✓ | The Altered Version (Fate's Transgression Series, #2) [UNDER REVISION]

TAV 22: My Help

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: My Help

Clarinette | Liana

Teirro tried to stop me from going there but I dragged him along with me. He doesn't have the grudge to oppose the Duchess since it would sound like he was not following the order of the Duke. Minsan, ang sarap sapakin si Teirro.

The south of Dior was converted as a grassland for agricultural exploration and natural habitat of animals. Villagers who protected and monitored the boundary between the land and Palares were part of the City's special non-governmental unit.

It is not actually part of the Dukedom, since the Silverstein focuses more on vineyards and farming. Though sometimes, I audit money to sustain some of the fisherman's supplies, some business in the center of Dior, and also other projects that were handled by the butler.

Another reason was, it's too far away.

May pagkakataon na nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa punong lungsod patungkol sa ilang mga problema ng lalawigan, subalit mas nakapukos ang Dukedom bilang taga-protekta ng karagatan na sinasakupan ng Zegordia. The Duke was one of the four officials that protected the west part of the Kingdom against foreign invasion.

It could be appropriate to not involve myself in the happenings of Dior, but I could not just let it slide. Kaya pa siguro ng huling Clarinette na ipagsawalang bahala ang isyu, subalit pinalaki talaga akong may layunin. It is not in my nature to turn a blind eye on something I know I have the capability to protect.

It is better to do something when you know you can, than look the other away.

Sumakay kami ng helicopter papunta sa timog dahil sa kalayuan, at kitang-kita mula sa taas ang lawak ng sunog. Mabilis kumalat ang apoy dahil sa tuyo ang mga puno. Nakikita pa namin ang mga nagsisitakbuhang mga hayop papalayo sa trahedya.

We deployed 12 water scoopers and sent them first. We went to the nearest county, and saw the people panicking.

"Where's the assistance?" I asked Teirro while looking at the people.

"I am guessing they are late," he said, and walked past me.

Nauna siyang naghanap ng makakausap, at kaagad nasagip ang isang opisyal. Nakasuot ito ng isang blue vest at armband na siyang nagbibigay ng pagkilala sa kanyang tungkulin.

I followed after a while when Teirro looked at me. Nang makarating ako sa posisyon nila, nagulat ang kausap nito. He may be thinking of a ghost as he saw me standing in front of him.

"It is an honor to be in front of the Duchess of Silverstein. I am the Sheriff and I had nothing against royalty, however, I have to plead for the postponement of greeting your arrival. We are in a crisis, your grace."

"It is alright, Sheriff Macgregor," I said. "I don't need to be greeted. I want to know what happened."

The sheriff in charge of this county gave off a succeeding nod. "Hindi namin matantya kung kailan nagsimula ang apoy o kung ano ang dahilan ng pagwawala nito. Multiple reports came in that the townsfolk saw smoke in the sky 3 hours ago, but it was ditched."

"Probably just some bunch of people having a bonfire," Teirro said.

"Without a doubt," said the Sheriff. He shakes his head before crossing his arms. "Unless we take the chance that it's daylight."

"The temperature of the heat is normal since it's summer. Hindi naman mainit ang lugar para magkaroon ng forest fire na ganyan kalaki," sagot naman ni Teirro.

"But it is possible for nature-made disaster. Can you vouch for that, Teirro?" I said while looking at the smoke in the sky. "I wasn't in Dior for the past months, but I can feel the temperature rise in Huin at least twice every week."