Chapter 34: The First Piece
Everyone's eyes went immediately to Lavinia. Napamaang na lamang siya dahil sa atensyon na nakuha.
Halos sabay na napakunot ang noo ng mga lalaking Hampton. Samantalang gulat naman ang rumehistro kay Seth at isang seryosong tingin ang ipinukol nina Kallisto at Carsen sa lalaking hindi na mapawi ang malaking ngiti sa stage.
"Lady Lavinia, please accept the sincerity of the Archduke. May we call you in front to accept His Excellency's offer?" ani ng lalaking nag-aanunsyo sa harap.
Lavinia sighed before standing up. Naglakad siya patungo stage. Nang makaharap niya si Valse ay agad nitong iniluhod ang isang paa sa harapan.
"You have my utmost gratitude, Lady Lavinia," Valse mischievously grinned before kissing Lavinia's hand.
Pinilit na lamang si Lavinia ang ngumiti sa kabila ng pagkainis. Palihim niyang hinigpitan ang kapit sa kamay ni Valse dahilan upang mapaiktad ito nang kaunti sa sakit.
You psychotic bastard... You really are getting into my nerves.
With the events continued without a hitch after the incident, aside from the Archduke, the Hampton Twins nailed the events. Nagkaroon pa ng kaunting tensyon sa pagitan nina Carsen at Aldaine sa swordmanship tournament, ngunit sa huli ay matagumpay na nakamit ni Aldaine ang panalo.
"Congratulations, brother!" ngiting salubong ni Lavinia kay Aldaine nang manalo ito sa tournament.
Aldaine gave her his sweetest smile which shocked the ladies before hugging Lavinia. Lalo na at kilala si Aldaine Hampton sa walang emosyon nitong mukha at matikas na postura. A total opposite of Astaril Hampton.
It was indeed a once in a blue moon sight.
The night after the swordmanship, which is the last night of the events in the Scarlet Hills was also the same night for Lavinia to execute her plan. Gabi na at may kaunting selebrasyon sa labas. Lavinia was standing away from the crowds, observing and looking for a right timing.
Madalas siyang napapatingin sa gawi ng First Prince kung saan katabi niya sina Valse at Dylan, kausap ang iilang mga nobles. She's covering half of her face with the fan that she's holding.
"My lady, I think it's time for us to send a signal. Mukhang matatapos ang gabi nang hindi mo makakausap ang prinsipe," suhestiyon ni Devon na kasalukuyang nakatayo sa likuran ni Lavinia.
"All right," Lavinia sighed, "Luan."
"Yes, my lady."
Agad na tumungo si Luan sa direksyon nina Ghastan. Pasimple siyang lumapit kay Dylan at may inabot dito. Dylan was taken aback for a second but he immediately understood what Luan was trying to do. Kinuha niya ang maliit na papel at binasa ito.
After reading the small paper, Dylan looked around until he met Lavinia's gaze. Lavinia folded her fan on her palm while giving meaningful looks to Dylan before turning her back away.
Tumungo sina Devon at Lavinia sa tent ng mga Hampton. The whole family was busy greeting the nobles they are acquainted with, so the tent is free.
Naghintay roon si Lavinia. Ilang sandali lamang ay muling bumukas ang tent. Dylan, Ghastan and Valse went inside. Sumunod sa kanila si Luan na agad dumiretso sa tabi ni Lavinia.
Lavinia smiled before standing up, "Greetings, Your Imperial Highness," aniya saka hinawakan ang magkabilang gilid ng kaniyang dress at yumuko.
"Greetings, Lady Lavinia. For such an unexpected guest to invite for me privately, I feel honored," ngisi ni Ghastan.
"You think too highly of me, Your Highness. Thank you for accepting my invitation. Please do take a seat."
Umupo sa katapat na single couch ni Lavinia si Ghastan. Tumayo sa kaniyang likuran sina Dylan at Valse na hindi na maalis ang tingin at ngiti kay Lavinia.
"Now, then... I suppose, you're not here to have a simple 'chat' with me, am I right, Lady Lavinia?"
Sa isang iglap ay biglang tumaas ang tensyon sa paligid. The playful aura and smile of Ghastan disappeared in an instant. Lavinia returned the same intense gaze to Ghastan. Ilang sandali siyang natahimik bago lumitaw ang isang ngiting nagpatayo ng balahibo ng tatlong bisita.
"My... What an observant prince," Lavinia muttered with a tone gentle enough to woe others but dangerous at the same time.
Sumenyas si Lavinia kay Luan. Sa isang iglap lamang ay tila pinalibutan sila ng kulay itim na usok. Ghastan and Dylan were startled.
"Ah, do not fret, Your Highness. Just a preventive measure. We can't let someone eavesdrop us, no?" Lavinia assured.
"Hah, so it's a veil..." Ghastan sighed.
Tumango si Lavinia bago ipatong ang isang binti sa isa pa, "Now, let me get to the point... I have an offer to make, Your Highness."
