Chapter 9 - In The Same Story

Love is a destiny~

Between two people that share the same stories ~

After that little incident, Sahila quickly paid for the perfume she had bought. The elderly shopkeeper smiled as he handed her the purchase, then placed another tiny bottle beside it.

"This one's a little bonus."

The moment Isaac saw the bottle, he immediately pushed it back. "NO, THANK YOU!"

The old man leaned closer to Sahila and whispered, "He must not be very popular with the ladies."

Sahila covered her mouth as she laughed. "That's true."

"Huh?!" Isaac protested.

Ignoring his reaction, the shopkeeper firmly pressed the bottle back into Isaac's hand. "A gift should never be refused."

With cheeks as red as a tomato, Isaac snatched the bottle away. "Let's go home!"

He stomped out of the shop with exaggeratedly loud footsteps. Rosella and Sahila waved goodbye to the shopkeeper.

Just as they were about to leave, something caught Rosella's eye. A small figure wearing a green cap hurried into a narrow alley. The cap looked strangely familiar. The figure disappeared into the crowd almost instantly.

"...Wait. Could it be...?"

Without thinking, Rosella ran after the mysterious figure.

"Hey! Ro! Wait!" Isaac shouted as he hurried after her.

The little figure moved surprisingly fast. Rosella squeezed through the crowded street, never taking her eyes off the silhouette ahead.

"Excuse me!"

"Please let me through!"

She could still see the figure several metres away. But every time she thought she was getting closer...

The person vanished behind the crowd again.

Thud!

Rosella crashed into someone.

"Ow..."

She rubbed her forehead. Strong arms caught her before she could lose her balance. Golden blond hair swayed gently in the breeze. A pair of deep blue eyes looked down at her in surprise.

"Here you are, my lady. I've been looking everywhere for you."

Rosella looked up. "Sebastian!"

Then, without thinking, she blurted out,

"Clover!"

Sebastian's smile disappeared instantly.

"...Clover?"

"Yes! He was over there!"Rosella pointed toward the alley.

Without asking another question, Sebastian immediately took off running.

"Excuse me!"

"Sorry!"

He searched one alley after another, checking every corner he passed.

Rosella could only watch. It was the first time she had ever seen Sebastian look so serious.

Several minutes later...

He returned.

Letting out a long sigh, he shook his head.

"...We've lost him."

Silence lingered between them for a moment. Then Sebastian looked at Rosella.

"Are you alright?"

Rosella nodded. "I just wanted to make sure it was really Clover."

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair. "Next time..."

"Don't chase someone like that by yourself."

He glanced around before looking back at her. "...Why are you alone?"

"I wasn't alone. I was with them..." Rosella turned around. Only to realise her companion were nowhere to be seen.

Sebastian sighed softly. "So..."

"You really are alone."

A faint smile returned to his face. "A lady shouldn't be running around alone in a city she's only just arrived in."

"...Sorry."

"It's alright."

He looked up at the sky. The sun had yet to set.

"We still have some time before evening. How about we take a walk and explore the city?"

Sebastian extended his hand toward her. Rosella stared at it.

Don't be fooled.

He's like this with every girl he met.

"Hmph."

She deliberately walked past him instead.

"So... where are we going?"

She ignored his outstretched hand and continued walking ahead. Sebastian looked at his rejected hand for a moment before letting out a quiet chuckle.

"Hey! Where are we going?" asked Rosella again.

"Wherever your curiosity takes us, my lady."

Sebastian slipped both hands into his pockets and casually walked beside Rosella.

Rosella's eyes sparkled with excitement. Everything she saw fascinated her. They had barely taken a few steps when she suddenly stopped.

"Whoa! What's that?"

She pointed toward a small crowd gathered along the street. A man and a woman were making some kind of pastry. The man lifted a large wooden mallet and repeatedly pounded a lump of white dough. Beside him, the woman skillfully folded and turned the dough before the mallet came crashing down again.

Rosella stared in amazement. "...Are they beating their food?"

Before Sebastian could answer, a cheerful young girl standing nearby held out a tray of freshly made pastries.

"Would you like to try one miss?"

Rosella immediately walked over. "What are these?"

The girl smiled brightly. "You've never seen them before? You must be from out of town!"

Sebastian followed after Rosella and stopped behind her. The moment the girl noticed him, her eyes widened.

"L-Lord Sebastian?!" She nearly dropped the tray in surprise. Fortunately, Sebastian caught it before it could fall.

"Careful, miss."

