The city of Thirtos, the largest urban center on the expansive Gaia plains, has gained a reputation as a rapidly advancing bastion of civilization since the arrival of the Earth people, marking a pivotal shift in the region's development. This transformation instigated significant changes in both the economy and technology, firmly establishing Thirtos as a hub of innovation that captivates countless residents and visitors alike.
Located by the sea, Thirtos is renowned as the bustling main harbor; nearly every journey to the Gaia plains docks here, providing a safe and comfortable access point for large ships. The two other nearby islands, obscured by towering waves, are deemed unsuitable for docking large vessels; the fierce waves and treacherous reefs jutting from the sea present a daunting challenge for sailors daring enough to explore the vast ocean. As a strategic port, Thirtos not only supports local trade but also facilitates international commerce, playing a crucial role in the economic connectivity and growth of the region.
Tonight, the sky appears exceptionally bright, as if adorned with a shimmering tapestry of stars. The three moons shine clearly in the heavens, enhancing the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. The red moon, radiating a warm glow, is named Garnet, an everlasting symbol of pride for the Gamma people. Meanwhile, the soft blue moon, called Aquamarine, represents peace and gentleness for the Gaia nation; and the third purple moon, known as Amesti, serves as a sign of hope and wisdom for the Earth people, seemingly conveying a profound message for all who gaze upon it.
Although the Gamma people are no longer present, the light of the Garnet moon continues to shine brightly, casting a warm red glow that captivates couples. They often spend their nights beneath this moonlight, enchanted by a beauty unique to Thirtos, where the palette of the sky merges with the romance of the night.
"The beauty of the Garnet Moon is truly indescribable. It's no wonder many call it the moon of love, as its warmth can be deeply felt in the heart," Hernandez said, leaning against a post. With a gaze full of hope, he glanced at the girl beside him, who looked stunning in her dress adorned with glimmering embellishments that seemed to reflect the moonlight. Her glass slippers sparkled dazzlingly, while her hair, pinned with butterfly clips, fluttered gently with each breeze, creating a magical moment beneath the night's light.
"Do you agree with that?" he asked curiously, waiting for a response from the girl who appeared enchanted by their surroundings.
The girl sat gracefully on a white bench decorated with climbing plants, where brightly colored flowers bloomed vibrantly, adding to the mesmerizing charm. Each open petal seemed to tell a story, crafting a captivating atmosphere that left anyone passing by in awe of the beauty and elegance surrounding them.
"I neither blame nor validate it, although many believe in such things. True beauty is something felt within the heart, not merely a judgment from others," the girl said with a meaningful gaze, as if inviting reflection with each word she spoke.
Hernandez felt a jolt of shock combined with confusion when he realized that Rinoa, the girl he had admired from afar, was genuinely willing to accept his invitation for a date, a notion he had believed to be unattainable.
"Why?" Rinoa asked with a charming smile, the warm glow in her eyes radiating happiness that captivated Hernandez's heart.
Hernandez fell silent, enchanted by the overwhelming joy swelling in his chest, while Rinoa took a deep breath, appearing uncertain or perhaps just experiencing a profound, unexpressed hesitation. Her smile remained enchanting, but a flicker of doubt crossed her eyes, hinting at the emotional complexity between them.
Then, Rinoa called over the children who were hiding behind the fence, their faces shining with genuine curiosity and wonder. With enthusiasm, they climbed over the worn wooden fence, as if it were a bridge to newfound freedom from the hardships of life. These children were young beggars who typically asked for money from the officials who frequently passed through this park. Despite often being treated like animals—trampled and kicked for a morsel of food—there was a sincere joy in their eyes. Yet, what saddened Rinoa the most was not the cruel treatment they received, but the adults who exploited them for begging, preying on these children's vulnerability for personal gain.
Carefully, the children sat quietly in front of the loving girl. They were hesitant to warm their right side, a bit reluctant to move closer due to their dirty and smelly bodies. They did not want to tarnish the princess's elegance. Rinoa could only smile with emotion, feeling the sincerity and purity in the children's attitude.
"You don't want to come closer, do you?" Rinoa said softly, her voice warmed with kindness. The softness of her tone created a comforting atmosphere, making the children feel accepted despite their hesitation to approach. The moonlight that bathed the scene intensified the beauty of the moment, enriching the emotional connection surrounding their interaction.
"We are afraid that your clothes will get dirty," said the oldest child, their voice expressing concern.
With great enthusiasm, Rinoa pulled something out of her small bag, her face shining with excitement. Gently, she blew a shimmering soap bubble, and immediately, the children rushed to chase the bubbles that floated freely into the air, dancing under the moonlight. They ran joyfully, some imitating the movements of flying birds, while others energetically played horseback riding. Their laughter filled the night as little collisions happened amongst them, yet none were upset; instead, they all laughed freely, savoring the simplicity of happiness.
"Rinoa... she's never shown that side to me, nor to anyone at school," Hernandez whispered to himself, his voice nearly drowned out by the cheerful footsteps of the children.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" Rinoa asked with a deep gaze, as if she could read Hernandez's thoughts fluttering amidst the bustling crowd of running children.
"Rinoa, I truly love you," Hernandez confessed, his voice trembling, nearly swept away by the din of children running around him. In his eyes, hope and longing sparkled, as if every word he spoke was a bond he wished to forge amidst the joyful commotion.
