Continuation of Chapter 20.
Another two years went by but not without event.
Historia had become quite skilled in ballet and piano. She had a soft singing voice that made hearts melt.
Historia became the jewel of the Reiss family's crown. At the age of ten, there were already other well-off men and women introducing their sons and daughters to her in hopes of forming a lasting connection.
"The Langnars are coming again," Reiss told Historia who was playing the parlor's piano for him. She stopped, frowning.
"They come every two years," she said slowly, "why's that?"
"Ah, they don't get much time from their business. We live on the opposite side of the country from them so it is hard to manage time for vacation and then to visit." Rod said, smiling at his daughter's observation.
"…Why would they visit us then?"
"Becoming perceptive, are we?" Rod sat up, bringing out his handkerchief to wipe away at the sweat that accumulated on his brow. He had just returned from a horse ride with a business partner earlier in the scorching summer. It was a stupid idea, really.
"…Father…"
"Yes, yes," he sighed, "well, it is because the Langnars and Reiss used to be competitors-the West coast vs the East Coast—however, recently with me and Asmund's friendship, it came to an end but our business partners are as rabid as ever, darling… we wish to show good fortune and bring the companies together…"
"Through marriage?" Historia didn't approve as she glared at him.
"Well, yes… if it works, that is. We aren't heathens. We won't force you two—"
"But you'll keep pushing us together every two years?!"
"Historia, darling, please, I'm trying—"
"No!" Historia abruptly stood up and walked out to the gardens.
Rod didn't have the strength to chase after her. He only huffed as a servant came in.
"The Langnars are arriving at the gates, sir."
"Right…okay…"
.
.
.
Historia sat under the shade of an oak tree, wishing she didn't rush out here. She should've went to her air conditioned room.
"Hey! There you are!"
Historia's head jolted up to see Ymir racing towards her. She was growing into her body more and it didn't look like she was going trip all over herself.
This time, too, she was wearing a suit despite the hot climate. She ran up with colorful things in her hands—flowers?
No.
"NO! NO! GET AWAY!"
"But you look hot!"
"No! I don't want to—GLURGULGU!" Historia got a mouthful of water as Ymir was spraying her with a squirt gun, laughing.
"Come on! It's fun!" Ymir tossed her a gun as Historia gasped, glaring at her and grabbing the gun.
"Hahahaha—GLUGGLUG!" Ymir choked and then laughed some more as she squirted Historia more, chasing after her as the blonde ran away, screaming angrily, shooting behind her back at Ymir who was hot on her tail.
"See, I think they're getting along," Rod told them, laughing.
Ilse shook her head, sighing.
"It sounds like your daughter wants to strangle Ymir." Asmund remarked, sipping his iced tea, watching them dart to and fro in the gardens.
"Oh, please… I find it quite endearing! She's too uptight for a child!"