Twelfth Night

by HAKDurbin

Summary:

Serena was a traveling with her twin brother, Timothy, when their ship was hit by a storm. Serena was washed ashore in the Kanto region, but Timothy appeared to have perished. In order to make a living, Serena disguised herself as a man, taking Timothy's name, to work for the ruler of Kanto, Duke Satoshi Ketchum. Serena is in love with Satoshi, but Satoshi is head over heels for Countess Sonia Magnolia. He sends Serena to woo Sonia on his behalf not knowing his page is a woman in love with him in disguise. What follows is a tale of chaos, pranks, confusion, deception, and love.

 

Based on the Shakespeare play of the same name.

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Twas a long time ago when our tale occurred. A time when the age of kings and emperors was replaced with an age when dukes, counts, and lords ruled the regions of our world. Some ruled entire regions. Others ruled sections or islands. Whatever the case, the people of nobility governed the world. Some were born into noble families, giving them the right to rule when their parents passed, while others from wealthy families became nobility through marriage. Many who married into nobility did so for political power, financial comfort, or out of lust for the man or lady ruling the land. Still, there are occasions when the noble and the non-noble desire one another for no greater reason than love.

 

It began one evening with a ship sailing from the Kalos region to the Alola region. Members of Kalos high society were sailing for a retreat the Duke of Akala Island was hosting. Lords and ladies ate and drank in merriment inside the ship's dining hall, disregarding the rain and thunder outside.

 

The ship's commanding officer, Captain Drake, entered the dining hall with his uniform drenched, eager for a warm meal before going back outside. He was a tall, well-built man with a crooked white mustache and had been commanding passenger ships since before his fellow sailors were born. After ordering a bowl of stew to a waiter, he looked around until he found a table occupied by one of his sailors. The sailor had black hair that reached his shoulders, and he ate his supper quietly, his light blue eyes fixed on his stew as though he was alone in the dining hall. The sailor saw Captain Drake approaching him and stood up to salute with his saluting hand still holding his spoon.

 

“Captain,” the sailor greeted.

 

“At ease, Mr. Woodward,” Captain Drake said.

 

Coovers Woodward nodded and returned to his meal while Captain Drake sat opposite him. They ate their supper quietly, ignoring the rowdy, wealthy passengers. This was not their first voyage where they had to deal with the nobility enjoying their comfort while the crew worked hard. Coovers took a swig of his mug of beer to wash down his bread, then looked out the window, where he could see it was still raining outside.

 

“I hope it doesn't take too long for this storm to pass,” Coovers said.

 

“Storms like this come and go. It's the way of things,” Captain Drake said. “Truth be told, Coovers, I'm more unsettled that we're so close to the Kanto region. We shouldn’t come across any of their ships in this weather, but it's not a place I like to be around.”

 

“I hear that, sir,” Coovers said. “I've had some bad luck in Viridian City myself.”

 

“Indeed? Better make sure you keep that to yourself. You never know when that information can be used against you,” Captain Drake said.

 

“Yes, sir,” Coover said.

 

Captain Drake nodded in approval before he and Coovers returned to their meal. Then, they heard a piano playing, and they turned their heads to see two women in their mid-twenties with honey-blonde hair dressed like Arabian dancers. The women wore face veils covering everything but their green eyes. One woman played the piano while the other stood beside it, facing the nobility, The passengers focused on their food and conversations, however, only half-hearing the pianist pay an upbeat tune while her companion began to sing.

 

When daisies pied and violets blue

And lady-smocks all silver-white

And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue

Do paint the meadows with delight,

The cuckoo then, on every tree,

Mocks married men; for thus sings he:

 

“Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo!” the pianist sang in a low voice.

 

All eyes turned to the pianist as the audience wasn't sure of what they had just heard. The pianist’s voice was so low that it sounded more masculine than feminine. The singer looked at her companion, who continued playing as though nothing was wrong, and then at the audience. After a couple of beats, she cleared her throat and continued singing.

 

O, word of fear,

Unpleasing to a married ear!

When shepherds pipe on oaten straws,

And merry larks are ploughmen’s clocks,

When turtles tread, and rooks, and daws,

And maidens bleach their summer smocks,

The cuckoo then, on every tree,

Mocks married men; for thus sings he,

 

“Cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo!” the pianist sang in a low voice again.

 

Everyone turned to the pianist again. This time, they were sure she sounded like a man. Captain Drake and Coovers looked at each other, confused, while the nobility whispered amongst each other. The singer let out an annoying “Hmph” with her hands on her hips, then took off her companion's mask to reveal a man with a brown goatee. The audience laughed, confident that the truth was revealed, until the pianist stood up and removed the singer’s mask, revealing an identical goatee. The singer frowned, grabbed the pianist’s goatee, and ripped it off.

 

The audience laughed louder as they realized the goatee was fake and hid the pianist’s radiant features that proved she was, in fact, a woman. The pianist grabbed her companion’s goatee and pulled, making him squeal to confirm his goatee was real. The singer pretended to poke the pianist in the eyes, and the pianist yelped as she let go of his goatee. The pianist backed away, covering her face, then turned her back to the audience. Captain Drake, Coovers, and the nobility waited in anticipation until the woman turned back to face them, holding her green contacts that hid her ocean-blue eyes with her fingers. With a childish pout, the woman grabbed the singer’s honey-blonde hair and pulled it to show his short brown hair.

 

“Hey, give that back, Serena,” the man said.

 

“You want it, Timothy? Come get it,” Serena said before biting her thumb with a mischievous smirk.

 

Their audience roared with laughter as Timothy began chasing Serena around the hall like children playing tag. Timothy continued demanding Serena to give back his wig while Serena taunted Timothy, saying he was too slow. They ran around the audience several times before they exited the hall with Timothy still demanding the return of his wig. Captain Drake, Coovers, and the nobility continued to laugh while the head of the ensemble got on stage.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for our twin performers, Timothy and Serena Durbin,” he said.

 

The audience applauded, with some still laughing. The nobility then returned to their food, drinks, and gossip as though the performance never happened. Captain Drake and Coovers returned to their stew, but Coovers looked at the stage as though Timothy and Serena were still there. He was amazed by their talent in sounding like the opposite of their respective sex and how their makeup made it easy to look alike. It was a rare performance, and the twin siblings had been doing it for a long time.

 

Suddenly, a loud rumble and flash came from outside, startling the passengers. The thunder and lightning were quickly followed by the ship rocking violently. Passengers screamed as cups and dishes fell off the tables, and people standing up lost their balance. Captain Drake and Coovers got up and went outside, where the rain came down harder, and the waves were bigger. Sailors panicked as they tried to close the sails and secure the rigging. Coovers’s face became pale as water reached the main deck, causing his fellow sailors to slip as they tried to keep everything together.

 

“I can't hold the helm much longer!” the helmsman screamed.

 

“Mr. Snivley, hold on to that helm and keep us leveled! That's an order!” Captain Drake shouted.

But, the waves were too powerful for the helmsman to keep hold. A wave hit the ship on the port side, causing the helmsman to lose his balance and grip on the helm. Captain Drake raced up the steps and grabbed the helm, but keeping his grip on the wheel took all his strength. As he tried to maintain the ship, the waves became more violent. Water continued to crash onto the deck, knocking sailors off their feet. Eventually, a sailor ran up to the helm and stopped before Captain Drake, holding his arm up to shield his face from the rain.

 

“Captain, she is taking on more water,” the sailor said. “There is already flooding in the lower decks. What are your orders?”

 

Captain Drake furrowed his brow and looked at the crashing waves ahead of the ship. He had never lost a ship to the weather in all his years. A fact that he took pride in. Still, even Captain Drake knew this storm was beyond his experience, and he needed to act quickly. Captain Drake clenched his teeth as he tried to think of another way before he sighed and turned to the sailor.

 

“Abandoned ship,” he commanded. “Get the passengers outside and put them into lifeboats. We make for nearby land.”

 

“But, sir, there's no guarantee that the passengers will fare any better in the lifeboats,” the sailor protested.

 

“Either they get off on lifeboats and try to get to land, or they stay here in a foundering ship,” Captain Drake said. “I will not lose any lives under my command if I can help it. Now go!”

 

“Yes, sir,” the sailor said.

 

The sailor returned to the main deck and relayed Captain Drake's orders to Coovers and the other sailors. They returned inside to collect the passengers while the rest focused on keeping the ship level. Before long, sailors came back on the main deck with the passengers and began loading them into the lifeboats. Some passengers tried to bring their suitcases, but the sailors took them and threw them into the sea to secure room for the lifeboats. As the lifeboats were being lowered away, Captain Drake silently prayed to the Lord of All that the passengers would find their way to shore.

 

Finally, the crew loaded the last lifeboat with only a handful of people left on board, including Captain Drake and Coovers. It was getting harder to control the helm with no one managing other sections of the ship, but Captain Drake would not let that stop him as long as he had the strength to hold on to the helm. The few passengers that were left huddled together for warmth as Coovers and the other sailors prepared to lower the boat.

 

“Wait!”

 

Coovers, who had just helped a lady into the lifeboat, turned to see Timothy and Serena in their regular clothes coming up on the main deck. They were carrying a large chest with one carrying it by the handle on each side. Timothy and Serena ran to the railing on the port side, only for Coovers to step in front of them before they could lift their chest to the lifeboat.

 

“Forget your possessions. There's not enough space,” Coovers said.

 

“This is all we have. My sister and I are nothing without our equipment,” Timothy said.

 

“Better you lose that than your life,” Coovers said. “We're already at risk without chests taking space on the -”

 

“Watch out!”

 

Timothy, Coovers, and Serena turned to see a massive wave from the starboard side. The wave crashed into the main deck, and Coovers, Timothy, and the other sailors grabbed onto the railing, but Serena wasn't quick enough. The water swept her off her feet and knocked her over the railing, sending her screaming into the ocean below.

 

“Serena!” Timothy screamed.

 

Timothy began to climb over the railing to jump, but Coovers grabbed him by his jacket from behind and pulled him back. Timothy struggled with Coovers until he removed his jacket, freeing himself, and dived into the ocean. As though on instinct, Coovers took a couple of steps back before he ran toward the railing, jumped over, and dived into the ocean head first.

 

“Woodward!” Captain Drake shouted.

 

Coovers’ fellow crewman called out to him as they looked over the railing, while others focused on launching the lifeboat, knowing they could do nothing for Coovers, Timothy, or Serena. Suddenly, a wave half the ship's height hit the starboard side, shaking the ship so hard that Captain Drake lost his grip on the helm. The helm spun rapidly, and the ship began to capsize on the port side. Passengers and sailors screamed as they fell off the lifeboat or over the railing. Captain Drake fell on his back and slid down to the railing. With no other choice, Captain Drake jumped off the ship and swam away before the ship turned bottom up on top of him and sank into the sea. When Captain Drake's head got out of the water, he searched for the passengers and sailors who fell off the last lifeboat, but he could hardly see anything with all the rain apart from the capsized ship's silhouette.

 

“Timothy! Timothy, where are you?! Timothy, help!”

 

Captain Drake turned in the direction of the voice and swam toward it. As she looked for her brother, Serena struggled to keep her head above the water. When Captain Drake reached Serena, he wrapped his arm around her, and she grabbed him by his jacket.

 

“Timothy?!” Serena asked.

 

“I'm afraid not,” Captain Drake said. “I need you to follow me right now.”

 

“But I can't find my brother!” Serena protested.

 

“There's no time looking for him. We must swim to shore before we tire of keeping our heads above water and drown,” Captain Drake said. “Now, come and follow me.”

 

Captain Drake pulled Serena while he tried to swim with one arm. Serena continued to struggle while still calling out to Timothy. Eventually, she saw half a dozen people swimming behind her and Captain Drake. It was too dark to tell if Timothy was among them, but since she couldn't see anyone else, she reasoned that Timothy had to be there with them.

 

Feeling certain, Serena turned around and followed Captain Drake. They swam till they saw a beach and a cliff ahead. When they reached the shore, Serena, Captain Drake, and the others lay on the sand, for they had been swimming for hours. After a few minutes, Captain Drake stood up and offered Serena his hand.

 

“Are you all right?" he asked.

 

“I think so,” Serena said as Captain Drake helped her. “Where is my brother?”

 

Captain Drake looked past Serena and gave a look that made her heart sink. She turned around to find the storm had subsided, the sun was rising, and barrels, crates, piano pieces, and her and Timothy's chest washed ashore. The few people who swam behind them were a count, his wife, a knight, a steward, and two sailors. Serena looked ahead, hoping more were coming, but there was no sign of Timothy or any other person in the water coming toward them. Serena whimpered, and her mouth quivered before she ran toward the ocean. Captain Drake grabbed her by the hand to stop Serena from returning to the water as she cried out.

 

“TIMOTHY!!! TIMOTHY!!!”

 

Serena's legs gave out, and she buried her face with her hands. As she wept, Captain Drake kneeled beside her and rubbed her back. He closed his eyes and hung his head, letting out a heavy sigh as he felt the weight of so many people losing their lives. Guilt overtook him as it hit him that he failed to save most of his crew, including Coovers, all but 4 members of the nobility, and the poor performer’s dear brother.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

When the survivors had time to rest and pay respects to those who died, they gathered what supplies were in good condition and began the journey to the nearest settlement. Captain Drake helped Serena carry her chest, but she ignored what was happening. She stared at nothing with a crestfallen face, still grieving for Timothy on the inside. Captain Drake looked at her sympathetically as they walked, for he could only imagine the pain of losing a sibling.

 

They walked north from early morning to late afternoon before they found themselves in the small settlement of Pallet Town. The residents quickly came to their aid, giving them warm clothes, food, and rest. Captain Drake, Serena, and the other survivors stayed in Pallet Town for 2 days before they left with provisions to make the journey north to Viridian City. They traveled for another 2 days until they reached Kanto’s capital and stayed with a wealthy scientist named Professor Cerise.

 

After settling in the professor’s home, Captain Drake and the other survivors went out to arrange voyages at Viridian City’s port. Serena, however, stayed in one of the guest rooms close to the servant's quarters, sitting on her bed. She remained downcast with only her chest of acting equipment and a picture of her and Timothy to keep her company. She only left her room when she needed to eat or use the lavatory.

 

On the evening of the second day of staying at Professor Cerise’s home, there was a knock on Serena's door and Captain Drake waited a moment before he let himself in. Serena turned to see Captain Drake and gave a slight nod before turning to stare at the wall glumly. Captain Drake sighed, worried for the young woman, before he sat down on the bed beside her.

 

“I just returned from port,” Captain Drake said. “The passengers are set to take the next voyages to their respective home regions.”

 

“Good,” Serena said, still not looking at Captain Drake.

 

“I have also arranged for my men and me to set sail to Hoenn, my home region,” Captain Drake said.

“Good,” Serena repeated.

 

“You are more than welcome to join us if you wish. I can also arrange a ship to Kalos if you prefer,” Captain Drake said. “Or perhaps you have a home in a different region?”

Serena shook her head.

 

“No, I'm a native of the Kalos region,” Serena said.

 

“Do you have family there?” Captain Drake asked.

 

Serena shook her head again.

 

“My father died when my brother and I were very young, and my mother passed away a few years ago,” she said.

 

“So, you have no other family?” Captain Drake asked.

 

“No. It’s been just me and my brother,” Serena said. “We've been traveling performers for years. We hoped to find more work in the Alola region with our ensemble. Timothy and our acts were all I had left for all intents and purposes. There's no reason for me to return to Kalos except for out of sentiment of it being my home region.”

 

“Oh, I see,” Captain Drake said. “Well, if you have no desire to return, you'll have to think of something. It's no good for a woman to be alone with no father, brother, husband, or other male relative.”

 

“Do you know of any places where I might find a job and collect enough money to afford a place to live?” Serena asked.

 

“I'm afraid you'll find very few jobs available for women that could sustain you financially,” Captain Drake said. “Unless you are someone like Lady Sonia Magnolia, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to have the finances to find a place you can safely call home.”

 

“Lady Sonia Magnolia? Who is that?” Serena asked.

 

“She is a lady of the court here in Viridian City,” Captain Drake said. “Her father was a count who passed away a year ago, and I've heard from the sailors at the port that she has just recently lost her brother. Now, Lady Sonia's living in her estate with no one but her cousin and her staff for company.”

 

“Really? She sounds like a woman I would love to work for,” Serena said. “Not only would I have a place to stay, but I'd be working for someone who is experiencing the same kind of loss I have.”

 

“I imagine so, but Lady Sonia refuses to see anyone, and she never leaves her estate except to attend church,” Captain Drake said. “I heard she loathes to see any man, particularly the Kanto region's ruler, Duke Satoshi Ketchum.”

 

Immediately, as though it were a reflex, Serena turned her head to Captain Drake, startling him. She looked at him like he said the most exciting thing in the world. Then she looked away in thought with an edge of a smile. After days of mourning, she might as well have been beaming upon hearing the name Duke Satoshi Ketchum.

 

“That's right. He is the duke,” Serena said to herself. “I can't believe I've forgotten.”

 

“Does Duke Satoshi mean anything to you?” Captain Drake asked.

 

“Very much so,” Serena said. “He is a native of Kalos, just like me.”

 

“What? A duke ruling a region that isn’t his homeland? How is that possible?” Captain Drake asked.

 

“Duke Satoshi is Kanto nobility by his mother, Lady Delia's second marriage,” Serena explained.

“Before that, Lady Delia was a lady of the court in Lumiose City, and Duke Satoshi lost his father, who was also a duke, when he was very young, just like Timothy and me. At that time, my brother, my mother, and I were traveling throughout the region, performing to put food on the table and have rooms to stay at the nearest inn.”

 

“And I assume your travels led you to Lumiose City?” Captain Drake asked.

 

“That's right,” Serena said. “We were performing at the park near Lumiose Tower. One day, my mother, Timothy, and I split up to grab food from different marketplace sections using the money we had just earned. I was heading back to the park where we decided to meet up with a basket of fruit when I heard crying in an alley I was passing. I went in and saw a boy my age with raven hair and z marks on his cheek wearing a blue suit.”

 

“Raven hair and z marks on his cheeks? That's how the people here describe the duke,” Captain Drake said.

 

“That's because it was him, though I didn't know it then,” Serena said. “He sat on the ground crying, for he had tripped and cut his leg. No one else was around, so I asked if he was okay. He was so scared that he thought I was going to kill him until I assured him I meant no harm. I used a spare piece of cloth to cover the cut on his leg and he calmed down after I helped him on his feet.”

 

“What was the duke doing in an alley?” Captain Drake asked.

 

“He was exploring with an escort until he decided to sneak away to explore the city alone,” Serena said. “I decided to take him to the park, thinking my mother would know what to do. When we arrived, Timothy and our mother hadn't returned yet, and the duke was still worried we wouldn't find his escort. He was so scared that you'd think he was a 4-year-old as opposed to being 10. So, I decided to perform a dance to cheer him up. The duke was initially confused, but then he smiled and applauded as he watched me dance. It was like watching me dance took away all of his fear and pain from his leg. As a performer, seeing him so happy warmed my heart.”

 

“Did you and your family find his escort?” Captain Drake asked.

 

“No, his escort found us while I was still dancing,” Serena said. “They thought I kidnapped Duke Satoshi until he explained what really happened. His escort thanked me and tossed a couple of coins at me as a reward then told the duke to follow him. But before they left, Duke Satoshi asked for my name and to give him something to remember me by. I told him my name was Serena Durbin, gave him my blue ribbon I was wearing around my neck, and he promised to always treasure it. I never saw him again after that. The last I heard of the duke, news spread across the region that his mother married the Duke of the Kanto region, and he took them here with his new stepson to be his heir.”

 

Captain Drake stared at Serena, puzzled. Her story sounded made up, for the idea of a homeless peasant interacting with a person of nobility, even as children, was unheard of. It was more plausible that she created her own fantasy where she had befriended the ruler of a region before he received his title. Still, Captain Drake saw no deception in Serena’s ocean-blue eyes, and people of nobility marrying their kind from other regions wasn’t unheard of.

 

“You tell an interesting tale, young Serena,” Captain Drake said. “I imagine you would like to see Duke Satoshi again out of curiosity about whether he remembers you.”

 

Serena smiled, her cheeks pink, and said, “Yes, even if we knew each other briefly, it would be a lovely dream come true if Duke Satoshi remembers me. If Lady Sonia won’t see anyone, then I would be content to work for Duke Satoshi even if he hired me as a maid for his wife.”

 

“That does sound nice, but the duke doesn’t have a wife,” Captain Drake said.

 

Serena’s face fell, and she turned to the captain.

 

“He doesn’t have a wife?” she asked. “I would imagine a man of nobility his age would have found a woman who would be delighted to marry him.”

 

“Aye, it’s unusual for a ruler in their mid-20s to not already have a wife, but it is so,” Captain Drake said. “From what I’ve gathered, it’s common knowledge throughout the Kanto region that Duke Satoshi remains a bachelor. Many noble ladies have tried to court him, but unfortunately, Duke Satoshi has fallen for Countess Sonia, and ever since she lost her brother, she refuses to allow any man to see her, much less attempt to win her hand in marriage.”

 

Serena stared at Captain Drake as though he had said something inconceivable. She neglected to mention to the captain that she thought Duke Satoshi was a cute boy when she saw him last, and so figured that he had grown into a handsome man. It was little surprise to Serena that multiple ladies of nobility would want to court Duke Satoshi, but she figured a beautiful woman of high class would’ve won his hand in marriage by now. She wondered what Countess Sonia looked like and what other aspects about her would drive the duke to desire her heart over all others.

 

As Serena dwelled on the idea, something clicked in her mind. She got up, opened her chest, and looked through her equipment. Captain Drake looked at Serena curiously as she browsed through costumes and makeup until she took out a long white sash, a case of green eye contacts, a fake goatee, and a brown wig that matched Timothy's hair. Serena smiled, relieved that what she was looking for was not damaged in the storm then turned to Captain Drake in confidence.

 

“If that is so, then I know how I’ll support myself in this foreign land,” Serena said. “I will disguise myself as a man and get a job as a page for Duke Satoshi Ketchum.”

 

“I beg your pardon?” Captain Drake asked.

 

“I have the makeup and sashin my chest to look like a man,” Serena said. “Timothy and I disguised ourselves as each other in many of our performances. You saw him disguise himself as a woman, and I can disguise myself as a man. I have a brown wig, green contacts, and a fake goatee that can make me look exactly like Timothy, and I can mimic his voice. I'll wrap this long sash around my breasts so I look like I have the chest of a man, and Duke Satoshi and his household can know me by my brother’s name. Yes, that’s it. Timothy Durbin the Page. It has a nice sound to it.”

 

“Woman, have you gone mad? Are you so filled with grief that you want to imitate your brother for the rest of your days?” Captain Drake asked. “Even if you convince the duke into thinking you are a man and enter into his service, I can only imagine what punishment he would inflict on you if he discovers the truth.”

 

“Better that than wandering the Kanto region looking for financial stability where it’s near impossible because of my gender,” Serena said. “Besides, as the duke's page, I’ll be in the service of someone I know, even if it was for a short time. I’ll also be able to continue my profession as a performer in a way, because I can sing, dance, and play the piano on top of showing my acting skill by pretending to be a man. I think Timothy would support taking such a risk for financial stability, and by taking his name and face, I’ll be keeping his memory alive while he sleeps beneath the sea.”

 

Captain Drake stared at Serena as though she were raving like a lunatic. In all his years, he had never heard someone devise such a plan, leastways a woman. He stuttered, trying to think of something he hadn't already said to rebuke Serena's plan. Finally, after giving it some thought, Captain Drake begrudgingly admitted to himself that Serena disguising herself seemed plausible after watching her and Timothy perform, and there was no other alternative to ensure she could sustain herself financially.

 

“Very well,’ Captain Drake said with a sigh. “I'll tell our host that a young man is looking for work and ask if he can contact the duke's staff. If they arrange to put you into Duke Satoshi’s service and you can pull off deceiving them, then may God grant you a satisfying life spending your last days serving the duke. But, if things go wrong and you doom yourself to imprisonment or worse, you'll have no one to blame but yourself.”

 

“I understand. Thank you, captain,” Serena said. “I won't forget your kindness in saving my life and helping me secure my future.”

 

Captain Drake gave Serena a half-hearted smile before he exited the room. Serena then proceeded to put on the wig, eye contacts, fake goatee, and change into her costume of a male scribe. She looked in her dresser mirror to adjust her wig, then did vocal warmups to practice sounding like a man.

 

As Serena posed with her back straight and head up like a soldier, her face softened as she saw Timothy's likeness in the mirror. She reached out to the mirror as though reaching out for her brother, and a tear ran down her cheek. With a sniffle, Serena wiped the tear from her face and forced a smile, reminding herself that she was performing in Timothy's memory. She could only hope she would be satisfied working for Satoshi Ketchum, the Duke of the Kanto region.

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Upon Captain Drake's request, Professor Cerise sent word to Duke Satoshi’s estate. As fortune would have it, the duke released one of his pages for dishonest deeds and needed a new one. Captain Drake vouched for Serena addressing her as Timothy Durbin, and the head of Duke Satoshi’s staff, Brock, agreed for “Timothy” to come to the estate early the next morning to be tested.

 

Before sunrise the following day, Serena woke up to bathe and put on her disguise. After thanking Professor Cerise for his hospitality, Captain Drake escorted Serena to Duke Satoshi’s estate. They stopped at the gate and wished each other well before Captain Drake left to take a ship to Hoenn with his remaining sailors. Serena waved Captain Drake goodbye as he left, then walked to the gate. She knocked on the gate and waited until it opened to reveal a tall tan man. The man had a serious expression, though Serena couldn't entirely tell because he squinted his eyes.

 

“Are you Timothy Durbin?” the man asked.

 

“I am,” Serena answered in a low voice that matched Timothy's.

 

“I am Brock, chief of the staff in Master Satoshi’s state,” Brock said. “Follow me, please.”

 

Serena bowed before she went through the gate and followed Brock to the house. When they went inside, Serena looked around in amazement as she walked down the entrance hall beside Brock. The entranceway was 2 stories high with tapestries hanging on both sides of the hallway, bearing the crest of the Duke of Kanto. Guards stood beside every door, and there were paintings of the duke’s stepfather’s ancestors. It was all a stunning sight for Serena, for such grandness was something she had only heard about. Serena continued to look around as she walked until Brock cleared his throat to grab her attention.

 

“Professor Cerise told me that you have skills in singing and playing the piano,” Brock said.

 

“I do, sir,” Serena said. “I've spent my life performing.”

 

“Indeed? Do you know any particular songs you could sing and play the piano on?” Brock asked. “The duke is in a melachonic mood and wishes to hear music that matches his demeanor.”

 

Serena looked at Brock confused. Such music was not common for people of nobility to listen to unless they were attending an opera, and otherwise wanted performances that comforted them. Serena wondered if Duke Satoshi’s desire for a sad tune had to do with Lady Sonia rejecting him. After a few seconds, she realized she was silent for too long and quickly browsed through the music she knew in her mind.

 

“I personally am fond of Greensleeves,” she said.

 

“Then when we see the master, you are to play and sing the song for him,” Brock said. “Your employment will depend on whether your performance can satisfy the duke’s wishes. ”

 

“I understand,” Serena said.

 

Brock nodded and hummed in approval. They made their way to the great hall, where several people, including lesser members of the court and four other pages, stood beside a couch facing the fireplace. They faced away from the couch with uncomfortable expressions with some giving the couch the occasional glance. Who was on the couch Serena couldn’t tell for they were lying on the couch on their back and their feet resting on a couch arm. Brock and Serena walked until they stood behind the couch and Brock cleared his throat.

 

“My Lord, the new page has arrived,” he said. “He is prepared to play and sing for you.”

For half a minute, the figure on the couch was silent, making Serena wonder if he heard Brock. Then he lifted their hand up and gave Brock a wave signaling him to proceed. Brock turned to Serena and pointed at the the piano by the window. Serena nodded before she took a seat on the piano stand and began to play and sing.

 

Alas my love, ye do me wrong
to cast me off discurteously:
And I have loved you so long,
Delighting in your companie.

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight:
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves.

 

I have been readie at your hand,
to grant what ever you would crave
I have both waged life and land,
your love and good will for to have.

 

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight:
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves.

 

Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,
But still thou hadst it readily,
Thy musicke still to play and sing,
And yet thou wuldst not love me.

 

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight:
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves.

 

Greensleeves now farewell adieu
God I pray to prosper thee,
For I am still thy lover true
Come once again and love me.

 

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight:
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves.

 

When Serena finished, she turned to Brock and the other men and they nodded, silently approving her on her performance. All eyes then turned to the couch, waiting for Duke Satoshi to say something. For several seconds, there was silence, making the staff and members of the court uncomfortable again. Serena grew uneasy and wondered if Duke Satoshi wasn't paying attention or perhaps fell asleep while she played and sang. Finally, she heard a dramatic sigh and the duke rotating from lying on his back to his side, facing the fireplace.

 

“Play it again,” he said in a raspy voice.

 

Serena tilted her head unsure she heard the duke until Brock gestured to her with his hand to do as his master commanded. Serena hesitated before she figured she either successfully entertained the duke or he gave her a second chance to improve her performance. She cleared her throat and began playing the song again, this time with her mind on the moment she realized Timothy was lost at sea. Her heart ached as she replayed the moment, but as a performer she thought it necessary to put on the best performance she could muster with such a sad song.

 

Suddenly, halfway through the song, Serena felt a hand on top of hers. She looked over her shoulder and froze in place with her eyes wide to see a tan man with raven-black hair and z-marks on his cheeks leaning next to her. Brock and the other men in the room stood equally surprised that their master had suddenly stood up as though he came back from the dead. Duke Satoshi stared at the piano with a downcast look as though the instrument itself was singing the sad song. Serena's cheeks heated up at the sudden sight of Duke Satoshi. Though his face was full of gloom, the boy Serena remembered grew to be more striking than she dreamed.

 

“That's enough,” Satoshi said softly. “You play exceptionally, but it does not have the same effect as before. Why don't you try something a little more cheerful? Another love song if you please.”

 

Serena was so stunned that it took a few seconds before she realized the duke took his hand off of hers. She muttered the Duke's request to herself and brainstormed until she thought of another song. Eager not to waste another moment of her new employer's time, she began playing a more upbeat tune, aiming to light up the mood for Satoshi and his company as she sang.

 

Over the mountains

And over the waves,

Under the fountains

And under the graves,

Under floods that are deepest,

Which Neptune obey

Over rocks which are the steepest,

Love will find out the way.

 

Where there is no place

For the glow-worm to lie,

Where there is no space

For receipt of a fly,

Where the gnat dares not venture,

Lest herself fast she lay,

But if Love comes, he will enter,

And will find out the way.

 

You may esteem him

A child for his might,

Or you may deem him

A coward from his flight.

But if she, whom Love doth honor,

Be concealed from the day

Set a thousand guards upon her,

Love will find out the way.

 

Some think to lose him

By having him confined

Some do suppose him,

Poor thing, to be blind;

But if ne'er so close ye wall him,

Do the best that you may,

Blind Love, if so ye call him,

Will find out his way.

 

You may train the eagle

To stoop to your fist.

You may train in veigle

The Phoenix of the east.

The lioness, you may move her

To give o'er her prey;

But you'll ne'er stop a lover;

He will find out his way.

 

When Serena finished, silence overtook the main hall again with all eyes on the duke. Satoshi stood beside Serena as she played, taking in the emotion behind the song with his eyes closed. After a moment, he turned to Serena and smirked with a hint of a glimmer in his hazel brown eyes.

 

“Ah, ‘Love Will Find Out The Way' by Lesley Nelson-Burns,” Satoshi said. “Such an encouraging song with those lyrics. I am pleased with your range between sad and cheerful music, good sir.”

 

“Oh, thank you, my lord,” Serena said as she stared at the piano to hide her bashful face.

 

“Tell me, what is your name?” Satoshi asked.

 

“T-Timothy Durbin, if it pleases you, my lord,” Serena answered.

 

Satoshi lightly chuckled, thinking the page was nervous to be around ruler of the Kanto region, as if he were in danger of losing his life if he failed to please him. The duke put his hand on Serena's shoulder and Serena fought the urge to whimper as his touch sent shivers down her spine.

 

“Well, Timothy, I commend you for your ability to adapt,” Satoshi said. “I believe your skills in song and piano will exceed expectations in my halls.”

 

“I am grateful, my lord,” Serena said.

 

Satoshi chuckled again with a toothy grin, thinking Serena was still on edge. He patted her shoulder to put her at ease, but each pat made her blush grow. Simultaneously, Serena wished he would keep his hand on her shoulder as though the handsome man was holding her in a loving embrace.

 

Just then, a green-haired man entered the hall. He was a foot shorter than your average man, and he looked at Satoshi with unease. He cleared his throat to catch the duke's attention, and Satoshi rushed over to the man in excitement like a child hoping to get a treat.

 

“Sawyer, my good and loyal page, what news?” Satoshi asked. “How has my dear Sonia reacted to my letter?”

 

“My lord, I was unable to give her the letter,” Sawyer said, hanging his head.

 

“What? I thought for sure she would take it,” Satoshi said. “Did you not tell them that delivering the letter to her was all you asked? That you weren't even requesting that you step foot in her estate to deliver it to my lady yourself?”

 

“Of course, my lord. I tried to demand that they deliver the letter in your name. When that didn't work, I swore that if they delivered your letter to Lady Sonia they would never see my face again,” Sawyer said. “But no matter how hard I tried, her lady-in-waiting's answer was the same: she will not allow any man or any man's letter or gift to be within her presence apart from those under her employment or her cousin, James.”

 

Duke Satoshi furrowed his brow and growled in frustration with his mouth closed. The members of the court and Sawyer's fellow pages grow uncomfortable, thinking the duke was going to be mopey again. Serena, meanwhile, was amazed by the extent Lady Sonia was refusing to see anyone. Though she related to the countess with the desire to grieve, it appeared to Serena that Lady Sonia needed someone to be by her side. Finally, Satoshi’s face lit up and he snapped his fingers before turning to Serena.

 

“Timothy, come here,” Satoshi commanded.

 

“Yes, my lord?” Serena asked as she walked over to the duke.

 

“I have a job for you of utmost importance,” Satoshi said. “The lady of my heart, Sonia, still grieves for her brother. I wish to comfort her by expressing the fullest extent of my love, but, as you have heard, she won't give me the time or day.”

 

“And what do you wish of me, sir?” Serena asked.

 

“Lady Sonia and her household have rejected your fellow pages from Trevor to Sawyer, but they have never met you,” Satoshi said “Gain an audience with my lady by whatever means necessary, and then read to her the letter of my love.”

 

“And why do you believe I will fare much better than the others?” Serena asked.

 

“My other pages can read my words, but after hearing you perform I believe you alone can bring my letter to life,” Satoshi answered. “Be glamorous with my declaration. Shout it out loud or sing it if it will help. Whatever you choose, ensure that Lady Sonia will be enamored by the words expressed by such a performance given by a good-looking man such as yourself.

 

“O-oh, you give my appearance too much credit, my lord,” Serena said bashfully, looking away again.

 

“Nonsense,” Satoshi said with a toothy grin. “I'm sure that if you lost your goatee you would look very strapping. Though, it's potentially best that you don't look better than me in front of my lady."

 

Serena smiled, for the duke’s smile reminded her of him from when they last saw each other, but then her smile subsided as she pondered on his words. She wondered that if she were to remove her fake goatee and reveal herself to be a woman that Satoshi would find her stunning. Perhaps more so than then the countess. Then Serena disregarded the idea, thinking Satoshi would be displeased that she deceived him on top of being a homeless foreigner. Serena mentally sighed, accepting that she had to continue making the duke think she was a man and aim to please him as his page.

 

“I shall strive to make the passion of your feelings as free and clear as possible, sir,” Serena said.

 

“Tremendous,” Satoshi said. “Tomorrow, you will be escorted to her estate, and you must make every effort to gain an audience and woo her.”

 

“Understood. I'll do my best to woo your lady,” Serena said.

 

Satoshi nodded then turned to Sawyer.

 

“Sawyer, give Timothy my letter and escort him to his new bed chambers. He has much to prepare for,” he said.

 

“At once, sir,” Sawyer said.

 

Sawyer gave Serena the letter encase in an envelope and gestured to Serena to come with him with his hand. As Serena followed Saywer down the hall, she looked back to see the duke go back to the couch humming ‘Love Will Find Out The Way.’ Brock, the other pages, and the other nobility eased up, seeing their chance to get the duke to focus on other matters. The edges of Serena's lips curled up, glad to see Satoshi’s spirits lifted, but then her smile faded and she stared at the letter.

 

“Lady Sonia must be truly special for the duke to be so determined for her to read his letter. I wish he could see the real me and give me whatever kind of adoration he has for her,” Serena thought before she mentally sighed. “Yet, I said I would be content to serve his wife if it meant being with him, and I stand firm to that commitment. If Lady Sonia accepts his love, then she and I can both take comfort from losing our brothers in the duke’s company even if she doesn't know it. If that is so, then I must give it everything I got to make them both happy even though I want Duke Satoshi’s heart to be mine.”

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

The life of Lady Sonia's lady-in-waiting was a frustrating one for Jessie.

 

The Magnolia estate was once a cheerful place where Count Magnolia lived with his adult children, Milo and Sonia, by his side. Jessie had little to worry about outside of her regular duties when serving a count of good renown. But when the count passed away, Milo was challenged to take his father's place and comfort Sonia. And when Milo himself suddenly grew ill and died, Jessie and the rest of the staff were left with a young countess overcome with grief. Since then, the estate became a sad place with the staff dispirited by Lady Sonia’s gloomy presence.

 

It didn't help that Lady Sonia’s steward, Giovanni, was a stuck-up, no-nonsense man who managed the staff as though he were the new head of the estate. Giovanni always thought himself superior to others, and with all male members of the Magnolia family gone, excluding Sonia's cousin, James, Giovanni felt more self-entitled than before as the oldest among the men in the estate, even if he was still only the head of the staff. He was very strict with the staff, making unreasonable demands and having the staff do extra chores. Such things were pragmatic if Lady Sonia was hosting parties for her fellow members of the nobility, but she found no cause to celebrate anything. Not even her birthday two weeks prior. So, Giovanni was merely abusing his power as steward while the countess was focused on mourning for the loss of her brother Milo.

 

Such was on Jessie's mind as she walked in the Magnolia estate courtyard Sunday morning. Lady Sonia left to attend church with Giovanni and a few attendants as her escort. Jessie wished to join them, but Giovanni coldly rejected the idea, seeing her white and red maiden dress and her long magenta hair curled in a comet-tail behind her head uncouth for mass. Jessie didn't mind missing mass, for she wasn't a devout Christian, and Giovanni attending mass with their mistress meant Jessie had time to take it easy. One might say that the few hours Giovanni was away was technically a sabbath for Jessie. Still, Jessie wished to be by Lady Sonia’s side, so someone other than Giovanni and a handful of attendants would be there for her.

 

As Jessie passed by the courtyard fountain, she stopped to see a man with shoulder-length periwinkle hair sleeping on a bench. He lay on his side as he snored while spooning a half-empty bottle of wine like a child with his teddy bear. Jessie rolled her eyes and scooped water from the fountain to drop on the periwinkle-haired man's face, instantly waking him up.

 

“Huh? Wha -? What is it? What time is it?” the man asked as he sat up, still holding the bottle.

 

“Time to quit lying on the bench like a homeless drunk, you lazy baboon,” Jessie said. “Honestly, Sir James, I hope the next generation of my lady’s family isn't going to inherit an empty wine cellar.”

