Beatrice disrupts our tasks and takes my hand, inquiring if we could embark on a stroll with a warm and smiling countenance.
"Certainly," I reply, nodding with a smile. While Emilia remains engrossed, Beatrice and I distance ourselves a bit from the group.
We walk around the imposing tree in silence, me absorbed in contemplation. However, Beatrice interrupts me, tugging at my arm and pointing towards a field of flowers.
"That is..." I murmur, grasping the significance of the place.
That field is where Wilhelm believes Thearesia's journey concluded.
Wilhelm Van Astrea. Although I have not perceived any malicious intent on his part, his story remains shrouded in secrecy. I suppose the wisest course is to stay vigilant and wait for him to decide to share it with me.
I don't want to give the impression that I already know everything; if the time comes, I will trust that he will tell me, although, on the other hand, it's a tale that has traversed the world, so it might just be a misunderstanding on my part.
We arrive at the field of flowers, and Beatrice gracefully dives into the petals; her movements are a poem in themselves.
The dress billows in the wind, creating a dance in harmony with the whimsical turns of the flowers. Her happiness is more than evident, contagious in every smile and laugh that emanates from her lips, illuminating everything around her.
Her eyes shine with a tenderness and beauty that light up the landscape as much as the sun caressing the scene. The wind tousles her golden hair as she laughs, immersing herself in her own realm of fun.
Seeing her like this, completely immersed in the joy of the moment, fills my heart with a warmth that I only experience with her.
I cannot lament, not for a moment, having accompanied her and extracted her from the routine.
Every second spent by her side transforms into an invaluable treasure, and if that translates into witnessing her radiant smile, then every endeavor is worthwhile.
Gazing upon the happiness and genuine love reflected in her eyes, my determination to protect her and be the cause of that smile strengthens even more.
She rushes towards me with a spark of enthusiasm in her gaze, enveloping me with her arms with a force that conceals her face against my chest.
Her hair sways in the breeze, creating a soft and fragrant symphony that only enhances the charm of the moment. She lifts her gaze, and in her eyes, I see that warm smile that makes me feel as if the entire world is illuminated.
"This tree... My mentor bestowed it upon someone in the past, I suppose, as if it were a gift of profound significance indeed. I lack the details or the name of that person in my memory, I suppose; I never bothered to retain them, in fact. But contemplating its majesty now, its growth over time, fills me with a profound sentiment, I suppose," says Beatrice, her voice a melodic whisper, as if sharing a secret with the wind.
Beatrice's words make me comprehend that perhaps we will never know to whom this gift was destined, but that is something I must confirm from the owner of the seed.
An uncertainty that compels me to await the opportune moment, when everything is concluded, and I can decipher this enigma with calmness.
Echidna, undoubtedly, will possess the answers I seek.
Even with that radiant smile gracing her countenance, Beatrice takes my hand and gazes upwards, as if endeavoring to reach the heights of the tree that stands majestically.
In her attempt, her delicacy transforms into grace, and suddenly, she descends to the ground with a melodious laughter.
Instead of being perturbed, she draws me towards her, employing vita to recline by her side. The ground's petals rise into the air, enveloping us like confetti in a natural celebration.
Her hair falls upon the delicate flowers, intertwining with them and diffusing their fragrance into the surroundings.
Despite the fall, her smile persists, radiating a light that cannot be tarnished by anything. And as I observe her visage, I notice tears of pure happiness streaming down her cheeks.
"I know a battle is looming, I suppose, but... I can't help it, indeed," Beatrice says with tenderness in her voice, her gaze fixed on me. "When I'm with you, everything seems to fall into place, I suppose, and happiness overwhelms me in an indescribable manner, indeed."
Her words are like a warm embrace that envelops my heart, filling it with love and gratitude. A smile forms on my lips at the sweetness of her sentiments.
I take her hand with the delicacy it deserves, looking at her with profound affection.
"I love you," I confess, allowing my feelings to flow unrestrictedly, letting the words express what my heart feels.
Beatrice continues to smile, emitting giggles that seem like music in the air. She closes her eyes with that smile that illuminates my world, and although she laughs, a few tears of bliss escape from her eyes.
"Hehehe, Betty loves you immensely too, indeed," she says, revealing with each word the profound affection harbored in her heart.
I gently clasp her hand, as if it were the most precious possession I will ever hold. I simply gaze at her, absorbing her inner and outer beauty, and the happiness she radiates.
"You are incredible, Betty," I express, astonished by the wondrous person she has become. "My life has taken on a deeper meaning since you entered it. Having someone like you by my side in this battle and every step of life is a gift that I value more than words can convey.
You are the light that disperses my shadows and my source of unwavering strength.
