Chapter 11: Glistened Bloom of Glory
"All right. That's it for now. You all are dismissed," ani Aldaine sa harapan ng mga North Castle Knights.
"Yes, sir!"
Napakunot ang noo ni Aldaine nang makita ang mga lumalagpas na mga tingin ng knights sa kaniya. Nang sundan niya ang tingin ng mga ito ay roon niya nakita si Lavinia na mahinahong nakikipag-usap kay Astaril sa katabing pillar ng Training Grounds kung nasaan sila ngayon.
The knights have nothing but admiration and amusement on their faces as they watch the demure Lavinia. Lalo na nang mapansin ni Lavinia ang kanilang mga tingin. She smiled so sweetly before waving her hand a bit to them.
"An angel..." bulong ng ibang knights na halos atakihin sa puso dahil sa ginawang iyon ni Lavinia.
Agad na napakunot ang noo ni Aldaine at lumapit sa dalawa. Asta maintained an arrogant smirk as if telling the knights that they can never be close to Lavinia like they are to her.
"It's finished. Let's go," nakasimangot na untag ni Aldaine sabay hawak sa likuran ni Lavinia nang marahan.
"Hey, we've still got a lot of free time today. Kung ipasyal kaya natin si Lavinia sa city?" ani Asta habang naglalakad sa kaliwang bahagi ni Lavinia.
"Hmm... What do you think, Vinia? Baka nais mo na rin magpahinga? I mean, you just got back," baling ni Aldaine kay Lavinia.
Sandali namang napaisip si Lavinia,"Come to think of it, I haven't seen the City of Alviali ever since I came to the North. Maybe now's a good chance to take a stroll. Nais ko ring pumunta ng salon upang magpagupit," aniya.
"Pwede mo ring bisitahin ang isa sa mga boutique mo sa Alviali. The Headmaster's been taking care of it ever since you started the isolation training," Asta also suggested.
"Yeah, sure."
Hindi na nagbihis pa o naghanda ang tatlo, nagsikuha na lamang ito ng kani-kanilang mga cape upang hindi makatawag-pansin. Agad na nagpakuha ng carriage si Aldaine sa isa sa mga knight na kanilang nakasalubong. Naghintay ang tatlo sa labas ng castle.
Maya-maya lamang ay tumigil din sa kanilang harapan ang isang crimson red at magarbong carriage na may insignia pa ng North Castle sa pintuan nito. It was a phoenix, soaring up the sky, wings of fire were spread. The phoenix was also biting a sword in its mouth. Napatitig si Lavinia sa crest na iyon.
That's definitely indicating how influential the North Castle is. Kahit ang crest na iyan at color representation ng North Castle ay binago ni Kamaria.
"Hop in," ngiting inilahad ni Asta ang kaniyang kamay kay Lavinia.
Hinawakan naman ni Lavinia ang kaniyang kamay at nauna nang sumakay ng carriage at nagpasalamat kay Asta. Sumunod din ang kambal sa pagksakay. Habang tumatakbo ang carriage patungo sa city ay nakatingin lamang sa labas si Lavinia. Calmly appreciating the cold beauty of the North.
The prosperity of the largest city in the North are evident. It seems like despite being a cold-hearted and brutal person, Kamaria still managed to make such city develop into a must-visit tourist spots in Galvion Empire.
Despite her personality, walang sinuman ang makatatanggi na magaling na lider si Kamaria. Because of her wits and dedication, North Region prospered and are still improving as the day goes by. It is really impressive.
Tumigil ang carriage nila sa tapat ng isang hotel building. Sa apat na palapag ngunit malaki at mahabang hotel building ay agad itong nakilala ni Lavinia. The brown and classic victorian architecture of the hotel screams elegance. Not to mention the luxurious carriage coming in and out of the hotel's front. The people coming out of the carriage seems to be high-ranking nobles, wearing their fancy dresses, suits and jewelries.
"This is one of the hotels Hampton owns. Dito na lamang tayo magmeryenda bago libutin ang city," ani Asta saka binuksan ang pintuan ng carriage.
Sunod na lumabas ay si Aldaine na siya namang naghayag ng kamay kay Lavinia nang bumaba na ito ng carriage. Lavinia roamed her eyes around, fascinated by the place around her. Ni hindi niya na napansin ang paglagay ni Aldaine ng hood ng suot na cape sa kaniyang ulo.
"Let's head in," ngiti ni Asta sabay wakli ng ulo sa direksyon ng hotel.
"Sure," tango ni Lavinia saka sumunod sa kaniya.
