𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐀 𝟓 | 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 & 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐊𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐀

"Lady Morgana. You received a letter from—"

"Throw it away." I crossed my legs as I lift up the golden teacup. Hess bowed her head immediately. Halata man ang pagtataka sa mga mata niya ay hindi na lang siya nagsalita pa.

I stare at the palace's statue filled with climbing vines and diamonds. Kahit na saan ko ilapat ang mga mata ko ay hindi maalis ang init ng ulo ko. I haven't discovered the real identity of Magnus. As far as I can recall, that person should have revealed the truth. Nangangatal ako sa gigil dahil pakiramdam ko ay nag-iba na ang istorya.

What do I do? It's been 24 hours and I haven't kissed someone. Sana pala ay nilaplap ko nang malala si Samuel. Tapos sana ang problema ko.

"Lady Morgana. The Commander of Golden Knights sent—"

"Throw it away," I said the same response.

I have already personally told them that if they want to discuss something, they should do it in person. Kahit magpadala pa sila ng milyong liham ay hindi ko bubuksan 'yan. They heard me, and I am true to my words.

"Lady Morgana—"

"I told them to meet me in person." Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses kong sinabi 'yan. I clicked my tongue. Padabog kong pinatong ang tea cup sa mesa't kamuntikan ko pa ngang ibato.

"Lady Morgana... Samuel is waiting outside." Tumaas ang kilay ko habang nakatitig sa nakayukong maid sa harap ko. I glanced at Hess to question her why they wouldn't let Samuel enter.

"Outside?" I bit the cheek inside my mouth. "The gate is open for Samuel, is he blind? Can't he walk? There will be rumor again that I kicked out my personal Knight."

"You kicked him out last week, Lady. You told me that he's banned here."

Natigilan ako sa narinig. I tried to remember what had happened between Morgana and Samuel. If I wasn't mistaken, Morgana got mad about the upcoming Knight Promotion. Velrod Eisten is a member of the Gold Knights, the rival of the Copper Knights to which Samuel belonged.

I had the gut feeling that Velrod kept sending me letters about Kleio. It had something to do with his promotion. Bihira rin na pupuntahan ni Samuel si Morgana pagkatapos nilang hindi magkaintindihan.

Bringing himself here in Morgana's Palace is equal to pushing himself into the chances of beheading. I bet what Samuel says is something important.

"Let him in." Dali-dali silang umalis sa harap ko. After couple of minutes, Samuel arrived. Nagkatinginan lang kami saglit bago siya lumuhod upang magbigay ng bati sa akin.

"Greetings to Lady Morgana," Samuel said while still kneeling with his left knee. Tinitigan ko siya habang nakayuko pa rin ang ulo niya.

My lips formed a grin when I didn't signal him after 10 minutes to stand. Instead of giving it, I slowly sip on the teacup again. My eyes scanned Samuel's suit of armor.

I knew it was made of pure silver and was heavy. Alam kong kanina pa siya nagtitiis yumuko't mukhang hindi talaga siya tatayo hanggang hindi ko sinasabi. Very good, Samuel.

''Rise.'' Pinatong ko pabalik ang teacup sa mesa. Samuel stands up while still bowing his head. Saglit na nagtama ang mga mata namin at kita ko na para bang nagdadalawang isip siyang magsalita.

"I heard you came here last night," I said, crossing my arms this time. Sumandal ako sa upuan ko upang masilayan niya pa lalo ang mukha ko. I don't get it why It seems like he's avoiding my gaze.

"I apologize if I sounded rude, Lady Morgana, but may I request to speak with you privately?" he said. Namilog ang mga mata niya nang tumaas agad ang kilay ko. ''I apologize for what I said! I was out of my mind! I'm willing to accept any punishment, Lady Morgana!" He instantly knelt in front of me again for the second time.

''OA mo naman, Samuel.'' His forehead creased because of what I said.

Napangiwi na lang ako habang nakatitig sa kaniya. Halata ang pamumuo ng pawis mula sa mukha niya. I stared at my maids, and it looked like they understood the assignment because they left us alone.

''You can now stand. No need to kneel in front of me. Ako ang nahihirapan sa iyo.'' I kept my arms crossed. Nakayuko siyang tumayo't hindi makatingin sa akin. Napakamot na lang ako sa noo dahil siya itong nag-offer na makipag-usap sa akin privately pero siya rin itong hindi nagsasalita.

''What now? Magsasalita ka ba o papalayasin kita? May pupuntahan pa ako.'' Naiinip kong sikmat sa kaniya. There was a glint of confusion and sadness in his eyes.

