The sun had begun to set over Lake Ebel, its shimmering reflection painting the waters in hues of gold and crimson. The town of Legram, peaceful as always, buzzed faintly with the sound of evening bells and murmured conversations as villagers wound down their day. In the Arseid family's grand but welcoming manor, Laura sat at the dining table with her father, Victor S. Arseid, the Radiant Blademaster himself.
The dining room, though elegant, was warm and familiar—filled with the subtle scent of the evening meal they had just enjoyed. A crackling fire in the nearby hearth cast dancing shadows across the walls. Laura sipped her tea with a contented sigh, the tranquility of being home settling over her like a well-worn cloak.
Victor set his fork down and folded his hands in front of him, watching his daughter with his usual mix of pride and curiosity. "It's always a joy to have you home, Laura. You seem to be in good spirits today. How have things been at Thors since your last visit?"
Laura smiled softly. "Busy, but fulfilling, as always. I've grown quite close to the members of Class VII. I feel fortunate to share such a bond with them." She paused, setting her teacup down gently. "Especially Fie."
Victor's eyebrows rose slightly at the mention of the silver-haired girl, though he said nothing, waiting for Laura to continue.
"Fie…" Laura started again, her tone growing more animated, a soft warmth seeping into her voice. "She really is extraordinary, Father. She's so unlike anyone I've ever met—strong, resourceful, and yet…" Laura searched for the words, her smile growing tender. "She has this quiet, unexpected way of showing her affection. It's hard to explain. She doesn't always say things outright, but it's the little gestures she makes—grabbing my hand when I least expect it, falling asleep next to me without saying a word, or even just sitting by my side after training. She doesn't have to say anything, but you know she cares."
Victor listened with quiet interest, his gaze sharp but gentle as Laura continued, oblivious to how much she was saying.
"She has this subtle humor too, and it always catches me off guard," Laura said with a small laugh. "Like the time she paired cat ears with a kunoichi outfit and acted like it was perfectly natural. I still smile thinking about it. And…" Laura trailed off, her voice softening. She glanced down at her hand on the table, unconsciously curling her fingers.
"There was this time…" Laura continued, her gaze distant now, as though she were reliving the memory. "I was leading her back to her room after she'd dozed off. She took my hand so naturally—so trustingly—that I could feel how warm and small it was in mine. It surprised me at the time, but now I…" She trailed off, her thumb brushing across her palm absentmindedly. A small, fond smile played at her lips as she looked down at her hand. "Even now, just thinking about it makes me smile."
For a moment, there was only the crackling of the fire and the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. Victor observed his daughter silently, his expression thoughtful but kind.
"It seems to me," he began, his deep voice breaking the quiet, "that you hold this young lady in very high regard."
Laura blinked and looked up at him, a little surprised at his tone. "Of course. She's very dear to me."
Victor's lips quirked into the faintest hint of a smirk, though his eyes remained kind. "Yes, I can see that. But the way you speak of her, Laura—your admiration, your fondness, the warmth in your voice…" He leaned back slightly, his arms crossing in a relaxed manner. "I would dare say it sounds as though you are smitten with Fie."
Laura froze, her cheeks suddenly flushed a soft pink. "F-Father!" she stammered, sitting up straighter in her chair. "It's not—it's not like that!"
Victor chuckled warmly at his daughter's flustered reaction, his tone teasing but gentle. "Is it not? You speak of her as though she's someone who has captured your heart."
Laura opened her mouth to protest further but faltered, her thoughts betraying her. She had been thinking about Fie more often lately—about her little quirks, her unexpected kindness, and the trust she placed in Laura. Memories of Fie's hand in hers, of her leaning against her after a long day, and even the sound of her quiet laughter floated through Laura's mind.
"…It's not that simple," Laura finally muttered, a little quieter now, as if uncertain of her own words. Her blush deepened.
Victor smiled knowingly but didn't press further. "Love and affection often aren't simple, Laura," he said gently. "But they are worth exploring when the time is right."
Laura looked down at her teacup, her mind uncharacteristically scattered. "She's very special to me," she admitted quietly.
"That much is clear," Victor said with a soft laugh. "Whatever path this bond takes, I'm sure it will only make you stronger. After all, it is rare to find someone who leaves such an impression on you."
Laura smiled faintly at her father's wisdom, though she remained contemplative. As they continued talking about other matters, the warmth in her chest lingered, and her thoughts drifted, unbidden, back to Fie—her hand, her voice, and the way she could always surprise Laura in the most unexpected ways.
When the evening finally ended, and Laura retired to her room, she sat quietly for a moment by the window, gazing out at the moonlit lake. Her father's words echoed softly in her mind, and for a moment, Laura simply smiled to herself, unsure what her feelings truly meant but knowing, without a doubt, that Fie was someone she would cherish always.