~~~~~~Author's Note:
I'm ending the 'Corrin Effect' Part here, and will continue it in a different setting that follows Revelation Storyline more accurately.

The story will follow Kamui / Corrin and Niles and a more fleshed out Valla storyline. The working title is Destiny ~ A Dream Woven By Fate.

I will leave updates somehow that informs of how I'm going to transition out of this and into a different story format.

Corrin Effect Part 3

Rejection

Niles had a semi busy night after Kamui went to bed – he covered up where the knife penetrated the table and also the door when Kamui threw the knife at Niles.

He also found the mirror in the bathroom and did his best to cover up the bruising and cuts on his face – he cleaned the cut before putting a light layer of mending tape over it, then used makeup to disguise the bandage and the bruise. Once he was finished, the evidence was completely gone, except for the pain.

Corrin once asked him why he would know so much about makeup removal – the answer was simple. On jobs, if he looked like a beatup criminal, it was harder to blend into the crowd. It was also extremely difficult to do any kind of business. Appearance was a part of professionalism, after all . . . Presentation mattered in all sorts of ways.

He thought back to some things he'd prefer to forget . . . Then wondered what he would do about Kamui / Corrin. Corrin needed to know – but Kamui was watching, that he could be sure of. He needed to learn as much as he possibly could about Kamui, about dragons, about Sealing Magic . . . It looks like he was back to his old ways, but he had to be very discreet about it. Nothing different there.

That butler might have information, too, though Kamui made it sound like all of the maids, butlers, and retainers were left in the dark. How much did he want to involve them? Would they be able to differentiate between Corrin and Kamui and not lead on to the fact that they have knowledge? It could be dangerous to inform them, but equally so to keep them in the dark.

Niles stepped back into the main room – There were still 2 and a half hours before Jakob would return and wake up Corrin, unless that damn fool would come earlier and piss off Niles even more.

Corrin slept peacefully after Kamui went to sleep, much to his relief.

Niles sat down at the table, thinking about his next move. He had to watch Leo tonight, so somewhere in this mess he should try to get some rest. The Records Hall had books that the Diviners, Spell Casters, and other tactical and book reading people had put together to pool resources, much like a library. Niles did not go there often, unless he was with Leo, but he figured he could find something about Sealing Magic and Ancient Dragons, though he recalled most of the Draconic Texts were in Ancient Draconic Script, which would be a pain in the ass to decipher.

Not to mention, above his pay grade. If he could make it back to Nohr, he might be able to find someone there who had knowledge on that kind of thing, though crossing realms was not as easy as Lilith made it out to be. For one, she cannot transport people back to Hoshido or Nohr – If someone needed to return, they had to find the specific Outrealm Post that lead back to their continent. It's been mapped out, it's just another pain in the ass.

The Astral Realm was pretty amazing, just very easy to get lost in all of the inter-webs of each Realm it connects to. Each Deeprealm had a faint portal that lead to someplace in their continent, whether it be Hoshido, Nohr, or a neutral kingdom in between.

Corrin began to stir under his sheets – he rolled over and stretched.

Niles watched to see if he was awake. It was too early for him to rise.

Corrin: . . . Hmm . . . Niles? You're all the way over there?

He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

Niles: What do you mean by that?

Corrin: Haha, I half expected to find you still next to me.

Niles felt his face turn red – thank the gods it was still dimly lit so Corrin couldn't see it. He had forgotten about that after Kamui went to sleep.

Niles: Ah. Sorry to disappoint you. Next time I'll remember to stay the whole night.

Corrin didn't have an answer to that and blushed a little bit.

Niles: Go back to bed.

He said flatly.

Corrin: Oh, I feel pretty well rested. I'll have to get to bed earlier from now on. I probably won't, though.

Corrin sat at the edge of his bed.

Niles: Don't blame me for crashing and burning later, then.

Corrin: I won't. So what have you been up to?

Niles: Hm? Oh, nothing eventful. By the way, you really should avoid certain phrases – 'up to' sounds like an accusation.

Corrin: O-Oh. Right. Sorry.

Niles: Don't worry about it too much, I'm just messing with you. Well, I know better NOW, but I'm sure you'll run into someone that won't later if you keep it up. So I should just knock that bad habit out of you now, before someone else does it later. At least I'll be gentle about it.

Corrin: Maybe you should worry about your own bad habits before correcting mine. That last thing you said wasn't necessary.