''Lady Morgana. I just want to ask about last week...'' Hindi pa tapos ang sasabihin niya ay tinikom niya agad ang mga labi niya. My forehead creased as I wanted to confirm if what I had in mind was correct.

All I had in mind was that Samuel was probably here to clear himself from the misunderstanding between the Gold and Copper Knights. There must have been discrimination because Gold Knights were all pure nobles, while Copper Knights were self-made Knights. Hindi nagkasundo sila Morgana at Samuel sa balak na proposal ni Velrod.

However, Velrod's proposal was never mentioned in the novel because Morgana refused to ignore it, thus becoming another topic of discussion in the Empire.

In other words, since I transmigrated earlier, I still have a chance to learn about his proposal.

"I... I understand now, Lady Morgana. Maybe you were right when you said that Copper Knights shouldn't have a budget for armor anymore because some of us are craftsmen." Nalukot ang mukha ko sa sunod niyang sinabi.

''What the fuck.'' Pati siya ay nagulat sa malutong kong mura. ''Are you hearing yourself? Ang dami niyong kailangang gawin tapos magsasayang lang kayo ng oras sa paggawa ng sarili niyong armor?'' Napailing ako't hindi makapaniwala sa narinig ko. I leaned back in the chair and stared at Samuel, yet I couldn't understand why he appeared confused by my reaction.

If Knights made their armor, there would be advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it would make Knights more self-sufficient and independent. They could customize and adjust their armor to suit their personal preferences and fighting style.

However, there would also be challenges. Not all Knights may have the necessary skills or knowledge to make good armor, which could leave them with armor that doesn't provide enough protection. Learning how to craft armor would take a lot of time and resources, which could distract Knights from their training and other knightly responsibilities.

''I apologized, My Lady but It was your proposal for Copper Knights to make their own armors—'' Hindi ko na siya pinatapos pa't tinaas ang kamay ko para manahimik siya. Mukhang alam ko na ang dahilan kung bakit.

Is it Morgana's proposal? I think I know why, she's probably thinking of using the intended budget for his father. Alam kong todo suporta siya sa bisyo ng tatay niya. Sa madaling salita'y kurakot din si Morgana katulad ng tatay niya.

Sorry, Morgana, but I don't agree with you this time...

''Keep the budget.'' Nakakrus pa rin ang braso ko habang nakatitig sa kaniya.

Hindi makapaniwala niya akong tinitigan. ''But, Lady Morgana—''

"Hire the best artisan in this Empire to create the armor and swords for the Copper Knights. I will write a letter and give it to your Commander to initiate the hiring process." I spoke firmly, emphasizing my words. Hindi ko inalis ang titig ko kay Samuel at agad naman siyang tumingin sa baba.

Hindi ko na hinintay kung may sasabihin pa ba siya o wala. Samuel was simply standing in his position. Hindi siya hanggang sa nilagpasan ko na siya. I was thinking about whether I should go to Kleio's place in Velrod when I was startled by Samuel's movement.

"Lady Morgana," he whispered. Nalukot ang mukha kong tinapunan siya ng tingin.
I remained silent and simply raised my eyebrow, waiting for him to say something.

"You're not mad anymore?" Halos pabulong niyang sabi habang hindi inaalis ang titig sa akin.

"Do I look mad?" Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya sa sagot ko. I wondered why he looked sad whenever he stared at me.

"I... I apologized last week, My Lady." Lumunok siya at mukhang kumuha ng buwelo bago magsalita uli.

"I promise to fix things regarding the Commander of Gold Knight—"

"Velrod. It's Velrod. What about him?" Naiinip kong pinutol ang sasabihin niya dahil ang dami niyang paligoy-ligoy.

"It's about the intended budget, Your Lady. The Commander requested if he could use the budget for their screening—"

"They will use the budget for the screening only, yet the Copper Knights are concerned about the lack of their armor and swords?" I scoffed. Napailing na lang ako't pinagsisihan na sinunog ko lahat ng liham ni Velrod.

"It was all your idea, Lady Morgana. Have you spoken to the Commander of the Gold Knights?" Lalong nalukot ang mukha ni Samuel. Nakatitig siya sa akin na para bang nakakita ng multo.

"I will. You may go—"

"Aren't you mad at me, My Lady?" Samuel whispered. He was supposed to touch my arm, but he stopped midway. Napayuko na lang siya. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako.

"Why?" I pulled a poker face yet I let out a soft voice.

"Pardon, Your Lady?" Hindi makapaniwala niyang sambit sa akin. I stared at him with my forehead creased. Ibinalik ko ang klase ng tingin na binabato niya sa akin kanina pa.

