Ever since that coffee incident, Milena felt haunted by that memory, it taunted her to her sleep. Knowing that she had spilled it to none other than the duke! And worst of all, she hadn't greeted him with proper courtesy!
No—but I didn't knew after all.
She consoled herself, twisting logics to ease her humiliation. Still, she wished that it could had been anyone that she'd splattered her coffee on. Why the duke?!
She lay on her stomach, kicking her feet up and down as she lay on her bed—burrying her face on a soft pillow.
Alena, who was just passing by the doorway, paused. She was baffled by what she think was a comedy scene. She was entertained to Milena's agitation.
I even sent a letter expressing great concerns of our farm!
With that thought, it made her felt the twice of the embarrassment. She sat up with her tangled hair, breathing to calm herself down.
This scene made Alena chuckled. Milena turned her head around to see her younger relative, who was giggling to herself.
Milena stared at her, her eyes pleaded mercy. Of course that didn't help to erase the humiliation.
"If he finds out that I was the one who sent the letter of concerns," Milena blurted "Would I be in great trouble?" She asked.
Alena only shrugged, clearly ignorant about what Milena was rumbling about.
Milena squealed her hands. She wanted to cry. Her younger cousin just rolled her eyes. Laughing to herself, confused and amused—wondering what had caused the hurricane in her head.
Milena blinked multiple times to wake herself—bring herself back to sanity.
That's right, the last semester's exam is nearby!
She reminded herself that her exam will be by the first week of next month. She thought that studying will might help her erase the memory of humiliation that had been keeping her awake at night. Also considering that the world didn't end when she embarrassed herself in front of the duke.
Still in her nightgown, Milena sat up straight, pulled herself together and became determined to study. After all, she loved being praised by her brilliance.
Maybe, it's about time to study.
Milena had been attending the prestigious Dalqueer University, this year would be her third year now. By the following year, it would mark as her last year attending university.
She made this far already, and of course she is proud of herself for keeping up, in spite of the difficulties that she encountered.
Milena would always put a pat on her shoulder—silently acknowledging her strength, reminding herself of how far she came.
By a year or two, she is now eligible to become a registered nurse. And a matter of fact, she is the president of the student government in her batch.
What an honorable student she is!
Monday came around, Milena was walking along a brick path on her way to her next class. The trees rustled softly on the breeze, admiring the warm sun's gentle touch.
Surrounding her were buildings with red bricks, adorned with grand columns that complimented timeless structure of the university.
"Ah…" She sighed freely. Almost like forgetting all her troubles.
Milena clutched her book, hastened her pace to finally reach her classroom. Keeping her mind to herself with bloomed relaxation.
An older gentleman, who was a few feet away, catching a sight of Milena and called her name.
"Professor!" Milena ran to him, forming a curve to her lips.
Both finally stood face to face. The professor regarded Milena a proud gleam in his eyes, like a father heard such great news that filled his heart.
"Congratulations, Milena." He finally said.
"What?" She beamed.
"You earned the highest grade in your batch, Milena. I am truly proud of your efforts."
Her smile widened, absorbing the words of the professor. She felt that she could melt at any moment, she was indeed proud of herself, like she always did. The tireless nights and her endless efforts had definitely returned to her favors.
Her heart fluttered, and it will only flutter when it comes to academic achievements.
"Thank you." She said calmy, above a whisper. But inside, she felt like running and jumping.
As the professor tend to bid his goodbye, he remembered something that should be addressed to the president of the student governement.
"Miss Ferlin."
Milena was all ears immediately.
"There would be an event by next week's saturday… A fundraising banquet."
Milena's brows creased, tilting her head, having unheard concerns for such a short preparation time.
"Only a week, professor?"
"Yes." He nodded.
"But professor, it would be tight if we were only given limited time to prepare." Milena objected.
"I thought so too, but the head of the university wouldn't be around if the banquet were to be hold later. Which is why they had to move it earlier."
Upon hearing the news, Milena wasn't in please with the idea of the school board. They could've done it later on. But with the current situation, it would thwart the students who had taken part on school events.
She knew that this will become a hindrance to the student's studies; also considering that the year end exam was just nearby.
Nevertheless, she had no other choice but to agree to her professor, telling him that she ultimately understood the task.
Later on that day, the members of the student government had gathered in an empty classroom.
Milena, who was the only female member in the council had summoned the men—for there would be brief discussion.
Milena had sighed wishing to delay her word. She knew when she announced the task, it would become a bothersome for these students. Particularly, these students had assignments to fulfill, especially the major ones.
