Rise 11
War at the Dinning Table
“A person can manipulate others. A person can judge others. A person can hurt others. But OTHERS are also a PERSON. So others can manipulate a person. Others can judge a person. And others can hurt a person.”
- TheLiesoftheBlessed, by A. Sterling
Nakangiti ang haring araw sa kalangitan.
Madarama ang excitement ng lahat para sa pagsapit ng Day of the Solstice.
Sa mansion ng mga Lazuli, isang binibini ang makikitang nagmamadaling bumaba ng hagdan ng mansion.
Mayroon syang asul na buhok, almost silver in it's color. Si Maris Lazuli, ang fiancee ng third prince ng kaharian ng Solas.
Nakangiti si Maris, excited na syang makita ang kanyang pinakamamahal na fiance!
"Maris Lazuli, where do you think you're going?" question ng kanyang ama na pababa ng hagdan ng mansion, si Martin Lazuli
"Daddy, Im going out for a while. I'll be back by dinner time." Nakangiting tugon ng dalaga
"Sweetheart, where are you taking my Demonic Soul Sword?" ask the middle age man. Sumasakit ang ulo nya sapagkat wala nang ibang ginawa ang kanyang bunsong anak kung hindi nakawin ang laman ng treasury ng kanilang pamilya! Wala syang magawa sapagkat pinalaki nyang spoiled ang kanyang unica ija.
"This? I'm going to gift this to your future son-in-law Daddy!" proud na tugon ng dalaga
"Sweetheart, didnt you know that Daddy spent a part of our entire wealth to get that sword? W-why are you gifting it to someone else?" tanong ng ama, gusto na nitong maiyak
"What someone else? Why are you treating your future son-in-law like an outsider Daddy?!" galit na tugon ng dalaga
"Sweetheart, the prince is not lacking treasures. So please return the sword.. Daddy will be really mad if you dont." Martin
"No! My future husband deserves all the best in the world! He will finally accept me if I give him this sword!" Maris
"My good daughter, please listen to daddy just this once. If you dont, you are grounded until the end of your vacation!" babala ng ama
"If you dare punish my good granddaughter then I will beat you up first! Your child is willingly giving away your treasures to her future husband! What's wrong with that?!" galit na sabat ng isang tinig sabay wasiwas ng hawak na walis
"Mother, Im sorry, Im wrong.. I know Im at fault.. Please stop hitting me.." Martin, trying to dodge
"If you know your wrong then go take out your treasures, my granddaughter wants to gift it to her future husband.." utos ng matandang babae habang walang awang hinahampas ng walis ang anak
The man really wanted to cry. As a good son, how can he go against the words of his mother?
"Grandma there's no need.. You might really make daddy cry . This is enough for today. If the prince still ignores me, Im willing to empty our entire treasury!" Maris
"What a sensible child." Said her grandmother, Mildred
What sensible child? Gusto na talagang maiyak ni Martin
"Im going out now, Grandma. See you later." Paalam ni Maris saka mabilis na lumabas ng pinto dala ang espada
"My Demonic Soul Sword.. Wuwuwuwu." Iyak ng ama
***
Sa hardin ng mansion na pagmamay-ari ni Luciano, makikita ang binata na palabas ng flower maze na syang tanging daan patungo sa kanyang hidden training ground, kakatapos lamang nyang magsanay ng paggamit ng espada.
"Your Highness!~" masayang tawag ni Maris
Nilingon ng binata ang dalaga na halos araw-araw syang ginagambala.
"Lady Lazuli." Bati ni Luciano
"Your Highness, you can just call me by my name. Much better if you will address me as Honey or Dearest or Wifey!" cheerful na tugon ng dalaga
"My lady, it will be an honor, but since we are not yet married, I do not want to tarnish your good name." Nakangiting tugon ni Luciano. The once timid little prince grew up cold and distant, but among the three princes, he is known as the level-headed and calm one. He always cleans up after the mess of his two older brothers. "If there is nothing else, I will excuse myself. Feel free to stay, but Im afraid I wont be able to bid you farewell later so I'll do it now, goodbye, thank you for your visit." Nakangiting saad ng binata saka nilampasan ang dalaga
"Wait Your Highness!" Panic na saad ni Maris para pigilan sa pag-alis ang binata. She waited for two hours just to meet him, why would she let him go just like that! Dont joke!