"Give me a reason why I'm mad at you," I almost whispered. I watched how Samuel's Adam's apple bobbed up and down. It was obvious that he was hesitant to speak.

I narrowed my eyes because I knew that if Samuel hesitated to speak, it was for Morgana's safety.

"It is related to the budget and the ongoing issue of the Gold and Copper Knights, Your Lady. You also mentioned that Count Niccolo does not deserve the protection of the Gold Knight—" I chuckled sarcastically and cut him off. Natigilan siya't tinikom ang kaniyang mga labi.

First of all, I know he's lying. Morgana framed her. Secondly, what I just heard about Niccolo is hilarious. It's the funniest shit I've heard in my entire life.

"You can't admit that Morgana framed you, yet you wear the Copper Knight's armor? What a pitiful entity," I said, staring at him with a grin.

"Talk to me, Samuel, if you're honest. I won't change my decision regarding the budget. You may go." Sinundan niya ako ng tingin at kitang-kita ko ang pagkabahala't pagtataka sa mukha niya. I looked away.

When I arrived in Velrod to discuss what Samuel had told me, the maids panicked. Einstein's garden is livelier than before because they loved greenhouses. Greenhouses are filled with plants and roses. Naabutan ko si Kleio na nakaupo sa labas at dali-dali siyang tumayo nang makita ako. I narrowed my eyes as I walked in his direction. Namutla ang mukha niya't dali-dali siyang yumuko.

In front of Einstein's gigantic silver fountain, Kleio is sitting, enjoying his favorite tea. I narrowed my eyes as I walked towards him. He instantly stood up, his jaw almost dropping when he realized who I was. Hindi ko inalis ang titig ko sa kaniyang mukha't hindi maiwasang ikumpara ito kay Velrod.

Compared to Velrod, Kleio has softer features. He has an almond-shaped face and slanted eyes. His hair is in a Columbia blue hue, while his eyes are coffee brown. Madalas ay nasa loob siya't kaya hindi hamak na mas maputi ang balat niya kay Velrod. Kleio often styles his hair, but he is often seen with his fringe up. Sa ngayon ay nakataas ang bangs niya kaya't kita ang noo niya.

Kleio is the epitome of an innocent and shy guy.

"Kleio Eisten." He shivered even more when I said his full name. Napalunok siya nang makita ako't tila hindi nakagalaw.

I grinned because he seemed so stiff. His maids offered me a chair at his garden table. I gracefully sat down, and they instantly offered me honey tea and cinnamon bread as well.

"It's a privilege that you'll visit me, Your Lady— " He was stopped when he saw me grinning.

"You're aware that I burned all the letters that you and Velrod sent, right?" Namutla siya sa sinabi ko't agad ko siyang tinaasan ng kilay bilang tugon. He did a huge gulp.

"I told you that I would burn all your letters. If you want to talk about something, like your Knight Promotion, you can come to my place. Besides, I'm all alone. It won't hurt me if someone keeps me company." I took a bite of their cinnamon bread, and it was sweet. Naiwan siyang nakatulala sa akin at ilang minuto pa yata bago pumasok sa kokote niya ang sinabi niya. I scoffed.

It wasn't hard to comprehend what I said before. I told them to come to my place. Hindi ako tatanggap ng kahit ano'ng liham. Mahirap bang intindihin 'yon? Why? They thought I was just threatening them when I said I'd burn their letters?

''Lady Morgana.. the truth is. . . Count Niccolo is talking about the use of budget—''

"And what does a Count who obtained his position by killing thousands of innocent Knights know about budgeting?" I raised an eyebrow. Nakapatong lang ang mga kamay ni Kleio sa kaniyang hita habang hindi makatingin sa akin.

"I spoke with the inspiring Commander Samuel of the Copper Knights. I know you've encountered him often. I informed him not to withdraw my previous proposal that they should create their armor. Perhaps, the budget allocated for Gold Knight's screening will be given to them.'' I stare at him because I know he'll say something. Tinikom niya ang kaniyang mga labi kahit na halata naman sa mukha niya na tutol siya sa sinabi ko.

''However, if I change my mind, I will also allocate a budget for the Gold Knights. But for now, I'll focus on providing the proper armor and swords for the Copper Knights. Alam niyo naman siguro ang sitwasyon nila, 'di ba? You're aware that the Copper Knights aren't like you, nobles who belong to the Gold Knights, who have the privileges and money to do everything.'' Muli kong inangat ang tasa ko't sumimsim para nama'y bigyan siya ng pagkakataon para magsalita.

