"So, have you made up your mind?" Rita asked after taking a sip of black tea. She was an exchange student from abroad who had come to this unfamiliar country and met Durandal. The two became good friends, and Rita admired Durandal's abilities. As she prepared to return home, she invited Durandal to pursue further studies in her country.
Durandal studied medicine. She was tempted by Rita's invitation, but she did not agree right away.
Her two younger sisters were already in college and capable of supporting themselves.
"Let me think about it a little longer," Durandal said.
"All right." Rita found it somewhat strange. It was only a two-year program of further study, so why did Durandal seem so troubled? Was it because of her two younger sisters?
"Kiana plans to pursue sports?"
Rita brought up Durandal's youngest sister. She had met Kiana a few times and knew she was a lively little girl.
She had heard that Kiana had even laughed when she learned of her father's death.
"Yeah." Durandal thought of her overly energetic little sister. Kiana was exceptionally capable and had already caught the attention of clubs, but her only flaw was that she was too attached to home.
Kiana's achievements were largely thanks to Otto never cutting back on the three sisters' meals. The abundant, nutritious, delicious food had given all three sisters healthy bodies.
"Only when you grow up beautiful and healthy can I get back a hundredfold, a thousandfold return from you."
Durandal still remembered Otto saying that.
Thinking about it now, Durandal felt that the three sisters had all lived up to Otto's expectations.
After chatting with Rita for a while longer, Durandal said goodbye and went home, still thinking about studying abroad.
The moment she stepped inside, she caught the scent