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Patrick Hyarms couldn’t stop himself from smiling like the biggest idiot in the world. He had used his connections to get Princess Alfin to join a dinner party, which he was also invited to. This will grant him the goodwill of the party's host for quite some time. However, that was not the reason he was stupidly happy he had managed to pull this off. Nowadays, he was sure enough of himself that he didn’t feel the need to please other nobles. No, the reason for his great happiness was that Princess Alfin would be accompanied by the most beautiful women in the Erebonian Empire. Although on a second thought, that wasn’t quite true: she must be the most beautiful women in all of Zemuria. At least in his opinion.
Elise Schwarzer had long been his person of interest. Ever since he had first met her and immediately fell for her womanly charm. And he considered himself lucky that she seemed to enjoy his company, whenever they had a chance to see each other. For a while now he had been working hard on creating opportunities like the dinner party to get a chance to see her. Why? Well, he couldn’t just ask her out. NO way. Not with an overprotective brother like hers.
Sure, Rean had calmed down a bit. But only a bit. And that wasn’t quite enough for Patrick to not fear for his life should Rean find out, that he dated his sister without telling him. And asking for his approval was also a great risk. First, Patrick didn’t believe Rean would agree to him dating Elise. He had never before approved any of Patricks plans to get closer to Elise. Second, asking her out after Rean had told him not to, was worst than not asking in the first place. And third and most importantly: Rean was his friend. If not his best friend. And that was why playing tricks or meeting in secret just wasn’t an option.
And that was the reason he had settled on arranging happy coincidences for them to bee in the same location at the same time. Sometimes, they wouldn’t even have a chance to catch up. But just seeing her in person made his day every time. So he was really looking forward to the party now, which otherwise would have been a waste of time.
„Master Patrick, if you appear at the party with that smile on your face, the rumors about your affair with our flirtatious princess will only spread.“, Celestin commented in a respectful tone, tinted with just the right amount of sarcasm.
„Well, it is not my fault that it is easier to invite the princess than her best friend. I would be lucky if it was the Princess I am interested in. Prince Olivert is not called a Divine Blade nor is he my best friend. And the „Hunter of Love“ would probably be easier to convince that his sister needs a husband, than this stubborn teacher I am stuck with.“, Patrick shot back, throwing his hands in the air as if enraged. But Celestin knew he wasn’t angry. Just a little frustrated.
„Your problem is that others don’t risk a friendship with the Ashen Chevalier and probably don’t even know about the dangers, when they ask young Lady Schwarzer for a date. Sooner or later, one will try that, if it didn’t already happen.“, Celestin said, as if talking about the weather.
Patricks face fell and dread spread through his body. Was Celestin messing with him or was he actually being serious? Would Elise go on a date with someone else? Of course she would. He had never had the guts to tell her about his feelings. How was she even supposed to know that he would die from shock should she ever fancy someone else? Well, someone that wasn’t her brother. Apparently, Rean had told him that Elise seemed interested in him. Weirdly enough, Patrick didn’t mind that at all. Maybe, because he had heard it from Reans own mouth, that he didn’t know how to feel about that. That didn’t sound like a passionate confession of love. More like an adoptive brother being totally overwhelmed by the thought of his sister being attracted to him. And maybe that was why Patrick had always felt safe. As long as Elise was focused on Rean and Rean wasn’t ready to make a definitive choice about who he wanted to be in a relationship with, there was no danger of her getting snapped away by someone else, he didn’t see coming. Or so he had thought up until now.
But what if Elise had already given up on her brother ever returning her feelings? What if she had started looking for a husband elsewhere, without him noticing? Sure, they where friends, but he couldn’t tell how close of a friend he was for Elise. Would she tell him? Probably not. That was something she would let the princess know, but not her brothers best friend.
And all these trains of thought cumulated in one overwhelming truth: Patrick had to confront Rean and risk everything, if he didn’t want to lose Elise forever.
But bringing up the motivation didn’t make this task easier. How to go about it? What was the right course of action to hopefully achieve the outcome he desired? He needed to think this though before acting rash. First he needed to consider Reans point of view or he wouldn’t even live to defend his approach. Second, he had to consider Elises situation and how she might feel about this. And thirdly, he needed to know what he wanted himself. There was no way he would be able to convince Rean that he had only the best intentions for his sister if he wasn’t entirely sure about that himself.
