✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book Two]

CHAPTER 5

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[ C H A P T E R 5 ]

LATISHA VALENTINE

Nagsalubong ang aking mga kilay habang hinihintay matapos ang usapan ng Duke at Lord ng Edinburgh. I thought that bringing beverages would allow me to eavesdrop on their conversation, but I ended up giving it to Erwan since Roshan said I am not allowed to enter his office. The Duke did say that he'll tell me afterwards, but I already know that he will paraphrase it as much as he can.

Nanatili akong nakatayo sa hallway na siyang nag-iisang daanan lamang ng office at hinihintay kung sino ang lalabas. Hana was with me but she was preparing for dinner, which left her no choice but to leave me alone. Kanina pa ako nag-hihintay at hindi ko na halos maramdaman ang aking mga paa dahil sa pamamanhid.

"Madame, anong ginagawa mo d'yan?" Bigla kong narinig ang boses ni Wince at dinapuan ko ng tingin ang pigura niya na kakarating lamang. He was holding a black folder on his right hand, while a baton on his left. Agad niyang sinalo ang bigat ko ng tuluyan akong nawalan ng balanse.

"You should stay in the guest room rather than punish yourself here, your grace," he added.

"What took them so long?" I said, not minding his statement and his worried face. "Alam mo ba kung ano ang pinag-uusapan nila?"

He shook his head once. "But, I am pretty sure that it involves the protection of the State as well as its economy."

"There will be a re-election in Spring, does his visit include that too?" tanong ko kay Wince.

"Perhaps," he replied instantly. "Madame, baka gusto mong umupo mo na? Dadalhin kita sa guest area."

Hindi na ako pumalag ng bigla niya akong buhatin gamit ang isang kamay. Malakas si Wince kaya't hindi niya problema ang bigat ko. Nilandas niya ang pasilyo ng walang binawas na angas.

"Mang-aasar ka na naman ba?" tanong ko.

"Hindi na kailangan, mukhang bati na kayo e," nakangisi niyang sabi bago niya ako binaba sa loveseat. "Isa pa, marami tayong problema ngayon, Madame. Gusto ko sanang kausapin ang Duke tungkol sa mga Knights. Paparating na ang taglamig, at mukhang kakapusin tayo sa materyales."

"Are you the one handling the supply?" I asked as I saw his worried face. He handed me the folder he was holding earlier and I opened it without hesitation. Agad kong tiniklop 'yon at binalik sa kanya. "Pwede niyo ng ibigay sa mga evacuees ang mga lumang winter coats, at papagawa tayo ng apat na sets para sa mga Knights. Kakausapin ko si Erwan para sa budgeting, at si Sir Hasan para sa produksyon."

"Gagawin mo talaga 'yon?" takang tanong niya, subalit maliban doon ay alam kong masaya siya.

Tumango ako. "Why not? The house is under renovation, might as well replace other things while we are at it."

"Wow, ang bait naman ng dukesa," nakangisi niyang sabi. "Siguro kong single ka, liligawan na kita."

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Sapak?"

"Hindi," mabilis niyang sagot.

"Bakit hindi ka maghanap para sa sarili mo kaysa mangialam sa ibang tao?" bigla kong tanong. I saw what crossed his eyes and it immediately filled my heart with guilt. "Did I hit something that should not be triggered?"

He sighed. "It is fine, your grace. Sometimes, it is better to annoy someone rather than directly give them advice. In my case, I am not into this. May hinihintay lang ako."