Chapter 18. A Mini Festivity

"I think I must have misheard what you said just now, Philip," the Count said, still unable to believe what he had just heard.

"No, you didn't, my lord," Philip calmly replied. While the Count gripped the table tightly, trying to calm himself down.

"She left the estate with just her maid, and there were no guards? If you knew that, why didn't you stop her?" the Count questioned, his frustration evident.

Philip didn't speak to answer the Count's question. Instead, he handed a letter to the Count, causing his eyebrows to raise.

"What does your answer have to do with the letter you're holding?" the Count asked once again, perplexed.

"Might as well read it yourself, my lord," Philip suggested.

"Seriously, Philip. You're my butler here, so why would I-" the Count began, but Philip interrupted.

"It's a letter that the young lady left in my table before leaving," Philip explained.

The Count's demeanor quickly changed, and he eagerly took the letter from his butler's hand, his curiosity piqued. He began reading it attentively.

To Butler Philip,

Today, I had planned to visit the Capital, Laenteglos. I wanted to buy new clothes to wear for the upcoming Tea Party that I will be attending on Thursday. I apologize for informing you of this through a letter instead of in person. I only brought my maid with me, but rest assured that I am safe with her by my side.

Please pass this message to the Count as well, although I know he won't be concerned about my whereabouts.

PS: I will not be out late and intend to return before sunset. Please do not search for me and continue with your usual duties.

The young lady of the Clorance,
Cassia de Clorance

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

After reading the contents of the letter written by Cassia, the Count emitted a dark aura that made Philip gulp nervously.

"My lord, is there something the matter?" Philip asked, his voice trembling with concern as he tried to make sense of the Count's reaction.

Philip sensed that something was amiss with the Count, but he couldn't understand why. The letter seemed innocuous, except for the fact that the young lady had left the estate with only one maid accompanying her.

"Why..."

The Count's voice came out faintly, causing Philip to turn towards him. He leaned slightly forward, hoping to catch the Count's words clearly. However, as he moved closer, the Count lifted his head, and their gazes locked.

"Why is my daughter apologizing to you when you're just a butler?!" The Count shouted, glaring at Philip.

Philip was shocked by the sudden raise of voice by his master but later on after recovering went into a poker face.

"Are you being serious?" Philip can't help but be blunt as he spoke.

"She's my daughter. She shouldn't be apologizing. No. There isn't even a reason for her to apologize."

Philip sighed. "My lord, I really can't understand what's going on inside that brain of yours. Perhaps..." Philip paused midpoint his sentence.

The Count looked at him. "What?"

"Perhaps are you really stupid?" Philip unequivocally answered making the Count stunned.

"W-What did you just say?!" The Count exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief and confusion.

Philip, sensing the Count's flustered state, quickly tried to defuse the situation. He bowed his head respectfully and spoke, "That was just a jest, my lord. I humbly request you not to take it seriously."

The Count's anger simmered, but before he could respond, Philip interjected, cutting off his words. "Now, what shall we do about the young lady?"

His audacity and bravery were evident in his interruption.

"Cassia..." The Count mumbled the name of his daughter. As he look back at her letter, she doesn't want us to follow her.

Somehow, he felt something sting in his chest as he read the part of the letter, 'although I know he wouldn't care less about my whereabouts.'

How come is she thinking that he do not care about her? Was what the Count thought on the back of his mind.

"Let her be," the Count declared firmly, settling back into his chair.

Philip, still concerned about the young lady's safety, sought confirmation. "Are you certain, my lord?"

The Count lowered his gaze, exhaling a sigh. "She desires solitude. It appears that she feels uneasy with knights as her guards."

Before Philip could respond, the Count interrupted him, his tone commanding. "I have not finished, Philip."

"I have allowed her to shop undisturbed, accompanied only by her maid. However, summon Fredrick. Instruct him to discreetly shadow Cassia and ensure her safety."

Philip was about to voice his thoughts, but their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door, causing the Count to sigh.

"Enter," he commanded.

The door opened, revealing Geneva, one of the knights of the Clorance County. Geneva was a commoner who became a knight through her exceptional sword skills and her service under Sir Fredrick's command.

"Sir Geneva, what brings you here?" Philip inquired, addressing the knight.

⟨ Additional Info: When it comes to commoners, they don't have surnames unlike the nobles do. Some even don't have names, specially those who grew up living in the black alleys of the town. Also, knights are called 'Sir' before their names whatever their gender may be. ⟩

Geneva bowed her head respectfully. "I apologize for the interruption, but I have urgent news to report to my lord."

The Count's brows furrowed with concern. "What is it, Geneva?"

"My lord, Commander Fredrick is nowhere to be found. He is not present at the training grounds, the usual locations in the town, nor the barracks where the knights frequent. Sir Fredrick... he is missing."

