[attr="class","verenaquote"]

[attr="class","verenascroll"]
Similarly to how Hama and Cyrus were patient with her when she was speaking, she returned that gesture as she listened to them in kind. As she explained, she noticed their expressions briefly, albeit shift, one showing a particular interest in what she was saying, but she couldn't help but feel that it didn't interest them in the same way she was interested in the Living City. Still, much like they didn't bring it up, she wouldn't, either. It was nothing more than a feeling she had, as if she had something wrong, or that there was an error in her thinking. It would be wrong to just accuse them of that. Though if she was to be completely honest, she knew she was still very much inexperienced. She had plenty of theoretical knowledge, but little to no practical knowledge, unlike the one before her.[break][break]

However, unlike the two, she didn't bring a counterpoint to make a point. It wasn't that she didn't have one. But she was dealing with a de facto lieutenant and an elemental spirit. In the grand scheme of things, she was wildly inexperienced by comparison, and her opinion held little weight. She felt the two were missing something bigger here with the example they gave, but that was likely a result of her own ego, fragile as it might be. She was a golem researcher, but Cyrus clearly knew more than she did. In a way, that did kind of bother her; not in a way where she felt envious, but it gave her a drive. A drive to learn more than this Magic Knight. More than anyone.[break][break]

Verena nodded her head in understanding on the topic of his captain, as well as his stance on what it meant to be a Magic Knight. It was definitely something she could get behind. What was justice if there was no faith to be found in it by the masses? She was glad that Cyrus understood. Or, at the very least, that he could at least pretend to. Her logic wasn't so flawed, at least. Though, even if another thought it was flawed she doubted that it'd deter her. Perhaps the five years she'd spent wandering allowed her to see things a different perspective. Similarly, Cyrus' own life thus far seemed to have its own hardships. While he should have been born with a silver spoon in hand, it was far from that simple for the Golden Dawn member. It was admirable.[break][break]

"I think that's a fine goal," Verena said with a sweet smile.[break][break]

Cyrus was an idealist. She herself might have been a pessimist; no, perhaps she was much closer to a defeatist. While she didn't see the type of change she hoped for happening in this life, she did hope that she could be wrong. Changing the hearts of Magic Knights for the future might lead to a better system all around for people. That would be a truly wonderful thing.[break][break]

"They have such an endearing relationship," the girl thought to herself, twirling one of her twin tails as she observed the two. "It's my first time seeing an Elemental, but I'm glad humans and they can get along just fine."[break][break]

Verena's thoughts were interrupted when Cryus' expression shifted to a more serious one; well, it was after her comment on nobility. She probably upset him. Ah, why did she do that? Why did she have to open her mouth? "Stupid, stupid!" she screamed to herself within her own mind.[break][break]

Cyrus' voice was serious as he made his point clear. That matter-of-factly speaking of his was something he hadn't done since the two had met, and Verena was afraid she had truly upset him. It wasn't that he was trying to be intimidating, but to clear up one misunderstanding Verena might have had. He did not care what his family thought. If he did something, then it was not as an Elwood. It was as Cyrus Elwood. Status and rank had nothing to do with it, and his family couldn't understand, then that was not his issue. They would lose much by losing him.[break][break]

In other words... Cyrus had the strength that she desired. If she had that strength five years ago, then... maybe things wouldn't have turned out the way they did. Her head fell a bit, having become lost in thought. If she had been strong enough where her father couldn't have questioned her, where her family would have sided with her over him, what would she be like now? She'd have probably been a Magic Knight. She... probably would have turned out like the Golden Dawn member before her.[break][break]

Those crimson orbs gazed back to the slip of paper that the Elwood gave her. An offer to visit their estate... The brunette realized that it might be a great opportunity to learn more. Perhaps he'd even be willing to teach her Sap magic. Still, it'd mean having to mingle with Nobles. That idea wasn't something she was particularly keen on, either. It was a hard choice, and she wasn't sure about it, even with what Cyrus said. What was the best thing to do? What was the right thing?[break][break]

No, with a choice like this, it came down to... what did Verena want to do. She didn't know though...[break][break]

Her thoughts were broken by the Spirit speaking once more. They were off to do a repair? What a strange member of the Golden Dawn. Though, it seemed like it was for a friend, maybe family. Roof damage was a pretty serious thing, so it made sense that they'd have something like this scheduled to fix. It seemed like the two's little exchange here was coming to an end now. The brunette wasn't sure whether to be grateful or a little saddened by the seemingly abrupt nature, but she knew much time had passed since their encounter.[break][break]

Cyrus bid his farewell, causing Verena a moment of pause, not saying anything at first, the quietest she'd been since they met. "...It would be a pleasure if we did happen to meet one another again. Please stay safe," she said, smiling softly as he readied his leave alongside Hama.[break][break]

And just like that, the brunette's first encounter with a Magic Knight in some time had come to an end. Verena returned her attention to the books that she'd put on a table, staring at them. Golem theories, history, practitioners. She couldn't help but sigh. She had a bit of an obsession, didn't she? Well, that was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. She'd already been aware.[break][break]

Her guest was now gone, so she could focus solely on her research at least. The former Reinsberg heir started with research pertaining to some lesser utilized magic categories, ones far too niche, out of practice, and their relevancy to golem magics. What she aspired to do was not something she had enough skill to do, but skill meant nothing without the necessary knowledge. Ultimately, the most optimal solution was to learn while she grew. One could not improve their craft without first understanding what their craft was.[break][break]

"Golems existed as a-"[break][break]

"Excuse me, Miss. The store will be closing soon."

A voice spoke up, alerting Verena to a new arrival. The employee who'd been at the front desk. "Your books have already been paid for. The gentlemen you were with earlier did so for you. Would you like me to bag them for you?"

...Cyrus had paid for her books? ...Her eyes darted to the slip of paper. The seal that gave her permission to visit whenever she should desire. She let out a sigh. "Well, now I have to visit..." she thought to herself. "Um... yes please. Thank you."

[attr="class","verenastats"]

[attr="class","vanitm"]template by VANILLA