Libratum Vitae: Balanced Life

Chapter 1: Just your Normal Day

Fire. Screams. Cries. People coming out of the building. Hurt. Burned. "Did I did this?" ."Is this my fault?" Random thoughts of excuse popping out of my head. Convincing myself it is not my fault.

"It is your Destiny".

July 21, Friday. At the Aurum Theatre house.

It has been a few months since I went near a theatre. Looking at it, you can imagine many stories were being portrayed. Mystery, comedy, romance, history, classic and a tremendous amount of creative ideas. Ever since I was a child I liked watching theatre plays. Way back then, many would say I was unique because the primarily idea of a child is to play and have fun and they would find theater plays boring and uninteresting. But as for me, I found myself awe in the presence of the actors. Odd it may be, but as a child that's what made my tiny world sparkle.

The admiration for theatre was present for as long as I can remember. But I never got the courage to addition for any plays. I was satisfied watching from afar. Supporting them from behind the scenes.

As I was going inside the theatre, I heard a familiar voice calling me from behind. Surprisingly, it was my mother. I halted from my position as I was nervously sweating. I did not mentioned her that I was going to watch a new theatre play in town. Instead, I told her I have extra lessons in charm school this evening. As she approaches me, random thoughts of excuses pop up in my mind. If she found out I lied, it will be the end of my paradise.

As she was coming closer and closer, my blurred vision started to become clear. She was standing in front of me with pixelated expression.

"You look like you've seen a ghost, Clara. What's wrong? You can tell your aunt", she said with a worried look.

My nervous feeling started to calm as my brain started functioning properly again. I forgot that my mother has a sister that looks like her a lot. I did not thought of the possibility that I would bump into her. Hence resulting to my dread thinking it would be my mother.

I cleared my throat and said "It's nothing Aunt Charlotte. But could you please do me a favor and not tell my mother I went to the theatre today?" I asked nervously with my hands glued together. It took about ten seconds before she answered.

"Did you tell my sister again that you are going to charm school but truth is you're here in the theatre?" she said while putting her hands into my shoulder. I nob. Her pixelated expression went to normal. She then suddenly pat me in the back and she sighed and giggled a little.

"Haha. Same as usual right? You know I always cover for you. So don't be nervous", she then smiled at me while still patting my back.

"I'm just getting more nervous nowadays. Since it is the season for university exams. But the pressure sometimes is too much. Sometimes I just want to take it easy and relax" I proclaimed. We laughed it off and so we set foot into going inside the theatre.

My aunt, Aunt Charlotte McCarthy, is a married lady around her 40's. She is an outgoing and lively person. You wouldn't have thought that her profession is a lawyer. Despite her easy-going personality, she is one of the in demand lawyers. She is very terrific at her job. My mother and she are almost polar opposites. It's scary how they got along just fine all this years.

We arrived at the entrance of the auditorium and something came into my mind. What's my aunt doing in a theatre house? I asked her what business does she has in a theatre house. She told me she was meeting with an acquaintance. So I decided to stay with her a little bit more until they meet. We talked about random things as minutes went by. Suddenly a young man approached us slightly catching his breath.

"I'm sorry I was late to our original meeting time", he said while slightly bowing.

"Oh my, it's ok. I just also got here" my aunt said in a calmly and friendly tone. She then proceeded in introducing me.

"Meet my niece. Her name is Clara Frossard. She's my sister's daughter. The one I've mentioned a few times". I then looked at him and smiled and also greeted him. He then also did the same and introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you, Clara. I'm Gerard Smith".

His family name piqued my interest. I thought to myself that I've heard it somewhere before. After a few introductions and greetings we then proceeded in our seats. Coincidently enough, the three of us are seated right next to each other. Gerard was in the middle, my aunt was at the left and I was at the right. As we sat down, my aunt and Gerard started talking about small business matters. I was thought not to listen to other people's conversation so I took out my entrance exam reviewers and just focused there. But I did noticed that the young man kept glancing his way to me. I just did not pay attention to it because maybe I was overthinking.

Few minutes after, the show started. It is called 'Anthem of the Heart'. It was a musical play. One of my favorite themes. I have already watched this when I was a child. But the inner kid in myself is still there. As we enjoyed the show, there were times I caught Mr. Gerard looking at me. Like he was examining me. It was weird but somehow not creepy.

