Laura found herself humming a random tune as she worked to pack the remains of their camp away. Two weeks had passed since their arrival in the Eisengard Range and it was time for the three of them to return to civilization.

To say she was in a good mood was an understatement. It wasn't easy for a martial artist to see their growth in the moment, but the Arseid swordswoman knew the Laura of that moment was more powerful than the one of two weeks prior. Was she strong enough to fight against her father as an equal? Assuredly not. But at the least she felt she had grown enough to stand her ground against him with confidence when he called her forth for her trial.

And more importantly it was plain to see just how effective the trip had been at helping Rean unwind from everything. She was still a little concerned that their return to civilization would bring with it a new burden for the one she had chosen to align her heart with, but the confidence she held in herself paled in comparison to the confidence she held for Rean.

Rean was strong even if he didn't know it. He would be fine.

But while their training trip had been a wild success she was more than ready for the return home. If anyone deserved the luxury of a long soak in hot water it was the three of them. And a good warm meal of something beyond field rations and foraged goods...

Laura wasn't normally one for extravagant living, but they would definitely be dining in at Kirsche's once they got back. Or maybe they'd go even fancier and try something different in the capital?

She shook her head to dispel those tempting thoughts. There was one other thing that needed to be done before they returned to Trista.

Her eyes met Fie and the mischievous girl gave a knowing nod. It bugged Laura a little that they'd once again been conspiring against Rean these past few days, but the idea Fie had floated to her was too sound to pass up. It was for his own good and that was enough to quell any feelings of guilt she might've had about the entire situation.

"Hey, Rean? I've been thinking..."

Was Fie seeking to take all the credit for herself or was she trying to protect the Arseid from any potential ire? Either way Laura found herself shooting the other girl a dirty look before clarifying, "We've been thinking. I know the plan was for us to retrace our steps back south to Roer, but why don't we return westward instead?"

"West?" His eyes furrowed in thought before they widened as he put the pieces together, "You want to go to Ymir?"

"We do. I know you've been in contact with your parents through letters, but you haven't visited them since before the war ended. Wouldn't now be as good a chance as any?"

While he would never admit it to anyone, it was clear that Rean had allowed a barrier to form between him and his family back home after what they'd learned in the Infernal Castle. Understandable, but at the same time she knew his parents were sweet individuals and that the situation would improve if they merely spoke face to face.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea..." Rean protested stubbornly.

"And why's that?"

Fie's question might have sounded innocent in a vacuum, but Laura knew better. "..." Watching Rean flounder to come up with an actual reason why visiting Ymir was a bad idea was a little humorous, she could admit.

"Think about it this way..." The swordswoman suggested, "If we visit your home unannounced like this your father won't have any excuse on hand to not tell you the truth about what happened."

"Actually..." Laura hated it when someone started off with that word, especially when they were wearing the same obnoxious knowing grin that Fie currently had, "We told Elise before we left that we'd try and get him to pay his parents a visit, so she's probably visiting Ymir herself right now." The little gremlin gave a nonchalant shrug before continuing, "Still, we told her it would be your decision in the end, so I'm sure Elise won't be too disappointed if you don't show."

It was unbecoming of the Arseid to let out such a pitiful groan, but she did so anyways. She shouldn't have been surprised that Fie had done something like that long before she floated the idea to her. And she'd worded it to make Laura appear to be a part of the underhanded blackmail attempt.

"...You girls can be really underhanded when you want something." Rean muttered, wide-eyed at the implications.

No! It was all Fie's idea! Curse her for being so devious and curse herself for falling into the trap.

The swordsman let out an awkward pained laugh before taking a shaky breath, "W-Well, alright. I guess you've given me no other choice. Let's go to Ymir."

"Great! The hot springs await!"

Both she and Rean stared blankly at Fie after her comment, "Was that the actual reason you wanted Rean to visit Ymir?"

Fie's grin didn't fade despite their shared scrutiny, "Of course not! We all know Rean really needs to talk to his dad. The hot springs is only like... ninety percent of the reason. I dare you to tell me you don't think a dip in the springs sounds amazing right now."

Laura shared a glance with Rean before both sighed in unison. As much as they hated letting Fie manipulate them like that she'd just been thinking about how good a warm bath would feel, and Ymir's famous hot springs were a cut above any alternative.

Still, even if she'd been manipulated, betrayed, and forced to take part in blackmail, Laura could take solace in the fact that her original intent had been an honest one and Rean had accepted the offer in the end. With a little extra motivation the three young adults finished packing up their belongings before taking the path down into Ymir's valley and beyond.

