Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy Tactics or any of its characters.
The Noble and the Knight
Ramza Beoulve hated conflicts. Born a noble from the family of respected military generals, House Beoulve, Ramza knew that there is no real winner in war. Ivalice's history has been plagued by strife political upheavals. The commoners were the ones who suffered the most. The nobility never treated them as human, viewing them only as creatures to be ruled and used to drive the economy.
But Ramza's duty as a Beoulve will plunge him deep in this world. As much as Ramza dislikes it, he feels he cannot go against society. To challenge the order of Ivalice is like trying to smite a fortress wall with a blade. Add to that that his father, Balbanes, instructed his two older brothers to take care of him as he died. Ramza felt small, insignificant. His brothers, Dycedarg and Zalbag, were respected statesmen and generals worthy of the Beoulve name. However, he...
"So you're here, brother." said a girl's voice.
Ramza was deep in thought in the Beoulve estate's vast garden in Igros, one of the safest strongholds in Ivalice. The voice interrupted his thoughts and he looked up.
"Alma..." Ramza replied.
Alma was the youngest of the four Beoulve children. Her blonde hair swayed with the gentle breeze together with the skirt of the pink dress she wore.
"Lost in thought?" Alma asked as she sat down beside her brother.
"Just a bit. After father passed away, I just feel...lost." Ramza confessed.
Alma frowned in concern and looked at Ramza. His blonde hair was tied in a short ponytail and his blue eyes gazed towards the distance. She wants to help her brother but she doesn't know how. She remained silence, hoping that her company would be enough for now.
"I went here to tell you that brother Dycedarg wants us in the main hall. It seems Princess Ovelia has arrived to discuss some matters with him and brother Zalbag. They said we need to greet them properly as hosts." said Alma, breaking the silence.
Ramza nodded. Another settlement meeting. The King of Ivalice, King Denamunda, has just passed away and two successors were left behind. Prince Orinas, the only surviving son of the king and Queen Ruvelia, and Princess Ovelia, half-sibling and adopted daughter of the king. The throne was now the subject of a power struggle. Prince Larg, brother of Queen Ruvelia and Duke of Gallione, wanted to enthrone Prince Orinas in order to become regent. However, the Duke of Zeltennia, Duke Goltana supported Princess Ovelia's claim in order to gain regency. The state of Ivalice is one wherein a single spark might ignite war and right now, the two dukes are treading the volatile situation carefully.
The Beoulve family has always been a staunch supporter of Prince Larg and Princess Ovelia's visit is a surprise, even to Dycedarg and Zalbag.
Ramza and Alma went to the main hall of the Beoulve manor. Standing in the middle were Dycedarg and Zalbag. They were greeting a girl wearing an elegant dress, her long, blonde hair tied.
"So there you are. Your Highness, these are our siblings, Ramza and Alma." Zalbag said, raising his arm to introduce us.
Ramza and Alma approached them. They bowed politely to the princess and began to introduce themselves.
"I am Ramza Beoulve, third child of the late Balbanes Beoulve. It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness." Ramza stated.
The princess nodded in acknowledgement and smiled. As Alma formally introduced herself, Ramza looked at the small party which accompanied the princess. They were only composed of three people, all female knights. One of them had long blonde hair, braided so it won't get in the way in battle. She wore armor over her blue dress and to Ramza she looked...beautiful.
Ramza would have continued staring if it weren't for the sudden inquisitive glance he received from the woman in question. The young noble quickly averted his gaze.
"These are my personal guards, Lavian, Alicia, and Captain of the Lionsguard, Agrias Oaks." said Princess Ovelia.
"We are grateful for your warm welcome." said Agrias solemnly as she bowed politely.
"Very well then. I assume you have something to discuss. The library would seem fitting for it, Your Highness. However, it would do you well to rest before that. We have prepared-" Dycedarg began.
Princess Ovelia raised her hand and shook her head.
"There is no need for that. I am well rested and the matter at hand is urgent business. It will be better if we are to discuss it immediately." Ovelia smiled.
"...As you wish, Your Highness. Please follow me." Dycedarg nodded and began to walk.
Zalbag let the princess walk behind Dycedarg and then followed them.
