Chapter 1163 - 1103: The Interrupted Lantern Festival

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the annual Lantern Festival is held in the Old Town District of Sileria City.

The streets are adorned with colorful lanterns and festive decorations, and the air is filled with the scent of fireworks and local delicacies.

At night, the lion and dragon dances continue unabated, and children gather in groups to play. The joyful noise everywhere floats with a warm atmosphere.

"Sally, Melly, keep an eye on the kids and make sure they don’t run around. There are too many people; if they get lost, it’ll be troublesome," Sienna Johnson reminded them.

With so many people bustling around, Sienna Johnson was worried the kids might get lost. In Orienta, child trafficking is not uncommon.

"Yes, Madam."

"Mama, the lantern festival is so pretty."

Curly was dazzled by the myriad of lanterns and dazzling array of goods.

"Mama, I want to buy a rabbit lantern."

"Alright, I’ll buy it for you later."

"Don’t forget, okay?"

"I won’t forget."

The Sileria City Lantern Festival is held once a year. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, it continues from daytime until the early hours of the next morning, making it very lively.

It’s Curly’s first time here. Back then, Sienna Johnson was busy and life was tough, so she wasn’t in the mood to visit the lantern festival.

Life has only gotten better in the past year or two.

"Mama, I’m off."

Sienna Johnson, still worried, reminded Curly again, "Curly, listen to Sally and Melly, don’t run around, okay? There are many kidnappers around, and you’re so pretty. If you’re sold to the mountains, you won’t ever return home."

"Got it, so nagging."

"You little girl."

"Sally, Melly, let’s go. There are many vendors selling snacks ahead, let me treat you."

Melly teased, "Better treat us generously; Curly received a lot of red packets and is now a little rich girl."

"Eating too much will make you fat." Curly was concerned about her money.

"It’s alright, I’m not afraid of getting fat."

Curly: ...

...

The night is as flowing as water; it seems the whole of Sileria City has gathered in the Old Town District. The usually quiet district is now engulfed in a festive, harmonious atmosphere, its night buzz unaltered.

The long street stretches for miles, bustling with pairs of young lovers as they pass by.

"Why are there so many people?" Adrian Desmond frowned.

"It’s the Sileria City Lantern Festival, and there’s a custom of courting with flowers," Sienna Johnson joked with her man who was shielding her, "You throw me a branch, and if I return you a flower, there will be fireworks tonight, creating a romantic story of a talented scholar and a beautiful lady."

Scanning the street, Sienna Johnson noticed most young people holding flowers in their hands, be it red, white, light pink, or deep purple.

"Fireworks tonight? Haha... are you suggesting a wild escapade?"

Sienna Johnson: ...

The brightly shining flower lanterns lit up the faces of vendors, all in high spirits.

Sienna Johnson moved through the crowd, occasionally glancing here and there, and she was full of enthusiasm.

"Aunt, Uncle..."

Under the glow of the lanterns, Ivy Evans, dressed in a peach-pink slim-fit down jacket, with rosy cheeks and charming eyes, stood elegantly holding a rabbit lantern.

How did Ivy Evans end up here?

"How are you after falling into the water and getting sick last time?" Sienna Johnson smiled and asked.

"Thanks for your concern, Aunt. I’m better now."

Ivy Evans glanced shyly at Adrian Desmond, who was protective of Sienna Johnson, ensuring no one bumped into her, his hands occupied with a rattle drum.

"The weather is cold today. You’ve just recovered, so you should rest at home," Sienna Johnson said, feigning concern.

"I love visiting the lantern festival. I heard the Sileria City’s festival is lively, so I came here specifically for it. Didn’t expect to bump into you, Aunt and Uncle." Ivy Evans looked at Adrian Desmond, her eyes full of affection.

Sienna Johnson found her annoying but couldn’t drive her away, feeling a bit disappointed. It was also her first time at the festival with Adrian Desmond, and this ’bright light bulb’ was a bit too bright.

Ivy Evans looked at Adrian Desmond, Adrian Desmond looked at Sienna Johnson. Seeing Sienna Johnson’s reluctance yet her forced patience, Adrian Desmond felt amused.

"Enjoy your visit; we won’t disturb you." Sienna Johnson thought about it, choosing to turn down the bright bulb.

Their first beautiful experience at the lantern festival wasn’t something Sienna Johnson wanted spoiled.

Ivy Evans appeared pitiful, hesitating to speak, "Aunt..."

"Adrian, those fried crisp cakes look delicious. Let’s try them," suggested Sienna Johnson, deliberately ignoring Ivy Evans’s hurt expression, interlocking fingers with Adrian Desmond as they began to walk away.

"Aunt, Uncle, I’m unfamiliar with this place. Can you guide me around?"

Ivy Evans looked at Adrian Desmond, showcasing her delicate and graceful demeanor to the fullest, but alas, Ivy Evans got it wrong.

Adrian Desmond preferred clever, sharp women, not the delicate type.

"Oh..." Sienna Johnson feigned difficulty, "We’re also new here and not very familiar."

Ivy Evans seized the opportunity, "Then we should go together and look after each other."

Sienna Johnson phoned Kathryn, who wasn’t accompanying the Madam today and had also come to the lantern festival.

"Kathryn, where are you?"

"I’m at the theater."

"My cousin’s niece is here to visit the lantern festival. She doesn’t know the area well. Haven’t you been here several times? Why don’t you accompany her?

"Okay, I’m opposite Vintage Vaults Antiques. I’ll have Ivy Evans wait for you. She’s wearing a peach-pink down jacket."

"Aunt, I..."

Sienna Johnson stopped her from speaking, "I’ve found you a local guide. Her name is Kathryn. She grew up in Sileria City and comes to this festival every year. She’ll accompany you later.

Adrian and I need to go elsewhere, so we’re leaving."

"Aunt, I want to be with you guys..."

"Let’s go, Adrian."

Watching Sienna Johnson pull Adrian Desmond away, Ivy Evans stomped her feet angrily. She came here for Adrian Desmond, not for the festival.

"Damn old woman!" Ivy Evans cursed.

Adrian Desmond turned to Sienna Johnson, "So Mrs. Desmond does get jealous."

"Mrs. Desmond not only drinks vinegar but when she gets jealous, she’s quite terrifying. So Mr. Desmond, don’t go around flirting and risk making Mrs. Desmond jealous."

"Wouldn’t dare."

Adrian Desmond’s hand reached over, wrapped around her waist, and Sienna Johnson returned the embrace, with the two weaving through the crowd, soaking in the festive spirit.

Ivy Evans waited a while, feeling unwilling. She wasn’t here for the lantern festival but for Adrian Desmond.

Thinking it over, Ivy Evans chased after them.

Sienna Johnson and Adrian Desmond were sitting at a stall trying out snacks when Ivy Evans came over again.

"Aunt, Uncle, what a coincidence, we meet again."

Sienna Johnson’s gaze turned cold instantly, "So, didn’t you meet Kathryn?"

"Oh, I waited for a while but didn’t meet her, so I decided to wander by myself and unexpectedly met you again..."