This is probably the first time I've got a good look on the city of Alviali, kaya hindi ko mapigilan ang mamangha sa ganda nito. For the past eight years, I have only been dedicating myself with training, studying and planning my future moves.
I deserve to have a break like this from time to time.
Nang makapasok sila sa loob ay agad na tumambad sa kanila ang classic victorian interior design ng building. It sure was elegant, a fitting image for the fancy visitors and guests of the hotel.
"Good afternoon, Young Masters and My Lady."
Napalingon si Lavinia sa sumalubong sa kanila. By the looks of its suit, it was probably the manager of the hotel.
"We'll take the private room, and please prepare the afternoon meals on the menu," Asta said while taking his cape off.
"Understood, Young Master."
Ganoon din ang ginawa ni Aldaine, ngunit nanatili naman ang kay Lavinia bilang paninigurado. Lumapit ang isa pang staff sa kanilang tatlo upang kunin ang kanilang cape. Nang lumapit ang staff kay Lavinia ay yumuko pa ito nang bahagya.
Agad na hinarang ni Asta ang kaniyang katawan sa tapat ni Lavinia at nginitian ang staff. With Asta's height and broad shoulder, Lavinia immediately vanished from the staff's sight.
"She's with us. It's all right, she's a bit shy, you see..." he chuckled.
"Yes, of course, Young Master. My apologies," the staff said.
Pagkatapos sa lobby ay tumungo na sila sa private room sa second floor ng hotel kasama iyong manager at staff. Asta was talking about the hotel's management with the manager, while Aldaine and Lavinia are walking side by side.
Habang paakyat sa second floor ay napasulyap si Lavinia sa staff na nakasunod sa kanila sa likuran nang maramdaman ang titig nito sa kaniyang likuran. The staff was taken aback upon seeing the beautiful woman under the cape. Lavinia flashed her sweet smile at the staff. Agad na namula ang pisngi at tainga ng staff nang makita iyon.
"This way, Young Masters and My Lady..."
Binuksan ng staff ang ornate double door kung saan sila tumigil. Just like the fancy classic victorian interior design of the lobby and second floor, the private room screams the same. The scent of something sweet enveloped their nose. Sa malalaking bintana ng private room ay makikita ang kagandahan at malawak na garden ng hotel sa bandang likuran.
There's a huge round table made of marble in the middle of the room. The sofas are everywhere too. Paintings of famous artists were hanged on the wall. The long and thick curtains are matching the dark blue and white motif of the room.
"How's the room? This is your first time here, kaya nais naming marinig ang opinyon mo," baling ni Astaril kay Lavinia na nasa tapat ng isa sa mga bintana.
Pati ang manager at ang staff ay napatingin din sa likuran ni Lavinia.
"The view and interior design is great. I love it," Lavinia smiled.
"Mabuti naman at nagustuhan mo. You can go, Manager. Thank you for welcoming us," ani Asta.
"Then, please enjoy your stay."
Nang makalabas ang dalawa mula sa private room ay agad namang hinubad ni Lavinia ang kaniyang cape at sinabit ito sa back rest ng kalapit na sofa.
Napatingin si Lavinia sa isang mahabang salamin na nakasabit sa dingding bilangd design.
"Brothers, I want to cut my hair," ani Lavinia.
"Really? Sure. May alam kaming salon malapit dito. Let's go after eating," baling ni Asta kay Lavinia matapos umupo sa isa sa mga upuan sa table.
"... And try to have some tats."
Kapwa natigilan sina Aldaine at Astaril sa narinig at pareho ring napatitig kay Lavinia na sinandal pa ang puwetan sa backrest ng sofa at humalukipkip. By the looks of Lavinia, they immediately knew that she wasn't kidding.
"Do what you want. That's your body we're talking about, anyway," si Aldaine na ang sumagot.
"Agree," turo pa ni Asta sa kambal, "Do you have an art that you want for the tattoo?"
"I've been thinking about something like a snake..." Lavinia mumbled.
"Tignan na lamang natin mamaya sa shop. Mas maalam sila sa ganiyang bagay," ani Asta matapos tumango.
Tumango rin naman si Lavinia at sinamahan na rin sa table si Astaril. Maya-maya ay kumatok na rin muli sa pintuan ng private room. Lavinia went to the bathroom while the staffs of the hotel served the dishes. Nagpahinga lang din lamang sila sandali matapos kumain saka muling umalis ng hotel.
They went straight to the salon to accompany Lavinia on trimming her hair. Agad silang sinalubong ng may-ari mismo ng salon. It was an elegant woman with a pink hair and a bit overly dramatic dress.
