Marianne and the Forbidden Codex: A Fire Emblem Three Houses story

Curiosity killed the cat

Unlike most of the group, Hilda looked further from a distance. Her opinion of the Relics, the Crests, and the nobility was not the best since before. After that revelation, her thoughts and intuitions only strengthened.

What had her most absorbed was something else. Hilda had said that she would give up, but her heart kept beating in an unheard-of way for Leonard. The woman had difficulty listening to Leonard when she only considered doing something daring with him. The pink-haired girl tried restraining her urges, but it wasn't easy. More when Marianne sat next to her to offer her company.

"I truly hope we have no loss to mourn," Marianne said, sitting beside Hilda.

"I hope so."

Despite being quiet and aloof for most of her life, Marianne was not necessarily impervious to the emotions of others. She could sense her friend's discomfort. It wouldn't be easy or immediate for her to change how she felt about Leonard. Marianne keplowered her gazer a few seconds as she became aware that their relationship might not be restored longer than she had imagined.

"I see you understand," Hilda began to speak as she sought her friend's gaze. "I said I was giving up, but it's not like what I began to feel disappeared from one day to the next."

"Yes... I'm sorry," Marianne tried to look at her friend with difficulty.

"You shouldn't apologize for loving. I won't either." Hilda gave Marianne a weak smile to hide her regret. "But you should know... It's hard for me to regret what happened. Can you excuse me after telling you this?"

"Don't worry... You two have a past too... It won't be easy to let go of all that," Marianne replied with a slightly sad expression.

"Despite this, I have already told you I will not try anything else. The love you two have is more important," Hilda settled, shaking hands with her friend.

Once everything was ready, the group ate lively while continuing to talk. In truth, things seemed to have relaxed a bit, despite the critical situation. A day like this was necessary, especially if another great fight was approaching.

"Eat all you can!" Raphael exclaimed happily. "Tomorrow will be one of those days, so nothing is better than facing moments like this well-fed."

"Yes..." Mercedes added, offering that charming smile of hers. "We hope that food satisfies your appetite and comforts you. There is also a small dessert for everyone."

"You're the best, Mercedes!" Lysithea exclaimed with her eyes shining.

They all laughed in unison, remembering the good old days. Ferdinand added a few words, showing off his excellent cooking hand. Dorothea responded scathingly, arguing her joy at receiving the lofty canons of noble cuisine in a place far removed from palaces and halls.

"I'm thrilled to be here," Petra said, smiling. "It's good to eat everyone."

"That's how we get along, Petra," Sylvain replied, trying to get along with his partner.

Edelgard was observing the scene. The little truce they were experiencing was their last chance to be a person. Hubert looked at his Empress; he only cared to see her happy. In an instant, he saw for a brief moment how Bernadetta was watching him, fearful but expectant. He offered the girl a smile, but she looked down, despite the slight smile on her face.

"The best thing is to know that there was some meat so we could eat," Ingrid added, trying to enjoy her plate of food as slowly as possible.

"That comment is so like you," Felix replied calmly.

"You're not fooling me, comrade," Ingrid looked for the young man's gaze. "I don't have to look far to know you enjoy this dish, too."

"How could we not enjoy such a delicious dish, especially if the beautiful hands of Mercedes prepared it?" Sylvain butted in, looking at the girl while offering her a smile.