Chapter 100: A Letter Beneath the Spring Sky

“Mmm!”

Before I knew it, a new year had begun.

“Such nice sunshine!”

The warm spring sunlight bathed the Floating Island.

“Shall I go for a walk? It’s been a while.”

Step step.

The winter full of ups and downs had already passed, and spring had arrived.

Green sprouts were emerging in the fields, and the trees that had been in hibernation seemed to be stretching awake.

Many seeds brought by birds had sprouted in the meantime.

“You’ve grown a lot too.”

Among them was the little ent left behind by the unicorn.

Having endured the cold winter and grown steadily, it now reached up to my knees.

Its activity had been sparse during winter, but so far, there seemed to be no issues.

“Keep up the good work. Assistant.”

Shiver.

As if understanding, the little ent trembled its twigs.

I finished my light walk and headed to the fields next.

The fields welcomed me with vegetables brimming with spring’s energy.

“Shall we start the first harvest, then?”

I began the first harvest of spring.

The season for farming had returned once more.

***

With freshly harvested crops in hand, I set out early in the morning.

“I’m a bit nervous?”

The place I was heading to was the inn in Alian Village.

“Anyone here?”

I entered the inn with a tense expression.

“Oh my! Look who’s here?”

The inn lady spotted me and came running with a big smile.

It had been a while, but she was still as sturdy and robust as ever.

She greeted me warmly with her characteristically straightforward manner, making my heart melt as if I’d come home.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course, very well. Come on over and sit down.”

She led me to a table.

“I meant to come every time, but I’m sorry it’s so late.”

“You’ve been busy in the first year after opening your shop.”

“I brought some of the first harvest this year.”

I took out the crops I’d packed full in my bag.

“Oh dear, such precious things.”

The inn lady looked as if she were unwrapping a gift bundle. Seeing her excited expression after so long made me happy and pleased.

“By the way, how’s the shop?”

“It’s doing well. Baski is fine too.”

“I’m sorry. Baski was so insistent on going.”

“No, it was perfect timing since I needed help.”

“Good then. He worked really hard while he was here.”

“He seemed like it. He still handles work efficiently.”

We exchanged stories about what had happened in the meantime.

“Oh right, look at me. A precious guest arrives, and I haven’t offered anything.”

“I’m fine.”

“No, wait a moment. I just made some soup.”

“Then, I’ll have a bowl, please.”

I was excited at the thought of eating the inn lady’s food after so long.

She quickly brought out a steaming bowl of soup.

“Eat up. If it’s not enough, I’ll give you more.”

“Thank you.”

Steam steam.

It was a cream soup loaded with button mushrooms.

Slurp.

The rich mushroom aroma lingered in my mouth. It went down smoothly with the nutty taste of milk.

“It’s delicious! Your cooking skills are as great as ever.”

“Ho ho ho. How embarrassing.”

She patted my shoulder, but unlike before, it didn’t hurt.

Probably because I’d grown in the meantime.

Slurp.

I enjoyed the soup.

Suddenly, I recalled the day I first came here.

This was my first client.

Starting with this good connection from the inn lady, I’d come this far.

…So much has happened.

Looking back, it felt like I’d walked a long way.

After finishing the soup, I stood up.

“Leaving already?”

“I have to go to Alburton. The spring festival is today.”

“Oh right. Hurry along then.”

“Thank you for the meal. I’ll definitely come back next time.”

“You’re welcome anytime.”

The inn lady smiled heartily.

Stepping out of the inn, a blue sky unfolded.

“Shall we start again?”

Just like when I took my first steps. Time to begin another year diligently.

***

“Pull it over there!”

“This one goes that way!”

Buzz buzz.

The square in Alburton was bustling with preparations for the spring festival.

And today’s festival was more special than ever.

“Michelle is performing today, right?”

“I’m so excited!”

It was because Michelle’s performance would take place in the square.

People were full of anticipation for Michelle’s show.

Understandably, since it was the first time a popular singer performed in this remote area.

“Mm! The smell of sesame oil!”

“Wow! The food at this festival is amazing!”

The Blue Horse Merchant Group had opened Korean food stalls for the festival.

Everyone attending would be served bibimbap loaded with spring greens.

I went around the stalls, checking if preparations were going well.

Then I walked to the tent behind the stage.

Michelle’s guards stopped me.

“Authorized personnel only.”

“I have something to deliver to Miss Michelle.”

Had she heard my voice from inside?

Rush rush.

Michelle hurriedly ran out of the tent.

“F-Fabir!”

“Miss Michelle. It’s been a while.”

“Come inside quickly.”

The guards stepped aside in confusion.

“You look well, Miss Michelle.”

“Thanks to you.”

She smiled brightly.

“Thank you for the invitation. I brought some tea since I didn’t want to come empty-handed.”