 

“Next generation? Don't make me laugh,” James said with a wave of his hand. “If there's ever going to be a next generation while my cousin weeps daily, I will eat the bottles I empty.”

 

“With your intoxicated mind, I'm sure you'd try,” Jessie said. “Furthermore, you don't help your cousin by partying and drinking instead of trying to cheer her up.”

 

“That's hardly my fault when Sonia refuses to let anyone try to cheer her up. If it were up to me, I'd get her to drink with me to lift her spirits and then help her find a husband,” James said.

 

“Her refusal to drink with you hasn't stopped you from trying to get her to marry,” Jessie said. “Lady Sonia was complaining yesterday that you let that knight from Alola into the estate to stay and attempt to woo her.”

 

“And why shouldn't I have let Sir Faba stay and try to woo her?” James challenged. “I have no claim to the title so long as she lives, but I am her only living male relative and a knight of Kanto. As such, I should ensure she gets a husband. Besides, Faba is a fine suitor. He's cheerful, rich and can speak four languages word for word from memory. His personality alone makes him a perfect suitor.”

 

“Personality? Sir Faba is a fool,” Jessie said. “In the month that he’s been staying here, he’s shown more capacity in throwing fits, starting quarrels, and running from said quarrels when things escalate. Hardly proof he can be an adequate suitor for my mistress. Not to mention, he drinks nightly just like you.”

 

“Perhaps, but men can be very cheery when drunk,” James said. “Admit it, Jessie. You yourself enjoy my company when I have a bottle in my hand.”

 

“Don’t be daft, Sir James. You couldn’t make me enjoy being around you in this state if you tried,” Jessie said.

 

“Oh, I doubt that,” James said.

 

James dropped his bottle on the grass with a sinister grin, walked behind Jessie, and began tickling her sides. Jessie squealed with laughter as James proceeded to wrap his arms around her as he tickled her. Jessie tried to break free by turning her upper body and smacking James’ head, but James merely laughed it off. Within seconds, Jessie resigned to give in to the fun.

 

Eventually, James stopped tickling Jessie but kept holding her from behind. They took the time to catch their breaths before they turned to each other. Jessie smiled fondly as if to silently thank James for the moment, to which James smiled and nodded back. Then, their smiles faded as they realized their faces were inches apart, and they gazed into each other’s eyes. James tightened his hold on Jessie and Jessie put her hands on top of James's’. They paused before they closed their eyes and tilted their head as they leaned toward each other.

 

Suddenly, Jessie and James heard someone slamming a door, and their eyes opened. They turned to see a scrawny man in a white and green suit exiting the house from the front entrance. He had pale blond hair, a goatee, and glasses with excessively large lenses. The man grumbled as he stormed to the gate, not noticing Jessie and James. Jessie furrowed her brow and freed herself from James’ grasp, standing away from James with her arms crossed and her back facing James and the scrawny man. James reached out to Jessie, wanting her to return to his embrace, before he sighed and walked over to the scrawny man.

 

“Good Sir Faba, how are you?” James greeted with a friendly smile. “Why so down on such a sunny day, my good man?”

 

“I’m leaving to purchase a ticket, Sir James,” Faba said as he walked past James. “I’m sailing home to Melemele Island tomorrow morning.”

 

“Sailing home? Pourquoi?” James asked.

 

Faba stopped walking and turned to James, confused.

 

“Pourquoi? What on Earth does that mean?” he asked.

 

“It’s a foreign word that means ‘Why,’ of course,” James said.

 

“Humph. Sir James says he knows four languages, and yet he has never heard of a phrase like pourquoi,” Jessie muttered. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Sir Faba simply claimed to know so many languages, and Sir James believed him while drunk off his bum.”

 

Faba stared at James as though he had invented the phrase “pourquoi” before he shook his head and said, “I’ve had it with waiting for a month for nothing. I haven’t seen your cousin Sonia at all, and even when she’s not in her bedchambers, she refuses to see me. You've assured me I will find no woman as beautiful as her, yet she's always covering her face with her veil while still wearing funeral clothes.

 

“Oh, come now, my good man. Don’t give up so easily,” James said as he patted Faba. “Sonia is right to grieve for Milo, but she can’t shun herself from the world forever. Soon, she will realize that being depressed all day and night is getting her nowhere, and when she does, that’s when you’ll get your audience with her and impress her.”

 

Faba’s scowl faded and he hesitated before he asked, “Do you truly think it’ll be that easy?”

 

“Think? I know,” James said. “You’re a man of wit, caliber, and good renown. Not to mention more dashing than any man I know. You comb your hair every morning nicely. Your goatee shows your maturity, and if Sonia asked you to roll up your sleeves she would faint at how large your arms are.”

James walked behind Faba, lifted his right arm, and rolled up his sleeve until he could see his whole arm. Jessie looked back and scoffed at the sight of Faba’s arm. Faba smiled with his chest up, thinking he had muscles as rigid as iron. In reality, his arm was so thin and pale that Jessie thought it looked like a tree branch dying of a disease. Faba lifted his chin proudly with his ego well fed then turned to James while rolling his sleeve down.

 

“You’re right, Sir James. I need to give Sonia more time,” Faba said. “I shall stay for one more month. That should be more than enough time. Right?”

 

“Of course. You and Sonia will be courting within a month’s time, or my name isn’t Jamison Tobias Doogie Brian Cathcart,” James said.

 

Faba laughed triumphantly as though he had already won the countess’s heart. With their arms over each other, James and Faba walked to sit on a bench beside the gate with James still praising Faba. Jessie waited until the rowdy men had sat down before she huffed loudly. She picked up James’ bottle, which was still lying on the grass, and poured the rest of the wine on the grass in case James would come back for it.

 

“To think Sir Faba doesn’t need to be drunk to believe anything Sir James says,” Jessie said. “If Lady Sonia ever gives that scraggly man the time of day, her father and brother will haunt me to my grave.”

 

With a sigh, Jessie shook her head and began walking to the entrance of the house to dispose of the bottle. She was halfway to the door when the bell at the front gate rang. Jesse turned her head just as James and Faba curiously opened the gate to reveal a tall man in his 30s with shoulder-length black hair and blue eyes. He wore a green cape held together by a red gem and blue cravat over a blue vest, off-white shirt, gray trousers, and black boots. The man had a large, brown bag on his back consisting of spare clothes, an accordion, a guitar, and a harp. James’s face lit up at the sight of the man, roaring with laughter as he greeted him in a tight, brotherly hug.

 

“Good Nando, it has been more than a fortnight since we last saw each other!” James exclaimed.

“A fortnight and then some, old friend,” Nando said warmly. “My journey wasn’t especially long, but finding my way home is always comforting.”

 

Faba tilted his head as though James and Nando were speaking gibberish and asked, “Fortnite? Do you mean it has been 4 nights since you've seen this man? How did I not see this man 4 nights ago?”

James and Nando turned to Faba, with Nando looking at Faba confused and James chuckling as though Faba told a bad joke. James let go of Nando and walked to Faba to face Nando beside him, his arm over Faba's shoulder.

 

“Faba, this is Nando. He is Sonia's fool,” James said.

 

“His fool? Goodness, Sir James, how can you give this fellow a friendly greeting and then insult him? And what does him being a fool have to do with Sonia?” Faba asked.

 

“Nay, nay, good Sir Faba. When I say fool, I mean he's Sonia's jester,” James said. “Nando has been the Magnolia family's fool for years.”

 

“Her jester? Why does he appear to have been traveling if he is under her employment?” Faba asked.

 

“Nando comes and goes as he pleases, earning money for his music,” James said.

 

“And judging by the fact that you are in James’s company, I assume you're someone of good renown, sir?” Nando asked.

 

“Indeed. I am Sir Faba, from the Alola region, and I aim to woo Sir James’ cousin,” Faba said. “Sir James was just telling me a few minutes ago how I am dashing and a man of wit, caliber, and mighty arms.”

 

Faba rolled up his sleeve to show off his arm to Nando. Nando looked at Faba's arm, confused, then turned to James, who applauded Faba. It took Nando a few seconds before he put the pieces together and smirked at James for being so sly. Nando then noticed Jessie from the corner of his eye and turned to see her glaring at him with her hands on her hips like a mother about to rebuke and punish her disobedient child.

 

“Excuse me, gentlemen. It appears I must greet Lady Sonia's lady-in-waiting,” Nando said.

 

Faba furrowed his brow, expecting Nando to compliment him on his arm. James patted his back, and they went back to sitting on the bench by the gate, planning for Faba to approach Lady Sonia. Nando smiled and opened his arms to hug Jessie as he approached her, but she backed away and pointed at her finger warningly.

 

“Don't you dare,” Jessie said. “Either tell me where you've been, or I won't say anything to defend you, fool. If Lady Sonia had the power, she would hang you for leaving without a word again.”

 

Nando stared at Jessie, taken aback, before he shrugged with an uncaring smirk.

 

“Well, if she wants to hang me, she can do it. A hanged man doesn't have anything to worry about when he's no longer part of the world,” Nando said.

 

“That's a meager answer, and you know it,” Jessie said.

 

“Perhaps,” Nando said. “At any rate, where is our beloved mistress?”

 

“At church,” Jessie coldly answered. “With her brother gone, she needs wisdom from the church that spreads God's will. Certainly, more wisdom than any fool can give.”

 

“Well, may God grant me wisdom all the same,” Nando said. “He gave us all talents to some degree or another, so let Nando the Fool use his talents to please Sonia Magnolia again.”

 

“I doubt she'll let you try. Our mistress will likely discharge you and kick you out in the streets the moment she sees you,” Jessie said.

 

“Oh, that wouldn't be so bad. I'd have more time to travel and play my music,” Nando said. “But I believe I can make my case to convince her to keep me in her employment. After all, no fool can amuse Lady Sonia like I can.”

 

“You honestly think she'll forgive you just because you've been the family fool for so long?” Jessie asked.

 

“I believe I have a better chance than Sir James’ friend,” Nando said. “I may be a fool, but even I can see Sir James only cares about how wealthy that skinny and dimwitted specimen is. If having lots of pretty coins qualifies him as a suitor for our beloved mistress, then being able to sing and flap my arms makes me a canary.”

 

Jessie covered her mouth to hide a giggle. Though she was too proud to admit it, she admired that the jester had more sense than all the other men in her life. It was both his wit and his humor that made Nando her best friend.

 

Just then, the bell rang, and James got up to open the gate again. The first to enter was a woman wearing a funeral dress, black gloves, and a long black veil covering her head. One might mistake her for the entity of death because no one could see her face through the veil on top of her black outfit covering her entire body. To say nothing of how she walked silently with her head down like a faceless ghost passing by.

 

Beside her was a tall, medium-built, middle-aged man who led the four attendants behind him. He had short, flat, dark hair and wore his dark red suit proudly as though he were a king dressed in gold and purple. Sonia’s steward scanned the courtyard with dark eyes to ensure nothing was different from before they left for church. He noticed James, Faba, Jessie, and Nando were in the courtyard but disregarded them as though they were made of thin air.

 

Faba’s face lit up at the sight of the woman in black, and he stepped up to approach her. He took a breath to greet Lady Sonia until he realized she had passed him as though he wasn’t there. James sighed and led Faba back to the bench to assure him again that his time to woo Sonia would come. Nando turned to Jessie and smirked, confident that he would succeed where Faba did not in gaining Lady Sonia’s attention. He cleared his throat and walked to Lady Sonia, Giovanni, and the attendants with a bright smile.

 

“God bless you, most high countess,” Nando praised.

 

The woman in black glanced at Nando and scoffed before she passed by him.

 

“Take the fool away,” she said coldly.

 

Nando laughed as though Lady Sonia told a joke and turned to Giovanni and the attendants.

 

“You heard her, gentlemen. Take the lady away,” he said.

 

“No, I said take the fool away,” Sonia said.

 

“Exactly, which means they must take you away,” Nando said mockingly, like a brother nagging his sister.

 

The woman in black stopped walking and turned to face Nando, pointing at him warningly.

 

“Watch it, Nando,” she said. “I am not in the mood, and your humor has become dry and tasteless.”

 

“I hardly see how it can be, my benevolent mistress,” Nando said. “You should know better than to judge a book by its cover. Yes, I have the occupation of being a fool, but that doesn't automatically make me the fool. My mind is still sharp, and I can prove you are the fool here.”

 

Sonia paused before she crossed her arms and asked, “Can you really prove I am the fool?”

 

“Very easily,” Nando said proudly. “Tell me, my lady. Why do you wear funeral clothes?”

 

Sonia paused and said with a sniffle, “Because my brother, Milo, is dead.”

 

Nando's face fell, and he looked away from Sonia, rubbing his chin and shaking his head.

 

“I see. He must be in hell, then,” he said softly.

 

Sonia's attendants looked at Nando in disbelief, while Giovanni grinned, thinking the jester had dug his own grave. Nando smirked as he waited for Lady Sonia to respond, wishing he could see her reaction through her veil.

 

“How dare you,” Sonia snarled. "Milo is in heaven.”

 

“Is he? I find myself under the impression that he is in hell,” Nando said, pretending to be confused.

 

“Then you are a greater fool than I give you credit for,” Sonia said. “Milo Magnolia was a noble man who never missed mass, cared for the poor, and worked to make peace with his enemies to the best of his ability. People, including me, looked up to him on how to be a Christian man or woman. As far as I am concerned, no one is more worthy to be in heaven for how they lived in this world than Milo Magnolia. Not even my father.”

 

Nando continued to rub his chin, pretending to be deep in thought. Then he smirked and pointed at Lady Sonia teasingly again.

 

“If he truly loved God and his neighbor, then you are most definitely the fool,” he said matter-of-factly. “If Milo Magnolia were in hell, then you would have all the reason in the world to mourn, for he would be burning, weeping, and gnashing in the teeth as we speak. As it stands, he is resting with the Lord of all Creation with his sins forgiven and the Son of Man greeted Milo by telling him that he had done well in his first life. You mourn for your brother even though the greatest thing that could ever happen to a man, woman, or child has happened to him. You’d be better off taking his death as though he has gone on a long holiday or moved to a distant land that you will sail to one day. If that is as clear as the sky being blue or that honey is sweet, then there’s no reason to mourn. Thus, by choosing to grieve, you are the fool today. So, since you told your attendants to take the fool away, they are under orders to take you away, Lady Sonia.”

 

The courtyard was silent apart from James and Faba chatting by the gate. Jessie watched Nando and Sonia, hoping Nando had redeemed himself. All eyes were on the woman in black, though they could not tell if she was glaring at Nando or pondering on his logic. Finally, there was a brief chuckle from the woman in black, and Nando’s smirk grew, knowing he had won.

 

“What do you think, Giovanni?” Sonia asked. “Do you think Nando has improved?”

 

Giovanni the Stewart glanced at Nando, trying to hide his scorn. It was clear to Nando that the steward wished for him to be punished out of cruelty or for his own amusement. After a moment, Giovanni forced a smile to appear like a sensible man to his mistress.

 

“Yes, he has, and I believe he will till the day he dies,” Giovanni said. “After all, old age and senility affect the wise but make fools bigger fools.”

 

“Ah ha! Then let God make you old and senile so that you become a bigger fool than me,” Nando said tauntingly. “I am a fool by choice for my occupation while you, steward, let delusions of grandeur give the likes of Sir James material to mock you. So, thank you in advance for becoming a bigger fool than I can ever be.”

 

Sonia, Jessie, and the attendants covered their mouths as they snickered. Giovanni's face fell, taken aback that Nando had used his words against him effortlessly. His face turned red in embarrassment and frustration, and he turned to Sonia.

 

“My lady, I'm surprised that you enjoy the company of a witless delinquent,” Giovanni said. “Why, just last month before he disappeared again, he lost a battle of wits to a peasant dumber than he is. I think people smarter than these jesters are no better than the jesters themselves.”

 

“Calm yourself, Giovanni. It's all good fun,” Sonia said. “If you learned to be less prideful and more friendly, you wouldn't be making mountains out of mole-hills. Professional fools like Nando are supposed to lighten the mood even if all they do is make fun of people. I would think you'd understand that after the years of Nando entertaining me, Milo, and my father.”

 

Giovanni huffed, feeling further humiliated that the countess came to Nando's aid, while Nando lifted his head high, pleased with his handiwork. Jessie and the attendants, on the other hand, were thankful that Nando lightened the mood. Their only wish was they could see through Sonia's veil to know if she was smiling, for it would be the first time since Milo passed away.

 

Just then, the bell rang a third time, and James took it upon himself to open the gate. A man with short brown hair, a goatee, and green eyes entered the courtyard and took a bow before speaking to James. Four men stood at the other side of the gate; all five bore Duke Satoshi’s crest in their uniforms. Sonia gasped upon seeing the crests, making Jessie and the attendants uneasy.

 

“Oh, James, you drunk imbecile. Letting one of the duke’s men in without a care,” Sonia grumbled before turning to Giovanni. “Giovanni, stop James before he tries to get an audience with me for the duke's men. Tell them I'm sick or not at home.”

 

“At once, my lady,” Giovanni said.

 

Sonia rushed to the house with Nando, Jessie, and the attendants following her while Giovanni headed to the gate. Sonia went in through the front door and hid behind a tapestry by a window while her staff followed her. Jessie closed the door behind her while Sonia looked through the window beside the door while still hiding behind the tapestry. Giovanni told the duke’s officers to disperse while James told the men to disregard the steward. Giovanni turned to angrily rebuke James while the brown-haired man stood between them, waiting to speak. Sonia huffed in irritation as she exited her hiding place and stepped away from the window.

 

“How intoxicated can James be to think it's okay to let in someone representing Duke Satoshi without pause?” the countess asked before turning to Nando. “Tell me, what is it like to be a drunk man?”

 

“He's like a drowned man, a fool, and a madman all at once, my lady,” Nando answered. “The first drink makes him a fool, the second makes him a madman, and the third drowns him.”

 

“And how drunk do you consider my cousin to be now? The third drink?” Sonia asked.

 

“Nay, I think he’s only drunk in the second degree, my lady,” Nando said.

 

“In that case, go and take James away from the quarrel before he behaves more like a madman,” Sonia said.

 

“Ah, a fool taking care of a madman. What a funny day,” Nando said with a chuckle. “Leave him to me, my lady.”

 

Nando bowed to Sonia before he exited the house. Sonia and Jessie looked through the windows on opposite sides of the door as Nando jogged to take James away. By now, Giovanni’s focus was on the brown-haired man. He demanded the younger man a head shorter than him to disperse, but Satoshi’s page refused to budge. In frustration, Sonia grabbed the tapestry beside the window, wishing the page would do as her steward commanded.

 

Jessie looked sadly at her mistress, sympathizing with her frustration. Then, her frown faded, and she looked through the window on her side. The brown-haired man continued to defy Giovanni even as Giovanni began screaming with his face red. Jessie looked down in thought and then turned to Sonia,, who anxiously tightened her hold on the tapestry. The countess’ lady-in-waiting bit her lip hesitantly before she walked to her mistress and put her hand on her shoulder to gain her attention.

 

“Forgive me, my lady, but may I suggest something?” Jessie asked.

 

“What is it, Jessie?” Sonia asked, still looking out the window.

 

“Since the duke's men are here, would it not be reasonable to allow them to deliver their message?” Jessie asked.

 

“Allow? Jessie, I can't love Duke Satoshi, nor do I have the desire to try. You know that better than anyone,” Sonia said.

 

“I do, my lady, but the duke doesn't,” Jessie pointed out. “In the time that the duke has been pursuing you, his messengers only know your staff refuses to let them try to speak with you. If, however, you were to grant an audience this one time, both parties have a chance to make their case. If, by mere chance, the duke's message intrigues you, then good. If not, then you take the opportunity to express how incapable you are of loving their master. Do not hold back on stating how the duke wastes his time pursuing you. With his messenger hearing everything from your mouth, the duke will have no choice but to accept that you will never love him. Only then will he leave you alone.”

 

Sonia was silent. The lack of an immediate response made Jessie uneasy, as she couldn't tell if her mistress was staring at her in disbelief or pondering her suggestion. It was at moments like this that Jessie wished Sonia would stop wearing her veil so she could see the young lady’s face. If Jessie had any reason for Satoshi’s message of love to reach Lady Sonia, it was to see her mistress smile again.

 

As Jesse waited for a response, the front door opened, and Giovanni went in. He grumbled to himself as though he were on the verge of breaking something in irritation. Giovanni nearly passed Sonia and Jessie before he realized they were beside the window, then cleared his throat as he turned to Sonia, trying to appear calm.

 

“Madam, I successfully got rid of the duke’s officers who stood outside the gate, but the man your cousin let in refuses to leave,” Giovanni said.

 

“Tell him that I am sick or not at home like I said,” Sonia said.

 

“I have, madam, but unfortunately, he saw you before you went inside and thus knew that I was lying,” Giovanni said. “No matter what I told him, he insists you allow him to see you. He said he will stand by the gate like a flagpole as though he were a guardsman until you grant him an audience.”

Sonia was silent again, facing Giovanni, presumably thinking about what to tell the duke’s page to make him go away.

 

“What kind of man is he?” she asked.

 

“An insolent man, to say the least,” Giovanni said. “He appears to be around your age, though it is hard to say for sure with his goatee.”

 

Sonia paused before she rubbed her chin in thought. Jessie and Giovanni watched her curiously, for the rubbing of Sonia's chin was the best hint they had of her reaction. Finally, Sonia sighed and hung her head momentarily before she looked up at Giovanni again.

 

“Very well. Send him in,” she said.

 

“Madam?” Giovanni asked, taken aback.

 

“I will allow Duke Satoshi to make his case through his messenger,” Sonia said. “Have him brought to the drawing room so we may speak. After that, never allow a single person from the duke's estate in again unless I command it. Should any of his people enter my property again without my consent, throw him out even if you have to get every butler and maid to pick him up and throw him out, disregarding that they serve the ruler of Kanto.”

 

Giovanni remained taken aback before he grinned mischievously. Jessie was uneasy at the way Giovanni looked at their mistress. It made it look like he hoped one of Satoshi's messengers would attempt to see Sonia again after being formally rejected, as though it would give him the opportunity to violently show his superiority as Countess Magnolia's steward.

 

“It shall be done, my lady,” Giovanni said.

 

Giovanni bowed before he went back outside. Sonia gestured to Jessie with her hand to follow her, and Jessie bowed before she followed her mistress. As they made their way to the drawing room, Jessie quietly prayed that letting the messenger in would be as fruitful as she had hoped. Either get Satoshi to back off so Sonia could grieve in peace or for the duke's message to open her heart to give her a chance to be happy again.

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Serena's hands shook as Giovanni led her inside Sonia's house. She was thrilled to have quickly entered the countess’ property until Giovanni came demanding that she leave. What followed was a heated argument between Giovanni, James, and Serena, with Serena demanding that she see the countess. Serena was surprised at herself for being in such a heated argument, yet the woman in disguise was on a mission. No matter what Giovanni said, Serena was determined for the sake of Satoshi becoming happy even if she secretly wanted to be his wife. If nothing else, she felt she needed to see Sonia as though her employment depended on it.

 

Giovanni led Serena down the hall to a door on the north side of the estate. He stopped beside the door and waved his hand to gesture to Serena to enter. Serena nodded and took a few steps toward the door before Giovanni suddenly stepped in front of her and crossed his arms with a warning glare.

 

“Be careful what you say to the mistress, young man,” Giovanni said. “I don't know what has compelled the countess to allow you to see her, but I expect you to leave as soon as you make your master's case. Otherwise, it will be my pleasure to drag you out by the hair with you kicking and screaming. Understand?”

 

“Yes, sir,” Serena said.

 

Giovanni hummed as he glared, suspicious of whether the duke’s page would comply. Serena grew uneasy, trying not to imagine what would happen to her if Giovanni grabbed her hair and discovered that it was fake. After a few seconds, Giovanni stepped aside, and Serena gave a short bow before she went in.

 

Serena struggled to see, for the curtains covered the drawing room’s tall windows. Only the curtains for the middle window were open just enough to let in a small amount of sunlight. Jessie stood beside the middle window with her hands down and clasped together while Sonia sat on the couch facing the windows. Serena grew uncomfortable, unsure who was in the room with her. Jessie's appearance didn't match how Satoshi described Lady Sonia in his letter, and the woman in black covered her head with her veil. After a moment, Serena cleared her throat and put on a straight face.

 

“Excuse me, but are either of you the lady of the household?” Serena asked.

 

“Deliver your message, sir. I'll speak on her behalf,” the woman in black answered.

 

Serena grew more uncomfortable, wishing she got a better answer. She took out the letter, cleared her throat again, prepared to proclaim Satoshi’s feelings, and then stopped to think about it.

 

“If the countess refuses to let me see her, then I might have to accept that relaying the message to someone in her household is as close as I or anyone else will get to talking to her,” Serena thought. “On the other hand, the lady on the couch appears to be wearing funeral clothes. So, maybe that's her, but she doesn't want to say it.”

 

Serena continued to debate with herself until she decided that the woman in black was Sonia. She turned to face Sonia and took a breath to speak, but then she stopped herself again. Sonia scoffed, making Serena feel awkward as she walked over to Jessie.

 

“Madame, please tell me if that's Lady Sonia over there,” Serena said.

 

“Oh, for heaven's sake,” Sonia said. “Yes, Sonia's my name, I am the countess, and I tire of you not speaking your peace already. Give me the basics of what your master has to say, and be gone.”

 

“I beg your pardon, my lady, but I cannot do that,” Serena said. “I am instructed to deliver my master's letter as he has written it, and frankly, I am not comfortable completing my task without displaying the passion behind his letter.”

 

“If Duke Satoshi’s message is no good without the passion, then his declaration must ring hollow,” Sonia said.

 

“That's not true. I must insist that you don't disregard my master's letter when I haven't even read it to you,” Serena said.

 

“Watch your tone, sir,” Sonia said. “I only allowed you into my house because I'm curious. Don't think I don't know how rude you were at my gate.”

 

“I apologize, madame, but any rudeness I displayed came from how I was treated,” Serena said. “If I may say so, your steward is not a sensible man.”

 

“Granted. Giovanni doesn't have the patience of a saint,” Sonia said. “Nevertheless, you are trying my patience, so speak your business.”

 

“I would, but I’d rather I do so without your gentlewomen,” Serena said.

 

“And what is wrong with my presence?” Jessie asked in disdain.

 

“Nothing except that what I have to say only concerns your mistress,” Serena said. “Please, I’m not trying to come off as rude, for I only have great things to say to you on my master’s behalf, Lady Sonia. Any other soul would disregard the duke’s letter, for it holds no value to them, but to you, his words will be as precious as diamonds. If nothing else, I am uncomfortable with there being any prying eyes when I only wish to speak with you.”

 

Serena bit the inside of her mouth after she made her request. She liked to think her request was reasonable, but she feared Sonia would think she was overstepping. Jessie raised her eyebrow at Serena, feeling sure that Serena overstepped her bounds. Serena and Jessie waited for Sonia to respond, not knowing if she was irritated or considering Serena's request. Finally, Sonia turned to Jessie.

 

“Give us this room,” she said.

 

Jessie looked at her mistress, taken aback before she took a bow and walked to the door. She stopped halfway through the door to look at Sonia, hoping that she may yet like Satoshi's declaration of love or that the duke would accept her rejection so he would leave her alone. Jessie left the room and closed the door, easing Serena's mind.

 

“Now, is there anything else you wish of me?” Sonia asked.

 

Serena took a moment to think about it and said, “Yes. If it's not too much to ask, may I see your face, my lady?”

 

“Is asking to see my face an instruction from the duke, or is it a matter of you still feeling uncomfortable?” Sonia asked.

 

“I do feel uncomfortable not seeing your face, but that is not the sole reason behind my request,” Serena said. “The truth is, I heard a great deal about you even before my master employed me, and I had hoped to meet you for some time. Now that I have an audience with you, I wish to see your face to know if what my master says about your appearance matches his text, even if it were for a moment.”

 

Once again, Serena mentally prayed that her request wasn't too much to ask. She hated to think Sonia would throw her out for asking to see her face when she had just convinced the countess to be alone with her. Finally, Lady Sonia sighed, hoping Serena's request would be her last, and removed her veil.

 

The first thing Serena noticed was Lady Sonia's aqua eyes. While Serena found them pretty, she saw how Sonia's eyes lost their gleam like dimly lit candles. Sonia's peach curly hair reached halfway down her back, and her lips were red as a rose. The woman who caught Satoshi’s attention was altogether lovely to view, yet her face was filled with grief as though she were a doll designed to be melancholic. Serena was jealous of the countess’s appearance, yet simultaneously wished she could reveal her identity and offer comfort since they both lost a brother.

 

“Well, sir, are you satisfied?” Sonia asked.

 

Serena snapped out of her train of thought and gave the countess a smile. She opened the curtains to brighten the room with sunlight. Sonia covered her eyes as she adjusted to the light while Serena stood in front of her again.

 

“Exceptionally, my lady,” she answered. “As surely as the Lord lives, you are blessed with beauty. My master wishes you to show your beauty to more than just your household, and I agree with him. In fact, I think you should hire a painter to make your portrait so your beauty can be kept for all time.”

 

“Oh, stop it. I don't care about people seeing an image of me,” Sonia said. “If people outside of my house care about my appearance, I'll make a detailed list. I have light orange hair, blue eyes, lips, cheeks, a neck, a chin, and so forth. All that to say, I hope you didn't come here just to praise my appearance.”

 

“My good woman, you are too proud and dedicated to confine yourself,” Serena said. “You could be the devil himself and still be beautiful. Regardless of my opinion, however, one thing is true about all else: my master, Satoshi, loves you.”

 

“And how exactly does he love me?” Sonia asked.

 

“With adoration, tears, and passionate sighs,” Serena said. “Night and day, he thinks about ways to make you happy if you give him a chance. That's a love that can't be repaid even if you had all the riches in the world or were crowned the most beautiful woman in the world.”

 

Sonia furrowed her brow, making Serena uneasy. The countess closed her eyes and sighed through her nose. Then, she stood up and walked past Serena to look through the center window. Serena tilted her head, wondering if the countess was deep in thought before Sonia spoke.

 

“I'm sorry, but I can't love Duke Satoshi,” Sonia said.

 

“But, why, my lady?” Serena asked. “Do you take my message as soulless? That my master is no better than some other nobleman who may attempt to woo you only because of your status or wealth or out of lust?”

 

“It's not that at all,” Sonia said, turning to face Serena again. “You've proved the duke's message does come from a place of passion, which is more than I can say about most men. Furthermore, I'm well aware of the duke's qualities. Public opinion throughout the Kanto region reports his generosity to his citizens and that he is smart, brave, and a good-looking fellow. And while I never met him, my father and brother gave Duke Satoshi heartfelt respect. God rest their souls. Despite that, I cannot bring myself to fall in love with him.”

 

“Ten thousand pardons, madam, but I can't understand how that is possible,” Serena said. “As his page, I can confirm what a good man my master is and, if I may be so bold, he's the most stunning man I've ever seen or ever will. If I were a woman of your status who had his attention, I would rush to his estate, on foot if I have to, and jump into his arms as though we’ve been together for years.”

 

“And I'm sure you wouldn't be the only lady who would do that, good sir, but my decision stands,” Sonia said. “Just because a man has all the right qualities doesn't automatically make him someone I wish to marry. Falling in love cannot happen in the blink of an eye through good qualities and pretty words alone.”

 

“That doesn’t make any sense to me when I know my master’s words are sincere,” Serena said. “If I was in love with you just like my master, I wouldn’t understand you not accepting my feelings even if I tried.”

 

“Oh? What would you do to woo me?” Sonia asked.

 

Serena’s face fell into a look of confusion.

 

“Beg pardon?” she asked.

 

“You said you wouldn’t understand my rejection if you were in love with me as much as the duke,” Sonia said. “So, what would you do to woo me if you were your master?”

 

Serena stuttered, taken aback by Sonia's question. Sonia crossed her arms, thinking she gained the upper hand by asking something the duke’s messenger was unprepared for. Serena tried to utter words, then turned away, trying to think of a way out of the situation.

 

“What do I do? I wanted her to let me say what’s in the duke’s letter, and instead, she’s asking me what I would do if I was in love with her?” Serena thought. “Then again, my lord did give me permission to take artistic license. Maybe if I paraphrase and establish that what I’m saying is what Duke Satoshi would say, his feelings will reach Lady Sonia, and she’ll accept his love.”

 

Serena scratched her chin as she thought of how to answer Sonia's question. Sonia tapped her foot in impatience, expecting Serena to give up. After several seconds, Serena smirked and lifted her head in confidence.

 

“Alright, Serena. Time to put on a show,” Serena thought. “If this doesn't make the countess fall in love with Duke Satoshi, nothing will.”

 

Serena turned to Sonia, grabbed her by the hand, and knelt before her. Sonia gasped, taken aback by the sudden gesture. The woman disguised as a man took a breath with her eyes closed to prepare herself before she lifted her head to Sonia and held Sonia's hand with both hands and her eyes fixed on Sonia’s.

 

“If I was to woo you, madam, I would do exactly what my master would do if he were here right now,” Serena declared.

 

“W-w-which is?” Sonia asked still startled.

 

“I would ask - no, I'd beg to be your lifelong attendant. Someone to stand by your side to praise you for being the benevolent woman you are with all my soul,” Serena said. “I'd build a cabin by your gate so I'm ready to be by your side whenever you exit your estate, read poems, and sing songs day and night while you’re alone in your tower.”

 

Sonia giggled and looked away, her free hand on her cheek. Serena's face lit up with hope that Satoshi’s feelings were coming through. She let go of Sonia's hand and stepped back, looking at the ceiling with her hands clasped together as though praying.

 

“Yes, in the dead of night, even if the mountains fall, the rivers rise, and everything you know crumbles before your eyes, I will be there singing love songs for you,” Serena said. “And when I run out of songs and poems, I will shout your name to the hills and make their echoes cry out, ‘SONIA!’”

 

Sonia's eyes widened, and she shushed Serena, trying not to laugh again. Serena chuckled sheepishly and looked away, embarrassed for shouting Sonia's name. The women looked away from each other bashfully for several seconds before Serena cleared her throat and turned to Sonia with a serious face.

 

“You must take what I’m saying with a grain of salt, for I’m merely copying everything my lord and master says,” Serena said. “If it were a competition, my declarations would be nothing compared to the passion behind how Duke Satoshi would say them.”

 

“I don’t know. I can’t imagine anyone expressing their love better than you, even if you were copying off of someone else,” Sonia said. “Tell me, sir. What is your name?”

 

Serena took a moment to resist saying her real name out of habit.

 

“My name is Timothy Durbin, my lady,” she answered.

 

“Timothy Durbin,” Sonia repeated. “And what rank are your parents?”

 

“I was born in a lower rank than what I have now. My parents never had a steady income as I do as a page to the duke,” Serena said.

 

“And you are content with being a page and nothing more?” Sonia asked.

 

Serena smiled as though the answer was obvious.

 

“Content is just the beginning, madam,” she said. “The truth is I treasure being there for my lord. He is a man I deeply admire, and I feel a purpose in wanting to make him happy. If you could see him looking at you with a cheerful grin, you would understand how easy it is to love Duke Satoshi.”

Sonia’s face soured as though Satoshi’s name was a trigger word. Serena’s heart sank as Sonia looked away. To the page, it seemed like she got Satoshi’s feelings to come through to Sonia, yet saying his name undid all her hard work. After half a minute, Sonia walked over to the door and faced Serena as she opened it.

 

“Get to your lord. Tell him I cannot love him no matter how hard he tries,” Sonia said. “Make my decision as plain as possible so he accepts my rejection. I do not want him to ever send you or any other messengers again.”

 

Serena frowned with a look of guilt, thinking she messed up. She gave Sonia a bow and walked to the door when Sonia suddenly closed it halfway, blocking Serena. Sonia bit her lip and drummed her fingers against the door hesitantly before looking at Serena again timidly.

 

“On second thought, he can send you again so you can tell me how he takes it,” Sonia said. “I'll even pay you for the trouble of you coming back for that.”

 

“Pay me? I'm not a third-party messenger, my lady. Serving my master is payment enough for me,” Serena said. “That said, I hope you will reconsider my master's feelings. Whether he sends me again or not. Farewell.”

 

Sonia furrowed her brow again and opened the door, allowing Serena to exit the room. She closed the door and sat back on the couch, pondering Serena's answer while resting her head on her arm. Sonia stared at the wall with her lips pursed as she pondered meeting the duke's messenger. Eventually, the edges of her lips curled up, and her cheeks turned to a subtle shade of pink as she replayed Serena's words.

 

“He said he is from a low-rank family, yet Timothy’s speech and actions are more fitting for a lord,” Sonia said. “Yes, if he presented himself to the court in a fine suit, I imagine he’d attract many ladies thinking he was a duke himself. Timothy’s dedication to Satoshi is admirable, but it would be a sad waste if he were to forever be just a page. If only Satoshi and Timothy’s positions were reversed so Satoshi would be the page and Timothy, the duke. Then, I would love nothing more than for the duke to be my hu -”

 

Sonia gasped, and her eyes widened as she covered her mouth with her hands. Her face turned beet red as though finishing her sentence was the most embarrassing thing in the world. Yet as Sonia dwelled on the idea, she giggled as though the page was in fine clothes and kissing her hand while on one knee. As illogical as it was to feel this way so suddenly, Sonia couldn't deny that the person she thought was a man made her heart race.

 

“I told him I cannot fall for someone so quickly, and yet he made me fall for him without meaning to,” Sonia said to herself. “Well, if this lifts my spirit, then I must pursue it. Although, Timothy doesn't know my feelings, and I don't know if Satoshi will send him again. I want him to know right now what is in my heart, even if it can only be a secret between us.”

 

Sonia rubbed her chin, eager to get an idea, while Serena was still on her way back to Satoshi. Then she smiled and let out an “Ah” before removing her right glove and a ring on her finger. The ring had a gold band and a ruby in the center. Sonia exited the room with a smile and raced to catch up with Serena. Butlers and maids walking down the main hallway were shocked to see Sonia without her veil, revealing her red cheeks and her smile stretching to the sides of her face. The staff couldn't believe their mistress was suddenly showing her face and smiling for the first time since before Milo died, but Sonia paid no mind.

 

When she reached the front entrance, Sonia flung the door open and went outside, but her smile faded when she did not see Serena in the courtyard. She looked ahead to see the gate closed and realized she had taken too long to catch Serena before she left. Sonia frowned in disappointment until she noticed Giovanni going for a walk in the courtyard. The countess looked at her steward and then at the ring of her hand as she hatched another idea.

 

“Giovanni, come at once!” Sonia called out.

 

Giovanni turned to Sonia and stared at her, confused with her not wearing her veil. He put the matter in the back of his mind and walked over to Sonia with a professional face. Sonia took a moment to think of how to put her scheme into words before she held the ring to Giovanni.

 

“Did the man Duke Satoshi sent already leave?” Sonia asked.

 

“He did, madam. I saw him go through the gate not two minutes ago,” Giovanni said.

 

“Go catch up with him. His name is Timothy Durbin, and he left this ring behind. The duke offered it through him as a gift, and I rejected it,” Sonia said. “Bring it back to him and tell him not to encourage Satoshi. I will not love him, and that's my final word. Timothy can come back tomorrow to tell me how the duke takes my decision, and if he asks me, I'll give him more reasons why I reject his master. Make haste so that he doesn't go too far, Giovanni.”

 

“At once, madam,” Giovanni said.

