chapter twenty nine,
awarding ceremony

—

"IT'S so early." I yawned as I stretched my arms heavenwards. Yule and Willow also mimicked what I did. They were so cute that I almost scooped them in my arms to feel their fluffiness.

"You can't complain when you're gonna be one of the main characters for today's event." I dragged my feet toward Kallisto and pouted. I saw the crooked brooch on his suit. Walang pasabi kong inayos 'yon.

"I'm still sleepy, is there really no way we can skip this?" Halos pumikit-pikit pa ang mga mata ko. Kallisto fixed the hair accessory on my hair and lifted up my chin a little. My vision was blurry but he sure was radiant.

"You can sleep after the event. We'll go ahead after showing ourselves and taking the 'token' that the Saint will give us." My shoulders dropped and I leaned my side head to his chest.

Hindi kagandahan ang tulog ko kagabi. I woke up once again from a nightmare in the middle of the night. I was sweating bullets. I couldn't calm down and ran outside my room hysterically searching for something or someone that could give me comfort.

Hanggang sa dinala ako ng mga paa ko sa harap ng kwarto ni Kallisto. I barged inside without thinking. I couldn't remember vividly but I knew I saw Kallisto's worried and horrified expression.

He couldn't do anything but hug me as I trembled inside his arms. He didn't say anything and just soothed me the whole night. He just caressed my hair and back. He murmured that he was there and that I wasn't alone. Mabuti na lang nakatulog din ako matapos no'n. Then, I opened my eyes seeing his tired, sleeping face.

It was embarrassing to show that side to Kallisto but he didn't seem fazed about it. He didn't pretend it didn't happen because he addressed it when we were eating breakfast, but he also didn't push me to say my piece. Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko kasi ramdam ko ang pag-aalaga niya sa akin sa simpleng bagay na 'yon.

I didn't know why I was starting to have such nightmares after we prevented the tragedy of Elysia. Maayos din naman ang naging gabi namin kagabi at masaya pa kaming nag-usap ni Kallisto.

After the Lantern Wishes, we went directly to the Main Palace for the banquet. We just ate. We didn't socialized that much, and when we left only then the representatives of the different Kingdoms and the Celestes arrived.

Hindi namin sila nakita o nakasalamuha kagabi. It didn't really bother me or Kallisto as we didn't really want to be involved with them.

Pero ito kami ngayon, kailangan ulit pumunta sa gitna ng syudad para sa gaganaping awarding ceremony. Kung hindi ako binangungot kagabi siguro para akong kiti-kiting hindi mapakali ngayon.

Aba, syempre! Sa wakas makakuha na ako ng pwedeng i-loot, ano! Achievement 'yon. Ang kaso medyo hindi kagandahan ang gising ko kaya ayan, daig ko pa ang pupunta sa lamay ngayon.

Buti na lang talaga parang may magic mag-ayos si Leah kaya kahit haggard na haggard ang lola mo kanina, mukha na akong prinsesa ngayon.

I closed my eyes and sighed. Kallisto's arms snaked to my waist and pulled me closer. I returned the hug and felt at ease with his scent. He smelled so good and calming. As if seducing me to sleep more and he'd protect me from nightmares.

"You started being clingy since we arrived in Elysia, huh?"

Kaagad akong napabitiw sa pagkakayakap kay Kallisto nang marinig ang sinabi niya.

"Hoy! Asa ka," nakangusong sagot ko. "Ang bango kasi ng perfume mo."

He smirked at me and tilted his head on the side. "Really?"

"Sus, ikaw rin naman. Sino kaya unang yumakap? Hindi mo na talaga natiis ang alindog ko, 'no?" I teased him and wiggled my brows.

"Then, who was the one who ran to my room and jumped to my bed—"

"Hoy! Ang bibig mo!" saway ko sa kanya saka inilagay ang palad ko sa labi niya. "Paano na lang kung marinig ng ibang tao 'yan saka andito sina Yule at Willow. Jusko!"

Yule and Willow both tilted their heads in confusion and I smiled at them awkwardly. Kallisto held my wrist and slowly removed my hand from his lips, but he didn't let it go after putting it down.

"Why? What are you thinking? It's just a literal statement."

Pinalo ko siya nang mahina sa dibdib gamit ang kamay na hindi niya hawak. He shook his head with a sneer on his lips. Mag-aalma pa sana ako pero bumaling siya kay Willow at Yule.

