Cupid and the orbal bike
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Apex85: I can admit that with no reservations.
I get that, I'm the same with tsundere characters.
So how good am I then?
That's on me and my incomplete knowledge of the English language, my bad.
Glad you enjoyed it.
No spoilers from me about my own stories.
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Disclaimer: -In a dirty room filled with different New Year decorations-
New Year is awesome! Having to clean up, not so much.
Anyway, here is for a great 2018 everyone!
I don't own Trails of Cold Steel.
'How did I get into this situation again?' Rean wondered, doing a great imitation of Fie's deadpan expression. 'Oh right, because of that request…'
Around an hour earlier.
One of the requests for the free day said that someone had been sending love letters to the client and he asked for help locating whoever sent them. The request asked for anyone interested to meet him behind the storage building in the academy field, so that's what brought Rean to said place to meet the client, a second year from Class I with violet hair with the fringe covering the right side of his face and yellow eyes.
"Excuse me, is your name Vincent, by any chance?" Rean asked. 'I've seen him around campus before… where was it?'
"Indeed, it is". He answered. "Standing before you is a nobleman overflowing with love and pathos: the one, the only…Vincent Florald!"
"…" Rean could only stare on at the introduction of yet another colorful character.
"I presume you are the cupid that I asked the Student Council to send me?"
'If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all'. Rean thought to himself. "I'm no cupid but I am here on behalf of the Student Council, yes".
"Haha, then you may still serve my purposes; allow me to congratulate you on making your way here".
"So, based on your request and my new nickname, I assume you want me to find someone for you?" Rean asked, partly for confirmation and the other part to move the conversation along.
"Yes, something along those lines". Vincent confirmed.
"So… what are the specifics of your request?"
"Oh, before we continue…" Vincent trailed off while looking around as if wanting to make sure no one was listening in before sighing. "…good, Sariffa is currently nowhere to be seen".
"Sariffa?"
"My maid, father sent her to the academy to keep an eye on me; as you can imagine her watchfulness can occasionally be rather constraining".
"Huh… that's why you chose this meeting place then?"
"Exactly, but back to the matter at hand". The second year said. "To be blunt, I have received not one, not two, but three passionate love letters of late, and all from a single writer".
'Oh, now I remember him, he is the guy who is constantly trying to flirt with girls unsuccessfully'. The swordsman remembered.
"Curiously, however, the writer in question signs with naught but a nom de plume; what I would request of you, my fine fellow, is to find out just which lovely lady is responsible for these".
"That's reasonable, but… are you sure you it's appropriate for me to try to find her?" Rean asked. "These are anonymous after all…"
"Do take a moment to think it over". Vincent answered. "The fact that she chose to use a pen name rather than remaining completely anonymous is proof of a pining, hopeful hearth; in fact, I am absolutely certain she wishes for me to find her".
'That… seems a lot like he is just hoping for it to be the case'. Rean thought, what he said was. "I suppose I'll have to trust your judgment on this one". Someone DID send the letters after all.
"What's more, she sent cookies along with her third letter, I would hardly be worthy of the Florald name if I did not properly thank her, would I?"
"…Yeah, I don't think I could stop you at this point if I TRIED". The first year thought out loud. "Do you have any additional information that would help me pinpoint exactly who we're looking for?"
"I do, indeed". Vincent confirmed proudly. "The first hint is that she is a first year; as a man well versed in the feelings of beautiful women, I was able to deduce this from the respectful tone of her letters, additionally, the fact that she attached a pressed grand rose at the end of each letter may serve as a hint as well".
"A grand rose…" 'Could Vivi be behind this…?'
"Indeed, and the only way to obtain one in Trista is to purchase it from the town florist".
"So, if we ask the florist who's purchased one…"
"Precisely, we will be able to discover just which shy maiden has sent me these letters". Vincent finished. "Would you take this task for me, then?"
"As long as you don't mind me sticking to the plan we just discussed, I don't see why not".
"I am truly indebted to you". The second year thanked him. "Based on her pseudonym and her use of a grand rose, I can only imagine our lady is the very model of grace". Before going to his own little world.
"Now that you mention it, what was the name she used?"
"Oh, it seems I neglected to mention that very important detail, she calls herself the 'Grand Maiden', a nickname taken from the daughter of a baron who married into the imperial family long ago, the emperor at the time was so smitten that he gave her countless numbers of grand roses, and so came the moniker".