 

Giovanni took the ring and began jogging to the front gate. Sonia watched her steward leave with a blissful smile and her hands clasped together, hoping the duke's messenger would accept her secret gift. Giovanni went through the gate and looked through the nearby streets of Viridian City, trying to think of which direction Serena went. He looked ahead and saw Serena walking through the marketplace at a distance and rushed toward her, bumping through people as he went without apologizing.

 

Serena walked with her hands in her pockets and her head down, wondering what went wrong with her audience with Sonia, until she heard a loud whistle. She turned to see Giovanni catch up with her. Giovanni took a moment to catch his breath with his knees before he stood straight to face her.

 

“Can I help you, sir?” Serena asked.

 

“Yes. You have one last order of business with my mistress,” Giovanni said as he held out the ring to Serena. “Lady Sonia sent me to return this ring to you. She ordered me to remind you to tell Duke Satoshi that she will not accept his feelings and you may come again tomorrow to tell my lady how he takes it and otherwise to list more reasons why she cannot love him.”

 

“What are you talking about? I know nothing about this ring,” Serena said in confusion.

 

“Come now, you relentless twit. My lady herself said you threw it at sir, demanding that you accept the gift,” Giovanni said, annoyed.

 

“No, I didn't. The ring isn't mine, nor did my lord assign me to present it to the countess as a gift,” Serena said.

 

Giovanni huffed as his anger grew, and he said, “Fine. If that's how you play, I shall leave the ring here. Either you take it and bring it back to your master, or some peasant takes it and sells it for drinking money. Either way, I have fulfilled my duty and wash my hands of you and your insolence.”

 

“But I left no ring with her,” Serena said.

 

But Serena's protest fell on deaf ears. Giovanni dropped the ring and turned around to walk back to the Magnolia estate. Serena stared at the steward befuddled, then picked up the ring. She examined it closely, finding it to be a pretty little thing. Certainly an accessory worthy of nobility.

 

“I don't get it. Why would the countess have her steward send me this ring and say I gave it to her as a present from the duke?” Serena asked. “She complimented me on my performance, yet she remains strongly against giving Satoshi a chance. I made it clear that whatever praise I gave her was copied off of Satoshi’s letter, and still, she was more pleased with the idea of me making declarations of love. After everything I said about Satoshi’s love, Lady Sonia wanted to see me again and sent her steward to give me this ring. She must know I didn't give it to her, so logically, she sent it as a present to me, and the only reason she would do that is -”

 

Serena's eyes widened, and she looked in the direction of Sonia's estate. She looked at the ring again as she accepted that her theory made sense. After a moment, Serena snorted before she burst out laughing. Bystanders looked at her, thinking she was mad, as she bent down and held her gut.

 

“I don't believe it!” Serena chortled. “Of all the things that could happen, Countess Sonia fell in love with me, Timothy the Page! She's gushing over someone who isn't even a man! If Timothy were here, he'd be laughing off his bum! I can only imagine the look on Lady Sonia's face if she found out I'm -”

 

Suddenly, Serena gasped and shot up straight, her eyes widening again as though she were waking from a nightmare. She covered her mouth with her hands as she looked at the direction of Sonia's estate again and then in the direction of Satoshi's estate. She backed up to a wall and put her hands on the sides of her head as she looked down in horror.

 

“Oh no. This is bad. Really, really bad. How could this happen?” Serena said. “I repeatedly said that my words were Satoshi’s, yet she's infatuated with me? What if Satoshi finds out she's in love with me? What if they both find out I'm a woman? I could be imprisoned for deceiving them if I'm lucky. Not to mention, Lady Sonia will be crushed if she finds out I'm a fake. She must be thrilled that she thinks she found love while still grieving for her brother. Satoshi’s one chance to take Lady Sonia as his wife is ruined and it’s all my fault! Oh, Lord above, what am I going to do?”

 

Serena whined and slid to a sitting position against the wall. Her fear grew as she imagined Satoshi yelling at her in a jealous rage and throwing her out, stripped of her employee clothes. Serena then pictured Sonia looking devastated upon revealing the page was a woman and going back to grieving as though the moment she fell in love had ever happened. If neither Duke Satoshi nor Countess Sonia had Serena imprisoned, then she could see them having her banished from Kanto and shipped back to Kalos penniless. Horror overtook Serena as she realized this mistake could lose her new home, her new source of income, and, worst of all, the only man she would ever love.

 

*************************************************************

 

At the docks of Fuchsia City, the dock workers were hard at work collecting scraps of destroyed ships. Several fishing and merchant ships also fell victim to the storm that washed Serena and Captain Drake to the Kanto region. Since then, the people of Fuchsia City have spent over a week trying to find survivors or salvageable supplies from the wrecks.

 

Among the people helping out was the Unovian sailor, Coovers. Coovers was fortunate that a ship pulled through the storm and found him trying to get to shore as the storm subsided. Since then, Coovers had been working for Fuchsia City’s docking bay, making money for food and his room at the Fuchsia City Inn.

 

On the 9th day since he was rescued, Coovers and his fellow sailors finished retrieving the remains of the destroyed ships. The docking master paid Coovers one last time before Coovers returned to the inn. When he got there, Coovers paid the innkeeper for one more night, then went upstairs to his two-bedroom.

 

Timothy Durbin was sitting in his room on a chair beside the window. He looked out the window with a crestfallen expression. Coovers sighed, for Timothy had been spending his time alone like this since they were brought to Fuschia City. He walked over to Timothy and snapped his fingers in front of Timothy's face. Timothy jumped and looked around until he saw Coovers standing next to him.

 

“Good evening, Timothy,” Coovers said.

 

“Is it evening already?” Timothy asked.

 

“You've been looking out the window and haven't noticed the sun setting?” Coovers said.

 

“I guess I've been so lost in thought that I haven't been paying attention to what's happening outside,” Timothy said.

 

Coovers sighed again and said, “Look, Timothy, I understand you're mourning. I honestly can't imagine how it must feel to lose a sister. Still, you've been in our room, barely eating and sleeping since we arrived. I didn't know Serena very long, but I wager she wouldn't want you to stay like this. You're still young, after all.”

 

“It's not that simple, Coovers,” Timothy said. “Serena was my twin sister. We were born within the same hour and have known each other our entire lives. Not to mention performing together is all that we learned to do. Even if Serena would want me to move on, I don't know how I can. I only know how to perform with her, and there is no place I could go to except perhaps Kalos simply on the merits that it’s my home region.”

 

“Do you not have any friends or relatives in Kalos?” Coovers asked.

 

“Not one,” Timothy answered.

 

Coovers furrowed his brow and looked down while scratching the back of his head. There seemed nothing he could say to encourage the Kalosian man with his depressing predicament. Then, something clicked in Coovers's mind and he hesitated before he spoke.

 

“Well, there may be one way to make things better for you, but I'm not sure it's a good idea,” Coovers said. “If memory serves correctly, the Duke of Kanto was a member of Kalos nobility. Perhaps if you plead for an audience with him, he will help you.”

 

Timothy paused, looking away as though he didn't hear Coovers. Then he lifted his head in realization before he rubbed his chin in thought. After half a minute, Timothy smirked and got up, feeling confident, much to Coovers’ relief.

 

“Yes, that's a good idea,” Timothy said. “The duke's name is Satoshi Ketchum. Isn't it?”

 

“It is,” Coovers said. “Are you particularly familiar with him?”

 

“Not entirely, but my sister met him,” Timothy said. “Duke Satoshi was exploring Lumiose City when he was only 10 and got separated from his escort. Serena found him and treated his leg before taking him to the park, where he was reunited with his guard. If memory serves correctly, the duke was so grateful that he asked for Serena's name and she gave him a ribbon to remember her by. If Duke Satoshi still remembers that day, perhaps I can get an audience because I am her brother. Maybe he can help me find a job so I can support myself. If I'm lucky, the duke might be more than willing to help me in memory of dear Serena.”

 

Coovers smiled and said, “Well, if that is the case, then may God be with you so you are granted an audience, and the duke will grant you help. That said, if this is your decision, I'm afraid you will have to journey to Viridian City without me.”

 

“What? Why can you not join me?” Timothy asked.

 

Coovers hesitated before he said, “I have a bad history in Viridian City. I won't go into details, but to put it mildly, I’m on unpleasant terms with Duke Satoshi. If I were to go with you, I may hurt your chances of gaining an audience.”

 

“Oh, I see,” Timothy said with a hint of disappointment.

 

“Please understand that I would go with you if it were anywhere else in the world, Timothy,” Coovers said. “I would hate for us to be separated after going through the shipwreck and the aftermath together, especially when there’s no guarantee this plan will work.”

 

Timothy turned to Coovers with a smile and put his hand on his shoulder.

 

“Coovers, whether you go with me or not, I owe you my life,” he said. “You lifted me out of the water and helped me swim until we were rescued. As surely as the Lord lives, your deed will not be forgotten. If I am successful with my audience with Duke Satoshi, I swear to make the most of where my life goes to whatever end.”

 

Coovers smiled in gratitude, feeling his guilt fade away.

 

“If that is so, then I will order a ticket to a ship heading to Viridian City,” Coovers said.

 

“I appreciate that, Coovers,” Timothy said.

 

“Think nothing of it, dear Timothy,” Coovers said. “Now, come. Let us go downstairs for supper.”

 

Timothy nodded, and together, he and Coovers exited their room. However, as they went downstairs with Timothy ready for stew, bread, and a mug of ale, Coovers’ smile faded. He glanced at Timothy, who smiled in the hope that he would gain his audience with Satoshi. Coovers grew uneasy as he feared what would happen if the man he rescued failed to get help and how he would be alone in a foreign region.

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

The duke was away on business when Serena returned to Satoshi’s estate. Brock was eager to discover what happened, for the officers who escorted Serena to Sonia’s estate could only report that Satoshi’s new page went inside before Giovanni sent them away. Brock and the other pages surrounded Serena, insisting that she told them if she gained an audience with Sonia.

 

Serena hesitated, uncomfortable with so many surrounding her. Then she told her story, starting with her argument with Giovanni and James before Sonia let her approach. Brock and the pages listened with intrigue as Serena elaborated on what she told Sonia to woo her. She ended the story with Sonia only giving permission for Serena to come back, leaving out Giovanni giving her the ring.

 

For the rest of the day, Serena was tutored for page duties Brock hadn’t taught yet. Her lessons ended with her and the other pages taking a fencing class, which was required for their position. Serena struggled, having never held a sword before, and it didn't help that the instructor constantly used his hands to adjust her position, unaware of how uncomfortable Serena was with her chest tightly wrapped to hide her gender.

 

Shortly after Serena and her coworkers had their supper, Brock told Serena that she had been summoned. Serena grew worried about how Satoshi had reacted to Sonia rejecting his feelings. She went up the stairs from the staff dining room to the main floor and down the hall to the living room. There, to Serena's confusion, Satoshi was playing solitaire at a table in the center of the room with a happy-go-lucky smile. Serena stared at Satoshi momentarily before she cleared her throat, catching his attention. Satoshi looked up from his cards and laughed as he put down his cards to applaud Serena.

 

“There he is. Timothy: the man of the hour,” Satoshi said. “They all doubted you. Everyone from Brock to Trevor said you wouldn't fare any better. ‘Too big of a task for a new page,’ Brock said. But I knew it. I knew you'd gain an audience and express my love to Lady Sonia, and now my foot is in the door.”

 

“Er, I am grateful for your praise, my lord, but how is your foot in the door?” Serena asked. “I'm sure I told them that the countess has rejected you and only wants me to come back to tell me how you take the news and to list why she doesn't love you.”

 

“They did, but just because Sonia says she can't love me now doesn't mean it's over,” Satoshi said. “My dear countess hasn't realized that by allowing you, one of my pages, to return to her estate, we can keep wooing her until she accepts my feelings. We'll devise new ways to express my love until her heart is overjoyed by it. We have a chance as long as she allows you to come see her. Hence, my foot is in the door.”

 

Serena didn't know whether to be relieved or unsettled. She secured her job by pleasing the duke, and part of her wanted to believe there was a chance Sonia could change her mind. Yet, as a woman Serena wished Satoshi would accept her fellow woman's rejection rather than remain persistent. Moreover, Serena was uncomfortable with seeing Sonia again, knowing she had fallen for her. After a moment, Serena resigned to smile, pretending to be as optimistic as her employer. Satoshi chucked with a toothy grin before he waved his hand to the piano.

 

“Come. Play me a song,” he said. “Something cherry to match my mood.”

 

Serena bowed and then walked to the piano to play a tune. As Serena played the piano, she constantly glanced at Satoshi, who returned to his game. The duke began to hum as he recognized the tune. Serena’s heart raced upon seeing the man she loved so upbeat. She wished she was sitting beside him as his wife, with her and Satoshi humming together while someone else played for them. Her smile vanished as she thought of the idea, reminding herself of her lowly status and that the duke was in love with a countess.

 

”Sonia is a really lovely lady. Isn't she, Timothy?" Satoshi said.

 

Serena winced as though someone had slapped her hand.

 

“Y-yes, she is, my lord,” she answered.

 

“Did you recite everything I said in my letter, or did you have to adapt?” Satoshi asked.

 

“I had to adapt, my lord. I had trouble getting her to allow me to express the full extent of your message. Serena answered.

 

“And she was very well entertained with how you delivered my message?” Satoshi asked.

 

“I think I can safely say that,” Serena said hesitantly.

 

“I thought as much. It figures that I needed someone like you to give my message more flair,” Satoshi said. “Though I suppose, in fairness, we have a lot of material to work with when it comes to someone like the countess. Can you imagine a more beautiful lady than Sonia, Timothy?”

Serena frowned bitterly, wishing Satoshi would stop talking about Sonia. Then her frown faded, and she stared at the wall while still playing the piano. She debated whether to carry out her idea and then decided to take a chance while Satoshi still awaited her answer.

 

“Actually, if I may be so bold, my lord, I can imagine someone more beautiful than Lady Sonia,” Serena said.

 

Satoshi looked away from his cards to give Serena a curious look.

 

“Really? Is this someone you know personally?” he asked.

 

“No, it's someone I…saw a portrait of in a professor’s estate,” Serena lied.

 

“And what does the lady in the portrait look like?” Satoshi asked.

 

“Well, she has my complexion, has honey-yellow hair that goes down to her neck, and eyes as blue as the ocean,” Serena said. “She has a smile that gives the impression that she would love to sing, dance, and play music forever if it's what it would take to make you happy. I imagine that if you saw her portrait, my lord, you'd see her as someone who would instantly love you. No. You'd plead for her love.”

 

Serena continued to play, trying to be casual about describing herself. She never considered herself a prideful woman, but Serena's desire for Satoshi drove her to hope he might find her attractive just by describing herself. After several seconds of waiting, Serena glanced at Satoshi, who stared at the wall with a puzzled look while still holding cards in his left hand. Serena frowned bitterly again and kept her eyes on the keyboard, taking Satoshi’s stare as the duke struggling to imagine someone of her description being as beautiful or more beautiful than Countess Sonia. Finally, Satoshi snapped out of his confusion and turned to Timothy with a sheepish grin.

 

“Frightfully sorry, Timothy,” Satoshi said. “It's just that the woman you described reminds me of someone I knew long ago.”

 

Serena's eyes widened, and she went off-key on the piano. She stopped playing and turned to Satoshi in disbelief.

 

“Really? Who?” Serena asked.

 

“A girl I met from my hometown in the Kalos region,” Ash said. “I was about 10 years old then. My escort showed me around the city, and I snuck out to explore alone. I got lost and fell on the street, hurting my knee. I was alone crying in an alley when this girl with honey-blonde hair and blue eyes came to my aid. What was her name? Sarah? Stella? Sophia? Sienna?”

 

“Could her name be Serena?” Serena asked with hope in her voice.

 

Satoshi’s face lit up like a flame lit with gasoline. He leaned against his chair and stared at the ceiling with a warm smile. His heart raced as though the name filled him with ecstasy.

 

“Yes. Serena. How could I have forgotten that was her name?” he said. “She calmed me down and treated my knee, then took me to the park to wait for her mother to come and help me find my escort. Serena danced to cheer me up while we waited. Seeing that girl dance with such a bright smile was the most uplifting thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Eventually, my escort found us and took me home, but before we left, I asked Serena for her name and something to remember her by, and she gave me this.”

 

Satoshi rolled up his right sleeve to reveal a blue ribbon tied below his wrist. The edges had worn out and the fabric was tearing from the inside, but Serena still recognized the ribbon she had given Satoshi all those years ago. Serena stared at the ribbon with her eyes wide and mouth hanging open, for even in her wildest dreams, she never imagined that Satoshi would remember her so fondly that he would treasure the ribbon as a grown man. Serena’s heart raced as she looked at Satoshi, who looked at the blue fabric with a fond smile. Her cheeks turned pink as she looked away and played with her fingers, debating whether to ask what was on her mind.

 

“Would you ask Serena to be your wife instead of Lady Sonia if you ever saw her again?” she asked.

Satoshi’s smile disappeared, and he looked away from the ribbon to stare at the wall in thought.

 

“I…I haven't thought of that,” Satoshi said. “If by chance our paths cross again and she isn't someone else's wife, only God knows what I would do. Honestly, Timothy, that was so many years ago that I wouldn't be surprised if Serena's forgotten about me. If she hasn't, she only remembers me as some wimpy rich child and doesn't think I've changed that much. Either way, I’m positive Serena is married by now. She was pretty as a ten-year-old girl, so I have no doubt she has grown to be irresistible. With her beauty and kind heart, she can have any man in the world, social ranks be disregarded. The girl I remember deserves to have a husband who would treasure her, and I believe it's too late to find out if it could've been me.”

 

Serena bit the inside of her mouth as Satoshi answered. The more he spoke, the more Serena wanted to remove her disguise and reveal her true identity out of hope that Satoshi would instantly forget about Sonia and ask Serena to marry him. It took her willpower to resist the temptation, even as her heart raced with every positive thing Satoshi had to say about the girl he remembered. Satoshi continued to stare at the wall feeling melancholic as he thought of Serena getting married and forgetting about him. Then he looked at his game and sighed, deciding he was done with it. Satoshi gathered his cards and stood up to put them away in a desk drawer before turning to Serena.

 

“I think I'll turn in for the night,” Satoshi said. “Get plenty of sleep tonight, Timothy. We'll discuss what you say to Sonia when you see her first thing in the morning.”

 

“Yes, my lord. Good night,” Serena said.

 

“Good night, Timothy,” Satoshi said.

 

Serena waited until Satoshi left the room to lower the piano's cover to go downstairs to her bedroom. When Serena closed the door behind her, she paused before sitting on her bed and covering her face with her pillow to let out a bashful squeal. Her face turned beet red as she let out all the emotions she bottled up when Satoshi revealed he remembered her. The blue ribbon wrapped around Satoshi’s arm festered in her mind.

 

After a moment, Serena removed her pillow from her face and got ready for bed. She unwrapped the sash around her chest, put her brown wig on a head mannequin, and put her fake goatee and contacts in separate cases. Serena was about to lie down after putting on her nightgown when she glanced at the mirror on top of her dresser and stopped. She turned to look closely at herself, thinking of how Satoshi remembered her honey-blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes. Serena's cheeks turned pink again, thinking of Satoshi proposing on the spot if she presented herself to him as a woman.

 

“Oh, Satoshi, please tell me more about my eyes,” Serena giggled. “Hold me close, and I'll tell you what a dashing husband I have. You wrote a song about your love? I wrote a song about mine. Let's wait until we're alone and share our songs with each other.”

 

Serena's blush grew as she imagined her and Satoshi singing love songs to each other. Then, her smile subsided as she continued to look at herself in the mirror. She brushed her hair with her fingers and looked at her eyes, cheeks, and lips, mentally comparing them to Sonia's. After a while, her smile melted into a frown, and she turned to her door as though Satoshi was waiting behind it.

 

“If I present myself to him as a woman instead of a man, would he instantly fall for me upon realizing I am the Serena he remembered, or would he be disappointed?” Serena asked herself. “He may still think Sonia is more beautiful than any other woman, leaving me more miserable than before after losing my brother. I suppose it doesn't really matter now. Satoshi only knows me as a man, and his heart belongs to the countess whether she wants it or not. I have to fulfill my duty as his page to whatever end, and that means completing my mission to woo Lady Sonia so she falls in love with Satoshi. If nothing else, I must undo my mistake of getting the countess to fall in love with me. If I can't get her to fall in love with Satoshi, I can at least try to make her understand that she and I can never happen without revealing my true identity.”

 

Serena's heart ached as she accepted it was too late to get Satoshi to fall for her. With a gloomy sigh, she got under her bed covers and lay down with her eyes closed. Try as Serena might, however, she couldn’t bring herself to fall asleep, for she was overcome with the anxiety of seeing Sonia again. She clasped her hands and quietly asked the Lord for guidance and wisdom to convince the countess that she had fallen in love with the wrong person.

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Jessie was befuddled the rest of the day. After Sonia told her to leave the room so she and Serena could speak privately, she decided to help Nando keep an eye on James and ensure Faba didn’t try to gain an audience with Sonia. The next time Jessie saw Sonia, she, Nando, James, and Faba were shocked to see her walking through the courtyard and humming a cheerful tune while not wearing her veil. When Jessie asked if Sonia had fallen for the duke, Sonia said no, and her reason for being merry was a secret. The countess’ lady-in-waiting, fool, and cousin were confused with her answer while Faba gazed upon Sonia in awe of her beauty and took her answer as a sign that he still had a chance.

 

A few minutes past midnight, Jessie slept in her bedchamber on the second floor. She was sound asleep until she heard banging and music coming from downstairs. Jessie tried to ignore it, but the noise kept her from falling asleep again. She huffed in irritation as she heard James, Faba, and Nando singing, and she got out of bed to put on her night robe.

 

Jessie went downstairs to the living room with her teeth clenched, ready to beat someone. She entered the room to find James sitting on a sofa with plates of cake, pudding, and bottles of wine on the coffee table in front of him. Nando sat on top of the piano several feet from the couch, playing a cheerful song with his guitar while Faba danced off-beat to Nando's song. The knight from Alola danced with his left arm spread apart and his right hand on his chest proudly as he sang loudly as though he were an opera singer, yet Jessie covered her ears for Faba was painfully off-key. James saw Jessie come in and laughed joyously before he took a swig of his wine and stood up to meet her.

 

“Ah, Jessie, how delightful that you can join us,” James said.

 

“Join you? I ought to beat you with your bottle to knock some sense into you,” Jessie said. “Are you trying to wake the entire city with your racket?”

 

“If we do wake up the city, then they can join us,” James said. “Why, if Cousin Sonia were to come down here, she would be more than welcome to join us. We are throwing this party in her honor, after all.”

 

“Throwing a party in her honor in the middle of the night? Whatever for?” Jessie asked.

 

“Why, the fact that she is smiling again, of course,” James said, laughing as though the answer was obvious.

 

“Indeed. This house has been a place of mourning for far too long,” Faba said. “We must eat and drink and be merry that the head of the house is showing her beautiful face again, full of life and joy. She refuses to say why she’s happy, but may God deal with us, be it ever so severely if we do not express how pleasing it is to see the countess happy once again.”

 

“That is right. From what I have heard, there has hardly been any song or laughter ever since dear Count Milo passed away to be with the Lord of All,” Nando said. “We would honor the count and his father if we expressed our happiness for their dear sister and daughter.”

 

“Too right you are, gentlemen. Too right you are,” James said. “Come, Jessie. Join us in some cake and song.”

 

“And make me as drunk as the three of you? I think not,” Jessie said.

 

“If you won't drink with us, then at least eat and dance with us,” Faba said. “Surely, your sweet tooth craves all the cakes and pudding we have taken from the kitchen.”

 

“No, thank you. The sugar will keep me up the rest of the night,” Jesse said.

 

“It’s already past midnight, dear Jessie. You only have so much time left to sleep before leaving to get up to tend to your mistress in the morning,” James said. “Admit it. Doesn't the cake sound rewarding after comforting my cousin to the best of your ability while she has been mourning for her dear brother? Enjoy yourself, Jessie. Whatever reason Sonia has to smile again is reason for all of us to be merry.”

 

Jessie scoffed and pushed James away. Then she looked at the sweets, and her irritation melted into a look of hesitation. Though she dared not admit it to James, she had missed the taste of sweets since before Milo became sick and passed away. Jessie debated with herself before the edges of her lips curled.

 

“Very well, but just one slice of cake,” Jessie said.

 

James, Faba, and Nando roared with laughter as Nando began playing his song again. James wrapped his arms around Jessie and spun her around, making her laugh before they sat on the sofa. James gave Jessie a slice of cake and poured a cup of wine for her. She politely thanked him for the cake but abstained from the wine, knowing James tended to drink from the bottle. Faba continued to dance and sing off-beat and off-key, lost in his little world. He sang loud and proud with his eyes closed, imagining himself catching the hearts of countless noble women with his performance. Jessie shook her head as she watched the Alolan knight while eating her cake. What made it more ridiculous to Jessie was that Faba didn't appear to be drunk enough for the alcohol to be a legitimate excuse for his delusions.

 

“Honestly, James, how do you expect your cousin to fall for this brainless baboon when he can't even sing and dance properly?” Jessie whispered into James’ ear. “Mistress Sonia would be embarrassed to have someone incapable of simple proper talents fitting for a suitor, much less a husband.”

 

“Or Sir Faba could entertain her with his goofy dancing and lackluster singing,” James said. “He could make her laugh to the point of falling for him, and he could just be what the Magnolia house needs to entertain guests when Sonia feels like throwing parties again.”

 

“If entertaining is the way to a woman's heart, then Mistress Sonia would be better off marrying Nando. At least he can hold a tune on top of knowing how to play musical instruments,” Jessie said. “Why, you can dance more adequately than Sir Faba despite your drunkness.”

 

James turned his head to Jessie and smirked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Is that a challenge?” he asked.

 

“No, that's a fact,” Jessie said. “I remember when you danced at parties respectfully when the mistress's father and brother were still alive and without drinking a drop of wine. I used to wish I could dance with you even though I'm only an employee and you are a knight. I don't believe it has been so long, and you haven't drunk so much that you've lost your skill.”

 

“Is that so?” James asked. “In that case, I shall challenge myself to prove that you are right.”

 

James put down his bottle with a slam against the coffee table to show he was going to prove Jessie's point without another drop of wine. He stood up, removed 6 pence from his pants pockets, and walked over to Nando, who had finished his song. Faba stopped dancing when he noticed James put the coin beside Nando on the piano and cleared his throat.

 

“Maestro, play us a different song. Something slow and sweet,” James said.

 

“Are we talking about a drinking song or a love song?” Nando asked.

 

“A love song, if you please,” James said. “Something for the lady and I to dance to.”

 

Nando nodded and adjusted his guitar. James walked back to Jessie and offered his hand with a bow and his other hand behind his back. Jessie's cheeks tinted as she paused before she stood up and took James's hand. Faba stepped back against the wall as James guided Jessie to where he was dancing. Nando started his soft tune, and James and Jessie began to dance while still holding hands, Jessie having her free hand on James' shoulder and James’ other hand on Jessie's hip. The knight and the lady-in-waiting smiled at each other as Nando began to sing.

 

O mistress mine, where are you roaming?

O, stay and hear! Your true love’s coming,

That can sing both high and low:

Trip no further, pretty sweeting.

Journeys end in lovers meeting,

Every wise man’s son doth know

 

What is love? 'Tis not hereafter.

Present mirth hath present laughter.

What’s to come is still unsure.

In delay there lies no plenty.

Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty.

 

Youth’s a stuff will not endure.

Youth’s a stuff will not endure.

Youth’s a stuff will not endure.

Youth’s a stuff will not endure.

 

Jessie and James looked into each other's eyes as they danced. Jessie smiled warmly, thankful that James’ green eyes were fixed on her. James's heart raced, for he only realized then how Jessie's blue eyes shined when she was with him. James pulled Jessie closer, wanting to look closer at her eyes as though they had put him in a trance. The knight and the lady-in-waiting blushed, feeling as though nothing was in the world but them and the sweet song they danced to.

 

“Has my dancing met your expectations?” James whispered.

 

Jessie's smile grew, and she whispered, “It's exceeded my expectations. I only wish you are more like this without the wine.”

 

“Well, perhaps I shall try to resist the urge to indulge myself with wine,” James said.

 

“Do you really think you can do that?” Jessie asked.

 

James hesitated and said, “Probably not, but I'd give it a shot for you.”

 

“I accept that,” Jessie said.

 

James smiled, grateful that Jessie was understanding. Then his smile faded, and he stopped dancing. Jessie looked at James, confused until she saw him lean his head toward her. Her cheeks were red, yet she leaned her head toward James as though their lips were attracted to each other like magnets. They were inches apart when Nando cleared his throat, and they suddenly remembered they weren't alone. Jessie cleared her throat, sat on the sofa, and returned to her cake with her head down. James glanced at Nando and Faba, who gave him smirks that made his face turn beet red. After half a minute, James cleared his throat and walked to the sofa to take a swig of his wine.

 

“Thank you, dear Nando,” James said. “Now, let’s have a song with a little more bouncing. Something we can sing together.”

 

Nando and Faba chuckled at James's attempt to distract them before Faba said, “Sir James is right. I, for one, love a good group song. How does ‘Thou Knave’ sound?”

 

“‘Thou Knave?’ Don't you mean ‘Hold Thy Peace, Thou Knave?’” Nando asked.

 

“Well, it does start with ‘Hold thy peace,’ so I'm sure we're talking about the same song,” Faba said.

 

“Then let us hear it, and you can start us off with singing it, Sir Faba,” James said.

 

Nando and Faba nodded in agreement before Nando got off the piano to sit on the piano bench. He began playing a catchy melody on the instrument, and James and Faba began to dance. The Alolan knight was so focused on dancing that he missed his cue to sing. James helped him start at the correct beat before Faba sang off-key again. James rolled his eyes, smirking, before singing the song with Faba. Jesse chuckled as she watched James and Faba dance while they repeatedly sang ‘Hold Thy Peace, Thou Knave’ with Nando, and she hummed the tune to herself as she ate her cake. She didn't want to admit it, but she was thankful James and Nando could liven things up with the foolish knight.

 

“Silence!”

 

Nando stopped playing and all eyes turned to see Giovanni, standing by the door wearing reading glasses and a fine maroon and black nightgown with neon green stockings and black slippers. His mouth and eyes twitched as though he were on the verge of destroying everything in sight like a madman. Faba and Nando looked down, avoiding eye contact like children caught doing something they know they shouldn't do. Jessie put down her cake and looked away, embarrassed, while James scoffed in annoyance. Giovanni breathed through his nose before storming toward James and hissing at him as though trying to avoid screaming.

 

“Sir James, have you gone mad? It is the middle of the night and the mistress is sleeping, assuming that your racket hasn't woken her up already,” Giovanni said. “This is a house of mourning, and you have made this room like a pub in the streets.”

 

“House of mourning? Don't make me laugh, stubborn Giovanni,” James said. “My dear cousin has been high in spirits since I let that duke’s messenger into the estate. She refuses to say what happened, I grant you, but she’s still very giddy. What else can we do but share her demeanor even though we don't know what has happened? Honestly, Giovanni, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you preferred Cousin Sonia down the dumps because you aren’t the only unhappy fellow in her house that way. Maybe you were hoping you could marry my cousin because you connected so well with being miserable, whether by losing a loved one or being such a grumpy twit.”

 

Giovanni looked at James, baffled, for James had never spoken that way to him before. Then, Giovanni straightened his robe before stepping closer to James with a taunting smirk.

 

“You know, Sir James, I have heard from my mistress that she has been talking very poorly about you lately,” Giovanni said. “She said that you are on thin ice because of your irritating, noisy, drunken demeanor to the point that she's reconsidering letting you stay in her house. If you restrain yourself from your delinquent shenanigans, you are more than welcome to stay. If not, she would only need to say the word, and it would be my pleasure to drag you to the gate and throw you out so you could drink in the streets like the drunken dog you are without so much as a farewell.”

 

James furrowed his brow, feeling an urge to punch Giovanni in the face. Then he smirked and walked to the coffee table to pick up his bottle and chug the rest of his wine. Giovanni's smug look faded while Faba laughed, and Nando smirked. James wiped the wine from his lips and gestured to Nando to start playing again with a wave of his hand. Nando's smirk stretched to the sides of his face, and he began playing triumphant music on the piano. James turned to Giovanni with his head and chest up as he sang with Nando.

 

James:

Farewell, dear heart, since I must needs be gone.

 

Nando:

His eyes do show that his life is almost over.

 

James:

But I will never die.

 

Nando:

Sir James, there you lie.

 

James:

Shall I bid him go?

 

Nando:

What an if you do?

 

James:

Shall I bid him go, and spare not?

 

Nando:

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, you dare not.

 

Giovanni scoffed and said, “You aren't helping your case with such a childish tune, Sir James.”

 

“Oh, shut up, you delusional tart,” James said.

 

“I beg your pardon?!” Giovanni shouted.

 

James walked over to Giovanni and gave him a stern glare as he stood a foot away.

 

“I said shut your trap before I have one of the maids sew it shut for all of our sakes,” James said. “I may be drunk, but at least I am aware of it and know my rank as a knight. But you, sir? You embarrass yourself into thinking you're better than us. That just because you're older and act so dull and virtuous we have to submit to your ideals. Do you think only you are entitled to cakes, pudding, wine, and ale?”

 

“Ah, by Saint Anne, don't forget the spiced ginger ale. Nice and hot in the mouth,” Nando said.

 

“Quite right, Nando,” James said with his eyes still on Giovanni. “No, sir. You are nothing more than a steward. A butler. Servant. So, let your superiors behave as they see fit, while you go screw yourself.”

 

Giovanni's face turned red in embarrassment as Nando and Faba laughed at him. James smirked as he watched Giovanni process being taken down a peg. Giovanni looked past James to see Jessie still looking down with her hand covering her mouth to hide her laughter. He walked past James to stand opposite Jessie at the coffee table and glowered as he looked down at Jessie with his arms crossed.

 

“Ms. Jessie, I must express how disappointing it is to see you interacting with the riff-raff,” Giovanni said. “If you care about Lady Sonia's approval, you would do well to assist the head servant in ending this rabble. Surely, you fear being released from your post and looking for another job in the streets.”

 

James looked daggers at Giovanni as the steward spoke condescendingly to Jessie. Nando and Faba looked at Giovanni and then at Jessie, unsure of what the countess’s lady-in-waiting would do. Jessie continued to look down as she reflected on Giovanni's words.

 

After several seconds, she decided she had enough of Giovanni's demeanor and finished the rest of her cake in one bite using her hand. She followed her action by standing up, grabbing an unopened bottle of wine, pulling out the cord with her teeth, spitting it out, and chugging the wine from the bottle to wash down the cake. The men stared at Jessie, astounded as they had never seen Jessie behave this way before. Jessie drank until half the bottle was empty, and she wiped the wine from her lips before covering her mouth to hide a burp.

 

“Go shake your ears like the humongous, stubborn jackass you are,” Jessie said.

 

James, Nando, and Faba burst out laughing, with Faba leaning against the wall. Nando played a taunting tune on the piano, while James pointed at the steward. Giovanni stared at Jessie, flabbergasted, before he clenched his teeth, and his face turned beat red again. Jessie followed her gesture by biting her thumb at Giovanni, and the steward growled before holding his hand up.

 

“Lady Sonia will hear about this,” Giovanni snarled. “By this hand, she will know of this. Mark my words.”

 

Giovanni stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Jessie snickered at Giovanni's reaction before taking another swig, feeling better after standing up to the cold, boring steward. James continued to laugh until his face turned sour, confusing his friends. He threw his bottle at the door, causing it to crack, and let out a frustrated yell.

 

“Blast that obnoxious dunce!” James shouted. “We have every right to be merry for our sake and the sake of my cousin, and yet he would dampen the mood with his presence! If I knew how to truly put Giovanni in his place, then by God, I would give it all my might!”

 

Nando and Faba look at James sadly, dispirited that the host of their party lost his will to celebrate. Jessie looked at James with pity with half a mind to walk over and hug him, disregarding how embarrassing she'd feel to do so in front of others.

 

Then, suddenly, something clicked in Jessie's mind. She rubbed her chin in thought until she was sure of her idea. The lady-in-waiting looked at the door with a devious smirk and a sinister cackle before she walked over to James and patted his shoulder.

 

“Peace, Sir James. There is no need to be cranky,” Jessie said. “It just so happens that you have given me an idea for something that'll humiliate Giovanni.”

 

James, Nando, and Faba turned to Jessie, unsure if they heard her correctly.

 

“How? How can one truly humble a man as stubborn as a mule?” Faba asked.

 

“By using his view of himself against him,” Jessie said. “As Nando pointed out earlier today, he's only a fool for his occupation, while Giovanni gives himself delusions of grandeur. If I were a betting woman, I'd say he thinks he could win Lady Sonia's heart because he believes he's better than everyone else. So, I will make him think he can win our mistress as though she could be tamed like a beast.”

 

James, Nando, and Faba looked at each other, astonished by Jessie's claim.

 

“How is that possible?” James asked.

 

“Yes, please grace us with the plot details,” Nando said.

 

Jessie chuckled with her mouth closed and said, “I've been trained to mimic Lady Sonia's handwriting. I'll write a love letter with no signature that praises Giovanni's appearance and demeanor and heavily implies that Lady Sonia wrote the letter. I'll drop the letter in Giovanni's path, where he has his daily walk in the courtyard. Giovanni will pick it up, read it, and think Lady Sonia is secretly in love with him. He'll come to her thinking he only needs to make a move to win her heart and body and become the new count.”

 

James, Nando, and Faba’s faces lit up as Jessie explained her plan. They roared with laughter, with Nando playing an upbeat song on the piano, James applauding Jessie, and Faba jumping excitedly like a child. Jessie smirked as she watched the men express their excitement until James wrapped his arms around her, picked her up, and spun her. She yelped as James spun around while also blushing from holding her tight. James put her down, and Jessie chuckled while James had his hand on her shoulder.

 

“That is a tremendous idea, Jessie,” James said. “I can hardly wait to see that knave humiliated upon finding out my cousin has no desire to take him as her spouse.”

 

“Yeah, and be embarrassed because Sonia doesn't want to marry him, too,” Faba said.

 

Jessie, James, and Nando turned to Faba, astounded that he unknowingly said the same thing James said. Jessie put the matter in the back of her mind and took James's hand off her shoulder. James turned to Jessie, wishing she didn't remove his hand, and Jessie squeezed his hand assuring him she felt the same before turning to the rest of the men.

 

“If you wish to watch my plan in action, hide in the hedge by the fountain twenty minutes before noon to ensure you will not be seen,” Jessie said. “Interpret how Giovanni reacts, then come see me at the back porch, where I'll have my afternoon tea. Meantime, I must call it a night.”

 

“So soon? Why, you've only had one dance and one slice of cake,” James said.

 

“And I've had more wine than usual to sleep off. I'll need a clear mind to carry out my plan to its full potential,” Jessie said. “Till then, gentlemen, enjoy the rest of your party, and when you finally sleep, dream of that arrogant man feeling like the vermin he views us to be.”

 

With that, Jessie squeezed James's hand before she let go and exited the room. James, Nando, and Faba stared at the door, with James looking at it as though Jessie was still there. After several seconds, Faba chuckled and walked to James to pat him on the back.

 

“Chugging wine, name-calling, and coming up with a devious scheme. Jessie has become quite a remarkable woman tonight,” Faba said.

 

James furrowed his brow and said, “Nay, Sir Faba. She's always been a remarkable woman. Whether it's being there for my cousin when her father and brother passed, putting up with that bloody steward for God knows how long, or even dealing with there being a fellow like me in this house, Jessie has never ceased to amaze me. That's why I adore her even if I've never said it to her.”

