So I found some extra time do some extra writing aaaaand the result is this chapter getting posted a few days early. There will still be a new chapter on Saturday, fear not. Also, chapter 3 is already up on my p-a-t-r-e-o-n for those who join the 'Early Stuff!' tier. Also also, a prologue/teaser is up on there for another story I'm working on. It probably wont be posted for a little while as my current focus is on this story. Though progress is being made on it. Before I drone on anymore than I already have, please leave a comment, favorite, and follow, and if you desire to follow me on p-a-t-r-e-o-n dot c-o-m/Nordik where there's some other cool stuff to be seen!
Dear Jacques, my love,
If you are reading this, it means I won't be coming back from Mistral. The incident with the newly named White Fang I was sent to resolve escalated and I don't see a way out. I'm so sorry my love. Please do not blame the White Fang for what has happened. A Faunus worker was injured in our newly opened mine here, and the overseer responded in ways that were discriminatory. This is not a value I wish for our company to hold. The reason I won't be making it back is; immediately after speaking with the victim, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away. Her name was AnnMarie Taurus, her husband, Victor Taurus, now blames me for her death.
'Victor Taurus' Weiss thought to herself for a moment. She knew part of that name. It was Blake that mentioned it. If she remembered right Blake was once close to a man with the same last name. Next time she saw the cat Faunus, Weiss would make it a point to see if she'd be willing to talk about him.
I tried to explain to him what I told her, how the overseer will be immediately fired and banned from anything Schnee Dust related for life. However, he is blinded by grief and rage, which I do not blame him for. He has rallied the White Fang supporters in Mistral and even as I write this, they are searching for me. I am going to find a way to send this letter and attempt an escape, but I do not like my odds. Once again, I am so sorry my love.
I know you, and I can predict the emotional path your mind will take. Please, for the good of the company, and above all else, for the good of our family, our kids, refrain from it. Our kids will need you, especially Winter and Weiss due to their age. They deserve to have a happy life, even despite the dire events taking place now. I wish I could be there so I could help provide them that happy life.
I think my biggest regret is that I won't be able to see them all grow up and find their place in life. I regret not being able to see the paths in life they'll choose to take. Not being able to take part in the simple things like seeing them off to school, congratulating them on their successes, seeing the jobs they take up, or meet the people they wish to date. There's so much I wish I could see them do. Jacques, because I can't, I need you to love them all, enough for the both of us.
Weiss tried to choke back a sob. She knew so little about her mother, but this told her all she really needed to know. This letter showed Weiss just how much Eis really loved her and her siblings. Not knowing what really happened with her mother had often supplied unpleasant thoughts, like her leaving the family, usually because of Jacques. Those thoughts always lead to questions as to if Eis really loved her kids. But this… This was proof that she did. Proof that she loved them to stars and back. That thought truly warmed the heiress's heart.
You are a good man Jacques, even despite some of your colder tendencies, and I am beyond happy that I got to marry and start a family with you. The years we spent together were some of the best in my entire life, and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the whole world. I love you with my whole heart, Jacques, and I know we'll meet again, even if it's in the next life.
Good bye, my love.
-Eis Schnee
Weiss looked over the letter in her hand's multiple times, noticing the tear stains that littered the pages. She couldn't tell if they were from her father when he read it or from her mother when she was writing it. If she had to guess, it was from her mother. She closed her eyes, feeling the tears that still welled within. She sat there in silence and let them fall.
After some time, the tears all spent, the heiress wiped them from her face and stood up. She carefully placed the letter back in the envelope before making her way to her fathers' study, where he no doubt would be.
Jacques sat in his office, alone. He was currently writing an email to the person he put in charge of the coming party. For not the first time this week, he was actually struggling to get his work done. His mind was elsewhere. Before he could think on that further there was a knock at his door. "Come in." He said, not looking away from his computer. There was only two people in the manor who he would expect to come to him at this time of day. Either the head butler, Klein, if something had gone wrong, or Weiss. He was expecting Weiss to come by.
