Vale stood before the bronze mirror, straightening his collar for once.
Today, he had traded his usual silver-white knight's armor for one of his few sets of casual clothes.
Gray-blue trousers, black leather boots with silver buckles, and a dark cloak over his shoulders.
He looked smart, if a little... in his mother's words, "dressed like one of those useless southern nobles."
At fifteen, he was already the youngest High-Rank Elite Knight in the Red Tide Fief, and had served as Louis's personal guard for three years.
That position gave him considerable standing among the various legions, yet last night, for the first time, he had asked his lord for a day off.
He had stammered through a vague explanation, but Louis had merely given him a knowing smile and approved it on the spot.
At the door, his mother had a basket on her back. As she put on her cloak, she reminded him, "I'm helping gut fish at the fish farm today. I won't be home to cook lunch, so you're on your own."
Vale nodded furiously. "I know, I know!"
He had barely stepped over the threshold when her familiar nagging followed him out. "Fifteen years old, and still so scatterbrained!"
Vale pretended not to hear and quickened his pace, heading toward the market outside the Artisans' District.
Today was the Spring Opening Festival, the liveliest spring holiday in the Red Tide Fief and one of the few occasions when everyone celebrated together.
Even in the morning, the place was bustling. Red cloth and ribbons decorated the spaces between wooden posts and market stalls, the aroma of stewing beef ribs drifted through the air, and children chased pinwheels back and forth. Everywhere brimmed with everyday life.
At the lively market outside the Industrial District, Lilia was already