At the Surasthana Sanctuary—
Nahida slowly awoke from her sleep.
The small girl with white hair tied into a delicate side ponytail rubbed her sleepy eyes and, for a brief moment, almost allowed herself to fall back asleep… just to continue dreaming.
As the current Dendro Archon, Nahida possessed a unique power in this world—
Dominion over dreams.
This ability was, at the same time, her greatest gift… and her only comfort.
Imprisoned within the Surasthana Sanctuary, unable to leave, unable to see the outside world, unable to live like a normal child—
Dreams were her only escape.
Through them, she could ease the wear of an eternity of loneliness within that small, silent, suffocating space.
She used to shape her own dreams.
Create scenarios.
Experience countless sensations.
Live all kinds of stories.
Even though, deep down, she knew it was all nothing more than the self-illusion of an imprisoned child…
It was still effective.
Very effective.
After all, dreams are far freer than reality.
In dreams, people can be anything.
They can do anything.
They can live what they never could in reality.
And Nahida had already become a true master of that domain.
Castles made of sweets.
Endless seas of flowers.
Magical creatures that could never exist in reality.
She could create anything, at any time.
And yet—
"Even so… I still can't compare to him…"
Nahida murmured softly to herself.
Her thoughts inevitably returned to what had happened two days ago.
Even after so much time, every moment of that day remained vivid.
Deeply engraved in her memory.
That experience wasn't a dream.
It was reality.
A reality so beautiful that it surpassed any fantasy she could create.
Even if she tried to recreate that day in her dreams, she never could.
She would never reach that same feeling.
That moment when Leon appeared before her…
Broke her prison and took her outside.
She ran through the fields, felt the wind against her skin—
Saw the blue sky.
Experienced the world.
It was sweeter, lighter, and more beautiful than any dream she had ever had.
For Nahida, that day was like tasting the most exquisite flavor—something she longed to experience again and again.
For that young queen…
It was, without a doubt, the best day of her life.
And because of that—
"I… really want to see you again…"
Nahida clasped her hands to her chest.
Her clover-shaped eyes shimmered with a mix of longing and anticipation.
She couldn't help it.
She wanted to see him again.
She wanted him to appear before her at any moment.
Just like that day.
Like a miracle.
This feeling was new and strange.
She had never waited for someone like this before.
Never counted the seconds, longing for someone's presence.
But now, her life—once as silent and empty as an abandoned well—felt a little brighter.
"By the way… it seems like there's a festival today…"
Nahida tilted her head slightly, thoughtful.
Even with the excellent soundproofing of the Surasthana Sanctuary, she could still hear sounds coming from outside.
Laughter.
Music.
Something was happening in Sumeru.
Something large enough to pierce through those silent walls.
But before she could think further—
BANG!!
"Ah—!"
The door of the Surasthana Sanctuary was violently blown open.
Nahida jumped in shock.
Her eyes widened as she stared toward the entrance in disbelief.
A brilliant light flooded the room.
Almost blinding.
"Hey… did you miss me?"
The voice was familiar.
Her heart raced the moment she recognized it.
"You…!"
With the rising sun behind that figure, Nahida could barely see clearly.
But she didn't need to.
She would recognize that voice anywhere.
"Leon… how did you…?"
How did he come through the door?
She wanted to ask.
Last time, he had simply appeared out of nowhere.
But now—
He had entered through the main entrance.
And the guards?
Didn't they stop him?
…Of course not.
She answered herself internally.
Someone like him couldn't be stopped.
He would go wherever he wished.
But before she could say anything—
Leon was already moving.
He advanced without hesitation.
With a simple gesture—
He shattered the energy barrier that kept her imprisoned.
As if it were glass.
Then he took Nahida's hand.
"Huh—wait, what's happening…?!"
"No time to explain."
Leon smiled faintly.
"Let's get in the carriage first."
"Carriage…? What carriage?!"
"Of course, a parade float."
He pointed toward the entrance.
Only then did Nahida realize—
A magnificent float was waiting there.
Adorned with dazzling flowers—
Sumeru roses.
It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale.
A vehicle worthy of carrying a princess to a grand festival.
Before she could react, Nahida had already been gently placed onto the float.
"Good. The most important person is here."
Leon glanced around.
"Time to depart."
"Asuna, Alice—the rest is up to you."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Understood, Your Highness."
The two girls nodded.
One of them mounted a white horse and took the reins of the float.
The vehicle began to move.
Nahida looked around, still confused.
Leon gently patted her head.
"Since time was short, I asked my knights for help. But don't worry—Asuna and Alice are extremely capable."
"But… responsible for what…?" Nahida asked, puzzled.
"What else could it be?"
Leon smiled.
"The Flower Knight."
"Isn't that the tradition of the Festival of the Goddess of Flowers?"
"Festival… of Flowers…?!"
Nahida's eyes widened.
Her heart began to race.
It was at that moment she finally understood.
Then, the sound of applause erupted.
She looked around—
And saw the streets of Sumeru filled with people.
Lined up on both sides.
Smiling and waving at her.
Many carried baskets of flowers.
And as the float passed, they tossed petals into the air.
A rain of flowers fell upon Leon and Nahida.
It felt like a dream.
"The birthday festival of the Goddess of Flowers…"
Nahida's voice trembled.
"Today… is the festival… and I… I forgot…"
Her eyes filled with tears.
She quickly wiped them away, holding back her sobs.
She couldn't remember the last time she had celebrated that day.
In fact, she couldn't even remember that it was her own birthday.
"It's not just your birthday."
Leon spoke softly, as if he had read her thoughts.
"Today… is mine as well."
He smiled.
"So—"
"Happy birthday to us, Nahida."
At that moment, fireworks exploded in the sky.
Even in broad daylight—
They shone brilliantly.
Thanks to special technology, they were as vivid as stars in the night.
Nahida lifted her gaze, enchanted.
That sight was something she had never seen—not even in her dreams.
Flowers of light blooming in the sky.
"Do you know what to do now?" Leon asked.
Nahida took a deep breath.
Her eyes sparkled.
Her heart was filled with joy.
"I do."
She smiled.
"Let's go together… Leon."
She picked up sweets from the float—
And began handing them out to the people.
The crowd cheered even louder.
Joy spread like a wave.
And so, the Festival of the Goddess of Flowers was reborn—
After so many years.
(End of Chapter)