Season 1: Chapter 2
10 Years Later
It has been ten long years since I reincarnated to this world. I have learned many things as a person and a citizen of this country. Unfortunately, magic and other related to it does not exist. I also found out that the book I last read, How Snow Loves, is where I reincarnated. I have adapted well as an entity from a historical era. Napansin ko ring may mga nagbago sa aking pag-uugali at ang aking pagsasalita ay naging pormal.
The world where I am right now is divided by many empires. The kingdom I live in is called Ronschwald under the Astralis Empire. Truly, the world here is vast and it is not just a single empire that rules the world. May mga malalayong imperyo rin mula rito at katulad ng imperyo ng Astralis ay malalawak at makapangyarihan ang mga ito, Among the powerful houses of Ronschwald Kingdom, di Vonce is one of the four powerful ducal houses of this kingdom.
Di Vonce is a ducal house under the Queen who helps the second prince in becoming the king. Arisia’s role is just an insignificant sidekick of the villainess who tried to poison the heroine, Snow, out of jealousy between the male and female lead’s romance. Was killed by the second prince and that is it for her.
Ngumisi ako.
Unfortunately for them, I am not foolish enough to re-enact what was written at the book. Hindi ko hahayaang mangyari sa akin ang kung anong nangyari kay Arisia sa libro. A mere book cannot stop me from changing my fate. Nang una kong malaman ito ay nakapagpasya agad ako, I will not avoid the major characters and I will just live my life to the fullest.
Why, you say? Because it is more interesting that away. Instead of avoiding my death flag, I want to play along with fate. Some might think I am crazy. Yes, let us go with that. I just do not want a boring life.
“Miss Arisia.” Hilda, my personal maid, right-hand man, and butler, knocked from outside my room.
“Come in.” I said before closing the book I was reading. Nasa harap ko na siya agad-agad at nilalagyan ulit ng tsaa ang tasa ko. I smirked.
As expected of her, she is fast and she do things clean. Hilda was not originally my maid but the villainess’s, Ruvia Estevan. Nakatatak na sa isipan ko si Hilda mula pa noong nabasa ko ang tungkol sa kanya. She is perfect and flawless, as what the book says. Inunahan ko lang si Ruvia na makuha si Hilda. She is what every nobles desire. Despite being from the slums, she was also trained in assassinations and defense.
Since I promised her a healthy and a longer, luxurious life back then, she promised me her loyalty. Nakatulong rin ang kaunting agwat sa edad namin para mapagkatiwalaan niya ako. Showing her a bit of my intelligence, courtesy, kindness, and my pride as a noble, I was able to win her over. Gladly, I will not regret having her. Now that I think about it, it has been a year since she went under my name.
“The Duke has requested for a family dinner.” Napatigil ako.
Oh, right. I was too pre-occupied in books that I do not even eat with my family often.
“Do I have to come?” I sipped on my tea.
“Of course, Miss. Kailangan mo ding lumabas ng kwarto mo kahit minsan.” Hilda also sometimes speak casually when we’re alone. I see no issue in that since she is my trusted fellow.
“Damn right.” I mumbled. Pilyong ngumisi lang ito sa akin.
People say that I sometimes act mature for my age but that is because I am 26 year old in the inside. For people like me who have been reincarnated, talking fluently and solving problems at a very early age are called genius. Well, I do not really know if some are also in similar situations like me, not that it matters anyway. I was able to live without a fuss even being called a genius, thanks to my parents who respects my decisions without asking questions and leaving complaints. It was the same for Hilda who does not ask me why I am being in this way. A ten year old acting mature, who would not find it strange?
“Now that I think about it, is it not your coming-of-age next year? Should I throw a banquet for you?” Ani ko nang maalala ang kaarawan niya.
“Yes, Miss, but I am not befitting of your generosity.” Napairap ako.
“Stop your humble act, Hilda.” She just smiled at me when I said those words. Napailing ako. “What do you want for a gift? Let me guess, a guy?” I smirked when I saw her disgusted reaction.
