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Being an Acting Grand Master for The Knight of Favonius was no easy task. The burden that must be shouldered on, even after all these times, it has never ceased. Instead, as the time goes by, the burden and expectation that befalls onto her has grown in number.
Years after years, Jean worked herself hard to answer those expectations. And in those years, a certain librarian has lent her shoulder for Jean to cry on. She has lent her hands to help her, lent her embrace to come home to.
In those years, that certain librarian has become her source of strength. In those years, she has become the only person who knows this side of Jean; the side that was full of flaws and scars, her actual feelings and frustration. And Jean took all of that for granted, thinking wishfully that her lover, the librarian, would always stay by her side for a long time.
Alas, the truth was never as sweet as what one would wish for. The death of Lisa Minci has come as a sudden occurrence for anyone who knows her. Especially for The Acting Grand Master. Her lover.
It was raining that day, but Jean couldn’t care less. The moment she heard the news, she ran as hard as she could to the scene. It was clear for her, and for those who’re working in the Knights of Favonius, that Lisa was poisoned.
‘Impossible.’ She had thought. The same opinion was murmured again and again among her peers. It was impossible for Lisa Minci, who used to held the title “Great Mage”, would die on such an easy trick. But the alternative of that thought also scared the blonde greatly, for that left only two possibilities. She didn’t even want to think about it. She didn’t even want to consider it, nor the reason behind such action.
The funeral for Lisa Minci was done shortly after, and the conducted investigation had confirmed her fear. The letter that she has left on her desk had confirmed it all. “Impossible.” She had said out loud, despite the clear evidence in front of her eyes. Despite the incredibly familiar writing on the paper.
Her eyes were too watery to read anything on the letter, but it was easy to make out the word “Jean, I’m sorry.” by the end of the letter. The very word that makes it clear that it was written by her beloved, and regarded toward her.
Jean didn’t remember how she could come back to her room —their room—, but then again, she couldn’t remember a thing that happened that day. It was evening when she’s finally calmed down. The rain hadn’t stopped. Not at her funeral, not even now. It was weirdly calming for Jean, as she laid on the room. The room where they shared most of their memories. The room that has seen them at their worst, has recorded their most intimate and vulnerable state. The room that has now felt too big for her.
Jean sighed. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want to do anything except remembering her lover. The one strict librarian who always has soft spot for her. Or so her peers had said. The one endearing lover, who would willingly look at her with no expectation or judgement, so that she could come and look for comfort in her embrace. That one person whom she loves so much.
Despite all the things and stories that Jean had told her about, Lisa has never even once talk about herself. But Jean had never pondered into it too long. Lisa might have her own reason for hiding it, but she trusted her enough to be sure that she’d tell her when she’s ready. But turns out, that day would never come. Or it was way too big, it takes Lisa’s life. Jean didn’t know.
Once again, she started to cry. Softly, silently. Now that Lisa was no longer here, she didn’t have anyone to share her story again. She could only whimper into the night. Now that she’s alone, she regretted it. She regretted everything. Why didn’t she ask more about her well being? Why couldn’t she bring herself to be Lisa’s shoulder, had she needed it, before? Jean could only regretted everything.
It’s been a week. One long week without Lisa Minci the librarian. One long week without Jean Gunnhildr, their Acting Grand Master. She had asked to be put into duty again, but was refused because she was deemed to be too unstable for now. She needed more rest before coming back, they said. But soon, the shocking news would travel in a hurry. For the said Acting Grand Master had been found deceased in her room.
It was said that the same poison that has killed the librarian was found in the Acting Grand Master’s cup of tea, and she had passed away holding a purple rose.