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

Tulala lamang akong nakatitig sa may binatana ng carriage na sinasakyan. This isn't the carriage owned by the Clorance's but is one of the carriages used for commuting.

I would have been enjoying the beautiful sight outside if it weren't for a certain individual's presence.

Napabuga na lang ako ng hangin.

"Sir, could you please stop staring at me? Your actions are making me uncomfortable."

Hindi ko na napigilan pang magsalita. Nang lingunin ko siya ay nakita ko ang pag-iwas niya ng tingin. Tumungo ito.

"I apologize, my lady." He said in a monotone voice.

Napataas ang aking kilay kasabay ng pag-taas ng gilid ng aking labi. This is my first time hearing his voice since earlier. And in all fairness, ang gwapo ng boses.

Oh God! Self, kailangan mo kumalma. Kapag hindi ka umayos babangungutin na naman ako ni Cassia. Argh. Sandamakmak na sermon na naman ang aabutin ko dahil sa mga unlady like kong mga actions and behaviors. Sigh.

"What was your name again?" I asked him. Kahit pa ipinakilala na siya kanina sa akin ni Mira, gusto ko marinig mismo ang pangalan niya sa kaniyang boses.

"My name is Fredrick Clinton, my lady."

It wasn't a bluff. His voice really has this husky kinda vibe into it. His face doesn't look bad at all. Considered na nga 'tong gwapo or face ng celebrity sa Pinas eh.

"Fredrick is too long. Could I just call you Rick? And how old are you?" Sambit ko na may pa-follow up question pa.

"If that is what my lady desires then you may call me as you wish. I am also twenty-nine years old."

So he's already 29 years old. Not that much of an age gap from Sir Giorgio. I guess having him join our short trip to the Capital isn't such a bad idea after all. Plus, I even got to hear his voice.

Why am I even talking about this kind of stuff? Hayst. Hindi ko rin naman kasi maiaalis 'yong ugale kong pagsi-simp sa mga boses lalo na ng mga lalaki.

Not that I'm a pervert or sowhat. Am I am NOT a pervert! Just to be clear lang.

I mean, ako lang ba talaga ang madalas ma-inlove dahil sa boses ng lalaki? Well, si Belle nga, isa sa mga napagkakasunduan naming topic is 'yong ganito. Since she likes watching animes, she simps for characters who is voiced by her favorite seiyuu.

I should stop thinking about this. I seriously don't want to have those nightmares again - Cassia nagging at me 24/7 about my etiquette and behavior. She's really scary. Though Mira is much more scarrier.

"Then I will be in your care for today, Sir Rick. I trust you'll do your best in guarding me." This time, I smiled at him.

He seems to be taken aback. Medyo napatalon kasi ito na para bang nagulat or nakakita ng multo pero hindi ko lang sure if it was just my imagination pero nakita ko ng slight ang pagpula ng kaniyang pisnge. Pero nang silipin ko naman muli ang mukha niya ay kagaya lamang naman ito no'ng kanina.

Baka nga guni-guni ko lang...

"I-I will do my best to serve, my lady."

Sabi niya na bahagya kong ikinagulat dahil kumapara sa boses niya kanina ay mas malakas niya iyong sinabi. Yumukod pa siya kasabay ang paghawak niya ng kaniyang kanang kamay sa kaniyang kaliwang dibdib.

Ngumiti na lang ulit ako at sakto din na nakarating na kami sa aming destinasyon.

"We have arrived," announced the coachman as the carriage came to a halt.

Nauna namang bumaba si Sir Rick at saka inabot sa akin ang kamay niya para ako'y alalayan pababa ng carriage.

"Be mindful of your steps, my lady. We wouldn't want you to trip and fall," Sir Rick said, his touch gentle and delicate. It felt as though he was holding something fragile that could shatter at any moment. I even sensed a slight trembling in his grasp.

Is he nervous? Anxiously holding the hand of the sole lady of House Clorance whom he serves? I couldn't help but chuckle at that thought. Who would have imagined that a knight of the Clorance family could be this endearing?

"I'm no longer a child for you to caution, Sir Rick," I remarked, fully descending from the carriage.

Nilingon ko pa si Mira sa aking likod na siyang huling bumaba sa carriage na siyang dumeretso ng punta sa coachman para magbayad.

"You're still young, my lady, and as a knight, it is my duty to protect you no matter what," he replied with a strong sense of dedication.

His passionate response brought a smile to my face. Although I was unfamiliar with Sir Fredrick's exact position within the Knights of House Clorance, his words held a promising tone.

"We're all ready now, my lady," Mira chimed in from my right, capturing my attention.

"Then let's start shopping!"

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

I was so exhausted, kaya naupo muna ako sa may bench na malapit sa may fountain. We were still in the town square. Kakatapos lang kasi namin mag-visit ng 5 boutique shops para humanap ng dress na isusuot ko sa tea party. We were just going around in circles only to end up choosing the dress we saw from the first shop we entered. It seriously drained me.

