It was now the day before I return to school. Father has not stopped warning me about my association with Athena Eterna. Mother has stopped him every time thus far. Father is now sleeping (unconscious). I am now alone with mother in my room.
“Blanche, you will be returning tomorrow, correct?”
“Yes, mother.”
“Will you be saying your farewells to your father?”
“Yes, mother.”
“You do not need to worry. I shall stop him if he plans to enact any action.”
“Of course, mother. I am grateful for your assistance.”
We share a silence as I wait for her next words.
“Blanche, are you sure about this?”
“About what, mother?”
“Your feelings.”
“Yes, mother. I have carefully analyzed myself for the days I have been here. I can confirm that my feelings have remained the same.”
“Understandable. Throughout our history, once a Frost falls in love, it does not go away. Whether they have one partner or multiple partners, this condition stays the same but what do you plan to do, Blanche?”
“What do you mean, mother?”
“You have mentioned that you have made the first move. Did you have a concrete reply?”
“I did not date push my feelings for it might trouble the one I love.”
“That is where you are wrong, Blanche.”
“Mother?”
“Her inaction itself is already an answer. You have stated your feelings and now waiting an answer but she has not shunned you or rejected you, correct?”
“Yes, mother.”
“In that case, you must push.”
“Push?”
“Yes. Confess again, Blanche. This time, make it a proper confession. Your previous confession was one out of the blue, correct?”
“Yes, mother. I did it without thinking.”
“This time, make it a proper confession. Do so with the perfect atmosphere. Make it a date.”
“I have no experience with hosting such a thing, mother.”
“I know and you do not need to make it grand. Athena Eterna already has more finances than you. You have no need for grand gestures. Take her out somewhere, spend the day together and then confess. That is the proper way.”
“A-are you sure this is wise, mother? Would she not be troubled by my actions if I pursue it.”
“There is the possibility but I ask that you do so anyway, Blanche. From your story, your confession is not enough. It is not the caliber of a Frost.”
“What do you suggest I do, mother?”
“You must acquire the assistance of someone who is very familiar to your school. They would be the best to ask for any advice on good locations to take on your date.”
Thinking about everyone I know, the best person to ask would be Juliet. She seems to be the one with the most knowledge in our surroundings.
“Then, figure out what types of food she likes.”
“I have confirmed with her maid that Miss Athena does not have a selective palate. She can consume anything edible.”
“No favorites?”
“She prefers meat and sweets but she has not shown any aversion to any time of meal.”
“Hmm, then what about you Blanche. Do you have a place you favor to dine in?”
“Yes, mother.”
“Then, bring her there. Show how you enjoy your meal and share your experience.”
As we were talking, I feel a notification on my crystal. Checking on it, it seems to be a message from a friend of mine.
“Go ahead, Blanche.”
“No need, mother. It is a message from a friend. It seems she has finally found the person she has been looking for.”
“Are you referring to that paladin?”
“Yes. She has finally found the heir to their religion but she has a weird request.”
“A weird request?”
“Yes. It seems that the heir has experienced issues pertaining to bandits or slave traffickers. She has expressed the desire to eradicate this issue before returning.”
“She is referring to the same type of people that captured you before, yes?”
“Yes, mother. She is now asking for assistance for any information about it.”
“This issue has been going on for quite a while. There seems to be no solution to it yet.”
I have a vague feeling that Miss Athena knows more than she shares but I will keep that to myself. I shall support Miss Athena in my own way. After a few replies, my conversation with her ends.
“For now, it seems they will be staying around where they are and will look for any groups that fit the description.”
“This heir your paladin friend has found seems to be a stubborn individual.”
“Yes. It seems they have met a person they refer to as mistress.”
There is only one person I know that fits that description. If it is Miss Athena, it seems she has been busy during our time away.
“Let us end our conversation here for today, Blanche.”
“Yes, mother.”
“Make sure to think about what I have said here today. I am not forcing you to do so. If you believe that you do not need to act upon, then you do not need to do so. Feel free to ignore my words.”
“Thank you, mother.”
“Ah. About the special project you are working on, it needs more resources and specific adjustments to work. It cannot be mass produced as it depends on the magic of two individuals to work. Time and distance will also factor in with its implementation.”
“I understand, mother. Thank you for your assistance.”
“Of course. I already know who you are making this for but do understand your limits. From what I access, this thing will consume most if not all of your magic per use. It is very possible that it will endanger yours and her life if used without care.”
“Yes, mother. I plan to give it to her once we have made a working prototype. I believe that it will be very beneficial for me.”
“For you? Not for her?”
“For her, I am one of many but for me, she is the only one. This would make me feel close to her wherever she may go.”
“Blanche, I cannot help to pity and envy you at the same time.”
“I know the feeling all too well, mother.”
Wait for me. I will be by your side soon.
