✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book One]

CHAPTER 3

[ C H A P T E R  3 ]

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LATISHA VALENTINE

Edinburgh is a territory of Magnolia from the east. It is a perfect place for people to settle down from the busy life of the Capital. Edinburgh has been known as one of the progressive states of the Empire that focused on the economic aspects.

Malakas ang ekonomiya sa lugar na ito. Nobles and commoners coincide on a single domain: survival. This is what I like about the Emperor we have right now.

He eradicated the barrier between nobles and commoners. He issued equality in his reign which made the commoners gain freedom of their choice. Hindi din naman lahat ay tinatamasa ito, dahil matagal ang proseso bago makamit ang kalayaan.

It is enough that we don't see poor families living on the streets, and even if this is an unfair part to the nobles, there are others who took this as an opportunity to help.

There are now charities and foundations that help the poor. The Empire focused on livelihood and sustainability which gives employment open to everyone. It's a nice strategy, but a very risky choice for an Empire that holds seven territories.

Every territory is governed by a specific domain of the Royal Subjects. They are the Lord of the states, and often called the Governors. To govern a land owned by the Emperor, they must be born as a noble and pledge loyalty to the Empire.

These Governors secures the protection and productivity of the State. They report what is happening and address these matters in the monthly meeting. Sila din ang may hawak kung paano lalago ang buong lungsod.

Yet, even if they govern, they don't hold much title of nobility, and they can never achieve what the peerage has. In short, Governors are public service officers of the Empire. They can also be changed if a governor is caught exercising illegal activities.

Right now, I promised Annika we will go to the market. Bibilhan ko siya ng mga damit at nga gusto niyang gamit. Hindi ko pinangungunahan ang gusto niya kaya hinintay ko siyang dumating para siya na mismo ang mamili.

"Annika, close the window," I uttered as I gave her a glance and before I flipped the page of the book I am reading. "We are nearly there, child. Close the window before someone will see us."

"Okay, your grace—"

"That word again, and I will tell the coachman to turn the carriage around."

"No," she said as she immediately closed the window and sat on the seat in front of me. "I apologize, mo..."

I let out a sigh. Binaba ko na lamang ang hawak ko at tumingin sa kanya. "I am not forcing you to say that to me, right now. But, as I said, don't call me formally. Kung may gusto kang itawag sa akin maliban sa ayaw ko, pwede mong gamitin 'yon."

"Talaga po ba?" inosenting sagot niya.

"Why, is there a word you wished to call me?" I said, sparking her confidence to speak it out. Tila pinipigilan niyang magsalita at umiwas ng tingin sa akin. "Tell me, Annika. I would be most delighted if you would stop saying your grace, or even stepmother like earlier this morning."

"Uhm..." yumuko ang bata habang nilalaro ang dulo ng kanyang damit. "Can I call you mommy?"

Parang ako na naman ang hindi nakakapagsalita. My chest pounded above my normal beating and it made me feel flustered. she noticed my silence and lowered her head even more.

"Alright, then. Call me Mommy, Annika."

She lifted her head and her face showered a happy expression. Her little eyes shrink even more as her lips raise. Sa sobrang tuwa niya, napatalon siya sa kanyang upuan at yumakap sa akin.