Hello, readers. I am working harder than ever to wrap up to story. I hate the idea of leaving you all on a cliffhanger for a month or so. As a result, I will finish the story by the end of April. Thanks for sticking with me and reading my work. Now, what you all came here for...
Chapter 5: Her Dad
Richter sat in the dining hall, eating a meal by himself. The rest of the Blue Lions were on a recon mission with Professor Byleth. He was thinking about the date he went on with Annette. It had turned out to not be a complete bust but, it didn't go as neither he nor Annette planned it. Just as he finished his dish, Sylvain plopped down in the seat next to him.
"Well, well, how's the lady's man doing?" Sylvain teased. "I'm doin' fine, I s'pose." He replied nonchalantly. Sylvain took a moment to study his friend's face. "You must be bored since the majority of our class is on that recon mission." He said, leaning back in his chair. Richter sighed, "Yep, pretty much."
The two continued to talk about random topics that piqued the other's interest until a knight took the other seat next to Richter. "I finally have a moment to have a conversation with you." He said, looking at Richter. Richter looked up at the knight, who was taller than him even when sitting down, and asked, "Sorry, do I know you?" The knight chuckled to himself, "My apologies, where are my manners? My name is Gilbert, I am Annette's father." An awkward silence filled the room, or section of the room, rather. It was Sylvain that broke this silence, using it as an escape from a weird conversation. "Wow, would you look at the time? I just remembered I have to check weapon inventory. See ya around, Richter." He said, leaving the room as fast as possible.
Richter sat as Gilbert talked to him about Annette. "She's such a lovely girl, isn't she? Always so bright and cheerful, and hard-working," Gilbert spoke. Richter nodded in agreement to his comments about Annette. It felt weird to talk to someone that way about his girlfriend, especially if it's her dad. "Now that I think about it, Annette doesn't talk about you much," Richter commented. Gilbert sighed, "Poor girl, I wouldn't be surprised if she resents me." Richter stayed silent. He could tell there was a deeper meaning behind those words. "I don't think she hates ya, quite the opposite, actually," Richter began, "When she talks about you, her eyes shine a certain way. Hell, she probably regards you more than she does the Goddess." Gilbert silently mulled over his words. After a short while, he rose from his seat. He looked at Richter and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I can clearly see that my daughter is in good hands. Please continue to watch over her but, don't tell her you spoke with me, she can't know about this conversation." Richter then stood up as well, about to walk off when Gilbert said to him, "You have my blessing." Richter stopped in his tracks. Did his ears deceive him? He turned towards Gilbert with a, "Wait, what?" Gilbert said it again and clearer this time. "I approve of you taking my daughter's hand in marriage." With that, Gilbert walked off, as he had things to see to. Richter was happier than a clam. All he had to do was get her mother's approval, he thought.
Around the corner, Sylvain stood hidden. He listened in on the conversation the two had. Sylvain had the biggest grin on his face. "Wait until Mercedes hears this!" He whispered to himself.
There's chapter 5. Chapter 6 will come shortly, maybe on Sunday or Monday. Either way, please look forward to it.