Alrighty, let's get on with our story! Today, we will be continuing our field study, if not heading into the big fight that we all know is coming. Should be fun seeing how things go, no?

Onwards!

Thieves and Royalty

In the end, taking down the Giant Sharkodile wasn't much of a hassle.

Sure, the dock chief was a bit of an ass when he realized Laura was a noble, same with Rean, but having Fie and Elliot vouch for them had him regretting his words. Even more so when Machias, who the chief recognized as the governor's son, asked if he questioned the team sent to help with the problem.

The guy was at least contrite, but it showed how strong the reformists were in the blue-collar areas where most nobles never ventured. Why else would he be brave enough to act so aggressive towards Laura, who had a sword at her waist as tall as him?

After that little fiasco was done with, Fie and Elliot guided their fellows down into the catacombs. Newly strengthened bonds gave way to a drastic increase in link efficiency that allowed them to shred the monsters that tried to get in the way.

Then, when they found the monster they came for, the poor thing never stood a chance. Not with Laura and Fie deciding test their new unity on its poor hide while the boys rained hell on it. Wasn't much of a fight with Fie harassing it, Laura taking chunks out of it, and arts doing the rest.

So boring, if a fight could ever be called such, that when they made their reports that night they almost couldn't recall what happened. Only that the thing had brute strength to spare, as it crushing a pillar of stone with a flick of its tail showed.

After they were done, Laura took a moment to thank everyone for sticking up for her and Rean, especially Fie. Not three days ago, she'd have remained silent, and Laura was beyond thankful for Fie speaking up.

Originally, they sought to return to the docks, but they ran across yet another secret passage, this one depositing them in the Ost district. It was simply amazing that the tunnels could cover such a vast area, and it would doubtlessly make a great device for a spy novel.

Rean filed that tidbit away before Machias pulled another surprise out of his hat and invited them to his home. They could report the request's completion after getting some lunch and resting, and the tolling of the noon bell backed the idea heartily.

Then, after grabbing their grub from Gamgee's Pub, Machias brought them to his home. It was a spartan place with few decorations in it, but there was a sense of warmth that permeated the air, like the walls had seen a great deal of joy in them.

Elliot proceeded to spot the picture on the shelf in the living room and Machias told his tale. As Emma had told him, his group was sympathetic of his past and supportive of his resolve to stop being so judgmental of people he didn't know.

They also tried to get him to admit Jusis was his friend, but Machias remained steadfast in his annoyance.

With that, they set off for the docks once more, discussing the Summer Festival as they went. Unfortunately, they didn't make it too far before Rean's pocket started ringing.

Rean blinked in surprise before pulling out his ARCUS and answering the call. "Class VII Group A, Rean Schwarzer speaking."

"Ah, glad I caught you." A voice answered, Rean recognizing it as Governor Regnitz. "I hope this isn't too much of an imposition, Sir Schwarzer, but we've had an incident pop up."

Rean looked to the others and shrugged. "We'll do what we can, sir. What's the situation?"

Machias looked like he wanted to say something, but Rean was focused on the call. "Well, there's been a burglary in the Garnier District. Normally, we'd leave such a thing up to the police, but the thief appears to have left a message that is addressed directly to your group. As such, I can only ask that you complete this one last task for me, as we have no idea where to begin as the situation stands."

Rean was just confused. "Why in the heck would a thief leave a note for us? Unless… Fie, is there something you need to tell us?"

Fie looked very insulted. "I don't deny I have a bad habit of taking Emma's pens, but jewelry is the last thing I'd be interested in."

"Give it a few years, that'll change your tune." Machias muttered with a none too subtle glance at Elliot.

Rean chuckled and shook his head. "Sorry, couldn't help it. Anything else we need to know, sir?"

"The theft was reported only a short while ago." The governor answered. "Just go see if there's anything you can do. Good luck, and I hope this doesn't ruin any plans."

Rean thanked him and ended the call, his perplexed gaze matched by his groupmates. "So… we're going to check on a burglary. Jewel thief over in the Garnier district, that's why I poked fun at Fie. Apparently, the thief left a message that specifically mentioned us."

"That's just weird." Fie deadpanned, not even pretending to be interested. "I've known my fair share of rogues, but most of them don't operate anywhere in Erebonia."