"I see… can't say I've heard that story before, but it is interesting… anyway, I'll head to the flower shop for now".
"Very well, I leave this matter in your capable hands".
And so, the black-haired member of Class VII made his way to the florist in Trista.
In the flower shop.
'There's always a nice scent when I pass this place, not surprising really, it is a flower shop after all'. Rean thought as he approached the clerk.
"Excuse me, would you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Not at all, go ahead". The women tending to the shop answered.
Rean then explained about someone receiving several letters with grand roses attached from a first year, he didn't give names since he wasn't sure if Vincent would mind.
"Hmm… it wouldn't be hard to find out if I looked at my records but… I'm not exactly sure I should disclose that information".
"I understand, I don't know if it's enough but you have my word I won't try and do anything with this information that they don't want me to, if they ask me to keep their identity a secret then that's what I'll do".
"I see…" The clerk started at the swordsman for a few seconds before nodding. "If that's the case, I guess I can help you out".
"Thank you".
"Just remember, though; it's your job to give the mystery sender your support and nothing more".
"I'll keep it in mind Ms… I don't think I ever got your name, I'm Rean".
"I'm Jane, nice to meet you; wait a second while I go check my records".
…
"Sorry for the wait… I count three first years who've made a grand rose purchase recently". Jane said. "In class order: first is Beryl from Class III, then there's Vivi from Class IV and Rosine from Class V"
Rean's eye couldn't help but twitch a bit at hearing local hellion Vivi's name.
"Thank you for the help, would you happen to know where I can find them?"
"I don't know about Beryl or Vivi but I saw Rosine working at the church not too long ago, she's probably still there".
"Once again, thank you".
"Not at all, good luck".
…
It was rather easy to find Rosine, she was literally a few steps away sweeping the floor outside the church.
"Excuse me, are you Rosine from Class V?"
"That's correct". Rosine answered, she has short yellow hair and blue eyes and is wearing a nun's outfit. "Why do you ask?"
"My name is Rean, I have a quick, kind of personal question for you… have you been sending love letters with a grand rose attached to a second year from Class I?"
"Eh? Oh, no; that certainly wasn't me". She answered a bit embarrassed. "I did buy a grand rose, but it was for the purpose of decorating the church".
"I see, sorry for asking an embarrassing question, then".
"I-it's fine…"
"…well this is awkward, I'll let you get back to work now, have a nice day".
"Likewise".
After that Rean began to walk away.
'One down two more to go... hmm?'
"Hi Fie". He called out, seeing her walking towards him.
"Hey". She answered.
"What's up?"
"Nothing much, I'll be growing some flowers at the club so I was going to get the tools". She said, her expression looking determined instead of bored.
"Huh… kind of rare to see you this serious about something".
"…it happens, sometimes". The silver haired girl replied while looking away.
"Would you like me to help you out?"
"Hmm… sure, have fun".
"You do know I wasn't offering to do it for you, right? It would defeat the whole purpose if I did". The Eight Leaves practitioner answered.
"Aww".
"Hehe, come on, to the flower shop!"
"Yeah, yeah".
…
"Do you know what you're raising?" Rean asked as both of them looked around at the different gardening tools.
"Yep". Fie said taking out a small bag filled with seeds.
"Oh, what're these?"
"Flower seeds, don't know what they're called though". The silver haired girl answered. "Someone gave 'em to me when I was in the corps, had 'em ever since".
"Ahh… do you know how to raise them, then?"
"Yep, they told me how; they were kinda joking about 'raising 'em with love', though".
"Oh, that wasn't a joke, my mom said the same thing about the plants she grows in our kitchen".
"So did Edel…" The silver haired girl trailed off before averting her gaze. "I dunno much about 'love', though".
"Hmm…well, did you love your corps?"
"Yes". She answered immediately.
"Then at least you know about that type of love, don't you?"
"…I guess".
'Is she… sad?' It was a bit difficult to tell how Fie was feeling most of the time since 'deadpan' seems to be her default expression for most situations. "…do you want to talk about them?"
Fie did a good job at hiding it but her eyes did widen for a moment when he asked.
"…"
"…"
"…no, not really". She finally answered with her eyes closed.