"Your Highness, I'm afraid we have already deliberated the budget for the screening because we need new armor and swords—" I scoffed in disappointment as he opened his lips for five seconds.

"And don't the Copper Knights need new armor? Lumulutang yata ang isip mo. Hindi mo ba narinig kung ano'ng sinabi ko kanina? I pulled the budget that I proposed for the Gold Knights and redirected it to the Copper Knights instead. Why? So they wouldn't need to waste time making their armor and could focus on their training instead.'' I savored the sweetness of their honey tea, at least they had something nice amidst their greediness. Na-aawa ako sa kampo nila Samuel. Imagine working for 3 weeks and you'll just get a portion of your salary?

"Your Highness, if you pull off the budget, the fate of the accepted applicants will be at stake—" I didn't bother wasting time to hear his nonsensical explanation.

''You heard what I said. Hindi ako pumunta rito para paulit-ulit na ipaintindi sa iyo ang iisang bagay. I was spoon-feeding you everything. Instead of playing tug of war here, I'll just go to sleep.'' Tumayo ako't halos lumuhod na siya sa harap ko para lang bawiin ang sinabi ko kanina.

"Y-Your Highness, I am begging—" When I narrowed my eyes, It was a sign for him to shut up.

Iniwan ko siyang namumutla at tila hindi alam ang gagawin. I said my point. I gave him the turn to speak yet he said pure bullshit. The Gold Knights are nobles. Impossible wala silang pera't kung wala ay hindi ko na problema kung saan nila ginastos. They should know their priorities.

I went home and immediately went to bed. I slept for five hours, and when I woke up, it was already dark outside. Hindi na bago sa akin ang ganito dahil gawain ko rin naman ito. Mag-isa lang ako sa apartment at kapag galing ako sa labas ay natutulog talaga ako pagkauwi.

''Hess.'' I went out of my bedroom. And it was too late when I realized that I was alone. Napasapo na lang ako ng noo dahil huli na nang mapagtanto kong nasa bakasyon nga pala sila Hess.

Morgana isn't that heartless because she lets her maids take a vacation every five months. Sa halip na magreklamo'y lumabas na lang ako ng kuwarto at dumiretso sa kusina.

Just I thought, the long table is filled with foods. Impossible namang hindi nila ako hahandaan. I guess Hess tried waking me but I was dead asleep. Tulog mantika talaga ako.

I grabbed a huge silver plate and put food on it. I grinned as I realized that I had many choices, such as different steaks, mashed potatoes, and even chocolates.

Dinala ko ang plato ko't pumasok ng kuwarto. I'm all alone, not new to me. Ang pinagkaiba nga lang ay hindi ko na kailangang mag-isip kung ano'ng kakain araw-araw. I had everything here.

I entered the room and placed my plate on the bedroom table, but my forehead furrowed when I saw the window was open. Tumaas ang kilay ko't dali-dali kong sinakmal lahat ng kinuha kong pagkain.

Naniningkit ang mga mata kong ginala ang paningin sa kuwarto ko't sinakmal naman ang dark chocolates sa plato ko. I knew something was wrong, but I decided to savor all of these. Nilunok ko lahat ng sinakmal ko't nilapitan ang pinto ko't binuksan ito.

The hair on my body stood up, and I quickly opened the drawer beside me and placed my plate inside. I grabbed Morgana's deadly wolfbane dagger, a dagger filled with pressed wolfbane. It may look attractive and pretty, but it's also dangerous.

Kumuha ako ng buwelo't tinaas ang aking kamay. I threw it towards where I felt a presence. I heard someone hiss, and that's when a man appeared in the darkness.

Napahawak siya sa braso niya't sinipa ko ang tuhod niya dahilan upang matumba siya sa sahig. I narrowed my eyes as I grabbed wolfbane's bombs this time. He raised his palm while still on the floor.

''You dared to enter Morgana's room? Are you an assassin? Who sent you?'' Malamig kong tugon at lumapit sa kaniya. Sinipa ko ang tagiliran niya dahilan upang mapadaing siya sa akin. He raised his shivering hand once again, as if he was telling me to hear him first.

"I... I am not an assassin, Your Lady. I am here for... extra services. I... I need money." Natigilan ako nang marinig ko ang salitang extra service. Umikot ako upang pagmasdan siya. I scoffed when I realized something.

The word extra service is a code name used for knights who are called by noble ladies during the night. Kung ano man ang ginagawa ng mga kalalakihang ito ay obvious naman kung ano.

