Two Can Play At That Game
Chapter 2
Grace Period
The world of Remnant is a dangerous place, particularly for man. In the countless years that humanity has roamed the planet, civilizations have grown and fallen. But four have withstood the test of time: Atlas, Mistral, Vacuo, and Vale. These four kingdoms, with the help of natural barriers and human tenacity, have proven that they have the will to survive.
Each kingdom has a governing council to represent the people and their needs. Next, comes the military. While most kingdoms only call on its citizens to serve when needed, others find it important to be... prepared.
There are still those who choose to venture outside the walls of the kingdoms. Roaming nomads and small villages are not uncommon. Yet neither is their tendency to... disappear, overnight.
Lastly, the Huntsmen academies. These institutions' sole purpose is to train the next generation of Huntsmen. The next generation of defenders that will live and die to protect the lifestyle that they've become so accustomed to.
Yes, the world of Remnant is indeed a dangerous place. But the four kingdoms stand as beacons of hope. As safe havens from the darkness that surrounds them. They are the key to mankind's survival, as long as they stand united...
The book in his hand closed with a small clap, slightly echoing in the large hall of the family library.
' "United", huh?' He chuckled at the thought. The very fact that there are four kingdoms already breaks the idea of unity. They may say they stand together, they may take actions to assist each other, they may even claim that they dedicate themselves to the betterment of mankind, but they are still four separate kingdoms. Kingdoms with their own goals and plans, that can't guarantee any safeguards for their allies.
Allied nations can prove beneficial, but the second their interests no longer align—or worse, perhaps even hinder each other—these so-called Beacons of Hope will all begin to crumble down ever so slowly. What would happen if their neighbors weren't so neighborly anymore? What if the words of a kingdom couldn't be trusted? Fear and stress would take hold of the common people, and terror can be quite infectious. Actions spoke louder than words, and the common folk would watch keenly for any mishap. All it would take was simply a pointed finger, and separate agendas to cause mayhem and ruin a kingdom.
He could see it happening eventually. Question is, which one would go first?
If unity was to be acquired, he believed it would have to be under the rule of an iron fist, bannered beneath one flag. Someone with enough authority to command respect and submission, like that one king from Vale long ago; he would've been a good example. All the kingdoms were at his feet at one point, and he had all the opportunities to take power then and there.
But something like that would never work out in the long run.
Humans are inherently selfish.
Eventually, the unity that was achieved would be called out for tyranny by those who thought themselves better than the ones above them. Even if they so obviously weren't.
People desire their own slice of power.
And some would do anything to get their hands on it.
The book went back into the open slot of the bookshelf in front of him, his hand then sliding several books to the left and pulling out another one: A Brief Lecture On Dust.
Dust. By definition, it is a naturally occurring energy propellant that can be triggered by the Aura of Humans and Faunus. But in reality, it is much, much more.
Found in four basic forms, Dust can be combined both artificially and naturally to form new, stronger types, each with unique properties. Since its discovery, man has concocted a multitude of ways in which to harness these mysterious crystals…
It was certainly one of the interesting facets he found in this world. An energy source so clean, so natural and efficient, it's crept its way into every aspect of life in all the kingdoms. You would be hard-pressed to find a civilized area that didn't use any Dust to an extent. Electronics, weaponry, tools of all sorts; there weren't many things that could operate without Dust.
Good thing his family had a total monopoly on it.
The book continued about the general applications of Dust, stuff he had already known listed in the text, but it didn't hurt to brush up on knowledge, especially if he was going to handle the material in large amounts in the future. The material seemed simple enough to him.
'Simple, yet dangerous,' he reminded himself. He had made several notes in his mind to remember combinations of Dust, their many elements, and the explosive results that could come from it. Too many times has the volatility of Dust been mentioned, and he didn't intend to be a prime example of mishandling it.
He knew better.
In the midst of his reading, he heard clattering and footsteps approaching him. Usually, he was the only person in the library at this time of day, except for one other individual who always sought him out. In the corner of his eye, he could see a short, rotund man walking towards him with a metal tray carrying a single ornate cup.