"Got it, I'm all ears if you change your mind". He assured her before trying to change the conversation. "I must admit, your corps sounds really different from the image I had in my head".
"How so?"
"You make them sound like one big family while everything I heard about them makes me think of people that are… well violent and bloodthirsty for lack of a better term". He sent her an apologetic look after saying that. "That was me being narrow-minded, though, sorry".
"No need, I can't blame you; everyone's more concerned about the negative reputation jaegers have than anything else". Fie said before whispering. "There are some people who can't even accept their existence".
"Hmm… what do you mean?"
"…nothing; let's hurry up and buy the tools and fertilizer".
Rean decided to not say anything and do as she said, soon enough they were making their way to the gardening club.
"Hey Fie".
"Yeah?"
"I won't pry but I'm always willing to lend an ear".
"…I'll keep it in mind… thanks".
"…this is a bit unrelated but, do you talk with Vivi?"
"Sometimes, why?"
"Do you know if she is pranking anyone right now?"
"She once said 'I always have at least three pranks going on', I think she was exaggerating, though; if you're asking if I know of any pranks she's pulling right now, then I don't".
"I see… I really hope I'm wrong". Rean said with a sigh.
"What do you mean?"
"Student council work…" He said before elaboration on the request he is working on right now, once again without giving names.
"…if it's a prank then it does sound like something she would do".
The swordsman couldn't help but agree.
.
.
"That should do it". Fie said while crouched near the patch of dirt where she planted the seeds. "They should bloom in a few months if I raise them right".
"I hope they grow big and strong". Rean commented.
"…me too". The former jaeger agreed with a small smile. "Oh, also, thanks for the help".
"Anytime". The black-haired teen assured her smiling. "Now if you excuse me, I better go make sure a certain someone isn't doing mischief".
"Good luck".
Luckily, that certain someone happened to be in the garden.
"Hey Vivi".
"Oh, what's up, Rean? Were you so taken with my feminine charms that you couldn't stand another moment away from me?" The pink haired girl asked playfully.
"There's something I'd like to ask you". Rean said, probably making Sara proud at how he expertly ignored her question, before telling her about the letters once again not saying names or the part where he thought it might be one of her pranks.
"Well, now". Vivi smiled brightly as if someone just gave her a great idea. "That IS pretty interesting!"
"…I'm going to take that as a no".
"Yeah". She confirmed with a giggle. "I wish it was me, but I'm having too much fun teasing Linde to set my sights on any boys right now".
"Of course you are". The Eight Leaves practitioner said with a sigh. "Did you buying a grand rose had anything to do with it?"
"Pretty much!" The first year confirmed. "But can you blame me? She falls for it every single time! I can't help myself!"
"…really, every time?"
"I know! I can't believe it either!" Vivi exclaimed.
'Poor Linde…'
"But thanks for telling me about this, hehehe".
'Oh, hell no!' "You can't use it".
"Huh?"
"I'm here by trademarking sending fake love letters as a prank; if you do it without my consent, I'll sue you".
"Wh-what? You can't 'trademark' a prank!"
"Yes, I can, and I just did; Fie!" Said girl turned her head towards them. "I just trademarked a prank, you're my witness".
"Got it". She went along with it.
"Eh, b-but… grr, this isn't over". The pranks loving girl said as if what Rean just did meant declaring war.
"I'm sure it isn't, but for now, I should go; have a nice day". And so, he left the gardening club. 'Only one more to go… but I don't know Beryl… maybe I can ask in the Student Union building'.
'This would be so much easier if I somehow knew where everyone was at any given time'. Rean thought going up the stairs to the second floor of the Student Union building. 'Like if I had a map that would tell me where the people I need to talk to are… not like that is possible anyway'. As he passed the hallway to where one of the students he had asked about Beryl told him where he could find her, he paused looking at the door of the chess club. 'I'm here, I might as well pay him a visit'. And so, he opened the door to find Machias and another member of the Chess club in the middle of a game.
The clubroom had two tables, each with two chairs and a chess board, there was a shelf with some books, most likely chess related, and a big window in the opposite wall from the door.
"Ah, hello there, Rean". Machias greeted once he finally noticed him. "Sorry, I was caught up in my game there".
"No worries, sorry if I disturbed you". The Eight Leaves practitioner said back. "Is there a big chess game coming up or something? You seem way more focused than I'd expect for just a regular match".