She smiles even more broadly, and in this moment, we are more than two souls, more than two beings; we are two hearts beating in unison, entwining in a unique and eternal dance.
Together, we stand there, surrounded by the serenity and peace that the natural environment offers us.
Despite the imminent battle that awaits us, I only want to savor this moment of pure love and camaraderie, where our hearts beat to the rhythm of the other in an unparalleled dance of happiness.
In that fleeting moment of calm, an oasis of serenity amidst the impending storm of battle, I find myself getting lost in Beatrice's enchanting smile.
Despite the uncertainty looming over us, I cannot help but completely surrender to her smile, as if it were a beacon of hope in the darkness that surrounds us.
Immersed in her aura, I find myself in a magical world that only she is capable of creating around me. At this moment, nothing else matters; it's just the two of us, sharing this instant of peace and profound connection.
"A daughter..." I think to myself, allowing the idea to permeate my consciousness.
I wonder how it feels to be a father. If what I feel now, this deep and sincere love for Beatrice, is just a small glimpse of what it means to be a true father, then I can understand why a father's love is so intense and transcendent, surpassing any obstacle that may arise.
In this moment, I realize that I am willing to face any challenge, overcome any obstacle that stands in our way, if it means we can build a future together—one where we can be a happy family, a father and a daughter living in peace.
Regardless of whether she is a spirit, I cannot help but see her as a daughter to me.
My thoughts halt when I hear quiet footsteps approaching. I turn to see Wilhelm, who walks towards us with calm and serenity.
His face displays a mix of emotions, and although the elderly often have more rigid expressions, his deep gaze and aura reveal that there is much more within him. Wilhelm bows to us in a gesture of respect and greeting.
"Mr. Marco, Miss Beatrice, forgive me for interrupting this moment," Wilhelm says, straightening with energy. "The artillery squad has just arrived, and Miss Crusch asked me to come and fetch you."
I nod gratefully, my gaze meeting Beatrice's, who pouts while ignoring our conversation. I stand up and face Wilhelm with determination.
"We stumbled upon this incredible field of flowers, so we couldn't resist the temptation to come and see it," I affirm with an enthusiastic tone, turning my body to contemplate the splendid landscape.
Wilhelm seems lost in thought for a moment; his deep gaze meets mine, and his voice resonates with a burning melancholy as he says:
"Do you like flowers?" Wilhelm stares at me intently, as if my answer is key. We maintain intense eye contact as I reflect on what to respond.
I am aware that I must make an impression on Wilhelm at this moment. The optimal approach is to exhibit empathy and depth.
He possesses immense wisdom and experience, and I yearn for an earnest conversation about the semi-human war, a conflict he personally endured. Perhaps, in doing so, I may glean insights from him regarding martial prowess.
With a clear idea in mind, I respond resolutely:
Flowers are merely flowers, that is undeniable. They can be visually pleasing or unappealing at first glance, and that is the rudimentary observation." I direct my gaze towards the impressive field. "However, for me, their genuine beauty emanates from the significance one attributes to them. "
Beauty, akin to life itself, is subjective, arising from perceptions, emotions, and the memories that accompany them. Ugliness and beauty may succumb to statistics, but there will always be equally valid exceptions.
At times, what is beautiful to some may be dull to others.
Tastes vary, and it is crucial to comprehend all perspectives. Even if you can articulate your standpoint, if someone does not understand, it is because their viewpoints differ, and that does not necessarily imply they are wrong.
Though this pertains solely to tastes and opinions, a realm distinct from science, or well... I wish to believe so.
Flowers share this characteristic.
"For me, flowers resemble people: some are beautiful yet perilous, others may lack allure but prove exceedingly useful. Some exude a sensual aura, while others are more formal. Some are robust, and others fragile... There might be species that evoke specific emotions. Even flowers can be extroverted, staying open, or introverted, closing in the presence of someone to protect themselves."
Flowers are nothing more than blooms. What truly matters is the way you choose to perceive them.
"Nevertheless, at the end of the day, they are simply flowers," I conclude, responding to his inquiry. "I appreciate them, but what captivates me even more is how I interpret them, beyond their mere appearance."
The response seems to have left Wilhelm somewhat contemplative, indicating that perhaps he has heard similar answers in the past. It is not uncommon for individuals to share such perspectives about flowers.
"I see... you are correct. Flowers will always be merely flowers, regardless of the perception you hold of them. It is a valid response," Wilhelm nods approvingly and extends his hand towards me. "When all this concludes, I would like to engage in a conversation with you."
I shake his hand firmly, conveying my commitment. "It will be an honor for me. You can rest assured that we will emerge victorious from this."
Although Wilhelm's lips seem to attempt a smile, he quickly averts his gaze.