D 5 (Edited Version)

“You mean, you need money?”

                “You can just ask us to lend you money right?” The two boys said in unison. I can’t help right now but sigh in disappointment.

                “Wait, better than that… we can just give you money. You know, I have a treasury all to myself, Drew has a pastry shop who has a great amount of income. Just ask and we can give you the amount.” Uriel emphasized. He said it in a monotonous tone and yet it still bears confidence, his face— emotionless, no twitches, no smudges— it’s a straight serious face and it scares me. This guy, the Crown Prince, a person soon to be king, has his own treasury that should be used for the sake of the kingdom— will willingly give me some of it just because I asked for a way to earn money. ‘I don’t know if I should feel loved or terrified.”

                “Yeah, I mean, we won’t hesitate to help you.” Drew seconded, and by this point, I really want to face palm. It’s nice to have two cousins who will back you up at anything and do their best to help you but, I don’t know. It feels nice but, as someone who grew up in solving her own problems and standing up for herself— Reine can be regarded as a strong independent woman. Frielle can too, but, since I didn’t experienced this type of care, I am confused on how to respond. Besides, I still want to be a strong independent woman in this world.

                And for that, I must clarify my statement.

                “Okay both of you, I know you want to help me as much as possible, however, I want to do this on my own as much as possible. I don’t want to rely on the treasury of the Crown Prince, nor to the income of Crème De La Crème. Those are yours and I insist you use that for your own, or yourself.”

                “But—“ They both interjected.

                “No, I insist. Now, I was asking for a way to earn income, let me clarify. I want to establish a business where the earnings can be put into the funds of the dukedom and can also generate jobs for the citizens. And to do that, I need possible investors. I need someone who is influential in the market or the business world to be specific.” The place was filled with a chilling silence, there’s no rustling of leaves from the trees, no wind or even chirping of birds, or even a single sound of an insect. The two boys got to thinking as I took a sip of my tea. My request may seem absurd or impossible to do so and that I may be asking for too much.

                Now that I think about it, no one is far more influential than the royal family, and Drew can be a potential investor. They both can help me already, but, I must not rely on them. Also, if they ever help me, that would only generate rumors.

                “But, we fit what you need. At least at the influential part.” Uriel reasoned. I made another sigh before explaining myself once more.

                “Have you forgotten? I am surrounded by bad reputation. If the people knew that you are helping me, they might take it in a wring way. Best case scenario is that they might think that I am just using you; but the worst case stand for itself: they might think that I am manipulating you, that I am using you for my personal gain. If that happens, things will get worse than ever before and that you guys— especially you, Uriel— might get caught to the wrath of the citizens. And we can’t have that. You’re the Crown Prince, you must have the full support of the kingdom.” With that said, Uriel just fell into silence, and just gave me an understanding nod.

                Drew was about to protest but I stopped him. With a calm smile and eyes that tells no protest no more, he didn’t dare open his mouth further. So now, we are here, sitting at the gazebo in the middle of the garden enjoying out tea and snacks. The wind was back and as it blows, it carried the scent of the flowers that enveloped the gazebo. The sun was in its early sunset. The sky was painted with the hues of orange, purple and blue. It was a scenery from paintings, with a flock of birds flying in a V shape, getting ready to nestle on their homes. And so His Majesty needs to.

                With that, we ended our afternoon tea. We walked Uriel to his carriage, with a little casual talk along the way. As I saw his carriage drove away, I can’t help but feel heavy in my heart, as if theirs is something that weighs in it. Could it be because I refused the two boys offer? Or is it the possibility that I may need to really rely on them and they will get caught in the civilian’s hatred? There are so much variable in play that it makes it hard to pinpoint the possible realities. But then again, the only predictable in life is its unpredictability.

                Though, I wouldn’t say that this afternoon tea ended in a bad note, nor in a good note. It’s stuck in the ion between. Before Uriel left, he promised that he will get into his connections and see if he could help me in anyway without getting caught with the dukedom’s problem nor the family issue.

                We entered the manor and as I headed to my office to attend to my left work, Drew asked Nikos to prepare a horse. “Why? Is there something you need to do?” I inquired, it’s nearly nighttime and travelling at night can pose many dangers. Adding to the fact that he is a Fortess, it doubles the possibility.

                He just gave me a warm smile and patted my head. “I’m just going to check on my shop, that’s all. Also, I need to return the clothes that we used during our undercover mission. Not wanting to be in the way of his plans, I let him be. He walked me to my office and by perfect timing, Nikos arrived with the announcement that the horse is ready as I entered my office. With that, Drew gave me a wave and a smile as I watched him close the doors of my office. Feeling like I was about to be a dead battery, I sat down my chair.

