CHAPTER 56- THE JANITOR

A L E X

I didn't leave, I can't loose this opportunity. People have their conscience no matter how they tried to ignore me, humans are soft. If I continued my way, not stopping. Then probably they will hire me because of empathy. Time flies and the costumers expression are the same. And they're gossiping inside, others are judging me few are casting pity already.

I can't stop now. The lives of my people are in my grasp. I stick my face to the glass window. I don't know what I'm doing but I'm scaring their costumers and they swapped to the next table away from me. And it's a good thing because the workers inside can see me clearly without distraction.

Impressions still remained, puzzled leaning their heads at me while I'm looking at them helplessly outside. Gusto kong kaawaan nila ako para payagan akong makapasok and yet I've been rotten here for hours, kulang nalang langawin na ako at magmukha na akong taong grasa.

My eyes darted on their direction still remained. I even forgot to blink. I frowned and rub my stomach and gave them a sign that I'm hungry and I need to work for a living. I need to survive

The bartender and the workers engaged a conversation and others keep sighing and others just shrugged. I know they're talking about me and I stand with chest out as the waitress open the door. I immediately sprang out of my spot but and she stop me, I thought she's gonna asked a few question like interviewing me first, but she didn't. She picked out a bag of trash and throw it inside the bin and look at me while raising her left eyebrow and then flip her hair and shut the door.

Nako kung di lang talaga to importante nasuntok ko na siya sa mukha o pakain ko sa kanya yung Bomba.

I waited and waited, like a fool, looking at them at the window.

Until the moment of truth. My heart racing in glory like I was winning on the marathon. I was on cloud nine and rushed to them with a bow. They hired me by force and gave me a mop and a pail of water.

I was desperate and take the mop head high and the people inside clap their hands at me when I finally get the job.

I mop the floor giving all of my energy. Ignoring  the people just doing my job, then after that wiping the glass window, humming with a smile on my face and I saw Luna Quartz jaw drop and poke Luna Ziegler and he look to where she was  looking and he too, mouth left open wide, in shocked.

They're talking but I can't hear them because it's deafening inside. Pero sa isip ko baka nagtanong sila na anong ginagawa ko and they rushed inside and sat down near me. I acted normal and the waitress came to take their orders, as the waitress leave we began to talked, whispering like some agent on the job.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito mahal na princesa?" Manahan nilang tanong. I pretended to wipe down

"I have business here" I said and wipe the window frame.

"Don't tell me this place has explosives?"

"Nor, this place is the entrance to the bombs"

"Shit"

"I know" I said and spray more and wipe. "Why did you leave your post?"

"Luna crest scolded us, he told us to find you immediately and Prince Inavie already warned him for loosing you out of his sight and now Luna Crest is throwing his anger to us"

Luna crest talaga oh "Tell him not to worry, or just tell him I'm here so we can talk, secretly" I said and their order prepared on the table.

Umalis na ako at kumakain lang sila.

After the window. I wipe the table and they wink at me before they leave. I take the other dishes back to the kitchen and put them on the sink. Hours past my job still continued

"Kain na" tawag ng asawa nung bartender. I put down the broom and stretch my arms and went straight to the kitchen. Napatakam ako sa pagkain na hinanda sakin. Naghugas na agad ako ng kamay. Tumitingin naman ako sa matandang babae na nagpepeel ng radish at kasama niyang nagchochop chop ng ingredients. They're too professional!

While filling my stomach I enjoyed watching them at work. "Kumain narin po ba kayo?" Tanong ko at tumango siya. "Ang ganda po ng tavern nyo"

"Nako hijah Ang may Ari nito ay Isang aristocrats"

"Aristocrats? Sino po infairness alagang alaga talaga Ang Lugar nato mukhang bago lang pinagawa" charot hay nako self imbestigator ka talaga, char ako nato e

"The owner is Earl Grey Kuran, he's rarely visit his tavern, he just come her to check if the business is going well" said the other woman near the bartender's wife

Nang matapos ako hinugasan kona ang pinagkainan ko at bumalik agad sa paglilinis. I heard the bell on the door like a new costumer just arrived and when our eyes met my soul flew out of the tavern. Like he was some kind on a hurricane came to washed me away. Like a great flood going to swipe the sinners out.

Why the heck... It's Inavie!

He entered with his guards and count Moreen. The people inside bowed and startled but his kind nature told them to treat him just like any other costumers inside. His on his humble natures again.

I tried to act cool and turn my attention on my job, pulling my hair to cover my face. Avoiding any eye contact, reticent.

"Miss paki linisan ang table ng mahal na prinsepe!" Tarantang utos ng iba at dali dali akong kumuha ng trapo at nilagyan ng tablecloth ang lamesa at nagmadaling umalis sabay bow na nakayuko.

"You there..!" napahinto ako ng may tumawag sakin. Bwesit! Inavie nemen eh, patakasin mo Ako may trabaho akong ginagawa.