"Professor had told me that the fundraising banquet would be preponed."
She declared, her tone felt dejected. Some men scoffed as soon as they heard. Milena could read the disbelief in their faces; and she too felt the same when the news was first brought to her.
"But it was supposedly to be set on summer."
"I have many assignments that are due this week."
"How could they not consider the student's struggles!"
"Exams are nearby."
The complaints of the members were too much, and Milena only sat there—silently agreeing to their concerns. The students were too drained to prepare the event—too drained to study for the limitless quizzess and activities.
"If we all just work together, I'm sure everything would turn out to be fine!"
Bastien Holt, an engineering student voiced out a proudful and hopeful tone. Milena shifted her eyes to him—her eyes weary, burdened from the endless task.
"Milena, you're the president! You must encourage them to do this task." Bastien hissed in a whisper, only loud to Milena.
Milena looked at Bastien, her gaze became dominant—blinking slowly and deliberately to Bastien.
"Why, Mr. Vice?" Her voice laced with sarcasm. "It's not like you're not struggling with us, is it?" Milena striked a smirk.
Bastien scoffed at her, hiding his urge to laugh at her sarcasm.
"Come on Ferlin—"
"You must be showing to them that you're more eligable to take my spot." Milena let out a sigh, resting her chin to her palm.
"Seriously, I am just saying that you should be responsible. A leader should show encouragement to motivate."
"I am too discourage enough, though. I am worn out for being the best out there."
Milena didn't meant to brag—what she meant was: she can't dissapoint her peers and mentors that had looked up to her. And gladly, Bastien didn't misunderstood what words that came out to her.
"I know, but—"
"The members in this council don't look up to me either." She sighed, tracing her fingers on top of a textbook. "I was once told that I won…. because I am being objectified by the male students."
Socializing at her university was never easy for Milena. Especially the majority of people attending the university are male.
In the older society, females never had the access to higher education, even if their intellect were no match to the brightest men in their time.
This gave Milena a determination to stand up against gender discrimination. Which is why she ran the position of student government president. She had the desire to challenge the stereotypical gender roles—that she knew that she had to prove; not only for herself, but also her gender.
Despite of her determination, winning the position may be a victory; However, Milena had faced discrimination, most likely targetting her gender.
She was criticized that she had seduced the proffesor who was in charge of tallying the votes. And some say men in their university voted for Milena, because of her sensational beauty.
She was being objectified in her campus.
Milena had no regards on bothering the whiplash that she had been receiving. Though, she'd only gave notice everytime the hopeful Bastien comes to light, because the members of the student government would rather listen to him than Milena.
Other than that, she still managed to keep in harmony with her peers, she kept everything balanced and fair, and she did what's best in the campus.
***
Duke De Venstein had attended an urgent meeting about moving the fundraising event to an earlier date.
He was in disbelief when he was enlightened by this. To him, as the Duke, this is such an incovenience for him. However, he didn't lay a word about the concept. He needed to agree, because the principal was his cousin.
The meeting had already finished off, the contributors had been dismissed, having the meeting end with a positive note.
Laurus was the last one to leave the room, along with him was Pilmer, and Principal Larrie who escorted him out of the room.
Larrie wanted to tour Laurus around the campus, so that they could have a proper private conversation—a conversation that is only for their family.
Larrie had regarded Laurus his concerns towards Maurice's short-tempered behaviour, it intimidated Larrie because Maurice had been cornering him since his younger days. Just a brief normal conversation between relatives. And Laurus would only show a subtle grin, nodding and listening to Larrie's words.
Later on, the conversation transitioned when Laurus asked about reasons of rescheduling the event earlier than expected.
"Well, I had been involved in discussion with an another institution—abroad. They proposed a merger with Delqueer University. Practically, my school would be extended. This is a great deal!"
"It seemed that you're working things out." A composed tone came out.
"Of course." Larrie knodded. "And the school is owned by the relatives of Marquis Olheimn."
Larrie knew that accepting this offer would create a strong reputation for the Bolgerwens—establishing their name abroad. Meanwhile Laurus thought that this could add up to one of the good reasons on marrying Lady Iris. To him, this will enhance the Bolgerwen's image and help secure influence.
They look around a corridor that is filled with the school's prideful achievements, golden trophies, framed certificates, and bulletin boards full with announcements.
Larrie was very proud to show the halls to Laurus, showing him how much of a success his university is. For him, this was hit art gallery.
As they walk past through the corridor, they admired how much of a prestige this university is, Laurus only nodded in approval—like he always did if something is in place of perfection.
