Chapter 701: The End of Ranch and Talia's Flower Capital Journey

The golden afterglow dissipated and sank into the dark streets.

One light is lit, then two, then three...... Eventually, countless lights flickered, like stars swaying on the surface of the river.

Warm sky lanterns rise lightly and fly towards the night sky like fireflies.

"This is the festival of the flower capital of Parrieux."

Ranchi and Talia walked up the hillside stairs of Montmargan, overlooking the city.

"It's beautiful."

Talia seemed to be muttering to herself, as if sighing, looking at the flower capital Parrieu, which had suddenly become lively at some point.

The sight of the sight took their breath away, and the stone houses were lit up by the light of lights, and the faces of the people were dressed in festive costumes and filled with joy.

Some citizens did not go out, but only lit bamboo lamps by their windowsills, let go of their hands, and let them rise with the wind and float into the starry sky.

"In a little while, when it's completely dark, the fireworks will begin."

Ranch said to Talia.

He had already seen the introduction of the fireworks festival in the flower capital of Parrieux.

They are still on the border of Sector 3 on the north shore of the Parrieux, and a staircase down the high ground will lead directly to adjacent Sector 1 and to the Temple of Love, the final destination of the night.

However, the view of the highlands is very good, and you can see buildings from a distance of several kilometers.

If there is a best place to watch the fireworks, it is undoubtedly the riverside square behind the Temple of Love, which has been built with terraces.

You can see the fireworks blooming in the sky up close.

"Actually, I can watch fireworks every day in the card room......"

Talia was about to say something.

The crisp sound of the bell pierced the silence of the night, rippling like ripples, attracting the attention of the two.

It was the music that was played to purify the land.

The crowd gathered in the far plaza and sat around the altar.

At some point, a bonfire was lit in the middle of the square.

A priest dressed in a white dress approached, and she was the presiding priest who served the god of love and will.

"The morning breeze blows, and the petals drift away."

The goddess waved her tin staff, leaving behind a silvery trail and a crisp bell with each stroke, chanting prayers and dancing her limbs.

"Thy voice gently cleanses the world."

It is a sacred dance dedicated to God and imitated by God.

The sound of prayers crossed the square and reached the top of Montmagan.

"People pray to the gods for blessings and hope to be luckier."

Talia spoke about the human mind she had understood over the years.

But that being said.

If you only look at the surface, you will feel that a grand festival is in full swing.

Today it is not as harmonious as it seems.

Along the way, the two of them occasionally heard some passers-by talking.

Due to the turmoil just experienced, the casualties and losses of Huadu Parrieu that night were not light, and the humans and demons were afraid of each other, and there were demonstrations and clashes today and even during the day.

"The sky lantern is used to guide the soul of the dead."

Ranch murmured, a hint of regret in his tone.

"With Your care, emotions grow."

The goddess in the distance chanted loudly, and her greetings—

"May love be like a trickle, gathering together an ocean that will last forever."

The bonfire went out, the crowd dispersed, and new tourists arrived.

Only the lone lamp in the night sky still faithfully illuminates the earth.

Unable to know who took the lead first, Ranchi and Talia continued down the heights, walking in the plaza leading to the temple.

"Unexpectedly, in the end, the relationship between the humans and the demons in the flower capital Parrieux deteriorated."

Talia looked at the city illuminated by the lights beneath her feet.

In the eyes of ordinary citizens, the initiator is the demon careerist Perlman, and the demons who attack Huadu are those who are crazy.

Overnight, the cozy city became a brutal battlefield, and anyone would have a little fear of the demons.

"It can't be said exactly, since Huadu has chosen this way of coexistence, then maybe this is the way to go, and the process of mutual understanding will always be accompanied by conflict."

Ranch nodded and said to Talia.

Stepping on the sometimes rugged and sometimes gentle mountain path, various stalls gradually appear on both sides, and a variety of goods are displayed in a dazzling manner.

Masks are hung from many of the stalls, ranging from artistic Posen-style masks to demonic masks.

These masks would have sold well tonight.

Because the Temple of Love is holding a masquerade ball.