"Stay here for a while with the owls, okay? We'll be back before you know it."

"Can't we join?" Willow said with a really sad and cute voice. Yule nodded as if to sympathize.

"Not for this one as the other Kingdom's representatives and Saint will be present." The two cute babies purred but Kallisto was stern.

In the end, they both nodded. "Then can we ask Miss Mildred for some sweets?" tanong ni Willow at tumingin sa akin. I cackled softly and nodded. Ang kaninang lumgmok na hitsura ng dalawa ay biglang lumiwag. Jusko, kalahi ko talaga 'tong mga makukulit na 'to.

Infairness din kay Willow mukhang close na talaga sila ni Kallisto ngayon, lalong-lalo na silang dalawa ang nagtulong noon para lang matalo ang isang water snake. Napangiti ako nang mas malawak kasi masaya ako para sa kanilang dalawa.

"We'll be off," Kallisto bid them farewell.

"H'wag makulit, ah?" paalala ko naman.

"Bye bye!" They both waved their cute paws at us.

Kallisto and I finally walked out of the room. I held his hand that was holding mine. He glanced at me and I scrunched my nose at him.

"Heh, you look so handsome today, huh?" I scanned his whole appearance and swore that girls would line up because of his looks. Add the way he showed his authority and power that night. He'd surely be remembered differently than before.

"Are you gonna create some trouble again later?"

"Huh?"

"Huh?" he mimicked. Only then I understood that he was teasing me again. Siniko ko siya nang kaunti pero parang hindi man lang 'yon naramdaman ng mga muscle niya. Jusko! Sobrang fit talaga nito. Pagkatapos fit na fit din kamay namin sa isa't isa.

Naks, meant to be ba 'yan?

"Do I really look like I'm gonna create some trouble?" I pouted at him.

"You do."

"Hoy mali! Dapat sabihin mo 'kahit ano pang trouble 'yan, sagot kita' gano'n!"

"Why would I downright lie?"

"Grabe! Wala ka bang romantic cells sa katawan mo?"

"And for what purpose?"

"Heh!" asar na sabi ko at umuna maglakad pababa ng hagdan. I heard his sounding smirk as he matched my pace easily.

He took my hand once again and anchored it in his arms. I looked at him with one raised brow. Using his free hand he straightened my wrinkled forehead. Then pressed my two cheeks for my lips to curve upward. Sinamaan ko siya lalo ng tingin sa ginawa niya.

"Grumpy Evienne is such a sight," he joked laughingly.

"A teasing Kallisto is not such a sight," I countered rolling my eyes jestingly.

Sinalubong kaming dalawa ng ilang tauhan ng lugar saka hinatid sa carriage na maghahatid sa amin sa venue ng awarding ceremony.

Kallisto offered his hand when I was supposed to go up at the carriage, I accepted it with a smile and he looked at peace while gazing at me. He also entered after I settled. Without ado, we started to travel.

My husband didn't say anything and only gazed at the window and me from time to time. I smiled unknowingly realizing how far we had come. If it were from before it'd be so awkward. But now... he was becoming a figure of safety and comfort.

I didn't want to be dependent of him, but I also didn't want to put walls between us.

The fight during the supposed-to-be Elysia's tragedy really brought us closer than before. And it lifted such a burden in my heart knowing that he wasn't suspecting me anymore, and he was more open to trust me. Of course, I'd do the same. He was Kallisto after all.

"Did the Saint tell you what 'token' he's giving us?" tanong ko matapos ang saglit na katahimikan.

"No." He shook his head.

"If he asks you want you want instead, what will you do?" His head moved toward me and locked his eyes with mine.

"You?"

Pakiramdam ko kuminang ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya.

"Above all, kwarta!" masayang halakhak ko. Pakiramdam ko biglang naging dollar signs na naman ang mga mata ko dahil natigilan si Kallisto.

"Am I not... providing you enough?"

I laughed more when I heard him whisper that. It seemed like something he just wanted to tell himself but it ended up reaching my ears.

"Baliw! Hindi, 'no. Pero syempre gusto ko rin na meron talaga ako na akin."

"So you're gonna ask for money?"

"Ey, money they can give is limited, I'm thinking of something more valuable and more lasting." An evil smirk tugged up on my lips, and Kallisto eyed at me accusingly.

"When the Saint ask you of something instead of giving something he already thought of, choose the sword." His forehead knotted and I gave him a knowing smile.

