*Tick, tock, tick, tock*
The next morning, I woke up to the silent ticking of the clock in my parent's room.
"Yaaaaaaawn…" I stretched, my back cracking, and immediately regretted it. Everything ached. How did I fall asleep against the bedframe…? I checked the time—it was 9:00 on the dot—and relaxed a little.
It took me roughly fifteen minutes to get the docks. I'd be fine.
…Probably.
I shuffled into the washroom and peeled off yesterday's clothes, dumping them in a heap. I'd need to wash them before I left… and I'd need to run by the hospital to see Fritz as well.
Sunlight slipped through the washroom blinds in warm slanted bars while dust floated lazily through the air.
"So much to do," I muttered. I stepped into the shower and flipped the knob to hot water.
Hot water poured from the enchanted showerhead with a low hiss, steam curling around me as it soaked into my skin. The silvery beads trickled down my pale skin, past my collarbones and down my breasts. Grabbing a bar of soap, I scrubbed myself down and was soon covered head to toe in warm, clean-smelling white frothy bubbles.
The soap foamed and foamed until I was clean and I felt human again.
I finished quickly and dried myself off before waddling to my room and changing into a simple black-and-white dress and black stockings. The skirt was relatively low for my tastes, but I could always hem it if it got in the way later.
I threw my sturdy grey work jacket over top, while my courier bag thumped softly as I slung it over my shoulder.
Mother's revolver was heavy in my inner pocket, but after some hesitation I decided to take it with me. I hesitated, but took extra bullets from a drawer in mother's room.
Just in case.
After all of that…
Well, I washed my laundry, hung it up to dry, cleaned up the house, and soon it was about time to leave.
*Knock, knock*
It was then I heard the knocks on the door. I dried my hands on a towel before sliding downstairs with my bag.
My stockings padded softly as I stepped down and cautiously opened the door—
—and nearly fell over.
There, in the warm orange sunlight combing through the city stood a bright, smiling individual with long, silky black hair tied back into a ponytail, their bright brown eyes hidden partially behind bangs.
A cigarette was clenched in their mouth and their hands were thrust into their rumpled jacket pockets. A salty breeze carried smoke and sea with them.
I gaped and my heart clenched itself tight. "...Fritz?"
Fritz smiled. "Heya, kiddo. I just got discharged. You alright—"
I didn't let them finish and threw my arms around them, gripping their jacket like they might disappear if I didn't. Their familiar, steady hand came up immediately, rubbing slow circles between my shoulders.
"You're okay," they murmured. "I'm right here."
My chest finally loosened, but tears slipped out anyway. "I thought—" My voice wobbled. "They wouldn't let me stay, and I couldn't find you, and—"
"I got knocked into a crane," Fritz said gently. "Apparently, I make a great projectile," they joked.
"…Dummy," I sniffed.
They laughed quietly and handed me a handkerchief, waiting while I wiped my face. Only then did they glance down at me and my outfit. "Going somewhere?"
"Oh—yeah. One sec." I grabbed my boots, laced them up, and locked the door behind me.
*Click*
The streets weren't quite rush-hour yet, but people had begun to swarm the street as idle chatter met my ears, voices overlapping as carts rattled and horses neighed. The salty sea-wind gushed in from the ports as a griffon soared past, crying overhead.
Oh, god… how would I explain things to Fritz?
Well… I had to do it somehow.
I turned to them and bowed. "Fritz Alimont. Thank you… for everything. I'm resigning from Majorie's. Temporarily."
Fritz's eyebrows shot up.
I continued. "I'm leaving for Chrysanthemum Academy today."
The cigarette between their lips swayed a little as they relaxed visibly. "You had me in the first half, I can't lie," they chuckled. Fritz glanced at me. "But… are you sure?"
I hesitated but nodded. "I think so. My parents would've wanted it."
"…They would've," Fritz agreed.
I dug into my bag and held out my keys. "Could you… look after the house? I know it's a lot."
Fritz took them without hesitation and bowed. "It would be my honor, Lady de la Fontaine."
I blinked.
…Oh, right.
Somehow, I really never realized it after all these years, but with mother and father gone…
I really was Lady de la Fontaine and representing the family now. I had to take care not to sully my family's name and do good at the academy. But I was quick on the uptake, and my parents taught me a little when they were still there, so even if I didn't get the social side, I should be fine.
…Right?
Either way, it all hit me at once.
"Thank you," I said softly.
Fritz returned the gesture. Their eyes were warm as they straightened. "Well. Our little Rien certainly has grown, hasn't she," they smiled.
"Ugh. Come on, don't say it like that," I groaned.
Fritz chuckled and carefully placed the house keys in their inner jacket pocket before pulling their pocketwatch out from their vest. "What time do you leave by? And where?"
"10:30 down at the docks," I replied.
"We should get going, then. I'll carry your bag."