𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝒾𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒞𝒶𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓃 (𝐿𝑒𝓋𝒾 x 𝒪𝒞)

Chapter 15 : The Commander's Games

The rain fell relentlessly, creating a soft yet persistent melody as it struck the panes of the small cabinet window. The drops slid slowly down the glass, gathering into tiny rivers that carved their way downward, as if desperately trying to escape the gray, oppressive sky above.

Marie stood by the wooden shelf, her simple but neat dress slightly splattered by the raindrops she had brought in with her. The doctor's cabinet was quiet today, the absence of its usual occupant leaving an odd emptiness in the air. The old man was not there, apparently held up by an emergency elsewhere, leaving Marie alone to prepare the remedies by following the instructions he had left behind.

She focused on her task, her delicate fingers precisely manipulating the dried herbs and liquid vials. Each movement was methodical, each gesture calculated to ensure she made no mistakes. The doctor, though often critical and stern, had come to appreciate Marie's determination, and she did not want to disappoint him. She read the scrawled notes in the old leather notebook carefully, her blue eyes following each line with an almost religious attention.

"Well, it looks like the doctor's little assistant has become a full-fledged apprentice," murmured a voice behind her, breaking the silence. Marie jumped slightly, turning to see Sarah, the doctor's daughter, approaching her with a conspiratorial smile. Sarah had an air of nonchalance, her brown hair falling freely around her face, and her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Marie smiled shyly, although embarrassed. "I'm doing my best," she replied timidly, her cheeks flushing slightly under Sarah's teasing gaze.

Sarah leaned in closer, casually resting against the work table, looking with amused interest at what Marie was preparing. "Don't worry," she said, laughing softly, "my father is an old grump, but he likes you. He'll never admit it, of course, but I know it." She winked playfully at Marie.

Marie felt herself blush even more, lowering her gaze to the herbs in her hand. "Thank you," she murmured. "I'm just trying not to make any mistakes. He trusts me, and I don't want to let him down."

Sarah raised her hands in surrender. "You're way too serious, Marie," she said with a laugh. "Enjoy a little while my father isn't around! We could have some fun, you know."

Marie smiled faintly but couldn't help shaking her head. "I need to finish this first," she replied softly. "There's a reception tonight for important members of the Exploration Battalion and other branches of the army."

Sarah raised an eyebrow, visibly intrigued. "A reception, huh?" She leaned in a little closer to Marie, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. "So tell me, who's the guest of honor? The great Captain Levi? Or maybe..." She lowered her voice theatrically. "...your brother, Commander Erwin Smith?"

Marie felt her heart race at the mention of their names. She bit her lower lip, avoiding Sarah's curious gaze. "I... I don't know," she stammered. "I think they'll both be there. It's an important reception."

Sarah studied Marie with an amused smile. "Oh, I see," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I bet you're looking forward to seeing your favorite captain, aren't you?" She teased gently, laughing softly at Marie's embarrassed expression.

Marie shook her head, trying to stay focused on her task. "That's not it," she protested, though her voice lacked conviction. "I... I'm just curious to see what will happen. That's all."

Sarah smirked, clearly enjoying Marie's embarrassment. "Of course, of course," she said with a laugh. "Well, in any case, make sure to enjoy the evening. Who knows, you might have a dance with your dear captain." She winked before slightly turning away, clearly relishing Marie's discomfort.

Marie tried to concentrate again on her preparations, but her thoughts kept drifting toward the upcoming reception and what it might mean. There were so many unanswered questions, so many undisclosed secrets. She didn't know what to expect, but one thing was certain: the evening promised to be memorable, for better or worse.