Chapter Text
You did it!
You defeated the King!
Again.
But this time—this time your friends, your family (!) is right here with you, talking to you, celebrating your victory! They are saying new things, throughout the whole journey in the House and even now! Talking to them one final time before going back to the Head Housemaiden, they said things they haven’t before.
Bonnie even thanked you for saving them!
(You’re kind of mad Isabeau still didn’t get to say his thing!)
But they all asked you to come visit, wanting to spend more time with you. Mirabelle even offered you a place to stay if you were ever done traveling. It’s sweet.
Of course, you can’t take her up on the offer.
You can’t tell her you have nowhere to return to.
Even though you told Odile.
So... maybe you can tell Mira? Not obviously, but you could hint at it. Maybe she will let you stay for a while,
until you know where you want to go.
But first you’ve got something else to do: the Head Housemaiden.
If everyone is saying something different now—if everyone is talking to you, really seeing you—
then… wouldn’t the Head Housemaiden say something different now, too?
If things changed before, can’t they change now?!
Maybe, maybe…!!!
Last time you thought you were done, she said the loop was broken… and you looped back, for no reason you can tell. You tried again. And again. Nothing changed.
But now that you’re here with your family, it has to change, doesn’t it?
You did everything you could think of!
You helped Mirabelle with her papers, and you grew so much closer to her! You reached an understanding with each other you didn’t think possible!
(You’re friends now!)
You helped Odile reach one of her goals: finally gaining access to a Family tale. You learned so much more about her—her motivation, her past, her ambition.
(Even better, you’re family!)
You got to know Isabeau a lot better than you ever did before. He told you about his past and about Changing. You… you think you understand what he’s been wanting to tell you, those nights before today.
(They won’t abandon you!)
And you finally, finally got to talk to Bonnie—understand what happened, why everything changed after you lost your eye. You’re so glad to have them back.
(They won’t forget you!)
So, this time! This time, time might not loop again, because you’re loved!
They love you. They told you. They told you you are family.
You should talk to the Head Housemaiden quickly, before the loop restarts on its own again!
“Hello!!!” you greet her with a bright smile. As always, she is way taller than you; you really have to crane your neck to look into her eyes.
Euphrasie smiles right back at you. She’s so glad you’re here—all of you. Grateful for defeating the King. Relieved Mirabelle found people who helped her on her quest.
“Traveling one! Are you done talking with your companions? Yes, wonderful, wonderful!”
It’s like ice flooding your veins.
Stars…
Once again she’s looking through you! Her smile seems empty.
Is she—?
“I’d like to thank you for accompanying young Mirabelle this far. I’m very grateful. Siffrin, yes? If there’s anything I can do to thank you, please don’t hesitate to let me know!”
She is saying the same things as last time! Why is she still saying the same thing?
Oh Stars, no.
“I know you will go back on your travels soon, but I do hope—”
No, no, it should’ve been different, shouldn’t it?!
You said something different this time!!! You’re with your family, and they love you. This time it should be different!!!
So… so then…
WHY IS SHE REPEATING THE EXACT SAME THING?!?
“But no matter what, know that Dormont will always be open to you! Please come back any time. I promise you will… Traveling one, is everything all right? You are quite pale.” Worried, Euphrasie steps closer and puts a hand on your forehead. “Oh my, you’re quite warm. How about we make this quick and you go lie down for a bit?”
They love you. They love you, and if you loop right now it would be you leaving them! You don’t want to leave them. You don—
“Huh? What’s happening with Frin?” You jump at Bonnie’s voice as they come running over. Out of the corner of your eye you notice Mirabelle and Isabeau looking at you. You practically feel Odile’s stare in your back.
This… this is different. Right? They never noticed before.
You take a deep breath, try to calm yourself down.
You don’t smell sugar. Not yet.
Maybe…
Maybe…!!!!
You breathe out. This is different. You need to pay attention!
The Head Housemaiden is still worriedly checking you for any other signs of illness. “Did you use a lot of Craft on your way here? Yes? Maybe the exhaustion of it is catching up with you.”
