Chapter 50:

The New Moon Goddess Festival (Part 3)

THE NEW WORLD

Step by step, Luna's group walked through the bustling streets of the capital, weaving past crowds enjoying the Moon Goddess Festival. After several minutes of walking from the southern gate, they finally arrived at the restaurant Rima had mentioned.

"This..." Luna muttered, surprised as she looked at the signboard.

Written on it were the words: Restoran Bakmi.

"Can you read it? I don't know what it means, but it looks like it came from the owner's homeland," Rima commented.

Bakmi?

The writing clearly used Earth's alphabet—Luna froze for a moment.

"Don't just stand there. Let's go in," Rima urged, stepping inside first.

The moment they entered, a savoury aroma filled their noses. The restaurant was built with stone walls and wooden furniture, featuring a menu poster similar to those found in a coffee shop. The servers bustled around in black-and-white uniforms. After Rima spoke with one of them, they were guided to an empty table on the second floor.

"Rim, I thought you were taking us somewhere fancy again, but..." Luna looked around.

"You think I only know fancy places? I know spots like this, too," Rima said proudly.

"Haha, I just didn't expect it," Luna teased.

"I'm an adventurer too, you know! I don't only mingle with nobles. I know people from all walks of life."

While waiting, they chatted casually until the servers arrived with their order. As the name suggests, the dish served was hot bakmi topped with minced pork.

Usually, bakmi is served with chicken, but there's no chicken in this world. The closest thing is the cockatrice—strong and troublesome. Its meat is expensive, so not many serve it... Luna thought.

They all ate with great enthusiasm.

Mm! This really tastes like bakmi from Earth! Luna was stunned.

Among all of them, only Daisy struggled with the chopsticks. Luna asked for a fork for her and wiped the food from the corner of Daisy's mouth.

Hot bakmi like this is perfect for cold weather... Luna thought while savouring it.

• • •

After a while, they finished eating.

"Where are we going after this?" Luna asked.

"You'll find out soon," Rima answered with a mischievous smile. "If you're done, let's go."

Just as they stepped out of the restaurant, someone called out.

"Big Sis Luna!"

Luna turned to see Elise waving while jogging toward them. She wore a winter coat and came with Al and their friends.

"Hi, Elise! How are you?" Luna greeted.

"I'm good! How about you, Sister Luna?" Elise replied cheerfully. "Hi, Daisy! How are you?"

"I'm fine," Daisy answered softly.

"We're all doing well," Luna added. "Where are you all headed?"

"Actually, we were looking for you, Sister Luna," Phina said.

"Looking for me? Why?"

"We wanted to ask if you'd enjoy the festival with us," Elise said shyly.

Luna glanced at Rima, and Rima nodded.

"All right, let's go! The more the merrier," Luna replied.

"YEAY!!" Elise almost jumped in excitement.

Elise's cheering alone made everyone laugh. Her face turned bright red when she realised she was being stared at.

"Then let's continue!" Rima said, leading the way.

• • •

Luna's group followed the main road again. After some time, they approached the northern gate of the capital.

The northern gate? Luna wondered.

Once they passed through it, they were greeted by a stunning sight. Many people had gathered, and the most eye-catching thing was the lineup of miniature structures made entirely of ice and snow—houses, human figures, even monsters.

"Snow sculptures?!" Luna exclaimed.

"Correct," Rima said. "This is where the ice sculpture competition is held. Sculptors and ice mages gather to participate."

Daisy's face lit up with curiosity.

"Do you want to make a snow sculpture?" Luna asked.

Daisy nodded shyly.

"Then let's register," Luna said.

"Sister Luna! Can I join too?!" Elise asked excitedly.

"What do you think, Daisy?" Luna smiled.

"Mm! Let's join together, Sis!" Daisy nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeay! Thank you!" Elise grabbed Daisy's hand cheerfully.

"You're not joining, Rim?" Luna asked.

"No, this time you guys go," Rima replied casually.

Luna then caught up to Elise and Daisy, who had already run ahead.

"Lynn, are you joining? You can use ice magic," Phina asked.

"Ah—no. I still can't control it well," Lynn answered meekly.

Soon, Luna, Daisy, and Elise returned holding participant cards.

"Tada! We got our participant cards!" Elise announced proudly.