There was something about Ymir that always left Rean feeling at ease. While others might scoff and consider the town of his birth to be rustic or backwater, to him it would always be peaceful, serene, and possessing of a natural beauty that the more traveled locations lacked. It was his hometown and would forever remain that way.

Which was why it bothered him just how uncomfortable he was feeling despite everything.

Elise would always plead with him to visit home whenever he saw her. Laura had been direct about her desire for him to speak with his father. And while Fie hadn't been nearly as upfront as them she was always the most vocal when talking about how important family was to her, no small feat from a girl that never had a real one until she met Class VII. And yet despite all that it had been over a year since he last set foot in his home.

He knew he was being juvenile with his refusal, but it was hard to act otherwise.

Even though rationally speaking he was pretty confident his father had a good reason to lie to him all those years, it still stung harshly. The past year had been filled with so many lies and betrayals that finding out his entire life had been built upon one was just too much to bear. His father knew how much he desired to know about his past, and yet...!

Rean took a deep breath. Getting emotional now would do nobody any good. Especially as the three of them had just entered the village and were already making their way up to his family's estate. He felt more than a few gazes upon them from the locals, but none seemed willing to approach the return of their wayward son, even with his status as a 'hero' almost certainly known to all.

"I think they're all confused." Fie whispered, seemingly having read his thoughts, "Pretty sure nobody saw us come in through the valley and they definitely didn't see us arrive with the tram." She let out a small laugh, "Probably wondering if we're ghosts or something."

"Still, that surprise won't last forever. Are you sure you'll be alright dealing with them in time?" Laura seemed genuinely remorseful with her question, almost certainly having second thoughts about her pushing him to visit.

Despite himself Rean forced out a laugh, "I'll be fine. Can't deny I'm happy they're holding off until I see my parents, but I can handle a few curious friends." Even if they were the ones that pushed him to visit with a mix of logical thinking and straight up blackmail, the decision had ultimately been up to him. The least he could do was own up to that choice.

It wasn't long before they arrived at his childhood home. And yet he found himself struggling to consider the place as home. Perhaps that was why he opted to knock awkwardly instead of simply entering like he had every right to.

It wasn't long before it opened to reveal his mother, "Rean!" She gasped out excitedly, "You're here!"

"Hi, mom." Despite his misgivings the swordsman couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Even if he had reason to stay away his mother didn't deserve it. The relief and joy on her face was plain for all to see, "Sorry for dropping in unannounced."

"Nonsense! I've had my fingers crossed that you were going to show up since your sister arrived last night!" Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Fie's completely unapologetic smirk, "Please, come in. It's nice to see you as well, Laura and Fie."

Despite himself, stepping into his childhood home put the young swordsman completely at ease. There was just something about the place. And yet despite the extremely pleasant atmosphere he couldn't help but notice the place seemed to be completely devoid of life save for the woman who had greeted them.

"Your father is out hunting. The weather's been taking a turn for the worse and he wants to make sure Ymir is stocked up before the snows arrive." His mom always seemed to have a knack at reading his thoughts, "As for Elise, she wanted to reconnect with our neighbors. I believe she is out with Luke right now."

Luke?

Why was she visiting him specifically?

Sure they were old childhood friends and all, but Rean's darling sister had better things to do with her life than spend time with that shady station employee.

Maybe he was blackmailing her or something?

Clearly he had made a grave error in not visiting Ymir in a while if such a dastardly plot had been allowed to go this far without his notice.

Well, no matter. Rean was there now and this was as good an opportunity as any to put his new training to good use-

"Oh my. He's doing it again, isn't he?"

The native son was dragged from thoughts of putting this terrible conspiracy to the sword by his mom's voice. The older woman seemed amused about something. Oddly enough Laura seemed despondent as she shook her head while Fie had her face in her palm.

What did he miss?

"I'm home." Thoughts of justice for Elise were put to the side – temporarily, of course – as the door opened behind them, and the man he had both been dreading and longing to see for quite some time stepped through, "Ah. Hello, son."

"H-Hey, dad." He winced internally at the stutter.

The two stared silently at each other for a long moment, causing an awkward tension to fill the air. Something which his mom eventually broke, "How was the hunt, dear?"

"Quite well. Ymir won't be going hungry for a few days." Dad embraced the random question as he held up the large bag in his hand, "This was our cut from the butcher."