You nod weakly. Maybe it’s that.
You’re still on edge. Waiting.
But… nothing is happening.
Are you finally allowed to…? A small laugh escapes you.
You feel like crying. “Yes. Maybe I need to lie down for a while,” you agree. Beside you, Bonnie is nodding and already calling over to Isabeau. “‘Za! Get your butt over here! Frin is sick and needs to lie down!!!”
“Sorry. I’m just tired. It was a long journey.” You don’t know if you’re apologizing to the Head Housemaiden or to Isabeau.
Your family is coming over, worry overwriting their happy faces. You hate to worry them—you want them to be happy, to celebrate!
But you really are exhausted. You try a reassuring smile. “Just tired,” you repeat, trying to ease their worry. It's a mixed success.
The Head Housemaiden nods understandingly. “I can only imagine. Why don’t you stay for another day and rest? I am quite intrigued to hear all about your journey—and of your experience fighting the King. Of course I will hear all of it from young Mirabelle, but a second opinion could be… insightful. Especially yours.”
You nod again. You’re tired, but… sure. Why not. You’ve got time.
You don’t know why your insight should be any more useful, but you’ll do her the favor.
Besides, you’d like to spend some more time with the others. Maybe they’ll stay another day with you. You still didn’t get to hear what Isabeau wanted to tell you.
He said he’ll do it.
After you talk about other stuff.
Which is fine! It’s fine he didn’t tell you. It’s fine he wants to put it off some more.
It’s fine.
Really.
It’s not like you’re waiting for him to say anything.
You’ve got an idea what this will be about.
You shouldn’t be impatient.
It’s not like you’ll be the first to say something, either.
That’s why you should give him all the time he needs.
Besides, he’s not the only one you want to spend more time with.
You want to eat more of everything Bonnie cooks. You want to help them reunite with their sister.
You want to travel some more with Mirabelle. You want to see how her way of “changing by not changing” turns out.
You want to accompany Odile back to Ka Bue. You also want to experience more of Vaugarde’s culture with her.
There’s so much you want to do. But you can’t do any of these things without them.
You wouldn’t even know where to go without them.
But they all said you’re allowed to visit, aren’t they? They want to see you again!
After all, you’re family.
Who wouldn’t want to see their family?
“–frin? Sif? There you are, buddy. Wanna get out of here? I think we all need a little nap after all this. How about we go back to the Clock Tower and hit the hay for a while?” Isabeau is standing right beside you, one arm outstretched—unsure of what is happening, but ready to catch you should you faint.
He’s sweet like that.
You nod. Back to the Clock Tower sounds great.
Euphrasie smiles gently down at you. “I will tell everyone not to disturb our heroes for the time being. Maybe this evening you’ll feel good enough for a celebration. All of Vaugarde appreciates your help, so think nothing of it.”
“That sounds lovely,” Mirabelle agrees—when did she get beside you? “Some food and less worried times.”
“Then let’s go and take Siffrin to their much-needed nap,” Odile concludes, and everyone nods. At least they’re back to smiling.
You’re so grateful you have them.
“It feels like couch nap-time,” you tell them, and Isabeau laughs.
“Alright, one couch nap coming right up!”
“WHAT? No! We have beds in the Clock Tower! Frin can sleep in one of the beds!” Bonnie yells, but you disagree.
Sometimes you just need a good nap on a couch and everything will feel better—maybe it will feel more real too.
You tell them as much, but Bonnie disagrees strongly. Mirabelle joins Isabeau’s laughter. “There should be a couch in the living room. And everyone who prefers sleeping in a bed can go into the bedroom.”
“Noooo, I wanna sleep with Frin!”
They do?
You chuckle. Bonnie is so different compared to all the other days. Sure, they still call you stupid, but to be honest they’re not completely wrong about that. And besides… they like you again. They like you and talk to you and want to spend time with you.
“You can join me on the couch!” you offer jokingly. “I promise my cape is super comfy. I might just wrap you into it like a burrito—a Bonnito, you might say!”
