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"The hunting day is less than a week?" I asked, hindi ko lubos akalain na isang linggo na lang ay gaganapin na ito.
"Yes, Master. Do you plan to participate?" Estelle asked. Hindi kona tinugon ito at nagkibit balikat na lang saka tinuon ang paningin sa labas ng bintana ng karwahe.
As if it wouldn't be a big deal for everyone if I participate in the hunting season, it would create a ruckus once a woman joins the event.
The sky is clear, the sun peeks through the shifting cumulus clouds, the smell of spring is airy and light, it makes me want to lie down in a green pasture, and forget the world for a moment.
I fix my eyes in the people's passing by the carriage, kapwa't abala ang mga ito sa kaniya-kaniyang ginagawa. We're on our way to the orphanage I'm planning to visit.
Simpleng carriage lang ang sinakyan ko ngayon dahil ayokong makahatak ng atensyon, dahil paniguradong pagkakaguluhan ako kapag sumakay ako sa may insignia ko.
"Surely, the people here in the capital are looking forward to see you attend the hunting season. There's so many houses who keep sending us invitations in different events, you're really the apple of the eye of everyone," Saad ni Estelle kaya nabalik ang paningin ko dito.
Apple of the eye my ass... They will just use me for fame and attention, 'cause after all, high society is dangerous. You won't be able to stand on your ground if you're weak enough to get trampled on.
"I'll attend the hunting season since I need to talk to someone," I said and lean on my seat. Tumango lang ito sa'kin.
Silence filled the carriage 'til we reach our destination.
"Your Grace, we're here!" Medyo kalakasang saad ni Kieffer sa labas ng karwahe, he was with us the whole ride. Ngunit nakasakay ito sa isang kabayo at bumukod sa'min upang magbantay sa labas. I fix myself first before deciding to go out.
I'm just wearing a white silicon dress beneath my creamy brown trench coat, partnered with my nude stilettos. I didn't tie my silver hair and just let it cascade down behind my back.
Bumukas ang pintuan ng karwahe at bumungad sa'kin at isang kamay ni Kieffer upang umalalay sa'kin sa pagbaba. Kinuha ko ito at hinayaan siyang alalayan ako, nakasunod naman sa'kin si Estelle na tahimik lang.
I roam my eyes to the small manor in front of me, the place looks lively. There's a lake nearby and a playground for children to play. Marami ring iba't ibang halaman ang nakakalat sa paligid, some of them are blooming beautifully and abundantly.
"Welcome to the hope orphanage, Duchess Lixue!" I stop my eyes from roaming around and look at the children in front of the manor, smiling widely while waiting for me. They're holding some few balloons and a huge tarpaulin with my name plastered on it.
Nagulat na lang ako ng bigla itong nagsitakbuhan sa gawi ko at nag-unahan sa paglapit sa'kin.
"Kayo poba talaga 'yan, Your Grace?" Hindi makapaniwalang saad sa'kin ng isang bata habang sinisipat ako ng tingin, bakas ang pagkamangha sa kanilang mga mata.
BINABASA MO ANG
Scylla
FantasyThe cruelty of the royalties, the bloody crown, and a woman who is feared by the death itself. In an empire where power is everything, people are divided based on their wealth and fame, a system that only benefits and favored the rich, how will you...