The original intention of the ball was to let the residents of Posen and the demons put aside their prejudices and get along amicably.

Under the mask, you may be a human or a demon.

Everyone is the same.

"The flower capital of Parrieux is actually a miracle in my opinion."

Talia listened to Ranch's words and walked with him around the Parrieux Night Market, replying.

A hundred years ago, she never imagined that she would be able to see a city where humans and demons live together.

This trip to Posen can be said to have opened the eyes of her, the demon princess in history.

"So Pollman is a bad character, his mistakes are irreparable, but his contributions still have a profound impact."

Ranchi was one of the three enemies that were impressed.

Only I regret Pollman more, because Pollman was once kind, so he was able to teach Nigel.

Nigel is like the young Pollman, but Nigel and Pollman are also fundamentally different, he has a real heart of steel.

Or what Nigel believes in is not anyone or anything, but himself who will stand firm in his beliefs.

"But didn't Perlman personally break his ideals and go to the other extreme?"

Talia had to admit that their demons were indeed like this, and they were prone to being overly emotional.

The more she gets used to and accepts the life of human society, the more she feels that her original compatriots are about to become outliers.

"Maybe he discovered when he was about to succeed, ninety-nine steps are one step, one step is one step."

Ranch looked at the brightly lit streets ahead and said,

"If he finds that the last kick in the door is a goal that can never be reached, the more he will be in pain, after all, as a pioneer and practitioner, he knows better than anyone else whether his ideal can be truly successful or an illusory bubble."

Ranch felt that if it was before, he would have confidently hoped that if he could meet Perlman earlier, maybe he would be able to untie his knot, and not let the tragedy of the flower capital happen in the end.

But now that I think about it, perhaps what Professor Polao told him before he left was more correct—

It is not that with great power comes great responsibility. Sometimes the greater your ability, the greater the possible consequences of a single thought, and when your ability reaches a certain point, you need to learn to be an observer.

If it's not a bad situation where you have to intervene, you should think about the difference your intervention will make.

Ranch only remembered Professor Bolao's words at the time, but now that he thinks about it, he really feels it.

Enoan's death made him need to think more than overconfidence.

"So Pollman was wrong from the start?"

Talia lowered her eyes and asked softly.

She has always had doubts about the coexistence of demons and humans.

She didn't think that she and Antanas were truly coexisting with humans, because they were still pretending to be themselves in order to live a life of freedom in Ixrita.

This does not count as coexistence.

And like Hubertian, who lived in Ichrite without deception, even though she was the daughter of the duke, she was also wronged and prejudiced since she was a child, she was not happy, and even dreamed that the Icherita people could not treat her as a demon.

If the demons and humans were together, it would be a mistake, and for some reason, she felt that her heart would become empty.

"I don't think I can give an answer."

Ranch looked at Talia and replied.

The great wizard Parroni caused a catastrophe and left the seeds of hatred because of his hatred of the demons, and the greed of the Senate took root until he indirectly killed Perlman's daughter, passed the hatred to Perlman, and caused his ideals to collapse, triggering a new round of revenge.

Perhaps the turmoil caused by Pollman will make the families of the victims on the human side remember the hatred and one day erupt again.

It's hard to say how it will end out.

This is the cycle of cause and effect.

"Is that so?"

Talia was unmoved by Ranchi's answer.

Or maybe she guessed the answer, and was ready to cover up the disappointment.

"But if you want me to say something, there is always one party who must believe first, even if it may be betrayed, otherwise no one will take the initiative to take the first step, and they will never be able to achieve better ideals."

Ranch continued.

His tone was a little more determined, and the eyes that looked at Talia had the same kind smile as usual.

“……”

Talia turned her head to stare at the side of his face.

The cold and noble pupils couldn't hide a little puzzlement and emotion.

It's like wanting to reject him thousands of miles away and at the same time wanting to explore a little more.

Lanch also noticed her gaze, and the two looked at each other.

"What's wrong, Tata?"

Ranch asked, tilting his head.

"Look, Mask."

Talia just said in a flat tone, naturally moving her gaze to the stall behind Lanchi.

