Catalyst of Enigma

Coming out of the changing room, Aizer looked at Mary, awaiting her opinion.

"How do I look?"

"You look amazing, young master," Mary replied, her radiant smile lighting up her face.

"Thank you, Mary. But for now, stop calling me young master. Instead, call me Aizer."

"OK, Aizer."

A small pause, then Mary hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. "Um, Aizer, is there a reason you're dressing in commoner clothing?"

Aizer handed her his former attire, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Because I'm hungry and I want to have a party. On our way here, I heard someone mention there's going to be a festival in the square."

Mary blinked in surprise, placing his clothes in the bag as she mulled over his words. The mention of a festival seemed to stir something in her memory.

"The square?" Mary thought for a moment, then a sudden flash of recollection hit her. "Aizer, that would be the festival that goes on every year."

"Festival?" Aizer asked, curious.

"Yes. Every year there's a festival held."

"Is there a reason or significance for the festival?"

"Not that I'm aware of. It was something the previous ruler decided on one day. No one really knows why he chose that particular day to start it, but people just went along with it. Eventually, it became known as the Day of Rest."

"Why's that?" Aizer asked, intrigued.

"Because the festival lasts for five days, and during those five days, people are temporarily exempt from work. So they use it as an opportunity to have fun and let loose. Some even skip the festival entirely and just stay home, sleeping the days away."

"You're pretty knowledgeable about this," Aizer remarked.

"It's nothing, just read a lot," Mary replied, a shy smile appearing on her face at the compliment.

"OK, how about we go and enjoy the festival, Mary?"

"Alright, Aizer," she said with a soft nod, following him as they left the store.

...

The square was alive with energy, filled with the sounds of laughter and music. The air was thick with the smell of food, and every direction Aizer turned, there was something new to see. Stalls selling trinkets, food vendors offering everything from roasted meats to sweet pastries, and groups of people playing games.

Aizer wasted no time, buying up as much food as he could get his hands on. He handed portions to Mary, who accepted each offering with a smile, happily joining him in the festivities. They played games together, had their faces painted, and even watched puppet shows, the joyous atmosphere making Aizer feel at ease.

What truly surprised him, however, was how skilled Mary was at the hoops game. She would toss the rings and almost always land them on the bottles, winning toys and books. She didn't keep them for herself, though. Instead, she passed them off to the children watching, who beamed with happiness at the gifts.

"Hey, Mary, how do I look?" Aizer asked, turning to her with a grin.

Mary burst into laughter, clutching her sides as she gasped for air. "Pff... haha... ha ha!" 

Aizer's current attire— a large witch hat and a long grey beard— certainly wasn't the problem. What had Mary laughing was his enthusiasm for the game. Here he was, a prince, fighting alongside a bunch of children for a wooden staff. The prize? The chance to try Lucy's famous meat chops. 

The competition was fierce, with even some adults getting involved, but Aizer was determined. 

"I can't believe you actually jumped on him to win, Aizer," Mary gasped, still giggling.

"Tsk, who wouldn't?" Aizer said, slightly out of breath. "Once I tasted those samples, I couldn't get enough. Oh, you should've seen me. I was just about to win when that bastard came from behind."

"Hehe, I did see you, Aizer. And I must say, you tried your best."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

"I'm serious. You were quite impressive."

"I thank you for the compliment, my lady," Aizer said with a flourish, bowing deeply and planting a light kiss on the back of Mary's hand.

Mary's eyes widened in surprise. The gesture caught her off guard, but she didn't pull away. 

"Why, thank you, good sir," she replied, playing along with a slightly awkward smile, trying to mimic the behaviour of a noblewoman, though it felt strange coming from her.

"My lady," Aizer said, now fully into the role, "I hear they are holding a dance party at the municipal square. Would you care for a dance?"

Mary blinked, a little stunned at how far Aizer was going with this, but she quickly recovered and, with a flirtatious smile, said, "Of course. Who would decline the invitation of such a handsome man?"

Aizer chuckled softly, offering his arm and leading her to the square. The sound of music became clearer as they approached. It wasn't just any music; it felt as if the instruments and voices were playing right beside them, despite the crowd. Aizer smiled to himself, feeling the unmistakable presence of magic in the air.

The moment they stepped into the square, the vibrant energy of the crowd swallowed them up. They joined the dancers, moving to the lively beat of the music. Aizer couldn't help but laugh as he kicked his legs high, twirling Mary around the square.

As he danced, the last of the meat in his bag was finished off. Savoring the last bite, he reveled in the first day of his new life, a smile gracing his lips as he soaked in the atmosphere, the sounds, the magic. The world felt alive with possibilities.

(AN: the song they were dancing to was "Thus Always to Tyrants" https://youtu.be/ChVV5EVL4W4?si=53XzlgLHTQcnyzAX)