A Wallflower (Kingdom of Anthos)

Chapter 4: Jessamine

The dinner during that night of the "confrontation" was normal, normal conversations, normal pleasantries, but I can feel about a bit of tension in the room. Mother has arrived back, probably sometime after I have left Father in his study. The maids were gossiping about it that the Master and Mistress of the house are talking about very serious things regarding my near future (Holly told me, "its shameful milady, to gossip like that"), they were a bit worried about it, especially when Mother left the room with red-rimmed eyes. Which is really rare, Mother almost never let anyone see her distressed self. She is the picture-perfect of an aristocratic woman, although Uncle Gus will snort whenever he hears this.

On the day of the worship, I was not allowed to leave the house and attend church. People probably are already talking regarding my annulled engagement and my humiliation of being seen in public in night clothes. Rumors have ranged from different things but not as scandalous as what I would have thought (the other maids reported to me and Holly said "Milady, they are not worth your time, just rest"). Father is probably the reason for that.

The next day is the first day of the week, both Father and Mother have left as soon as breakfast was done. An urgent meeting with the council was the reason. By midday, a meeting with the First Prince family was held. By afternoon, I have received a personal letter of apology from Prince Lark. A very official letter that in itself means he did not write it. Apology letters have also arrived from the families of those young ladies that dragged me, in which Holly sneered at. I have also received a correspondence from the Academy that I would be allowed to go back and attend lessons at my earliest convenience citing that the expulsion was never approved ('wasn't that automatic given the circumstances?') and enclosed is also an apology letter from the Headmaster.

Apparently, the council meeting is about the Royal Academy's reaction or none thereof of how I was dragged a few halls from my room to the common room without someone from the staff stopping it or helping me. There were also witnesses that some staff and professors were watching the whole thing that was happening in the common room but did not lift a hand. Mother told me during our mid-afternoon tea on the second day of the week that during the council meeting, Father has reminded them that in the Academy all professors and office staffs outrank all aristocrats unless proven that they are abusing their powers. Meaning the Academy is their domain and no one else, it is to ensure equal quality of education and no favoritism. He has reminded them that even if His Royal Highness Prince Lark is the First Prince, such a thing should not have happened and someone should have intervened.

"Oh, you should have seen their reaction, dear Camellia. When my husband arrived with a very serious face or~ more serious than normal, everyone ceased talking" Mother explained while delicately sipping tea, a very pleased smile on her lips "He started the meeting saying that petty quarrels are not something that the council should deal with, but if grave results from such petty quarrels are because of the Academy's inaction, the council will need to intervene. Husband even sighted examples of past dealings wherein the Academy have intervened between quarrels from higher nobles (the current Queen Mother Rosa and her late brother Crown Prince at that time Prince Mazus), and question why on your case there was no interference. He has also pointed out the declining rate of the quality of education that the Academy gives, comparing to the Empire mainland La Tierra, and other kingdoms. To add subtle insult Husband even compared it with Kingdom of Albero and Kraut (the main rivals of the Kingdom of Anthos). And when he was done talking and informed them that such inaction, especially because it was you, will be treated as a personal insult to him as the Grand Duke, everyone got pale, even that woman."

'That woman refers to Lady Olivette, the King's concubine, sister of the current His Grace Duke Rhode of Aquilegia and His Royal Highness Prince Lark's mother, and technically known as the First Prince family (including the Ducal House of Aquilegia). Mother and Lady Olivette might be all smiles with each other and in front of other people, but it was never a secret that they do not like each other at all. Rumors says that Lady Olivette was insecure with Mother's beauty, especially when she was nominated in a survey for Empire La Tierra's Most Beautiful Lady, and winning the second place (the winner is the current Empress, already a given since the judge is the current Emperor).

It was an insult to the Lady for not being nominated at all when both Lady Olivette and Mother, as well as the late Her Majesty Queen Kalina and the Queen Mother Rosa, are known as the 'Gems of the High Society of Kingdom Anthos'. Mother is mainly known as the Ruby, while Lady Olivette is Topaz, the late Queen Kalina as Emerald and the Queen Mother Rosa as Sapphire. The 'Gems' can make or break an event or even just a tea party. When they did not attend, or late or they left early it means there is something that they do not like in the event and as a result, the event will be considered a fail, boring and the main gossip material on in high and middle society. But since Mother's nomination, she became the sort of best Gem, as such many try to please her more, and her influence has grown more than Lady Olivette (the Queen Mother is already semi-retired to this kind of dealings). Queen Kalina was already gone by that time.