Sometime after, it was already time for the cast and crew to prepare for the second half. So it was like break time for the audience too. My aunt called me out and said that she will be taking a restroom break and asked me if I'll come. I said "Yes, since I really need to or my bladder will explode".

"We'll be right back Gerard. We'll just head to the ladies restroom", my aunt said to the young gentleman.

"Oh, I'll go too. I need to go to the restroom too. Besides, someone needs to escort you ladies" he then smiled. My aunt giggled and I just stared there blankly not impressed by his lines.

When we went to the restroom, the women's line was really long. I rushly went in line before the line gets any longer. Then my aunt said to me, "What are you doing there?"

I was perplexed by what she said when I was obviously waiting in line. Then she continued speaking, "We don't need to wait in line silly. There's a VIP restroom. We just need to show our black ID" she took out her black card, it was almost similar to a black card. But this one had a picture of the owner and other information. I was dumb folded to the thought of there's a VIP restroom and then black IDs are used in that way.

My aunt garbed my hand and pulled me out of the line and then we proceeded to the VIP restroom. The door was huge. There was also a female security guard and besides her a scanner for the black ID. My aunt said to take out mine. So I did. Black IDs are gained when we reach the age of sixteen. These are only given to families such a high positioned politicians, CEOs, nobilities and royalties. When they are neither of that, some are gained through hard work and connections. But to be honest I haven't really used this card since I got it. My mother told me to use it when there's an emergency or when I really needed too. Never imagined I'll be able using this to enter a VIP restroom.

When I was about to put the card into the scanner I stopped and asked my aunt about something, "Wait, when I'll scan this will my mother be updated to where and when I used this?" My aunt froze as she obviously forgotten about the black ID being recorded for business purposes. I sighed as I told my aunt that I'll be going back to the normal restroom and she can go inside the VIP one. As I was walking away, someone grabbed my arm. When I turn around it was Gerard.

"The girl's line right now is still pretty long. Why don't you just use my card instead?" He then showed his card saying, "I've got a black ID too. You can use this instead of yours". I asked if it is really ok to use it because it would be rude since it's his.

"Yes, it's alright. Instead of waiting in a long line right?" I then thanked him and got his ID. My aunt and I proceeded to the restroom. The restroom wasn't typical public restroom. The style was like a bathroom from a five star hotel. The wall and floor was made up of marble. The stalls was made from fine woods. There was a chandelier hanging unto the ceiling. Below the chandelier is a round couch. Everything looks like it was made from silver and gold. How I thought to myself, "I never knew public restrooms like this exists. Well public restrooms for the VIPs". As I mentioned earlier, I never used my black ID, so I did not know these places exists. All these years waiting in line to get access in limited tickets for the shows and get an autograph from the actors feels like a lie. Well, using this ID feels like cheating and unfair to others.

As I was done doing 'my business', I was washing my hands. Then my aunt also came out and washed her hands when she suddenly asked, "Clara, you are 18 now right?" I said yes and asked why?

"Well, in our family for generations, the daughters that reached the age of 18 will be set of arranged marriage by their parents. Remember? That's how we usually role" she smiled with a carefree smile like it was not a big deal. I was focusing too much in the University Exam I had forgotten about that rule. Being reminded about it made me nervous.

Aunt Charlotte noticed I turned pale and said, "Don't be too nervous Clara! You will have a few suitors to choose from and don't forget your overprotective parents. They won't be marrying you off to just some rich guy with nasty personality" she smiled nervously in hoping I really won't be married of to a nasty groom. I calmed down as I saw my aunt trying to cheer me up. I never really thought of marriage and I was actually hoping to not participate.

I grew up in a moderately strict household. I say moderately because they still allowed me to have hobbies of my choice. But academics are top priority. From the start, my future has been decided. The expected profession for our family is to be either a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer, to be a CEO or any job with a stable high paying salary. I don't mind their ideals because logically speaking, one must have a high financial status to go around. The daughters born into the family is set to have a fiancé in an age of 18 to 20. While the sons are set to work hard to gain their titles and status for themselves and family name. So when the sons are looking for a wife, they have everything to offer. Not only we were thought to have excellent academic standard but also we were taught to have morals and manners. To be kind and wise. Sounds perfect right? Well that's the standard but nobody's perfect. If all fails, my mother told me to remain kind and use my common sense. I am grateful to their teachings. To others, it may seem like our actions are restricted and we don't have enough freedom. That might be true, but we can't fight back, because we are still children. We are still nothing compared to this world full of powerful people. Once we prove our worth, freedom is what we'll get.

