Sitting in the kitchen and at the kitchen island, (f/n) sipped at her chocolate milk, which she had poured into a red mug. She swung her legs back and forth on the seat, while Frederic sat next to her. He had a simple glass of water, and he was currently running his left fingers over the rim of the crystal glass.

"So, what did you want to know?" she asked, setting her mug on the island's counter.

"Just simple things, for instance what do you like to do in your free time? Why did you choose to work for my brother? What do you like most about your job? Things like that."

"I just relax in my free time. I like spending time in the garden from time to time, though. As for why I chose to work for Edgar, it was because I love working with toys. I also admire his work, and I have since I was a child. This makes the last question easy. I like helping in the toy making process, since I get to spend my day surrounded by beautifully crafted creations."

"Ah, no wonder why Edgar chose you to be his personal assistant. You're obsessed with toys just as much as him," he chuckled out before he took a sip of his water.

"Why, is there something wrong with liking toys?" she questioned, offended by his laughing.

"No, it's just surprising to find another individual who appreciates toys like my brother. Personally, I grew out my fondness for them when I turned eight. They just had no appeal for me. Besides, I would rather focus on the social dealings of this business. Edgar can hide in the shadows all he wants, but I prefer to have interactions with individuals other than the workers or house staff. Regardless, I want to know what you did before working at the store and later coming here."

"Before I answer, I wish to understand why Edgar and you have a rough relationship. You mentioned that he's stated negative things about you. What are some of those things?"

"So, we're going to switch between questions and answers, then? I suppose that will work. Well, as I just explained, I stopped loving toys at an early age. Edgar never grew out of his care for such items. This is what started the distance between us. When our father began teaching me the business side of the company, we grew even more apart. While I was carrying out my studies, Edgar worked on making the company's product.

"Once I took over the business side of the company, the distance increased yet again. I guess it was because we never really shared similar interests, so the both of us didn't find the need to talk to each other. We figured that we would mind our own business and only meet to discuss company details when necessary.

"As for the things that Edgar has said about me, they mainly stem from the fact that I don't respect the toys. He says that I tarnish the company because I can't understand the work that goes into making the toys. He states that I'm obsessed with receiving attention and that my ideas for the company are sickening. He tells me to just continue handling my current job responsibilities and not to suggest anything that involves the toy making process. Truly, he doesn't appreciate the work that I do for him. This company would be in ruin if he didn't have me. Now, your turn for answering," he finished and took another drink of his beverage.

"Fine, but wouldn't you know the answer? I did send in my resume to the company. Didn't you see it as well, or did Edgar only view it himself? I know that he's in charge of hiring, but I thought that he would at least let you view the resumes of the people that he hired."

"You're breaking the rules, (f/n). You're not supposed to ask me more questions."

She didn't see the point in explaining what she did before working for the company if Frederic already knew the answer. Still, she would play for now. "Fine, after I received my bachelor's in business management, I wound up in a cubicle doing paperwork, while I waited for a response on my application to this company. I lived in an apartment by myself and had a rather boring life. I only went to school for the degree because I thought that if I moved up in this company, I would have the knowledge needed. Now, what are these ideas that you've been giving to Edgar?"

"I desire to expand the company. I mean think about it. It's unfair to keep access to the store from so many parts of the world. The traveling that some customers make just to come to the shop is rather inconvenient. A lot of children can't enjoy the wonder of walking through the store. It's rather selfish on my brother's part. Onto your answer for my question, I'm curious about your feelings for my brother. It's evident that you like him, but how far will you go for him? In other words, will you make your future his future? Will you only make decisions that will please him?"

Her cheeks flushed at such questions. That wasn't his business, and she didn't want to answer. Besides, she didn't even know the answer to those inquiries. How far would she go? Could she intertwine her life completely with his? In some way, though, she somewhat already had. She worked alongside him, she was the inspiration for the winter holiday doll, and she didn't want to leave him. Had she already given her future to him? "I'm not certain," she muttered, staring into her mug of chocolate milk. "Why don't you tell me why Edgar disapproves of your suggestions? I can only assume that it's because he would have to hire more workers, and he wouldn't be able to control the production of most of the toys."

"Quite correct, he is worried about the quality; he is worried that they will lose their uniqueness. I told him that he would still be in charge of the most important toys and that the toys would be enjoyed by more. He shot down this idea quite quickly. Any of my suggestions about expanding don't make it past a sentence or two before he refuses to listen to them. For my turn now, do you think my idea ridiculous?"

"I don't think that it's ridiculous, but I can understand Edgar's point of view. He wants to make sure that the toys in his company don't lose their quality and worth. He doesn't want them to be just any toys. Still, giving more children access to the company's stores does sound nice. I happened to be lucky, since I grew up in the town where the shop is at. Other children aren't so fortunate."

"Precisely, my brother apparently can't understand that fact, which is why I want to give you a proposition, (f/n)." She gave him a questioning gaze before she signaled for him to continue. "Well, you see, (f/n), I did happen to see your resume. I know how well you did in your major, and I know about your various academic achievements. You would make an excellent business woman. Regardless, you also have a passion for the toys. This combination is excellent for the company, and it is what it needs to expand. Thus, I want you to help me expand the company without my brother's knowledge. Since he won't work with me, I'll need to go around him, and you can help me with such a task. You can get him to teach you more about toy making, though; I'm sure that you already know a lot it due to the time that you've spent in his workshop. After you learned such skills, you can ..."

"You're asking me to replace him?" she asked with a slightly raised voice.

"No, no, he can work on a few select toys, but he won't be in charge of the business anymore. I want you to make most of the higher quality toys and to travel around the world, promoting them. I'll still manage what I'm doing now, but I'll also have your help. You'll help me settle business agreements internationally, while also being able to tell buyers about the wonderful craftsmanship that goes into making the toys. This will bring the toys to children across the world. Don't you want that?" Before she could answer, he added, "It's fine. You don't have to tell me your answer now. Just think about it."

"If I decide to tell Edgar..."

"Well, I'll know your decision, then. I doubt that my brother will be happy about you talking to me, though. Thus, be cautious if you decide to tell him. Remember, though, that if you agree to help me, you'll be releasing yourself from any hold that Edgar has on you. I'm sure you want the freedom to converse with anyone and the freedom to go anywhere back. If you agree, you can travel the world and give more children the opportunity to experience the beautiful qualities of the toys made here," he mentioned, getting up from his chair.

"Wait; before you leave can you tell me more about your childhood with Edgar?"

A smile graced his lips, as he answered, "Shouldn't your lack of knowledge about my brother's past give you some warning signs? Still, I already told you about my childhood with him. I didn't really have one with my brother. We kept away from each other. If you agree to my offer, I might tell you more about my own childhood. For Edgar's, you'll have to ask him. I doubt that he'll tell you, though. I'm sure you've noticed that he likes to avoid questions," he uttered before taking his leave and disappearing from her sight.

Moving her mug to the left side of her slightly, she rested her arms and head on the island counter. Just what was she supposed to do? Expanding the company to other parts of the world did make sense to her, and it was true that Edgar probably would be furious if he found out that she talked with his brother. Still, she didn't know if she could do such a thing to Edgar. She did make her own choices, but in reality her movements were restricted. So, agreeing would indeed return the freedom of going anywhere back to her; she wouldn't have someone seeming to constantly watch her. Besides, Edgar wouldn't disappear from her life; he just wouldn't have a say in her job anymore. Would accepting Frederic's offer really be such a bad thing?