Niles: Sure it was. I was simply stating that I'm probably not going to hurt you for accusing me of being 'up to' something – hence the gentle correction on your poor word choice. What did you think I meant by it?

Corrin: I give up. You're hopeless.

Niles: Heh. I'm sorry you feel that way. So, what would you like to do? We could go get some breakfast, if you like.

Corrin: I'm not hungry yet. But if you are, we can go.

Niles: I'm good, thanks.

Corrin joined Niles at the table. He was cheerful this morning, which was a very good thing compared to last night's incident.

Corrin: I suppose we could find something to talk about.

Niles: Like what?

Corrin: Hm. Are you going to the battle field today?

Niles: I have some chores to do and some sleep to catch up on.

Corrin: Okay.

Niles: Hah.

Corrin: Hm? Is something funny to you?

Niles: Ah, nothing. You royals are a strange bunch.

Corrin: What do you mean by that?

Niles: I thought this job was more I stand outside, you stay in here, and the only communication we'd have is you barking orders and hurling insults at me. And here we are, instead, chatting like a pair of old friends. It's just funny to me.

Corrin: Why would you think that?

Niles: My entire life experience before meeting Lord Leo . . . and you, I guess.

Corrin: . . . Come to think of it, I can see where you are coming from.

Niles: It might be hard for you to fully realize what happens in the world, but there are people who have money and power who do not deserve it and treat those that have neither as inferior beings.

Corrin: So you think that we are strange . . . because we don't behave like that?

Niles: Strange is not the right word. Different.

Corrin: Well, I would rather be considered strange if it meant doing those things . . . if it meant being that kind of person.

Niles: I know.

Corrin: I guess that's one thing I have never had to worry about. I couldn't go where I wanted to and my life was very limited in some regard, but I had the means to live and I had family that looked after me. It's something that I've never really said out loud before, but sometimes I have a hard time imagining myself as a Prince or Royalty, because I've never had to be one. I was locked away and I only knew a handful of people. I think if I had to choose money, power, or the people in my life, I would choose a simple life with the friends and family I have. Haha, I think I would continue living this way, without the constant threat of war.

Niles: A little treehouse and an army camp?

Corrin: Well – minus the army camp. And everyone can have their own treehouse?

Niles: I'm not sure how everyone else would feel if you forced them to stay here.

Corrin: Yeah, you're probably right. I'm thinking I'm the only one who is a fan of this kind of living. It's not like I have a lot of stuff to lug around, anyway, so I don't need much more than this.

Niles: All joking aside, it's not like this is a terrible place to live. I remember being shocked to see how much work you put into this. It's a very nice living space and it is, in its own ways, a small town of people working together for a common goal.

Corrin: Yes, well, Lilith had more to do with this than I did. Having a secured Fortress for all of our soldiers wouldn't have been possible without her.

Niles: Lilith. That's an interesting character, isn't it? She's a dragon, too, right?

Corrin: Yes. An astral one. She said that there were more, but I haven't seen any.

Niles: Hm. So, what DO you plan on doing after the war is over? It's not like you can stay here forever. Or maybe you can, if that's what you really want to do.

Corrin: No, I wouldn't be able to stay here. I have to help Xander and Leo straighten out things in Nohr. Xander will be King one day. I have no idea what that life entails, but I will have to learn it eventually. After Xander is King, I have no idea what comes after that. I am technically a Prince of both Nohr and Hoshido, so . . .

Niles: Babysitting, then? Make sure the big wigs don't kill each other?

Corrin: I guess it would be something like that.

Niles: Wait, I think the technical term would be something like 'Ambassador'.

Corrin: Except I don't really know much about politics or how to be diplomatic.

Niles: You can always wing it.

Corrin: That sounds like a terrific idea. Maybe you can be the Head of the Bull Shitters Committee.

Niles: Let's keep this PC, all right? Geez, off to a good start already.

Corrin laughed a bit, starting to be at ease around Niles.

Corrin: You wouldn't know a thing about keeping things PC.

Niles: I'm not even going to try and lie about that.

Corrin: Well, we don't have to worry about that until after the war is finished. And I hope we can resolve this soon.

Niles: Every day we get one step closer. But, since you brought it up, I suppose you should probably get prepared for battle. Do you have everything you need? Weapon and armor? Dragonstone? Healing supplies?