 

“Ah, adore. That's a comforting word,” Faba said. “I like to think I was once adored for more than just my status and wealth, but it's been so long that I think I dreamt it happened. Upon witnessing what a beauty she is, I'd cherish hearing your cousin say she adores me.”

 

“Heh, I don't blame you for feeling that way about Sonia. She's a beauty just like her mother, my aunt,” James said. “But worry not, good Sir Faba. You and Sonia are a perfect match, and it's only a matter of time before she sees that. I'd be a fool if I didn't prove that you two are meant to be.”

“I hope not. Being the fool is my job,” Nando said. “Regardless, gentlemen, what are you standing around for? Jessie gave us permission to continue celebrating.”

 

James smirked and said, “Right you are, Nando. Let us continue to feast, dance, and sing for my dear cousin post haste.”

 

Faba tilted his head, confused, and said, “Post haste? Is that a phrase that has to do with mail or something?”

 

“Never mind what the phrase means. Just dance with me,” James said before turning to Nando. “Maestro, if you please.”

 

Nando nodded and began playing an upbeat song on the piano. James and Faba laughed joyously as they began to dance again. Nando smiled as he watched his friends, yet while his hands were focused on playing the song, his mind was on Sonia. Seeing his mistress happy again didn't keep the fool from wondering what lifted her spirits. Though Nando was the fool in the Magnolia estate, only he figured Duke Satoshi’s messenger was behind Sonia's happiness. Only he was curious about the page's intentions, how it would conflict with Faba’s desires, and, potentially, Giovanni's eagerness to win Countess Sonia Magnolia's hand in marriage.

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Serena began the day barely awake. By the time she decided to focus on falling asleep, she had only 5 ½ hours to sleep before Brock knocked on her door, telling her to get up. Serena whimpered before she got out of bed and put on her disguise. At breakfast with the other pages, Serena helped herself with more tea than she would normally drink, hoping the caffeine would give her enough energy to go through Satoshi’s new plan to woo Sonia with him. Satoshi gave his favorite page 3 hours to prepare before sending Serena to the Magnolia estate.

 

Serena read the notes she had written down while discussing Satoshi’s plan as she walked from one side of Viridian City to the other. Occasionally, she stopped and thought of what to say to let Sonia down if the countess tried to make a move. By the time Serena was close to the Magnolia estate, she felt ready to convince Sonia to stop being in love with her and focus all her affections on Satoshi instead. When she reached the estate's walls, she found Nando sitting on a bench beside the gate, playing a happy tune with his guitar without a care. Roughly remembering seeing Nando while she was in the courtyard trying to convince Giovanni to let her see Sonia, Serena cleared her throat to grab Nando's attention, and he turned to her and gave her a friendly smile.

 

“Good morning to you,” Nando greeted.

 

“And to you, good sir,” Serena said. “You are a member of Lady Sonia's staff. Are you not?”

 

“Indeed, I am her fool. Her jester. Her musician,” Nando said. “Though, may I ask what business it is of yours?”

 

“My name is Timothy Durbin. I am the messenger Duke Satoshi sent to see the countess yesterday,” Serena said. “The lady permitted me to come here today to have another audience. Would you be willing to open the gate so I may see Lady Sonia?”

 

“The gate isn't locked, and my lady is expecting you,” Nando said. “Although, given your improper behavior yesterday, I wonder if I should let you in. I think I can speak for my mistress when I ask if you come with a more proper demeanor worthy of being in her presence.”

 

“Er, if I must be frank, sir, I come bearing both good and bad news,” Serena said. “The bad news may hurt her feelings, but I hope that the bad news will be considered minor compared to the good news I pray that she will embrace.”

 

“Well, God guide you to accomplish your mission then,” Nando said. “The lady of the house is by the courtyard fountain. She's been cheerful since your last audience, so I speak for the rest of her house when I say I hope you will keep sweet Sonia in such a delightful mood.”

 

As Nando opened the gate for her, Serena fought the urge to show any unease. The fool gestured to Serena to come in with a wave of his hand, and she briefly bowed her head before entering the estate. The disguised honey-blonde woman's hands shook as she walked down the courtyard path, feeling pressured to please Sonia while still rejecting her love.

 

Serena came to a halt as she saw Sonia sitting on a bench by the fountain and reading a book. Her funeral outfit was replaced with a blue gown as bright as her smile and her long peach hair was tied to a side ponytail on her left side. Serena's unease grew as she noticed the heart-shaped hair clips on Sonia's ponytail, expressing that her heart was full of love. Serena gulped and made a cross with her hand before walking over to the blissful countess.

 

Sonia looked up from her book upon hearing Serena's footsteps. Her eyes widened, and her smile stretched to the sides of her face. Serena forced a smile as she stopped in front of Sonia and took a bow.

 

“Good morning, Timothy,” Sonia said warmly.

 

“Most excellent lady, may the heavens rain blessings upon you,” Serena said.

 

“Oh, Timothy, you're such a flatterer,” Sonia giggled while playing with her hair with her finger. “You certainly know how to charm a lady.”

 

“Actually, my greeting comes from Duke Satoshi, my lady,” Serena said.

 

Sonia's smile turned into a disappointed frown in a blink of an eye.

 

“Oh, I see,” she said coldly. “Is there any greeting that comes from only you?”

 

Serena hesitated before she said, “It is heartwarming to see you so cheery today, my dear lady.”

 

Sonia's smile returned, and she giggled again as her cheeks turned pink. Serena wished her words didn't encourage Sonia to stay in love with her fake identity, but she couldn't think of anything else to keep the countess happy. If nothing else, Serena was sincerely glad the countess was no longer mourning. Sonia patted the spot on the bench next to her and Serena hesitated before she bowed again and reluctantly sat next to the smitten countess. They sat in silence, with Serena feeling awkward and Sonia stared at Serena as though the person she thought was a man was a painting to admire.

 

“Tell me, Timothy. What is it about being a page that pleases you?” Sonia asked.
“And to be clear, I want an answer concerning the occupation itself.”

 

Serena looked at Sonia, taken aback, having not expected her to ask that question.

 

“Er, well, I admit that I am not used to the general responsibilities of my position, but I am the one my employer looks to me to play piano and sing for him. As someone who grew up learning to perform, I am glad to be required to do something I was raised to do while having a roof over my head and a steady income. Plus, it is a requirement in my master's household for his pages to know how to fence. It is difficult for me, but at the same time, it has been an interesting skill to learn.”

 

“I bet with enough practice, you'll become a rather dashing fencer,” Sonia said with a kittenish look.

 

Serena responded with a nervous chuckle, which Sonia interpreted as her being bashful. The women grew silent again with Sonia admiring Serena's fake appearance while Serena looked away from the countess, thinking of how to bring Satoshi into the conversation. After half a minute, Serena remembered part of what she and Satoshi had discussed earlier, and she opened her mouth to speak, only for Sonia to raise her hand for silence.

 

“I must be frank with you, Timothy, I’m glad that you have found enjoyment in being a page, but it doesn't sit right with me that you are someone else’s page. If anything, I think your talents would be used better if I were your employer instead of the duke’s,” Sonia said.

 

“You honor me, my lady, but I like to think that I already am in a way,” Serena said. “Duke Satoshi is your servant if only in love, and I'm his servant. Thus, you could say I am your servant because the person I serve strives to serve you if you only give him a chance.”

 

Sonia frowned bitterly and said, “Please stop bringing the duke into the conversation. I have told you that I cannot love him even if I tried, and that rings true today as it did yesterday.”

 

“But, why, my lady?” Serena asked. “You stand firm to say you cannot love Duke Satoshi Ketchum, and I stand puzzled, thinking no woman in your shoes can disregard his love.”

 

“Maybe it's because it's not his love I crave,” Sonia said.

 

Serena resisted the urge to squirm while Sonia was looking at her. At that point, it felt like Serena and Sonia were going in circles, with Serena wanting to talk about Satoshi and Sonia disregarding her attempts to keep the focus on Timothy the Page, not knowing that said page was a woman. It was then that Serena accepted that if the conversation were to move forward, she would have to tell Sonia straight out.

 

“Dear lady -”

 

“Please, Timothy, let me speak,” Sonia interrupted. “You must be confused with Giovanni giving you a ring. I said you left it to me when it wasn't true. The truth is for all your efforts on your master's behalf, you've put me under a spell that has filled me with joy. The ring is a gift to express in secret that my heart beats for you.”

 

“Madam…” Serena began.

 

“Let me finish,” Sonia said. “I'm not oblivious that you might disapprove of my trickery because I, a countess, choose to be secretive about how I feel about a servant. But how I feel is not something that the world needs to know. Not yet, anyway. Only you need to know how my heart races just from seeing your face at this very moment. You alone, Timothy, must see that you have won my heart by being the passionate, devoted man that you are. If you understand my deceptive means of giving you your gift and accept it, let us take this time to share our feelings with no one else around. If, however, you are displeased with my need to be secretive about my love or how I have confused you with my trickery, I accept that.”

 

Guilt filled Serena's heart as Sonia made her confession. The countess beamed when she spoke, confident that the person sitting next to her would accept her feelings even as she said she would accept rejection. At this moment, Serena accepted that Satoshi’s pursuit of Sonia's heart was a lost cause, for there was no way she could reject Sonia and then convince her to fall for Satoshi. All Serena felt she could do was let the countess down and return to Satoshi to tell him Sonia would never love him.

 

“Well? What say you, Timothy?” Sonia asked.

 

“I say I pity you, my lady,” Serena said.

 

“Pity? That must be a step toward love,” Sonia said.

 

“No, it's not a step. Pity is a common feeling one can also feel for an enemy, or bystander, or a friend,” Serena said. “I thank you for falling for me, disregarding my rank, madam, but I cannot love you any more than you can love Duke Satoshi.”

 

“Why not? Is there someone else you love? Is there a woman you find more beautiful than me?” Sonia asked.

 

“My lady, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, but there's another whose image I value above all else,” Serena said.

 

“Who? Who is this woman? What does she look like?” Sonia demanded. “Is she another countess or a maid in your master's house?”

 

“Neither. I won't speak of their rank, but this person has tan skin, dark hair like a raven, z-marks on their cheeks, and eyes that, in my eyes, shine like brown diamonds,” Serena said. “What's more, this person has a smile that lifts up my spirit, and I wish nothing more for them to always smile at me for who I am inside and out.”

 

Sonia tilted her head in confusion, and she said, “Tan skin? Dark hair? Z-marks on their cheeks? That’s how I hear people describe Duke Satoshi. Do you mean to say you prefer men over women and have fallen for your master, Timothy?”

 

Serena’s cheeks turned red, and she looked away from Sonia.

 

“I will not say who I have fallen for, but I assure you I am not someone attracted to people of my gender,” Serena said. “Regardless, the person I'm talking about has their eyes on another, yet my eyes crave to see them, even if it were just for a moment. As surely as the Lord lives, those moments are my greatest treasures and will always be.”

 

Sonia's face fell, and she looked away from Serena, processing her words. Serena turned her head to look at Sonia sympathetically as her rejection hit the countess. She took out the ring from her pocket and laid it beside Sonia. Sonia picked up the ring, and her mouth quivered as she fought the urge not to cry. With a sniffle, Sonia lifted her head to the sky and forced a smile, trying to act as though she were admiring the clouds.

 

“Well, I suppose it can't be helped,” Sonia said. “That leaves nothing left for me but to find a way to smile again without my feelings for you.”

 

Serena gave Sonia a small smile and said, “I hope you do. Though, is there any chance you think you could find that reason to smile by finding love for my master?”

 

Sonia shook her head.

 

“I thought not. You can't blame me for trying one last time, though,” Serena said. “I will return to my master and ensure that he lets go of his pursuit of you. You will never see me or anyone else from my master's house again. Best wishes to you, my lady.”

 

“And to you, Timothy,” Sonia said. “I hope for nothing but the best for your future wife, who will treasure your heart the way I was prepared to.”

 

Serena mentally chuckled at how the countess was unaware of her real gender. She stood up and took a bow, which Sonia returned by bowing her head, and then walked to the gate. As she prepared to exit, Serena sighed and smiled, feeling satisfied that she had successfully spoken with Sonia about her feelings. She did not know what she would say to Satoshi, but she was prepared to take it easy with never needing to go to see Sonia again.

 

“Stay!” Sonia shouted.

 

Serena stopped momentarily and squirmed, mentally whimpering before she went back to walking to the gate, pretending she didn't hear Sonia. She was seconds away from reaching the gate when Sonia caught up and stepped in front of Serena with a pleading look and her hands clasped together, forcing Serena to stop. The woman in disguise closed her fists, resisting the urge to push Sonia away so she could be free, disregarding Sonia’s high rank.

 

“Timothy, please tell me what you really think of me,” Sonia said.

 

“I think you're not who you think you are, madam,” Serena said.

 

“If that's true, then I think the same thing of you,” Sonia said.

 

“Then you're correct. I'm not what I appear to be,” Serena said.

 

“Then I wish you can be what I want you to be,” Sonia said.

 

“I'm afraid that is impossible in ways you can't comprehend,” Serena said.

 

Sonia stepped closer to Serena, took her hands, and held them together. Serena grew uncomfortable as Sonia looked at her with longing and desperation.

 

“Even if God himself can't make it possible, I can't let go of how I feel,” Sonia said. “Timothy Durbin, noble page, upon my honor, my title, and everything else I possess, I love you. I love you so much you’re all I can think about. Neither wit nor reason can suppress my passion. Even if you treasure the appearance of another, I choose to believe you'll find my desire for you favorable long term. After all, love asked for is good, but love freely given is better.”

 

“As God is my witness, I agree with you, Lady Sonia, but that doesn't change how I feel,” Serena said. “No woman has ever won my heart, and no woman ever will. I know what I've been saying might confuse you, but what you ask for is impossible. If it's too hard for you to let go of what you feel for me and give my master a chance, then it's best that I tell him you said to send no more, and your rejection is final. Lord willing, Duke Satoshi will let go of his feelings, and you will never see me or my fellow pages again. It will be hard for you, but it's for the best for everyone.”

 

Sonia looked at Serena, crushed, as though the person she fell for hurled her with vulgar insults. Serena gave the countess another look of sympathy before she pulled her hands from Sonia's grasp. The woman in disguise bowed one last time before she walked past Sonia and opened the gate. She was halfway through the gate when Sonia turned around and called to her.

 

“Please, come again, Timothy!” Sonia shouted. “I promise to keep a more open mind next time. I may yet fall for Satoshi.”

 

Serena stopped momentarily, squirming, for she knew Sonia wasn't serious about having an open mind. She breathed through her nose, then walked through the gate, closing it behind her. Sonia stared at the gate as though Serena was still there before she sighed and glumly walked back to the bench. She picked up her book and the ring still lying on the bench and stared at the ring for a moment before she shut her eyes, fighting the urge to cry before she walked to the house.

 

Unbeknownst to her, Fuba stood behind a tree from a distance, watching the interaction between Sonia and Serena. The foolish knight watched the countess with a bitter scowl as jealousy overtook him.

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

It was 3:42 in the morning when James passed out drunk during his party with Faba and Nando. His friends carried him by his hands and feet to his bed chamber and left him on his bed, snoring with his clothes still on. James slept until a little past 11:30 in the morning when Nando came back to splash a bucket of cold water on him to wake him up.

 

James was irritated that Nando woke him up in such a way until Nando informed him that it was nearly time for them to witness Jessie carry out her scheme against Giovanni. James' face lit up as he remembered Jessie talking about her plan and rushed down the steps to the ground floor with Nando and went outside to meet Faba at the estate hedge maze. Faba sat on a bench before the hedge maze with a grumpy frown and crossed arms. Several feet away from Faba was a letter in an envelope lying on the path.

 

“Good morning to you, Sir Faba,” Nando said.

 

“It is barely morning anymore, good sir, and even then, there's hardly any reason to think there's anything good about it,” Faba said.

 

James and Nando looked at Faba in confusion, and the former asked, “My good fellow, what has put you in such a sour mood?”

 

“It is your cousin and the company she has been keeping of late, Sir James,” Faba said. “I spotted Sonia not 2 hours ago sitting on a bench and reading a book happily. I began to walk over to her to make my move when Duke Satoshi's messenger, Timothy, entered the courtyard and greeted her. Lady Sonia was smitten with that young man, and he was rejecting her advances. In the end, he left with Sonia brokenhearted. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's only been happy lately because she's been gushing over that servant, forgetting how preposterous it is for a noble lady to want to marry a peasant.”

 

James and Nando stared at Faba as they processed what he said. Then, James snorted before laughing with his hands on his knees. Faba looked at his friend, offended, while Nando gave the Alolan knight a shrug.

 

“If I may be frank with you, good sir knight, I see little issue with my lady falling for a man of lower rank,” Nando said. “We do not decide how God gives us reason to be happy, and if a mere attendant is what lights Sonia's life, then c'est la vie.”

 

“La vie? What the devil does la vie mean, and why must I say la vie?” Faba asked.

 

“You don't have to say it. It's a foreign phrase meaning ‘such is life’ or ‘that’s life.’ In other words, oh well,” Nando explained.

 

“Oh well? I came here from Alola to pursue this woman, only for her to fall for a nobody, and you suggest I give up? Are you mad?” Faba asked. “The duke's messenger didn't even return her feelings.”

 

“Well, then he's a bigger fool than Nando is,” James chortled as he wiped a tear from his eye. “Besides, if Sonia's downcast that she's been rejected, you can comfort her. Make her feel silly for chasing a servant of all things when a better man has been staying in her house.”

 

Faba furrowed his brow before he rubbed his chin in thought.

 

“Well, Timothy did say he was never going to see her again, even when Sonia told him to stay,” he said.

 

“Well, there you go,” James said. “Sonia will accept that she can't do anything about her infatuation, nor should she try. This is just a bump in the road before she realizes who is the superior man.”

 

“But what if she doesn’t accept it?” Faba asked. “She told the young man to come see her again. That might lead to Timothy returning her feelings if she tries to woo her again or, if I’m lucky, him rejecting her and thus depressing Sonia more.”

 

“Then, take the opportunity to show you are more than he could ever be,” James said. “If this Timothy fellow tries anything, then step in and humiliate him on the spot. Sonia may never notice you unless you can show your quality through noble acts of bravery or politics.”

 

Faba hesitated, biting the bottom of his lip.

 

“If I had to choose one, I would pick an act of bravery,” he said. “Timothy might not know jack about politics given his low rank in society, but I’d rather not risk saying something political that might upset Sonia.”

 

“Good then. Challenge the duke’s servant to a fight,” James said. “The next time you are alone, write a letter to challenge Timothy the Page. Write something rude and brief and refer to him by his first name at least three times to insult his pride. Thus, if Timothy ever dares to show his face to Cousin Sonia again, you’ll be there with a letter to challenge him to a duel to the death.”

 

Faba furrowed his brow before he looked down in thought. After a moment, the Alolan knight smiled and made a fencing pose facing away from his friends. He waved his arm, pretending to be swinging his sword toward his opponent, then lunged, pretending to stab the duke’s page in the stomach. Satisfied with his imaginary kill, Faba held his head up for a victory pose before turning to James and Nando.

 

“Yes. Yes, that sounds like a splendid plan,” Faba said. “Sonia will surely notice me after dealing with Satoshi’s meddling servant. After all, no matchmaker can win you a woman’s love like a display of bravery.”

 

“Masterfully put, good Sir Faba,” James said.

 

Nando looked at James disapprovingly, wishing James would stop encouraging the dimwitted man. James and Faba chuckled, patting the latter's back before noticing the letter lying on the ground.

 

“Say, Faba, is that letter yours?” James asked.

 

“No, it's the letter Jessie made for our prank,” Faba said. “She dropped it there about 15 minutes ago for Giovanni to find and left me to keep an eye on it until he arrives.”

 

James giggled and said, “Excellent. Have you read it?”

 

“I was tempted to take a look, but Jessie put me under strict orders to not let anyone look at it before Giovanni,” Faba said. “She wants no indication that the letter has been opened when he sees it, and she wants it to be a surprise for us when he does read it and reacts to it.”

 

“Then, it's a good thing we don't have to wait much longer because Giovanni is on his way now,” Nando said, pointing past his friends.

 

James and Faba turned to the direction Nando was pointing to see Giovanni in the distance. He walked down the courtyard path with his hands behind his back, his chin up, and a proud smirk as though he were a nobleman going out for a stroll at his own mansion. James and Faba giggled excitedly as they and Nando hid behind the hedges. They shushed each other to be quiet just as Giovanni made his way in their direction. Giovanni was about to pass the hedges when he decided to sit on the bench Faba was sitting on. The steward sighed as he looked at the sky.

 

“Alas, that a man of my worth has not received his just reward,” Giovanni said. “That despite how the whole world should know that I have more reason to be nobility than many who are born noble, I'm nothing more than an employee. Worst of all, my title of steward is the one thing that's that drunk, Sir James, can you use against me.”

 

James smirked as he listened behind the hedges, pleased that the words he said the night before damaged the steward's pride.

 

“Yet, not everyone fails to acknowledge my greatness,” Giovanni said with a boastful smirk. “Just this morning, Jessie apologized for her behavior last night and told me that Lady Sonia admires me. She said the countess admires my maturity as an older man, making it clear that I am considered virtuous and thus have better rights than a drunk knight to enjoy the finer things in life.”

 

“Oh, that vile fiend. He truly does think he's better than us,” James whispered.

 

“Why would Jessie apologize and say that Sonia admires him?” Faba asked.

 

“If I were a betting man, I'd say she did it to butter him up to ensure that he falls for her trap,” James said.

 

Nando shushed his friends with his finger to his mouth. They waited a few seconds before Giovanni stood up and straightened his jacket with his chest up and his head held high.

 

“Imagine if Lady Sonia admired me so much that she found me a suitable choice for a husband, social ranks be disregarded,” Giovanni said. “Then, I would be Count Giovanni, one of the most respected men in the Kanto region. Duke Satoshi would acknowledge me as far superior to him in respect and dashing features. Not to mention, I would have a lovely wife there to support me and my duties and be my lover when the day is over. Granted, I am a couple of decades her senior, but that is her problem.”

 

James's eyes widened in disbelief before he clenched in anger and took a step to come out of his hiding spot and punch Giovanni. Nando and Faba grabbed James and quietly told him to calm down, reminding him why they were hiding. After a few seconds, James stopped struggling and took deep breaths to calm himself down, much to his friends’ relief. Giovanni sat back down and held his arms to his sides, pretending he was sitting on a throne.

 

“Ah, imagine what it would be like by the time we've been married for three months,” Giovanni said. “I'd be sitting in my majestic chair ordering the servants around dressed in my embroidered velvet gown. This would be having just come from the sofa, where I left Sonia sleeping after we've…spent time together as husband and wife.”

 

Once again, Nando and Faba had to restrain James before he clobbered Giovanni for speaking about him and his cousin that way.

 

“With great authority, I gravely survey the room and tell them that I know my place,” Giovanni said. “And then Cousin James is summoned to see his superior.”

 

Giovanni snapped his fingers and whistled like a dog's owner summoning him.

 

“Here, James. Come here, Cousin James. Come here,” Giovanni said. “When he finally comes as though he were expecting a treat, my friendly smile will be replaced with a look of authority. I will say, ‘Cousin James, since fortune has allowed me to marry your cousin, I have the right to say this: as the man of the house, I declare you must stop your drinking. Furthermore, you must stop spending time with that fool of an Alolan knight. If your drinking doesn't destroy what wit you have, it'll be that simple-minded dolt who can't even spell half the words he knows.”

 

Faba's eyes widened, and he began to come after Giovanni with James, both wanting to punch him. Nando held them back with his left arm around James and his right arm around Faba. The knights reached out toward Giovanni as though they could reach him behind the hedges.

 

“Peace, gentlemen. Peace,” Nando whispered. “Don't forget what we're here for. If we ruin this, I assure you Jessie will never forgive us.”

 

James and Faba eased up, knowing Nando was right. They peaked through the hedges, waiting for Giovanni to find the note. Fortunately, while Giovanni daydreamed about humiliating James, he looked down and saw the letter lying on the path. He raised his eyebrow before he stood up and picked up the letter. Giovanni's curiosity grew as he studied the writing on the envelope, similar to Sonia's, and how it was stamped with her family's insignia.

 

“To my beloved, who doesn't know of my love, I send this letter and my good wishes,” Giovanni read out loud. “So, my lady has taken an interest in someone. Let's find out who.”

 

James, Nando, and Faba covered their mouths to hide their snickering. Giovanni opened the envelope and took out the letter with a mischievous grin. As he read the first paragraph, his grin turned into a surprised look. Giovanni reread the paragraph out loud to assure himself that he read correctly.

 

“‘God knows that I love, but I cannot say who. No man must know who fills my every thought. I may command the one I love, but like a knife, silence cuts my heart with a bloodless wound. G.I.O.A.I. rules my life.’ Now, who could Lady Sonia be referring to with G.I.O.A.I.?”

 

“Interesting. Jessie developed a riddle that will lead him to think that he's who the letter is for,” James whispered.

 

“May he not be so much of a fool that he can't figure it out,” Nando said.

 

Giovanni furrowed his brow and hummed in thought as he began pacing.

 

“Let's see. If Lady Sonia left this here in her courtyard, then she must be referring to someone among the staff, which would explain why she cannot say who she loves,” Giovanni said to himself. “As for G.I.O.A.I, it’s reasonable to say she's referring to me. After all, no one in this estate has a name that starts with G, and the other letters are the vowels in my name. They are even organized in the right order. Maybe the rest of the note will clear things up.”

 

James, Nando, and Faba huddled together as they watched in anticipation. After waiting a minute, they heard Giovanni cackle like he was conducting an evil scheme. He turned to the house, imagining Sonia inside, dreaming of fooling around with him.

 

“How more obvious can it be that my lady craves me?” Giovanni asked himself. “The rest of the note says it all. ‘If this should fall into your hands, consider it well. By birth, I am ranked above you, but don't be afraid of my greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Your fate welcomes you. Accept it with your body and spirit. And, to prepare yourself for the upper-class life you will have soon, cast aside your lowly outer self and become a new, fresh person. Be rude to your companions and be mean to servants. Talk loudly and often about politics, and make a habit of being unique and eccentric. If you accept my love, then let me know by smiling. Your smiles look good on you. So, please smile whenever you're in my presence, my dear sweetheart. The woman who sighs with love for you advises you to do this. Remember who complimented your green stockings and asked to see you always wearing crossed laces going up your legs. Remember her, I say. Now, go. You are assured of becoming a gentleman if you want to be. If not, keep acting like a steward, a companion of servants, and not worthy to grasp the greatness before you. Farewell. Signed, one who would switch places with you and be your servant, the Fortunate Unfortunate.”

 

Giovanni maniacally laughed so hard that he couldn't hear James, Faba, or Nando, who were also laughing. The steward began jumping and kicking his legs as he laughed in triumph, as though he had already married Sonia and become the new count. Then, Giovanni spun before giving the letter a lengthy kiss.

 

“It couldn't be any more obvious that this letter is a love confession from my lady to me. Her heart is rightfully longing for her steward,” Giovanni said. “Not to mention, her request can be easily fulfilled. I will have to work hard to be knowledgeable about politics, which will be necessary for me as a count. However, being cruel to the servants, especially Sir James, would be my pleasure. Granted, I'm not one to smile often, but for the chance to gain a young, submissive wife and achieve the title of count, I'll be more than willing to try. Come to think about it, perhaps this is why she told me to lighten up yesterday when I spoke harshly about Nando the Fool. The fact that she has a thing for me wearing green stockings and cross-guard laces is a little bonus. Makes it easier for her to come to bed when summoned.”

 

Giovanni cackled and spun again before turning to the house and shaking his fist at it.

 

“Hear me, Sonia Penelope Magnolia. I will relish you giving yourself body and soul to me. I expect you to produce an heir, so my illustrious name will continue until Magnolia is nothing but a memory,” Giovanni declared. “But, first things first. I must prepare to make my move. By this time tomorrow, Lady Sonia will throw herself at me, and we will begin discussing marriage and preparing for me to become the new count.”

 

With a fit of laughter, Giovanni went into the house with a skip in his step. James, Nando, and Faba waited until Giovanni closed the door behind him to burst out laughing. James slapped his knee while Faba put his hands on James and Nando's shoulders to support himself before falling on the floor and rolling around the path with his arms around his gut.

 

“Oh, this is just too much,” Faba chortled. “I could never believe that the steward was capable of such wild emotions had I not seen it with my own eyes.”

 

“Indeed. It's almost too good to be true,” James said. “I could marry Jessie right now for this.”

 

“I could marry her myself if I had half your affection for her,” Nando said. “Regardless, let us meet her while she's having her afternoon tea as instructed and praise her for a job well done.”

 

James and Nando nodded and ran toward the back porch, with Nando following behind. They found Jessie sitting on a chair before an outdoor table, sipping her tea. Jessie heard the men running toward her, and she smirked before turning to face them. James, Nando, and Faba knelt beside each other and bowed down to Jessie with their hands above their heads.

 

“Oh, my sinister lady, I could kiss your feet if you'd allow me,” James said.

 

“As could I,” Faba said.

 

“I as well,” Nando said.

 

Jessie's smirk grew, and she asked, “I assume Giovanni has fallen for my trap?”

 

“Like a fish taking the worm on a hook,” Nando said. “You've sent Giovanni into such a fantasy that he'll go mad when he learns the truth.”

 

“Excellent,” Jessie said. “If you want to see the real results of this joke, wait until he first approaches Lady Sonia. Giovanni will come to her in green stockings—a color she hates—and with crossed laces on his legs—a fashion she despises. He'll smile constantly at her, which will creep her out because no face like his could give a smile without looking ghastly. Not to mention, it goes completely against her current mood, as she seems to be melancholic after meeting with the duke's messenger this morning. All of it together will surely make her notice him and scorn him. Now we just have to wait for Giovanni to make his move.”

 

“Well, thankfully, we won't have to wait too long,” James said.

 

“That's right. He said out loud that he'll prepare to woo Lady Sonia by this time tomorrow,” Faba said.

 

“He did? That's fantastic,” Jessie said. “Not only does that mean more time for Giovanni to have his hopes up, but it means we have time to prepare for what we will do after he humiliates himself.”

 

“Oh, Jessie, please tell me you have thought that far already,” James said.

 

“Indeed, I have,” Jessie said. “Nando, do you still have your priest costume?”

 

“It's been in my room with my other costumes. Haven't used it since the last party Lady Sonia's father threw,” Nando said.

 

“Well, now you get to use it again,” Jessie said. “When Giovanni tries to woo Lady Sonia, she will think he has gone mad. Thus, I will tell her I will take Giovanni to a doctor. In reality, I'm going to have him locked in the old cellar, and he will think he's being visited by a priest who will declare he's gone mad and leave him there.”

 

“How devious,” James said.

 

“How long do you plan to keep him there?” Nando asked.

 

“Oh, we'll give it a few hours, maybe a day, before we let him go and he finds out he had been deceived,” Jessie said. “Giovanni will feel the humiliation and finally realize his place. From then on, he will know not to take another toe out of line lest he wants us to pull another prank on him.”

James, Nando, and Faba laughed as they stood up and applauded Jessie on her scheme.

 

“Excellent! Excellent, excellent, excellent!” James praised. “I couldn't be more excited for the full extent of your plan even if I tried!”

 

“Indeed. We overheard Giovanni talking to himself about wanting to marry Lady Sonia out of lust and wanting the title of count, and that was before he found your letter,” Nando said. “He's proven to be a more vile villain than we gave him credit for, making it all the more necessary that he experiences the full extent of our joke.”

 

Jessie looked at Nando, appalled, as though Giovanni revealed his greedy desires to her face. The very idea of Giovanni sincerely wanting to use Sonia for his selfish desires made Sonia's loyal lady-in-waiting want to sneak into Giovanni's bedroom in the middle of the night while he's asleep and strangle him. Jessie turned to James and Faba, who nodded simultaneously. Her anger grew until she stopped, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath before returning her mischievous smirk.

 

“In that case, let us consider it our duty to continue our joke out of our love for our beloved countess,” Jessie said. “We will drive that fiend to his breaking point so he will know his place and never dream of having his way with her ever again. If you gentlemen feel you cannot bring yourself to be so abusive, now is the time to bow out. We may lose our souls for the cruelty we will commit.”

 

“Ha! Souls or no souls, I would not be able to live with myself if I didn't see this through,” Faba said.

 

“That goes for me too,” Nando said.

 

“I, madam, will follow you to the lowest levels of hell to ensure the well-being of my cousin and to spare the world from Giovanni rising above his rank,” James declared. “No matter what happens, I am with you till the end, greatest Jessie.”

 

“Then, let us be off. The sooner we prepare, the better,” Jessie said.

 

James, Nando, and Faba nodded in agreement as Jessie finished the last of her tea. Together, Jessie, James, Nando, and Faba ran to the old estate cellar with Jessie opting to put away her tea set later. Nando and Faba giggled like children as they imagined how humiliated Giovanni would be. As they ran side by side, Jessie and James looked at each other smiling, for Jessie was pleased that James was participating in a good deed while James was happy that Jessie was letting herself be mischievous for once.

Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Serena was frustrated during the walk back to Satoshi's estate. She grumbled, asking herself how she could have failed to make Sonia give up on her feelings for her. Sonia told Serena to come back, claiming that she would have an open mind about falling for Satoshi when both women knew that she wouldn't didn't help. Serena began to wonder if she should reveal to the countess that she wasn't a man, but she decided against it, thinking it would only make things worse. Still, at the rate Sonia was being persistent, Serena didn't rule out the possibility that she might pursue her despite her true gender.

 

When Serena returned to the estate, Satoshi was out on business again. Brock and the other pages asked Serena what happened, and Serena reported that Sonia still rejected Satoshi's love and told her to come again, saying she might fall for him. Serena wished she could make up a lie and tell them that Sonia not falling for Satoshi was her final word like she originally planned, but she went against the idea, considering the possibility that if she did not return to Sonia's estate, Sonia might do something to reveal that Serena lied. Brock and the other pages smiled as they became hopeful for their dear master, which worried Serena even more.

 

Later that night, as the pages were getting ready for bed, Brock told Serena that Satoshi summoned her. Serena sighed, unsurprised that Satoshi would want to see her upon Brock relaying her report to him again. She went to the main hall to find Satoshi sitting on the couch staring at the fire in the fireplace, deep in thought. There was an awkward silence until Serena cleared her throat, and the duke looked at her to give her a small smile.

 

“Timothy. Glad Brock summoned you before you were heading to bed,” Satoshi said. “I confess I'm perplexed upon Brock telling me how your visit with Sonia went. She told you she still can't love me but wanted you to come back and see if I may yet win her love. Did I get that right?”

 

“Yes, my lord,” Serena said.

 

“Hmmm. Curious,” Satoshi said. First, she says she can't love me and allows you to come back to tell her how I take the news, and now she says she can't love me, but you're welcome to try again. What goes on in that woman's mind?”

 

“Believe me, sir, I wish I knew,” Serena said. “Lady Sonia was incapable of making a decision and sticking to it when I came to see her. There was a point when I was about to leave with her answer until she suddenly changed her mind. If I may say so, my lord, I wish she would commit to an answer, whether yes or no, to make it easier for everyone.”

 

“I don't blame you, Timothy,” Satoshi said. “Still, you have gained another audience with Lady Sonia, and she said she might return my feelings, so my foot is still in the door. Let's have you come to her with a gift on my behalf this time. Maybe one of my mother's rings or necklaces.”

 

Serena squirmed, imagining how Sonia would react to her giving her an accessory the day after Serena gave back the ring Sonia secretly gave to her.

 

“If I may be so bold, my lord, I don't think offering jewelry is the best idea,” Serena said. “Lady Sonia might think it shallow that you're trying to win her heart with pretty jewelry.”

 

Satoshi smiled and said, “I like how considerate you are, Timothy, and you might be right about that. Regardless, we should keep my pursuits to woo Sonia fresh, and a gift might show that I have more than words to express my heartfelt love. Besides, it's not like I began attempting to woo her with a large chest of expensive jewelry. Just one ring should make my latest attempt simple yet sincere.”

 

Serena's unease grew as Satoshi justified his idea. She couldn't deny that it was good that Satoshi was considerate about the flaws of his idea and agreed it was right to keep a gift for wooing someone simple. If Satoshi were pursuing Serena, knowing she was a woman, she would be thrilled that the man she loved offered her a ring. Still, it pained Serena to see Satoshi brainstorming new ideas to woo another woman, and she feared how Sonia would react to Serena presenting a gift to her on Satoshi’s behalf. With her luck, Serena didn't put it past Sonia to treat a gift from Satoshi as though it were actually a gift from Serena.

 

After half a minute, Satoshi sighed and turned to stare at the fire again.

 

“Well, I shall look into my late mother's possessions and see what I can find,” Satoshi said.

 

“Meantime, play and sing a song for me before I go to bed.”

 

“Yes, my lord,” Serena said. “Do you have something in mind? A love song, perhaps?”

 

“Yes. A love song,” Satoshi said. “Play an old-fashioned love song if you can. Something that can ease my passion and lift my spirits, unlike many modern songs.”

 

Serena hesitated and looked down in thought. Then her face lit up, and she snapped her fingers before she walked to the piano. She sat down, lifted the cover, and took a moment to prepare herself before playing a soft, slow tune. Satoshi looked at Serena surprised before he smiled, immediately recognizing the tune. He stood from his seat and walked to Serena, standing behind her while watching her play.

 

“‘Oh, Death, Go Away.’ Very nice,” Satoshi said.

 

“You're familiar with this tune, my lord?” Serena asked.

 

“I am. My mother used to play songs like this for me when I was little, so that I am familiar with the classics,” Satoshi said. “Frankly, I'm impressed that you know this one, Timothy. I did ask for something old-fashioned, but I wasn’t expecting this one.”

 

“Well, my mother was the same way, my lord,” Serena said. “She was a performer and knew a lot of the classics herself.”

 

Satoshi’s smile stretched to the sides of his face.

 

“Well, good to know that there are people our age who keep songs like this one alive,” Satoshi said.

 

“Do you mind if I join you in singing?”

 

Serena's eyes widened, and she kept her eyes on the keyboard to hide her blush.

 

“I…I would be honored, sir,” she said.

 

Satoshi chuckled at Serena's response before he sat down on the bench beside her. Serena's blush covered her face as she felt Satoshi’s side touch hers. The woman in disguise shook her head to shake off her blush while the man she loved closed his eyes to prepare himself before he began to sing.

 

Satoshi:

Come away, come away, death,

And in sad cypress let me be laid.

Fly away, fly away breath,

 

I am slain by a fair cruel maid.

My shroud of white, stuck all with yew,

O, prepare it!

My part of death, no one so true

Did share it.

 

Serena glanced at Satoshi and smiled sweetly. Hearing the man she loved sing made her heart race, for she never imagined Satoshi having a charming singing voice. It took a moment before she realized Satoshi was waiting for her to sing the second half of the song, and she cleared her throat.

 

Serena:

Not a flower, not a flower sweet

On my black coffin let there be strown.

Not a friend, not a friend greet

My poor corpse, where my bones shall be thrown.

A thousand thousand sighs to save,

Lay me, O, where

Sad true lover never find my grave,

To weep there.

 

Satoshi grinned as Serena finished. He then began to play beside Serena, careful not to bump hands. Serena’s eyes widened, taken aback that Satoshi knew how to play. Then she smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the harmony she and Satoshi created as they repeated the song.

 

Satoshi and Serena:

 

Come away, come away, death,

And in sad cypress let me be laid.

