Last chapter was such a disappointment istg

I never wrote romance before and was cringing so hard when I wrote that scene, and I'd like to mention how vinter x mc is going to be a slow ass burn

Following after your older sister fr, but really I don't know much about vinter and I'm horrible at romance so do expect sloppy romance 😭

Enjoy!!
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You heard Penelope went to see the duke but hoped he would have enough common sense not to blame her or anything, from his reaction when you and Derrick brought her he definitely wouldn't right?

You have mentally reminded yourself to apologize for your behaviour to the marquees next time you meet though, your main focus was Penelope at the time but now when you think back to that interaction it was incredibly embarrassing

And also shameful. You only met vinter a couple times and already did that!

You just sigh wanting to get the memory out of your head before you hear a knock on your door

"Come in."

When the door opens a maid walks in, she was holding a tea tray and placed it down on the counter in your room as you just tilt your head confused

"I didn't ask for tea though..?"

Maybe you did and just forgot but you really don't remember doing so, the maid just turns to look at you before her cheeks turn slightly red as she avoids your gaze

She just looks at the floor and mumbles shyly

"I'm sorry my lady..I know you've been under a lot of stress so I decided to bring you some..it was not my business I'm sorry-"

You just look at her confused for a moment before just smiling and interrupting her apology

"There's no need, thank you."

The maid just looked up for a second with a flustered expression before bowing and leaving the room

You watch her go and smile slightly, how kind. You're pretty sure that's a maid that's been working in this household since you were a child, you've never talked with her much though

You cant remember her name but maybe you'll look into it
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That day passed normally and the next day you again had nothing to do, but you did hear from your personal maid that Penelope was in a stable condition now which made you feel a lot better

You had wanted to see Penelope yesterday but decided against it since she might've wanted to rest, but now you wanted to go see her after knowing her condition is more stable

When walking around the manor to find Penelope you saw the same maid from before..the one that fed Penelope moldy bread

In your past lives you also know that this maid was the cause of some of Penelope's death as well so you don't like her one bit

But she just know where penelope is, you just sigh before calling out to her

"You, do you know where penelope is?"

The maid who you're pretty sure is named Emily looks up at you in surprise before just looking down respectfully and saying

"Yes, she's outside near the training grounds.."

You just nod before muttering a quick thank you and leaving to go see penelope, when you get outside you see her talking with Derrick

Your brows furrowed in annoyance at the thought of him reprimanding her but you saw her smiling so you kinda assumed that wasn't what was going on

You were gonna go over to them but for some reason Derrick turned away and left..huh? Jeez did penelope smiling surprise him that much?
Seems right cause sisters beauty is unmatched

Well at least that's what you wanna think the reason is, maybe he was unused to it cause he's such a bitch to her.

When Derrick walked away you came up behind the confused Penelope and happily hug her from behind (carefully of course as to not hurt her)

She lets out a confused huh before turning to see you, she wasn't surprised that it was you if she was being honest, before she can speak you smile excitedly and say

"Sister! Are you feeling better now?"

You already know the answer but wanna hear it from her, she just looks at you and smiles back with a nod

"Yes, I'm alright now."

You stop hugging her before looking at the scarf in her hand confused before saying in disbelief

"no way..did Derrick give you that??"

You're happy of course but the thought of DERRICK of all people giving her that is quite..unnatural

She just scoffs slightly and says

"It seems so..he said cause my reputation is already soiled I shouldn't wear a handkerchief and earn more attention."

You just nod after hearing that, yeah that sounds a lot more like Derrick honestly.

You just look at her and smile happily

"Well it'd look beautiful on you sister! Well you look great in anything of course."

She just scoffs and thanks you, she was planning on going inside but you both decided to sit out there as you talked about gossip you heard from the other nobles

The next day you were just watching Reynold train outta boredom, you were training yourself earlier but wanted to take a break so just decided to watch him

"You're sweating so bad, you look like a blob fish."

You said with a slight laugh seeing him all sweaty and red
(Bro glob fish's look so hilarious I just searched it up and pleaseeeee omg 😭)

He just looks at you unamused and grumbles out a tiny shut up before you just scoff and stand up

"Come inside and drink water or something, you look like you trained enough for today."

You've been training for the last hour or so which wasn't as much as you usually do but you kinda wanna go speak to Penelope again so you wanna end it quickly today

Reynold just grunts in agreement and you both decide to walk back inside until you both see Penelope near the doghole where knights use to escape training

"..sister..?"

"What are you doing there?"

Both you and reynold say at the same time staring at Penelope in confusion

"I was just taking a walk."

You and reynold stare at her not believing her for a singular second as you just say with a polite smile

"Sister..I'd always believe you of course but..-"

Reynold interrupted you with a scoff not being as polite as you

"She's saying you're lying. You just happen to be taking a walk right next to the doghole? What an incredible coincidence."

The words hit Penelope like an arrow to the head so to switch the attention around she says

"Uh-uhm, what are YOU doing here then?"

