7 CHAPTER VI

The sound of chirping birds woke Celestine up from her deep slumber. With much difficulty, she opened her eyes. The whole room had been showered with the sprinkle of the sun's morning light.

It all seemed like a peaceful morning, but it was far from it. A week has passed after the incident between Meira and Ronald, yet, nothing has happened in regards to Meira's justice.

Winter has just started, though the air has gotten significantly colder, the most awaited snow is nowhere yet to be seen. All of the official matters have seemed to calm down, seeing that it was already vacation time, the people have started to party to their heart's content, at least that's how it has been before. Celestine could only guess what's happening in the outside world because until now, she was still not allowed to go outside the residence.

Standing up, Celestine pushed open the window to let in the cold yet fresh breeze enter the room, brushing past her face. She closed her eyes to inhale the wonderful scent that the winter air has brought upon, the calming breeze playing with her long hair.

A soft knock on the door suddenly resonated throughout her room, followed by the call of her friend.

"Enter." She said, moving from the window to face her friend.

She was greeted by a pleasant smile, in which she gladly returned.

The both of them have not talked about what happened a week ago. Celestine decided to be considerate of her friend's feeling, hearing her plead, she knew that despite what she wanted to do, she needed to respect her feelings.

Thus, in order to help her friend, she did everything in her power to avoid Ronald, not even attempting to go out and train anymore, she ordered Meira to come to her room every morning so that the both of them will be able to avoid unnecessary meetings with both the father and son duo.

But of course, nothing really goes one's way. for Roux has been persistent, visiting her daily ever since his work has gotten more smooth sailing. However, it seemed like he was not part of the matter between his father and Meira, his actions said so.

However, knowing how despicable the both of them can be, Celestine was not sure of what to believe anymore, thus, she remains at high alert whenever she's facing Roux.

"What shall we do today?" Celestine asked Meira, guiding her friend so that the both of them can sit down on the edge of her bed.

Meira paused, thinking deeply of what to do to keep them entertained. She has noticed Celestine's attempt to keep her feeling safe and happy, and she was truly thankful. She never knew that she would be able to experience such happiness brought upon by a friend.

Ever since she was a child, she has been a servant of the Maynard family. She was a daughter of two traveling merchants, however, both of them died from an unknown disease as they visited Maylea, leaving her all alone. She was cared for as a child by a retired maidservant from the Maynard Family, and as she was finally able to do house chores, at the age of ten, she was presented by her adoptive mother to work at the Governor's residence.

She was not allowed to experience what normal children can do, for all her life, the only thing that she could do was to follow orders and serve.

She could not blame her adoptive mother for her decision to present her as a maidservant but at the same time, she thought of what her life may have been if only her parents were lucky enough to survive the unknown disease that took their life.

Like them, she wanted to travel, see what the world has to offer, but then, that was not possible, for she was now chained to her fate, unable to escape.

She knew what was coming. She could always hear the silent whispers of the servants. What happened to her was normal, and it was inevitable. It was just how their Head Master was. They did not have the power to command nor stop him from his wrongdoings for they belong to him.

But still, even though she was prepared for the worst, the actual event has brought upon extreme fear and shock to her. She hated how powerless she was, as she tried to fight but was unable to do so due to their big differences, and it was not just between their standings in society, for she also lacks the physical strength to fight. She was weak.

That's why now, she's trying her very best to forget and move on because that's the only way for her to keep living. Though deeply grateful towards Celestine, she figured that it would be best to keep their mouths shut, for there is nothing that they could do to fight... At least for now.

She looked at Celestine, shaking her head while smiling.

"We've done almost everything these past few days. I can't think of anything anymore." She said truthfully.

Celestine returned her opinion, nodding. "That's right. We've done everything and now, it seems like we're all out of options." She said.

Both of them laughed before stopping, joining in a sigh.

Though the both of them have enjoyed the past few days, right now, they have nothing to do anymore. If only they were allowed to leave the residence... But then, do they really need someone else's permission?

Celestine instantly looked at Meira, giving her a wicked look, smirking. The other girl only replied with a curious gaze, not understanding what her friend is thinking.

Seeing the innocent look from her friend's face, Celestine sighed loudly, before going near Meira's left ear, whispering, "Let's escape." She said, smiling excitedly.

Meira immediately backed off, not happy with her friend's suggestion. "What? No! Are you even in your right mind?!" She screamed, clearly displeased with her friend's suggestion.

Celestine looked around the room before positioning her right index finger to her mouth. "Hush. Don't be too loud." Celestine said, whispering.

Understanding, Meira repeatedly nodded her head. "Okay, okay." She said, lowering her voice. But with her forehead still knotted, she looked back at Celestine and once again denied her friend's invitation.

There is no way they would be able to escape the residence, not with all of the guards around. It would be far too risky, and it was not worth it just for a little entertainment.