I turn my shoulder with a grin. Forcing myself to smile and the other guards eyes widen. Prince Inavie's arm are on the table, stroking his chin with a smile. Damn that smile! I hate his smile his too charming!

Act cool, act cool. Kung di kalang prinsepe sinakal na kita. I force to smile even I know I look ridiculous. A waiter past me with a menu

"Ano pong gusto nyo mahal na prinsepe" sulpot ng Isang waiter and I sighed in relief and about to left and the wooden floor squeak like a mouse.

"Her"

Tumaas lang ang balahibo ko at hinila ako ng waiter at pinaharap sa prinsepe. I tried not to make an eye contact, lowering my face in front of him. Langya ka talaga wag mo muna akong ibubuking kakapasok kolang dito e kanina pa akong lantang dahon sa labas.

He gently move his hand and the guard bowed and cover us compressing while turning on their back. Covering the people. Darn it Di naman siguro nakilala niya ako? Possible kase ket ang mga lunarian di ako nakilala.  "Ano pong kailangan nyo sakin?" Sabay puppy eyes ko sana mabenta.

His smile widen and with matching a sparkling background, his giving a main character effect and his charisma at blinding my poor eyes. His a stunning gorgeous young man. I tried not to look at him I ended up blushing.

" I haven't seen you before. I often comes here"

"It's because I just got hired...." I replied and that had me thinking

" wait you drunk?"

"No, I said I often come here to check the city and I came here to relax"

"Of all places why tavern?"

"Because I saw something captivating inside. Lemme see thy hand" he said and I reach my hand but refuses to make a skin to skin contact.

Anong gagawin niya sa kamay ko? "Are doing fortune telling now?"

"I just asked for your hand, isn't that difficult?"

"N-no, but your highness I have germs... I just cleaned up the toilet" his men facepalm and I tried to find a reason so I can rushed away. ".....and also I wipe the dirt by my hand and wipe some ass, so no, I'm contaminated, so I won't harm the prince"

"Of course why would you harm your fiance"

"Exactly.... Eh??" I suddenly turn to stone in shocked. Did he just... I feel like the world spinning around me and almost collapse. But I tried to find a reason and blocked him "What are you talking about haha... kung may nagawa akong kasalanan sorry po talaga, I was just new here and I don't know what you're talking about, I don't want to be fired" I startled, faking my action. Sana mabenta!!

"Okay then" he called one of his assistant, calling the old man and he rushed to see him with a bow. "Can I work here"

"....."

➖➖➖

I facepalm, I sighed heavily casting bitterness on my face while watching him serving the people. He's wearing a waiter's clothes and  all of a sudden he attracts many costumers and excited to see him up close. Humaba yung linya sa labas. I sighed and went to the kitchen and saw the two couple peeping behind the door watching the prince.

Ang cute ng dalawang couple nato. Matanda na at mukhang wala silang anak at marangal ang kanilang ginagawa but still. This place is own by an Earl and entrusted these people to run the business. I have a bad feeling about this. What would the Earls reaction if he heard that the prince is working it'll cause a big scandal. A lower rank noble like him will be punished if the king heard that the prince is working.

Surely this two will be fired for good. Someone rushed inside and his catching his breath and by his facial expressions. His depressed and angry. The ambience became stiff and the air was to thin to breathe

"Your fired!!!" He shouted and that kitchen shook. Sinabihan pa niya ng masasmang salita ang dalawang mag asawa.

I know I have no right to interfere but I cant stand people disrespecting the elder. It'll make my blood boil. And I don't care of he was still born nobility. Whats the use of having a title but can't even respect a single soul! My ears couldn't take it, he still cursing them and I gave him a strike on the face.

That'll work...

Haysss...

A thought on myself and I shook those crazy scenarios on my head. Di ko pwede gawin yun matatanggal sila sa trabaho at makagawa pa ako ng eskandalo dito at hirap na kung darating ang chismis sa palasyo. When the time came to past the shop shut closed. The Earl was trembling, mixture of embarrassment and rage. He ordered the Count to assist the prince back home, but Inavie refuses. I sneered at him and he wink at me.

His blowing my cover!

Pero di ito pwede. Wala na akong Oras magpaligoy ligoy pa.

The Earl shouted at them again and that split my nerves. I fearlessly approached him and grabbed his collar and he drag him on the floor and the impact is enough to knock him out. "Better learn some manners!"

The workers couldn't believe their eyes to see the Earl lying on the floor, lumabas ang dugo sa ilong niya at umupo siya sabay pahid ng kanyang ilong at tumayo para atakihin ako. I clench my fist and dodge his right strike. I counter attack him and use my elbow, giving all my force and strike his back and he fell unconsciously on the floor. "That is for disrespecting the old people you stupid man!"

"You wench...." A waitress came and about to slap me but I stop her and return the slap. 

I heard a clap on someone and the forgot that Inavie is standing there watching the scene. He snap his finger and secure the place. The workers inside were terrified and throwing threats on my face.The two couple are afraid while looking at the owner.