"Did you dream of something again?" he asked critically and I just nodded.

Well, the things that I knew of because of the 'future' or the book, I just told him, too, that I was dreaming of it. It wasn't entirely a lie, like what I spoke to Willow and Yule. He was skeptical like always, but he had no choice to believe because he already witnessed and experienced the power of the 'dreams' when we fought against Avalon's Samael and the water snakes.

"It'll benefit you and your abyss."

"Which sword then?"

"You'll know." I gave him a reassuring smile and he loosened a heavy breath.

The awarding wasn't really something ordinary that the Saint would just give medals to those brave knights, magicians, and people who contributed to maintain Elysia standing. It was grand.

In Fatebound, the Saint let Azazel pick on the holy 'relics' that the Shrine had been keeping since its founding. It created such a buzz in all of the Kingdoms and Elysia's society. Yet, Saint Elio was more than happy to give Azazel pick a precious object because of his 'heroic' act.

I would say it was smart for the Saint to do that. Because he would never be a subject to being 'indebted' to the future King of the Third Kingdom. And instead of the mouths blabbering about the 'hero', it was overshadowed by the extravagant exchange.

Not that the Saint wanted to steal the spotlight—it was all for Elysia. With their sudden almost downfall their 'authority' was weakened, but with the demonstration of such bold moves, in the eyes of many they would still be the Elysia.

They still hold so much power that even giving such a holy item wouldn't affect them and would only boost their status as the 'untouchable' land in Cielo.

And of course, there were risks to that, but it was only Azazel that was given an item, and the Saint knew Azazel well. He wouldn't wield such object for injustice. And holy objects being used would be an honour not just to Elysia but also to the one holding it.

It was a win situation for Azazel and the Saint. And of course, for the whole balance of Cielo.

Napaisip tuloy ako saglit kung mangyayari pa rin ang pagpili ng mga relic lalo na hindi lang si Azazel ang may malaking kontribusyon. Kallisto also had a big share of preserving the lives of many.

Well, it would still probably go through... because something prominent that would involve further happenings in the novel couldn't be altered that easily.

I did change a lot of things, but of course, I faced greater consequences and one of those was my life being on the line. I strived to survive only to be the one putting my life into jeopardy. It might be foolish, but I would train more to be stronger. So in the future, it wouldn't be a gamble anymore but a sure win.

I have Aqua. I have Stepmother. I have the knights and Lincoln. I have the owls. I have the egg dragon. I have Willow. I have Yule. And most of all, I have the strongest Abyss—in my eyes—Kallisto Artem St. Auclain. So really... I shouldn't fear too much.

Napangiti ako habang nakatitig kay Kallisto at sakto naman na tumingin ulit siya sa akin.

"Do you have something to say?"

"Iniisip ko lang kung magpapapila ba ako sa 'yo."

"What the hell are you saying this time?"

"Aba, syempre, sisikat ka na n'yan bilang malakas at gwapong Abyss, 'no."

"Seemed like you are totally awake as you're speaking nonsense again."

"Hahaha," I laughed. "Hindi ka na mabiro."

"Silly. Get ready, we are here." I looked outside from the window. We were really in the plaza now.

Even inside the carriage, I could already hear a lot of cheers and applaud. There were a lot of tiny flags in each hand of the people, be it adults or kids, men or women. They were all smiles, and the festive spirit was floating in the air.

"Wow..."

Kallisto offered his hand to me after the carriage stopped. He went out first then guided me down. The crowd that was merry and noisy, became a little quieter, and when my eyes combed the surrounding, my heart was filled with unspeakable emotions of overwhelming surprise and joy.

They were all smiling... the glint in their eyes showed gratefulness and admiration.

Mas lalong lumakas ang palakpakan at may ilan pang bumanggit ng pangalang 'Evelyn' at 'Portia' habang taos-pusong nagpapasalamat. It disappointed me a tad bit because no one knew my name, but I still felt happy.

One day, someday, it'd be 'Eve' that I'd hear.

A priest escorted us in the middle of the plaza where chairs and guards were stationed. Umupo kaming dalawa ni Kallisto nang magkatabi. Nasa harapan namin ang malaking stage kung saan nakaupo ang Saint at ilang mga katawan ng Elysia.

We bowed before and after we took the seat. Saint Elio's expression was delightful and light.

