Mask Princess in Revenge

ALMARIO 1996

"Good morning everyone!" I greeted every person-acquaintance or strangers I passed by while strolling around the village. First, they were all surprised seeing me and eventually showed me a smile. Most of them greeted back.

"Lady Lili is that you?" asked some by my neighbors.

"Yes, that's her."

"When did you come back?"

"It's so nice seeing you again, Lady Lili."

"Yes, it's me!" I answered enthusiastically and approached them. "If you all have time later, please visit in our home. There will be a welcome party for me,, so I want to see you all there."

"But, it's embarrassing."

"We're happy to see you back after years in abroad, but it's quite embarrassing to go there. I'm sure you have a lot of noble visitors."

I pouted, "Yes, there sure a lot of noble visitors, but I don't know them. I'll be more happy if I see people I know in my party, and that's all of you. So, don't he embarrassed since I'm personally inviting you."

"But-"

"No buts. I look forward to all of your presence."

They all looked at each other then eventually nodded with a smile in their faces.

"We will attend, Lady Lili. Thank you for the invitation."

"Thank you that you didn't forget us even though you're gone for years. You still remember us..."

"Of course, why would I forget all of you? I even miss you when I was abroad."

"You're so kind, Lady Lili."

I am. I should am.

I smiled again, "That's good that you all will attend. You know, I can't finish all the foods they prepared for me, so help me eat all of at least."

They all burst into laughter, "You're still as funny as before, Lady Lili."

"It's great to witness those smiles and laughs again with your faces. Till I see it again. I'll be going now."

"Sure you can, Lady Lili."

"Take care on your way!"

"And have fun!"

I answered them with a smile then started strolling again and invited every people in the village I encounter.

As I went back to our home, I can already smell the delicious foods cooked by our servants. When they saw me entering the house, they all greeted me with a smile, and so do I to them. This is how people in the village treat me-nice and full of respect. When there are others who are shy towards me, I don't let them it feels for long. I always approach them and befriend with them until they'll feel comfortable around me.

My father is the Minister of Peace of Almario therefore he is known. He has also a kind and noble personality, so everyone in Almario likes him. He's also determined to make Almario to be a peaceful and better county. And he will never allow anyone to oppress the people. Whenever there is a feast or special celebration at home, everyone in our village is welcome and invited. Well, I'm the always one who is inviting them.

"Did you go invited all the people in the village again?" Cris asked the moment she saw me in the kitchen. "Well, it's no surprise."

She's Criz Roque, one of the most beautiful woman in Almario. Aside from the beauty of her face, she's also a good cook, which she inherited from our Mother. Well, she's kind to others, except to me. She's always annoyed of me, but it's okay, I know she still loves me.

"Where is Thone?"

She continued cooking, so I thought she wouldn't answer me. "They'll come later. Right now, they're still preparing something to offer when you arrive."

I frowned, "Is that more important than seeing first their friend they haven't seen in four years?"

She didn't respond.

"Hmm, it looks like what you're cooking is delicious. What's that?"

She sighed, "It's curry."

"Oh, really? Like what I said, it's indeed delicious. It's your favorite, after all."

She raised an eyebrow at me, "Until now, you still don't eat curry?"

I shook my head and smiled.

"Oh, Lili, you're here."

I turned to look at Mother and eventually smiled, "Mother, do you have something to cook too?"

She smiled, "Yes, I'll cook your favorite."

My smile widened and caught Cris watching us, so I vanished quickly.

"Mother, let me help you."

She stopped me, "Oh, no need. Cris is here and she will help me."

"Mother! Even though Lili just came back from abroad, you'll give her special treatment. She also needs to help us, especially that she invited sea of people again in the party later."

Mother turned to me, surprised.

I bit my lower lip. What if she'll get mad at me?

Then, she come near me. "Does it mean..."

I avoided her eyes.

"You're tired from strolling around the village?"

I quickly looked at her, "What?"

She smiled, "Then, you should rest first in your room so you will br energetic later at the party.

Cris rolled her eyes in great annoyance.

I sighed.

I wanted to help her cooking but our parents doesn't want me doing the household chores. They care for too much that's why Cris is annoyed everytime she sees me.

I went to my room and lied in the bed. And since I couldn't sleep, I took the big wooden box under my bed. I opened it and saw the gifts I had bought for my friends. I made sure that my gift to Cris was more pretentious than others so that she wouldn't be annoyed to me.

