Ways To Escape Death

Chapter 45: Accolade Ceremony

Sophia's POV

"How are you?" he is asking me with his usual tone and expression.

Namawis ang mga palad ko at hindi rin ako mapakali. "I am fine," I answered back to his question.

"You didn't reach us out for a year, tapos malalaman ko na nasa Staves ka?"

Tumikhim ako saka nagpunas ng palad sa pantalon na suot ko. Hindi ko siya matingnan ng diretso, nakakailang sa pakiramdam.

"Why are you there?" dugtong niyang sabi.

I sighed. "I am gathering artifacts owned by the previous Dark Priestess."

"What?" Nagdilim ang complexion nito nang marinig ang sinabi ko.

"I have my reasons. You can't stop me."

Pinilit ko maging matatag ang itsura ko sa harap niya.

"Everyone felt your power at that moment you berserk. I am pretty sure the magic tower, the temple, and the palace are already investigating your matter," singit ni Francisco sa usapan.

Nanahimik ako sa sinabi niya. Expected ko na rin naman.

"I am here still alive because I received help from someone," I told them.

"By whom?" Duke White asked me.

"I can't tell you, but I assure you he is powerful and … a bit nice?"

"You're not sure about it?" Francisco said habang kunot ang kaniyang noo.

"Not yet, for now …"

Nagkaroon ng sandaling katahimikan sa paligid. Mula sa aking spatial ring, nilabas ko ang record book na nakuha ko sa palasyo ng Diamante. Inabot ko ito kay Francisco.

"Here's the list of nobles associated with King Diamante. If I were you, gagamitin ko ng tama 'yan," paalala ko sa kanila.

"What does that mean?" Francisco said.

"Huwag mo munang isuko 'yan sa palasyo. Alamin mo ang iba pang nasa likod ng mga 'yan na wala sa listahan," sabi ko, "And don't fool me around any longer. I knew you're the officials of Nukpana. I can even feel one of them hiding in this room."

Inangat ko ang aking paningin sa direksyon kung saan nakatago ito para salubungin ang mga mata niya. He steps forward to let me see him. Yumuko ito para magbigay ng paggalang.

Nanatili lang na tahimik si Francisco habang nagbitaw naman ng buntong hininga ang Duke.

"You're right, pero hindi pa rin tama na kumikilos ka ng solo," Duke White said.

"There is a group of aristocrats planning to extinguish our family. Some of them work inside the palace," I answered him back. "I want to be powerful to protect people I treasure."

"I already have my safety measures, don't worry about us. Focus on yourself," sabi nito saka hinilot ang kaniyang noo. "I do get your point ... I will let you do what you want, but from today onwards you must contact me or your brothers," he continued.

"Yes, I will." I gave him the answer he would feel satisfied with.

"You may take your rest for now. Later, go with Franco at the accolade ceremony."

"Eh?"

"Take this chance to explore yourself there."

Sandali akong napaisip sa sinabi niya. Hindi rin nagtagal ay naintindihan ko ang pinupunto nito. "Okay."

KATULAD nga ng napag-usapan … sumama ako papunta sa award ceremony na hinanda ng palasyo para kay Francisco.

He is in his blue tuxedo with tails, a formal white long sleeves inside, a black vest and necktie, black gloves, and derby shoes. I am wearing a blue ball gown, my arms are exposed, and the skirt is long bouffant-styled. Nakakulot ang mga dulo ng aking buhok, hinayaan ko lang ito na nakalugay.