Fly away, fly away breath,

 

I am slain by a fair cruel maid.

My shroud of white, stuck all with yew,

O, prepare it!

My part of death, no one so true

Did share it.

 

Not a flower, not a flower sweet

On my black coffin let there be strown.

Not a friend, not a friend greet

My poor corpse, where my bones shall be thrown.

A thousand thousand sighs to save,

Lay me, O, where

Sad true lover never find my grave,

To weep there.

 

Serena and Satoshi played the melody two more times before they ended the song. They stared at the keyboard, smiling as they remembered the times they sang the song with their mothers. Serena sighed blissfully, but did so quietly so Satoshi couldn't hear her be thankful for the moment of singing with him. Her only regret was she could not sing with the man she loved using her regular voice. Satoshi and Serena were silent for about a minute before Satoshi cleared his throat and stood up.

 

“Well, now seems like a good time to go to bed,” he said. “I'll let you know the full extent of my plan in the morning once I decide what my gift for Sonia should be.”

 

Serena nodded, resisting the urge to wince as though Satoshi slapped her by saying Sonia's name. With just that little word, the duke unknowingly ruined Serena's moment. She again had to remind herself that she had to keep her identity a secret, and it still pained her to see Satoshi pursuing Sonia. With her fears of Sonia miraculously accepting Satoshi’s heart in mind, Serena stood up from her seat and turned to face Satoshi just as he was about to exit the room.

 

“Wait, my lord. Please give me a moment of your time,” Serena said.

 

Satoshi turned to Serena with a look of confusion before shrugging and walking to Serena with a friendly smile.

 

“Yes, Timothy, what is it?” he asked.

 

Serena took a moment to consider her answer before taking a deep breath and speaking her mind.

 

“My lord, God knows I've worked hard to reach out to the countess so she accepts your love. I value your happiness, and if there really is a chance Lady Sonia falls for you, rest assured I will do everything I can to seize it,” Serena said. “Still, a part of me wonders if you might find someone who you will love as much if not more than you love the countess now.”

 

Satoshi scoffed and said, “Don't be silly, Timothy. My love for Sonia is more noble than anything else in the world. My desire for her heart has nothing to do with her property or the riches she has inherited, for I don't need more than I already have. The fortune I value the most is her gem-like beauty, which is priceless and attracts my helpless soul.”

 

“But, what if she can never accept your feelings no matter how strong and true they are?” Serena asked.

 

“I can't accept that,” Satoshi said.

 

“But you may have to,” Serena said. “What if a woman out there loves you as passionately as you love Sonia? If you cannot love her and tell her so, doesn't she have to accept your answer even if you are meant to be?”

 

“No woman is strong enough to withstand the passion of love in my heart,” Satoshi said. “No woman's heart is big enough to hold so much emotion. Since my teen years, ladies have pursued me with claims of love that weren't sincere. The love women have for wealthy, powerful men like me is just a shallow appetite. A matter of taste, not a matter of heart. My love is as deep as the sea, so don't compare my love for Sonia to any love a woman could have for me.”

 

“But that's not always true, my lord,” Serena protested.

 

“And what do you know of what is true, Timothy?” Satoshi challenged.

 

“I know too well how strongly a woman can love a man,” Serena said. “Yes, there are women who are shallow and greedy, but others have hearts as true as ours. I knew a woman who loved a man more than you could dream of loving Sonia.”

 

Satoshi’s frown turned into a look of puzzlement. He tilted his head as though Serena suddenly talked in a different language or told him a complex riddle.

 

“She loves this man more than I could love Sonia? Is that possible?” Satoshi asked.

 

“As surely as the Lord lives,” Serena said.

 

“And what is this woman's story?” Satoshi asked.

 

“A sad one, my lord,” Serena said. “She never told the man of her love but concealed her passion. It was dangerous to express her feelings because of her identity, so she resigned to support the man she loved in chasing a woman he loved. It tormented her from the inside, like a worm trapped inside a closed flower bud. She pined away quietly and sadly and sat like a sculpture of patience itself, smiling despite her grief. Isn't that what true love is? Focusing on the happiness of people we love over our cravings for them? We men might say more and promise more, but our words are stronger than our passions. We are good at making vows of love but worse at keeping them.”

 

“And who is the man she loves?” Satoshi asked. “Is he someone of high class or a successful businessman? A man of the church, perhaps?”

 

“His rank does not matter to her, my lord,” Serena said. “Whether he is a king or a pauper, she would jump at the moment of him offering her his love. Therefore, I ask you this, sir. What if there was a woman like that out there at this very moment? Someone with greater love than Lady Sonia could give you in 10,000 lifetimes? What if the lady you spoke of last night, Serena, isn't married and feels that way about you? Maybe she would be happy to see that you still have her blue ribbon. Wouldn't that be more than whatever you hope to gain with the countess?”

 

Satoshi furrowed his brow again and said, “No woman can love that deeply. What you have described sounds more like a fantasy, and describing Serena like that makes it even less realistic. Even if, for some God-forsaken reason Serena has not found a loving husband by now, she could never love someone like me to that extent. She may even find it strange that I've been holding her ribbon with me for so long. You may as well be describing a character in a book, or a poem that I may wish was real and would want me as their lover. In the end, a Serena like that is a fantasy, whereas Sonia is genuine. I'd rather chase what is real than a fantasy.”

 

Serena's eyes widened as though Satoshi’s words stabbed her in the heart like a knife. Once again, she wanted to remove her disguise and confess her love, but now she feared that Satoshi would reject her love, still not believing that any love she had for him was deeper than anything he could feel for Sonia. He might even think she had disguised herself and wanted to profess her love because she wanted him out of a desire for wealth and status beyond her fortunes. Serena hung her head and accepted that Satoshi was too stubborn to be open for anyone's love other than the beloved countess.

 

“Very well. If you are sure of this, I will do my best to woo your lady,” Serena said.

Serena bowed to Satoshi and exited the living room without waiting for Satoshi to give her permission to leave. She took the staircase to the servant's quarters and went to her bed chamber, slamming the door behind her. She threw her wig against the wall before she plopped onto her bed on her front and buried her face with her pillow.

 

“You fool,” Serena whispered with tears in her eyes. “I am not a fantasy. My love is very real. I don't want any man to be my husband but you.”

Chapter 11: Chapter 11

The day after deciding to ask for an audience with Duke Satoshi, Timothy got on a ship heading to Viridian City. Timothy and Coovers hugged and wished each other well before Timothy got on the ship. Timothy was initially uncomfortable when the ship left the dock, but he eased up, noting there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Still, the Kalosian man was compelled to often pray that there wouldn't be another storm while he was out at sea again.

 

Timothy stayed in his room for the majority of his trip. He only left his room for meals or to use the lavatory. He ate alone rather than sitting with the other passengers, opting to think about hoping he would gain an audience with Satoshi and otherwise silently grieve for Serena.

 

But whenever Timothy was out to eat, he noticed a man sitting alone at a table on the other side of the dining hall. The man always sat facing Timothy, wearing a black suit and cloak. He had his head down as he ate with his glasses and sizeable black hat hiding his face. Timothy grew uneasy with the mysterious man, thinking he was spying on him. He tried to assure himself that he was letting his imagination get the better of him, noting that he couldn't know that the man was looking at him, nor could he think of a reason anyone would be spying on him.

 

On the second day of the voyage, the ship reached the docks east of Viridian City. Timothy got off the ship, relieved that he reached his destination safely. He took the main road from the dock to Viridian City, mentally preparing himself to speak to the Duke of the Kanto region.

 

But as Timothy entered the city, he felt someone was following him. He looked back as he walked but didn't see anyone suspicious walking behind him. Timothy grew more uncomfortable as not seeing anyone walking behind him worried him more. He wondered if there was a Kanto native who recognized him as a foreigner and was going to attack him out of prejudice or a thief waiting to rob Timothy, not knowing he didn't have any money.

 

Suddenly, someone covered Timothy's mouth and grabbed him by his jacket from behind. He struggled and tried to call for help as he was being dragged into an alley. The unknown person dragged Timothy further into the alley before holding him against the wall. Timothy turned to see the mysterious person and pulled his arm back to punch him.

 

“Wait! Wait! Timothy, it's me! It's me!” the man shouted.

 

Timothy stopped just as the person took off his hat and glasses to reveal himself to be Coovers. His eyes widened in disbelief as he realized his good friend had followed him from Fuchsia City. Coovers gave Timothy a sad smile before they hugged each other.

 

“I couldn't stay behind,” Coovers said. “I wanted to believe you'd get your audience and things would improve for you without a fuss, but I couldn't help being worried. I feared what might happen to you since you don't know this area, and it can be rough and inhospitable to a stranger without a guide or friend. I had to follow you even if it was in secret.”

 

“My kind Coovers, the only response I can give you is thanks, and thanks, and thrice thanks,” Timothy said. “If I had any wealth, I would use it to strengthen my gratitude, for I admit I have been uneasy with going to a new area on my own. But, now I'm more worried about your safety than mine. Aren't you a criminal here?”

 

“Er, well, I wouldn't say I'm a criminal per se. More of an old enemy of sorts,” Coovers said hesitantly. “The truth is, I served in the navy of Unova, my home region, a while back. There was a quarrel between Kanto and Unova, and I fought a battle close to Viridian City. I distinguished myself when fighting Duke Satoshi’s forces enough that I might be recognized, hence my disguise.”

 

“Distinguished yourself? You must've killed many of Duke Satoshi’s men,” Timothy said.

 

Coovers hesitated, biting his lips, and said, “I don't know if I would go that far. I killed a fair share of men, but it's not as though I single-handedly destroyed the duke's entire fleet. In the end, our regions resolved the matter by paying reparations for the damage we did to maintain our trade relations. Most of the soldiers made their contribution, but I was the only one who refused to pay anything.”

 

“Why wouldn't you pay to help Duke Satoshi’s people make repairs?” Timothy asked. “It sounds like it was your duty to pay to put the regions back on good terms.”

 

“Maybe so, but I didn't think it right to give money to those who killed some of my fellow sailors over a political quarrel. On top of that, my beloved Erin was pregnant with our triplet sons. So, I saw it as my duty as a husband and an expecting father to not spend more than I needed when there would be more mouths to feed,” Coovers said. “Nevertheless, my refusal to help make reparations mixed with my deeds in battle led to me still being an enemy to Duke Satoshi and his subordinates.”

 

“Good grief, that explains why you're here in disguise,” Timothy said. “You better be careful with how you walk these streets, Coovers. Don't walk too conspicuously, even if you're wearing a disguise.”

 

“I'll do my best for my safety and for the sake of my family,” Coovers said. “In the meantime, let us focus on you getting an audience with the Duke. If you're going to meet him, you want to look your best.”

 

Coovers reached into his pocket and took out his black purse. He took Timothy's hand and put his purse in it before patting his hand. Timothy looked at the purse and then at Coovers before he shook his head.

 

“Coovers, I appreciate the gesture, but I can't in good conscience take your purse,” Timothy said. “You need it more than I do while your family waits for you.”

 

“Please, take it. Before seeing the duke, you'll need money for better clothes and a shave. I even consent to you buying a sword just in case,” Coovers said. “It's also best that I don't join you when Duke Satoshi's guards could be anywhere. I shall wait for you at the Elegant Elephant Inn on the city's south end. If I don't see you by the end of the day, I'll take it as a sign that you're lost or have begun employment in the duke’s house. If you don't get an audience or gain favor with him, meet me at the inn, and we'll think about what to do from there. You are welcome to sail home with me if you wish.”

 

“I am grateful for your offer, Coovers,” Timothy said. Whether Duke Satoshi employs me or not, I swear to pay you back for whatever I spend. Until then, I pray you will get to the inn safely.”

 

“And I pray you will succeed in getting an audience,” Coovers said. “Until then, don't forget the Elegant Elephant on the south side.”

 

“I remember,” Timothy assures.

 

Timothy and Coovers hugged again before Coovers put his hat and glasses back on. They exited the alleyway in opposite directions, Timothy exiting the north side and Coovers exiting from the south. As he reached the end of the alleyway, Coovers looked back to see that Timothy was already gone. He sighed and prayed for his friend before he went back to the streets with his head down and his hat covering his face, keeping a lookout for guards as he made his way to the inn.

Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Sonia spent her morning after breakfast in the drawing room. She had some maids bring a sketchbook and some pencils, deciding to draw for the first time since before Milo and their father died. For an hour and a half, the countess sat on her couch with her back against the arm and her legs on the sofa, using them to hold up the sketchbook as she drew a picture of Serena.

 

Sonia frowned as she finished drawing the head. Though she was pleased with how well she drew Serena's brown hair and goatee, not knowing they were fake, Serena's rejection played in her mind. Sonia hugged the drawing as though she were hugging the duke's page and began thinking of ways she could attempt to woo Serena with a gift or treat her to tea with the best sweets her house could offer. The countess sighed while staring at the ceiling until she heard a knock on the door.

 

“Come in,” Sonia said.

 

She put down her sketchbook and stood up, expecting Jessie to inform her that Satoshi’s page had arrived. Instead, Giovanni came in wearing a velvet cloak covering his entire body and looking at Sonia with a smile covering half his face. Sonia's steward thought she would be pleased to see him smiling, but Sonia was uncomfortable with his smile. After years of knowing Giovanni to be a grumpy man, seeing him smile was hard to look at. It was as though Sonia was seeing a filthy sewer rat smiling even though it wasn't physically possible for rats to smile.

 

“Good morning to you, Giovanni,” Sonia said.

 

“A very good morning to you, sweet, sweet lady,” Giovanni said.

 

Sonia's unease grew from how Giovanni tried to sound cheerful.

 

“Are you feeling alright, Giovanni?” Sonia asked. I'd appreciate it if you didn't try to act cheerful. Unless a certain someone comes to see me today, I have no reason to be happy.”

 

“How can I be down when I feel so up, my lady?” Giovanni asked with a dopey giggle. “If you're down in the dumps, then allow me to be the one to make you cheerful with these.”

 

Giovanni moved his cloak back to reveal that he was wearing green stockings and crossed laces. Sonia's eyes widened in disgust; her hate for the color green and the fashion trend of crossed laces was strong. She covered her mouth, feeling ready to hurl as though she were looking at moldy food or rotten animal carcasses tied around Giovanni's legs. Giovanni giggled again, thinking Sonia covered her mouth pleasantly surprised that he wore the clothes he thought she wanted him to wear.

 

“Giovanni, what on Earth is wrong with you,” Sonia asked.

 

“My legs are green, but I don't feel blue,” Giovanni said. “The letter came to me, and its commands must be obeyed. I think I recognized the fancy handwriting. These crossed laces do cut off the circulation in my legs a bit, but so what? If a certain person likes them, then as the saying goes: ‘Please one, and please all.’”

 

Sonia looked at Giovanni with her mouth hanging open. At the time, the phrase “Please one, and please all” was considered raunchy, making it all the more appalling that the man Sonia had known since she was a child said the phrase carefree. As Giovanni giggled again, Sonia grew worried, for nothing he said or wore was in character for him.

 

“I think you should go to bed, Giovanni,” Sonia said.

 

“Ah, to bed so soon? Well, I think it's too early to partake in bed, but you are the lady of the house, and what you desire will be done,” Giovanni said with a lewd grid.

 

Sonia let out a high-pitched gasp as Giovanni took her hand and began kissing it vigorously. She pushed Giovanni away and ran to stand behind the couch, using it to separate her from him. Giovanni cackled, thinking Sonia was playing a coy game with him.

 

“Giovanni, please, you're starting to scare me,” Sonia said. “Why are you smiling like that, and why did you kiss my hand?”

 

“‘You said it yourself: don't be afraid of your greatness,” Giovanni said.

 

“What?” Sonia asked.

 

“‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them,” Giovanni quoted. “‘Remember who it was who complimented your green stockings and asked to see you always wearing crossed laces going up your legs. You are assured of becoming a gentleman if you want to be. If not, keep acting like a steward, a companion of servants, and not worthy to grasp the greatness before you.’ It was nicely put. I was amazed by how you spoke with such passion. I never thought of you as someone who could write that way, my lady. I'm not complaining, mind you, nor do I fail to understand how I fill your mind.”

 

With another cackle, Giovanni chased Sonia around the couch with Sonia screaming. At that moment, Jessie opened the door and entered the drawing room. She turned to speak to Sonia, only for her voice to die in her throat upon seeing Giovanni chase her. Jessie covered her mouth, trying not to laugh at how well her prank was going. After a few seconds, Jessie collected herself and stepped in, pretending to be shocked.

 

“Good heavens, Giovanni, what on Earth are you doing?!” Jessie shrieked.

 

Giovanni's grin turned into a contemptuous frown, and he stopped chasing Sonia to turn to her lady-in-waiting.

 

“Bugger off! Noblemen don't answer to servants,” he growled.

 

Sonia hid behind Jessie and said, “Jessie, I don't know what's gotten into him. He came in dressed appallingly and said things that don't make sense. I think poor Giovanni has lost his mind.”

 

“Come now, pretty Sonia. No need to be so shy. We mustn't hide our desires in front of the help,” Giovanni said, acting cheerful again. “Let us retire to the bedroom and discuss more of my greatness.”

 

“Giovanni, this is so unlike you. You must've gone barking mad,” Jessie said. “Leave him to me, my lady. I'll keep him in here and fetch a doctor. We'll get to the bottom of this. I swear it. In the meantime, Duke Satoshi’s messenger, Timothy, has returned. He's waiting for you at the gate.”

 

Sonia's face lit up upon hearing the page's name. Jessie looked at Sonia, confused, remembering how Serena's last visit saddened the countess. Giovanni, however, continued staring at Sonia with a dopey smile, not paying attention to her reaction.

 

“I knew it. I knew Timothy would come back,” Sonia said blissfully. “I must get the staff to prepare tea and treats for us right away. Jessie, fetch some of my attendants to take special care of Giovanni. Have Cousin James send for a doctor if you have to. I'd give half my wealth to keep Giovanni from harm.”

 

“Don't worry, my lady. I will get Sir James and Nando. We will see to it that Giovanni is taken care of,” Jessie said.

 

“Lord bless you,” Sonia said before turning to Giovanni. “Giovanni, wait here while Jessie goes to get James and Nando. I hope you will feel better soon.”

 

“I'll be counting the moments till I see you again, my little dove,” Giovanni said.

 

Sonia grimaced from the creepy way Giovanni addressed her. She quickly put the matter in the back of her mind and raced out of the room, choosing to smile again with her mind on the page waiting for her. Jessie held her hand up to Giovanni as if to say, “Stay,” before she left the room. As soon as the door was closed, Giovanni’s dopey smile turned into a sinister grin. He cackled maniacally as he laid down on the couch with his hands behind his head and his feet up disregarding that he laid on top of Sonia's drawing of Serena.

 

“This is too easy,” Giovanni said to himself. “I've won her so quickly that she's having Sir James, on top of servants like Jessie and Nando, take care of me. A perfect opportunity to be rude to companions and mean to servants as the letter instructed. Sonia will be so pleased with how condescendingly I treat them that she will jump into my arms. Everything is proceeding perfectly.”

 

Giovanni cackled again as he imagined sitting on a throne while Sonia knelt by his feet, lying her head and arms on his lap. Unbeknownst to the proud and lustful steward, Jessie, James, and Nando listened with the door slightly open. Jessie, James, and Nando snickered with their mouths covered before they collected themselves and entered the room.

 

Giovanni sat up upon hearing the door open in time to see Jessie, James, and Nando come in. James came in first, giving Giovanni a serious look. Jesse and Nando hid behind James, pretending to be scared, with Jessie's hand on her cheek and Nando holding a cross necklace on his neck. Giovanni furrowed his brow and coldly looked away from Jessie, James, and Nando, his arms crossed and his head up high.

 

“Oh, Sir James, do something. Please,” Jessie said. “As you can see, Giovanni is dressing outrageously and acting cold to his fellow man. He's frightened my lady so badly that I fear a demon possessed him.”

 

“A demon has possessed him? Never fear, my dear Jessie. I'll give this evil spirit a thing or two,” James said.

 

Giovanni quietly chuckled, amused that his fellow servants and Sonia's cousin thought his advances toward Sonia made them think he was demon-possessed. James sat beside Giovanni and patted his shoulder with a friendly smile while Jessie hid behind Nando. Sonia's lady-in-waiting crossed herself and whispered a prayer while Nando repeatedly kissed his cross.

 

“How are you, good Giovanni?” James greeted.

 

“Remove your hand from my shoulder, you intoxicated dullard. Leave me to my private thoughts,” Giovanni said coldly.

 

“Leave you to your private thoughts? I think not,” James said. “You appear to be demon-possessed, my good man, and I fear that if we leave you to your thoughts, the demon will twist your mind until your thoughts are of nothing but egregious sins and unholy alliances. Please, allow us to aid you in your -”

 

“I said go away!” Giovanni barked, startling Jessie, James, and Nando. “I cast you out! All of you! Get out of my sight before I strike you all for disobedience!”

 

“God: King of the Universe, save us. The demon speaks so loudly from within him and threatens to attack us,” Jessie said. “Didn't I tell you, Sir James? My lady asks you to take care of him.”

 

“Leave it to me, Jessie. I'll convince the demon to leave him,” James said. “Giovanni, my good man, renounce this demon before it uses you for wicked desires. Remember, all demons are the enemy of mankind.”

 

“Silence!” Giovanni shouted as he swatted James’ hand from his shoulder. “I will not allow lesser beings to touch me or try to make me play their silly games.”

 

“Oh, no. The demon is onto us and is offended,” Nando said before kissing his cross again. “We must be careful. The only way to deal with him is gently. The demon in him is rough, but we can't treat it roughly.”

 

“Maybe we don't have to approach the demon at all,” Jessie said. “Sir James, get Giovanni to say his prayers. You must get him to pray.”

 

“Hold your tongue, hussy. I will not entertain you with useless prayers,” Giovanni snarled.

 

“You heard it from his own mouth, Jessie. He does not want to pray,” James said. “Please, dear Giovanni, reconsider. You might endanger us all with your lack of resistance. If you won't do so for us or God, then at least do so for my sweet cousin.”

 

“Go hang yourselves, all of you!” Giovanni barked. “You are lazy, shallow creatures. I'm made of better stuff than you. You'll learn more about that later.”

 

Jessie gasped in fear, and Nando kissed his cross again, shaking their legs. James sighed and shook his head before giving Giovanni a look of pity. He patted Giovanni's shoulder again, and Giovanni swatted it away before James stood up.

 

“I'm afraid Giovanni is beyond our help. We must keep him confined here until we can get him to a better place where he can't hurt anyone. Then we'll see if we can find a priest to cast this demon from his mind,” James said.

 

Jessie and Nando looked at each other with sad looks, silently agreeing with James.

 

“I have the key to this room. Let us lock him here before the demon attacks us,” Jessie said.

 

“Agreed,” Nando said before he turned to Giovanni. “God be with you, sir. And demon, may we never meet again.”

 

Giovanni's eyes widened as he saw Jessie take a set of keys from her dress pocket. He jumped out of his seat and lunged toward Jessie, but James grabbed him by his cloak and thrust him into the ground. Jessie, James, and Nando rushed to the door and exited the room, with Jessie closing the door behind her. She locked the door with the key just as Giovanni reached for the handle. Giovanni tried to turn the handle to no avail, then screamed in fury as he banged on the door.

 

“Release me, you foolish vermin!” Giovanni roared. “When I get what I deserve, I will have you all imprisoned and tortured! You'll be begging for mercy that neither I nor Sonia will give! All the powers of Hell will be nothing compared to what I'll have done to you! Do you hear me?!”

 

Jessie, James, and Nando ran from the door screaming, pretending to be afraid of Giovanni's threats. They ran down the main hall until they could no longer hear Giovanni and burst out laughing. Jessie and James embraced as they laughed while Nando leaned his back against the wall.

 

“I can't believe how far that arrogant dolt has gone into his imaginary world,” Nando chortled. “He practically delivered material for the next phase of the joke on a platter the size of Cinnabar Island.”

 

“Indeed. Giovanni has really taken our trick to heart. It seems to have infected his very soul,” James said. “We're really going to drive him crazy, and the house will be a calmer place for it.”

 

“Ah, but we must make haste before he does something to ruin our fun,” Jessie said. “I'll get some of the other servants to bind and blindfold Giovanni, then take him to the old cellar. Lady Sonia already thinks that he's crazy, so we can take it as far as we want. We'll punish him until we're tired and out of breath from laughing so hard, and then we will reveal he’s been tricked. When this is over, I expect you to crown me as the Queen of Pranks.”

 

“I, for one, will not fail to reward you with such a title,” James declared. “Furthermore, when Giovanni's humiliation is complete, I swear to give you the title of the Queen of my Heart.”

 

Jessie and Nando's smiles vanished. They looked at James in confusion, unsure if they heard him correctly. James continued smiling as though he didn't notice how Jessie looked at him. After a moment, Jessie frowned and mentally disregarded what James said, figuring he had plenty to drink already. She broke her embrace with James and cleared her throat to act like nothing happened.

 

“Nando, go get your costume and get ready for your performance. I will send word for you two when Giovanni is locked up and we give him time to be shocked that he is confined,” Jesse said.

 

Without another word, Jessie walked away, trying to focus on the joke instead of James's declaration. Nando watched Jessie leave until she could no longer be seen then looked at James, who continued to smile in the direction where he last saw Jessie. He also wondered if Sonia's cousin had already had too much to drink, compelling him to unwittingly declare his feelings without realizing it. After several seconds, the fool walked toward his bed chambers, wondering if James would eventually realize what he said and retract his declaration before he said something he would regret.

 

James stood alone in the hall, still staring at where he last saw Jessie as though she were still there. Then, his trance was broken when he heard someone running and panting. James turned to see Faba running toward him with a determined frown, holding a folded piece of paper in his left hand and a sword strapped to his belt.

 

“Good morning, Sir Faba. You've been missing out on our joke,” James said as the Alolan knight stopped in front of him. “Giovanni attempted to woo Sonia as planned, and she's convinced he's gone barking mad. Jesse is gathering servants to have him bound and taken to be confined.”

 

“I don't care about the joke anymore,” Faba said. “Duke Satoshi’s servant, Timothy, has returned, and I have a letter challenging him to a duel as you suggested.”

 

“Oh, excellent. Let me see what you have written,” James said.

 

Faba nodded and handed the letter to James. He took a few steps away from his friend and drew his sword to make a pose, thinking it would enhance the mood of the letter. James resisted the urge to chuckle at how faulty Faba’s pose was before he unfolded the letter and read it.

 

Youth, whatever you are, you're nothing but a filthy fellow. And don't be amazed or ask why I call you that, for I won't give you any reason for it. You came to the lady Sonia, and she was kind to you in front of me, but you lie like a dog. That's not what I'm challenging you about. I will ambush you on your way home, and if you happen to kill me there, you'll be killing me like a criminal and a villain. Farewell then, and may God have mercy upon one of our souls. He may have mercy upon mine, but my hope of surviving is better than yours, so watch yourself. Signed, your friend, if you were friendly in return, and your sworn enemy,

Sir Faba, Knight of Melemele Island.

 

James tilted his head as he read the letter. Though the letter established that Faba was challenging the duke's page to a duel, the message as a whole made no sense. Once again, Faba’s friend struggled not to laugh while he stood proud of himself. Eventually, James realized he was taking a while to say something, and he folded the letter before giving Faba a pat on the back.

 

“This letter is exceptionally done, sir,” James lied. “Good and brave. The vagueness will keep you from being accused of slander. It'll even keep you on the safe side of the law.”

 

“Yes, I am quite proud of it,” Faba said. “That fool, Timothy, will be furious at my accusations that he will want to fight to the death, not knowing that he has fallen into my trap.”

 

“If this letter won't make him get up and fight, then there is something mentally wrong with him,” James said. “Wait by the southeast corner of the estate walls outside of the property while Timothy has his hearing with Sonia. I'll give the letter to him when he leaves the estate and lead you to him. As soon as you see him, draw your sword and swear horribly as you draw it. It's often the case that a terrible swear word uttered with an arrogant tone can increase your reputation for courage better than actually fighting would. Now go!”

 

Faba nodded and sheathed his sword before running down the hall toward the front entrance. James waited until he heard Faba exit before shaking his head and tearing the letter to shreds. He tossed the pieces into a nearby wastebasket, then began making his way outside to the front gate to get ready for when Serena's audience with Sonia was over.

 

“I mean for the duel to happen, but not with a ridiculous letter like that,” James thought. “Considering how easily Timothy has gained favor with Sonia and Duke Satoshi as his messenger, it is reasonable to assume that he's sensible. A letter that ignorant won't frighten him at all. He'd know it came from a fool. I'll challenge Timothy by word of mouth, making him think Sir Faba has a great reputation for being angry, courageous, and skilled with a sword, and Timothy will believe me because he's never met Faba. Even so, I doubt anyone will die in the end. Faba has moments of starting a fight but runs away when things escalate. Timothy doesn't strike me as much of a fighter either, though perhaps more courageous than Faba. Worst case scenario, Timothy intimates Faba to the point that he gives up. Best case scenario, Faba scares Timothy away, and he'll never return, leaving Sonia with only Faba to pursue her. Either way, we'll settle the matter without shedding blood.”

Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Serena didn't sleep much the night before. When she woke up in the morning, she had to put on her spare green lens and adjust her fake goatee, for she was still wearing them when she fell asleep. Serena didn't say a word to her fellow pages when they joined together for breakfast, nor did she look Brock in the eye when he came to bring her to Satoshi. When she entered the duke's dining hall, she averted her gaze from Satoshi, for she feared it would hurt to see the man she loved, knowing he was sending her to see Sonia again. Satoshi gave Serena a gold ring with a blue sapphire to give to Sonia with instructions on how to present it to the countess. Serena half-heartedly acknowledged Satoshi’s instructions and bowed before leaving for the Magnolia estate.

 

When Serena knocked on the gate to the Magnolia property, Jessie was quick to open it and let her in. Jessie told her to wait by the gate, so Serena sat on one of the benches by the gate while Jessie went into the house to inform Sonia. The honey-blonde woman in disguise leaned her back against the wall and played with the sapphire ring in her pocket as she mentally prepared herself to meet with Sonia again and tried to think of ways to convince her to accept Satoshi’s love.

 

After half an hour of waiting, a maid escorted Serena to the other side of the courtyard. Serena looked at the maid, confused, wondering where Jessie was before she complied. The maid led Serena down a path around the house, where an outdoor table and two chairs were set up near a fountain. Sonia said on one of the chairs, waiting for Serena in a bright pink dress. Serena grew uneasy as she noticed the tea set and tray of sweets on the table, making it clear that Sonia intended to keep Serena around for a while. When Serena and the maid stopped before Sonia, the countess stood up and took a bow, which Serena returned.

 

“Most elegant lady, you are looking well today,” Serena greeted.

 

“And you look very distinguished even as you stand before me dressed as a page, good sir,” Sonia said before turning to the maid. “Leave us to our hearing.”

 

The maid curtsied and bowed her head before she went inside the house. Sonia turned to Serena and gestured to her with her hand to sit down. Serena mentally sighed before giving Sonia another bow and sitting on the chair opposite her. Sonia sat back down and poured herself a cup of tea before turning to Serena.

 

“How do you like your tea? Any cream or sugar?” Sonia asked.

 

In truth, Serena already had a cup of tea when she had breakfast with the other pages. Still, she resigned not to refuse Sonia's offer to not upset the countess in any way.

 

“Just one lump of sugar, thank you,” Serena said.

 

Sonia smiled and said, “You have manners fitting for nobility, Timothy. Please, help yourself to some sweets too. You'll find the blueberry lemon cornbread tasty.”

 

Against her better judgment, having still recently eaten breakfast, Serena took a slice of the blueberry lemon cornbread for no other reason apart from keeping Sonia happy than out of curiosity about the sweet. Sonia poured the tea and put a sugarcube in it before handing the cup to Serena. The women quietly took sips of their tea, with Sonia watching Serena looking away from her. The countess thought the page avoided eye contact either out of bashfulness or was uncomfortable after her last visit. Sonia waited until she was half done with her tea before she put it down and looked at Serena with a calm face.

 

“Listen, Timothy, I'd like to apologize for my behavior yesterday,” Sonia said. “Looking back, I may have been a little too forward with you when expressing my feelings, and I imagine that it might have made you uncomfortable, especially when you're here to woo me on your master's behalf. I behaved in an inappropriate manner, and I am sorry for that.”

 

Serena stared at Sonia, unsure if she heard her correctly. Of all the things the countess might say upon Serena meeting her again, she did not expect her to express remorse in confessing her feelings. Yet, it gave Serena hope that Sonia might have been serious when she told Serena that she might accept Satoshi’s love after all. After a moment, Serena smiled politely and gave Sonia a nod.

 

“I appreciate that, my lady,” Serena said. “I confess that I was so confused about how you didn't commit to pursuing me or letting go of your feelings for me. Although, it makes me curious. Do you still possess your affection toward me?”

 

Sonia smiled sweetly and said, “I do. In fact, I have a gift for you to express my feelings more properly. Please, accept it.”

 

Serena winced as Sonia’s words dashed her hopes. Sonia reached into her dress pocket and took out a golden locket on a chain. She laid the locket beside Serena's cup of tea and waited for her to take it. The woman in disguise hesitated before reluctantly taking the locket and opening it to reveal a portrait of Sonia.

 

“I ask that you always wear it,” Sonia said. “Unlike me, it has no voice to upset you with. You can wear it under your shirt so no one else can see it. Only you can see me outside my house as I want it to be.”

Serena sighed and said, “It is a thoughtful gift, my lady, but I can't accept it. What's more, I also have a gift my master sent me to give you to further express his love.”

 

Sonia's smile disappeared upon Serena bringing up the duke. Serena reached into her pocket, took out the sapphire ring, and laid it on the table in front of Sonia. The countess picked up the ring and stared at it with a bitter frown before turning to Serena.

 

“You return the ring I gave you yet offer this one on your master's behalf. I'm disappointed in you, Timothy,” Sonia said. Though I suppose it was Duke Satoshi's decision, so it can't be helped. You haven't told him about my love for you, I wager.”

 

“Of course not. I could never bring myself to do such a thing,” Serena said. “I especially have no reason to tell him when I hope you will officially accept or reject his feelings, so it doesn't matter.”

“I could never love him the way I love you,” Sonia said.

 

“You don't know that,” Serena said. “If you would only accept that whatever praise I give you comes from him and not me, you would surely benefit from meeting the duke. In fact, maybe I should suggest that he gives you a locker through me containing a picture of him. That way, you can realize how Duke Satoshi Ketchum is more dashing than any man could ever be. Including me.”

 

“That is enough. Please don't say any more about him,” Sonia said. “I admire your devotion to your master, Timothy, but what I have for you is something I could never let go. You must understand that what I feel for you is the only thing that makes me happy. Before that, I had my father and my brother, who loved me deeply. When my father passed away, I was devastated, but my brother, Milo, was there to cheer me up. I thought he would always be there to help me pull through our loss until he himself died. I was sure I would never smile again until the day we met. You cannot imagine what it feels like to lose a sibling when they're the only family you have left.”

 

“Be that as it may, my lady, I can say with utmost certainty that I am not for you,” Serena said. “You fell for me after I said praises to you that came from the duke. Not me. It's his words that touched your heart. All your happiness should be directed to Satoshi, who wants to always be by your side. I wished you joy ever since I heard of your story, especially after losing a sibling myself, but I don't have it in my heart to give you what you seek.”

 

Sonia's frown disappeared, and she looked at Serena, unsure if she heard her correctly. Serena looked at her, confused, until she realized what she said. Her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with her hand as she watched Sonia grow curious.

 

“You lost a sibling too?” Sonia asked.

 

“N-n-no. No, I didn't. I messed up my words,” Serena fibbed. “What I meant to say was I wished you joy after learning you lost a sibling.”

 

“You're lying. I don't know why, but I can see in your eyes that you're lying,” Sonia said. “Who is this sibling you lost?”

 

“No one. Forget I ever said anything,” Serena said.

 

“Who did you lose?” Sonia asked.

 

“I'm telling you, I don't have a sibling,” Serena insisted. “I am an only child and -”

 

“Timothy Durbin, you've insulted me already by giving me your master's ring after rejecting mine, and you're upsetting me more by lying,” Sonia rebuked. “Tell me who your sibling is, or I will make sure your master knows that my heart goes to you, and you've been hiding that fact from him.”

 

“What? You wouldn't dare go that far,” Serena said.

 

“Try me, my darling,” Sonia said.

 

Serena's heart sank as Sonia glared at her warningly. She shut her eyes and mentally kicked herself in the head for being so careless. Though Serena couldn't imagine how it would benefit Sonia to be true to her word, the fear of losing Satoshi by having the truth of Sonia's feelings revealed scared Serena.

 

“How am I going to answer her? I can't tell her I had a brother named Timothy when I'm Timothy,” Serena thought. “Maybe I could tweak the story a little so I'm not entirely lying to her. Now that I think about it, I technically would be telling the countess the truth since I've renounced my identity as Serena Durbin by becoming Timothy Durbin. I just hope Lady Sonia will drop the matter for good after I tell my altered story.”

 

Serena opened her eyes to see Sonia still glaring in impatience. It looked as though the countess might suddenly decide that Serena was taking too long and make good on her threat. The woman in disguise sighed and let the feeling of losing her brother fill her mind to strengthen her performance.

 

“I had a twin sister. Her name was Serena,” Serena said. “We were born an hour apart and always stood together with our mother. We used to travel all the time as performers, even after our mother died some time ago.”

 

Sonia's impatient glare melted into a look of sadness, immediately invested in Serena's story.

“Were you identical twins?” Sonia asked.

 

“Not exactly. We looked the same facially, but Serena had inherited our father's blue eyes and honey-blonde hair,” Serena answered.

 

“And what happened to Serena?” Sonia asked.

 

“She was lost at sea,” Serena answered. “We were sailing from our home in the Kalos region where we were born to Alola when our ship got hit by a storm. I fell off the edge, and the captain rescued me and led me to shore, but Serena wasn't so lucky. Shortly after that, I made my way to Viridian City and was hired to be Duke Satoshi's page, and I’ve been devoting my life to him ever since.”

 

Sonia put her hand on her heart when Serena talked about the storm. Serena eased up as it was clear her performance fooled the countess, yet she felt a tear in her eye as the feeling of losing her brother replayed in her mind. The women sat in silence as Serena took the opportunity to sip her tea, trying to fight the tears in her eyes.

 

“Oh, Timothy, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine losing a sibling like that,” Sonia said. “But why didn't you just tell me?”

 

“Er, well, you know. Losing someone so important in your life, like your only sibling, is something some people don't like to talk about,” Serena said. “I mean, doesn't it hurt to talk about your brother sometimes when it still hurts that he's gone?”

 

Sonia took a moment to think about it and said, “I suppose it does. I haven't really talked about Milo since he died, though that's mainly because I wanted to focus more on grieving than talking about him.”

 

Serena smiled in understanding. She remembered how emotionally closed off she was from the other survivors because of the pain of losing Timothy. The honey-blonde woman's smile grew as she thought of how nice it was to relate with someone, even if she wasn't entirely telling the truth. Her moment was interrupted, however, when she felt Sonia's hand on top of hers and she looked at the countess to see her giving her a loving smile.

 

“In any case, thank you for telling me, Timothy. I now understand why you wish for me to be happy,” Sonia said. “Furthermore, I now know more than ever that I can never love Satoshi as much as I love you.”

 

“What? My lady, surely you jest,” Serena said. “I told you all my praise for you came from my master, not me.”