"Indeed, there is". He confirmed. "And not just any match either; it's a match that'll determine the fate of this club but I have every intention of completely dominating the upper-class students".
"Hmm… would you two mind if I watched you play for a bit?" He asked the two chess players. "Oh, I'm Rean by the way, sorry for not introducing myself earlier".
"Don't worry, I'm Stefan, it's nice to meet you". Machias is opponent in the match, a commoner with short light blue hair and eyes of the same color wearing squared glasses answered. "And I don't have a problem if you want to watch, Machias?"
"Be my guest". The green haired teen also gave his consent when an idea suddenly came to his head. "Say, do you know the rules?"
"Yeah".
"Then how about we play a game instead, I'm sure you'd have more fun doing that than just watching".
"Are you sure?"
"Might as well!" Stefan agreed. "I'll watch you two, so come on and take a seat here".
'…I have time, so I might as well'.
.
"And that's checkmate".
"That didn't take long". Rean said feeling defeated because… well because he just was, and thoroughly so. "I didn't stand a chance, you're amazing Machias".
"Haha, it's nothing special, my father taught me to play when I was very, very young". The shotgun user answered. "We've been playing against each other ever since, so I've had years of practice now".
"Apparently, he never lost a game back home!" Stefan chimed in. "He really IS the savior of the Chess Club!"
"If you were playing since you were a kid then that'd explain things, I used to tag along with my dad whenever he went out hunting but I never got that good at i- I'll shut up now". Halfway through his sentence Rean felt Machias staring at him, it wasn't the glare he used to give to almost any noble he encountered but it wasn't that far from it.
"N-no, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have reacted like that". The Class VII vice-president apologized. "Hunting's not an exclusively noble pastime after all, it's just… not that common in Heimdallr".
"I can imagine". Rean said with a chuckle, not bothered by his classmate's earlier behavior.
"Wait, you're a noble?" The third person in the room asked.
"Yeah, I'm the son of a baron". He confirmed.
"Don't worry, he is not like 'them', you have my word". Machias added before addressing Rean again. "Last month's field study gave me a lot to think about, I've come to realize that it's unfair of me to pass judgement on nobles simply for being born into that life; for example, I've never met your parents, but I can tell from talking to you that they're good people".
"Haha, man am I glad we made up". Rean said laughing.
"D-don't start getting weird on me now". Machias answered.
"I don't really get what you're talking about, but yeah! Friendship's what youth's all about". Stefan said. "Speaking of… how about you join your pal in the Chess Club, Rean? We'll need as many people as possible if we want to take down the Upper Class Chess Club!"
"Sorry, I'll have to decline, all I know about chess is the rules… as you could probably tell".
"The members of the Upper-Class Chess Club like humiliating players weaker than they are; this isn't about the fact that they're nobles anymore; they're shaming the very act of playing chess, pure and simple". The green haired teen said before adding with a confident smile. "And Stefan and I aren't going to let that stand".
"Well said, Machias!" The other member of the Chess Club agreed.
"Then I'll be cheering you guys on". Rean said before getting up. "But for now, I should get going, good luck you two".
"Thanks". They both answered as the swordsman left and started to practice again.
After he made his way to the Occult Research Society's club room, which if nothing else certainly had the appearance for it with curtains blocking most of the outside light and a rather large table with candles, books and a glowing crystal ball on top of it.
Sitting on the table at the opposite side from the entrance was a girl with long black hair and yellow eyes, wearing the commoners uniform and a black head band on her hair with an aura of… 'darkness' for lack of a better word.
"Umm… are you Beryl from Class III?" Rean asked a bit warily.
"I certainly am, what do you want from me?" She asked after a small laugh.
For the fourth time Rean explained the situation about the grand rose.
"Heh heh…" Beryl laughed a bit, apparently amused by the idea. "Do I seem like the kind of girl who'd be interested in romance? I needed to purchase the grand rose to use it in a ritual, that's all".
"What kind of ritual… on second thought, I don't want to know; thanks and sorry for bothering you".
"Heh heh, sometimes is good to be disturbed, good day to you".
With those parting words Rean left the room, closing the door behind him.
'She is certainly interesting… but that was the last girl, guess I'll go back to Vincent for now'.
