The celebrations seemed as though they would never end.
Someone knocked on the command headquarters' door from outside. Fanny Cotte steadied herself and spoke.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
Though so much time had passed, she still remembered that voice. Fanny Cotte hurriedly pressed herself against the door, her breathing growing rapid again, the violent rise and fall of her chest impossible to suppress.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to save you."
"I don't need you to save me!"
Tears betrayed Fanny Cotte and spilled from her eyes. She instinctively wiped them away, only to smear the makeup on her face.
"You're lying to me! I'm not going to believe that nonsense of yours again. All you care about is your country and the world.
"You came here today for your scheme!"
Silence fell outside the door.
"Should I read the letter you wrote me? Ahem."
Franz had barely cleared his throat when Fanny Cotte cautiously cracked open the door and poked her head out.
But she saw no one. Just as confusion arose, her feet left the ground as she was swept into someone's arms, and the door slammed shut.
"Let me go!"
Fanny Cotte made a token struggle or two, then gave up when she could not break free.
"I'm telling you, I'm not the same as before. I won't be fooled by your honeyed words again!"
Franz released her, his smile undiminished.
"Why do you always imagine me as such a bad person?"
Fanny Cotte looked utterly wronged.
"The last time you came, you took my virginity, then left me in the castle at Strasbourg. What do you want this time?"
Franz did not answer. He merely said, "Long time no see."
Fanny Cotte had not changed much. Her short, choppy hair had simply grown