I. The Timmerhaus

“You are worthless.”

When I was nine, my mother said words that affected my whole life. It was the first time I have heard of those words, but I’m sure they aren’t nice. After learning what those words meant, I worked hard to find my worth.

In this world, humans are divided into three classes: the nobility, the clergy, and the peasants. My family belongs to the noble lineage of Timmerhaus, an honorable clan made by outstanding instructors and philosophers.

Count Seloriett Moroan Timmerhaus. The esteemed head of the house, who excels in hunting and agriculture. He unified the ideas of Eastern Lorelei and the Empire of Marluke to create an excellent farming culture.

Countess Corsant Liracyntia Maharlika- Timmerhaus. The top instructor of a renowned academy of Science and Mathematics called SIENCIA INSTITUTE. Respected and adored even by the emperial family. She was also the financial adviser of the former princess, now Duchess Martha Silverius.

Ashanti Kaia Timmerhaus, the daughter of the Timmerhaus, who haven’t made social debut yet rumors about her amazing face is already spread throughout the empire. It even reached the ears of the people in the boundaries.

Lastly, Cassey Timmerhaus. She haven’t made her social debut too, but is already working in the shadows as her mother’s assistant. No interesting information was known about her.

I am Cassey Timmerhaus and I belong in the fourth class- the ones who almost don’t exist.

It’s the 7th day of the Constantine (8th month). Our family was busy decorating the main hall. In less than a month, our family will hold the social debut of its first “esteemed daughter.” The invitations were being processed as of now, and it made my day busier than usual. Everybody is anticipating for the proclamation of the “esteemed daughter” of Timmerhaus. To everyone’s eyes, this is both a celebration and a war. Nobles would compete to introduce their noble sons to the “esteemed daughter” and curry favor the Timmerhaus household. To the Timmerhaus, this is a declaration of the successor, and a way to boast their prestige. But for us, the daughters of the House Timmerhaus, social debut is a crucial, neck-in-neck war to prove your worth. To be approved as an esteemed daughter, one needs to succeed in submitting a study paper. A study paper must contain an issue we want to address, its importance to the society, and a solution to address the given issue. Since this would decide my future role in our house, I prepared with efforts exerted twice than I could, stayed late nights to modify my statements and enhanced the presentation of ideas.

“TOK-TOK-TOK...”

Someone knocked at the door. I pulled the rope and it opened. “Miss Cassey, the madam has summoned you to her office."

I sighed. “In singko minutos, I would see her."

“But she has required that you should attend to them as soon as possible.” To them? So, he has arrived, huh.

I fixed my buttons and combed my hair. “Very well, please escort me to the Excellencies.”

The pathway to the attending room is dim but as it goes closer, it brightens. The crystal chandeliers in the high ceiling is always shining, as if dust can’t reach its place, just like the stars in the night. Before I even realized, we are already in front of the door. The attendants opened the doors as I walked with virtuousness and bowed humbly. 

“I greet the Count of the Timmerhaus and his honorable Countess.” 

“Tch, you greet us in such a clothing. How insolent! Do you think we are a joke?” I can’t see the Count’s face but I could visualize the smirk full of disgust and disapproval. 

“Please excuse my daughter, dear. She must have rushed to attend to us.” Mother’s voice was calm. She’s never been this calm and it gives me chills. There must be an annoying task again.

“If she really feels remorseful of her actions, she must have apologized! Look at her, unbothered of her own sins!” The count sounds angry, almost shouting. 

I bent my knees lower. “Forgive me for my insolence, your Excellency. I don’t dare ignore your precious existence, again. This, I swear in front of the Count and the Countess.”

“Cassey, my daughter, I don’t intend to deliver sad news in this busy day. But I thought, if I can’t tell you today, tomorrow would also be impossible.” My mother’s face looks pitiful, and I could sense some ultimax deja vu. 

“I assume this is about my maternal grandmother. Must I visit and check her situation?”

“It’s good that you have reserved some common sense in you. The trip to Conossal would take two days. We have arranged a place for you to rest in between the travels. You should pack the necessary things now, and leave immediately.” My brows crossed. I glanced at mother, who was quietly observing my reactions.

“Are you sending me, just when the sun went down? Where should I stay for the night? And how long would I stay there---” 

“You will return on the beginning of Elfralavies, the 10th  month.”

“But mother, what about the---” 

“The proclamation of the ‘esteemed daughter’ won’t be postponed, as the emperial decree is hard to reverse. I assume you are matured enough to understand the situation.” I really wanted to protest, however, my heart aches. It tells me that I should obey the arrangement, just this time.

At this moment, I have understood that it’s my defeat. “How shameful...” I turned my back on them and walked slowly, in low spirits.

“Look how shameful that wench is, and you think she could still be able to debut?” I could hear the count’s disappointment behind my back. But who cares? What I feel right now is beyond disappointment. It’s a shattered hope.

The countess embraced me as I walked outside the door. I took a glimpse of the carriage I’m riding. As usual, the whole family and staffs of the Timmerhaus is gathered to send me off.