Corrin: Yeah, I have everything already.

Niles: All right.

Corrin: I'll go ahead and get dressed, though, then we can get something to eat. Won't Jakob be surprised!. . . . Huh . . . I could have sworn . . . Did Jakob come by last night?

Niles: U-um. For a few moments.

Corrin: Hm. I can't really remember. I guess I must have fallen back asleep pretty quickly. Did he want something in particular?

Niles: Just checking up. He left soon after.

Corrin: Okay.

Corrin looked over at his bed. His eyebrows furrowed as he was trying to recall last night.

Niles: You could always ask him what he wanted.

Corrin: I must have been dreaming, but did I throw the pillow at the two of you, then kicked you out? That couldn't have actually happened.

Niles: . . .

Corrin: Yeah, what am I saying? That must have just been a dream. Okay, I'm getting ready.

Niles: . . . Okay.

Corrin: Hm? Something wrong?

Niles: No, it's nothing.

Corrin: You look like something's bothering you.

Niles: I think I'm just getting tired, that's all. Go ahead and get ready to go.

Corrin: Well, okay. I'll be out in a few minutes.

Niles: Okay. (Damn . . . That was pretty close . . .)

Niles looked out the window, watching for life and for possibly Jakob. He wanted to at least converse with him before speaking with Corrin to cover their bases. He wanted to have matching stories in case something like that raised flags in Corrin's mind.

Niles could guess that Jakob would show up early – he was actually surprised that the butler hadn't come yet.

While Niles window-watched, Corrin sorted the armor. After all these months, it was still difficult climbing in and out of all the different parts of his gear – it was tiring, actually. He peeked out his door in a moment's break from the strangely daunting task of getting ready.

Something wasn't right. Something sat at the tip of his mind. He remembered Jakob coming in and being loud . . . Niles and Jakob were arguing about something . . . Then . . . Then . . .

Corrin: That had to have been a dream . . . Why is it bothering me so much?

Corrin shook his head and stepped out a moment.

Corrin: What are you doing?

Niles: I guess you're switching to lighter armor huh? Just looking out in case that butler of yours arrives early.

Corrin: . . . You're in a hurry to leave.

Niles: What? No, I just have to ask him something. It's not a big deal.

Corrin: . . . I see. Can I ask you something? And will you answer honestly?

Niles: That's another phrase you really should avoid using around people – especially from Nohr. Dunno about Hoshido, but that phrase sounds like you don't trust me.

Corrin: I trust you. It's just a strange gut feeling, but . . . something about last night just seems off. I remember hearing you and Jakob talking – no, it was more like arguing. Then I remember nothing. Did something happen last night?

Niles: . . . No. Nothing happened last night. Jakob came in to check on you, then promptly left. If we were arguing, it's because he's a bit condescending and told me things I needed to do throughout the night. I told him to fuck off, we got into a bit of a spat, then he left.

Corrin: . . . So, you argued, woke me up briefly, then I went to bed before Jakob left?

Niles: Yeah, that's about right.

Corrin: . . . Okay. Well, sorry to hound you. I just . . . feel like there's something else. Oh well, I must just be imagining things.

Niles: . . .

Corrin: Okay, time to get ready for real this time.

After Corrin went back to change, Niles mind raced. 'Kamui' was a feisty one . . . Corrin's body with that sass . . . well, Niles wasn't going to lie to himself, it was quite the turn on.

The dragon half got a few good hits in – he was also a bit destructive compared to the relaxed nature of his counterpart.

The trick was informing Corrin about all of this without arousing the dragon's suspicion. If Kamui got even the slightest inclination that Niles was trying to warn him, he might awaken and take control.

Niles: * sigh * It does me no good to think about this now.

He stepped away from the wall and sighed. After a moment of failing to force his thoughts to something else, he knocked on Corrin's door.

Niles: . . . Lord Corrin?

To Niles' surprise, Corrin opened the door.

Corrin: Yes?

Corrin managed to strip out of his night clothes and put on his under tights and leg armor, but only the bottom half of his armor ensemble dressed him. From his torso up was bare – not even his side skirt was on at that point.

Niles: D-Damn . . .

Corrin: Um . . . Niles? Did you need something?

Corrin started to fidget, becoming more uncomfortable by the second.

