Under the Starry Evernight Sky

The day of the winter solstice had arrived, marking the beginning of the festivities in the royal city, Eldora.

“Look, I bought the Evernight candles for us!” Miss Cynthia held three candles, each with its own holder.

“What are these for?” Esmeraldo stared at the candles.

The professor placed them on top of the dining table as she explained, “Tonight is the Evernight! The lights throughout the whole city will be dimmed and everyone will carry a candle around. This way we can enjoy the festivities under a beautiful starry night sky!”

Eldora was known as the busiest city in the whole kingdom and earned the title of the City of Light, as its shops remained open until late at night. However, on the night of the winter solstice, when the night was at its longest, the main street lanterns in the city and the lights in the houses would be dimmed.

Annette noticed the magical formula was engraved on the candle holder as she closely inspected it. “Are these magical tools, ma’am?”

“Oh, you noticed? Yes, they are! We light these up by channeling a tiny bit of mana into them. They also come with a small barrier! This way, we don’t have to worry about them falling and causing a fire!” Miss Cynthia explained as she demonstrated it.

“I see, that’s very convenient,” Annette said. She seemed to be interested in the candle holder that let anyone cast a fire spell, regardless of one’s natural element.

“Alright, the sun will soon completely set. Let’s get ready and head to the Central Square early! They will have some plays and music performances this evening!”

“Oh, okay, ma’am.”

The temperature had dropped considerably over the past week, but it didn’t prevent anyone from enjoying the festivities outside their homes. Annette, her adviser, and the little dragon covered themselves in their warm winter clothes before grabbing the candles and departing.

By the time the sun had completely set on the horizon, the magical street lanterns had lit up the city with a dim glow. The townspeople left their houses and walked around, accompanied by a warm light in their hands. They slowly filled the Central Square, where the musical performances would soon begin at its centre.

Rows of benches surrounded the centre of the square, allowing everyone to sit and enjoy the performances.

“Oh, the musical performance is about to start! Can you take a seat over there while I buy us some roasted chestnuts?” Miss Cynthia pointed towards the front rows.

“Alright, ma’am.”

Annette walked to the bench on the second row with Esmeraldo following as he gripped her clothes. She felt relieved that it wasn’t as busy as she had anticipated.

As it had been the day before, the Central Square was packed with people, yet it remained surprisingly spacious. Most had settled around the stalls or on the benches rather than wandering through the square. This gave Annette a little room to breathe in the middle of the crowds.

“Good evening, people of the Kingdom of Sheldiawald! Tonight, let’s enjoy the winter solstice together with joy and warmth under the beautiful sky full of stars! And I wish for a joyful Evernight to everyone!!” one of the performers announced as they started their musical performance, welcomed by the applause of the townspeople.

A rustic and joyful melody flowed across the Central Square, coming from several musicians in the centre. There was someone singing along with them, leading a song that everyone seemed to be familiar with. People brought drinks or snacks to their seats to enjoy with their dear ones, while others sang along and swayed their bodies to the music.

Shortly after, someone took a seat next to Annette and offered her a bag of roasted chestnuts.

“Oh, welcome back, Miss Cyn—”

Annette was about to greet her adviser, but she stopped and blinked twice the moment she looked up.

“Good evening, Annette,” said Henry with a smile.

“G-good evening, um… Senior?” Annette chose her words carefully as they were in the middle of the crowds.

Henry’s smile widened. It seemed that he was reminded of something.

Next to Prince Henry sat Lucas on the bench, while Miss Cynthia came from the other side and took a seat next to Esmeraldo.

Henry and Lucas wore their winter robes with their hoods lowered to cover their faces today. It seemed like the two royal men had sneaked out of the palace to enjoy the festivities yet again.

“I met Miss Cynthia at the stall over there, so I followed her here. The chestnuts are good. How about trying one?” said Henry.

More like we followed you here after you asked where she was to Miss Cynthia, thought Lucas silently.

