As the night passes, the chirping birds greeted the morning sun to rise. My body felt worse than yesterday. Since I found myself painful in consciousness, I stopped myself to think about anything and slept a little bit longer. As Laura saw me asleep, she just left the room quietly.
After an hour passed, Laura woke me up with news that came unprepared on my side. It was an invitation to meet my father in his office. I wondered why he was at home today. Why it had to be today when I am in pain all over my body. I grunted to myself. I never thought that my father would request my presence, this has never happened before. I brought myself up with a cup of coffee and a slice of toast. I kept on debated with myself whether to go or not, for the reason that I am not well. After a long discussion with my persona, I went to meet my father, Duke Evander Remus.
I have arrived in front of my father's door. I felt like the beat of my heart could betray my performance any second now. After the butler informed the Duke that I have arrived, I pulled myself together and walked in confidently. In front of me was the man I called father, but never a father to me. He looks tired but still strong and confident. However, I didn't know why I felt like my throat tightened. I felt like I could cry. A father, always a father, which was probably why I felt like that. The desired to be loved although a mile away, I couldn't help but wanted to reach out to it. Then my father woke me up from my daze.
"How are you doing, Deanna? It's been a while since I last heard from you."
His voice sounded stern, but somehow I could feel his kindness.
"Good morning, father. I am well. How about you, father? It seems like each day you were busier than the previous. May heaven bless you with good health."
I tried to sound confident in front of him so that he knows that I've changed. I am not the weak child that he used to know.
"I am well. I heard that you got your badge from Baron Marcius."
"Yes, father. I just kept it in case of urgency."
"Take good care of it. You may dismiss now if you don't have anything else to say."
I was confused about why he called me just to ask about the badge. I thought it was a waste of time, so I tried to say a few things to make it seem worth my time. As I was about to make a move, I accidentally glanced at my father's study table, which was full of paper about farmers. I remember this time was when the farmer protested the kingdom. Hence, I voiced out my opinion, but with the thought of, I am not in 2021. Furthermore, I am not an Economic student but Engineering. So I didn't really know much about it. I thought to myself, whatever happens, confidence is the key. I remembered that I have this one friend who always looks confident wherever she went. I had one class with her during my second year in college, and at that time I knew that all the things she said were wrong, but the way she talked made everyone believe her. I am amazed at her, as I could never be like her. However, I have to change and be stronger.
"I might seem rude, as I believe you are wise. May I voice out a few of my thoughts?"
I sounded polite yet confident with my words, and I have my knowledge to back me up if anything unpredictable happened.
"Yes, you may."
"Father, I am blessed with no more war on our side. However, as you know, during the war the demand for foods was higher than usual, and resulted in many farmers took out loans to buy more land during that time. But now, with no more war, the farmers were producing more than the citizens could use, which caused a decrease in the price of the farmer's goods. It seems like a benefit to the citizens, however, on the farmers' side, because of this surplus, they were unable to pay off their debt and as well as their farm's necessities. This is why some are on the brink of debt."
"...."
My father stayed silent as he tried to observe and listen to my thoughts.
"With that being said, I have a suggestion to make. However, I wouldn't dare to suggest increasing the price just to satisfy the farmers, because we have to consider people who were in the middle and low classes as well. Food is a necessity for us, so we have to take into consideration all citizens. One thing that I could think of now is reducing the farmer's tax and increase the income tax of the noble, to be exact we should tax people according to their income. However, a person shouldn't be charged too high due to fear of dispute from the high noble. The noble always competing in being the best, so they are eager to show their wealth. The desire to be the best were sew on their body. Hence, they would buy any treasure that they could find; exquisite arts, prosperous lands, or even magnificent buildings. They would invest anything that will show their glory. Increases in taxes may raise a sound, but thier habit won't change," I said.
"This would increase the economic growth and as well as promote jobs to other classes. Moreover, I suggest that a person whose income is below a certain value shouldn't be taxed. Furthermore, the reason to charge is to make the gaps between the rich and poor less wide than before. As the gap widens, the poor will suffer deeper and longer deprivation because the range of goods and services available to them is scarce. With a few changes in the taxing system, everyone will be a little bit better off," I continued.
"So you think I should cut farmer tax, exempt tax to the low-class citizen, but increase the tax for the noble?" Duke Remus's asked for confirmation.
