Chapter 164 - 163. Evergreen
A gentle breeze swept across the village nestled on the outskirts of the Rosefall Kingdom. The sun bathed the fields and cottages in golden light, casting long shadows as the day meandered into late afternoon. The tranquility of the scene contrasted sharply with the peals of innocent laughter echoing from a group of children playing in the village square. They were engaged in a spirited game of hide and seek, their playful shouts filling the air as they darted around hay bales and between wooden fences.
At the edge of the square, just outside the boundary of their game, a small figure stood, quietly observing. A little girl, no more than six years old, with golden hair cascading down her back, stood watching the other children. Her large, sky-blue eyes sparkled with curiosity, while her face—perfectly framed with soft, cherubic features—radiated an ethereal charm that seemed almost out of place amidst the rustic backdrop of the village.
Her name was Astrid. A princess, though the villagers knew her only as the niece of a reclusive nobleman who lived on the outskirts. She had spent most of her short life surrounded by luxury, catered to by servants, and adored by her family. But despite the love showered upon her, there was something magnetic about the carefree laughter of the children that intrigued her. For a moment, she considered approaching them, perhaps even joining in their game. But before she could make a decision, a loud voice called her name.
"Astrid!"
It was one of the house servants, beckoning her back toward the estate. With a final glance at the children, she turned and skipped back toward the grand mansion at the far edge of the village.
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Astrid arrived at her uncle’s mansion, a large, elegant estate that contrasted with the simple homes of the village. As soon as she stepped through the gate, servants greeted her warmly. The mansion’s grand halls echoed with voices—staff bustling about, all of whom doted on her endlessly. Today, however, she had one specific request on her mind.
"Uncle, I want fireworks!" she declared as she found her way into her uncle’s study.
Her uncle, a kind man with silver hair and a warm, gentle demeanor, looked up from the stack of papers in front of him. His laugh rumbled through the room as he indulged her whim. Within moments, the mansion’s courtyard was filled with a display of colorful fireworks. Vibrant blues, greens, and reds exploded in the sky, painting the late afternoon with brilliant light.
The children from the village square, who had been playing their game of hide and seek, saw the display and ran towards the source of the fireworks. Their awe-struck eyes followed the dazzling patterns in the sky as they approached the gates of the mansion. Standing just inside, they could see Astrid, the little angelic girl, giggling and clapping her hands in delight.
Her uncle, seeing the children, ordered the gates to be opened. "Let them in," he said with a smile, deciding to share the joy with the village children. As the children hesitantly entered, Astrid spotted them and grinned mischievously.