NOVEL NEXT Everyone’s break: Blanche
Blanche POV
“Mother.”
I am currently having a meal with Father and Mother.
“Blanche, I trust that all is well.”
“Yes, mother. There has been no issue or concern on my school life.”
“Good.”
“What rank were you again?”
“I am currently ranked third, father.”
“Right. Who surpassed you?”
“A commoner named Lucina and the duke’s daughter’s maid Sylvia.”
“I still cannot believe that a maid enrolled.”
“The school does not discriminate, father.”
“I know. I know.”
We continue the meal. Being around Miss Athena, I have learned more about people. People like Mother and I with my sisters are rare. Hmm, it is quite odd that only the female demographic of our family is in our condition.
“Blanche.”
“Yes, mother?”
“You have changed.”
“I have?”
“Yes. Is this due to the influence of that duke’s daughter?”
“Why are you hanging out with her!? She’s a bad influence, I tell you! She will lead my girl astray!”
“Dear.”
Father silences himself. My mother has always been the one in charge of the household.
“Answer, Blanche.”
“Yes, mother. The time I have spent with the duke’s daughter has been enlightening. Her presence with the others alongside her, provide a different perspective in life.”
“Different perspective, my ass! She’s just buttering you up before throwing you away!”
“Dear.”
Father silences himself again.
“Tell me about them.”
“Yes, mother.”
I nod towards her.
“Melanie is the daughter of a first-generation baron. She is very timid. However, you would find her extremely sociable to those that know her. She is the one that speaks to me the most. It took her a while to get used to my way of speaking. I believe that you would like her very much, mother.”
“I see. Continue.”
“Yes, mother.”
I choose to talk about Sylvia next.
“Sylvia is the duke’s daughter’s maid. She speaks the least out of all of us. Even less than myself. She has closed herself off from the world and only follows orders. I cannot get along with her as of now due to her disposition. She still has not figured out who she is.”
“I see. A woman of internal conflict.”
“Yes, mother. I do not know what she has gone through but it has covered her in spikes that would puncture anyone who gets close. These spikes have no effect on the duke’s daughter but I cannot foresee what the consequences are for the future.”
“I understand. Continue.”
I hesitate to continue.
“What is wrong?”
“Nothing, mother.”
“See!? That duke’s daughter is up to no good. My Blanche cannot even talk about her!?”
“Dear.”
Father silences himself once again.
“Miss Athena is hard to describe.”
“Miss Athena?”
“Yes, mother.”
“You have referred to the other two by their given names. Why do you refer to the duke’s daughter as such?”
“She requested it, mother.”
“Even so, should you not refer to her to her given name when she is not here?”
“I fail to understand the significance, mother.”
“I see. Finish your story first.”
“Yes, mother. Miss Athena is a very mysterious individual. I have confirmed that the rumors are true. She is cruel, evil, sadistic, and more.”
Father wanted to say something but mother stops him.
“But she also displays a more caring side. I believe that she is one that takes care of those close to her. I am truly grateful that I can stand with her.”
“Blanche, have you fallen?”
“Yes, mother. I have proposed to her that I wish to stay by her side forevermore. Of course, I have not forgotten my duty and I will find a suitable partner with water or wind attributes to create a child with.”
“How does that make you feel?”
“Mother?”
“I am fortunate enough that my partner is one that has the attributes our family requires. In the past, a Frost has had multiple partners to satisfy this condition. So, how do you feel?”
“I do not have any problems with it, mother. I already know that Melanie and Sylvia will be my compatriots in my pursuit for Miss Athena. I do not have any qualms on sleeping with them as well.”
“Then, what about those that are not a part of your group? Can you sleep with a person that is not accepted by your chosen person?”
My heart feels tight. I have never felt like this before.
“I can, mother. I believe I can.”
I force the words out of my mouth. Sleeping with someone that Miss Athena has not accepted hurts. I do not understand.
“I see. So, you have truly fallen.”
“Huh? Wait. Honey, is this what you were telling me a long time ago?”
“Yes, dear. The Frost family was created long ago by our ancestor. They were one that did not have our disposition. However, in the generations to come. They would notice that all Frost children would have our disposition. We are cold, calculating, logical and we have a hard time expressing emotion. That is how all children of Frost are.”
I listen to mother.
“When a Frost falls in love, they become possessive of their partner. The coldness of their hearts long to trap a partner from within. They long to encase this love within them and never let them go.”
Is that how it is?
“However, you have surpassed our blood. Let me ask you a question, Blanche. If you were to choose between us or Miss Athena, which will you choose?”
“Miss Athena.”
An instant answer. I quickly cover my mouth as it answered without any form of thought.
“Congratulations, Blanche. You have achieved what the first generation of Frost has wished for. You have surpassed the limits of our bloodline.”
“What does that mean?”
“You no longer need to adhere to our philosophy. You are free to pursue any romantic venue you wish. Do not feel bound to the Frost family anymore.”
“Are you sure, mother?”
“Yes, Blanche. From now on, you are free. But do not worry, for you will always be my daughter.”
“Wait! I have not agreed! Whoever Blanche marries will go through-“
Mother silences father and stands up. This is cause for celebration. I apologize Blanche but I shall be busy with your father in the meantime.”
“I understand, mother.”
“Oh, if you do still wish to have children. It is harder but two females can conceive a child.”
“Huh?”
Two women can conceive a child?