"Yes, father. If I may put it bluntly, the charges that the kingdom will receive due to the increase in the noble tax would be higher in comparison to the charges of tax now, for both the farmer and low-class citizens. Moreover, the kingdom can use the money to promote and export the country's goods, because I believe every different part of the world produces different products. Thus, this can create good relationships with others countries. Besides, we can use it for education, health, or even strengthen our public safety. With that being said, I believe everyone can enjoy the benefit. In simple terms, we can use it as public funds."
I might have exaggerated a bit, but I hope father understood what I tried to say. He seems to be disbelieving what I just said.
"I will see to that. You may leave, I am busy right now."
"Thank you for your time, father."
As I walked out the door, my father wrote a letter to request a meeting with the members of the secret council. He would like to discuss further with the others regarding the solutions. Even though I was long gone, he still couldn't grasp what happened just now. He just couldn't believe the changes that he saw and heard.
Now, after my body started to calm down, the pain that I felt before started to feel again. I decided to walk straight up to my room and laid my head down on the pillow. I didn't feel like doing anything. However, to my surprise, I couldn't believe how unlucky I am today when I stumbled, Eliana and the person beside her, Lady Dulcea Fulgencio, youngest daughter of Viscount Rufus Fulgencio, one of the members of the secret councils. Truthfully, I felt like I wanted to ignore them, but they already locked their gaze upon me.
"Greeting Lady Dulcea, Eliana. I hope both of you are well."
I tried to sound as polite as I could and gave them a big warm smile.
"Sister, we're going to have some tea in the garden. Let's join us."
My sister asked with a kind voice, though I disbelief of what was happening as this had never happened before.
"It's fine. I don't want to interrupt your evening."
"No, sister. Come one."
Eliana just held my arm and walked towards the patio. I couldn't believe how stubborn she could be and I wished I could reject her. Lady Dulcea walked elegantly beside Eliana, but still without a word I heard from her. A few minutes after we sat down, tea was served with some of the most beautiful and mouth-watering desserts. Right now I felt like I sat in front of a Slow Loris: cute but deadly.
"Sister, I like the tea that you brew so much. Brew for us, sis. Let Dulcea taste your tea as well. Will you sis? Please?"
She acted as weak as a woman could be and pleaded with her gentle voice.
"Ok, wait a moment."
After I finished brewing the tea, I served it politely. I am unsure of what Eliana planned right now. As I remembered, I never brewed a tea for her before. Nevertheless, I tried to believe otherwise there might be something that I missed. Unfortunately, as Lady Dulcea gulped the tea, she was frantic, and all of her words were full of contempt. She slammed the glass hard on the table to show her disapproval.
"Are you trying to trick me or just stupid? Is this you called tea? Do you think because I look nice, you can condemn me? Now I know why Duke Remus didn't let you out. I would feel ashamed of myself. I feel bad for Eliana having a sister like you."
Her glare was as sharp as a laser, and, with no mercy, it fired against my weak body.
"Please forgive her, Dulcea. I am ashamed of my sister. As she is just a low-born, she is uncultured and uneducated. She may have forgotten to brew tea."
She acted as I was in the wrong and kindly asked Lady Dulcea to forgive me. Some would pity her for the way she sounded right now. Her caring voice masked away the words that came out of her mouth.
"It's fine, Eliana. I am just teaching her to be a better person. From what I see now, her future would be either die young or become a scarlet woman."
Her malicious voice and words shocked me, as I couldn't believe a high-ranking noble like her could utter words like that. I was angry to the point I could blow up any moment, but I tried to stay composed, as patience was one of my strong points. A scarlet woman is another word for a female prostitute.
"Thank you for your kindness. No wonder you are the golden lady of the kingdom, Dulcea."
Eliana thanked Lady Dulcea with a smile on her face. I really wanted to fight back. It was hard for me to hold my words. In my mind, I already killed both of them, countless times and for that reason, I can smile a bit.
"I am deeply sorry, Lady Dulcea, Eliana. I excuse myself now. I wish both of you have a pleasant evening."
I apologized and bid farewell, as it was the only thing I should have done for now.
"Sister, since your room is near to the kitchen, can you bring this tea back to the kitchen and ask the maid to bring the new one."
"Sure, Eliana."
Suddenly, as I took a step, I fell down hard and all of my movements were jammed, like a car on a busy highway. The sharp, broken glass pierced through my skin. It hurt like hell, but it didn't faze me as the pain of being left alone was more painful than the glass. Both of them just sat there without any sympathy. It was nothing to be surprised as Eliana was the one that deliberately tripped me.
"Clean it."
