Chapter 294

The last day of the year, adorned by the Gaia Celebration. This day is incredibly special in the world.

As I mentioned before, it’s comparable to Christmas on Earth. Naturally, since it’s the birthday of Gaia, who is treated as a divine being.

Coincidentally, just a few days after this celebration, the New Year begins, so many see it as a festival to wrap things up.

The United Academy, established by the hero after the Divine War, also celebrates this occasion quite grandly.

Though it’s not on par with the Holy Kingdom of Byzantium, it still ranks high. Fortunately, the weather is suitably chilly.

After lunchtime, various bands and theatrical troupes put on magnificent performances, and the plaza buzzed with countless passersby.

‘It’s colder than I expected.’

Among those passersby was Danyerin. As evening began to set in, she stepped outside to start exploring the festival.

Originally, she had planned to hole up in the dormitory, but solitude was just too dull, prompting her to venture out.

Despite the threat of assassination, Danyerin didn’t worry much. An attempt at this time would only harm the Hwan Empire.

Can you imagine an unfortunate incident happening during a celebration, especially one for Gaia? That nation would inevitably face immense scorn.

Sometimes, nations without any backing mess things up, but most end up facing retaliation, whether economically or militarily.

Thanks to this, she was able to roam freely and soak in the sights. Even though she was a princess, she had no fame, so no one paid her any mind.

Even if someone did notice, they’d likely just be captivated by her beauty. Danyerin paid no attention and simply observed the festival.

‘It feels different from my hometown.’

Danyerin watched the vibrant and grand scale of the festival with fascination.

There were a few Eastern-style stalls, but the festival culture itself fascinated her.

Eastern festivals often take the form of rites. In a way, it’s somewhat similar to Tartar.

Just like how a priestess is chosen to pray for blessings during deities’ anniversaries, Easterners also elect a priestess for their celebrations.

Eastern cultures tend to place a greater emphasis on agriculture as compared to the West, so they hold grand celebrations for Gaia or the Celestial Deity alike.

‘By now, my hometown must be preparing for the rites.’

The way the East commemorates Gaia’s anniversary is very straightforward. The ultimate goal is to have a good harvest.

What if there’s a famine the following year? Then the priestess elected during the next festival gets swapped out.

The reasoning is that the deity wasn’t pleased with the priestess. Of course, whether that’s true remains in question.

‘Speaking of which, wasn’t the princess of Tartar also a priestess?’

Tartar is a desert nation, so agriculture is unnecessary. They only worship Gulrak.

That’s probably why Kara, the princess of Tartar, popped into her mind. She’s not only formidable but also the favored priestess of Gulrak.

Though Tartar worships Gaia, it’s naturally less than their devotion to Gulrak. After all, farming in a desert is futile, no matter how much it rains.

Comparing it to the earlier explanation, it feels contradictory, but that’s just how it is. All life originates from the ground.

‘Maybe it’s because of this that the Tartar people are particularly strong.’

As Danyerin wandered the plaza, her thoughts flowed along with her observations.

She planned to grab a few snacks that looked tasty and head back to the dormitory.

‘I wish Sivar were here.’

Being alone made her miss Sivar. Danyerin looked around, hoping to find him.

It hadn’t struck her when he was right next door, but being apart now felt lonely.

She had confidence he wouldn’t abandon her, but unlike others, she had her limits.

Some are bold enough to claim their territory while she had to meet secretly. Danyerin forced a bitter smile.

‘I wonder what would’ve happened if I had enrolled earlier.’

Even doing this, the chances of living together were slim. A bodyguard was always around.

Moreover, the last incident could only happen because Sivar was right next door. It was a series of lucky coincidences.

But the feeling of disappointment was inescapable. If they’d met sooner, it wouldn’t have been so hard to meet openly.

‘There’s a fairy tale with a similar theme…’

A story about a foolish yet dependable general and the princess who supports him.

At first glance, it seems like an ordinary tale, but upon examination, there’s a hint that the man isn’t foolish but rather a genius.

He was merely named a fool because he hadn’t received proper education as a child. Yet, becoming a general of a nation exudes extraordinary talent.

This description fits Sivar perfectly. He boasts not only personal strength but also an uncommon genius.

Initially disregarded as a wildling, he’s now the most renowned figure at the Academy.

‘I wonder what he is up to right now.’

Maybe that’s why Danyerin was searching for Sivar.

Even if someone were beside him, she’d casually approach, considering it a ‘coincidence.’

If Grace were there too, that would be icing on the cake. At least someone familiar would make it easier to blend in.

‘I promised not to let him feel lonely.’

She offered her trust, but she never promised he wouldn’t be lonely.

However, Danyerin