Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Kyo Kara Maoh. This is purely fan-made.
Book 1: Dawn's Light
Chapter 3
After finishing a wonderful meal, Lorelei bid the two of them goodnight and went back to her room. Now that she really thought about it though, Lorelei noticed that even her room expressed how much he was doting on her. Just like what happened at dinner even the room itself that the professor had prepared for her seemed worthy of royalty...
There was the bed with a long honey gold canopy hanging from the roof. Then on the bed were soft red satin blankets and embroidered pillowcases which gave it a very medieval look. Across from the bed there was a beautifully carved dresser with a large revolving mirror resting against the wall; which like the bed, was made of solid red ebony. There were roses carved into the wood as well, each petal defined in great detail and looked so life-like.
That was to be expected though, since the professor loved roses as his late wife who had died long before Lorelei and her Papa had met him. Still, Lorelei knew all this hadn't been there before and had to have been added recently. Because later on Lorelei realized that this was the same room she used to stay in during their visits when she was little. The only change was that all of the furniture had been replaced for someone older and more refined.
At first though, Lorelei thought all the rooms were this fancy, not just hers. But then, after she took a glance at the other rooms nearby, Lorelei saw that they were far more simply adorned then hers was.
Honestly, what the bloody hell was going on? Why was the professor acting so strangely? Lorelei wanted answers, because she knew for certain now that he indeed had an ulterior motive. But what?
However, that would have to wait until morning because she was getting sleepy after eating all that food. So Lorelei closed the door and the curtains over by the window seat-where her Papa used to read her books-and promptly got into her nightgown. After that, Lorelei sat down in the chair in front of the mirror and brushed her dark, wavy, apple red hair.
No one believed that this was the natural color of her hair, but it was. And there were more of her features also gave Lorelei a wild and exotic look too. Such as her red-gold eyes and ivory skin. All together, these features-along with her naturally willowy and slender figure-made Lorelei look almost like a fox; which was actually the nickname that her Papa sometimes called her.
Once her hair was brushed, Lorelei smiled to herself and walked to the bed, kneeling down and saying grace before climbing into the soft and rose-scented blankets. She felt warm, and comfortable, and safe. It wasn't long then before Lorelei nodded off, wondering what new things awaited her the next morning.
Lorelei woke to the sound of singing birds and the smell of toast downstairs. Then she leapt out of bed, got dressed, and dashed down the stairs. Refraining from skipping the steps this time for fear of getting scolded again by Miss Fern.
Like the day before, the meal was set at the far end of the table. But oddly enough, neither of them was there yet. Puzzled, Lorelei wandered into the kitchen again and asked where they were.
"I believe they're in the study Miss." replied the head cook from yesterday, "They'll be along shortly."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Lorelei asked sweetly after her question was answered.
The maid chuckled, "You are a persistent one aren't you? I'm afraid we're all done here though. All that's left is washing the dishes, and before you ask, we have that covered too." she winked, "If you'd like, you can help prepare lunch later if that makes you happy."
Lorelei smiled brightly, "I'd love to. Oh, and thank you very much for dinner last night, it was excellent!"
"You're very welcome Miss," she nodded. "Now run along, I think I hear them coming now."
Lorelei nodded in return, and after a small wave goodbye, she reentered the dining room. Slipping into the same chair as before and waited quietly for them to arrive...
When they came in and saw her there already, they were surprised. They hadn't expected Lorelei to be awake so early. Still, they greeted Lorelei with a smile and joined her at the table.
They all said grace together and began to eat in silence. Mainly because unlike Lorelei, who was bursting with energy, the other two were still a little drowsy. Neither one of them were as young as they used to be so getting their day started took much longer than most.
However, once they finished, the professor addressed Lorelei and said, "Well, since you seem to be up and about, how would you like to start your lessons today?"
Lorelei blinked in surprise, not expecting that to be his first inquiry of the day. She gathered her wits though and told him honestly, "Actually, I wanted to explore the Manor for a bit first. I didn't get to see much of it yesterday and I don't know how much of it has changed. Other than that, I don't have any plans."
"I see..." he mused, rubbing his chin, "...well then, I don't see any problem with that. I suppose we can wait one more day before getting started."
"Oh no professor," Lorelei shook her head, "It's not going to take me all day. Just a few hours at most. Then I'd be more than happy to start our lessons. I have nothing else better to do and might as well do something worthwhile instead of idly wasting my time. Did Papa happen to send a letter here beforehand telling you about my education so far?"
The professor shook his head, "I'm afraid he didn't. There wasn't enough time to before his unit was deployed. So you'll have to tell me what you've covered so far."