That night, the dimly lit Eldora was filled with so many delightful faces amongst thousands of candle lights.

***

The Crown Prince of Sheldiawald had somehow brought a young girl into the royal grounds that night, leaving Lucas to enjoy the festivities with Miss Cynthia and the little dragon.

“Let’s go this way.” Henry quietly led the way.

“Um, Y-your Highness, are you sure… that it’s okay for me to be here?”

“Of course.”

The prince had told her that he wanted to bring her to a good place to watch the stars together. However, Annette had been anxious ever since the moment Henry brought her to the royal castle’s main gate.

“I-I thought we are going to, um, a hill to watch the stars, sir?”

“Yes, we are. We’ll arrive soon. This way…” Henry said as he tilted his head towards the hill.

Annette hesitated. Panic took over her as her thoughts began to spiral.

He didn’t tell me that he was bringing me to the palace!! Ugghhh… Is someone like me even allowed to be here?? What if they caught me?! Am I going to be beheaded?! Ughhhh…

Henry glanced at her as he noticed that she was standing there, stunned.

“Annette? What’s wrong?” asked him worriedly.

“Ah, um, I… um, if someone caught me… um…” the girl muttered.

Caught? Hm, I see…

Henry stepped closer to Annette as he took off his hood and called her once again, “Annette, won’t you look at me?”

Annette, who had been gazing at her feet, slowly raised her head to Henry. The prince’s peridot eyes stared back at her with a gentle smile on his face as he offered Annette his hand.

“I’m going to show you a nice view from my house. I think you’ll like it. Will you trust me?”

She stared at the hand held open before her for a few seconds, then placed her hand in it with a nod. It seemed that the prince’s intention had come across to her. Henry smiled and gently held her hand as he continued on their walk.

“We’re here.”

Henry guided Annette to stand in front of him as he showed the view from the hill in the royal palace grounds.

The royal castle was located on higher ground overlooking the city. It had several gardens and other open areas. At the highest point stood the grand royal palace.

The hill they currently stood on was a wide open area. It allowed Annette to see the whole city of Eldora down below and the night sky up above.

The royal capital Eldora was decorated with a sea of lights moving all around the city with most of them gathered in the centre of it, making it the brightest point of them all. However, it wasn’t as bright as Eldora usually was.

That night, the winter sky seemed so high and clear that only a few specks of clouds could be seen. With the whole city being dimmed tonight, more sparkling little stars above came to vivid view.

Annette’s eyes widened in astonishment. “This is…”

Henry leaned closer behind her and whispered, “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Annette slowly nodded. “It is… Very…”

For the past half a year, she had been spending her time studying and reading books inside a room. It felt as though years had passed since the last time she actually took a good look at the nature around her.

Henry stepped to her side. “This is one of my favourite spots in the castle. At night, the stars just look so much brighter here. How is it? I’ve brought you to a very good place, haven’t I?”

Annette turned to face Henry, wearing a delightful smile. Her cold cheeks flushed rosy and her eyes dimly sparkled as she said, “It’s so amazing! Thank you very much, Your Highness!”

Prince Henry unconsciously smiled as he saw for the first time this honey-brown-haired girl smile so brightly.

“I’m glad to hear that. Actually, there was something that has been weighing on me.”

Annette tilted her head questioningly.

“That day, when my classmate lost control, I saw that you looked troubled.” Henry turned and gazed at the small lights dancing amongst the city. “I bet you were trying to use your divine magecraft to help me. However, I don’t want to risk your ability being discovered for such a matter.”

Annette’s hair was softly blown by the cold winter wind as she stared at the Crown Prince beside her.

Henry turned back to Annette and smiled. “I just wanted to tell you that I understood your intention and I was very happy. So, don’t feel bad about it. Thank you, Annette.”

Annette smiled a little. I’m glad.

They stood on the hill in silence for a while as they let themselves be captivated by the scene before them under the twinkling lights.