The breeze was so strong today...
Though I had to admit it was a little cooler than usual. Ah, but I was sure it was nothing.
Within an hour, Miss Risa and I had completely dirtied our hands and knees and even our facesー and that was how we liked it. After a little while, however, one of the castle guardsー and a good friend of mine, I might addー by the name of Rione suddenly opened a door and called out to us.
"Miss Risa, Haruka," he yelled. "The Queen has requested the presence of all castle staff."
I blinked in surprise. The queen...?!
Despite working in the royal gardens, I'd only met the queen a number of times... What could this mean...?
Miss Risa and I exchanged worried glances and hurriedly followed behind Rione.
I could tell right away that something was up... Everyone who had gathered in the Royal hall wore worried expressions, chattering fearfully. This must be pretty bad news... My stomach twisted at the thought.
I stayed close to Rione and Miss Risa as we waited for the queen to speak. Within a few minutes, the room silenced as the queen stood. "Everyone," she spoke in a powerful tone, naturally, as she was the queen, but even so, I could hear the hint of fear laced in her voice. What had happened...?
"I'm afraid I have terrible news." She had hardly gotten the sentence out before the room started chattering worriedly. Bad news...? What could it be...? And two weeks before the preparations of the Raewillow spring festival no less...
The crowd was forced into silence again as the queen continued. "I'm sure that many of you have noticed already, but the season is already starting, and yet the breeze is not the warm temperature we are used to, but instead cold. Spring is on its way, and the temperatures are at a new low. This is a new record. Our weather predictors have already forecast that whatever it is that is causing such low temperatures... It will not be letting up anytime soon."
More nervous rumbling in the audience. I felt Miss Risa squeeze my hand. Low temperatures... Impossible...
"Unfortunately, this means that for the first time in 165 years... The spring festival... Is canceled."
There was an uproar in the crowd the moment the words escaped her majesty's lips. Cancel the festival?! That had never been heard of... That was the kingdoms biggest celebration in existence! How could this be...?!
I looked to my instructor for answers, but in her worried gaze I found none.
This couldn't be happening...
What was going on...?!