What happened next is what brought about Rean imitating Fie's deadpan expression.
"Tell me, did your investigation prove successful? Wait, don't tell me-have you brought our mystery woman here?" The second year didn't even wait for Rean to tell him how it went before assaulting him with questions. "Oh, be still, my beating heart!"
"Yeah, about that… I wasn't able to find her in the end".
Rean explained how he went to the florist and asked all three girls but none of them purchased it because of him.
"I see".
"Sorry that I wasn't any help". The first year apologized. "But there is one thing I'm curious about… where could a girl get a grand rose if she didn't go to the florist's?"
"There's no way to tell; perhaps if the Grand Maiden is a noble, she could have had an alternate source, however-"
"My darling Vincent, I've found you!" A hoarse voice interrupted from the way Rean had approached.
"Wh-who goes there?! State your business". The member of Class I demanded to the intruder; a… large girl belonging to the nobility judging by her uniform with long blond hair tied into two tails that fall to her back as curls and green-emerald eyes.
"The cookies I just made ended up far more delicious that I ever could have imagined". The girl answered placing a hand on her waist. "So delicious that they could only be destined for the lips of my beloved; my elegant, dashing, darling Vincent!"
"Wh-what could possess a person to approach another out of nowhere and say such befuddling things?!" Vincent exclaimed, clearly uncomfortable by the situation. "Furthermore, I do not have even the foggiest idea of who you a-"
"Heehee…" Out of nowhere the girl started to laugh, once again interrupting the upperclassman.
'…I think I know where this is going'. Rean thought, deciding not to enter this conversation.
"Oh, but you do; what if I told you that I was the Grand Maiden all along?"
"And there it is". The Eight Leaves practitioner murmured while his client's jaw nearly hit the ground.
"I can hardly blame you for being speechless with joy". The Grand Maiden said, clearly misunderstanding his reaction. "My real name is Margarita Dresden, the lovely grand roses I attached were grown by my family".
"If you're part of Baron Dresden's family, then… could it mean…?" Vincent trailed off there, either because he was still in shock or because he didn't want to actually say the words.
"Oh, so you know the story? Your suspicions are indeed correct". Margarita confirmed. "I, Margarita Dresden, hail from the same family line as the lovely Grand Maiden herself!"
"I-Inconceivable… how could you, of all people, be related to the Grand Maiden…?"
"'…when her beauty pales in comparison to your own?' Look, darling! We're already completing each other's thoughts!" Margarita 'finished' the sentence for him. "And yours are oh-so sweet!"
"WH-WHAT YOU SAID COULDN'T HAVE BEEN FURTHER FROM MY ACTUAL THOUGHT!" He yelled.
'I give that yell half a Machias'. Rean noted in his mind.
"Heehee, even when you're shy, you're still so wonderful; seeing the surprise on your handsome face made waiting to reveal my name entirely worth it in the end". The blond girl said… dreamily? "Now, my beautiful Vincent, it is time for you to reply to my love letters; will you enter a relationship with me? You may choose one of two replies: 'I would be delighted', or, 'There would be no greater honor!'"
"Right… so, no choice then?" Rean murmured neutrally as he felt himself getting more exasperated with the scene before him.
"Th-this woman could hardly be more different than the demure maiden her letters made het out to be…" Vincent murmured. "My only answer for you is a resounding 'No!' now begone, and bother me no more!"
"So… that's how it is". Margarita said impassively before smiling playfully. "Teehee; oh, just when I think you couldn't be more adorable! To think you're the sort of man who hides his true feelings away!"
"I beg your pardon?"
"There is no need to fear; please, have one of these special cookies I prepared, one bite and you'll no longer feel the need to keep your innermost longings out of public view". The Grand Maiden finished her sentence with a giggle that for some reason sounded like someone that had a plot going.
"D-don't tell me… you've mixed something into your cookies" The violet haired second year said with a mix of horror and surprise.
"Oh, but that is for me to know and you to find out!" She answered with a wink before taking a step forward.
"S-stay back… do not come any closer!" The second year all but yelled in panic before turning to Rean and whisper. "You! D-don't just stand there! I'll need your aid if I'm to survive!"
As the Eight Leaves practitioner heard this he called forth all of the knowledge and experience he has accumulated between his training and the fights against the monsters in the old schoolhouse and the field studies, trusting that it would allow him to discern the best course of action to his current predicament.