Agad na nakuha ni Lavinia ang atensyon ng prinsipe. Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay ata bahagyang naningkit ang mga mata.
"Interesting. An offer... Hmm, sure. Let me here it," ngiti ni Ghastan bago inayos ang pag-upo.
Lavinia smiled, "Your Highness, let me become your strategist and vassal."
Bumakas ang gulat kay Ghastan nang marinig iyon ngunit agad ding sumeryoso ang kaniyang ekspresyon.
"My apologies for bursting your bubbles, Lady Lavinia, but politics is not something you can play with," ani Ghastan sa seryosong tono.
Lavinia sighed before resting her back on the back rest of the sofa she's seating, "My... That hurts, Your Highness. Do I need to present a business plan of some sort to prove my worth as your strategist?"
"I'm sorry if I have offended you, Lady Lavinia, but the throne is my greatest goal. I can't take any more risk than we already have," ani Ghastan habang may malungkot na ekspresyon.
"Hmm... I understand you, truly. Kaya hindi ako magdadalawang-isip na patunayan ang sarili ko bilang strategist mo. I don't usually do this, but well... You do have a point. I'd do the same if I were in your position."
Lavinia smiled sweetly.
All the more reason to support you. You're not reckless and you're more calculated than I expected.
"I had the gist of your problem. The Archduke's support alone isn't enough. If anything, this just makes you and the second prince be on the same line in the current race to the throne."
"Right," tango ni Ghastan.
Lavinia leaned forward. Hinawakan niya ang isang pawn sa nakalatag na chess pieces sa lamesa. Larong pinagsawaan ng kambal kanina at hindi pa naaayos.
"Claymours, Moussaforts, Nieves, Bairons and... Hamptons. These are the houses that are good targets for a support," aniya sabay taas ng chess piece na rook, "What if... One of these houses were to form an allegiance with you through me?"
Namuo ang isang ngiti na puno ng ibig sabihin sa mga labi ni Lavinia. That made Ghastan almost stopped his breathing.
"The houses you mentioned were highly neutral ever since the empire has established, even the Hamptons. You may be close to them but how can I be sure that they wouldn't take advantage of their support for my bid?"
"That's why I'm asking that what if I bring any of them to your side," ngiti pa ni Lavinia.
There's no need to show my cards this early.
Your Highness, I've come a long way. I went through a lot just for these pawns to tie themselves on me. It is time to pull these claws out.
"That's impossible, Lady Lavinia."
Lavinia tilted her head while chuckling eerily, "There is no such thing as impossible for me, Your Highness. I only strive for the best."
Tumayo si Lavinia sa kinauupuan habang nasa kaniya pa rin ang atensyon ng lahat.
"I'll wait for your decision until tomorrow. And oh! Please do wait for my gift. Also, as per my fighting skills whatnot, you can ask your..." napatingin si Lavinia kay Valse, "Dear friend for that. I kick ass, Your Highness. You may want to ask that."
Matapos sabihin iyon ay ngiting umalis si Lavinia sa tent, leaving the three, still in shock. Samantalang si Valse naman ay hindi na matanggal ang ngiti. Napatingin na sa kaniya sina Dylan at Ghastan nang sandali itong matawa.
"You... Paano mo nakilala si Lady Lavinia?" kunot-noong tanong ni Ghastan sa kaniya.
"Oh, I haven't mentioned yet? She's my savior... From two years ago."
"Ha?!" gulat na tanong ni Ghastan at napatayo pa.
Kahit si Dylan ay napaharap na rin sa kaniya.
"The infamous lady with a white hair, mercilessly torturing your kidnappers and apparently the reason you became so obsessessed with her that you did not accepted any woman if it isn't her?" walang prenong usal ni Dylan.
"Bingo," turo pa ni Valse kay Dylan habang nakalagay ang isang kamay sa bulsa.
Natahimik naman si Ghastan habang patuloy na kinukulit ni Dylan si Valse patungkol dito. Napakagat siya sa kaniyang labi.
Lavinia Claymour... Kung iisipin ay malaki ang impluwensya niya. She may be known as the black sheep of the family and that rumor where she attempted to kill her sister as her biggest stain, but aside from that... She's a Claymour with a close ties with the Hamptons.
She's also the daughter of the last Great Summoner, Duchess Leticia de Alnwick whose influence is undeniably vast despite the scandals.
Napatingin si Valse sa kaibigan, "It's your call. Whether you trust her or not, you can do whatever you want."
Ghastan sighed before smiling a bit, "Let's just see."
A man on his 50s stopped on his tracks when his daughter-in-law together with his son and grandson entered the office. Agad siyang napatayo nang may ngiti sa mga labi saka ibinaba ang hawak na sulat.
"Oh my... Who is this? My dear grandson!" aniya at sinalubong ang kaniyang apo.
"Father, my apologies for being late. Kumusta kayo?" the son asked.
