Building a Modern Nation in a Fantasy World

As the fireworks continued to paint the sky in dazzling bursts of color, the festival remained alive with cheers and laughter. The shimmering lights reflected off the frozen river, making it seem as if the heavens and the earth had merged into one breathtaking spectacle. Snowflakes drifted through the crisp night air, catching the glow of lanterns that lined the riverside, their golden warmth a contrast to the winter chill.

Arthur remained seated among the commoners, his cloak dusted with snow, his breath misting in the cold. Though his gaze was fixed on the sky, his mind was already elsewhere—turning gears, unraveling possibilities.

Then, amidst the crackling explosions and murmurs of awe, a familiar voice called out.

"Arthur, there you are!"

Arthur turned just as Alice, Aaron, and Klein approached him through the crowd. Alice, wrapped in a thick fur-lined coat, had a delighted grin on her face, while Aaron, ever composed, walked with measured steps. Klein, however, looked as if he had come with purpose.

Arthur raised an eyebrow at his younger sister. "Alice. What brings you here?"

Alice beamed. "Nothing much. I came to watch the fireworks with Aaron, but then we saw Klein and decided to follow him." She tilted her head playfully. "And now, here we are."

Arthur smirked before turning to Klein. "And you? Were you looking for me?"

Before Klein could respond, a thunderous boom filled the air. A massive firework shot up, spiraling higher and higher before bursting into a brilliant cascade of blues and golds, illuminating the night in breathtaking radiance.

All four of them turned their eyes skyward, momentarily lost in the spectacle. The golden embers shimmered like falling stars, their glow reflecting in Alice's wide, awed eyes.

Aaron, usually reserved, let out a small breath. "No matter how many times I see it… it still feels unreal."

Alice clasped her hands together, eyes gleaming with wonder. "It's like magic, but different. Brighter. Louder. Alive."

Arthur let out a quiet chuckle at her amazement, but before he could respond, Klein stepped forward, his voice measured and calm.

"Your Majesty," Klein said, lowering his tone slightly. "Brandon Rivas, King of Chronos, has sent a reply to your letter."

Arthur's expression shifted, his mind immediately recalling the contents of his last message. It had been a direct request—an invitation for a personal meeting to discuss the terms of an agreement that could reshape the relationship between their kingdoms.

Klein reached into his coat and produced a sealed envelope, the royal crest of Chronos embossed on the wax. Without hesitation, Arthur took the letter, turning it over in his gloved fingers before slipping it into his attire without breaking the seal.

"Now isn't the time for politics," Arthur said, his tone light but firm as he slipped the envelope into his attire. "I'll deal with it later."

Aaron, who had remained quiet until now, furrowed his brows. "It's from Chronos, isn't it? Shouldn't you read it now? We depend on them, and it could be something urgent."

Arthur, of course, understood the weight of the letter. This wasn't just another diplomatic exchange—this was a turning point. It would determine whether Chronos would accept his invitation for a meeting, whether negotiations could prevent hostility, or if he would be forced to seek an alliance with Elysia instead. In the worst-case scenario, if things soured, war could be inevitable.

The letter in his pocket carried the fate of the kingdom. And yet—

Arthur exhaled slowly, allowing himself to feel the warmth of the festival, the crackling excitement in the air, the laughter of families gathered along the frozen riverbank. Ever since he had come to this world, he had lived every moment consumed by duty. Checking kingdom reports, overseeing policies, designing blueprints, introducing innovation after innovation. There had been no time for rest—no time for anything but the relentless pursuit of progress.

Tonight, however, was different. Tonight was his.

He let a small, tired smile tug at his lips before speaking. "You're right. It is important. It may decide the future of the kingdom itself." He paused, glancing up as another firework shot into the sky, bursting into brilliant silver and blue. "But no matter how important it is, I've given everything to the kingdom these past month. Just for tonight, I want to take a break and enjoy the moment."

Alice, Aaron, and Klein exchanged glances. They had seen Arthur push himself beyond exhaustion time and time again. They had watched him pour his very being into reshaping the kingdom, often skipping sleep, missing meals, drowning in responsibilities without a single complaint.

Seeing him now—choosing, for once, to be Arthur, not just the king—they couldn't bring themselves to argue.

Alice smiled softly. "Then enjoy it, Arthur. You deserve it."

Aaron sighed but nodded. "Fine. Just don't forget about it tomorrow."

Klein adjusted his glasses, a rare smirk playing on his lips. "A bit of rest might actually make you more efficient, Your Majesty."

Arthur chuckled. "Then consider this a strategic decision."

Another firework soared into the sky, its ascent a whisper against the hush of anticipation. Then, with a thunderous crack, it erupted into a cascade of golden sparks, each ember flickering like a fallen star before vanishing into the night. The warm glow bathed their faces, reflecting in their eyes as if capturing the wonder of the moment itself.

Laughter rippled through the crowd, blending with the crisp winter air and the lingering scent of spiced cider and roasted chestnuts. Children pointed skyward, their breath forming delicate clouds as they gasped in delight. Couples leaned into each other, their hands entwined beneath fur-lined cloaks.

The frozen river shimmered beneath the display, mirroring the explosions of light above, as if the heavens had bent down to touch the earth. And in that fleeting, breathtaking moment, Arthur allowed himself to let go—to forget duty, to silence the ever-turning gears of his mind, and simply exist in the warmth of the present.

With a small, contented smile, Arthur murmured to himself, "What a wonderful night."

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Not part of the story;

Please read the Author Note.

Thank you, and my apologies in advance.