The Villainess Demands a Kiss

Kabanata 15 | Magnus' Banquet

𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝟏𝟓 | 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐔𝐒' 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐓

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐕

"Seisu, can you see what I see?" Kaisel's smirk grew as he tossed the invitation in his hand. Presko pa itong nakade-kwatro sa kaniyang upuan. Seisu gave him a blank look while holding a tiny pocketbook in his left hand. Pinaglaruan muna ni Kaisel ang invitation sa kaniyang kaliwang kamay.

"How about the most handsome merchant in the Empire? Did you receive an invitation letter from Magnus?" He threw the invitation into the air, flipped it over, then threw it again and caught it. He was clearly showing off in front of Seisu.

''Yes.'' Seisu said only one word yet Kaisel's smirk immediately faded. Umiwas siya ng tingin rito at pinaglaruan na lang ang suot niyang silver ring.

The thing is, Kaisel isn't really fond of wearing rings, yet he only wore this one because he knew that Seisu was supposed to buy it. Kaisel bought it right in front of Seisu's face, seemingly for his own ego. Sa madaling salita ay binili niya lang ang singsing na ito para ipamukha kay Kaisel ang mga salapi na meron siya.

''Oh.'' Kaisel's mouth formed a  big O. Tinagilid niya ang kaniyang ulo't ginala ang paningin sa loob ng silid para baguhin ang kanilang pag-uusap. He cannot bear the thought that Seisu, his cousin, is in the same place with him again.

The banquet of Magnus has been a much-discussed topic throughout the Empire. Bukod sa kilala ang kaniyang pangalan ay madami ring mga bigating tao ang gustong malaman kung ano ba ang katauhan niya. Rumors suggest that Magnus is a woman, while others claim Magnus is a child. However, many have dismissed the idea that Magnus is a child, as it seems unlikely that a child could manage a popular auction house.

''How's Magnus' order? Did you really see him? Is it true that he's a child?'' Hindi mapigilan ni Kaisel ang kaniyang bunganga. He leaned closer and smirked at Seisu. 

Out of the people, Kaisel is one of the men who is eager to learn about Magnus' true identity. Ang iba nga'y pinagpustahan pa ang totoong katauhan ni Magnus. At dahil sa gahaman sa pera si Kaisel ay nakisama na rin siya sa mga nakipusta.

''It's weird that you're suddenly talking to me.'' Kung matalas ang bunganga ni Kaisel ay tiyak na mas matalas ang tabil ng dila ni Seisu.

Kaisel can't help but to scoffed. Tama nga siguro ang iniisip niya na nasa loob din ang kulo ni Seisu at nagpipigil lamang ng pasensya sa kaniya. Ever since they were children, their parents kept comparing them.

Seisu didn't mind, yet Kaisel took it as a competition when his dearest father, a baron started comparing him to Seisu after Seisu was declared a champion in horseback riding. Simula noon ay walang ibang bukambibig ang tatay ni Kaisel kun'di ang mga ginagawa ni Seisu.

''Is it weird to talk to my dearest cousin? Matagal ka nang hindi bukambibig sa akin. Masama bang mamiss kita?'' Tunog matamis man ang mga sinambit ni Kaisel ay alam ni Seisu na may ibang ibig sabihin ito.

"The letter said that we can wear anything to the Banquet." Binuklat ni Seisu ang katapat niyang aklat. At times when the Merchant Guild isn't busy, he does reading. Nalukot na lang ang kaniyang noo dahil ang tanging laman ng diyaryo'y walang iba kun'di si Magnus.

Yet deep inside, Seisu knew that he couldn't stop thinking about Ginger's sweet pinkish lips, and what happened behind closed doors...

Oh, he can't stop thinking about her after that one kiss.

"I heard you paid for the remaining items that you didn't do with that newly hired chick," Kaisel chuckled sarcastically. This time, Kaisel finally got Seisu's attention. Napangisi siya dahil hindi niya lubos akalain na isang babae lang pala ang makakakuha ng atensyon ni Seisu.

"Chick? She has a name. She's Ginger. Don't call her a chick." Seisu said, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. Lalo namang lumawak ang ngisi ni Kaisel dahil ramdam niya ang gigil mula sa boses ni Seisu.