And Mother does not like Lady Olivette because of how she became the King's concubine and what she has done to attain it. Mother also believes that the death of the late Queen was not from illness at all, but have something to do with Lady Olivette, no evidence was found though. Although Uncle Gulzar (Mother's older brother) once told me that the rivalry has started since their Academy days, involving Father and the His Majesty King Fiorello.

"And that woman have the impudence to point out that son of mine's involvement. Ha! My husband has only told her that it was not the issue at all, the issue is the inaction of the Academy. Although he did say that Jarred will be facing punishment in the near future for being involved in such disgrace action." Mother continued. "Really that son of mine, if he weren't my son I would have already ruined him," She said with a dark smile that sent shivers to my body. It had reminded me that Mother is scary when pushed.

Yes, Mother's influence is too well known that with the right words to the right group of people she can ruin someone without it going back to her. High society women are scary and a different battlefield entirely. It is probably the reason that my being seen in public with my nightclothes is swept under the rug and the focus was on the annulment of my engagement. When I have realized this and the extent of the combined power of my parents I have wondered, why have I been worried about before? Then I realized it is probably because I was still in the middle of merging(?) with Camellia.

The afternoon tea continued on with the usual talk. Mother informed me about various things and the latest gossip outside the home. She even informed me that the First Prince's influence might have shrunken a bit after the confrontation and rumors more dark rumors of Althea have resurfaced, especially concerning her questionable lineage. Mother may or may not have something to do with it.

0o0

It is already the third day of the week and I am bored. During the past two days, Holly has just forced me to rest and force-fed me healthier foods and medicine, citing that it was Mother and doctor's orders. I might have read and reread some novels in my room to pass the time, Camellia might have read them already but I, on the other hand, most certainly do not even if I am merged with Camellia. It’s like the knowledge of the stories and some memories are under a really thick fog. Camellia really does need to have books of different genres, really, too much romance is not good.

Currently, I am rereading one again in the garden. I have asked Holly to buy more novels or any other interesting books earlier and most of them are from different genres and hoping they will be good. I can't wait until I can read and buy them myself.

'sooo..bored~'

"Princess, you look like you're trying to burn a hole in that book" a voice suddenly said behind me. I was jerked back to reality with a jolt, back straight as a ramrod. "Goodness! Ash do not surprise me like that!"

"I do apologize Princess" he answered hands in surrendering gesture but with a smile that says he is not sorry at all; this guy is a really mischievous one. "Although, it makes one think what the book did to you Princess, does the main character does not please you?"

"Oh, no, the novel is good, but I have read it already and it does not hold the same appeal to me once I have read it again" I explained

"Well, that is expected, Princess already knows the end and scenarios"

"No, actually there are really good novels that even if you read it, again and again, it still makes your heart skip. Not only that even if you already know it’s like you are still surprised, still emotionally invested in some lines. Reading it again is like reading it for the first time. You still laugh, you still cry and still feel the suspense and well love and…" I said suddenly and passionately complete with gestures. Ash only looked at me with knowing eyes. "Sorry about that," I said a bit embarrassed.

Laughing without care, he said, "Princess, it is a good thing that you are still passionate about certain things, then why may I ask that you look listless?"

"Mou~ I am bored, Holly has forced me to rest, rest and rest, and I am getting tired of resting. I am not even sick. " I said with a pout. "Until this house arrest is lifted I am stuck here, without anything to do"

"Aww, how very sad Princess," He said teasing me. "Then would you like to have a walk?"

"A walk, where?" I asked confused.

"Here in the grounds, a tour of the house, the best way to relieving boredom is to move your body and look at the amazing sceneries." He said "Shall we? May I escort you, my fair lady?" Ash offered his hand to me bowing like how one offers their hand to ask for a dance.

I giggled at his antics "Okay, you may escort this lady, my good sir"

This is one of the reasons that I really like Ash both the original Camellia and now I, he is not above, teasing and joking. It might have lessened when they reached the age of 11, but I am happy that he did not change much. Tucking my arm under his, we started walking and having a tour of the gardens.

