Rise 17
Imperial Night
“One thing I learned after giving my all, I lost my self trying to earn you.”
-WhisperoftheNight, by S.Harper
Abalang nagbabasa ng ilang dokumento si Lagi, ang second in command ng Legion of Black Fire.
Matapos umalis ng kanilang boss na si Black Butterfly para maglaro at maglakwatsa sa paaralan, naging abala ang grupo dahil sa ilang mga insidente.
Una, paulit-ulit na nagpapadala ng mensahe ang isang anonymous person na nais silang imbitahan na maging tagapagsilbi ng prinsesa ng Solas, si Prinsesa Lihana.
Malinaw na ang reyna ang nasa likod ng mga mensahe kaya naman napapaface palm na lamang si Lagi sa pagiging stupida ng reyna.
Bukod pa dito, ilang Spiritists na ang bumisita upang paunlakan sila na maging tagapagsilbi ni Prinsesa Lihana. Obviously, ang stupidang reyna muli ang nasa likod nito. Bilang tugon, umuuwing bugbog sarado ang mga envoy.
Maliban dito, patuloy ang masaganang produksyon ng kanilang mga negosyo. Ilang mga business partners din ang nadagdag simula nang maging Arbiter ang kanilang boss.
Tumayo si Lagi mula sa kanyang working table at agad nagtungo sa balkonahe ng headquarters nila.
Nagsindi sya ng tabaco at saka pinagmasdan ang papalubog na araw.
“She said she’ll visit often, tsk, that brat.” Singhal ni Lagi, stress dahil sa mga iniwang trabaho sa kanya ni Black Butterfly.
***
Nababalot ng liwanag at mga palamuti ang Hall of Regere, ang pinaka marangyang event hall sa Xyrus.
Ngayong gabi gaganapin ang inaabangang Imperial Night. Makisig ang tindig ng mga kalalakihan at magarbo naman ang kasuotan ng mga kababaihan.
Itinuturing na pinakamalaking pagtitipon ang Imperial Night sapagkat dumadalo dito lahat ng mga myembro ng Imperia mula sa tatlong kaharian, Solas, Solair, at Kosen.
“I heard that the emperor have a very important announcement later.”
“What could it be?”
“No idea.”
“Maybe new ideas or new rules to abide.”
“Oh my, isn’t that Dawn’s limited edition hand bag?”
“Yes, there’s only ten of this bag, my fiance bought this for me hohoho.”
“Oh my, how sweet..”
“I’m so glad to hear news that they’re opening a branch in the kingdom of Solair soon!”
“I hope in Kosen too!”
“I heard Dawn’s will release a new limited edition stilettos next week. Im so excited!”
“Lady Helena what’s wrong? You dont look happy?”
“Nuh, Im fine..”
“I just remembered a funny rumour Lady Helena, it seems that you’re banned from Dawn’s. Is it true?”
“......... ehem, that’s silly.. Haha.. Why would I be banned?”
“Well maybe my sources were wrong hohoho.”
“...........”
“Anyway, do you think that slut will show up tonight?”
“You mean Lady Alanis? As the number one enemy of all the women present tonight, she’ll probably tuck her tail and hide.”
“Her status is not that noble anyway, what can she do against everyone here?”
“That’s right.. Besides, she’s just a Slayer Major. A Spiritist major can slap her and she’ll probably drop dead on the floor. I wont show up tonight if I was her.”
“She’s suicidal if she ever shows up tonight.”
“Aha, she must be crazy if she believe that the Emperor will protect her. She’s just one of his woman.”
“Not to mention, delusional. She’s not that special hmmp!”
“Oh my gods! The four future princesses is here!”
“So pretty!”
“And look, their fiances are here as their escorts tonight!”
“Ohmy, the three princes of Solas and Prince Hendrix of Solair is here!”
“Lady Trinity with Prince Levinus!”
“Lady Vivian fiancée of Prince Lorenzo of Solas.”
“Lady Maris escorted by Prince Luciano..”
“And also, Lady Miruca fiancée of Prince Hendrix of Solair!”
“They’re so pretty! Core members of Imperia!! They’re so cool!”
“And look, is that the Dawn’s limited edition Heart of the Sea long gown? Oh my gosh, there’s only five of that in the world! Lady Vivian looks gorgeous on that gown!”
