Chapter Text
10.24.1204 - Sunday (Academy Festival - Day 2)
Thanks to Class VII’s efforts, the anomaly occurring inside the old schoolhouse was resolved within the time limit Principal Vandyck gave them. Allowing the school festival to continue smoothly the following day.
The second day of the school festival was as calm as the first, with even more guests present.
In due time, Class VII’s concert began. Among those in the audience watching them perform was Rosine, along with the two kids from Sunday School she was chaperoning that day. Much like the rest of the crowd, she couldn’t help but hum along as the group performed.
Evening soon set in, meaning that it was time to close out the festival with a big party in the academy field. A tired Class VII arrived just in time to witness their instructors light up the bonfires, signifying the start of the party. The group dispersed, breaking into smaller groups or going off to hang out with their families.
After a conversation with Elliot and Crow, Rean found himself standing beside Elise as they watched some of the other guests begin to pair up and dance by the bonfires.
“Haha… looks like everyone’s having fun though.” Rean commented before turning to Elise. Offering her his hand. “Shall we join them?”
Elise simply shook her head before turning to her brother. Reminding Rean that he had already spent more than enough time with her that day to make that visit fun.
“And besides, I’m sure there’s someone else you’d rather dance with here. Why not ask them instead?” Elise suggested.
Someone else… Rean thought to himself as he began to think about his sister’s suggestion. His classmates came to mind first, followed by Towa, and even Sara.
In the end, one schoolmate came to mind.
“Hmm… I don’t think she’s busy anymore…” Rean said aloud.
“Heehee. I knew it. So I have a potential sister-in-law now, do I?” Elise teased her brother after overhearing him.
“L-Let’s not get ahead of ourselves…” Rean quickly responded to put out whatever it was Elise was thinking. “Still, maybe you’re right. Maybe I will go ask her.”
Admittedly, Rean was reluctant to leave Elise by herself. But she was able to convince him in the end with help from Alfin, who had snuck up on the siblings while they were conversing.
“Rosine!” Rean called out as he approached her as she stood by herself watching other people dance.
“Oh! Hello, Rean.” Rosine politely greeted as he approached her.
“Are you done chaperoning the Sunday School kids around the school festival?” Rean asked her.
“Indeed. I went over to drop Kurt and Annie off with their parents right after your concert concluded.” Rosine explained. “Hmm? I thought that I had seen you keeping an eye on your sister?”
“Actually, if anything, she’s the one keeping an eye on me.” Rean joked. “She was so worried that she sent me off to go dance with someone.”
Rosine was caught by surprise, having expected Rean to be busy the rest of the night taking care of Elise.
“Rosine, would you like to dance with me?” Rean gallantly asked as he offered her his hand.
“B-B-Beg your pardon!?” Rosine panicked as she began to blush. “S-Surely you have more viable options, no?”
“I see no reason as to why I would be dissuaded from asking you. But if you’re uncomfortable with the idea or if it goes against some nun tenant, I won’t hassle you.” Rean replied.
“I-It’s nothing like that, don’t worry. I’m just surprised that you’d pick me.” Rosine informed him as she took his hand. “You don’t mind leading, do you?”
“I’d be glad to.” Rean assured her as the two made their way over to one of the bonfires.
The two shared a simple dance by the bonfire. Rean did his best to lead Rosine well, moving from side to side at a reasonable pace. The fire thankfully did a good job of hiding the slight blush on their faces the two mutually had during their dance together.
After a few minutes of dancing, the two decided to take a break. Sitting down off to the side of the academy field, overlooking the bonfire.
“Sorry we had to step out because of me.” Rean apologized to Rosine.
“It’s fine. Thank you for dancing with me.” Rosine replied.
“Can’t say I have much energy left after Class VII’s concert.” Rean admitted.
“Your class certainly is something…” Rosine noted. “I’m amazed you all were able to make time for such a grand performance alongside your many field studies around the empire, exploring the old schoolhouse, and dealing with the ILF. Additionally, you keep on aiding the people of Trista with your continued assistance with the Student Council.”
“Rosine…” Rean responded. Unsure what to say.
“Not to discredit my own class or any other class, but sometimes it feels like we’re a world apart.” Rosine confessed. “Such feelings are never truly pleasant.”
“That’s wrong.” Rean responded. “Regardless if Class VII’s curriculum is a bit different from the other classes, we’re all Thors students at the end of the day.”
