As the glow of the hearth danced upon the old wooden walls of the inn, I found myself at the heart of a daunting confrontation with Blanc Whitewinter. As an aristocrat's daughter, Tatiana Tremaine, the possibility of war was far from my privileged upbringing. The notion itself struck a chilling cord within me. Lady Sakuya and Lily, recognized the gravity of Blanc's prophecy. Their knowledge of the town's strategic significance hinted at a deeply intricate understanding of the potential conflict.
The magnitude of the decision weighed heavily upon me. My heart pounded, fear and uncertainty tainting my thoughts. I've always been content to rely on Catherine's bravery during our adventures, preferring to provide moral guidance rather than assertive action. A nervous confession slipped from my lips, the words barely a whisper as they floated into the void, "I can't do it."
Blanc's retort was harsh and unyielding, her words slicing through the tension-laden air like a sword, "Of course, you can't. You're just a daughter of an aristocratic family. You have no idea what it's like for peasants living in a war, fighting hunger and the cold every day, while witnessing people dying in cold blood. Meanwhile, you've been sheltered in your cozy house with warmth."
Her words stung, searing an ugly truth into my mind - my privileged existence was in stark contrast to the grim realities of war. The silence that followed was broken only by the crackling of the fire - a testament to the truth in Blanc's words.
Lady Sakuya stepped in, her tone soft yet firm, "That's enough, Blanc." Her words were a soothing balm against Blanc's biting accusations. Her subtle protectiveness offered me a beacon of hope in an otherwise grim conversation.
Lily, ever the voice of reason, gently suggested, "This has been a long day. We should rest for the night." Her words were a gentle echo, acknowledging the toll of the emotional strain that hung heavy in the room.
Blanc snorted dismissively, her eyes closed as she reclined further into her chair. The conversation had come to a close, at least for the time being. The topic was dismissed, but the tense atmosphere lingered, an unpleasant reminder of the storm yet to come.
The journey to my room was a blur, Lily's gentle hand in mine guiding me through the dimly lit corridors of the inn. Upon reaching the landing, I turned to her, my voice shaking, "Lily, am I in the wrong?" The question was an echo of the uncertainty that gnawed at my heart.
Her voice was a soft murmur in the quiet hallway, laced with understanding, "To be honest, it's hard to determine what's right and wrong in situations like this. Different perspectives can make what seems wrong to one person justified to another. As an aristocrat or even a villainess, you can't always have all the answers."
Her insight brought some comfort, enough for me to voice my deepest fear, "It's just... I feel so lost. Maybe I've always relied too much on others to make decisions for me."
Her eyes softened as she knelt down to meet my gaze, "Tatiana, it's alright. You're still young, and you'll find your way. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just remember that you have your own values, and it's important to stay true to them. Your dream of creating a better place is noble."
I offered a small nod of gratitude, "Thank you, Lily. Your words mean a lot to me." Her unwavering belief in me was a glimmer of light in an otherwise dark tunnel.
With a warm smile, Lily bid me goodnight and gently closed the door behind her. I found myself alone, Blanc's biting words echoing in my mind, "You're just a daughter of an aristocratic family." The accusation gnawed at me, forcing me to question my very existence. Was I truly a privileged daughter incapable of independent decisions? Was my reliance on others my greatest failing?
As the comfortable warmth of the room enveloped me, I drifted off to sleep, my mind filled with unsettling thoughts and a resolve beginning to take root.
**Lily's Perspective**
As I descended the dimly lit staircase, a subtle warmth touched my senses. It was unmistakably Blanc's doing – an unexpected display of her power and a testament to her silent concern for Tatiana.
Lady Sakuya's elegant figure came into view as she moved silently across the corridor. I bowed respectfully, acknowledging her presence, "Are you also heading to bed? Good night, Lady Sakuya." She returned my nod, her silence speaking volumes of her thoughts and concerns.
Back in the main hall, I found Blanc, deeply engrossed in her study of the world. Her intense focus and the papers scattered around her painted a picture of diligent research. A playful curiosity bubbled within me, prompting a light tease, "You're not going to bed yet, Lady Blanc?" Her cryptic response hinted at her determination, "I'm going to study this world more."
Probing further, I addressed the tension from our previous conversation, "You know, it wasn't very honest of you, how you treated Lady Tatiana." Her dismissive chuckle and her casual shrug failed to mask the underlying fondness in her voice, "
Heh, what a joke. I was sent to this world to destroy it, but here I am, taking care of a spoiled brat."
Pouring ourselves drinks, I couldn't resist asking, "I wonder what Lady Blanc's impression of Lady Tatiana is, if I may ask?" Her response carried a hint of annoyance, but beneath it, I sensed a deeper warmth, "She... probably one of the two most troublesome girls I've ever met." It was evident that despite her bravado, Blanc held a grudging fondness for Tatiana.
**Tatiana's Perspective**
As I woke up, the remnants of my dream with my mother lingered, offering a sense of comfort and reassurance. The familiar place behind our mansion, where we used to share afternoon tea, now felt like a cherished memory. A profound relief washed over me, and I clung to her embrace, feeling safe.
"I knew you wouldn't leave me," I said, tears of relief and joy welling up.
With a gentle smile, she assured me, "My dear, I will always be with you, even in your darkest moments." Her words were a soothing melody to my anxious heart, filling me with warmth.
Noticing my distress, she asked with a soft frown, "Did something happen, Tatiana? You seem upset. Is it because of Beatrice again?" I shook my head, trying to put my feelings into words, "No, it's not about Beatrice or the sweets. It's... I'm feeling lost, Mother. I don't know what's right or wrong anymore. I'm not sure if I'm making the right decisions."
Her gentle touch on my shoulder provided a comforting anchor, and she reminded me of our family motto, "Noblesse Oblige," and the values we held dear. Her wise words stirred something within me, a sense of clarity in the midst of confusion.
"I have forgotten, Mother. How could I?" I admitted, feeling a tinge of embarrassment for losing sight of what truly mattered.
With a reassuring pat on my shoulder, she offered a guiding light, "As you grow up, you'll find your own values, and that will make you the Lady of Tremaine in your own right." Her words were a reminder that my journey of self-discovery was still unfolding, and my identity went beyond my aristocratic lineage.
As I woke from the dream, I was surprised to find Lady Sakuya standing by my bedside. I quickly sat up, feeling slightly flustered. "Huh? Wait, what are you doing, Lady Sakuya?" I asked, my cheeks flushing.
Crouching down, she looked at me with concern, her presence exuding warmth. "…Are you alright? You seem to be sad," she said softly, her voice a soothing balm to my troubled heart.
Taking out a pink handkerchief from her dress, she gently wiped away tears that I hadn't even realized were falling. The delicate fabric carried a faint scent of flowers, adding to the sense of comfort and safety she provided.
Embarrassed by my vulnerability, I offered to return the favor, "Thank you, but I dirtied your handkerchief. Let me wash it for you." I wanted to do something in return for her unexpected kindness.
She smiled reassuringly, declining my offer, "No, I don't mind. If you're feeling well, come down and have breakfast." Her caring demeanor left me feeling touched and grateful, a mix of emotions swirling within me.
As I reflected on Lady Sakuya's actions, a newfound sense of resolve stirred within me. The dream with my mother had reminded me of the values I cherished, and I knew it was time to face my doubts and confront the challenges ahead. I couldn't let myself be defined solely by my upbringing or circumstances. It was time for me to find my own path and make decisions that aligned with my beliefs. With a renewed sense of determination, I prepared myself to face the uncertain future that lay ahead.
-Chapter 5 End-