The morning sun spilled over Red Moon City, casting warm golden light upon the cobbled streets. Despite the early hour, the festival continued in full force, the lively hum of voices blending with the occasional burst of laughter and the distant tunes of street performers.
Feiyin, walking between his parents, felt a bubbling excitement different from yesterday's revelations. Today was a day for fun, for exploring, for losing himself in the unfamiliar world beyond their quiet village. Even his father, usually composed and strict, seemed more relaxed, though he still carried himself with a quiet dignity. Mei Liao, on the other hand, had been in an especially playful mood since morning, humming a cheerful tune as she clung lightly to Feiyin's arm.
"Look at all the games!" Feiyin's eyes widened as they reached an open square packed with colorful stalls and excited festival-goers. The scent of fried sweets and grilled skewers filled the air, mingling with the scent of polished wooden prizes stacked behind each booth.
Cai Feng crossed his arms, surveying the lively booths with an unreadable expression. "Hmph. I never had time for these things when I was younger."
Mei Liao gave him a knowing glance. "And look where that got you, now you're being dragged around by your wife and son, forced to enjoy yourself."
Cai Feng exhaled sharply through his nose, but Feiyin caught the faintest twitch of a smirk at the corner of his lips.
Feiyin's eyes darted between the various game booths before landing on one that caught his attention. A target-shooting game using small wooden bows.
The old man running the stall gestured with a weathered hand. "Want to give it a shot, little one?"
Feiyin nodded enthusiastically, stepping forward to pick up the tiny bow. He ran his fingers along the polished wood before testing the draw, feeling the slight tension in the string. His father, watching closely, nodded in approval.
"Hold the bow steady. Don't just pull the string, guide the arrow," Cai Feng instructed, his voice firm but encouraging.
Feiyin narrowed his gaze, aligning his stance just as he had learned from training. He exhaled slowly and released the arrow.
It struck the edge of the wooden bird target with a soft thud.
"Not bad for a first try!" the game master chuckled.
Feiyin took another arrow, adjusting his grip slightly. This time, his hands were steadier. The arrow flew, landing closer to the center.
Mei Liao clapped her hands. "Oh! My little warrior is getting better already!"
Feiyin's chest swelled with pride as he shot one more arrow, this time hitting the center of the target. The old man handed him a small jade token as a prize, ruffling his hair.
Grinning, Feiyin rushed to the next game, eyes lighting up at the sight of a shallow water tub filled with darting golden fish. Each participant was given a fragile paper spoon, which they had to use to scoop a fish without tearing it.
"This looks fun!" Feiyin said excitedly.
"You have to be careful," Mei Liao said with a knowing smile. "If you scoop too fast, the water will break the paper."
Feiyin nodded seriously, his fingers tightening around the handle of the fragile spoon. He dipped it carefully into the water, watching the tiny ripples as the fish darted away. His oscillation sense stirred, letting him see the faint tremors in the water.
'If I follow their movements, I can, '
Rip.
The paper tore immediately, sending his fish darting away.
"Ah!" Feiyin blinked at the ruined spoon.
Cai Feng chuckled deeply, while Mei Liao knelt beside him, plucking up a spoon of her own. "Let me show you how it's done."
Instead of rushing, she let the spoon glide over the water, tilting it just slightly. The fish, unaware, drifted right into the scoop, and with a swift motion, she lifted it up.
Feiyin's eyes widened in awe.
"You can't just use the spoon," Mei Liao explained, tapping his nose. "You have to guide the water to help you."
Feiyin stared at her, then at the fish in her hands, feeling a newfound respect for his mother's control.
They moved on to several more stalls, ring toss, guessing games, small contests of speed and balance. Feiyin tried everything, sometimes winning, sometimes failing, but always laughing.
Even Cai Feng joined in at one booth, effortlessly knocking down a stack of wooden blocks with a single flick of his fingers. The game master stared in disbelief before quickly handing over several prizes, much to Mei Liao's amusement.
Just as they were preparing to grab some food, the sound of cheers and applause caught Feiyin's attention.
A large crowd had gathered around a central stage, where several young women stood dressed in elegant robes embroidered with the colors of autumn.
Mei Liao smiled. "Ah, it's the Harvest Festival's Beauty Contest."
Feiyin tilted his head. "A contest?"
"Yes. Young women from all over compete for the title of Moonlit Beauty."
Feiyin didn't think much of it, until his gaze landed on one particular contestant.
A Fox Beastkin woman stood on the stage, her long crimson and gold robes flowing around her like woven fire. Her soft fox ears twitched slightly, and her two golden tails swayed behind her. But it was her face that captured his attention the most, her sharp, amber eyes glowed softly under the festival lanterns, her delicate features possessing an otherworldly charm.
Feiyin froze, completely entranced.
She was far more beautiful than any illustration in the books at home.
Mei Liao, watching her son's expression closely, suppressed a knowing smile.
"My, my…" She leaned down, whispering in his ear. "Feiyin, dear… do you have a crush?"
Feiyin's face turned bright red.
"I-I don't! I was just-!" His words jumbled together, his mind unable to form a proper response.
His father smirked. "Hah. You're young, but you already recognize beauty."
