Ms. Villainess Prince Charming

Kabanata 4

As we enter the huge garden of Viscountess Jessica's manor, wherein the tea party will happen—and we gather all the nobles attention. I just rolled my eyes when the servant didn't even announce our arrival.

"What a crook," wika ko habang patuloy na naglalakad.

I can feel tension in the air as I walk towards Viscountess Jessica's direction. The Viscountess is wearing a very daring red princess cut dress that didn't suits her at all, she looks like a clown in red.

"Viscountess Jessica, it's nice seeing you again," I greeted while smirking.

I saw how her huge smile vanished as she looks at my direction. Mukha siyang nakakita ng multo nang dahil sa panlalaki ng mga mata nito, and in addition—she also got pale.

Am I that scary? I don't think so.

"C-countess Quynh," she said, stuttering.

"Thank you for inviting me here," saad ko at nahinang pinaypay ang hawak kong mamahaling abaniko. "Akala ko nakalimutan mo na ako," Kunwari ay nagtatampo.

"I will never forget you Countess," she replied, mukhang nakabalik na sa kaniyang huwisyo.

"If you say so," saad ko, at ninakawan ng tingin si Issac dahil nagsisimula na ang aking plano. "Issac," tawag ko sa pangalan nito.

Isang makabuluhang ngisi ang gumuhit sa aking labi ng mamula ang magkabilaang pisngi ni Viscountess Jessica, tanda na si Issac ay nagugustohan niya.

"Yes my lady?" Issac replied while bowing lightly.

"Kindly greet Viscountess Jessica, it's her day today," nakangisi kong sabi.

"You look splendid today Viscountess Jessica," Issac greeted then kisses the back of Viscountess Jessica's hand.

I laugh loudly yet evilly inside of my head when I saw how flushed she is. Mas lalo siyang naging kamatis sa paningin ko dahil ang pula-pula na nito lalo.

Ang gilid ng aking labi ay umusli ng aking marinig ang marahas na paghinga ni Naisha. I am really a genius, I am hitting two birds in one stone—Issac is the stone of course.

"Our lady is calling you Sir Issac, pay attention," igting pangang wika ni Naisha dahilan para ako ay mahinang mmapatawa.

Mabilis namang bumalik sa aking tabi si Issac samantalanag si Naisha naman ay nilapitan ito at inabutan ng panyo—pamunas sa labi at kamay nitong dumapo sa balat ni Viscountess Jessica.

"I hope that your tea party is not a waste of time," I said, smiling and walks away.

Nagsimula na naman ang mga bulong-bulong tungkol sa akin ngunit wala akong pakialam sapagkat paulit-ulit lamang iyon at nakakasawa na ring pakinggan.

Originally if you're in a tea party—all guests will be at a huge dining table talking about their love life, new jewelry, money, flings and fiance's. I am not a fan of it, kaya madalas ay mayroon akong sariling puwesto at upoan pero hindi ngayon.

Balak kong makihalubilo sa kanila para na rin sa maganda kong plano. My plan is to ruin them one by one, especially those noble ladies who speaks ill to me.

"Where are you going my lady?" Takang tanong ni Ava no'ng ako ay lumiko.

"I want to see some worthy paintings first bago ako makipag-plastikan sa kanila," saad ko at si Ava ay kinindatan pa.

Napailing na lamang ito gayon din sila Naisha. Well, hindi talaga kami nagkakasundo ni Viscountess Jessica pero hindi ko rin maipagkakailang may taste ito pagdating sa paintings at ibang antigong bagay na ang iba nga'y hindi ko alam kung saan niya nakuha. Maybe she's doing some dirty business behind my back.

As we reach the hallway that is full of painting ay hindi ko na naitago pa ang kasiyahang aking nadarama. I saw portrait, landscape and abstract but what caught my attention is the fantasy themed painting in front of me.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Wika ko habang nakatitig sa painting.

"It is my lady, and it looks so unreal," saad ni Naisha na kagaya ko rin ay puno ng pagkamangha.

"Where do you think Viscountess Jessica get this?" Pagtukoy ko sa painting.

"I guess in a black market auction my lady," sagot ni Ava.

