CHAPTER 4
Rassia
Sa normal na pamilya, natural lang na sabay-sabay kumain kapag umagahan, tanghalian, at gabihan.
Masayang nagk-kwentuhan, nagtatawanan, at nagtatanong kung kumusta ang bawat araw ng bawat isa.
Doon mo mararamdaman yung warmth ng pamilya, yung sense of belonging na kahit pagod ka, uuwi ka pa rin sa mga taong gusto mong makasama.
But in my family… we never had that.
I can't believe my father invited me to have breakfast with him!
Sa pagkaalala ko, he normally never eats with me?
Why?! Ano kaya ang na sa isip ng aking ama?! Hindi ako makatulog nang maayos kagabi kakaisip non. Tumingin ako sa salamin at nagulat ako dahil ang laki ng eyebags ko!
"Good morning, My lady." Elena greeted me with a respectful bow and a gentle smile.
"The Duke has summoned you to have breakfast with him."
Shit! Ito na! I bit my thumb, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
"What happened, my lady? Nakatulog ka ba nang maayos? Are you feeling alright?" Elena approached me, halatang nag-aalala.
She definitely noticed my eyebags.
"Yes, Elena," I replied with an awkward smile. "Just prepare my bath."
Even in my previous life, I never really had a normal family either. Same as Rassia, I always ate alone. I shook my head. Maybe it was really my fate not to have a proper family.
But honestly? I actually prefer my life here.
At least dito, kahit mag-isa akong kumain, sosyal naman ang pagkain sa mesa.
Not like my previous life na solo na ngang kumakain, sardinas at itlog lang palagi ang ulam ko araw-araw.
At habang kumakain ako, may background noise pa na parang reality show na hindi ko naman in-applyan.
Hirap na hirap akong kumain. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang titig ng aking ama sa akin, and I couldn’t even swallow properly.
“Eat,” he said coldly.
Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang dinagdagan ng steak ang plato ko.
Why are you doing this to me, Father?!
Napalunok ako at dahan-dahang napatingin sa kanya.
How can a 39 years old be this good-looking?! I mean—how can a father be this terrifying?!
He has dark red hair just like mine. His eyes are a deep golden color, hidden behind his silver glasses.
Matangos ang ilong niya and his lips are thin, always set in a cold, controlled line.
He looks like my male version, like I was carved from the same mold but softer somehow.
The only real difference between us is our eyes.
His are gold and bright while mine must have come from my mother.
"You must have starved yourself expecting I would give you that useless tiara," he continued.
"Stop causing trouble and start behaving."
After throwing a tantrums at him and scolding me over that tiara, I used to starve myself just to get his attention, hoping he would feel sorry for me at ibigay niya sa akin 'yon.
That’s probably what he thinks now. Well, nagkakamali siya. I don’t even care about that tiara. And I do eat a lot… when he’s not around.
"Yes, Father.." I said.
I noticed my brother, Russel, sitting across from me with his brows slightly furrowed as he ate. After he recovered, I never really got the chance to see him because he’s always studying and training. Fulfilling his duty as the heir.
I’m actually glad Father invited him to have breakfast with us too.
"Kumusta ka, Russel?" I finally broke the silence, offering him a small smile.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the maids exchange surprised looks. Even Russel’s personal maid, Corazon, was standing nearby, quietly watching him.
Wala akong pake sa mga iniisip nila.
I just want to get closer to my brother. I want to be a good sister to him. I know he’s always alone, always with Corazon by his side, always carrying everything on his own.
I want him to feel that he has a family.
Because clearly… Father does not love us.
“What?" he said, like he didn’t hear me properly.
"I asked how you are," I repeated, smiling a little.
Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit ka ganyan magsalita sa’kin?"
Napakurap ako. "Like what?"
"Since when did you care about me?" tiinaas niya ang kilay niya.
"Of course I care," I said gently. "You’re my younger brother."
I feel my father's eyes on me like he’s trying to read through every thought I have.
Everyone knows that I’ve never shown any interest in Russel before. In the novel, Rassia never even bothered to look at him, never even spoke to him out of jealousy. So now… this must look strange to everyone.
"You only talk to me when you want something or when you’re trying to get father’s attention."
"That was before!" I said quickly.
"Stop pretending!" Napasigaw siya.
"I'm not pretending!" Hindi ko napigilan na tumaas na rin ang boses ko.
"Tsk! What do you want from me?!"
"I just...wanted to talk to my brother!" binaba ko nang malakas yung hawak kong kutsara.
"Do you expect me to belie—"
"BOTH OF YOU CHILDREN ENOUGH!"
Parehas nanlaki ang mata namin ni russel at dahan dahang tumingin sa aming ama. I saw father's eyes na nagpapalit palit ng tingin sa amin at mukhang galit.
Not only that, his gold mana appeared!
A magical energy that surrounds a mage when their emotions overflow. It only shows up when a mage is truly losing control.
He’s so angry that his mana is leaking out of him!
