I and Mother stood at the edge of the courtyard, watching as Grandma bid her farewell to her closest friend, Lady Vera, and her companions. The sun casts a warm glow over the scene, highlighting the sadness in their eyes. While the air was still cold and snow remained as white as ever.
Speaking of the decision, Grandma agreed to Lady Vera's offer and decided to think about it more.
Then after a bit of talking, they suddenly decided to leave. From Lady Vera's words, I got to know that she received an Emergency Call from the organization.
Swish-!
Hm?
As they prepared to leave, I felt a sudden chill in the air. I glanced at Mother, wondering if she was using her protective mana to shield me.
"Ma?" I called out, seeking reassurance.
"Don't worry, my baby, your Mom is here," Mother replied, her voice filled with warmth and love. It seemed she hadn't quite understood my words, but her presence was comforting nonetheless.
I continued to watch as Mother and Lady Vera exchanged final waves. Lady Vera's gaze shifted towards me, accompanied by a strange smile. Another wave of coldness washed over me, realizing that Mother had been momentarily distracted. I chuckled to myself, knowing how easily she could get caught up in the moment.
With their farewells complete, Lady Vera joined her companions. One of them raised their hand and began chanting. Suddenly, a rectangular blue portal materialized out of thin air, shimmering with otherworldly energy.
I guess the caster was Awakener with a teleport-related Talent then.
The sight also reminded me of one of my fellow junior students from the academy, and I couldn't help but wonder how he was doing.
I hope he is faring well...
...
I am starting to feel sleepy...
Did they leave...
...
..
.
____ ___ _
"Sorry, I have to leave now," Lady Vera spoke with a sad smile, her gaze fixed on her closest friend, Lady Helene. "I wish we could talk longer."
"I know. Me too," Lady Helene replied, her charming smile mirroring Lady Vera's sadness.
"I'll be waiting for you at the Sanctum," Lady Vera said, her voice filled with anticipation. "You must come to visit. At least for her sake."
Lady Helene paused for a moment before responding, "I will."
"That's good!" Lady Vera exclaimed, her happiness shining through. "By the way, 'she' sent her warm regards when she heard I would be visiting you."
Lady Helene's curiosity piqued. "Who?" she asked, though she had a hunch.
"Master's youngest daughter, of course," Lady Vera revealed. "Oh, and speaking of news, she gave birth just a month ago. Care to guess if it's a girl or a boy?"
"... A girl, I think?" Lady Helene guessed with a bit of uncertainty.
Lady Vera's excitement was palpable. "Wow! How did you know?" she exclaimed. "Do you possess your husband's prediction ability?"
Lady Helene looked at her friend with a strange gaze. "Didn't you ask me to guess?"
Lady Vera pouted playfully. "Ah, you guessed it then."
"But fate truly is mysterious, don't you think?" Lady Vera mused, her tone filled with intrigue. "All three of us became grandparents this year. If this isn't fate, then what is?"
Lady Helene shared the same sentiment. "Yes... Maybe this is fate."
"Since the three of them are the same age, I'm sure they will become close friends," Lady Vera suggested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Perhaps," Lady Helene replied, her tone more reserved.
An idea suddenly struck Lady Vera. "Ah! Why don't we arrange an engagement between little Samiel and her child? They would make a perfect couple!"
Lady Helene's bewilderment was evident. "Engaged?" she questioned, taken aback.
Lady Helene took a moment to compose herself before responding, "What about your grandson? Didn't you want him to get close to Her Highness?"
"Ah, unfortunately, my grandson already has a fiancée," Lady Vera spoke, disappointment evident in her voice. "You know how impatient and stubborn my husband can be, right?"
"...Yes," Lady Helene nodded in understanding.
"He already promised his close friend to take her daughter as his daughter-in-law even before my grandson was born," Lady Vera explained. "So, my grandson is already taken."
"That happened?" Lady Helene muttered.
"Oh, yes. And I pity your grandson." Lady Vera chuckled. "My grandson already got a wife, yet yours is still single. Why don't we really engage him with Master's granddaughter?"
"..." As Lady Helene was about to think deeply, something clicked in her mind. {Wait!}
"Heh, I would have fallen for your trick just now." She said looking at her friend who wasn't able to hide her mischievous smile. "My grandson is just a baby, he's not at the age of marriage. And I alone can't decide on his partner. I will leave it to my grandson to find her by himself. And when he finally does, I will immediately plan a wedding and marry them."
"...You." Lady Vera looked at her friend with wide eyes. "You are as amazing as always! You already thought about it!"
"Hmph! What do you know." Lady Helen chuckled. "And you are just like your husband. Impatient and reckless."
"So what! At least he is more handsome than your husband." Lady Vera replied back.
But she didn't realize she changed the topic to a weird angle.
"What? He is? I think you should compare them when you return." Lady Helene also seemed like she didn't want to lose the battle. "My husband is more handsome."
"..."
An awkward silence fell between the two friends as they locked eyes, determination shining through.
"Haha!"
"Hahaha!"
And then, they burst into laughter simultaneously, their laughter filled with charm and joy.
They shared a warm embrace, knowing that their time together was coming to an end.
"Till we meet again," Lady Vera spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"Yes," Lady Helene nodded, her own smile tinged with a touch of melancholy.
Lady Vera bid her farewell to Lady Nazia and her friend's grandson, waving at them with a sense of purpose.
{Don't worry, Samiel! I will talk to your mother-in-law and fiancée and make sure they know about you!} Lady Vera thought secretly, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. {I will make her fall for you, Samiel. Consider it a gift from your Grandma Vera! Haha.}
"What absurd ideas are you having again?" Lady Helene questioned, knowing her friend all too well.
Lady Vera smiled mischievously. "Heh, what do you know? I shall take my leave now."
"Okay, be careful," Lady Helene said, bidding her final goodbye. "Goodbye."
"Yes, we will," Lady Vera replied before stepping into the portal. "Goodbye."