Causality

Chapter 1: New Horizons

Whitley nervously adjusted the cuffs of his white dress shirt as he stood before his mother's study door. He knew he was ready to bear extra responsibility, to take a step further into the Schnee Dust Company public consciousness. The yearly SDC Dust donation to the major combat schools across the kingdoms offered him his chance. He was old enough to travel alone, old enough to represent the SDC. Yes, everything was for the sake of the SDC, for sure. Whitley adjusted his shirt once more before lightly knocking on the door three times.

"Enter!"

Whitley followed the commanding voice of his mother into the study. He shut the door behind him, standing before the closed door in silence. His mother did not grant him permission to disrupt her work. He would need to wait for her to finish her current task.

His mother was entirely focused on the documents before her. The periodic sound of shuffling papers was the only thing to interrupt the current silence within the office. A few minutes passed before his mother finally tore her gaze off the documents. Exhausted blue eyes gazed at him from behind reading glasses.

"I am very busy today, Whitley. What is it?" She tapped her fingers impatiently on her desk as she spoke.

Whitley took a step forward, "I wish to alleviate some of your current burden. I am aware Father is much too busy with his council duties to attend the Beacon Academy Dust donation. I wish to attend in his place as our family representative."

Her gaze shifted back down to the documents, "I see no reason to deny you the opportunity to further increase your standing within the company. However, I am no fool. The real reason for this request, Whitley?"

Whitley chewed his lip, "I do wish to see Weiss again. She has not been calling as much as she used to. I worry she might be having a difficult time adjusting away from home."

His mother glanced away from her documents, a small smile on her face, "Perhaps she is adjusting all too well? Are you worried your sister has left you behind, Whitley? You did not have to come up with an excuse to visit her. I would have given you permission to visit her. Regardless, you will be making my life easier by acting as the SDC representative."

"My interests in visiting Beacon are entirely selfless, I assure you. It is a beneficial arrangement for both of us, therefore I believe it is ultimately the correct decision," he tried his best to keep his tone neutral.

"A completely selfless decision with no ulterior motives, I am sure. Agreed, I will arrange transport for you within the next few days. Pack what you need. We will need to discuss exactly what your role as a SDC representative for this dust donation will entail."

Whitley smiled, "Thank you, Mother. I assume my role will be to play the part of the starry-eyed impressed child taking a tour of the facility? Shake hands with the headmaster, act intrigued and surprised at every little thing he mentions?"

"Indeed. I will be pulling a few strings to arrange a photographer to attend said tour alongside you. Ensure you dress your best. A few good photos of you shaking hands with the headmaster or other prominent members of Beacon Academy will go a long way. Once you have done your duty, you may stay in Vale for two weeks at maximum. I will not have you abandon too many of your lessons."

"My accommodations, Mother?"

She shuffled around another document, "Beacon Academy will sponsor your stay within their grounds. Treat your time there as an opportunity to further the SDC's interests."

Whitley tapped his chin in thought, "Vale is hosting the Vytal Festival tournament this year, correct? I assume a detachment from all Huntsman academies will be in attendance. Has Winter mentioned possibly attending the festival this year as an escort for the Atleasian students? I wish to see her just as much as Weiss."