Blair, feeling his warmth, looked at him with surprise.

“You’ll get lost if you keep wandering like this. Hold my hand.”

Blair obediently extended her hand to him. Herdin firmly clasped her hand to make sure he didn’t lose her.

As they strolled, Blair took in the festival scenery, while Herdin observed her with interest.

After walking for a while, Blair stopped in front of one of the stalls.
The street vendor was selling handmade accessories, and unlike other stalls, a girl who looked around eleven years old was guarding it alone.

“Welcome, customer.”

Blair, smiling gently at the little owner who greeted her cheerfully, asked, “Did you make these yourself?”

“No, my mom made them.”

“Where is your mom?”

“She went somewhere briefly for work. I have to watch the store until then.”

“Do you know how to handle transactions?”

“Yes, my mom taught me.”

“You’re clever and capable.”

Observing Blair engaging in a friendly conversation with the unfamiliar child, Herdin, pointing to the vendor with a nod, spoke up.

“Is there anything you like? I’ll give it to you as a souvenir, so choose something.”

“Oh, no. I just spoke because I was worried about the child being alone.”

“The little owner would probably be happier if you bought something for her.”

Blair, realizing only now, looked at the child. Understanding the conversation between the two adults, the child nodded.

“It’s okay. You can just look around.”

However, seeing the admirable child made Blair want to buy something for her. Blair carefully examined the vendor and chose a cherry blossom-shaped ring made from threads. It was suitable as a commemoration of today.

“I’ll take this one.”

“It’s 5 silver.”

Herdin handed a gold coin to the child.

“Keep the change. Don’t give it to your mom.”
The child looked up at him with a bewildered expression.

Blair glanced at him, claiming he said something strange to the child, but Herdin pretended not to notice and turned away first.

After exchanging greetings with the child, Blair occasionally approached him with small steps.

“Thank you for the ring, Herdin. I’ll cherish it.”

Herdin glanced at the thread ring snugly fitted on Blair’s hand.

The cherry blossom-shaped ornament on the ring didn’t appeal to him, but it looked fitting on her slender, delicate finger. It was worth the price.

The next spot after Blair’s steps halted was a street vendor selling cherry blossom-shaped cream buns.

For Blair, who couldn’t resist the sweet aroma, Herdin bought one for her.

After taking a small bite of the bun, Blair’s eyes widened. It suited her taste.

“Would you like to try one too? It’s quite sweet, though…”

Blair took out a bun and offered it to Herdin.

Herdin took her hand holding the bun and brought it to his mouth. Due to the motion, Blair’s fingertip went into his mouth and came out.

Startled by the unfamiliar sensation on her fingertips, Blair flinched. However, Herdin just smirked.

“It’s not bad.”

Suddenly, in that moment against the backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom, Herdin’s blue eyes, like a spring lake with flower petals drifting, and the nearby sound of paper rustling echoed. It came from the top of the clock tower right in front of them.
Unnoticed, the two had reached the front of the clock tower.

Blair lifted her neck and gazed up at the top of the clock tower. She had heard that the view from up there was beautiful.

“Herdin, have you been up there?”

“Do you want to go?”

Quick to catch the intention behind the question, he swiftly responded. Blair nodded her head.

Herdin, looking at Blair’s eyes sparkling with anticipation, then glanced down at her shoes.

“It seems challenging to climb with those.”

“I can manage. It won’t be a burden for you.”

Seeing Blair speak enthusiastically, Herdin nodded approvingly.

Blair took the lead, starting to climb the stairs of the clock tower. Herdin followed her leisurely, a few steps behind.