"I am fine. How's the villa?" ngiti ng matanda habang nasa bisig na ang apo.
"It was fun. Jaden enjoyed as well. Nais pa nga niya sanang manatili ng isa pang araw. But given my work, it's a shame."
The old man laughed nonchalantly, "Maaari naman kayong bumalik. The villa was a gift from someone important."
Napatitig ang matanda sa pamilya ng kaniyang anak. A smile formed on his lips while watching them.
That is right. Without 'that' person, my son wouldn't be able to have this happiness.
But the time has finally come.
Sinulyapan ng matanda ang letter na nakapatong na ngayon sa kaniyang desk.
Madame L is finally on the move.
Madame, surely... The House Moussafort will always be on your side.
The old man is the Count of House Moussafort, William Albert Moussafort. An influential and rich Count of the Southern Region. He's currently in the capital visiting his son and also to attend the festival.
"Son, 'that' person has finally seek for our support," banggit ng Count sa anak.
Agad na natigilan ang heir ng House Moussafort. The only Young Master of House Moussafort, Dante Luciano Moussafort.
Dante put up a smile, "That's definitely a good news, father. We have been waiting to repay her with all the favors that she has given us. Kung hindi dahil sa kaniya ay wala na sana ako ngayon at hindi ko makikita ang aking anak at asawa. Do your best in assisting our benefactor, father."
"I will. Definitely."
Kinabukasan, huling araw ng Hunting Events. Everyone has gathered in the event's place for the closing of the said event. Abala ang lahat sa pakikipag-usap sa kani-kanilang mga kakilala. Kasama ni Lavinia ang mga Hampton na nakatayo habang nakapalibot sa isa't isa at masayang nag-uusap.
Everyone stopped on their tracks even the Imperial Family because of a certain scene. Agad itong napansin ni Lavinia kaya napalingon siya nang may ibinulong si Devon sa kaniya. Napansin niya ang Count ng House Moussafort kasama ang anak na lalaki, kausap ang gulat na si Ghastan.
"Greetings, Your Imperial Highness. I would like to personally introduce myself, I am Count William Albert Moussafort. It is an honor to have Your Highness' acquaintance."
"O-Oh... Yes, Count, of course. It... Is an honor as well to have the esteemd Count of the South to greet me personally," bati ni Ghastan pabalik sa kabila ng pagkalito.
The Count can only smile at him meaningfully. Agad na namuo ang bulungan sa paligid habang pinakikilala ng Count ang kaniyang anak sa prinsipe. Lavinia raises a brow as she glances at the Imperial Family.
The second prince and the First Imperial Consort was in shock. Hindi makapaniwala sa nakikita nila. Kahit ang ibang miyembro ng Imperial Family ay gulat din. The Emperor was amused by the scene. Ang Empress na walang ka-emo-emosyon sa mukha ay nabigla rin sa nakita.
Maya-maya ay napakuyom na ng kamao ang First Consort. Gritting her teeth in anger.
The Count of House Moussafort, their patriarch greeted the First Prince personally and extended his hands to him?! What is the meaning of this?! I thought they are neutral!
Ibinalik ni Lavinia ang kaniyang tingin kay Ghastan habang kinukuha ang isang champagne sa kalapit na table. She raised both of her brows when she saw how Valse, Dylan and Ghastan gave her meaningful yet shocked looks.
Lavinia lets out a mischievous smirk as she raises her glass towards them.
Cheers to your first gift from me, Your Highness.
Saka siya ngumiti kay Dante na palihim na yumuko kay Lavinia bilang pagbati. The crowd's murmurs have become louder.
"The count personally greeted the First Prince. Does it mean..."
"It seems like the House Moussafort has decided to step up for this era's crown prince candidate."
"Magmula pa noong naitayo ang House nila ay wala silang sinoportahan sa battle for the throne ng Imperial Family. Then, why did they suddenly wanted to support the First Prince?"
"But why the First Prince? It is clear that despite the balance, the second prince was predicted by many to become the crown prince."
"Well, that balance now has been stirred up."
Itinago ni Lavinia ang mga ngiti sa ilalim ng pamaypay na hawak.
The tension in the air, the shocked and angry faces of the imperial family, the unbelievable expression of those noble houses who are supporting the second prince... Everything is finally falling to places.
Sumulyap si Kamaria kay Lavinia.
I have the gist of Lavinia's whole plan, but not all the details. So this is one her chess pieces. She's began to move them.
House Moussafort... I see.
Sumimsim si Kamaria sa kaniyang wine.
If she's already acquainted with the Nieveses or Bairons, I wouldn't be surprised.
Napangiti si Kamaria at umiling nang bahagya habang binababa ang wine glass na hawak.
They say that the First Imperial Consort is a wise woman. Spreading her wings continously to bring her son to the throne.
But it seems that she's still unaware of a huge snake, lurking around them, waiting for the right time to froze those wings and cut it when the time comes.
I am excited as to what you have prepared in store for us, kid.