The Northern Grand Duke's Hamster|북 부대공의 햄스터 (English Translation/Unofficial)

Chapter 14

The festival began in earnest in the North, and the celebration was lively enough to forget the coldness of the winter.

‘Hmm, why are they holding such a big festival when it’s not even the season of harvesting?’

It’s hard to get flowers during this time of the year, since the cold wind blows day and night, it must be expensive to buy them from outside. It’s not even thanksgiving, nor spring… Why is the festival celebrated during this cold season?

“Because the day is short.”

Sen answered my question clearly.

“It’s a period of time where there’s less stuff for people to do. And people tend to get depressed easily when the amount of sunlight is reduced. Lethargy makes people sick; the poor starve to death and the pessimists often kill themselves.”

I see. I’ve never thought of that.

I looked up at the red sky beyond the castle walls. The sun was already setting even though it was still early in the day.

“So, His Highness deliberately makes the coldest and darkest times lively. Spending this week, by generously releasing food collected throughout the year and buying people’s goods at a high price. Aristocrats from the city are also invited to spend money for the merchants to earn their keep. It’s like giving a gift to the people of the estate in order for them to keep enduring until spring.”

That means, while Kyle’s not hanging out with me, he was taking care of everyone in the estate. I honestly admire it.

“Soon, His Highness will deliver a speech to commemorate the charity event. Do you want to go and see it?”

I nodded.

There’s still time left anyway. I tried to meet Belial, but unfortunately, I still couldn’t, so I just looked around the castle. Since the time for “Summon” was doubled, I can enjoy this luxury.

“Are they selling food on the street?”

“Have you not tried the festival food? Oh, this can’t do! Come on, follow me. I’ll treat you today!”

The place Sen led me to was teeming with people and stalls.

'Wow, there’s really a lot to eat.’

There’re orange-colored candied apples, grilled barbeque and lots of fried snacks and sweets covered in caramel sauce. My eyes, nose and mouth are all satisfied with all the food surrounding me,

'Life in the north is better than I expected…’

Only when there’s delicious food can a heart full of love for the estate be born. I watched the vividness of the street while taking a bite at the food Sen bought me.

“Your Highness!”

“Thank you so much, my lord!”

The festival was more exhilarating than I thought, and so was Kyle’s speech, which we watched from afar.

It was good to watch him from a distance that could be reached at any time if I wanted. But the Lord of Blake, exuding greatness, who could only be seen from afar, is also pretty cool.

He looked at his subjects from the stage with a blank expression that seemed cold to anyone else.

If you didn’t know anything about him, you would misunderstand and think he was a villain or a tyrant.

But I know that’s not the case at all. I haven’t been with him for a long time, but I already know him well. What more for the people who have been living in this estate for years.