The leaves of the trees that surround the road dances together with the wind, the shadow that it casts follows its steps as if it wants to create a shadow play in the middle of the day. You can hear the playful chatter of the people inside of every shop you pass by. Their juicy gossips echoing from the shops to the alleyways separating each shop. The clattering of dishes inside the restaurants reverberates together with the heart felt talks of couples sitting on their tables. Everything might look normal and peaceful, but when you look at the shop owner's faces— you can see sadness in their eyes despite their happy faces.
This can only mean one thing: even though they have customers, it's not enough to keep their shops open; thus, they might close down or worse, get bankrupt.
It breaks my heart seeing this things. It pains me to see that even though everyone is having fun, there's still a side of their brain thinking that someday, all of the things they have and experienced, might disappear.
However, despite of the customers' happy conversations and the owners trying their hardest to push their worries to the back of their minds; they can't help but look outside through the window, to see a lady in foreign clothes, ridiculous hairstyle and tinted shades. The lady, although foreign and hilariously looking, walks like a noble with her back straight, chin up, stomach in, and chest out. You can't deny the fact that she walks confidently while holding a parasol, and talking to Drew Fortess— the relative of the duchess.
"And here milady, is the shop district of the Fortess Dukedom. As you can see, even though the duchy is experiencing a downfall, it's still able to support the everyday lives of the people." Drew said to me as if I'm really a foreigner. Right now, I'm strolling the roads of the Fortess duchy in ridiculous clotting, with a lot of eyes staring at my back. "This plan of yours is brilliant, but I still hate you."
"Don't blame me, you also suggested this remember?" He answered with a smirk. It's true, I was the one who suggested this 'newcomer' idea. Nevertheless, to think that he'll chose this absurd style, now I regret that I let him dress me. "And besides, look, your plan is being effective right now. The people will start to gossip and—"
"And the shop owners are starting to find hope now that they see even a single foreign person wandering the streets of the duchy, it's still a blessing for them because newcomers means new possible investors. And the fact that the relative of the duchess is taking care of the visitor, they can expect that politics would be involved too." I cut him off and repeated the plan like I already memorized it.
Let's rewind the time a little bit. A week ago, Drew made Yuri to prepare the carriage. I thought he had a plan in mind that still involves my status as a duchess, but instead of going to the roads of the duchy, we headed to a house— a foreigner's house. Of course, I thought we will inquire the help of the master of the house in this impromptu tour of ours, but I was half wrong.
We were ushered inside the house, treated like an esteemed guest and Drew introduced me to one of his weird friends. After we had a fun talk and nice tea, Drew started to get serious and asked his friend for help. He agreed enthusiastically. The plan was to have me and him take a walk on the shop district of the dukedom, just a simple stroll and talk; then we'll let everyone to spread the word that the duchess has invited a foreigner for possible political and investment talks. However, when I analyzed the plan, it might put the friend— let's call him 'friend'— and myself in danger considering that there might be rebels roaming around.
So I suggested to have me, dress in foreign clothes while Drew will be my guide. This way, we can still accomplish the goal in hand, while avoiding possible danger. I know this will embarrass me, but the betterment of the condition of the duchy is much more important than my pride and ego; and besides, they won't know it's me. We were at the end of the shop districts tour when I saw Nikos coaching a carriage with the Fortess house symbol. Inside was Yuri together with a girl just my age.
We rode the carriage in an awkward silence when Drew spoke first. "Milady, may I introduce you Miss Haifa, she is the daughter of the chief farmer and will be our guide once we arrive at the farmer's district." Haifa took a bow to me and Drew. I was about to speak when I remembered Drew's precaution.
'You're supposed to be a foreigner, act like you're new here. As much as possible, don't speak to anyone. Let me be the one to interact to them.' I quickly closed my mouth and turned to him. He introduced me to her and again, rode in awkward silence. I badly wanted to ask on how's the farmer's district but tried my best not to. When we arrived to the arc entrance of the village, Haifa got down to talk to one of the guards. It seemed like their topic is serious and Haifa turned to us with a solemn look.
She then walked back to us and said in a hushed tone, "Sir, I am very sorry but, I got news that some rebels are making trades within the district, it is advised for you to not continue since the rebels hold deep hatred to the duchess' family. It may put you in danger." Her expression turned sad after what she said, and Drew gave a deep sigh and thanked her for the warning. Truly, this would be a wasted try however, our safety comes first.
'Wait, right now, I'm not the duchess.' The thought struck me lightning fast and grabbed his attention. I know I would break his rule but, I have to do this.
"I would really love to have a tour to this district. Wouldn't it be possible for just me to have a tour with Miss Haifa?" I said in the most foreign tone I know, sadness evident in my voice. I looked at him with opportunistic eyes, hoping that he will get what I want to say. Seconds pass by then he answered with a smile. "It would be such a waste to cancel this tour now that we're here." Drew made disappointment obvious in his voice. Haifa was looking at us back and forth with confusion in her face. Until face lighten up with excitement and her eyes widened with happiness, seems like she got what I'm planning to do.
"Miss Haif—"
"I would love to, your grace! I mean, I'd be honored to take your guest in a tour. Of course, I will protect her with my life." She squealed with excitement but calmed herself immediately after. It seems like she's really looking forward on giving me a tour to even interrupt Drew who, on the other hand, is stifling his giggles as we watched Haifa jumping up and down as she explained the situation to the guards. One of them looked at us with questioning look and continued to talk with Haifa. After a minute, two more guards who're much taller that the first two arrived at the entrance.
