1.19 the final decision

"Big brother Blake? What are you doing here at this time?" Flora asked, her green hair tied neatly into a ponytail as she closed the book in her hands.

Blake had wandered through the mansion, somehow ending up at the library late at night. There, Flora usually sits to study foreign etiquette, which she got interested in after Blake taught her how to use chopsticks.

Flora's eyes stopped on the sleeping dragon in Blake's arms as a smile adorned her features. "I see that you have been pondering about something. May I know what it is, brother?"

"Oh? How did you know?" Blake let out a small chuckle as he sat down in the seat next to Flora.

"You would wander around the manor with Tsuki in your arms whenever you're deciding on something and can't come to a conclusion," Flora said simply, making Blake dramatically gasp and chuckle.

"Well, you're not wrong. I am deciding on something, Flora," Blake sighed, stroking Tsuki's head softly. He thought for a moment on what to say, before continuing, "Father told me, that I got an offer to go to The Silver Edgewater Academy with a full scholarship."

"That sounds great! I heard many people, nobles and commoners alike rarely ever get a scholarship to that academy," Flora said, sliding the book she read before when Blake arrived at the side and laid her head on the table. As her feet had yet to be long enough to reach the ground, she let her feet dangle off the chair as her cheek was squished on the table.

"That's... one of my problems actually," Blake bit the inside of his cheek, sighing yet again before turning his head towards Flora. "What if I can't meet their expectations?"

Flora let out a small laugh, propping her head upon her palm, she stared into her brother's eyes, "Brother, don't be like that. They sent you an offer letter because they know how great you can be! The spell you showed me and Sebastian the other day was simply magical! it was astounding, brother!"

Blake let out a chuckle, patting Flora's green hair before he added, "...and I don't want to leave the manor yet. I've only gotten accustomed to it, and I have to leave already?"

"You'll always be able to come back, the duchy's gates will always be open for you," Flora smiled, holding her brother's hands in her smaller ones.

"Thank you, Flora. I'll think about this matter a little more before I decide on anything," Blake showed a soft smile while brushing a few stray strands on Flora's face away.

"Of course, don't think too hard! Whatever you decide to do, I'll be here to support it!" Flora exclaimed happily, fist-pumping the air as a small giggle escaped her lips.

****

Blake stood in front of a big ebony door, biting onto his lip lightly, he knocked. A small but audible 'come in' could be heard as he turned the door handle and pushed the door open. There, his father sat amid tall towers made of various documents and papers.

"Ah, Blake. What brings you here?" The duke asked, placing his quill into the ink holder as his full attention fell onto his son who just walked into the room.

"Father, I would like to talk to you about the offer to the academy."