"It's good to know that you're in good health." Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita si Juno na paupo pa lang din sa tabi ko. Azazel also popped up while waiving at me, and bowing slightly at Kallisto.

Kallisto silently returned the respect and I smiled at Juno. "How are you?" I asked her.

"Been doing fine. I heard that you needed to recover for your health. I wanted to help, so if you ever need anything, please feel free to tell me."

Halos ngumanga ako at ma-starstruck kay Juno. Wow! As in wow! Grabe ang ganda-ganda niya. The bright red hair was shiny because of the sun's rays. Her eyes were in a shade of blue-green that looked enthralling. I couldn't believe that I was sitting next to my heroine!

"I—wow." I couldn't really help but exclaim.

Juno's forehead crumpled a little, I laughed awkwardly. "Oh, oh, yeah. Thank you. But don't worry, I'm really fine now."

"That's a blessing." She smiled that brought peace in my system.

I was... I was rendered speechless. I was enthralled. I was... wow.

Juno. The one and only Juno. The brave and kind Ariadne was really talking to me.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I haven't really formally introduced myself. I'm Ariadne Cecilia Morrin. But I'm also named Juno Cressida Baudelaire, a Celeste."

She bowed and smiled at me warmly.

"It was a pleasure to meet you..." My lips curved. "I'm Eve—" I hesitated of how I should introduce myself, but in the end, I gathered all my courage. "I'm Evienne Soleil St. Auclain." My other hand that was holding Kallisto tightened.

"Evelyn Portia Baudelaire, a Celeste, too. Please feel free to call me Eve, instead." I was thankful to heavens that I didn't stutter.

"Then please call me Ariadne—"

"So there will be another person to call you Ariadne, huh? The list goes and goes..." Azazel pouted playfully.

I blinked at him but ended up cackling because he was really such a playful but strong character.

"How about calling her Cecilia, then?" I suggested with a mischievous smile.

"I knew we'd get along." Azazel laughed and opened a hand to me.

"Well not as much as you get along with Ariadne, right?" Mas lalo siyang natawa sa akin, kaya tinanggap ko ang kamay niya para makipag-shake hands.

Kallisto's hand tightened on my other hand, and I looked back at him. "He's Kallisto Artem St. Auclain, my husband."

Napatingin si Juno at Azazel sa tahimik na si Kallisto. He just nodded at them. And the two leads of my once novel smiled at him.

"It was a pleasure to be an acquaintance of yours, Second Prince of the Seventh Kingdom."

"All the honour, Crown Prince of the Third Kingdom."

"That's too formal, just call me Azazel." The glorious golden haired prince smiled brightly and Kallisto nodded mutely.

"Then please call me comfortably whichever you like, Your Highness."

"It's Azazel," he corrected.

"Azazel," Kallisto spoke simply.

Natawa naman kami parehas ni Juno dahil do'n. Mukha namang bata si Azazel na hindi alam paano kakaibiganin ang snob na si Kallisto.

Ariadne and I talked like we had known each other for a long time. Azazel was also laughing and chiming in from time to time. We were having a good time in each other's company when people started filling in the remaining seats.

I heard gossips at the back but didn't dare to look back.

It was probably some Celeste and delegates of the Kingdoms.

"Acting friendly with each other? Wow, what a peculiar bunch."

"Aren't they? I heard that Celeste Portia was the fiancé of the Third's Crown Prince. And Celeste Juno is the number one candidate now as Celeste Portia married the weak Abyss of the Seventh."

"That's such a rendering entanglement. And they are like this in public."

"That's so awkward."

Tsk. Mga wala talagang magawa sa buhay. Nobles na naturingan pero daig pa mga chismosa sa kanto, jusko! Gusto kong maging chismosa noon, pero kung grupo lang din nila, no thanks. Masaya na akong maging asawa ng kaisa-isang Kallisto.

Bago pa maging mas maingay ang chismis tumayo na ang isang Cardinal sa stage at nagsalita.

Everyone hushed with the announcement that the program would start.

Even the celebrations of the crowd halted.

The High Priest led the prayer, and after some remarks from a bishop, the awarding commenced.

Masaya akong nanood dahil binigyan ng mga medalya ang mga ordinaryong tao na malaki ang naging ambag sa labanan. Ang mga lider ng mga knight, mages, at mga ilang grupo ay tumanggap din ang ibang premyo kagaya ng silvers at medalya.

