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Chapter 22 - chapter 22: Secret enchantments

Secret Midnight Chat Between Elizabeth and Nick

Nick:

Hey Liz. Are you safe? Any updates about that… book thing?

Elizabeth:

Yeah, Jasmine and I visited a witch in the forest. She did blood-based spells and generated map fragments for each of us. The maps supposedly lead to the book's location — the more your bloodline is tied to Crispin or Liputian empires, the more accurate your map is.

Nick:

Whoa. That's big. But you shouldn't go ahead without me. You need to come here — we'll plan this together. Is Jasmine joining the military camp too, after school?

Elizabeth:

She's in. She helped me through the forest, and we even caught a stranger who led us to the witch!

Nick:

Wish I could see her too, get my own map done…

Elizabeth:

You actually can. Your step-uncle is the camp commander. Just find an excuse for leave — something clever.

Nick:

How about… proposing a wedding to Tiffy? That might work. A wedding would justify a full monthly leave.

Elizabeth:

That could work. Just convince her — and make it seem big enough to cover a long leave!

Nick:

If it goes through, I'll get honeymoon time and family approval. Pretty convincing, right?

Elizabeth:

Yep. Just don't forget Jasmine and me when the wedding comes. We better be invited!

Nick:

Of course! You'll both sit at the high table — with Sally.

Elizabeth:

Great. Keep us posted on everything — the wedding, the witch visit, all of it.

Nick:

Goodnight Liz. I love you.

Elizabeth:

Love you too…

---

Morning: Nick Breaks the News to His Friends

At breakfast, Nick dropped the surprise.

Nick:

"Guys, I'm getting married to Tiffy soon. I'm trying to secure a leave from the commander. Think a group request would help?"

Jenny: (smirking)

"Congrats, future dad!"

Nick:

"Wait, what? I didn't say anything about that."

Jenny:

"I mean… remember that party night? You and I... kind of ended up in the same bed."

Everyone went quiet.

Nick:

"Are you saying something happened?"

Jenny:

"Maybe. You were putting on pants in the morning… That's usually a clue."

Nick: (tense)

"Let's keep that night between us. I don't want to mess up things with Tiffy. If you're pregnant or anything, we'll talk. But please… don't interfere."

Jenny:

"As long as you're responsible, I won't ruin your life."

Nick:

"Thanks. All of you — promise to keep this secret."

Allied group:

"We promise."

---

Later That Evening: Nick Calls Tiffy

Nick:

"Hey Tiff, I've missed you. I was thinking... maybe we shouldn't wait. Let's get married — soon."

Tiffy:

"What? Why now, Nick? I just started college. My parents are strict — this won't be easy."

Nick:

"I know it's fast, but we made vows back in high school. I feel tempted here — I don't want to lose you."

Tiffy:

"I understand. And honestly... I've been under pressure too. With popularity, basketball boys, and everything… I messed up. I dated a few guys."

Nick: (quietly)

"Did you sleep with them?"

Tiffy:

"I don't remember clearly, but I always had pills on me. So, no worries about pregnancy."

Nick: (hurt)

"So you did."

Tiffy:

"Popularity comes with chaos. I didn't do it out of generosity. I was overwhelmed. I'm sorry."

Nick:

"It's okay. I understand what mental strain does. I forgive you."

Tiffy:

"Thanks, Nick. I still love you."

Nick:

"I love you too. I'll talk to the captain tomorrow — let's make this happen."

---

Next Morning: At the Captain's Office

Nick and his group stood before Captain James.

Captain James:

"What's going on, boys? Nick?"

Nick:

"Uncle… I'd like a one-month leave to plan my wedding. I'd also like permission for my friends to accompany me."

Captain James:

"You just arrived, and now you want out for a wedding? Isn't that a bit hasty?"

Nick:

"I respect the training here, but I made a promise to my girlfriend back in high school. We said we'd marry as soon as we got to college. I don't want to break that vow."

Captain James: (pauses, thinking)

"I see. Peer pressure?"

Nick:

"No, sir. It's about commitment. Distance is weakening us — I want to hold on before we lose what we had."

Captain James:

"Alright. One month. But don't take advantage. There will be consequences if you don't return on time."

He signed the leave forms. The group cheered lightly, gathered their belongings, and set off.

---

Evening at Home

Toto:

"Nick? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at camp!"

Nick:

"Surprise! I got a leave — the wedding is happening."

Toto:

"Does Tiffy even know?"

Nick:

"Of course. But her parents don't. I'm heading to her place tonight for dinner to help break the news."

Robertson:

"Should I tell mom and dad you're back?"

Nick was already out the door.

---

At Tiffy's House: Breaking the News

Tiffy hugged Nick at the door.

Tiffy:

"Let me get Dad home early for dinner. We'll soften the ground first — food always helps."

They prepared dinner with her mom. At 8 p.m., Tiffy peered out the window.

Tiffy:

"Dad's here. Time to begin."

After settling at the table, her dad complimented the food before sensing something was up.

Dad:

"This feels like a setup. What's going on?"

Tiffy took a deep breath.

Tiffy:

"Dad, we're getting married next month. Nick took a military leave to be here. We wanted to tell you first — tomorrow we'll be at his house to do the same."

Dad: (sternly)

"You've just started college. Why the rush? True love waits. If you're scared of separation, maybe you're not right for each other."

Tiffy:

"Nick has amnesia. I've stood by him for years — through sports, school, therapy. I'm not walking away now. Also… I've become too popular in college. Boys chase me non-stop. It's exhausting. I've made mistakes. But I love Nick. Please understand that."

Dad: (sighs)

"Okay. If that's the reason, and it's love — then you have my blessing. Let me know the plans. I'll handle the budget."

Mum:

"We're proud of you, sweetie. Even your little sister can't wait to be an aunt. You have our blessing."

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