Chocolate and The Magical Blue Bird - Chapter 10

[yumemory]

The night was getting later, and we finally finished handing out chocolates.

Cain: Good work, Akira.

Akira: Cain, everyone seems to love the chocolates!

Cain: Yeah, they were in a chorus saying that the festival is a great success, and that they want us to lend a hand again.

Akira: Ahahah. The ‘next’ festival wouldn’t happen to be tomorrow, would it?

Akira: Correct. There will be a whole different festival for tomorrow.

We high-fived to celebrate the success, made silly jokes, and laughed together.

That was when we heard a gorgeous music coming from the city square.

Akira: What song is this?

Cain: It’s the song that gets everyone going the most. We join hands and dance, in hopes that tomorrow, and the days after that, will be blessed.

Akira: You’re right, it makes me want to have some fun!

Cain: Then…. May I have this dance?

Cain: From this point on, it will be the time where we could have the most fun.

Cain: Would you do so much as to spend that time with me?

Akira: ...Yes, my pleasure!

Even though I’m not good at dancing, Cain gently led me.

I can feel my heart dancing along with the music. The city around me looked as if I was in a sparkling amusement park, riding a merry go round.

 

Cain: Akira. Thank you for everything; for listening to us, for always thinking what’s best for us. 

Akira: Why so sudden?

Cain: Today is also a day to convey feelings of gratitude to someone you hold dear.

Cain: I, to you…. Wait, no, not just me. Chloe, and Heath, and Arthur….

Cain: The Sage’s wizards present here, and the ones staying back at the manor…. We are all grateful for everything you have done for us.

Cain: Even if I give you all the chocolates in the world, or weave all the pretty words—It won’t be enough.

Their simple, unadorned words seeped into my chest. Their straightforward words and honesty have always supported me. 

Akira: ...I’m the one who should be thanking you.

Akira: If you weren’t here, I won’t know what it’s like to have fun like this.

Akira: When we get back to the manor, I’ll be sure to make enough chocolates for everyone.

Cain: And then it’ll be our turn to make you chocolates. Though I think there’ll be a long line. Everyone gotta wait for their turn.

Akira: I kind of want to see that.

Akira: (But that’s just how much of a blessing it is, to be able to tell your dearest person ‘thank you.’)

After the dance, we bowed respectfully to each other and laughed.

Arthur: Master Sage, Cain! So here you are!

Riquet: Shino and Oz just arrived!

Shino: I just wanted to see if Heath is doing his job.

Shino: I brought Oz. I think I saw Arthur invite him yesterday. The Western wizards are here, too.

Riquet: Oz, yesterday you said you would not come. Were you feeling lonely without us in the manor?

Cain: Oz, I’m glad you’re here. We’re going to walk around the city, so come with us.

Oz: ...Sure.

Shino: Heath, where’s the chocolate? I want to eat them too.

Heathcliff: I knew you only came for the chocolates….

Arthur: Master Sage, while we show Master Oz around, should we look for souvenirs for the rest?

Chloe: Oh, can I come with you? I wanna buy some souvenirs for the others who are waiting in the manor!

Riquet: Then we should all go together. I will look for Rutile and the others!

Rutile: Everyone! We’re right here!

Snow, inside the frame: Rutile handled us with such care.

White, inside the frame: Hohoho, ‘tis as if we are in a cradle; so comfortable.

White, inside the frame: Our plan to improve our image is a big success! The festival is flooding with excitement, and people loved our chocolates.

White, inside the frame: This would be nothing if not for your cooperation. Thank you, everyone.

Bradley: Hey, Central shortstuff! Quit dragging me!

Everyone gathered in no time. Just like the time we spent in the manor, my heart felt full.

Heathcliff: That’s… Chloe, look over there!

Chloe: Ah!

What we saw was Mister Luke walking hand in hand with a beautiful woman.

Mister Luke, dressed in Chloe’s outfit, looked proud, and laughing happily from the bottom of his heart.

Chloe: I see his confession went well.

Akira: Great for them, don’t you think so, Chloe?

Chloe: ...Yup!

Chloe nodded, and watched the new couple again for a while before smiling and stretching his hand out to me.

Chloe: Everyone is waiting. Let’s go, Master Sage.

Akira: Yes!

We walk around the lively city during the feast. Laughing together at our silly discussion, we, too, made the city buzzing with conversation.

I’m sure all the festivities will continue gleaming for a while.

Even when the dawn breaks, and the dazzling morning sun rises.

 

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