"Is there something you need, my lady?" Luciano
"T-this is my father's Demonic Soul Sword. I heard it's a powerful weapon against evil spirits. S-so I'm gifting this to you.." Maris
"I have to apologize, I cannot accept your goodwill My Lady. I heard that that sword is your father's most prize possession." There's an amused smile on the prince's lips. This adorable young lady probably stole this from her father.
Umiling si Maris ng maraming beses.. "I insists Your Highness! I'm really worried about your safety. Take this sword.. Please??"
Umiling din si Luciano sabay ngiti. "Thank you my Lady, but I would be more than happy if you keep the sword. I will worry for your safety if you dont."
The innocent and childish young lady blush hearing those words.
"I will take my leave now, thank you for your visit my Lady." Nakangiting saad ni Luciano
The girl was left all alone. Sad for failing to capture the man's heart once again, the young lady dejectedly went home.
As for Luciano, he's actually trying not to be alone with the lady. What level-headed and calm? Whenever he's with her, he easily loses his calm. He's afraid that if he lingers longer in the presence of that adorable blushing lady, he might end up devouring her luscious lips!
Maris might not be aware, but the marriage was arrange with accordance with Luciano's will. The royal family arrange the marriage because he requested help from his father the king.
The lady is a year younger, the same age as his sister Leona. He first saw her during the time when Leona took the elemental affinity test. Maris was five then, he was six. It was love at first sight. But he didnt know it back then. Since the Lazuli family have close ties with the royal family, Sir Martin Lazuli is one of the king's knights and his confidant, Luciano would often see the young lady visit the palace since young.
But despite his feelings, he decided to distance his self for now. He's afraid that he might end up frightening her again.
He can still remember the time when she was eleven and he was twelve years old. Despite his timid nature, he decided to be brave and stole the little lass' first kiss. The terrified look on her face scared his heart.
A rushing maidservant caught his attention.
"Your Highness! Good news!"
"Calm down Miss Helen, what happened?" Luciano
"The princess is back! Your sister is back!"
Luciano's eyes' lit up.. His beloved sister is finally back!
***
The day of the Solstice is an annual celebration to give thanks and praise to the gods.
On this day, the king, now fully recovered, took part on the annual parade to grace his people with his presence.
"Have you heard? The princess is back!"
"Who? Princess Lihanna? Why? Did she go somewhere?"
"Stupid! The other princess!"
"Huh? Is there another princes-Ah! I remember! The useless one!"
"Yes, that one. The princess with no talent.. She's back."
"I thought the royal family already grew tired of her? Wasn't she thrown somewhere years ago? Why is she back?"
"If my memory serves me right, I remember it was the queen who exiled the first princess."
"So you're saying it was the queen trying to get rid of the princess?"
"So you're not that stupid after all.. I have a friend working in the palace. He said that the king reprimanded the queen after finding out what happened to the first princess."
"But why? I thought the princess poisoned the king? She should have received a death sentence back then, but the three princes opposed the idea. The Lord of the West and the Lord of the North also backed up the princess so she was only exiled."
"That's what happened before. But according to my friend working on the palace, the king wants this issue to be investigated thoroughly. That's why he pardon the princess because she wasnt found guilty. The king seems to have a soft spot for his child after all."
"Really? I thought the king despise the first princess..?"
"Of course! That's common knowledge.. But at the end of the day, she's still the king's flesh and blood."
"But still, what good would bringing her back do? She's useless. It's just ridiculous. Her life would be better if she just stay somewhere far. Is she coveting the crown? Is she delusional?"
"You're right.. And do you know what's more ridiculous?"
"What??"
"I heard she will be performing the kingdom's annual Sun dance today! Wont she just bring shame to the royal family's name?"
"How ridiculous! The annual sun dance is performed by peerless beauties with great dancing skills and powerful Light and Earth element control!"
"Exactly.. I dont know what the palace is thinking. The princess will just embarrass herself. What more, if she make a mistake on the ritual, wont it bring disaster to the kingdom?"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk.. She will be the kingdom's doom.."
The people is worried for nothing. The princess is actually a proficient dancer. If she cant even dance while attending events back in her old world, how could she be called the most notorious assassin? A person's talent can only be obtain through heaven's blessings, but skills can be obtain through learning!