Laura was humming in thought. "We've only seen a single boutique in the Garnier district if I recall. Their prices were… outrageous."

Machias shuddered as he recalled the glitzy interior. "You bet, one of those necklaces cost as much as three fully furnished houses and a horse. Who would ever need something like that."

"Jusis," Elliot coughed. "Apology gift."

Machias threw up his hands in disgust but Rean interrupted his doubtlessly magical response. "Jusis's chronic need to try and make up for his perceived failings aside, let's get over there. It's just past noon as is and I feel this may take a bit."

Decided, they set out for the boutique. It wasn't too hard to find after they arrive, being next to the hotel they'd visited yesterday, but the inside was certainly different.

Having a smashed case with glass covering the floor and a missing national treasure tended to do that.

"Holy crap, they took the Crimson Tiara!" Elliot exclaimed, his friends looking to him in confusion. "It's said to be the crown worn by Erebonia's first queen when it started as a simple kingdom! It's priceless and I thought no one would be able to get at it with the security in here!"

Fie glanced to the smashed case. "Obviously, someone did."

"And not just anyone." A voice said, a woman in a business suit striding over to them. "This was done by Phantom Thief B himself. I assume you're the students the card mentioned?"

Laura looked to her and nodded. "We believe so. May we see the card in question?"

The woman nodded and handed them the card after introducing herself as Cordelia, the owner. "I'm just glad you're all here. There's no hints beyond this card and I'm scared something will happen to the tiara if we don't follow the instructions therein."

Rean nodded and looked over the card, half-listening to Elliot explain who this 'Phantom Thief B' was. "Ok… whoever the guy is, he's got a riddle challenge for us and loves flowery language. May I ask how the tiara got stolen in the first place?"

Cordelia looked ashamed. "Well, B has always sent cards in advance of his thefts, even when he somehow stole an orbal tank from the army. The same happened here and told us the tiara was replaced by an imitation. We have upmost faith in our security system, but if anyone could get by it, he could."

She sighed and closed her eyes. "But, that message was a feint. The moment we opened the case to check, the lights went out and the tiara was gone. The glass got shattered when one of my clerks tripped over the ropes cordoning the display and fell into it."

Fie was stuck on one part of that. "How in the world do you steal a tank? Not even the craziest guys in my corp would ever dream of that."

"Doesn't matter." Rean sighed as he put away the card. "All we can do is play along with this game. Ms., we'll do all we can to see the tiara returned safely. Please wait here, but I'll be keeping one of my group with you in case new evidence comes to light."

Cordelia bowed in thanks, Rean turning to his friends. "Machias, you stay here and keep looking around. You've got a mind for this, see if they've missed anything."

Machias nodded and went off to start examining the crime scene.

"Fie, Elliot." Rean continued, looking to the pair. "Go and update the dock chief on the monster, get that done. Laura and I will follow these clues for now, give us a call when you're done."

Elliot voice his agreement, Fie already heading for the door. Once they were gone, Rean showed Laura the clue. "What could 'At the foot of the conqueror with the heart of a lion' mean? My first thought goes to Emperor Driechels, but there's no way it's his gravesite."

Rean nodded and gestured for her to follow. Once they were outside, Rean pointed towards Valflame Palace. "The only place that makes sense is the statue of Dreichel's in the plaza. Let's go look around the base and get those shoes turned in while we're at it."

Laura looked down and laughed awkwardly. "Oh… right, I'd forgotten about these. Now that you mention it, there is a bit more of a breeze than I'm used to."

Rean had a quip ready, but decided he'd like to keep his tongue. "I think it looks sporty, but you've heard that already. Let's go, I have a feeling this'll be a whole 'nother journey."

And so, they jumped on the tram and made for the plaza. Once there, they made a beeline for the statue at its center and searched around the base. The next clue was swiftly found by Laura, Rean joining her as she read the riddle aloud. "The second key is the northeast seat of the prismatic palace. According to this card anyway."

"The Crystal Garden." Rean muttered, Laura looking to him in surprise. "We passed it in Mater Park yesterday but didn't stop in. It's one of the places the royal family uses for the Summer Festival, so the place is full of exotic plants and made of glass."

Laura had a spark of realization pass through her eyes. "Aha, that makes sense. Seems we have another scavenger hunt on our hands."