A heavy, suffocating aura of magical energy suddenly filled the whole dining hall. Parang biglang bumigat yung hangin, as if every breath became harder to take.
Even the knights straightened instantly. The maids froze in place. Walang gustong gumalaw, walang gustong huminga ng malakas.
"This is a dining table," malamig niyang sabi, pero ramdam mo yung gigil sa boses niya. "Not a place for nonsense."
He looked at Russel first.
"You.." he said sharply, "stop talking to your older sister like that like she’s your enemy. Respect her. You are the heir. Act like one!"
Russel clenched his jaw. Namula ang pisngi niya at nag-iwas ng tingin.
Father looked at me. Napalunok ako.
"And you," mas malamig pa yung boses niya ngayon. "Stop provoking him. I don’t care kung anong iniisip mo, this behavior is unacceptable!"
Napakagat labi ako, wala akong nagawa at napayuko nalang. I just wanted to talk to my brother. If he is doing okay.
"I brought both of you here to eat breakfast as a family," he continued, "not to make a scene."
The whole room still felt heavy, like the air hadn’t fully gone back to normal.
I straightened up immediately. "I’m sorry, Father."
"Tsk!" Russel clicked his tongue, then looked away. "I was out of line."
"I shouldn’t have raised my voice. Humihingi ako ng pasensya." His voice was stiff, like it was hard for him to say it. He didn’t even look at me when he continued.
I can’t help but laugh a little.
Russel is so cute when he has an attitude and when it’s obvious he’s embarrassed. He really looks like a mini version of Father. His hair is exactly the same, and his eyes are also gold, like he was just copied and pasted.
As I looked at him, I couldn’t help but think, maybe this is what Father looked like when he was younger too.
When the room finally calmed down and we went back to eating breakfast, Father set down his utensils and spoke again, his tone still carrying a hint of reprimand.
"I brought you two here to have a peaceful breakfast." he said firmly, "hindi para mag away na parang aso at pusa," he added, giving us both a sharp look. Then he continued, "and I also have something to tell you."
"What is it, Father?" I asked. Russel looked at father, waiting for his answer.
Father didn’t answer right away. He took a slow sip of his drink, then set it down with quiet precision.
"Prepare yourselves for the Emperor’s 60th birthday banquet," he said.
"Russel," he continued, his gaze settling on him, "you will perform the summoning dance. Use your divine power and summon your animal spirit. Make sure it is worthy enough to impress the Emperor."
Nanlaki ang mata ko.
This… this is part of the novel.
Finally, I’ll be able to see the magic of this world with my own eyes.
But wait.. In the novel, Rassia never attended this.
Sa banquet na ‘yon, the Emperor required every high-ranking house to send a representative to perform a magic dance, a summoning dance gamit ang mana nila to summon an animal spirit.
Most houses chose noble ladies as their representatives. But House Quentin was different. Because Rassia, the eldest daughter, had no abilities. She couldn’t even summon a spirit. So the Duke sent Russel instead.
He was the only male among the noble houses who stepped forward to perform.
At dahil doon, naging laman ng bulungan si Rassia pagkatapos ng Emperor’s banquet. Mas lalo lang dumami ang panghuhusga, mga bulong na salita na sapat na para marinig niya. Kahihiyan ng House Quentin. A disgrace.
Lalo na’t ducal house sila, second only to the Imperial family, at kilala bilang isa sa pinakamakapangyarihang lineage ng mga mage sa buong empire.
Yet the Duke, Cesare Fuegoleon Quentin’s eldest daughter… had nothing.
At dahil doon, nagkulong si Rassia sa kwarto niya ng tatlong linggo.
I can't help but feel sorry to Rassia. Napayuko ako at napakagat ng labi.
"…Understood, Father," Russel said, breaking my thoughts.
"May I ask," he added, "when will the banquet be held?"
Father answered without hesitation. "In two weeks. You will begin your preparation immediately."
Tumango si Russel, at saglit siyang napatingin sa akin. Walang inis sa tingin niya, pero ramdam ko na may pag-aalala sa tingin niya.
"Rassia, do you want to attend?" Father asked, must have noticed how quiet I was.
The Princess, Cayena Vacardi, will also perform the summoning dance.
Isa lang ang ibig sabihin no’n. Makikita ko siya.
Alam kong dapat ko siyang layuan. I should stay out of her path, just like how it was supposed to be.
Pero hindi ko rin mapigilan ang curiosity ko sa kanya. I want to see her.
In the novel, she was described as someone kind-hearted… someone genuine.
Maybe… I should try to befriend her this time.
I looked up at my father and nodded. "Yes, Father. I want to enjoy the banquet… and I also want to show my support for my brother’s performance."
I turned to Russel and gave him a small smile. Namula siya at nag iwas ng tingin.
"...That’s good to hear, then," Father replied.
Tumingin ako sa aking ama na may pagtataka. I don’t know why he’s acting like this. As if… he actually cares about me.
"Rassia."
"Father?"
"Let's go out together." Father said as he wiped his mouth with a table napkin.