The family butler smiled at him, and said, "Already hard at work, young master Dwight? How about a fresh cup of hot chocolate to help warm you up on a chilly morning?"
Dwight took the cup off the tray, watching the steam drift up from the soft, warm beverage. "Thank you, Klein." He took a sip as he continued reading his book.
It tasted bland as usual.
After emptying the cup of its contents, he placed it back onto the tray.
"I must say, Master Dwight; why must you always come down here so early every morning? A young healthy boy such as yourself needs proper rest. Your family would be worried sick if you were to catch something dreadful!"
'All but one,' Dwight thought to himself.
A corner of his mouth slightly curled upward as he flipped to another page. "Well, after Winter's sudden announcement and departure, I'm sure everyone in the manor knows who the title of Heir will fall to next. It wouldn't be proper of me to not prepare myself in some way, right? Especially since Winter was the one who received training."
Klein's expression wilted. "I hope you do not harbor any ill thoughts towards your older sister. I ask that you try to understand her feelings and wishes and make an effort to respect them."
"Please, Klein. Do I seem like someone who would so easily condemn a member of my family just because she up and left for a Huntsman academy? It's not like she was disowned and banished or anything."
Klein's eyes blinked, their color changing from a light brown to a bright red. "Your father and younger siblings seem to think otherwise. Winter might as well have been kicked out with how that blowhard treated her when she was leaving! I understand being upset, but to denounce her in front of all those people…! The nerve!" he grumbled, blinking again with his eyes turning back into a light brown. "I'm afraid young Weiss and Whitley may be impacted by these events."
Dwight glanced at Klein from his book. Klein's Semblance did add quite the quirk to their family butler, something that everyone had long gotten used to. The man was far too caring of their family circumstances. Caring enough to try and fill in a gap that could never be closed, no matter how hard he tried. Klein simply wasn't up to the task, but Dwight didn't blame him. Even without him and his sister, this family already had its glaring fractures. You could say Klein was a kind man for trying, but it was more accurate to say he was incredibly loyal. Klein was useful in many ways, which was why he let the butler vent to him occasionally without judgement.
He chuckled at the man and returned his eyes to his book. "Yes, Father certainly doesn't like it when his authority feels threatened. He's the type that tries to control everything around him. I can't blame her for leaving. I know our family can be suffocating at times."
"Please don't say that," Klein pleaded. "You and your siblings have been nothing but amazing these past years as your family butler. I've seen many other children of prominent families, and I must say, they cannot hold a candle to someone as well-adjusted as you."
"Something that Father also likes to gloat about in front of everyone else, but it was nice of you to say that. Thank you, Klein."
Dwight Schnee. A twelve-year-old boy who seemed too mature for his age. He could read and write much earlier than others, learn the intricacies and aspects of business quickly, and could always manage to understand what the adults spoke about, even behind closed doors. That's what they said about him, rumors being that he was personally taught by the Schnee patriarch, and Father couldn't be any happier receiving compliments for his genius son.
He was everything his father wanted. Calculative, opportunistic, capable of making connections, and ruthless when needed. Father had even told him straight to his face recently that all the training and time spent on Winter becoming the heir was wasted and should have been used on him. And several others nodded with the sentiment.
Some would disagree though, as there was apparently another child in the Schnee family who was also hailed as a genius.
"How's Lily doing?"
"Your twin sister? Why, she's still asleep of course." Klein's eyes shifted into a soft yellow. "Isn't she the most adorable thing? She's sleeping like a baby! I've told her plenty of times how she spends too much of her day in Dreamville, but I could never say no to her whenever she asks for five more minutes! Of course, it never really is five minutes, and instead, a few hours more like it." His eyes returned to its original color as he sighed fondly. "I should really be more strict with the young miss."
"Yes. Perhaps you should."
Sleeping through most of the day was quite normal for his twin sister; she did it so much she acquired the title of "Sleeping Beauty." Not exactly a misnomer, but more of a guise that belied what lay beneath. He didn't know why she was doing such a thing, and it's not like Father or Mother was going to stop her from doing so. What he did know was that he didn't like it. He was preparing for the future, and she was most likely doing the same behind closed doors, no matter how it may appear.
