Chapter Three
It was a cool day, the clouds jealously hiding the sun's face from the vast windows of the Hiram manor. And yet, that didn't bother Adira as she strode down the stone hallways towards her favorite place. Nadine's irritated voice could be heard echoing down the halls.
"Adira! You come back here this instant!"
Adira was not deterred and sped her walking pace. Today was not a day to be messing around. She recently found out that one of Lord Hiram's acquaintances was going to visit the manor in two days' time, and she didn't know anything about this 'acquaintance.' Thus, an all-day information hunting in her beloved library was in order.
Pulling out the brass key to enter her library, she was about to turn free the tall wooden doors when, out of nowhere, a small and sweaty hand slammed against them with a decided feeling of foreboding.
"Mi-Nadine," Adira corrected herself in a matter-of-fact tone, "I do not have the time nor luxury to peck around like a clueless chicken when there's an important guest coming in two days' time."
"Young lady, if you do not eat your breakfast this second, you'll be a headless chicken if I have anything to say about it!" Nadine was anything but pleased. She knew that as soon as her young mistress entered those doors, she was lost to the world and wouldn't come out until poor Nadine dragged her out for supper.
"But I can't waste any more time! Otherwise-"
"Adira, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! How will you think properly if you do not have a full belly? And how will you grow up to be a proper lady?"
"It's not as if-"
"You will eat your breakfast, or I will hide your key." Adira stiffened. One does not simply cross a woman such as Nadine Farron. It would definitely not be very sane to do so. Hanging her head, Adira sighed heavily and turned herself towards the dining chamber.
"And where do you think you're going, young lady?"
"But you said that I must eat my breakfast," Adira sulked.
"I'll have your breakfast sent to your library. I just need you to eat," Nadine said with a sigh. And just like that, Adira was speeding past her caretaker and entering her library.
"Thank you, Nadine! I'll be sure to eat!" Adira threw over her shoulder.
"I better see a clean plate when I return, Adira!" But it was too late. She was already lost to the world, muttering to herself and searching through her father's documents and scrolls for this mysterious acquaintance. With a 'tsk' and a shake of her head, Nadine headed out to continue her morning tasks, promising herself, If Adira doesn't finish her plate . . .
Shuffling through Lord Hiram's papers, Adira came across a bundle of letters. Taking a closer look, it seemed that he wrote letters to a man named Paio Liborio. The letters' contents discussed many trading policies, resource materials that began to be popular in Thrace, and, oddly enough, about their children. There wasn't much else in the letters pertaining to what Paio Liborio did, but it certainly proved how much of a passionate and intelligent man he was.
Adira could also say the same for Lord Hiram. The letters didn't reveal much of what he did, but it did reveal how much of a good man he was. The more she read, the more she couldn't stop re-reading them, especially the parts where he spoke of her. Just from the letters alone, Adira could already tell that he was a warm, loving, and doting father.
A pang of pain shot through her heart as Adira suddenly remembered that she was not the real Adira, and that Lord Hiram was not her real father. It didn't used to bother her that she grew up fatherless and motherless in her previous life. But now, knowing what she could have had, the hurt cut deeper than she was willing to admit. Abruptly, her depressive thoughts were interrupted with sudden knocks. Knock. Knock. Knock.
"I have your breakfast, my lady."
Oh, it's one of the maids. Adira went to straighten up from her sitting position on her chair, not realizing how tense her body had become. "Come in," she called out.
Once breakfast was settled, and Adira made sure to eat everything that was on her plate, she set her dish ware aside to continue her research. She was determined to put aside her doom-and-gloom thoughts and get things done. Grabbing a couple blank sheets of parchment paper, and a writing utensil, Adira went to write down everything she had read so far about this Paio Liborio. She even scribbled down unanswered questions she still had of him.
With everything written down, she sat back against her chair, legs freely dangling in the air and eyebrows heavily scrunched. If someone were to pass by the library, it would have been quite a sight to see a nine-year-old heavily mulling over documents at a desk that completely dwarfed her tiny size. Some may even let out a chuckle or two . . . or maybe even three.
"Paio Liborio . . . huh. Where have I read that name before?" It finally struck her that Liborio was indeed a familiar name. The name belonged to one of the leading merchant families in Thrace. She wanted to smack herself.
"Of course! They were one of the main supporters of the Hiram Mining Guild and managed the export of our jewels and precious stones!"
She raced towards the shelves, pulling out books regarding the mercantile histories of Thrace. Flipping through pages, Adira found that the Liborio Trading Co. specialized in overseas trade. They dealt with trading materials such as exotic spices, rare fabrics, finely crafted jewels and precious stones - courtesy of the Hiram Mining Guild - and valuable raw materials. But what made them so well-reputed was their uncanny ability to find and transport legendary treasures across the seven seas. They are, indeed, a very powerful family.