"Oh, lovely!" The Schwarzer matriarch took the offered meats, "I think I'll turn some of this into dinner tonight. Would you dears be willing to assist me?"

Laura and Fie shared a glance, "I would be glad to."

"Sure. I don't mind."

Rean blinked at the offer directed to the two girls, "Do you want my help too...?"

"Nonsense. I can tell you and your father wish to have words and this will give me a chance to know my future daughter-in-laws a little better."

"Mom!" The blushing swordsman had been right! Visiting Ymir was a terrible terrible idea, just not for the reasons he had considered.

"I, uh, am looking forward to it?" Laura seemed torn between her own embarrassment and amusement as she agreed to the offer.

Fie on the other hand... "Sounds good, mom." Very little of the former, but lots of the latter, based on the wide grin she was wearing.

"W-Wait...!" He reached out an arm to stop the disaster in the making, but all he received for his efforts were a trio of considerate looks before they vanished into the kitchen.

It was only when his father cleared his throat that Rean remembered the purpose of their visit, "Shall we head to my office?"

With growing trepidation the second year student followed Ymir's baron up to his office before taking a seat across from the older man. Mentally he was a total mess as there were a hundred different things he wanted to ask and he had no idea of where to start.

That anguish must have been plain on his face as his father smiled knowingly, "I can see you have many questions for me, but how about I start speaking first and you can ask me anything you want after I've finished?"

That was reasonable enough for Rean and so he nodded his assent. After a brief delay Teo leaned forward in his chair, "I have to assume you've already heard the story from Chancellor Osborne?"

Rean did his best to swallow down the lump in his throat, "I did. Is it...?"

Although he was already confident in the answer seeing the man that raised him nod his head sucked the breath out of him, "It is. Giliath Osborne is your biological father."

A wistful look took hold of his father's features, "I've known him for almost forty years now. Our families were close, and despite him being almost a decade my senior I looked up to him as an older brother. A feeling which grew after his family was killed and my parents took him in. Like you he enrolled at Thors, but after graduation he joined the Imperial Army and began to rise through its ranks at a remarkable speed. I still kept in contact with him, but those meetings grew sparse over the years as our duties kept us apart."

"I'm unsure what happened, but fourteen years ago a desperate Osborne contacted me. He pleaded for me to take in a child that he'd left behind, along with a request to cut all ties with him and never speak a word of what happened to that child. I accepted, went to the location he specified, and the rest is history."

Those words did a lot to reassure Rean, but there was still one pressing question that demanded an answer, "And you had no idea what he planned to do? The things he's done and the things he's about to do..."

Teo Schwarzer shook his head, "I did not. He's only contacted me once since that day, and that was merely a Chancellor asking one of his barons to introduce him to another noble. A young Rufus Albarea in that case."

Given what he'd learned of Rufus, Rean knew that that introduction was indeed part of the Blood and Iron Chancellor's plans, but at the same time it wasn't something he needed to worry about in the moment.

Perhaps it was simply because of a naive desire on his part, but Rean sensed no deceit from his father's words. The nineteen year old did his best to ignore the tears pricking at his eyes, "Dad... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you like I have been."

For his part the baron of Ymir gave an understanding smile and shake of his head, "Don't apologize, son. You aren't at fault here. In hindsight I should have simply ignored Osborne's words and told you years ago. I could tell how badly it was eating away at you and yet I kept my silence... Maybe I was just hoping that some of the old Giliath remained."

Now that was something that piqued Rean's curiosity, "...The old Giliath?"

His father gave a wistful sigh, "The Giliath Osborne I knew was always a driven man, but a drive that was tempered by his kindness. He was always so willing to protect those he cared about. Some would even say he was self-sacrificing to a fault."

"Really...?" He definitely didn't see any of that in his limited interactions with the man. In fact that sounded a lot like a certain someone he knew... "I guess I take after him more than I realized?"

His dad let out a small laugh, "Indeed, my son. You do remind me of a young Giliath in a lot of ways. That being said, none of that matters to me. He had his chance to be your father and he gave it up. You are my son, and nothing that happens will ever change that. Even if he brings the entire Imperial Army to Ymir I'll still refuse to give you to him."

"Dad..." This time he was unable to ignore the tears that were now streaming down his face, "Thank you!"

His old man stood from his seat and approached the young swordsman, arms held wide. Any pretense at composure was lost as Rean threw himself into his father's embrace, sobbing freely all the while.

Any reservations he had had about visiting Ymir were long since gone. He definitely owed the girls for forcing him into this trip.

