The Case of Adelaide (S1)

iii. blend into the woodwork

- to behave in a way that does not attract any attention; to disappear or hide.

03

Psychometry, the ability to obtain information about a person or an object by touch.

Before I dropped the book, I got spoiled about this. Later on, Harlotte will realize that she has this ability. And because of this, she had a clue on where Hilian is. Pero dahil din dito, mas lalong tumaas ang chansang mapapahamak siya.

Still, it's a great card. If I manage to use this ability early, the faster I can find Hilian—the faster I'll finish this story.

I nodded at myself, determined.

I should practice using this psychic ability. I wrote it as a note. Also, behind the journal, I wrote a question.

Who is the person that brought me here, and why?

"Harlotte." Nakarinig ako ng pagkatok sa pinto. I was startled, I automatically threw the journal at my bed and covered it with a blanket.

"Coming!" I said as I walk towards the door.

Pagkabukas ko ng pinto ay nahinto ako. Natulala pa 'ko ng ilang segundo bago umangat ang tingin ko sa malaking lalaking nasa harap ko. I felt intimidated, as if something is stuck at my lungs and I'm having trouble breathing.

Gray hair with beard and mustache, wearing a black frock coat with white shirt underneath. With a long hat at the top of his head, this man is no other than. . .

"Father," marahang pagtawag ko. "Come in." Binuksan ko maigi ang pinto para papasukin siya. I tried my best to not stutter.

This man, is Howard Von Adelaide, the twins' father. A well-known governor and an influential man. He has many connections, but also many enemies. He's known to be very clever and sharp, a man you shouldn't mess with.

He looked around my room. "Are you resting well?" Tinanggal niya ang suot-suot niyang sumbrero.

I nodded as if he can see me from behind him. "Yes, father."

It's a good thing that even though I didn't continue reading the book, I've always seen their illustrations and fanarts all over the internet. Minsan ay nayayamot pa 'ko kapag paulit-ulit silang dumadaan sa screen ko dahil mas gusto ko pang makita ang ibang characters sa ibang librong mga nabasa ko.

"Very well, do you think you can attend a ball later in the evening? No, you must," kaswal na aniya.

Napaangat ang dalawang kilay ko. Huh? Did I hear it right?

I can imagine my eyes staring blankly right now, dumbfounded.

"Huh?"

Humarap sa 'kin ang ama ni Harlotte—ang ama ko. "You'll attend a ball later, it's a party for aristocrats. Our family should have a representative."

"B-But how about you, father? Or mother?-"

"Harlotte. . ." His face softened that I was taken aback. "I know it's hard right now, but please, help our family out."

Lumapit siya sa akin. "Kumakalat na ang balita sa pagkawala ng kapatid mo, marami na silang naiisip na kung ano-anong dahilan. May nagsasabing may malala ka ring karamdaman. We can't let them show that our family is vulnerable right now, our enemies might strike."

He held my hands. "We'll find Hilian, so my daughter Harlotte. . . please."

Hindi ako makasagot. Parang nawala ang kaba na naramdaman ko no'ng pagpasok niya sa kwarto ko. He looks intimidating, but he's actually soft with his daughters—to his family. Now that I remember it, he's one of the people's favorites too.