“Come on, let’s say hi to them!”
Naging abala ang mga panauhin sa pagbati sa apat na pares ng royalties mula sa dalawang kaharian.
Samantala, bagot na bagot na si Sean sa paghihintay kay Alanis. Siguradong late nanaman darating ang dalaga! Alam ni Sean na maraming haters si Alanis kaya plano nya itong i-escort papasok sa venue. Bilang anak ng isang Marquis ng Solair, iilang tao lamang ang maglalakas loob na banggain sya kaya kahit papaano ay plano nyang bigyan ng proteksyon ang kaibigan. Pero hindi nya alam kung nasaan ito!
“Sean, why are you here?” tanong ng isang pamilyar na tinig
Agad nilingon ni Sean ang pinagmulan ng tinig at nakita si Alanis. Simple lamang ang ayos nito subalit tila napakasupistikada at marangya ang aura na nagmumula sa dalaga.
“Finally! You’re late as usual—Ehh?” natigilan si Sean nang makita ang lalaki sa tabi ng kaibigan
“Hi.” Nakangiting bati ng binata
“Y-y-you’re Ashe—I mean, glory to the kingdom of Solas, Sir Asher Romulus!” gulantang na bati ni Sean
“Eh? Calm down, what’s up with that reaction?” Leona
Nanlalaki ang matang tiningnan ni Sean ang kaibigan.. Boss, the man beside you is from the royal family of Solas!
“Boss.. W-why are you with Sir Asher?” tanong ni Sean sa kaibigan
“I’m her escort.” Sabat ni Asher
Napanganga si Sean.
“Yeah, I know. He’s not invited but he insisted on tagging along.” Leona
“Im not from Imperia, but who would dare to stop me to gate crash on the party?” nakangiting saad ni Asher
Mayroong malaanghel na ngiti ang binata subalit pakiramdam ni Sean may sungay ito ng demonyo.
“Let’s go inside.” Saad ni Leona
Wala sa sariling sumunod si Sean sa kaibigan.
Maririnig ang nakakaakit na saliw ng musika at makikita ang makulay na kasuotan ng mga panauhin.
Sa umpisa ay abala ang lahat, subalit isang panauhin ang nakapansin sa pagdating ni Leona sa lugar.
“Whoa, isn’t that Lady Alanis Fauna?”
Nang marinig ito ay tila isang domino effect ang mga sumunod na nagyari.
“Alanis Fauna?”
“Wait, she actually showed up?”
“Lady Alanis is here?”
“How bold! She have the guts.”
“She’s crazy!”
“How stupid!”
Lahat ng pares ng mga mata ay nabaling sa dalaga.
“Wow, you sure is popular.” Komento ni Asher
“Not in a good way though. This is Damon’s fault.” Leona
Nanlaki ang mga mata ng mga panauhin noong makita ang escort ng dalaga.
“Gasp! Isn’t that—”
“Sir Asher Romulus!”
“Why is he here?!”
“Oh my gosh, why are they together?!”
“And look! Isn’t that Dawn’s limited edition Starry Night Serpentine Dress!”
“Isn’t that gold glitter mesh stiletto also a Dawn’s limited edition?”
“Wait! Perhaps is she—”
“Oh my gods! She’s wearing limited edition items from head to toe!”
Every noble ladies studying in Xyrus are die hard fanatics of Dawn’s brand. It’s not surprising that they have such a reaction. On the other hand, Leona ignored all of them.
“Oh my, how lively.” Saad ng isang babaeng may mahabang itim na buhok, si Andromeda. She’s gatecrashing at the party for the free food. “That woman is really interesting, she change her hair color but Im sure she’s the owner of Dawn’s.”
Samantala, di kalayuan ay na papabuntong hininga na lamang sina Levinus, Lorenzo at Lucius.
“Sir Asher, it’s been a while!” bati ng isang babae
Asher simply smiled as acknowledgment.
“Do you remember me? Im the daughter of Baroness Heronia from Solas.. We met a while ago during an art exhibit, I cant believe I’ll see you here tonight.” Saad pa ng babae
“I’m here to escort Lady Alanis. I’m sure Damon won’t mind my attendance.” Nakangiting tugon ni Asher
“Oh my, so it’s true that you’re good friends with the emperor.” Nakangiting saad ng babae
Asher simply smiled.