"That we do, but let's get those shoes turned in now." Rean said as he pocketed the card. "Best to get that done while we're here, and the tram for the park won't be by for another ten minutes."

Laura shook her head and followed him. "You just want to see me back in my boots, don't you?"

Rean smiled a silly smile. "What can I say? You look lovely in them."

Laura gave him a side eye and a smirk. "Well, I wish you'd work on a tan a bit more. I do enjoy seeing the results of our spars."

They proceeded to needle, tease, and flirt their way back to the store. It was an incredibly saccharine display of affection, as a gaggle of gagging children showed, but they reported to the boutique owner about the shoes and made the tram without trouble.

On the way, they got a call from Fie and Elliot, the latter speaking. "Hey guys, we gave the report. The chief was grateful we got rid of the thing and gave us some of that stuff George likes to mess with. Where can we meet up?"

"Meet us at Mater Park," Rean answered as they arrived. "The clue's sent us after yet another clue that we think is in the Crystal Garden. Some more eyes would be a big help."

Another tram rumbled by as he said that, the door of the vehicle opening in motion as Fie dove out of it with a screaming Elliot held firm in her grip.

The tram trundled by and the pair rolled to a stop in a tangled mess, Fie straddling Elliot in a picture-perfect cliché awkward scenario. Well, awkward for Elliot, Fie just looked amused as always.

"Your disregard for exiting vehicles correctly aside," Laura groaned as Fie took the opportunity to flirt with Elliot. "Please get off him. We have a clue to track down."

Fie did son languidly, her usual teasing smirk in place. Elliot, while mostly used to such antics, still sported a small blush as he picked himself up. "So, uh, the Crystal Garden, right? It's got two wings and a main room, so I'm guessing we'll be splitting up?"

Rean shook his head and gave Fie one of the cards. "So far, they've all looked the same. Think you can track something like this down in there?"

Fie gave him a half-lidded look. "Rean, who do you think I am? Those guardsmen cordoning the place won't even notice me, but I don't think there's a need for stealth quite yet."

Rean nodded sheepishly. It wasn't much of a surprise the Imperial Guardsmen were starting to go through the motions, but it looked like they were having a jurisdiction dispute with what could only be civil servants. Best to get in and look while they were distracted.

With that decided, they hurried into the garden and started to look around. Didn't get very far though, as Fie took one glance around and marched to a bench. She then leaned down and pulled out a familiar card. "Here it is."

"Well that was quick," Rean muttered as he turned on a dime and walked over to Fie. "What does it say?"

Fie waited for everyone to gather around before clearing her throat. "It says the third key is 'at the round table where once rested the gauntlets that supported the east of the city.' Three mira says it's the guild branch we're staying at."

Rean spit a curse. "We can only hope the guy didn't take any of our things. Come on, we need to move."

Laura glanced around wistfully before nodding. "Agreed, but I do hope we get a chance to return. This place is very peaceful, and I could stare at the arrangements all day."

"Lots of butterflies," Fie agreed as she stared after one. "You know, Elliot, you never did mention this place."

Elliot shrugged. "It's not someplace I go all that often. I'm more interested in the stage where the musicians perform, since I've been going there most of my life. Really, I've only been here with my mother, and that was a long time ago."

They left the garden as Elliot finished his explanation, Rean opening his ARCUS and dialing Machias. "Hey, can you hop over to the guild? The next clue looks to be there, probably on one of the round table's legs."

He nodded when Machias voiced his agreement and closed the call. "Alright, Machias is off to take a look. Anything that needs doing while we wait on him?"

Any response was interrupted by a familiar man walking towards them. "Why, if it isn't Class VII! What brings you fair students to the capital this day?"

The group turned to find a man with blue hair and a white suit with blue fringes walking towards them, Rean recognizing him. "Baron Blueblanc? Haven't seen you since Bareahard if memory serves."

The man bowed in answer. "Tres bien, I'm glad to be remembered! I knew you and your green haired friend on sight, Sir Schwarzer, and I recall the shorter girl from our last meeting as well. Who, however, are the new faces in your throng?"

Laura nodded in greeting. "A pleasure, sir. I am Laura S. Arseid, a member of this group."

"I'm Elliot Craig." Elliot said in turn, bowing politely. "Um… did you come to see the garden?"

