"Franina?"
Cecilia frowned slightly, looking somewhat surprised. Why would she come to the City Lord's Mansion? Could something have gone wrong with the Harvest Festival celebrations?
"Please show her in."
The maid stepped aside, and a woman dressed in elegant splendor walked in. She looked to be about twenty years old, with a beautiful face, and her dark green velvet dress adorned with pearls gave her an extraordinary temperament. After entering the office, she gracefully raised her hand, pressed it lightly to her chest, and bowed to Cecilia.
"Good day, esteemed City Lord Cecilia." Franina's voice was soft and pleasant as she spoke. "Please forgive me for the intrusion."
"No need for such formalities, President Franina." Cecilia waved her hand and stood up. "I heard you have urgent business?"
A hint of anxiety appeared on Franina's face. "Yes, City Lord. I've come regarding the most important part of this Harvest Festival... the selection of the 'Harvest Maiden'."
"'Harvest Maiden'?" A trace of doubt flashed in Cecilia's eyes as the image of a young girl holding an accordion surfaced in her mind. "I recall it was already decided that your chamber of commerce's brand ambassador, that Miss Bard from the capital, would take the role. And she's been rehearsing for a long time. Has something happened?"
Franina sighed, her smile turning somewhat bitter. "That was the case. However, for some reason, Miss Wen Lin suddenly came down with a high fever last night. Her throat is swollen and painful, making it difficult for her to even speak, let alone participate in the festival. The doctor said she caught a cold and needs bed rest, so she absolutely cannot attend today's celebration."
"Oh? That is indeed an unexpected turn of events." Cecilia nodded, expressing her understanding. "So, what do you mean?"
Franina stepped forward and took Cecilia's hand. "City Lord, the 'Harvest Maiden' is the core of the Harvest Festival, symbolizing the grace and blessings of the Goddess of Harvest. Now that this has happened so suddenly, it's difficult to find a suitable replacement on such short notice... I've thought long and hard, and in all of White Thorn City, you are the only one capable of taking on this important responsibility!"
As she spoke, she bowed deeply once more. "I implore you, for the sake of the people of White Thorn City and to ensure the festival isn't left with any regrets, please serve as this year's 'Harvest Maiden'!"
"Eh? Me?" Cecilia was clearly stunned for a moment, then she quickly waved her hands, her ice-blue eyes showing clear signs of refusal. "That won't do, President Franina. I am the City Lord; maintaining order and security during the festival is my duty. I cannot be in two places at once. Furthermore..."
She paused, her gaze subconsciously flickering to the stack of documents on her desk, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness. "I am not the right person for this. Hosting the festival requires approachability and vitality. If the City Lord is there, how can everyone focus on enjoying the celebration?"
The expectation on Franina's face instantly turned to disappointment, and she said urgently, "City Lord, you are too modest! Your status in the hearts of the people of White Thorn City is second to none. If you were the 'Harvest Maiden', it would surely..."
Cecilia shook her head, interrupting her, but her gaze involuntarily turned toward Luna Belle, who was watching curiously from the side. A mischievous glint suddenly flashed in her eyes. Luna Belle, sensing Cecilia's gaze, couldn't help but shudder.
"W-what's going on?" Luna Belle and Cecilia's eyes met. Seeing the latter's smiling face, Luna Belle felt a sense of impending doom.
"President Franina..." Cecilia's lips curled up slightly as she pointed toward Luna Belle. "What do you think of Belle?"
"Huh?" Caught off guard by being mentioned, Luna Belle's jade-green eyes widened instantly.
Franina was also taken aback; she followed the direction Cecilia was pointing and her gaze fell upon Luna Belle. She had been so anxious to find Cecilia earlier that she hadn't had time to look at the other people in the office. Now having the chance, she studied the blue-haired girl before her and couldn't help but nod.
She was beautiful, with a clean and clear temperament, carrying a vibrant girl-next-door vibe. While not as noble and cold as Cecilia, she possessed a fresh and natural charm, like morning sunlight in a forest, making people feel an immediate liking for her. Franina's eyes lit up instantly, as if she had discovered some rare treasure!
She immediately walked over to Luna Belle, grabbed her hands firmly without a word, her eyes burning with an intense light. "Miss Belle... you are indeed a beautiful girl brimming with spiritual aura!" Franina's tone was full of excitement and pleading. "Miss Belle! Please, you must help us! Be the 'Harvest Maiden' for this Harvest Festival!"
"W-wait a minute!" Luna Belle was caught off guard by this sudden turn of events. She tried to pull her hands back, only to find the other woman holding them extremely tightly. "I can't do it! I'm not even from White Thorn City, I know nothing about the customs here, and I..."
"It's fine!" Franina interrupted her urgently, her words coming out like rapid-fire; she didn't want to let such a perfect candidate slip away. "The 'Harvest Maiden' is mainly about symbolic meaning and a beautiful image! The process is very simple... with your intelligence, Miss Belle, you'll surely master it in no time!"
Seeing Luna Belle's still hesitant expression, her eyes became even more pitiful, almost tearing up, and she leaned forward as if she were about to kneel at any moment.
"Onegai! Miss Belle... no... Lady Belle! The entire chamber of commerce has put so much effort into this festival. If the celebration loses its luster because of the 'Harvest Maiden's' absence, I... I truly won't be able to face anyone in the chamber, nor the expectant citizens!"
Franina's voice carried a hint of a sob. "As long as you are willing to help, the Laftom Chamber of Commerce and I personally will deeply remember your kindness! Whatever you need in the future, our chamber will be willing to do its utmost to assist! I beg of you!"
Luna Belle looked at the chamber president who had been elegant just a moment ago but was now practically in tears, begging her as if she were a last resort. She then looked at Cecilia, who had an "I've got high hopes for you" expression, and her other friends with their various reactions.
Alice had encouragement in her eyes, Ellen was licking a lollipop as if it were none of her business, Tineva and Falia looked on with curiosity, Katerina was smiling as if enjoying the drama, and Sayu and Ruoyu stood together, both giving her a thumbs up.
She felt her head spinning. What on earth is this! She just came to watch the festival! How did she suddenly end up becoming the festival host?
"C-can I refuse?" Luna Belle spoke with difficulty, feeling her cheeks flush.
"Please! Lady Belle!" Franina's gaze was incredibly sincere, looking as though she was about to kowtow to her...