 

“I know, but who came up with the words that filled my heart with joy doesn't matter anymore,” Sonia said. “I've never met the duke in person, so I have no idea what spending time with him would be like. But you? You made me smile when I thought it was impossible to ever smile again. You knew I was a woman in mourning and aimed to cheer me up, even if it was to try to make me fall for someone I've never met. Even when you rejected me, you were considerate of my feelings. And now that I know that you've gone through the same thing I have, what else can I do but be more in love with someone who fills my every thought?”

 

“That doesn't mean you are meant for me. I knew we shared the same type of loss before you, and having these feelings for you never entered my mind,” Serena said.

 

“But there must be a way I can help you understand that we are meant to be,” Sonia said. “What could you possibly want from me to make you happy?”

 

“Nothing but to give your true love to my master, Satoshi Ketchum,” Serena said.

 

“How can I possibly give him what I've given you? Far as I'm concerned, a devil with your face could lead me to hell,” Sonia said.

 

“Then I will release you from any obligation to me so you can find the happiness you deserve without me being the center of it,” Serena said. “In any event, since you haven't changed your mind about my master like you said you might, I shall take my leave and tell my master once and for all that you'll never love him.”

 

Serena stood up and bowed to Sonia before she walked away. Sonia shot up from her seat, took the locket and the ring, and ran after Serena. The countess stopped before Serena took her hand, put the ring and locket in her hand, and closed it.

 

“If you truly believe telling Satoshi that is the right thing to do, you have my blessing, Timothy, my darling,” Sonia said. “But whatever you do, I beg you to come again tomorrow. I'll want to hear more about your sister, Serena, and I would love to tell you all about Milo if that is your wish. Until then, farewell, my sweet. I shall count the moments till you come again.”

 

Without another word, Sonia walked past Serena, making her way to the house. Serena opened her mouth to protest, but she could only stammer until the countess was inside. Serena stood still momentarily before she shut her eyes, put her hands on her head, and let out a frustrated scream. She ran her fingers through her wig with the hand not holding the ring and locket as she clenched her teeth.

 

“I'm such a fool!” Serena yelled. “How could I have been so careless? I had to put on another act, and now she loves me more than ever! Why don't I just take off my disguise and tell her I'm in love with the man trying to woo her?! ‘Hey, Lady Sonia, sorry I tricked you this whole time, but if you're not gonna marry the duke, why don't you help me become his wife, and I'll look for the right guy for you? Help each other out woman to woman?’”

 

Serena let out another scream of frustration, taking advantage of the fact that no one was around. Then, with a growl, she began walking down the path to the front gate, pinching the bridge of her nose. As Serena walked toward the gate, she looked at the ring and locket in her hand, and her face softened. She stopped waking and looked back at the house, imagining Sonia looking at her with a blissful smile. Guilt filled Serena's heart as she realized she was building the countess up for heartbreak.

 

“If it's come to this, then maybe I should tell her the truth. Better yet, maybe I should confess to the duke who I am and what's been happening when I see the countess,” Serena said. “He'll be furious and discharge me if I'm lucky, but maybe it's for the best. I thought I could keep my disguise without any repercussions, but it looks like I'm causing harm to Duke Satoshi and Lady Sonia through my deception without them knowing it. I must end it before it gets worse.”

 

Sighing, Serena hung her head and put the ring and locket in her pocket. She turned to walk to the gate again, thinking of how to confess to Satoshi as she reached for the handle. Serena’s mouth quivered as she realized whether by being terminated from her job, imprisoned, or banished, she was never going to see Satoshi again.

 

Serena opened the gate and walked a few steps before she stopped to find James standing a few feet away from her. James looked at Serena with a grim face that made her uneasy. He walked toward her, put his arm over her shoulder, and guided her away from the marketplace. Serena grew more uncomfortable as she silently walked beside Sonia's cousin, wondering if he had found out about her disguise.

 

“Bad business, my good man. Dreadful business indeed,” James said.

 

“I beg your pardon, but what are you referring to?” Serena asked.

 

“I'm afraid you must prepare yourself with whatever fighting defenses you have, sir,” James said. “I don't know what you've done to insult him, but Sir Faba of Melemele Island in the Alola region is full of defiance and bloodthirstiness towards you and awaits you."

 

“What? Surely you are mistaken, sir,” Serena said. “I'm sure no man has any reason to quarrel with me. I can't remember ever offending anyone.”

 

“You'll find the truth to be otherwise, I assure you. If you value your life, be on your guard, for your opponent has all the youth, strength, skill, and anger that God can give a man,” James said. “His sword has never been used in battle, and he was knighted through his court connections rather than his battle skill, but he's a devil when fighting a private duel. He's run three men through in duels without breaking a sweat.”

 

“But, I don't know anything about this man, nor have I ever heard of him till now. You must be mistaking me for someone else,” Serena protested. “I've heard of some men who pick fights with people just to test their bravery. This man must have that kind of personality.”

 

“Oh, I wish it were true for your sake, but there is no mistake here,” James said. “Sir Faba was raving about how Duke Satoshi’s attendant, Timothy Durbin, had insulted him greatly. His anger is so great that the only thing that will subside it is seeing you dead and buried. ‘Kill or be killed, it doesn't matter’ is his motto.”

 

“But this doesn't make any sense when I've never met this knight of Alola, nor have I ever been to his region,” Serena said. “Please, sir, speak to him if you truly fear for my life. Ask how I've offended him. It must be something I've done without knowing it. Perhaps I can make amends without shedding blood.”

 

James looked away from Serena and sighed, pretending to be reluctant about her request.

 

“Very well. I shall do my best to make him see reason. All the same, you should draw your sword and prepare yourself swiftly, for your assailant is quick, skillful, and deadly,” James said.

 

Serena nodded in gratitude and whispered a prayer while looking away from James. They walked until they were at the southeast corner of the Magnolia estate walls, where Faba waited. The Alolan knight stood with his back facing Serena and James, swinging his sword with a cocky grin. Serena's eyes widened in fear, thinking her opponent would easily cut her to pieces. Serena and James stopped walking when they were 30 yards away from Faba, and James held his finger to Serena to silently tell her to wait there. Serena nodded and watched James walk up to Faba, whispering another prayer. James cleared his throat to grab Faba's attention, and Faba turned to him and grinned upon seeing Serena at a distance.

 

“Ah, there is that mettlesome fiend. I hope my challenge has angered him well before my blade makes him realize he is doomed,” Faba said.

 

“Indeed, it has, but perhaps a little too much, Sir Faba,” James said. “Timothy has claimed to be the Devil himself in combat. He said he's slain dozens at one time with a single stroke and has faced 3 of the bravest nights in the Paldea region. He said he worked for the Maharaja himself once upon a time.”

 

Faba’s cocky grin vanished, and his face grew pale. He turned to Serena and quivered as though she were giving him a bloodthirsty glare. In reality, she was looking away and still praying for fear of death.

 

“Oh, God, save me. Had I known how deadly this fellow is, I would never have challenged him in a million years,” Faba said.

 

“Don't be so quick to judge, dear Faba. You mustn't take Timothy Durbin at his word,” James said. “Such accomplishments deserve him to be Duke Satoshi's personal knight, if not captain of the guard. If he ever gave his fellow man a scratch with a blade, what is he doing delivering messages from the duke to Sonia like a homing pigeon? It's an obvious bluff to try to intimidate you. You mustn't let him get the better of you before you can show your valor.”

 

Faba stared at James and then looked at Serena, still shaking. He looked down and stopped shaking as he contemplated James's words. After half a minute, Faba snapped his fingers, and he looked at James with another cocky grin.

 

“Once again, you make an excellent point, my friend,” Faba said. “It is clear now to me that this low life is not only a mettlesome brat but a liar. He must think that words alone can strip me of my courage so he can continue to hold on to sweet Sonia's heart. That's two reasons now to face him in combat and snuff out his lowly existence once and for all.

 

“That's the spirit,” James said. “I will inform him that you have called off his bluff, and we will settle the score as you have declared.”

 

James patted Faba's back and walked back to Serena. Serena turned to James upon hearing his footsteps with a look of hope, only for James to give her another grim expression that made her heart sink. James put his arm around Serena's shoulder and sighed dramatically, as though he was going to tell Serena that a relative passed away or she had a terminal illness.

 

“Frightfully sorry, sir, but Sir Faba refuses to back down,” James said.

 

“He won't try to talk out what I might have done against him?” Serena asked.

 

“He's so hell-bent on fighting that he refuses to tell me what you have done wrong,” James said. “I'm afraid we'll only find out what you've done if he runs you through and cools down. There's nothing left but to draw your sword and face him.”

 

Serena's mouth quivered, and the blood drained from her face. She turned to Faba, who continued to grin with his sword drawn, making her fear that she was at death's door. After a moment, the woman in disguise put on a brave face and drew her sword, hoping her fencing lessons with Brock and her fellow pages would save her. She whispered a prayer a third time, asking the Lord to comfort Satoshi and Sonia if she didn't survive the duel.

 

James led Serena toward Faba until they were six feet away from him. Serena gulped and made her fencing pose as she raised her sword. It took Faba a moment to realize what Serena was doing, and he posed with his sword up. James took Serena and Faba's hands and moved them so their blades touched before he backed away and raised his hand.

 

“Gentlemen, may God have mercy on either of your souls,” James said. “Now, fight!”

 

James threw his hands down quickly as he gave the command. But instead of attacking, Serena and Faba remained still as though they didn't hear James. James smirked as he looked at the fear of death in Serena and Faba's eyes, confident that his plan was working.

 

After half a minute of standing still, Serena's face fell in confusion as she noticed that her opponent's fencing pose was sloppy. His feet weren't far apart enough, his forward foot wasn't placed straight, he had his free hand to the side instead of above his head, and his chest faced Serena instead of away from her. Upon further inspection, Serena noticed Faba’s sword hand shaking, and she looked at him to see that his mouth was twitching and his eyes were wide with fear. The blood drained from Faba’s face as he watched Serena put the pieces together and look at him with a severe face. The Alolan night was too scared to fight and they both knew it.

 

Serena swung her sword at Faba with a severe glare, scaring him into a defensive position. Faba screamed and frantically blocked Serena's attacks, backing away as he parried. James's eyes widened as Serena relentlessly kept on the offensive, worried that she might kill Faba if he made one wrong move. But, the woman in disguise had no desire to end Faba's life, regardless of what hate she might have for him to want to fight her to the death for no apparent reason. She hoped her attacks would be so aggressive that she would either disarm the coward or force him to yield.

 

Suddenly, in desperation, Faba lunged his sword at Serena and barely missed her side. The sudden movement took Serena aback, allowing Faba to swing his sword with both hands and knock Serena's sword out of her hand. Faba looked at the sword on the ground and laughed boastfully before he raised his sword over his head to strike Serena down.

 

Fortunately, Faba took so long to realize he had the chance to kill Serena that he gave her the opening to put her hands on his shoulders and knee him in the groin. Three times, Serena hit Faba's privates before Faba dropped his sword and got down on his knees with his hands on his crotch. James squirmed as he watched Faba whimper in agony with a tear in his eye.

 

“Good Lord, I cannot believe Satoshi’s servant would stoop so low,” James thought. “Then again, he's showing more bravery and quick thinking than Faba. Maybe Timothy is a better suitor than Faba, after all. At the very least, he may be the only one who can give Sonia children after this.”

 

Serena picked up her sword and pointed it at Faba. It took the Alolan knight to realize his opponent expected him to yield before he grabbed his sword and stood up. Faba tried to go on the offensive, but his movement was limited as he had his free hand on his crotch.

 

As Serena and Faba fought, Coovers walked down the street wearing his disguise. On his way to the Elegant Elephant Inn, he saw a group of officers nearby and turned from the main street to take a detour. But, as Coovers tried to find another route to the inn, more officers passed by, forcing him to take a different turn, turn around, or hide inside a shop until they passed. By the time Coovers was near the Magnolia estate, he had avoided a dozen groups of officers, making him worry whether he would safely reach the inn.

 

Coovers turned to the street where the Magnolia estate was and walked south, hoping he wouldn't bump into any more officers. Walking down the street, he heard swords clashing and looked ahead to see Serena and Faba fighting. Coovers's eyes widened in shock, instantly thinking Serena was Timothy. It didn't matter if she was dressed differently than Timothy was when Coovers last saw him. All he could think was his friend was in danger.

 

“Put away your sword!” Coovers shouted.

 

Faba and Serena stopped fighting, and they and James turned to see Coovers racing toward them. Coovers took off his hat and glasses as he ran, putting his friend's safety before his own. He took Serena's sword from her hand and stepped before her, aiming her sword at James and Faba.

“If this man has done anything to offend you, then let the blame fall on me,” Coovers said. “If you have done anything to offend him, then allow me to fight instead.”

 

“And who are you?” James asked.

 

“I am this man's friend,” Coovers said, turning to Serena.

 

Serena looked at Coovers, puzzled, certain she had never met him before. Faba furrowed his brow, thinking Serena was going to use this opportunity to have someone else die on her behalf rather than him killing her to prevent her from wooing Sonia. He removed his hand from his privates and stood straight, trying to ignore the pain as he held his sword toward Coovers.

 

“Listen here, sir, this is a private duel. I will not allow you to interfere with my business,” he said.

“When you mean to cause harm to Timothy Durbin, that makes it my business,” Coovers said.

 

“Either put away your sword and let's attempt to settle this matter like gentlemen, or face the consequences of attempting to harm my friend.”

 

“How dare you defy me, you nosy knave,” Faba said. “I am Sir Faba of Melemele Island in the Alola region. I am a man of great connections and wealth, and if I wish to end your friend's life for his transgressions, I will see it done.”

 

“And I am a man who has killed many men either by sword or by cannon. Judging by your scrawny appearance, you must have been lying on your bum having someone hold your silver spoon while you sucked it while I sent dozens of men straight to hell,” Coovers said. “I don't care if you are a knight or the ruler of this region. If you so much as give Timothy a scratch, I will take your hands with me to my home region to have them mounted on my wall.”

 

Faba yelped and dropped his sword as he ran behind James. James looked at Coovers, appalled that he would unashamedly threaten someone above their rank. He picked up Faba's sword and pointed it at Coovers while Faba stood behind him, using him as a human shield.

 

“You've got some gall, you dog,” James said.

 

“Even a dog wouldn't hesitate to come to his companion's aid regardless of who he is up against,” Coovers said.

 

“If that's how you speak to your superiors, I shall fight in my friend's place, too. Prepare to learn your place, sir,” James said.

 

“Whether I face you, your friend, or both, I will gladly teach that your ranks have no power in matters of life and death,” Coovers said.

 

James clenched his teeth and lunged at Coovers. Coovers blocked the attack with Serena's sword before pressuring James to back away with multiple strikes. Serena clasped her hands as she watched the person fighting on her behalf stay on the offensive while Faba stood beside her, muttering, “Come on, James,” with his fists up.

 

But as Coovers and James fought, five officers were patrolling nearby. They were on their way to meet with another group at the marketplace when they heard swords clashing. As though in one mind, the guards drew their swords and followed the sound.

 

When the officers reached the street where the duel was happening, Coovers and James were in a blade lock with James's back against the wall. James tried to push Coovers back, but the sailor was stronger than him. Serena felt a semblance of hope, and Faba grew afraid for his friend until they heard footsteps behind them. They turned around, and their eyes widened to see the officers rushing toward them.

 

“Gentlemen, the officers are coming!” Faba shouted.

 

Coovers and James turned to see the officers and backed away from each other. Coovers dropped Serena's sword, turned around to have his back on the officers, and lowered his head. His eyes widened, and he mentally kicked himself in the head for taking off his disguise. The officers stopped in front of James, Serena, and Faba, aiming their swords at them until they realized that one of them was Countess Sonia Magnolia's cousin. They lowered their blades, and the captain leading the group stepped up while two officers went to grab Coovers on opposite sides.

 

“Sir James, what is the trouble here?” the captain asked.

 

“This is a private duel between my fellow knight and this man,” James said, pointing at Faba and Serena.

 

The captain turned to Serena and noticed the crest of Satoshi before studying her face.

 

“Wait a minute. I recognize you,” he said. “You're the new page the duke sent to see Lady Sonia the other day. I remember escorting you.”

 

“Yes, that is me. I was returning to my master from an audience with the countess when Sir Faba challenged me to the death without telling me what I had done that drove him to want a duel,” Serena said before pointing to Coovers. “I was fighting Sir Faba when this man came in and challenged him in my place.”

 

Coovers looked at Serena in disbelief, thinking Timothy had unwittingly drawn attention to him, forgetting that the officers were his enemies. He turned his head from the captain just as the captain turned to him, but the sudden movement made the captain suspicious. He walked to Coovers and turned his head to face him. Other officers gasped in surprise while the captain looked at Coovers with an amused grin.

 

“Well, well, well, look what we have here, men,” the captain said. “Coovers Woodward has the gall to show his face in our region again.”

 

“You have me confused with someone else, sir,” Coovers said.

 

“Oh, no, I haven't, Unovian scum,” the captain said. “I fought in that battle near Cinnabar Island years ago. I'd recognize you anywhere, even without your sailor uniform. Duke Satoshi will be most pleased to see we have the Unovian who refused to contribute and killed so many in battle. Take him away.”

 

The guards standing beside Coovers grabbed him by both arms. Coovers sighed and hung his head, fearing for his life and what would become of his family. He turned to Serena, who watched him get arrested, surprised yet confused that the stranger who came to her aid was some sort of criminal.

 

“I don't know if you meant to oust me or not, Timothy, but I knew the risk of coming here, and I must answer for what I've done,” Coovers said. “I only ask that you return my purse to me.”

 

“Your purse?” Serena asked.

 

“Yes, my purse. Maybe I can make amends by giving the duke what he deems I owe to his region,” Coovers said.

 

Serena looked at Coovers befuddled. The guards waited for her response, wondering if she was a friend of Satoshi’s enemy. Finally, not wanting to fail to show her appreciation, Serena took out her purse and counted her coins before taking half out and walking to Coovers.

 

“Here, sir. It's not much, but I hope it'll help with what debt you owe my master,” Serena said as she put the coins in Coovers's hand.

 

Coovers held up his hand to find Serena had only given him five bronze coins. He stared at the coins for a moment before noticing that the purse Serena held was blue and had Satoshi’s crest. The woman in disguise grew uncomfortable as Coovers shook his head and looked at her in disbelief.

 

“What's this? Where is my purse?” Coovers asked. “Did you spend all I earned from working at the docks and then trade my purse for another? Have you tracked how much of my money you've spent?”

 

“Sir, I don't know why you think I have your purse. I've never met you before,” Serena said.

 

“Nevertheless, this is my purse, and I have given you half my money. If I could give you what you need as thanks for what you've done, I would, but this is all I can spare as someone who only recently became employed.”

 

Coovers's face fell as Serena's denying to have known him felt like a sword pierced his heart. In his mind, it appeared that Timothy had squandered Coovers's money and was pretending not to know him in front of the officers. Coovers's heart broke as he stared at Serena with a look of betrayal. After a moment, his devastation turned into rage. He lunged to attack Serena, only for the guards to push him back.

 

“Liar! Leech! Backstabber!” Coovers barked. “I snatched you from the jaws of death and gave you a roof over your head while you mourned! I risked coming here while you're in need, and this is how you repay me?! Curse you, Timothy Durbin! Curse you and what's left of your house!”

 

“That's enough out of you,” the captain said. “Take him to the duke.”

 

“Yes, sir,” the other guards said simultaneously.

 

The two guards holding Coovers began dragging him toward Satoshi’s estate. The captain and the other two officers followed to watch their prisoner. Coovers continued to scream insults at Serena even after she was no longer in his line of sight. Serena stood motionless, more confused than before, before she looked down in thought.

 

“First I'm challenged to a duel by someone I don't know, then I'm accused of having a purse that belongs to some enemy of Duke Satoshi who I never met,” Serena thought. “I would think they all confused me with someone else if they didn't say my name. But, how could I have caused so much trouble without ever meeting these men? Surely there's no way they can confuse me with any other Timothy Dur -”

 

Serena's eyes widened, and she let out a sharp gasp. She put her hand on her fake goatee and then moved it to her wig as she put the pieces together. Her pupils shrank, and she covered her mouth with both hands as her heart leaped with hope.

 

“No, it can't be. It's too good to be true. It was by chance that I survived the shipwreck. How could he have survived, too?” Serena thought. “Yet, even if there's more than one Timothy Durbin in the Kanto region, no one could imitate my brother's appearance but me. If my disguise tricked Mr. Woodward into thinking I'm the Timothy he knows, then that must mean my brother is alive. He might be here in Viridian City right now.”

 

Tears emerged from Serena's eyes as the possibility lifted her spirit. She looked around the area, imagining Timothy walking down the streets at that moment with no idea she was there. The edges of Serena's mouth curled up before her face fell in realization.

 

“If Timothy is here, then someone might confuse him for me in disguise,” she thought. “What would happen if he comes across Lady Sonia or any of her staff? Worse yet, what if he bumps into Duke Satoshi? The man I love might learn the truth about me before I get a chance to tell him myself. I got to get to Mr. Woodward. If the officers could give me a chance to talk to him privately, maybe I can explain what is happening, and we can find my brother before anyone else discovers the truth.”

 

With fear covering her face, Serena raced in the direction the guards were taking Coovers, hoping she wasn't too late. Unbeknownst to her, James and Faba watched her leave with looks of disgust and anger. Faba shook his head in disbelief as he watched Serena turn to the street the officers went before turning to James.

 

“Can you believe this? It's revolting,” Faba said. “Not only would he lie to try to scare me out of a fight, but he abandoned his friend without remorse.”

 

“Indeed, I've never met a man so dishonorable and cowardly. To think this is the man Sonia gushes over,” James said. “If you didn't have a justifiable reason to challenge him to a private duel before, you certainly do now.”

 

“Quite right you are, Sir James. The facts are clear. Timothy Durbin is a man who woos women of the court, disregarding his lowly rank, tries to scare off his opponents with lies about so-claimed accomplishments with a sword, and wouldn't hesitate to deny knowing his friends in their time of need. Dealing with him is no longer a matter of simply getting rid of the competition for Sonia's hand in marriage. It has now become our duty as gentlemen to put the rat in his place, servant of the Duke be disregarded.”

 

“Masterfully said, my friend,” James said before looking away with a look of concern. ‘Although, I don't think a private duel is an option anymore lest we risk catching the attention of Duke Satoshi’s officers again.”

 

“Then, my fists will deal with him in my sword's place,” Faba said. “If I ever see Timothy again, I'll beat him until his face is no longer recognizable. Sonia will be disgusted by his appearance and will never want to see him again.”

 

“A solid plan if I've ever heard one,” James said. “Until then, what say you to a trip to the marketplace? Let us buy fruit from the stands to snack on after an intense duel.”

 

“Yes, I think a juicy Oran Berry or two would be just what I need. Lead on, my good fellow,” Faba said.

 

James nodded and put his arm around Faba's shoulder. As he led the deluded knight to the marketplace, James tried to think of how to assist Faba in facing Serena again, knowing he could not make good on his threats. To ensure Faba would finally begin to court Sonia, James would have to find a way to put Satoshi’s page in her place, with Faba earning the credit. Yet, even if they succeeded, James worried that no wrongdoing, however despicable, would convince his cousin to let go of her feelings.

Chapter 14: Chapter 14

After having tea with Serena, Sonia was full of bliss again. Though the person Sonia thought was a man rejected her again, she chose to be giddy and full of confidence that she and Satoshi’s page were meant to be. Her staff were confused by their mistress's demeanor, having seen her happy one day, depressed another, and then happy again.

 

After informing a maid that she was done with her tea in the courtyard, Sonia went to her family library on the top floor. She spent the next two hours reading a love story while lying on a sofa with her feet on the arm of the sofa. Sonia was enjoying the tale of a princess and her suitor wooing each other while walking in her garden or holding each other closer when no one else was around. Yet, the further Sonia read, the more restless she became until she stopped reading.

 

“Why can't Timothy and I be like the people in this book?” Sonia asked herself. “It feels like we have so much in common that we have more cause for both of us to be in love. I just don't understand why he doesn't see it.”

 

With a sigh, Sonia got up from her seat and put the book away. She then walked to a window where she could see the city's east side, knowing that Satoshi’s estate was in that direction. Sonia gazed as though she were looking at Satoshi’s house, imagining the page she loved tending to the duke's every whim without complaining, no matter how trivial. The edge of Sonia's mouth curled upon thinking of Serena's dedication to her master. Simultaneously, it made her jealous, wishing all that devotion would go to her.

 

As Sonia looked beyond her estate walls, she saw someone walking down the street, and her heart leaped with joy. She gasped with excitement and pressed her face and hands against the window.

 

“Timothy?” Sonia asked.

 

But this was not the Timothy Sonia had known for the past few days. This was Serena's dear twin brother she thought was lost at sea and whose name she took to hide her identity. The real Timothy walked down the street wearing a red suit. His hair and goatee were trimmed, and he had a new sword attached to his belt. To anyone else, it would seem odd that Satoshi’s page was in an expensive outfit instead of their page clothes only a couple of hours after meeting with Sonia, but the countess didn't care. All she could think was how happy she was to see Timothy dressed so well.

 

“There is my prince dressed like a king,” Sonia said with a blissful sigh. “Satoshi must pay his staff well if Timothy can afford such a striking outfit. Oh, I wish he would come to see me again and hold me close while dressed like that.”

 

Sonia giggled as her cheeks turned pink upon imagining Timothy holding her tight. Then her smile faded to a pout, thinking of how Serena continued to reject her feelings and asked her to be in love with Satoshi. Her pout was followed by a frown of determination as she moved away from the window and put her hands on her hips while watching Timothy.

 

“That settles it. The time for mere words is over,” Sonia declared. “If Timothy can't be persuaded by my words alone, then my actions will prove my sincerity and win his heart at last. I don't care if all of Kanto witnesses what I will do. My beloved is there, and I must seize my moment whatever it takes.”

 

With newfound determination, Sonia raced out of the library and took the nearest staircase to the ground floor. Halfway through the main floor, Sonia stopped by a mirror hanging against the wall and checked to ensure her hair was neatly done and her aqua dress was straightened. Sonia checked her figure before smirking in satisfaction and began running again, bursting through the front doors as she went outside. As she ran to the gate, the countess hoped Timothy hadn't walked too far away before she could catch him and make her move.

 

*******************************************************************************

 

In the time since he and Coovers split up, Timothy focused on getting himself groomed. With the help of bystanders giving him directions, he dropped by a tailor for a new suit, the barber to trim his hair and goatee, and the blacksmith to buy a sword. When Timothy was done with his errands, he began making his way to Duke Satoshi’s estate, confident that he was presentable to meet the region's ruler.

 

The only problem was that Timothy didn't know how to get to Satoshi’s estate. When he asked for directions, people asked why he wanted to know. When Timothy answered, citizens either laughed at him or were suspicious, finding his story about a street performer's sister meeting the Duke of Kanto when they were children ridiculous at best. Eventually, Timothy gave up on getting directions, resigning to wander around the city until he found the duke's home.

 

Timothy was thinking of giving up and meeting Coovers at the inn when he found himself by the walls of the Magnolia estate. He walked to the gate, hoping to find the duke's crest above it or a K for Ketchum, but the gate was engraved with a cursive M for Magnolia. Timothy grew uneasy as he wondered how many other estates for nobility were in the city apart from Satoshi’s.

 

At that moment, the gate opened, and Lando exited dressed as a priest. He was warming his throat to have a low voice for the prank against Giovanni. Lando took a few steps to buy a fake beard at a costume shop because his old one was worn out when he saw Timothy standing by the gate. He noticed how nicely dressed Timothy was and raised his eyebrow.

 

“Decided to get married, did we?” Lando asked teasingly.

 

“I beg your pardon?” Timothy asked.

 

“Come now, sir. You don't need to play oblivious with me,” Nando said. “You must hope I summon the lady of the house so she could be so captivated that she'll give you her hand. Your chances of impressing her are good, but making such a move is no less bold considering the circumstances.”

It took a moment before Timothy looked at the estate's walls and realized the person he thought was a priest was talking about a noblewoman living in the house.

 

“Oh, no, good father. You misunderstand. My appearance is not for the lady you are referring to,” he said. “I'm looking for the Ketchum estate to see the duke.”

 

Lando looked at Timothy confused before he chuckled and said, “Good job keeping up this trick of yours and playing along with mine, though my act isn't ready yet. That said, what a page like you hopes to gain dressed like nobility before your master is quite the riddle.”

 

“Page? What are you talking about? I'm not a page,” Timothy said.

 

“Oh, of course, you're not,” Lando said sarcastically. “And this isn't my nose, these aren't my ears, Lady Sonia doesn't want to see you, and your name isn't Timothy. Nothing is what it is.”

 

“What? How do you know my name?” Timothy asked.

 

As Timothy and Lando talked, James and Faba returned from the marketplace. Faba was laughing with tears in his eyes while James told the story of Giovanni attempting to woo Sonia. But as soon as they saw Timothy talking to Lando, their cheerful smiles disappeared like flames blown out. Faba grew livid upon seeing Timothy nicely dressed, thinking the duke’s page was about to see Sonia again.

 

Faba marched toward Timothy, with James coming behind. He grabbed Timothy by the shoulder, turned him around, and punched him in the face. Timothy took a couple of steps back upon impact. It wasn't a powerful punch so much as it made Timothy wonder what had just happened.

 

“You dare step foot here again, you fiend? Have at thee!” Faba said.

 

Faba punched Timothy again, taking advantage of the fact that he was still confused. It took a moment for Timothy to realize he was being attacked just in time to knock Faba’s fist away before he could hit him again. Nando looked at Faba and James, surprised by the Alolan knight’s drive for violence.

 

“Sir Faba, what's gotten into you?” Nando asked. “Do you dare risk what Duke Satoshi will do to you for attacking this man?”

 

“If the duke witnessed what we’ve seen not too long ago, he would take my side and discharge this pissant,” Faba declared.

 

“For heaven's sake, has everyone in this city gone mad?” Timothy asked.

 

“If witnessing deception and betrayal causes a man to go mad, we would all end up in an asylum thanks to you,” James said.

 

“Indeed. Though I cannot draw my sword anymore, I must show a cur like you discipline,” Faba said. “If I cannot win the lady’s love by gaining an audience, I shall -”

 

Faba was so focused on his speech that he didn’t notice Timothy holding up his fist and punching him in the face. The impact left Faba dazed, leaving him open for Timothy to punch him in the nose. Timothy followed by punching Faba’s left cheek with a right hook, making him spin around while still clueless about what was happening around him. Finally, Timothy punched Faba in the gut, and Faba bent down, leaving him open for an uppercut, knocking him off his feet.

 

James and Nando stood stunned by Timothy’s fierce counter. Timothy drew his sword and held it to Faba’s neck with a stern glare. Faba squealed and held his hands in defense. Tears ran down his face as he thought Timothy was going to stab him in the throat. James drew his sword and knocked Timothy’s sword away from Faba, forcing him to step back. He stepped between Timothy and Faba, exchanging glares with his opponent while Faba stood up behind him.

 

“Put your sword away, sir. You’ve gotten excited by a taste of battle twice now,” James said.

 

“And you’re trying my patience,” Timothy said. “If there’s a misunderstanding, I suggest you make your friend tell me what he has against me. Perhaps we can clear it up if you two have the intelligence to try.”

 

“How dare you speak that way to me and my friend!” Faba shouted while still hiding behind James. “We are knights of our respective regions, and you will show us the respect we deserve from lowlives with you.”

 

Timothy scoffed and said, “If a rawboned coward like you deserves my respect, then I’m the queen mother of the Sinnoh region. Now, get out of my sight lest you want your blood spilled by my new sword.”

 

Faba screamed and hid his face behind James. James looked back to see Faba quivering before he turned back to Timothy with a dark glare.

 

“If that’s how you choose to behave, I will spill an ounce or two of your impudent blood,” James said.

 

With no other words, Timothy began swinging his sword first, aiming to put James on defense. James swung his sword fiercely to keep himself from losing ground while Faba backed away for fear of being cut. Nando stood puzzled as he watched Timothy and James fight, thinking neither acted like themselves. Any other day, James would be staying in the estate drinking yet he was clashing swords fiercely as though he never drank a day in his life. With Timothy, Serena had been a person of words and a calm demeanor, making it odd that the person Nando, James, and Faba thought was Satoshi's page behaved so violently. Combining that with Timothy not dressed in attendant clothes, the fool wondered if this was the same man his mistress fell for.

 

While Timothy and James fought, Sonia came out through the gate. She beamed as she searched the area for Timothy the Page, ready to hold him tight. As Sonia debated which way to go, she turned to where she heard swords clashing, and her face fell in horror.

 

“Halt, James!” Sonia screamed.

 

The men were so focused on their fight that only Nando and Faba heard Sonia. Sonia raced toward Timothy and James, frightened for Timothy's life. Timothy and James were caught in a blade lock, wrestling with their swords, until Sonia pushed James away from his opponent. James raised his sword to attack, only to see Sonia standing in front of Timothy, her arms spread apart to shield Timothy from her cousin.

 

“On my life, I command you to stop!” Sonia shouted. “Are you so drunk that you will attack men more noble than you without cause?”

 

“Nay, this man is not more noble than me, as Sir Faba can testify,” James declared.

 

“Sir Faba?” Sonia asked before turning to Faba, who walked to stand beside James, trying to pretend he wasn’t scared for his life. “You would have this scrawny dimwit back up your frivolous claim to be better than sweet Timothy? You ungrateful wretches are better off living in the mountains and caves far from civilization, where good manners are unnecessary.”

 

James, Faba, and Nando looked at Sonia, flabbergasted, having never heard her speak this way before. Tears began to run down Faba’s face again, feeling his ego shatter from Sonia’s harsh words as though it was made of thin glass. Timothy, on the other hand, stared at Sonia, wondering where she came from. The countess turned to Timothy, and his cheeks turned pink upon looking at her face. Sonia’s mouth quivered as she looked at Timothy, still shaken that his life was in danger. She hugged him tight and rested her head on his shoulder, taking Timothy aback as his cheeks went from pink to red.

 

“M-m-madam, what are you doing?” Timothy stuttered.

 

“Please, don’t be offended, dear Timothy. I swear on my life I don’t know what has become of my cousin and his friend,” Sonia said. “Let your wisdom, not your passion, guide you through these uncivilized actions against you.”

 

“U-u-uncivilized? Us?” Faba asked, trying to sound tough again. “If anything, the cur you’re holding is uncivilized.”

 

“He is right, Sonia, my cousin,” James said. “We’ve found this man to be -”

 

“Silence!” Sonia barked, breaking her hug with Timothy to look daggers at James and Faba. “I will not allow you to say another word against this man! The only curs I see are you two, and I forbid you to lay a finger on Timothy! Be gone!”

 

James and Faba stood taken aback, having never seen Sonia be so angry. After a moment, they hung their heads and walked back to the estate, accepting that Sonia was too infatuated to listen. Nando looked at his friends and then at Sonia, equally surprised by Sonia's demeanor. Then he looked at Timothy, who stared at Sonia with a look of amazement and confusion, with his cheeks still red. The Magnolia family's fool raised his eyebrow, for though he couldn't put his finger on why, he felt confident that this was not the same Timothy everyone knew based on how Timothy looked at Sonia as though he were looking at her for the first time. Sonia noticed Nando standing near her and Timothy and was confused with him dressed like a priest until she concluded that he was dressed for an act to amuse her as her jester.

 

“Nando, whatever act you're putting on, hold it off for another day. I would like to speak with Timothy alone,” Sonia commanded.

 

Nando stood still hesitantly, feeling sure the man beside Sonia was a stranger. After a few seconds, he reluctantly complied, returning to his errand. He looked back as he walked, hoping Sonia didn't put herself in danger before he went in. As Nando left, Timothy snapped out, gazing at Sonia and took a few seconds to remember what was happening before he spoke to Sonia again.

 

“Madam, I-”

 

“Hold, Timothy. Allow me to speak,” Sonia said. “I understand you must be offended that my kinsman and his friends have treated you so poorly. What in God's name could've possessed them to want to hurt a sweet soul like you I'll never understand. Curse James and that moronic Sir Faba. My heart was startled when I saw James clashing swords with you. Please, don't leave me and go to the duke. Come to my house. There's much I must say to you in private.”

 

Timothy stammered, unsure that a beautiful high-class lady truly knew his name and invited him to her house. Yet, as strange as it was, Sonia was by far the most sensible of the people he had just encountered. If nothing else, she intervened in a duel that might have resulted in his death. Hence, Timothy felt he owed Sonia in some way.

 

“Madam, I shall,” Timothy said.

 

Sonia's face lit up, and she said, “Oh, say it is so.”

 

Sonia jumped into Timothy's arms to squeeze him again. Timothy's blush returned as he stood still momentarily before hugging Sonia back. The countess held on to the embrace in bliss before she took Timothy by the hand and led him through the gate.

 

Timothy was astonished to see beyond the walls of Sonia's estate, for unlike his sister, he had never seen the inside of a high-ranking person's property. The sheer size of Sonia's courtyard on top of the fountains and gardens looked like something from a dream. When they reached the front door to the house, Sonia opened it and gestured to Timothy to come in first. Timothy took a bow as thanks before he went in. He walked a few steps before he stopped in awe of how fancy the interior looked. Timothy took another step to look around before Sonia stepped in front of him and put her hands on his face.

 

“Timothy, I know your thoughts about me, and you might find this too forward, but I cannot hold back anymore,” Sonia said. “If words are useless between us, then let my actions reach out to you.”

 

Timothy opened his mouth to ask what Sonia meant before she pulled his head toward her and smashed her lips together with his. Timothy let out a sound of surprise muffled by Sonia's mouth, and his face turned red. Sonia let out a soft moan of pleasure as she continued to move her lips against Timothy's. After half a minute, Sonia pulled her head back to look at the stunned Timothy lovingly, her hands still on his face.

 

“Words cannot describe how happy I am to show my love for you this way, sweet Timothy,” Sonia said. “I understand that you may be concerned about the outcome of a countess like me loving someone of your status, but you mustn't let that keep you from a life of love that neither you nor Serena ever knew.”

 

“Did you say Serena?” Timothy asked, befuddled.

 

“Yes, Serena. I wish she could see you now in the arms of a woman full of love for you, just as I wish my brother, Milo, could see me with a man like you,” Sonia said. “But we mustn't let the loss of our dear siblings keep us from seizing this moment. Come with me to the little chapel nearby. There, before the priest and under the sacred roof, you can swear your everlasting love for me, make your marriage vows, and soothe my jealous and doubtful soul. I promise to comfort you for losing Serena and only ask that you do the same for me for losing Milo until the end of our days. The priest will keep our marriage a secret until you're willing for it to be made public, and then we can have a full wedding ceremony and celebration that fits our rank as count and countess. What do you say?”

 

Timothy stood motionless, his face still red and his mouth hanging agape. After half a minute, he backed away from Sonia and turned his back on her to think about what was happening. Sonia's heart sank, thinking she was going to receive another rejection and request to marry Satoshi instead. She clasped her hands together in a silent prayer while Timothy stared at the floor, pondering what was happening.

 

“What is this? What is happening before me?” Timothy thought. “I'm invited into the house of a countess who, despite never meeting me, knows my identity and the grief of losing my dear sister. I’d think I'd gone mad had her arms, hands and lips not felt so real. I wish Coovers were here to tell me what he knows, if anything, of this countess and give me advice about her marriage proposal.”

 

Timothy sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, stressed by making such a big decision on the spot. He turned to Sonia and saw how her aqua eyes glimmered upon seeing his face, while the rest of her face showed that his lack of response put her in suspense. Timothy looked away again, debating with himself until the edges of his lips curled up.