Blueblanc chuckled in answer. "You could say my never-ending search for beauty brought me here, yes. But, to run into each other again… surely fate must have bound us tightly together!"

The classmates stared at him blankly.

"No need for such positively withering stares. Or, you've been captured by my own beauty and cannot help but stare!"

Laura moved a little closer to Rean while Fie moved closer to Elliot.

Blueblanc looked utterly amused. "Ah, I've encroached on the lionesses' territory! Well, it was a pleasure as always, but I have other things to attend to. The best of luck with your studies!"

He bowed again and left, the group staring after him until he was gone.

Rean voiced his thoughts first. "I didn't even notice him walk up. Anyone else catch that?"

Laura sighed and took his hand. "I did, it was like he didn't exist until the moment he wanted us to notice him. We need to be more careful if someone like that is in the city."

Elliot hummed in agreement and turned their attention back to the matter at hand. "We'll do what we can, but there's still clues to find. Did we have anything else to do or should we meet up with Machias?"

Fie pulled out a small sack. "The guy at the weapon shop said he may be able to upgrade our gear if we brought him the stuff George likes to use. Want to see if we can do that?"

Rean patted his blade in thought. "I'm up for it and I'm sure no one else will say no to upgrades. Let's get that done, I'll have Machias meet us there."

The group set off again and turned over their weapons to the smith after arriving at his shop. Machias arrived not long after, a familiar card in hand, but he didn't start reading it until he'd handed over his gun.

"As you said, it was on the table leg." Machias reported after everyone was settled. "Thankfully, it doesn't look like any of our valuables were taken. I apologize for having to rummage, but better to be sure."

Laura sighed in relief. "Good, the oil I use to polish my blade is hard to come by. Thank you for checking, Machias."

Machias nodded and cleared his throat. "The card, unfortunately, held only another riddle. This one said, 'on the back of the white burden of the steel bird perched at the water's edge' whatever the hell that means."

Only one person had an inkling of what that meant, Fie taking the reins. "You know, back in the corps, we tended to call cranes steel birds. Dock cranes especially looked like egrets on the edge of the water, so maybe this is talking about the docks?"

"I don't have a better idea." Rean mumbled, impressed with Fie's intuition. "No point not checking it either. Alright, let's get our things and get on it!"

The group cheered, grabbed their newly upgraded gear, and made a beeline for the docks. Well, as much of a beeline as they could running down a tram and diving into its closing door like a stunt team.

Stuck the landing and everything, much to their embarrassment when the other passengers applauded.

Well, except Fie, she just bowed like it was natural.

Regardless, they made the docks in short order and found a set of white crates next to one of the dock cranes. They didn't see a card immediately, but the riddle mentioned it would be on the back. As such, they had to enlist the dock chief's help by explaining why they were back at the docks.

Thankfully, he went and inspected the crates of interest and returned to the group with a familiar card in hand. "Just like you said, there was a card sticking right there on the back. Thing is, I don't remember a soul being over there all day, so how the hell did it get there?"

Rean took the card when it was offered. "We're dealing with the famous Phantom Thief B. Wouldn't surprise me if he was a master of disguise and snuck right past you and your workers. He's gotten past the military after all."

The chief shook his head and grunted. "This is way above my pay-grade, don't know what got you all mixed up in it. All I can do is wish you luck."

Rean thanked the man and he walked off. Once they were alone, Rean flipped over and read the card. "The final clue is also by the water's edge, it says. The riddle is 'the crimson crown you seek sleeps within a black ark, nestled in the steel car that marches with the minutes.'"

"That could only be one thing." Elliot muttered, taking off with the others hot on his tail. Barely seconds later, they ran up to the tram, the driver out and inspecting its engine. "Excuse us!"

The man turned and looked at them in surprise, though Rean noted they couldn't see all of his face. "What? Are you guys wanting to get on? Sorry, the tram won't be leaving for another ten minutes."

Machias launched into a quick explanation of what they were doing there before asking for permission to search the tram. As any sane being would be, the driver was flabbergasted, but allowed them into the tram to search.

Once aboard, Fie zeroed in on a black suitcase sitting in the open. "That has to be the 'black arc'. Guy didn't even try to hide it."

Laura narrowed her eyes. "As we were running up, the driver stepped out. Unless this Phantom Thief can teleport, we'd have seen something leave besides him."