"Welcome, Young Masters of the House Hampton! Hindi ko inaasahang magkakaroon ako ng importanteng bisita ngayong araw. What can I do for you?" the woman greeted.
"Greetings, Lady Taryn. Hindi kami ang magpapagawa," nilingon ni Asta si Lavinia, "This is Lavinia, our... Sister from another womb. Siya ang magpapagupit."
Ibinaba ni Lavinia ang suot na hood ng cape upang harapin si Taryn. She was taken aback upon seeing Lavinia in front of her. Lavinia's familiar sweet grin greeted her in return.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Taryn. I'm Lavinia," aniya sabay lahad ng kamay.
"My, my...! Aren't you a gorgeous young maiden? Nice to meet you as well, my dear," sagot din ni Taryn at tinanggap ang kamay ni Lavinia.
"I will be in your care today, Lady Taryn."
"My pleasure, darling! Ako mismo ang mag-aasikaso sa'yo. I won't slip the chance of dolling up the most beautiful woman I've ever met," Taryn excitedly replied.
"Then, we'll leave her in your care. May kailangan lamang kaming puntahan ni Aldaine. Magkita na lamang tayo sa tapat ng tattoo shop. The shop that we saw a while ago while going here," ani Asta.
"Sure. See you later and thanks," tango rin ni Lavinia.
"Hey, with all due respect, Young Masters, you're just gonna leave her here and let her walk alone on the streets? Alam niyo naman kung gaano kadelikado ngayon sa daan. News of maidens and young lads being kidnapped and sold off the slave market are rampant, right? Lalo na ang Young Lady na ito. She's gonna sold millions if she were to be auctioned," turo pa ni Taryn kay Lavinia.
Napangisi naman si Lavinia habang nakatingin kay Taryn, "Really? But I thought I'd sell billions or trillions though... I am worth that much at least," she mumbled.
Halos sabay namang napatingin kay Lavinia ang tatlo, nagulat sa kaniyang tinuran. When Lavinia noticed their stares, she raised a brow before smiling.
"What?" she smirked.
Natawa si Asta at tinapik ang balikat ni Lavinia bago inilapit ang bibig sa kaniyang tainga, "That's my girl."
"Do not worry, Lady Taryn. Her master is the Duchess, there's no way she's gonna get kidnapped. I assume you'd understand that immediately, right?" ani Aldaine.
Umawang ang bibig ni Taryn at muling napatitig kay Lavinia. Her eyes glistened in amusement.
"Kung ganoon ay wala nga dapat akong ikabahala. Now that I'm looking at you. You do resemble the Headmaster's aura a bit. Though you're cold, and she's warm... Too warm," tumango-tango pa si Taryn.
"I get that quiet a lot," ngisi ni Lavinia.
Matapos ang pag-uusap na iyon ay tuluyan na ngang umalis ang kambal upang asikasuhin ang dapat nilang asikasuhin. Samantalang nagsimula naman na si Taryn sa kaniyang paggugupit sa buhok ni Lavinia.
"What kind of look are you trying to achieved, Lady Lavinia?" ngiting tanong ni Taryn habang nakatingin sa repleksyon ni Lavinia sa salamin na nasa kanilang tapat.
"Can you make me look fierce? I feel like curls are not for me. Just a little trim will do," aniya.
"I agree with that. Tingin ko ay babagay sa'yo ang kaunting straight or choppy bangs. The mole under your eye would definitely compliment it," suhestiyon din ni Taryn.
"Sure, let's go with that."
"Okay!"
Taryn trimmed Lavinia's hair. Ang hanggang puwetan na buhok ay hanggang baywang niya na lamang. She also cut a small portion of Lavinia's hair in front for the bangs. Taryn also had two assistants with her for the equipments and other stuffs.
Inabot din sila ng isa't kalahating oras dahil may kung ano pang nilagay si Taryn sa buhok ni Lavinia upang mas lalo pa itong bumagsak at ma-highlight ang pagiging healthy ng kaniyang buhok.
It was already three in the afternoon when they finished. After paying for the fees, Lavinia bid her goodbye to Taryn and the assistants. Mabuti at wala silang ibang costumer ngayong hapon dahil magsasara na rin.
"Don't worry, Lady Lavinia. Rest assured that your visit here will be kept as a secret. Lalo na at isa sa mga benefactor namin si Duchess Hampton," ani Taryn.
"I appreciate that, Lady Taryn."
Hindi na rin nagtagal si Lavinia sa salon at lumabas na mula rito habang suot na muli ang cape. Ilang sandali lamang ay nakarating na rin siya sa tapat ng tattoo shop. Nakaabang na roon ang kambal. Astaril was holding a brown paper bag with a long ginger bread in it, while Aldaine was just standing there with his huge build and tall height.