When the sky got dark, the plays began. There are already numbers of people outside and I could smell the delicious foods being served.

I prepared myself and put on a nice dress. It is white in color with a floral design. The one on the neck is closed and there is a black flower button from the neck down to my chest. It wrapped around both my arms and it is until foot in length. I braided my hair and put a little decoration on my face.

"The dress is so nice."

"You're so beautiful, Lady Lili," complimented by our servants.

The moment my mother saw me, she appeared surprise and stunned. "You are so beautiful, my daughter."

She guided me out and saw people who look stunned seeing me. They were excited and most of them praised me.

"What a beautiful daughter you have, Minister Roque." Said by the friend of my father who's also a Minister.

The ministers and other Palace officials were in the same table, having fun.

"It's not just one, you have two beautiful daughters, Minister Roque."

"How I wish I also have a beautiful daughter."

My father stood up and hugged me, "I hope you enjoy this night, my daughter."

I nodded, "I already am."

Then, he went back to the table. "My daughters aren't just beautiful in face. They also have a great skill."

"I heard it, your first daughter is good at cooking, right? Is she the one who cook this delicious foods you prepared?"

My father nodded, "Of course, my daughter Cris is a good cook, and she inherited it from my wife."

Mother smiled and we sat in near table. "I'll go greet some of our visitors, Lili. Is that okay if I leave you here?"

I nodded, "Sure."

When she left, I continued listening to the Ministers' talks.

"While your second daughter is intelligent. She studied abroad, so I'm sure she's a skillful doctor now."

"Yes, she's really a skill doctor." My father agreed, "She's good at holding a knife."

The others' minister burst in laughter, "Definitely. They used that in surgeries, right?"

"Yes, anyway, what's your daughter's plan now? Is she going to work as the Royal Physician? Or build a pharmacy here in our village?"

"She's not yet decided. As of now, she wants to enjoy her vacation until she makes up her mind."

"Well, that's a good idea. Studying is also stressful, so she should rest for now."

While listening, I saw my friends in the entrance of the gate, waving at me with a big smile in their lips.

I quickly ran towards them and hugged them.

"Why did you just come now?"

"We're ashamed of coming here without a present."

"Why would you be ashamed? It's not like it's first our time meeting. Aside from that, your presence is more important than gifts."

They all looked at each other and hugged me again.

"We're so happy to have you back again." Said Thone. He's the closest friend of mine.

Mahara touched my face, "You're so pretty, Lili."

Thus, I smiled. "You too. You haven't changed. You're still beautiful."

I admit, Mahara is one of the most beautiful woman in our village. She has this angelic face and is good at drawing.

When I turned to Avoi, he smiled at me. "We missed you, Lili... a lot."

I smiled, almost with tears. "I missed you guys too. I was just stopping myself from going to you for the last years."

"We know that, Lili. I'm glad that you're able to held it for long until you graduated. I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, guys."

"Why are you having drama there in the gate?"

We all turned to Cris who spoke.

"You should come inside."

I looked at my friends, "I forgot to invite you guys in. Let's go inside now."

We head inside the house and sat on the clean floor of the living room, forming a circle.

"So, how have you been?"

They looked at each other, "There are a lot of things happened, but the friendship is still going strong."

"It's good to hear that."

"Every time we bond, we always remember you and miss you."

"I'm glad you didn't forget me."

"Why should we forget you? Even if we try to, you're a hard one to forget."

I smiled at Avoi, "So, what are you doing in your life now? You told me last time that you wanted to be a great swordsman in Almario, that you will work to protect the Royal Family. Have you achieved that plan dream of yours now?"

He let out a sigh, "I admit that I'm good with swords now, and I'm still preparing for the upcoming exam."

"Oh, good luck to that. I hope you passed."

Then, I turned to Mahara. "How about you?"

"I draw and paint now."

"Really? That's great."

"Yes, and I sell my works to get money."

"What do you draw?"

"Hmm. Portraits and landscapes."

"Whoa... then, can you draw me?"

She acted thinking by putting his hands to chin. "Since you're a noble lady, a skillful doctor and famous for being beautiful and smart. Then, you have to pay a hefty sum of money."

"Just forget it."

"I'm just kidding!" Then, she laughed. "I'll draw you in one condition."