Before Reynold could speak you just say with a smile

"The drill hall is near here! Remember? Me and brother finished training so we're heading back inside!"

Reynold uses his shirt to wipe off the sweat on his face as you just smile excitedly at seeing Penelope

Reynold runs a hand through his hair with his eyes closed as he says

"What is it? Is there something you wanna say?"

Although it wasn't targeting towards you the urge to tease him took over you as you say

"You look like a glob fish but I already said that-"

"Shut up [name]!!"

Penelope smiles slightly at the mention of a glob fish, Reynold did look like a pink one honestly. She just calms herself and says

"Alright then- you continue on your way and I'll continue my walk."

You wanted to ask her if you could come along but Reynold speaks in a warning tone

"Hey I'm warning you."

Penelope was confused and says

"About what?"

You thought about it and realized what Reynold meant, and honestly you agreed with him

"Don't even think about doing anything stupid, did you already forget you broke your leg trying to scale the wall after finding some truant knight a long time ago? that's why they raised the walls so high."
(This guy yaps so godamn much I cannot 😭)

Oh right you remember that, you had to take care of penelope and scolded her for hours!

"The knights cursed you so much it would fill at least ten books."

What reynold says wasn't even wrong as you chuckle slightly while saying in a half concerned and half amused tone

"You weren't able to walk for a couple days and I took care of you! Don't you remember? I lectured you a lot.."

Well no she actually doesn't remember cause she isn't penelope..but she can't say that and just says

"It's not like that.."

She tried defending herself into saying she isn't gonna climb the walls or anything but as much as you love her you didn't really believe that, neither did reynold as he says

"Just get permission and use the front door, don't cause a scene and get cursed at again."

"I said I'm not!!"

Reynold just hums slightly before walking away and grabbing your arm to take you with him as he then says

"then, do as you please."

Suddenly the system appeared in front of penelope asking if she will explore the festival with you and reynold

"It finally showed up but another with that guy? And a reward of only 3%??"

In Penelope's mind no way would she go with reynold, with you would actually be fun she can't lie but with reynold there it'd be annoying, jeez can't they ever just do one of these options with only [name]??

She clicks no and turns away remembering reynolds words..

If he says it that way..

Of course, wanting to do it, is human nature isn't it??

She's going to sneak out tonight and go to the festival
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With you and reynold you whined slightly as he dragged you with him wanting to stay with penelope, but you did just give up after awhile and let him drag you but couldn't help but say a bit confused

"Hey..do you think she's actually planning on doing something..not that smart?"

He just scoffed and says putting his hands behind his neck

"Obviously. And you can say she's planning on doing something stupid."

You were a bit concerned and mentally reminded yourself to check on her later as you started rambling on about random stuff to reynold

Sure he made some snarky or dumb remark here and there but at least he listened to you talk

what can you say

Noble gossip always saves the day!!

You spent the rest of the day talking with reynold and sparring with him too, you were glad at how far you came

Next time that crown prince or anyone try's to mess with penny off with their head!!..maybe a bit too much but you have the right spirit!

You both were walking back to your rooms since they were in front of each other you suddenly ask curiously

"I heard there's a festival today, do you plan on going?"

You already knew the answer. Neither of your brothers or you attended the festival after what happened to Yvonne..but you wanted to ask to see if anything changed

His answer was an obvious no and when you opened the door to his room just outta curiosity to see how messy it was to tease him

When inside you noticed it was actually clean and when you were about to make a remark anyways you heard something from outside the window, it was like a creaking noise and then a gasp

You heard a voice too but you're not sure..both you and reynold go see and look up in disbelief

"Hey..what the hell..are you doing?"

Reynold said in disbelief and shock as you saw penelope hanging onto some rope looking thing for dear life

She looks down at both of you and says surprised

"Uh...[name]? Reynold?"

Jeez..how the hell are you meant to protect her when she's so reckless?? What the fuck??

"Wh-why are you coming from there?"

Penelope mumbles out as Reynold says back still in disbelief, you were out of words

"Are you joking? My bedroom is right under yours."

You look at her in concern finally snapping out of your daze as you say in a panic

"Sister what are you even doing?? That's incredibly dangerous!!"

You wanted to lecture her but was more concerned for her safety as Reynold says

"You..ha, I have nothing to say. Are you running away right now??"

Eh running away?? Was she really doing that??

"I- I'm just going out for a moment.."

Reynold then blurts out with a scoff

"Must be some kind of trend among young girls like you to scale walls to go out. You did that too when we were younger [name]. Both of you are idiots."

You just glare at him slightly before looking back at penelope in worry

As penelope was about to speak the rope made out of some white..bed comforter?? Started falling as she let out an agh sound

Both you and Reynold get scary as he leans forward with his knee out and you put your hands on the edge leaning more out scared for her safety

"Let go."

"Sister let go of the rope!"

Reynold and you say at the same time as penelope looks at you both as if you were crazy

"What?"