                Even though I am sitting all day, my legs still felt like I walked a mile and a half, feeling sore and tired. My arms might as well go limp at any moment as they are tired too. But the most tired one is my mind. From morning until tonight, it did nothing but to turn the cogs around, finding the most efficient and realistic way of solving all of this issues. ‘Remember, Frielle. This is for your goal to live a carefree life. This is also your responsibility.’

                With that motivation in mind, I started sorting and reading the other letters— old and new deliveries— placed atop my table. Not long after, someone knocked at my doors.

                “Come in.”

                “Your Grace, it is time for your meal.” Yuri announced as she pushed a trolley with a tray on it. How long did the time passed? I didn’t noticed that it’s already dark outside nor did I noticed my stomach grumble. I only felt the longing of my stomach and it’s want to taste food when I smelled the contents of the tray. Yuri placed the meal in another table— the one in front of the large sofa. While I was heading there, I savored the smell of the food.

                The savory smell of the beef wafting through my nostrils as I walk closer, it felt like it was seducing me to eat it. The scent of the beef was partnered with the aromatic, and pungent smell of rosemary— the earthy scent it gives just makes the beef even more desirable. Once I was seated, I finally saw all of the contents of the plate. There’s the beef which smell is incorporated with rosemary, when cut in half, showcases the perfect medium cooking— just the way I like it. It was easy to slice and a bite is so tender I don’t need to chew much, the juices coats my tongue and makes it dance through the melody of flavors.

                Beside the beef was mashed potato with gravy in the middle. The mashed potato looked creamy and smooth, a taste and it makes me remember the times when I was a journalist and this is the only thing I can cook perfectly, the only thing that I can cook and tastes fine. The gravy was in the color of creamy light brown, and it also emits the distinct smell of beef fat. When eaten together with the mashed potato, it just felt right. As if the two food were meant to be eaten together all along.

                In a separate bowl is a green salad. Fresh lettuce with thin slices of green apples and a simple vinaigrette as the dressing. After a heavy flavored supper, it is the perfect way to wash the heavy flavors before drinking tea. The lettuce was crunchy to bite, and when eaten with the apple makes it perfect to taste. The vinaigrette isn’t heavy to the taste buds. For the drink, I just drank water since I had too many cups of tea for today.

                ‘It might be best for the tongue to drink tea after such meal but, I have to keep drinking tea in moderation.’

                After that, I returned to my work load as Yuri cleaned up the table and took the dishes away. Before going out, she bowed down to show respect and closed the door.

                “Back to work Frielle.” Then I was back with my work and dwelling with my mind. Come to think of it, I did say that I want to establish a business, but, what business? What business could I possibly build? Looking back at the dukedom, it is popular for its crops— actually, it is the major supplier of crops in the whole kingdom— as it is the only land with healthy soil, appropriate for planting. With its vast plains and a decent amount of woodlands, people were able to make a living with their crops. Unfortunately, everything changed as grandpa did.

                Not too long ago, every farmer or crop dealer in the dukedom was profiting from their crops, enough to rise their status into the middle class. The fathers were able to send their sons into school and give them a decent life— with little to no hardships. Every family was living happily with their fortune, vast plantations and good produce. However, that changed when Grandpa turned bad.

                To keep the story short: he over taxed the lands and the farmers, even the products, making the farmers unable to earn their capital back. He also took away their lands and other properties in compensation to the unpaid tax— which is unreasonable but, what can you do against as noble? All those taxes were spent in leisurely things and things of no help or significance to the dukedom.

                TL; DL: He’s a tyrant through and through.

                Now, due to the unfairness my grandfather has shown, the citizens who suffered greatly has develop a deep sense of hate to the Fortess family. That is also a reason why my parents, even though they tried hard to restore everything, was faced with great hardships as the hatred of the people was too great back then. I just hope that somehow it has died down even just a little bit.

                One of the first things that I did upon knowing this issue was to lower the tax but, it is not enough. Many people still has no job and were barely surviving. The farmers who suffered the most were slowly getting up, but it will still take so much time before they got back to their former status. Another problem is that, because of the increase in tax to the supply back then, the farmers has to also increase their prices and so, not so many people bought their produces. Now, even though the tax is back to its original rate, the price is still high due to its low supply. And so, not many consumers were willing to buy.

                ‘Back to the main topic, what business should I build? I can’t do farming, that’s time consuming and I would be competing with the farmers of the dukedom. I need something new, easily creatable and not so time consuming. Another thing is that I need the raw materials to be cheap.’ My face contorted in a wrinkled forehead, knotted brows and lips on a thin line. Seriousness emits from my body as I thought hard and thorough. Tapping my finger into the desk as it might help me think faster.

                My finger tapped into something that is not wood. It’s smooth and somewhat oily in touch. I looked down and noticed a wax stamp in one of the letters. That’s when something clicked inside my head.

