~Evermore~ (Twilight x Yor)

Chapter-9 ~ The Ceremony

It was finally time. Eden Academy was going to have an award ceremony the next Saturday. This event is held twice a year to choose new imperial scholars and award stellas. Everyone in school was excited about this and gossiping in the lunch break, particularly Anya and Becky.

"Becky!!!! Who do you think will get a stella from our class?" - screamed Anya

"Damian for sure, he is the top academic scorer of our class. He's also good at sports.... gosh if only he looked cute I'd definitely fall for him."

Anya was annoyed, "But what about Anya??!!"

"You're 100% not getting a stella, you almost fail in every subject, except well you do possess a lot of physical strength. But I don't think they would give out Stellas for that. Sorry, Anya..."

Anya remained quiet. She was angry and sad at the same time, resisting the urge to bawl her eyes out since she didn't want to embarrass herself. The poor girl was experiencing all sorts of anxiety, "If I don't get stellas soon, papa would leave me.... the evil boss would take over the world. Anya has to perform better!"

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Anya returned home, all gloomy. She didn't say a word and went straight to her room. Loid and Yor were perplexed due to her sudden sulky behaviour.

"I think I should check on her." - said Loid.

Yor added, "I'll come with you."

They entered her room.

She was silent, sitting on her study table with her textbooks out.

Loid caressed her hair, "How was school today, Anya?"

"I don't want to talk about it. I am going to work hard, I need 7 more stellas.... or else....."

She suddenly went quiet for 2 seconds. And then tears started to fall from her eyes.

Yor saw it and grabbed Anya off the study table and gave her a hug, "Anya-san, you need not stress yourself so much. You are perfect the way you are, yes you need to work hard for a good life but your happiness and health is the number one priority. No matter how you perform in school, you'll always remain our daughter."

Except for the fact Yor didn't know the truth... the family would be nothing if operation strix had no progress. Both Loid and Anya knew this, this is why Anya was so tensed up.

Loid interjected, "Anya, focus on improving your studies positively. Do the best you can and work as hard as possible. If you do this, you will achieve your goals surely. Don't worry yourself so much. And yes, we understand why you are so tensed up right now. It's because of the award ceremony next Saturday, yes?"

"Y-Yes... papa"

"Well, Anya if you don't get an award this time, don't be de-motivated. If you work hard and put in your efforts you will 100% be awarded for it. You already know where and how much you lack, and that's the best way to start improving yourself. Identify the areas you are weak in and with my and your mother's help you will be an imperial scholar in no time!"

This filled Anya with motivation. She stopped crying and started thinking about her father's advice and how it could benefit her.

Just like that, days passed by. Most of the days were benign and went as they usually did. The upcoming event was going to be a treasure trove of intel for Twilight and a possible chance of approaching the Desmonds, hence he prepared himself properly for that.

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It was finally time for the award ceremony.
The forger family was ready. Yor wore her lavender coat whereas Loid wore his classic green suit. Everyone was well-dressed and ready.

The forger family stood in front of Eden's gate.

"Papa Mama there's so many people here! And ohhh, is that a special entrance for current imperial scholars only?? The red carpet is shiny! Anya too wants to walk on it. "

Yor smiled, "Don't worry Anya-san, soon you will. "

Meanwhile, Loid was more focused on identifying the different parents who had come. Politicians, army officers, elite business men. Yes, this event is going to be really fun for Twilight. He also tried to find any traces of the Desmond's but initially couldn't.

The family entered the school and crossed the courtyard. The school playground was beautifully decorated and an outdoor stage was set up along with a rich gourmet buffet. There were waiters with plates roaming with delicious snacks that anyone could try. The stage was vibrant and beautifully decorated. Staff had been stationed near the playground to welcome the parents.

And then there.... a beautiful mother with her son surrounded by a group of men dressed in black suits. That must be Melinda Desmond and her son Damian. All Loid had to do was find a way to approach her, however, that would be a bit odd since he was a man and she was a married woman. That meant that he had to rely on someone else (Yor, in this case), which he hated.

Anya was excited, she roamed around with Becky and a couple other of her friends, giggling and gossiping.

"Yor, why don't you go and meet with Anya's friend's mother right over there."

Yor replied, "Isn't that Damian and his mother Melinda?"

"Yes... well we didn't really apologise to his mother for what happened before, I only got a chance to meet his father. Perhaps you should apologise to her."

"I understand, Loid-san."

"Loid.", he replied sternly. Call me "Loid".

She blushed, "Alright, Loid. "

Yor was very nervous, she had never socialised with any of the parents before and not only was she going to socialise with someone, but also she would have to apologise to the wife of the president of the National Unity Party who was surrounded by a security detail.

"Good day, Mrs. Desmond", she approached her from behind, however maintaining her distance to avoid the trouble.

Melinda turned around, "Hello there."

"Mrs. Desmond, I am the mother of Anya Forger. I would like to express my deepest apologies for her inappropriate behaviour and actions towards your son. My husband apologised to yours, but you are Damian-san's mother and deserve an apology as well."

Melinda smiled, "Mrs. Forger you need not worry. It was just a silly quarrel between the kids. It's alright, this kind of stuff happens with kids. It's not a matter of any worry."

Yor interjected, "But, such kind of behaviour isn't acceptable nor should be tolerated and therefore I am really sorry."

"It's alright, Mrs. Forger. Don't worry. The Desmond family raises their sons to grow independently.", she laughed.

"Thank you, Mrs. Desmond you are a great person and so are your sons."

"Well, Demetrius surely is... but I don't know much about little Damian, well anyways, I heard your daughter won a stella didn't she?"

Yor replied, "Yes, she did."

"Congratulations, dear. Oh and, call me Melinda."

"Thank you Mrs.Melinda."

"Just Melinda. And you are?"

"Yor. Yor Forger", Yor replied enthusiastically.

"Well, Yor. After this ceremony why don't you and your family come over for dinner...??"

Yor didn't know what to say, but she managed to express herself positively. "Thank you so much for the invite. Well.... we wouldn't want to trouble your family with any sort of hassle ..."

"Oh come on, that's nothing, dear."- she smirked slightly.

"Alright, I'll inform my husband about the invite. Thank you very much!"

Author's Note: Sorry if this chapter felt rushed, the next one will surely make up for it. The next chapter is going to be the climax of the story (not ending) so keep up! Thank you for reading.