"Black market auction aye? Hindi ba't they're suffering from money lost?" Pagtukoy ko sa pamilya ng Viscountess.

"They are my lady," wika ni Naisha. "Sa palagay ko ay mayroong tumutulong at nagpapautang sa kaniya," dugtong pa nito.

"Really? Sino naman kaya ang mangmang na nagpautang sa pamilyang 'to?" Tumatawang wika ko.

Among all the aristocrats here in Antimacassar Kingdom, our household held the record of richest. Sa totoo niyan, my father's title should be Duke and not Count. Iyon nga lang ay hindi na naghangad pa ng higit na kapangyarihan ang aking ama and in addition, napamahal na siya Cassar City na siyang kinalakihan ng yumao kong ina.

My father and mother's love story starts on the City, kaya siguro gano'n na lamang tinanggihan ng aking ama ang titulo. I can't argue with that thou, when love moves—we can't do anything but to follow it.

My parents love story is a bitter-sweet-tragedy one, but my father always says that it's okay because he have me—even though I am the sole reason why he always got into trouble.

"I don't think it's from our Kingdom my lady," Issac said while holding his sword—he's in alert.

"At the staircase my lady," Ava whispered who's also in alert.

With that, I take a glance at the second floor's staircase and there, I saw three hooded person talking to the former Viscount. I can tell that they're talking about something funny yet serious matter by just watching the former Viscount's reaction.

"Do they look familiar to you Naisha?" Tanong ko sa kausap ng dating Viscount.

"I'm not sure my lady," saad ni Naisha. "They're too far away from me to see and say,"

"Is that so?" Tanong ko.

"Yes my lady," Naisha replied.

"I see..." I whispered and glance at Issac who's still in alert. "Fix your sword Issac. We're not here for violence,"

"Are we? Really?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong nito.

"Yes, no—I mean, yes we are here for violence but not the bloody one okay? So unhand your sword dahil wala naman silang ginagawang masama," paliwanag ko at ito'y inismiran dahil nahihirapan ako.

Without a word, Issac unhand his sword and calmly stands by my side as the former Viscount and the three hooded man walks towards our direction.

My eyebrows automatically arch when the former Viscount's eyes meets mine.

"Hello there Viscount," I greeted, and I almost laugh when the former Viscount turns pale.

"C-countess!" The Viscount snapped then bow. "W-what are you doing here?" He added.

"Why? Am I not allowed here?" Tanong ko pabalik at bahagyang tiningnan ang mga kasama nito.

I can't tell if they are girls or boys or whatsoever, but there is one thing I'm sure of—they are huge—extremely huge. I think they are far way more taller than Issac especially the one in the middle.

"O-of course you're allowed in here Countess," The former Viscount replied, sweating and stuttering.

"Good to know," Masungit na saad ko. "Who are they anyway?" Pagtukoy ko sa mga kasama nito.

"They're merchants Countess!" Maagap nitong tugon kaya mas lalong umarko ang kilay ko.

"Merchants? Why do you need merchants Viscount Castro? You don't even have business to begin with," Seryosong saad ko. "You're still indebt remember? You're not even allowed to leave your manor, so how come you can have a transaction with those merchants behind you?" I added, which is true.

"It's none of your business Countess," The Viscount replied while glaring at me.

"None of my business you say?" I huff then laugh sarcastically. I faces Ava and said, "Kindly remind the Viscount of who am I, Ava."

"It's my pleasure my lady," Ava replied then steps out for me. "Listen very carefully on what I'm gonna say Viscount Castro..."

As Ava started on lecturing the Viscount, I can feel something hot piercing me. Someone is staring at me but I can't tell who it is among the three. They're all wearing a brown color shabby hood that is covering half of their faces, kaya hindi ko matukoy kung sino ang tumititig sa akin.

I squint my eyes when I saw something flashy coming from the man in the middle, but it disappears as I unconsciously blinks my eyes. Something smells fishy.

"As I was saying Viscount Castro, my lady—Countess Quynh Xitlaly Heist have a right to arrest you because her father is the chef director of our Kingdom's security," saad ni Ava na nagpabalik sa huwisyo ko.