"Agrias, please remain here. This matter is confidential." Ovelia stated as she walked off.
Agrias seemed ready to protest but decided otherwise. With that, she turned to Ramza. Alma already took her leave since she still had to study before she leaves for Orbonne Monastery.
"If it wouldn't trouble you, may I ask a good place where we might secure the princess without invading her privacy?" Agrias asked.
"Umm...well, you can have your knights stand guard in the hallway on the second floor. That's the floor where the library is at. And one can also be in the garden outside to see the library windows if you require it." Ramza offered.
With that, Lavian and Alicia were assigned on the hallway.
"Thank you very much, Sir Ramza." said Agrias, her voice unsure of his name.
"You don't have to be so formal, Lady Agrias. Here, I'll show you to the garden." Ramza said, leading the way.
They began to walk.
"But, you are a noble. As a knight, I cannot-" Agrias began.
"And so are you. Your name is of some renown in Bervenia. Besides, I never really liked the differentiation brought by status and titles." Ramza interrupted.
"But you are a Beoulve. My name is of no importance compared to yours, Sir Ramza." Agrias argued.
Ramza sighed at this. Dissuading her would seem far more difficult than trying to race against a Chocobo. The young noble looked at the Holy Knight with a sidelong glance. Her features would seem unsuited for a knight. Her face looked so innocent and yet in those eyes lie a sense of determination and strength. After a few moments, Ramza's attention was caught by her red lips that seemed so soft and for some reason, seductive.
"Pardon me but do I have something on my face?" asked Agrias.
"Huh?! Oh...oh nothing. Please don't mind it." Ramza smiled nervously.
What is happening to me?! thought the young noble.
Agrias blinked. Is it just her or is this Beoulve weird? No, weird wouldn't be the term. Innocent might be better. He seemed sincere and that is what is lacking in Ivalice nowadays.
The two arrived in the garden. Agrias can't help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of it. Trees dot the green expanse of flower covered fields. A path winds through the entire garden and net hedges are carefully tended. Butterflies and bees freely fly across the serene landscape.
"Those are the windows of the library over there." Ramza said, pointing at the row of windows on the second floor of the manor.
Agrias nodded and began scanning the area. You can't be too careful especially if your charge is a princess.
"Again, thank you very much Sir Ramza and I apologize for troubling you. I will gladly help you in anything to repay you for your kindness." the knight said.
"No no. It's alright." Ramza said, shaking his head and smiling.
Now that that is done, Ramza had to take his leave. However, the young noble can't bring himself to do so.
She will be doing her job now so I must leave her alone now but...why don't I want to? he thought.
"Excuse my rudeness but perhaps I might have delayed you from something important and-" Agrias began.
"Ah! No. No. Not at all. I'm not busy or anything...If you don't mind, can I stay here with you?" Ramza blurted out.
Agrias was surprised. Why is this young noble asking permission from her? They own this estate. He can do whatever he wants here.
Oh great. Now you just said that out loud. She might think I'm weird or something. Ramza frantically thought after seeing Agrias' reaction.
"...Well, I don't see why you're asking but I don't mind, Sir Ramza." Agrias replied after a few moments of silence.
Ramza sighed in relief. However, her last words still bother him.
"I told you it's just Ramza, Lady Agrias." Ramza said.
Agrias was about to say something but Ramza beat her to it.
"How about this? You told me you'll do anything to help me to repay me, right? So for that, please call me Ramza." he smiled.
"...I see. Then please, just call me Agrias." the Holy Knight mumbled.
Ramza nodded.
"Thank you, Agrias."
"...you're welcome...Ramza."
-End of Chapter 1-
Author's Notes: Hello everyone! Thank you for reading my first Final Fantasy Tactics fanfic. I hope you enjoyed it. I originally intended a oneshot but it seems a love story between these two would be better developed if written in more than one chapter. For now, I don't really know when I can update since I update irregularly (sorry for that). But rest assured, I will finish this since it will be a fairly short series to begin with since I still have to update my ongoing Pokemon fanfiction (I'm sorry for the REAAALLLYYY long wait). Well then, see you guys next chapter. Stay safe everyone and keep reading fanfiction! :)
P.S. Reviews are very much welcome. :)
