Chapter 2: Last Goodbye from the Swordswoman

Germaine found Rin in the kitchen, cutting up vegetables. There's no mistake: "Rin" is Riliane Lucifen d'Autriche, the Daughter of Evil. Germaine can recognize that face anywhere.

"Ah…" Riliane noticed Germaine at the doorway, her sword drawn. Riliane shivered at the sight of the weapon. She set aside her kitchen knife, took a deep breath, and turned to face Germaine.

"Are you going to kill me? I don't blame you if you do."

Riliane just stood before Germaine and closed her eyes, as if awaiting her death. It seemed natural. Riliane had Leonhart killed. That is the sole reason why Germaine started the whole revolution: to get back at the one who murdered her father. Now after five years, Germaine has that chance. Just one swing of her sword is enough to have her revenge. However, there is something that needs to be addressed.

"There's one thing that I want to make clear. Who told you that Leonhart was smuggling food?"

"…I think it's one of my maids…Ney Futapie told me."

That is the shatterpoint. Just like that, everything that Germaine had believed in fell apart.

"…I won't kill you," Germaine said, "I could, but I won't."

Riliane opened her eyes in surprise, "…W, Why not? I had your father killed. The fault is clearly mine…"

"No it's not," Germaine interrupted, "Believe me, these past five years had me confused but after a while, I finally know the truth."

"Truth? About what?"

"Let's just say that there is always someone out there who is more evil."

Riliane looked down, "That doesn't make up for the fact that I have done evil…"

Germaine sheathed her sword and patted Riliane on the shoulder, "Yeah well, so have I."

Riliane looked up at Germaine. Germaine wore a slight smile, though Riliane could see that deep down inside, there is a hint of sadness.

Riliane resumed her cooking, but Germaine didn't feeling like leaving. She just observed Riliane with interest. Riliane seems to have changed. She is working very diligently, cutting up vegetables like it's no big deal. She must have gotten a lot of practice…for a former princess.

"You wouldn't happen to have any alcohol here, would you?"

"…Germaine! This is a monastery! We don't DRINK here!"

"I'm kidding! I'm kidding! Sheesh, even after five years, you still have kept that sharp attitude…"

"Did you say something?"

"Nope. Nothing."

Their conversations continued to go on like that. Even so, both of them smiled occasionally.

"So Germaine, what are you planning to do now?" Riliane asked as she started kneading the dough for brioche.

"I'm thinking of going back to Beelzenia. Chartette is still waiting for me."

"Chartette…Chartette Langley? How is she?"

"Well, she is still being a total goof if that's what you mean."

Riliane giggled for a second, "Well, feel free to come back whenever you like."

"Really?"

Riliane looked at Germaine in the eye, "We're sisters after all. Family should keep in touch with each other, right?"

Germaine stared. Then she smiled, "Yeah, I never thought I would have a sister…Though I doubt I will come back. I could write you a letter every now and then. Would that be alright, Riliane?"

"Rin."

"Well, whatever you call yourself, you're still you."

Riliane smiled sadly, "…I did remember writing a letter five years ago after the revolution. It had my wish."

"A wish?"

"Yes. I wished that if I could be reborn, I would like to be with Allen again…"

Germaine looked glum as Riliane had started to choke up.

"Allen's gone. My…no, our only brother is gone. I let him die…"

Germaine held Riliane's shoulder, "Riliane…Believe me when I say this: I share your feelings as well."

"You do?"

"Yeah. I'm the one who let the guillotine drop. The responsibility is mine. When I found out that Allen switched clothes with you, I begged him to not sacrifice himself and that we could escape Lucifenia, meet up with Chartette, and live in another country without any trouble…"

Germaine hung her head.

"…But Allen refused. He chose to protect you. For five years, the sound of the guillotine continues to echo in my head…until I saw him again…with my own eyes."

"EH?" Riliane got jumpy, "You saw…Allen?"

"Yeah I did. It was during last night. Even though he is dead, Allen still kept that darn goofy attitude…"

Germaine can never forget that night when Allen's spirit appeared. Just as when Germaine was expecting something dramatic from Allen, all he said was:

"Good. Get up, sister."

"Even if you don't tell me, I know! Stupid brother…"

Riliane just blinked.

"…WHAT? YOU FIND THAT AMUSING?" Germaine is started to get pissed.

"I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself…!" Riliane laughed, "But you know what? I think there is a lot of meaning in what Allen said."

"I do hope you're right…"

Germaine started towards the door, "Well, I should be going now."

"Huh? W, wait a moment! That doesn't mean you can't have a decent meal!" Riliane showed Germaine a bag, "I've pack food for you. It is going to be a long journey."

"…Thank you…Riliane."

Receiving the bag, Germaine uncharacteristically gave Riliane, her sister, a genuine hug. Riliane was caught off guard…but warmly returned the embrace.

Germaine arrived at Yukina's room.

"Ah! Germaine! You're okay!" Yukina greeted happily.

"Yup. Same to you," Germaine sat next to Yukina, "I'll be blunt. I'm leaving for Beelzenia. Since we both found your mother, I think it's time that I should be heading out."

"What? B, but, there are a lot of things I want to ask you!" Yukina protested.

"Then you might want this," Germaine handed Yukina a notebook.

"What's this?"

"Information, about the Resistance five years ago. You might find this useful for your story."

"…Thank you, Germaine. I can't believe this is really goodbye…!" Yukina started to tear up.

"Goodbye?" Germaine looked perplexed, "I won't say goodbye. Given all the crazy crap I went through, I have absolutely mixed feelings that we might meet again."

"…Really?"

"Yeah. I think a better way to say this is… 'See you later'."

Yukina stared. Then she gave off a grin, "…Y, yeah! See you later, Germaine! And thank you. I'm glad to have met you."

Germaine patted Yukina's small head, "And I'm glad to have met you too."

And with that, Germaine left, though Yukina still felt that this is the last time she will ever see the Swordswoman in Red.