The room was magnificent and the scene was enthralling. However, the person in front of me, who sat on his majestic throne, high up on the podium while looking down on me, makes me anxious, like being stuck in a maze. The glorified King of Quirinus—King Austen Zeno Quirinus was the man. His presence alone could make the world's bow. This proves by seeing how great and strong this kingdom is. Besides the king himself, I'm also in a presence of a member of the secret council. I saw Count Maxim, and he gave me a smile as our eyes met. However, I haven't met the other two nobles who stood beside Count Maxim. Both of them looked at me, though I'm not sure what they're thinking.
"Deanna of the House of Remus greets the benevolent sun, His Majesty the King of Quirinus."
I bowed courteously and greeted the King of Quirinus. As I started talking, the room was filled with neither smile nor frown, but just a face devoid of emotion.
"You look beautiful just like your mother. You grew up well," The king said with a smiling face.
"Thank you, your majesty," I said as I bowed my head a bit, showing gratitude.
"We're all very grateful for your proposal. I didn't know there's a brilliant lady such as yourself, Lady Deanna."
The king said with a smile on his face. At first, I found the king terrifying, but now he seemed benevolent, from the way he talks to the way he acts.
"Thank you, your majesty, for thinking so high of me. I'm just doing what I believe was the right thing to do. We've won this war not only because we have a strong army and a great defense, but the farmers who provide food, and the physician and doctors who treat the wounded, and others who worked behind the scene. So I believe, they should also be rewarded as such the soldier has. Though now, they haven't been rewarded anything but only debts to carry," I said.
The king was baffled by my response. The nobles didn't think much of this because they believed it was the farmer's duty to provide food in any circumstances and wherever the demands are.
"You have a great mind. I'm glad we have someone like you in this kingdom. As the King of Quirinus, I would like to grant you with a token of gratitude, Lady Deanna? Do you have anything you desired?"
The king asked, with a smiling face. His face looks gentle and soft, like a father who is proud of his child.
"I already have…"
Then I paused my words as I remembered that I could ask for land as I was planning to build a place for the children to learn.
"Your majesty, if it's not too much, I would like to have my own land, "I continued.
"What are your preferences?" he asked.
"I only have one. I wish that it's near the town," I said.
"I could give you a bigger land if you wish for other places," he said.
He was contemplating why I asked for land, as I am the daughter of the Duke, and my house was just a few minutes from the town.
"If you don't mind me asking, I would like to know why you asked for a land," he said, as he's trying to read my mind.
"I wanted to have something that has my names on it, something that I gain with my own effort," I said.
I tried to hide my real intention. This is because I'm not sure how they would react if I told them I wanted to build a school for the poor children. The high nobles always believed that they were above others. Though I believe everyone has their own strength and weakness, they cannot judge a person by their status. A successful person is a person who developed their strength but not eliminating their weakness. So I wished that one day everyone would work together, supporting each other's strengths and weaknesses. That's why I wanted to help these children, as I believed that they would contribute many great things if we just gave them a chance.
"Hahaha. You are a great lady, Lady Deanna. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll be happy to help you," the king said, feeling pleased with my answer.
"I will your majesty. Thank you for your kindness, "I said as I bowed my head courteously.
Then, the meeting was over. All the nobles went out of the room. Then one by one of the council members started talking to me.
"Greetings Lady Deanna. I am Marquess Fotios Wilhelmus. Your proposal was great and benevolent. If you encounter any problems, I'm happy to help."
Marquess Wilhelmus said with a kind smile. He looks scary with a scar on his face, but he seems friendly and kind with his gesture and the way he talks.
"I see you have become soft-hearted with your students, Count Maxim. There are no men who could solve this problem, but a mere lady could," said the man with a grand-looking attire.
His lips were smiling, but it didn't feel like it. I bet he was one of the nobles who didn't like the idea of a woman in a high position solving problems and giving orders. It's true that some people tried to define things, either maleness or femaleness. For example, women suited to be a nanny or a nurse, and men suited as a soldier or a mechanic. Men or women, we're the same, we are trying to learn and do what we love. I believe there is no definition between a man's world and a woman's world as we lived in one world, united.
I just looked at them silently with anger and looked at my father. I realized that my father clenched his fist in frustration, then a word came out from him unexpectedly.