The door to his office opened and closed with very little sound. Jacques looked up to see his suspicions confirmed at the sight Weiss. "Hello, father." Her voice was soft, and a fair bit of emotion could be detected. Not something Weiss showed very much. Weiss made her way over to the man and without any hesitation wrapped her arms around him in a sideways hug.
To say Jacques was shocked, again, would be putting it lightly. This whole physical contact was still new to him. Or new again, it's been over a decade since he willingly sought out such contact or even cared for it. The man carefully turned himself and stood up as to not break the embrace offered by his daughter. Once standing, he wrapped his arms around the small form of his daughter. He could get used to this. There was something special about actually receiving love and affection from your own child. He liked the feeling.
After a few moments of the tender embrace, Jacques let out a small chuckle at the musings of his previous thoughts and the situation at hand. "What's funny, father?"
"Twice in one day… I never thought I would see the day in which I received any form of affection from my family again. Though, not to say I deserve any, or showed any indication I wanted it for that matter. It's just odd to me."
"I just… I didn't know what else to…"
"Weiss, dear." Jacques cut her off. "You don't need to explain. I understand and it's okay. I take it you read the letter then?"
"I did." Weiss said as she pulled away from her father, setting the letter on the desk in the process.
"Good. You're being here must mean you wish to discuss it then?"
"There are some things I wish to ask you, yes."
"Very well, take a seat, and let's talk." Jacques gestured to a set of leather armchairs off to the side of the room. They were separated by a small end table with a pitcher of water and some glasses. Weiss sat down first before Jacques offered her a glass of water, to which she accepted. Once they were both seated, Jacques gestured towards his daughter, as if waiting on her to start the conversation.
Weiss took a breath to gather and sort her thoughts out before starting her first question. "In the letter mother mentioned that she knew the path you would most likely take. What did she mean exactly?"
Jacques smiled a little, he knew this was something she was going to ask. "The person who you've known me to be, the cold, abrasive, and controlling man, is the person who I was before I met Eis. Those traits weren't as predominate as they are now, but they existed. It took some time after I met Eis for those to change. But by the time Nicholas stepped down from the company, your mother, my wife at the time, had changed me. I was more open, caring, and approachable. However, after she didn't come back, I slipped back into the man I was."
"Why?" Weiss asked, her eyes full of confusion as they met her fathers. "Was the person you became not better for the change?"
"That's a matter of perspective. You see, my relapse to the person I was before Eis, did bring the company more success, despite the unpopular methods I used to accomplish that." Jacques took a moment before deciding on what to say next. "The changes Eis helped me make to myself, weren't without upkeep. There were many times where certain traits or ideals of my former, and now current self, tried to push through. But with Eis there, it was relatively simple to keep them in check. After some time, I got used to the changes, and rather liked who I had become. But after your mother never came back, the grief caused by her absence caused a relapse. I wasn't able to keep the part of me that Eis had helped me create."
"I see. I suppose that makes sense." Weiss looked down at the glass in her hands. Jacques could tell she wasn't really happy with that answer, but there wasn't anything he could do about what had happened. "But why the change now? How has that letter caused such a drastic change?"
"When I read that letter… It was like your mother was here, talking to me. It had that kind of force and meaning behind it. She was correct with everything she said. I did fall back into the man I was. My children needed me to be a father, not a ruthless businessman. I failed you. Reading that letter made me realize that. Made me realize that Eis would be disgusted with me if she saw what happened to the family because of me. So, I decided I'm going to do everything I can to make amends. Would you be willing to give me a chance to actually be a father?"
Jacques was nervous. Something he was still very far from accustomed with. Until recently he always covered up any unwanted emotions he had before even knowing what said emotions were. Now though… for once he couldn't do that. He actually had a need that he couldn't just kick under the bed and forget about, and he was nervous that Weiss would be the first to deny him that need.
"I want to father, but its hard to just forget and move passed all the things you've done." The turmoil within Weiss' expression was growing.
Jacques let out a shaky breath as he bowed his head. "I'm not expecting instant forgiveness for my past wrongdoings. I'm asking that you give me a chance to do better from here on out. I'm asking that you let me try to be the father you deserved."
