After those events, the day passes peacefully. I know this is only the calm before the storm. She is not one to quietly wait. Without Sylvia, she is more troublesome. In a fortunate circumstance, I cannot interact with Lyn so I can focus all of my attention in finding a way to get rid of her.
“Miss Athena?”
It is impossible for me to kill her. In terms of power rankings, she is the second strongest character after Sylvia. Since she is only added in the later part of the game, she may be stronger at this specific time. She also has support from the crown. In the very slim chance that I could orchestrate her demise. I would still need to deal with the king. Which is something I cannot afford as of this time.
“Miss Athena? Hello?”
Luckily, this month is a peaceful one. It is mostly centered on the student council elections. As long as I hold firm and refuse, she should leave me alone by the end of this month. The easiest way would be to commit atrocious crimes but the shackles of the prince and my plans in the future prevent me from taking even more drastic measures. I must maintain the current status quo in order to control most of my future.
“Miss Athena!”
“Hmm? Were you calling for me, Melanie?”
“Yes! Don’t get mad, okay? I actually wanted to wait until you were done but Blanche wants something.”
“Blanche?”
“Yes, miss Athena. I apologize for disturbing you but may I please have your time after class?”
“This is uncharacteristic of you. Explain.”
“I would like to spend time with you this evening. Just an hour or two before we return.”
“Oh? What brought this up?”
“I would like to keep that a secret until the end. Would you please grant me the honor?”
“Uh. So, I should go home first then?”
“Yes, Melanie. If you would please give some time for miss Athena and I.”
“Is that okay, miss Athena?”
How interesting.
“Yes, Melanie. You can go ahead for now. I want to know what Blanche has in mind.”
“Okay! Tell me how it goes later!”
Melanie runs off by herself.
“Thank you for your time, miss Athena.”
“Make sure that I do not get bored.”
It was a pleasant evening. Blanche escorted me all the time. We had a meal together, watched a movie and played some games. And now, we find ourselves to be in the middle of a park. Surprisingly, there are no other people in this place. This is exactly what a date would be.
“Miss Athena.”
As we were sitting side by side on a bench, Blanche stands up and kneels before me. She pulls up a diamond ring and presents it to me. It is even inside a fancy box.
“Will you marry me?”
“Is this your plan?”
“Yes. Mother has informed me that this is the least I can do to someone I am actively courting.”
“Does your mother know that I do not have any of the elements that a Frost seeks?
“Yes.”
“Did she approve of this action?”
“Yes.”
“I would have thought that the Frost family’s traditions deny you of this course.”
“If we are speaking in a logical sense. I can argue that since you are betrothed to the prince. There is a chance that I could be involved with someone of that element.
“That is true.”
“But in an emotional sense, I chose you.”
“Fair enough.”
I stand up and close the box. Grab her hand and pull her to stand.
“I decline.”
“I understand.”
I provide a serious answer. For all of my actions and everything I have done, I have no plans of being tied down any more than I already have.
“Is this all?”
“Yes. I follow your will, miss Athena.”
What is this weird sensation? It seeps through my heart and flows to my body. My eyes feel a stinging sensation that I have never felt before. Something inside me wants me to change my answer. I force myself to turn around. I refuse to let her see me like this.
“Blanche, do you know my ultimate goal?”
“No, miss Athena.”
“I see. Do you know that I am not as I show to you?”
“Yes. Though I may not have proof, I have an understanding.”
“Then, you should know that my path is not one of salvation.”
“Yes.”
“Then why do this? I am currently manipulating Sylvia. I am using Melanie’s insecurities to bind her to me. You are the only one who does not need to be tied to me. So, why?”
“Tell me, miss Athena. Is this path of yours one made with logic or emotion?”
There is no logic to my actions.
“Emotion.”
“Yes. Would you find it surprising if I feel jealous from those two?”
“You… feel jealous?”
“Yes. I am also jealous of the prince.”
“Why?”
“Whether it is a tool, a convenience, or a shackle, they all have what I do not.”
I wait for her next words.
“A connection.”
I stay silent.
“All of them have a reason to be connected to you. The prince is tied down with the decree of the crown. Sylvia is tied down with her past. Melanie is tied down with her insecurity. Only I am not tied down and persist with my stubbornness.”
“And that is why you have proposed?”
“Yes. I wish to be tied down with you, no matter the cost.”
This feeling in my chest aches. It boils my blood and stings my eyes. Whether in this life or the previous, no one has ever said those words to me. It gives me an unfamiliar sensation throughout my body. One that I have never experienced before.
“Even so, I cannot accept your proposal.”
“I understand.”
“But I can give you this.”
My voice quivers, a single tear flows down my cheek and for the first time in my life. I share what I wish to achieve.
“This path of yours will not have a happy ending.”
“I know. Even so, do you still wish to follow me?”
“Yes. Until the very end.”
“I see. You are the only one I have told of this. You are now tied down with my secret.”
“Thank you, miss Athena.”
I do not look back and start walking towards our home.
“I love you.”