"Well let's see..." Lorelei began thoughtfully, crossing her arms, "...up until the War started, I was in a private school since Papa and I agreed that I needed to learn some social skills and there was the fact that my grades were higher than most. The only thing I can think of at the moment that I need to work on are my math and a bit of geography. Other than that, I think I'm pretty much set professor."
He smiled, "Well at least you're honest. Alright. I'll prepare a lesson plan while you explore the Manor. But be careful, there are some parts of the house that are in dire need of repair. Especially on the end near the greenhouse. Just let one of the maids know when you're ready and they will come fetch me."
Lorelei nodded, "I will. Thank you professor," and then she leaned over and pecked him on the cheek, eagerly scooting out of her chair and exiting the room and shutting the door behind her.
Once they were sure Lorelei was out of earshot, Miss Fern turned to the professor, and asked, "Is this really necessary? After all, she won't be here with us that long, " she added sadly, shaking her head. "Poor Lorelei. She has no idea what's in store for her..."
The professor leaned back in his chair and sighed, "I'd rather be teaching her what she needs to know before going to that place, but, I can't risk scaring her off like I did with her father when I tried to tell him the truth. It's hard enough that I'm going to have to tell her some of the truth, while I'm forced to withhold the rest of it. She'll have to learn the rest on her own. Still, I think she'll manage somehow; Lorelei is a strong young woman," he smiled.
"I agree, but still..." Miss Fern mused, "...I wish you could just tell her what's going on. After all, once Lorelei is sent over there, we'll never see her again."
The professor's eye became sad and distant, but he smiled despite himself, "That's why I want her final days with us to be happy. So that Lorelei can always look back with a smile despite what she is about to face," he met his housekeepers gaze and admitted, "Though, the only thing I truly regret is that she won't be able to say farewell to her father. Because as you said, once Lorelei leaves, there will be no return for her..."
Berias and Conrad watched their two Kings with fondness as they explored the booths together. Smiling and laughing as if they were the best of friends. It was also amusing to watch both Gunter and Wolfram as they fought to grab Yuri's attention by challenging each other to win the best prize for their King.
When the contests started between the pair, Sara and Yuri stopped exploring for the moment and watched as the two of them tackled booth after booth; winning prize after prize; and offering them to Yuri. All while demanding to know which ones he liked more. In doing so, they ended up making Yuri laugh nervously and say they were all great to avoid a scene.
That's when-very unexpectedly-Berias strode over to the hardest game in the entire festival. And without even breaking a sweat, he won the grand prize. Vastly outmatching them both and thereby ending the contest once and for all.
Conrad smiled to himself because believed Berias was secretly just showing off. But Conrad also wondered if Berias had just done that to put a stop to their rivalry in order to allow Sara and Yuri to continue enjoying themselves without his two unruly retainers interrupting them. Since even now, Sara wished to become closer to Yuri so Berias was trying to grant that wish.
As for Murata, he joined in too and played a few rounds of the games himself. Using his sharp wits to outmatch the sneaky venders and their rigged games. Though to his surprise, most of them were pretty honest and so he won most of them fair and square. After a while, they decided to take a break in a local tavern where they settle themselves down. Talking amongst themselves about the day's adventures and their excitement for the feast at the castle tonight.
There was also going to be a ball and dancing there too, which Yuri couldn't help but laugh at when he remembered that the first time he met Sara, it was when he was dressed as a girl. In disguise of course, and NOT for the fun of it the way Yosak did. He and Wolfram only did it that time because they were trying to discover what the White Crows were up to and where Murata had snuck off to with Conrad and Yosak. Although, this had taken place in Big Shimaron while they were celebrating the crowning of their new King.
Now, less than a year later, they came to regret crowning Ranjeel. And Yuri couldn't help but wonder who would replace him. He knew that Sara was searching for an heir that would further his goal in uniting Shimaron again. But to do that, first, Big Shimaron needed to recover from the foolish mistakes of their current ruler. Plus Sara didn't have the power or desire to wage open War against Big Shimaron. That would only make him look bad; like he was only grabbing at power by joining with the Great Demon Kingdom and then taking over the motherland.
Which at first, Sara was.
That is, until the day he met Yuri and eventually changed his mind. Now, Sara wanted to go the same route as Yuri had. Using politics and alliances to unite their nations rather than more needless bloodshed. Sara wanted to prove to Yuri that he had changed and that he was sincere with his actions. That's why so much depended on this visit going well. With no plots, no ulterior motives, just two Kings trying to change the world and enjoying one another's company.
However, there were things that were about to unfold that would put his intentions to the test. For Sara wasn't the only one seeking a new heir to the throne. And there were many who had their hearts set on proclaiming Conrad Weller as their new King. But unlike Sara, they weren't likely to take no for an answer.
