Arisia Lives As A Villainess ✔

Season 1: Chapter 14

Season 1

Chapter 14

Boredom. I am filling with boredom again. Why is that? Is it because I have not gone outside these past few days? I know I have my books to ease my loneliness but that is not getting enough since my coming-of-age.

“Ugh..” I rolled on my bed. “Hilda...” Tawag ko. Hilda automatically entered my room when she heard it.

“Yes, my lady?”

“I am bored.” Napabuntong-hininga ako. “Should we go somewhere?” I felt my face lightened up. Tumabingi siya.

“Where, my lady? Sa prinsipe mo ba?” Napatigil ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin.

“Huh?”

“Isn’t the cause of your boredom because of the Crown Prince, my lady? Dahil hindi mo siya nakikita nitong mga nakaraang mga araw?” My eyes squinted and my lips parted a bit. Napangisi ako at marahang napasinghal.

“You are wrong, Hilda.” Pagtatanggol ko sa aking sarili. “Just because I might like him does not mean that he is the cause of it.” She smiled a bit.

“So you like him, my lady.” Namilog ng kaunti ang aking mga mata. I realized what I just said earlier.

No, it was just a slip of tongue!

Napatikhim ako.

“Nonsense, Hilda.” I waved my hand as a dismissal of our topic. Biglang pumasok sa utak ko si Lorves.

Maybe I can hang out there.

“Let us just go to Duke Kallon’s house.”

“I understand, my lady. There is also a good chance that the Crown Prince is there.” She added.

“Stop the tease, Hilda.” Suway ko sa kanya sa huling pagkakataon.

If she really drags it on, I will cut her salary.

“I’m sorry, my lady. I have overstepped my bounds.” Good.

Napatango ako at hinawi ang buhok.

“Go to my father and tell him I am visiting Duke Kallon’s abode.”

“I understand, my lady.” She curtly bowed before leaving. I did not bother writing a notice for Lorves since I was too lazy to write one. Hilda came shortly and helped me wore a blue dress with white linings on it. Hindi na ako nag-abalang magsuot pa ng mga aksesorya.

Too heavy.

A knock from the door. It was Alluis, my brother. He must have come here to ask to tag along again.

“Sister.”

“Yes, Alluis?” Hilda fit my feet on the blue shoes. Inayos niya ang ibaba ng aking damit.

“Narinig ko mula kay Ama na pupuntahan mo raw ang tahanan ng duke ng Kallon.”

“That is right, Brother. Nais mo bang sumama?” Pinagpag ko ang aking damit nang matapos si Hilda at makatayo ako. I heaved a deep sigh.

I should bring Alluis with me. Maybe he can know Lorves and bond with him to avoid any unnecessary worries in the future.

“Really, Sister? I’m not gonna stay?” Maliwanag ang mukha niya sa kanyang tanong. Sinuri ko siyang mabuti.

“If you behave well, then yes.” I gave him a nod.

“I will!” Ramdam kong ngumiti si Hilda. Alluis happily came out of my room to change in a formal attire. I told him to just be in casual but he insisted not to since he wants to be presentable with anyone.

Napangisi ako.

It is befitting for a next head, indeed.

An hour when we departed and I found myself in the estate of the Kallon. A different scenery, unlike when I first came here, it looked more retro. Kapansin-pansin rin ang mas magandang hardin na inaalaga nila ngayon. The whole house looks a bit renovated but the ambiance is still the same as before. Lorves, in a grey suit, came to sight.

“Hello, Lorves. I will be intrud---Oh...” I greeted but I stopped I saw a familiar man behind him. Sinuri ko ang lalakeng nasa likod niya. “It seems that you have a guest, Duke.” It was the man with the Crown Prince at the public library before. The one with the remarkable, blue hair. He is still wearing his smile. His eyes were still a little closed as before.

He is handsome. It is like he is one of a kind.

Tumagal ang titig ko sa kanya. I felt my brother tugged my clothing. Napatingin ako sa kanya. Alluis is smiling but I can feel a dark meaning inside it. Ngumiti lamang ako sa kanya.

Is he trying to tell me not to take interest in that man?

“It is fine, Arisia.” Sagot ni Lorves sa mababang tono.

As usual, he still has his blank face. We really have a lot of similarities.

I pursed my lips and turned to the blue-haired man. I clicked the heel of my shoe as a sign of greeting.

“Good day, I am Arisia from House di Vonce. Beside me is my brother.” I forced a smile.

“Alluis di Vonce.” Matabang na sagot ng aking kapatid. I bit the inside of my cheek. Tumango si Lorves dito.

“It is pleasure to meet Your Graces. I am but a butler of the Crown Prince, Kerui Estavio, my lady.” The man, Kerui, said and bowed. He gave a peck on the back of my hand when I handed it. A smirk escaped from my lips.

