One Chance For Redemption

Kabanata 17 - Together

Kabanata 17

Together

After the trip to the monastery, Dale let me rest for a few days sa estate namin bago niya ako sunduin. Today is the day that I'll live with the duke.

"Amaury, please take care." Ani Mama habang tahimik ba lumuluha sa tabi. Papa is not here right now because every head of the family must go to the King's Landing to partake in the preparation of war.

"I will, Mama."

I said my goodbye at nagsimula ng bumyahe. Joanne stayed on the mansion because she was our house maid. I'll start fresh on Duke's mansion.

There's so many news when the Duke announces that I'll be living with him now. It said that a Cinderella captured a Prince. As if Dale's temperament can be called a Prince. Lalo na ang pagkamoody. Hay naku. My life has been a roller coaster ride. I came back from the dead, woke up with my life full of wealth and comfort, but this is a world inside a novel. And me, Amaury Blaive Clerebold is a trivial minor character. My role is to provide reason for the male lead to step up.

I was destined to die.

This character has to die para sa takbo ng story. That's what the novel said. Destined but not yet... I have no intention of experiencing death again.

When I arrived the duke's mansion. The head butler assists me immediately.

"Welcome, Lady Amaury. I am the head butler Kaeden Fred; you can call me Kaeden. I have been serving the dela Fluer Household since I was a kid. If you ever have a question, you can ask me."

I awkwardly smile at him not knowing what to do and nodded, "It's my pleasure to meet you."

Tinuro niya ang mga servants na nasa gilid niya, "They are your servants, Milady. Rona, Beth and Portia. Feel free to call them if you need anything. They will be assisting you from now on."

"Yes. Thank you, Kaeden." Then I turn to my maids, "I'll be in your care. Maging komportable sana kayo sakin."

All of them bowed to me. Pero I can see the last girl's eyeing me as she lowers her head. Ngumiti na lamang ako kaya agad siyang nagbawi ng tingin. Kaeden tour me to the whole mansion at pinakilala sa mga mga tao na nagtatrabaho dito. My feet are hurting from the tour we did. Pati ang panga ko ay ngawit na sa pag-ngiti.

When he told me where my room is, agad ako doon pumasok at humiga sa kama.

"I am so tired!" Maktol ko.

"Good thing I've prepared some tea for us."

Bumaling ako sa pinang-galingan ng boses. I saw Dale entering my room and a maid with tea. Umupo siya sa couch na nasa kwarto ko at doon nagsimulang uminom ng tsaa. After the maid serve a tea for me, umalis na rin siya. Naiwan kami ni Dale sa loob ng kwarto ko.

"What are you doing on my room? Akala ko ba ay tapos na akong makipagkilala sa lahat?"

Tumawa siya habang preskong nakasandal sa upuan, "My fiancée came to my house, ayoko naman maging bastos at hindi ka batiin hindi ba?"

Napairap ako sakanya. Last time I check, hindi niya feel makipag-usap sakin. Bakit siya ngayon nasa phase ng para bang in good terms kami? He is so extra.

"And by the way, don't worry about the bad rumours circling around. I'll take care of them. All you have to do is to get use on living here."

Tumango ako at umupo na rin sa harap niya to drink my tea.

"And starting tomorrow bibigyan kita ng mga trabaho at ilang mga libro para pag-aralan ang history ng pamilya ko. Common knowledge lang para hindi ka mapahiya kapag may nagtanong sayo. I don't want to startle you but the earlier you begin your lesson mas magiging convenient iyon para sayo." Aniya sabay inom sa tsaa, "...kasama na rin sa aaralin mo ang bridal lessons. We will take the lesson one at a time para makaya mo kaya wag kang mag-alala."

"Okay. But I am now reminding you that we will divorce after a year. Is it really fine with you na pag-aralan ko ang pamilya mo?"

He looked at me seriously as if thinking something important. Then he smiled, "You don't have to worry about that, Amaury. Just do your part as my fiancée. Remember, magka-dugtong na ang pangalan nating dalawa simula ng pumayag ka na maging fiancée ko."

Muli akong sumimsim ng tsaa, "I will never let your name to go to the mud, Duke. Don't worry."

"By the way, my Duke, may I know who the persons are that knows about our contract?"

Sumimsim siya ng tsaa niya bago sumagot, "Just a few..."

"Does Sir Adam know?"

Tumango siya, "Yes."

"Does my brother know?"

He shrugged, "Not yet. It's up to you to decide whether we tell him or not. There's only three of us here who knows the contract."

Speaking of my brother, I haven't seen him yet. He was supposed to be here because he was Dale's aide.

"If you are looking for your brother, he's on King's Landing now. I've sent him there as my representative."

Napanguso ako sa narinig. I was hoping to meet my brother immediately and talk to him pero tila hindi pa iyon mangyayari. The preparations for the war could take months or even a year before completion depende sa strategies ng bawat kampo. Baka by that time tapos na ang contract namin ni Dale.

"So, is there anyone on your side knows our contract?"

Umiling ako bilang sagot. Wala akong ibang mapag-sasabihan. I can't tell this to my parents because they might get disappointed. Hindi ko rin alam kung dapat ko bang sabihin ito kay Kuya. Even if I do, he's too far right now.

"Since kakaunti lang ang nakakaalam we have to pretend and act like a nice couple. I hope you are okay with that."

Bumuntong hininga ako at tumango. I guess that would be our plan then. After a minute of silence ibinaba na niya ang tsaa niya at saka tumayo.

"Then let's end this pleasant talk. I'll let you rest for now. Kanina ko pa nararamdaman ang masama mong aura sa pagbisita ko."

Umaliwalas ang mukha ko sa sinabi niya. I am so exhausted right now that I just want to lay on my bed and sleep. Before opening the door muli siyang humarap sakin..

"If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to say it Amaury."- aniya, "I want you to be comfortable here as soon as possible dahil ito ang magiging tirahan mo sa mahabang panahon."

Ngumisi ako ng hilaw at tumango, "I am so touched, you care for me to that extent. I feel like I'm crying already, my Duke."

Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay tila natunugan ang sarcasm sa tono ko. Oh, good for him marunong siya makiramdam.

"Gusto ko lang mapag-isa para makapagpahinga ako hano?! Can you guys leave me alone to rest?"

Ngumisi siya, "Okay. Relax, Amaury. Wala ka ditong kaaway. I'll see you tomorrow." He winked at me and slowly close the door.

Pinagtatampal ko ang unan sa couch as he went out of the door. That Duke!!!!

As Dale closed the door, he saw Amaury throwing a fit on the poor throw pillow.

Sumandal siya sa pintuan trying to suppress his laughter. His shoulder shaking uncontrollably as he laughs quietly.

It is the first time he felt amazed by someone. For Duke Crescendo, Amaury was like a breath of fresh air.