"Great. When does the competition start?" Al asked.

"Soon. We got lucky—someone withdrew at the last moment... right, Sister Luna?" Elise grinned.

"That's right. We were lucky," Luna replied.

"Indeed," Rima added. "Normally registration closes days before the festival."

Moments later, a whistle blew—the competition was about to begin.

"Wish us luck!" Elise said.

The three of them walked to the open field where the participants gathered. A committee member approached and briefly explained the rules.

"Hmph, why are they bringing kids here? Do they think this is a game?" one man muttered.

Judgmental stares came from various directions.

"Daisy, don't listen to them. Let's do our best," Elise whispered.

"Elise is right. Let's give it our all," Luna added gently.

"Mm!" Daisy clenched her tiny fists determinedly.

The whistle sounded again—the match began. The participants immediately activated their magic.

"What do you want to make, Daisy?" Elise asked.

"Mm... let me think..." Daisy thought for a moment before her eyes lit up. "I want to make a bunny!"

"Then let's do it!" Elise said energetically.

The two of them began gathering snow and shaping it. Luna watched from behind with a warm smile.

Unconsciously, Luna touched her chest—seeing Daisy laugh while picking up snow made her heart soften.

What should I make...? Luna wondered.

"Ah! I know!"

She opened her palm. Snow in the air began gathering, forming a round clump. The clump burst gently—and from it emerged two tiny bearded creatures wearing blue and green coats and cone-shaped hats.

Ice Sprites, Luna marvelled inwardly.

"Ice Sprites, please help me make something," she said.

The two sprites nodded and hopped to the ground. They took out miniature shovels from their pockets and began working swiftly.

Meanwhile, Daisy and Elise continued crafting their small snow figurines. Daisy looked radiant with excitement.

She used to be so shy and tense... but look at her now, Luna thought emotionally.

• • •

Time passed, and the contest neared its end.

"What are you making, dear?" Luna asked, bending down.

Daisy turned with a big smile. "This is me... and this is Mom."

Before Luna stood two snow figurines—one big, one small.

"Who are they?" Luna asked softly, though she already knew.

"This one is me, and this one is Mom," Daisy answered with a giggle.

Her sincerity made Luna pull her into a tight hug immediately. Daisy squirmed, embarrassed because everyone was watching, but Luna didn't care.

"Mom wants to show you something, too," Luna said, pointing behind her.

Daisy and Elise looked—and three wolf sculptures stood there: two small and one large.

"White! Bamby! Arimby!" Daisy shouted happily.

She ran up to them, then suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong, dear?" Luna asked.

"They'll break if I touch them..."

"Don't worry. I reinforced them with magic," Luna said warmly.

"Really?"

"Mm. Try touching them."

Daisy reached out—the sculpture remained solid.

Even though they're made of snow, with my magic and the ice sprites' help, the texture becomes soft to the touch while still sturdy like ice, Luna thought.

Soon, the closing whistle blew. The city bell rang four times—it was already four in the afternoon.

After the committee gave closing remarks, participants began packing up. Dark clouds loomed in the far northern sky.

"It's already late," Luna said. "Elise, where are you all going after this?"

"Since the nights are cold, we usually stay inside our inn."

"I see... how about staying at my place tonight?"

Elise and the others immediately cheered.

Together, they headed for the eastern gate to ride Langit and return to Dewata Lake.

• • •

Once they arrived home, Abiyasa helped Lusserina prepare dinner. The others took turns bathing in warm water. After everyone finished, they gathered for dinner. The scent of food and the warm atmosphere filled the entire house. Afterwards, they all went to rest.

[Festival Day Two]

The second day of the festival was far livelier than the first. From morning to noon, the air was filled with the sweet scent of pastries, children's laughter, and the winter-themed music played by street performers. A thin snowfall drifted gently, sparkling in the sunlight.

Luna, Rima, Daisy, Elise, and the others chose not to participate in major competitions today. They wanted to enjoy the festival casually—and of course, fulfil all of Daisy's small wishes.

"Lun, look! Ring toss game!" Elise pointed at a small booth by the roadside.

Daisy's eyes sparkled as she spotted the prize displayed behind the booth keeper—a large white wolf plushie that looked precisely like White. Her eyes glowed with desire.

