Luminaria

Chapter 10

Melanos

"I anticipated more from your reaction, Lady."

Napabalik ako sa kasalukuyan nang marinig ang tinig ng estrangherong matanda.

I quickly straightened up and let out a surprised and happy response.

"Who wouldn't be honored to join the respected institute? I'm just really shocked and grateful for the invitation, old man..." Naging patanong ang huling turan ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang itatawag sa matandang 'to, 'no!

He burst out laughing. Napangiwi ako nang maaninagan ang kabuoan ng kaniyang gilagid.

"Oh! Am I really that old already?!" Muli siyang tumawa.

Clearly!

I stayed quiet. Geez... Older people have a sense of humor only them could comprehend.

"Grand Alvez, your visit was signaled to us." Naibaling ko ang tingin kay Caelius, kasama ang mga kapatid na ngayon ay nakalapit na sa aming gawi.

"We apologize for the disgraceful act of this lady—" Marcellina, standing next to the twin, was interrupted by the old man shaking his head.

"My mistake. I entered without a few introductions." Ngumiti siya bago bumaling sa akin. "I am Alvez Lazaro, one of the Ferovus heads. My students usually address me Grand Alvez..." he paused. "Bakit nga ba tayo nananatili sa labas? Caelius, this old man has weak knees."

The Crown Prince apologized with his formal yet stoic expression. Pinalibutan agad kami ng mga gwardiya at katulong upang alalayan ang panauhin.

I walked behind them as we headed to the grand living room of the palace.

"My Lady, I'm very happy for you." nagagalak na bulong ni Ivory. I hadn't even noticed that this woman was just behind me.

"Who is that old man?" bulong ko rin.

"Oh! You don't know him, Lady?" I glared at her.

Obviously, magtatanong ba ako kung alam ko?

Tila nakuha niya ang aking tingin dahilan upang bahagya itong mapayuko.

"He is the head of Ferovus Institute, My Lady. Grand Alvez Lazaro is one of the great grand maestros of the highest academy. Sa pagkakaalam ko ay naabutan niya maging ang mga sinaunang namumuno noon. He is also the maestro of our King—and most of the realm leaders across nations."

Bahagya akong namangha sa katotohanang ang katulad niya mismo ang personal na nag-abot ng imbitasyon sa akin.

"Iyon lang ang naikwento ng aking ina ukol sa kaniya, binibini. Moreover, being a commoner with limited physical skills like myself, joining Ferovus seemed unlikely, leaving me with little knowledge about them."

I raised an eyebrow. Kung ganoon bakit ako personal na inimbita? Everyone knows Pheryncia as a lowly individual. I even doubt if this old man is aware of the existence of a cursed lady.

"Why would he invite someone like me, then?" I innocently asked, trying not to look obvious that I'm only fishing information.

"I'm clueless as well, My Lady. In fact, even the Vicensaires underwent various training to become official and acceptable students of Ferovus. Hindi lang ang iyong mga kapatid kundi maging ang lahat ng mag-aaral roon—no royalties were exempt."

I blinked repeatedly. I could already imagine everyone who hates Pheryncia questioning how and why I received a personal invitation.

Nanahimik na ako nang lumingon ang misteryosong matanda sa aming gawi.