New World, New Life: I Became A Bigshot In The Ancient World
Chapter 115: THE SACRED ART OF APPRECIATING FOOD

Chapter 115: THE SACRED ART OF APPRECIATING FOOD

"Yes." Adeline turned away from the view and faced Finn. "How did you find out about this place?"

"I usually come here with Fiona during festivals, especially on the new year festival and the Kingdom’s anniversary. My parents found this place when they were younger. They used to come here before they got married," Finn replied.

"Your parents..." Adeline trailed off.

The roof they were sitting on was a reminder of how long the cottage had been unoccupied. It creaked when the wind blew, and parts of it looked like they might collapse at any moment.

Finn’s eyes seemed sad as he said, "Yes. We used to come here together. But after they passed away, it’s just me and Fiona."

"Oh. I... I’m sorry," Adeline said softly, not knowing what else to say. She could tell that Finn’s parents meant so much to him. She didn’t mean to bring up sad memories, but at the same time, she couldn’t empathize with him.

"Huu~" Finn sighed and shook his head. "It’s fine. It’s been so long already."

"What about Miss Decker? Will she get to see the festival since she’s managing the stall?" Adeline asked. It wasn’t that she was really concerned, but she just wanted to make conversation.

"We close the stall just before midnight, so she will. The festival ends after the firecrackers go off," Finn explained.

At that moment, a rat scurried across the roof, brushing against Adeline’s hand.

Finn expected her to let out a squeal, but she didn’t. Instead, she caught the rat with am amazing speed.

The rat was the one to squeak nonstop at her grip on its tail, startling the birds in their nests, which fluttered noisily into the air. This caused a caught off guard Finn to stumble into Adeline’s arms.

"It’s alright, Mister Decker," Adeline said as she held him steady.

Finn quickly pulled away, his cheeks tinting out of embarrassment. "I’m sorry for falling on you like that, miss Adeline," he said, embarrassed.

Adeline actually laughed softly as she sat beside him again. Finn stared at her in a daze, realizing he hadn’t really seen her laugh. The sound was so beautiful.

"Look," Adeline said, pointing toward the sky and snapping him out of his daze. "The firecrackers are about to start, I suppose?"

Finn followed her gaze and looked up. He nodded in reply.

They sat, watching as the first bursts of light exploded in the sky, creating sparkles in different colors. They kept on exploding, creating a loud, but surprisingly not disturbing sound. It created a magical effect as the whole streets became calm and quiet.

The loud booms echoed across the streets, but instead of disturbing the quiet crowd, they added to the magical atmosphere.

"Oh, my," Adeline gasped, mesmerized by the dazzling display.

"Beautiful," Finn said quietly, though his words seemed to hold more meaning.

Adeline nodded in agreement. Her gaze struggled to move away, her eyes lingering on the seemingly magical moment. Her eyes reflected the lights from the firecrackers.

When Adeline glanced at him, she was startled to find him staring at her. It was as if he wasn’t referring to the firecrackers, but to her.

Her expression didn’t change when she noticed their hands intertwined. How long had they been like this?

She considered pulling her hand back, but Finn who had also noticed held on a moment longer before letting go. He looked like he wanted to say something, but then he changed his mind.

Their attention shifted as the loud cheers from the crowd signaled the end of the firecracker show, and the conclusion of the festival.

***

"Why aren’t you saying anything?" Aristia asked Owen, her mouth full from the meat skewers she stuffed into her mouth. "Gosh, I love meat. And spicy food."

"I have nothing to say," Owen replied, handing her a napkin. "You eat like a princess." He was being sarcastic.

"Thanks. I know." Aristia rolled her eyes at him but still collected the napkin.

"By the way, do you always carry napkins around with you?" Aristia asked curiously. It had been surprisingly handy.

"No. Just when I’m with you." Owen replied with a straight face.

Aristia, "...!"

She could only glare at him in annoyance while still stuffing her face. "Joke’s on you. I can eat however I want. Hmph!"

She proceeded to use her hand to grab an onion ring from her skewer and toss it into her mouth. Then, she muttered. "I think it would have been better if you kept your mouth shut."

Owen chuckled while eating his own skewer. He knew that Aristia liked food which was why he had brought a pouch full of coins with him. It was just surprising that you wouldn’t notice it unless you were close with her.

He had never seen anyone who liked food as much as she did or who ate as much as she did, especially among the noble children he’d seen.

