Second Life's Revenge

"Miss, the carriage has arrived let's get moving before the streets become too crowded," Mary spoke as she gave Laura her cloak.

Finally, the day of the flower festival arrived. Laura couldn't be any happier as it was her first time going to the festival. Laura stood in front of the body-sized mirror and wore the black cloak on.

Days before the flower festival Laura, Erwin, and Gusion made a plan on how to dispose Tine and reveal the true child. Though it was going to be a huge gamble all they could do is hope all things would go well.

Discarding that she's supposed to be having fun today. Let all worries be gone and worry when the time comes.

Though it was morning the streets were busy. Vendors setting up their stalls, mini-games ready for children to play. It was a wonderful sight but sadly it might be ruined. Laura leaned towards the window, amazed seeing people in costumes.

"Is this your first time at the flower festival?" Mary asked.

"It is. Back when I was in the orphanage I wasn't able to join because I decided to stay in the orphanage and let the younger ones go," Laura giggled as her eyes focused on the streets.

"Miss, you're just too kind," Mary said adoringly.

The carriage stopped in an uncrowded place and they both got off. Laura couldn't contain her happiness. Her eyes shifted to every stall she saw and couldn't wait to visit them. But first, she needed to wait for Serena since she promised to go with her.

At first Serena was supposed to go with her brother but there were some sudden changes in his plans because he decided to go with his fiancé.

"Mary, if you see what you want buy. Use my money alright?"

"T-there's no need for you to do so. I can use my own," Mary panicked.

Laura grabbed Mary's hand, smiling and said, "I want to repay you. Also, I won't be able to spend all of it."

Mary lowered her head to hide her teary eyes. Her lady is always kind and she felt touched because not all nobles would treat their servants kindly.

"Laura!" Serena called from a far as she waved her hand.

"You're finally here," Laura said and gave her a hug. She then noticed a green gemstone hanging around Serena's neck. She pointed to the necklace then asked, "When did you get this?"

Upon asking Serena froze on her stop and looked away as she was hiding her face and Laura knew that someone she liked gave it to her. Though she will not push further into Serena's love life.

"A friend gave it to me," Serena softly answered as she touched the emerald. "H-how about we start looking around?"

"Let's do that."

As time passed till noon the streets became much busier and harder for them to pass through the crowd. The three decided to go to less crowded areas to have a rest after spending their time walking in peace

Laura sat on the edge of the fountain and Serena followed. While Mary told them to stay put as she will be bringing some food for them to eat.

Serena sighed out of relief as she touched her neck and the next thing she knew it her necklace was gone. She stood up and started to panic, looking onto the ground.

"Serena, what's wrong?"

"It's gone. The necklace it's gone," Serena's voice trembled.

The emerald necklace was precious to her after all it was given by Prince Winston. This was her first time receiving a gift from him and yet she lost it. She felt disappointed in herself and didn't know what to do if he asked where it was.

The necklace was either stolen or she dropped it somewhere. But with the number of people on the streets, it was impossible to find it. Slowly tears dropped out of her eyes and Laura immediately comforted her.

It was precious enough to lose. The truth was Serena was depressed about the engagement between him and Tine. She spent days crying but she hid it away from her family.

"It's alright we can ask around," Laura said but Serena shook her head, refusing to do.

Laura knew it, she knew that it was given by the prince. The green gemstone didn't look ordinary since it was an emerald and very expensive.

"It's from someone you like and I can't stand you crying especially after that news. Let's find it," Laura said and at the same time, Mary arrived back.

"No…it's alright. I don't need it," Serena said, wiping the tears that strolled to the side.

Serena always had the thought that nothing comes good in her life. She couldn't be a tailor and the person she liked will never be hers. It's just hard for her to take in.

"Serena…" Laura muttered her name.

"That voice…is that you, Laura?" The familiar voice asked.

When Laura turned her head to see who it was her eyes widen and immediately she ran towards her. It was none other Sister Abby and two familiar children who she held hands with, Micky and Azera.

"Sister, it has been a while. Micky, Azera how are you?"

"Laura! It's Laura," Micky cheered but then his attention turned to the crying Serena.

Micky walked towards Serena and handed her a blue flower as he tried chewing her up. Serena wiped her tears off and smiled as she accepted the small gift. She gently patted Micky and thanked him after.

"My why is she crying?" Sister leaned towards Laura who frowned after.

"She lost something precious," Laura whispered into her ear.

Without any hesitation Sister Abby walked towards Serena with a smile. They were strangers but Serena didn't feel uncomfortable somehow Sister Abby had a relaxing smile. She held Serena's hand and asked, "Do you want to have some fresh lemonade in my stall? I'll give it for free."

"…If you don't mind," Serena gladly accepted.

By the time they arrived at Sister Abby's stall Serena had calmed down and was offered a cup of fresh lemonade by Micky. So these are the people who Laura stayed in, they are kind people and she wished to know them better. Sister Abby sat beside Serena while Laura took charge of taking care of Micky and Azura.

"What's wrong? Why were crying?" Sister Abby conversed.

"I lost something precious to me," Serena lowered the cup she held.

"Is it from your parents?" Sister Abby asked but Serena shook her head. "Then it must be from a man."

Serena slightly nodded her head and stayed quiet for a while not until she felt a pair of hands touching hers.

"It was an expensive gift yet I lost something. Not only that it was the first gift I received from him," Serena's voice trembled.

"And my guess is he's engaged."

"I know I have to be happy for him but the girl he got engaged to is no angel," Serena said as she lowered her head.

"Then all the more you must find that necklace. Laura told me what happened earlier. Let me help because if I don't, you will for sure regret it later on."

"Is it alright for me to get it back?"

"It is. Keep what is precious to your heart."

The truth was Serena was unsure of her own feelings. They were childhood friends but separated for two years. Every single day passed with Serena thinking how he was. The only thing she hoped was for his heart not to be occupied.

But what can a weak girl like her can do?

"I, I will find it. I want to keep what is precious to me," Serena stood up while Sister Abby nodded her head and softly gave Serena a push on the back.

"With this, you are taking your first step. Who knows that man truly loves you."

"Um…thank you very much. I will be asking for your help," Serena said and bowed.

"No need to bow. We should not spend your time chatting."

From afar a man looked at Serena with saddened eyes. She cried was the first thing that came into his mind. He looked down at the ground, sighing because he couldn't do anything. All he could do was watch from afar.

Even if he wanted to call her name out he couldn't after he is a prince and someone who is most likely to be in danger if he exposes himself to the people. 

"Serena…I'm sorry. I can't let you get into danger any further," He apologized and looked at the emerald necklace.

Especially there was one person who he didn't like if she would touch Serena. Who else it would be other than Tine?

Prince Winston decided on something dumb. He decided to work things on his own not even allowing his cousin or brother to interfere. He thinks that he keeps bringing danger to the people he cares for.

Plus it was his fault that the secret about his brother reached the ears of a certain person.