The First thing wasn’t too hard to figure out. Rean was adopted and therefore held all his family members particularly close to his heart. But Elise was younger than him and a girl. Which most definitively triggered Reans protectiveness every single time someone would even dare to look Elises way. Even though both Rean and Patrick new that she was a smart and charming women, who could also defend herself in combat. However they both agreed that needing to defend herself in combat was a situation to be strictly avoided. The key to overcome this hurdle was to convince Rean, that Elise would be safer with him, than without him. It was not enough to not be a danger to her. He needed to make sure Elsie would have a much better live if he only got the chance to win her affection. And he was willing to do everything to prove that this and nothing else was his intention.
The second part was much harder for he had no idea, if Elise had ever thought about any potential partner that wasn’t her brother. Clearly, her approach would vary weather or not her love interest was someone she had been close to for most of her live or just a friend. He also didn’t know what exactly she was looking for in a man. The only hint was her love for Rean and the traits he possessed that might be the reason for her romantically affection. When comparing their physical appearance Patrick really hoped Elise hadn’t fallen for Rean only for his looks. Not just that they where completely different types with Rean having black hair (most of the time) and himself being blond. Rean was also in better physical shape than Patrick and (as much as he hated to admit this) the better swordsman. Looking at their inner qualities he had always had better grades in school than Rean. However he would never dare to think that this meant him being superior in academics. He was probably the person to best know how tough Reans time at Thor’s had truly been. Even more so than his classmates, because back then Rean didn’t care enough about Patrick to play the „all’s well“-act for him. So while this was something Patrick was better at, he couldn’t really use it as an argument for him being the better choice for Elise. So what else was there to look at? They both loved her deeply, would rush to her defense at any moment and never knowingly do anything to upset her. Wait, that last one wasn’t quite true. She had been plenty upset about her darling brother heading off to war and not call for weeks. It had been so bad that she had turned to Patrick for information about Rean, because he would at least know when he was back at school. That was something he could use as an argument. His job simply was safer than his most of the time and therefore Elise wouldn’t have to worry as much. And then there was one other argument: gossip and social attention. With Rean being the Hero of Erebonia, Elise being the best friend of the princess and them being (adoptive) siblings he could already hear the rumors. He however was a much better choice in this regard. Sure, there would be some attention if a son of one of the four great houses would marry the princess’s companion, but that wouldn’t cover the newspaper for weeks and they would soon have their privacy back.
Now to the third point: What exactly did he want? Why was he interested in Elise in the first place? He needed to know every detail of the answer to this question, even when he didn’t intend to tell Rean all of them. He assumed that things wouldn’t go well if he told Rean about certain fantasies he had. But there simply was no way to deny that Elise was a sexually attractive women. However Patrick soon realized, that while her appearance was part of Elises charm, it truly wasn’t primarily her looks he had fallen in love with. Well, maybe at first. But at second glance, he had been astounded by her elegance and manners. Her ability to express herself very clearly, while only using formal, respectful language. By her humor, laughter, caring nature, practical approach to problems, quick thinking and strong spirit. And the fact that she was probably smarter than him.
With all aspects of the situation analyzed, there where two approaches he could take. Making a thorough plan of attack or heading strait into battle. And while he most often was in favor of the first approach nowadays, this time he opted for the second (knowing that he would never be able to come up with the perfect plan anyways). He opened his Arcus, and called Rean.
He hadn’t managed to not sound nervous when he asked Rean if they could meet. And because he wanted to discuss this matter face to face without a display between them, he refused to tell Rean what this was about, causing Rean to worry. And the more he told him, that there was nothing to worry about, the worst it got. So they agreed to meet the next evening in Trista.
This truly where the most horrible 24 hours of Patricks entire live. He had been unable to finish any task and was very glad Rean had agreed to a meeting on such short notice. He wouldn’t have been able to live like this for a second longer. He arrived early in hopes of being able to calm down his nerves before the conversation, only to find Rean already at the agreed location. Rean greeted him hastily before asking what the problem was, without giving Patrick a chance to greet Rean himself.
„Greetings to you as well. - It’s about Elise.“, Patrick stated in a serious tone, causing Reans face turning from worried to panic. Rean was already out of his seat when Patricks annoyance outmatched his nervousness and he ordered Rean in a stoic tone: „Sit down. - And listen.“
That took Rean so much by surprise that he actually sat down again, waiting for Patrick to speak. Patrick took a moment to collect his thoughts and then said in calm seriousness: „Please allow me to ask Elise for a date.“
That certainly wasn’t what Rean had expected. He just stared at his friend for a moment before letting out a long sigh and rubbing his hands over his face.
