Chapter 144………………………
Hiteplatz!
I could immediately tell where the place Shion’s dad mentioned was.
Of course I could—
“It’s a place that appeared in the main story!”
Hiteplatz is the city area just beyond the moat, a little distance from the royal palace.
It’s filled with beautiful historic architecture and countless sights to see!
Especially, Hiteplatz is a street known for culture and the arts, so various street performances were often held there.
“And of course, there’s plenty to eat!”
After all, food and drinks are essential for enjoying performances.
Mom and Dad had visited there once at the beginning of the story, and once more just before the conclusion.
At first, when everything felt off and people bickered, they returned and watched street performances that depicted their own life stories, chatting quietly together.
It was truly a memorable scene.
But as for me, C.C…
“Hi-te-platz?”
I was still supposed to be unfamiliar with Hiteplatz.
Lost in memories, I snapped back to reality and tilted my head in confusion.
Then Shion’s dad smiled gently and patted my head.
“It’s a place your mom and dad love. I’m sure you’ll like it too, C.C.”
“Wow!”
Looks like I didn’t get caught.
See, I’m not that bad at lying after all.
“Dads really are fools.”
Maybe it’s because I wasn’t nervous.
“In summer, they hold the street arts festival late into the night, so it’s not too late even if we go now.”
Lost in thought, Shion’s dad nodded slightly and muttered to himself.
Then he looked at Derek’s dad and spoke.
“Then, Derek, can you return to the palace for now and bring Yuria to the front of the Hiteplatz theater?”
“Understood.”
“If that’s the case, couldn’t I just go back and bring her right now? That would be faster.”
“That’s absolutely not possible.”
At Harzen’s dad’s words, Shion’s dad shook his head firmly.
“We need to go first and at least create an alibi with C.C., otherwise if you go, Harzen, you’ll arrive before us.”
“Dad really is thorough…”
He already finished calculating all of that.
I pursed my lips and let out a quiet sigh of admiration.
I thought he was the most honest dad, but now I’m not so sure.
“I’m off.”
Judging the strategy meeting to be over, Derek’s dad spoke briefly and then disappeared from sight.
Looking at the suddenly empty spot, I tugged on Shion’s dad’s arm.
“Let’s go too!”
It would take a little time to run, but mom could teleport.
What if we dawdle here and end up late!
“Alright, let’s go too.”
After speaking, Shion’s dad signaled to Harzen’s dad.
At the same time, a brilliant light rose from beneath our feet, and in an instant, our surroundings changed.
Not the overgrown, eerie cemetery…
“Bricks?”
It feels strangely as dark as before.
Is this really the Hiteplatz that sparkles even at night?
“It’s not polite to appear suddenly in the middle of the street.”
Harzen’s dad spoke, as if to answer my question.
He had intentionally teleported us to a secluded alley to avoid being seen.
Then…
“Now, head toward the light ahead.”
Again, as if reading my mind, Harzen’s dad gently nudged my back.
Using that gentle push as a springboard, I held Per’s hand and stepped forward slowly.
The moment we stepped out from the shadow of the alley…
“Wow…”
I couldn’t help but be genuinely awed by the scene before my eyes.
Tiny lights twinkling along the streets like miniature fairy lights, in a way I couldn’t even imagine.
A sweet string ensemble coming from the opposite block.
People clustered in front of the street performance stage, even though the show hadn’t started yet.
“Beautiful…”
I think I felt this sense of being overwhelmed by a scene even in Pardes.
“It’s similar, yet different somehow.”
Back then, it was awe for nature; this time…
“This is the view the protagonists of the main story saw.”
This is the landscape my mom and dad faced and loved.
“Shion’s dad was right.”
Still staring at the street, I quietly spoke to the dads who had followed me belatedly.
“I like this place too.”
I felt so happy standing on the same ground as the place my parents loved.
A view I wouldn’t have known if mom were not alive, if I hadn’t prevented her death.
Beautiful music I wouldn’t have heard…
“It’s too early to just admire it here.”
Kyle’s dad ruffled my hair and said.
“Do you know how delicious the street food here is? I’m not sure if the shops are still open…”
“It’s a famous spot, they’ll still be open. The meat pie there is really good, C.C.”
Shion’s dad chimed in, licking his lips.
Watching that,
Growl-
Naturally, my stomach also sounded the alarm.
“Hehe.”
Now that I think about it, it’s just about the right time to be hungry.
I had gotten some cookies from Grandpa Aaron, but that just made me hungrier.
“Hmm, looks like our destination is decided.”
Shion’s dad looked at me fondly and shrugged.
“There’s still some time, so first let’s get the meat pies and head to the theater.”
“Great!”
A perfect plan!
I pumped my hand energetically, holding Per’s hand in agreement.
Wait, Per has been quiet all this time.
Feeling a bit uneasy, I turned to look at him.
While I waved my arms around, Per just stared blankly at the street.
Just like I had a moment ago.
“What is he thinking about so intently?”
I leaned slightly forward and looked up at Per.
What emotion is in those red eyes?
What is he staring at to be so dazed?
I couldn’t tell, but one thing I noticed…
“Longing?”
“Per.”
Unable to resist curiosity, I spoke while staring at him.
“Have you been here before?”
Per’s gaze, previously fixed on the air, finally met mine.
A brief silence hovered between us.
“…Well.”
Per smiled faintly, folding his red eyes in his typical way.
“I guess it depends on how you look at it.”
“What kind of answer is that.”
Either he’s been here or he hasn’t.
“Even if he has, I wouldn’t mind.”
I straightened myself and turned my head quickly, not wanting the mood to dampen.
“Well, still…”
Per whispered softly, holding my hand so only I could hear.
“I think I’m going to like this place too.”
“……”
“No, I do like it.”