Although he couldn't help but wonder what was going on in the kitchen in that moment. Just what kind of conversation was his mom having with them?

"Fie, dear, can you chop these vegetables for me."

"Sure. No problem."

"Can you assist in braising this meat for me, Laura?"

"It would be my pleasure."

Lucia Schwarzer smiled beatifically as her two assistants got to work. How long had it been since her kitchen had been so lively? Sure she occasionally recruited Maple or Purple to help when they were expecting important guests, but that wasn't quite the same as what she was feeling now. The last time she felt like this was during a more peaceful time before Rean and Elise moved away to school.

"I want to thank you two."

"Nonsense. We are glad to help out."

Lucia let out a giggle, "Not this, although I'm glad for it. I want to thank you for continuing to take care of Rean."

Fie paused in her chopping long enough to give a shrug, "Eh. Can't deny it's a full time job, but I don't really mind. He takes care of us just as much."

The Schwarzer matriarch smiled knowingly, "I don't doubt that one bit. Schwarzer men are known for being kind and considerate of others, but they're also incredibly stubborn. Every one of them needs a good woman or two to keep them in check. Even so, I'm still incredibly grateful. Rean doesn't talk about his status as the Ashen Chevalier, but that silence speaks volumes in itself. I'm sure this past year has been a difficult one for him, so it makes me happy to know the two of you have been there for him."

Instead of a reply she was treated to the front door being opened, "I'm home!"

"We're in the kitchen!" Lucia yelled out to her daughter.

Unsurprisingly that led to Elise making her way in, "Oh! Laura and Fie?! Does that mean Rean's here too...?"

"He's currently upstairs with your father."

Elise let out her breath, "That's a relief..."

It definitely was. While she wasn't privy to all that had gone on between her husband and son even she could tell how tense the relationship between the two had gotten. She could only pray to Aidios that everything was going good up there.

Of course if the Goddess didn't listen to her prayers then she'd be forced to intervene personally. Those two will get along again, even if it required her to bonk the stubborn fools with her favorite frying pan to make it happen. She shouldn't need to wait an entire year for her son to visit, especially when his visits meant he'd bring the two lovely young women who were currently hard at work in her kitchen!"

"Well, don't just stand there, Elise. Won't you come and assist?"

"Are you sure that's alright? Not sure there's enough room for all four of us..."

Technically Elise was correct, but Lucia had an easy solution for that, "That's fine, I'll just watch and instruct. It's a mother's job to supervise her children, and I have three of them here now."

Was teasing them so much wrong? Possibly. But seeing all three girls react to her innocent little comment in their own unique ways made up for it. Fie had no visible response, but the loud thud of her chopping through a veggie with far more force than needed spoke for her. Laura was glowing brightly at the insinuation.

As for Elise... "W-Wait! Does that mean Rean...!?"

"No!" The blushing blue-haired girl yelled out, "I mean... we haven't really discussed anything like that yet."

"Poo. That's a shame." Lucia adopted a faux depressed look, "Rean needs to hurry up with that. It's clear the two of you care deeply about him considering you gave up on an early graduation, and I'm getting no younger. I want grandchildren to spoil!"

While two of the girls continued to burn bright at the insinuation Fie seemed to have recovered a little given the amused smirk on her face, "Can't say I'm against the idea, but you might need to wait a little more. Seems like things are gonna be getting hectic soon."

Now that caused the mother to genuinely frown. She didn't know Giliath Osborne like her husband did, but what she did understand was that that man thought he had the right to involve her son in his schemes. Their inability to do anything about it had been a source of many sleepless nights for the rulers of Ymir.

She was quick to hide her discomfort by adopting another teasing smile, but this one was directed to her youngest daughter instead, "Ah well. I can wait a little longer, I suppose. How about you, Elise? It'd be an easier wait if I knew you were making progress on that front yourself...?"

"Mother!"

"If you need someone to keep Rean distracted while you make your move just let us know. Aidios knows you'll be single forever if we don't stop him."

"Fie!"

"It pains me to admit it, but she's right. I had hoped we could curb some of Rean's less desirable instincts, but we've had little success when it comes to his feelings about you."

Lucia giggled as she observed the byplay. Even if it was only for one night, things were as they should be in the Schwarzer household.

Fie let out a loud yawn as she leaned back and closed her eyes. Sleep beckoned and she wasn't about to resist the call any longer-

"Don't you dare!"

The irritated girl forced her eyes open solely so she could level a glare towards the speaker – Laura, "And why not?"