Rean shared a glance with her but motioned for Elliot to open the case. Once he did, the group beheld a tiara studded with carnelias so bright, it looked like fire blazed in each facet.

"That thing is worth more money than I care to imagine." Machias mumbled as they all stared at it. "I'm scared shitless to even be near it."

Fie gulped as she kneeled next to the case and took careful hold of the tiara. "Yeah… I won't be doing anything strenuous until this is back. In fact, I'll be treating this like glass until we're back."

Elliot put his hands over hers and made her gently return the tiara to the case. "Why don't we keep it in there? Probably safer that way and we won't have to worry about carrying it."

The group gave him swift approval before looking to each other, nodding, and exiting the tram.

They were met by the driver. "Hey, did you find any-"

Laura interrupted him with a strike from her blade, the steel blurring forth with enough speed that any normal man would be split in half.

The driver leapt away and atop a nearby lamp, a laugh echoing from his throat. "How did you guess?"

"It was pretty obvious after you stopped to chat with us." Rean answered, looking non-plussed by the driver's feat. "A thief worth the title of Phantom would be able to utterly erase their presence, which you certainly did Baron Blueblanc. Well, that's probably not your real name, so I'll just call you B."

The driver burst into full on laughter, magic circles and flash of light engulfing him. Once it faded, Baron Blueblanc stood atop the lamp in his usual attire, with the addition of a fancy staff and winged mask with blue eyes.

"I suppose I should introduce myself again." The thief chuckled. "I am Phantom Thief Bluelanc, otherwise known as Phantom Thief B. Baron Blueblanc is but one of my many roles over the years, but if I may ask, when did you first deduce my identity."

Fie shrugged as she gave the answer. "You weren't trying all that hard. Only a real master can appear out of thin air like you did at the park, not to mention your disguises could fool anyone."

"We doubted you were trying too hard to hide your identity at that point." Laura sighed, upset with missing him. "Then you go and put an obvious case in the middle of a tram where only a blind man could miss it. Going to all that trouble with the cards though…"

Machias picked up the slack. "This was all just a game to you. People don't put that much effort into getting it all set up and not check in on the ending, that'd be plain lazy, and you didn't strike us as someone who dropped commitments."

Blueblanc just had to clap. "Excellent deductive reasoning, all of you! Give it another few years, and you may even be able to put some sport back into this business!"

"We don't want your motive or anything like that." Rean growled as everyone drew their weapons. "You've broken the law and we will see you punished."

Blueblanc smirked at them, but felt himself blink when Fie was suddenly staring him in the eye, her bayonets going for his shoulder.

A flash of light engulfed him, and he appeared on the arch above the tram, ready to praise the girl for her speed, only to duck as a shot of orbal energy sailed over his head. "Amazing!"

He straightened and vanished once more as Rean came bearing down on him, his reappearance met by Laura's blade coming for his waist. Blueblanc vanished one more time and reappeared well out of reach, applauding the group with enthusiasm.

"Splendid beyond measure!" He boomed, the sheer glee in his voice making the students pause. "Were your movements not so dull and unhurried, you may well have given me my first scar in ages! I will be watching you all with keen interest, for such growth astounds even my sensibilities! Until we meet again, mon cheri!"

Blueblanc vanished for good this time. The group tried to canvas the area, but it was soon clear the thief had long left. With their mission fulfilled, if not their duty, the group went back to the chief and explained what happened before hopping onto the tram after the real driver returned from his lunch break.

The ride to the Garnier district was quiet for a time before Fie spoke. "We could've had him."

Rean shook his head, knowing what she meant. "Fie, there's no helping it. Sure, those pills we have to take may slow us down a bit, but he was clearly toying with us. Not to mention the damage we could've caused if any of us went into a trance, especially after what happened to Laura and me."

Fie frowned in answer. "I know that… but being slow like that is not good. If he wanted us down, we wouldn't have been at peak strength and that would make things even worse."

"He could've taken us down regardless, Fie." Elliot told her gently, the case cradled in his arms. "That whole time he never thought we were a threat and it showed. I don't think those trances would've been able to save us."

Fie sighed and said no more. Laura, trying to change the subject, looked outside. "Say… isn't that St. Astraia's Academy over there?"

Rean blinked and followed her gaze to a familiar bell tower. "I… think it is. What about it?"