When they passed through the wall filled with framed photographs, Laurus had gazed onto something that drawn his attention.
A formal photograph of the student governemnt.
Laurus paused his step in order to examine the photograph.
In the picture, the majority of them were male and there is one female who stood in the middle.
She was very familiar to Laurus.
Larrie had noticed that the Duke wasn't already walking alongside with him. He turned around, and rewind his steps to wait for his cousin.
Larrie bserved that Laurus was only staring at the student government's group photo, he thought that the only female in the group is the one drawing Laurus' attention.
"That's a photo of the student government here." He said, to let Laurus know. "That lady, she is the current president of the student government." He continued.
Yes, it 's her.
The one who spilled coffee on him.
"What's her name?"
"Ah…" Larrie, quite unsure why he asked. "Milena…. Milena." He repeated to make sure the Duke heard.
"Milena?"
"Yes…. Milena." Larrie cringed repeating her name.
The photograph had no colors—it was only black and white. But Laurus thought that the coffee lady had brought color to it, despite being the only female in the group nor carrying such beauty. It somehow made him think that Milena had made the photo less dull.
"Even I—I can't believe she won the position." Larrie exclaimed, thinking Laurus was displeased having a female as president.
Laurus turned his heel and started walking, the two then followed.
Milena… Such a darling name.
"What a unique student you have."
"Haha…! Of course!" Larrie proudly said.
Laurus grinned to himself. Finally! He had found her. This time, he make sure that they meet properly, with no humiliation in the atmosphere. This hit Laurus a realization that he was looking forward to encounter her.
Because a few days ago, the look that she gave to Laurus gave him—a strange sensibility, that he couldn't quite name it. And walking away from that incident gave him regret—he wished he could've gave enough time.
Her humiliated gaze to him—that didn't seem to realize he was the duke—was annoyingly adorable to him.
When he felt those sentiments, it made him walk away. Because he hated how it made him feel.
But now, he found her.
The three men now has stepped outside the tall arch door framing their figures. Pilmer went ahead on to fetch the automobile, leaving the two cousins alone together.
"It was nice that we were able to catch up, duke."
"I am glad too."
Laurus' mind had wandered to somewhere else, that darling name keeps circling around through his thoughts. He found himself quitely amused, that something other than his burdened duty had came lingering to his mind.
"Milena…" Laurus mentioned.
"Y-yes?" Larrie asked, quiet uncertain if he heard that correctly.
"I'd like to meet her." He said, his voice calm and deep.
"Now…?"
"No…" Laurus buttoned his suit. "I want to meet her at the fundraising banquet."
"Why is that?"
Laurus only gazed at Larrie, his eyes alone commanded him to silence.
"Ah." Larrie hummed "Understood. Definitely will!" He cheered to lift up the mood.
When the car arrived, Pilmer opened the backdoor of the car, allowing Laurus to step inside. Larrie and Laurus already bid their farewells to each other—just like every business men did.
As they the engine started, Laurus sat silently. He commanded Pilmer to hand out the documents for him to review. Laurus scanned the documents, but his mind was still on the name he heard earlier.
He lifted his head and caught a sight—a sight that he had been yearning to see once again.
That strawberry blonde girl, her hair up, and the rest cascaded in long, loose curls falls to her back. She wore a cream long-sleeved blouse with a brown wide necktie-styled bow at her collar. Her high-waisted brown skirt, pleated in box folds, that fell gracefully below her knees.
"Sir, isn't that the lady who had splashed her coffee to you?" Pilmer from the front seat asked.
"I think so." Laurus replied.
As if he wasn't interested, but his eyes said otherwise. His gaze were still stuck to her. To Milena.
"Pilmer."
"Ahh… Yes, you're grace?" Pilmer asked.
"I'd like you to buy a present."
"For whom sir?"
"An apology gift…. For a lady."
Pilmer blinked, he was caught off guard by his master's pause.
"Ahh… Lady Iris, it is?" Pilmer smiled.
"No…" He corrected his secretary.
They already passed by Milena, who was walking peacefully with her grace, clutching onto her textbooks, and her hair being softly blown by the gentle breeze.
"Understood…"
"But you decide, Pilmer. It's for a college student." Laurus flicked his fingers as if it didn't matter. "Perhaps books, a journal, or something else suitable."
"Surely, your grace."
Pilmer replied with courteous nod. Though, a doubt hid beneath his polite tone. From what he recalled, the Duke never exchanged insulting words to someone.
Nonetheless, the gift was for a woman, he was just certain that the woman was not Iris. But a woman he could have encountered that blossomed his master's interest.