It was such a heart-warming moment. Some teared up being recognized and blessed by the Saint for their bravery in defending and fighting for their land.

"Thank you so much for protecting our dear holy land our dear brave citizens, mages, and knights. I promise all of you that I'll do my duty as the Saint to make sure something like this will never happen again."

Mas lalong umigay at sumaya ang mga tao sa mga simpleng salitang 'yon.

"To the Third and Seventh Kingdoms people who willingly helped Elysia, I, the Saint, thank you wholeheartedly, so please accept the badge of honour and blessing that I will bestow upon you."

The leaders of the groups from our Kingdom and the Third lined up on stage and bowed down as the Saint gave them a badge and blessing. It was such a solemn and prideful moment.

"Sir Lincoln and Stepmother really looked so compelling. They deserve such blessings and honour," I murmured to Kallisto and he glanced at me. His eyes embodied a starry dark night, but it shined brighter than the sun when it met mine.

He looked so happy and proud for them. It was rare to get such blessing from the Saint. Being recognized by someone as high as a 'King' was a priceless.

Nagdiwang at nagpalakpakan ang lahat matapos no'n.

Then the people of the Shrine started doing something and brought out a huge and multiple covered by velvet cloth boxes.

It was exactly as I remembered. The holy relics and objects. I was thrilled.

Napatingin ako kay Kallisto na kumikinang ang mga mata. Mukhang nalilito naman si Azazel at Juno sa nangyayari.

"I acknowledged that the disaster we faced was big..." the Saint started. "We probably wouldn't survive without the four individuals that risked their lives and fought without abandon."

Napatingin ang lahat sa aming apat.

"Flames of Justice."

"Crimson Abyss."

Some murmured nicknames for Juno and Azazel. Juno's cheeks flushed in rose. She looked embarrassed by the titles. It was really cute. Azazel was unvexed and was just listening to the Saint.

"The two princes who fought weren't even born and raised in this land but still stepped up for Elysia. I thank you and the people of Elysia thank you." As if on cue, everyone in the crowd—all the people of Elysia—bowed their heads. The Saint's chin was up but his eyes were glistening.

"Allow me this honour to give you an object that you will choose..."

Inalis ng mga tauhan ng Shrine ang mga nakataklob na tela sa mga box. Nanlaki ang mga mata ng lahat at maraming bulungan na nangyari nang ipakita ro'n ang iba't ibang holy relics.

Even Azazel who was calm, widened his eyes. Kallisto still remained unemotional though. He probably expected that because of what I said earlier.

There were relics that shined brightly. At one glance you'd know how valuable it was, but there were relics that were not as shiny as the others. Well, it wasn't that it was not taken care of, it was just it would forever remain that way until it surrendered itself to an owner.

These weren't just holy, they were magical and powerful.

Kaya naman talagang tiba-tiba kami ni Kallisto nito! Jusko! Worth it pala ang pagharap namin kina Samael at sa mga ahas! Dahil magiging malaking bahagi ang mga makukuha namin sa mga susunod na mangyayari.

"Please come close and choose a holy relic that you want. However, once you choose one, you can't change your mind and return it." A lot of people laughed at the Saint's words. It sounded like a joke to lighten the atmosphere, but it was serious.

Azazel and Kallisto stood up. I squeezed Kallisto's hand one last time before letting go.

When Azazel and Kallisto arrived at the stage, Saint Elio spoke. "May you take care of the holy relic, and may you be blessed by the sun of Cielo."

Azazel and Kallisto bowed together. Saint Elio backed away a little and let the two princes chose. Azazel didn't hesitate and walked to see the beautiful objects.

There was a ring that glimmered in red ruby. There was a mirror that had some cracks but the holder was glistening in gold. There was also a golden crown with a lot of rare gems that one would want to covet as it looked the most enticing and powerful. Also, a silver shield magnificently displayed itself. Marami pang iba ro'n at tiningnan 'yon ni Azazel nang masinsinan.

Kallisto, on the other hand, just stood still. Parang pinapasadahan niya lang ng tingin ang mga nando'n, hindi man lang naakit, hindi man lang hinahangad ang kahit alin sa mga 'yon.

Hindi ko mapigilan hindi mapangiti. That was so him. No object could awe him. It would always be worthy people that would move him.

Matapos ang ilang segundo, lumapit si Azazel sa isang bagay.

