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Merle’s heart ached, consumed by an overwhelming sadness. Van, the object of her affections, had been paying her little attention lately. Amidst the depths of her despair, she watched helplessly as he lavished his time on that insipid girl from the Mystic Moon. The very thought churned Merle’s insides, a mix of jealousy and anguish. Never before had she experienced such a tumultuous swirl of emotions. What if this girl whisked Van away to that distant realm? What if he were to forsake their home, Fanelia… and forsake her?
Unable to contain her despair any longer, Merle found solace on a patch of grass, idly pulling at the blades as her thoughts spiraled into a dark abyss. Frustration gnawed at her core, fueled by the sense of loneliness that engulfed her.
In that moment, a familiar voice pierced through the fog of her sorrow. It was Nariya and Eriya, back from their latest mission under the command of Lord Folken. They stood before her, concern etched across their graceful countenances. “What troubles you, little kitty?” Nariya asked, her voice a soothing balm. “Why are you here, all alone?”
Disheartened, Merle began to vent her frustrations. “I’m fine… I was just… wasting time. I have to return this foolish makeup bag to the castle, all because we have these foolish guests. Now that Van neglects me, I have an abundance of free time for meaningless errands,” she spat bitterly, tossing the bag aside, its contents scattering haphazardly across the grass.
Nariya and Eriya exchanged a knowing glance before gracefully lowering themselves to Merle’s side. With a hint of mischief in her eyes, Nariya remarked, “It seems someone is in need of a heart-to-heart chat, girl talk, as they say.” Merle scowled, unsure of where this was leading.
“Let’s talk, dear Merle. Women to kitty,” Eriya chimed in gently, picking up a comb that had fallen nearby.
Merle’s walls remained intact, resistant to the sisters’ attempts to breach her sorrow. “There’s nothing to talk about,” she growled, attempting to push them away.
But Nariya, undeterred, began to weave the comb through Merle’s hair with tender care. Silence enveloped them for a moment as Merle reluctantly surrendered to this act of tenderness. Tears welled in her eyes as the comb moved rhythmically through her hair, effortlessly untangling both her locks and her emotions.
Finally, she relented and spoke the truth that had been weighing heavily on her soul. “Lord Van is in love with Hitomi. And… she loves him too,” she confessed, the pain in her voice palpable. “I am genuinely happy for him, truly! But it’s agonizing to realize that I was never even an option… not in that way. What did I expect, really? He sees me as nothing more than his adopted sister.” Merle’s voice trailed off, her tears falling freely now.
Nariya continued to soothe her hair, while Eriya tenderly brushed a tear from her cheek. “I fear being alone once more,” Merle whispered, her voice quivering with vulnerability.
Understanding radiated from the sisters as they gently poured their wisdom into Merle’s fragile heart. “We comprehend, dear Merle. We truly do,” Eriya responded softly. “But you must remember: we owe our very existence, our devotion, to our saviors. In your case, Lord Van. In ours, Master Folken. Our duty is to protect them, to ensure their happiness, even if our own desires take a backseat.”
Merle listened intently as Nariya’s words echoed in her ears. “You and we are not so different, little one. We are bound by a deep loyalty to our Masters. However, you have the power to carve your own destiny. You can choose to forge a new path, separate from Lord Van, starting anew in another town or even another realm. Find yourself a captivating companion, and begin life afresh.”
The very notion terrified Merle, sending chills down her spine. “I… I don’t think I could,” she stammered, recoiling from the idea. “But I yearn to possess the strength that both of you embody.”
Nariya’s delicate touch reassured Merle, melting away her doubts. “You are already strong, dear one,” she declared, her fingers lightly caressing Merle’s hair. “Should you desire, we can teach you the art of combat. You could become Van’s unyielding guardian, his weapon.”
Caught between worlds of uncertainty and devotion, Merle considered her options. “No… I don’t particularly relish the thought of battling… Van shuns violence as well… but now it consumes him,” she growled in frustration.
Eriya suggested an alternative, her voice laced with conviction. “Then train your sharp tongue, beloved Merle, and aid your Lord in matters of diplomacy as he ascends the throne. With his fiery temperament, he will need a keen and intelligent mind by his side. That is where you come in.”
“And if not that,” Nariya interjected with a coy smile, “learn a skill that will benefit Van in the future. Become his right hand, or his astute advisor. Stand steadfastly beside him, always protecting him and safeguarding his future. That is how we demonstrate our love and devotion to our Masters.”
“Our Master, and in your case, your Lord, would never abandon us,” Nariya reassured, her voice carrying the weight of absolute conviction. “Never question their affections. Never doubt.”
Silence descended upon them once more, each woman lost in contemplation. Merle pondered the sisters’ words, her heart yearning for solace and resolution.
Just as darkness seemed to tighten its grip on her spirit, the sisters roused her with their infectious laughter. “Look at us, three fully-grown adults – well, two and a half,” Eriya teased, her voice filled with mirth. “All besotted with the Fanel brothers. What is it about them that captivates us so deeply? They can’t even tell a proper joke!”
Nariya joined in the laughter, her cheeks tinted with a rosy glow. “Folken-sama possesses such grace and tranquility. That is what enthralls me.”
Eriya leaned in closer to Merle, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. “And let’s not forget how dashing he looks in his uniform. We’ve seen him without it,” she added, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes. Merle’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Lord Van possesses a compassionate heart, and he is handsome too – more so than Folken! Though I must confess, he cannot dance to save his life… But his wings… oh, how beautifully they spread!” Merle blurted, flush with embarrassment.
“Our Master, just like your Lord, possesses magnificent black wings and is an accomplished dancer,” Nariya replied, her words tinged with nostalgia, as her fingers continued their gentle combing through Merle’s hair.
“But alas, their sense of humor is as droll as a rock,” Eriya added, causing all three women to break into an uproarious laughter.
In those precious moments of shared mirth, Merle’s world began to regain its vibrant hues. She resolved to remain by Van’s side, committed to doing whatever it took to bring him happiness.