After two seconds that felt like an eternity to the panicking second year besides him, the young swordsman decided to…
"I'm out". Strategically withdraw. "Sorry, no idea how to handle this".
"Wh-wha…" Vincent trailed off, sounding like he was pleading.
"Heehee… don't worry, my darling; there may be a slightly bitter aftertaste, but it will all be worth it in the e-"
"I've been looking for you, Master Vincent". A new voice interrupted Margarita.
"Sariffa…!" Vincent exclaimed as if Aidios herself had come down to aid him.
"Dare I ask what you are doing in a place like this?" Sariffa, a woman with comb violet hair with two locks that stretch down pass her shoulders, wearing a purple maid outfit with a white apron and headband, asked.
"S-Sariffa, I beg of you, please! Free me from this terrifying situation!" The young Florald whispered, having moved behind his maid.
"If I recall, you are my sweetheart's darling maid, are you not?" Margarita asked.
After momentarily glancing at everyone present as if analyzing the situation, the maid spoke.
"As much as I hate to interrupt the situation at hand, I am afraid I must; Master Vincent, your presence at the upper-class dorm is required at once, a delivery of the utmost importance from Count Florald awaits you there".
'Impressive'. Rean praised internally.
"I-I see, then I have no choice, I must go at once!" The son of the Count answered.
"B-but-".
"These cookies are a present for Master Vincent, are they not?" Sariffa asked, interrupting Margarita. "In that case, may I ask you to leave them in my hands for now? I will make sure he enjoys every last one of them later".
Although reluctantly Margarita accepted and handed over the bag of cookies before Vincent and Sariffa left, rather hurriedly thanks to the former.
Margarita did the same while murmuring something about cookies, leaving the ever-confused Rean by himself.
"…well… I guess that's one request done". Rean thought aloud. 'I'll pay Jusis a visit since I'm here'. And so, he made his way to the stables where the blond noble was.
.
"Phew…" Jusis sighed using his sleeve to clean some sweat from his forehead.
"Wow, your clothes are covered with dirt". Rean said in surprise, not having seen him that way before unless they just finished fighting a monster.
"Oh, hello". The blue-eyed swordsman greeted.
"You're even more into this than I realized".
"Heh, it's just dirt- hardly an issue". He corrected mid-sentence. "It takes a good deal of effort to care for horses, I suppose it's only natural to end up like this".
"No arguments there". Rean agreed. "Care for a little help? I have some experience working with horses".
"… it must be your hobby to show up unbidden to assist people". Jusis answered with the hint of a smirk. "Your offer does come at an opportune moment, though; I was just about to start washing them, so feel free to join in".
After getting a brush and a bucket full of water each, they started to work on the horses; Rean took off his Class VII jacket before starting while Jusis kept it on since it was already covered with dirt.
"Whew… this is as tough as I remember it being".
"Hmph, already thinking of throwing in the towel?" The young Albarea asked with a suppressed grin. "You were the one who offered to help, so don't think I'll let you back out so easily".
"I know, I know" Rean answered with a chuckle.
"Aren't you getting a little tired yourself, Jusis?" A girl wearing the commoner's uniform with brown hair tied in a ponytail and eyes of the same color asked. "We wouldn't want you to overexert your frail little noble body or anything; maybe you should go take a nap?"
'…Is that Machias a month ago in disguise?' Rean thought.
"Hmph, what do you take me for? This is nothing". Jusis answered neutrally. "Perhaps if you put as much effort into your work as you did your toothless jokes, we'd be done by now".
"Sh-shut up! I'm doing just fine!"
'I see Jusis is as friendly as ever'. As the Eight Leaves practitioner thought this he approached another horse with the brush when it neighed and shook him away. "Whoa there! We've got a wild one here".
"Understandable; this horse recently arrived from the Nord Highlands". The other member of Class VII informed him. "He's still young, so he hasn't quite grown accustomed to the stables yet".
"Does the school normally get horses all the way from the highlands?" Rean asked curiously.
"Indeed, they're known to breed the best horses, even the army gets their horses from there; now then". As Jusis finished that sentence he approached the horse and started to stroke its neck in an attempt to calm him.
"You're pretty good at that". The black-haired teen complimented seeing how the horse stopped flailing.