“Cassey, if you’re done with the matters tasked, you can go home even if it’s not the month of Elfralavies. Maybe we could consider your paper.” Mother gave me a reassuring smile. I returned the favor and smiled back at her.

“Cassey...” I showed another smile to the beauty in front of me. 

“Ashanti, I will send your regards to maternal grandmother.” She showed her lovely smile and held my hand. “I shall have the honor to welcome you when you come back. Please return in good health.”

“I shall, sister.” I hurriedly headed to the carriage and sat in comfort. I waved them a goodbye and slowly leaned at the couch. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath out. 

My hopes weren’t utterly shattered at all. I shall return.

-

“Cassey, quick!” The voice of my uncle was echoing in the whole house. Even though my hands are trembling, I rushed to the carriage and volunteered to place the baggages on my own.

“Mang Facundo, I’d rather you help my uncle to carry my grandmother. Please e-ensure her safety, hic...” Sir Facundo, the driver of the carriage held my hand.

“Miss Cassey, things will go right. Please calm yourself. We need you the most now.” I nodded as hard as I could and wiped the tears that kept flowing on my cheeks. Sir Facundo hurriedly went back inside, so I decided to enter the carriage without assistance. Things weren’t like this a few days ago. When I arrived at the place where my grandmother resides, the Maharlika Farmlands, she can still walk and talk gleefully. Uncle was welcoming and my second aunt who took the role of caring my grandmother reported that her health has improved after learning about my arrival. However, in a sudden, all those happiness faded. Her pneumonia worsen, and everyone got anxious. I sent a letter to my mother but it would likely arrive in a day or more. My uncle decided that I would accompany my grandmother back to Larunduquez, the residence of Count Timmerhaus, to consult a decent physician. My uncle sent another letter to mother, stating that we would be temporarily residing in the Count’s estate. Unfortunately, uncle won’t be able to join us in travelling as he had to process and attend to some matters for the consultation fees and food of my grandmother. He would travel later with Sir Facundo’s son, Darrell, bringing the money and necessary papers with them.

In the midst of flashbacks, I realized that the carriage is already moving. I must have been in a very deep thought for a while. I pulled off the curtain behind me and looked back to the carriage behind us. For a moment, I wished I could have an enhanced vision to see through the situation of my grandmother.

“Ack---” I was startled by the sudden ache in my joints and figured out it must be due to my uncomfortable position. I slowly turned around and massaged the aching part. It sores more than I have assumed. I was about to call an attendant for an ointment to apply, but I remembered sending her to my grandmother in the other carriage. The carriage has windows but I never opened one so it feels suffocating. With my strength, I slid the window open and finally caught fresh air when I succeed. The sun is dimmer, and the clouds are dark, as if it’s going to rain. If it precipitates, we may not be able to confine the maternal grandmother in a decent hospital. I should change the plans now.

I waited for a suitable shade for the carriage to stop by and knocked the carriage as a sign for it to stop. It really stopped moving. The driver removed the wood covering the rectangular hole.

“Miss Cassey, is there a problem?”

“We will change the destination. We should go to the hospital first before the House Timmerhaus. Please inform the following carriage.”

With a nod, he replied, “As you wish, Miss Cassey.”

“Can you also check the situation of maternal grandmother for me? I would really appreciate it.”

“I will do as you wish, Miss Cassey.”

-

Cassey was silent throughout the whole ride. Although there’s no reason for her to make a fuss, the driver could tell that she worries about the maternal grandmother so much. He tried to coax the lady and reported that the old lady’s breathing has improved but he could discern that the young lady is not satisfied of it. The lady’s heart could only be stabled if the maternal grandmother heals completely.

On the other hand, Cassey was mentally sobbing. In a few hours, the proclamation ball would start. At this rate, she could only wish for the guests to be gone when she arrives, so that they will not witness how disheveled her hair was, as such things could ruin her family. “The daughter of the Timmerhaus was too broke for not being chosen, so she gatecrashes her sister’s proclamation and ruins the reputation of the Timmerhaus. That’s awesomely heartbreaking. I can’t afford seeing myself make it to the top scandalous highlights of newspapers throughout the empire.”

Cassey closed her eyes as tears streamed from them. More than anything else, the health of her grandmother comes first. She should set aside the ‘greed’ and desire to be recognized.

The Timmerhaus ball hall was filled with giggles and grins. The newly- proclaimed esteemed daughter, Lady Ashanti Kaia Timmerhaus, has received many dance requests but turned down all offers.

“Forgive me for refusing, but it would be my pleasure if my sister would be here to witness my first dance,” her unanticipated response made a fuss among the nobles.

“So, she had a sister, huh?”

“I wonder how she looked like...”

“I heard she was intelligent too...”

“Since she’s a Timmerhaus, she must be very elegant.”

“When you see her, you’ll know everything.” Lady Ashanti’s remarks doubled the expectations of the guests.

An attendant approached Lady Ashanti and whispered something. A curve was formed in her lips. “It seems the highlight of this night has arrived.”