Chapter 7

A week and a half had quickly passed and the castle was even more alive than ever with getting the final preparations ready. Cassidy was going to go down with Nao, along with the rest of the workers inside the castle that would be able to mainly enjoy the festival without having to do work like those who would be cooking food or guarding the royal family. "This almost reminds me of the apple festival at home.." Cassidy and Nao walked with the rest of the crowd from the castle down to the town. "Kinda like how you're celebrating the sea's bounty, we would celebrate the apple harvest. My dad could always make a really good apple pie.." A fleeting thought of her parents not going to it now because she's not there made her sad for a moment before she shook her head to drive the thought away. She couldn't do anything for it right now, so there was no point in dwelling on it. Nao hummed softly, gently bumping Cassidy as she could tell the other still thought of her family, "Well that sounds fantastic. If you remember the recipe, maybe we can make it here. Later, of course." She did notice the others still whispering about the both of them, but she paid it no mind. Sure, she and Cassidy often spoke together in English, but honestly, Nao knew that for both her and Cassidy, even if Takashi was a kinder Lord than most, it would be safer if they could have conversations that couldn't be listened to. Even if Cassidy wasn't part of the concubines, Nao still felt it wise to be a few steps ahead, just in case. She knew Cassidy agreed on that as they had talked about it before in private. "....Did you see the prince still had the shark?" Cassidy giggled a bit, still feeling so happy that Hiroshi loved his new friend. Bishop the shark had even been joining them in lessons since she had given them to Hiroshi. Not that she nor Nao minded, they both thought it was adorable. "Last I heard, 'Bishop' even got a little seat in the Norimono." Nao laughed softly, "It's quite cute. You gave him a friend he's going to cherish for a long time. Ah~ here we are!" She said as they finally got to the town. "Wow, it's so much more lively than when we come here for the markets!"Cassidy observed as she watched young children run around to go play games or find something sweet to eat."Definitely reminds me more of the apple festival.. I'm glad some things seem to transcend time, there's always festivals like this that bring people together. It's amazing." Nao laughed softly as she watched the remaining workers from the kitchens dart off towards the center of town where the cooking was happening, just to see if there was anything else that needed to be done. "Well, after we listen to the Lord's words, we can mess around for a little while!" "Sounds perfect to me~" Cassidy hummed as she followed Nao and the others from the castle to the center, where Takashi was going to give his opening words as well. In the center of the town, besides rows of tables that were set up for the royal gift, up on a stage were the royal tables, where Takashi, his mother, and Hiroshi were going to sit along with a few other officials. There was a little area where it was obvious that Takashi would give the opening and closing words. They settled in around the others as they waited, which they didn't have to wait long. If Cassidy was the assuming type, she would assume that, similar to her, Takashi was trying to get the words out of the way as soon as he could. Honestly, Cassidy couldn't blame him if that was the case. Public speaking was something that was so draining. As Takashi raised his hands, the general chatter died down, and he began to speak. "It has been one year since our last Sea festival, and during this year we have lost many, but gained even more. I can't even begin to say how happy I am to see more children here in town. Hopefully, our town will continue this growth and no sickness or war will take it from us." He paused for a moment, his eyes darting down to the podium in front of him quickly reading over what he had written. "As you can probably tell by the smell, the Royal Gift is once again a mass meal, where you all are welcomed and encouraged to partake of food that normally goes to the Castle. Please, take as much as you wish, even if it's bringing it to your home for later, or even eat it here at the tables provided. Now... The sea has given us a bounty that rivals even last years. The Gods have truly blessed us to make sure that we do not go hungry. I can only hope we continue to please them so that this glorious bounty continues. With that said, this year's Sea Festival now officially starts!" He held out his hands as the people before him cheered and started doing the festival activities. Music and laughter started to fill the air. Nao grabbed Cassidy's arm to pull her off to have some fun! "So, what are we gonna do first?" Cassidy asked as she managed to keep pace with Nao as they weaved their way through the crowd. The smell of various foods frying was filling the air as well, making Cassidy a bit more hungry, but she'd wait to eat at least. "Well, honestly I don't know I just hope we don't-" She paused as a voice shouted her name. "" "See my family, come on, come on this way!" She laughed, dragging Cassidy through a side alley. The only one of Nao's family that Cassidy had met had been Nao's mother, and that woman was rather nice! It seemed the rest of the family somewhat resented the fact that Cassidy was the reason Nao was brought up to the castle. --- After a few hours, the sun was setting, more people were sitting down to eat and listen to music. Cassidy and Nao were among them, finally settling down to eat after doing some shopping and having some fun. They had both bought some fabric so Cassidy could get to work on making their respective plushies. Cassidy had a cat mask on top of her head. She had also bought a nice, pretty hair pin. All in all, a good day. A good day that was made even better when they settled down for good food. They had just finished eating when one of the servants came trotting over. They said something to Nao, as Cassidy could only understand a little of it. She could tell it was something to do with Hiroshi at least. "Is everything alright??" she asked, tilting her head. "It seems the Prince is tired, but is requesting you. Will you be alright?"Nao asked, looking over at Cassidy, a silent way of asking if Cassidy minded if Nao stayed a bit longer. Cassidy nodded, standing and smoothing out her clothes, "I'll be fine, I think I know what the Prince wants. Have fun, Nao. See you later~!" and with that, Cassidy followed after the servant. They were at the Norimono. She could see Hiroshi standing beside Tanjiro, holding on to his Shark with one hand and rubbing his eyes with the other. The moment Hiroshi saw Cassidy, the six year old stumbled a bit but just hugged onto her leg, mumbling about 'The whale song..." Ah. He wanted a lullaby. Before she could talk, she saw Takashi as well, "" She gave the polite bow, which he returned. "" Takashi started, blinking a bit as he saw Hiroshi reach up at Cassidy, asking to be picked up. "" But he trailed off as Cassidy obeyed the young prince's wish, picking him up, letting Hiroshi bury his face into the crook of her neck, still fighting off the sleep. "" Cassidy said, humming softly. Tanjiro nodded, "" He said, knowing it would be safer and easier to transport them both in the litter. Takashi wanted to say something more, but he was just staring at Cassidy holding Hiroshi. He only spoke when Tanjiro coughed. "" "" Tanjiro nodded and opened the door to the norimono for Cassidy to get inside holding the prince. Cassidy settled down, and was going to put Hiroshi down on one of the cushions, but the child kept his grip on her, letting out a whine when she tried to put him down. "Ahah.. Alright then... "She rubbed his back, humming a bit more before she started to softly sing the song, "Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea... Swim so wild and ya swim so free.. Heavens above and the sea below.. And a little white whale on the go..~"