Adira was stunned. How did Lord Hiram manage to have connections with such people? But, if she really thought about it, Lord Hiram was an extraordinary man in his own right. He practically put Thrace on the map with his own strength and skills. Through his own innovative mind, he saved Thrace from the brink of an economic downfall. He was a brilliant man who was ahead of his time, and he knew that. There was no doubt that he needed an incredible amount of will and tenacity to put his brilliant plans into action. I guess birds of a feather flock together.
Reading further, Adira found that the Liborio's had a long history of trading with Syracuse, in particular. The name rung a bell.
"Syracuse? Oh, where was that book again . . .?" Adira muttered to herself. She went back to the shelves and lightly fingered the handsome book spines, all the while mouthing the titles. "Found you!"
The book that she pulled out of its nook was 'Syracuse: A Brief Look of The Blessed Land.' It was a country known for their impressive military might and highly acclaimed academia. But what they were really known for was the special blessing of protection, a gift from the Goddess of Concord to the first king of Syracuse. Her gift was the legendary Book of Peace.
Adira overheard conversations from the maids that the Book of Peace was one of the few relics from the gods that must be seen at least once. Apparently, Syracuse held an annual celebration that opens its borders for people of different lands to witness the Book of Peace being carried and displayed throughout the capital city of Syracuse. It sounded like it would've been a magnificent sight to behold. She tried to read further, but there came a knock on the door once more. Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in!" Adira called out for the second time that day. The door opened to reveal a very suspicious looking Nadine inspecting the room. Adira just gave her a grin as she eyed her empty plate.
"I see that you've done what I've asked," Nadine commented.
More like demanded. "Of course, Nadine. A Hiram always keeps her words."
"Indeed, they do," the old woman replied with narrowed eyes. But with no further qualms, Nadine picked up her young mistress's empty plate and was about ready to leave until she stopped all movements. She just stood there in the middle of the room with an appalled look.
Adira could almost feel the older woman's judgment. "What is it now, Nadine?"
"This room is an absolute mess," Nadine replied, still eyeing the chaos of papers and books that littered every surface, especially the once immaculate floor.
"It's not like you haven't seen it like this before, Nadine. Besides, you know that I always clean up after myself."
"Yes, but it shocks me how similar you are to your father in regards to your . . . thinking process," Nadine replied. Adira only offered a smile and started getting up from her spot near the bay window.
"Is lunch ready yet? I'm feeling a little peckish," Adira asked in a sudden change of topic. Nadine eyed her young mistress carefully and decided to let that one go . . . for now.
"It is. And it will be in the greenhouse today," Nadine stated. Adira's eyes widened, and a small genuine smile lit her face.
"That actually sounds delightful," the young girl said.
"I thought you might say that," Nadine stated proudly. "The cook has prepared something special for you today. I do believe you will not be disappointed."
Adira smiled. "I will hold you to that."
As fascinating as Syracuse and Paio Liborio were, research will have to wait until after lunch. Besides, she had already read enough to not be taken by surprise when he visited. She will not besmirch the Hiram name if she had anything to say about it. With that thought, Adira tidied up the room before heading down to the greenhouse for lunch.
Not only was the lunch lovely, but the view was simply stunning. The clouds could only hide the sun for so long, which made for a spectacular view of light and shadows against a vivid blue. The pops of leafy greens and vibrant exotics added for a mesmerizing sight to Adira. It was absolutely gorgeous in the greenhouse. Who knew so much color existed outside the manor?
Adira could only sit and absorb it all in. She knew it was quickly going to become her second favorite place to come and visit. Her favorite part of the greenhouse was that she could-
"Adira!" Nadine's panicked voice from outside the greenhouse startled the girl. Adira quickly twisted behind her decorated seat to find Nadine bursting through the front pane doors.
"Adira! There is an emergency!" Nadine had to catch her breath.
"Emergency?" Adira's heart started pounding.
"Lord Liborio has arrived, claiming that he needed to see you as soon as possible! He's been storming up the place trying to find you! Our guards-"
"I will see him now," Adira cut in firmly, heart settling.
"Adira, though he is a Liborio, he cannot just barge through our doors and-"
"He is father's acquaintance who has come to visit. I will not say it again, Nadine. I will see him now." Adira's tone brooked no argument. Nadine gaped at her young mistress, and was struck with a reminder that she looked so very much like her father. Proud and unflinching with a commanding presence.
"Of course. I will quickly guide you to him," Nadine said with a bow. And off the two went.
I can finally meet you, Adira thought, Paio Liborio.
A/N: I hope you are enjoying your lovely selves! Thank you for reading!