Niles: I was just . . . informing you I was stepping outside . . . in case you . . . finished before I came. . . er, back inside, that is.

Corrin: Oh, okay.

Niles: I am a bit worried about you, though . . . now that I'm standing here . . .

Corrin: And why would that be?

Niles: Because . . . you're so unguarded . . . What if I . . .

Niles leaned in a little closer to Corrin.

Niles: became "interested" in you . . . and decided to take advantage of you? What would you do?

Corrin: T-Take advantage . . . ? Are you serious?

Corrin's face burned as his heart rate skyrocketed.

Niles: Hm, I don't think I'll ever get tired of that look.

Corrin: You didn't . . . do something to me while I was sleeping, did you?

Niles: Why would you get that impression? As I may have mentioned before, if I'm going to do anything to you . . . you'll be aware of everything.

Corrin froze, not sure what to do in this situation. Moreover, he was confused – was this just another sick way of getting a rise from him? Or . . . or was he legitimately "interested"? Maybe both?

Corrin started to say something, but stopped. He tried to figure out a way to ask what it was that Niles actually wanted from him.

Niles hummed, unable to avert his gaze from Corrin's uncovered body.

Corrin: . . . I've already established that you . . . do this just from my reactions, but . . .

Niles still leered at Corrin, but did manage to meet his eyes.

Niles: But?

Corrin: A-Are you actually serious . . .a-about being "interested"?

Niles: Wow. You've become a stuttering mess . . .

Corrin: Ah . . . I see.

Corrin grabbed hold of the door.

Corrin: I thought you were going outside? Or is teasing me so distracting that you forgot?

Corrin's mood changed quickly – he almost sounded angry.

Niles: Oh, right, I did forget. My apologies.

Corrin: Don't apologize. I know you're not sorry.

Corrin began to close the door. Niles stopped it before it could.

Niles: Hey, c'mon, you're not really angry at me, are you? We've had a pleasant morning so far; I don't want to end it on a sour note like this.

Corrin: You should have thought about that beforehand. Every chance you get you tease me. Relentlessly. Though this time sounded more like a threat.

Niles: I wasn't planning on it. Honest. You just really caught me off guard.

Corrin: You're off guard!? I'm half-dressed because I left the main room to get dressed. Xander, Gunter, and Jakob have been helping me in and out of armor for years, and yet, it seems that YOU'RE the only one not adult enough to handle it maturely! I should have known better, I guess. Now. Get. Out.

Corrin slammed the door more forcefully, but Niles still caught it.

Niles: Ugh . . . I'm sorry, okay? Can we just talk about this?

Corrin: Why? You'll just disregard me and keep this up even if I ask you to stop.

Niles: Hold on, now. I mean, you're right, I've seen enough naked people in my life not to be thrown like this. But, in my defense, I didn't think you were going to OPEN that door and . . . I should be used to it, I've seen my share of skin less attractive than yours, but I think that's my problem here. I find you . . . very . . . er, handsome.

Corrin: So, you threaten every man and woman you find "handsome" with rape? THAT'S a viable excuse?

Niles: . . .Not . . . Rape.

Niles gritted his teeth. Well, at least Corrin had enough self-preservation instinct to defend himself.

Corrin: What do you even want from me? One minute we're friends, the next you do . . . you do this!

Niles: . . .'Friends'?

Corrin: I thought at least comrades, perhaps friends, but I don't know if I can trust you if you continue saying things like that. To me, or to anyone else.

Niles: . . . Does that upset you so much that you'd rethink trusting me?

Corrin: Despite what I want, my brothers think it's best to have someone watching me. That is a job and I don't care for it, but it is for a reason. If you are supposed to be protecting me, who is going to protect me from you? Am I going to have to watch my back every time you're around? If that's the case, then you being here is moot.

Niles: Clearly you can protect yourself. BUT if you want me to stop, I'll stop. Okay?

Corrin: I don't know. That was far, even for you.

Niles: Corrin . . . you don't know me at all . . . who's to say that's NOT the worst thing I've ever said or done?

Corrin: What are you saying?

Niles: I may or may not have exaggerated in the past, but I still have a history. I'm not an idiot, either. If you weren't interested I wouldn't have done anything.

Corrin: Okay, then why –

Niles: Because you seemed interested. Taking advantage of someone is not the same thing as rape. Mind you, had you wanted nothing to do with it THEN it could be classified like that. But . . .

