Chapter 9 - Grandpama
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-In the Carriage-
As I sat in the carriage, a wave of anticipation washed over me. Myla, ever the suspicious one, eyed the man I had just recruited as if he were a traitor.
“Erm, who’s this, My Lady?” she asked, her tone dripping with skepticism as if I brought in a traitor or something.
Oh well, she doesn't know the shop right infront of us is a bar. I thought, looking out of the window.
“Oh, I don’t know either,” I replied, smirking as I sat beside my new henchman, facing Myla. “What’s your name?”
“Why would a poor man like me have a name so noble to be called by such a prestigious lady in the first place?” he replied.
“I shall give you one then,” I stated, nonchalantly.
“Why would such a noble lady like yourself bother to give this worthless man a name he doesn’t deserve?” he questioned.
“CAN'T YOU SEE MY LADY IS TRYING TO GIVE YOU A NAME AND HERE YOU'RE COMPLAINING AS IF YOU'RE BEING SENTENCED TO A LIFE OF MISERY!” Myla shouted, her voice rising. Evidently vexed.
“AND WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE PEOPLE? A MERE MAID?” bellowed the man, his indignation palpable.
“YEAH, I AM A MERE MAID AND YOU? A MERE NOTHING? WHO DO YOU THINK WOULD CARE ABOUT A MERE NOTHING LIKE YOU, HUH?” Myla shot back.
“I AM NOT A MERE NOTHING! YOU ARE A MERE NOTHING! ALL YOU KNOW IS TO SHOUT LIKE A DOG!” he retorted.
“SHOUT LIKE A DOG??? OH, THEN YOU’RE YELLING LIKE GRANDMA WITH THOSE GRANDPA-LIKE HAIR!” Myla countered, pointing an accusatory finger at him.
“HEY! WHO'RE YOU TO CALL ME A GRANDPA?!”
"YOUR MASTER! HAH!"
"MY LADY IS MY MASTER NOT A TRASH CAN LIKE YOU!"
I couldn’t help it; I started chuckling at their ridiculous banter.
"Ma-my Lady! Why're you laughing?" Myla asked anxiously, her eyes wide.
“Who wouldn’t laugh at adults fighting like 5-year-old kids?” I replied, still chuckling as I watched them squabble.
“Ma-My Lady! WHO’S SIDE ARE YOU ON? THAT DOG’S? OR MINE?” questioned the henchman, suddenly defensive.
“HEY! WHO'RE YOU CALLING A DOG, MR. GRANDPAMA?” Myla shot back, her voice full of sass.
“GRANDPAMA? WHO’S THAT?” he asked, genuinely confused.
“THAT’S YOUR NEW NAME!!!! GRANDPAMA! GRANDPA + GRANDMA = GRANDPAMA! HAHAHHAHHAHAA”
I burst out laughing, unable to contain myself.
“HEY YOUUUU!” he exclaimed, his face turning red.
“Alright, that’s enough,” I said, still chuckling. “I’ve thought of a perfect name for you!”
“Oh! That’s great! So what is it, My Lady?” asked the henchman, excitement bubbling in his voice. "I bet it's better than that dog's!"
"Mylo!" I exclaimed, feeling triumphant.
“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT—” screamed both Myla and Milo in unison.
“Ma-my Lady!!! That’s too much,” Myla cried out worriedly.
“I agree with Dog! It’s too much,” Mylo added, crossing his arms.
I chuckled again.
“HEY!!! I’M NOT A DOG, MR. GRANDPAMA!” Myla yelled, her indignation rising again.
“YOU ARE A DOG, BROWN DOGGY!” Mylo shot back, a smirk on his face.
“Alright, settle down, you two. We’ve got a long way ahead of us,” I remarked, calling out for the coachman to crack the whip and be off.
“So where are we headed off to, My Lady?” Mylo asked, his curiosity piqued.
“The Emberforge Armory,” I answered, feeling a sense of purpose.
“A weaponsmith’s shop?” Myla probed, her brow furrowing.
“I plan to get a weapon for the 3 of us,” I commented, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
“I plan to get a weapon for the three of us,” I commented, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
“Then learn to use it, Dog!” exclaimed Mylo, his confidence soaring.
“HEY! I DID NOT ASK YOU! SO MIND YOUR BUSINESS, GRANDPAMA!” Myla shot back.
“THEN WHY ARE YOU ASKING SUCH OBVIOUS QUESTIONS, DOG? OH, IT’S BECAUSE YOU’RE A DOG, NO WONDER YOU’RE SO DUMB! HAH!” Mylo laughed, clearly enjoying himself.
“ENOUGH!” I screamed, trying to regain control.
