BUT MAYBE...

- LITHIA -

The dinner ended as soon as we finished eating. I'm just curious as to when Hel began to show concern for others. She looks at her fiancé with such gentleness stare in her eyes that I've never seen before.

Is it just me or she became considerate of my feelings when I stay in silence for a while? That's quite unusual as she would always continue to mock me even if I remain silent.

Perhaps, she's just curious about my conversation with Vien a little while ago. Well, I wouldn't call it 'rejection' based on what happened when we were in the garden. It was more like a casual conversation since I can't even open such topics.

"Did I disturb your rest, General Vien?" I stopped walking as I hid myself from one of the pillars. As much as don't want to hear their conversations, my curiosity tells me to listen.

"I rested for almost hours, Your Highness." What are they doing here? Why was she summoned by my father? Is there something going on?

"How are my daughters doing?" Why is he even asking? He knows that we're all good. And we're also seeing each other everyday, aren't we? "Princess Helvetica was with me, Your Highness. She's observing the new knights as well as teaching them new tactics and strategies." I couldn't see much because the lamps had been turned out and the only thing that gives light in the main hall is the full moon, but either way, I could feel father's smiling from afar.

"And what about my daughter Lithia? How is she?" It's been a while since you ask about your daughter. It's unusual for you to ask about our health and living. Perhaps Helvetica's mother influenced my egotistical father.

I should be grateful, at the very least.

"Princess Lithia appears to be preoccupied with her own troubles, but it's not something that I could just conclude, Your Highness. I suggest that as a father you should at least talk to your daughters." I could see my father's face, sighing as he looked up to the ceiling.

"You know that's impossible. I've been neglecting my duty as their father. Don't you think that it's suspicious when I told them that I wanted to start again?" Hel wouldn't forgive him for being a careless parent to her.

Until now, neither of us had ever felt the warmth of a father. "I'm getting old, General. At the very least, I wanted to make sure they were protected before I die. That's why, I'm counting on you to look after of my two daughters."

"Although Helvetica might be heavy to handle, but can you extend your patience? Right from this moment, I will give you my blessings to stand by my daughter's side as the General of Ethereal Empire." A sword was raised as my father bestows his blessings on Vien.

"I, Vienna De Lune, swear to heaven and earth, that I'll protect and offer my life in this Empire. Promised to be loyal, trustworthy, honest, and courageous. And carry out my responsibilities as the Empire's General." She states as she stands up, bowing to my father.

"Well then, I hope you have a nice night, General."

"I'll take my leave, Your Highness." I was planning to stand up as I don't want to be caught. But it's too late as if Vien was already aware of my presence from the start.

"I assumed it was simply a servant who dared to stay for some tea. But I'm glad that it was just you, Lady Lithia." She chuckles as she retreats her sword back to its sheath.

"And if I was just a servant, does that mean you're going to punish me?" She extends her hand as I take it to stand up.

"Might as well kill you." How can a person joke about something like that?! "You're starting to sound like my sister. It feels like I'm talking to Helvetica, stop that." It's making my stomach hurt. She chuckles as she straightens up.

"Why're you even here in the first place? This time was supposed to be your rest." I can't just say easily say that I'm curious and I wanted to know what they're up to. I'm afraid she'll going to ask more questions.

"I was just wandering around when my feet led me here. I just heard noises so I hid by instincts." Her laughter reverberates across the main hall, while I cover her mouth as it's too noisy.

"Can you lower down your voice? You're going to wake up the other maids!" I withdraw my hand as she stops laughing. "Curiosity kills a cat, Lady Lithia. Sometimes, It's good to walk away so you'll not get involved in any danger." I could see my sister's reflections in her stares.

"Your father, have you heard what he said?" I didn't speak as I can't deny the fact that I'VE HEARD EVERYTHING. "He genuinely cares for the both of you. I hope you can appreciate that little fact. He's not asking for forgiveness, but I'm hoping that you will broaden your perspective towards your father." Forgiveness, eh?

"You think I can forgive him in a snap? I was raised by my mother her whole life while he's just throwing his money trying to marry another woman. My mother DIED and he doesn't even care for her. I can respect him as an Emperor and as my father. But I can't forgive him that easily, Vien." They say I'm too kind, yet I resented my father for abandoning my mother.

She looks at me as she started to speak. I've lost my mother, Your Majesty. And my father's a criminal. I'm not saying you should forgive him. But your father is just a human. We all make mistake. He wanted to change. And it's your decision whether you'll give him a chance or not. But regrets will always come in the end. Well then, have a nice night, Princess." She bows as she left the main hall.

I was stunned for a brief moment. Perhaps, if he was just a great father, I wouldn't hate him to this extent. And if he's just a normal emperor, then maybe, mother's still alive and we're all living in harmony.

"A man wouldn't cheat on his wife even if he's being seduced. But maybe, my father's just a boy."

A mistake is something that happens accidentally while CHEATING and LYING is a choice. And he chose to be stupid.

I was about to return to my room when I noticed Helvetica's maid closing the door coming from The Empress' chamber.

Perhaps, Helvetica is still awake. Should I talk to her? I was hesitant to knock at first, but eventually decided to do so. "Come in," I mean, I will not lose anything if I try to talk to her, right?