"My darling let's pack our stuff"

Sabi nila at nagbabalak nang umalis. I rushed to stop them and  heart was smashed to see them in pain and loosing of hope because of what I did. Like I just ruined their efforts to maintain the the shop on a good condition and the Earl was the only one who gave them home and entrusted them the shop while his away.

"I'm so sorry.."

Someone kiss the back of my head and glanced up and saw Inavie face in disappointment. "You made an old couoke cry my Queen" I was stunned, but it's too late to find a reason because he already knew.  He turn his face to the two old couple to eased their frustrations. "You don't need to hide from your people, this is your home" he said and the two couples are puzzled. I approached them and both of them already have the facial expressions of suspicion.

"Let me introduce myself, sorry for causing a mess, I can't just watch you being disrespect ed just because you are just a worker" I said and pull the wig out, showing my golden hair and removed my contact lenses. Nakita ko ang pagkabigla at tulala nilang tingin sakin at muntikan pang mahimatay ang matandang Babae. "It's me"

"Our princess is alive, your highness!!!!" they began to bow in tears. And the workers was ins hocked and began to bow their heads at me but I stop them. Nakita ko ang mukha nilang hindi makapaniwala sa kanilang natuklasan. Ang yumaong prinsesa ay bumangon sa hukay.

"I came here to stop the harvest festival" I said and the people face mixed emotions, some are angry, confused and sad. "Asked me why" I asked them and one raised his hand. His family and I know his a fishermen on the market.

"Why, your highness, the harvest festival is a grand celebration of your own kingdom. It is an honor and a feast, encouraging poor and nobility to eat on the same table"

"Okay then I'll answer it, any other questions"

"Why should we trusted you, our princess died on her voyage. She can't just simply return back from the dead with disguised and now wanst to stop the grand celebration. How would I believe on such an imposter!!" The murmuring of their voices became louder and louder and the soldiers stop them, drawing their weapons. The people inside are trembling in fear. Fearing that the soldiers will kill them on spot.

"And do you think Prince Inavie will believe an imposter?"

"Baka imposter din yan"

Napasampal ako sa batok  at medyo natawa. I poked Inavie on his cheeks and his face turn red, furious yet cute "Luhh imposter ka daw"

"I wasn't expecting that"

"Quiet!!!!!!" Sigaw ni Count Moreen   at napayuko ang mga tao. "How dare you called my prince an imposter have a shame on yourselves!"

"Count Moreen chill" we patted his shoulder to calm him.

I want to take it slowly but now. Hirap nga'ng I encourage ang mga tao na maniwala at tsaka tama rin sila kase sa mundong ito maraming possibilad na may magbabalat kayong Isang noble para manlinlang. I never been called an imposter in all my life. I explain everything, except the journey I had with the fairies.

"I'll answer the question of the old man" I said "Beneath this floor lies the bomb that will killed thousands of civilians. This place has the tunnel that will lead me to the bomb. And when the fireworks display will start, it's the time they'll activated the bomb.  Planning to killed my Estherian people! MY PEOPLE!!! this idiot an aristocrats who force my people to fake to take my people's money forcing them to asked taxes!" The Earl woke up and grab him and facing my people, I want him speak the truth " I command you, Tell them the truth!"

"I would rather die" he said and that made my eyes twitch in annoyance. He has guts eh

"Wish granted" pull out Inavie sword and almost slash him and his eyes turned white, terrified and he wet his pants. I tried everything so he would spill the beans. And it's was a success. The workers couldn't believe their ears and the two couples slap him for the first time and I saw how shocked he was.

"How dare you, I am the owner of this place you wench..!"

"And I am the owner of this kingdom. I have the power of either letting you live of die!" I raised my voice and he almost squeak like a mice.

The Earl is now under arrest. We search the place and finally found the secret tunnel below the staircase. They went first and lit the pitch back tunnel. The four guards carried him while his tied up.

"Never go anywhere near any explosive" I reminded them first. We stop at the eighth entrance of the tunnel.  I thought it just one tunnel but why this many?

"Where is the bonbs?" I asked and he chuckles and I slap him again and he almost fell sorry for himself "This is no time for jokes, my people are in the edge of death and I'm not letting this past!"

Prince Inavie came to me and massage my forehead with a kiss and reach his sword and place it on the Earls neck, eyes widen, trembling, almost choked up and he even forgot to breath

"You want to be peel alive? Your depressing my Queen.. "

"Inavie your scaring him" I tap his shoulder and he put back his sword to the scabbard. Nakaamoy naman ako ng anghit at napatigil na naman ito sa takot.

"S-six" Sabi nito at pumasok na kami.

"Wait" I halted the line and the guards leaned back to us "Check the other tunnel and report back to me what you find"

Inavie separated his men and leaving the workers to joined us. The torches lit our way ahead and as we drifted far, I smell it. The gun powder. Stay here. I said and Inavie past me with a lantern and we entered a large hall. Couldn't believe our eyes to witnessed it all.