Reynold just speaks calmly

"Let go and jump towards me! Me and [name] will catch you, even I fail I'm sure she'll be able to grab you in time."

Penelope did not know how she could trust him..but she trusted you though, after all currently you would make sure your life depended on it when grabbing her

Penelope gives in after reynold tells her to just keep hanging there then. She asks you both to make sure not to drop her as she finally lets go of the rope and falls

Reynold catch's her in time as you sigh in relief, you were about to actually kill him

As reynold smiles and proudly says he caught her you start slapping his shoulder and saying quickly

"Bring her back in and stop tryna act like a hero you idiot!!"

He was still carrying her of course but her body was still outside the window so what if this idiot drops her?? He just scoffs before putting her down

As he puts her down you immediately hug her and make sure she's okay while lecturing her for doing something that stupid

(This part I'm confused at because first reynold was in his bedroom and catches her but in the next panel they're outside?? I'm taking it as a timeskip.)

"Where are you going?"

Reynold asks and you also had the same question

"Just a wa-"

"I'm gonna tell father if you give me that 'I'm going for a walk' excuse again."

Penelope turns away from both of you and responds

"I wanted to go to the festival."

You and Reynold stare at her confused and you were a bit sad she didn't ask you to come with but you were training all day so that's not a surprise

Before Reynold could ask you did first

"The festival? But why at night?"

"I have my reasons, it's nothing you or Reynold should worry about."

Without a guard?? Like reynold read your mind he says the exact same thing

"Wha- without a guard??"

You then voice your concern out loud looking at her with furrowed brows

"That's dangerous though..going without a guard could lead to serious trouble!!"

Reynold speaks after you in a more lecturing tone

"Do you have any idea how stupid that is? This time at night too, where'd this sudden bravery come from??"

Penelope says both of your names in a calm tone while interrupting reynold

"I'm really grateful for your guy's concern, but didn't I say this before? I'll deal with my own business on my own so no need to stick your nose into it."

She was targeting that last part at reynold cause she can't deny she enjoys your company but right now she needs both of you gone.

"Hey, you.."

"I'll be an adult soon, I'll take responsibility for whatever happens."

She turns away before saying in a blank tone about to walk away from both of you

"Besides it's considerate to ignore things like this amongst family."

Reynold starts speaking in a calm tone not about to take no for an answer

"..I'll accom-"

"I'll come with!! I'll stay with you and protect you!!"

You interrupted reynolds declaration to come with your own with a determined expression not willing to let her go alone

Like seriously..this girl dies to forks!! No way in fucking hell are you letting her go alone

She looks at you both letting out a small "huh?" In confusion

"I'll accompany you! Reynold will too cause he's like a fly-but still! I'll be your female knight!"

You say in excitement and determination as reynold glares at you for a slight second before speaking himself

"Yeah that should work. Me and [name] will accompany you as your guards and still be considered family."

She stares at both of you in silence as reynold speaks

"Let's go. I won't tell father. Neither will [name] cause she adores you too much."

You couldn't argue with that as Penelope suddenly mumbled out

"But..you don't even like me. Why would you..?"
(I had no clue how I could add sum abt mc in here sorry chat 🙏)

It was targeted towards reynold of course but she was still surprised you'd be willing to go to..in the game it didn't mention such details about your adoration for the villainess penelope eckart other than a couple mentions

"Says who?!"

Reynold says out loud at penelopes words before screaming in an angry tone

"You're the one who said you hate me a hundred- no a thousand times over!"

As he says that you recall that moment..you didn't think reynold would remember it, you forgot about it yourself

You immediately shush him cause of the yelling as penelope looks worried at the thought of someone bearing him

Before everything went silent and penelope lectures reynold

"Why would you scream like that?!"

She doesn't even recall saying that!! What's he even talking about?

But you couldn't help but blurt off unamused and not surprised by his shout

"He's Reynold of course he would shout. Brother loves never shutting up. It's his favourite hobby-"

Reynold tells you to shut up before saying in a stubborn tone

"Anyway, I don't what you think. Me and [name] are going with you, whether you like it or not."

"Sister wouldn't mind me going you're just too annoying, you'll give me and sister a headache-"

"Shut up [name]!"

As you teased reynold penelope was staring at the system thing that had now appeared again

Surprise event! [festival date with reynold & [name] eckart]
(Reward +3% reynolds favourability, secret item)

Penelope stares at it before giving in reluctantly and sighing

"Fine, let's go."

The ding noise vibrates through penelopes ears as the yes button glows pink

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                                 Fun facts!

•this chapter would've been the whole festival thing to make up for the late chapter but I was too lazy
(And I didn't wanna make you guys wait any longer-)

•I just realized that some people actually ship vinter x Yvonne or vinter x reynold so like..you stole your siblings man ig?? 😭

•vinter had have you cross his mind a couple times and is curious on how you're doing. He also finds you really beautiful

•the maid from the beginning is the same one who brought your food up to penelopes room when you ate with