THAT DAY I BECAME A STAR

"Lalalala! Hm hm hm hm!"

One month. It's been a month since we all came to Makenz. I got the time to understand a bit how does the village works. And thanks to Stor, I know most things about incomes and expenses now.

"You seem in a rather good mood today."

The maid, LING, is humming a song while cleaning my room. The master bedroom is divided into three parts: a study, a bedroom, and a reception room of sort. The study contains a small library. That's where I have been locking myself every morning for the past while.

"Yes, Sir Dragonroad. Spring is coming.. Finally, I won't need a coat every time I go to the market."

"That's true."

Ling is in charge of the kitchen in the house. She does most of the cooking and is helping the butlers with the cleaning and other tasks. This house is big but everywhere you go, it is pretty clean and neat. 

Only problem I might have is how are they paid? Is it directly from the king since he is the one who gave me this territory? The man who was dressed differently from the rest on the day we came told me that he is charge of the financial affairs of the town. Maybe he will know more about it.

"Hey, you there?" While I am talking with Ling, Keltia enters the study without knocking.

"Good morning."

"Good morning. Slept well?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Father sent another letter."

"He seems really fond of you."

"It's not about me, this time. Though, yeah, he is quite attentive. I am his only daughter, after all."

Speaking of which…

"You know, I never saw your-"

"They aren't together at the moment."

"Ah…Sorry for asking."

Keltia makes a deep sad face that lets you imagine the worst. Did she run away or something? No, I shouldn't ask. But there is something else I want to ask.

"It's nothing. They are still married but mother is...well, she has some issues that she wants to take care of." 

"I see. Keltia, Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah?"

"You know… your father…He is pretty obsessed about avenging that guy who died or what-"

"KEVIN."

"Eh?"

"It's not that guy. It's Kevin. KEVIN KOERSOMBRE."

"Huh…okay." I thought Fankher was the only one upset about my 'death' but it seems even Keltia is the same.

"So, what do you want to ask?"

"No, it's nothing." You already answered.

" 'Kay." She leaves the study without closing the door. This girl and her manners sometimes…You wouldn't believe it.

***

During our breakfast, Lanuvel can't seem to stay in place. Well, it's normal. The letter announced that Rose has woken up. I want to go as well and check what she knows.

"Can't you guys eat faster?!"

In less than two minutes, she has already finished eating her breakfast and is standing up at the door of the dining room, hitting the door with her finger.

"Calm down already."

"Just shut up and finish your bread." Wow, I didn't see that one coming.

Everyone finishes his meal then we go outside. Thankfully, the carriages are already there or somebody would have snapped.

"Hiyaah!!" The coachman makes the horses run like we are under attack. The carriage shakes so much I think I might throw my breakfast up.

"Woof!!"

I hear K'nor barking outside. Looking by the window, I notice that he is at the level of the carriage. Are those horses that fast? I entered the second carriage with the boys while all the girls went to the first one. During the whole trip, nobody speaks. I don't know if it is because of the shaking or because the mood isn't right but still, I surprise even Cordel didn't place one or two of his catchphrases.

***

When we reach the mansion, I see Lanuvel jumping out of her carriage before it evens stops. Unlike her, we take our time though.

"We welcome you back, Sirs." The maids receive us with diligent smiles as usual.

"Thank you. Is she still up?" Keltia moves first and speaks with the maid that comes to take her mantle.

"Yes, miss, she is. But she hasn't said anything since."

We all go inside and follow the maid to Rose's room. When we arrive, we find Lanuvel crying while kneeling on the floor, holding the hand of a woman without hair. Her eyes are dead, she has taken a bit more weight than before but still, you can discern her bones. Her cheeks are slightly rounder. Really, the only good thing is that her complexion looks healthier.

"Sniff…Thank you…Sniff…Thank you, Meetia." I am the one who saved her though. Well, K'nor, Peter, and I did.

The heroes go to Lanuvel and kneel near her then place their hands on her back while smiling. A warm smile that could indeed erase any sorrow.

"May our mother protect the lives of those who have seen despair and yet didn't lose faith."

Everyone around me all crosses their hand at that moment and closes their eyes. This is the only part I don't like. Praying to somebody who hasn't done anything for me. Why should I pray to somebody when it is my strength that brought me where I am?

While everyone is busy praying, Rose slowly turns her head towards me, her eyes looking straight at mine. Then tears start falling from them.

"Shit…"

Why did she start crying? Don't tell me…She still managed to recognize me? No way, not when everybody else, even my own parents failed to do so. That can't be possible.

I notice that the butler is looking at me as well. Unlike the others who have their heads lowered, he is still looking around. Though his hands are crossed as well. Seeing that I looking at him, he smiles and lowers his head. He is a bit suspicious. I read his mind but I only discovered that he was a bit anxious. Oh, well, if it is only that.