Lady Dulcea pointed at her shoe, which got spilled by the tea. Since there was no cloth nearby, I just had to use my dress to clean it. I just hold back my anger as I didn't have the energy to fight them yet. I am so tired and in pain. I need to sharpen my sword to fight these monsters because as of now, I knew I couldn't win. As my body was in pain now my hand was bled, I picked myself and walked away. I just woke up in this world, but could I have survived this world. However, I believed action speaks louder than words, and with that, I would show them what I am capable of.
An instance I walked away, they continued their conversation like what happened just now was just a wind that passed by. Their proud and arrogant look could cut a piece of metal.
"Did you see how funny she looked? She tripped down but still didn't cry or say anything. It's funny how stupid she looks."
Eliana laughed happily at the thought that she had won this round.
"True, I was almost burst out loud. She's so fun to watch."
Both of them looked as happy as they had won a lottery.
"Have you prepared your dress for the Spring Ball, Lady Dulcea Fulgencio, crown princess of Quirinus?"
"Of course. I have to look my best as I will receive my first dance from the crown prince."
She answered with confidence and as proud as a peacock. Although she was the best candidate to be selected as a crown princess, it hasn't been announced yet.
"Nobody could deny your beauty, Dulcea. The crown prince will surely fall for you."
Eliana supported her friend wholeheartedly. Lady Dulcea, who has the beauty of an angel, caught everyone's attention the moment she appeared. Therefore, because of that reason, even she believed that the crown prince was already hers.
"True. Who could deny my beauty? I am also the Golden Lady. The most beautiful and noble of them all. What about you Eliana? Is it Sir Calisto Maxim?"
"Yes. I will forever love him. When I turn 18, I plan to ask my father to propose to him for me. He is so handsome and intelligent. Where else could I find someone like him?"
Her eyes looked dreamy as she imagined herself standing side by side with Sir Calisto Maxim.
"I agree, but he is second after the crown prince. The crown prince is the most handsome of all."
They continued chatting happily from the dress they chose to the man they chased.
When I reached the kitchen, I asked one of the maids there, as requested by Eliana. The smell of freshly baked bread was divine. I asked the chef if it was alright if I stayed here for a while. The kind chef accepted my request. However, it was a little bit awkward just to sit leisurely. Hence, I offered myself to help her peel some of the potato, which I saw on the table. She rejected me at first but eventually agreed.
"My lady, I never thought of someone as noble as you would come to this humble place, and you're peeling potatoes. I am forever grateful."
"No, chef. I like it here. I can smell bread all day long. It feels like I am in a bakery."
"You can call me Thalia, my lady. I am just a humble servant, you don't need to be polite with me."
"Thalia, stop saying that. You are the head chef of Duke Remus's household. Do you know how many people compete for your position? Never downgrade yourself. Even all the maids here are important. People may call you servant, but you are the maid of this house, without you all, do you think who will prepare the foods, wash our clothes or even clean the house. Without you all, the downfall of this household may come. Remember that you are more than you think. Thank you all for your loyalty and service."
I spoke with confidence and as I finished my words I bowed down to show that they are appreciated. Before I was also like them, always downgraded myself. I knew it was hard for a person to change, I knew because I tried. However, every time I climb up the stairs, it still felt like I am still at the first step. There was a time that I got depressed with myself and the feeling of my shattered hope. Hence, I felt that I needed to change this for me and them. Because at that time nobody held out their hand for me, I wonder, would it be different if they did.
We talked for a while in the kitchen. It was fun to joke around with them. All the kitchen maids and Chef Thalia were nice to me. They seem a bit distant and awkward at first, but eventually, they loosen up. I asked Chef Thalia whether I could use the kitchen by myself. She agreed, but I could not use it during the peak hour. I am glad I came to the kitchen. In my memories, Deanna never went out of her room, except sometimes to the garden. That must be why the maids didn't know how to act around me and why I felt no one by my side. As of now, I am ready to gain allies to fight this battle.
A few minutes before lunch, Laura came to the kitchen. For I am who's weak, I tried to hide the scarred that I caught on my palm. I didn't want Laura to feel sad, even for me. I vowed to bring her happiness. The weight that has been pulling me down since before made me reach for the bed with the aim to feel better by tomorrow.
At the same time, somewhere far yet near, depends on who is looking. The sight of an open book covered the majority of the desk and crumpled papers scattered all over the floor. His blond hair looks unkempt as he was working without resting. That man, Helios, still couldn't find the cause and how to change me back to my original body. Besides, he was also uncertain of what had happened to the original soul of Deanna Remus. He who was thought as powerful was stranded with no answers to the future. Though, it doesn't change his will to help and brought everything to where it is supposed to be.