Rionsky’s butler. It would not be a surprise that he is also a knight. I can still the roughness and callouses from his hand when he touched mine. Same for Lorves. That was an archer’s hands. Alam ko dahil parehas kami. I was not entirely ignorant of him because Hilda investigated. However, some details are unknown. Ang tanging alam ko lamang ay siya ang mayordomo ng nakoronahang prinsipe. I knew he was also suddenly brought at the palace by the Crown Prince himself and announced that he will be his butler and right hand man. Kerui Estavio was efficient and perfect. As for his background, it was veiled. We did not dig in any further than that.

Agad kong binawi ang aking kamay. I tilted my head.

“Oh, I assume you are Lorves’ friend, too?”

“Yes, that is right.” Medyo mataas ang kanyang boses sa pagkakasabi.

I really like his voice and tone. It has a hint of playfulness and deceit. Is that normal for him?

“Then I hope we can be as well.” I clasped my hands.

:A pleasure, my lady. Then, I must go now. Please accept this flower as a token of our acquaintance.” He gave me a white flower before leaving the estate. My eyes followed him through my peripheral view but I did not budged.

“Thank you, Sir Kerui.” Ani ko pa bago ito tuluyang makaalis. Muli akong napatingin sa hawak kong bulaklak.

It was a dahlia. Spicy. Wild. A warning of change. Iyon ba ang gusto niyang iparating o talagang hindi iyon sinasadya dahil iyon ang nasa mga kamay niya kanina pa?

Un-bothered, I shrugged the thought and bit my lip.

“I am sorry for not giving you a notice for my intrusion to your abode, Lorves.” Pagbabasag ko ng katahimikan. Nang tinignan ko si Alluis ay komportable na siyang nakaupo. He even put his leg on top of the other. I apologetically looked at Lorves for my brother’s behaviour. He just shrugged it saying that he did not mind it.

“You can come here anytime, even without those.” Napatango ako sa kanyang sinabi. We sat down, across.

“I assume my father talked to you about it.” Panimula ko. Dumekwatro rin ako kagaya ng aking kapatid. I rested my elbow and put my chin there. Komportable akong umupo.

“Yes.” His hands clasped and he leaned.

“I have come to you to talk regarding the engagement.” I dismissed the maids and signaled him. Nakuha niya ang aking sinabi at pinaalis ang mga katulong sa sala. I made Hilda brew our tea. Pinabigay ko na lamang ng mainit na tsokolateng inumin si Alluis.

“Have the floor.” He nodded.

“I might cancel the engagement anytime.” I dropped the bomb and sipped on my tea. Napapikit ako nang sumipsip. Lorves just tilted his head. Alluis looked at me with surprise written in his face. Hilda might have also predetermined it since she did not budged and reacted.

“Reason?”

“Really, Sister?”

Sabay na sumbat ng dalawa sa akin. I smiled at Alluis to shut him up.

“I hope you are not offended, Lorves. I know that you are a suitable husband for me but I cannot see myself in the center of a marriage.” Paliwanag ko.

“I see.”

“We are still friends but that is the limitation of it. I do not hope to go further beyond it.” Napatabingi ako at hinawi ang buhok nang maramdaman ang init. I looked at him. He is expressionless but his eyes are squinted. Tila ba sinusuri ako.

“I understand your point, Arisia, but---”

“Yes, I know what you mean. If, in the future, if I will not find a man, I shall marry you. Until then, let us remain as what we are right now. I know there are also some suitable ladies out there for you, aside from me.” Napabuga ako ng hangin. Hindi siya umimik.

Honestly, that was the plan from the beginning. One thing I chose Lorves is that he is considerate and understandable. He will back down if there is a good reason for it. He will not argue any further.

The maids knocked from the door before entering holding some tray of fabulous cookies. Agad naman silang umalis bago sumagot si Lorves.

“I respect your decision.” He blinked. “Do you want this?” He handed the cookies himself. Tumango ako at inabot iyon.

I guess that is it for that kind of talk.

“Thank you. Alluis, have some cookies, too.” I handed it to Alluis. Nagliwanag ang kanyang mga mata.

Alluis denies it when he says he does not liked cookies and chocolates but his face says otherwise. I guess he wants to look serious and mature. “I heard what you received from the King.” My fingers went to my lips.

“It was just a piece of land.” My brow arced and the side of my lips rose.

“From the north? It was snowy and cold in there, right? Why did you choose that land?” The land in the north was an inhabited territory but most people chose not to be there. Like I stated, it is winter in there. Marami pang mga mababangis na hayop na naninirahan doon.

I eyed at him.