Maybe she was stockpiling energy? Did she have a skill like that? Would there be a limit?
What if it was some sort of clairvoyance? Perhaps it was her way of gathering information.
Either way, everything was inconclusive. Pure guesswork. He wouldn't be able to fully figure out her reasons without Lily telling him herself, and like hell she would ever do such a thing. He'd have better luck getting a starving feral dog to let go of a slab of meat.
Awkward silence followed after, with Klein standing next to him as he continued reading. It was strange that the butler hadn't left yet, but he noticed the way Klein uncomfortably clenched his serving tray and the small movements he made, fidgeting and avoiding eye contact. Seemed like he had something he wanted to say. It was obvious. Dwight could read this man as easily as he read this book.
"Is something wrong, Klein? It isn't like you to stay quiet for this long." He offered the man something to grasp onto.
The butler perked up. He looked a little ashamed of having his young master needing to help him but he couldn't hide the thoughtful frown behind that large mustache of his from the boy. He took a breath before he finally set down the serving tray with a small clink.
"Master Dwight…" Klein trailed off, opening and closing his mouth a few times.
"Come on. Out with it. This serious tone doesn't suit you."
"Master Dwight, if I may be so bold, would you consider looking in on young Weiss and Whitley? Your presence might offer them the comfort they so dearly need right now."
Dwight looked away from his book, raising a brow. "Is that so? …Does this have something to do with Winter?"
"Apologies, young master. Your mother and father don't seem to have any plans of comforting those two, not like I would expect any different, despite my hopes," Klein scoffed. "Miss Winter has gone off to Atlas Academy, and you know how Miss Lily acts when she's near those two, she's far too distant to truly connect. I'm sorry to say that you are the only one I could turn to, and there's only so much one butler can do to cheer up those children. What they need is a more familial kind of attention right now, one that can only be given by their own blood, especially with recent events."
"You mean Winter's absence and the news about Grandfather?"
Klein solemnly bowed his head. "I dare not assume that information is wholly true. I may not have known him for long, but he seemed like the reliable sort. I could see how much he loved you all, and he sure showed it. No matter what people say, we can only hope he does not pass yet. I pray for his health and wish you do not take those rumors as truth. The doctors will deliver us the facts once they are ready."
Dwight sighed, closing his book and inserting it back into the shelf. "Don't worry, Klein. I'm sure Grandfather wouldn't want us moping around because of him. Nobody lives forever. I'll be sure to talk to Weiss and Whitley."
A breath of relief escaped the butler, his hand hovering over his heart. "Thank you, Master Dwight. This truly does lift a heavy weight off my shoulders. I shall take my leave now. Please be sure to call for me if you require anything." With a grateful bow, Klein retrieved the tray and made his way out of the library.
Dwight eyed the door Klein had exited through, left alone with his thoughts in a library lit up by a singular hanging Dust chandelier and several candles settled on the columns around. The spot he was in just so happened to be an area that cast him in shadow. He stared a while longer, only taking his eyes off the door once he knew no one was around. A thoughtful finger poked at his bottom lip. His eyes closed.
Cheer up Weiss and Whitley? Familial attention? What was Klein thinking when asking someone from a family starved of love to somehow show any sort of proper affection? Maybe he thought, as a Schnee, Dwight's words would carry more weight than a butler who worked for the family. Not an inconceivable notion. He gathered any relevant information in his head, anything that could be important these past few weeks with the goal of improving their mood. It wouldn't be too hard, quite simple actually. This would be something akin to a checklist. Or perhaps, even a quest?
His eyes opened, staring at the air in front of him.
Nothing appeared, nothing was issued to him. As he expected. "Hmph. It'd be too convenient if that were the case." He raised a hand and swiped it across from him.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
[Status]
Dwight Schnee
Title: Schnee Heir
Strength: E-
Agility: D-
Intelligence: A
Endurance: E-
Luck: D(C)
Aura: Locked
Semblance: Locked
《Owned Skills》
*Legacy Skill: Fortune Thief
*Legacy Skill: Way of the Seer
*Legacy Skill: Infinite Index(Locked)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
A translucent screen with text manifested before him.
