✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book One]

CHAPTER 12

[ C H A P T E R 12 ]

LATISHA VALENTINE

I remembered before that there are a lot of nobles taking advantage of the money of the Duke of Riedensteigh for the development of the State. In front of its people, they are liars who promise for the future of the land, but end up putting the money in their pockets. Nalaman ko lang ang tungkol d'yan dahil nakipag-alyansa ang aking Ama sa ilan sa kanila.

I was able to remember the names of these people, and I will not feign ignorance over this matter in this second life. In order to gain freedom from the people that chained me in my first life, I must deplete their forces. Hindi ko hahayaan ngayon na magwawagi si Ama, dahil kung hindi ko 'yon mapipigilan, ay parang wala na rin saysay ang pangalawang pagkakataon na ito.

I need to address this matter now, because Roshan will never turn his head on this side. Wala naman talaga siyang pake sa pinamana sa kanya ng kanyang mga magulang. To him, the Duchy reminds him of his parents' memories that he would rather forget.

Kahit gusto kong unahin ang sarili ko, parang malabong mangyari 'yon, kaya isasantabi ko muna ang pag-alis sa mga plano ko. I can't leave while the Duchy will become useless with the Duke's negligence. Kung wala siyang pakialam, pwes, kailangan kong sampalin ang lalaking 'yon ng ilang beses hanggang tumino ang utak niya.

Butler Erwan said that the Duke is finishing his problem in the south. I'd say, hindi na ang mga bandits ang problema nila kundi ang ilang mga maliliit na alyansa na siyang tiyak akong magkokonekta kay Roshan papunta sa angkan ko. That is one of the problems I want to address while I am at it. Sa dami ng problema, magagawa ko pa kayang makamit ang plano kung kalayaan?

"Mommy, is that me?" Annika took a peek at what I was painting. "You're so good at this, Mum."

Napangiti na lamang ako ng bigla siyang sumimangot. I looked at the small canvas I gave and she's still not done at painting...an abstract?

"It took me four years to paint well, Annika. Don't be doubtful and just let your emotions filled the canvas," I said, encouraging her enough to finish what she started. Kapag hindi niya natapos 'yan ngayon ay tiyak akong aabot ng ilang linggo bago siya makakabalik sa kung ano ang nararamdaman niya ng simulan niya ito.

"Use your imagination, Annika. Then, connect it to your feelings." She looked at me with her head tilted to the side, and her eyes showed confusion. Binaba ko ang hawak na brotsa at hinarap siya. "Close your eyes, Annika."

Her little eyes shrunk. I held her small hands and leaned over to her side. "At this moment, my child. Can you feel the wind that just passed right by us?"

She slowly nodded.

"Where do you think it led you?" I continued. "Did it lead you far away? Like a meadow or a river, or the mountains?"

"I was blown to a forest, Mum."

"Then, what are you doing in the forest?"

"Walking," she quickly said.

"Can you imagine every time you see in the forest?" I said, and my voice went lower as I spoke.

Annika opened her eyes and looked at me confused. Then her eyes began to water. "I remember the forest in our town. I used to catch fireflies there with my friends...my friends, I miss my friends."

Bakas ang lungkot sa kanyang boses at unti-unti itong lumabas sa kanyang mga mata. Hinawi ko na lamang ang nausling hibla ng kanyang buhok bago ko pinunasan ang luhang dumaan sa kanyang pisngi.

"It is valid to feel longing for people who once became part of your life. But, since you are now in another place, you can start gaining friends again," I said to her with a little smile on my lips.