I realize I've been neglecting the other side of Constance, when that is in fact a large part of what makes her so great. So gloomy Constance chapter for you.
It was another day in Garreg Mach Monastery. One of the few times when the Professor gave his students the day off. It was great that he wanted them to take their education and training seriously, but sometimes they just needed a break from the missions and classes.
Byleth was walking around in front of the dormitories. He had no specific agenda in mind. Lunch was coming up soon and he wondered who he should invite to eat with him. The students always seemed eager to join him for lunch.
He walked the past the Greenhouse, glancing at the many flowers inside for a second before continuing on his way.
He suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning back to look towards the Greenhouse again. Was that...
It was, Constance was standing out in the sunlight, fiddling with fingers as she stared at the entrance of the Greenhouse.
Byleth raised an eyebrow. What was she doing out of The Abyss? Not that it was an issue, but it was so strange to see her in the church. Even more so in direct sunlight.
He approached her, startling her as she turned to face him. She quickly looked down, avoiding eye contact.
"P-Professor! Forgive me. I'm sure the last thing you wanted to see today was my gloomy self...I will quickly take my leave..." She bowed and turned to walk away before Byleth stopped her.
"You're fine, Constance. I'm just wondering what your doing up here."
Constance turned towards him. "Ah, you are right. How dare I emerge from The Abyss. Thank you for reminding me of my place Professor." She turned to leave again but Byleth grabbed her arm.
"Constance. Thats not what I'm saying." He sighed, letting go of her arm as she turned to face him. He cleared his throat. Opting for a different approach. "You looked interested in the Greenhouse..."
Constance nodded. "Yes...I came up here hoping to procure some flowers for..." She quickly grew silent and glanced away from her Professor.
"For you're research?"
"My...Yes...My research..." She half-heartedly agreed.
"Why don't you go in and ask?"
Constance shook her head. The curled ends of her bangs swaying side to side. "That would not do. If I step foot inside there all the flowers will surely rot within my presence."
"I don't think that'll be the case..."
"You under estimate how truly terrible I am"
Byleth hung his head and shook it side to side.
"Talk to me pains you doesn't it? Forgive me Professor. I will take my leave now." She bowed once again but Byleth stopped her by grabbing her hand, causing her to let out a quick squeak.
"Come on, lets go into the Greenhouse." He dragged her towards its entrance.
"Professor, this is a terrible idea. Everything in there would die from my revolting self."
Byleth ignored her self-depreciation, walking through the entrance with her. The Greenhouse keeper raising an eyebrow at the two of them but ignored them shortly. He brought her to the corner with all the flowers. Letting go of her hand and turning around to face her. She glanced side to side, expecting the plants to wither and die. But nothing happened.
"I-It must be a delayed reaction...Surely if I touch one they will all perish..."
Byleth stared down at her. Ignoring her. "Do you see a flower you like? Anything that might assist your research?"
Constance glanced around before eyeing a flower with yellow colored petals. At least that's it might look like. The bud of the flower remained close, despite it being a bright sunny day.
"What is...This one?" She approached it cautiously. Byleth approaching it and standing beside her.
"This is called an Evening Primrose. They only bloom in darkness."
"Only bloom in darkness?" Constance wondered if there was something wrong with it.
Byleth watched her study it. Smiling slightly. He left her side for a bit, Constance to enraptured with the flower to notice his absence. Returning with a trowel and a pot. He dug it out neatly and placed it in pot. Turning around and holding it out for Constance. Who shook her head, backing away from it.
"I-I cannot. I would surely kill this poor thing..."
"Constance."
She winced slightly as his firm tone. Looking between him and the plant. Taking it into her hands gently. Offering him a slight, smile. A rare sight when she was like this.
"I was just about to head to lunch. Would you like to join me?" Byleth offered. Constance looked at the flower and shook her head.
"I should return to The Abyss...I've stained the surface enough already..." She bowed to the Professor one last time before exiting the Greenhouse. Byleth watching her as she left.
As she descended the stairs into The Abyss. Darkness enveloped her. And eventually her other side emerged, letting out a hearty laugh as if she had been holding it in.
"Ho ho! I must say Professor, you have quite the way with woman." She announced to herself. Grateful no one occupied the stair case at all. She clutched the potted plant to her chest. A slight blush on her cheeks.
"You will be a perfect candidate for my experiment. I'm sure the Professor will enjoy what you will show him when I am finished." She whispered to the flower. Its bud slowly beginning to open up now that it was in darkness. She grinned at this sight. Resuming her descent into the Abyss. Humming to herself happily.
Wow, it was this short? Damn it. I'm starting to hit writers block. I think I'll focus on another girl next chapter.
Also feel free to fact check on me on the Evening Primrose. Someone made a review saying that Constance reminded them of a flower that only blooms in the shade so I spent twenty minutes looking for a flower like that and I came to the Evening Primrose.
Sorry for the silence. Works been killing me as I only write at night but I have work early in the morning so I don't have a lot of time to write. Course work comes first.
I honestly wonder how much longer this collection will go on. My hope was to get this to at least 100 chapters before ending it. But now I'm starting to think 50 chapters since the FE3H fandom has kinda died down, and I like it when my stories get lots of attention and reviews. Maybe I'm just being selfish. But things are bound to change so we'll see.
Until next time.