“Rean…?” Rosine responded. Taken aback by his words.
“My student life may be different from your student life, but that doesn’t lessen your experience at Thors. You’re not as ‘normal’ as some of our other peers too, you know.” Rean pointed out. “You’re spending lots of time helping out with the chapel while training to become a nun, after all.”
“Oh… Yeah, you may have a point.” Rosine replied. A faint blush quickly spread across her face. “My own student life is far from a typical student life, I’ll be the first to admit that. I suppose none of our academic lives are one and the same. Be it you and I, or my classmates and I.”
“That’s the spirit!” Rean cheered. “We’re only first-years, so we still have our second year here to look forward to.”
“You’re right. I’m looking forward to seeing what Aidios has in store for us.” Rosine commented. “Good luck with your Class VII responsibilities.”
“Thanks! Good luck with your nun training. I’m looking forward to seeing you in your habit more often!” Rean happily replied before realizing how poorly he had phrased things. “Gah! S-Sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound so weird. I-I just mean that I hope that all goes well with your training and you can become a full fledged nun.”
“Teehee. I appreciate the sentiment.” Rosine said before chuckling. She wasn’t too sure why Rean had gotten so embarrassed by his words of support.
10.30.1204 - Saturday
Sadly, the cheerful attitudes brought on by the school festival were not meant to last, as in the following days tensions began to rise inside the empire.
First news of Garrelia Fortress’ sudden annihilation broke, leaving many stunned by how such a place could be wiped out in an instant. Reports also started going out about several armored divisions attempting to invade Crossbell in retaliation, only to have been repelled effortlessly. The economy also began to suffer due to the IBC’s asset freeze, leaving many to question the state of their income. Rumors of the Republic of Calvard being involved did not help matters.
Many civilians turned to Chancellor Osborne in hopes that he’d have a solution to keep the empire stable.
With the chancellor set to give an important speech, Thors put radios in each classroom so that all of their students could listen in.
During his speech however, Chancellor Osborne was shot by none other than Crow Armbrust: member of Class VII, and the leader of the Imperial Liberation Front.
Following the assassination, the school went into lockdown as the instructors left to go deal with the incoming invasion of Trista as the embers of a civil war lit up.
Class VII wouldn’t take things lying down, going against Sara’s orders and choosing to fight as well.
While preparing their equipment before leaving the school grounds with Towa and George’s aid, Rean decided to go and check in with the civilians that had evacuated into the school’s auditorium.
“Good, looks like all of the townsfolk are here.” Rean noted as he scanned the auditorium.
Before he could leave, Rean was able to overhear Sister Ornella speaking with Rosine.
“I couldn’t be more grateful! Thank you, Rosine!” Sister Ornella sobbed.
“It’s fine sister, I’m glad everyone is safe and accounted for.” Rosine consoled the crying nun. “I’m just lucky Instructor Thomas allowed me to aid in the evacuation order before the instructors left to block the roads leading into Trista from Heimdallr.”
So Rosine was the one who led the villagers inside the auditorium, huh? Rean thought to himself. I’m pretty sure I saw her inside the main building before the chancellor’s speech started. She sure is fast.
“Oh Rean, I heard from Class I that you and Class VII are going to go defend the town too. Is it true?” Rosine questioned as she approached him alongside Kay.
“Yeah, we are.” Rean confirmed. “We can’t just stand idly by and do nothing while Trista is at stake.”
“In that case, I’ll make sure to pray for your safety.” Rosine promised him.
“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Rean replied.
“Sin- I mean, Rean. Make sure to give those jerks hell!” Kay cheered on.
“Haha, will do. Although, I’d try not to swear in front of a nun. Even if they’re still in-training.” Rean advised.
“I’ll make an exception, just this once.” Rosine joked.
Rosine followed Rean outside of the auditorium. Seeing him off as he ran back to the other members of Class VII so they could finish preparing.
Before returning inside the auditorium, Rosine turned to look at the main building. She saw some of her schoolmates standing on the rooftop, waiting to see how things would play out.
I should get ready to leave at the first sign of trouble. Rosine thought to herself. Sister Ornella and Father Paulo should be able to take care of everyone once I evacuate, so I should do my best not to worry.
“Please watch over them, Goddess…” Rosine prayed as she saw Rean lead Class VII outside the front gate.