"Mira, seriously, you... Oh well, nevermind," I sighed and shook my head. When we were exploring the area, Mira's eyes sparkled with excitement, making her look more like a child than me.

I guess I'll let it go this time. Mira always assists and helps me in any way she can, so seeing her enjoy being outside the estate's premises doesn't seem like a waste.

"My lady," I turned to the side as I heard Rick's voice. "Here," he said, handing me a water bottle.

I widened my eyes and quickly smiled. "Wow! Thank you, Sir Rick," I expressed my gratitude as I took the water bottle from his hands.

I opened the bottle cap and took a sip of the water. But I immediately stopped when I tasted something unusual.

"Does this water have sugar? Why does it taste sweet?" I asked, confused, while looking at the bottle. The water was clear, and there was no sweet smell. So how could it taste sweet?

"Ah, that's sparkling water, my lady. I believe it's one of the most talked-about creations by a student from the Academy these days."

"Sparkling water..." I mumbled. "I like its taste, though. It's not bland, and the sweetness is just right," I added, as if I were critiquing the water.

Inabutan din ni Sir Rick si Mira ng isa pang bottle ng sparkling water and Mira thanked the knight. Napangiti na lamang ako dahil doon. Though mas ship ko si Mira kay Sir Gio. Sorry Sir Rick, pero Team Giorgio Bourbon ako. Hehe.

Nang matapos kong inumin ang water bottle na may lamang sparkling water, agad na nakuha ng pansin ko ang pagdami ng tao sa paligid.

"Mira," I called out. As I caught her attitude, she swiftly walked over to me.

"You called, my lady?"

"Is there something happening today? I've noticed a large crowd gathering here at this time," I remarked, referring to what I had observed earlier.

It doesn't bother me in a negative way, but I'm simply curious if there's an event or perhaps a sale happening, which would explain the bustling town square.

Mira seemed to grasp my question as she replied with a thoughtful "Ah."

"Well, my lady, today happens to be one of those small occasions that the commoners celebrate. It's more like a gathering of all the people in the Capital. Nobles are welcome to attend if they wish, although many of them opt to wear masks to conceal their identities and enjoy mingling with the others," Mira explained.

I found myself nodding along unconsciously as Mira provided further details. It intrigued me - a modest celebration by the common folk. Considering the vast divide between the commoners and nobles, the fact that some nobles would participate in such an event brought a smile to my face.

"So, when does the celebration begin?" I inquired of Mira.

Mira instinctively placed a hand under her chin, appearing somewhat concerned.

"I believe... the gathering starts at five in the afternoon, my lady. However, the actual festivities are likely to kick off in the early evening. They even have a splendid fireworks display planned for the occasion."

I smiled at Mira while holding her hand.

"Fireworks?! Then, can we watch the fireworks and go home afterward? I want to experience how the people here celebrate. It seems like a lot of fun."

It might sound childish of me to say that, considering my mind has matured beyond childhood, even to adulthood. However, I am genuinely interested in these kinds of events. It has been a while since I last saw a fireworks display.

"But, my lady, are you sure? Shouldn't we head back to the Manor?"

"Don't worry, Mira. It's not like we won't return to the Manor. We can simply say that we encountered traffic, resulting in our late arrival. And have you forgotten? We have Sir Rick with us." I glanced behind me. "Right, Sir... Rick? Where did he go?"

Just as I was about to turn back to Mira, someone bumped into me, causing me to get caught in the crowd passing by.

"My Lady!" I heard Mira shout.

Damn it! I couldn't move! I was being carried along by the crowd. Whenever I tried to look back to where I came from, I couldn't see Mira there anymore.

My shoes were stepped on several times. I felt like crying. Being in the body of a weak little girl, I couldn't do anything to free myself.

I was being pushed and pushed until moments later, I finally got out - was what I thought. Akala ko, okay na. Akala ko, makakahinga na ako ng maluwag kasi nakalabas na ako sa crowd ng mga tao na kanina pa ako dinadala at tinutulak. But it seems like there are more worst things that could come after something worse.

I found myself standing on a bridge with low railings, small enough for me to easily stumble and plunge into the chilling water below. I had no idea how deep the water was, but the mere thought of falling terrified me. I was overwhelmed by fear, consumed by the dread of losing my footing.

Hindi naman siguro ako ulit mamamatay nito 'di ba? I . . . I don't want to die.

Time seemed to slow down, and I felt everything around me shifting in agonizing slow motion. I had no control over the situation, and all I could do was shut my eyes tightly, anticipating the inevitable plunge into the cold water beneath the bridge. The suspense and dread filled every fiber of my being as I braced myself for the impending impact.

I waited for me to fall, but nothing happened. Rather than feeling the cold water brushing my skin, I felt a warm arm wrapped around my waist.

To be Continued...