“Why are you with her? Didn’t you know about the rumours about her? Why dont you dance with me instead?” tanong ng babae sabay pulupot ng kanyang braso sa braso ni Asher
Asher’s smile suddenly turned cold.
“I dont really remember who you are and where you came from. And dont touch me so casually. Im still part of the royal bloodline of Solas. If you dont keep at least minimum manners with me, at worst, you’ll be charged with lese mejeste.” Nakangiting saad ni Asher subalit ramdam ng lahat ang pagbabanta mula sa kanyang malamig na tinig
“I-Im sorry..” kinakabahang paumanhin ng babae sabay distansya kay Asher
“Lady Alanis is a close friend of mine, she’s being escorted by me, if you have a problem with that then get out of my sight.” Asher
The baroness’ daughter was frightened and escaped from the venue.
“It’s good that I tagged along, right?” tanong ni Asher kay Leona
“Yeah, you’re a good shield.” Sang-ayon ni Leona
“..........” Sean, pakiramdam nya hangin lang sya sa eksena
Hindi pa man nakakabawi sa pagkagulat ay muling napabaling ang atensyon ng lahat sa isang bagong dating na panauhin.
“Ohmygods! Why is he here?!”
“This is shocking!”
“Why is Sir Alexander Angelus here?”
“Did the emperor invited the Student Council president?”
“What’s happening?”
“Why is he here?”
“This year’s event is filled with too many surprises.”
“Will there be trouble later?”
“Will the president fight with the emperor?”
Samantala, maging sina Leona ay hindi makapaniwala sa pagdating ni Alexander.
“He’s crazy.” Komento ni Leona
“Aren’t you to blame?” tugon ni Asher
“Why is it my fault?” Leona
“And you have the guts to ask that? Are you just insensitive or just dumb?” Asher
“........” Leona
Sean on the other hand is confused with their conversation.
“Alexander!” bati ni Levinus
“Your Highness.” Nakangiting bati ni Alexander
“What brought you here?” Lorenzo
“Prince Lorenzo, Prince Lucius.” Bati ni Alexander
“Seriously, why are you here?” Lorenzo
“Everyone is here so I decided to join in too.” Alexander replied with a smile
“Without an invite, how bold.” Sabat ni Asher, dragging Leona and Sean along
“Sayo pa galing?” Sabat ni Leona
“Prin—Lady Alanis.” Nakangiting bati ni Alexander
Leona simply nod her head as acknowledgment.
“Are you guys friends?” sabat ni Vivian, ang fiancée ni Lorenzo
“Lady Alanis is a good friend of ours.” Asher
“I know all of your friends Your Highness, but it’s my first time hearing about your beautiful friendship with Lady Alanis Fauna.” Sabat din ni Trinity, fiancee ni Levinus
“Is that so? Ehem.. Why dont we just dance?” pagiiba ni Levinus sa topic
“But—” Trinity
“He’s right! Lady Vivian let’s dance!” Lorenzo
“So bossy. Tsk.. Let’s go.” Vivian
“Can I have this dance My Lady?” Lucius
“Yes!” masayang tugon ni Maris kay Lucius
“Ehem.. Lady Alanis can we also—” Alexander
“I’m hungry.. You guys should enjoy your time. I’m going to find something to eat.” Leona
“..........” Alex
“She didn’t do that on purpose, which makes it more annoying.” Komento ni Asher sabay pat sa balikat ni Alexander
“..........” Alex
Sean is confuse. Isn’t the Student Council President enemies with Lady Alanis? What’s happening?
The music changed into something more mellow and sweet.
Everyone’s attention were drawn to the Princes and their fiancées dancing.
Lumipas ang mga oras, everyone’s having a good time.
“So everyone’s here huh?” komento ni Damon habang nakamasid mula sa balkonahe kung saan nakikita ang kabuuan ng hall. A glass of red wine on his hand.
“Let’s proceed to the special segment, make sure that Lady Alanis is part of it.” Saad ni Damon sa kanyang assistant
Damon chuckled like a demon.
Not long after, a special segment was announce.