The "Pandora System". The very thing that kick-started all these events and sent him across four different worlds now. It has only ever granted him one quest, and it was the only quest that mattered.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
[There Can Only Be One]
Your sister has been chosen as a fellow candidate for ownership of the Pandora System! How thick can blood run when the other must bleed? Claim your rightful ownership and eliminate the other candidate!
Warning: Direct harm towards the other user is prohibited until the age of 16 and above.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The full capabilities of the system are said to be locked until there is only one user left.
Skills were an absolute pain in the ass to get, taking years of effort or gaining a monumental achievement to get one that mattered. It still provided them with some items to help speed things up, things that were awarded to them for completing unlisted milestones like reaching a certain level of fame, killing this amount of people, bagging a legendary artifact, and things of the similar and not-so-similar sort. It honestly felt a little random, and it was always a race between him and his sister to unlock as many of these milestones during the grace period.
Ah, yes. The grace period. It was something the system must have implemented to make sure there was a fair chance for both sides to compete, but in truth, it was so he wouldn't immediately get torn apart by his sister the second they could start walking.
Lily either had a better version of the system or his was defective. She grew at a rate too abnormal for him to keep up, so it was suicide to try and face her head-on in a one-on-one fight. He'd get turned inside out with a single punch without any preparation. All that inhuman power and durability she had previously? All thanks to the skills and items she must have received from her system.
Immunity to all sorts of status effects, having an item that could die in her place, strength to blow away mountains… Those kinds of things were unfathomable for him. Unattainable. At best, he'll get something that could help treat injuries, enhance other items, or a tool that became obsolete after its first use. And don't even mention skills. Those things were a rarity for him, and few ever came in handy later on.
It was obvious the Pandora System was playing favorites. You could say it was unfair, but he got used to it after his second world. No point complaining about how unfair everything is when you have to spend nearly every day trying to counteract that imbalance.
Despite it all, he made do with what he had and had nearly gotten the upper hand in their previous world.
Looking at his skills list, he can't say he was disappointed seeing what skills came along in this reincarnation. Every time they were sent to a new world, their statuses and progress would be reset back to zero, with the exception of Legacy Skills that would carry over with each world.
Stats like Strength and the sort were decided upon birth and could only be increased through normal means like rigorous training or items. There were no points to pour into his stats, and despite his status looking absolutely abysmal right now, it was expected from a spoiled child who was growing up in an affluent environment. Things like Strength and Endurance would grow slightly as he aged, but he'll need something like Huntsmen training to raise them manually, if not using items to augment his body and boost his stats.
It's been a slow twelve years. Neither he nor his sister could really go out and gain milestones when they were being sheltered at the Schnee manor nearly their entire lives. Small business ventures to other kingdoms barely cut it, and Father would never allow them to wander the world of Remnant without a good reason. So he had to try and consolidate his power gradually here in Atlas until he was older, hoping to make connections with anyone that could be of slight importance.
Things would be a lot easier if he had access to Infinite Index, but he hasn't accumulated enough information to unlock it yet. It was one of the only skills he learned that was truly powerful, and he had mostly gained it through a series of lucky events. He hoped Fortune Thief would come into play a lot more in this world as it did with his previous ones. It's certainly saved him more times than he could count.
Taking a deep breath to gather his thoughts, he swiped away the floating window and made his way towards the door of the library.
It was time to strengthen the connection of a potentially important asset in the future. One he would personally foster.
. . .
. . .
Rays of sunlight streamed through the white column archways, casting reflections on the polished marble floor that led to the courtyard. The garden hedges glistened from the previous rainy day, with the scent of mildew still lingering. The courtyard was meticulously maintained by all sorts of keepers and resembled more of a work of art than a place to simply loiter. Visitors could admire the intricate floral designs and well-kept gardens, and on a clear day, enjoy the view of the mountains beyond. However, apart from these attractions, the courtyard held no other significance.