Feiyin desperately tried to turn the situation around, puffing out his chest as he crossed his arms.
"Hmph! Mother is more beautiful anyway. She would've won if she entered."
Mei Liao blinked, then grinned widely before scooping him into her arms.
"Oh, my sweet boy! You always know what to say!" She nuzzled his cheek, making him squirm in embarrassment. "Maybe next year I'll enter, just to see if I can make you blush even more!"
Feiyin groaned. "Can we just watch the contest now?"
His parents laughed, and Feiyin buried his face in his mother's shoulder, feeling both flustered and warm inside.
---
The festival carried on into the evening, the streets aglow with lantern light, their flickering warmth casting a golden sheen over the laughing festival-goers. The air buzzed with the sounds of merriment, drunken cheers from celebratory toasts, the ringing clinks of cups meeting together, and the ever-present melody of musicians playing under the starlit sky.
Feiyin felt exhilarated and slightly exhausted from all the excitement, but his parents showed no signs of slowing down. If anything, Mei Liao seemed more energized, pulling both Feiyin and Cai Feng along as she eagerly dragged them toward one last round of festivities before retiring for the night.
They stopped by a lively street stall where a row of men sat around a table, their cheeks flushed as they engaged in a competitive drinking game. Wooden cups filled with a fragrant amber liquid clinked against the table as each contestant downed their drink in a single motion, slamming the empty cups back onto the surface with a victorious grin.
Mei Liao smirked as she turned to Cai Feng, amusement dancing in her violet eyes. "Husband, how about a drink?"
Cai Feng raised an eyebrow, his arms still crossed. "You know I don't drink often."
"Oh, come now," she teased, nudging his side. "It's a festival! Even you should loosen up just a little."
Feiyin watched with wide eyes, surprised to see his mother trying to convince his father to do something out of the ordinary.
Cai Feng sighed, but before he could refuse again, the stall owner, a burly man with a grizzled beard, laughed heartily. "Come, friend! A single cup won't hurt! It's the best brew in the city."
Mei Liao tilted her head, watching her husband with a knowing smirk. "See? It's rude to refuse hospitality."
Cai Feng closed his eyes briefly before finally relenting, taking a seat at the table. "Fine. Just one."
The stall owner quickly poured a small cup of the golden liquor, setting it before him. Cai Feng picked up the wooden cup, gave it a sniff, then downed it in one go, placing it back on the table with a quiet clink.
Mei Liao grinned victoriously.
Feiyin leaned forward, curious. "How was it, Dad?"
Cai Feng cleared his throat, his expression as composed as ever, though a faint hint of warmth colored his usually cool gaze. "It's… strong."
The stall owner roared with laughter. "That's the spirit! Another?"
Cai Feng shook his head immediately, standing before his wife could trick him into drinking more. "One is enough."
Mei Liao pouted dramatically, linking her arm through his. "Hmph. You're no fun. But at least you humored me."
Feiyin couldn't stop grinning. It was rare to see his father go along with his mother's teasing, and it made him feel warm inside, like he was witnessing something special, something meant just for them.
As they made their way through the final stretch of the festival, they indulged in one last round of treats, a set of steamed buns filled with sweet lotus paste, their delicate, fluffy texture melting on Feiyin's tongue. The air had grown cooler, a gentle evening breeze swaying the festival banners as the final performances came to a close.
At the very center of the city, the final event of the festival took place, the Lantern Release Ceremony.
Hundreds of festival-goers gathered in the square, holding carefully crafted lanterns, their delicate paper shells painted with wishes and blessings for the future. Feiyin held onto his own, a small, golden lantern with soft swirling patterns decorating its edges. His mother had bought it for him earlier, telling him he could make a wish before setting it free.
"What should I wish for?" he murmured, staring into the soft glow of the lantern's light.
His father stood behind him, arms folded, his expression thoughtful. "That's up to you."
Mei Liao knelt beside him, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. "Whatever your heart desires, Feiyin."
Feiyin nodded slowly, thinking for a moment. Then, closing his eyes, he held his wish close to his heart.
'I want to grow strong enough to protect the people I love.'
Taking a deep breath, he released the lantern, watching as it floated upward, joining the countless others drifting into the starry sky.
For a long moment, they simply stood together, watching the sky fill with golden lights, each one carrying the hopes and dreams of the people below.
Tomorrow, they would leave the city behind. But for now, this moment belonged to them.
By the time they returned to the cozy inn, Feiyin could feel the weight of exhaustion finally catching up to him. His legs ached from walking all day, and his eyelids drooped as they entered their room.
Mei Liao pulled back the covers of the bed, gesturing for him to climb in. "Come now, little one. You need your rest."
Feiyin nodded sleepily, crawling into the soft bedding. His muscles still hummed with the lingering excitement of the day, but as soon as his head touched the pillow, his body gave in completely.
Before sleep fully took him, he felt a warm hand gently brushing his hair.
His mother's voice, soft and affectionate. "Goodnight, my love."
Then his father's steady, grounding presence nearby. "Rest well."
A contented smile stretched across Feiyin's face as he drifted into sleep, his mind filled with images of festival lights, laughter, and warmth.
This… was a memory he would cherish forever.