Corrin: . . . But what?

Niles: I'm not completely convinced my advances aren't unwanted.

The Prince's eyes widened, but he remained rigid.

Corrin: That's a bold claim.

Niles: If I'm wrong, then I'll stop.

Corrin said nothing. His arms were crossed, hiding some parts of his bare chest. He had forgotten that he was half exposed while arguing with Niles.

Corrin: Maybe, maybe not. But . . . Ugh, fine, just ease up on the teasing, okay? I'll let it go this time, but if you say anything like that to me or anyone else . . .

Niles: . . . Thank you . . .

Niles was legitimately relieved, though he wasn't sure why Corrin relented so suddenly.

Corrin fell silent, resting his head against the door. Arguing evidently exhausted him as his red eyes appeared to zone out.

Niles: . . . I . . . wasn't lying though. You're very attractive.

Corrin: You do realize I'm a man, right?

Niles: Are you? I couldn't tell. Here I was thinking you were a woman this entire time! . . . Uh, sorry. Yes, I realize you're a man. No, I'm not limited to just thinking women are the only attractive sex. And . . . just for the record . . . I find you to be more beautiful than any woman I've ever met. . . . I think I'm going to step out now.

Corrin: . . . . . . You could have led with something like that, you know . . .

Niles: Oh? Flattery works on you? I'll have to remember that for next time.

Corrin: I think flattery works on most people. Just throwing that out there.

Niles: Debatable. Though you haven't met the people I have.

Corrin: Though I guess if you do cross anymore lines, I'll just tell my family you threatened to rape me.

Niles: I did not threaten to rape you!

Corrin: All I have to do is repeat what you said to me. 'Taking advantage of me' will more than suffice.

Niles: Black mail, eh? I didn't think you had it in you. Well, I guess I have to be like the rest of your fanclub and bow to your every whim like an excited little doggy. How do you feel about whipping me if I disobeyed instead of the tricky black mail business?

Corrin: NILES!

Niles: Hmm, if that's the case, I've been a very, very naughty boy who needs punished immediately.

Corrin: Get out!

Corrin blushed.

Niles: . . . Was that too far?

Corrin: * sigh * I'm getting used to it. Now leave so I can get dressed . . .

Niles: Need any help?

Corrin: No. Definitely not.

Niles: Just offering my services to you.

Corrin: I think I'll pass. Now, shoo.

Corrin finally closed the door and Niles exhaled.

It would be nice if he could learn just to shut up every now and again. Some lines just weren't meant to be crossed . . .

Then again . . . he did have a bad habit of pushing his luck. It even ended in his favor, though at first it seemed like he shot himself in the foot.

On the other side of the door, Corrin took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm himself. These emotions were bizarre to him – he should be furious by the things Niles said, but instead he felt relieved and curious, if not still confused.

What did Niles want from him? What did he want from Niles?

Corrin: . . . I don't have time for this right now. Jakob will be here soon.

So he finished getting dressed and walked out into his bedroom / living room and saw that Niles either did not leave or was already back inside.

Corrin didn't know what to say at this point. He wasn't hungry, so he would wait for Jakob to show up. He didn't have much else to say to Niles, so he awkwardly sat down and held his head up with his hand, elbow resting lazily on the table.

Niles still felt the tension looming over them.

Niles: So, uh, I half anticipated that Jakob would show up early? The way he chewed me out last night suggested as much.

Corrin: . . . Jakob is not a morning person. Wait, let me rephrase that . . . I'M not a morning person – he's a hypocritical night owl who wakes up passed 2 on his days off, then proceeds to berate me for wanting the same things.

Niles: So he's still asleep?

Corrin: He's usually never late. But he's rarely early.

Niles: Strange, I didn't peg you as a night person.

Corrin: I find it . . . difficult to sleep at night sometimes.

Niles: I suppose I can relate to that. I have frequent nightmares, persisting from my childhood.

Corrin: Nightmares?

Niles: Of growing up in the streets. Of not knowing whether or not I could find food the next day. Of knowing that I was on my own. There is one that is more frequent than the others, but telling you these things only revolts you, so I will stop there.

Corrin: . . . You have mentioned some of it before. Niles, I am not revolted by you. I just never imagined people could . . . do those things to another person.