Except for some it seems.
Dwight peeked around an archway and saw a small figure standing in front of the Schnee emblem fountain at the end of the courtyard, their head bowed sullenly. The figure was a pale-skinned girl of ten years, dressed in a simple white short-sleeved collared shirt, a blue skirt, and a blue ribbon over her chest. Her large white ponytail swayed slightly in the breeze as she stood there.
It was cold, even with the sun out. The Solitas continent had never been kind when it came to the climate, being inhospitable on the best of days in the majority of the icy tundra. Even with Atlas regulating temperatures, some days were just colder than others, especially on an autumn day such as this one.
Klein worried about him getting sick, but he wouldn't bother the girl in a short-sleeved shirt from leaving the chilly courtyard? She must have arrived recently. Around ten minutes before him, presumably.
The courtyard, for some reason, was always the place Weiss would go to whenever she sulked, if not her room. No matter the day, unless it was nighttime, she could normally be found lingering in front of the fountain. It was more prevalent recently, but it was a behavior he noted a while ago.
Dwight turned his head away and leaned against the pillar, crossing his arms. Weiss had never been a cheerful girl. None of their family members were. Any showing of joy from the girl was quickly stamped out, most often caused by Jacques. With Winter leaving for Atlas Academy and Grandfather stuck in the hospital, there didn't seem to be any supporting figures for Weiss to lean on.
Does she think that she's all alone? How ridiculous. Sulking over not having any friends.
She really is a child.
Guess that's what he'll insert himself as. No better time to solidify his position than by showing up in a time of need. If he had to play along with the whims of a child to get a potential ally, then so be it. Anyone from the Schnee family would most likely have some importance in the future. Investing more time into his siblings wouldn't hurt.
Though, it'll most likely get them hurt later on.
Not like he truly cared. He needed whatever he could get right now.
He swept around the pillar and entered the courtyard, not bothering to hide his footsteps, allowing the sound to travel and notify Weiss of his approach. She turned to him, visibly startled as he came down the wide path. Looks like she wasn't expecting any visitors. Not like anyone visited her in the first place.
"Dwight," the girl stiffly greeted, immediately straightening herself and bowing to him. He could see the way she shook when he approached. Nerves were getting to her, and he needed to find out why. It'd be pointless talking to her if she was constantly frightened of him like some sheep.
Dwight plastered on the most friendly smile he could manage right now. "Hey, what's with the tense greetings? I know we haven't talked much, but I'm sure family wouldn't be this cold when seeing each other, even if we are Schnee." Weiss's eyes darted up at him in surprise. That got a reaction out of her. She was looking at him as if he were an entirely new creature. "Is it really that rare for a sibling to come say hello? Our standards haven't fallen that low, have they?"
He leisurely made his way around her to put his weight against the fountain. "I can see that you're sulking on something. Or is it some things? Would you like to talk about it?"
Weiss looked away as her fingers twiddled against each other. "I… I wouldn't want to be a bother." Her response only made him quirk a brow.
Was she already trying to close others off at this point? That won't do. He'll have to fix that.
Dwight sighed and crossed his arms. "It wouldn't be a bother if I was the one who came up to you first. No need to bottle it in, Weiss. I can see that whatever's going on is affecting you. But let me take a guess as to what it is that's bothering you," he said as he closed his eyes, tilting his chin upward to look thoughtful.
Winter leaving was a prime subject, but something told him it was far more than that. Not only was the eldest sister gone, their Grandfather was left in a hospital with less-than-stellar news. There's also the case of her tenth birthday, when Willow suddenly made herself scarce and began her trip into alcoholism. Then there was the whole thing with Jacques, and that was an entire issue in and of itself. Frankly, there was a lot to consider, but all together, he could sum it up with a simple phrase.
He opened his eyes, and with a teasing grin, said, "You're lonely. Aren't you?"
Weiss's face immediately flushed with color.
Looks like he got it in the bag.
Weiss turned away, pursing her lips as if ashamed.