The kingdom of Solas is the kingdom of the sun. The kingdom of light! Every year, during the day of the Solstice, a maiden gifted with peerless beauty and talent will be chosen to perform the Sun Dance, a ritual perform through dancing. It is said that it's a way to communicate with the gods. To give thanks for another bountiful year. According to legends, if the gods were pleased and satisfied by the dance, a rainbow will appear in the sky. However it is merely a legend, throughout the years, no rainbow would appear after the dance.
Leona walked towards the elevated platform. Dressed in a similar way on Horus, she dont feel awkward unlike the usual maidens of the capital each year. Since the maidens only wore gowns or dresses, the chosen maiden each year would always feel embarrassed showing too much skin while dancing.
Leona started her performance after hearing the accompanied beat.
Her movement graceful.
Her hair smooth and silky, swaying with the beat.
Her feet so light as if she's dancing with the wind.
Flowers bloom with her every move.
Her eyes shone emerald green, a spirit fusion with the spirit of earth.
Everyone didnt noticed how captivated they were.
They were hypnotised by her every move.
Unable to look away.
Unable to see anything except for the stunning beauty dancing gracefully.
"I think I'm inlove."
"Who is that?? Is that really the first princess?"
"Gorgeous."
"Oh my gosh! Look!"
"R-rainbows!"
"There are rainbows in the sky!"
"W-why? How?!"
"Not just one! There are several rainbows in the sky!"
"W-what does it mean?!"
"T-the legend is true! The legend is true!"
"The princess pleased the gods!"
"Prosperity for the years to come!"
"Glory to the kingdom of Solas!"
"Glory to the kingdom of Solas!"
***
"Little sis did great today." Nakangiting papuri ni Levinus over dinner
"I heard everyone praising your performance today." Luciano
"She's our little sister, that's to be expected." Lorenzo
"Thank you big brothers." Nakangiting tugon ni Leona
"Big sis, Lily heard that there were rainbows in the sky today.." sabat ni Lihanna
Leona's lips twitch.. Little lass, arent you already thirteen..? Why do you still address your self in a third person's point of view? Are you trying to act cute or are you just really this dumb?
In the end, Leona decided to be the matured one, she gave the little girl a smile as a simple response.
"Hmmmpp.. It was just a coincidence. You were just lucky." Sabat ng reyna
Natahimik ang lahat.. Coincidence? How is that a coincidence??
"You should be thanking me.. If not for my great idea to make you perform today's Sun Dance, you wouldn't be in the lime light now." Dagdag pa ng reyna
Gustong matawa ng tatlong prinsepe. This woman plotted against their little sister and made her perform the dance out of the blue without giving her enough time to prepare just to humiliate her in public, now she wants Leona to thank her? The three princes were tempted to smack this old hag dead right there and then. But out of respect for their father, they held back.
"Your Majesty is right. I should really thank you for giving me the opportunity to announce my return to the kingdom. How kind of you. You really do have a good eye for talent, without me even showing any hint of my ability to dance, you still found out and made me perform out of the blue. If I didn't know that Your Majesty is such a magnanimous person, I might end up thinking that you want to humiliate me in public after my return. But that's just ridiculous don't you think, Your Majesty?" nakangjting tugon ni Leona, full of sarcasm
Gustong pumalakpak ng tatlong prinsepe.
The queen was enraged, Leona's remark is clearly to frame her! What this old hag forgot is the fact that she really plotted all of it to humiliate the princess. But since she's a narrow-minded person, she believe she's the victim here.
"What are you saying my child? Of course I did it for your sake." The queen said, clenching her teeth
Leona smiled.. "Thank you Your Majesty, since I, a princess, perform today's Sun Dance, why dont we arrange Lihana as the performer next year? Surely, with the talent you claim she possessed, she can also pleased the gods, right?"
Natigilan ang reyna.. Hindi sya mangmang. Over the years, she keeps spreading rumours of how talented, magnanimous, intelligent and kind her daughter is. She wants her daughter to overshadow her siblings so she can someday inherit the throne. If she perform next year's Sun Dance and failed to cause the same phenomena, wont it tarnish her reputation and show that she's inferior to her talentless older sister? That's not good.
Before the queen can even utter an excuse, the king interrupted her.
