Restia likes Sundays above all other days, for it is market day in Altabella. While it is not strictly incumbent upon her to assist in procuring supplies for the manor, she willingly lends a hand to the servants, relishing the opportunity to escape outdoors and unwind for a few precious hours.

Today, she meticulously applied makeup and wore her usual servant clothes. Determined to avoid unnecessary trouble, she opts to maintain a discreet presence, keenly aware of her ties to the prestigious House of Jarvinen, even though her identity remains largely unrecognized beyond the walls of the manor. As she ventures into the bustling marketplace, her senses are inundated by the kaleidoscope of shops organized into different sections, each boasting its unique specialty.

"Milady, do you need help with those?" queried an elderly woman, emerging before a quaint wooden shop suffused with the fragrant aroma of herbs, spices, and potions. Restia stood by, balancing two laden baskets brimming with fresh carrots and parsnips.

"Thank you, Mrs. Thecla. I can manage. Where is Nivo?" Mrs. Thecla, a seasoned herbalist, presided over the modest shack transformed into an apothecary, tucked away on the outskirts of the bustling marketplace. Here, the throngs were sparse compared to the heart of commerce. Nivo, her grandson, and Restia's long-time friend, was nowhere in sight, prompting Restia's inquiry. She had known him since childhood, their friendship enduring through the years. Mrs. Thecla and Nivo were possibly the only individuals in the marketplace who were aware of Restia’s noble status.

"He might have caught sight of the new play, Milady," remarked the elderly woman.

"I was just on my way there. By the way, I have something for you," Restia said, producing a pouch brimming with goods from her pockets.

"These are ginger that I cultivated this summer," she explained.

"Oh, my! These are quite precious. Perhaps you should keep them or sell them, Milady," suggested Mrs. Thecla.

"Ms. Thecla, I insist on giving these to you. I've learned they're excellent for the stomach. Furthermore, you can brew them into tea, a perfect remedy for warming you up during the upcoming winter."

"Your generosity knows no bounds, Milady. I am truly grateful," expressed Mrs. Thecla, her voice filled with warmth and appreciation.

"I owe you my gratitude, Ms. Thecla. Your wisdom in the field of herbal medicine has been invaluable to me," replied Restia, her words carrying a sense of deep respect and admiration. With a fond farewell, Restia bid Mrs. Thecla goodbye.

After perusing the apothecary’s wares, she delights in lingering at the bustling public square to witness the captivating mystery play. She scanned the bustling crowd in search of her friend Nivo, but she had no luck. The play had already commenced, and the stage was adorned with actors portraying a regal figure and what appeared to be a majestic white bird. Restia's fondness for theatrical performances was evident; she found joy in the elaborate costumes and intricate stage decorations. However, her enjoyment is always cut short, as she must depart with the other servants before sunset to return to the manor by carriage. Otherwise, she'll find herself obliged to embark on a 30-minute walk at dusk along the eerie, poorly lit road, risking the wrath of the head butler or, worse yet, the Duke or Duchess. 

Restia settled into her chosen spot, immersing herself completely in the unfolding drama on the stage.

A mysterious illness swept across the kingdom, claiming victims far and wide. Among the afflicted was the revered king himself, his condition deteriorating rapidly until he lay on his deathbed. In a desperate attempt to save him, one of his most trusted servants brought forth a peculiar solution—a bird reportedly spotted perched outside the window of a sick individual during the night. Astonishingly, by morning, the sick person had miraculously recovered.

Recognizing the potential remedy, they captured the elusive bird and placed it in the room of another ailing soul overnight, witnessing yet another miraculous recovery by dawn. News of these astonishing healings reached the ears of the Queen, igniting a glimmer of hope within her troubled heart. Without hesitation, she allowed the bird to remain in the king's chamber overnight.

To everyone's astonishment and relief, when the morning light pierced through the windows, the king had been restored to health. However, their savior, the miraculous bird, had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of its enigmatic healing powers.

"This story is entirely new to me," Restia pondered silently. In her youth, she had delved into fairy tales and folklore within the confines of the manor's library, yet this particular tale seemed unfamiliar, catching her by surprise. The timing of the play felt particularly relevant to Restia, especially given the recent rumors she had heard about a spreading illness afflicting neighboring kingdoms in the past few weeks.

The performance pressed on, unfolding with each scene as the actors immersed themselves deeper into their roles. 

Unbeknownst to the people, after healing three individuals, the bird would depart to the sun, ensuring its resurrection within 30 years, lest it perish permanently. Despite the king's command, his knights scoured the lands fruitlessly for the elusive creature. As time passed, the miraculous events felt like fleeting memories, almost surreal.

Three decades later, true to its cyclical nature, the bird returned to heal three more souls. Yet before departing for the sun once more, it remembered the aging king, who had once benefited from its powers. Visiting the monarch in his twilight years, the bird perched outside his window, prompting a heartfelt exchange.

Expressing his gratitude, the king implored the bird for one final favor—to restore the health of his cherished youngest child, tormented by a new illness that was spreading in the kingdom. However, the bird revealed a grim truth: it had reached its limit and required a sacrifice for such a feat.

"I can grant your request, but it demands a sacrifice," the bird conveyed.

"What must I offer?" inquired the king. "I can bestow upon you all the grains of the land, ensuring abundance for you," suggested the king.

"But what use do I have for grains? I am a bird, capable of finding sustenance on my own," the bird countered.

"I can offer you all the gold in existence, granting you wealth and power," proposed the king.

"What use is gold to me? I am a bird, devoid of the need for riches or earthly treasures," the bird reasoned.

After a moment of contemplation, the king pondered deeply. "As a bird, would it not be fitting for you to be honored throughout the kingdom? I shall decree a grand feast in your honor each year, ensuring that our people never forget your benevolence towards us humans."

"Why would a bird seek glory when it enjoys the freedom to soar and traverse the skies as it pleases?" countered the bird, questioning the king's offer.

Perplexed, the king struggled to find an alternative. "Then what is it that you desire?"

With time ticking away, the bird sensed the impending dawn, knowing it must return to the sun or risk annihilation.

"Very well, I will grant your request and heal the prince. However, I shall return later to claim it," the bird conceded. With a swift display of its powers, the bird swiftly restored the young prince to health, albeit at the cost of its strength, leaving it on the brink of exhaustion.

As the sun rose, the bird departed, knowing it must return to its celestial abode to avoid destruction.

Three decades elapsed before the bird's return, but the kingdom's rulers had passed away in the interim. In their place stood a handsome and robust prince, the youth now grown into a formidable leader. . .

As Restia stood in the public square, her focus fully absorbed by the unfolding play, an unexpected disruption shattered the tranquility. A sharp cry pierced the air as someone accidentally trod upon her foot, prompting her to wince in discomfort. Amidst the ensuing commotion, a woman's panicked voice rang out, "Thief!" Restia's attention snapped to the unfolding chaos as she watched a man dash through the square, pursued by a determined group of individuals. The urgent pursuit weaved through the bustling crowd, stirring a mix of curiosity and apprehension among onlookers. 

Intrigue coursed through Restia as she observed the unfolding chaos, but the weight of two heavy baskets on her arms anchored her in place. With a resigned sigh, she chose not to join the throng of people attempting to chase down the fleeing man. Instead, her thoughts shifted to the pressing need to return to the carriage before the dwindling sun vanished beyond the horizon.

A sudden rush of panic gripped her as she realized she had lost track of time amidst the captivating play. Hastening to the spot where the carriage had been parked earlier, her heart sank as she found it conspicuously absent.