"Princess, as you may have seen our gardens boast a selection of different kinds of flowers, from the red and white roses on our right, purple, pink and white azaleas beside it, the red amaryllis in the left, the edelweiss, jasmine, bird of the paradise and of course the red and orange camellias towards our front. Really beautiful as you, Princess," Ash explained in a tone like a tour guide and a trying to impress suitor in one. "Of course in our garden, we have sitting areas wherein the Family can relax, have their tea party with guests, a picnic and the likes. The sitting area is really good for relaxing as it is shaded by our 200-year-old acacia tree almost as old as our kingdom, fresh air, and chirping birds as the only noise"

Giggling on his antics, I have decided to just go with the flow of this conversation and 'tour'. "Yes, my fair gentleman, I can see that but how about the other areas?"

"A good question Princess, going through this route we will arrive in a bit of behind the main house and onto the semi-training field, wherein, of course, this gentleman maintains their strength and gorgeous body" He further explained while walking into the training field. By this time some of the knights and guards under the Grand Duke banner are training and lingering. When they saw us, they were a bit confused but already used to Ash way of handling things. They have bowed and gave their greetings. We just waved back to them and continued our walk.

"Of course after the training field to the right we will arrive in the door that replenishes all our strengths…. the kitchen, but we will not be entering, Princess, since they are in the middle of preparing for our scrumptious lunch and we do not want to be reprimanded by the Dragon the head cook" We were standing in front of a closed-door the leaks smell that is really mouth-watering. The Dragon, by the way, is the nickname that most of the staff gave to the Head Cook. Frankly, I do not even know his name at all, only Head Cook and the nickname Dragon when he is not in the hearing range.

"Yes, I agree as mouth-watering the smell is we better not disturb them," I said

"This way, Princess, we will enter one of the side doors of this small mansion." Ash assisted me as we enter one of the doors. "By the way Princess, our small mansion boasts a three-story two wing building. The ground floor which holds the tea room, a family room, the dining, and the kitchens, a sitting area for the guests and also all the servants’ quarters and many many hallways."

We have continued our walk/tour as Ash points where all those rooms he is talking about. By this time many maids are looking and watching us amused. As we enter the foyer and came upon the base of the stairs.

"And now we are in the foyer and the main entrance and this, Princess this is the main stairs to the second floor which holds the family wings and many more rooms, unfortunately, this gentleman is not-(twack)" As Ash was explaining about the second floor he was interrupted by a hard object in the head. "Ouch! Who?"

"YOU ARE TOO CLOSE with milady, remove your hands this instant" Holly said. I can feel and see the twitch in her temples. It looks like Holly already arrived from the market, she was holding a packet of probable books, which she used to hit Ash, and by the sound and shape, it is either heavy hardbound books or many many books. Upon hearing her Ash have immediately let go of my arm and nursed his aching head. I can actually imagine a small bump there.

Even with a bit of pain which is technically nothing to him, it amazes me how he can still smile teasingly with an angered Holly "Dear Holly, your beautiful and irritated face never stops on making my day" Ash said, and I just giggled in the background. Holly's aura darkened, shadows in her eyes.

"You are trying my patience, what were you doing with milady?" She asked trying to calm down. Holly is always the calm one not easily angered unless it concerns me. Although Ash can easily push Holly's buttons and easily get under her skin by just a few jokes. It is not really bad blood or something, it is just the way they are since they were children.

Looking at them, watching them I am happy and I have realized that just being with them when they act the same way when they were children my boredom goes away.

0o0

After dinner, I was called by Father to his study and asked me to bring both Holly and Ash. Looks like it is time for my supposed punishment.

"Excuse our rudeness Master" Holly called and knocked on the door. We heard a clear 'Enter' and Holly opened the door. The three of us bowed as a greeting, Holly, and Ash a few steps behind me. Father was sitting in one of the loveseats with Mother also present. Mrs. Hana and Mr. Fran behind them. I immediately sat in the offered seat across them while both Holly and Ash stood behind me, heads in a bit of a bow as expected of them.

"Camellia I trust that you already know the meaning behind this meeting" Father started.

