Awakening in White Locks

Chapter 10

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As Conrad and I sat in the garden, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Hinila ko siya dito nang makitang tapos na ang training niya with the other knights. Kakabalik lamang niya mula sa mission na binigay ni Papa pero heto't batak na naman sa training.

I missed spending time with him, just like old times. But expressing my feelings openly wasn't an option. I knew he would tease me if I did.

I missed bonding with this man, so I made an effort to bake his favorite cookies. Gusto ko nga sanang gumawa ng brownies pero naisip ko na sa susunod nalang kapag naalala ko na ang ingredients niya.

Sorry naman, tao lang din ako. Nagiging makakalimutin din.

Since brownies weren't common in this world, I decided to make cookies instead, which my brother and parents loved before I offered them to Conrad.

Conrad told me it was the first time someone had baked for him. He mentioned that my baked cookies were delicious because they weren't too crunchy like the trendy cookies in their world.

“So, darling,” I began, chewing on the cookie he had fed me. “Tell me about the places you’ve been to these past few months. How’s Gazer?”

Gazer was a renowned place in the West known for its fresh vegetables and fruits. The fertile lands in that region allowed for the growth of various beautiful plants, whether edible or not.

From what I knew, Conrad leaving the Countdom for three weeks was part of the storyline. It was during his absence that he encountered and met the female lead, which eventually led him to leave the Anderson family.

Yes, originally Conrad was supposed to work for the Andersons talaga.

In the original story, it was supposed to be my brother, Daven, who would witness and prevent Conrad from taking his own life that night. But I changed that and changed the storyline.

But who knows, maybe their meeting with the female lead didn't change after all. Perhaps it was meant to happen. And if it is destined to happen, who am I to stop it, right?

“Gazer is a bustling place. Just as we usually hear, it’s quite peaceful despite being crowded. And they do have an abundance of fresh plants there. Didn’t you like strawberries and flowers? They have plenty, and all of them are fresh.”

I smiled. I wasn't sure if it was just me, but whenever Conrad smiled or talked to me, the knights were always taken aback. It's as if their captain transformed into a different person in front of me.

Because I wasn't sure if he acted this way only with me, I also didn't know if anyone had noticed that he looked even more handsome when he talked about his life.

That's why I always asked him about his day, even on random occasions. He would transform from a strict and uptight person into a cute little bunny whenever he shared his stories. It was adorable, for real.

“Bakit hindi mo ako dinalhan ng strawberries and flowers?” may himig ng pagtatampo na tanong ko dito. I even pouted.

I thought he would cringe like he used to, but he simply chuckled softly. It seems there has been some character development, at least to some extent.

“Just because,” he replied simply, shrugging his shoulders.

Ang pangit ng sagutan! Lakas maka-showbiz! Scripted siya, eh. Boo~.

I sighed and decided to change the topic. We ended up discussing random things like when it would rain or when the crops I planted in the garden would wither.

Before we knew it, the afternoon had passed while we chatted about random topics.

Conrad needed to return to the Anderson's knight quarters because it was getting late. For sure, babalik iyon mamaya para bantayan ang labas ng kuwarto ko o kaya ang balkonahe kahit hindi naman na talaga kailangan.

The dress I had tailored the other day finally arrived. The boutique shop's service was fast, and the fabric's quality was excellent. And the best part, the part that made me love it even more, was the intricate details.

Grabe! Kuhang kuha ng seamstress ang sketch na binigay ko sa kaniya. They were worth every penny.

I carefully placed the box containing the dress under my walk-in closet.

We all had dinner together because Papa decided to have his secretary take care of the business for now. Nang malaman nitong dumating na ang imbitasyon mula sa palasyo ay pinaasikaso kaagad nito sa kawawa niyang secretary ang negosyo at umuwi.

He said sa kaniyang secretary na he would be busy preparing for the upcoming prince's birthday. He couldn't go unprepared, he said.

Kuya said the same thing, which was why he requested a one-week absence from his school. Can you believe they allowed him? He probably used his charm again. Tsk, tsk.

If I didn't know him, I would probably believe his reason too. He looks so innocent, but I know him. I know he's just stressed about his academics and wants to go out and have fun, just like the old times.

Like father, like son talaga.

After our simultaneous meal and some conversation, I went up to my room. I showered to clean myself before sleeping and changed into a comfortable sleeping pajama that came with the gown I had made.

Oo. Hindi lamang gown ang pinagawa ko, even pajamas and dresses na puwede kong suotin in casual occasions o dito lamang sa bahay. Aba'y namumuro na sa akin itong mga big gowns nila dito na sobrang bigat!

Kahit nasa mga pamamahay lamang sila'y nagsusuot parin ng mga malalaking damit. Hindi naman mainit ang panahon nila dito, pero it's really a hassle for me to wear those gowns daily.

I was about to rest on my bed when I heard something at the large glass door of the balcony. I thought someone had thrown something, but it continued happening.

Do my neighbors have a grudge against me para batuhin talaga nila ang pinto ng balkonahe ko?

And why am I thinking about neighbors when we're literally far away from everyone else?

I shook my head before deciding to approach it. When I opened it, I wasn't surprised anymore to see a white bird. It was bigger than a dove and resembled an eagle.

I blinked. When I saw the letter tied to its foot, I quickly grabbed it. As soon as I had it, the white bird flew back up into the sky.

Sinundan ko lamang ito ng tingin hanggang sa hindi ko na ito matanaw. That bird is as aloof as its master. Hindi man lang nagsabi ng good evening sa akin.

I returned inside the room after closing the balcony door. I didn't want Conrad to see it, he would start asking me questions again. Nakakasakit ng ulo ang mga tanong kaya mas mabuting iwasan as long as I can.

Before I went to the riverside the other day to wait for Kuya, I wrote a message on the side. I had a suit tailored along with the gown I had made.

Since I received my gown today, I assumed that person had also received my first gift to them. That's why I wasn't surprised when I saw the bird pecking at the glass door of the balcony.

I hope that certain person liked my gift.

When I read the content of the letter, a smile automatically formed on my lips. I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

“You think I won’t know who you are?”

Oh no, daddy. This baby girl is not even hiding from you.