                “Yuri!” I called as I rushed outside the door. Loud steps echoed throughout the dimly lit hallways as I saw Yuri’s figure approaching.

                “Yes, Your Grace?” She said, panting a little.

                “Prepare a carriage for tomorrow. Make sure to have the fastest horses as we need to make things quick.”

                “Yes, Your Grace. I shall have it prepared immediately. But, may I ask, where you wish to go, so that I can tell the coachman our destination.”

                “I’m going to pay a visit to the farmer’s village. To the Guillemore.” Yuri seemed puzzled by my command but followed nonetheless.

                Tomorrow is going to be a hectic day.

                First thing in the morning, I boarded the carriage with Yuri and Nikos. I did not invite Drew with me this time, as to not get him caught if ever this visit turns into an ugly reality.

                ‘I wish not.’ I said to myself as I looked out the window, watching as we pass by trees upon trees with a couple of animals either up the tree or on the ground. There were some squirrels, birds of many kinds like a woodpecker, a raven, and lovebirds. On the land were a few rabbits approaching the bushes of berries, a possum and even a rustle from the bushes but I was not able to see what animal it was.

                The clip clops of the horse shoes echoed through the road and through the carriage, the breeze of the wind made my hair flew in a twirling manner as the ride was fast. There were a few bumps and jumps along the road the road as there’s some rocks laying around. Nonetheless, it was a comfortable ride as it can be. After a long ride, we arrived at the entrance of the Guillemore village. The carriage slowed down as to not startle the villagers nor to arise suspicion and make them angry.

                It was lunch time and many people are outside, walking from left to right, carrying pots of various sizes. Children were running along, playing tag with a happy laughter coming from their mouths. The older children were helping their parents bring food from one house to another, each having a small conversation on their ways. The whole place emits a joyful atmosphere, the small talks and the laughter creates a symphony in my ears— it is such a sweet delight. A precious moment to be savored as both in my past life and in this life, it would be a miracle to hear this symphony.

                Albeit, that moment was short lived as the sounds died down. Every child stopped laughing and running around, the older ones stopped walking and having small conversations, and the parents stopped at their tracks completely. Upon seeing the carriage of the Fortess family, everyone became anxious, fearing that a terrifying person might come out of the vehicle. The horsed clicked their hooves to the ground and neighed as the carriage door opened.

                Everyone watched in anticipation, wanting to know who the carriages bears inside and yet scared to know whoever the person was. Yuri got down first and was followed by Nikos. He offered me his hand for support but I didn’t accepted as I can come down just fine.

                “I present to you, Her Grace, the Duchess.” Nikos announced as I showed myself to the public.

                I came down wearing the simplest dress I have, wore my hair down and wore no jewelries. This is my way of showing that I am not here to flaunt the riches that I do not have. I gave them a simple nod as to show that I acknowledge their presence, however, not many bowed down to show respect.

                ‘This is to be expected.’ I thought as I watched those who bowed down rise up. I stared at the eyes of those who did not and showed them an understanding smile. An understanding smile that says that I may do not deserve their respect because of what my grandfather did to them.

                After that, there was an awkward silence. Everyone don’t know if to stay at their place or to continue with their day. Not wanting them to miss their lunch, I voiced out my business here.

                “May I talk with your Village Head? There is something I would like to propose.” I said in a soft tone just like that of a graceful girl and in the calmest and most respectful manner I can. Not long after, an elderly man walked towards me. He has gray hair and wrinkles in his face, his whole being shows signs of aging and yet, he can walk straight. He did not need of a crane or a walking stick, he can perfectly walk on his own. As he approached me, I can see signs of hard work in his body and especially his hands.

                His body, although old, shows signs of buffed muscles, as if he was working out— probably farm works that made this muscles, imagine when he was younger; his hands was calloused yet firm, a sign that he is indeed a hard worker.

                “Your Grace.” The old man said in a ruffed voice. “You have summoned me? Please follow me to my house and we can talk there.” He motioned his hand to the house near the village entrance. It was a fairly built house out of logs, a bit bigger than the others and closely resembles a cabin with a porch. The logs were of light in color and smooth to touch. The old man opened the door for me and invited me to sit in a small table located at the kitchen, as there is no office or meeting room in his house. It isn’t enough to have one and u can completely understand.

                “Forgive me Your Grace as I do not have an appropriate place for a talk.”

                “Please don’t be sorry. It is I who should for arriving without any notice in advance.” I said as I sat down on one of the chairs, Yuri stood behind me as Nikos pushed back the chair and stood beside Yuri.

                “May I ask what do you want to talk about, Your Grace?”

                “I will get to the point. I would like to buy your beeswax.”