Xiao cautiously poked his head out and looked through the window.
The street had been specially tidied up, and strips of colored paper decorated the gas lamps along the roadside, creating a festive atmosphere.
Today was Theresia's festival.
"Daddy, aren't we going out to play? I heard there'll be a parade and fireworks!"
Startled, Xiao turned his head, only to discover his daughter standing on tiptoe, copying the way he craned his neck to peer out the window.
"Get down, Phoebe! Don't fool around!" Xiao hurriedly lifted Phoebe down, glanced uneasily outside, then comforted her in a low voice. "Oh, Phoebe, didn't I tell you? We can't go out today! Hmm, it'd be best not even to look out the window..."
Phoebe's little mouth turned down. "But... why?"
"Yes, Xiao, why can't we go out today? Festivals don't come along often." A slightly weak voice sounded behind him, and Xiao turned to look.
It was a woman, somewhat thin but with a fairly healthy complexion: Xiao's wife, Guinevere.
She had fallen seriously ill some time ago, draining the family's savings. Had Dorothea not waived her consultation and medicine fees, she would never have pulled through. But everything was getting better now. Xiao had become a Supernatural person, and although his newfound ability only let him work overtime without tiring, it had cured his disability. Once his broken leg recovered, he could work normally again. Supporting his family on his wages was somewhat hard, but there was hope in their lives now.
Xiao's expression grew serious. "Lady Elsa requested it. She told us to stay indoors as much as possible."
Guinevere looked a little surprised. "Today? All right. Since it's Lady Elsa's order, we should obey."
With that, she bowed her head in prayer.
Guinevere was not a believer of the