"No, Celestine. I can't believe you even thought of something like that, it's not like you!" Meira said, reprimanding her friend.

Celestine pouted, yet, she understood where Meira is coming from. What she said was indeed far from her usual demeanor. It seems like her childish side is once again showing, knowing that she has nothing productive to do.

But in the end, who can blame her? She was still, after all, still a child. She just turned eighteen. Even she is shocked due to the fast turn of events in her life.

Sighing, she stopped trying to persuade her friend. Thinking about it, it really was risky. The possible punishment far outweighs their cause.

Seeing her friend's dejected face, Meira felt guilty, but then, she did not want to tolerate her friend's sudden wants. She did not want to cause her any harm.

As she attempted to open her mouth, thinking of another suggestion, she was cut short by an abrupt knock at Celestine's door.

She stood up from the bed, leaving behind her friend who is laying down, to open the door.

She was greeted by a eunuch, who had a golden scroll occupying his hands. For a while, she was a bit baffled not knowing what to do, but then, the both of them greeted each other before the eunuch promptly asked for Celestine.

"Is the Young Mistress, Celestine inside?" The eunuch asked courteously.

Meira looked at her back before turning to the eunuch once again.

"Yes, the Young Mistress is inside, please, come in." Meira answered, before positioning herself at the side of the door to let the eunuch enter the room.

They both proceeded to Celestine's bedroom, with her being the first one to come in.

"Young Mistress, a eunuch is asking for your presence." She said, bowing her head. She chose to address Celestine formally, knowing that they are under the eyes of a eunuch, who she recognized as the Head Master's servant.

After hearing Meira's words, Celestine understood that she needed to act like how she was expected to.

Nodding, Celestine fixed her attire and went on outside of her bedroom to greet the eunuch.

"Greetings. May I know of the reason for your sudden visit?" She asked, presenting a wonderful smile. Proper etiquette was still important, after all, she has studied so in order to be a proper courtesan, it was only natural to put it to good use.

The eunuch bowed down to her as he greeted her back. "Greetings, Young Mistress." He said. Celestine nodded, accepting his greeting before signaling him to continue.

"I am here to inform Young Mistress of the new edict that has been signed by the Head Master, the Governor." He informed.

Celestine inhaled deeply, she gave Meira a look. The both of them have their foreheads knotted, frowning. They both had a bad feeling about this edict.

The eunuch opened the scroll that he has been holding. As he prepared to read it aloud, the two ladies that are waiting, swallowed, trying to keep themselves calm despite the slight pain that their stomachs have been giving them due to their nervousness.

"By the Governor's edict, Celestine Schleifer will be marrying Roux Maynard two weeks after the first snow has fallen in this winter." The eunuch announced before closing the scroll and attempting to give it to Celestine, but to no avail, for she was looking far away, seemingly quite distracted.

A calming silence filled the air, yet, Meira knew that it was far from that.

Her friend was shocked, possibly even mortified. It was like what happened to her, she knew that Celestine has already expected this event to finally come, and she has prepared herself for it, yet, it really does hit differently once you have come in the face with it.

The reality was just that cruel.

Seeing the tears building up in her friend's eyes, Meira quickly went towards the eunuch.

"May I be the one to hold on to the edict? Young Mistress is currently in shock right now." She said truthfully, hoping for the eunuch to understand.

The man looked at the pitiful young lady who was still looking far away, as he noticed the building up tears in her eyes, he nodded.

Indeed, it was such a shocking piece of news. Everyone in the Governor's residence knew of her circumstance. This was because some of the servants have witnessed the way a woman, her mother, has begged in the feet of the Governor to spare her daughter, but to no avail.

Their Master was indeed like a demon, dressed and covered in fancy clothing. Whenever he wants something, he will do anything in his power to have it. The reason is honestly quite simple. It was because he can. No matter how unfair his prepositions are, people can only accept.

The news spread like wildfire across the servants of the residence, the reason why they are no longer shocked to greet the young lady that arrived the day after.

Oh, how they wished for a day to come to see their Master crawl in the feet of someone higher than him. But somehow, it seems like that imagery is far bound to happen. For the cruel Governor will bow to no one. They could only hope for the Mandate of Heaven to grace them his presence, fulfilling their wishes, for it seemed like the wretched man would only bow his head to one that is close to being a God.

The eunuch handed out the scroll to Meira. Bowing before saying his goodbye, "I shall take my leave." He said, formally. Giving one last look to Celestine, and nodding his head to Meira, he finally turned his back to leave.

Closing the door behind the eunuch, Meira immediately returned to her friend, placing the scroll right by the ground. She helped the unresponsive Celestine to sit down, both of them sitting down on the carpeted ground.

Just like what Celestine did to her, she tried to calm her down. Though her friend's tear has not yet fallen, she knows that her heart has already shattered. It was such an unfortunate news for the young Celestine. To immediately be tied down to a man that she hates, it was all too cruel.