"That's enough," I cut Ava.

Ava instantly stops and get behind me. Marahan ako nitong pinayagan habang si Naisha naman ay may binubulong dito na hindi ko maintindihan. Matanong ko nga mamaya, mukha kasi silang masaya.

"Where are we again—"

"What is this fuss all about Countess Heist?" A familiar voice cuts me off.

I close my eyes in disbelief and faces Viscountess Jessica—the one who cuts my words.

"Didn't we similarly attended an etiquette lesson Viscountess Jessica?" Aking panimula, nagtitimpi at nanggigigil.

"Yes why?" Tanong nito at nilapitan ang Viscount. "Are you okay dad?" Tanong nito at tinalikuran ako.

Napatiim bagang na lamang ako sapagkat wala talaga itong modo, manang-mana sa kaniyang ama.

"I'm fine Jessica—"

"You surely got no manners Viscountess Jessica," pagputol ko sa sasabihin ng Viscount. "You see, I don't like I when someone cuts my words without giving permission. Huwag kang sasagot kung hindi naman ikaw ang kausap naiintindihan mo ba?" Nakangiti kong saad kahit gusto ko na itong saktan.

"You got no manners too, and that's what you get for disrespecting my dad," matapang na sagot ng Viscountess.

"Aye? Are you sure? For sure you're aware about your dad's standing in the Kingdom and so as his evil deeds, and because you're keeping him here inside your manor—no I mean, your fiancé's manor you can be put at jail as well," May matamis na ngiti sa labing saad ko.

"How dare you?!" Viscountess Jessica shouted. "You don't have a right to put me or my dad behind bars because you got no evidence!"

"You think so?" Bahagya akong natawa sa sinabi nito. "You're dad already spend three days behind bars..." I pause as I saw the Viscount gulp. "Don't tell me your daughter didn't know? Poor thing..."

"Stop playing around Countess Quynh!" Viscountess Jessica shouted again, gaining more attention just what I wanted.

"Should I tell her?" Tanong ko sa Viscount na ngayon ay nanginginig.

"P-please..." The Viscount plead.

"Please? You don't have to say that silly," I said in playful way then faces Viscountess Jessica. "Listen to me very carefully okay?" Dugtong ko pa.

"Kindly sit my lady," Naisha whispers in my ears making me startled.

"Oh god...you almost give me heart attack Naisha," saad ko at naupo sa upoang hinanda nito. Hindi ko alam kung saan niya iyon nakuha, but still I appreciate it because I am already tired standing.

"I humbly apologize my lady," Naisha said gently.

"You know what Countess Heist, nagkamali ako sa pag-imbita sa 'yo," mahabag damdaming saad ni Viscountess Jessica, iyong tipong mapapaiyak ako—pero syempre biro lang.

"Really? But I am very thankful right now you know," Puno ng pagkadismayang saad ko. "Looks like I am only the one enjoying this tea party of yours,"

Pinalungkot ko ang aking mukha at marahang hinawakan ang kamay ni Issac. Lihim akong napangisi ng aking makitang halos balatan ako ng tingin ni Viscountess Jessica.

"Issac I am really sad right now," Malungkot kung wika at bahagya pang ngumuso

Issac leans forward at me and started caressing my cheeks and I almost lost my posture when I saw Viscountess Jessica, is about to cry.

"I really hate you!" The Viscountess whined. "Kahit saan ka magpunta gulo lang ang hatid mo! Get out!" Sigaw nito at sa pagkakataong ito ay tuloyan na itong umiyak.

Viscountess Jessica runs for her life while crying in ugly way. I almost puked when I saw her tears and snot at the same time, isn't it disgusting?

I stands up elegantly and smiles sweetly at the former Viscount, though hindi pa rin nawawala ang pagdududa ko tungkol sa mga merchants na kasama nito.

"You heard your daughter Viscount, I should go now." May ngiti sa labi kong saad. "What a pity...I'm not done yet playing you know," I sigh.

I once again stares at the merchants and I got chills when I feel like someone is staring at me again.

