022 francine.fiana

///C
Fiana:
Red hair and green eyes... Knight Commander Francine?
Francine:
Yes, that's me. You're Fiana, right?
Fiana:
Mmm. I've been told to keep an eye on you.
Francine:
... Does my brother not think I can take care of myself?
Fiana:
No doubt you can. He says you're more than capable. But still, he wants me to look after you, regardless.
Francine:
I see, I suppose it's only natural for a big brother to worry. By the way, which house are you from, Fiana? I can only imagine you're a
girl of good breeding. My brother wouldn't entrust anyone less for such a task.
Fiana:
I am... Knight Commander Salvatore's daughter.
Francine:
The Florencian Knight Commander's daughter? Truly? I had no idea he had any children.
Fiana:
I'm a well kept secret. My father adores me too much.
Francine:
Yet, you're out here...
Fiana:
Well, I don't want to sit around, doing nothing, but eating cake like dear Father. And the duke saw that I have talent and put me to use.
Francine:
I see... You're very different from the average Florencian noble.
Fiana:
... Not so different from yourself, right?
Francine:
Yes... I believe you and I will get along very well. It's rare to find another Florencian without their head up their behind.
Fiana:
Indeed.

///B
Fiana:[LoadFace][0x114]
I told you before my life is pretty secret, yes?
Francine:
Yes. It's another thing we have in common.
Fiana:
The reason for it is... ......
Francine:
... What?
Fiana:
Sorry. The reason for it is my mother is from Kotan.
Francine:
Ah, that would cause unease amongst the bluebloods.
Fiana:
Maybe that's why I'm so different from other Florencians...
Francine:
Honestly, I never would have expected this from Salvatore. He is the very definition of Florencian nobility. I've always known him for hating foreigners...
Fiana:
Well, we all have secrets.
Francine:
I suppose so... My brother isn't very keen on foreigners either, especially the Kotanese. He must really trust you if he sent you to help us.
Fiana:
Duke Florencia, and I are quite close. He is an utter buffoon and full of himself. But he has been trying to better himself over the years.
Francine:
Is that so? I'm sure it isn't easy for him. Thank you for taking care of him. We're incompatible... But he is still my brother. I still love him.
Fiana:
... He would be very happy to hear that.
Francine:
D-Don't tell him I said that though!
Fiana:
Heh...

///A
Fiana:
These battles are getting more and more dangerous...
Francine:
Indeed. I feel like I'm beginning to lag behind... Thankfully you and the others have gotten stronger.
Fiana:
There is no telling when one of us might fall...
Francine:
I suppose you're right.
Fiana:
Francine, there is something I need to tell you. Just in case if one of us doesn't make it home. I cannot bear the thought of not telling you anymore.
Francine:
What is it?
Fiana:
The truth is... Salvatore is not my father. He raised me, for sure. And he originally didn't even like me much. We love each other like a parent and child should now... But originally, he only did it out of obligation.
Francine:
I had my suspicions... But why did he feel obligated to raise you?
Fiana:
It was an order from my real father, Francesco Florencia.
Francine:
Wait, my Father?! That means...
Fiana:
Yeah. Not one to beat around the bush, we're sisters. Well, half-sisters. My mother really was Kotanese though. This is the real secret about my existence. Florence offered much to me when he learned all this. But I refused to live a life... of even more luxury. Still, over time, we became quite close. I believe Florence began to value family very much after you left Florencia. He missed you terribly.
Francine:
...
Fiana:
I think he sent me here just so we could meet. He'd knew I wouldn't keep my mouth shut forever. I'm glad he did too. I can say I'm quite proud of my big sister...
Francine:
... This is a lot to unpack... Florence... But even so, the feeling is mutual. I'm proud to have such a great sister, myself. Now, I can't afford to let one of us fall. I will double my efforts so that we may see this end together.
Fiana:
Yeah, me too...