“Zeikontour, huh.” The word was foreign to Carysse’s mouth. She knew that in the ancient language, it literally means ‘raise your ranks’. But with her being a Thalisse citizen, it was not unusual that they didn’t know a lot of things in the outside world. “Gairoshi was banned for centuries, right? But Zeikontour wasn’t. It was meant to be for those who wanted to become queen but when Gairoshi became dormant, it was now an event that opened opportunities for ladies who wanted to rise above society. Now, any girl can go from being a stable girl to a feudal lady and even higher,” the lady explained. “Just like me,” she giggled. “I am a daughter of an ordinary merchant. But now I do my own trades. My goal this time is to go a little higher than just being a merchant boss. I’m aiming to become a feudal lady–a true achievement of those who were born in the slums.” Carysse looked at her while they were walking. “Ma’am, may I know your name?” she asked. It was preposterous of her earlier
After what seemed like a century, Carysse finally woke up in a good bed with warm blankets, soft pillows, and a peace of mind.It was a distant feeling that she hadn’t felt in years while they were hiding. She never had a bed and decided not to have one because it would only be rendered useless as she was the guardian of Thalisse. She should never feel comfortable or else her senses will become dull.She had always to be in an environment that challenged and pushed her to always be on guard. Because of that, she forgot the feeling of having a straight sleep. A simple scurrying of the bushes or a random howl of a wolf or dog was enough to wake her up. This was why despite her small stature, no one regarded or recognized her as an eighteen-year old kid. They always thought she was older. They said it was because she had the tired face of an adult. Funny as that may be, others said that it must be saddening on her part to be young yet not feel young. But rising up from that unusual mor
Carysse had heard of castles only from the travelers that passed by Thalisse. They were described as gigantic and towering buildings that could house hundreds and even thousands of people inside, depending on the royalty residing in the castle. The travelers did a good job of describing them vividly that Carysse immediately knew when she saw one.As she and Liblei got out of the carriage, a stunning castle with a horizontal structure, ivory beams, bronze walls, and fluttering flags with different colors was placed on top. Carysse assumed the flags represented the eight provinces of Apharoth. On its walls were random giant holes filled with glass-like objects. The castle was literally sparkling. ’’This is the Adreic Castle, home to one of the highest families in Apharothia. It is where we will be having the first meeting for the Zeikontour,’’ Liblei said. She was wearing a proper attire fit for a noble already. Dressed in an emerald-colored long gown that swept the ground and her hair
Carysse took her seat along with the other female servants on the sides of the hall. The nobles carefully patted their seats and fixed the seams of their dresses before settling down to their pillowed seats.Looks like being a noble was a pain.She saw some of them eyeing the food in front of them like they wanted to gobble it in one go but due to the suffocating atmosphere of the rules of royalty, they only get to taste a little of everything. The sweets at the table were certainly mouth-watering. It had been a long time since Carysse had seen such an abundance of food.Living the life of a noble was certainly not for her.Carysse wanted to level up her own living but not in terms of money as these ladies in front of her were bragging about their clothes. Although it would be good to be rich, it would be better if she wasn’t pressured in any way and be judged solely by her outfit everyday. She would like to live the old Thalisse life once more.She had to fulfill this mission so that
The court panicked at the news of the messenger. “The women are being held hostage by the Mahan people. They trapped themselves in the inside of the castle and declared that they would kill anyone who would attempt to attack them. We didn’t see any sign of Lord Adreic and we have yet to hear from it though the people said that he was inside when the attack happened. He didn’t have his army with him and he is the only able man there who could wield a sword.”The ministers, especially those that were on Waharis’ side, were keeping up with their gasps and murmurings like women in heat. Dasran didn’t believe that they were feeling genuinely shocked. They were just putting on a show to pressure the king. “Chancellor Dasran, you seem to be relaxed despite hearing such news. Do you not care for the noble women who have come to Apharothia? Do you not fear for our city to be tarnished with questionable security?” Waharis was at it again but Dasran dared not to bite.Dasran was not shaken ove
By the time that Carysse had successfully broken the rope tying her hands, it was already dark. Good thing that she always kept her weapon ready at the secret pocket of her sleeves.The invaders had locked them all up in one of the upper rooms where it had a wide window. They said the room would perfectly serve as a display room, open for the people gathered outside to see what was happening. Some guards could be seen from a distance and the people had their torchlights, guarding them to make sure that the invaders won’t touch the hostages until the gold comes but no one was brave enough to come to their rescue at that moment.Although of course, that would be wise thinking. Why would they charge straightly into the hands of magic users? The enemy had declared their demands and Carysse wasn’t already surprised when they introduced themselves as the Mahan people that were going around. In her fear by just hearing of the name Mahan, one lady peed her dress, but no one among them was i
They trudged the dark empty hallway like the spiders and ants that kept on passing through them. They only had one torch which Qlisaira held. Carysse lost track of the time but she figured they had been cramping in the passageway for more than an hour.“Are you sure it's safe to use the torch? The enemy might see us from the outside,” Liblei whispered. Even if they were in front and Carysse was at the back to make sure no one was being left behind, she could hear their conversation because the others were awfully silent.“No, it’s fine. This hallway has no windows. We are walking through an abandoned section of the castle which only the Adreic family knows. Now I realize that father was right when he said that there will and always will be emergencies like now.” Qlisaira was calm-headed. “Is this your first time to experience such an emergency, then?” Liblei asked.“Yes, it is.”“You’re quite calm. Your father seems to have taught you.”They turned a corner and the passage was gettin
Chaos was bandaging and applying oil to Carysse’s bruises on her feet.The sun had fully risen and they were at a house of one of the civilians who was kind enough to lend his home to treat the wounded, especially Lord Adreic. He was in a critical state and they were preparing to transfer him to be brought to the royal doctors.The ointment stung and Carysse was doing her best to not groan in pain because she didn’t want Chaos to laugh at her. None of them spoke for a few minutes. Chaos stood and cleared all the blood-stained cloths that he used. Carysse saw the fresh stack of blue clothes at the table. Chaos saw her eyeing it and he said,”That’s yours. I will go outside while you change.”He was about to stand up when Carysse spoke. “Can you do me a favor while you're outside, then? I just want to speak with one of the noble ladies one more time.”“And who may that be?” It was rare for him to be curious. Or was that the Chaos she knew two years ago?“Liblei. Libeli Okkoa, a particip