The hunt ends!

Those days had been very busy, but also very nice days.

Busy means less study and more time out.

I was helping the merchants move their heavy loads in the central plaza when father came out of the nothing.

Everyone was startled, giving awkward greetings and clearing the way.

Father does not usually leave the palace.

The merchants released me from the ropes and said I could go meet him.

I thanked them and ran to my father.

He picks me up and lifted me in his arms.

He talked about how I was already a big boy and those things.

Then suddenly, he spoke about us having a last festival together.

Those days, he has been somewhat strange.

Always tired, and with that strange look in his eyes, as if he was seeing everything for the last time.

I asked what of a festival it would be.

He said, wait, he said…

My first coming to age festival?!

I jumped out of h