“Crab yeah! I wanna be a Bonnito!”
“Then let’s stop wasting the Head Housemaiden’s time and go,” Odile injects, earning a heartfelt laugh from Euphrasie. “No worries. I’ve got a lot of time on my hands now.”
“Sure you do, but I already see someone coming for your time. Pretty sure they don’t want us here for your reunion.” Isabeau gestures toward Claude, who is basically running toward them.
“Oh my, it seems like you’re right.” Euphrasie softly chuckles, taking a few steps toward the running Housemaiden. “I hope you will come see me once again before leaving Dormont.”
“Of course, Madame Head Housemaiden!”
You all nod and watch Euphrasie catch the running Claude in her arms, her bell-like laughter carrying towards you.
Odile clears her throat, reminding everyone once again of your plans. “Alright. Let’s leave before Siffrin considers the benches to be good enough for a nap.”
You turn your head toward one of the stone benches. You bet you could make it work; the stone has to be warm from the sun. It could be a nice napping spot.
“Don’t even think about it, Siffrin.” Odile lightly slaps your hat before leading your group down the bridge. Isabeau laughs at your disgruntled expression. “Come on. I bet it’s not that far back to the Clock Tower now.”
“It sure isn’t. The House should be a lot easier to navigate now!” Mirabelle chirps, already following close behind Odile. “I bet a lot of the Housemaidens already started cleaning everything up. It’s months’ worth of dust gathering everywhere! Besides, a lot of them got interrupted during their work! Oh, I hope someone remembers to water all the flowers! They should be unfrozen by now!”
“I’m sure with everyone back in motion inside the House, they will think of everything, Mira,” Isabeau quickly reassures her. “Same goes for the cooking station, the infirmary, and all the other stuff.”
“You’re right. They will know what to do.” Mirabelle smiles before an exhausted sigh escapes her. “It’s just… so much work to do. The King disrupted so many lives.”
“And there are more than enough people to handle it—people who didn’t spend the last months traveling all across the country,” Odile’s words sound final. You guess she’s right.
Mirabelle already did her part. She deserves a break.
---
The walk back to the old Clock Tower is quiet but comfortable. You see people everywhere, running around, already catching up or still looking for loved ones.
The sun is just past its highest point, wrapping you in a gentle, warm blanket. Finally—for the first time since Mirabelle woke you in the meadow—your steps don’t feel heavy with dread.
The realization hasn’t hit you yet, but you do feel lighter. Maybe it’ll come to you later today. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe you’ll need a while to really realize that you escaped the loops—that you’re done.
You’re just glad it’s over…
You were so scared when defeating the King didn’t end the loops. First you thought you did something wrong. Then you thought you missed something important.
Turns out you did. You forgot to take care of your family!
But you did it now! You learned your lesson about that—and now you’re free to go. Right?
Not that you’re in any hurry to leave! You want to enjoy some more time with them! You hope you get to experience that. Everyone said they’d like to see each other again.
It’ll be fine.
As soon as you reach Dormont, Bonnie is already skipping ahead, their too-big footsteps echoing through the emptier parts of town. Before entering the center of Dormont they turn back toward your group, flashing you a bright smile that makes your chest ache in all the good ways. You can tell they're happy, excited. They see everyone coming back to life, knowing their sister will be the same—just like you promised them.
Upon entering Dormont, Isabeau falls in beside you, his usual confident stride a bit slower than you’re used to. He seems tired as well, but he's looking at you like there's something bothering him- something he can't quite figure out. Or is he looking for something? What? Some kind of reaction?
You smile, unsure of what he wants, and he quickly returns that smile before looking away.
What was that about? You catch him stealing a few quick glances your way while you walk across the place with all the different statues of the Change God. Weird...
There are so many people! A lot of them stop you—especially Mirabelle—to express their gratitude. She smiles patiently, listening to them before remarking you’re on your way to rest after an exhausting battle. Luckily most of the residents understand and leave you be.