I move closer to her, "What is it?"

"Set me up on a blind date."

"Forget it."

She pouted, "But, why?"

"It's not like I know a lot of guys."

"Why? Don't you know someone? I thought you have a lot of friends now, including boys."

I stiffened.

"You have a lot of acquaintances here in Almario. I'm sure there are also in abroad."

Long before, I answered, "That's because I don't socialize too much in abroad. My attention is just in studying." Then, I changed the subject by turning to Thone. "What about you? Do you work now?"

He shook his head, "No, I don't work."

"Why?"

"That's because he's lazy." Avoi answered, "I don't see future in him."

"Look who's talking... You're still preparing for the exam, you're not yet an inspector."

"Whatever."

"How about you?" Mahara asked. "You keep on asking how are we and what we're doing now. You should also share something about you. What did you do in abroad?"

"You already know what is it."

"I know you studied medicine, but we want to know your other experiences."

I think for a moment, "I only remember the learnings I got from studying, and I don't remember anything anymore. Nothing special..."

"Really?"

"Yes, I don't really enjoyed there since we have different traditions and beliefs."

"So, boring..."

I tried to smile, "I think so."

"But, it's okay. The most important now is you're here. You just have to enjoy your life this time."

"I will."

Cris came and sat between Thone and Mahara. "Stop with the long talks. Why don't you give her the gift you prepared?"

I smiled, "Yes, better show me now to give you prioritize over seeing me."

They looked at each other, "Honestly, it's quite embarrassing because it's not expensive."

"I don't care if it's expensive or not. As long as it's from you, I will gladly cherish it."

They smiled, "Here,"

I opened the box they handed to me and saw a breathtaking white dress.

"We heard that you love wearing dresses that are white that's why we bought it for you. I know it's not that luxurious as your other dresses, but I wish you like it."

"I like it... so much." Then, I smiled at them. "I love the color white because it's neat and makes me a look like a good person."

"You're indeed a good person."

"I know, but I want to show it through my clothes."

"That is right. The kind of clothes you wore judge your personality."

I nodded, "Anyway, I also have a present for you guys."

Their eyes sparked, "Really?"

"Of course." I ordered one of our servants to go get the wooden box under my bed. When they get back, I immediately opened it.

"I wonder what is it." Mahara said.

"Here's yours."

Mahara claimed the box and quickly opened it. I waited for her reaction and she turned surprise. "Wow! All of this are materials for drawing and painting. I really need these, thank you so much, Lili! You're the best!"

I smiled and gave the gift to Avoi.

"I can't believe you would gift a sword but this is really amazing!"

"You like it?"

"A lot! Even my name is carved in it. I will surely cherish and take a good care of this, Lili. Thank you!!"

Then, I looked at Cris.

"What?"

I just smiled and gave her the biggest box of gift. Thus, Mahara and others were surprised.

"Wow! Is that for Cris?"

"Whoa... It seems like you really prepared it for her, huh."

"Is that for me?" Cris asked, though it's obvious.

"Yes. Open it..."

She was hesitant at first, but eventually accepted it. Everyone's attention was with her, who's slowly opening the gift. When she finally opened it, everyone is amaze.

"Wow! Is that a Chef attire?"

"No wonder it's inside a big box, so the cap won't crumple."

Mahara took the clothes and checked it. "Wow! The fabric is good. It's not something that can easily be bought on market."

"Oh?" Thone took something inside the box, "There's even a book of cooking recipe!"

I looked at Cris, "I intentionally bought that as a gift because I thought you'll like it. I think that Chef attire will look good on you and that book recipe... you'll learn more about it. I hope you like it."

She silenced, so I thought she didn't like it.

When I didn't receive a response, I bit my lip and tried to smile. "If you don't like it... maybe, next time, I'll-"

"I like it."

I stiffened, "What?"

She left out a sigh and slowly turned to me, "I love it... sincerely."

I eventually smiled, "I'm glad you love it."

"Ayieeee! Sweet sisters!"

I looked at my friends and warned them to stop, but they didn't.

"Anyway, where is my gift?"

Everyone stopped by what Thone said.

"Right, where's his gift? Does he even has one?" Avoi asked.

Mahara intervened, "Can't you just wait? I'm sure Lili also prepared a gift for him. Right, Lili?"