"Huh," Rinoa let out a soft sigh, as if she had heard a gentle whisper from Hernandez. Her voice was nearly drowned out by the surrounding commotion—the laughter of children rang like a symphony of innocent joy. This happy moment stood in stark contrast to the unspoken weight that clouded her heart, enveloping her in a feeling of nostalgia and tenderness.
The exhausted child fell to the ground, his body collapsing with heavy breaths. Rinoa, speaking softly yet firmly, urged him not to lie on the dusty ground, but a group of other children continued to laugh joyfully, playing as if the world around them was filled with endless happiness.
"Here is a flower for you, big sister," said the little girl with a sweet smile, her toothless grin evident, while her runny nose added a charming touch to her face. She held up a bright wildflower she had picked with great care, displaying the sincerity of her heart.
"Here is a flower for you, big sister," the little girl repeated with a sweet smile. Her clearly visible missing front teeth and runny nose added a humorous charm to her appearance. She held the brightly colored wildflower she had picked, showcasing her deep affection and the sincerity of her heartfelt gift.
With joy, Rinoa accepted the flower, bringing it close to her face to inhale its sweet fragrance. Although she knew that the wildflower had grown by the roadside, its beauty was captivating nonetheless. "Thank you as well," she said, reaching into her pocket to pull out a few bills, intending to give them to the children in hopes of helping to improve their situation. In doing so, she wanted to touch their lives, as if the flower they gave her also symbolized hope and a kindness that was deeply interconnected.
"No need, sister," said the tallest child firmly, his eyes reflecting confidence despite the difficult circumstances. "That's not how it works, my friend," he added, his tone softer, as if wanting to convey that the support they provided for themselves was more than enough.
"Yes!!" the other children chimed in enthusiastically, their voices resounding together in the air, signaling their unanimous agreement. Each of their faces radiated happiness and sincere hope, depicting the warmth of togetherness in facing the challenges ahead.
"It's okay, please take it for a meal," Rinoa gently coaxed, hoping to convince them. However, the children firmly declined, their expressions reflecting pride and contentment in what they had.
"We are very happy too, sister. The older brother back there has helped us a lot. Thanks to him, we can now live freely and have a place with our friends," said the tallest child, his voice full of enthusiasm and confidence, echoing their gratitude for the assistance they had received.
Suddenly, Rinoa glanced at Hernandez standing behind her. His face flushed red, as if a flame was burning on his cheeks, especially when Rinoa gifted him a warm, radiant smile. A mix of emotions stirred within him, creating a whirlwind of tension and excitement, making him feel as though he was caught in a storm of feelings.
"Um, sister, I want to marry you," said the tall child with an eager face, his eyes shining like stars in the dark night.
"WHAT?!," exclaimed Hernandez, giving his head a little whack as if just realizing he might be the goalie in this game of love.
"Ouch, sniff! This love seems much more painful than falling off a swing!" the tall child exclaimed.
"Rinoa is mine," Hernandez declared firmly, demonstrating his confident stance in front of the boy.
Rinoa could only respond with a sweet smile, an expression that hinted at a mix of happiness and challenge. With boldness, the little girl kicked the tall boy's leg and stuck out her tongue playfully, as if to challenge him. The voices of other children echoed around them, shouting "liar!" at the tall boy, adding to the joyful and spirited atmosphere of this captivating love match, creating infectious laughter among them.
"Am I pretty?" Rinoa asked with a light smile, as if seeking reassurance, like a detective questioning a key witness in the case of 'beauty.' Perhaps she hoped for more than just an answer—maybe a discount voucher for a beauty salon or at least the secret recipe to achieve the model look from magazines!
Hernandez coughed, his voice cracking in the silence. Rinoa turned her gaze toward him, her smile dimming slightly as a frustrated expression crossed her graceful features. Reluctantly, Hernandez could only swallow hard, feeling the tension grow between them as if all eyes were on them, magnifying the awkwardness of the moment.
"Of course! In fact, you are even more beautiful than the princesses in the fairy tales I read every night," he proclaimed, his smile filled with admiration, and his eyes sparkling as if highlighting the beauty that stood before him.
"Well then, marrying my brother might be more complicated than piecing together a 1000-piece puzzle," Rinoa remarked, playfully stroking her head with an expression as if she had just stumbled upon an amusing yet complex topic.
"Why?" asked the tall boy, his tone curious.
"Because there will be many men lining up like at a bazaar, all wanting to marry my brother!"
"That's unfair," the tall boy pouted, feeling caught in an unjust game, like a chess king suddenly betrayed by its foundation piece.
"What can we do? It's the fate of being a beautiful girl," Rinoa said, her smile seemingly conveying that anyone who believes being beautiful is easy must never have been bombarded by a line of admirers! She continued, "But there are still many other girls who might be more beautiful than my brother. Who knows, they might be ready to fight fiercely for the attention of the princes!"
Prittttt!!!! The loud whistle of the guard pierced the silence, causing the children to run about with excitement. "Thank you, sister!" they shouted, their cheerful voices echoing in the air, seemingly erasing all the stillness around.
"I apologize, ma'am, for this inconvenience," said an officer politely, his face radiating guilt as he tried to calm the homeless person who was disturbing him. With an empathetic gaze and arms crossed, he appeared to be struggling between his duties and a deep sense of humanity, striving to resolve a situation that left him uncomfortable.
"It's okay," Rinoa replied softly, trying to ease the atmosphere. However, behind her smile, there was a hidden doubt that stood out starkly amid the sparkle in her eyes.