The Majarlican Demigod

The Ducal Estate

The Majarlican Demigod

Chapter 21: The Ducal Estate

Time has passed, and I can't believe it's our first quarter break from school. I can finally breathe from Saphrias. Isn't it timely that the day after she nagged me about the prince, the following day is the last day of the first quarter?

It's only seven days, but I surely miss home.

Talia and I left Centralis before noon. Thanks to Talia's power of fire, the time it takes to get to our manor has lessened.

The ducal estate is the most prominent house in Dytika. The only visual on it is my grandmother's garden. My grandmother can bloom flowers and trees. It's always spring with her. My sister, a demigod, can keep every living thing alive when she touches it when she sings.

We entered the gates as the gatekeepers warmly welcomed us. Butler Mariano led the warm welcome for Talia and me. Most things have stayed the same in our manor.

"You arrived earlier than what we have expected, my lady." Butler Mariano greeted.

"Thanks to this elemental commander," I pointed at Talia.

Talia laughed, "No need to mention!"

"By the way, where are the mice?" I asked them.

No one seems ready for this pop quiz.

"They must be in their room, are they not, Mariano?" I repeat myself.

Butler Mariano did not answer, but I know where they are.

In this estate, my parents used to have a room together. That room is off-limits for everyone, but for some reason, my siblings can always get into that room. Well, I guess it's because it was not our mother who locked it. Talia and I went straight to that room. It is locked, and I can see how many layers of power were used to lock it. I, a demigod that nullifies powers, held the doorknob and absorbed all the powers that lock that door. I can hear their tiny voices.

I squeezed the knob and opened the door.

"SHARK!" Talia screamed.

My siblings were playing inside the room. This room is a big mess with a tiny sea and a tight rope above where Amari is walking. They put obstacles that she needs to avoid so she won't fall into the little sea with a giant fish creature in it.

The 3 of them halt in my presence.

Marzia, my youngest little sister, ran to me. Her warm, small arms were wrapped around me. She's very short in height since she's only five. Marzia has fluffy, fat cheeks with slanted eyes. Her skin is white as snow, and her hair is jet black. The girl with a magical voice. She is the exact opposite of my mum's ability as a minor deity. Marzia heals, and my mum spreads diseases.

"What is this, Zephyra?" I asked.

The memory of her in my head being killed helplessly by Artes is t*****e. My heart is fainting.

"You brat!" I said faintly, "Put this all away. The lord may come back and see this."

"I missed you, Thea!" Amari flew on my back.

"I missed you too, Amari," I pat her head.

"Now, put the sea creature away, Amari. And Zephyra put this water back from the lake already. Make sure this room is dry." I ordered them.

"You just came back, and all you do is nag, Ally," Zephyra complained as she put the water away.

Twilight came, and the lord of the manor came home. Once again, I could have my dinner at our long dining table. I remembered how Zephyra and I danced at the top when we were little, and Father scolded us in front of the servants.

The lord of the house is lenient for a duke as a father. He never scared us, nor did any of his children feel inferior toward him. Our wordless communication is warm, and he makes me feel secure just by his presence.

Father is in the middle, where he usually sits.

"Thea," Father called my attention, "I heard you got involved in the latest trial. Do they know who you are? -That your father is the current head of Dytika."

"I am fine, Father. Talia is there with me anyway," I answered.

"I'm glad to hear that. I received an invitation for the empress' birthday. I heard from the rumors that you are invited to that too," my father is giving off the tone that's warning me somewhat.

"Uncle Duke, the Crown Prince Rupert invited the whole class. We're really great friends with him." Talia butts in.

Father paused and looked at me, "The crown prince? *clears throat* aside from the invitation, we also received approval of the budget for some of the proposed infrastructure and agricultural projects here

in the West."

Our family has many members, and to be chosen as the next duchess of the first district is just something else. I still can imagine what Saphrias told me about Rupert. This West's Castle has been ours since my grandfather moved to Zenovi, where the new Ducal Palace was built.

Tonight's dinner was a hot seat. I continued writing about my investigation in my room. The kids and Talia invaded my room with their blankets and pillows.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked.

"We are sleeping here," Amari responded as she placed a floating bed beside mine.

"Isn't it amazing? We have a pajama party!" Marzia jumped on my bed.

I tried to ignore them since they wouldn't wreck my bed just by jumping on it.

Marzia asked Talia, "Is the Prince tall?"

Amari asked, too, "Can he fly?"

"He is tall, and he can fly!" Talia replied.

"Are you going to be the next princess, Ally?" Zephyra teasingly asked.

"Ayiiie!" the other two second the emotion.

"Stop it, guys! Other people might think I'm spreading lies," I said, "I'm not going to be the next princess. I will stay here in the First District."

They miraculously stopped teasing me, and then Zephyra threw a pillow on my face. Of course, the kids laughed, and Talia started the pillow fight. I really missed this kind of night when we fight before we go to bed, the noise of Marzia and Amari's cry before we all fall asleep... and many more absurd petty things.

After the fight, they finally fell asleep. I am not yet tired, so I want to continue my investigation on Artes. I have the Holsters as possible Artes's vessels. I was writing in my notebook on my study table.

Grimreaper popped from the window, "Althea!" I run to him right away.

"What are you doing here?!" I whispered.

"Easy! They can't see me," he said.

"Grim... We are demigods here. Hello?" I rebutted.

"Oh... Yeah. I just remembered." he flew over to the sleeping kids. "You are all Zephrias daughters. Hmm. I'm just here to congratulate you for not meddling with the situations that are bound to happen. Isn't it easier?" he sits on my study table.

"Yes, it is," I answered as I sat back.

"I can only do so much about it. And besides, I can't let these kids down.

Well, I have a kingdom to save."

"Good girl!" He said.

Zephyra stands up... Staring surprised at Grimreaper, "A... Ally?"

(To be continued)