Country of Deaf - II

COUNTRY OF DEAFS

(Part II)

"I can't believe that we'd meet Esperanza here." Von said to Eli while they're wandering around the place.

After some seconds, Von sighed. "Although I knew that my brother would send someone to look for me, I would never expect that it would be Esperanza"

"If I may ask, who is that Esperanza?" Eli curiously asked.

That was when Von realized that it was Eli's first time meeting with Esperanza earlier. Von can't help but to smile when she remembers how she idolizes Esperanza.

"Esperanza was my idol" Von admitted. "He's a well-known adventurer. He doesn't hold any noble rank and was only a commoner. Although my Dad did offer him a noble rank, but Esperanza refused", she continued.

"Refused?! Why?!" Eli asked in shock.

"Esperanza was born from another kingdom and up until now, it's still unknown what kingdom it was" Von answered.

Silence won over between them while Eli processes what Von just explained. Up until now, Eli can't understand why Esperanza have to decline a noble rank. It's an honor to be bestowed a noble rank and yet he just easily refuse this opportunity?!

"So, do you like Esperanza?" Eli asked a different question instead of pondering it.

Von smiled, "I like Esperanza,"

Eli immediately turned towards Von's direction after her bold confession. But, he also got noticed how her wide smile slowly fades away and change into a bitter smile.

"But I also miss Esperanza" Von continued.

Eli furrowed his brows in confusion at what Von said. He became more confused at what Von said next.

"Let's get out of here as soon as possible, Eli" Von suggested.

"Why?"

"Just because..." Von looked at a different direction to avoid Eli's suspiciously eyes.

"You miss Esperanza but you want to get out of here?"

Von gave a small sigh, "He's not the one I miss, Eli"

"But you said you miss Esperanza? He's Esperanza, right?"

At the middle of their conversation, Von heard something unpleasant that was not far from them, it came from a group of women.

"Yes and no" Von answered while facing the direction of the women.

"What? Then who is he?"

Von shook her head irritably. She clearly doesn't want to talk about him any further.

"Eli, he's just Esperanza. Stop asking as if you're interested with him that much"

"I'm interested between you and him, Von" Eli bluntly said.

Von didn't heard what Eli said, but she clearly heard what the women have talking about. She can't help but to feel enraged, thus she clenched her fist in anger.

"Sure, whatever. I'm interested with these women. Come on, Eli. We'll be doing some investigation" Von ignored whatever Eli was saying and invited him to go with her towards where the women instead.

•••

Eli yawned while lying down on the bed. He noticed that Von was busy doing something so he got curious.

"What are you doing, Von?"

Von didn't answer his question but changed the topic instead, "We're leaving tomorrow"

"What? I thought we will be staying here for 3 days? Also, what will happen with those rape victims?"

Von finished whatever she was writing then went straight to fixed her things.

"Esperanza can do the rest" she answered.

After fixing her things, she walked towards the door. Eli looked at her confusingly.

"I'm going to Esperanza. Don't follow me, Eli. Get some rest" she explained before going outside the room.

•••

"Good morning, Tak" Esperanza greeted his weapon when he noticed that it was now awake.

"Good morning, Espe. What time did you've woke up?" Tak greeted back.

"Not that long. Oh, I also saw princess Lyian left earlier with her horse."

Tak didn't respond. Probably, still feeling sleepy. Esperanza then just ate his breakfast silently. After eating his meal, Esperanza arranged his stuff to get ready for their travel.

"So? Where are we going?" Tak asked when he noticed what Esperanza was doing. It immediately knew that it was time for them to say good bye to the place.

"We're going to the 3rd Prince as ordered by Princess Lyian" Esperanza answered.

Esperanza still could remember what Princess Lyian told him yesterday night. Esperanza tightly hold the letter that the princess gave to him.

"This letter will change Duke Klein's life together with the people like him" Esperanza whispered as hope filled his eyes. He continued, "It'll also help those women"

"Then are you gonna report to the third Prince, Princess Lyian's whereabouts?" Tak asked which made Esperanza looked down.

"Princess Lyian gave her permission. If the prince ask then I'll answer"

•••

"You did, what?!" Eli asked in disbelief.

"I asked Esperanza to give my brother a letter concerning of how the women in Duke Klein's dukedom were being treated. My brother will surely receive some points from our father. He should thank me, he'll gain more supporter from the people to get the crown" Von said.

Eli rolled his eyes. "But he'll know whe----"

"No. He won't even bother to ask Esperanza. I gave him a favor so in return he'll respect my decision" Von confidently said. It was because she have also written what advantages her brother will get if he follows what Von wrote down. His brother will be indebted to her with this.

Von can't help but to sigh when she remembers what those women have gone through.

"They've fought for how many years and yet no one in that place was willing to listen"

Von tightly closed her eyes. "Eli, let's try not to get lost next time. I don't want to experience things like that ever again."

"But, isn't a good thing we've got lost? Someone finally heard their screams because we've stayed" Eli reasoned out.

Von rolled her eyes.

"Sure, let's say someone else heard them, however they have no power to grant their wish. But princess Lyian, you do" Eli continued.

Von shook her head in disapproval. "No, I don't. I left the palace, so I've also intended to leave my rank as a princess as well, Eli. All I did for those women was to let their screams be heard by the right person who could really help them. They were asking for help on a wrong person, Eli. That's why no one can hear their voices"

"Still, you did helped them"

Von ignored him, she just looked forward to the direction they were taking instead.