xena were near a stall selling sweets, giggling like little children as they each tried different treats. Josephine, with her practical nature, tried to keep them from overindulging, but even she was grinning ear to ear, her stern facade cracking as Alina offered her a bright pink confection. Ravia and Raine were arguing over something trivial near the game booths, but their laughter made it clear that the argument was all in fun. Abraham, usually reserved and serious, stood near them, a rare smile curving his lips as he watched the people enjoy themselves.
But what truly caught Lyan’s attention was the sight of the Valkyries and Wilhelmina. Normally stoic and composed, they were engaged in what seemed to be a rather lively debate with Clarisse. The source of the bickering? The little bundle that was being passed from one to another—Clarisse’s child.
Wilhelmina held the child close, her usually hard features softened by a gentle smile as she spoke, while Emilia and Alicia made faces at the baby, trying to coax a laugh. Surena teased Clarisse, who had her hands on her hips, pretending to be cross but failing miserably as her lips twitched upward.
"Give him back, already! You said you’d just hold him for a second!" Clarisse protested, but there was no heat in her voice.
Alicia stuck out her tongue playfully. "But he likes being with us, don’t you, little one?" she cooed at the child, who giggled in response, his tiny hands reaching out toward her silver hair.
Lara, Tara, and Sigrid were nearby, cheering them on, their vibrant robes standing out among the more muted colors of the townspeople. Tara seemed fascinated with the baby, her eyes wide as she watched Wilhelmina cradle him. Sigrid, as always, kept a more composed demeanor, but her gaze was filled with warmth.