I handed over chamomile and pear bellflower ginger honey tea.

“Th-thank you. I was just thinking of stopping by the herb shop.”

Michelle accepted the tea preciously.

I scanned the inside of the tent.

A waiting room hastily made from a tent in Alburton, which lacked a proper venue.

It was far inferior compared to the royal capital.

“Aren’t you uncomfortable?”

“Not at all.”

“I heard you requested to perform yourself?”

“Ah, yes….”

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I get to hear your singing.”

“…It’s an honor for me to sing for you.”

Michelle’s face seemed to redden a bit.

“I’ll head to my seat now.”

“Um, wait….”

Michelle grabbed me.

“This might be presumptuous, but won’t you come to the royal capital?”

“Huh? The royal capital?”

I was taken aback by the unexpected suggestion.

“Alburton is a great place, but I think there would be more opportunities for you in the royal capital.”

“Ah….”

“If you want, I can support you absolutely!”

Michelle showed her determination with a serious expression, as if desperate to repay the favor.

But.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll decline.”

“Wh-why? Is there a special reason?”

“I like things as they are now.”

“Huh…?”

It’s peaceful and abundant in every way.

The precious connections I’ve built here are here, and living with them in this place is enjoyable and satisfying.

Michelle’s slightly parted lips gradually turned into a smile.

“You’re really unique, Fabir.”

Michelle whispered softly and continued.

“If you change your mind, please let me know anytime.”

“I will.”

“I have to go for the performance now. I’ll sing my best for you, Fabir, so please listen.”

“Hm?”

She said that and fled the scene.

“…For me?”

Nah, she must have misspoke.

I chuckled and headed to my seat. Thanks to Michelle’s consideration, I’d been assigned a seat beforehand.

Right in the center, front row. The best seat.

And then.

Prickle.

The back of my head tingled.

Why did it have to be in front of the die-hard fans?

They seemed displeased seeing me suddenly take the prime seat with the guard’s guidance.

Thanks to that, I received envious stares from die-hard fans who’d come all the way from the royal capital.

Clap clap.

Shortly after, Michelle ascended the stage.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Michelle.”

“Waaaah!”

“Michelle! I love you, Michelle!”

“Marry me!”

Everyone fell head over heels just from her greeting.

Shortly after.

As the performance began,

The square filled with Michelle’s song, and all the audience immersed themselves in it.

It was truly a beautiful song.

Like a heavenly melody.

The emotion from a human voice was different from instruments.

To have my first singer performance be Michelle’s.

I was so grateful.

Healing.

In this moment, everyone must feel the same.

Enthralled by her voice, the performance ended all too quickly.

“Thank you, everyone.”

Michelle gave her final greeting.

“And once again, thank you to the person who made it possible for me to be here.”

“Hm?”

She directed her gaze at me. And spoke.

“Fabir. If not for you, I wouldn’t be on this stage. Thank you so much.”

She smiled brightly. Startled by the unexpected, I quickly composed myself and returned her smile.

Now, the back of my head wasn’t just tingling—it was burning.

***

I quickly left the performance venue.

Being under the glare of die-hard fans felt like holes were being drilled into my body.

Step step.

The streets were quiet. It was time for everyone to enjoy the festival in the square.

“Shall I stop by the herb shop for a bit?”

The herb shop folks were all at the festival, so no one would be there.

But somehow, I felt like going to the herb shop.

Step step.

I moved my feet.

The herb shop came into view from afar. As expected, with the festival in full swing, no one was there.

The streets were quiet too. I wondered if the main street had ever been this silent.

Step step.

Approaching the herb shop door.

“Huh?”

Something was stuck in the crack at the bottom of the door.

Closer inspection revealed it was a letter.

“Who sent this?”

I picked up the letter.

A letter from an unknown sender. Only the name ‘Fabir’ was clearly written.

I opened the letter. Inside was a single missive.

“This is….”

My eyes widened.

I couldn’t read what was written, but it was definitely ancient language.

“Who on earth?”

I hurriedly scanned the surroundings. No sign of anyone.

Could there be another descendant of the ancients besides me?

At that moment.

“Perhaps….”

A sudden thought made me clutch my heart.

My chest pounded fiercely.

Overwhelming emotions surged.

Perhaps….

…This was sent by my parents?

“Huff, whoo!”

My breathing quickened.

To calm down, I took deep breaths and stroked my chest, feeling the meteorite pendant around my neck.

Strangely, my mind calmed.

Nothing can be concluded yet.

But with this, I might learn a bit about my roots.

I clasped the pendant in my hand.

…Perhaps the Star Necklace really did bring me good luck.

I looked up at the sky.

The sky was filled with warm spring sunlight.

“It’s warm.”

Somehow, this spring felt warmer than any before.