„Unless you intend to propose to her the next time you two meet.“, Patrick added, with a smile that betrayed his serious tone.
Rean groaned and gave Patrick an annoyed look, before resting his chin on his hand looking into the distance lost in thought. At first, Patrick didn’t want to interrupt his thinking. It was definitively a good sign that Rean hadn’t murdered him jet. That might mean he actually had a chance. But as the silence seemed to last forever, Patrick became impatient and slightly tapped Rean on the shoulder. „Come back to me. I’ve prepared a lengthy speech to convince you.“
Rean smiled at that involuntarily and finally spoke: „You are the worst.“
„I can’t be. If that were the case you would’ve cut me down by now.“
„True.“
„So?“
„I don’t know…“
„That’s not an answer i can accept.“
„That’s the only answer I have.“
„Then find a better one. This one isn’t here nor there. That’s like leaving Elises fate up to chance. And in the end, we both want the same: seeing her happy and safe. You are currently not exactly helpful achieving that situation.“
„What do you mean by that? You think Elise is unhappy?“
„Well, I don’t know. How would you feel if you confess your love to someone only to hear some weak excuses and then get the cold shoulder? And for how long now? Really, I cannot think how anyone could be unhappy with such a situation.“
„And you asking her out for a date would make things better?“
„Yes, I think so. Because I can only do that, if you tell her, that you aren’t interested. Before you communicate that explicitly to her, she obviously wouldn’t give me a chance.“
The waitress interrupted them: "Can I get you something?"
"A cup of your finest tea, please.", Patrick responded.
"The hardest liquor you have.", was Reans answer and the waitress left to get their drinks.
"But I can't do that!"
"Why not? Do you love her in that way?"
"No! Maybe? I don't know. I'm confused. But my feelings don't matter anyway. I would break her heart and I simply couldn't live with that."
"So... You are going to propose to her even though you "don't know", if you love her as a partner for life?" Patricks tone was accusing. Rean didn't answer, but only looked helpless at him.
"That is certainly not the answer I expected." Patrick stated slowly, leaning back to stare at Rean with a disapproving glare. Rean faltered and cast his gaze down at the table. There was a short silence between them, that Rean didn't use to defend his standpoint.
The waitress returned and brought their drinks. Patrick took the opportunity to drag out the silence by sipping his tea, while Rean ignored his drink entirely.
"Fine." Patrick finally said, in a calm, calculating tone. He sat down the cup and stood up to leave.
"Fine? You're fine with that?" Rean asked completely perplex, reaching for Particks arm to stop him from leaving.
"Yes. I am" Patrick stated firmly. Reans face was full of question marks.
"I happen to know, that you are the worst lair in Erebonia. Especially, when it comes to emotional stuff and your sister. So if you are stupid enough to think Elise would fall for your acting, my chances to win her with genuine affection just increased drastically. Also, if you truly think that you choosing her only to spare her feelings, but without actually loving her that way, would be the best for her, I have no reason to ask you for permission. Because that would mean I know her better than you. Hence, if you don't have more to say, I will leave to by some red roses to gift to her tomorrow."
"Wait, you already have a date with her?" There was the old overprotective Rean again. Patrick rolled his eyes. "Of course not. We just happen to be invited to the same dinner party. She wouldn't even be invited if she wasn't accompanying our Princess."
Rean gave him a suspicious glare, but decided to believe him. "Fine." This time it was Reans turn. "Sit down again." Patrick did as he was told.
"Somehow I'm really curious about your "speech" now." Rean mumbled and his lips curled upwards.
Patrick deadpanned and responded: "Your ears missed the chance to be graced with such fine prose."
Again, there was a silence between them, but this time it was much more comfortable. "How far have you thought this through?" Rean asked.
"Well, I plan to ask her for a dance tomorrow and then while dancing if she would like to go out for dinner with me. I have a restaurant in mind and what I will wear. I didn't plan the menu jet, if that is what concerns you."
"That's not what I meant. Although all of that sound pretty solid to me. I guess there is not much I can protest against in that plan... Except if that was just the first half." Rean tried his best "strict teacher"-look on Patrick, except his eyes were laughing and taking away any seriousness of his words. He knew Patrick well enough to know that his sister was save with him. "What I meant was if you have thought about what will happen if she actually falls in love with you."
Patrick didn't comprehend. "Should I be the lucky man she chooses, I will marry her of course. That's not a question!"