Despite Mira’s best efforts, you take a few minutes to cross Dormont. It gives you time to examine Isabeau’s behavior. You’re still unsure what he’s looking for. Signs of exhaustion? Signs of… something? Is this about the thing he wants to talk about? That one thing he mentioned in the House, why he couldn’t tell you the other thing? Urgh, this is getting complicated.
You know he wants to talk about your feelings. Yours! You’d rather not. There’s way too much to unpack right now.
You’d rather know what he has to say about his own feelings. At least you think that is the thing he wanted to talk to you about yesterday.
Chicken.
“I can give you the photo if you want to keep looking,” you can’t help yourself but remark as you catch him staring at you once again. The group photo is still carefully tucked away into one of your many pockets; you could give it to him.
Isabeau immediately misses a step at your quip, face flushed and hands risen in defense. “Wha—no! Sorry! Sorry!!! I’ll stop!” he exclaims, speeding ahead to catch up with Bonnie.
You exchange a confused glance with Mirabelle, both shrugging before continuing on your way.
Upon reaching the Clock Tower, it feels like coming home. The familiar creak of the old door, the dust motes in the sunlight…
For everyone else it’s been only one night, but for you… you came back here a few times already—more times than in most houses.
The bed you’ve been sharing with Isabeau almost feels like your bed now.
It’s kind of strange thinking about it—how many feelings you connect to the old tower.
You thought you’d be glad to never see it again once you left the loops, but honestly, you don’t mind it.
Inside the tower you allow yourself to collapse onto the couch, a content sigh escaping you. Legs draped over the armrest, head on one of the big fluffy pillows—you’re relieved to finally, finally get some rest. Your body is exhausted. You feel like you’ve been awake and under constant pressure for weeks! (Maybe you have been. It’s been what? Ten loops? That’d be about twenty days of near-constant fighting without any real rest.)
Next to you, Bonnie climbs onto the free side of the sofa, stealing one of the pillows for themselves. “You really wanna sleep like this, Frin? You’ll get back pain before reaching thirty!”
“Already there, Bonbon. Already there. The sofa won’t hurt any more than the bed will. Plus it’s way comfier.”
“…Doubt it,” Bonnie mumbles, adjusting themlselves, to get more comfortable next to you.
Isabeau picks a chair near you, watching both of you with a soft expression. Out of reflex you stick your tongue out before hiding behind your cloak.
You hear Odile sit down on the single, old armchair, leaning back with a low creak of the leather. Next to you, Bonnie chuckles, imitating the sound the chair just made. You laugh quietly. You already feel the sleepiness creeping in.
Suddenly a warm weight drops into your lap. Lazily you turn your head, seeing Mirabelle with a second blanket in her hand going over to Bonnie next. “Go take your nap. We’ll get you if anything important happens. Or if it’s time for dinner.”
Grateful, you nod, gathering the blanket and draping it across your legs. Thanks to your cape you don’t really need it, but it gives a form of comfort and security you wouldn’t want to miss.
Next to you, Mirabelle gives the second blanket to Bonnie, carefully tucking them in. “Sleep,” she repeats softly, before quietly retreating to Isabeau and Odile.
For a few minutes you listen to them talk, quietly among themselves. They’re planning to send a letter to Nille, Bonnie’s sister, to let her know that her sibling is safe—asking her where you could meet up. It sounds like a good idea. You want Bonnie to be safe, and to get back to their sister…
You’re really tired.
It’s not long until sleep finally gets you and you finally, finally get to rest again.
---
“Siffrin. Siffrin?” You blink, vaguely aware of your surroundings. You hear Mirabelle’s voice from above you. A cold shiver runs across your back at her happy tone. “Good morning! Well, more like good evening, I guess… Either way, naptime is over! Sorry.”
You flinch. Your brain is still too tired to notice the differences in her speech. All you hear is her voice, waking you once again from your nap. In an instant you’re wide awake, trying to scramble to your feet. Only… the ground next to you seems to be missing.
Inelegant and with a shocked squawk you fall off the sofa, tumbling onto the ground, tangling yourself in your blanket.