 

“There is no hint of deception in her eyes. Despite all reason, Sonia loves me sincerely and is ready to build a marriage by comforting each other. It seems like fate is making restitution for taking away my sister by leading me to this woman ready to love me as my wife,” Timothy thought. “Well, if this is where fate has taken me, what else can I do?”

 

Satisfied with his logic, Timothy walked back to Sonia and took her by her hands. Sonia's heart leaped from the sudden action, and she looked into Timothy's eyes with hope. Timothy and Sonia's cheeks heated up as Timothy got down on one knee and kissed Sonia's hand.

 

“My lady, if you mean well, I'll follow you to this chapel and pledge to be faithful forever,” Timothy said.

 

Sonia's face lit up, and she screamed with joy. She got on her knees and hugged Timothy, kissing him all over his face. Timothy laughed as Sonia's lips tickled him before they stood up hand in hand.

 

“Then let us be off at once, and may God recognize and bless our marriage,” Sonia said.

 

With that, Timothy and Sonia exited the house and began racing to the gate hand in hand. Sonia led with a skip in her step, laughing with joy. When they reached the gate, Sonia stopped to kiss Timothy a few more times before going through the gate and took a turn to the chapel. As they ran, Timothy and Sonia looked at each other and smiled, not knowing the misunderstanding that led to their moment of bliss.

Chapter 15: Chapter 15

In the cellar on the far north side of the Magnolia estate, there was banging and screaming. Giovanni was resting on the drawing room sofa, having given up on Jessie unlocking the door, when several maids and butlers entered the room, grabbed him, bound him, and blindfolded him at Jessie's command. He kicked and screamed as they dragged him into the cellar with Jessie leading. The steward shouted threats and claims of being above everyone, but his cries only amused the staff, who Jessie let in on the joke.

 

When they went inside the cellar, a cook brought an old chair for his fellow employees to tie Giovanni's bonds to. They removed Giovanni's blindfold, for the cellar was below ground level, and its windows were closed outside, making it pitch black. The employees tiptoed out of the cellar, and Jessie locked the door, leaving Giovanni alone in the darkness.

 

For the next few hours, Jessie sat on a bench beside the cellar, reading a book while Giovanni screamed insults and demanded to see Sonia. Jessie then sent an attendant to fetch James and Nando with a message stating it was time. When they arrived, Jesse greeted them with a smile until she noticed James in a foul mood while Nando, still dressed in his priest costume, looked uneasy. Jesse looked at the men, puzzled, having expected them to be giddy for the final step of their prank.

 

“Gentlemen, what troubles you? Has something happened?” Jesse asked.

 

“Indeed. We discovered that Duke Satoshi's messenger, Timothy, is a lying, betraying rapscallion,” James said. “He's the type of man who fights dirty in duels, denies knowing his friends when they are in trouble and claims not to commit any wrongdoing. What's more is that Sonia continues to be fawning over him. Sir Faba and I tried to explain what a wicked man he is, but she refused to let us make our case. She accused us of being the villains while holding Timothy close.”

 

Jessie stared at James, befuddled with his claims against Satoshi’s page. She turned to Nando, who was adjusting his fake beard.

 

“Is this true?” Jessie asked.

 

Knowing Jessie trusted him more than James, Nando said, “I have not witnessed anything Sir James and Sir Faba have accused Timothy of. If anything, I've seen them cause trouble more than the man they accuse. Even so, there is something off about the Timothy we last came across, making me worried about our mistress coming to his aid.”

 

Jessie became confused again, wondering what Nando meant by “the Timothy we last came across” before she put it in the back of her mind.

 

“Well, if what you're saying is true, then we'll have to do something to prove it to Lady Sonia,” Jessie said. “In the meantime, let us focus on our prank on a man that we know for a fact is self-centered, boastful, and lustful.

 

James kept his sour expression until he remembered Giovanni's delusions of grandeur. His frown turned into a devious smirk as he turned to the closed cellar window, where they could faintly hear Giovanni's cries from the other side.

 

“You're right, Jessie. We should focus on one villain at a time,” James said. “Sonia may hate me right now, but if I can't deal with Timothy, I can at least do my duty as a caring cousin to punish one who craves nothing but her status and body. Perhaps if Sonia learns of our prank, she could be grateful for her steward being put in his place.”

 

“I seriously doubt that. With her kind heart, Lady Sonia would most likely be displeased with how far we've gone, whether Giovanni deserves it or not,” Jessie said. “Regardless, we've left Giovanni alone long enough. Nando, begin your performance.”

 

Nando nodded and did vocal warm-ups before he walked to the cellar window. He opened the window, and Giovanni turned to the light coming from it. Giovanni hoped Sonia was coming to his rescue until Nando appeared as a bearded priest. The butler's look of hope melted into a glare, immediately thinking his fellow servants sent a priest to exorcize him.

 

“Greetings. I am Sir Topas the Priest,” Nando said. “I am here to visit Giovanni the Lunatic. I assume you are the demonized man?”

 

“There is no Giovanni the Lunatic. I am as sane as can be,” Giovanni said. “If you wish to be of any worth, you will send my lady, Sonia, and -”

 

“Out! Out, you wicked devil!” Nando shouted. “See how you're hurting this man! Can't you talk about anything but ladies?! You fill him with ungodly thoughts about virtuous women!”

 

Jessie and James snickered, loving that Nando was secretly calling Giovanni out on his lust.

 

“There is no demon in me! I have been falsely accused of being mad when I am in my right mind!” Giovanni shouted. “It's my lady's staff you must draw your attention to. They left me here in this horrible darkness.”

 

“Oh, shame on you, dishonorable Satan! I address you with moderate language, for I'm one of those courteous people who will be polite even to the devil himself,” Nando said. “Did you say that this house is dark?”

 

“Dark as hell itself,” Giovanni said.

 

“Then the devil inside you must feel right at home. That means the demon is in a comfortable position, letting its guard down before I cast it out, yet I'm not convinced it is so,” Nando said. “The place you're confined in has bay windows as transparent as walls, and the upper windows facing toward the south-north are as clear as ebony. And you're complaining about darkness and a bad view?”

 

“Upper windows facing toward the south-north? Clear as ebony? What the devil are you talking about, you brainless priest?” Giovanni asked. “I am not mad, and this place is dark!”

 

“You, madman, are wrong. I say that there's no darkness but ignorance, and you're more ignorant than the Egyptians during Moses' plague of fog,” Nando said.

 

“And I say that this place is as dark as ignorance, and ignorance is as dark as hell itself. And I say that no man has ever been abused like I've been,” Giovanni said. “I'm no more crazy than you are. Ask me any question, and I'll prove my sanity.”

 

“Very well. I shall ask a question any sane man would answer instantly,” Nando said. “Only one color, but not one size. Stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies. Present in the sun, but not in the rain. Doing no harm and feeling no pain. What is it?”

 

The cellar became silent after Nando asked his question. Jessie and James looked at each other, unsure if they had heard Nando correctly. Nando fought the urge to smirk while Giovanni stared at him, for he knew the proud steward was never one for riddles. After half a minute, Giovanni’s confusion turned into anger, and he tried to get to the window to strangle Nando despite being bound to the chair.

 

“A question any man could answer in an instant? What ridiculous nonsense!” Giovanni barked. “My lady’s cousin and her lowly attendants think I'm demon-possessed, and yet a so-called priest says incoherent sentences. Get rid of your own evil spirits before you accuse a man as great as I of going mad!”

 

Nando gasped dramatically and said, “Oh, lord, save me. The demon inside this man is more stubborn than I thought. Not only does this man lack the sanity to answer a simple question, but the demon would twist a man to the point that he would accuse a holy man of being demon-possessed? I'm afraid this poor soul is beyond my abilities. Remain in the darkness, you wicked spirit. I shall pray unceasingly for your host.”

 

Giovanni's eyes widened as he realized his words recklessly made it sound more plausible that he had gone mad. His heart sank as Nando closed the window, covering the cellar in complete darkness again. Jesse and James laughed as Giovanni began screaming again, apologizing to Nando's character and begging to open the window again. Nando returned to his friends, pleased with his handiwork, and James gave him a firm handshake.

 

“Bravo. Bravo. A magnificent performance, good sir,” James praised.

 

“Indeed. Quick wit was just what was needed for the full extent of my plan,” Jessie said. “Your riddle was a nice touch. It showed that our proud victim is a bigger fool than we realize.”

 

“If you find my performance so grand, you haven't seen anything yet,” Nando said as he removed his beard and robe. “With permission from the mastermind, I shall come to him again as myself to further give the impression that everyone thinks he's mad.”

 

“Permission granted. Let Giovanni’s torment worsen before he learns that we are behind everything,” Jessie said.

 

Nando nodded and took a moment to prepare for his performance. He then began walking to the cellar window again, mimicking his guitar to make it sound like he was passing by playing. Jessie and James snickered before Jessie sushed James just as Nando began to sing.

 

Hey, Robin, jolly Robin,

Tell me how your lady is.

 

My lady is unkind indeed.

Alas, why is she like this?

She loves another man—Who's that shouting?

 

Giovanni continued to shout before he recognized Nando's voice. He looked at the window, and his face lit up with hope. As Nando passed by the window, Giovanni stomped his feet and shouted to get Nando's attention.

 

“Fool! Nando the Fool!” Giovanni roared. “I command you as your superior to come to my aid at once!”

 

Nando stopped singing and put his hand on his chin, pretending to wonder if he heard something. He turned to the window and then to Jessie and James with his hands on his cheeks as if to silently say, “Now, who could that be?” Jessie and James covered their mouths to hide their giggles as Nando opened the window and pretended to be surprised to find Giovanni inside.

 

“Why, Giovanni. So this is where you've been,” Nando said.

 

“Good fool, I'll certainly reward you if you'll help me get a candle, a pen, ink, and paper,” Giovanni said. “I swear on my word as a gentleman that I'll always be grateful to you for it.”

 

“I'm afraid your oaths mean nothing to me, dear Giovanni,” Nando said. “You are no gentleman. You're just a steward. Worse yet, you are a steward that's demon-possessed. It is a shame you have lost your sanity.”

 

“Fool, no one has ever been abused like I've been. I'm just as sane as you are,” Giovanni said.

 

“Just as sane as me? You must be crazy then if you're no saner than a fool,” Nando mocked.

 

“Come now, fool. You must aid me,” Giovanni said. “The staff have treated me like their property here, kept me in the darkness, and done all they can to drive me insane by pretending I am insane,”

 

“Ah, but there's no denying that you are insane. The Lord commanded that one must have two to three witnesses to make your case, and you presented your insanity to Lady Sonia, Sir James, Jessie, and myself. That makes four people witnessing that demon possessing you. You have nothing but your own words to counter us,” Nando said. “And besides, Sir Topas the Priest instructed us not to speak to you lest we get scolded. You must be patient until the demon leaves you.”

 

“If there are such things as demons, I can testify that I am not driven mad by one,” Giovanni said.

 

“But how do you know you're not possessed by a demon if you don't even believe they exist?” Nando asked. “Now that I think about it, your disbelief must've made it easy for the demon to pick you as its prey. It knew you wouldn't say your prayers to rebuke it because you don't believe in its kind.”

 

“Fool! Demons or no demons, I'm as sane as any man in Kanto!” Giovanni barked. “Now, help me find a candle and some paper, and then deliver the letter I'll write to my lady. You'll be better rewarded for delivering this letter than you've ever been rewarded before.”

 

“That is quite the claim, but I will not be tempted. Demons will say anything to be free and cause terror wherever they go. Same for a man who has gone mad without a demon,” Nando said.

 

“I am not mad! I am telling you the truth!” Giovanni screamed. “I am as sane as I am handsome, virtuous, and craved by Countess Sonia Magnolia! You will believe me! I command it!”

 

“Nay, I'll never believe a madman until he's dead, and I can see his brains,” Nando said. “I'll bring a candle, paper, and ink, but I won't give them to you until you can describe what a shadow is.”

 

“Describe a shadow?! I'll describe my wrath against you for defying me!” Giovanni roared. “No witty remarks to amuse my lady will save you from being forced to grovel at my feet while she massages my shoulders and kisses my head!”

 

Nando yelped, pretending to be frightened, and shouted, “God, help me! The demon wants to beat me and have my mistress as his sex slave! Oh, why didn't I listen to the priest and leave this fellow alone? Sorry, steward, but you are on your own! May God show pity to your unbelieving soul!”

 

Giovanni's face fell as he realized his anger got the better of him again. Before he could utter a word, Nando slammed the window shut and ran through the grass to make it look like he ran in fear. The steward whimpered with his mouth hanging a gape, thinking he ruined his chance for freedom.

 

“FOOL! FOOL, COME BACK!” Giovanni screamed. “I'M SORRY I SCARED YOU! I SWEAR MY TEMPER GOT THE BETTER OF ME! NOT A DEMON! PLEASE, LET ME OUT! MY LADY MUST BE WORRIED SICK WITH HER SECRET LOVE MISSING! COME BACK AND I'LL ABSOLVE YOU WHEN I'M COUNT! I'M NOT MAD! I'M NOT MAD!!!”

 

Giovanni screamed so loud that he couldn't hear Jessie and James laughing. They ran to catch up with Nando just as he sat on one of the benches beside a fountain to catch his breath. The pranksters sat down and laughed until their sides were sore. Jessie leaned her head on James's shoulder as tears ran down her face.

 

“I don't know what's funnier. Him still screaming he isn't mad or that he still thinks Sonia's in love with him,” James chortled.

 

“I have my favorite part of the joke. I gave him the answer to my riddle and he doesn't know it,” Nando said.

 

“How so?” Jessie asked.

 

“The answer to my riddle is a shadow. A shadow only has one color but no size. It sticks to the bottom yet easily flies, and can appear in the sun but not in the rain. A shadow can do no harm nor feel any pain,” Nando explained. “And when I came as myself, I said I would do what he asked if he described what a shadow is. If he knew my first question was a riddle and thought about other things than himself, he might’ve had a chance to figure it out. Now, he’s left thinking Tobas the Priest and Nando the Fool were speaking nonsense to him, not knowing that they are the same people and that he gave both the question and the answer to the riddle.”

 

Jessie and James laughed harder with James slapping his knee and Jessie wiping a tear from her eye.

 

“Well, whatever the case, It’s clear that we’ve reached the full extent of our prank,” James said. “Personally, I want this foolishness to be over soon. I'm in so much trouble with my cousin that I can't safely pursue this prank any longer.”

 

“In that case, I’ll arrange for the maids to release him in a couple of hours. Then he can meet with Lady Sonia and discover everything was done according to my design,” Jessie said, her head held high in pride. “With that in mind, gentlemen, I declare that it is time for you to give my reward for conducting my ingenious scheme.”

 

Nando’s eyes widened, and he jumped out of his seat to bow to Jessie with his hands above his head.

 

“Yes, yes, and thrice, yes!” Nando exclaimed. “All hail Jessie: Queen of Pranks! Long may you reign! Your accomplishment will be remembered for years to come!”

 

“Long live the Queen of Pranks,” James agreed. “And now, it is time to deliver you your second reward.”

 

Jessie turned to James and opened her mouth to ask what he meant before James touched her cheek and pressed his lips against hers. Nando froze mid-bow, stupefied as though James kissed a literal queen without her consent. Jessie’s eyes shrank to the size of grains of salt, and she remained still even after James pulled back. It took several seconds before Jessie snapped out of her daze and glared at a smiling James.

 

“What the devil possessed you to do that?!” she shrieked.

 

“I’m merely fulfilling my second promise,” James said, unfazed. “I said that after completing your plan, I would also declare you the Queen of my Heart. That kiss was to seal the deal.”

 

Jessie scoffed and said, “You are unbelievable, Jamison Tobias Doogie Brian Cathcart. Your daily drinking truly messed with your brain this time.”

 

“And what proof do you have that I have been drinking?” James asked. “Did you detect any wine or ale when I did what I should’ve done years ago?”

 

Jessie opened her mouth but stopped before she uttered a word. She looked away from James in thought, and her face fell as she realized there was no taste of alcohol in his breath. Nando looked at Jessie and then at James as it hit him that he hadn’t seen James drink since their party the night before. Jessie turned to James again, and his smile grew, knowing his point was made.

 

“You’ve been resisting the urge to drink like you said,” Jessie said.

 

“I told you I’d give it a shot for you,” James said. “And it’s high time we stop holding back on our feelings. If you agree, then come to the chapel with me.”

 

Jessie and Nando stared at James, taken aback by his boldness. Jessie’s cheeks flared as she imagined her and James indulging in expressing their feelings after bottling them up for many years. Yet, Sonia’s lady-in-waiting couldn’t deny that her heart desired James to make a bold move for so long. With a smile, Jessie scooted closer to James and returned his kiss.

 

“I will go,” Jessie said before turning to Nando. “And you shall be our witness.”

 

Nando’s face lit up, and he sprung out of his seat, saying, “I would be honored to witness my two friends make this momentous step in their lives. Let us make haste. The Queen of Pranks’ wedding beckons.”

 

Jessie and James laughed at how their friend used the bride’s new title. Hand in hand, the new couple stood up from the bench and began making their way to the front gate. Nando danced around them like a child to express his excitement. Jessie rested her head on James’ shoulder as they walked, relishing the moment. After so many years of working to help Sonia and her family be happy, the countess’ lady-in-waiting was ready to achieve her happiness with her childish yet sincere knight.

Chapter 16: Chapter 16

When Serena caught up with the officers taking Coovers to Satoshi, they stopped at the town center to meet up with more officers patrolling the streets. The officers laughed and jeered, amused that their master's old enemy dared to step foot in Kanto, much less Viridian City. Serena pleaded with the captain to let her speak with Coovers, but the captain refused, opting to not let anyone speak with the prisoner before he was taken to Satoshi. It didn't help that as soon as Serena appeared, Coovers began screaming insults at her again, including vulgar remarks about her mother before the soldiers gagged him.

 

Eventually, another group of officers met up with them and reported that Satoshi was having a meeting with businessmen from Saffron City. The captain ordered the officers to go to Satoshi and inform him of capturing Coovers, so Serena and the other officers were forced to wait for Satoshi to meet them. A couple of hours later, Satoshi came with his escort. Coovers continued to give Serena a dark look until the officers forced him to look in Satoshi's direction. Satoshi raised his eyebrow and smirked at the sight of Coovers bound and gagged as though he were a lifelong rival from a rich and powerful house he was feuding with, beaten and bruised.

 

“Do my eyes deceive me? Coovers Woodward in the flesh?” Satoshi asked. “I struggle to believe you are here even as you stand before me.”

 

“Your eyes do not deceive you, my lord,” the captain said. “This is the same man who blew off your cousin Goh's leg with a cannon, along with killing many others and refused to pay his contribution when the quarrel with Unova was over. We arrested him here in the streets, where he was recklessly dueling as if he didn't care that we might recognize him.”

 

“My lord, I must protest, for this man saved my life,” Serena said.

 

Satoshi looked at Serena, confused, and asked, “Saved your life? What are you talking about, Timothy?”

 

“I took part in the duel the captain is talking about,” Serena said. “A friend of Lady Sonia's cousin, Sir Faba, challenged me to a duel for reasons he refused to say. We were clashing swords until Mr. Woodward came and offered to fight in my stead, saying whatever I've done to offend my opponent should fall to him. Mr. Woodward and Lady Sonia’s cousin fought until the officers came to arrest Mr. Woodward.”

 

Satoshi turned to the captain and asked, “Is this true?”

 

“Yes, sir. We did find Sir James dueling with Coovers Woodward before we arrested him, and your page has said as much as to what started the duel,” the captain said. “I should note that Coovers also claimed that the page had his purse.”

 

“You have his purse, Timothy?” Satoshi asked.

 

“Nay, that is the one thing that was especially strange to me, my lord,” Serena said. “He said I borrowed his purse, but I never met him before he came to my aid. He refused to let me pay him to express my gratitude, insisting I have his purse.”

 

Satoshi raised his eyebrow as Serena told her story. He turned his gaze to Coovers and waved his hand to the officers to remove the gag. The captain removed the gag, expecting Coopers to shout at Serena again, but the Unova man glared at Satoshi and Serena in silence.

 

“Coovers Woodward, you have some gall to come into my domain, you greedy, warmongering liar,” Satoshi declared. “Your deeds against my fleet and my dear cousin, Goh, are known to everyone in my house, court, and military. I can't imagine for the life of me why you would return to Kanto unless by chance you are not aware of how many enemies you have created. What's more, while I thank you for coming to my dear page’s aid, you have proved your guilt in being greedy for money not just by refusing to pay your contribution but by claiming Timothy has your purse, expecting more money out of him than he would have given you out of gratitude from the bottom of his heart. What do you have to say for yourself, villain?”

 

“Satoshi, noble sir, I deny the names you give me. I merely did my duty as a sailor for my region, and though I admit it has made me your enemy, I have good and solid reasons not to pay,” Coovers said before turning to Serena. “As for why I am in your region, it was against my will. I was working for a passenger ship sailing by the Kanto region when a storm washed me and this man to Fuchsia City. I saved him from the jaws of death and thought we had developed a bond where I would consider him my brother. It was only for his sake that I risked coming here. Yet, while he told me that he owes me his life, he did not hesitate to deny knowing me when your men arrested me. He even refused to give me my purse that I had given him this morning. If you had just hired Timothy Durbin to be your page, know that this wretch is the real greedy liar you accuse me of being.”

 

Satoshi looked daggers at Coovers as his hands turned into balls of fists.

 

“I ought to have my men hold you down so I can beat you for making such an accusation against Timothy," Satoshi snarled. “Though now that I think about it, do you mean to tell me you've been here in Viridian City for days without my men catching you?”

 

“Timothy and I arrived here on a ship this morning. We went our separate ways so he could make his case with you,” Coovers said.

 

“Ha! Now, there can be no doubt that you are lying,” Satoshi said. “Timothy has been under my employment for days. He was here this morning when I gave him a ring to give to the woman of my heart. Captain, your men escorted Timothy to Lady Sonia's estate so he could gain an audience with Sonia 2 days ago. Didn’t you?”

 

“Yes, sir. We did,” the captain said.

 

“There you have it. Testimonies proving Timothy has been my valuable page since before you stepped foot here,” Satoshi said.

 

Coovers looked at Satoshi and then at the captain, confounded that they took Serena's side. He tried to think of how to counter their case, but there was no way he could say anything to make his case creditable. Serena looked at Coovers sympathetically, imagining his frustration. She wanted to reveal her identity out of hope that Coovers could confirm that her brother was alive and the real Timothy was the one he went to Viridian City with. It wouldn't have been the most tactful way to tell the truth, but it was tempting for no other reason than to ease Coovers's mind for what it was worth.

 

“My lord, Countess Sonia approaches!” an officer shouted.

 

All eyes turned to the officer pointing past them and then in the direction he was pointing. Satoshi’s face lit up at the sight of Sonia, who walked toward everyone with three of her attendants following. Serena's heart ached from how the man she loved stared at another woman. Then she noticed that Sonia's eyes were fixed on her, and she had an annoyed expression. Serena grew uneasy as she wondered if Sonia had heard about the duel, and that made the countess upset with her somehow.

Sonia kept her eyes on Serena until she noticed Satoshi standing beside her. Though they had never met, Sonia had heard enough about Satoshi’s appearance on top of his high-class blue suit that he was the duke. Sonia put on a wooden expression to show neither friendliness nor disrespect to the region's ruler. She and her attendants walked until they were a few feet away from Satoshi, Serena, Coovers, and the officers, and Satoshi walked over to kiss Sonia's hand.

 

“Sonia, my dear, it's taken too long for us to meet face to face. You truly are an angel walking on this Earth,” Satoshi said.

 

“My lord, what do you want, except for the one thing you cannot have that I can help you with?” Sonia asked before she turned to Serena with another annoyed look. “Timothy, you broke your promise. And why are you back in your uniform?”

 

“Back in my uniform?” Serena asked in confusion.

 

“Gracious Sonia,” Satoshi began, not paying attention to Sonia's focus on Serena.

 

“My lord, let me stop you there,” Sonia said. “If you're just going to repeat the same old things, then it will be as pleasant to my ears as hearing howling after listening to beautiful music.”

 

“Oh, why are you so cruel, dear Sonia?” Satoshi asked.

 

“I am not cruel, my lord. I am being consistent,” Sonia said.

 

“Consistent in what? Being horrible?” Satoshi asked. “I have breathed from my soul the most faithful, devoted offerings possible, but they've only been shut down without any hesitation or remorse. What else can I do?”

 

“Do whatever pleases you, my lord. Only accept that your dream to win my heart is dead on arrival before I go mad,” Sonia said. “Now, if you don't mind, I must speak privately with Timothy.”

 

Satoshi looked at Sonia in confusion until he noticed her looking at Serena anxiously. He turned to Serena, who grew uneasy from Sonia paying attention to her. The woman in disguise tried to keep a straight face, pretending nothing was going on, but her silence only further implied what she didn't want Satoshi to discover. The man Serena loved furrowed his brow as he put the pieces together, and he stepped between Sonia and Serena in jealousy.

 

“Very well, you cold-hearted beauty. If you wish to never see me again I shall begrudgingly respect your wishes,” Satoshi said. “Only know that I leave you alone, taking Timothy with me. Whatever has been going on between the two of you is over, for I care about him, too. If you'll excuse us, I have a prisoner who needs to be judged. Timothy, to me.”

 

“I remain at your side, my lord. I'd cheerfully, readily, and willingly die a thousand deaths if it would bring you peace,” Serena declared.

 

Satoshi smirked, pleased that Serena took his side without hesitation. He turned around to walk in the direction of his estate, with Serena and the officers following behind him with Coovers. Sonia ran to Serena and grabbed her by the arm, forcing her to stop walking.

 

“Timothy, what are you doing?” Sonia asked.

 

“I'm following my master, who I love more than I love my eyes or my life, far more than I'll ever love a wife,” Serena answered.

 

Sonia looked at Serena, crushed, and asked, “More than you could ever love a wife? How can you say that to me? Were you deceiving me when we last saw each other?”

 

“How could I deceive you? Everything I said when we had tea was the honest to God truth,” Serena asked.

 

“Then perhaps by some strange misfortune, you've forgotten your own actions even when it hasn't been that long,” Sonia said before turning to one of her attendants. “Fetch the priest who was with us earlier.”

 

One of the attendants took a bow and raced toward the chapel. Sonia grew anxious again, fearing the person she loved went back on their vows that disregarded their places in society. Serena took the opportunity to yank Sonia's grip on her arm while distracted. Sonia turned to Serena in shock as Serena jogged to catch up with Satoshi. The countess’s shock turned into frustration, and she stormed to catch up with them, her attendants following her again.

 

“Timothy, husband, I command you to stay!” Sonia shouted.

 

Satoshi, Serena, Coovers, and the officers stopped in their tracks. They paused momentarily, wondering if they heard Sonia right before they turned to face her again. Satoshi stared at Sonia and then at Serena, who looked at the countess in disbelief.

 

“Did you just call him husband?” Satoshi asked.

 

“Aye, I did,” Sonia said. “We went to the chapel today to elope, and now I am Sonia Durbin. Then, Timothy left, claiming that he wouldn't take long to go to the Elegant Elephant Inn to tell his dear friend, Coovers, the news.”

 

Coovers turned to Serena and asked, “Timothy, is this true? You were going to tell me that you married this woman?”

 

Sonia turned to Coovers, surprised that her husband's friend was there and held by Satoshi’s men. Serena's eyes widened, and her mouth dropped as it hit her that her brother married the woman Satoshi tried to woo on top of being a friend of his enemy. Her shock turned to fear as Satoshi walked to face her with a jealous glare.

 

“Are you Sonia's husband?” Satoshi asked.

 

“N-no, sir. Not me. There has to be a misunderstanding,” Serena said.

 

“Oh, poor Timothy. Your fear is so great that it makes you disguise your true feelings,” Sonia said. “But don't be afraid, my love. Reach out and accept your good fortune. Be the person you know you are, and then you will be as powerful as the person you fear as the new count of Viridian City.”

Serena’s fear grew as Satoshi continued to look daggers at her. A minute later, Sonia's attendant came back with a priest. Sonia's face lit up as her attendant guided the priest to her. She took the priest by the hand and turned to Satoshi and Serena with a confident smirk.

 

“Father, we wanted to hide it, but the time has come earlier than expected to reveal the truth,” Sonia said before pointing at Serena. “What do you know has happened between this man and me?”

All eyes turned to the priest in anticipation. Serena mentally prayed that the priest would deny knowing her or having anything to do with her or Sonia. The priest looked at Sonia and then at Serena before he smiled and turned to Satoshi, Coovers, and the officers.

 

“The countess and this man made an oath of eternal love, which was confirmed by joining hands, proved by a holy kiss, and strengthened by an exchange of rings,” the priest said. “I witnessed and approved all of this in my official capacity as a priest. They are indeed united in matrimony before God.”

 

Serena's heart sank with Sonia's last piece of evidence delivered. More than ever, she wished Timothy or a look-alike Sonia mistook Serena for was there to prove her innocence. Satoshi’s officers stared at Serena, shocked that a page appeared to have conducted a scheme against their master. Coovers stood puzzled, wondering what prompted his friend to suddenly marry a countess, much less one the duke had eyes on. Serena begrudgingly looked at Satoshi to see the look of betrayal in his hazel eyes. The duke took a deep breath through his nose to keep himself from screaming in rage before he spoke venomously.

 

“You treacherous snake. How quick were you to go behind my back?” Satoshi said. “I suppose this is what I get for relying on a new page to do something I should have done myself. Either way, you are discharged. Take your wife and enjoy the fine life you crave. Only stay where you and I will never meet again.”

 

Serena felt her heart break as though it was a ball of glass smashed by a sledgehammer. Whether Satoshi saw her as a man or a woman, she couldn't bear the idea of the man she loved casting her out of his life. Satoshi turned to begin waking to his estate, but before he could take a step, Serena wrapped her arms around him from behind, holding him back.

 

“Filth, release me, or you'll spend your first night as a count in the dungeon,” Satoshi said coldly.

 

“My lord, please. I promise I’m not the person she says I am,” Serena begged with tears in her eyes.

“Oh, don't promise or deny our love in any way, Timothy,” Sonia said. “Keep a little faith. Faith in me. In us, even though you're so afraid of -”

 

“Help! Help!”

 

All eyes turned to the south side of the street to find Faba running toward them. The Alolan knight ran frantically with his face full of fear and his hand on his left cheek which was red and swollen. He was followed by James, Nando, and Jessie. James had a vertical cut on his forehead, and Jessie put pressure on the cut with her handkerchief. Sonia's eyes widened at the sight of her cousin injured while Satoshi furrowed his brow and shook off Serena's hold on him to face the knights and their companions.

 

“What is the meaning of this?” Satoshi asked.

 

“Sir, he's a madman! A madman, I tell you!” Faba squealed. “Sir James and I went to face him for being a dishonorable scoundrel, but he retaliated by beating me and cutting Sir James with his sword!”

 

“Who? Who has done this to you?” Satoshi asked.

 

“It was your servant, Timothy,” James said.

 

“Timothy?” Sonia asked before turning to Serena. “Darling, is this true?”

 

Faba turned to Serena, and he screamed in a high-pitched voice.

 

“You! How could you have gotten here before us?” he squealed. “You weren't chasing us when we ran from you!”

 

“What are you talking about? I have done no harm to you apart from hitting you in the groin during our duel,” Serena said.

 

“Bah! Again, you deny any wrongdoing when it's convenient for you!” James shouted. “You didn't hesitate to start another fight against us, disregarding our superiority against you!”

 

“Didn't hesitate to start a fight? I find that hard to believe,” Sonia said. “Given your actions not 2 hours ago, it is more plausible that you started whatever quarrel led to Timothy hurting you. For that matter, you foolish knights have some nerve to start another fight after I rebuked you for attempting to take my Timothy's life. Furethermore, Timothy and I are married, so you will show respect for the new count of Viridian City.”

 

“You're what?!” Jessie screamed.

 

“Cousin, have you gone mad? You're so infatuated that you would marry this wicked man?” James shouted. “If you had only let us make our case, you would realize that you taint your family name with the idea of marrying him.”

 

“The only wicked men I see are you lot. I wouldn't dream of considering Timothy to be of any fault,” Sonia said coldly.

 

“But, it's true, my lady. Sir James and Sir Faba have told us that the duke's servant has been a lying, treacherous, violent rapscallion,” Jessie said.

 

“Indeed, I tried to convince Sir James and Sir Faba that fighting wasn't the answer, but they felt it their duty to fight on your behalf,” Nando said. “If I may say so, most high countess, I feared that Timothy was not who you think he is and wished you had let Sir James and Sir Faba explain their actions before saying your wedding vows.”

 

“Well, I don't know about my ex-servant being violent, but labeling him as lying and treacherous lines up,” Satoshi said.

 

“Oh, for heaven's sake, will these accusations never end!” Serena shouted before pointing her finger at Faba with an annoyed glare. “You were the one who challenged me to a duel without cause! I tried to be reasonable, but you disregarded my attempts without a second thought. I have not damaged your face nor cut Lady Sonia's cousin, but I applaud who did, considering it punishment for your reckless desire to claim my life! I swear on my brother's soul that I hope someone knocks some sense into you before things get worse for you by my hand, Mr. Woodward’s, or anyone else!’

 

Sonia looked at Serena in confusion and said, “I thought Serena's your only sibling.”

 

Serena's face fell, and she froze in place, realizing her mistake. She opened her mouth to say something, but she couldn't think of a story about having another sibling. James and Faba smirked, thinking Sonia caught their enemy in a lie. Satoshi, however, turned to Sonia with his face fallen, as though saying Serena's name made him forget everything else.

 

“Did you say Serena?” Satoshi asked.

 

“Aye, I did,” Sonia said.

 

“And didn't you say your married name is Durbin?” Satoshi asked.

 

“Yes. What of it?” Sonia asked.

 

Satoshi’s eyes widened and he looked down in thought. Sonia, Jessie, Faba, Nando, the priest, Sonia’s attendants, and Satoshi’s officers looked at the duke in confusion. Coovers watched Satoshi with a feeling of hope that knowing who Timothy's sister is might work to his friend's advantage despite thinking he was betrayed. Serena didn't know whether to be hopeful or concerned with how the man she loved would react.

 

Finally, the edges of Satoshi’s lips curled up, and he chuckled with his mouth closed before he burst out laughing with his head up. Everyone around him was taken aback by his laughter, and some bystanders looked at their ruler, thinking he had gone mad. But Satoshi paid no mind, for he was lost in his own world where he felt his jealousy and desire for Sonia disappear. After a minute, Satoshi turned to Serena and smiled as though he was laughing with an old friend.

 

“Of course. It all makes sense now. Your last name is Durbin, so you must be Timothy Durbin, twin brother of Serena, the girl who helped me all those years ago,” Satoshi said. “I feel so foolish for not realizing this sooner. I've been so lost in my little world revolving around Sonia that your name didn't trigger my memory, and put together that sweet Serena's brother is my new page. Now that I think about it, you described her appearance the other night, wondering if I remember her. Didn't you? Is that why you asked what I would do if Serena was in love with me? Does the Serena I know, by some miracle, feel that way even if I don't deserve her?”

 

Serena stammered, dumbfounded by how Satoshi put the pieces together. Then she chuckled sheepishly, thinking of how Satoshi’s accusations weren't entirely off. Satoshi’s smile grew, interpreting Serena's reaction as his page being shocked that he figured out his scheme for his sister. The next thing Serena knew, the man she loved put his hands on her shoulder and looked at her with excitement and hope in his hazel eyes.

 

“Timothy, please, tell me where your sister is,” Satoshi demanded. “On my honor, I will forgive your transgressions against me. I'll even give you all my wealth as a wedding present. Only please tell me where Serena is. If she is unmarried and remembers me fondly, I want nothing more than to see her again. Nothing else matters to me. Not even if your bride was single and loved me more than I loved her.”

Serena's eyes widened, and her cheeks heated up. The fact that the man she loved unknowingly confessed his desire to be with her made her heart race with joy. She wanted to remove her disguise and reveal that she was the person Satoshi wanted, expecting him to pull her in a tight hug. Yet, even as the duke forfeited pursuing Sonia, doubt festered in the honey-blonde woman's mind, thinking Satoshi might go back on his declaration out of anger for deceiving him.

 

Jessie, James, Faba, Nando, the priest, Sonia’s attendants, and Satoshi’s officers remained confused, having never heard any mention of Satoshi’s page having a sister or that he might be in love with her. Sonia and Coovers, on the other hand, looked at Satoshi in sympathy. In their eyes, the woman he wanted to see drowned in the ocean, and her brother was struggling to tell him because it was so painful for him. With a sigh, Sonia took Serena's hand and stepped between her and Satoshi, giving the duke an apologetic look.

 

“My lord, I wish to speak on my husband's behalf,” Sonia said. “I'm afraid Serena has -”

 

“Sonia!”

 

All eyes turned to the direction Jessie, James, Nando, and Faba came from to see Timothy racing toward them. The real Timothy ran to his wife with a bright smile, not noticing the group of people stupefied by his sudden appearance. Timothy stopped in front of Sonia and placed his hand on her cheek before planting a kiss on her lips.

 

“So sorry I took so long, darling,” Timothy said. “I looked for Coovers but didn't find him at the inn. I looked around the area to see if he was nearby when your cousin and his friends approached me. I admit I might have gotten a little carried away in defending myself when they attacked me again. Please, forgive me, dear.”

 

Sonia was too stunned to respond. Reason suggested that this was the Timothy she married, given that he wore the clothes she last saw him in and his kiss was familiar. Still, Sonia was bewildered that there were two Timothy Durbins at once. Timothy's smile turned to a confused frown, wondering why Sonia looked at him as though she wasn't sure who he was. Then, he looked past her and saw Coovers and his face lit up for a moment before he realized that Coovers was not wearing his disguise and several officers were standing beside him on opposite sides. Timothy rushed to his friend with a worried look, not noticing Coovers being as confused as Sonia.

 

“Coovers! I was looking for you at the inn, but you weren't there,” Timothy said. “What happened?”

 

Coovers stared at Timothy silently for a moment before he asked, “Are you truly Timothy? The one I survived the shipwreck with and came to Viridian City with this morning? The one I lent my wallet to?”

 

“Of course I am,” Timothy said looking at his friend as though he told an odd joke. “Who else would I be?”

 

“Well, it's just that I'm seeing two Timothys who are identical in every way apart from their clothes,” Coovers said before turning to Serena. “Did you split into two people when last we saw each other, or did you have an identical brother with the same name?”

 

Timothy looked at Coovers, confused, before he turned to where his friend was looking. His face fell as he looked at the person who matched his facial appearance to a tee. Serena looked back at Timothy with tears coming from her eyes, for she was now sure of the truth. Timothy slowly walked to Serena in puzzlement while everyone else watched, eager for answers.

 

“Who are you?” Timothy asked. “I do not have the power to split myself unless I gained the ability and didn't know it. I also don't have a brother with the same name and appearance as me, but I had a sister who could mimic my appearance perfectly.”

 

“And I had a brother who could mimic my appearance perfectly,” Serena said. “Did you lose your sister in a storm in the sea?”

 

“I did,” Timothy said. “We were performers traveling to Alola from Kalos, our home region.”

 

“So were we. My father died when we were very little. I inherited his hair, while my brother inherited our mother's,” Serena said.