Alam kong hindi lang ang pagpapalaki ng teritoryo at pagpapatayo ng mansyon roon ang pakay niya. It may just be a vacation house for the Duke of Kallon but in truth, they are secretly fortifying their forces. Years from now, a war will break out due to the battle for the throne, as what I from the book I did not finished reading. Nagpapalakas pa sila.

Tumikhim ako.

“It’s... for research purposes.” Pag-iilag niya.

“I see...” I did not asked any further to not make him uncomfortable. Hinayaan ko na rin silang mag-usap ni Alluis. Whenever my brother would make some threatening remarks, I will throw him a warning look. Lorves did not mind it and just gave it an uninterested look.

“Please do not talk about that with my father.” Ani ko nang ihatid niya kami palabas. He gave me a small for reassurance. “We will inform you if something arises.” We bid goodbyes after that and went in the carriage. Lorves was still standing outside while looking at our carriage until he is out of my sight. Napatingin ako sa hawak kong bulaklak. I crushed it and threw it by the window.

I know it was from Maise flower shop because I saw its mark from the bouquet Kerui was holding earlier. Should I meet the heroine?

Napangisi ako at suminghal. I ordered the coachman to bring us in that location.

“Sister, you’re really going to do that?” Alluis referred to the breaking of my engagement. His eyes are full of amusement.

Is he that happy to know that the engagement will be broken soon? It seems like he also forgot the important thing about me finding a man I like, if not, I will be marrying Lorves.

Pasikrekto akong napailing.

“Yes, Alluis.” Tipid ko siyang nginitian.

“Well, that is a good decision, the Duke is not bad but not good enough for you, Sister. What will Father say about it?” He crossed his arms and widely smiled.

So he thinks that Lorves is not bad, huh?

A chuckle escaped from my lips.

I think so, too.

“About that, seal your lips for it. You too, Hilda.” They both agreed and did not ask questions any further. “Then, let us go to that shop.” Minutes later. My eyes wandered throughout the shop in front of me. It was classy and simple. The glasses were clear and I can see what they are selling inside. Maise Flower Shop was written on a plank on top where it can be seen. I left Alluis in the carriage since he was fast asleep while I ordered Davidron to guard the carriage. Si Hilda lamang ang kasama ko. Napatingin muli ako kay Davidron.

He became quiet these past few days. I also noticed that he was with Hilda more and the times we talk were frequent. I can still feel his adoration but it feels like it somehow changed a little. Did his feelings changed and was turned to Hilda?

I shrugged.

Whatever it is, it is a good thing. Hilda’s love will be reciprocated and I will not be bothered.

“Welcome to Maise Flower Shop. Of how can I be of help, my lady?” A petite girl greeted us when we came in. Fair skin, innocent and amber eyes, pointed nose, red lips, red hair. It was no doubt the heroine, Snow Arbella. Her looks live up to her characteristics as a strong but gentle woman. If she was a flower, an edelweiss.

So she came to greet me first, huh?

I mentally grinned.

“This shop is good than I thought.” I halfheartedly gave a compliment. Napatigil siya at bahagyang ngumiti.

“Thank you for the compliment, my lady.”

“What is your name?” I pretended to asked with interest.

“I am Snow Arbella. It is nice to meet my lady.” She bowed and clicked her shoe’s heel. Her greeting was quite lovely.

“Oh, you know me?” I asked in surprise. Bahagya siyang napahagikgik.

“My lady is quite famous, especially in this area.” She tilted her head.

“I see.” Sumingkit ang aking mga mata. “I will just be getting a black rose.” Tumango siya.

“Black roses are beautiful. Do you know the meaning of it, my lady?” Makahulugan akong ngumiti sa kanyang sinabi.

Death.

I eyed at her for a minute when I did not answer. She waited. I shrugged. Iniabot niya sa akin ang itim na rosas. Marahan akong napasinghal. I gave it to Hilda.

“It is nice meeting you, my lady.” Nang tumingin ako kay Snow ay nakangiti pa rin ito. I returned a small smile and nodded.

“Thank you. It is nice meeting you, Miss Arbella.” She did not came with us outside. Hindi ko siya pinayagan nang sabihin niya pang ihahatid niya kami sa labas. Tumango sa amin si Davidron nang makita kami at iginaya kami sa loob ng karwahe.

“What shall I do with this, my lady?” I eyed at the black rose I bought when Hilda pointed at it. I looked at it, uninterested, and turned back on looking outside the window.

“Throw it away.” Hindi ako nagdalawang-isip. A smirk escaped from my lips as I drew some random doodles at the glass window.

Snow is surprisingly quick-witted. I wonder if she already knew that the one she likes is the second prince, Heiden Fins Ronschwald.