Wait… blanket? Since when could you fall down the meadow? Slowly you raise your head, blinking, confused.
This… isn’t the meadow.
And Mirabelle’s not the only one watching you.
“Frin! Why did you fall off the sofa?”
“Oh no, Siffrin! Are you all right? I’m sorry!!!” Worried, Mirabelle comes over, kneeling beside you and helping you out of the tangled blanket. “Are you all right? Sorry for waking you this early! But it’s near evening, and Odile said you won’t be able to sleep if you nap too long and—”
“It… it’s fine. I’m all right, Mira. Just… startled me for a moment.”
You take her outstretched hand and pull yourself to your feet. “Sorry to worry you. Guess I was pretty deep asleep.”
“…Yes, it… seems like that.” Mirabelle smiles and bends down to pick up your hat. “Here. The residents of Dormont asked us to join them in tonight’s banquet. If you’re feeling up to it? I… figured I should at least go. Euphrasie said she’ll be there as well.”
“Uhm… sure?” It’s what everyone would expect of you, right? Besides… you’d do about anything for something to eat right now.
You didn’t even notice—and you don’t know when you got this hungry—but your stomach is already rumbling at the prospect of some food.
Mirabelle immediately starts smiling. “Wonderful! I’ll go tell Isabeau and Odile! They’re just outside! Maybe you could… uhm—” She looks at you. Your hair, probably disheveled from sleep and the fall you just took.
“I’ll take care of it!” you promise quickly, readjusting your hat on your head.
“All right. Just come outside once you’re done.”
You nod, carefully touching your eyepatch to check if it’s still in place. You’re lucky—it is. Once sure it’s safe, you turn around toward Bonnie. They’re still sitting on the sofa, watching you.
“What’s up, Bonbon?”
“…You sleep weird.”
“I do?” Oh no, do you make even more embarrassing sounds in your sleep? No way—Isabeau would have told you about that!
“Yeah. You make all kinds of sounds! You also move a lot!”
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to. Did you get any sleep?”
“I didn’t need any sleep!” Bonnie proclaims proudly. “I was just… keeping you company! Because the others had a lot to do and couldn’t watch you!”
Of course. You smile lightly. “Guess you did a pretty good job then, didn’t you?”
“Yes! You slept really long! Longer than yesterday! But Dile is right—you shouldn’t sleep the whole day! Nille said so too!”
“If both of them say it, it has to be correct.”
“Right?” With a big grin Bonnie jumps to their feet. “Nille also says it’s important to eat! So go do whatever Mirabelle wants you to do and come outside! ’Za said there’s going to be a lot of delicious food!”
“All right, all right. I’m on my way!” You laugh and walk toward the small bathroom. There’s not much you can do to improve your looks, but you try to smooth down some of your hair, readjust your hat and your eyepatch, straighten your clothes.
At least you look awake—still kind of startled from earlier, but it’s already fading. Good, you wouldn’t want to worry them; it was just a second of surprise, of fear, nothing more.
Once you’re content with your appearance you leave the bathroom and gather Bonnie. Together you leave the Clock Tower. In the short distance you can already see the lights of Dormont, hear faint laughter and music.
They really are celebrating your victory, aren’t they?
------
Dormont is literally glowing tonight.
There are dozes of small lanterns floating above the town square like drifting stars caught in nets of twine. The cobblestones shine brightly in their warm, soft light. Someone’s playing a fiddle—fast and joyful—and many people have already started dancing. You think you see Mirabelle, spinning Bonnie around, both of them laughing so hard they accidentally stumble into another dancing pair, quickly excusing themselves before continuing. It’s an amusing sight from your (rather safe) place near the buffet.
You’ve never seen Dormont like this—though their end‑of‑the‑world party definitely came close. Tonight feels more light‑hearted, though. You can imagine the town looking like this on many different occasions before; Vaugarde likes to celebrate change, and there are always a lot of things changing around here.
You don’t feel like dancing tonight, still exhausted from the loops and kind of ruffled from your unpleasant wake up call. It's why you decided, to stay off to the side, watching your family and quietly laughing at their shenanigans.