"It's only fair to do so. Lihana have an entire year to prepare compared to her sister. I expect nothing less from her." Lexus
Napalunok ang reyna.. "Of course my dear. With our daughter's talent, she will definitely pleased the gods."
"Lihana wont disappoint you Daddy." Nakangiting dagdag ni Lihana.. Her mother would always tell her that she's the most talented person in the world. She's like a dragon that will someday soar in the sky. Of course, she believe it. She will one day trample her big sister for stealing her brothers and her father. She's just a useless trash anyway. If her useless sister can pleased the gods, of course she can too! She might even be able to make them bow down to her!
Tumango lamang ang hari sa tinuran ni Lihana.
"Leona, I heard from your grandfather that you did well during your stay in Horus." Lexus
Natigilan sandali si Leona.
"I want to assign you as the next minister of the Ministry of Finance." Lexus
Nabalot ng katahimikan ang hapagkainan.
"P-pardon?" Leona
Napatayo sa upuan ang reyna.. "My dear, please think this through, the Ministry of Finance is under me! How can you-"
"Eversince you took over, the kingdom started to decline. Do you actually believe that I didnt know that you assigned corrupt officials?" May diing tugon ni Lexus
"Oh? That's odd Father, I heard that the Ministry of Finance is handled mostly by member's of the Lapiz household..? Her Majesty's father, brothers and cousins were assigned personally by Her Majesty is what I heard..." Lorenzo
"That's really odd.. Since it's the queen's family members handling the office, how can people still dare to steal from the kingdom's fund? Unless its-No, it cant be. Pardon my rudeness Your Majesty, for a second there I almost thought it was your family who's stealing from the kingdom. My mistake. My mistake." Levinus
"Insolent! How dare you accused my famil-"
"ENOUGH!" boom ng boses ng hari na nakapagpatahimik sa lahat
"But-" the queen shut her mouth when she received a death glare from the king.. She lowers her head, an ugly expression plastered on her face. 'I should have really kill you that day! You ungrateful man! You should thank me! After I spared your life, this is how you'll treat me? I will make sure that my daughter inherits your crown, then I will get rid of you and your damn children!' ngitngit ng reyna
"Child, what do you think? Are you interested to be the next minister of finance?" Tanong ni Lexus sa anak
"Hmmpp.. If you dont have the ability, dont be foolish and just decline the offer." Payo ng reyna
Ngumiti si Leona sa ama, completely ignoring the old hag.. "It will be my honour, Father."
The king flinch. It's the first time that his daughter acknowledge him as her father.
The king flashed a small smile, it's so rare that even the three princes only saw it for the first time today. "Then it's settled, I will issue a king's decree to officially assign you as the Minister of Finance."
"Thank you Father." Nakangiting tugon ni Leona
The queen wanted to cough blood out of her extreme anger. She didnt even notice the small smile on the king's lips.
The three princes were finally able to recover from the momentary shock brought by their father's smile..
"Ehem.. Congratulations little sister.. You will surely do well." Luciano
"I' am the Minister of Defense, Lorenzo is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Luciano is the Minister of Justice. Let us work hard so Solas will prosper." Levinus
"Big brother is right. Let us not be a burden to our kingdom like someone we know and steal from the people. Let us serve them with all that we got." Luciano
"Yes." Nakangiting tugon ni Leona.. Naaamuse sya sa mga kapatid nya. The shade is just too obvious.
"By the way Father, since Leona is now of age to attend school, will you allow her to enroll next semester?" Levinus
"If that's what she desire, I wont stop her." Lexus
"Dear, think this through, this child is not suited to become a spiritist. With her meager talent, she will just bring shame to the name of the royal family." Sabat ng reyna
Natawa si Leona.. "Your Majesty need not worry. I'm not planning to study to become a spiritist. I want to enrol as an Emitter."
Natahimik ang lahat.
Biglang humalakhak ang reyna na syang bumasag sa katahimikan..
"So you still have self awareness huh? Good, you can enroll as an emitter." Saad ng reyna na akala mo sya ang may karapatang magdesisyon para kay Leona
Leona is not stupid. With her current level, she will just waste her time attending school if she enrol as a spiritist. She's probably even stronger than the teachers there. What can they probably teach her when she already have Arius who's very much willing to offer all of his knowledge to her?