"S-sa anong dahilan?" kumunot ang noo ko.
"No reason."
"....Pft." Narinig ko si Russel na nagpipigil ng tawa.
Father and I never go out in all of my 18 years of my life. He's acting weird. Simula nang pagkauwi niya rito! Instead of going straight to work or whatever he usually does… he chose to take me out?!
"We have high quality fabrics here! Come take a look!"
Now we’re here at the boutique district, walking side by side. Tahimik lang ako habang katabi siya. We have knights na nakapalibot sa amin. Sobrang dami nila! I can’t even count them. Honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming.
Ano bang naisip ng aking ama at nagdala siya ng ganito karaming tauhan? Para kaming may digmaan na pupuntahan imbes na simpleng pag-iikot lang sa mga boutique.
He is a powerful elemental holder after all. One word from him, and everything would fall into place. No one would dare lay a finger on us. He can take them down easily… so bakit parang ang higpit ng security niya ngayon?
Father walks like nothing is unusual. He's calm and composed. As if this kind of attention is completely normal.
Every step we take, ramdam ko ang mga tinginan ng mga tao sa paligid.
And then the whispers started.
"T-the Duke!" someone shouted.
"Is that the Duke's daughter? Ang gandang bata."
"They are shopping together? Hindi ko naririnig na maganda ang relasyon nila."
"A-ang kisig ng Duke."
And ofcourse...
"Balita ko masama ang ugali ng anak."
Isinawalang bahala ko nalang ang mga naririnig ko.
Napatingin ako sa isang gown na nakadisplay sa isang shop.
Ang ganda. The gown looked like something pulled straight out of a dream.
It was a silver off-shoulder gown with a soft sweetheart neckline, framing the collarbones in an elegant way.
I saw Father in my peripheral vision, his gaze shifting toward me. Sinundan niya ng tingin ang tinitingnan ko, as if trying to read what caught my attention. Then, without a word, bigla siyang pumunta roon. Wala akong nagawa kung hindi sumunod na lang din sa kanya.
"That one." Tinuro niya yung gown na kanina ko lang tinitingnan.
"This one too...."
"And all of those.."
"Hmm.. that one too."
I don't get it! Why is he acting like this?
Nakuha ng isang bag ang attention ko sa bags section. It looks stunning and elegant. The kind of bag that practically screamed you can’t afford me.
"Aw! my lady, you have a very good eye!" the sales lady approached me quickly, smiling a little too brightly. "That piece is one of our finest. Bagay na bagay sayo!"
I was just about to respond when—
"Are you stupid?" Father’s voice cut in, cold and sharp.
The sales lady froze. "I—I beg your pardon, Your Excellency?"
"Do you think my daughter would be satisfied with just one?" he continued, looking at her like she had just committed a crime. "If she’s looking at this section, it means she wants all of it."
Nanlaki ang mata ko at napatingin sa aking ama. I smirked. Okay... A villainess with a bad reputation is not so bad after all.
I slowly turned back to the sales lady, who now looked like she was about to faint.
"Well," I said, crossing my arms, playing along, "I want everything in this section."
Then I gave her a slight glare. Since I’m a villainess anyway… might as well go all out.
The sales lady nodded frantically. "O-of course, my lady! Right away!"
What a long day. Gusto ko nang umuwi. My feet were starting to hurt like crazy, nararamdaman ko na ang mga paltos ko sa paa. Medyo nahihilo rin ako, probably from exhaustion.
Paika-ika akong naglalakad, trying to keep up with my father. Father's gaze dropped to my feet and before I could even react, bigla niya akong binuhat.
"W-wait—Father!" I panicked, grabbing onto him. "Nakakahiya!"
"We’re going back to the carriage," he said calmly, as if this was completely normal.
"I’m fine! kaya ko pang maglakad! ibaba mo na ako!" I protested, trying to move. People were already staring. I could feel every pair of eyes on us.
First, he acts weird at the boutique… and now this?!
"Rassia," he said, his voice firm. "Stay still. We’re going home."
Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako. Wala akong laban sakanya.
So I stopped struggling, letting him carry me all the way to the carriage like some helpless noble lady. Honestly… nakakahiya, but also… a little comforting.
By the moment we got inside, the exhaustion finally hit me. I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep.
When I woke up, we were already back at the ducal palace. I stepped out of the carriage, still a little drowsy, then turned to Father.
"Father… thank you for today," I said, giving him a genuine smile.
Inaamin ko, masaya ako sa araw na ito. This is the first time I’ve gone out with him like this.
"Thank you for the… lavish bags, accessories and dresses." I added, a bit awkward but sincere.
"I’ll go to my room, Father. You should get some rest too." Tumalikod na ako, and the knights immediately followed behind me, carrying all the things we bought.
"Rassia."
Napahinto ako.
I slowly turned back.
"When you smile," he said quietly, "you look just like your mother."
For a second, I didn’t know how to respond.
Then, I just smiled again, softer this time before turning away.