"Oh!? Princess Veronica?"
"Greetings, Summoner," Veronica greeted plainly as she regarded the surprised summoner with a slightly raised brow. "Is there a problem?"
Overcoming his shock, Kiran shook his head. "No, no. Sorry, I was just…surprised." His countenance shifting back to his usual casual demeanor, Kiran smiled as he said, "Alfonse and Sharena told me to expect you to arrive for the festival. I just…wasn't expecting you so soon. When did you arrive?"
"Just now." Crossing her arms, the Emblian princess then asked expectantly, "Well? Will you not invite me inside your quarters?"
"Oh! Um, sure, come on in." Quickly stepping aside, Kiran held open the door as Veronica nodded her head and entered his room. After ensuring that the train of Veronica's dress was completely inside the room, avoiding one of the decorative wings in the process, Kiran closed his door while Veronica studied his room. Specifically, all the festive decorations adorning most of the available surfaces within the room.
"What…is all of this?" Veronica asked, sweeping an arm to gesture broadly at all the decorations in Kiran's room.
Kiran shrugged as he made his way over to his bed and took a seat. "Just some festive decorations I decided to put up for the holidays."
Veronica hummed as her attention returned to the room. "I didn't realize the great summoner of the Order of Heroes had time for such frivolities."
Kiran chuckled, unoffended by the princess' blunt remark. "Oh, you'd be surprised! I consider myself a laid-back guy, I'll have you know. Well, when people aren't trying to kill me, that is."
Upon saying that, Kiran noticed Veronica stiffen slightly where she stood. Wincing, Kiran immediately began backtracking, stammering out, "E-er, sorry. I didn't mean to come off as insensitive, considering-"
"It's fine."
"Huh?" Kiran blinked in confusion as Veronica turned to face him, a look of remorse on her face. "Princess Veronica…?"
Without saying a word, Veronica made her way to where Kiran was seated on his bed. After a moment's hesitation, the Emblian princess sat down beside Kiran, all without making eye contact. A tense silence followed, with Kiran internally racking his brain to decide how to dispel the awkward atmosphere now filling the room.
"Kiran."
Snapped out of his racing thoughts, Kiran turned his full attention to Veronica, surprised to hear the princess address him by his actual name. "Y-Yeah?"
Veronica took a deep breath as she shifted slightly on the bed. "I…I would like for you…to have this."
"Huh?"
Kiran's eyes widened in complete surprise as he watched Veronica retrieve a small satchel and present it to him, her eyes still refusing to meet his own. Gingerly taking the satchel from the princess' hands, Kiran looked from Veronica to the satchel in his hands before opening it. "H-Huh?" Kiran murmured in surprise as he opened the satchel, revealing a collection of cookies and biscuits within.
"I…had heard it was customary to exchange gifts during this festival." Veronica mumbled as she folded her hands demurely in her lap. Her eyes briefly glanced at the satchel in Kiran's hands before adding, "Those…go well with tea."
"P-Princess Veronica…" Kiran mumbled in awe, clearly not expecting this surprise gift from the imperial princess of Embla of all people. "I…I don't-"
"I've been foolish."
Kiran promptly closed his mouth, allowing Veronica to continue speaking. "I've…caused much trouble and heartache to many. My people, the people of Askr, and…to you, Kiran. However…" Veronica paused, as if composing her thoughts anew, before continuing, "I…have learned much from my interactions with the many Heroes I've come in contact with…as well as from my interactions with Prince Alfonse and Princess Sharena."
Finally, Veronica mustered up the will to lift her head and meet Kiran's bewildered gaze, her expression one of regret. "I wish…I wish to offer my deepest apologies. As paltry as it may be, I…hope you will accept this gift as an offering of peace between us."
Kiran remained silent as he briefly glanced at the satchel of treats in his hands before staring in awe at Veronica. Clearing his throat, Kiran began to speak. "I…don't know about accepting this as a peace offering. But…" A small smile formed on Kiran's features as he said, "I will definitely accept this…as a gift from a friend."
"Ah!"
Veronica gasped softly, a light blush on her face as she turned her gaze back to her lap. "I-I see. Very well, then." Despite her aloof response, Kiran could faintly see a tiny smile on Veronica's face.
Setting aside the satchel of treats on his bed, Kiran stood and offered a gloved hand to Veronica. "Now then, shall we join the winter festival, Princess Veronica? I'm sure seeing the princess of Embla and the summoner of Askr enjoying the festivities together would really improve diplomatic relations between Askr and Embla. Plus, I'm sure Sharena is dying to show you around!"
Staring at the summoner's outstretched hand, Veronica's smile grew ever so slightly as she nodded and took Kiran's hand. "Yes, let us go."
As the duo exited Kiran's personal quarters and walked hand-in-hand toward the festival grounds, Veronica quietly marveled at how surreal this scenario was. Here she was, the imperial princess of Embla - previously the sworn enemy of Askr - walking through the halls of Askr's castle not as an enemy but as a guest. Not only that, she mused as she glanced at Kiran out of the corner of her eye, but walking beside someone whom she at one point considered her mortal foe, now a respected ally.
No, Veronica thought to herself as she and Kiran entered the castle's main hall and prepared to step outside. Not just an ally…
…a friend.
