Chapter 431: Wintry Christmas Market
Ruediger squeezed Lariette’s hand. As he drifted his gaze to her, a smile found its way to his lips. "This looks like a painting, Lettie. Straight out of a fairytale story."
When he was still an active traveler, Ruediger had visited several places renowned for their Christmas celebrations. Moonville Christmas Market was far smaller than them, but still possessed its own irresistible charm.
Soft chuckles slipped from Lariette’s lips, pleased to hear Ruediger praising her hometown. As she leaned closer, her eyes twinkling under the strings of lights.
"It’s even prettier at night. Wait until the sky turns dark. Everything will sparkle."
"Let’s wait until then," he lifted his brows, voicing his desire to spend more time in the winter market, "Well, where should we go first?"
"Let’s start over there," she pointed in a direction. A puff of mist materialized in the air as she spoke.
Lariette led Ruediger from the right side of the market. Along the way, they dropped by a bakery as the rich scent of butter and sugar lured them.
"Eddy," she tugged his arm, her voice low as she looked around the bakery, "Mrs. Pendleton’s sweets are famous, you know? You have to try them."
The owner, an elderly woman surnamed Pendleton, was renowned for selling the best Christmas cookies and other treats in the area. Every customer who came would leave with at least a bag of sugar-dusted gingerbread cookies.
Ruediger lifted his brows, intrigued by what she told him. His eyes scanned the rows of cookies, pastries and cakes. Everything looked heavenly tempting and full of Christmas magic.
"Any suggestions, my love? Sugar cookies, gingerbread, Yule Log or pecan pies? Mince pies?"
"Gingerbread cookies and mince pies!" Lariette heartily suggested, "Why don’t we buy more? The cookies can last long. Buy them for Maddie and Aunt Felle, what do you think?"
"Sounds great," he easily agreed.
Lariette and Ruediger browsed the shelves while deciding on which treats to buy. They grabbed a few bottles of cookies in different varieties alongside mince and pecan pies.
At the counter, the old lady handed the pair two paper bags.
"For you, sweetheart," the old lady said warmly as she received the cash payment, "Hope you and your man will enjoy them."
Lariette laughed while accepting the bags, "Thank you, Mrs. Pendleton. They smell amazing."
Ruediger swiftly took the paper bags from her. He said jokingly, "I think we should buy more of these cookies before we leave. Can’t afford to wait until the next Christmas."
"Even after we’ve bought so many?" Lariette squinted her eyes.
"They’ll be gone before Christmas morning."
The old lady laughed upon hearing the pair’s exchange.
Next, Lariette and Ruediger stopped at a gift shop stall filled with hand-carved wooden toys, snow globes and painted ornaments. A pair of father and son crafted these wooden items, perfect as gifts.
Lariette picked up a tiny wooden angel. She said thoughtfully, "This will look good on our windowsill. What do you think?"
Ruediger smirked, "Do they have a pouty wooden angel? It can be a pair with the one at home."
When she threw him a glare, he responded with a wink.
Lariette ended up picking the wooden angel. She had also picked a globe where a miniature cottage sat under swirling snow. She pushed Ruediger to the counter, urging him to pay them with his money.
Their next destination was a clothes stall. Before she could protest, he had already put a knitted hat with dangling rabbit ears over her head.
"There," Ruediger said with satisfaction. As his fingertips pressed the ends of the rabbit ears, he began playing with them, "Isn’t it much better than your simple hat?"
Lariette wiggled her brows, flashing him with a bright yet cocky smile, "Just be honest. You think I’m cuter now, right?"
Ruediger rolled his eyes before throwing her a look of mock disdain, but the genuine affection in his gaze was unmistakable. His lips curled when she laughed.
While wearing the new hat, Lariette dragged Ruediger to other stores and stalls on the village square. They eventually stopped at a stall selling roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts.
"Want it?" he lightly pinched her fingers.
"Yes~" she quickly nodded.
Then, he did what he should.
Ruediger brought one roasted sweet potato, including a bag of roasted chestnuts. They were still steaming hot and wrapped in paper. Their sweet, earthy scent rose with the steam.
"Let’s sit there," Lariette pointed to the rows of benches. They had been walking for so long. They could take this chance to have a short break.
Ruediger readily agreed. Once they sat on one of the benches, he carefully broke the potato into two pieces, revealing its vibrant orange flesh. It was soft and glistened with natural juices from being roasted.
"Careful," he handed her the bigger piece, "It’s really hot."
"Hehe, thank you~" she gladly took the roasted sweet potato.
Lariette brought her piece close to her lips, blowing on it a few more times. As she bit into it, its caramelized sweetness spread along her tongue. It carried a hint of smokiness from the charred skin.
"Tastes good?"
"Eddy, try it!"
Ruediger chuckled. He also took a bit, huffing out the steam while savoring its taste. They chatted and laughed along as they watched the market from the bench.
"Eddy, wait here! I’m getting some drinks."
Lariette abruptly stood up. She fled before Ruediger could react.
Not long after, she returned with two paper cups of hot tea. Her cheeks flushed red from the cold, but her bright eyes glimmered with excitement.
The pair stayed on the bench until they finished even the roasted chestnuts. Then, they continued their Christmas market adventure.
The sky deepened to indigo as the sun descended closer to the horizon. The lights all around the village square grew brighter, casting the area in a magical glow.
In the center, the giant Christmas tree twinkled with gold, red and silver. The ornaments glinted, resembling pieces of stars.
"Lettie, hungry?" Ruediger asked, noticing Lariette’s gaze drifting toward the line of small restaurants.
"A little," she grinned, "Let’s have an early dinner before the crowd gets bigger. What do you think?"
"Let’s go."
The pair chose a small, cozy restaurant with frosted windows. A warm glow spilled from inside. As they stepped in, the bell above chimed and the heat gently enveloped them.
A waiter seated them by the window, where they could still see the bustling market square. The sky outside darkened further, allowing the lights to shine even brighter like a sea of gold.