"Are you sure you want to do this?" asked a man with dark, olive green hair, and high cheekbones. He sat at a beautifully crafted desk inside of a book-filled office.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvxyVwMEtO
"I do, Headmaster Rowan," replied Evangelique, who sat in a chair directly in front of his desk. Her tone of voice was bold yet peaceful.
Headmaster Rowan shifted his wire glasses.
"Becoming a Lieutenant isn't an easy task, young lady," said the Headmaster. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAf9t0psxr
"You do know that it will be taxing, especially since you are also a teacher under AMO."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ix0EdEWtl
"Yes, sir, I understand," responded Eva, just as calm as before.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqtVB7fCJz
The Headmaster smiled softly.
"Alright, alright," he began. "Now, I don't need you to tell me why you have decided to become a Lieutenant, but I do need one other thing from you."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9mpNEn1CH
"What may that be, sir?" asked Eva.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaexSrw4lo
"Alethia Mission Organization's purpose is to share the good news of Elohim and serve those who are around us in any way we can, by using our strengths given to us," stated Rowan. "We do this through teaching children, relief work with the Perithalpsi, and training of the Troubadors.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcseaYIQ04P
Whatever we can do to serve and honor Elohim, we vow to willingly do. With that said, each team member we take in is put into a team so they can be a support for one another during hard and easy times. Teams are meant to grow together and be completely honest with one another."
The man clasped his hands together and looked at Evangelique. He seemed serious and straightforward.
"However, as of right now, your choice to become a Lieutenant must be kept a secret from your teammates....especially Augustine."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tbFgce3Q1
In the crisp winter afternoon, Evangelique walked with Ago and Tsubaki through the winter gardens of Andromeda Memorial Park. The gardens were in full bloom despite the blankets of snow and blended like vibrant paints on a fresh canvas.
"So Headmaster Rowan told me about your choice," said Ago. He sounded enthusiastic and expectant of something.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp0KbWg3Ub
"He did?" replied Eva.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHqxPkBzVq
"Why, of course!" exclaimed Ago. "Afterward, he told me to tell Kioku-daya, who is quite happy to hear what you've chosen. In fact, your Lieutenant inauguration will be tomorrow evening!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9s0Kea6WA
"T-Tomorrow!?" croaked Eva.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl3kmCzgHV
"That is correct," replied Tsubaki. "After all, right now we are in dire need for all the Lieutenant help we can get."
She looked down sheepishly. Her life was changing quicker than she could comprehend. She was happy with her decision and felt deep within her heart that it was the right choice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLN8NznewV
However, one thing bothered her about her choice.
"Headmaster told me not to tell the others about my decision to become a Lieutenant," stated Evangelique. "Especially Brother Augustine."
Ago slowed down and let out a quivered sigh.
"Yeah...that sounds about right..." replied Ago. A crestfallen expression mixed with a struggling smile.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq7ANrJ30l
"If you don't mind my inquiry, why would he point out Brother Augustine?" asked Eva.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64bH6XdyVA
"What I gather is Augustine doesn't agree with my choice of becoming a Lieutenant since I am a Hitsujikai," stated Ago. "And because you are a Sojourner under Alethia Mission Organization, he won't agree with your choice, either. He detests when Chirsathala such as ourselves choose to follow a path covered with 'lofty' moral choices."
Eva felt her chest tighten and become heavy. A feeling of guilt and anxiety mixed with her blood. She wanted to reply, but her throat became dry and her words became lost in her worry.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JDuuWfV7b
It wouldn't be easy becoming a Lieutenant.
Not at all.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pOGsymh1w
---------------------------------------397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLqyfEeBqH
Augustine walked with Cyril at the university's pavilion. It was beautiful in all seasons and was a special place for the two.
It was the place where they decided to change their lives forever.
"It's really exciting, isn't is, August?" asked Cyril with his same cheeky tone. "Having a new member to the team...you and Cordelia won't have to go crazy trying to teach several grades anymore!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9rOrXSgXI
"Hmm..." responded Augustine. He seemed uninterested by the conversation.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgQskMNBk0
"Say...what's bugging you?" asked Cyril, softly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdDbtVFrnP
"It's nothing," replied Augustine.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0ZY9ACE6I
"Try again," rebounded Cyril in a defiant and displeased tone.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cWMwa0Aes
"Cyril..." sighed Augustine, hesitant. "I can't."
He came close to his little brother, resting his head on his shoulder. Cyril's eyes widened. The only time Augustine did such a thing was when he was scared or frustrated, but couldn't find the words to say.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46DQKy5kmH
For a university professor whose vocabulary was a dictionary, he was horrible at picking the words to express his heart's concerns and fears.
"I...feel afraid," whispered Augustine, much to Cyril's surprise.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFYuTNbuAc
"What do you think you're afraid of?" replied Cyril, gently.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVtbLIgFBX
"I think I'm afraid...of that thing happening again."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL32hOgaBY2
