Chapter 23 – Midsummer’s Day
In the end, under Gladys’s firm insistence, Erika had no choice but to obediently take a bite of the vegetables.
But that raw, grassy taste nearly made her gag.
She finally understood one thing—she was a carnivore, not a herbivore!
After finishing one plate, Gladys brought her a second one, but Erika only ate the meat and fruit. She refused to touch the vegetables—she’d rather starve than eat them.
Pouting, and visibly upset with Gladys’s strictness, Erika turned her gaze aside, swinging her little feet in defiance and pretending to ignore her.
Gladys, however, remained calm and continued eating her own meal with composure.
“Everyone! Good evening! Ahem…”
Suddenly, Erika noticed that at some point, a raised platform had been set up in the tavern’s main hall.
It resembled the kind used for musical or theatrical performances, and standing atop it was a middle-aged woman. She wore a luxurious long dress, her tall figure carrying a sensual curve and refined charm.
“Oh ho! The tavern owner is putting on a show again!”
“Haha, Miss Caroline’s been quite active lately!”
“She’s amazing. Her husband was our local lord and a hero of the Empire. To come out from the shadow of his death like this, I really admire her.”
“Yeah, this tavern is bustling all thanks to Miss Caroline.”
“Exactly.”
…
Cheers erupted from the crowd below, all eyes on the woman on stage as they began shouting enthusiastically.
The woman named Caroline also swept her gaze across the crowd, spreading her arms and proclaiming loudly, “Today is Midsummer’s Day! To celebrate, I’ve prepared free drinks and food for everyone.
And of course, we’ve specially arranged a grand food contest just for the children. Whoever wins… ahem… will receive a prize!”
“Wah!”
As her words fell, the crowd burst into cheers once more.
It was well known that the Aarlan Empire had four major festivals each year: Day of Freedom, Midsummer’s Day, Day of Harvest, and Day of Winter.
Today was Midsummer’s Day—a day symbolizing love, where friends might become lovers, and proposals or engagements often happened.
It was also said the Holy Church held prayers on this day, observing the weather—bad omens on special days might herald disaster.
Tonight was a beautiful summer evening.
This time, Caroline hadn’t just prepared free drinks for the adults, but had even arranged a food contest for the children. A major splurge indeed.
“Oh! Beautiful Miss Caroline! You’re amazing!!”
“Haha! You’ll always be the most beautiful woman in my heart!”
“I’m bringing my kid right now! We have to support Miss Caroline’s event!”
“This will be the best Midsummer’s Day ever!”
…
The commotion grew louder as patrons began bringing their children from home.
The tavern was no longer a haven for drunkards but a paradise for children.
Soon, platters of rich, aromatic meat dishes emerged from the back kitchen. The beautifully cooked food instantly captured everyone’s attention.
Cheers rang out. Some even howled in excitement. The entire tavern's atmosphere had been ignited by Caroline’s presence.
…
Erika, her wide eyes staring at the food being brought out, had no idea what kind of day Midsummer’s Day was. All she heard was that this was a food event prepared specifically for children.
And it was a contest—with a prize for the winner.
Wasn’t that perfect for her right now?
Her red eyes sparkled with excitement. Erika was thrilled.
“Gladys! Gladys! I want to go! I want to enter the contest!”
“But you haven’t finished your vegetables.”
“Can I eat them after?”
“No.”
The firm rejection left no room for debate. Clearly, Gladys had resolved to make Erika maintain a balanced diet.
Erika panicked. How could such glorious food be denied to her? What logic was that!?
She crossed her arms and glared, throwing a small tantrum.
“If you don’t let me go, I’ll never talk to you again!”
But Gladys wasn’t moved at all. She merely raised an eyebrow.
Seeing this reaction, Erika frowned. Without waiting for permission, she jumped down from her chair and made a dash toward the stage.
But after just a few steps, a fair hand reached out, pulling her gently back into Gladys’s embrace.
Then, a soft whisper reached Erika’s ear.
“Erika, if you don’t eat your vegetables, I won’t let you go.”
Held tightly, Erika couldn’t resist. She also knew that if she fought back, Gladys might start nibbling her ear again.
Seeing that registration was about to close, Erika grew desperate.
If firmness wouldn’t work, maybe softness would.
Her big eyes sparkled with sorrow as she played the pitiful card.
“Please let me go, Gladys. Just this once… I’m hungry…”
“No.”
“Please… just this once…”
“Eat your vegetables first.”
“Ah—!”
She couldn’t take it anymore. The food was right there, and this mean lady was blocking her!
Furrowing her brows, Erika began flailing her limbs like a spoiled child.
“Let go of me!!! I want to go! I want to! Ah—! Let me go!”
Her voice was loud, quickly drawing the attention of everyone around.
Obviously, today was Midsummer’s Day—a joyful occasion. Erika’s struggle in Gladys’s arms was starting to cast an awkward light on the latter.
“Look at that child… poor thing.”
“Yeah, it’s Midsummer’s Day. Why wouldn’t someone let a kid join in the fun?”
…
The murmurs soon reached Gladys’s ears, causing her usually calm face to wrinkle slightly.
Looking at the struggling Erika in her arms, she threatened softly.
“Erika, if you keep acting up, I’m going to have to calm you down.”
At the mention of “calm down,” Erika immediately froze in fear.
She knew that when Gladys said that, it meant she was going to nibble her ear.
She went quiet, curling up in Gladys’s arms like a pitiful kitten.
“I… I’ll stop…”
But she still gazed longingly at the approaching food contest, her face unguarded and full of disappointment and grievance.
“Sigh~”
Seeing the pitiful little girl, Gladys sighed and raised an eyebrow. “Do you really want to go?”
“Yes…”
“Then will you eat vegetables from now on?”
Thinking she had a chance, Erika quickly nodded.
“I will…”
“Then go. But don’t eat too much.”
“Okay!”
With Gladys’s permission, Erika instantly revived, leaping from her embrace and darting off toward the food contest.
Her eyes gleamed as she stared at the lavish dishes ahead. Her hunger was already overwhelming.
…
“One last time—any more children wanting to participate?” Caroline called out from the stage.
And at the last moment, a small, delicate hand rose from the crowd.
“Me! Me! Count me in!”
Standing on tiptoe, Erika tried her best to be noticed.
The children present probably had no idea that this last-minute entrant would become the end of their victory hopes.