“But he’s the one who started it!” Myla affirmed, pointing an accusing finger at Mylo.
“Me? It was YOU, IDIOT!” Mylo exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.
“If you two keep bickering like this, we can’t work out!” I uttered furiously. “Listen closely, you two. The reason you are by my side is that I have a goal to achieve. And since you’re not aware of the situation, Myla will explain it to you. Won’t you, Myla?”
“Of-of course, Your Highness. OOPS!” Myla stammered, realizing her slip.
“Your Highness? WHAT?” Mylo jumped up from his seat in shock.
What? A member from the Royal Family? I WAS SITTING NEXT TO ROYALTY??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Mylo thought, getting all excited.
“Sit down, you’ll hurt yourself,” I stated, trying to keep a straight face.
"Of-of course, Your Highness. But it's such a rare opportunity for a mere commoner like me to have sat beside such a prestigious....*sits beside Myla* *Myla hits him on the head* Hey! YOUU!"
“Shut up, the Princess doesn’t need your stupid utterances!” declared Myla, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Alright, whatever! Just sit down quietly,” I commanded.
*Myla and Mylo sat quietly*
*Sigh* "You may explain the situation to Mylo, Myla. But please refrain from bickering." I requested.
*Myla starts explaining*
Hahh...................I'm so tired. But I'm happy *looks at Mylo and Myla* to have at least someone by my side. *smiles because they're getting along with bickering* Hmm............it reminds me of something.....
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-In Amoria Palace's Garden; 7 years ago-
In the lush garden of Amoria Palace, the sun filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground. I was a bundle of energy, darting around like a little whirlwind.
"Luxana, be careful. You might fall if you run so fast," her voice laced with concern.
“Don’t worry, Mommy, I won’t! Hehe,” I giggled, my heart racing with excitement. The world felt magical, and I was determined to catch every moment.
“Mommy! Look! There’s a butterfly!” I pointed at the delicate creature resting on a flower, its wings a vibrant tapestry of colors.
“Mommy, help me catch it!” I pleaded, bouncing on my toes.
With a gentle laugh, Roxana reached out and caught the butterfly in her hands.
“WOWW!! Mommy's the best!” I cheered, my eyes wide with admiration.
“Haha, do you like it?” she asked, opening her hands to reveal the butterfly, its wings fluttering against her palms.
“AAaa! It’s gone!” I cried out as the butterfly took flight, soaring into the blue sky.
“Just like happiness,” Roxana said softly, her smile fading slightly.
“Huh? Just like happiness?” I echoed, puzzled by her words.
“Yeah... just like happiness...” she sighed, her gaze drifting away as if lost in thought.
“Mommy? Are you alright?” I asked, sensing a shift in her mood.
Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close.
"My baby, remember, Happiness is just temporary. It doesn't last long. Nor do joy and love. But I promise you. I will forever love you the most. You will forever be the only one I love and will remember. I promise to give you unconditional love for the rest of your life. I will support you no matter what. You will eternally remain in my heart and can never be replaced. I promise to never love anyone soo much other than you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I………….*crying*……Love……You…………..Luxana. *bawling*" Her voice trembled slightly.
"..."
I remained silent, and frozen, not fully grasping the depth of her emotions.
“Your Majesty!” came a voice, startling us both. Imperial Knights approached, their expressions serious. “You must come with us, Your Majesty.”
"..."
"Luxana.....I love you my baby. Please be strong and don't ever love anyone. Happiness is not eternal,” Roxana whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she leaned down to my ear.
"..."
“Your Majesty! Please come,” the knight urged again.
I watched as my mother wiped away her tears, a brave smile trying to break through her sorrow. She stood up, her regal posture returning as she prepared to follow the knights.
"Princess. I'm sorry. But we have to take your mother. She'll be back soon. So don't worry, okay? She'll be upset if she finds out her lovely Princess was crying. So be a good Princess and wait for her, okay?" one of the knights said gently, patting my head as they left with her.
"..."
I had never witnessed my mother cry before. I was helpless. I couldn't understand what sort of emotion I felt or what she was trying to tell me. I couldn't anticipate what she was thinking when she said those words to me. However, it's all in the past, and it doesn't matter anymore. My mother was foolish. But I'm not. I will NEVER walk the same path as her. I am different from that woman who lost her senses to a man. And I won't let her past and mistakes ruin the definition of my happiness and love either. I will forge my own path and create my own destiny.
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"Your Highness, we've reached the destination." informs the coachman, pulling me from my thoughts.
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-In Emberforge Armory Shop-
“Welcome! Welcome! How may I help you today, Miss?” asked the weaponsmith excitedly, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
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To be Continued...