Haifa came back to us and told me and him that two guards will accompany us and that I will stay at the village chief's house for the night so we don't have to worry. Drew was reluctant at first since this is the first time I would be alone and I might be exposed to the rebels and other dangers. He looked at me with concern in his eyes as I talk him out. "Okay, don't worry. I can take Yuri or Nikos with me so you won't have to be a worrywart." I tried convince him, he gave a deep sigh before letting my hand go. "Promise me you'll be alright. Be wary of rebels and don't take your disguise off okay?"
"Promise." I replied and got off the coach. Haifa looked at me with twinkling eyes and is smiling from ear to ear. She's really looking forward to this. Even if it's such a short notice to request of her to guide us, she's more than willing to do so. I was about to enter the village when I realized that I need to bring someone with me. when I turned around, I saw Yuri and Nikos looking at me longingly, with puppy eyes and their lips thin, their hands both clasped together as if their waiting for the announcement of the winner in a contest. I opened my mouth to say one of their names when I remembered to consider some factors.
Once I'm done thinking, I smiled to the both of them and said, "Miss Haifa, may I also bring my maid with me?" after I said that, Yuri smiled with triumph plastered in her face while Nikos was the complete opposite, he just got up to the coach and held the horse's reins. Yuri hurriedly grabbed a bag from behind the carriage and ran to my side. I assumed the bag was just some clothes and things to retouch my disguise. I waved goodbye to the boys and entered the farmer's village.
Upon walking from the trail surrounded with thick trees that served as fence to the whole village, you can see and hear just how healthy the forest is. Something that I barely experience back on Earth. Here, the trees are so tall and chubby, their crowns overlapping with each other but still enough for the sunlight to pass through. Chirping birds are echoing from every side and insect sounds are all around. Pass the trees were a small gate and when we got near it, we can hear the lively chatter of house wives holding baskets of every size– some filled with lunches for their husbands and some are field with crops and products probably harvested from the field or their own backyards.
When they saw Haifa, they waved at her and greeted her merrily. When their eyes moved to me, they lowered their voices and seemed to whisper to each other. I was a bit nervous because I don't know what their talking of even thinking at the moment; and my emotions were probably shown in my face for the reason that Yuri gripped the bag tighter. Meanwhile, Haifa glided to the whispering wives and announced to them my arrival as a guest of the duchess. Their eyes went wide and their merriness returned at what Haifa said.
"Please spread the news ladies!" Haifa said as the house wives went to their ways, to store the crops or to bring the lunches to their husband. Haifa turned to me with a wide smile. I heartily laughed when I heard her stomachs' grumble, her cheeks turned red and gave me an awkward smile. As the guards behind me tried their best not to laugh, Haifa said, "Sorry about that, miss. It seems like my stomach is crying again. Hehe! Anyways, it's lunch time already and I suggest we rest to our house and eat a yummy meal. What do you say?" she offered casually as if I'm just someone from here.
Instead to lecture her, I just laughed at her and agreed to her suggestion. I'm also hungry now and my feet is aching from all the walks, I really need a rest right now; Yuri needs to put down my things first so she can accompany me on the tour and hopefully, have a talk with the village chief.
Thankfully, her house is just nearby and we can smell the scent of delicious food being cooked inside the house. Haifa sniffed and smiled widely at me. "Lucky miss. Mother's cooking her special today. I hope you enjoy the meal." She said gleefully. We passed by some girls gossiping with each other while looking at us.
"Isn't that the duchess' guest?"
"Yeah, I heard one of the house wives talk about her. They said she's interested on our lands."
"She looks weird, don't you think?"
"Maybe she's from another kingdom. I never saw clothes like that when I sold products to the capital."
"But then again, isn't she putting herself in danger? Announcing herself as a guest of the duchess and visiting now when there are rebels around."
After listening to their talks, my eyes widened to the sudden realization. We neared the house and I already saw some big guys staring from behind the trees and some are looking at me from the streets. Their gazes are so sharp it may as well cut me dead. Their faces are serious but doesn't seem to say or do anything. It is strange for me.
When we entered the house, I was greeted with a delicious smell, an old man sitting on a chair while staring at the window, and another man that looked the same as those who're staring from the streets and behind the trees.
"Hello father, mother. I'm home and I have here the duchess' guest, from Sir Drew's request." Haifa said with utmost joy. Her mother popped out from the kitchen holding a pot in her hands. She just smiled at us and told us to eat. Her father who's staring at the window just laughed at her daughter's action and apologized for it.
But I didn't care about any of it. My attention was just to the man same with others outside. He's giving a dangerous vibe and I almost flinch when he said, "The duchess' guest huh. Interesting." He gave me a smirk that appeared to be so dangerous. It's like I'm indirectly receiving threats from him. Haifa's father ushered us to the table to eat. To show manners, I introduced myself to them— as the guest of the duchess— when the man laughed so subtly as if mocking me.
"Sorry, I also forgot to introduce myself, how disrespectful of me. I'm Marcus Zoldago milady, it's nice to meet you." He took my hand and kissed it, while my mind and body screamed danger in front of this man.