Lady Misfortune: Daddy, I'll Be A Righteous Villainess!

Weiss didn't hear what Lady had to say in response. 

He already closed the door behind him, but he still cursed his mother in his head for the comment. Yet, he knows that she's only trying to hide their true identities by saying he's not that smart - of all things, it really has to be that. But still, the idea of a stranger hearing about him from his mother, and remembering him as the guy who sits behind the cash counter staring is not comforting.

Not that Lady is totally a stranger. To her, Weiss most definitely is, though. 

He could make an effort to actually talk to her and clear up the misconception. But then, he only sat there like an idiot, thinking 'Why do you look like a flower?' as soon as she came in and gave him a smile before looking around the flower shop.

"Do you think she found out that I'm Weiss all along?" he asked his mother a couple of days after that visit from her. 

"What made you say so, dear?" she asked back, looking somewhat alarmed.

"She kept coming here every last day of the week. Ms. Mirabella also informed me that she's been inquiring about my whereabouts and well-being for days now. She said that I should at least reassure her, but I just can't bring myself to lie at her face anymore."

"Don't fret. I'm sure she doesn't know. Besides, we've been doing so well in our double lives. For years, nobody ever found out about our identities yet. I do agree with Ms. Mirabelle, though. You should try to find a way to reassure her. She's very worried about you. Isn't it nice to have a friend?" 

"But what would I tell her? That I can't go to school that much because I'm not even officially enrolled there? If she happens to ask why, which I'm certain she will, should I say that it's because I've already finished high school long before? And that I'm only attending the academy while disguised as a student since it's part of my training as the next head of the family?"

At this point, Weiss is rambling. 

His mother only showed him a look of understanding, knowing quite well that all these secret identities are taking a toll on him. He's right. It's tiring to hide all the time. However, they both also know that it's still too early, and not to mention risky, to finally come into the light and stay in one place. 

Catalina is the matriarch of the Saoirse family – the proud mother of its most gifted heir, Weiss. 

And being one is probably the toughest thing she's ever done. Then again, it's more than having a life of luxury – it turns out to be a life full of expectations and traditions as well. Their rules put a lot of pressure on her and her son. 

For one, the way they train the next head of the family is unique.

Secret identities are needed to prevent assassination attempts. This will also help the successor in building connections, gaining new perspectives as normal people, and learning more about those they employ, which can be of use to the improvement of the inner workings of the conglomerate. Above all, it'll play a big role in his character development. 

'In other words, Weiss has to live a double life in order to complete this training of his. Ever since his Grandfather Favian retired, I'm the one who takes up the duty to oversee his progress and serve as his companion. That's why I have to put on a disguise too…' Catalina pondered before sighing wistfully.

'Still, this is quite a challenge. My dearest son won't be able to make friends at this rate.' 

The sound of the bell ringing above the door of the flower shop brings her back to reality. The two of them turn to see Lady standing at the entrance. She smiles and waves at them excitedly once she sees them.

"Oh, Lady…!" Catalina exclaimed in delight. 

"I didn't know you were coming today!"

"Just an errand. My grandparents absolutely loved the flowers, so I've come for more…" Lady replied cheerfully before turning to Weiss who looked kind of astounded.

"Hello!"

He notes how this is the first time he's hearing her voice again after a whole week of being absent. He misses it, he admits. The next thing that comes to his mind then is that she really does like a particular flower in this shop – the marigolds, or maybe the sunflowers. But he soon learned that the thought doesn't do her justice. When she got close, he realized that she's much cuter than that. 

He chokes on his own spit.

"Are you okay?" Catalina asked, concerned.

He tries to regain his composure, cursing himself to no end because this is exactly the kind of first impression he wants to make – as the flower shop boy, that is. He silently nods his head at his mother before turning around to pretend to get some water. That is so that nobody can see the shade of red that's surely spreading across his face right now.

"Lady, this is William…" his mother started again.

"He's the son of the flower shop owner, which is, well, me."

"Nice to meet you, William…!" his classmate chirped, holding her hand out to him, which he accepted with a bit of shyness and hesitation.

"I hope you didn't mind how long I took to choose a flower last time. I was actually looking around. Still had a few minutes to spare before I had to go."

Weiss doesn't trust his voice at that moment. So, he just waves his hand dismissively and watches from the counter as Catalina takes her to one of the flower setups. As much as he wants to continue admiring Lady even if it's only from afar, he reminds himself that he has a secret to keep here, so he just focuses his attention on something else and tries not to get noticed. 

"Isn't she amazing? Don't say you've only known her for a week because that doesn't make her any less amazing," Catalina said once Lady left, which got a pointed look from Weiss.

"Yeah, yeah. I know she's amazing. But can we please try to lie low? Getting close to her in these identities is probably not a good idea."

"What are you talking about? I already told you not to worry. She won't recognize us, okay? We've got the most talented stylists in the world."

"It's not about our physical appearances, Mom. What if she realizes that you and the retired school librarian are so alike in terms of how you treat her?"

Catalina only laughs that off, saying that Weiss is already too much of a worrywart at such a young age. 

---

Speaking of physical appearances, it wasn't long before Weiss heard Lady comment about it.

It happened during her next visit. He's positive that she won't ever recognize him in this disguise - which consists of a wig that's of black dye and a pair of brown contact lenses. But then, even though that's indeed what happened, she told him how he looked like the pansies at the corner of the flower shop instead. 

He wracked his brains for something to say in reply. Yet, as usual, words fail him, and he sits there like a dumbass, wondering why he's even trying to make a conversation anyway.

"Hey, what do pansies mean?" Lady then suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Weiss blurted out, a bit taken aback.

"What do those mean? In flower language? They're cute. Really looks like you."

He went still at that. She can't possibly be saying he's cute now. 

Weiss doesn't know if he's supposed to take that as a compliment or just a throwaway comment that he's stupidly looking too much into. So, he chooses the next best alternative and asks Lady, "Have you been talking to Mom?"

She laughs out loud. Sitting up straight, she then swivels around on the stool. 

"Did she say that too? I mean, she's not wrong," she quipped.

"I'm not a pansy," he retorted then turned bright red when she roared with laughter at the double meaning.

"Right. Maybe you're not." 

"You know what I mean."

"I know, I know. It just sounded so hilarious when you said it like that."

Weiss wills the flush in his face to go away, cursing Catalina for giving him genes that make him blush so easily. He's grateful when Lady diverts back to the original topic.

"So, what do they mean?"

"What? Pansies? 

"Yeah."

"They're a symbol of remembrance."

"Really?!" 

She looks at him in awe – like he's just said something amazing. He knows he hasn't, but going by the way she gives him that look, he feels like he might just have. 

"That's so cool!"

"Really?"

"Really! You're cool!"

He isn't certain how to respond to that, so he just shrugs his shoulders – not without quietly yelling at the blood that's most definitely rushing to his face as per usual. She's just so easy to throw away praises and compliments.

It's at that moment that Weiss thinks how Lady might be a natural flirt.