I had already composed myself when we returned. I did not look at Blanche once on the way back and we did not engage in conversation.
“Welcome back!”
Melanie greeted us with a bright smile.
“I made some food. I can’t make any of those fancy things though so I only have toasted bread.”
“Do not worry yourself, Melanie. I can eat anything.”
Even in my previous life, I was never a picky eater. I could eat anything as long as it was edible.
“Whew. I don’t know what to do if you wanted some of those pastries. I don’t even know what half of the things in the kitchen are!”
“I can teach you. I have been trained by my family to be able to cook.”
“Really?”
“Yes. The Frost family has a tradition of looking for partners from a very young age. Any child of Frost regardless of gender is thought to be a breadwinner or house partner in a family. We know the basics in housekeeping and business alike.”
“Woah. They really teach you a lot of things.”
“Yes. There are also courses of the sexual variety for those who are interested. These are optional as people have a different tolerance for such acts.”
Melanie and I are both stunned.
“We accept that some would not accept us when we try to court them. Our family believes that great performance is the best way to a person’s heart. Whether that performance relates to their appetite, personal beliefs, or sexual activities. All of these are covered by a Frost from a young age.”
Blanche stares at me as she says all of this.
“The answer remains the same.”
Her gaze does not falter. It seems this will be what happens moving forward. It is fine. I have accepted this outcome from earlier.
“Woah. What happened? Did you two kiss?”
“Melanie, what kind of question is that?”
“We have not kissed. I have not broken down Miss Athena’s barriers yet.”
“But didn’t miss Athena kiss Lucina?”
“That was in the heat of the moment.”
“I would also prefer to have my kiss in a more romantic manner. Once with full consent and a good atmosphere. Preferably right before we engage in coitus.”
“Who are you and what did you do with Blanche!? You didn’t speak like this before!”
Even I am shocked.
“I am still myself. After the events of today, I have devised that a more direct approach is the most efficient way to miss Athena.”
Melanie brings out a notebook out of nowhere and starts writing.
“Do not listen to her.”
“Please do not feel pressured to answer, miss Athena. I am willing to take the time.”
It seems a weird switch has been flipped in Blanche.
“Oh! I forgot, I have gifts!”
Melanie runs to her room while Blanche and I eat the toast.
“Alright! I made sure that I got all of your bags, Blanche! None of them are damaged!”
“Good. You have returned them safety.”
“I also got some materials! Some gems, minerals, and crystals.”
Melanie hands over a variety of items to Blanche.
“Thank you, Melanie. I apologize as I have no gifts to give in return.”
“Don’t worry about it!”
Melanie then faces me.
“I was planning on wrapping myself for miss Athena but I got something else!”
She gives me a stack of books. It is more similar to notebooks. I open one page and look in surprise.
“Where did you get these?”
“On my travels, some people were fighting because they lost their things. After this and that, I got those!”
“I see. Great work, Melanie.”
These are ledgers. While some of them are not related to father, these will be useful in the future. It seems that there are more factions involved in this. I see some names that are not in any of the ledgers I have read before. It seems this network expands more than I thought. No matter, my main focus is still on father. These are afterthoughts.
“Miss Athena, I believe that it would be better to share your ultimate goal with Melanie as well.”
“Oh? Why?”
“Melanie will understand.”
“What are you two talking about?”
“Do you want to know my secret, Melanie?”
“Is it a big secret?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm, nah. You don’t need to tell me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. It’s like something really big, right? You don’t need to tell me.”
“I see.”
“I already told you that I will be on your side anyway. And you’ll tell me when the right times comes so I’ll just wait for that.”
“Of course. I will tell you in due time.”
“Okay!”
That ends that conversation.
“Now, tell me what happened! I will be taking Blanche with me okay, miss Athena?”
“Go ahead.”
“Yay!”
Melanie drags Blanche back to her room. I am left by myself. I have done some thinking but I still have no options on how to get rid of that girl. It is very troublesome. The day ends as no other ideas appear in my head.
“Why is it quiet?”
Normally, our class would have some noise before I enter. Once I enter, all noises stop and everyone is more careful but I am still outside.
“Something may have happened.”
We enter the classroom and see someone who should not be here. I walk over towards my desk and stop in front of the person sitting on it.
“Why?”
“Do you really need to ask? You already know why I am here.”
I did not expect for her to bother me this early. She event went as far as to wait for me to arrive in class.
“I have already given you a clear answer.”
“I know but answers can change.”
“It will not change.”
“We’ll see. Anyway, I just wanted to make sure you’re here so I’ll be going for now.”
“How long will you keep this up?”
“That depends on you. All you have to do is accept.”
“Leave.”
“Sure. See you later.”
“I never wish to see you again, Freya.”