We were done with our little chit-chat in the restroom. We went outside and we saw Gerard waiting for us. He came up to us and then we proceeded back to our seats. When we got to our seats, my aunt's phone started ringing. She excused herself and took the call. She left me and Gerard alone together. We never really had a proper conversation so it was a bit awkward. The silence broke when he suddenly asked me a question.

"So, you are a University entrance examinee?" while looking my way smiling. I replied with a nod and continued minding my business. Believe me when I say I'm not the kind of person to hold a conversation. Gerard still continued the conversation by asking what University I was aiming and what major or course.

"I'm aiming for Pendragon University and I'm thinking of getting into Medicine". Gerard looked at me with a bright smile, as if he looked at something he adored.

"That's a very elite university and the major you're taking is no joke, well you don't seem to have problem with money so I guess all you have to worry about is your major", though he means no harm, I was quite offended by the term about money.

"I'm not using my parent's money to get into that university. I'm getting a scholarship", as I mentioned the scholarship, Gerard's face went into a surprised expression.

"Scholarships are for the middle classes. Why would you want one?" he expressed with no offence as it can be shown to his innocent reaction.

"I would like to prove that I am as capable as my parents. I know I only gained wealth, status and titles because of my parents, but I would like to do something on my own". My face showed a determined expression and preparedness on what life may give me. Gerard was impressed as to what I had said.

"Usually people would just follow the rules for comfort and convenience, not wanting to try something new because it is hard. You're something else, it's great actually" He looked at me with a comforting smile that made me blush a little. We continued our small talk until my aunt came back when the second half is beginning.

An hour later the show was finally finished. The curtain call proceeded and we all clapped as they bow down. The show officially ended and we all went outside while chatting about how great the performance was. My aunt suddenly got a phone call again and while she was talking on the phone, she brighten up a lot more and suddenly waved her hand at the other direction. It was her husband picking her up.

"Darling~ Sorry, did you wait long?" she asked while acting cute.

"No don't worry I just got here" he replied. They were acting all lovey-dovey and completely forgetting we existed.

My aunt turned her attention to us again and said, "Sorry Clara I have a date with your uncle today so I can't bring you along~".

"It's ok I can just take the train or bus to home", I replied.

She then faced Gerard and said, "Good luck Gerard" as she whispered loudly that I can still hear her and made me confuse.

She then faced to me and said, "Oh yeah, Clara. I forgot to mention to you that your mother, my sister, already know you're coming here today" she smiled at me but I felt like her smile does not have pure intentions.

"Wait – what?" I expressed as I was obviously confused.

"Well you see, the thing is, Mr. Gerard here is actually one of your potential suitors" while pointing at the young gentleman.

I was dumb folded as I realized I was set up by my mother and aunt.

"I know for sure my mother won't do this without my consent, which would only mean mother obviously favored Gerard and this is her way of telling me to choose him. Now that I think about it, mother was reading the news loudly about the new theater play playing near here. It must had been a bait". I looked at Gerard and he smiled at me and I smiled back and let out a big sigh.

"So that's that. Hope you guys enjoy the evening. Bye bye~" she left with her husband and leaving us two by ourselves.

I faced Gerard and bow down and said, "I am so sorry that my family has dragged you into this. There are proper procedures in meeting but this is rather informal of us" in a serious and apologetic tone.

"It's ok. I don't mind. Please lift your head. Although at first I wasn't looking forward to it, but it was kind of fun" He said in a very soft and calming voice. I smiled and we both laugh it off.

"It's getting quite dark, shall I send you home?" he asked.

"It's ok, I'll just take the bus home" I replied.

"Ok, I'll just walk you to the station then" he said with a smile.

As we walked our way to the station, we chatted about the things we like and dislikes. Our favorite shows and novels. What schools we went to and so much more. He is also the owner of the famous company, "Lotus", a perfume company for both men and women. Our pacing was obviously slow that's why we talked a lot. We reached the station and before we said our goodbyes, we exchanged numbers. I quite enjoyed our talks. I never thought I would enjoy something else besides theater shows.