"Yes, Father. I believe this is about my punishment as we have agreed 4 nights before" I answered, hands in a semi clenched in my skirts, a sign of my nervousness. "But before that father, I would like to thank you for granting my request of help"

"That is nothing to be thankful of, it is to be expected" Father answered. His face is serious as ever, but I can see in his eyes he is a bit amused. "Onto your punishment. You will be sent to your Mother's family's Duchy; Jessamine Territory to study under an acquaintance of ours. We have already written correspondence with the current Duke Jessamine His Grace Lord Varte"

"Pardon my rudeness father, but what kind of study and to whom?" I asked confused about why in the Jessamine Territory since I can have private tutors here or at our own Grand Duchy or even go back to the Royal Academy.

"You will be studying under a guild master who specializes in research and discovery of anything under the sun. He is strict, eccentric and a bit unorthodox in his methods, but he is a good man. You will follow his rules and study under him in diligence. Holly and Ash will be sent together with you to assist you" Father explained but it left me a bit more confused.

"He and Father (the former Duke Jessamine and a retired General and Head of the military of the kingdom) were good friends who have met in the mainland La Tierra. Master Mikado loves to travel and discover new things, but he does not follow much of the rules for teaching. He is a respected man in mainland La Tierra because of his brilliance, a bit eccentric but brilliant." Mother for the first time in this meeting spoke. I am a bit worried because I can feel that they are emphasizing the eccentric personality and that this Master Mikado will not be caring for my blood status, reputation or anything, just teaching in a not usual teaching environment. Meaning if I was not able to accomplish what he asks me for, punishment for such will not be just failing grade. For a student that is not really in the top tier when it comes to marks and focuses on only things that interest me this is a good punishment indeed.

"Camellia, Master Mikado's current residence is in the borders of the Jessamine territory and Kraut, as such it will be really far away from the Royal Capital and also a bit dangerous. Whatever you do there will not be easily known here." Father said seriously. Meaning this is a bit of freedom the place might be safer but this is still an unknown territory so keep your guards up. "Also take into account that he already has a current apprentice. You will only be a student unless he said otherwise"

"Yes father I understand," I said.

"Good, you will leave tomorrow morning. You will be traveling to the south of the border town of Jesraja and it will take about two days and a night. You will be entering Jessamine through the town of Adeno and your Uncle Gulzar will meet you there as a guide to Master Mikado's current residence. In accordance with this, I have already informed the Academy that you will not be returning" Father explained.

Jesraja is the border town govern in partnership with the Royal Capital and Jessamine and encompasses the whole strip of the border of the Royal Capital and Jessamine. Travel time is a bit longer because the Strelitzia Mansion in the Royal Circle is located at the North East while Jesraja encompasses the North West and the West side of Royal Capital. If we are going to the south of Jesraja then the route we will be taking will need to cross the whole Royal Circle and Duchy of Orchida.

 "Yes Father"

It looks like the Academy will be really an uproar then. To study under a one on one session or a small group of fewer than five students with a guild master is a privilege and can give a certain message to the Academy. This is as if Father is saying, after such negligence I do not trust that my daughter will learn more in the institution as such she will do better under a Master because she can and I can afford it.

The meeting has ended with certain expectations of what we will see once my study will start.

0o0

The education in the Kingdom of Anthos, as well as the other kingdoms under the Empire La Tierra, are uniform. By the age of 4 to 10, there is a primary school for the lower and middle class and a private tutorial with the upper-class commoners and nobles. The upper-class nobles in this world are composed of commoners with high standing in society, they are mostly merchants and their families. Rich families but does not have a noble title. By the age of 11 to 15, there is a middle school for the lower and middle class and a private tutorial or a middle school for aristocrats with the upper-class commoners and nobles. By age 16 to 18, a public high school for lower and middle class, the Royal Academy for upper class commoners and nobles and a private high school to those who do not want to attend the Royal Academy (this one has a bit of reputation because usually disgraced and dismissed nobles from Royal Academy attends here. Students from here hates Royal Academy students because they usually belittle them.) After coming of age, one can choose to attend a private study with a Guild Member or a Guild Master, study under the Guild Halls in the mainland La Tierra, enter knighthood or military, start working or study under their own family businesses and the like. Essentially after high school a student is considered already finish with studying and continuing of education is optional.

A Guild is like a college/university or a degree in my original world. They mostly only focus on one specialization. Currently, all Guilds are based in the mainland La Tierra. In mainland La Tierra (the Empire Capital) can be compared to my original world as a university belt/compound, with few additions such as the Royal Empires residence and many more headquarters. I think the strategy here is to influence the young minds for the better of the Empire and of course their loyalty. It also gives a chance for the people to interact and create alliances or a bit of influence with other people from the different Kingdoms of the Empire.