Emitters are different from Spiritist. Spiritist focus on improving their selves and their summoned spirits to improve their level from the Star Realm to Mortal Realm and to Dragon Realm. But Emitters focus on learning spells. Emitters are those who can control the element of Light or the element of Water. They can be considered as healers. It doesnt matter if an emitter is only on the first level of the Star Realm as long as that person has a lot of spells on his arsenal!
Leona wants to enrol as an Emitter to improve her own element. Light.
Although Emitters were considered unsuitable for battles, they are still highly valued because only a few Emitters exists in the kingdom. They are well known healers and valued for their pursuit path.
"Wait little sister, are you sure??" Lorenzo
"Think this through little sis." Levinus
"I already made up my mind." Leona
"But-" Lorenzo
"Brothers, let's just trust our little sister." Luciano
Ngumiti si Leona.
"Tsk.. Fine.." Lorenzo
"If that's what you want, then no one will stop you." Saad ng hari sabay tapon ng isang tingin na tila nabababala sa reyna
Tumango si Leona.
This dinning table is a battlefield. And Leona find it really amusing.
The next day, Leona went out and visit every corner of the capital.
This caught the attention of a lot of people, but Leona dont give a damn.
"The princess is such a stunner."
"I was really surprise when I saw her yesterday. She's definitely the kingdom's number one beauty!"
"She look so similar to the late queen, her mother, Queen Arcadia."
"If only she's talented like her mother, what a shame."
"But what could be the reason for her sudden actions today?"
"She's been everywhere!"
"She's acting like a country bumpkin who went to the capital for the first time."
"What could she be thinking?"
"Who knows?"
Of course, no one will understand. Leona needs to visit places so she can shadow travel! She can only shadom travel to places she's been to before. That's why she visited every corners of the kingdom including the slums and red light district!
When she went home that afternoon, her three older brothers were already in her garden drinking tea and patiently waiting for her.
"Brothers , why the sudden visit?" Leona
"Isn't your mansion our hangout place?" Lorenzo
"..........." Leona.. Well he's not wrong about that.
"The rest of the gang are still in school. They're probably still unaware that you are finally back. You can surprise them next semester when you enrol." Levinus
"Everyone missed you dearly Lil sis.." Luciano
Ngumiti si Leona at umupo sa bakanteng upuan, sa usual nyang pwesto kapag magkakasama sila.
"Anyway, have you heard the rumours?" Levinus
"What rumour?" Leona
"It's about the Arbiters. You were never interested with politics since young, but it's better that you know. The Arbiters are acknowledge as the strongest non-military forces of Solas. They currently have six core members leading their own respective organizations. However, it seems that they will soon have a seventh member. No one knows who it will be yet." Levinus
Hindi nakatugon si Leona.. Hindi ba sya yun?
"They would only invite important people to an important event such as the welcome ceremony of their new member. It is considered an honour to be invited." Levinus
"The event is more commonly known as the Solstitium Honour Ball." Lorenzo
"In short, it's a party where only VIPs can attend." Luciano
"Then?" Leona
"The three of us received an invitation." Lorenzo
"Those who were personally invited can invite one more person as an additional guest, they can invite anyone they want regardless of status." Levinus
"Meaning one of you is planning to invite me?" Leona
"Yes." Tugon ng tatlo
"I already sent my invitation to the Silverwings Household." Lorenzo
"Mine to the Lazuli Household." Luciano
The said households were their fiancée's families.
Tiningnan ni Leona si Levinus.. "Dont tell me you're giving me the invite instead of giving it to your fiancee?"
"My fiancee is the next queen, of course she have her own invite. That's why Im giving you mine." Levinus
Hindi nakatugon si Leona.. She's trying to come up with an excuse in her head in order to decline the offer. Dont joke! How can she accept when she's the new member to be introduce on that event! She's not a ninja who knows shadow clone jutsu!
"Brothers, Im not really interested." Leona
"You will be the next Minister of Finance. You need to build connections with the people invited to this event." Lorenzo
"But-" Leona
"No buts.. This is for your future." Levinus
"The event will be held three days from now." Luciano
Wala nang nagawa si Leona kung hindi umoo.
Buong gabi syang nag-isip.ng palusot para isoli ang invite kay Levinus.
Sa huli, she just decided to come clean and be honest.
