SEA'S BRIDE (PHILMYTHO ROMANCE II)

CHAPTER 37

The following day, everyone seemed to be having so much plate in their hands while taking care of the battle's aftermath. Though It is still a puzzle for me how did they manage to defeat those unending numbers of sea creatures? Even with all the guards backing up Amanikable, it's still bringing me so much bemusement on how did Amanikable's forces defended the dome against those hideous usurpers when the last thing I know these creatures just keep on multiplying endlessly.

But after knowing that Amanikable won over them, it is with no doubt that he is indeed the pre-colonial sea God. That tyrant sea god easily parades his wrath like the tidal waves during a storm. It shouldn't even be questionable, he has the muscular physique, shoulder-length hair, tanned skin, and not to mention combat skills that could be a display of good resemblance to qualify him as a God. I have no complete visual about Amanikable but, I won't even disregard the fact how he was able to attain a legendary weapon of the pre-colonial deities especially that of from Bathala's court.

The Sinalawatan, a special kind of falfeg designed at the court of Bathala like the legendary Kampilan, was bestowed to Amanikable when he became the ruler of the wide seas. If he isn't Amanikable, then how was he able to possess that weapon in the first place?

And yet, despite all the connections of my research that says he is Amanikable he still denied it to me yesterday. The way he becomes so infuriated after I addressed him as Amanikable and even telling me that that it isn't his name just made me so confused. I can't be wrong with all my information. Most of all, the Sinalawatan who seem to recognize a single wielder solely wants Amanikable. I can attest to that because it took me so much risk to pull it out. It's remarkable that after I plead to it that I must take it to save Amanikable, it suddenly allowed me to pull it off like it has its consciousness.

As I wander inside my room, looking up at the blue water surrounding the glass dome above me just made me bored. Even the way the dolphins greet me doesn't excite me anymore. I have come to realize they were just teasing me because I am here cage-in and rotting out of being so useless.

I can't keep going like this. I need to move around and think about doing something, otherwise, I might just end up losing my mind with all this lonesome agony lurking around this room. Imagine having no one to talk to for a whole day. Leandro only comes around when he needs to relay his master's message or when he needs to take me somewhere around the whole household as per his master's order. In short, he will not bother to check on me or talk to me at least unless it was ordered by his precious master. Leandro's highly devoted to his master. I can't bring into thought he'll ever betray his master for my sake. Not in a million chance I suppose.

While walking down the staircase, I immediately spotted Leandro who was about to enter the secret elevator heading to the secret garden and infirmary area. I quickly called out to him saying, "Wait, Leandro! I want to have some words with you." I told him.

I can sense that Leandro is having an about-face when he turns to face me. "Miss Emalia, I didn't notice you immediately. Apologies." he then said with that signature gesture he always makes.

"Forget it. I have something else to ask of you," I told him as I am currently interested in something else rather than making up lies in front of the master's pawn.

"What is it that you need, miss Emalia?" Leandro sincerely asked. I was hesitant to ask about this at first, especially after what happened but this is the only way I could maintain my sanity.

There is a certainty that Leandro will not allow it but I was just brave enough to speak about it now, "I'd like access to the library again. Could it be possible to have my smartwatch back?" I finally said it. But Leandro's just gave me a dithering face. He really finds me suspicious. How dare he? After I promised not to pull his leg in front of his master, he returned me the favor by making me look like a fool in front of Amanikable. He keeps on displaying me that deceiving trick of his, I wonder if he still finds me so suspicious that's why this is how he treats me.

I'm surprised that he didn't forbid me of the access but somehow, I still feel quite browbeaten and tyrannized in a way when he said, "Of course, I will be bringing you your key to the library. After what happened, the Master has instructed to refurbish the door lock and settled with a traditional padlock for the library. For the elevator, however, I will be accompanying you for the time being until we can install the manual buttons for the door."

They don't trust me at all. Having to know they've been installing less high-tech facilities for the entrance in the library only shows how they want to prevent the incident from ever happening again. I tried to swallow this kind of mistreatment and just get on with it so that I could finally access the library. I no longer care whatever Leandro says.

After sending me to the library, Leandro really left me to attend to other urgent matters. He left with some words, "Don't worry if there's anything each door has a special button similar to the ones inside your room. Should there be anything you need, just press it and I will shortly come right away, okay miss Emalia?"

He left me and I told myself, I'll only need him by the time he shall pick me up here again for the elevator. For the time being, I'd like to forget the rest of them by keeping myself busy and that would be reading.

Today, I won't be reading any fictional books though. I must find answers to these questions bugging my head. I need to know more about Amanikable and his background. I only know superficial like he was a former God of the mountains until Bathala bestowed him the responsibility of great seas. but to my wonder, Why?

Why when there had been so many other Gods who have been guarding the realm of the seas already? What's with Amanikable? And if he really is Amanikable, why did he get so mad at me when he denied being called Amanikable? Even telling me that it isn't his name so I should stop calling him that.

Of course, I don't my tongue to be reaped off my mouth so I will submit to what he feels about refraining to call him of such name. I left sighing at the course of even thinking about it. And while at it, my feet precipitously brought me to the literature side where there are quite a few books that talk about Philippine history. Yet what I need is not about history but mythology or any folklore that may happen to have any information about Amanikable.

"Good morning, Miss. May I help you?" A fragile female voice suddenly startled me. I didn't really anticipate that such a delicate voice will eventually make me accidentally bump the books enough to cause them to fall onto the floor.

Like any other maids, this woman has quite the face to be just like a servant. No matter how she hides her beauty it seems to be boasting on its own. And needless to say, the one who bears it seems to fully unaware of her beauty. She just settled herself with maid clothes and an appearance that is so simple. She was wearing a ponytail and nearly pale make-up. but on a closer look, her face seems like it wasn't wearing any make-up at all. How remarkable! Moments like this make me question myself, why wasn't I as beautiful as them.

"You must be the new lady of this household. A pleasure to meet you, miss Emalia." She said offering me another bow. She suddenly reminded me of Leandro and his frequent bows which I find too old-fashioned. I guess that's how their master wishes them to act so I won't mind it anymore.

"Please, there is no need for too much formality. I am Emalia by the way." I reach out for my hand since I'm happy to be seeing someone else here other than me. Though I remember Leandro said that this library was meant for me to use, I don't mind sharing it with someone else. It will not be too bad for that either. Which made me wonder, was she really here for the pleasure of reading as well, or could be that she works here since she is currently wearing a maid's uniform.