Hilda hates men for their barbaric and lewd actions. I guess it’s not an exaggeration to say that she will never experience being held in a man’s arms. Well, it might be the same for me.
Napaismid ako.
“Miss is enough for me.” Sungbat niya habang may plastik na ngiti.
I am sure she is cursing men all over the world inside her head.
“But I don’t want you to be lonely when I am of marriage.” I teased her. Her smiling face was topped of disgust.
“Just being with Miss is not lonely for me. I don’t have any intentions of marrying and flirting with a man.” Matigas nitong sabi.
“Hmm? You will eat your words soon.” She just gave me an as-if-look. I shrugged and stood up after having my tea.
Since I will be eating dinner with my parents again, I should wear a light colored dress.
“Neon green is enough. Also, lessen the accessories and I want my hair free.” I demanded.
“Yes, Miss.” Hilda curtly bowed and went out to ask the maids to help me. When I arrived at the dining room, my mother and father were talking while waiting for me.
“Good evening, Father, Mother.” Ani ko at yumuko ng kaunti para magbigay-galang sa kanila.
“Good evening, Arisia. Sit down.” Mother said while Father just nodded. She tucked her blonde hair in her ear.
“Yes, Mother.”
“You’re still formal as ever, Arisia. You can just call us Mom and Dad.” There goes my mother again, correcting what I should call them. But really, I do not want to call them that. Sa tingin ko ay dahil ito sa hindi ako sanay na tawagin sila nang ganoon. I feel like I am gonna show them that I am a spoiled brat for a loving attention for it. Ayoko ng ganoon.
It has been days since I last saw them. Mother still looks stunning as always especially when she smiles. As for my father, he looks stiff and cold as ever but the looks did not fade. His beard also grew a little.
I pursed my lips.
Hindi pa rin ako sanay na pinapaligiran ako ng mga magagandang nilalang.
Ngumiti lang ako sa kanila. Waiting for the food to be served, my mother started talking to me what I does inside of my room.
“I am sorry, Mother. I got too cope up with the books Hilda bought.” I apologetically smiled.
“It’s fine, Arisia. I just hope you go out often and make friends.” Friends, huh? In my past life, I never made friends. While I did consider it and tried, they always complained of how a bookworm and boring I am. I wonder if I can make one or two in this life.
Marahan akong suminghal.
Hilda is fine, I also consider her as a friend. It is enough for me.
“I will do that when I am older, Mother.”
“Fine.” Napahilot sa noo ang aking ina.
She must have been stressed thinking how I can handle social gatherings in the future without having friends by my side. My first invite was when I was five but I did not respond to it since I did not took interest in it. Habang lumalaki ako ay padami nang padami rin ang mga nag-iimbita sa akin. Sa huli ay hindi ako lumalahok sa mga iyon. For the solution, I have ordered Hilda to spread rumors that I have a disease. Tumigil naman ang tumpok ng mga sobre magmula noon.
“I have heard from Countess Evelina that you aced your Language Class. What do you want for a reward?” Napangisi ako sa sinabi ng aking ama.
This is what I like about him. He gives rewards for hard works. I do not even need to act cute in front of him to spoil me.
“Yes, Father, thank you for asking. It crossed my mind that the bookshelf in my room is already full so may I ask for a humble room for storing my books?” I clasped my hands and smiled.
“I understand, I will build you a private library.” My handsome and considerate father, he is truly the best.
I contained my excitement with my smile.
A private library, I have always dreamed of that. It really is nice to have rich a family.
“Thank you, Father. If only I have a younger brother I can share it with.” I acted emotional and emphasized the brother.
Take the bait, my parents.
Napatigil ang aking ina at mahiyang ngumiti sa amin.
“Actually, I have an announcement.” Mother said and curled her hair. Napangisi ako nang malaman kung ano iyon. “I’m pregnant.” I gasped in surprise, though I know about it.
With this, I have hope that it can be a brother and that he’ll take the next seat of the Duke. I will be free of responsibilities and be leisurely lazy under his abode.
I grinned.
My days then were really satisfying. Until... she drew her last breath.