"If I may be bold, Your Holiness, the sun of the Elysia's land. I choose this holy item."

Ngumiti si Saint Elio at sinenyasan ang isang cardinal na ibigay sa kanya ang box na tinutukoy ni Azazel. The Saint used some his power to unlock the item. Namangha naman ako kasi talagang hindi mananakaw ang bagay na 'yon kahit tangkain ng sinuman.

"I bless the Crown Prince of the Third Kingdom. I also bestow the holy relic, Tears of Blood to you."

Azazel knelt on his one knee. "I accept your immense blessing, Your Holiness."

As expected, Azazel chose the ruby ring. It was the ring that would enhance his control and power of the Abyss. It was a good match for his abyss. And he exactly knew that as he was taught about such items from an early age.

Matapos 'yon bumababa ulit si Azazel habang malakas pa rin ang palakpakan ng lahat.

Ariadne warmly smiled at him. And the ring fitted his finger perfectly.

Natuon naman ang pansin ng mga tao kay Kallisto na lumapit sa isang bagay. Some people murmured because of his choice. I saw the Saint looked a little surprised by his choice. But I tried to hide a smile because he certainly chose the one that would benefit him the most.

"Your Holiness, the sun of Elysia, let me choose this holy item."

Some gasps erupted in the crowd and at the back.

"Are you sure, Second Prince of the Seventh Kingdom?" the Saint asked.

"I am certain."

"Then please..." The cardinal brought the item to the Saint and the Saint offered it to Kallisto.

"I bless the Second Prince of the Seventh Kingdom. I also bestow the holy relic, Sword of Nightmares to you."

Like Azazel, Kallisto also knelt on his one knee. "I accept your immense blessing, Your Holiness."

The black rusty sword landed on Kallisto's hand. It remained that way. Old, dirty, frail-looking. It wasn't like a holy relic if you asked anyone. It was like a sword from a bankrupt smithy.

Heh, they thought. I couldn't help but smirk when the cardinal offered a sheath and Kallisto put it on his waist and put the sword in there. Naglakad siya pabalik sa akin at tuwang-tuwa ko siyang sinalubong.

"You knew how to choose well, huh?" I whispered.

Syempre naman! Pinili nga ako n'yan, kaya hindi ako duda na magaling pumili si Kallisto!

Kallisto just smirked at me and the Saint spoke once again.

"Also, two of my beloved daughters made a courageous choice of protecting this land. For that, I wanted to award them like a father."

Napangiti kaming dalawa ni Juno at tumayo para pumunta sa stage.

"The two of you are brave Celestes so I wanted you to ask me for a prize that you want. Just like how a daughter asks a father for their rewards."

Nagulat si Juno ro'n at syempre nagpanggap din ako. Inaasahan ko na pero hindi naman pwede na obvious, 'no. Kaya ayon may patakip-takip pa ako ng bibig na nalalaman ngayon. Jusko! Ang galing ko talaga um-acting.

"Do you have anything in mind, Celeste Juno?"

Juno thought and bit her lower lip. But, if there was something that she wanted... she knew the answer right away.

"Our land... our mini land and village, Your Holiness. Please let us stay there."

Tumungo ito ng taos-puso at ngumiti naman ang Saint.

"Therefore, I bestow the land where you came from to you. Let it be called the Fortuna. Please take care of it, Celeste Juno Cressida Baudelaire."

Maraming nagulat lalo na ang ilang noble na nasa lugar, pero hindi sila makaalma dahil do'n. Lahat ng lugar ay pagmamay-ari ng Saint sa Elysia, kaya't mukhang maraming gagawin sina Juno at si Saint Elio para maayos ang mga papel tungkol do'n. Lalong-lalo na kalapit ang lugar na 'yon sa pinapamahalaan ng isang Count.

Well, based in Fatebound, it would go smoothly. It wasn't a big land anyway. And it wasn't really in the jurisdiction of the Count.

"How about you Celeste Portia?"

"I married the Second Prince of the Seventh Kingdom without anything to offer and just my Celestia, Your Holiness." The Saint listened but he knew that the sharpness of my words was more of something that would taint his honour if he didn't solve it properly.

There was still a dowry for a Celeste to give their King... or in my case, my Prince.

Although Kallisto never demanded such things, I wanted him to have something that would benefit him and me.

"If I may be bold, please let him have the island near our home in the Seventh Kingdom as my dowry. It is an unclaimed land but it is huge and it may cause some unwanted tension."

