I have to admit, it was clever of her to use her own concert to announce she was leaving for Beacon.
She even managed to summon Winter.
Two precise moves that cornered Jacques. But it was foolish of her to think he'd let it go that easily.
The only question I have is... why do I have to listen to this lecture along with them?!
We're in his office now. It's large, but it always feels smaller than it should, maybe because of the whiskey smell or the fact that his shouting takes up most of the room.
Weiss stands with that perfect posture, like a porcelain doll about to crack. Winter remains impassive—typical Atlas soldier, pretending she feels nothing. And what am I doing here? Serving as the audience?!
"You've disgraced my name in front of the top reporters and my key investors!"
He looked ready to throw his glass of whiskey at someone's head—I hoped it wouldn't be mine.
"Can you believe it? The second daughter of the Schnees became a mere Huntress. As if the fiasco with Winter playing soldier in the army wasn't enough!"
This seemed to strike a nerve with Winter, who finally showed a reaction that I assumed was anger.
"I don't play soldier—I am a soldier. I'm General Ironwood's right-hand woman. I obey no one but him."
Damn.
"In the end, it's all the same thing."
"You can wear whatever uniform you like, but you're still dependent on me. The Atlas military, General Ironwood... all of it is sustained by the money and Dust I provide.
Think about it for a moment, Winter. What do you think would happen if that ceased to exist?"
Fuck.
The threat silenced her instantly. You could practically see the blood draining from her clenched fists.
"And you!" He pointed at Weiss.
"I only agreed to send you to preparatory school because it was good for the company's image for the Schnee heiress to know how to defend herself! I never imagined you'd be foolish enough to actually want to become a Huntress."
Just when I thought the conversation was over, Weiss finally decided to speak:
"Father, with all due respect, I've been accepted into Beacon Academy. I want to become a true Huntress, protect real people, and earn my place as the heir our family needs. I want to build something with my own hands, not be a puppet blindly obeying orders, like... some here seem to prefer."
What a bitch! I'm just a spectator here! The only time she opens her mouth is to insult me. I know I haven't been the best brother, but indirect jabs like that... that was low.
Putting aside the unpleasant parts of her speech, I'm actually... pleased that she's pursuing her own dreams. I'm also glad that, perhaps, I'll become the company heir and finally have something to do—something beyond private tutoring or watching the Schnee family flaunt their wealth to all of Atlas.
Our father's expression grew even more wrinkled than usual, perhaps because she dared to answer him. Just when I thought he was about to yell at them even louder, his face suddenly calmed, as if he had just had an idea. He simply said:
"Okay."
That startled me, startled all of us, even Winter, who had reverted to her usual stoic demeanor. Weiss gripped the hem of her dress tighter, surprised that her impromptu speech had worked, and decided to push her luck further:
"W-we're leaving tomorrow. I know the entrance exam doesn't start until next week, but Winter wants to teach me a few things."
"Very well."
He did it again... What's going on with this family today?!
Winter, likely fearing our father might suddenly change his mind, grabbed Weiss's still-paralyzed hand and left, slamming the door behind her.
What is he plotting? He's so pompous that he didn't even bother to acknowledge the knock at the door. He's staring at his gigantic portrait as if nothing that just happened matters.
"Whitley."
I straightened my posture at the sound of my name—the first time he'd addressed me since I entered the room.
"Yes, Father?"
"Pack your bags. We're going to Mistral."
"May I ask why?"
"I must present my new heir to the world."
—.---.---.---.
I was a bit disappointed. I thought he'd do something worse—not just repeat what he did to Winter: pass the inheritance around like a hot potato.
It'll upset Weiss, of course, but I was expecting something worse. Like making her find her weapon, Myrte... whatever it's called, broken in her room. That would really mess with her.
It was our grandfather's weapon, but he wouldn't do that—he respected the man too much.
Not that I wished for something like that.
It's just... the way he spoke—it sounded like something big was coming—something worthy of the great Jacques Schnee.
Well, what can you do? At least now I'm the heir.
From this window, I could see the car that would take her to the airport.
But... where's Weiss?
Ah, there she is—next to Winter, Klein, and a mountain of luggage. It took all three of them to carry everything.
I think I'll go over... to say hello. Or is it goodbye?
I descended the stairs slowly, keeping my steps light and steady.
Each step creaked under my weight, but I continued.
Reaching the main hall, I glanced around quickly and headed for the front door.
The door was open, and I could see the three of them loading their suitcases into the car.
Winter maintained her usual cold expression. Klein wore a small smile as he watched the two sisters. Weiss seemed so excited that she bounced slightly with each step.
I moved closer and began to examine the suitcases more carefully.
The first thing I noticed was that some were clearly clothing bags—the barely closed zippers revealed impeccably folded shirts, uniforms, and heavy coats. Weiss never compromised on style, even when traveling.
But other suitcases... were different. Too heavy, rigid rectangles with internal dividers. The kind of suitcase that stores Dust, not clothes.
She was taking a small fortune in Dust with her, and Winter was there, likely to supervise every gram.
I smiled inwardly. Of course, Weiss was leaving to chase her dreams, but she still couldn't help thinking about strategy—security, resources—just like a Schnee.
I approached slowly, crossing the small space between the door and the car.
Weiss noticed me and frowned, raising an eyebrow.
"What do you want, Whitley?" she asked, her voice firm, each word measured as always.
I smiled inwardly, but maintained my calm demeanor.
"Just a warning," I said, gesturing toward the suitcases. "Be careful with... those suitcases. Carrying so much Dust is dangerous. A simple sneeze, a stumble... and boom, things could go very wrong."
Weiss blinked, surprised, but maintained her composure.
"I can take care of myself, Whitley," she replied firmly, though for a moment her gaze betrayed a hint of apprehension.
Winter simply observed me, motionless, evaluating every word I spoke.
Klein let out a small smile but remained silent.
"Just a warning," I added with a shrug. "It would be a shame to see you blow up before you even become a Huntress."
Weiss huffed and looked away. Winter crossed her arms, impassive, while Klein chuckled softly.
The car was ready. Weiss gave me one last quick glance before getting in. Winter and Klein followed close behind.
"Goodbye," I said, keeping my voice neutral as I watched.
The car began to pull away, and I stood there, motionless, watching it pass through the gate and grow smaller in the distance.
Finally, the two sisters were gone. I knew they would leave someday, but it still felt a little sad to be alone in this mansion.