>>5265161You stand outside of Bernadetta’s room. It’s been a while since the two of you have last spoken. Somewhere along the way, things got so crazy, you feel as though you hardly got to spend as much time with her as you’d have liked. You’d never met anyone so shy before, but she seemed to really open up with you. Not to mention the two of you have fought side by side in battle plenty of times now and have learned to rely on each other. You knock on her door, wondering if the experiences that your friend has faced have managed to make her any less shy. A timid voice answers you from inside.
“W-who’s there?!”
>“It’s me, Bernie. Blair.”“O-oh, h-hi Blair! Just one second…” You hear the sound of a lock unlatching. Followed by another. Then another. And then a chain unravelling. Goddess, you and Dorothea only have lock on your door. Did she install more on her own? After the seventh lock is finally unchained, the door peeks open, and the purple haired girl pokes her head out. “Would you like to come in?”
>“S-sure.”You’ve only been here once, back during your very first month at the academy, but Bernadetta’s room is as messy as you remember it. Stuffed animals, books and plants litter the floor and shelves. In the corner of the room is a haphazardly thrown together pile of pillows and quilts, resembling some sort of fortification. Bernadetta notices you staring at her creation and answers your gaze. “I like crawling in there. It makes me feel secure.”
>“How are you doing Bernadetta? I was hoping to spend some time with you before graduation.”“Ahh, that’s right. We’ll be leaving the monastery soon, wont we?”
>“I imagine you must be somewhat happy about that. No more marches or battles to the death in your future.”“Well, that part is nice. But…well, I’m going to miss everyone. I never had many friends growing up. My father had always kept a close watch on me. Being here with everyone…you and all the others. It’s been great! Really really great! And now, who knows what the future holds for me? My father will likely work tirelessly to marry me off to some noble for the good of our house.” She sighs. “Things don’t look good for Bernie. I’ll be right back where I started, all alone.” Tears well up in her eyes.
>You place a reassuring hand on Bernadetta’s shoulder and do your best to cheer her up. “I’m sorry, Bernie. But you’re a smart girl! And I think you’ve changed a lot during the last year. You’re way tougher than you were when you first came to the academy! The Professor and everyone else always place a lot of faith in you when we’re out there, and you never disappoint. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure something out. And you won’t be alone. We’ll always be friends. I’ll even come and visit!” 