Felix raised his eyebrow. “For . . . real?”
The vendor grinned. “Yes, sir. Today, our city is celebrating the Lavish Moon Festival. In this festival, we’re cherishing the beauty of the full moon who gave light and prosperity to the city 392 years ago. And as a token of appreciation for attending the festival, I’ll give you some of my delicious foods for free.”
Renata looked at her father. “You heard that, Father? Free food for today!” Her eyes began to sparkle.
Felix just sighed and thanked the vendor. He watched his daughter grab some food.
“Thank you!” Revi yelled while walking away at the stall.
“May the moon be your light!” the vendor shouted back.
Renata immediately ate what she got as she walked with Felix. The Vigliancos decided to stay in the provincial area first where the beautiful plains and trees were clearly visible.
The provincial area was not far from the city. There were trees, plains, forests, and rivers. There were also some people living in that area, too. Life there was simple and fun. There Renata felt as if there was no difference between Atolon and Madreign except for its high technology.
The Vigliancos went in front of the forest. The forest they went to was also said to be visited by tourists, but this time, no one went except a man wearing a black suit.
"Hello, sir!" Renata tried to greet the man but he ignored her.
While they were on the ship earlier, the Vigliancos talked about harboring self-anger and showing off to the Madreese. If possible, they must stop talking to them. They did this so that they don't get caught right away.
Renata sighed. “I want to go inside the forest. I’m sure it’s safe since this is a tourist spot,”she said, “though, something is wrong here. Surprisingly, no one is entering this tourist spot except for that man in black suit. Why is that so, Father?”
Felix gazed at his daughter. “I don’t know. Maybe the forest is closed? But if they are closed, the man shouldn’t enter. Is he part of the authority? Because it looks like he is.”
Renata spoke, “if he’s an authorized personnel. . . He’s an enemy then. ” She clenched her fist and gritted her teeth.
Felix patted his daughter’s shoulder. “Don’t jump into conclusions, Revi. We’re not sure yet. Let’s just enter the forest and have fun for the meantime— ”
They heard a loud bang not far away. That sound came from inside the forest. Shocked, the Vigliancos turned to look at the forest, wondering what and where it came from.
"R-revi," Felix called her daughter as he saw her enter the forest. He wiped his face when Revi left him again. He could do nothing but follow the child inside.
Renata ran until she saw men holding axes and tools used to cut down trees. Fallen trees were the first ones to catch her attention. She watched another tree fall and heard the loud crash again as before.
Her eyes were bloodshot. She clenched her fist. “Who gave you the right to cut those trees ?!” she screamed. Their eyes were on her.
A random man was flabbergasted. That was the man she had seen before. “What is that child doing here ?! Get that out! ”
Revi immediately ran somewhere and dared to intervene in the man’s business.
"Hey! Stop her!” the man commanded. His staff immediately moved and held Revi tightly.
“This is a tourist spot! This is part of nature — why are you destroying it ?! ” She tried to get out of their grip.
“I bought this, you little brat. This is now my possession and not part of nature. ” The man chuckled. “This forest will be a. . . hmm, a mall, I think? Isn’t that more beautiful than this? ” He pointed at the trees. “This?!”
Revi glared at him. She was about to speak but then she heard her father’s voice. “Revi!”
Everyone averted their gazes to look at Felix. As soon as the workers released Renata, she immediately ran to approach Felix.
The man in suit scoffed. He picked up the bucket and approached the Vigliancos. He poured cold water on them. “That’s what you get for entering my private property. That’s good and I’m very kind now, so that’s all you got. Now, go away from this forest, you filths!”
Felix gritted his teeth, Revi hugged her father tightly. Felix picked up the child and walked away.
“Renata, yes, this is the outside world. People living here in this deceptive paradise are ruthless. . . and devious. You shall not believe in them or in anything here, because you’ll never know who’s telling the truth or not. ” They left the forest quietly, but full of fury.
As they walked, a butterfly flew and accompanied them. A strong wind greeted the Vigliancos.
Suddenly the image of the mother entered Revi's mind. Her lovely, innocent mother, Velo, who just died because of Madreign. All of her memories from that day entered her mind. Remembering the day of terror made her heart crumble in rage. I’ll. . . take their freedom, she thought.
The moment of joy earlier in the festival was just a façade. They are purely evil behind the charade. Renata would no longer trust anyone in Madreign.
The Vigliancos spent time searching for a place to live while they were in their enemy’s territory. Felix expressed his gratitude when he found a place to stay before the sky darkened.
In front of them, the vast pasture was clearly visible. On the side, there were not so tall trees. The breeze was also cold. The ground was not broken and there were few rocks.
"Nice to meet you, Mister?" A woman greeted them. She was a bit chubby and old. Probably Felix and her were the same age.
“Felix. I’m Felix Viglianco and this is my daughter, Renata, ”Felix introduced themselves.
The woman looked at Revi tenderly. Renata hid behind her father, as if she saw a terrible monster.
The girl chuckled. “I’m Susannah Louis and this is my son, Yner.” She introduced her son. Yner was taller than Renata and looks older as well. “I’m glad that you chose to live here. I'm sure you'll like coming here. ”
Renata hid even more behind her father when Susan introduced Yner. Revi looked at the boy coldly. She already lost her trust in the people of Madreign.
To be continued . . .