Without a word, I started walking towards the exit of this shabby manor. Oh I can't wait to wash my whole body with milk and let that disgusting smell of Viscountess Jessica out of my body.

I stops midway and smirk when I saw Viscountess Jessica's fiancé—Viscount Bryan. His face is disoriented. He is clenching his jaw, clenching his fist and her whole face is also red. He looks so angry and I wonder why...just kidding! Of course I know!

"I hope that you are aware now Viscount Bryan," wika ko at ito'y nginitian. "You're fiancée is in love with my cousin,"

"Why did you do that?" Tanong nito.

"Nothing special, I am just doing social experiment you know," I smiled cutely. "Oh, if you don't mind, I want to buy one of your paintings."

"I'm not selling my paintings Countess," Mariin nitong sagot.

"Really?" I asks, disappointed.

Hinarap ko si Naisha at sinabing, "Maiwan kayo rito ni Ava. Bawal kayong umuwi ng manor hangga't hindi niyo nakukuha ang painting maliwanag ba?"

"Yes my lady," They said in unison. "Your words is absolute,"

Tuloyan na kaming umalis ni Issac pagkatapos. I don't care I Viscount Bryan won't believe me, ang mahalaga ay may nasira akong araw.

Inalalayan ako ni Issac papasok ng aming karwahe, and to my surprise he stayed inside too—with me.

"Why are you doing here?" My forehead crease as the carriage moves.

"It's hot out there you know," saad nito at inirapan ako.

"Stop acting like a brat will you?" Ingos ko.

"I am not a brat," maagap nitong tugon.

"Yes you are!" Kontra ko.

"Whatever," Ako ay inismiran nito. "Where are we going by the way?"

"To the temple,"

"Temple?! Are you serious?" Nanlalaking mga matang tanong ni Issac.

"Of course I am!" Tugon ko.

"Geez, you'll only bring trouble to the temple," Napasintido ito. "You knew that priests hates your guts right my lady?"

"I'm just going take a peek, I've heard that the new high priest have arrived. I'm just curious because base on rumors the new high priest can from North," I pause. "You know what's in North right, Issac?"

Issac just sigh and didn't answer my question tanda na sumusuko na ito, which is good. I don't have more energy to argue with him.

Issac instructed the coachman as I stay silent. I am observing each pathways and street na dinadaanan namin.

My forehead creased when the carriage suddenly stops.

"What's happening?," I asks, in bad mood.

"There's a commotion in front my lady, the carriage can't pass because of it," The coachman said loudly.

I heave a sigh because of it and opened the door of carriage to see what's happening.

"Where are you going?" Issac asks as I stepped down of the carriage.

"To the commotion," I said flatly and started walking towards it.

I can feel Issac's presence behind me making me feel at ease. Kahit puro reklamo man ang isang 'to ay wala akong masabi sa higpit ng seguridad na natatanggap ko.

As we finally reach the commotion, my eyebrows automatically arch when I saw someone in the middle of the crowd being punch and kick to death. I can't clearly tell if it's alive because it's not moving anymore.

"What's happening here?" Wika ko dahilan para mapabaling sa akin ang kanilang attention.

Their faces turns pale as they saw me. Dapat lang, dahil alintana sila sa lakad ko.

"C-countess Heist..." I heard whispers.

"Answer my question, what's happening here? Why are you all hurting this poor thing?" Pagtukoy ko sa taong nakahilata pa rin sa kalsada.

When no one dared to answer my question, I just heave a sigh and instructs Issac to carry the almost lifeless person in front of me.

I also called palace guards to investigate what happened but for the mean time, this almost lifeless person will stay with me.

"Are we still going to temple my lady?" Tanong ni Issac habang marahang inihihiga ang taong aming nakita sa upoan ng karwahe.

"Not anymore," I replied while staring at the body in front of me. "Let's head back to the manor, this person needs medication."

"As you say so my lady..." Issac said and closes the carriage door gently.

I am very exhausted even though I didn't do much today. But the thing is, I am very curious about those merchants in Viscountess Jessica's manor.

Who are they? They're mysterious and their aura screams danger especially that one person in the middle. I must report it to my father, maybe they are spies came from different Kingdom.