Colorful masks hung all over the wall, glittering in the light of the magic guide lamp.

They can be joyful or sad, hideous or gentle.

"The mask of the Posen Kingdom is indeed quite interesting, and it is a craft that I have never seen before."

Ranch looked at the masks with interest.

"Little brother, miss, these new handmade masks this year are definitely different from last year, my family's craftsmanship is quite good on this street!"

The stall owner noticed the gazes of the two and immediately said to them enthusiastically.

According to previous years, it will definitely sell out soon, but this year's festival is not so lively, so the stall owners are taking the initiative to pull business.

“……”

Talia thought as she reached out and touched a purple-black, angular mask, her fingertips running across the uneven surface.

It seems that I miss this style very much.

"That's it, I want it."

Lanch, who was on the side, had already begun to pick up his wallet and said to the boss.

"The little brother is really powerful, you can see at a glance what your girlfriend wants."

The boss said with a smile.

These two customers are very happy to buy things, and he likes it very much.

Especially since the demon masks are hard to sell tonight, it's great that they are willing to buy them.

"We're not in that relationship."

Both immediately denied it at the same time.

"It turned out to be husband and wife."

The boss suddenly realized.

“……”

Both of them seemed tired, they had been mistaken for too many times today.

If you continue to argue, the more you talk about it, the more chaotic it becomes.

Talia was silent for a moment, and finally took off the purple-black demon mask.

"Little brother, you can also buy one, buy a pair of masks at my house, it is definitely worth it, and I will give you a nine-percent discount."

The boss immediately pitched.

Lanch smiled helplessly.

He looked around the stall and his gaze landed on a human mask with gold stripes on a white background.

The mask had soft lines, a serene expression, and a compassionate love between his eyebrows.

He didn't hesitate to pick up the mask.

He usually picks things quickly, and just by looking at one feeling, he will find the one that he looks at the most.

After paying the money, the two of them each put on their masks and blended into the bustling crowd.

At the moment, no one cares about the true identity under the mask.

Walking through the night like this, surrounded by all kinds of humans and demons, no one can tell the difference.

In the heart of the lively celebration, they passed by many tourists, some chatting eagerly, others focusing on the tickets in their hands.

Many people had a look of anticipation on their faces, obviously hoping to win the jackpot.

"Try?"

Talia is not very demanding.

She and Ranch have three special tickets for the fireworks festival, and Talia only wants the third-place supper voucher.

"Of course."

There was a hint of excitement in Ranch's voice, he still liked to touch the prize.

They arrive inside an ornately decorated lottery center and hand them to smiling staff.

"Good luck to you!"

The man said sincerely.

Ranch and Talia glanced at each other, holding their breath as they watched the screen in front of them.

What greeted them was not the third prize they wanted, but the participation prize, a small bag of colorful candy.

The results were the same all three times.

"True."

Ranch let out a soft sigh of relief.

"It's good, too."

Talia slipped the candy into her pocket.

After thinking about it, she secretly stuffed another bag into Lanchi's pocket.

Then he opened a bag, lifted some of the masks, and passed them to his mouth, and every now and then took out another and put it to Ranchi's mouth.

Ranch was glad to accept it.

Talia would now be sharing food with him, a year ago he couldn't have imagined.

Climbing up the stairs, the Temple of Love, or the Church of Our Lady of Paris, soon appeared in front of the two of them.

It is said that the entire building area of the church reached 6,000 square meters.

And the most striking are the two towering clock towers on the west façade.

They stand on either side of the church, like two faithful guards guarding the sacred temple.

It's not the first time they've been here, and when Ranchi and Talia step into the temple, they still think it's incredibly big.

In addition to the five longitudinal cabins arranged in sequence, the middle cabin in the center and the narrow wing cabins on both sides are hosting events.

Shuttle through it, full of people wearing masks of all kinds.

It wasn't until they entered the main hall that due to the height of the building, the interior seemed a little dim, as if it was cut off from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Looking up, the line of sight follows the vault upwards until it approaches the dome, where the large rose windows are quietly inlaid like a brilliant eye gazing at the people below.

And underneath that, the music burst on.