"There's no difference between a man and a woman. Viscount Fulgencio, I believed that rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength, so I advise you to learn properly so you to could achieve real strength, "he said with a stern face.
Viscount Fulgencio was shocked and angry with my father's comment, though he hid it with a smile.
"I'm sorry, Duke Remus, Lady Deanna if you misunderstood what I said. I mean no harm. Lady Deanna, I am Viscount Rufus Fulgencio. I think you have met my daughter, Dulcea. I hope both of you can get along well," he said with a fake smile on his lips.
"It's fine, Viscount. Next time please watch what you're saying, you don't know who you might get offended by. I'm just worried if something bad might happened to you, "I said, trying to hide my anger.
Then we all dispersed, one by one. Now it was just me and my father.
"Please don't mind what Viscount said, Deanna," my father said as he tried to comfort me.
"Its fine father. I'm happy you protected me. Father, you look really nice in your formal attire," I said with a soft voice as my head looked down on the polished floor. I felt somewhat shy because I've never praised him before. I felt love.
My father smiled to himself as he felt great. It felt like everything was going to be alright.
"Thank you, Deanna. You look beautiful as well," my father said.
"So are we going to meet Sir Calisto now?"
My father asked, though truthfully he doesn't want to let me go. He acted like a father protecting a small child.
"Yes, father. Are you sure you're not busy? I'm fine on my own, you just need to point me the way," I said, worrying if I disturbed him.
"No, it's fine. I will lead you the way," he said as he continued walking.
We've then reached the front door of the room where Sir Calisto was. My father knocked on the door four times before it was opened. Then I, who was standing beside my father, was greeted by a pair of green eyes. I never knew he wore glasses. Though it couldn't even hide his gorgeous eyes. He looked surprised. Then he quickly greeted me and my father.
"Greeting Duke Remus, Lady Deanna. What may I help you with?" He asked with a bright smile.
"Greeting Sir Calisto, this is for you," I said as I passed him the food.
"Thank you. I didn't know you would actually cook for me. I am forever grateful," he said as he reached for the food.
He looks blissful and overjoyed.
"I'm not sure if it suited your taste, but I hope you would like it," I said with a gentle smile.
"I see you're very busy Sir Calisto. We shouldn't disturb you any longer," my father said.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you," I said, feeling guilty.
"No Deanna, you didn't need to apologize. You cut his time by bringing lunch for him. He should be grateful," my father said, looking stern as he looked towards Sir Calisto.
"Yes Deanna, you shouldn't apologize. I am happy and grateful to receive lunch from you," Sir Calisto said.
He didn't seem flustered, but he looked somewhat uncomfortable. Maybe it's because of the way my father looked at him. I thought that I should bid him farewell, as I didn't want to disturb him for long and making him more uncomfortable.
"Sir Calisto, I should leave you to your work now. I hope you have a nice day," I said with a smiling face.
"Thank you, my lady. I wish you well, "Sir Calisto said with a smile as he bowed his head slightly, showing courtesy.
Sir Calisto stood there as he watched me and my father walked away.
"Deanna, what are you planning on doing now?" My father asked me.
"I'm planning to visit the library," I replied.
"I'll be fine alone, father. Don't worry," I continued, to reassure my father.
"Alright, I will finish my work before dark and we can go home together. If anything happens, just come to my office okay? "
He said, with a concerned face, wondering whether he should let me go by myself or not. Then I tried to calm his worried heart with a bright smile saying I'll be okay. He walked like his feet were stuck inside a mud. He doesn't want to leave me alone, but he has to. As I watched my father enter his office, I then started to move my own way.
During the same time inside Sir Calisto's office. He couldn't wait to try the lunch I brought for him. He was overjoyed as this was the first time someone ever did this for him. At that time, he thought if he continued to stay by my side, he could experience things he never thought of before. Feelings like love, caring, kindness, things that he only learned but never felt.
He put the burger on a plate and used a fork and knife to eat it. He took a small bite. Then he was surprised that it was made from sweet potato. Food that a noble would never eat.
"How did she thought of making it this way? It's delicious," he said to himself as he took another bite.
"How could you do this and expect me not to fall in love with you?" He said inside his mind.
He was happy and couldn't wait to meet me again. Every time he saw me, he found himself smiling like a fool. He felt blessed to meet me. It felt comfortable like we've known our whole life, and we didn't need to pretend to be anyone or anything.