"Yes, I know. But where will you live?", Rean asked, still not saying what he actually wanted to know. But this time, Patrick caught on.
"Is this about who will take care of Ymir, when your Parents are no longer able to?"
Rean knew he was seen through and only nodded.
"I happen to know, that Elise thinks you should take on the title of Baron of Ymir. Actually, she wishes for you to do that."
"I wont." It was a simple answer, but a firm one with no further explanation given. "The question is therefore: would you take care of my sister and my hometown?"
Patrick was unsure how to respond. This clearly was the key to Reans approval and he had made very clear what answer would lead to his desired outcome. But was it that easy? He needed to be careful, because Rean would hold him to his word.
"I have never before thought about that question. And I have to think this through carefully and that will take some time. When I finally give you my answer, it will be one you can rely on. But for now know this much: I will never let something bad happen to Elise or Ymir, if I have the power to prevent it. That is a promise. On the other hand, I will not let you get away from your duty for the wrong reasons. Especially if those reasons sadden Elise. This is also a promise."
"Hm, what do you mean with "wrong reason"? This is my decision to make and I don't need to explain myself to you."
"Well, I happen to know the reason why Elise was running away, when I first met her. That you think you are a burden to your family and therefore not a worthy heir. But your opinion couldn't be further from the truth: for all the love and care you received and the name you accepted, you have the duty to repay your family and hometown by accepting your familial responsibilities."
"That doesn't sound like much choice. What would be an appropriate reason for me to not become Baron?"
"Obviously, if you marry someone of higher status. If you choose to marry our Princess for example, i would gladly step in for you." A big smirk accompanied those words, because Patrick knew exactly how to tease his friend. And it worked.
"I told you there never was anything! If one of us is after the princess, its you. The gossip tabloids have noticed that you two happen to be at the same place at the same time far too often for it to be just coincidence!"
"And that's your fault, not mine."
"Mine? How so? How could I possibly be responsible for you meeting the princess?"
"You didn't think that through, did you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I will grace you with my infinite wisdom in plain words: it is easier to arrange a meeting with the princess, than with her companion. At least if one doesn't want to risk their live, given how overly protective of a brother you are."
"But... Well, I guess you have a point there." Realizing the whole depth of Patricks statement, he couldn't help but smile. It was so plain to see how much Patrick had done just for a chance to be in Elises presence, that even Rean had to acknowledge his efforts. And to his surprise, he found himself not mad about that. "You should go now." Rean commented.
"And why exactly should I do that? Is my presence a burden to you?", A big frown had immediately formed on his face.
"To buy those roses you talked about earlier. I have seen that Jane has currently a bunch of grand roses in stock. And on Fridays she heads home later because she has to decide what to order for the next week. Just knock on the door right beside the store and ask nicely if you could have them."
"You sound like you get paid for that kind of advertising."
"Well, I recognized that she lowers her prices for the students of the gardening club back when we were at school. So I recommend her whenever I have the chance and she only sells high quality flowers. I honestly think you won’t find better ones in Heimdallr."
"Well, I really don't have time to buy them tomorrow and I want to choose them myself. So I guess I will go and follow your advice. Will you wait here until I return?"
"Actually, no. I still have stuff to do. But we should meet again soon. I am curious. And be warned that I will revoke my permission for you to be with my darling sister, should there be any sign that you don't treat her like you should."
Patrick sipped the rest of his tea and smiled. "Thank you, that's highly encouraging."
"I mean it, Patrick. Don't try any tricks on her or you are a dead man. Friendship or none."
"I did not mean, that your words are encouraging to treat her in a bad way. The simple fact, that she could just reject my invitation tomorrow, did not even occur to you. And that is highly encouraging to try my very best to finally win her affection." With that he stood up again, this time to actually leave. "Until we meet again my friend."
"Good luck. I'm rooting for you."
Patrick paid for them both and left.
Rean sat there for another minute and stared at his drink before downing it in one gulp. This had taken Patrick a lot of courage. He knew that. And he genuinely couldn’t think of a better match for Elise. The problem now was that Patrick was right. He needed to break her heart to pave the way to her happiness. And that even though he really didn’t know how exactly he felt towards her. But realizing that Patrick asking her for a date didn’t bother him, was a pretty clear sign that he loved her, but wasn’t in love with her. Now the only question was how to tell her in the least hurtful way. He took out his Arcus and called his sister, asking if they could meet on shot notice.
The End.