Chapter 118 - HEADACHE

Achis looked at her eyes that were so captivating, and sighed, harrowing his situation, she would not understand. What would she react if he told her that she should cover her eyes too? She'll go berserk for sure. 

When they had reached the puod they were greeted by the Hara at the entrance. Hara Kaliya was younger than Rajah Basi, though she had a son who was more than twenty years old, Lapil. Hara herself looks like in her mid-twenties. As she deeply cares for her beauty and staying young. 

Her hair was bun and gold ornaments on her hair were stuck into it making her look like a glorious imperious queen. Her dress was a weave of red and yellow thread, complimenting her white skin and gold jewelry that was hugging her neck and hanging on her ears, and the rings on her ten fingers. 

"Hara Kaliya," Achis bowed his head as a sign of respect, and Yanarym curtsy without a voice. 

"Datu Achis, it's our first meeting. I'm glad that you could come this year." 

"I should thank you for inviting me, Hara." 

"It's nothing, we should have invited you sooner but we did not know about your banwa. It's good that Rajah had mentioned you before his birthday."

"That's true, my baba was not really into socializing that's why we are not known." Yanarym who was listening at his side knew the reason why Achis was determined and striving Datu from the original plot. 

His father, the recent Datu, was not his real father- was what he thought. The Datu had no wife or son that could rule the bands once he died. That was why Achis was adopted as his son. The banwa was not doing well, frankly, it's on the edge of collapsing, if not for Achis. 

The Datu raised him as an incompetent father and ruler, he didn't do anything for his people, he died with his title as a sybarite chief who only thought of himself. Before he had his last breath, he admitted that Achis was his real son from a slave that he had r-aped. Achis felt disgusted by his existence after finding out the truth.

Since then, Achis vowed that he would never become the same as his father who only indulges himself in sex, treasures, woman, food, and luxury. And must prioritize caring about his people or his land. His father--- was a sickening person who doesn't deserve to be called a Datu. 

But Achis was different, he was the complete opposite of his father. He re-conspired with Tala. To have Datu Pita's land, with that, he could rule his banwa and the banwa of the greatest conqueror that had lived. And he had titled the conqueror of conquerors.

Upon defeating Datu Pita from the original story, he claimed Datu's land and combined the two. He was hailed and respected and loved by the people of the island. For that, he surrendered his love for the female lead and governed his territory to longevity and prosperity. 

The original story wasn't fixated on romance, the characters' design was made to fulfill their greatest desire in life. Tala wanted to be at the very top of the hierarchy, where no one could ever step on her, that was why she became the Hara, a Queen, the wife of the King. Lapil longed to be with someone who could understand him, and accept him. Tala was that person who was similar to him, that was why he rebelled to have Tala. Achis desired to be the greatest ruler of his territory, and he killed Datu Pita to have the entire island. Rather than romantic, it would fit the description of a historical action-thriller. 

"Who this might be?" Hara Kaliyah shifted her eyes to Yanarym and smiled at her. Yanarym looked at Achis who warned her not to speak or do anything unnecessary. 

Yanarym could only submit, she, herself didn't want any attention or trouble during her stay at the Rajah's territory. This was not a far concept to infiltrating the enemy's den. It's like suicide.

"She's my future wife Hara. Pardon us if she cannot speak to you."

"Oh, my bad. Is she mute?" Hara Kaliya displayed a concerned expression and looked at Yanarym with pitiful eyes. "Poor child." 

"No, it's just the custom of her origin's belief." 

"Oh, then it's good! Pardon my rude behavior. Can she speak to you though?" 

"Yes."

"Oh, is the reason why she's also covered from head to toe is her religion?" 

"That's correct."

"You have a strict custom, Bai." Hara smiled again at her and Yanarym just nodded her head. 

"What should I call her Datu Achis?" 

"She's Rym." 

"Even her name is interesting. Then, I hope you enjoy the banquet. These are my hayohay's they will send you to your room that you could use to stay. Your people could create tents outside for them to sleep on." Hara Kaliya explained and Achis complied. After he talked to his people, they began to amble in the long hallway where they could spend their days while they were staying here at the puod of Rajah. 

"You told her my name is Rym? Are you serious?" Yanarym hissed at Achis when they were alone in the room. 

"Why? That's not your real name." Achis asked curiously. Yanarym removed the fabric on her head exposing her angry expression. Achis who missed her face did not mind her creasing brow rather he held her waist for an embrace. 

"No! I don't want to cuddle, I'm hot with this get-up." She blurted out and facepalmed wondering if her name would reach Lapil's ear. If that happens, it might become her problem. 

Especially with their last interaction where she had to kiss him just to escape. Gosh, she's having a headache with these men. Oh, geez! She even slapped Lapil's butt! 

Guide-sama: "Should I remind you that Maki just arrived on the shore?"

"Great.." She mumbled when Guide-sama spoke out of the blue.