"If it is an unclaimed land, it falls in the Elysia's land may it be far or not. If that's what you wish, then I'll grant it."

"Your immense blessing will be forever in my heart, Your Holiness."

Natawa nang mahina ang Saint pero alam ko ibibigay at ibibigay pa rin niya sa akin at kay Kallisto ang isla. Kapag hindi siya ang mapapahiya. Makapal ang mukha kong sabihin sa buong lugar ang bagay na ito, pero walang makakapagsalita tungkol do'n dahil sa laki ng ambag ko ng gabi ng muntikan ng trahedya. Lalong-lalo na pabor ang Saint sa akin ngayon.

Nang matapos ang pagbibigay ng basbas at pagsang-ayon sa amin, kaagad kaming bumalik sa upuan.

"Keep it to yourself, Evienne, I don't need dowry," Kallisto whispered with a sigh. I chuckled.

"I don't know how to manage such a big piece of island, so it'll be easier for you to help me."

"Looks like it's a trick..."

Mas lalo akong natawa sa sinabi niya.

Well, I couldn't deny it. I really didn't know how to manage an island and it'd be easier if it was named under me, but managed by Kallisto. Let it be a symbol of how I was really trusting him.

If he ever betrayed me, then so be it. It'd be my fault for entrusting him this, but I also wanted to establish a strong bond with him. It might be a gamble, but no gambles were safe, anyway.

Another reason, why I used the Saint for this was because the land was in the Seventh Kingdom's ocean.

Once the greedy nobles from the Seventh get a whiff of this, they'd make sure to interfere—because they hated Kallisto. They might claim the land suddenly. So, if it was a dowry. That was given by the Saint, because he was the father of the Celestes, they'd have no say.

Saka magiging malaking tulong si Kallisto sa lugar na 'yon. There were monsters and wild beasts in there that was why it was inhabited and unclaimed. Once Kallisto got rid of the monsters, and I stroke a deal with the beasts in there, that land would be our glorious money maker.

Of course, it was looting time!

Cliché as it goes, maraming iba't ibang gold, silver, diamond, gems, at mana crystal sa lugar na 'yon. It was discovered by Azazel and Juno in the late events of the novel. But, it was such a decisive moment to claim it now.

Sorry, Azazel at Juno. Ang mantra ko talaga for today ay: Above all, pera!

The ceremony proceeded with the closing remarks for the event. And the Saint announced that the banquet from last night would be continued for today and he especially asked all the Kingdoms representative to be present.

"Noooo. My sleep," halos paiyak na sabi ko kay Kallisto.

"I didn't see this coming," he said as he stroked the top of my head. I leaned my head to his chest. Kainis naman akala ko makakatakas na kami!

"Let's go and just greet them, then we'll go back to Yule and Willow," he whispered. I pouted.

Nagbuntonghininga ako at tiningnan ang paligid. Nasa may isang banda kaming dalawa at hinihintay ang carriage na sinakyan namin na dumating. It was a little crowded that was why it was late.

And we told them to wait at a different place earlier as we thought we'd go straight back and not in the lunch banquet.

"Let me take a nap." Kallisto just patted my head lightly and I closed my eyes.

But there were a lot of people and murmurs, it was hard to blank my mind. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi imulat na lang ulit 'yon at halos malaglag ang mga mata ko nang may makitang babae sa isang banda na pasakay ng isang carriage.

Her appearance was eye-catching, she was so striking.

I... That person.

I knew that person.

I saw that person in my dream before. In Fatebound.

"Who..." I murmured. She looked so elegant, so prim and proper. Her movements were sharp and precise. Even the people near her were gawking and knew where to stand—not to ever approach.

"Who?" Kallisto mimicked the soft whisper that escaped my lips. I lifted my chin to meet his eyes. Then I slid it down to the person that I knew but I couldn't pinpoint of the name.

"Oh...?"

Oh, my god!

Her pink hair flowed with the wind and her lime coloured eyes shined.

"Huh?" The gap in lips almost became the door for my soul to leave.

"Who...?" I looked at him.

"Elianne Ava Baudelaire... Atlas's betrothed."

No way!

No fucking way!

What?!

How?!

When?!

Why?!

Oh, my god!

Because goddamn, that girl. That pink hair and lime eyes! She very familiar!

It was the figure of the woman who became Kallisto's wife in Fatebound!

—