Maaga syang nagtungo sa mansion ng nakatatanda nyang kapatid kinabukasan matapos nitong ibigay sa kanya ang invitation.
"Princess, his highness the crown prince is currently with a guest. Please have a seat first and I will inform him of your visit." Saad ng maidservant, tumango lamang si Leona.
Di kalaunan ay pinatuloy sya ng maid sa study room kung nasaan si Levinus. Isang magandang babae ang nakaupo sa isa sa mga sofa chair ng silid. The face is achingly familiar... Isnt this his older brother's fiancee? Lady Trinity Laurel Alfius?
"Brother." Bati ni Leona
"Have a seat little sister." Levinus
Awkward na umupo si Leona.
"Im here with regards with the invite." Leona
"Princess, are you referring to the Solstitium Honour Ball?" usisa ng babae
Kumunot ang noo ni Leona.
"Little sister, Lady Charity is here because of the invite on her older sister's hands. The Solstitium Honour Ball is a very rare event so Lady Charity is curious." Paliwanag ni Levinus
Charity?? Wait, so this girl is the younger twin sister of Lady Trinity?
Leona is not very familiar with his older brothers' fiancées. But she do have an impression of each of them.
For her first brother Levinus, from what she remember, Lady Trinity was always cold and distant. Leona cant remember if she was even able to have a conversation with her before, she's very aloof. On the other hand, her younger twin sister Charity is very sweet and caring.
"Are you saying that you wish to attend?" paglilinaw ni Leona.. Nahanap nya na ang liwanag, ito na ang solusyon.
"Ahm.. Im just really curious.. However, when I asked my sister, she becomes upset saying I'm not qualified to attend." Charity said pitifully
"Did you perhaps had an argument before? Why is she so mean to you?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Levinus
"N-no.. Do not misunderstand Your Highness.. W-we never argued before.. S-she's just always like that. Ever since she got engaged with you, she always treats me like I'm a rug.. B-but it's not your fault your highness.. My sister was just spoiled rotten by my parents so she somehow lost her way.." bumuntong hininga ang dalaga.. "If only I was the first born, I could have guided her on the right path. This is actually my fault for being a useless sister."
Napakunot ang noo ni Leona.. Why does it sound as if she's badmouthing her sister?
"Of course it's not your fault! Come on, let's go visit your sister. Let me talk to her." Levinus
"Y-you will? Are you sure your highness?" Charity
"Of course, you will be my sister-in-law in the future, let me help you talk some sense to your sister." Levinus
"Thank you Your Highness.." maluha-luhang saad ng dalaga
"Brother can I tag along too?" sabat ni Leona
"Sure.. Come on, let's go." Levinus
Napangiti si Leona.. Isnt this the perfect opportunity to offer the invite she have on her hands?
Wala pang tatlongpung minuto ang itinagal ng kanilang byahe.. Agad nilang narating ang mansion ng mga Alfius.
Agad nagpanic ang mga maidservant matapos makita ang mga panauhin.
Tahimik na nagbabasa ng isang nobela si Trinity noong isang maidservant ang humahangos na nagtungo sa library ng mansion upang ipagbigay alam ang pagbisita ng prinsepe at prinsesa sa kanilang tahanan.
"Sis!" masayang bati ni Charity noong lumitaw si Trinity sa guests reception area ng mansion.
Kumunot ang noo ng dalaga.. "Why are you here Your Highness?" she immediately asked leaving all formalities aside
"Sister please dont be mad! We didnt intend to pay you a visit without your permission but we really need to ask you something.." sabat ni Charity
Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Leona.. Mukang hindi namna galit si Trinity, anong pinagsasasabi nitong kakambal nya?
"Lady Trinity can you invite your little sister to the Solstitium Honour Ball..?" Levinus
"You can invite her yourself Your Highness. Why do you need me to do it for you?" simpleng tugon ni Trinity
"She's your sister.. Besides, I already sent out my own invitation." Levinus
"If you already sent yours, isn't it obvious that I already sent mine as well?" Trinity
"May I ask who you invited?" Levinus
"Sir Dylan Argos." Trinity
Muntik nang maibuga ni Leona ang iniinom nyang tsaa.. Wait, Dylan Argos of Horus? He's coming??
Taliwas sa reaksyon ni Leona, nagdilim naman ang muka ni Levinus..
