Marla relived the bittersweet memories of the past as she listened to Eren's words.
"Marie has become an impressive potion maker," Eren said with a voice laced with honesty. "Your sister oversees my best-selling priority potion batches and leads the research team at the White Raven Guild. Without her, our potion-making department would suffer greatly."
Eren smiled, presenting the facts before Marla, who struggled to digest the newfound realization. She had believed Marie had wasted her life as a cultist, but it seemed Marla had misjudged her half-sister.
"Arrrgh! I despise being proven wrong. I don't know how I'll face that stubbornness sister of mine when we meet," Marla vented her frustration, her fists crackling with elemental manifestations.
"Fortunately, Almera and I will be staying at the settlement for a few months," she continued, letting out a sigh. "Otherwise, I might lose my composure." Almera couldn't help but giggle, provoking Marla further. "As if you haven't lost it now," Almera teased, earning a glare from Marla and a simple "shut up."
Tapping his fingers on the potion-making table, Eren sought to console Marla.
"It's fine, Marla. I'm sure your intentions were rooted in caring for her best interests when you discouraged Marie from becoming a cultist. There's no need to dwell on the choices you made in the past."
Eren's voice took on a firm tone as he asserted, "Plus, becoming a Cultist was Marie's choice, and she must bear the consequences, both positive and negative, of that decision. Fortunately for both of you, you were not given a part to play in that choice. It makes you not take any credit for Marie's success story. But it also absolves you from the problems she had and would continue to face as long as she remains in Anfang," He paused, allowing his words to settle before continuing.
"Marie has indeed found success in her current path, but she cannot openly boast about it. Branded as a Cultist by Edinburgh, she will forever carry the label of a criminal. Her accomplishments can only be celebrated silently within the confines of White Raven City."
Eren leaned back, running his fingers through his hair, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he met Marla's eyes. "What Marie truly needs now is someone who can celebrate her success alongside her. Someone like you.
I'll give you this free advice. If, at first, Marla wants to revel in her triumph, let her. Give her this small victory over you. Face her, congratulate her for staying true to her chosen path, and watch as the walls between you both crumble like dust."
Marla attentively absorbed every word that Eren spoke, finding a sense of clarity in his perspective. Joining Eren's Guild had been driven, in part, by the knowledge he shared about Marie. Marla realized that she had been simultaneously seeking closeness with her sister while also running away from her, resulting in a tumultuous mix of emotions and frustration.
A nervous chuckle escaped Marla's lips as she glanced at Eren, her gaze filled with a blend of amusement and apprehension. "Hehe, I wish things could unfold as smoothly as you've portrayed, Eren," she admitted, pursing her lips before acknowledging him further. "But I must confess, your words always seem to come at just the right moment. I appreciate your genuine advice and will wholeheartedly work on it."
Marla's voice softened, carrying a sincerity that resonated with her gratitude. "Moreover, I want to express my deepest gratitude for welcoming me and my sister into your Guild.
Even though Marie possesses remarkable talents in her craft now, you could have chosen safer options for recruitment. Yet, you accepted Marie regardless. If we ever manage to bury the conflicts that separate us, know that you will be the catalyst for our reconciliation.
So as her sister, I must extend my heartfelt thanks to you on Marie's behalf as well."
With folded arms resting on the table, Marla cradled her face in open palms, her expression a mixture of vulnerability and appreciation for the support Eren had shown.
Eren smoothly shifted the conversation, his tone laced with playfulness. "So, when do we get to witness this majestic sunrise you were raving about?" His eyes narrowed as he teasingly accused Marla, insinuating that she had ulterior motives for bringing him here. A hint of mischief danced within his gaze.
Marla met Eren's playful gaze and responded with a smirk. "Oh, hotshot, before you interrogate me, how about you check the time?" She gestured toward the window behind Eren, where the darkened sky still held a few hours before the first glimmer of sunlight would grace the horizon.
Almera, eager to divert the conversation, scanned the surroundings in search of something intriguing within the treehouse. Knowing about the tension between the sisters, she welcomed the chance to steer the discussion away from their strained relationship. "What shall we do until then?" she inquired.
Marla's mischievous grin widened as she produced a bottle of her beloved Elven ale—Frostfoam. "Hehe, fear not. I have something in mind," she announced, offering the bottle as a gesture of celebration. "Let us drink and revel in the progress each of us has fought for."
Almera wrinkled her nose in annoyance at Marla's behavior, aware of her reputation as a drunkard who indulged in her vices during times of sorrow and joy. The circumstances didn't seem to faze her companion.
As Marla summoned three wine glasses from her storage, Almera promptly declined. "No thanks, Lady Marla. You two go ahead," she said, dismissing the offer with a wave of her hand.
Understanding Marla's fondness for Frostfoam and the reasons behind it, Eren empathized. He had traversed a path in the previous timeline that was even more self-destructive than Marla's present struggles. "I'll pass as well, Marla," he revealed, observing her eager gaze fixed on the bottle of her cherished beverage.
Marla glared accusingly at Eren and Almera as if they had betrayed her on the battlefield. "Ha! You guys are no fun," she complained, pouring a drink for herself. "I'd like to see what you can come up with that's more interesting than savoring Frostfoam."
Eren and Almera exchanged a glance, taken aback by Marla's challenge. They pondered how to fill the time while Marla immersed herself in her drinks.
"See? You've got nothing," Marla taunted, her voice laced with temptation as she attempted to sway both Eren and Almera. "Come on, you two. Join me for a few drinks, won't you?"
Almera, on the verge of reprimanding Marla once again, suddenly found herself sitting at the potioneering table as lightning crackled through the air. Perplexed, she looked around until her eyes landed on Eren, who stood before her.
"Don't worry, Almera. We'll find something much more exhilarating than Marla's proposal," Eren declared with a mischievous smile aimed at Marla. Before Almera could respond, her face was gently grasped by Eren's hands, drawing her closer to him. She met his gaze, finding her own reflection mirrored in his captivating emerald-green eyes.
Marla, too, was taken aback by Eren's unexpected actions. The drink she had prepared for herself remained untouched as she watched Eren and Almera share a kiss, disbelief etched across her face. She begrudgingly admitted that Eren had indeed discovered something far more thrilling than simply drinking Frostfoam with her.