"It would be a shame to waste them, wouldn't it?"

There was that smile again.

Rosella rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time.

"O-Oh... y-yes..."

The girl nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Would you like to try one too, my lord?"

Just because he's handsome, everyone keeps offering him free things...

Rosella pouted. The girl immediately noticed.

"Ah! Miss, would you like one as well?"

Rosella blinked. "May I?"

"Of course!"

"They're made to be sampled."

Rosella accepted one and took a bite. The soft rice cake melted against her teeth with a pleasantly chewy texture. Sweet red bean filling stretched slightly as she pulled it away, warm and silky.

Her eyes lit up.

"It's delicious!"

The girl giggled. "I'm so glad you like it."

"It's called a rice cake."

Rosella examined the half-eaten treat in fascination, absentmindedly poking at the sticky red bean filling clinging to her fingertips.

Sebastian watched her with a quiet smile.

"Please wrap up a box for this young lady."

Rosella looked up in surprise.

"Huh?"

Sebastian paid for the cakes before she could say another word.

"I'll pay you back," Rosella said.

"No need."

"It's a gift."

"A gift?"

"Mm."

"What for?"

Sebastian fell silent for a moment, pretending to think.

"For being sweet..."

"...and adorable."

Rosella folded her arms.

"I'm not falling for your cheesy lines."

"Really?"

Sebastian chuckled. "What a shame."

With that, he casually walked ahead, leaving Rosella to huff as she hurried after him.

Ahead of them, a crowd had gathered in a spacious square before a grand stone gate. Elegant aster flowers were carved across its surface, while banners bearing the crest of Aster fluttered freely in the evening breeze. Music drifted through the air.

Unable to resist, Rosella slipped through the crowd.

"Whoa..."

Her eyes widened in amazement.

Violinists and cellists played lively melodies while flutists and drummers filled the square with rhythmic music. All around them, townspeople danced hand in hand, clapping in time with the cheerful tune. A middle-aged woman noticed Rosella standing on the edge of the crowd and smiled warmly.

"Come, dear!"

Rosella pointed at herself.

"Me?"

The woman laughed and gently pulled her into the circle.

"Ro?"

Sebastian called out in surprise.

A few moments later...

Rosella found herself standing among the dancers. At first, every movement felt awkward. She carefully watched the people around her. One clap. One step. A turn. Then...

A laugh escaped her lips.

Before long, she was moving effortlessly with the rhythm. Her laughter rang freely through the square. Sebastian stood frozen. He had never seen Rosella like this before. Not the shy village girl who stumbled whenever she became the centre of attention. Not the bookworm who spent every spare moment buried in stories. But someone who was genuinely, wholeheartedly enjoying life.

Without even realising it...

Sebastian smiled. Not the courteous smile he wore for everyone he met. But a smile that came naturally. As though Rosella's happiness had quietly become contagious.

Just then...

A little boy dashed past Sebastian.

"Hurry! They're about to release the doves!"

Rosella quickly stepped out of the dancing circle. Her eyes sparkled.

"Come on, Sebastian!"

She waved enthusiastically.

"Hurry!"

Sebastian blinked for a moment before laughing softly.

"I'm coming."

Rosella ran ahead. Sebastian chased after her. Beneath Pimadona's golden evening sky... Their laughter blended with the music that echoed throughout the city.

Flower petals danced on the gentle breeze around them.

When they finally reached the central plaza...

Hundreds of white doves were released into the sky. The beating of countless wings filled the air as they soared into the orange glow of sunset. Rosella tilted her head back, watching them disappear into the heavens.

"...It's beautiful."

Sebastian didn't answer immediately. His gaze had already drifted away from the doves.

Instead...

He found himself watching the young woman standing beside him.

At that moment...

Someone else's happiness could become your own.

Sebastian and Rosella returned to the Happy Carnival camp after night had fallen. Lanterns had already been lit around the tents, casting a warm golden glow across the campsite. Isaac, who had been pacing anxiously outside with Sahila, immediately ran over the moment he saw them.

Where have you been?" Isaac asked, grabbing Rosella's arm.

"Ow!"

Rosella winced immediately.

"That hurts."

Isaac quickly let go.

"...Sorry."

Only then did he notice Sebastian strolling toward them a few steps behind Rosella. Sebastian casually raised a hand.

"Relax. She was with me."

Rowan stepped out of his tent and glanced between the two of them. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Hmm..."

"It seems someone enjoyed Pimadona a little longer than everyone else."

"That's not what happened!" Rosella protested at once.

