Chapter 31: Fairest
"What is... why are you—" Triviño's surprise was plastered all over his face as he scanned me from head to toe. His eyes lingered on the red shoulder bars and the embroidery.
Teniente Dimalanta, who arrived with him, was not as surprised. He had already seen me in church that morning, as did the whole town of Malolos. Triviño, however, had only just arrived from Calumpit, and it would seem his friend had kept it a secret until then.
The two of them arrived late that afternoon at the doorstep of the Tiongson residence to fetch me for the banquet. Both were also dressed for the occasion, donning their rayadillo uniforms. It would seem that I wouldn't be riding a carriage to the Casa Real, as they had brought with them three horses.
"You look sharp, Heneral," said Dimalanta with a proud grin. The young man's hair was still wet and combed into a neat side part.
I still wasn't used to being called Heneral. And I must admit, it was pleasant to the ears—significantly better than being addressed as Gobernador, which, unlike the former, was a position with no real power.
"You're here to escort me too, Teniente Dimalanta? People might start mistaking you for my aide-de-camp," I commented, loosening the topmost button of my uniform, which made the jacket tighter than comfortable.
Teniente Dimalanta glanced at Vicente before he licked his lips and replied, "Actually... I wanted to talk to you about that, Gobernador. You see... my mother really didn't want me to join the army because she thinks I'll be in danger. But..."
"But... what?" I asked, although I was quite certain of what I'd hear next.
"But if I go with you to Marinduque, far from here... she'll be less worried. I might even be able to reconcile with her, once I have your assurance," Dimalanta continued.