Unlike the Arseid who was trying to match her glare Rean seemed more at ease as he let out an awkward laugh, "Because you might drown?"

His statement caused the agile fighter to glance down and confirm that yes indeed she was sitting in water. Nice warm water that left her body feeling so light and relaxed and her eyes so tired and heavy that she-

"Stop that!"

Once again Laura just had to spoil her moment. Were she any less tired Fie may have considered scowling at the constant interruptions. Instead she merely forced her weary body to move an arge across the spring so she was sitting next to Rean before leaning her head onto his shoulder. For his part the swordsman obliged by wrapping an arm around her to keep her in place, "Happy now?"

Laura continued to stare at them before simply shaking her head. She tried to play it cool, but Fie was pretty sure she was jealous, especially as Rean started to stroke her hair. Were she a cat she might've considered purring in satisfaction that moment.

There had been a little time before dinner after they finished their prep work, so after reuniting with a much more relaxed Rean the three had decided to walk around Ymir for a while, taking in the sights and chatting with some of his old friends. That so little had changed since the war was a relief. Rean had also taken the time to pass along to them what his dad had told him.

After that they'd returned for dinner. Although she'd never admit it, eating the food she'd helped prepared with the Schwarzer family had been a really nice experience. So warm and homely that Fie couldn't help wondering if that was what actual family life was like.

She blamed Rean's mom for that. Her teasing had been pretty damn effective at painting the image in her head.

Originally they'd planned on making the train ride home that evening, but his parents had strong-armed them into staying the night. As much as they all wanted to return home the prospect of warm beds, good company, and longer access to Ymir's famous hot springs was just too much to pass up.

And as she struggled to remain awake in those hot springs Fie knew they'd made the right choice.

"Thanks for putting up with my stubbornness."

The voice from right beside her was enough to cause her to shift slightly so she could look at the speaker, but it was Laura who answered first, "Think nothing of it, Rean. You would've done the same for us."

"Maybe I would've done it for you, but I doubt I'd have been able to do it for myself." He left out a derisive laugh, "I can be my own worst enemy, can't I?"

A snort escaped from Fie's mouth before she could stop herself, "That's an understatement." Laura glared at her causing the young girl to give the best impression of a shrug she could in her position, "What? I'm just being agreeable."

"Regardless..." The swordswoman broke off her glare to look back at Rean, "Given everything that's happened your attitude was understandable. I can only assume I would've done the same had our positions been reversed."

"Plus this was fun for me too." Fie pointed out, "I'm feeling a lot stronger now. And your family are really nice. Wouldn't mind visiting more often."

"Yeah, definitely." Rean gave a wistful smile, "We should come back when winter is in full swing. I still want to teach you how to snowboard."

"Sounds fun. I'm game."

A pleasant silence descended in the spring. Even if the others weren't struggling to stay awake like she was it wasn't hard to see they were just as relaxed in those soothing waters. They all needed the break.

"Oh!" Laura gasped in surprise and delight, "It's snowing!"

Fie blinked. She was right. Given how dark it was it was hard to see, but the occasional speck of white crossed her vision before reaching the water harmlessly. It didn't appear to be a lot, but it was nice to see regardless, "Guess we picked the perfect time to come back down from the mountain."

"Mmm." Rean agreed with a smile, "The first snow of the year is always a special occasion in Ymir."

"What about when it's a magical snow caused by a meddling enforcer and some weird shrine?" Fie couldn't help but point out, causing Rean to hesitate as they recalled the previous year.

"It was special for us." Laura pointed out the way they got together in the first place, "It wasn't exactly a year ago, but this does feel like an anniversary of sorts regardless, don't you think?"

Huh. She wasn't wrong, "Here's hoping year two ends up being a little less hectic than the last one."

Unfortunately Fie found herself skeptical that her words would come true, but for that night at least everything was as peaceful as could be. And that was enough for her.

For those of you who have been following my stories for a while you probably know what's coming up, but I'll remind you regardless:

I have a hot date on Valentine's Day with a certain game that is being released. As always, when my options are to play Trails or write about it the former wins every time. Thus, it's break time for me.

My plans are to take a slightly longer break this time as those little side stories I wrote the last couple months ended up being a lot longer than I expected (especially the second one). It was a lot of work and left me pretty exhausted. So I probably won't be back for a month or so.

Still, I feel like I've said that in the past, but the itch has a tendency to come back when least expected. I remember starting to write again only midway through Daybreak 1, so who knows if it'll happen the same way this time...

Either way, I'll be back.