"There's nothing wrong with that," he added, raising his hands. "I know times have been tough lately. It's hard for you to express yourself in a place such as this, so why not come over here and have a chat with me? It does wonders for anyone to share their thoughts." He patted the edge of the fountain.
Dare he say hope seemed to glisten in Weiss's eyes? But that seemed to be smothered by the next word that came out of her mouth. "Why…?"
"Hm?"
"Why… Why are you being so nice to me? We've never really conversed much until now. Did Father or Mother put you up to this? Or maybe… Winter?"
Dwight inwardly groaned. Stupid child. As if those two would ever ask him to check up on their children. And Winter left without so much as a word to him as she did with everyone else. Just because they hadn't talked much before made him suspicious? Guess he should have seen that one coming. Still, as skeptical as she was, he could see that she'd accept any answer.
"Is it so much to show worry for my little sister? Is that such a hard concept to grasp?" Weiss's mouth fell slightly open. Truly, a neglected child she was. He patted the fountain again. "Come on. Don't tell me you're scared of me. If you are, just say so and I'll go." He wouldn't.
Weiss frantically shook her head and slowly came to the fountain. She climbed up the edge and sat next to him, her feet idly kicking the air as she adjusted herself. It was hidden beneath her nervous surface, but she seemed a bit giddy for a simple conversation between family members. How pitiful. He'll be sure to make use of this.
Dwight refreshed the smile he had on. A simple curl of the lip to show her how easygoing this would be. He was practically telling her not to worry without actually telling her. She seemed to relax a little as she peeked up at him.
She was really short. There was only a two-year age gap, and yet she only managed to reach his shoulders even while sitting on the fountain, with him standing and leaning against it on his waist; Winter could at least reach his chin while standing. Maybe some heels would do her some good in the future. He made sure to keep those thoughts to himself though.
"There you go. And here I thought you'd continue shaking like a leaf. Looks like you're not a snowflake who'll melt at any sign of pressure."
"I was only nervous because you were so overbearing!"
"Am I not overbearing now, then?"
"No. Not as much anymore."
"What changed then?"
"Um. Well…" Weiss took a second to think. "You always seemed so… unreachable? Like, I could never get close to you until now. Never allowed to get close. You're Father's favorite; everyone knows that. It always felt like you kept growing ahead of everyone else, and no one could keep up. Even Winter says things like that. I thought you would be cold like Father. I never imagined you could have been like this instead."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Father only ever has good things to say about you. He sometimes takes you with him when he goes out. He buys you gifts. He takes care of problems for you. Meanwhile…" Weiss's brows scrunched as she looked down.
"Jealousy won't get you anywhere in life, Weiss."
"And how would you know that? See! Look! You always act like you're more knowledgeable than the rest of us." That's because he was. "That's why I can't talk to you."
Dwight rolled his eyes. "It certainly wasn't for the lack of trying."
"Bleh!" A cute little tongue stuck out at him. Who knew she could be so cheeky when she wasn't sulking?
"Well, Father does like to look good in front of everyone. And when everyone likes to focus on the next generation, he'll be sure to show just how great a parent he is by showering the child who has the most attention with tacky gifts and gaudy clothes. 'Wow! Look at how well his child is being treated! I bet anyone under Mr. Schnee will grow up successful and live a happy life! Nothing could ever go wrong with this family!' Blergh." He made a face with his tongue sticking out as if he were throwing up.
Weiss giggled. Looks like she enjoyed it when their father was made the butt of the joke. At least she was smiling now. Good.
She pointed a finger at him, still smiling. "You said something bad about father! I'll be sure to tell him all about it! You're the favorite child no more! Get ready to feel what it's like to be overlooked!"
"Oh no~!" Dwight placed the back of his hand on his forehead as he swayed slightly. "What will I do now without my gaudy and expensive wine set! Oh, dear, not my shiny figurine of a Beowolf that I never asked for! It's not like father ever asks me what I ever wanted! How will I live now~?"
Weiss chuckled at his awful display. A truly horrible act. But her smile became a tinge more wistful at the mention of the gifts he received. Goal had been achieved, but maybe it wasn't a good idea to hint at the inequality of treatment from Jacques.