In the guild, there are ranks: The Guild Members, The Apprentice, The Guild Master, and The Guild Head. All professors in schools and in the Academy are Guild Members registered, they might have studied privately under a Guild Master or in the Guild Halls. One is not allowed to teach if they are not a Guild Member. There is a certain examination to pass in order to be recognized as a Guild Member. Just like board and certification exams in my original world. If one is still studying in the Guild Halls they are unofficially called Guild Students and graduates who have yet to take or pass the Guild Membership examination are called Guild Graduates.

To be a Guild Master one should have apprenticed under a Guild Master and completed the Mastery as well as pass the examination for it. Guild Masters handpicked their apprentices, might it be someone they have taught or someone they saw in the street, age is not a factor, nor being a Guild Member initially (they usually are asked to register but not take the examination as a Guild Member to continue the apprenticeship). Apprenticeship is considered equal in passing the Guild Member examination. There are instances that an apprentice is can still be considered in middle school (the youngest in history is 11) or already a guild member for a few years. And only Guild Master can teach in the Guild Halls. To be a Guild Head, on the other hand, is a long and tedious process of testing and approval and only Guild Masters for more than 10 years can apply or be appointed.

Currently, there are 9 main Guilds; Astronomy, General Knowledge (all professors in the school and academy are from here and have the highest population), Healing/Medicine (all doctors, healers, nurses, and pharmacist came from here), Basic Organisms, History, Finance/Administration (a guild member of this is required as an employee or manager to establish business), Arts, Music& Fashion, Mineralogy & Weaponry, and Discovery. Other Guilds are self-explanatory, but Discovery has always been different. Aside from the reason that Discovery Guild is the smallest in population, Discovery Guild covers all guilds' specialization because it is a Guild that is dedicated to discovering new things and researching everything under the sun. They do not have a focused mindset of goals, just to satisfy one's curiosity that may lead to a big discovery. They have the lowest population but according to history, it is the very first Guild established.

In light of this, a Guild Master does not usually take private students because their rates are really high and they are very picky, especially someone from the Discovery Guild who mostly loves to travel or stay inside their laboratory for days. For I to study under one is a great privilege, because even if someone has the money to pay for the Guild Master they can still be rejected if the Guild Master does not want to teach at all. Threatening a Guild Master is a serious offense in the Empire, and can lead to a very big fine or at worst the removal of noble or royal status. But once a Guild Master has been proven corrupt, he will be stripped off of all his credentials, will pay a very big fine and can never go back to Guild and worst-case scenario, an outcast to the whole empire. A bit morbid but most of the time those who were caught have committed suicide after the verdict.

One of the goals of many lower, middle and upper-class commoners and those who have been disowned noble is to be a Guild Master, since being one can be considered an honorary noble with semi-immunity, most of the time Guild Masters have more prestige than being noble blood.

0o0

Two days of carriage ride is tiring, really really tiring. We might have stopped at an inn during the night or just stop in a safer area to let the horses' rest and us to eat, but my body felt too tired and stiff. Even if the carriage can get as comfortable as it can, the roads are not. Holly fussed more when I actually told her that I think I need to stretch a bit, seriously that girl. She does not really agree with me traveling in long-distance, saying that I am still not in the best condition to do so. But orders are orders and punishments are punishments even if it is subtle.

It was by the late afternoon of the fifth day of the week when we have arrived at the south of Jesraja. Jesraja is a small town width-wise but a really long one lengthwise and composed by the main road going from one end of the town to another and rows of Inns and markets that mostly caters to travelers, it is between tall border walls of the Royal Capital and Jessamine. Their main source of income here is the Inns; border towns are mostly pit stops of those traveling from one territory to another.

We have to cross the whole town of Jesraja in order to arrive at the border of Jessamine and that will only take about half an hour. The border is just like a tall gate in a tall arch with guards, their numbers show that it is only in medium-security since this is still inside the Kingdom. When we neared the gate a guard has asked for our identification and our passes, like a passport and a visa.

"Ah, Lady Camellia we are already expecting your arrival, Lord Gulzar is already waiting at the border station. A little bit on the left side once you entered. Have a good stay Milady"

"Yes, thank you" I answered.

