Chapter Eight
Trust and Faith.
"Do you understand this part? Or I have to explain it again for you?"
Sean shook his head. "I understand it completely, we have the same introduction in the South don't worry. But I'm just confused, why is there a rumor that the West and East are rivals?"
"There wasn't any rivalry, Sean. Both clans knew the real reason behind that rumor. It's just we complement each other in a way that the East is the richest and West is the poorest clan."
"But you aren't poor..."
I chuckled. "Technically we aren't but we lack the main resources such as the grains and oil. East has the upper hand on that matter especially they specialize in those fields."
"Then how do you meet the needs of the people?" Sean asked.
"Simple," I said and enclasped my hands. "We are the best in negotiating, that's how we rule the clan by talking with people and making connections. They sell their goods and we promote their products after paying them."
"That's why... connection is an essential part in ruling the clan, Sean Ruzzel. We have to build connections with people even though we may harbor anger with them. Because only then, we would be able to rule the clan effectively and fairly."
After that, I stood from my seat and offered my hand. "Let's go, we'll go somewhere, Your Highness."
Natawa siya sa paraan ng pagtawag ko sa kaniya pero tumayo parin. I told him to wait for me downstairs as I change my outfit. It's not advisable to wear a dress especially if we will be walking around the Capital.
I chose to wear a simple jumpsuit in the shade of gray and made the attendants pony my hair. Then I went down para makaalis na kami. It's still early in the morning kaya mas maganda lumibot ng ganitong oras.
"This is the Market," I teased Sean dahil parang ngayon lang siya nakalabas. He was scanning the surrounding like a kid kaya natawa ako. Sumimangot naman siya sa akin kaya ngumiti na lang ako sa kaniya at tinigilan ang pang-aasar.
And since we were roaming around the market, we, unfortunately, met some advisors who recognized us right away. They all looked down to give their greeting. Mabuti na lang din at halos walang pakialamanan dito kaya wala lang sa kanila ang ginawang pagyuko.
"Your Highness," bati sa akin ng matandang advisor. "Why are you roaming around unsecured in this filthy place, Your Highness?"
"This isn't filthy, Minister. This is the place of the West, our clan," mariin kong sabi sa kaniya.
Napayuko siya nang marinig ang sinabi ko. I may not be born in this place but I know how to cherish the place of my home. And this marketplace is part of my home, my clan. So how can I deny and tarnish the reputation of this place?
"Forgive us, Your Highness."
Umirap ako at hindi nagsalita. "Are you perhaps showing around the Prince?" Another advisor asked.
"Yes," walang pag-alinlangan kong sagot. "He will be ruling this place soon, might as well make him comfortable, am I right?"
"Yes, Your Highness. How do you find our clan, Your Highness?"
I looked at Sean, waiting for his answer. "I find the place... mysterious. People were obviously struggling but they still seem so happy. It made me think what kind of wonder does this place have?"
"We're glad to hear a positive remark from you, Your Highness. Are you going to continue your walk, Your Highness? Perhaps, we could accompany both of you for your safety."
"No need," I answered. "We can perfectly manage everything. You may now also continue your visitation, ministers."
Matapos ang usapan na iyon ay hinila ko na si Sean papalayo sa kanila. I think he bowed down to them. Such a gentleman, napailing ako.
"Come on, try this," I said and dragged him onto a street food stand. "This is my favorite snack whenever I come here."
It's actually a waffle. I know I can ask the cook to make one for me but I like this better. It's so delicious that I could eat three pieces a day. I still have to take care of my diet, that's why I'm limiting myself no matter how much I wanted to eat this all day.
"Delicious, yeah?" I asked Sean when I made him take a bite from the waffle I am holding.
He slowly nodded. "Tastes like a pancake with chocolate in it."
"Oh shush."
Natawa siya sa reaction ko at hinawakan ang kamay ko para kumagat ulit sa hawak ko. Inirapan ko siya dahil alam ko namang nagustuhan niya iyon dahil sa chocolate.
"Do you want some take home?" Sean asked.
Hindi ako sumagot at humarap lang sa nagti-tinda. She knew me as her best buyer kaya alam na niya ang palagi kong inuuwi. Napailing siya sa siya at inabot ang dalawang box ng waffle na may laman na twelve pieces bawat isa.
Sean looked astonished when he saw the boxes but didn't say anything. Buti naman. I don't want to argue especially when it concerns my favorite food.
"Are we going up to the hills?"
I stopped walking and faced him. "How did you know?" Because he was right, that is where we are headed. Mas kita kasi doon ang kabuuan ng market place kaya mas maganda ang tanawin.
"Queen Athena visited us once and she brought us to a hill where we can see the field."
So their family is close with the East? I didn't know that. As far as I know, Queen Athena is an aloof ruler. Hindi siya gaano nakikisalamuha at mas malamig pa sa yelo ang pakikitungo niya sa mga tao.
"There are a lot of hills anyway. This time, you'll be seeing the whole marketplace. I hope you'll like it," I said before turning my back to continue our walk.
"I know I will."
When we reached the top, I was about to sit on the ground when Sean held my arms. He unfolded his handkerchief before motioning me to sit. He settled himself beside me afterward.
"This place... this is where I usually go whenever I face problems. It somehow gives me peace of mind. Because you see, people and houses in this perspective are very small and that's how I want to look at my problem kaya ako pumupunta dito."
"They are indeed different from another perspective."
I looked at Sean but his eyes we glued to the market. "This is what I want to tell you, Sean. There will be a chance that you have to make a decision and I won't have any say on it, I want you to look at it from a different perspective."
"Ministers and advisors... they will sometimes overshadow the real situation and I don't want to see you falling into their trap. Because if you do, they will use that to exploit you and damage your stability."
"Thank you for guiding me, wife," he said as he stared at me.
Umiwas ako ng tingin at hinarap na lang ang tanawin. "Since I am a woman, they will try to limit my decision making and I trust you that you will make the right decision no matter how they try to waver you down."
"I won't, Blaire," he said. Doon ako napatingin sa kaniya. "You already put your faith in me, I'm not a fool to waste that precious thing given to me."
I stared at his tantalizing eyes. "I trust you, Sean."
***
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