Under the Maltese Skies

[Loyola]

They finally have reached the small house with a covered terrace. The previous owner of the villa sometimes wanted to stick around here for at least a couple of days without having a need to return back to the main building. Despite modest size, the house is having rather expensive furniture and is fully autonomous in terms of energy generation and storage. It is something that looks like the palm trees, as the snow keeps falling down and covering the leafs the sight becomes more and more surreal. The lake is covered in crystal clear and shining somewhat heavenly ice. It might have something to do with additional chemicals in that water, but no sign of any birds, animals or fish ever been around here is seen. If there's a lonely, but charming place at that same time, that for sure is this lake.

Biometry checks were done relatively quickly and doors have opened, after dropping her backpack into the corner, En is proceeding to take off Charlotte's coat.

— Allow me.

She asked after she already started, taking if off relatively quickly, putting it on the hanger. Some snow would meltdown from it by the time they entered the house, making coats a little wet. Outcast looks around if there's a dryer somewhere, not able to spot it instantly, En decided to drop the idea and just leave it as it is. Taking her own coat would not take a lot of time, as it followed the Charlottes. Shortly looking into the mirror, she would notice how her cheeks ran red from negative temperatures. Collapsing at one of the chairs around that table in front of the thick glassed wall that is opening sight at the frozen lake, En sighs and finally keeps up with the conversation.

— I understand what you are saying, I really do. I want to do the right things, but I don't want to be an idiot. Forgive me for saying that, but you haven't been useful and mostly brought a lot of problems on my head. In addition, you probably still hate me and will turn against me at the nearest opportunity. You are the best of three DeFrance's I've had the honor to converse and it would be a shame to just let you go to discover that you are not replying to my comms and dreaming of how to avenge yourself or something. That's one thing, you don't trust me, and I cannot trust you because of that.

En is checking her nails, after drumming them on the table. She is trying to remind herself what else it was she wanted to say.

— The family motive is what I can understand, in Malta, we have very strong and close family clans, family comes first and most of the internal conflicts happen because of the conflicts between the families. What I cannot understand and where you might be lying to me is love to your people after what happened? Really? My dear, they betrayed you and your family, they betrayed the country. Most of the people, of course, sat there and did nothing. Explain to me why would you want to rush and save them from incompetent leadership. Let them reap what they sow.

Loyola leans back into the chair, crossing her legs and seemingly finally returns her confidence after Charlotte's outburst.

— It's very questionable to keep oaths to people without honor. As I said, you should really read up the NN and see, Gallia is really not the same as you remember it. I really value your qualities as the person and blood that is streaming in your veins. Hundreds of millions of people, rising space force, and economy, I will throw my money at you so you could have a fresh start, acquiring a very high position around here. The option is letting you go is not declined, but I will have an incredibly hard time making this decision if I ever shall do so. And thus you would have to be I don't know... convincing?

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