Unknown to them all however, there was another heir who had been safely hidden away for many many years. One who was almost ready to return to this land and change it forever. But had been unable to because until now, those who knew of her hadn't known where she actually was in the other world.
She had been sent away for her own protection, not only because she was royalty of Big Shimaron, but because of her true heritage. For this girl was also distantly descended from the original Weller family. A member of the Tyrell royal family who was thought to have died out many centuries ago. However, there was also another secret to her bloodline that would rattle them all. Because never before in recorded history had such a thing come to be. And when this person came, battles would be fought around her. Both for her sake, and to use her for their own devious plots.
Some of which, had already begun.
After Lorelei had thoroughly explored the Manor, she began her lessons and a pattern was quickly established over the next few days...
Lorelei would wake up bright and early and help out with almost every meal prepared for them. As for the chores, they wouldn't allow her to really do any of those. So instead, Lorelei made sure to keep her own room as tidy as possible so that the maids would have less work. She still avoided the greenhouse, but still loved the outdoors. Lorelei was often found reading under the elm tree or swinging on the tree swing. And on rare occasions, swimming in the pond.
Other than that, Lorelei studied hard and kept herself busy. Making sure there were lots of happy things to tell her Papa about her stay. Hoping to make him have a better opinion of the professor again so they could visit again once the War was over.
Lorelei received her first letter on the day that her whole life was about to take another drastic turn. It also came along with a small package containing a locket and German chocolates. Which in the note, he joked about how even though they were fighting the Germans, how they still had time to make such delicious chocolates was beyond him. She laughed at this and read the letter while clicking the locket into place, where it hung comfortably around her neck.
And then Lorelei read:
To my dear little Fox,
I had hoped to write you every day too, but it's been difficult since pilots are in high demand to patrol the skies and rain fire on our enemies. Still, I managed to find some time to write this one for you. And there's a lot I'd like to say to you before I'm sent out again. Therefore, I'll do my best to write it all down on my limited supply of paper...
Well sweetheart, I'm glad to hear that nothing much has changed over there. I remember how fun it was to play jokes on that old housekeeper. Sad to say, that means it is very likely my fault that her hair is so gray; after all, I was relentless in my pranks. And as I'm sure the professor has told you already, I was told more than once to leave the poor woman alone. But I just couldn't help myself, I'm a notorious prankster by nature. Or at least I used to be.
As for that dream of yours, I wouldn't worry about it. Even if our house isn't there by the time this War is over, we have each other. And that's more than enough home for me. This leads me to what I need to talk to you about next...
Lorelei, there are going to be a lot of changes in our lives both during and after this War. One of which may be in my death. And I know you hate it when I talk like this, but I'm being realistic. You're a bright young woman, and I am so proud to call you my daughter. However, while I will do my best to survive and come home, I want you to be prepared if I don't make it back.
I've spoken with the professor and he agreed to take you into his household should I not make it home alive. I only did this because as much as we argue and don't get along now, I know he loves you very much. But don't worry, this adds just one more reason to blast the enemy out of the sky and take you home with me. Because as much as I trust him, you are my daughter, and he tends to forget that.
I miss you every day and wish I could take you up into the air with me. It's a wonderful kind of freedom up here, where one can see and do almost anything. The world below seems so distant, and at the same time, so close.
I want to fly home right away, but I know that the reason why I'm fighting is to protect you and the world below that we both call home. That being said, I want you to always know that I love you. And that I'll be watching you from above. Whether it is from heaven or from the cockpit of a fighter plane. I'll always be with you in spirit. No matter how far apart we are, my heart is with you. My precious daughter.
Love,
Papa
Once Lorelei finished the letter, it all made sense. So that was why the professor was acting this way! He was expecting her Papa to die. And after all he said about not wishing her Papa any 'ill will'. What a joke!
Still, Lorelei couldn't come to hate him. Sure, she was a little angry but, it wasn't like the professor was intentionally wishing that her Papa would die. Lorelei was sure that he was just making sure he too was prepared to take care of her if it turned out that her Papa did die in the War.
The professor was a good man and very kind to Lorelei. Though admittedly, sometimes he was rather creepy and overzealous in the over-affectionate way that he treated her. But Lorelei didn't feel threatened by him at all. Lorelei liked him and she liked it here, she always had, ever since she was little. It had always felt like a second home to her.
However, something was about to happen that would make Lorelei see the real truth behind his actions. That he was indeed planning on spiriting her away from the place she called home. Only, not in the way that Lorelei, nor her Papa, were expecting...