It was surprising how her influence spread— her cousins and close friends among her circle had begun eating like her, and even he was starting to do the same! He rolled his eyes when he remembered that Aristia called it ’the sacred art of appreciating food’.

Owen discreetly wiped the oil stains from around his mouth, the result of the spicy meat sauce, hoping Aristia hadn’t noticed.

Just as he was about to relax, Aristia smirked and said, startling him, "You know I saw you, right?"

Then, she took out a napkin. "Here. And yes, I carry napkins around whenever I’m with you." She paused. "Because you eat like a Prince; a pig prince."

"...!"

Owen was speechless.

"The firecrackers will start soon. It’s almost midnight," he said, changing the subject.

"Firecrackers...?" Aristia asked.

[He’s talking about the firecrackers I know, right? Like the fireworks?] Aristia was pleasantly surprised. She didn’t know they had those here.

[I also didn’t know they set off fireworks for the new year here.]

Her eyes lit up. She turned to Owen and asked hurriedly. "How long until they start?"

"About ten minutes... why?" Owen asked skeptically.

"Let’s go back to the Decker Twins’ stall," she replied, already running back,not bothering to wait for her aide.

Owen followed immediately.

When they arrived, Aristia was hardly out of breath— her body had gotten used to running. The cool air on this night was very refreshing.

Fiona was just closing the stall. "Miss Aris," she called out when she saw Aristia approaching.

"Did Dorothy give you what I asked for?" Aristia asked.

"Yes," Fiona replied, bringing out a picnic basket and a small box.

"I’ll carry the box, Miss Aris," Fiona offered.

"Okay. Since Finn and Adeline are enjoying the festival together, why don’t you join us, Fiona? So you’re not alone," Aristia suggested.

"Alright," Fiona agreed after a moment’s thought.

"Then let’s go," Aristia said, heading out. Then she paused and turned to Owen. "Where do you usually stay to watch the firecrackers?" She asked in a whisper.

Owen seemed lost in thought, staring straight ahead with a distant expression.

***

[Uh...]

Aristia looked around, noticing they were in a tavern filled with men holding mugs of beer. It was noisy and vibrant and wasn’t exactly what she had expected. There seemed to be a lot more people than usual due to the ongoing festival.

She turned to Owen. This was the place?

He shrugged. She shrugged. Well then.

As soon as they entered, the rowdy crowd quieted briefly before resuming their boisterous activities.

"Hey, look at these kids! Did you come into the wrong place?"

"And who’s the pretty lady?"

"Would you like a drink, lady...?"

The comments ranged from slurred to jeering, with a few sounding normal.

"Hey, calm down everyone. That ain’t how to treat guests on a happy day." A manly voice cut through the noise before a large man approached them. He thought they might have come with the lady.

"Children, you might have stepped into the wrong place. This is not— Owen? For a moment there, I almost didn’t recognize you. Boy, I haven’t seen you in a while, close to a year, in fact! How’ve you been?" The man asked, placing his big hand on Owen’s shoulder familiarly.

"Good, Roger," Owen replied.

"Well, I can see that," The man called Roger exclaimed, looking down at Owen in surprise and amazement, wondering how the boy had changed so much from the last time he saw him.

He finally snapped out of his surprise.

"Here to watch the firecrackers, huh?" Roger asked, his eyes shifting to Aristia and Fiona. "And who are these lovely ladies with you?"

"They’re here to watch the firecrackers," Owen said, keeping it simply.

Roger laughed heartily. "Being secretive, huh? Well, the roof’s available."

Owen nodded and started climbing the stairs, with Aristia and Fiona following closely behind them.

The rooftop stretched out before them, offering a panoramic view of the streets below. Strings of lanterns draped across nearby buildings flickered gently, casting a warm glow that danced across the darkened streets.

Above them, the stars twinkled brightly, merging with the joyous atmosphere and the festival’s lively energy.

A cool breeze swept across the rooftop, carrying with it the scent of grilled food and the faint aroma of incense from the festival stalls below. It ruffled their hair and brought a refreshing chill, a welcome contrast to the bustling activity in the streets.

It was a moment of calm.

From their position, the distant sounds of laughter and music floated up, the lively notes of a fiddle mingling with the rhythmic beat of drums. Shouts and cheers echoed from the festivalgoers, adding to the festive atmosphere.

To Aristia, it was the perfect spot to watch fireworks.