“Every year, we have been blessed by bountiful harvest that would fill out coffers with gold and our bellies with food and wine!” the Village Chief began his speech as he addressed the villagers for the Harvest Festival.

“More than 30 years ago, I have prayed and prayed, alone on the forest, begging the goddess of the earth to aid us,” Felipe continued, “and soon enough she has heard our calls and gave us a bountiful harvest. And so we celebrate this Festival every year to honor the goddess of the earth and her blessing!”

The village chief paused and looked around, there seems to be less and less females, they need to invite more from other villages and towns. He looked at his daughter and then continued, “We have spared no expense for this joyous event. We also welcome our valued guests – the nobles and merchants – who supported us through thick and thin. And so, without further ado. Let us all have a great festival!”

The crowd cheered and Felipe smiled. He looked towards his council members and signaled for them to follow him in their meeting chamber. They understood and followed. The rest of the people were busy going merry, clueless about what is going on under their feet and what the festival really is about.

“This is our first festival without Jessica, right?” Irene said as she took a bite of her meat skewer, “I’m kind of sad.”

“Who would have thought that she would elope with her lover?” Grace continued, “Isn’t it kind of romantic?”

“Maybe, but it’s kind of mysterious, though,” Amanda said, “I mean. They never really had the reason to elope, both of their parents approve of their relationships. Besides, I know Jessica and she is not someone who would actually leave without telling us.”

“Maybe she just felt shy?” Irene suggested, “She always trying to keep it cool you know. I am sure I could not actually tell it to you guys straight if I ever did elope with someone.”

“Yeah. I think she left us with clues, remember what we talked about before she left last year?” Grace added, “And Ai, it’s not like you would find anyone to elope with soon.”

“Shut up! I’ll show you. I’ll meet someone from the capital tonight and she will ask for my hand,” Irene said with conviction, “It will be love at first sight, I tell you. He will be head over heels for me.”

“I’m sure the person who will fall for you at first sight will be some barbarian because of the way you devour your food, is what Jessica would say but she is not here,” Amanda added.

“Please don’t say that,” Irene said, “it’s sounds so creepy and real when you say it. At least I could laugh it off if it was Jessica.”

“I know! It seems like Amanda’s words has its power,” Grace added, “maybe it’s because you are a descendant of the great mage that accompanied the hero?”

“There you go again with your fantasies, Grace,” Amanda retorted. It might be true that she is a direct descendant of the Great Mage but the gods have long taken magic away from Earth and it has already been more than 500 years ago.

“I still wonder why Grace is so popular when she is such an airhead,” Irene said in discernment, “her head is only filled with flowers and honey, it is such a mystery.”

“Well, Grace awakens the guys’ protective instinct,” Amanda said, “they like someone that they can protect and take care of.”

“Then what about you?” Irene directed her inquiry towards Amanda, “why are you so popular? You are even more popular than Grace!”

“Well, maybe because I am smart? And I am the daughter of the Village Chief. That alone gives them a shot at being the next one.” Amanda explained with a cool tone.

“Guh! You would really refuse to admit that you are pretty, huh?” Irene snorted, “Guys do not like smart and haughty girls, you know. You’d be too much to handle and I don’t think any guy from this village would be able to. But, well, you have a point about your father being the chief.”

“And what was that about me being the chief?” a voice suddenly answered from their back. Irene cursed and Grace shrieked. The three of them abruptly turned around to see the village chief alongside a strange young man.

“I’m sorry for startling you. Good evening girls,” Felipe grinned at the girls as he got closer, “are you enjoying the festival?”

“Oh! Good evening chief,” Irene and Grace said, bowing and regaining composure, “We miss Jessica but we are having fun nonetheless.” Grace continued.

“Stop creeping from behind like that, father,” Amanda reprimanded, “What do you want?”

“I’m sorry, dear” Felipe apologized, still grinning, “But I have come here to get you. There is someone who wants to be introduce to you.” Felipe said looking at the young man who was with him.

“Oh, you lucky bitch! He is too handsome!” Irene half whispered, elbowing Amanda at her sides.

“Stop that! He said he just wants to talk,” Amanda said and turned to his father, “Can’t we do the introductions here?”

“Oh, come on dear, surely you know that this place is not fit for a formal conversation,” Felipe said, motioning to the crowd.

“Tch! I understand,” Amanda said in frustration, then turned towards her friends, “I’ll be back. This won’t take long.”

“Oh, please take you time!” Irene said. This is not the first time that Amanda was introduced to someone and she would refuse them all the time. She would later say that the guy was either too stupid or too overbearing for her taste.

“It will be sad next year, don’t you think?” Grace said as Amanda left with her father and the gentleman.

“O won’t be too sure about it,” Irene said, “I mean, that isn’t the first guy that was introduced to Amanda. Besides, he may be handsome and is within my strike zone. But I think he is too dumb for Amanda’s taste.”

“Yeah, you have a point,” Grace agreed, surmising, “He won’t be able to handle Amanda.”

“Forget about handling her, Amanda will just devour him outright,” Irene commented.

“I know right?” Grace replied and they both laughed. None of them knew that the next harvest festival will actually see only the two of them.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

“Please come inside and feel comfortable,” Felipe said towards the gentleman as the entered the receiving area of their house, “Would you like some liquor?” Felipe asked the man.

“Yes. I would love to,” the gentleman answered. He knows that the liquor from this village is very popular in town and even in the capital.

“Please bring us the wine and prepare tea for Amanda,” Felipe ordered towards the maid with a meaningful look.

“Right away,” the maid bowed and looked apologetic. Amanda understood why the maid looked this way. Every person in their household love her and they treat her as their own child. Seeing Felipe trying to marry her off to some stranger leaves a bad taste in their mouths but they could only swallow this bitter pill.

“Please pardon my daughter,” Felipe addressed the stranger, “She is haughty and straightforward but she is actually kind. She is just sometimes smart for her own good.” Felipe looked longingly towards her daughter. There was a hint of sadness on his eyes that was not there previously. Amanda started to think that there is something strange.

“Can we just get this over with?” Amanda said impatiently, “my friends are waiting for me and the night has just started.”

“Come now child, at least let us wait for the beverages to be served,” Felipe tried to calm his daughter down. And just like a practiced choreography, the maid came in with a food trolley with two trays on top. The wine and glasses on one tray and a teapot with a tea cup on another.

“Ah! Here it is,” Felipe said, feeling relieved that the beverages actually arrived in time. “Once again, I gladly welcome you into my humble abode, Count Streagan. This here is my daughter, Amanda. I am sure you have heard that this is not the first time that was introduced to someone. But please treat her well anyway.” Felipe looked at Amanda, waiting for a response, then clearing his throat.
“Right. I am Amanda, the village chief’s daughter. I hate stupid people and those who cannot live without their parent’s influence.” Amanda said coldly. The Count was taken aback. It was the first time in his life that a girl did not swoon upon meeting him. In fact, she is even trying to push him away.

“Amanda!” Felipe reprimanded her.

“No, please. It is quite alright,” The count said, “I find her amusing. Let us drink to loosen up the mood.” The Count raised his now filled wine glass and Felipe followed suit, still looking apologetic. Amanda half raised a tea cup and drank from it even before the Count has lowered his. Amanda filled her cup right away to avoid having to talk and so the conversation between his father and the count droned on. Amanda suddenly felt dizzy a few minutes in. She tried to smell the tea cup but there was no trace of alcohol. She thought maybe she was so tired but she did not actually did anything the while day. Soon enough, she suddenly feel unconscious.