"Mom... Daisy wants to try," she said quietly but with determination.

Luna smiled softly. "All right, dear. Give it a try. I know you can."

Daisy grabbed three rings. Her small hands trembled—whether from cold, excitement, or nerves, Luna couldn't tell. The first throw was poorly missed. The second bounced off the floor.

Elise encouraged her immediately, "It's okay! Just have fun!"

The third throw... also missed.

But Daisy didn't give up. "Daisy wants to try again!"

Seeing her spirit, the booth keeper smiled. "All right, little one. This time, try throwing from here—just a bit closer."

Daisy took a new ring, inhaled deeply like a tiny warrior preparing for battle, and—

Plak.

The ring landed perfectly on the wooden peg.

"IT WENT IN!!" Elise screamed the loudest.

Daisy immediately ran to the white wolf plushie and hugged it tightly as if it had belonged to her all along.

"White's little version..." she murmured, smiling so sweetly that Luna almost melted.

Luna could only stroke Daisy's head, overwhelmed with pride and adoration.

• • •

Their walk continued. Daisy tried a snow cake—a sweet ball-shaped treat dusted with powdered white sugar. After one small bite—

"Hmmm... so sweet..." Daisy mumbled, her lips and chin covered in sugar.

Elise bent over laughing. "Daisy! Your mouth looks like it's snowing!"

Luna took out a handkerchief. "Eat slowly, dear."

"Mm..." Daisy nodded, still chewing happily.

At another part of the festival, they stopped to listen to street musicians—a soft flute, a blend of guitar and small drums, mixed with a winter song. Daisy swayed her wolf plushie in rhythm.

Later, they saw rows of winter lanterns hung along the street—pale-blue lanterns carved with crescent moons, glowing gently from within.

"So pretty..." Daisy touched one of the strings, watching its light shift.

"This festival is famous for its moon and snow lanterns," Rima explained. "They say hanging one in front of your house brings the Moon Goddess's blessing."

Luna smiled. "Then let's buy one. For the house... and for Daisy."

Daisy hugged the lantern tightly, nodding.

• • •

The second day ended with warmth. On their way home, Daisy fell asleep even before they reached the eastern gate—the white wolf plushie still in her arms.

Before going to sleep, Luna watched Daisy's peaceful face.

Today... she really had fun, Luna thought, relieved.

Tomorrow, they didn't yet know what awaited them.

But for now, everything felt warm and perfect.

[Festival Day Three]

Brrrrr!!!

Luna woke to a loud rumble. She opened her eyes—the room was dark and quiet. Beside her, Rima was still asleep.

The second rumble was louder, making the windows shake.

Luna quickly got up and opened the curtains.

The wind howled like a wild beast, flinging snow across the balcony.

A blizzard? she whispered.

She immediately thought of Daisy.

Careful not to wake Rima, she headed for the door. But just as her hand touched the handle, Rima's sleepy voice emerged.

"Morning, Lun... you're up already?"

"Morning, Rim..."

"Where are you rushing off to?"

"I want to check on Daisy. There's a blizzard outside, and the rumbling woke me up. I'm worried she's scared."

Luna stepped out of the room.

A blizzard? Rima was startled.

She opened the curtains to confirm—and the raging storm greeted her eyes.

This isn't normal wind... it feels like something is pushing it from beyond the sky, she thought.

• • •

When Luna reached Daisy's room, she found Daisy peacefully asleep in Elise's arms. Seeing this, all of Luna's earlier worries melted away. Daisy must have woken up frightened, but Elise had soothed her. Thank you, Elise, Luna thought before closing the door quietly and heading downstairs.

On the first floor, Al and Kyle were already sitting at the dining table.

"Good morning, Lun!" Al greeted.

"Good morning, Miss Luna," Kyle added.

"Good morning, Al, Kyle. Morning, Lu, Abi," Luna replied.

"Good morning, Madam!" the two servants answered.

Luna joined Al and Kyle.

"Where are Phina and Lynn?"

"They're probably still asleep," Kyle replied.

"You guys woke up early? I checked Daisy's room earlier—she's still sleeping with Elise," Luna said.

"We didn't wake up too long ago either. The storm outside woke us," Al said.

"Did you wake up because of the rumbling too?" he asked.

"Yes... Same here," Luna replied.