Proceeding to the Journey

CHAPTER 6.1

Proceeding to the Journey

ㅤLUCAS had never thought of inviting misfortune within their kingdom when he finally tied the knot with Princess Luan from the current Izquierdo kingdom. All he thought was that: if he retreated, kept his mouth shut and instead, defend their territory in ways that only he could by watching the Demelzas carefully, then he could preserve Vintress kingdom’s peace and harmony. This was his chosen way of maintaining balance. Only that it’s a temporary resolution and war is inevitable as the snakes would have bitten him to death if he chooses the easiest path available.

With that, his father proved that he’s still unfit for being a leader with such choice. His choices aren’t exactly poor but it’s still lacking, although his father commended him for thinking logically as making friends with their enemies could really help them attain a serene administration. It was just that, peace was never an option. Behind the curtains and beyond the darkness, shadows loomed and the real villains wouldn’t sit still and await for his death. Instead, they would find a way to dethrone the Sutcliffe family once power would be bestowed in their hands.

His cautiousness may be something admirable but to concede against the probable evil will only being their land to its own destruction, following the tragedy of the previous Izquierdo kingdom.

“You still have a long way to to, Lucas,” his father remarked before he heaved a deep sigh, “a long way to go. Moreover, we still have time. We always have time. With that, you should take the opportunity to learn more about our history and the background of your soon-to-be bride.”

To be honest, Lucas felt disappointed that his chosen path was declined by his father, however; it’s not like King Alexander did that for no reason. After all, he’s the current king and all words that comes out from his mouth has a reason behind – it has come from a logical and rational judgment.

Also, it’s not like his father had never known the reason behind why he chose to wed Princess Luan. Of course, even before this marriage had been agreed upon, King Alexander knew the reason why Lucas decided to settle down with Princess Luan from the notorious Demelza family. Sadly, the resolution he came up with would bring nothing but temporary serenity, a false hope for everyone – a chance to be blinded by the Demelza’s almost nonexistent ‘kindness’ and ‘charity’.

“Alright, son.” King Alexander heaved a sigh and gestured him that he’s dismissed. “Take a rest. Study or take a stroll in the city if you’d like. We’ll see each other by dinnertime.”

Despite the discussion being dismissed and he was already permitted to resign for the rest of thr day, Lucas remained on his seat. His gaze never left his father who was about to go back to work but that does not mean that he was able to snatch his attention right away. Lucas clenched his fists and he bit his lower lip as he took a deep breathe and opened his mouth to utter a question.

“How?” was what he initially asked to his father right after he regained composure, “where do I start?”

King Alexander seemed surprised that Lucas was open for improvement. A content smile curled on his lips before the king nodded slowly, acknowledging his son’s dedication as the crowned prince and his genuine desire to lead Vintress kingdom.

“You were already in the middle of the race when you decided to learn about the tragedy of Izquierdo kingdom and the fall of Griegos. You should know where to pick up and continue your journey,” his father replied reassuringly as he motioned him to get up and continue where he had left off the mystery of the lost princess, “now, go. I still have lots of work to do, Lucas. I don’t have time to deal with my son who chose to wed a cunning woman.”

Lucas stared at his father ludicrously before he scoffed. “That’s too much! Alright, alright! I’ll study!”

“Great. Don’t disappoint me, Lucas. You know that you’re not the crowned prince because you’re my son, rather; because I know that you’ll perform better than me.”

As Lucas stood from his seat and walked towards the door, his father called him again which made him pause from what he was supposed to do and pay attention to his father.

“Make sure to read the file that Duke Louwes gave you, Lucas. That could help you pick up from where you left the topic at hand. I’ll be looking forward to hear from you, son.”

*

THE moment Lucas exited from his father’s office, Jonas was the one who greeted him first. As his eyes bore on his knight, Jonas lowered his head to pay respects to him before he strode toward Lucas to stand in front of him. Meanwhile, Lucas’ gaze averted to the large windows behind the knight and noticed how the sun was setting. Estimating by how the skies’ hue was a dark orange, it’s probably quarter to six o’clock in the afternoon.

But would that stop him from paving a way to complete his new agenda? Of course not. Anyway, he’s just gonna borrow books today, he won’t stay at the library since he figured that the librarian would have to stay because of him and Lucas thinks that it’d be unfair for someone who had been working the entire day.

As soon as he pulled himself back from his reverie, he faced Jonas and said, “let’s go to the library. I have to borrow some books and study something.”

Before Jonas could even react, Lucas began to walk down the hallway and despite his abrupt decision, Jonas immediately followed him from behind once he snapped from his own reverie. Even though his back was facing the knight, he could feel Jonas’ eyes on him.

“Prince Lucas,” Jonas uttered his name in a small voice but just enough for him to hear, “why are we going to the library all of the sudden?”

“It’s nothing.” Lucas shrugged and took a quick glance over the folder that he’s been holding. “I was told to learn more about a certain issue.”

Despite providing a vague response, without specifying what exactly should he be studying about according to the king, Jonas didn’t ask further and instead; accompanied him on the way to the library. Once they were there, the librarian was surprised and before she could tell him that she’s willing to have an overtime as long as he’s there, Lucas immediately told her that he would just be borrowing books.

“Sigurado po ba kayo, mahal na prinsipe? Pupwede po akong manatili rito hanggang sa matapos kang mag-aral,” alangang tanong ng librarian sa kanya.

