Chapter 15: The festival of renewal

That next morning they sat downstairs for breakfast once again, looking out through the window. Lea admired the people marching down the street. Everyone was dressed in brighter, finer clothing than usual, the women in white dresses trimmed with gold accents, men in traditional tunics dyed bright colors. They marched down the cobblestone path holding banners strung from three-meter wooden poles, the cloth rippling in the wind as they sang hymns to Athnea.

“Mother, will we get to do that too, or something else?” Lea asked curiously.

Lucina set down her fork and replied with a gentle smile. “We won’t march with them, but we will join the other festivities. There will be music, food, and offerings. How does that sound?”

Lea nodded, excitement rising in her chest, and continued finishing her meal.

The streets of Marchten were alive the moment they stepped out. Bells tolled, the scent of roasted meat wafted through the air, and the colors of the crowd dazzled the twins' eyes. Some people wore scarves of crimson, blue, and yellow fabric that fluttered like streams of fire and water in the morning breeze.

The twins walked hand in hand behind their parents, trying to take in everything at once. To their right, stalls overflowed with herbs and seasonings and dried fruits, the air heavy with the tang of spices. To their left, merchants called out, waving glass pendants, polished crystals, and charms strung on cords of silver.

“Uhm, Father,” Leo asked timidly.

“What is it, my boy? Do you see something you want?”

“Yes! Over here!” he blurted out, pointing at a stall.

The family crossed to where several wide jars were set on display. A plump woman in an apron beamed at them.

Leo pointed excitedly. “Rice! Can we take some back home for Lilibeth to cook, please?”

“I’ll tell ya now, that’s the finest rice you’ll find here in Marchten,” the woman said proudly. “Comes straight from the fields of my homeland, Kaitos.”

“Rice? I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Solan plucked a few grains from a jar and rolled them between his gloved fingers. “So… it’s like a crunchy little seed? You really want to eat this?”

“Yes, sir,” the woman explained. “Boil it in water or broth and it’ll soften right up. It’s been getting popular these past few years, originally it was brought from the Empire, but their soil couldn’t grow it. So they asked our farmers to.”

Solan huffed. “How much?”

“Two silvers will only get you enough for a day or two. It’s not cheap, not when it travels so far.”

The twins’ expectant faces tilted up at Solan. With a long sigh, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a gold coin. “You two really want this?”

“Yes, please,” Leo said.

“And can we get sugar too, Father?” Lea added quickly. “Then we can make cakes with Lilibeth!”

Solan chuckled under his breath. “Alright, fine. Rice and sugar.”

The woman bustled about happily, handing over a heavy sack of rice and a smaller pouch of sugar. Leo clutched them to his chest as though they were treasure.

By midday, the square was unrecognizable. Long banners stretched between rooftops, draping the plaza in streams of color. In the center stood a massive statue of Athnea—though this one seemed smaller than the cathedral’s, perhaps a traveling replica brought out only for the festival. Candles flickered at its base, offerings of fruit and bread piling around the pedestal.

“Whoa, there are so many people here,” Lea whispered.

“Yes,” Solan replied, scanning the crowd. “Soon the choirs will sing to honor Athnea. Afterward, there’ll be feasting, drinking and partying in the streets.”

Musicians struck up on lutes, harps, and drums. The crowd quieted as the priest stepped forward, his robe trimmed in gold. Along with the musicians he raised his hands and began a prayer-song, their voices weaving into one another until the whole plaza seemed to hum. The twins had never heard so many voices together, it was overwhelming, but strangely interesting.

After the hymn, the atmosphere shifted. Children darted into the square, playing games with hoops and wooden balls. Vendors shouted about honeyed nuts, grilled meats, and sweet cider. Solan even bought a pouch of candied nuts and some cider for the twins, who grinned as they savored their snacks.

When they finished the twins played briefly with some of the local children in the square and they learned of the types of games kids of this world played. But simple ball games and chasing were all they did on that day

As the sun dipped lower, dancers filled the streets. Women in white and gold swirled in circles, their sleeves flowing like wings, while men stamped and clapped in rhythm. Lea clapped along, eyes sparkling, while Leo tugged Solan’s sleeve. “Father, is this going to last all night?”

“Yes, until the torches are put out,” Solan said with a faint smile.

That night, the streets were lit up and bonfires burned in every plaza. The family returned to the Golden Hearth tiredly but with glowing faces. The twins fell into their beds with the sounds of laughter and music still echoing in their ears.

Tomorrow, they would leave Marchten and needed their rest.

The road home felt quieter after the festival, though the twins’ minds still buzzed. The sack of rice rested in the carriage chest, and Leo kept glancing at it as though to make sure it didn't go anywhere.

A week later, back at the manor, the twins crowded into the kitchen with Lilibeth. She had already set a pot over the woodfire stove.

“So you’re telling me you just… boil this little grain until it softens?” Lilibeth asked, skeptical.

“Yes,” Leo said confidently. He knew from his past life exactly how it should be done, but masked it with a shrug. “The merchant explained it. Just keep the water level, even add some salt and stir it sometimes.”

Leo leaned against the counter, watching steam rise from the pot. Soon, the smell changed and the kitchen filled with the warm, earthy, and comforting aroma of the meal. They added chopped vegetables, rabbit meat, and a dash of herbs.

At dinner, the family sat around the table as bowls were served. Solan chewed as if he was judging the taste, then gave a rare nod of approval. “Unique. But hearty. Well done, Leo for choosing something new.”

Leo flushed slightly, pride swelling in his chest as he continued eating. 

That meal brought back comforting memories from their life back in Japan, the twins quietly enjoyed the food since they hadn't tasted it in over eight years since their reincarnation in Ronayah.