"When I was younger, I used to go to the stables whenever I felt bored". He answered as if it was nothing. "My brother taught me both how to ride horses and how to take care of them… I am truly grateful for that". The last part was said with small smile.
"You two are lucky to have each other".
"Grr…" The commoner girl who had stayed quiet for some time now suddenly growled. "I'm not gonna let some snooty noble who learned about horses with a silver spoon in his mouth show me up like this". She huffed and walked away to work on another horse.
'I see Jusis's charms got him another fan'. Rean thought dryly. 'Although he's definitely changed since we came back from our last field study… he's more willing to open up'.
"…care to explain what you're staring at?" Jusis asked with a half-eyed look.
"A changed man". He answered honestly making him raise an eyebrow. "Haha, never mind; let's get to work".
"…agreed".
After finishing up with the horse Rean grabbed his jacket and left to continue with his requests.
At the engineering club.
As the student council's errand boy entered the building he noted the smell of steel and oil inside it, as well as the head of the engineering club near the orbal bike along with Angelica.
"Hey there, Rean". George greeted when he noticed the first year. "Thanks for stopping by".
"Might I ask where Alisa and Laura are?" The purple haired second year asked. "Those two lovely flowers would do wonders in brightening up this dreary old building".
Rean only blinked a few times in response.
"…let's not make Rean's life even harder than it already is". Luckily the mechanic in the room came to his aid.
"Haha, sorry, I probably shouldn't think out loud". Angelica apologized, although it didn't sound completely sincere.
'Angelica sure is an interesting one'. The Eight Leaves practitioner thought. "That aside your request was for me to assist with testing out the orbal bike, wasn't it? So, what will I be doing?"
"Oh, please". The leather-clad second year said. "I could hear you making those 'vroom-vroom' noises before you even stepped through the door".
"I didn't make any noise like that… but wait, then…"
"Yeah, we want you to ride the orbal bike". George confirmed.
Rean couldn't help the giant grin that made way to his face at hearing this.
"I'll give you all the juicy details when we're actually ready to test". The brown haired second year said.
"Before we start, however, we want to make sure you have the time-"
"I have the time". The swordsman said, barely letting Angelica finish.
"Hehe, eager, aren't we?"
"Yes".
"First of all, let me tell you a little bit about the bike". The jumpsuit wearing second year said, placing a hand on top of the orbal bike. "Everything you see here is something that Angie asked me to build for her and because of that, the bike's been fine-tuned to meet her specific needs; in a nutshell, it's all Angie, the engine, the breaks… even the handlebars".
"I see". Rean answered with a nod.
"As you might expect, she and that bike are practically symbiotic; when she's on it, she's a sight to behold".
"But because of that it's tough for anyone else, right?"
"Bingo". Angelica confirmed before smiling proudly. "Think of her as an unruly horse; there's no denying she's a fine bike but she doesn't play nice with strangers".
"R-right…"
"Don't scare him now, Angie; Crow's ridden it just fine… but I suppose he's been working on this bike since we started, too; compared to him you, Rean, are a complete beginner". George continued. "Which is great! You'll have a more objective opinion after your ride".
"I understand".
"Well, let's head over to the highway".
One trip to Trista highway later.
Rean was already on top of the orbal bike, using his left foot to keep balance, and for some reason.
"So… what are Towa and Crow doing here?" The other two responsible for the bike were waiting at the starting line.
"Angie and George told us you'd be doing this so I came along to show some support and take some time off work!" The student council president answered first with a smile.
"My reason isn't quite as sweet as little Towa's here". Crow said next. "Like I told you before, this bike's at least partially my baby; think of me as an overprotective father, making sure you don't mess up and hurt my girl when you take her out". He finished with an innocent grin, that wasn't innocent at all.
"Well, I appreciate your concern". Rean answered giving the second year a half-eyed glare before taking a deep breath.
"Crow! Don't make him any MORE nervous!" Towa reprimanded.
"Don't worry, Rean; just ignore everything this guy says". George followed up. "I do, and it's worked great for me".
"That's a good advice".
"Hey!"
"We can rebuild the bike, so stay focused on keeping yourself safe". The mechanic finished.
"R-right… thanks".
"Do you have much experience riding horses?" Angelica asked.
"Actually, yeah".
