✓ | The Assailant's Affection (Fate's Transgression Series, #5)

TAA 11: Profile

CHAPTER 11: PROFILE

FABBY | FABIENNE

“Balik na tayo, baka hinahanap na tayo ng dalawa,” bukambibig ko para maiwasan ang pagka-ilang na aking nararamdaman sa mga titig niya. Damn, ayoko pa naman sa lahat maging asumera, pero napapasabak ang utak ko.

He just gave off a slight nod, and was my cue to start walking. Hindi na rin ako nagsalita at naglakad na pabalik. He was behind me, holding more woods than mine. Masyado siyang gentleman dahil hindi nga siguro aabot ng isang kilo ang dala ko. Maliliit pa, parang isang segundo lang sa apoy, matutupok na.

“Do you want to know how Gentries lived their lives in the Kingdom?” he asked out of the blue.

I slow down my pace and walk with him. “Well, I am indeed curious. Ano bang role niyo sa kaharian?”

“Ano bang alam mo?” he replied.

Napataas ako ng kilay. I thought he would be explaining but he was asking what I know. “Well, first, gentries are rogue individuals. They may not follow the rules of the monarch, and have their own set of laws applied. Gentries still need to adhere to the arrangements of the court for them to have a peaceful living.”

“For instance?” he said.

I think he wants to know how much Lady Fabienne knows about these gentries. I am even actually surprised that Lady Fabienne knew all of these, mukhang nag aaral ang dalaga tungkol sa kanila. It's it a bit coincidental?

“Well,” I paused and cleared my throat. “A gentry needs to contribute one fourth of their livelihood to the city. Gentries often accept work from wealthy people or even anyone in the palace—like you, and their money is usually on par with those who worked in the Royal Court. To avoid conflict and biases, the King amended a letter of give and take.”

“Yes, that's one of the capabilities of a gentry,” he said.

Napangiti ako. “That is what I only know though. Bringing it up, means you want to tell me something not shallow,” kampanteng saad ko sa kanya.

He agreed with my words, simply nodding his head to acknowledge my statement. We only paused for a moment when the ground was steep. Nagulat pa ako ng ilapag nito ang mga kahoy na hawak niya at inilahad ni Zaryn sa akin ang kanyang dalawang kamay.

“What?” he asked when I didn't move and just stared at him, completely confused on what he was doing.

“Anong tingin mo sa akin, mahina?” litanya ko habang nakataas ang isa sa aking mga kilay. Hindi ko pinansin ang mga kamay niya at dahan-dahan bumaba.

“I am offering a hand,” he said, affirming his action.

“I am not that gullible,” saad ko habang nakangisi. “Hindi ba sabi mo masyadong mataas ang loob ko? Ikaw pa nga nagsabi na hindi mo expected ganoon ako kakwela!”

He scoffed. “Right, my apologies,” he said. Although he didn't sound so sincere, I let it off the hook.

“Well, what are the other qualities of a gentry?” pagtatanong ko para bumalik kami sa napagusapan. We began walking slowly again, carefully navigating the wet ground amidst the darkness of the night. The moon's glow was enough to brighten our path. “Does all gentry have special abilities like yours?” I added.

“No, I am the only one who has a special gift,” he said as he shook his head. “There are only 12 gentries in Zegordia. Each one came from different backgrounds, and each individual has their own personal responsibilities. No one ever keeps records of each transaction a gentry does, aside from one organization.”