"Finished?" agad na salubong ni Lavinia sa kanila.
Halos sabay na napalingon ang kambal sa paparating na si Lavinia. Asta and Aldaine was taken aback upon seeing her new look.
Asta chuckled, "The Headmaster will surely bully you with cutting some bangs as well."
Napangisi naman si Lavinia.
Kamaria's hair grew long after three years. Hanggang ibaba na ito ng balikat niya at iyong bangs niya ay mahaba na rin, naiipit na sa likuran ng kaniyang tainga.
"Well, she's my teacher after all. Kaya hindi na nakapagtataka kapag nakukuha ko ang ibang habits niya. Especially if we're almost together everyday," kabit-balikat ni Lavinia.
"You have a point. Nevertheless, you're still pretty, little pup," ngiti ni Asta sabay patong ng kaniyang palad sa ulo ni Lavinia.
Tumango-tango rin si Aldaine bilang pagsang-ayon.
"By the way, those ginger breads..." turo ni Lavinia sa hawak na paper bag ni Asta.
"Oh, you like ginger bread, right? My aide suggested me a bake shop where they sell a delicious ginge bread, so I bought some for you," bahagya pang inangat ni Asta ang hawak na paper bag.
Napangiti naman si Lavinia saka kumapit sa braso ng kambal, "Thank you. Appreciate that."
Asta genuinely smiled as well, "Sure, no worries."
Agad na rin silang pumasok sa loob ng shop. A man in his 30s and has a lot of tattoos greeted them. May ipinakita silang brochure kay Lavinia. Laman ng brochure ang mga arts na pwedeng gawing tattoo ni Lavinia.
Natigil si Lavinia sa isang art na may ahas. The art was composed of a snake, wrapping its body around a sword. The sword has also an attached roses and leaves. Nagmukhang pakpak ang mga roses at dahon na naka-attach sa sword na may ahas.
"I'd like this one. A bit large, sa likuran ko," turo ni Lavinia sa art na iyon.
"Ah, kung sa likuran, magandang choice iyan, My Lady. Then, we'll prepare the equipments right away. You can wait in the room over there..." tinuro ng staff ang isa sa mga nakahilerang pintuan.
Lavinia went to the room while Aldaine and Asta had to wait outside as well. They both chose a girl tattoo artist for Lavinia. Tinawanan pa sila ni Lavinia nang sabay tumutol ang dalawa matapos magprisinta ng lalaking staff na siya ang gagawa ng tattoo. Lalo na at kailangan maghubad ng top ni Lavinia sa loob dahil sa likuran niya ang tattoo. Asta and Aldaine was also keeping their eyes on the door where Lavinia was getting her tattoo, making sure that no man can enter.
By the help of alchemy a little bit of magic, the supposed to be 12 hours tattoo session was lessen to 2 hours. Kaya hapon na rin nang matapos sina Lavinia na kinailangan pang bilhan ng kambal si Lavinia ng dinner at ipahatid ito sa room kung saan siya nagpapatattoo. Pagkatapos ay naglakad-lakad na lamang sila ng kaunti sa city bago mapagdesisyunang umuwi na at saka na lamang bisitahin ang mga boutique ni Lavinia sa city.
"Does it hurt a lot?" tanong ni Asta kay Lavinia.
"It was, while I was being tattooed. Pero ngayon ay hindi na. I like it," Lavinia answered.
Asta smiled, "That's good."
Napahawak si Lavinia sa kaniyang likuran. Dahil sa alchemy ay hindi na niya kailangan pang bumalik doon para sa mga patches. It was convenient for her dahil mula bukas ay mas magiging abala na siya. She also remembered about her conversation with the tattoo artist a while ago.
"My Lady, may ask the meaning behind the tattoo? Kami kasi rito ay hindi nagbibigay ng meaning sa mga tattoo arts. Nakadepende po iyon sa mga nagpapatattoo."
"Hmm, a meaning... Well, there's a phrase in my mind... 'once the pure glory fades, comes the thorns glistened with bloom'."
"That sounded deep, My Lady. Meaningful po."
Lavinia smirked upon remembering that. She rested her head against the carriage's window.
There's a true meaning for that though. A much more beautiful meaning.
"Everything that's shining in the sky must be burned down to ashes, for the sky to have its glory alone."
In short, everything on top must come down.
Ah... What a nice day.
Author's Note:
For further details, this is my reference for Lavinia's back tattoo:
P.S.: I do not own the picture, so credits to the rightful owner of the photo.