Once we have entered the gate we were greeted by a sight of numerous people starting their preparations for a festival of sorts. Now that I think about it in Adeno usually done in the town plaza there is a Night Market that usually only opens during the night of the last 5th day of the week of the month. A semi festival of sorts, complete with bonfire dancing and fireworks (like a Thank God Its Friday party/festival). When we arrived at the border station, I got out of the carriage to stretch a bit while also looking for Uncle Gulzar.

"If it is Master Gul, he's probably in the training yard" Ash suddenly spoke beside me. This guy cannot arrive with sound or presence at all. Always giving me a semi heart attack.

"I agree," Holly said also beside me. She and Ash are really the same sometimes. Before I can say something to the two of them, someone called me.

"Camellia!" Uncle Gulzar greeted me, wearing ordinary clothes fit for both training and just strolling around the town incognito and a wooden sword at hand. Once we were in arm's length he proceeded to ruffle my hair.

"Uncle, not the hair," I said laughing and trying to get away from him.

"Yes, yes you are not a child anymore. Day by day you are looking more and more like little Amy yeah?"

Uncle Gulzar has never been the typical noble, although most of the members of the Ducal house of Jessamine are. With black hair and amber eyes (eyes same as Mother), tall with broad shoulders, he exudes an aura of someone who is strong and confident yet playful with everything he does. Born as the second son of the former Duke Jessamine (Grandfather), he has entered the military under Grandfather at a young age when Grandmother was killed by bandits. He also idolizes Grandfather who was a general and head of military by that time who have immediately pushed the half of responsibilities of a Duke to his heir apparent once he was of age. Both Grandfather and Uncle Gulzar really have the same personalities, they both always say that Dukedom is too stiff. The current Duke (Uncle Varte) also has the same impression but whenever the topic arises, he also says that it's not like he has a choice then playfully glaring at his father and brother. Mother, by the way, is the youngest child and the only daughter.

Uncle also has a habit of going in town without aides and pretending to be an ordinary man, interacting with people as equals and the like. Mother has once expressed with shaking head exasperated that Camellia might have inherited that habit (Uncle will only say that 'little Amy is not the one to talk'). He was a commander during the three-way-kingdom-war almost 20 years ago and was known to be really brilliant, powerful and unbeatable. Uncle is semi-retired now and sometimes trains young men for swordplay, sometimes in the Royal Capital and any other place he so desires, but he mostly stays at Jessamine since he actually officially holds the position as head of the military in the Duchy. He even trained Camellia (basics), older brother Jarred, I believe Holly too and of course Ash, that is why he is currently in a headlock with Uncle.

"Master, it hurts you know. Let go please," Ash said trying to get away with Uncle. I just giggled at their antics and Holly is torn in between trying to stop them or just watch them bemusedly.

"Well, it is about too late to travel to where Master Mikado is staying, we should just stay for the nearest inn and join the activities in the night market tonight," Uncle said after he let Ash go.

"And, you would just want to dance in the bonfire while eating foods and flirting with girls," Ash said teasingly.

"Why you" And Uncle and Ash have started with the headlock again and playful punching. Sometimes watching their antics one may think they are father and son.

In the kingdom, Uncle is known as the forever bachelor. He is not technically single but a widow. His wife and unborn child were killed during the three-way-war and it was never proven whose side the attack came from. There were many offers for remarriage especially since he is still in a marriageable age and in a position of power but also because he has a handsome face and good genes. But Uncle has declined the offers saying the only woman in his heart was his wife, although it never stops him from flirting with girls though. To him, I think his children are those he has watched train from child to adulthood, like Ash. There have been rumors before that if it is possible both Ash and Eus will be Uncles' heirs, but it was never been made official.

Once those two have stopped acting like children, we have followed Uncle's suggestion and located an inn, near the night market. We even discovered from Uncle that Master Mikado's current residence is in Auricu-the neighboring town but also the town at the border of Jessamine and corner Free Territory border with the Kingdom of Kraut and Mainland La Tierra and is a bit of a whole day or one day and a half of travel to the mountainside from our current area. Master Mikado’s location is in the farthest area of Auricu almost near the corner of the Free Territory of Kingdom of Kraut and Mainland La Tierra. From one border to another border and of course rough roads again now complete with death-defying cliff edges, arggh.