"Dylan Argos? The man you spent your time with in the west during your childhood??" there is a hint of bitterness in his voice, hindi ito nakalampas sa pandinig ni Leona..
"Yes, he's my friend." Trinity
"He's away from the capital, he wont be coming for sure. Cant you just take back your invitation?" tanong ni Levinus, clearly annoyed
"Your Highness, Sir Dylan is my friend and even if he wont attend, his family still needs the invite to maintain their reputation." Trinity
Leona agreed, the Argos family is not legally of noble blood. They're a family of merchants who rose to power when Dylan established the Horus Trade Council years ago.
"Even if he's your friend, you would rather chose him over your sister?" Levinus
Napailing si Leona. Lady Trinity's reasoning is very logical. Her little sister is merely curious, while Dylan needs the invite for the sake of his family's reputation. Leona can clearly see that her older brother is simply jealous. He lost all reasoning because of that.
"I apologized Your Highness. But I will not withdraw my invite." Paninindigan ni Trinity
Levinus was at lost for words.
Charity who was sitting silently on the side said, "It's okay Sister. I understand.. D-dont worry, Im fine. I hope the two of you will enjoy the ball." She said with tears in the corners of her eyes
"Lady Trinity, cant you at least consider your little sister's feelings?" Levinus
Obviously, Levinus have a soft spot for little sisters because of his own sister Leona whom he loves dearly.
Trinity is starting to get annoyed too.. She's starting to suspect that the two were having an affair. Only she knows her little sister's true colors.
"Your Highness, weren't you listening to Charity's words?" tanong ni Trinity sa prinsepe
"Of course I did!" Levinus
"Then believe her words. She's just fine. She said so herself." Trinity said bluntly
Leona silently watched on the sidelines, amused. She's liking her future sister-in-law more and more.
To cover her anger, Charity pretended to be surprise and hurt instead..
"Lady Trinity, is that man more important than your own sister?!" Levinus
Completely annoyed she answered, "Yes."
Levinus completely lost it after hearing that.. "Unbelievable."
Leona wanted to say something but decided against it.
Levinus took several deep breaths to calm his self.. "I just need some fresh air."
"Brother, wait.." agad sinundan ni Leona ang kapatid na mabilis na nagtungo sa hardin
Naiwan ang kambal sa silid.
Agad nagbago ang ekspresyon sa muka ni Charity.
"Sister, aren't you afraid that the crown prince will grew tired of your stinky attitude?" Charity
"I'd rather be hated for who I' am than to be liked for something I'am not." Simpleng tugon ni Trinity
Nakaramdam ng insulto si Charity.. All her life she's pretending to be sweet, innocent and caring just to be loved. But life is always unfair, her older sister was chosen to be engaged to the crown prince just because she's the first born. Their parents would only shower their love to her sister! It should have been her! She should be their parent's favorite! She should be the crown prince' fiancee! She should be this kingdom's next queen! What right does her older sister have to stole everything from her?! It should be her! Everything her sister have right now should be hers!
"Sister why wont you take me to the ball? Do you hate me that much?" Charity asked
"Dont spout nonsense Charity." Trinity
"I know you hate me! Is it because of that time when I took your favorite doll when we were eight? Or was it because of that time when I ripped your favorite book? Wait, let me guess. Is it because I took away your friends from you? Im your sister! I should also be entitled for what you have! Is it because I would always took what's yours so you're mad?" Charity
"Charity I already forgave you." Buntong hininga ni Trinity
"Stop lying! Just be honest, you never wanted to share anything to me! Are you afraid that I will also take away the crown prince from you? Is that why you're mad?" Charity
That hit a nerve.. "I said enough!" hindi na napigilan ni Trinity na magtaas ng boses
"W-why are you mad at me sister?"
Nagulat si Trinity noong yakapin sya ni Charity. Bago pa sya makapagreact, buong lakas na itinapon ni Charity ang kanyang sarili sa mesa kasama si Trinity.
Dahil sa komusyon ay agad bumalik sina Leona at Levinus sa silid.
Maging ilang maidservant ay agad inalam kung anong nangyari.
Inabutan nila si Charity na umiiyak, habang nakatulala naman si Trinity dito, completely shocked by her twin's actions.
