Chapter 42 Hope Springs Eternal

It’s been a few sun-cycles since that incident.

Vaniriel unfortunately got expelled from the Academy. Well, she did cause quite a bit of destruction, and the faculty’s first priority is to provide its students with a safe and educational environment. It couldn’t be helped.

Although she’s supposedly expelled, she still hangs around the capital of Harthrow and around the campus a lot. We also visit her whenever we have free time.

Today too, she’s lying below a hearthrow tree, lazily gazing upon the clouds above.

“Vani!” I shout, running up the hill.

I’m quite proud of the fact that my stamina has improved enough to run up a hill.

“Wait for us!” Fen and Ru are right behind me.

“Took you three long enough,” Vani gets up, dusting the grass off her clothing, “Let’s go.”

For lunch, I decided to take them to Le Pommier, the apple-themed cafe. A cute bell chimes as we walk in, the fresh aroma of cinnamon and baked apples assaults our senses.

“Urgh-!”

I’m about to walk out when I see Leila, Margot, and Sigyn crammed into one corner of the cafe. Veronique and Astrid are happily chatting and sipping tea while sitting on the other end of the table.

“You’re here again? No wonder you’re looking so chubby lately.”

“UGH-!” A direct attack on a maiden’s frail heart! I throw out a punch behind me, but Nott easily dodges it.

“Little brother, you shouldn’t be so blunt with Lady Aeriea. You know she’s sensitive about her weight.”

“Agh-!” Sól’s words probably hurt more.

“You two have much to learn. As royalty, we must learn to hold back and soften what we say even if it’s a bit of a white lie. Observe,” Mercurius turns to face me, “You’re as beautiful as a spring blossom today as well, Lady Aeriea.”

I’m about to kick Mercurius in the shins before Ceres jumps onto my back, “Aeya!”

My pure, shining angel! I hug her with all my strength. Ah, she’s healing the wounds inflicted upon me by these stupid princes.

Vani grabs her by the scruff of her neck and picks her off me. “Hurry up, I’m hungry.”

Looking around, I see Hel and Vali sitting at another table. They’re playing cards and yelling at one another.

“What’s going on? Why is everyone in my sanctuary of sweets?”

Sól just points to an apple torte showcased on the stand. “Because it’s delicious.”

Nott just sighs, while I nod my head in defeat. Looking through the glass, I see sandwiches cut into even triangles.

I'm reminded of mom’s picnic excursions, baskets filled to the brim with delicacies. The honeyed aroma of apple jam and flowering tulips fill the air. There’s a dull ache in my heart whenever such simple, everyday things remind me of her. But, as I scan the cafe, there’s lively chatter everywhere I look.

I order the sandwich and walk towards everyone.

Even through death and loss, time will move on forevermore. And if you look at it another way, then it’s also true that hope springs eternal.