The night market is packed with people both local and foreign. We enjoyed the night, eat, drink and dance. In here no one knows who we are, just another number to the growing crowd. Many girls have danced and flirt with Uncle and Ash too, but I know they still keep one eye to where I am. They exude too many pheromones and attracting girls like a flower to a bee.

"Have they no shame?" Holly said beside me. We are both sitting in one of the seating areas facing the bonfire eating finger foods.

"Oh, let them. It has been a long time anyway. Holly should relax too and enjoy" I said without facing her and busy trying to figure out if what I was eating was the older version of the French fry.

"I am relaxing milady," She said. I immediately looked at her to see. She was still sitting and eating like she normally does whenever on duty, a bit stiff and always prepared to assist me.

"Ah, yes I forgot, I can't differentiate your work state and relax state," I said giggling at her offended expression.

"Milady!"

I just laughed at her on how she tried to show and prove that she is in a relaxed state. A good night to end the day of a long journey, and prepare for another long journey.

0o0

A partial guide to Jessamine Territory

Jessamine territory is one of the seven main territories of the Kingdom of Anthos and one of the original five territories of the Kingdom. Founded around five hundred years ago and was originally a March. The territory was elevated to Duchy by King Alden I of Anthos, twenty years after the kingdom was conquered by the Empire La Tierra.

Jessamine, geography wise encompasses the west and northwest of the kingdom. It is known as the gateway to the mainland for the reason that the territory is in the border of Mainland La Tierra and the Kingdom of Anthos, one would have to go through the Duchy in order to travel to the mainland La Tierra.

The Duchy has been governed by one family since its foundation, the Jessamine House of which the Duchy was named after. The family is heavy military-oriented and in line with this, Duke Jessamine has always been a part of the Military Council of the Kingdom, most of the time a co-head. The most notable upon them is the retired Duke Leonto IV, known as the hero of the three-way-war. He has led personally the battle against Kingdom Kraut, together with his sons the current Duke Jessamine Lord Varte II and Lord Gulzar III. They were able to reclaim the March of Primula from the Kingdom of Kraut.

Jessamine is divided into 1 County and 4 Barony.

1.      County of Offici-the capital and the largest town under Jessamine. This is where the Jessamine Manor is located and where the Duke and his family officially resides. Governed currently by Viscount Azori until the heir apparent of the Dukedom is of age or the Duke Varte decides, whichever comes first. The heir apparent will hold the title of Count Offici of Jessamine once he takes over. Offici is divided into two towns that are governed by Viscount Azori and Viscount Abyssi.

2.      Barony of Parkeri-located at the northwest of the Duchy and northeast of the Royal Capital. Known for its famous largest botanical garden of the kingdom. Governed by the Baron Parkeri, whose title is nonhereditary. Parkeri is one of the two Barony of the Duchy that is not divided into mini towns.

3.      Barony of Mesnyi-located at the north of the Duchy beside Parkeri. This barony holds the main gate of the kingdom to the mainland La Tierra. This Barony is one of the two Baronies with the tightest security of the Duchy. Governed by the Baron Mesnyi, whose title is nonhereditary. Mesnyi is divided into two mini towns that are governed by chieftains.

4.      Barony of Grandiflo-located at the center of the Duchy, south of both Parkeri and Mesnyi and north of Offici. Known to be the shortcut town, for the reason that this is the town whose border on the left is the mainland La Tierra while on the right is the Royal Capital. This Barony is used as a shortcut of most nobles and upper class to travel to mainland La Tierra. Grandiflo is divided into two mini towns but both are personally governed by the Baron Grandiflo, whose title is the only hereditary Baron title in the Duchy.

5.      Barony of Adeno-located at the southeast of the Duchy and west of the Royal Capital. Known for its night markets and festivals, the merchants' favorite town and is usually the town to travel across when going to Offici. Governed by Baron Adeno, whose title is nonhereditary. Adeno is divided into two mini towns that are governed by chieftains.

6.      Barony of Auricu-located at the southwest of the Duchy and border to the Free Territory with Kingdom of Kraut It is the smallest Barony in the Duchy, but holds one of the tightest security. This is the only Barony bordering the Kingdom of Kraut that was not conquered by Kraut. Famous for its watchtower, high border walls, and beautiful mountainside. Auricu is one of the two Barony of the Duchy that is not divided into mini towns. Governed by Baron Auricu whose title is nonhereditary but always based on military prowess.