"You shouldn't have any trouble, then; she's a whole different beast, but the basics of riding are the same; so, have fun!"
"Thanks, Angelica; that helps, I'll do my best to not let you guys down".
The daughter of Marquis Rogner then gave Rean a run-down of what each part of the bike does and what they want him to try and do.
Basically, to start, accelerate, and stop.
'Well, here goes nothing'. Rean turned the key to start the engine and immediately felt his body vibrate due to it. "Wow… this is pretty intense; haha it reminds me of how I felt when I first rode a horse". He couldn't help but chuckle a bit before turning serious. 'All right, focus now'.
He quickly went through the pointers Angelica gave him in his head before continuing.
"Pull the clutch level, shift to first gear, and twist the throttle…" He thought aloud, more to make sure he is moving the right parts as he says than anything else. "Now release the clutch slowly and steadily". As he did that the orbal bike started to move away from the starting point. "…this is awesome!"
"There he goes". Angelica chuckled as they all heard him practically yell that last part.
"Can't wait to see the look on his face when he gets back". Crow added.
"He's gonna love it". George said next.
"Heehee, hopefully". Towa said last.
"This feels amazing". Rean said as he kept riding the orbal bike in the highway. "All right, let's try switching gears". He once again recalled the pointers in his head before moving. "First, roll off the throttle… then pull the clutch, change gears, then release it; I need to pull the clutch quickly and firmly, then change gears, and after that release it slowly and steadily".
As he did just that he felt a burst of speed that made him think he was going to fall off, he didn't thankfully but at that point he wasn't entirely sure if the trembling came from the bike or from him.
'I said it before and I'll say it again, awesome!'
He honestly doesn't know for how long he drove but eventually he calmed down a bit and started to work on stopping.
"All right, first I let go of the throttle, then apply the brakes, Angelica said that I should do it strongly on the front ones and lightly on the rear ones". He did just that and eventually came to a stop. 'I stopped almost exactly where I expected to, so I guess I did it right… this thing's incredible, though; with the engine going it feels like I'm still riding, although something tells me I would make it vibrate on my own with how nervous I am'. He chuckled a bit at the last part. 'Anyway, I should go back… I'll take my time though'.
"Welcome back, Rean". Towa greeted the Eight Leaves practitioner when he stopped.
"Well? How was it?" Angelica asked.
"…can I go one more lap?"
"Hahaha, guess you've got some potential". The purple haired girl said happily.
"I don't blame him; the basis might be the same but it's a totally different feeling than riding a horse". Crow commented.
"True". George agreed. "But sorry, maybe another time".
"-Sigh- Thought so, didn't hurt to ask". Rean said as he turned the engine off.
"Seems like you handled it really well". The mechanic commented.
"I got nervous a few times that I thought I would fall off but other than that I don't think I did too badly".
"Pretty impressive considering it's his first ride, nice to know I could have a worthy rival waiting in the wings". The veteran orbal bike rider commented.
"Not everyone can get that much praise out of Angie". Towa said giggling. "You should pat yourself on the back!"
"Anyway, we need to hear some more detailed impressions of each phase, but let's do that back at the engineering building".
I think I'll leave it here for now, it feels like a good place to stop.
Omake time!
"Are you serious Crow?" Rean asked as they along with Angelica walked to the campus.
"Yes, I'm serious, just imagine it".
"I can make several arguments as to why your idea is bad".
"Come on! Look, just, play along for a second ok?" Rean gestured with his hand for him to continue. "So, we take two orbal bikes, then install a magnet as an armrest and make special magnetic Blade cards, we can have card games on motorcycles!"
"Yes, and anyone who plays while on the road will surely be in an accident". Angelica countered.
"Sorry Crow but I agree, I admit your idea sounds nice but actually doing it seems idiotic".
"Hmph, you two will see, in the future my 'idiotic idea' will be the norm",
Both rolled their eyes at Crow's comment.
A few years later
Two people are riding orbal bikes.
"I activate this card!" While playing Blade.
"There is nothing like card games on motorcycles!"
Predictable? Probably.
Funny? For you to decide.
Hotel? Trivago.
Haha, sorry couldn't resist the hotel thing.
Thanks to UnKnownSalvation, the chapter is a lot better compared to the non beta-readed version.
Well, you know the drill I hope you enjoyed and a review would be appreciated.
Until next time.