Chapter 20: Where is My Big Alice?
The last night of our school trip.
A massive bonfire blazed in the square of Wind and Sand City, and from it, small bonfires were ignited in a half-circle around, spreading outward like crimson stars reflected on the ground.
“Before the sun sets, the starlight disappears, the western winds cease, and the moonlight fades, let us dance with the flames! May the bonds between you all burn eternal like the bonfire, never extinguishing!”
The beautiful female priestess recited legends passed down in the Kingdom of Gold Sand beside the bonfire, giving the best wishes of the moment.
As the music of the western regions intertwined with the breeze, eager men and women took each other’s hands to dance, reveling in the joy of this splendid night.
The everlasting flames blessed all dancing souls equally, bestowing goodwill that was not about the goddess but rooted in the generations of the people from the Kingdom of Gold Sand yearning for a better life.
And now, they generously shared this hope with everyone fortunate enough to dance together.
Among them were students on their school trip, local residents, fresh-faced lovers, and couples who had been together for ages.
Of course, some wandered between bonfires, seeking a chance encounter.
The lonely woman beside them was their best target.
Usually, such gatherings rarely showcased a single woman, and those that did were often taken, or conditionally unsuitable for courting.
But this year’s Wind and Sand Ball had a few breathtaking figures that outshone the crowd.
Some were as striking as fire, while others moved lightly, like the wind.
Some were alluringly charming, while others had silvery hair flowing like snow.
Countless self-assured young men, meticulously dressed with ties and styled hair, eagerly approached to flirt.
Unfortunately, their attempts mostly met swift ends even before they began.
Whenever someone tried to approach these stunning figures, shadowy figures whispered demonic warnings in their ears.
“Mr. Billings, you wouldn’t want your dad knowing you snuck out, would you?”
“Eric, if you lay a hand on the girls tonight, I’ll break your legs!”
“Miss Chick, no offense to your orientation, but those ladies are way out of your league. If you don’t want your husband to find out you’re up to no good, I suggest you back off!”
Excited at first, they ended up darting away in panic.
Once one after another had their secrets revealed, who could still muster the courage to flirt?!
After ensuring no one would disturb Roy and his friends, Douglas in the shadows finally nodded in satisfaction.
They had to leave a good impression of the Kingdom of Gold Sand on this last night!
Some higher-ups had already begun to suspect the identities of the Shadow Guardians, yet enticed as they were, they refrained from crossing any lines, well aware of Douglas’s protection.
But just gazing from afar was enough to satisfy.
Who doesn’t love to see beautiful women?
However, soon they were no longer interested.
Because the black-haired boy in formal attire finally arrived.
Four beautiful figures rushed over eagerly, and after a short debate, they ended up dancing with him one after another.
This… doesn’t feel right, does it?
Where are the Shadow Guardians? Aren’t they supposed to protect this important guest? Someone save him!
Those unattainable beauties were already taken, and all by the same person!
In an instant, everyone was in tears, blinded by the lemons of despair.
Of course, no Shadow Guardian would be foolish enough to interrupt a prince’s esteemed guest.
The fiery evening celebration for Roy and his friends was coming together quite nicely.
The girls decided the dancing order by rock-paper-scissors, donned elegant dresses, and glittering new jewelry as they took turns spending this unforgettable time with him.
“I heard that at the end, a little kiss makes the blessings of wind and fire last longer. Since I’m here for a rare occasion, we should go with the local customs. If you’re up for a kiss, I’m totally okay with that~”
“Wow, you’re quite forward, aren’t you? Looking at my chest can wait, right? Right now, I hope you’re staring into my eyes…”
“Oh my, it’s finally my turn! I just had some sea buckthorn juice; it’s super sweet, want to try some~?”
“Even though I didn’t get to dance with you first, how about giving you a taste of me at the end? That sounds nice too.”
But dancing wasn’t the end of it.
Uncertain where they heard the rumor that kissing strengthens blessings, they insisted on trying to kiss Roy one by one.
Roy had no choice but to oblige, going along to kiss each girl in accordance with their individual preferences, leaving a perfect ending to each dance.
After dancing four songs in a row, let’s just say he was a bit tired.
Witnessing this, the single guys could finally hold it in no longer, each covering their eyes dazzled by the spectacle, escaping the scene.
Come on, this isn’t how you break hearts! 1v4? The matchmaking system is clearly rigged!
However, aside from them, in a corner, there was another lonely figure.
The black-haired boy danced with joy, leaning down to kiss one girl after another, each moment etched into the light blue eyes of another girl.
At some point, her feet in strap high-heeled sandals froze in place, her bright and lovely light gold gown dimming in comparison.
When she was with them, her master seemed so happy.
A slight blush, yet dazzlingly bright—that was an expression he had never shown to her.
It only appeared when he looked at them.
Her master was far too gentle, allowing her to immerse herself in it, but now, it was time to remember.
To recall the pain of witnessing those kisses.
A familiar sour feeling surged from her chest, nearly choking Alice.
Yet she didn’t make a sound, unwilling to disturb the figures in the distance.
After stunning those who passed by, Alice didn’t push forward; she merely bit her lip silently, turning away to step into the night, far beyond the reach of the everlasting bonfire.
Meanwhile, after finishing dances with the girls, Roy finally sensed something was off.
Before leaving, Alice had indeed mentioned she would be late because she wanted to change.
But no matter how you looked at it, this was far too late.
The notion of eternal flames was merely a saying; there was no way dozens of bonfires could burn forever.
Seeing the bonfire nearly extinguished and the party nearing its end, Roy could no longer hold back and began wandering around, searching for Alice.
“Eh? Alice still hasn’t arrived? Guess we should head back and check.”
Hearing this, Charlotte and the others joined in.
However, before they could hear any news about Alice, Roy collided with another familiar figure first.
“Good evening, Mr. Roy; did you enjoy yourself tonight?”
“Very much. Senior, your hospitality is truly commendable, and even Charlotte and the others said the Kingdom of Gold Sand is a wonderful place.”
Douglas’s lips curled into a smile, though inside, he was bursting with joy.
He had been watching from the shadows, seeing Charlotte and the others with smiles on their faces, and now hearing it from Roy himself had lifted a weight off his heart.
The hope for an alliance with the Kingdom of Gold Sand is alive!
Naturally, Douglas didn’t wish to be negligent towards the one who had driven all of this and could have dragged him to the palace for a grand feast.
But that left Roy in a dilemma.
Douglas was a good person, and he ought to thank him for his care on this trip, but right now, the little maid was more important.
“Thanks for your hospitality, senior, but I have a little matter to attend to…”
Unexpectedly, as soon as the words left his mouth, a glint flashed in Douglas’s eyes, and he dashed over.
“There’s no need for Mr. Roy to stand on ceremony; if you need help, please speak up!”