Mahina siyang humimig. “It’s alright. Umuwi ka na pagkatapos kong kunin ‘yong kailangan ko. Magpahinga ka. Tulungan mo lang akong hanapin ‘yong mga kailangan kong basahin.”

“Ah. Kung ‘di niyo po mamasamain, anong mga libro po ba ang hanap niyo, mahal na prinsipe?”

“I need books that talks about the growth of Izquierdo kingdom for the past few years. It’d be better if the books would tackle the reign of the current royal family.”

Tila ba nagulat ang mga nakarinig ng sinabi niya sa paraan kung paano sila mapasinghap, mamilog ang mga mata nila, at pati na rin mapaatras. Lucas, on the other hand, remained silent and firm. Ni hindi rin niya pinagtuunang pansin ang pagkahulog ng panga ng mga kasama niya ngayon.

They’re probably wondering why he suddenly took an interest to the Demelza family’s history and administration again. After all, the last time he looked beyond the royal family’s story was even before he approved of his and Princess Luan’s marriage. He thought that it would be nice to just resort to traipsing the easier path – but in the end, his father showed him that there was no, in fact, an easy path to maintain peace and order.

“Oh, and also...” Lucas trailed off and brought his gaze back to look at the librarian, “do we have any books around here that talks about the Hymn of the Moon?”

Because if he’ll spend his time studying all night, he would rather go all out.

*

“PRINSIPE Lucas, ‘di ka pa ba magpapahinga?” tanong sa kanya ni Jonas nang magpaalam itong magpapahinga na’t sabihan siyang naayos na ang seguridad niya sa labas ng opisina niya.

Pinasadahan nuya ng tingin ang orasang nakalagay sa bandang gilid ng lamesa niya bago siya humimig. Alas diyes pa lamang ng gabi at wala naman siyang pasok sa umaga. Ang tutor niya, darating pa lamang ng hapon. Wala rin siyang maalalang may lakad siya. Wala naman siyang kaibigang bibisitahin o hindi kaya e lugar na nais puntahan. Gusto lamang niyang maparito nang usisain ang sinasabi ng ama sa kanya.

“Maaga pa,” tipid niyang sagot, “mauna ka nang magpahinga.”

Bagkus nagsabi siya kay Jonas na pupwede na itong umalis nang makapagpahinga, nanatili pa rin ito sa tapat ng lamesa niya, nag-aalala siyang pinagmamasdan.

“Mahal na prinsipe, ‘di ba bukas ka dadaan ng Magic Tower para hiramin ang aklat tungkol sa Hymn of the Moon?” muling tanong ni Jonas.

Bumuntong hininga siya. “Pagkatapos pa ng tutor ko. Ayokong maabutan ‘yong head magician sa Magic Tower. Baka pigilan niya pa ‘kong magbasa ng tungkol sa mga ipinagbabawal na mahika.”

Ilang sandali pang nanatili si Jonas sa opisina niya bago ito tuluyang nagpaalam na umalis. Hinayaan naman ni Lucas ang binata at muling itinuon ang buong atensyon sa mga binabasa. He’s been keeping notes and so far, he couldn’t see any flaws to the Demelza family’s administration. Kahit sa mga dyaryong nasa library, wala rin siyang mabasa na kahit ano tungkol sa mga Demelza.

And it’s weird, because even the Sutcliffe family receives hate and badmouthing from the media sometimes – it’s like, in one country, there would always be people who’d throw nonsense hate on someone or something just because they feel like it. They’d try to taint an individual’s image... but the Demelza family seems to have never encountered such an issue.

It’s... something and it’s suspicious.

Umangat ang isang kilay ni Lucas habang binabasa ang mga artikulo mula sa dyarong hawak. The topic talks about the recent charity that the Demelzas held, of how they volunteered to help those in need—from victims of calamities, orphanages, and the poor.

Meanwhile, another article talks about the ‘peaceful’ and ‘serene’ livelihood in Izquierdo kingdom under the reign of the royal family. Hindi niya maintindihan. Kung maganda ang record ng mga Demelza, bakit tinatawag silang ‘ahas’ ng ama niya?

Is there something beyond these articles? If yes, then what is it? Because apparently, the only fault Lucas could find about the Demelza family was that they dethroned the entire Griegos to ascend the throne – this, Lucas had always thought was done out of greed. However, if their ruling doesn’t harm their people, then there should be nothing that could go wrong.

They’re doing their job right and that’s nice to hear. But still, the articles raise suspicion.

“Are they really loved by their people?” Lucas unconsciously asked himself as he held his chin and rested his back against his chair, “or did they hush the individuals that could taint their name before hate articles could be released?”

Even the most silent person could receive hate from people who have claimed to be watching them closely.

“But if ever I prove that the Demelza family has no more dirt to hide, then how should I confront my father?” he added as a short chuckle escaped his lips.

Why is that he considers the lost vampire princess as their form of salvation against the Demelza family? From whom are they going to save themselves anyway, if she’s the one who needs saving and protection?

Lucas ran his fingers on his hair and sneered, “I don’t get it. Why are they so pumped up to look for her?”

She’ll only be a burden. Someone that could cause the downfall of his own kingdom. Princess Selene is... nothing more than a lost and fallen vampire princess.

He heaved a sigh and began to tidy his table as soon as he felt exhaustion embrace his entire being but as soon as he piled the books he borrowed from the library, his eyes caught the image of the folder Duke Louwes had given him earlier.

“Shit, I missed that,” he muttered as he took the folder with him. He better read it in his room before he falls asleep.