[√]Lady of the White Rose

28: Missing

VESPER

"Thank you for coming,"

"Congratulations, Young Duchess!"

"Thank you, please, enjoy the party."

"Greetings, Young Duchess Frontera, I..."

Napahilot ako sa sintido ko dahil tila sumakit ito. Hindi ko aakalain na ganito pala ito kahirap. I was greeting the guest but it's very draining... And stressing. I needed to smile with grace everytime I talk with them but I find it really hard to smile. I feel like my smile actually looks like a frown rather than a smile.

"Tired?" Napasulyap ako kay Aya nang lumabas ang ulo nito sa damit ko.

"Hide," I whispered at her.

Ngunit hindi ako nito pinakinggan at gumamit ng mahika. Nakaramdam agad ako ng kaginhawaan, tila ba nawala lahat ng pagod at inis sa katawan ko. Gumaan ang aking pakiramdam ko.

"Thank me later," huling sambit nito bago muling nagtago.

"Greetings, Young Duchess," napaangat ang ulo ko nang makarinig ng pamilyar na boses. Our eyes meet.

It's the Magic Tower's Magician.

"How are you, Young Duchess?" It's Grand Mage Suarez with his smug look while touching his beard. "Time flies really fast, the last time I saw you're just some snotty brat - ah, pardon me, a young Lady but now, you're already a Young Duchess hohoho!"

I only stared at him since I hated how he says his word. My eyes then turn towards the guy beside him. He immediately greeted me reluctantly. And to reciprocate his feelings, I greeted him back reluctantly too.

"Welcome, please enjoy the party," tila isang robot kong pagbati na iisa lamang ang sinasabi sa lahat. I even smile with a practice one, I even made sure that they realize that it's a polite, business like smile devoid of any personal feelings.

I left them afterwards. I didn't even spare them a second glance.

And then the party ended.

I was already alone in my room. Abby immediately left right after she's done helping me change. Alfonso only came here to remind me about tomorrow's schedule and about all the unfinished task I haven't touched yet. I almost rolled my eyes with his nonstop nagging.

Kinuha ko ang kutsilyo na pinakuha ko kay Jay noong nakaraan. Maliit lang siya at kaya-kaya kong itago sa ilalaim ng aking damit. Ayaw pa sana akong bigyan ni Jay ngunit nang sabihin ko sa kanya na para ito sa self defense ko ay wala na rin siyang nagawa.

I twirl the knife in my fingers and then hold it firmly in my hand. I stared at its blade before pointing it to my arm. Ilang sandali akong nakiramdam bago walang ano-ano'y hiniwa ko ang balat ko. Napangiwi ako sa hapdi at sakit.

"Shit," I curse unconsciously.

"You have a foul mouth for a saintess," Aya commented. "You should refrain from cursing."

"Cursing has helped me relief stress and kept me sane." My breathing hitch as I watch the blood oozing from my wound.

Binitawan ko ang kutsilyo at itinuon ang atensyon sa sugat ko. "Ahm, be healed!" Sambit ko as if I was casting some spells but there's this hesitation within me if I can actually do it. I was doubtful if it will really heal.