"It's gonna be alright, Celestine." Meira said, her voice small for she did not know the right words to say.

Suddenly, Celestine laughed. It was a menacing laugh, full of deep hatred.

Shocked, Meira was unable to move from her position. Her hands stayed at the back of her friend which slid down as Celestine moved, picking up the scroll at the ground before reading it aloud.

"Celestine Schleifer will be marrying Roux Maynard two weeks after the first snow has fallen in this winter." She read, her voice sarcastic.

It was such a short edict, yet it meant the world to her, quite literally, for it was her life on the line.

She thought of all the things that she has been used to doing. Compared to her life now, even though she was showered with the gifts given by Roux and is living in luxury, being provided with delicious food and beautiful clothing, she hated it. She hated everything in her life now, except her friend, Meira, who has been keeping her sane.

If she was left alone with this situation, for sure, she'll soon be driven to madness.

She'd rather die than be married and be a part of this distinguished-disgusting family.

With that thought, Celestine flashed a smile. What she thought of was indeed a bright idea.

Instead of living her life in misery, why not try to live it to its fullest by doing everything that she can right now? No one will be stopping her... Well, except one.

She looked at Meira with pleading eyes, she only wished for her friend to accept her decision. For it was not just for herself, but for her dearest friend as well.

Meira's eyes were suddenly filled with tears.

"No, Celestine... Please, don't do this." She said, tears falling from her eyes.

Meira understood what Celestine was trying to say, yet, she cannot bring herself to say yes.

She doesn't want to let her friend waste her life, but then, she understood that for Celestine, it was better to end things the way that she wanted to, rather than to spend her so-called life the way others have planned for her.

"Celestine... Please." She tried to beg once more, but her friend only smiled at her while shaking her head as she wiped her tears. "It's alright, Meira... Besides, it's not like I'm gonna die." Celestine tried to say it jokingly but that only made her tear up more.

Of course, she will! She will be committing treason! All the more reason for a grave punishment if she did survive her attempt.

"Then what are you going to do? Huh?" Meira said, trying to wipe out her tears, sniffing.

Celestine smiled, "Well, I'm just gonna be scaring that old man. Nothing more, nothing less." She said, shrugging with a smile.

Thinking about it, it seems like she's actually taking in everything well for today. Maybe because of the boredom that she has felt earlier, her childish side has been itching to do something fun yet dangerous.

She smirked. Indeed, what she wanted to do was fun. After all, aside from the ease and joy that she will acquire, her actions will be serving as punishment for the shameful actions that the wretched old man has done before. Though not enough, she will be doing everything that she can.

Once again, Celestine gave Meira a pleading look. She wanted to at least have her best friend agree, but Meira only shook her head. She was not going to let Celestine do such a brazen decision. An evident look of worry and concern was plastered on her face.

Still, Celestine's decision was already made. No one will be able to stop her.

Celestine gave her friend a bright smile, before standing up. With the scroll in her left hand, she grabbed her sword, holding it to her right.

She inhaled deeply, taking in the cold air that was flowing through her window. She felt calm. Finally, she felt free. Now that she has thrown all of her inhibitions away, she was relieved. It was the best feeling, after all, to have nothing tying you down, nothing to prevent you from being yourself.

Giving one last look towards her friend, Meira, she smiled, finally being able to be herself. She fixed her attire, quite annoyed that she's still wearing her nightwear but then shook it off. She was happy.

Celestine dashed towards her door closing it at her back, locking her friend inside her room.

"I'm sorry, Meira but I won't let you stop me." She said, whispering through the door, her answer towards the screaming voice of her friend, begging her not to go.

Turning her body, she was welcomed by the wonderful sight of the gardens. Though she hated the Masters of the residence, she cannot deny the beauty that was excluded by their land. Looking up, she noticed the sun shining brightly, it's rays spreading throughout the city, touching the trunks of the trees, which leaves have been falling, the small ones being taken away by the blowing wind.

She thought about where the damned old man may be. Considering that their workload has significantly decreased, he must be relaxing somewhere inside his luxurious residence. What perfect place could that possibly be?

Celestine smirked, knowing the right answer to her question.

Her long black hair flowed through the air as she made her way towards the Governor's chambers. She was a sight to behold. A woman in red, wearing satin nightwear, barefoot as she walked towards the Head Master's residence with a scroll and a sword in both hands, smiling.

Celestine was feeling her best. Though her stomach lightly rumbled for she has not yet eaten, she did not care. She knew that she was being extremely irrational. Surely, her actions will have a grave consequence but somehow, she did not mind. Just the mere thought of her successfully doing her objectives was enough.

With a smirk flowing through her lips, her eyes lit up as she saw the main palace of the Governor's residence.

Indeed. She was a sight to behold.

"Let the fun begin." She whispered with a wicked smile on her lips before finally walking towards the palace.