 

“I inherited my mother's brown hair and my father's green eyes, while my sister had my father's honey blonde hair and my mother's blue eyes,” Timothy said. “But your eyes are green like mine. You can't be who I hope you are unless…”

 

Serena smiled, tears still running down her face. She removed her contacts, revealing her ocean-blue eyes, then took off her wig, letting out her honey-blonde hair. Timothy's eyes widened, and he paused before taking off Serena's fake goatee. The twins stood still for a moment before Timothy smiled with tears in his eyes.

 

“Serena,” he said.

 

“Timothy,” Serena said.

 

Timothy and Serena were silent for a moment before they chuckled in relief. Then, their mouths quivered, and they hugged each other, crying. Sonia watched them with both hands covering her mouth and tears running down her face. Coovers put the pieces together with the misunderstanding and then smiled warmly, happy for the twins. Jessie, James, Nando, Faba, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and the officers, however, were flabbergasted, thinking they saw a man magically transform into a woman.

 

“What the devil is going on?!” James shouted. “Has going two days without any wine or ale led me to hallucinate?! How are there two Timothy Durbins, and one of them is a woman?!”

 

Timothy and Serena broke their hug and chuckled as they wiped the tears from their eyes and turned to face James.

 

“This is the real Timothy Durbin,” Serena said, pointing at her brother. “I'm his twin sister, Serena. We were street performers disguising ourselves as each other for our acts before we were separated from a shipwreck. I thought my brother was dead, and so I disguised myself as a man to get a job, taking Timothy's name in his memory. I'm the page who was visiting your cousin on the duke's behalf.”

 

“And I came to the city this morning with my friend before I married your cousin,” Timothy added.

 

“So, you admit to being a liar just as we accused you of being,” Faba said, angrily pointing at Serena. “As a knight, this makes it my right to discipline you for tricking your superiors.”

 

“I'd advise against that, Sir Faba,” Nando said. “Liar or not, she's the sister of a count now, which makes her a lady of the court by marriage. They both outrank you now. To say nothing of how Timothy has proved perfectly capable of fending you and Sir James off. Go after his sister, who he thought was dead, and your swollen cheek may be the least of your worries.”

 

“Er, well, they are not officially recognized as members of the court yet, so logically, we still have time to challenge them to a duel,” Faba said nervously. “Better yet, I'll sue both for assault and battery if there's any justice and law in Kanto. I struck him first, but that shouldn't matter.”

 

“It does matter, you imbecile. You attacked me, so I have the grounds to sue,” Timothy said.

 

“But you are the one who harmed me and Sir James, so I automatically win,” Faba claimed smugly.

 

Timothy, Serena, Sonia, Jessie, James, Nando, the priest, the attendants, and the officers looked at Faba as though the grown man had suddenly started babbling like a 4-year-old. James rolled his eyes while Jessie pinched the bridge of her nose before giving Faba a stern glare. She put James's hand on her handkerchief to have him put pressure on his wound while she stormed in front of Faba and pointed at him like a teacher disciplining her delinquent student.

 

“Now, listen here, you self-entitled dolt! I've had enough of you making dimwitted statements while thinking you are entitled to respect or my lady's hand in marriage!” Jessie barked. “My James has his moments of stupidity, but at least he has his drunkenness as an excuse and is working to overcome his addiction! You, on the other hand, are stupidity personified! I tolerated your presence because your biggest crime was being someone James could get drunk with when you weren't bothering my mistress! Now, you've been causing fights because you can't get your way causing more harm for yourself and your friends! If that cut inflicted on my husband leaves a scar, I'll never forgive you, you gullible, scrawny jackass!”

 

Faba gasped in a high-pitched voice and said, “Sir James, are you willing to let your woman speak to me like that? I thought she had better sense than to speak to a knight like that.”

 

Jessie clenched her teeth and made a fist, ready to punch Faba on his uninjured cheek. Before she could take a step toward him, James stood between Jessie and Faba, giving the latter a sullen look.

 

“If Jessie wasn't afraid to speak to a knight like that, she wouldn't have been rightfully rebuking me for years,” James said. “And now that she's let it out, I may as well say I agree with my wife. You are a dimwitted fool who I tried to set up with my cousin because of your wealth. I see now that I was a fool to encourage you for so long, and I will not tolerate you speaking so condescendingly about Jessie.”

 

Faba’s mouth dropped, flabbergasted. Jessie crossed her arms and gave her husband a smirk of approval. The Alolan knight stepped back in shock, feeling James's words hit him like a ton of bricks before turning to Nando, who struggled not to laugh.

 

“And what of you, fool? Do you think of me as stupid? That I'm a bigger fool than you?” Faba said.

 

“If you ask my honest opinion, sir, then I say asking if you're a fool so that you may be aware may be the smartest thing you've ever done,” Nando said. “As I've said to Giovanni not too long ago, I am a fool by choice for my occupation while you let delusions of grandeur give material to mock you. Furthermore, adding to Sir James talking about your wealth, allow me to give advice from one fool to another. Money can buy you many things, but unfortunately, smarts isn't one of them, and he who exalts himself will be humbled.”

 

Faba gasped in a high-pitched voice again as he felt his reality continue to shatter. Jessie covered her mouth as she snickered while James pointed at Nando as he nodded at Faba as if to say, “There you have it.” After a few seconds, Faba shut his eyes and clenched his teeth while his face turned red with rage.

 

“Fine!” he barked. “Mock me all you want, but don't come crying to me if your superiors are fed up with your antics and cast you out with no wealthy dolt to help you out! You've tainted your family with servants and paupers anyway, so there's no reason for me to stick around with you lot!”

 

Faba straightened his jacket and stormed away with his head held high in an attempt to show his superiority by not marrying a lady-in-waiting or a street performer. Unfortunately for the Alolan knight, Nando mimicked his stomping with a goofy pouting face, making Jessie and James giggle. As they made fun of the witless, condescending knight, Timothy and Serena stared at the group, having watched the entire interaction.

 

“Do you have any idea of what is going on there?” Timothy asked.

 

“Honestly, brother, I barely know those people more than you, Serena said. “I'd like to compare stories with you to figure out their issue with me, you, both, or whatever.”

 

Timothy scoffed with a smile, looking forward to him and his sister exchanging stories. Then the twins noticed Sonia still staring at them from the corner of their eyes and turned to face her. Sonia still covered her mouth as she stared at Timothy and Serena with tears in her eyes. Serena frowned in guilt and sympathy as she walked to Sonia and took her by her hands.

 

“I'm very sorry about all this deception and confusion, my lady. It was never my intention to cause you any sort of emotional harm, least of all not when I was going through the same thing you were by believing my brother was dead,” Serena said. “I wanted you to fall for the duke instead of me believing he can give you the love you need after losing so much. I don't know how I can make amends for causing so much trouble, but I assure you that the real Timothy is a good man and will prove to be a fine husband.”

 

“Indeed, dear Sonia. My sister may be living, but I vowed to be there for you for the loss of your brother, and may the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if I don't fulfill my vow to the end,” Timothy said.

 

“I beg of you, my lady, don't be furious with us,” Serena said.

 

Sonia didn't say anything for a moment, making Timothy and Serena uneasy. Then suddenly, Sonia gave Serena a smile that stretched from ear to ear, and she hugged her tightly. Serena stood taken aback as the countess hugged her before looking back at her while holding hands.

 

“How can I be upset when my husband has his sister back?” Sonia asked. “For that matter, how can I be upset knowing I have a sister-in-law?”

 

Serena remained shocked momentarily before she smiled and hugged Sonia back. Her body eased up in relief as she let it sink in that the countess was part of her family. The women broke their embrace and stared at each other, smiling, before Sonia looked past Serena and then gave her a smirk.

 

“But you know, Serena, I'm not the only one you should be apologizing to," Sonia said.

 

Serena looked at Sonia, confused, before it hit her. Her eyes widened, and she hesitated before slowly turning to see Satoshi standing a few feet away. Serena grew uneasy, afraid of what the ruler of the Kanto region might do, until she realized Satoshi was looking at her in awe with his mouth slightly open, as though he were looking at an angel. Timothy and Sonia looked at each other and smiled before they backed away just as Satoshi walked toward Serena until they were only two feet apart.

 

“Serena,” Satoshi said softly. “All this time, after years of wanting to see you again, you were here as my employee from right under my nose. I can scarcely believe you're such a good actor that I couldn't have any idea.”

 

“My lord, please understand that I had to do what I thought was necessary to survive after thinking I had no male relatives left,” Serena said. “If nothing else, I wanted to see you again and be there for you every day, even if you saw me as nothing more than a lowly page. I often wanted to tell you the truth whenever we were alone, but I was afraid of how angry you would be or if you would be disappointed with seeing the woman I have grown to be. I'm deeply sorry.”

 

“On the contrary, madam, I should apologize,” Satoshi said. “It couldn't have been easy to hide who you are while helping me attempt to woo another woman. I beg you to forgive me and tell me it's not too late to make amends.”

 

Serena frowned and asked, “Do you truly mean that, my lord, or are you only saying that because your first pick has been taken?”

 

Satoshi pulled his head back and laughed as though Serena meant it as a joke. Timothy, Sonia, Coovers, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and the officers gave disapproving looks while Jessie, James, and Nando still made fun of Faba. Serena winced, thinking Satoshi was making fun of her, until Satoshi took her hands and held them up, giving Serena a smile that made her heart skip a beat.

 

“She could be single and more in love with me than I was in love with her, and I wouldn't care,” Satoshi said. “I was certain someone as benevolent as you already found someone to marry, and so was beyond my reach even if I went back to Kalos and searched the entire region for you to ask for your hand. Now that you are here before me, I feel a semblance of hope to be with someone who has been my first choice for as long as I can remember.”

 

Serena's eyes widened, and her cheeks turned pink.

 

“S-surely, my lord, you don't mean a commoner like me,” she said.

 

Satoshi chuckled as though the answer was obvious.

 

“Serena, you heard me talk about you when it was just us on your second night in my house. Who else could I be referring to?” Satoshi said. “Now that I think about it, your actions since you started working for me make sense. You were devoted to pursuing my happiness even if I had my eyes on someone else. Not only that, but you showed more of your talent as a performer than you did when we were children, and your singing and playing the piano have become addictions for me. If nothing else, I'm thankful that your identity is revealed because now I can see that the girl I remember has grown as beautiful as she is kind, just like I knew she would be.”

 

Serena's cheeks went from pink to beet red. Her heart raced as Satoshi made his declaration with his hazel eyes gleaming at the sight of her. The next thing she knew, the ruler of the Kanto region got down on his knees. He hung his head while holding Serena's hand with both hands like a slave, begging his mistress to grant him forgiveness for disobedience.

 

“Serena, I am not worthy that I should ask this after what you've been through these last few days, but if there is anything I can give you in exchange for your hand in marriage, name it,” Satoshi vowed. “Jewelry, my house, my stepfather’s fortune, my domain, just say the word, and it'll be yours.”

 

Serena put her free hand on her mouth as a new set of tears ran down her face. Even if Satoshi wasn't offering her a ring, it filled her heart with joy that the man she loved deeply wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Serena knelt and lifted Satoshi’s head by his chin so they were at eye level while she gave him a loving smile.

 

“My lord, if you really mean it, the only thing I want is your heart,” Serena said.

 

It took Satoshi a moment to process what Serena said before he gave her a toothy grin. He rolled up his sleeve to reveal the blue ribbon tied to his wrist, surprising Serena as he untied it. Satoshi tied the ribbon around Serena's wrist, then took Serena's hands and gave her a toothy grin.

 

“Serena, you have my heart now and always,” Satoshi said. “And my name is Satoshi if you don't mind.”

 

Serena's face lit up, and she squealed, “Oh, Satoshi," as she lunged into Satoshi’s arms. Satoshi laughed as he hugged Serena back before they leaned in for a kiss. The priest, the attendants, and the officers watched the ruler of the region kiss his page, baffled, while Coovers smiled for his friend's sister. Jessie, James, and Nando stopped making fun of Faba and turned around to find Satoshi and Serena kissing. They stared in shock before they looked at each other, wondering what they missed. Timothy and Sonia smiled as they watched with Sonia's arm wrapped around Timothy's waist. Then Timothy remembered that Coovers was still arrested and cleared his throat to catch Satoshi’s attention.

 

“Excuse me, my lord, but what do you plan to do to Coovers?” Timothy asked.

 

Satoshi and Serena stopped kissing, and Satoshi’s face soured. He and Serena got on their feet while holding hands, and the duke turned to face Timothy.

 

“He will stand trial and likely be imprisoned for his crimes against me,” Satoshi said. “His warmongering and greed are too great of an offense to me to let him go.”

 

“He may be your enemy, my lord, but he is my friend and saved my life. What's more, his refusal to pay what the Unovian fleet agreed to pay was partially because he needed the money for his wife, who was bearing their triplet sons,” Timothy said. “If money can satisfy the issue, take me as an employee to work to pay for whatever Coovers owes on top of what I owe him for lending me his purse.”

 

“Timothy, don't be so rash,” Sonia said, stepping in front of him worriedly. “You're a count now. I'd be more than happy to use my fortune to satisfy your friend's debt.”

 

Timothy smiled and put his hand on Sonia's cheek in appreciation. Satoshi’s frown deepened until Serena stepped before him with a pleading look. The duke hesitated, struggling between pride and love, before he sighed in defeat.

 

“Very well. I cannot refuse you when the love of my life wishes for me to accept your offer. If nothing else, she has you back thanks to your friend, so I suppose that's enough to free him and send him back to his homeland,” Satoshi said before turning to Coovers. “That being said, I cannot forgive you for everything you've done against me when you sailed for the Unova fleet. Once you leave, I never want you to see you anywhere near Kanto ever again.”

 

“I understand, my lord. You have my word that you'll never see my face again,” Coovers said.

 

Ash nodded and shook Coovers’s hand to ensure they had an accord. While they shook hands, Serena hugged Satoshi from behind and kissed his cheek to show her appreciation. The officers let Coovers go, and Coovers walked to Timothy for a hug. Before she turned to Satoshi, Sonia hugged Coovers next to show her appreciation for saving Timothy's life.

 

“Well, my lord, I suppose we're going to be in-laws very soon,” Sonia said.

 

It took Satoshi a moment to realize Sonia was right before he laughed while Serena squeezed him from behind.

 

“I guess we are. Fate is a fickle thing,” Satoshi said.

 

“Indeed, it is,” Sonia said. “On a separate note, I hope you don't mind if Coovers stays with us before he sails home.”

 

“Are you sure that's okay, my lady?” Coovers asked.

 

“Of course. It would be my pleasure. Far as I'm concerned, you brought Timothy to me, so you deserve fine hospitality that the Magnolia, er, Durbin house can provide,” Sonia said.

 

“And I want to give you a proper farewell since we're never going to see each other again,” Timothy said.

 

Coovers looked at Sonia and then at Timothy before me, smiled, and nodded in acceptance. Timothy and Sonia's smiles grew before they turned to Satoshi in anticipation. Again, the duke hesitated while his fiancee hugged him in bliss until he gave in.

 

“If that is what you want, then I leave the responsibility of him sailing to Unova to you,” Satoshi said. “In the meantime, I suggest we move on to settle accounts with Coovers Woodward so we may focus on more important matters.”

 

“Of course. We should make our payment. The sooner, the better,” Timothy said. “Sonia, dear, should we head to your, er, our estate to make the settlement?”

 

“Yes, we can discuss what Coovers owed and make our payment right away,” Sonia said before her smile disappeared. “Although, my steward, Giovanni, is in charge of managing my finances, and recently he's been acting very strange. I ordered Jessie to have Cousin James fetch a doctor for Giovanni, but I don't know what's happened since then.”

 

Jessie, James, and Nando’s faces fell, and they looked at each other in unease. They turned to walk away, trying to act casual, but all eyes turned to them upon Sonia, revealing she left Giovanni in their care. Sonia was confused with Jessie, James, and Nando’s behavior until she realized they were hiding something. She furrowed her brow and loudly cleared her throat, making her servants and cousin freeze. Jessie, James, and Nando squirmed as they slowly turned to face everyone. Satoshi, Serena, Timothy, Coovers, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and the officers looked at the trio curiously while the countess glared with her hands on her hips.

 

“Jessie, Nando, Cousin James, where is Giovanni?”

Chapter 17: Chapter 17

By the time Satoshi, Serena, Sonia, Timothy, James, Jessie, Nando, Coovers, the priest, Sonia's attendants, and Satoshi’s men arrived at the Magnolia estate, word spread throughout Sonia's staff that she had eloped. Sonia went inside her home to find butlers, maids, cooks, and other staff applauding and congratulating her while simultaneously greeting the new count. Their applause was quickly followed by silently bowing upon discovering that the Duke of the Kanto region was with Timothy and Sonia. Satoshi waved his hand to the staff to silently say, “As you were,” while Serena walked beside him, holding his arm. But while Nando went inside, Jessie and James opted to stay outside and have Sonia's attendants retrieve Giovanni.

 

Satoshi, Serena, Timothy, Sonia, Nando, and Coovers waited at the grand hall with the staff until Giovanni was brought to them. Giovanni hurled insults at the attendants bringing him to Sonia, and threatened to punish them for their cruelty against the future count. When Giovanni saw Sonia waiting for him, he immediately stopped his insults. He straightened his jacket, trying to look calm and collected despite his mistress hearing him, and his clothes were dirty and torn. Sonia was taken aback by her steward's inappropriate appearance and demeanor as Giovanni bowed to her and Satoshi and gave Timothy a cold glare, thinking he was the page Satoshi sent to woo Sonia.

 

“Dear Giovanni, what's happened to you?” Sonia asked.

 

“Madam, you have mistreated me. Scandalously mistreated me,” Giovanni said coldly.

 

“Mistreated you? I would never do that to you or any of my staff,” Sonia said.

 

“Madam, you have wronged me, and the world will know about it,” Giovanni said. “You put me in a dark room and let your fool and a priest torment me, but I've still kept my sanity and am no more crazy than you are.”

 

“Er, do forgive me, Giovanni, but I find that difficult to believe. You weren't acting like yourself when last we spoke and you're still dressed grisly,” Sonia said.

 

“I only acted and dressed in such a way because you wanted me to!” Giovanni shouted before he took the letter from his pocket and held it to Sonia. “I have your letter proving that I am innocent and you are guilty.”

 

Sonia looked at the letter and then at Giovanni, befuddled. She took the letter and read it carefully while everyone watched in curiosity. Giovanni smirked, confident that showing the letter would prove his innocence and lead to Sonia admitting her feelings for him in embarrassment. However, his hopes were dashed upon hearing Sonia snort and cover her mouth to hide a giggle. As Sonia put the pieces together, Nando tried not to laugh upon watching Giovanni's face fall.

 

“Giovanni, this isn't my handwriting,” Sonia said. “It looks like mine, but it's actually Jessie's. She can mimic my handwriting almost flawlessly. Now that I think about it, she was the one who first told me you were crazy when you came in smiling and acting in the way this letter instructed you to act. I fear you might have been tricked into thinking I have feelings for you.”

 

“You lie! You have nothing to prove that I was pranked,” Giovanni hissed.

 

“Oh, but I fear you have been, crazy old Giovanni,” Nando said before turning to Sonia. “I confess on behalf of Sir James, Sir Faba, Jessie, and myself that we tricked Giovanni because of his arrogant and rude behavior. Jessie wrote the letter and we took advantage of Giovanni being self-entitled to make it look like he had gone mad for our prank. When the full extent of our joke was completed, we dubbed Jessie the Queen of Pranks, and Sir James rewarded her by marrying her.”

 

“Cousin James married Jessie? I'm hurt that they didn't inform me or invite me to watch them be united in holy matrimony. Then again, I didn't invite him when marrying Timothy,” Sonia said. “In any case, when were you planning to reveal to Giovanni that you tricked him? Were you going to leave him in the dark forever?”

 

“Oh, no. We planned to let Giovanni out shortly after Sir James and Jessie married, but then we bumped into Sir Faba on the way back and encountered the real Timothy. That's when Faba came crying for help,” Nando said. “We were going to reveal to Giovanni that we were behind this when we let him go, but then you asked us where he was.”

 

“But, what about Sir Topas the Priest? Are you saying you convinced a man of the church to torment me?” Giovanni asked.

 

“Ah, if you've bothered to know the church leadership very well while escorting Lady Sonia to mass, you'd know right away there is no Topas but the character I created,” Nando said before adding in his Sir Topas voice. “Only one color, but not one size. Stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies. Present in sun, but not in rain. Doing no harm and feeling no pain.”

 

Giovanni's eyes widened upon hearing Sir Tobas’s voice coming from Nando. He took several steps back and looked down with his hands on his head, remembering Nando dressing as a priest when entertaining Sonia and her father and brother at parties. Finally, Giovanni's shock turned to anger, and he looked at Nando with a cold glare.

 

“You truly have some nerve, you great fool,” Giovanni growled. “This time, you and Sir James have gone too far in messing with your superior. What's more, you have corrupted Lady Sonia's lady-in-waiting with your antics. To think you'd trick me into thinking the mistress is in love with me.”

 

Sonia's staff looked at each other, wondering if they heard Giovanni correctly before they burst out laughing. Some butlers and maids leaned on the walls or put their hands on their fellow employee’s shoulders to keep themselves from falling to the floor laughing. Even Serena hid her face behind Satoshi’s shoulder to hide a giggle. Timothy, Coovers, Satoshi, and his men stared at Giovanni with confusion and disgust that the man a couple decades Sonia's senior sought to marry her.

 

Giovanni's face turned red in embarrassment and rage. He glared at Nando, who smirked and bowed like an actor who finished a play. Sonia looked at Giovanni in sympathy, though part of her wanted to join in the laughter.

 

“Oh, Giovanni, I'm afraid your pride has become your downfall. You have been a good and devoted steward to my father, brother, and me, but I could never feel that way about you,” Sonia said before moving to Timothy's side. “And besides, fate has led me to marry Timothy not three hours ago.”

 

Giovanni's look of rage turned into shock in an instant. He turned to Timothy, who nodded to confirm what Sonia said while wrapping his arm around her. After a moment, the steward's shock turned into disgust, as if Timothy was the one wearing dirty and torn clothes instead of him.

 

“Madam, have you gone mad? You've become so obsessed with the duke's page that you married him?” Giovanni asked.

 

“Actually, the Timothy you know was me in disguise,” Serena said before adding in her Timothy voice. “I disguised myself as my brother, thinking he was dead and was hired to be Satoshi’s page.”

 

Giovanni scoffed in disbelief and said, “A woman disguised as a man?! Great duke, why haven't you imprisoned this wretch for deceiving and addressing you so personally?”

 

“Serena's been forgiven for tricking me, and she has my consent to call me by my first name,” Satoshi said venomously. “Also, you will be the one imprisoned and tortured if you call my fiance a wretch again.”

 

Giovanni's eyes widened, and his mouth hung open. Satoshi pulled Serena to hug him while still facing Giovanni with a dark look, as though he were facing a thief trying to steal his most precious jewel. Giovanni stared at the duke and his fiancee and then the countess and her husband before he shook his head in contempt.

 

“I don't believe this. Two people of nobility marrying far below their rank without a hint of shame,” Giovanni said. “I can't imagine how you could make fools of yourselves without considering the respect you'd lose from fellow nobility. Even if you could never love me, my lady, I have enough renown as the steward of a highly respected member of the court that makes marrying me far more practical.”

 

“I may have only met Timothy, but he's sworn to be there for me after what I've been through, and that's all I can ask for,” Sonia said.

 

“And Serena had my heart even when I thought I had let her go for good,” Satoshi said. No matter what she is, fate has brought her back to me, and I will never let her go again.”

 

Serena gave Satoshi a loving look, then kissed his cheek while squeezing him before resting her head on his shoulder. Such a display of affection to a duke in front of others was considered improper even if Serena was his fiance, but she didn't care. The man she loved was hers now and forever. Timothy tightened his hold on Sonia's waist as if to back up Sonia's words. Giovanni looked around to find that Satoshi's men, Nando and the rest of Sonia's staff showed no concern or embarrassment over their superiors’ unnatural decision. Finally, Giovanni scoffed again, then straightened his jacket, and wiped the dust from his hands.

 

“Fine! Taint your bloodlines with filthy peasants! I wash my hands from this madness!” Giovanni roared. “But know this; I will get my revenge on the lot of you. I swear by the stars you will rule the day you made a fool of me!”

 

Without another word, Giovanni turned around and stormed to his bed chamber to pack his things with his head held high. The butlers and maids whispered amongst each other, quietly expressing their excitement of never seeing the pompous, stiff-necked steward ever again. Nando smirked as he watched Giovanni leave and hoped he'd get to tell Jessie and James the news. Sonia, however, watched the man who served her family for many years sympathetically before turning to Satoshi, Timothy, and Serena.

 

“I suppose Giovanni's arrogance was going to be his downfall sooner or later, and perhaps it's for the best that he leaves if he can't support our marriages,” Sonia said. “Still, I can't believe how he was notoriously abused for a prank.”

 

“Aye, it is cruel, but the deed is done,” Satoshi said. “For now, let us go back to business regarding finances so we may move on to more valuable things like the golden time that awaits you and me with the Durbin twins.”

 

Sonia smiled and took Timothy by the hand.

 

“Aye, I am ready for such a time with my twin,” she said. “In fact, while waiting for Timothy to return from the inn, I decided we should throw a feast to celebrate our marriage. Why don't you and Serena join us, and we can celebrate your engagement, too?”

 

“Of course. We wouldn't miss it,” Satoshi said before turning to Serena. “That is if my beloved wishes to go.”

 

Serena's face lit up, and she said, “I wouldn't dream of missing it. Although, I don't have any attire appropriate for a high-class party.”

 

“That's not a problem. I shall arrange to have a dress for you tonight,” Satoshi said. “In fact, you may pick as many dresses as you want for your new wardrobe.”

 

“Really? As many as I want?” Serena asked in a giddy voice.

 

Satoshi chuckled with a toothy grin and said, “You're going to be a duchess, Serena. It's only fitting to treat my wife like the queen who has my heart forever.”

 

Serena put her hand on her heart, feeling it melt from Satoshi’s sweet words. She pulled Satoshi into a tight squeeze and decorated his face with kisses, making Satoshi laugh. Maids “aww” ed as they watched the happy couple while the officers smirked, amused with how their master behaved with his future wife. Timothy chuckled at his sister's demeanor until Sonia approached him with a kittenish look.

 

“Come to think about it, I think the duke has the right idea about attire. We should get you clothes fitting for a count while the staff prepares the feast,” Sonia said. “You're going to try every outfit I like until I'm satisfied.”

 

“Er, don't I get a say in what I wear?” Timothy asked. “I would like to be comfortable in what I'm wearing.”

 

“Too bad. You're my husband, and you're going to look handsome however I wish,” Sonia said.

“I'd accept your fate if I were you, Timothy,” Coovers said, smirking. “Take it from a fellow married man. The wife's word is law even if she's wrong.”

 

Timothy turned to Coovers in disbelief, not expecting him to take Sonia's side. He turned to Satoshi, who smirked and shrugged as if silently saying, “It's true.” The new count of Viridian City stuttered as he tried to further protest before he sighed in defeat and took Sonia's hand with a smile while still having his other arm around her waist.

 

“Well, I did vow to make you happy to the end of our days, so it seems I have no choice but to trust your judgment,” Timothy said.

 

“There's the man I married,” Sonia said. She pecked Timothy on the cheek before turning to her staff. “Now, let's not waste any time. Prepare the feast at once.”

 

The butlers, maids, and cooks applauded, happy to set up a party for the first time since Sonia lost her brother and father. Then they dispersed to make preparations while Sonia, Satoshi, Serena, Timothy, Coovers, and the officers walked to the Magnolia estate treasury to settle accounts for the Unovian sailor. Satoshi and Serena walked beside each other with Serena's arms around Satoshi’s arm. Serena kissed Satoshi’s cheek, and he looked at her with a smile before their lips connected. Though one may say they should only be so affectionate when alone, the Duke of the Kanto region and his beloved had no desire to resist their urges to hug or kiss. The time they wanted to be together was long, even when Satoshi was chasing another woman, and even if they didn't say it, they craved to make up for the time they didn't have together with their sweet love.

 

********************************************************************************

 

For the next several hours, the Magnolia estate was livelier than it had been for over a year. The staff set up the ballroom while the cooks got started on the food. Attendants spread out all over the city to invite people of high class and good renown like Professor Cerise. Those invited were baffled that Countess Sonia Magnolia was suddenly married and holding a celebration on short notice, but they were otherwise delighted to come.

 

While the celebration was being set up, Giovanni packed his things and left the Magnolia estate for good. The staff that saw Giovanni leave while they were working silently celebrated, with some biting their thumbs at him while he wasn't looking. Some guessed that he would look for work in a different part of the region or sail to a new region altogether, but the staff didn't care as long as they never saw him again.

 

An hour later, Faba returned to the estate after buying a ticket to his island to grab his things before staying the night at the inn closest to the dock. Like Giovanni, he left in foul mood, grumbling and pouting like a grumpy 7-year-old. As far as both Giovanni and Faba were concerned, they were robbed of a woman and a title they believed they deserved, and believed Kanto was doomed with the ruler of the region and a well-respected countess marrying commoners.

 

Meanwhile, Timothy and Sonia paid what Coovers owed the duke, then Timothy filled Coovers's purse with what he owed plus extra before giving it back to him. Satoshi begrudgingly shook Coovers’s hand again to officiate that the matter was settled. Afterward, Coovers went to buy a ticket to sail to Unova the next day while the new couples went shopping.

 

Timothy struggled not to show his discomfort wearing fancy suits, even if his wife loved seeing him in them. Satoshi, however, loved seeing Serena enthusiastically try every dress she liked. By the time they were done, Satoshi had bought so many dresses that his officers each had to carry several dresses to the Ketchum estate. When they got home, Satoshi had Brock and his pages set up a bedroom on the top floor for Serena to sleep in until she and Satoshi were married.

 

A few hours later, Serena put on her new pink and red dress in her new room for the party. When she went to the main entrance to meet Satoshi before they left, Satoshi gave her a silver tiara for the party. Serena knew duchesses didn't wear crowns, but it was clear Satoshi wanted her to wear it to make her feel like the queen she was in his eyes.

 

When Satoshi and Serena returned to Sonia's estate, Timothy and Sonia were waiting for them by the gate. Together, the new couples entered the Magnolia estate ballroom, where their guests were waiting. Timothy and Sonia came in first for the countess to announce the arrival of Duke Satoshi Ketchum and his betrothed. The high-class guests applauded for their ruler, then got in line to congratulate Satoshi and Serena personally.

 

Upon meeting Timothy and Serena, the guests were confused, having never seen or heard of them before. When some asked where Timothy and Serena were from and their parents' rank, the Durbin twins simply said they were from Kalos and refused to say more. The wealthy and the high class thought it improper for fellow members of the court to not discuss their family, but it was clear that they wouldn't get any more information and it would displease the duke and the countess to try. Ultimately, they accepted that it was enough to know that Timothy was the new count, which made Satoshi’s fiance nobility.

 

After the guests met the count and the future duchess, Sonia had her staff bring the food. The new couples sat beside each other, with Coovers sitting next to Timothy and Sonia. Satoshi and Sonia had to help Timothy and Serena, respectively, restrain themselves from stuffing themselves, for the former street performers had never enjoyed such fine food nor been able to eat more than they could afford during their previous lives.

 

After supper, the band began to play so the duke and the countess of Viridian City could have their first dances with their significant others. Timothy and Serena were not familiar with the high-class dances considered proper at the time, but they knew how to waltz, which suited their loved ones fine. Sonia smirked flirtatiously as she and Timothy danced, impressed with how her husband knew how to lead. Serena smiled blissfully as Satoshi held her close while they danced. The future duchess of Kanto felt like she was living a dream by dancing with her beloved, wearing a beautiful dress and a tiara. When the song ended, the couples stopped dancing beside each other and kissed while their audience applauded.

 

When they parted, Satoshi and Sonia hugged Serena and Timothy, respectively. Sonia sighed as she blissfully rested her head on Timothy's shoulder with her eyes closed while Satoshi held Serena as though she were the most valuable thing any man could love and cherish. As Timothy and Serena hugged Sonia and Satoshi back, they looked at each other and smiled while holding hands, happy to be reunited and knowing the best time of their lives had just begun.

 

Unbeknownst to anyone, Nando was watching by the ballroom entrance. He was dressed in his traveling clothes and had his musical instruments and spare clothes in his brown bag. The Magnolia fool smiled as he watched his mistress celebrate joyfully with her husband and in-law/future-in-law. Then, he picked up his bag and gave one last look before he walked to the front entrance.

 

Nando went outside and walked a few steps before he realized a carriage was in front of him. The coachman was feeding his horses while the footman loaded the carriage. James was handing the suitcases to the footman while Jessie stood behind, ready to get in. Upon hearing him exit the building, Jessie and James turned to Nando and smiled sadly. Nando sighed before walking to his friends with a smile that mimicked theirs.

 

“Off on another journey, are you?” Jessie asked.

 

“Well, our mistress has a husband, a sister-in-law, and soon a brother-in-law. I doubt she will need a fool for a while, so I'm going to play my music throughout Johto this time,” Nando said. “Lady Sonia kicked you two out?”

 

“No, actually. We decided to leave,” James said. “We explained to Cousin Sonia our side of the story of what happened to Giovanni in further detail when she came home from shopping, including us finding out how Giovanni wanted her for sinister reasons. She understood that we thought it necessary and agreed that Giovanni needed to be taken down a peg, but she was otherwise upset that we took things so far and lost her family steward.”

 

“Don't forget attacking her husband again when you already angered her for fighting him the first time,” Jessie said matter-of-factly.

 

“Oh, yes. Mustn't forget that,” James said begrudgingly. “In the end, we apologized and announced that we were leaving. We chatted after Giovanni was freed and decided that since we're married, we'll go somewhere where we can be alone together.”

 

“How did Lady Sonia take your decision?” Nando asked.

 

“She was surprised and didn't like that she was losing her lady-in-waiting and cousin on top of her steward, but she ultimately respected our decision,” James said.

 

“Where will you go?” Nando asked.

 

“To my hometown,” Jessie said. “With the money I saved up and the money James got from Sir Faba while he was staying, we're going to buy a cabin in the woods to spend the rest of our lives there. Maybe get a cat.”

 

“Sounds like quite the change from living in a nice estate for so long and the cakes and wine to go with it,” Nando said.

 

“It's for the best. We're starting a new life together, and we should let Lady Sonia and her husband do the same,” Jessie said. “Besides, the less wine and ale James drinks, the better our new life will be.”

 

Nando chuckled and said, “You really think you can manage that, Sir James?”

 

“Well, we'll be living somewhere that doesn't have a wine cellar, Jessie is going to have complete control of finances, and I do aim to make her happy, so I have to, no matter how much I'll miss it,” James said. “To tell you the truth, old boy, I'm more concerned about how things will go with Cousin Sonia and the duke with their marriages.”

 

Nando furrowed his brow and said, “Sir James, you don't mean you're upset that Lady Sonia didn't marry a nobleman on top of Duke Satoshi being engaged to a street performer. Are you?”

 

“If I was still concerned about class, I'd be a massive hypocrite of a knight after taking a lady-in-waiting as my wife,” James said with a light chuckle. “Nay, I fear they've gone the right way for more trouble with suddenly marrying people they don't know or barely knew. At least Jessie and I have known each other for years, and I wanted Sir Faba to spend time with Cousin Sonia before getting married. In the end, they'll realize how foolish it is to let their desires get the better of them after days of confusion and deception leading to disaster.”

 

Nando's frown deepened, and he turned left, where the ballroom could be seen. He saw Timothy and Sonia dancing with their guests through the windows, laughing as they held hands while dancing. Meanwhile, Satoshi and Serena went outside to sit on a bench in the courtyard to take a break from dancing. They held each other tightly and exchanged life stories to make up for the time since they last saw each other. The edges of Nando's mouth curled up again as he witnessed the joy and thankfulness of Satoshi and Serena being together.

 

“Nay. I don't think they will,” Nando said. “It might not be easy, I grant you, but I think fate dictated that Duke Satoshi and Lady Sonia take the twins to be their spouses. Lovers brought together through confusion and deception, yes, but they are still together with the desire to love. In the end, three couples, including you two, are about to live happily ever after.”

 

Jessie and James looked at each other, befuddled, before the former said, “That's quite the rosy opinion coming from you, Nando. I would think a fool like you would come up with witty remarks regarding how silly their decisions are.”

 

“I may be a fool, but I've seen enough to know how the world is sillier than me,” Nando said. “God gave us a world where the sun shines, the wind blows, and the rain falls on both the good and the wicked. A person blinded by their pride relishes in their superiority before they are humbled and humiliated. A man longs for a woman he doesn't know until he finds the woman who had his heart even when she was forgotten. A woman loses everyone she loves, then suddenly gains more loved ones. A woman who loves in secret finds herself loved in return. On and on, life gives us madness, grief, confusion, and love in ways that can only make sense through perspective. There will always be problems, but people go on and live their lives anyway. Lady Sonia and Timothy, and Duke Satoshi and his beloved Serena will have their problems. I think we both know you two will encounter hardships also. Still, as long as life goes on, love will flourish, so the challenges don't matter at the end of the day.”

 

Jessie and James stared at their longtime friend, processing his words. Then they turned to the ballroom, where Sonia and Timothy were still celebrating, and then to Satoshi and Serena, who were locking lips. The knight and the former lady-in-waiting smiled, silently agreeing that they married knowing there were hardships ahead. James held his hand, and Jessie took it before turning to Nando.

 

“Do us a favor, old boy. Look after Cousin Sonia and her new family when you return,” James said. “I wager they'll need a fool wiser than he acts to pull through the problems you speak of.”

 

“And keep an eye out for mail when you get back, too,” Jessie added. “We'll be sure to give you our new address. You are welcome anytime.”

 

“May God deal with me ever so severely if I do not fulfill such requests from my dear friends,” Nando said with a fond smile. “Until then, godspeed to you.

 

“Godspeed, Nando,” James said.

 

James and Nando shook hands, with James patting Nando's shoulder with his free hand. Then Jessie stepped in to give Nando a hug. The newlyweds got into the carriage, with James letting his wife get in first just as the footman finished loading their things. The footman climbed to his spot at the back of the carriage before the coachman used his straps to get the horse to pull the carriage.

 

Jessie and James waved goodbye through the carriage window, and Nando replied with a smile and a salute. The fool waited until the carriage exited through the gate and turned left before he gave Satoshi, Serena, and everyone inside the ballroom one last look. Then, he walked to the gate and saluted the guardsman before he went through and took a right heading south.

 

As he walked down the streets to the end of the borders of Viridian City, Nando looked up at the evening sky, pondering his own words and how they reflected all that had transpired in the past few days. Nando's smile stretched to the sides of his face and he chuckled with his mouth closed as the series of silly events made him think of a song he hadn't sung for a long time. He waited until he exited the city and was on the road toward Indigo Plateau to stop momentarily and take out his guitar. After adjusting the strings, Nando the fool played an upbeat tune as he began walking again. He walked down the path with a skip in step and let out a joyful laugh before he began to sing.

 

 

When that I was and a little tiny boy,

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,

A foolish thing was but a toy,

For the rain it raineth every day.

 

But when I came to man’s estate,

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,

'Gainst knaves and thieves men shut their gate,

For the rain it raineth every day.

 

But when I came, alas! to wive,

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,

By swaggering could I never thrive,

For the rain it raineth every day.

 

But when I came unto my beds,

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,

With toss-pots still had drunken heads,

For the rain it raineth every day.

 

A great while ago the world begun,

With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,

But that’s all one, our tale is done,

And we’ll strive to please you every day.

 

And we’ll strive to please you every day.

 

The end