Rowan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"We just... got separated."

Sebastian fought back a smile. "You could say that."

"No!" Rosella immediately objected again. "We just happened to run into each other... and walked around for a while."

"It's not what you're all thinking!"

She even crossed both arms into a large X in front of her chest.

"No!"

"No!"

"No!"

A chuckle escaped Sebastian. "You've said 'no' three times already."

Soft laughter rippled through several members of Happy Carnival who had been watching the exchange. Rosella's cheeks flushed crimson. "Anyway, no!"

She spun around and hurried into the tent. Sahila laughed as she shook her head.

"Alright, alright. The ball is about to begin. We should all start getting ready."

She quickly followed Rosella inside

Rosella had changed into the deep maroon gown Sahila had given her. Its elegant skirt swept gently across the floor of the tent. The tent flap opened. Rowan stepped inside carrying a wooden case filled with brushes, powders, and tiny glass bottles.

His eyes immediately lit up.

"Hoo..."

He gave an approving nod. "Red suits you beautifully."

Rosella looked up at him.

"I thought you were busy helping the Count's daughter get ready."

"I was."

Rowan set his wooden case on the table. "I came back the moment I finished."

"Much faster than you, apparently."

Rosella let out an awkward laugh.

"...Why?"

Rowan sighed dramatically.

"Because if I leave you on your own..."

"...you might end up looking like a clown. You've never witnessed the magic of Master Rowan's hands aren't you?.

Rosella giggled. "Very well."

"Please, Master Rowan..."

"...turn me into Cinderella."

Rowan smirked. "Don't underestimate me. I'm far better than a fairy godmother."

Silence settled over the tent. The only sounds were the soft strokes of Rowan's brushes against Rosella's skin.

From time to time, he adjusted a loose strand of her brown hair, straightened the ribbon tied behind it, fastened a delicate hairpin, and carefully chose the lipstick that matched her maroon gown. His hands moved with remarkable precision. Like an artist putting the final touches on a masterpiece.

Several minutes passed.

Rowan finally stepped back before crouching until they were at eye level.

"Hmm..."

Rosella slowly opened her eyes. She blinked in surprise.

Rowan spoke gently. "They say..."

"...a beautiful woman is born in the hands of the right man."

Rosella turned toward the mirror. For a long moment... She couldn't find the words. The girl reflected in the mirror was still her. Yet somehow... She looked older. More graceful.

The warmth on her cheeks softened her features. Her brown hair had been styled simply, but every strand framed her face perfectly. Those familiar brown eyes... Were still the same eyes. Yet now they sparkled with a confidence she had never seen before.

"...Is..."

She gently touched her cheek.

"Is this really me?"

Rowan folded his arms proudly.

"So?"

"Do you finally believe in Master Rowan's brilliance?"

Rosella continued staring at her reflection before a small smile appeared.

"No..."

She slowly shook her head.

"I just..."

"...never knew I could look like this."

Rowan chuckled. "You should've let me do your makeup before your little date."

Rosella's face instantly turned bright red. "W-WHO?!"

"WHO WAS ON A DATE?!"

"You."

Rowan pointed at her.

"And Sebastian."

"It wasn't a date!" Rosella protested.

Her gaze dropped to the maroon gown she was wearing as she gently smoothed the fabric with her fingers.

"...How could someone like me..."

"...ever be on a date with someone like Sebastian?"

Rowan, who had begun packing away his brushes, glanced at her. "Why would you think that?"

"Look at yourself. You're a beautiful girl!"

Rosella looked back at the mirror.

"That's only because of your makeup. If I washed it all off..."

Silence filled the tent. Rowan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he quietly watched her.

"...Doesn't the song say that love is a destiny... between two people who share the same stories?"

Rosella let out a quiet sigh. "If Sebastian were the bestselling book in the kingdom..."

"...I'd be nothing more than an old book collecting dust on the highest shelf. We are not the same."

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"No one ever picks a book like me."

Rowan walked back over to her. He knelt once more until their eyes were level. Taking both of her hands gently into his own, he smiled.

"I don't think we're living in different books."

Rosella frowned. "...What do you mean?"

Rowan didn't answer. Instead, his eyes briefly shifted toward the entrance of the tent. A shadow had stopped just beyond the curtain. The corners of Rowan's lips curved ever so slightly.

He reached out and carefully lifted a lock of Rosella's hair. Bringing it to his lips, he placed a gentle kiss on its tip before letting it fall softly back into place.

Then he looked into her eyes.

"You're beautiful."