I went home and as soon as I stepped inside the house, my mother attacked me with questions. "So? Isn't he a fine gentleman?" she said teasingly.

My mother may be serious and strict, but there are times she would tease me non-stop.

"He's fine man mother. Makes me wonder where you saw him" I replied also teasingly.

My mother's teasingly face became a confused face. Made me asked, "Why? What is it?".

"He didn't tell you?" she questioned?

"Tell me what? All we did talk about is our hobbies and stuff", I replied.

"Ohh so he's going for that method of courting" she said giggling. Her giggling just made me curious and it showed in my expression.

"Ok ok I'll tell you. Gerard, is actually the second son of Duke Everard Smith. Meaning he's a nobility". What my mother said surprised me.

"Wait – what? Are you sure? Usually they would want to marry a princess soon to be queen. Or a woman with a secure title and wealth. Are you sure you're not messing with me. And if not, how did the two of you come into agreement?" I was full of questions, because that is news to me.

"Well, he wouldn't need to marry a rich woman with titles and stuff. He has his own wealth. He is a company owner and he is capable in gaining noble title on his own" she said proudly.

"And on the second note, he was the one who came to us if he can be one of your suitors. Usually it's the other way around. Well it's all good" she said with a convincing tone.

"I wouldn't say it's all good. Is it really? "

"Well, he's not your only suitor, you have four other more to meet this Monday. It's up to you who will you chose among those five. But as for me I favor Gerard" she added and left to her room. After mother left our maid came in asking if I would have dinner but I politely refused as I did not have the appetite. I went to my room and crashed into my bed.

As I crashed into my bed I got my history book that was at my side table near my bed. I also loved reading histories. Learning what had happened in the past to understand the ongoing system of the present.

The world we live in has four kingdoms. Aurum Kingdom, my hometown and mainland, Pacificae Kingdom, Sanctus Kingdom, and Fortipatria Kingdom. And we have the elite class, high class and middle class. We don't have a system called peasants or lower ranks as seen in fantasies or dictionaries. We have a pretty balanced world. Which is good because nobody would feel in pain or left out. Well, even if it's like that, there are still some arrogant high classes and elite classes that still discriminate against middle classes. The king created this system to avoid such things. Humans will still be humans I guess.

Every kingdom has the same system. At first there was only one ruler, but due to the lands being massive he could not handle all responsibilities, even if he had help from dukes and nobilities. The first king decided to give the land to his eldest son. But the king had four sons so he decided to split the kingdom into four to avoid jealousy.

Not soon after, the king died of unknown illness. Things were going well for a few months for the four brothers until the eldest suddenly became greedier and wanted to have all the lands for himself. The brothers reasoned him but it did not work.

Not long, war broke out for ten years. Many citizens, soldiers, and nobilities got killed in the war. After ten years it suddenly died down as the eldest brother seemed to have cooled his head.

History books did not mention what was the specific reason for the eldest son to have rapid behavior since he was viewed as kind and humble. The guess was because of his jealousy towards his brothers who seemed much successful. After that, peace was once again and their monarchy continued unto this day. Although that's what the books says, I have a feeling that something is missing. Like they're hiding what really happened. I might be overthinking because I am exhausted.

I put my book away and snuggled myself under the blankets and went to sleep.

The next morning, I heard someone talking inside my room. I did not bother waking up yet thinking it might be one of our maids giving me a wakeup call. As my hearing was being clear, I heard unfamiliar voices. One has a guy low tone bass like voice and the other was like young woman's soothing and calming voice.

"Did you pass your report? Romero was asking me about it" the unfamiliar soothing like voice said.

"Nah, I haven't. I'm too lazy" the bass tone like voice replied.

"What!? That was due last week! This is why it's hard to work with you devils" she said.

"Well I got to say the same to you guys. Uptight angels" he replied.

"Devils? Angels?" I thought to myself as I was very confused on whose talking.

I got curious and decided to finally get up. I saw a man with horns and tail growing out of his head and back. He had dark redish black hair, firm body and tanned skin. I also saw a woman with a halo floating above her head and small bird like feathery wings growing out of her back. Something you would see in fictional books and methodologies. I was so shock by my view I fell off of my bed. I couldn't talk or utter a single word. As I was thinking on what to do, I noticed they were already staring at me with their piercing eyes. And suddenly –