It's a cloudy afternoon in Havania Kingdom. It's already been a week since Herano arrived in here. Now he's preparing because he's going back to our homeland. I'm sitting in the living room of the House I rented two years ago, waiting for Herano. This is where I reside and spend my days pursuing all of my interests. Because it is located in the Capital, it was extremely convenient for me to go out and make purchases. I'm already a self-sufficient lady, so living alone isn't an issue for me. Correll also spends some of his time at my place just to annoy me.
"Herano, you appear to be taking your time." I'm now irritated. He's going to miss the voyage back to Rivania! He'll be traveling by ship. Within the next two months.
"I'm still searching for-"
"For what?" For God's sake, hurry up or you'll miss the trip!" I yelled. This man takes long to resolve things, which is what I despise about him the most.
He had already gone downstairs. We don't have any servants here, therefore no one could assist him in packing his belongings. That explains why he took so long to arrive in the living room.
"You're such an impatient woman," he joked as he patted my head.
"Stop that, it's annoying," I rolled my eyes and followed him outside. He just shook his head before following me.
We hired a carriage to take us to the seaport. I had to send him away. This one was pre-planned. Herano will travel to Rivania. After two months, Correll and I would travel to Rivania. When Correll and I will be travelling, Herano will conduct an inquiry and look after our business. So, in essence, it will take four months before I can return to my homeland.
We'll wait. I'm willing to wait.
The royal ball will take place in December. That's when will Correll and Athacias will be engaged.
Just wait, Vanaya and Father. We will ultimately find the truth and bring justice to light.
We've already entered the carriage. It takes 20 minutes to go to the seaport from here.
"Herano, look after our mother. I can't image how much she's going through right now." I'm extremely concerned about her.
Because of our current plans, I still can't go back to Rivania with Herano right now. Our plan must be done gradually and steadily. We must exercise caution since our opponent will not be easily defeated.
"Don't be worried. I'll look after her. "I will take care of everything," he stated confidently.
I let out a sigh. I'm sure things will be really difficult for us now.
"I need to get ready. I'll do everything I can to assist you. For the sake of our family. In memory of Vanaya and Father." I then spoke.
We were considered as the perfect family. Dad never had mistresses, unlike with the other nobles. He truly loved our mother, and us, his children. He provided us everything. From foods, to high-end clothes and jewelries. Our family really had a good reputation. We were adored, admired and loved by people.
"I know. You were, after all, Dad's favorite. You inherited both his abilities and his intelligence. Your looks and eyes were all inherited from our father." He stated that with a smile.
That happens a lot to me. I was seen as a little version of him. I was a papa's little daughter. My eyes were a gray-bluish gradient, as was my face and my brown tan skin, which they said I inherited from our father. My hair was distinct from that of my siblings. It wasn't the most ideal Ombre hair color. My siblings' hair had a beautiful blend of silver and black, but my roots are jet black and the ends are silver. It was not a flawless blend, as you can clearly see and distinguish two distinct hues. My hair is likewise curly. One thing they said I inherited from our grandma.
Vanaya had tanned complexion, straight hair, and a face that shouts femininity and purity, whereas mine screams aggressiveness. They frequently compare myself to Vanaya. Vanaya was a stunning woman. She was only a year older than me. Herano is our eldest, and he is four years my senior.
"Though he did not give us the impression that he had a favorite, father cannot deny that he liked and preferred you very much," he added. I didn't respond to him.
His voice was not jealous in the least. It was as though he already knew and had accepted it.
"It isn't true, Herano. He was equally and reasonably fond of all of us."
"Well, sure, dad spoiled me since I was the only boy," he joked.
Now that I think about it…
"Father liked me since I am the youngest, and you used to irritate me! That's why he's always on my side," I yelled. He was now laughing like a child.
Those were the greatest days. If only... If only we could go back in time. I would go to any length to relive that bliss.
"Father loved us." I'm certain of it. He allowed us to go to other places, continents so that we could feel free. He gave us a sense of freedom."
Father was the best.
Tears started to well up in my eyes. I miss him so much.
"Father. I'd want to go traveling. I want to do things I haven't done before. Please allow me to go with Herano Father. I vow to return home and perform my responsibilities. I'll even marry and have grandkids for you but at the right age. Allow me to explore things. Allow me to enjoy my adolescent life full of adventures. I realize it's a selfish request, but I still don't want to marry at this age. I don't want to spend my life preparing to be someone else's wife. I vow to help with our businesses when I return and and..."