Or maybe it was.
Time to move forward with this farce.
"Hey. How about we make a deal?"
Her bright blue eyes fluttered at the offer. "A deal?"
"Yeah. How about: You don't tell Father anything that happened here, and anything else that happens between us later. In exchange, I'll grant you a favor; get you whatever you want, by the time winter season arrives at the latest. How's that?"
"Anything I want?"
Dwight nodded with a reassuring smile. "Anything."
"Then…" Weiss gripped her skirt, blushing in embarrassment as she spoke. "...Please speak with me again. And don't ever leave us!" she added.
Dwight cocked a brow, but then simply huffed and put his hand forward, the pinky finger extended. "Alright. Then we'll settle it with this." Weiss stared at the extremity. He could see her confusion. "It's called a pinky promise. A whole lot more valuable than a normal promise. Just lock your pinky with mine, and the deal is done."
"Really?" She didn't seem to believe it entirely.
"Really. Somebody once said that if you break a pinky promise, you'll die in a fire. It'll be our little secret."
Weiss paused for a moment before reaching out with her own pinky finger, and completing the gesture, the sun and nearly clear skies as their witness. Afterward, she broke out into another smile. It was like she had never been sulking in the courtyard at all.
'Hmph. It's too easy.' Inside, he stopped himself from grinning. It all went just about according to plan. With a so-called secret between him and Weiss, there was a new connection that tied them together and would allow Weiss to ease up around him and give him an easier time talking to her. And with that final gesture, one so childish and yet so perfect for this situation, it completely put her trust in him without much effort. Truly, pinky promises were practically blood oaths for children.
Now, for one more thing to add to the fire.
Dwight straightened himself, stepping forward in front of Weiss. He offered a hand to her and nodded his head toward the manor. "Come on. Let's go grab Whitley as well. The more the merrier, right?"
A tender wonder in her eyes made itself apparent as she stared at his hand. It took a minute, and perhaps even teary eyes from the girl, but she grabbed hold of his hand and hopped off the fountain. It must have been a tough couple of months for her if she was reacting this way. So emotional over a simple gesture. It was pathetic.
The two Schnees walked toward the manor, with the little one nurturing a small smile. He led her down the brightly lit halls of the Schnee manor, hand in hand as she followed close behind.
With the addition of intimate touch, he should have cemented himself as a pillar for Weiss to lean on, a crucial figure she'll come to for support, and a trusted ally in due time. The last time she had this kind of attention must have been before her tenth birthday. Even then, affection was quite limited even before their Mother's sequential downfall into the bottle.
He'll be sure to guide Weiss down the correct path. A path that'll make her strong enough to stand with him against her. But first, he needed to help her through any insecurities she might have. Being practically alone and in the shadow of the Schnee name since Winter left must have given her some annoying baggage. Things like that would only get in the way. He'll need a plan that lets her grow, and give enough ambition to improve herself without his constant support. With enough time, she may end up as a valuable asset.
Could she beat his sister? He wouldn't even entertain the idea. But she could help, and that was all that mattered. As long as her progress wasn't inter…rupt…..ed……
He and Weiss made it to the main hall where the large staircase would bring them to the second floor, but stopped in their tracks and froze when they spotted the figure atop the stairs, coming down.
Dainty pale yet fair arms stretched over a head of short, unkempt snowy hair, a long yawn letting him know of her recent awakening. The glow of the sun shone through the paned windows behind her, painting her pure white dress and soft, elegant face in a gracious glow. It was a perfect picture of a saint; an objectively beautiful and perhaps angelic appearance that more than fooled anyone who lay their eyes on her.
But he knew better.
He knew of the awful thorns that lay beneath that lethargic exterior.
No matter what anyone called her, no matter what they thought of her…
She was a damn monster in human skin.
Rubbing her eyes partially hidden by her short bangs, she noticed the two of them at the bottom of the staircase. One half-lidded eye could be seen as the other was covered by a balled-up hand. It glared down at him, like a dragon sizing up whoever had just entered its den and disturbed its peace. And to be honest, he found dragons to be a lot more simpler to deal with than what was in front of him.