Niles: I'll accept that from you. You may have been sheltered and unaware, but there are those in Nohr who witnessed everything, yet did nothing. I wonder if you would have intervened or if you would have turned a blind eye like the entire wealthy populace.

Corrin: I know of it now. And I've already spoken to Xander and Leo about their future expectations and plans. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to think that we could change it.

Niles: And what if you fail? What is your plan, exactly?

Corrin: What do you mean?

Niles: If you expect to walk into every thieves' den promising 'change', you might not make it back out alive. It is their first instinct not to trust outsiders.

Corrin: So how would you have responded if I tried to help you?

Niles: I would have kidnapped you and held you for ransom money.

Corrin: . . . Perhaps there was a reason why no one helped, then . . .

Niles: Heh.

Corrin: Why is this funny to you?

Niles: It isn't. I'm glad you haven't tried to help those poor bastards. I don't think you would have made it without help.

Corrin: So what do you want from me, then?

Niles: I am merely giving you my honest input. These men – especially the men – have long forgone their sense of morality. You offering something freely would be seen as suspicious. So when that fails, what would you do next? Forgetting about kidnapping, let's assume you make it out of there with knowing of their suspicions and unwillingness to cooperate with your rehabilitation plan. What would be your next step?

Corrin: You're saying they wouldn't give up their life even if it meant transitioning to a better one?

Niles: You could get the weaker ones to follow you. The ones on the lower end of the food chain and perhaps some of the dumber ones. However . . . those in charge who know how to operate in the Underworld . . . they make a literal killing. Seriously. Murder is a very wealthy business. How would you convince them that legitimate work – that will probably result in a pay cut for them – would be a better alternative than what they've built up?

Corrin: . . . What would you do?

Niles: By that point, I would assume they've set up traps and are actively trying to kill you. Or keep you as a prisoner. Either way . . . you might have to fight and kill them.

Corrin: Kill them? But weren't you just saying –

Niles: You are ill-equipped to deal with them. I might be willing to educate you, but if you go in with that naiveté and innocence, you will not survive. My advice is to save the ones that want to be save, and slay the rest.

Corrin: That's heartless.

Niles: No . . . that's survival. Besides, if I had to choose who lived and died in that scenario, I wouldn't want you to die.

Corrin: Thanks, I guess. . . . Did you want to be saved?

Niles: At the time? I wanted to die. I am glad I got the opportunity to be of use, though.

Corrin: 'Of use'?

Niles: That's right. Lord Leo needed me for some things, so he hired me. I have a job; a purpose. That is more than I ever thought I could have. Though I doubt all will share that sentiment.

Corrin: How did you meet Leo?

Niles: Have you not heard this story? Very well . . . a few of us decided to raid the castle, y'know, go directly after the wealth. We hadn't made it that far into it before getting caught. They used me as a decoy and fled. Lord Leo was the one who met me.

Corrin: Leo showed you mercy?

Niles: He did.

Corrin: I wasn't aware of that. I'm glad he spared you.

Niles: Even though you think I'm a rapist or a pervert?

Corrin: I know you're a pervert. Not sure about rapist . . .

Niles: That is one crime I have not committed.

Corrin: . . . Niles?

Niles: Yes, milord?

Corrin: What do you do . . . when you're 'interested' in someone?

Niles: There's always a rag and chloroform –

Corrin: Would you be serious?

Niles: I suppose. But where would the fun it that be?

Corrin: Forget I asked.

Niles: You have no sense of humor, do you? Fine, fine. I think that you and I have very different definitions of 'being interested' in another is. Most of my encounters involved mutual desire to 'get off' in some way, shape, or form. It was different depending on the person and situation, but most were one time flings before we went our separate ways. No strings attached, no names exchanged . . . just a mutual desire to feel some degree of pleasure.

Corrin: . . . So . . . then . . .

Niles: I have no desire to seek a long lasting relationship.

Corrin did not answer.

Niles: I take it you have an issue with that?

Corrin: No. That's your choice. But it isn't mine.

Niles: That's . . . kind of unfortunate.

Before Corrin could reply, Jakob knocked on the door, then let himself in.

Jakob: Up already? That is a surprise, indeed. Did you sleep alright, milord?

Corrin: Yes, thank you, Jakob.

Jakob: Of course.