May isang babae't lalaki sa iisang kama. Alangan namang maglaro sila ng jack en poy sa loob ng kuwarto?

''Extra service?'' I scoffed. Ngayon naman ay umupo ako sa kama't tumapat sa kaniya.

Namimilipit siya sa sakit at lumuhod sa harap ko. ''It seems like you made a mistake? A noble Lady should call a Knight. Hindi ikaw ang lalapit sa akin.'' I laughed at him.

"I... I am begging, Your Lady. I need money. Please."

''Did you know that you can get your head off your neck?'' I narrowed my eyes.

He didn't speak, and I noticed that he was shivering. Napaisip ako kung may nangyari bang ganito sa nobela dahil hindi ko rin alam kung ano ba'ng dapat kong isagot.

I stared at him while he was obviously praying for his life. Napabuntong hininga ako't kumuha ng chocolate ball at buo itong sinubo sa harap niya. His eyes widened when he saw me lick it. Napangisi ako nang mapansin ang pamumula ng kaniyang mga tenga.

"I don't care about your name or your social status in this Empire. Just say your power," I said bluntly. Nakita ko ang pagtataka sa mukha niya ngunit nanatili siyang nakayuko habang nakaluhod. Alam kong tama ang narinig ko mula sa kaniya.

The truth is, I really admire him because he's the first man who had the guts to ask Morgana for something like this. Pasalamat nga siya at hindi totoong Morgana ang kaharap niya kun'di ay pugot agad ang ulo niya.

"My power is Chronomancy, Your Lady. It means I can manipulate and control time." Nangangatal niyang sabi. I narrowed my eyes.

"And?" I leaned closer. "That's all? Nothing interesting."

"I—I." He gulped. "I can make time slower or faster." I gave him a wide grin.  I leaned closer. Namilog ang kaniyang mga mata.

Natigilan siya nang hawakan ko ang kaniyang baba. I held his chin and stared at him. He took a deep breath. Lalo siyang nangatal dahil malapit na ang mukha mo sa kaniya.

"You want to get paid because you heard about noble Ladies calling Knights to their rooms at night?" I showed him the silver dagger hidden on my left thigh. Bumaba ang tingin niya sa makintab na sahig. I let go of his face and sat on my bed again. I crossed my legs.

"There are many noble ladies who would willingly open their arms and legs for you, yet you dared to choose me?" I tilted my head.

"I... I didn't know any Lady but Morgana—" I chuckled and he flinched.

Nakatitig lang ako sa kaniya habang nagiging madilim ang abo niyang buhok sa liwanag ng chandelier. I know it wasn't his real hair. This man entered this bedroom with fake physical appearance. Why? He has no balls to face Morgana.

Hindi na bago ang tsismis na 'yon dahil hindi rin naman magawang maitanggi ng mga Copper Knights. However, we can't engage in stereotyping because not everyone among them chooses to do that. Wala rin ako karapatang manghusga. Kahit saang mundo ka mapadpad ay meron talagang mga kapit sa patalim.

"Are you not aware that I always carry a silver dagger on my thigh for protection?" I narrowed my eyes again. He lifted his face. Lalo kong nakita ang panginginig niya nang makita akong nakaupo.

His eyes widened when he saw me wearing a see-through maroon robe. This was Morgana's favorite, as it highlights her deep black hair.

"Now that we should start. Could you kiss my foot?" As I lifted my right foot while sitting at the edge of my bed, my forehead remained high. The man shivered while still kneeling on the floor.

Little did he know that beneath his disguise, I could see his real face. A grin formed on my lips when he lifted his hand and held my foot.

"Didn't you hear? I said kiss my foot." The words rolled out from my tongue.

I observed him as he planted kisses on my toes, while his hand trailed up my thigh. Hinaplos niya ang hita ko't dahan-dahang hinalikan ang aking paa. He started kissing my foot's heel and it almost tickled me.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and darted his tongue as he continued to move his head upwards and savor my flesh.

Tinitigan ko siya hanggang hindi niya na namamalayan na pataas na nang pataas ang ulo niya. His tongue felt warm and his lips were shivering.

His tongue felt warm as he started to put circles on my inner thigh. Hinaplos niya rin ang hita ko. Napasinghap na lang ako dahil hindi ko rin alam kung ano bang dapat kong maramdaman.

Who would have thought that someone from the prestigious Gold Knights would barge into my room? A man who is known for his chivalry, gentleness, and innocence is kneeling in front of me, begging to be fucked?

This is very unexpected, Kleio Asher Eisten. I wonder what happened.

𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙐𝙀𝘿...