"Y-your Highness.." Charity said in between her sobs
"What happened?" tanong ni Leona
"My Lady are you okay?" tanong ni Levinus at agad inalalayang tumayo si Trinity
Seeing this, Charity's face darkened for a second, of course Leona didnt missed this suspicious behaviour.
"What happened? Were you fighting?" Levinus
Bago pa man makatugon si Trinity, agad syang inunahan ni Charity.
"Please dont misunderstand Your Highness .. We were just talking, my sister got mad and accidentally trips sending the two of us and the table flying. I-I know she didnt do it on purpose." Paliwanag ni Charity, making it sound like she's the victim and Trinity was the villain
"Lady Trinity, please apologize to your sister." Levinus
"What?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Trinity..
"Your sister is very kind, I know she will let it go once you apologize." Levinus presses, unaware that his words were hurting Trinity deeply
She smiled sadly, "Im sorry your highness, but I wont apologize to her since I didn't do anything wrong in the first place."
This time, Leona finally decided to interrupt.
"Brother, stop bullying my sister-in-law." Sabat ni Leona kaya napalingon sa kanya ang lahat
"S-sister-in-law?" Levinus
"I've decided that in this life, I will only acknowledge her as your wife brother. If you continue to bully my sister-in-law, I will never forgive you." Babala ni Leona kaya napalunok si Levinus
"W-wait Sis.. What did I do? Why are you mad??" Levinus
"You're asking why? Huh! Is my sister-in-law your wife or is her twin your wife? Why aren't you taking my sister-in-law's side?!" Leona
"But sis-" Were not even married yet!
"No buts! You didnt even asked for my sister-in-law's side of the story! Are you stupid brother?! You better say sorry to my sister-in-law this instant!" Leona
Agad namang sumunod ang binata.
"My Lady, forgive me.. Are you okay?"
The twins were dumbfounded seeing their interaction. It's clear as day who's the boss between the two siblings.
"I-Im okay." Tipid na sagot ni Trinity
"Sister-in-law, please forgive my stupid brother.." paumanhin ni Leona.. Agad nyang hinawakan ang kamay ni Trinity.. "I've always wanted to have a sister. If my brother ever bullies you again, you can look for me and I will help you bully him back.."
"........." Levinus
Trinity was touched. She can see the sincerity within Leona's eyes.. If only her own sister was as good as Leona, the two of them would probably had a better childhood.
"Thank you little sister.." nakangiting tugon ni Trinity
Leona is extremely happy. She always wanted to have a big sister. She never had one before. She just realized that she's always surrounded by men. Even in Horus. She only have her grandpa and her friend Dylan. And that group of stinky uncles! Oh, she do have a sister. But that one is out of the question.
"This is obviously not my sister-in-law's fault. That girl should be apologizing to her instead. Such a pretentious person, aren't she afraid that the heaven who can witness everything will someday struck her with lightning as retribution? Hmmp!" Leona
"P-princess it-'s not really my fault-" Charity
Nilingon ni Leona si Charity.. "If you really want to attend the ball, here." Inihagis ni Leona ang invitation
"Leona!" hindi makapaniwalang react ni Levinus
"It's my decision brother. I'm not interested to go anyway. If my sister-in-law's twin sister selfishly wanted to attend, then let her be.. Besides, Sir Dylan is also my friend so I support sister-in-law's decision earlier." Leona
"He's your friend too?" Levinus
"Of course, Sir Dylan Argos is a very handsome and reliable man, why shouldn't I befriend someone like him?" Leona
Hindi na nakapagreact pa si Levinus..
"Sister-in-law, you can visit me when you have the time. My home will always welcome you." Saad ni Leona
"Thank you." Nakangiting tugon ni Trinity
Nakangiting nagpaalam si Leona.
Somewhere in the shadows, a certain god wanted to cry.
"Handsome and reliable? She never praise me like that before! How can she praise that-that ugly human-but not me? Am I not handsome enough? Not reliable enough? I'm her husband!"
Hiss
"No! I already marked her! I belong to her!"
Hiss
"What do you mean I'm delusional? Hey! I'm your master! How can you say that to me?"
Hiss
"W-what? Like I said, I've already marked her. What do you mean I don't have any chance?"
Hiss
"Stop! You're breaking my fragile heart! I'm still your master! At least support me even a little bit huhu."
~~~~~~~~