He felt a cold sweat run down the back of his neck. A sudden notification alarmed him in his head.
*Way of the Seer has blocked an Appraisal-type move.
His heart sank as he processed the message. It wasn't the first time this has happened—it was practically a greeting at this point—but it sure as hell felt awful being sized up like this again. Without that Legacy Skill, his entire status would have been laid bare to her. Sometimes, it felt as though she was chipping away at his defenses, and eventually, she would be able to break through his mental barriers with ease. As easy as snapping a twig, like how she would snap him in two if she ever had the chance.
He took a short breath, cooling himself. The shock quickly wore away.
Lily snorted, arriving at the bottom of the staircase, and stopping right next to him and Weiss. The Twins made eye contact, and try as he might, he couldn't hide his initial distress upon being caught here by her, physically defenseless under her scrutiny. He knew the Grace Period would protect him, but it did little to calm him when the person who embodied all his troubles stood next to him and sneered.
"I see you're still up to the same old tricks." Lily glanced at Weiss, who he hadn't realized was hiding behind him and using him as a barrier between them. "Bringing children into this? Our own family at that? I would say I'm a bit disappointed, but we both know you would've done this eventually. Nothing too shocking, I must say. A testament to your awful character. Truly… You are pathetic." That last word dripped with so much venom the entire room felt like it was melting when her eyes sharpened, the air disintegrating and murky with her words and gaze.
There was a pressure that gripped him, holding him down like a freezing waterfall that made it hard to barely move a finger. No twitch or any sudden movement would escape his sister's sight; he could tell she was probing him, but he held his ground and resisted.
But he couldn't stop the involuntary sweating.
He was sure it was all in his head, a simple ruse. But if it was, then why did Weiss begin struggling to take proper breaths and hold onto him tighter? She looked unhealthily pale, trembling like a lamb as she kept her eyes glued to the floor. His Legacy Skill also should have blocked out any attacks or interferences that targeted his mind and psyche, and yet it felt like the air had become so cold that it burned. Burned so hot that it left your throat dry with no hopes of ever quenching yourself of this dreadful pressure.
This wasn't some sort of hallucination or play on the mind.
Lily's sheer presence was just that domineering. Enough so that it made your entire body scream and freeze in terror by instinct rather than making you imagine things.
It had to have been one of her Legacy Skills.
And unfortunately, he had very little to counter it as of right now.
"Hmph. I've already told you this, but allow me to remind you in case you forget." Lily tilted her head and smiled sweetly. "You're just delaying the inevitable. There's only four years left; I'll be waiting patiently. And when that time comes, I will take back the victory I so deserved. And I won't make the same mistake twice."
She began walking away. Neither he or Weiss turned around to face her as she left, even with the pressure lifting.
"Oh, and Dwight?" Lily called out to him. He reluctantly turned his head to meet her. "Remember this as well. Luck, always, runs out."
With those parting words, she left the main hall.
Dwight took a moment to rub a hand over his face, quickly calming himself. That girl never fails to try and make an entrance, even if she didn't intend it.
What bad luck… He and Lily tended to avoid each other whenever possible, and to have been caught here with Weiss has put the girl in that monster's sights much earlier.
He looked down to see Weiss still holding onto him tightly, glancing up at him as she stood close, still shaking. She managed to find her words, and uttered, "I…I find Lily to be very scary sometimes…."
Dwight sighed, directing his gaze the way Lily went as his fingernails dug into his palm.
"Yeah… me too."
Author's Note:
Heya. Gonna keep this one short.
Whitley got shafted this chapter unfortunately as it was getting too long, so I had to cut out his scene. Womp womp.
Eh. He'll probably get an appearance next time.
Trying to set up the system, relationships, and characters with these early chapters; expect things to be slow. A Skill or two might get explained next time as well.
Feel free to point out any issues. Feedback is appreciated.
Thanks for reading. Hope you've enjoyed. See you in the next chapter.