“A recital?” nagtatakang tanong ni Maris
“Last year, we had a showcase of swordplay, this year it’s poetry.” Vivian
“Creating and reciting poems are part of nobilities.” Miruca
“Four people would showcase their poetic talents tonight. Lady Trinity Alfius, Lady Helena Gales, Lady Rossetta Brier and Lady Alanis Fauna.” Anunsyo pa ng assistant ni Damon
Agad nasamid si Leona sa iniinom nyang juice.
“Are you okay??” Alex
“Yes.” Leona
“Haha it seems like Damon is playing pranks on you.” Asher
“I’ll break his neck when I see him.” Leona
Trinity stepped forward to recite a poem.
Her coldness froze the entire venue.
Her words very poetic and deep.
Pumalakpak ang mga panauhin.
“One of the classics from Solas.” Alex
“As expected of Sister-in-Law.. She’s good!” papuri ni Leona deep inside her heart
Another woman stepped forward.
She seems nervous, even as she recites, her voice wont stop shaking.
People awkwardly claps as the woman ends the poem sheepishly.
“That’s good..” Leona
“Just mediocre.” Asher
“Average.” Sean
Nagpatuloy ang recital hanggang sa dumating sa puntong si Leona na lamang ang natitira.
“You can do it!” cheer ni Alexander
“Boss show them your superb skills!” Sean
“Keep calm.” Asher
Nagthumbs up ang tatlong bibe.
Leona simply shrugged and nonchalantly walked forward.
Taking five steps forward, Leona’s elegance swept through the entire hall, silencing everyone.
Everyone was affected by Leona’s melancholic expression.
“Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are.”
“When the blazing sun is gone
When nothing shines upon
Then you show your little light
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are.”
Leona only knew a small number of rhymes from Earth. For her, what she recited just now is such a romantic and emotional rhyme, it could pass as a poem.
And as expected, everyone broke into applause with a look of awe on their faces.
Towards the roaring ovation, she can only humbly wave her hands and bow her head.
Andromeda choke on her wine. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? Is she a grade schooler?” she laugh for a while.. Then realization struck her.. “Wait, how did she know about Twinkle Twinkle Little Star?” Her thoughts were disrupted by the sudden uproar.
“It’s the emperor!”
“He’s so handsome!”
“Ohmygosh! So dreamy!”
“Long live Imperia!”
“Long live the emperor!”
“What a showoff..” natatawang komento ni Asher habang pinapanood si Damon sa engrande nitong paglitaw sa venue.
Damon raised one of his hands and the place instantly quieted down.
“Thank you for attending the annual Imperial Night. I hope everyone is having a good time.” Damon said with his usual devilish smirk
“Kyaaaahhhhhh!”
“I love you Emperor Damon!”
“So handsomeeeeee!”
“Marry meeeee!”
“Emperor Damooooonn!!”
“Kyaahhh! My future hubby!!”
Agad tumili ang mga fan girls ni Damon.
“Wow, are we on a Bangtan concert?” komento ni Leona
Damon motioned for everyone to quiet down, and silence followed.
Damon cleared his throat, “I have a very important announcement tonight.”
Everyone waited in silence.
“Imperia was stablished more than a hundred years ago. And we grow stronger as years passed by. We established the foundation of the academy, making it a school for the students made by the students.”
“The one who stands at the top is always the strongest. And right now, that’s me.” Damon chuckled as his eyes wanders around the place, stopping to stare directly at Leona.
“There’s always a higher mountain beside you.” Damon added
Everyone is confused. What is he trying to say???
“Tonight, I want you all to pay respect to our first ever Empress.” Damon
“An empress?”
“What empress?”
“Is this a joke?”
“An empress? What?”
Damon smiled like a devil.
“Let’s all welcome, Empress Alanis Fauna!” Damon announced shamelessly
The hall was instantly filled with uproar.
All eyes turned towards a certain direction.
Some curious, few were stunned, most were amazed.
An empress?!
“.........” Leona
Damon you son of a--!
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Excited na din ba kayong sampalin ni Leona mga echoserang extras ng kwento? Kasi ako oo. This build up phase is killing me. Lols.
Nyways, I just remembered that I stopped making dedications so let me just give a shoutout to jewelshtone!!
See yah all on the next chapter! Stay tune! :)