Arisia Lives As A Villainess ✔

Season 1: Chapter 15

Season 1

Chapter 15

Another day stucked in the house. Sir George sparred with me for archery. This time, I got my first win. Nagtampo pa siya nang matalo ngunit nasiyahan rin para sa akin kalaunan.

Of course, he should be proud for his student as he is one of the best knights in Ronschwald Kingdom. I even heard that the King tried to recruit him in the castle but he declined saying he wants to serve the House di Vonce to his death.

Napangisi ako.

He is surprisingly sweet for a big guy. Wala pang pamilya. I felt bad for that, though.

Hours of rest after, my father called me in his office.

It must be a talk about the engagement again.

Nang makapasok ako ay pinagt-trabahuan pa rin niya ang mga papeles. I noticed that he became a little thinner. Hindi lang masyadong halata.

He is still overworking himself. Kailan ko kayang makikita ang aking ama na hindi nakahawak ng mga papeles?

Joaquim, beside him, left us in the room.

Hindi naman na kailangan dahil alam naman niya ang pag-uusapan ngunit umalis pa rin.

“I plan on announcing your engagement with Duke Kallon next month. How does that sound.” Father said when I sat down on the sofa. I lifted my head and creased my temple.

“Are you not rushing it, Father?” A question I wanted to ask escaped from my mouth. Napatigil siya. He clasped his hands.

“Ayaw mo ba?” He gave me a glance through his glasses.

Father’s cheekbones became visible and deeper. Despite that, he retained his good-looking face.

I tilted my head and parted my lips.

“Yes, ang balak ko sana ay makipag-halubilo muna bago iparating ang aking kasunduan kay Duke Kallon.” Tinango ko ang aking ulo.

“I see.” He gazed at the air as if he was thinking something.

“A year or later will do.” Napapikit ako at bumuntong-hininga.

“Taon?” Pag-uulit ni Ama.

“I am still undecided, Father. Alam kong nasa nararapat na akong bilang para maikasal ngunit hindi nasisigurado iyon ng kasalukuyan. I might be interested in another man in the future, Duke Kallon, too.” I rested my head on my palm.

“I understand the point, Arisia. Let’s do what you want.” Napangiti ako.

Still the same considerate and soft father.

“Maraming salamat sa iyong pag-unawa, Ama. Our weekly dinner will be tonight. I am just reminding you. Mukhang marami kang aasikasuhing mga papeles, Ama. Will you still join us?” My eyes squinted.

“Of course.” Tumango siya. The night came quickly. Our dinner was quiet as always.

If Mother was still alive, we would be noisy and chatty while eating.

Napababa ang tingin ko. I looked at Alluis.

Poor him, he did not even remember Mother. I am sure he would also like to meet her.

It was short, the dinner. Father went to his room after bidding us good nights. I walked Alluis to his room after that.

“Good night, Sister.” He kissed my cheeks and gave me a gentle smile. I did the same and watched him sleep.

Morning came. Hilda and Davidron accompanied me to the library in the center, wearing a red dress for a simple visit. There are a few people I saw when we went in. Hindi nakatakas sa aking paningin ang pagsulyap ng mga tao sa akin. I did not glanced at them again and went ahead to the second floor. A book from above the shelf caught my attention. Aabutin ko sana iyon ngunit hindi ko maabot kaya napa-atras ako. I bumped onto a hard thing. Nang tingnan ko ito ay bumalandra ang katawan ng matangkad na lalake.

Why is he here?

Agad akong umayos. I held my dress and clicked my heel.

“It is you again, Sir Kerui Estavio.” Maliit akong ngumiti. Bumuka ang kanyang mga singkit na mata. I pursed my lips.

There it is again. The feeling of being devoured by his slanted, snake-like eyes.

I mentally sighed and calmed myself.

“It is nice meeting you again, lady di Vonce. I am happy to know that you remember me. How surprising a coincidence is, isn’t it?” Kinuha niya ang aking kamay at hinalikan ang likod kahit hindi ko pa pinahintulot. Marahan akong napasinghal.

His audacity.

I was a bit taken aback when his eyes squinted at me while his lips stayed a bit longer in my hand.

How long does he plan on greeting me?

“Indeed.” Binawi ko ang aking kamay at pinagkrus ang mga braso. “The crown prince is not with you, Sir Estavio?” My eyes lingered throughout the area to detect Rionsky.

Is he busy?

“This mere butler will be happy to be called Kerui by my lady. As for His Highness, he is piled with workload in the castle and cannot roam around.” Napataas ang aking kilay at napangisi. I cleared my throat.

“So, he also roams around. Akala ko ay naninirahan lang ang prinsipe sa palasyo dahil sa mga naririnig ko tungkol sa kanya.” Hagikgik ko. Kerui’s smile disappeared in a flash but quickly returned.

I know it was forced. No, his smiles are always forced. I have been observing him even though I met him at Lorves’ house but his smile is his mask. A clown’s face, beneath it is a danger. Overwhelming.

“That is not quite true, my lady.” Nagkibit-balikat na lamang ako.

“What gatherings does he attend to?” Kuryoso kong tanong.

“The prince does not, it is rare for His Highness to attend those. Most of the prince’s time goes to books.” Just like what the book described, the crown prince is what he is.

“His Highness loves books, huh?”

“Yes.”

“Would you mind joining me for lunch after this? I would like to listen more about some of His Highness’ stories.” I blurted and let out a chuckle. “Do not worry. I will not disclose the informations I heard. Naririnig ko din naman mula kay Lorves ang iba.” Pagpapaliwanag ko.

Unlike Lorves, Kerui is a bit bubbly. Kailangan pang magtanong ng marami dahil hindi siya masyadong masalita.