Jacques could tell she was skeptical. What reason did she really have to trust him? An old piece of paper that had Eis' name on it? Some nice words at breakfast and a couple hugs? That's far from enough to establish any form of trust going onwards. Weiss looked up at her father, her expression still that of emotional turmoil "I… I suppose I can give you the chance. If you really are serious about doing this, then I think it would be good for our family. It's just going to be hard at first."
Jacques raised his head and met his daughters' eyes with his own "I know it will, but thank you, Weiss."
Weiss just nodded in response before starting her next question. "Does Winter or Whitley know about this?"
Jacques shook his head as he answered. "No… no they don't. I was going to give Winter a call shortly and ask her to come by so I could tell her, and I was planning on telling whitely with you at dinner the day after tomorrow."
Weiss facial expression grew somewhat serious. "Actually, let me call Winter. I think it will be better. I won't tell her the details, just that she needs to stop by and listen to what you have to say."
"Very well, if you think that will work better." There was a small amount of skepticism in the man's voice. But Winter was a lot closer to Weiss than she was with him.
"I do. On that note, I'd also like to be the one to contact Team FNKI and General Ironwood regarding the party tomorrow night."
This caught the older Schnees attention. "I can understand why you'd want to be the one to contact Team FNKI, but why the general as well?"
Weiss gave a small smile. "I overheard a little of the conversation you were having with him last time he was here, regarding the trade embargo. I don't think he would take to kindly to an invitation directly from you at this time. If it came from me however, he may see it quite differently."
Jacques started to laugh. "You're quite cunning as well. Very well Weiss, have it your way. I'll be awaiting their responses."
Weiss gave a father a small, but genuine smile. The first in a very long time. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll go take care of that immediately."
"Before that, I wish to discuss your education a bit more." Jacques expression became serious, though nothing about it showed malicious intent.
"Very well." Weiss' smile faltered a little. Jacques could tell she was a bit nervous as to what he was going to say. If past experiences with this topic were any indication, he knew why.
"I'm just wanting to know what your plan is." He said with a smile in an attempt to alleviate her nerves.
"My plan? I guess the first thing to do would be figure out what topics it is that I need to learn the most of. To determine where it is that I'm lacking. Then pick appropriate teachers for those topics."
"I believe the first step in that matter would be to determine what it is you do know, instead of what you don't. You've surprised me many times today with your methods of approach to company related topics, therefore I don't think general business lessons will suffice. I believe it's the more intricate details of running a company that you need." Jacques thought for a moment before letting out a laugh. "I have an idea you may be interested in."
Weiss nodded at her father, allowing him to continue. "As you probably know, the general business structure is the board of directors along with the CEO, followed by a tier or other chief officers. That tier of officers is comprised of the Chief Operations Officer, or COO, the Chief Finical Officer, or CFO, the Chief Information Officer, or CIO, and finally the Chief Sales Officer, or CSO. Given your knowledge base, I would like to propose that you take over each of those positions one at a time to learn how they each function."
Weiss took a moment before answering. She again looked down at the glass of water she was holding and decided to take a drink from it. "I do have an objection or two to that." Weiss stated with a small amount of force as to show she was serious.
"What might that be?" Jacques serious expression never left his face. To him, this seemed like a golden opportunity to truly learn the intricacies of running a company. What objections could there possibly be to such an opportunity.
"Aren't those positions filled already? Wouldn't my taking over them not only push the current employee out but also leave the position vacant when I move on to the next?" Weiss asked meeting her father's gaze again, her eyes cold, but not full of anger or hate.
"The current position holder will not be fired. In fact, they would still hold the position while you are there. Think of it this way, you'll be apprenticing under them while you learn what they do." Weiss' expression softened once again, as if a wave of relief had washed over her.
"Very well. I do have one other." Jacques nodded at her to go on. "This idea seems to go against the condition I stated to you earlier. I want to learn to run this company without your influence or ideals changing how I think it should be run. I do agree this method will drastically reduce the amount of time I would need otherwise to prepare myself to run the company. However, it seems rather convenient for you to be able to influence my current ideals."