Niles: Can I talk to you a moment?

Jakob: Why would I give you the pleasure of my time?

Niles: Just need to finish up last night's spat, so we can just agree to disagree? Come on, let's not argue in front of Lord Corrin.

Jakob: . . . Very well. Please give us a moment. I will be right back in.

Niles: I probably won't. See you around, Lord Corrin.

Corrin: A-all right, then. Have a good day.

Niles: Yes. Stay safe on the battle. Jakob?

Jakob and Niles walked outside.

Niles: He remembers you coming in, but nothing after that. I figure we need to cover our stories so he doesn't get suspicious.

Jakob: You don't want him to know what really happened last night?

Niles: I think he has a lot on his plate, and that knowledge will only distract him on the battle field today. You're watching him, I assume? Then you know as well as I do that that knowledge would only cause him harm. I think . . . and this is just an assumption . . . that something was magically sealed. I will do some research and get back to you later, but . . . I think we need to find a solution first before we tell him anything.

Jakob: Humph. As much as I loathe to admit it, you might be correct. Well, do what you can. Should I know anything else before re-entering?

Niles: He asked what we were arguing about – I told him you were just giving me pointers and I said some rude things to you, and we argued and then you left.

Jakob: Sounds accurate enough. Anything else?

Niles: He's about half aware something happened, though if you keep his thoughts on the battle and the war, it shouldn't come back to it. I covered up the holes in his room, so it shouldn't be an issue.

Jakob: 'Holes'? Plural?

Niles: . . . Yeah . . . He didn't go back to bed after you left. There was the one on the table and then he threw one at the door. I pushed the wood together and glued it with some not so strong stuff, it'll have to be redone later.

Jakob: . . . Goodness . . . What did he do?

Niles: Honestly, I'm not too sure myself. After he couldn't ambush me like he wanted, he calmed down and went to sleep . . . Like I said, I'll look into it today and get back to you later. After all . . . This is our little secret now.

Jakob: You think keeping it a secret is wise? Lord Leo might know a way to solve this.

Niles: We'll talk later. You should go back – he's probably going to get suspicious if we're out here too long.

Jakob: * sigh * Agreed. We will discuss this matter – in depth – later. I expect you'll be prepared.

Niles: I'll prepare to the best of my abilities. Now, I'm off.

Jakob: . . . Right, then . . .

Jakob went back inside and Corrin looked confused, but he did not ask any questions. Instead, Jakob had one.

Jakob: I have a question, if I may . . . Do you find Niles deplorable, or do you actually trust him?

Corrin: Niles is fine. Why do you ask?

Jakob: It's just . . . he has a history. He is a criminal – a common, lowlife thief. Not to mention a pervert.

Corrin: Jakob, I know that you're just trying to look out for me, but I would ask that you not make snap judgments like that. What someone has done in the past is not a reflection on them. What matters now is that we are all here, now, making a difference and changing the course of our history.

Jakob: Perhaps, but it does not change the fact that the man possesses a lewd and disturbing mind. He may not be bringing you harm now, but what happens when he decides to act on any detestable desires he may have?

Corrin paused for a moment, understanding the truth of that last question.

Corrin: If he crosses any lines, he has Xander to answer to. Or Camilla . . . Either way, it is fine. I don't think he'll try anything that would get him killed . . .

Jakob: You are far . . . far too trusting for your own good.

Corrin: Perhaps . . . But it's a discussion for another time. We should get going . . .

~,,,,,,~

Niles walked toward his quarters, thinking about everything all at once. He still wanted to help Corrin / Kamui, but he wondered if Corrin realized what he was doing . . . the question of 'being interested' . . . his rejection . . .

But at least Niles did now know that he was interested in some degree. He only rejected the non-commitment aspect of it, not the attraction which seemed more and more mutual.

Corrin almost looked disappointed, though . . . But Niles feared commitment like that. What if one day either of them decided that they didn't want this anymore? At least the no strings attached would keep them as friends and they could go their separate ways with no feelings hurt.

Niles was equally disappointed, though. He wondered if there was a way of getting physically close to Corrin. Niles wanted that and he was sure Corrin might want it as well . . . but he wanted a "relationship" with it, more than likely . . .

He decided to just focus on figuring out the Sealing Magic behind trapping a fragment of the soul within a separate part of its body. Should be fun . . .