The Star Blessing Festival’s Unwanted Attire

All the delicious treats, the exciting games, the captivating displays—I had been so utterly thrilled for the Starfall Festival, but why had it come to this?

“What are you muttering about? Stand still and straight. Honestly, it’s just changing a couple of outfits; is there truly a need for such resistance?”

Standing forlornly before the mirror, South Creek watched the procession of little dresses being draped over her, her lips drawn into a pout.

[Why must I always wear a skirt? My legs feel so drafty and uncomfortable… And somehow, wearing one always leaves me with a strange premonition, as if I’m about to lose something precious.]

“It’s one thing if you refuse to wear skirts normally, but these next two days are the Starfall Festival. It’s a rare chance, and I simply must dress you up beautifully.”

“Ugh…”

At that very moment, the Starfall Festival was just beginning. Villagers busied themselves with preparations for the impending celebrations, the sprawling night market was already taking form, and every household had adorned its doorway with carved lace flowers, symbols of an abundant harvest. South Creek, who had planned meticulously to venture out and explore, now found her plans… disrupted.

“If you wish to go out and enjoy yourself, you must first be properly dressed. While I generally don’t interfere with your choices, it is imperative that I guide you now. This, too, is a lady’s responsibility.”

Who could possibly tell her what exactly a “lady” was? And what connection did she have to this so-called lady? It had been the same last time, and it was the same now; South Creek could not recall ever becoming a “lady” in the first place…

“Don’t be so resistant. Come on, try this outfit—Oh, you truly look adorable no matter how you’re dressed.”

[If I’m adorable no matter what, then why bother dressing up at all? Being a girl is such a hassle.]

With an endless lament echoing in her heart, South Creek watched as Elise, from seemingly out of nowhere, produced yet another beige, ruffled dress. She gave it a shake, then carefully held it against South Creek’s small frame.

“This one appears quite lovely as well; the lace detailing seems especially exquisite…”

The reason Elise, who lived a remarkably frugal life, was able to present such an array of dresses was not due to her wealth. Rather, leveraging her sterling reputation within the village, she had rented several garments from the seamstress, bringing them back one by one for South Creek’s fitting. Ultimately, however, she could only afford to purchase a single ensemble.

It was for this reason that Elise approached South Creek’s fitting with such earnestness, her sole aim being to select the most exquisite outfit. Indeed, throughout the entire year, South Creek’s opportunities for new clothes were limited to the Starfall Festival and her birthday.

Despite this, South Creek herself remained largely unconcerned. Provided an outfit wasn’t overtly hideous, she harbored no particular preference for its style; this indifference had always been her nature. Only Elise, her elder sister, found herself endlessly fretting over the matter.

Elise had, on more than one occasion, observed South Creek’s peculiar disinterest in such matters. Pretty little dresses, adorable hair clips, and lovely flowers—all the things typical girls adored—held no appeal for her whatsoever. Instead, she harbored a keen fascination for pursuits like magic and swordplay. As an older sister, Elise often wondered if this unconventional inclination might have any adverse effects on South Creek. However, Elise was not a particularly traditional person. For her, personal preferences were secondary; as long as South Creek possessed integrity, a kind heart, and a sound character, Elise would be utterly content.

Yet, reality remained stubbornly real. In this region, where resources were perpetually scarce, finding attractive fabrics was nigh impossible, and the garments produced were, without exception, monotonous in design. Furthermore, owing to their financial limitations, even with Elise’s innate talent for fashion design, she lacked the requisite funds to bring her visions to life.

At last, after what felt like an agonizing hour of trials, Elise finally settled upon a creamy white dress adorned with delicate lace. Alongside it, she chose a hair clip featuring the distinctive carved lace flower pattern. She had deliberated at length before making her final selection, as she would be the one washing the garments, and white, coincidentally, was the most prone to soiling.

Gazing at the small figure before her, Elise let out an almost imperceptible sigh. She knew, of course, that the little one had grown restless with waiting. Yet, she surmised, children’s impatience was likely a universal experience for every parent.

Gently patting South Creek’s head and sensing the aggrieved gaze directed her way, Elise merely smiled, smoothing out the wrinkles in the dress.

“Alright, off you go to play. Just remember to be home on time.”

“I—kno—ow—!”

Dragging out her reply with deliberate emphasis, South Creek, still adjusting to the unfamiliar sensation of the dress against her skin, skipped out the door with light, eager steps.

“What a lively little darling she is… You must see it too, mustn’t you?”

Elise murmured to herself, her eyes filled with tender affection, as she watched the girl’s figure gradually recede into the distance.

“What took you so long—is what I was going to say, but seeing the outfit you’re wearing today, I’ll graciously refrain from chastising you.”

“My sincerest gratitude, my dear Miss Fanny.”

Having only just stepped outside, South Creek soon spotted Fanny standing not far from the church, seemingly awaiting her arrival. Noticing South Creek approach, Fanny scrutinized her outfit before responding with a cheerful grin.

“So, your illness has passed? You seem exceptionally spirited.”

“It was nothing; I recovered ages ago. A minor ailment like that could hardly defeat me. Besides, I had Piro to keep me company.”

“Your taste in names is truly peculiar.”

It was noteworthy that Fanny had indeed adopted that Dobby as her pet. Though she possessed no surplus food to offer it, the diminutive Dobby surprisingly managed to forage for itself. Despite these circumstances, it remained steadfastly devoted to its owner, never choosing to depart—a truly astonishing display of loyalty.

If the individual who perpetually lurked within the orchard, pilfering fruit daily just to attract a few Dobbies, were to overhear this, his expression would undoubtedly be quite a sight.

Naturally, these were mere digressions. Fanny was waiting outside the church because they had agreed yesterday to explore the village together. Yet, despite her seemingly early arrival, she had, in truth, only just reached the spot herself. Her reasons, naturally, mirrored South Creek’s own.

“Quickly, quickly! Now is precisely the opportune moment to visit the market. Let’s make a round there, utter a few well-placed compliments, and who knows, we might just snag some delightful treats.”

The weather was gradually turning cooler, and a few birds soared over the golden fields, which were crisscrossed with muddy paths, remnants of a recent light rain. The two girls walked side-by-side through the fields, humming an unknown tune.

Today was yet another overcast day, devoid of sun, but perhaps, on some unforeseen day, sunlight would finally grace this bustling world.