"If you were to hold one of the chief officer positions, it would be you who has influence over me in reality. You would be able to start showing me your true ideals on how everything should be run, one department at time. While you won't be completely free of my own ideals, you would be able to counter, effectively, with your own."
Jacques could see the wheels turning inside Weiss' head. After many moments of silent thought, Weiss finally spoke up. "Very well, father. I think this can work."
"Excellent. I'll make the proper arrangements. You should be able to start in a few days." Jacques said nodding his head.
"Very well. If you'll now excuse me, I'll contact the general and Team FNKI." Weiss set the glass on the table that separated the two chairs.
"I'll be here, awaiting their responses." Weiss' father stood and made his way back to his desk. He still had some tasks to take care of regarding the party. Weiss got up and left the room leaving Jacques alone with his work.
A short while late the heiress found herself sitting in a large room that would acquaint to a living room if this were a normal sized house. She sat down on one of the sofas and took a moment to digest the conversation prior, along with the one earlier that morning as well. It felt really good to finally have her voiced opinion not fall on deaf ears, though this change in her father was still very weird and a bit confusing.
Sure, her father's explanation as to why she was seeing this side of him made some sense, it was hard to see how just a few words on a letter from over a decade ago could completely change him. Weiss let out a sigh, 'I won't get anywhere dwelling on this. Take each change and event as they come.' Weiss pulled out her scroll to start making calls for the party.
While the CCTS tower in Vale fell during the attack, crippling the network, it only destroyed the ability to make calls to other kingdoms. The Local Area Cell Network that piggybacks off the CCTS towers still functions in the kingdoms that still have their towers. Therefore, calls within a kingdom can still be made.
An idea struck the heiress. She summoned one of the butlers and asked them to retrieve her father's scroll so she could make a call. Once they left, she dialed the number for Flynt Coal, which she received after their fight during the Vytal Festival.
The line rang a couple time before Flynt answered. "Hello?"
"Hello, Flynt, this is Weiss Schnee." There was very little emotion in the heiress's voice. This was a professional matter after all.
"Yes, I'm aware. There's this thing called caller ID you know?" His voice was full of sarcasm. Weiss rolled her eyes and smiled a little. She was glad that during the Vytal Festival they had actually become friends despite the issues the SDC had caused the Coal family. "So, what do I owe the pleasure to have THE Weiss Schnee calling me out of the blue like this?" The smile on Flynt's face could be heard in his voice.
Weiss actually laughed at his remark causing Flynt to laugh along with her. "After some interesting events today, there's a rather large favor I wish to ask of you and your team."
"One moment, let me get the rest of my team. It would probably be better to have them all hear it from you."
Weiss could hear him put down his scroll and some muffled talking before the scroll was once again picked up. "Alright, what's this favor?"
"Before I state it, I ask that you fully hear me out before shooting me down." Weiss knew this would be a hard sell given Flynt's opinion of her father and the company, but she had to try, nonetheless.
"Alright. Ask away."
"Tomorrow evening, I've created a method to explain to the emissaries of the other kingdoms about what happened at the fall of Beacon. I think if they were to hear our firsthand accounts of what happened, along with the account of General Ironwood, it could drastically alter their opinions of Atlas. As you know, the other kingdoms are blaming Atlas for the attack."
"That's a pretty sound idea so far. But I have a feeling there's a large part of this I'm not going to like." There was skepticism in his voice. This was probably going to be an even harder sell than Weiss previously thought.
"There is." Weiss let out an audible sigh. "The event is being thrown by the SDC."
"You're kidding right? This is all just some elaborate joke, right?" When Flynt's comments were met with silence, he realized she was serious. "No! Hell no, in fact! Where in the hell did you get the idea that I would ever…" He was cut off by someone on the other end of the line.
After a few moments of muffled talking that Weiss couldn't make out one of the other members of Team FNKI picked up the line. "Hello, Weiss. This is Kiera, we met briefly after your doubles round with Flynt and Neon."
"Ah, hello Keira." Weiss said returning to her professional demeanor.
"I must apologize for him. Despite agreeing to hear you out entirely, it seems his emotions got the better of him. The SDC is still an extremely sore topic for him. But if you would please continue explaining your idea, I'd be happy to relay the information."
