An Entreaty from a Mother - IV

Annelisa plucked a flower, her tone becoming distant and reflective, "Yet, throughout this process... Ans changed as well. Despite the limited time I spent with him that year, I sensed he had developed a definitive vision, something to pursue even under the weight of immense pressure."

"And then, one day." 

Her voice chilled suddenly, a bone-deep coldness that seemed out of character for the eternally gentle and beautiful lady.

"One day, he informed me that he was to depart from the imperial capital."

Annelisa's gaze met Ravenna's, the emotions brimming in her eyes too intense for Ravenna to bear.

"Ans, he spared any superfluous words," the woman's voice was barely audible as the flower in her hand visibly withered and died. 

"But I felt it... he had given up, he had lost all hope."

"He was in profound sorrow."

"In that moment, I truly contemplated whether I should end you, little Ziegler."