"Fana. My youngest, but also the boldest, of my children. I shall not restrain you. I want you to see the world's beauty. I'm not going to stop you. I shall not obstruct you. Take your time and explore as much as you like. Just let us know when you're satisfied and ready. I understand your feelings and will put my trust in you. Don't be afraid, my youngest. Go. "Be free and happy,"
I couldn't get those words out of my head.
We had stopped talking. While we were in the carriage, I was preoccupied with staring out the window. We then arrived at the seaport few minutes later. People were busy. Some were getting tickets, while the porters were organizing and bringing luggage inside the ship, as is the norm at the harbor. There are families, nobles, and other individuals. I'm guessing they want to proceed to the second city of this Kingdom, Calos City, which is located in another section of the Havania continent, before reaching the terminus of Rivania. It takes a month to go to that city. Because it is a metropolis, there are several chances for individuals to work. I was there for a couple weeks before heading to Havania's capital.
The ship will reload there before continuing on its voyage to Rivania. Low people desired to visit Rivania as well, but they could only enter the provinces of the continent. If you are a noble, you will be allowed to enter Rivania's capital. Rivania is cautious when it comes to visitors or travelers. You can't even travel if you don't have the necessary paperwork.
That's how things work in my home country. Status is really important. If you are a noble, you are exceedingly fortunate, but if you are a commoner, you are not.
Herano already had a ticket, therefore it was time for him to board the ship. He's a VIP, and his quarters on the ship will be fabulous and grand. It is only offered to royalty and nobles.
We exited the carriage.
"It's nice to see you again, My Lord," a man in his mid-30s with a fine appearance bowed at him. He is a member of the crew on board the ship. I believe he will be the one to organize and assist Herano's belongings in his cabin.
"Sir Valin, I'm sorry. It's great to see you. Could you kindly store my belongings inside the cabin?" Herano begged.
"Indeed, My Lord. Is this Lady Fana?" He smiled as he moved his eyes to me. He then bowed to me as if I were a saint.
"Yes, this is my youngest sister, Fana" he said, introducing me to the guy in front of us. I gave him a kind smile.
"Rumors are true as they say here and even in Rivania. She is of unmistakable beauty. SHe looks like a lot of your father My Lord" Rumors? Now there's rumors about me?
"Th-thank you," I replied uncomfortably. When did this rumor start spreading?
"This is Sir Valin, Fana. He formerly worked for one of our businesses, but he has since retired and is now working aboard this ship. He's the one that helped Father the last time he came here. He'll also be of assistance to us. "You can put your faith in him," Herano said.
Yes, Father has been here before. The man gave me a kind smile.
"I'm sorry for your loss, My lady and My lord," Sir Valin said.
Herano rubbed his back. My smile had also vanished. He knew, didn't he? After all, he was Dad's valued companion. It is also proper for him to be aware that the master he previously served has passed away.
"Thank you for previously aiding my father. Please take excellent care of my brother. I'll entrust him with your care," I said.
"It is an honor to serve you, My Lady. I will be of tremendous help to your brother. Please excuse me." He proceeded to fetch Herano's belongings and then headed towards the ship's entrance.
The ship's steam began to rise through the air. The ship is now ready for departure.
"Fana. "I'll be leaving right now," I stared at my brother.
"Please be careful on your way home. When you get home, take care of our mother as well." I hugged him. This is not a farewell because we shall see one other again shortly.
"No, you don't have to be concerned about that," he told me. He then returned my hug.
"Be careful, sister. We will have turn the tables and brought justice to light by the time you arrive in Rivania. You are my ultimate hope," he added. I nodded, and he let go.
I stood there watching him walk away until he reached the ship's entrance. I waved at him, and he waved back. He went inside.
I waited for the ship to depart before returning to the capital.
There was just one idea that crossed my head while riding in the carriage.
"Please, Mother, wait for me. I swear to you, we will receive the justice we deserve." It was nearly evening when I got to the home. I ate, had a shower, and read a book. When I became bored, I went to my room's balcony and gazed at the lovely moon.
I can only feel the breeze from outside.
Moon.
***
(Rivania Empire)
Ahh. Today's moon is stunning. The moonlight shone and reflected in this lovely spring.
I sat down beneath the oak tree. This is the lone tree here this spring.
For hours, I stared at this lovely sapphire clip with her name engraved on it.
"Fana" a short yet lovely name.
I'm curious when she'll be returning home.
Hah. When am I going to see her again?