I stiffened, "Honestly, I don't know want to give him."

"So, you don't have a gift for him?" They Avoi looked at Thone and tapped his back. "It's okay, Thone. Let's just understand her. If I'm her, I wouldn't also know what to give you. So, I wouldn't also give you a gift."

While Mahara hold his hand, "I think you should start having your own hobbies and find your passion. In that way, we'll have an idea what gift should we give you."

Thone let out a heavy sigh and glared at Mahara and Avoi. "Having a gift or not, it's not a big deal to me. But what you're doing right now is annoying. Why are you teasing me?"

I laughed at their silly acts, "Guys, it's true that I didn't know what to give to Thone but it doesn't mean that I don't have a gift."

They appeared surprised.

"Why did you tell us just now?"

"Because I'm having fun watching you." Then, I handed at Thone the box of gift. "I don't know if you'll like it but I hope you do."

When he opened it, Mahara and Avoi suddenly laugh while Thone left speechless. I bit my lips stopping myself not to laugh.

"Is this really for him?" Cris took the hairpin from Thone then looked at me, "Seriously?"

Gradually, I nodded. "Yes."

"I didn't expect you would give me a hairpin."

Avoi laughed more, "HAHAHA Thone, so gay!"

Thone glared at him, "I'm not gay."

"Don't laugh at him," I said, "Since I don't know what to give to Thone, I bought so that he can give it to someone he likes."

They looked at each other while Thone turned to me surprised.

"What are you saying?"

I smiled, "Do you remember the thing you told me before I went to study abroad? That there's someone you like, but you don't have a confident to tell her your feelings, and you don't plan to because she's so opposite of you. You can't give her a present, even just a hairpin. Thus, I bought that."

"Whoa... I didn't know you have a feeling for someone?" Avoi said to Thone.

Thone appeared embarrassed. "I thought you have already forgotten that."

"I won't forget that."

"Why didn't you told us that there's a woman in your heart, Thone?" Mahara asked, "Aren't we trustworthy?"

Thone nodded, "Yes."

"Mean!"

Thone turned to me, "At first, I thought it's weird that you gave me a hairpin. But now, I really appreciate it. I know it's not an ordinary hairpin."

"It's made of jade."

He turned surprised, "Really?"

I nodded.

After hours of having fun, people left one by one. And my friends decided to get home because it's already late at night. When we exited from the house, I saw the ministers still there talking while others are half drunk. As we passed by at them, I heard them talking.

"Why didn't Minister Año attend in this event?"

"It's not he doesn't want. He just can't attend."

"Why? Did something happen?"

"There is,"

"What is it?"

"They found a dead body of an animal right inside the Minister's house."

"How did that happen?"

"They don't have an idea how, and that's very odd. Because their security is tight and no one can enter their house."

"What about the guards?"

"Based on the guards' statement, they really doesn't have an idea that there is an intruder."

"Whoever that intruder is... I guess he's no ordinary."

"Hey, Lili!"

I immediately looked at Mahara who called out my name. "What? Did you say something?"

"I know you're not listening."

"Sorry,"

She looked behind me where the ministers are talking. "I bet you're scared from what you heard, right?"

I stiffened, "Huh? Uh... Yeah..."

She sighed, "We're scared too..."

I looked at her, "Why would you be scared?"

"I don't know... I just feel like the intruder is a dangerous guy. So, always take care of yourself."

I just smiled and nodded.

The next day, I woke up early and ate breakfast.

"Are you going somewhere?" Cris asked.

"How did you know?"

"Because you don't wake up early unless you have plans."

I smiled, "You really know me, don't you?" She just rolled her eyes. "I'm going to hang out with our friends. Are you going to?"

"No, because mother, and I need to go to the market."

When I heard the word mother, I quickly move towards her. "Can I go with you?"

"What for?"

"I'm going to help bring the ingredients."

She rolled her eyes, "As if mother would let you."

I stiffened.

"You should go now."

I went to the forest where my friends and I used to hang out. We talked about it last night to meet here, but they're not here yet. Maybe I'm too early to come. While waiting, II looked around the forest, reminiscing the last time I came here with friends. I felt amaze when I saw the different kinds of trees with its rich colorful fruits.

I stiffened when I heard footsteps from behind. And when I turned back to see who it is, it was a dashing man in its noble suit, six feet height, and outrageously good-looking face.