Isabeau is engulfed by a crowd, talking to five people at once, his sleeves rolled up, cider in hand, beaming like he was made for this kind of life.
And maybe he did build himself for moments like this. It suited him after all.
Odile is watching everything from a bench nearby, arms folded, face neutral—but her eyes are soft. She’s talking to one of the older Housemaidens, probably gathering more information about Vaugardian culture. You can’t blame her; you imagine there are many differences from festivals in Ka Bue.
They all seem happy, relaxed now that it’s finally over.
They really did it; they saved Vaugarde. They defeated the King.
No—you did it. All of you together. You defeated the King together.
You saved Vaugarde together, as a family.
You blush lightly, smiling to yourself. The words repeat in your head:
You did it. You did it. You. Did. It!
You feel giddy.
You look up at the sky, smiling softly.
You’re safe here. It’s warm; your family’s presence feels like a soft cushion between you and the rest of the world.
Everything is fine.
You are fine.
Loop would be so proud of you, wouldn’t they? It wasn’t perfect, but you managed to overcome everything thrown in your way. You would even say you got the best possible ending.
So… why haven’t they said anything yet?
They have been silent for a while now.
You’ve been silently wondering, but now that you think about it;
Loop hasn’t said a thing since you came back to Dormont—no congratulations, no sarcastic remark, nothing.
It’s so unusual, so out of character for them, you can’t help but worry.
Maybe they’re giving you space—but Loop was never one to respect your boundaries or your need for quiet.
Why change now?
Maybe they’re off somewhere, celebrating in their own way.
You can’t imagine it, but that never stopped Loop before.
You’ll have to check the Favor Tree later. You’re sure they would at least leave a message for you.
You try to reassure yourself with the thought, but your heart is beating too fast.
You’re worried.
Nervous.
What if something happened to them? What if it’s not over yet?
No. No, you’re fine.
It should feel safe.
It should feel warm.
But all you feel now is unease.
You try to pretend it’s from the music, from the crowd, from the way someone handed you a cup of something sweet and sparkly that burned in your throat.
But it’s not that.
It’s the feeling that something is about to snap.
You’d love to have Loop’s insight—or a word of reassurance. Anything, really.
But you’re at a party, so you smile.
You nod.
You say “thank you” when someone compliments your coat,
...even though you’re wearing the same clothes you’ve worn through at least ten loops,
...even though your coat still feels as if it smells faintly of Craft and blood.
You know it doesn’t; you checked. Thrice. And once again after Mirabelle shot you another worried glance when you left the Clock Tower.
You reassured her that you’re fine. You know your panicked reaction after being woken up was a bit much—apparently you looked rather pale—but you excused yourself. It was just exhaustion. Really!
You can’t have them know about the loops. You can’t tell them about Loop. What good would it do? It’s over, right?
It’s only because you’re scared that you're even thinking about this!
What would they say if they knew what you’ve done?
What you did, just so you could help them yesterday—because you wanted them to like you that badly!
Or how bad you really were at your job—missing the first trap in the House, overlooking the few easily hidden keys, dying to the King over and over again, freezing yourself in time just to save a little time.
No. They can’t know that!
It’s all getting too much.
You grip your cup a little too tightly and murmur an excuse to no one in particular, slipping away before someone can pull you into another stiff conversation.
You need some quiet. Maybe a chance to contact Loop, to make sure the loops are really, finally broken.
You’d hate to go to sleep only to wake up in the meadow, one day away from fighting the King.
You have to make sure everything is alright!
You follow the path, leaving the boulanger’s house behind. Down toward the Favor Tree, where the music fades into the soft rustling of leaves, accompanied by the wind in the grass and your footsteps on the earth. You easily spot the Favor Tree, taller then any surrounding trees, softly moving with the breeze.
You try your best not to think about the loops—about the King, about the tears, about Mirabelle’s scared face when you were stuck, about all of their faces when the King defeated you-
It was only once; he came close on another loop, but in the end Mirabelle always managed to make him disappear- but the one time stuck with you.