“Isang karangalan ang iyong imbitasyon.” We ended up at a noble’s restaurant after I scanned some books at the library. Sinamahan pa ako at hinintay.

It was not a bother, he said, so there were no problems at all. I thought he might also be busy because Rionsky is. A butler should be by its master’s side at all times, especially since his master is a royalty. Wala ba talaga siyang kailangang atupagin muna?

“Mmm...” I nodded of his stories.

For a butler, he is really bubbly about the Prince. Alam kong may mga sikreto pa ngunit sapat itong mga impormasyon para sa mga may gusto sa prinsipe. That is not a problem for him though since I will not be telling anyone about it. I am not really interested in some of his public affairs and experiences but the way Kerui is telling me those are just interesting. Malabong hindi ako matutuwa sa mga kwento niya. “The prince is quite bashful, is he not?” I wiped my mouth and hands when I already felt full from the served food. Napaismid ako.

The food of this restaurant is not like what is rated to be. It betrayed my expectations. How disappointing. To know that this place is still flocking of guests. Even a mere pub can do better.

“Yes, my lady.” Napatingin ako sa kanyang plato. Kaunti lamang ang nagalaw niya.

I guess he also thinks the same. He must not have liked it.

“I also noticed he does not really mean his words sometimes. I think it was natural.” I clasped my hands. “His words and actions contrast each other, it is funny. Really.” Napangisi ako. I rested my chin on my hand. I played my fingers on the table, making sounds.

“My lady seems rather fond of the crown prince.” His remark. I stopped a bit and sighed. I fet Hilda’s smirk beside me. Pasikreto akong umirap.

“Huh?” I am not, really. I just think that he is an interesting entity. Bakit ba iyon sinasabi sa akin? Just because I talk about him sometimes does not mean that I am fond of him, for the nth time.

“We have been talking about His Highness even at the library.” I blinked twice.

“Oh...” My lips parted a bit.

“It is upsetting.” Sumingkit ang mga mata ko at tumabingi. Contrast of his words, he is still smiling.

I know. He must be upset and annoyed of how I talk about Rionsky, right? I mean, that was also how I feel whenever Hilda blurts out about Davidron.

Bumaba ang aking kamay sa lamesa.

“It must be displeasing, Kerui. I am at fault, I admit. I did not notice that.” I gave him an apologetic look. Lumawak ang kanyang ngiti.

“It is a farce.” Kumunot ang noo ko sa kanyang sinabi.

“Mmm?”

“I did not mean what I said, my lady. I was just giving you a mere joke.”

“I see. You scared me.” I forced a smile.

“Paumanhin. If I was another man, I would surely be devastated after hearing those nonstop talks about the crown prince.” My smile did not disappear.

Really, I wish he should just be straight-forwarded like Lorves. I do not get him.

“What?” Pag-uulit ko.

“Men are wolves but some are just frail dogs. The latter will give up when they know you are in to His Highness, Lady.” I bit the inside of my cheeks. My brows furrowed.

He is insisting that I like Rionsky. Para siyang si Hilda.

“Pardon? I do not like the Crown Prince. You are mistaken, Kerui.” Pagdidiin ko.

How many more times should I clarify it?

“I see, my lady. Then whom are you interested to, if I may pry?” I tucked my hair in my ear.

“There is... no one, at the moment.” Blanko akong tumingin sa kanya. Hindi muna siya nagsalita. His smirk did not escaped from my gaze.

“As for the wolves, my lady, they will not give up their prey even though it is already marked.” He said in a meaningful way again. Lumunok ako.

I fully know what he mean. That even though it belongs to someone else, the predator will not give up just because of that. Kerui is one of the wolves, I know. As for its prey, is it me? Is that his way of saying that he is interested in me? May gusto kaya sa akin ang tanong ito?

I bit my lower lip.

If that is really the case, then I would be rejecting him once he gets straight to the point.

“I took a bit of your time. I assume you are busy. Then, we will be going.” Pasimple akong tumayo. Hilda put a white coat above my shoulders when a gust of wind passed by.

“Be careful, lady Arisia.” Muli akong nanlamig at tumalikod na. I felt an overwhelming gaze before leaving out of his sight.

I knew it was from Kerui. I should think about meeting him only when it is necessary. I am loving danger but there are also times when I do not.

Wala sa sarili akong napangisi.

“What did you felt earlier, Hilda?” I asked when we got into the carriage. Davidron, outside, nodded at us to assure safety.

“A wolf trying to hunt its prey.” She thought the same. Hindi ko lamang imahinasyon iyong kanina.

Napakagat-labi ako.

“I do not feel good.” I fanned myself with my hand, trying to cool me.

“That man, Kerui Estavio, feels dangerous, my lady. I think it is better to avoid him.” Tumango ako.

Hilda knows the best sometimes. Her intuition may not be top notch but I know what she is saying. Kerui is a wolf in a sheep’s clothing.

“Right, but there are some circumstances that cannot be helped.”

“Siya ang kanang kamay ng unang prinsipe. You will surely meet him more in the future since my lady likes His Highness.” Marahas akong bumuntong-hininga sa kanyang sinabi.

“Hilda.” I blurted out.

“Don’t worry, my lady. If anything happens, we are under your shadow.” That made me at ease. Kaunti akong napangiti.

Right, they are always under my shadow. I have nothing to worry about, especially when I have my people. They will always carry out my orders and protect me.

“Alam ko. Tandaan ko rin na kaya kong maprotektahan ang aking sarili. I did not learn those hardships for nothing, Hilda.” Pagngingisi ko.

“Yes, my lady. You are indeed frighteningly strong.” I scoffed.

Of course, it is a given... since I am a di Vonce.