astesi

It's all in the past. Don't think any more about it.

Here, your terminal.

Thanks.

Bad habit I picked up studying in Trimounts.

When I get mentally stuck or get into an argument, I just feel the urge to throw everything to one side.

I leave my communicator behind, separate myself from phone and email, and just take a walk around Trimounts.

Let time take care of any emotions I can't.

And from every once in a while, I forget my key, like I did today, and have to wait at the dorm entrance for someone to let me in...

You didn't eat all day?

No... I had no appetite when I left, and I was locked out when I came back.

What about the box?

I bought some ice cream as a make-up gift, but I didn't expect you to be looking for me all day, so it's melted.

Didn't you have any money on you? Don't starve yourself.

Not after I bought your gift.

I'm hungry...

I'll make something. Wait a while.

Okay...

I promise I won't just hand months of our work over to someone else.

Not even our father.

I believe you.

My sister.

One week later...

I looked through the draft of your presentation. No issues.

Did you memorize all the terms?

Yeah.

Good. You'll be able to fend off any old timers who try to grind you on terminology.

But you said you were speaking in the afternoon? I didn't see your name on the schedule.

Remember Mrs. Evans, from next door?

The old woman? What does she have to do with this?

She's an authority on Victorian astrology. She was supposed to be giving a presentation this afternoon.

I convinced her to let me sub in for her.

Mm-hm.

Does that mean the space next to Mr. Urbica will be empty?

No, Genne.

Er... why are you looking at me like that?

Don't tell me you want to...

Give Father a surprise? Let him know that his favorite daughter has gone bad like her sister?

Please, Genne.

You had this all planned, didn't you? That's why you didn't say anything about the Astrological Research Association. You were just waiting for me here.

Come.

...Do I have to?

Running away won't achieve anything, Genne. Here's your chance to take Father head-on.

Come, take off your goggles and equipment.

And change your shirt and jacket.

Are you sure about this...?

It's a practical joke. Your favorite thing.

Wait, since when did I become a practical joker?

Let your hair down. Now that's a good girl.

Sis... are you really sure about this...?

Just shut your mouth and hold the sword and astrolabe. I'll do your makeup.

Perfect.

Please, sis... there's got to be another way.

Sorry, Genne, the forum is about to start. There's no time.

Try speaking in my tone.

Sia... a-are you really really sure about this...?

Bah, no, I can't talk like that.

That was perfect.

Would it really fool Mr. Urbica?

You don't need to fool Father. You just need to fool everyone else.

Plus, I'm wearing your clothes. What are you gonna wear?

The most formal outfit, of course.

'Starseeker.'

Phew. So glad to be back in light clothes.

How did it go?

A bunch of stuff went over my head, but for the most part, it was pointless bickering over a bunch of papers...

I would have left if you weren't speaking.

What about Father?

Father, well...

He's a good scholar.

The others place tradition above everything else, but he's willing to admit the changes happening before him, telling the rest that knowledge needs regular development and updating.

He scolded those old hard-heads like he was scolding us. He's consistent, at least.

That doesn't mean he's not a giant jerk, just like Ferdinand.

What about Mother?

She was glaring at everyone with her cold, statuesque eyes, as usual.

They didn't say anything about your outfit?

All they did was raise an eyebrow when they saw me. They didn't even so much as say, 'Hello, Astesia.'

Maybe the game was up the moment they saw me.

Never mind that silly stuff.

Good speech. The two old Urbica hard-heads never brought up any objections, and you dispatched the other nitpickers with ease.

I hear you're already getting interviewed by the press?

Yeah, they just asked some pretty standard questions. But I also got questions from two foreign scholars.

We exchanged contact information, and we may be able to work together to improve the model and promote its usage in academia.

As for Mother and Father...

I'm sure they expressed their dissatisfaction with me in the sternest tone, staring straight ahead.

They've always been like this. They've never changed.

(Fake voice) 'Astesia needs to know her place in the family.'

They're obviously mad at you.

Haha, don't say that, Genne.

What are you gonna do now?

We'll stay in Trimounts for a while longer. We've been too busy to go sightseeing or shopping.

There's still time left on this apartment lease.

I'll go back and report to Father once everything here is taken care of, and once things have cooled down a little.

I'll tell him that this was the fruit of me and my sister's labor, and that I won't let him put his name on it.

Finally, you've come around.

What about you, Genne? Are you going back to Rhine? I hear your old mentor is back with a directorship.

No way. Rumor has it he's even more cantankerous when bossing people around these days.

But if I'm being honest, Director Clooney's current project is... intriguing.

How could I not be interested in a form of energy that can send a building into the sky?

But that's not a good enough reason for me to go back to working under a man like him. No opportunity is worth that.

I've made up my mind. I have no regrets.