Chapter 6: Towards the Bright Future

The mayor, clearly impressed, stepped closer to get a better look. “Well now, this is quite the surprise. Such a fine piece from the orphanage! Who made it?”

Luck took a step forward, her heart pounding. “We… we all did. The kids and I. We used flowers from the hills and the field. We wanted to make something that shows the spirit of the orphanage.”

The mayor looked thoughtful. “And the roses? Where did you find those?”

Niko stepped up beside Luck. “At the old manor garden on the hill. Luck said roses were important to make the wreath more striking than it already is.”

Lady Helena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Wild roses from the manor? How clever. You certainly have an eye for detail, young one.”

The crowd continued to murmur with approval, some even applauding. Luck felt a weight lift off her shoulders, her heart swelling with pride. As Lyra, she was always used to these kind of praises however something aabout the praises felt more heartwarming, maybe it is because of the fact that the wreath is a consolidated effort of the children and that she has one goal in mind.

The mayor cleared his throat. “It’s not often we see something so unique. The colors are striking, and the craftsmanship is impressive. The orphanage has truly made a mark today!”

A few villagers started clapping, and soon the whole square was filled with applause. The kids around Luck beamed, some even jumping with excitement. Luck looked at Niko, who grinned back at her, his green eyes shining with relief. Luck knew that Niko was also nervous but beccause he is the eldest, he cannot let it show, she knows and saw howw Niko cared deeply for the kids of the orphanage.

As the festival carried on, villagers approached Luck and the other kids to compliment the wreath. Some even asked if they could buy smaller flower crafts, like the bracelets they had been making. Luck took note, already planning how they could make more and save up for supplies.

The air was filled with excitement, and for the first time in a long while, Luck felt a sense of accomplishment. The wreath wasn’t just a beautiful craft—it was proof that they could make a difference, even if they were just a small orphanage on the edge of town.

Niko leaned against the wall next to her, watching the festivities. “Think the nobles will help us out?”

Luck watched as Lady Helena spoke to a few other well-dressed villagers, pointing in their direction. “I think we’ve made a good start. At least now they know we’re here.”

Niko grinned. “You really are lucky, huh?”

Luck laughed softly. “Maybe. Or maybe we’re just working harder than anyone thought we could.”

As night fell and lanterns lit up the square, Luck couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope. This small victory felt like a step toward something bigger—something that could change their lives for good. And for the first time since she woke up in this world, she let herself believe that they were moving toward a brighter future.

-

A few days had passed since the festival, and life at the orphanage had changed dramatically. Luck could hardly believe how quickly things had improved. The old, crumbling building that used to barely hold together now bustled with life and excitement.

It all started with the unexpected generosity of the nobles. After seeing the flower wreath at the festival, several influential families took an interest in the orphanage. They had ordered major renovations, and the sound of hammers and saws filled the air every morning.

Wooden planks were being replaced all throughout, broken windows fixed, and the leaky roof was getting patched up. Luck could hardly recognize the place. Even the garden, once just a patch of weeds and wildflowers, was being replanted with colorful blooms, inspired by the wreath that had captured the town’s heart.

Another surprise came when the mayor approached the orphanage a few days after the festival. He offered them a small stall at the town market. The space was modest, tucked between a potter’s cart and a stand selling roasted chestnuts, but it was theirs.

Luck was thrilled. “Our own stall? Really?”

The mayor chuckled. “The townsfolk have taken a liking to those flower bracelets of yours. Thought it’d be good for the market—and good for the orphanage. Consider it a reward for the wreath.”

Luck and Niko set up the stall the next morning, displaying their pressed flower bracelets on a small wooden shelf that Niko had built from scrap wood. Mina helped weave fresh daisy crowns while one of the older kids made signs with colorful paint.

At first, Luck was nervous, but to her surprise, customers stopped by almost immediately. Some asked about the bracelets, while others just wanted to see the “lucky kids” who made the famous wreath. Even on slow days, they always sold at least a few pieces, and the coins they earned went straight to Matron.

The townsfolk had started calling their little stand “Lucky Flowers,” and the name stuck.

-

When they returned to the orphanage that evening, they found it buzzing with even more energy than usual. Workers had brought in stacks of lumber, new bedding, and crates of supplies. The dining area was being expanded, and a new set of tables was being built.

Matron stood in the middle of the chaos, directing the workers with surprising authority. When she spotted Luck and Niko, she waved them over.

“Everything’s changing so fast,” Luck whispered to Niko.

Matron gave them a small nod as they approached. “Did you hear? The renovations are going well. A few nobles donated funds after seeing the wreath. They said it’s a shame for talented children like you to live in a crumbling building.”

Niko scratched his head. “So… they’re fixing everything just because they feel bad for us?”

Matron’s lips twitched into something like a smile which is once again, something new to them. “Partly. But they also see potential. They think if we’re given better conditions, you’ll keep creating things that the town and the nobles can be proud of. They don’t want to risk losing what makes the orphanage unique.”

Luck couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy. She was glad for the improvements, but it also felt strange to be treated differently just because of one wreath. What would happen if they couldn’t live up to the town’s new expectations?

She looked around at the bustling workers and the children helping where they could. Regardless of what the nobles expected, she was determined to keep moving forward. They couldn’t afford to go back to how things were before, more specficially she cannot afford to see those smiles fade.

-

That night, Luck lay awake in bed, staring at the wooden ceiling. Thoughts of magic swirled in her head. If magic was real, why had she never seen it before? Why did it feel like something important—like she should remember it?

Niko, half-asleep on the bunk above, mumbled, “You’re still awake?”

Luck sighed. “Yeah… I was just thinking about magic.”

He rolled over, his voice groggy. “You really didn’t know? I thought everyone knew that magic was a thing.”

She bit her lip. “I guess I didn’t pay much attention. But now I want to know more.”

Niko yawned. “Maybe you can ask Lady Helena. She seems nice enough.”

Luck considered it. Maybe Lady Helena could explain why magic seemed so rare despite being real. Or maybe she could point her to someone who knew more. If there was a way to understand the world she had been reborn into, she needed to find it and Niko was right, maybe she could also make use of the connection that she formed with the nobles especially Lady Helena. She thought that it could also be a good way to improve more the lives of the kids by finding out which has affinity for magic.

However, little did Luck knew that this interest of hers wiith magic will be dangerous to here and to the orphanage.