Once he learned to fully use his skill, paying the loan would not even take an entire year. After that, he would be free to make use of his knowledge and skills to enrich his life.
David muttered, looking at his feet, feeling all downcast like before, “I heard cities have a lot of things villages like ours can’t offer.”
“They do,” Peter nodded, agreeing with him before trying to sell his pitch to the siblings. “I’m sure you’ll both experience all sorts of new things. And Rune Smithing? That’s a lucrative job. You’re going to be rich,” he said, directing the last part at Charles.
“I don’t want to leave you guys,” Monica pouted, agreeing with him, but still finding the situation disturbing and sad.
“Don’t be like that. Here, how about this?” Peter rested his chin on his palm, pretending to be deep in thought. “Let’s make a promise, no matter what happens, we won’t forget each other. We’ll stay friends and meet again when we’re older. Sound good?” he extended his palm for a handshake.
Silence stretched for a moment before one by one, they nodded. Instead of shaking his hand, Monica grabbed it and just pulled him in a friendly hug. Once she released him, Charles pulled him into another hug.
Peter gently freed himself. “Good. Now, let’s enjoy the festival. It’s better to part with happy memories than sad ones.”They nodded again, their spirits lifting. Peter, however, wasn’t naïve. He knew these two would likely make new friends in the city and, eventually, forget about them. That was life.
He wasn’t going to hold it against them. They were kids, after all. The only reason he suggested the promise was to make them feel better about parting, at least for now.
Peter took the lead, striding confidently toward the group of dancing teenagers nearby. His approach didn’t go unnoticed. Curious gazes followed him as he closed the distance, his confident gait making an impression.
Stopping in front of a girl who had been watching her friends dance, he flashed a charming smile before extending his hand toward her. One foot shifted forward as he leaned slightly into a bow.
“I couldn’t help but notice that my lady lacks a dance partner. Might I have the honour of this dance?” Peter said, sounding all polite and aristocratic. The girl’s eyes widened in surprise. The boy playing the flute nearly swallowed his instrument, mouth agape as if he could fit an entire egg inside.
Peter patiently waited, enjoying the moment. A little mischief never hurt anyone.
“Go on, Noelle. Answer the little lord,” teased one of the girls who had been dancing earlier, clearly in on the fun.
Behind him, he could hear barely contained snickers. Peter didn’t miss a beat.
“Indeed. Please grant me the honour of hearing your voice, my lady,” Sparing her a look from his puppy eyes, he continued “, even if it is to reject me.”
Noelle raised an eyebrow at his teasing words before finally gently placing her palm in his. “It would be my pleasure, my lord,” she replied, her expression utterly serious.
Peter’s smile widened as he proudly led her to the centre of the group, stopping in front of the flute player. Placing one hand on her waist and holding her other hand in his, he gently guided her free palm to his shoulder.
Turning to the musician, he spoke with exaggerated politeness. “Good sir, if we could have the same melody from before, it would be much appreciated.”
The flute player, still slightly stunned, gave a quick nod before resuming the tune. The height difference made things a bit awkward, but Peter did his best to mimic the ballroom dances he remembered. Before long, others joined in, including his friends.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
In the end, Noelle took charge, flipping roles and leading like a proper gentleman. Peter didn’t mind. Everyone was laughing, so letting himself be twirled around like a lady for a bit was a small price to pay.
Eventually, growling stomachs signalled the end of their fun, and the group decided to eat together. They all had become fast friends by then. As expected, the food was incredible.
While they ate in each other's company, the dried crop plants were set ablaze, the fire crackling as it spread.
Adults gathered around, their faces illuminated by the flickering glow. Someone was giving a speech, but the words were lost beneath the chatter and laughter at their table.
‘I’ll ask someone about it later,’ Peter thought, pushing the thought aside in favour of the food on his plate. Everything could wait, as right now his entire focus was finishing an expertly cooked horned rabbit leg.
…
“My fellow villagers, allow me to say a few words before the celebrations begin in earnest,” Amelia's voice carried over the gathering, bringing a silence around her, and most turned to pay attention.
Not everyone was present, and not everyone was paying attention, but that was fine, she decided, finding the atmosphere pleasant enough.
“Normally, my mother gives this speech. However, as you all know, her health is worsening by the day. So, this year, I have taken it upon myself to fulfil this duty.” She began in earnest, addressing the crowd.
Many heads nodded in understanding, giving her looks of pity and respect. Her mother had earned their appreciation and respect as the single pillar that supported this community for decades.
“Allow me to express my deepest gratitude for all that you do. We are truly thankful. I would bow, but as the only priest of the Trinity, I am forbidden from doing so. Please forgive me.” That was the custom, she had to keep her position as a religious figure in mind.
“No need for that.”
“Yes, no need to apologise.”
“The Elder has always been there for us when we needed guidance.”
A chorus of voices rose in support. Amelia waited for them to settle before continuing. “My mother has chosen to use her authority to appoint Mariah, wife of our militia leader.”
A few murmurs spread through the crowd as people discussed among themselves.
“A wise choice.”
“Indeed. I heard she used to live in a large city.”
“Everyone knows that, Mark.”
As the voices died down, Amelia gestured toward Mariah, who stood a few steps away, her posture poised yet uncertain under the village’s collective gaze.
“I have more delightful news to share with you all,” Amelia continued, her voice warm with excitement. “John has finally found a suitable lad for his daughter, Rose, to marry in the nearby village. The wedding will be soon.”
A wave of cheers and congratulatory murmurs spread through the crowd, glasses filled with ale and wine alike raised in toast. Once people calmed down a bit, Amelia raised her hand to get their attention before she spoke with reverence.
“Now, let us all give thanks to Avaris of the Trinity for yet another bountiful harvest and pray that she continues to bless our fields with vitality.”
The square gradually fell into silence as people closed their eyes, hands clasped in reverence, offering their prayers to the goddess of agriculture and fertility.
.
.
.
“Let’s enjoy ourselves to the fullest after a week of hard work in the fields!” Amelia raised her voice, lifting a cup of ginger ale in her hand.
Some nodded in polite agreement, others cheerfully raised their cups in response, while the rest calmly dispersed to enjoy the festivities.
Amalia didn’t mind. She had never cared much for crowds, nor did she enjoy leading or giving speeches. She preferred solitude. Perhaps that was why she never married or pursued a higher position in the church hierarchy, despite having the ability to do so.
She was a Tamer, an unusual-ranked class. Given enough time and resources, she could become a one-woman army.
…
Peter spotted Joseph first and called out, “Hey, Dad.”
Joseph turned to him with a knowing look. “Pete. Judging by that belly of yours, I’d say you’ve already had dinner. How was it?”
“It was good. Especially the roasted pig with that crunchy skin…” Peter sighed in satisfaction, smacking his lips “That was divine.”
“Really?” a familiar voice chimed in.
Peter turned to see Mariah angrily standing beside his father. He hadn’t noticed her at first, probably because of how broad Joseph’s back was.
“Hehe… Not as good as what you make, of course,” he added quickly, smiling shamelessly.
She shook her head, though the hint of amusement in her eyes was unmistakable. She was getting used to his flattery.
“I heard your friends are moving to the city. How do you feel about it?” she asked, stepping closer, amusement turning into concern.
“I’ll miss them, but it is what it is. Charles has a better future waiting for him in the city. It’d be selfish to wish for him to stay here.” Peter answered, sharing his true thoughts on the matter. He didn’t want to hold him back, not that he had the authority to do that.
Joseph looked oddly proud at that, while Mariah simply smiled softly and patted his head with a gentle touch.