"I understand. This company hasn't been kind to his family. As I was saying, if your team, along with myself, and General Ironwood gave our firsthand accounts of what happened at Beacon, and how Atlas' perceived involvement was due to extenuating circumstances, I think it could help the kingdoms relations with the others. Borders could be reopened, trade reestablished, and we would be able to provide assistance in the reconstruction of the CCTS tower in Vale to restore communications throughout the world."
"That's quite the idealistic view, I like it. Its going to take some convincing to get Flynt on board, but the rest of the team heard your proposal and they're onboard. We'll be there, and we'll get Flynt to be there too."
"Thank you, Kiera. This means a great deal to me. If it's any consolation to Flynt, my father has seemed to change suddenly. I'd rather not get into details at this time, but the point is, he's actually listening to me. When I proposed this idea to him, I fully expected to be denied. Instead he actually listened and thought about the merits of it. Though you may have to see the change in person to believe it."
"I believe we would as well. The whole kingdom knows how he is, and its not a pretty thing, but I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, especially seeing as when I met you at the festival, you seemed to have the worst opinion of him I've seen. If you're willing to work with him, something must've happened."
"Again, thank you Kiera. Let me know what happens with Flynt. You're welcome to take my number from his scroll."
"I will. Talk to you soon Weiss."
"Indeed." With that the connection ended. Weiss looked over the door way to room to find the butler she had summoned earlier standing there with her father's scroll in hand.
She got up and approached the woman who offered the scroll to her. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Ms. Weiss?"
"No, that will be all. Thank you." With that the butler left Weiss alone. She returned to her seat with her fathers scroll in hand. She pulled up the generals' number and dialed it.
When the line connected, she was immediately met with an aggressive tone. "What do you want now, Jacques? I really don't have time for your shit right now."
"General? Sorry for the confusion, but this isn't my father." Weiss giggled a little at the general's assumption and harsh words.
"Weiss? I'm terribly sorry for my words and tone, I thought it was your father calling, again… But, why are you calling from his scroll?"
"Think nothing of it General. Well I didn't have your number on mine and I didn't think you would answer if it were from a number you didn't know. I figured you would answer a call from his though." Weiss chuckled to lighten the mood more.
Ironwood reciprocated the laugh, "Well you were most likely correct. So, what can I do for you Weiss? I have a very hard time believing this is a social call."
"Indeed, it is not. I have a favor to ask." Weiss took on a more serious tone with her statement.
"And what might that be?"
"You know of the party my father is throwing tomorrow correct?"
"I do. What of it?"
"I, along with Team FNKI, would like to speak at the party about the fall of Beacon. I would also like for you to as well. But for this all to work, I would also like for you to invite the other kingdoms emissaries. That way they can report back to their respective kingdoms about what really happened."
"I see. It's an interesting idea you have there. I can definitely see the advantages of this. However, there is something I think you may have overlooked. I'm a political figure. Therefore, my recount of the events could be viewed as a political move to aid Atlas."
Weiss cursed under her breath. How could she have overlooked such an important detail. The general chuckled a bit at the curse he'd heard "I'll get the emissaries, and myself there. Though I cannot promise that I'll speak. I'll have to look into what the political ramifications my speaking could cause. But you and Team FNKI speaking should be able to do a lot by itself."
"Very well. Thank you, General. This means a lot."
"You're welcome. Though I do have another question for you, if you don't mind."
"Go ahead."
"How is it that not only have your fathers scroll, but you also got him to agree to this plan."
"My father… has been acting different since this morning. It's due to something he found. I don't really entirely understand how, but his demeanor has changed completely. He actually listened to what I had to say and was open about his thoughts and feelings."
"Jacques? Open about his thoughts? Having feelings? That must've been a sight to see."
Weiss laughed at the generals' jab towards her father. "Oh, it was, believe me. It was truly the last thing I expected when I woke up this morning."
"Well I look forward to seeing this new Jacques. Until tomorrow Weiss."
"Yes, until tomorrow. Good bye, General." The call was ended on that note.
Weiss got up and made her way back to her father's office. She needed to inform him of the conversations that just took place.