You’re glad it’s over.
Looking up at the sky, you can’t help but wonder:
Why did the loops break? Was it really the power of friendship? What else did you do differently?
Do you really need to know?
It would be nice—making sure you’ve truly escaped.
You don’t know if you’ll be able to figure it out; you never did decipher how the King froze everyone in time. You only found a hint: “Time Craft.”
Maybe Euphrasie will know more.
But is it truly necessary? You’re done. The King is dead.
Would understanding help make it feel more real? You don’t think so.
Listening to the countless voices of Dormont, you smile. Your thoughts run a thousand miles per second, but at the same time you feel rooted to the same spot. You may have escaped, but your thoughts still race in loops.
You shake your head, focusing on the quiet music and voices you can faintly hear. If you try, you can even hear Bonnie’s laughter. You’re not far from them, just around the corner really, but the sight of the Favor Tree is calming and there are fewer people here.
(You wish it would help to calm you down.)
Between the faint music and the rustling leaves, you hear someone approaching—not in a hurry ,but with strong, purposeful steps.
Do they know you’re here? Is someone looking for you?
They’re getting closer and you recognize Odile’s gait. Did she need a break as well, or did something happen?
Whatever it is, you’re no longer alone.
“I saw you leave,” Odile is stepping beside you as if she’s always been there. Her voice is low, matter‑of‑fact. “You’re not very good at hiding.”
You give her a weak smile. “Maybe I’m not trying to hide.”
“I’m sure. Everyone knows there’s no better place to watch the stars than here,” she drawls sarcastically.
„Maybe I’m not here for the stars.“ Only one. And it seems you still can’t find them.
Odile watches you. You wish she wouldn’t. You wish she’d leave you alone.
You know she has questions, and you’re in no mood for them.
“Are you all right, Siffrin?”
“Yeah, sure. It’s just… a lot of people over there.”
You know she feels the same. You're both not good at people-stuff. Especially in larger groups.
Despite that, Odile doesn’t believe you- she never does- instead watches you for another second, then cuts straight to the point. You’ve always appreciated that—until now.
“How did you know about the Family Tale?”
You freeze. Of course she caught onto that. Of course she waited for the first possible moment she could talk to you alone, to ask that question.
“I just guessed,” you say—too quickly, definitely not a smart thing to say.
Odile doesn’t move, you think she doesn’t even blink. “You don’t guess about that. I mentioned them and you immediately knew where to find one. Don't you thinks that's a little strange?”
You try to think of something clever, some lie close enough to the truth that she will let it go. But you’re tired, your ribs feel too tight, and the world is too loud—even here.
“Pure chance. I overheard someone talking about it. Didn’t know what it was until you mentioned it,” you say. “That’s all.”
She doesn’t push, not really. Just watches you in that way she does, like she’s studying a puzzle she already halfway solved.
“I’m going to the Favor Tree,” you say, hating how it sounds like a retreat. „I really need a break from all this.“ You mention over towards the victory party.
Odile sighs but nods. Her eyes stay on you a second longer—a second too long.
“All right. But I will find my answer one way or another. I don’t know what happened, Siffrin, but something clearly did, and I am worried about you. If you won’t talk to me, consider talking to Mirabelle or Isabeau. Not today. But sometime.”
Great. They’re all worried. You feel worse already.
You turn before she can ask more. Before you say too much. You know you're not of the hook. But you also know she knows better then to push you to much. She knows you'll just keep making excuses until you want to tell her.
You nod shakily before stepping forward. Behind you, you hear Odile leave.
Your glad she's gone, but you already wish her back at your side. Not questioning you, but- just keeping you company.
You know she's worried. Also curious. You should have thought about it. Telling her straight up you know where to find one was stupid... you should have left. Takek your time, return an hour later, telling her about the Family Tale you heard about! Play it smart.
But you didn't.
And there was no way you can correct that mistake now. You don't even know how you’d do that.
There's no way Odile could find you out on her own. You don't care how smart she is, it'd be impossible. To out of this world. You're save.
You’re save.