Masks of all kinds flickered in the light and shadow, and their faces were staggered under the lamp, making it impossible to distinguish between the real and the fake.

Everyone wears a mask, so identity, status, and race all become blurred and irrelevant at this moment.

However, it will be discovered that most of the masks are still human.

It seems that few demons have come to the temple to participate in the festival today.

Ranchi and Talia only bypassed the center of the main hall and walked along the edge of the marble floor to the idol, hoping to prayed for a buff and then end their day out and go back to practice co-op card making.

Suddenly, the priest seemed to notice them and stepped forward to stop them.

"Two, now is not in line with the traditional time of prayer, and it is easier to receive the blessings of the gods by praying in a more sincere way."

The priest bowed to the two and explained.

He raised his arm and pointed to the center of the main hall.

And he was sure the two of them would understand what a more sincere way to pray to Eros during a special event.

"That's what I said......"

Ranchi and Talia looked at each other, their voices slightly embarrassed, and they couldn't see each other's expressions.

The blessings of the gods are believed and not.

"And if you participate in the masquerade and dance it completely, you can get a lottery ticket for the fireworks festival."

The priest grinned, took the ticket from his cuff and shook it.

Taria's eyes visibly throbbed.

She wanted to smoke again.

She was disappointed that she didn't get a voucher for a special meal at the festival.

Although you may not be able to win the lottery if you draw it again, I always feel that the lottery ticket given by the priest is very hopeful.

Or it's just a simple addict.

But she soon retracted her look.

After all, Ranchi probably wouldn't be willing to cooperate with her.

"Let's go dance, just practice tacit understanding."

Lanch laughed.

He seemed to read Talia's mood.

Reach out to Talia and make a gesture inviting to dance.

“……”

Talia looked at him with a slight bewilderment in her eyes.

Finally.

"Although I'm a princess, I haven't skipped it for a long time, and the last time was with my sister."

Talia put her hand in his palm and said.

"It's okay, I haven't danced with an eight-hundred-year-old princess."

Ranch replied.

Talia resisted throwing him over the shoulder.

The two stepped onto the dance floor together, their figures blending into the crowd, and soon it was difficult to distinguish them.

The music is getting better, and the crowd is getting more excited.

Laughter, conversation, and whispering mingle into a cacophony.

The rose window overhead changes color in the refraction of the lights of the main hall with the passage of time, sometimes warm and unrestrained, sometimes cold and deep.

And Talia, a figure wearing a demon mask, is particularly conspicuous, and will attract more attention from time to time.

“…… Obviously, I went crazy a few days ago, how can there be demons who can participate in the festival today as if nothing happened. ”

"The demons are like that, killing a few people is nothing to them at all."

"Most of the people wearing demon masks today are also human beings, who is sick will be willing to live with the demons."

There is such a voice in my ears.

Or maybe Talia could read something about the same thing.

Her pace is often half a beat slower.

Gradually, she kind of didn't want to step on Ranchi's feet anymore.

I knew that I would be happy to choose a human mask and continue to disguise myself as I usually did in Ixrita.

Today, she has been fighting with Lan Qi all day, and she has never let go of his hand, only at this time, she wants to withdraw her hand.

But Ranch didn't let go.

"Tata, don't regret the choice you made."

Lanchi seemed to understand her thoughts, staring at her beautiful golden eyes,

"Whether you wear a demon mask or a human mask, you are Tata in my eyes."

Ranch held Taria's hand tightly, so that her eyes were extremely stunned, and she could only stare at the man in front of her.

“……”

Talia didn't answer him, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly under the mask.

He can't see it, so it doesn't matter if he smiles.

The dance continues.

Although the movements of the two seem to be uncoordinated.

It seems that the era of the dance steps is different, one is ancient, and the other is even older.

Just like the humans and demons in the Posen Kingdom, there are still difficulties in getting along.

But in the midst of the stumbling, the two were not afraid.

The figure of one of them and one demon gradually attracted attention.

This harmony, called "contradiction", is full of strange possibilities.

You can tell they're happy.

Support each other and take the next step bravely.

(End of chapter)