"Just… pointing it out." Laura hedged, internally ruing Rean's anger. While completely justified, as his sister had been less than gracious with him despite saving her life, it was time to forgive.

At least in word, so that it could be put in the past.

Machias sighed and closed his ARCUS, no one having noticed him start a call. "I just told Dad what happened. They'll send a professional investigation unit to the sight, but he just wants us to get the tiara back to the store and rest."

"On that, I can agree." Rean groaned, slumping in his seat. "I'd like to see some more of the city getting decorated before the festival tomorrow."

Laura smirked and entwined their hands. "What, do you plan on something like what Jusis and Paula did? If so, I don't have a dress for that."

Rean gave her a side eye but squeezed her hand. "Not something like that, I was thinking something more like a stroll through town. After we let Fiona do her thing, don't want to mess with that."

Elliot chuckled at the pair before looking at Fie. "Actually, I've been meaning to ask. Want to learn how to play an instrument Fie? You'll be able to join me in playing."

All eyes went to Fie, who was staring at Elliot wide-eyed. "Uh… probably not the best idea. Despite what you may think from seeing me fight, I don't exactly have the nimblest fingers."

Her birthday project from a couple months ago came to mind, everyone not named Elliot shivering.

Her friend though was undeterred. "That's alright, I'll teach you. Besides, I've got enough instruments for us to find something you'll like."

Everyone stared at him before Laura and Machias turned to Rean and handed him a handful of change each.

"We really need to have that talk about gambling." Fie muttered, aware of the hypocrisy. "But… sure, I'll give it a shot. Don't be surprised if I make your ears bleed though."

Elliot just smiled and idle chatter filled the rest of the ride. To say Cordelia was excited about the tiara's return would be a grand understatement, to the point that the group go their pick of a set of small gems.

Laura and Elliot declined, citing no need, but Rean and Fie picked up a carnelia and sapphyrl respectively. Even Machias grabbed an amberl, to much ribbing.

After that, everyone was eager to get on their way. It was bound to be an incredibly busy day tomorrow, so best to get back and relax.

Problem was, Sara had other ideas. She'd called Rean not ten minutes after they'd left the store and told them to gather at St. Astraia Girl's School by five o' clock. That threw all their plans out the window, with the sound of three chimes ringing over the city marking it as three.

The only consolation would be the presence of Group B, who'd be there too. Heaven knew why, as Sara hung up before Rean could get an explanation, but they all agreed to hurry back and check in with Fiona before hopping a tram to the Sankt district.

However, on the ride there once everything had been taken care of, the elephant in the tram couldn't be ignored.

Machias, being his blunt self, got the ball rolling. "What are you going to do if we see your sister?"

"I'm supposed to do something?" Rean asked, face set in stone. "If she wants to talk to me, she'll do it. I'll even listen and converse, but if she doesn't want to talk, then I'm not obligated to do anything."

Laura gave it a shot. "Rean, it's been two months. Surely you can at least speak to her now."

Rean shook his head and looked to the tram's roof. "Sure, if she'd been trying to reach out. Haven't seen one letter from her in the past two months. My parents have sent more, and they live a lot further away, so what's her excuse?"

Elliot scratched his cheek. "Maybe she's too embarrassed to try? I mean, if she's like you described before all this happened, I'm sure she's regretful."

Rean shrugged as the tram came to a stop. "We'll see what happens. Come on, don't want to be late."

The group exited the tram, passing a small line of young girls in uniforms that greatly resembled Elise's. That could only mean they came from Astraia's, which meant they were in the right place.

The group commented on the area, and ribbed Machias for his knowledge of an all girls' school for the nobility, before finding themselves standing before the gate with nothing to do.

So, they started playing twenty questions. "Say, Laura, didn't you consider this place?"

Laura shrugged at Fie's question, not even glancing back at the main building. "My father did recommend it, but there were no classes in the martial arts. That alone was reason enough to not consider it."

She smiled at Rean and squeezed his hand. "Besides, I'd have never met Rean if I'd gone here. It's a path I'm glad I didn't take."

Rean pecked her cheek and she chuckled. The others rolled their eyes at the flirting, but Laura kept going. "I will say that I have a number of acquaintances that go here. From what I hear, it's a wonderful school, and I've even heard Princess Alfin goes here."

Rean nodded and glanced to the gate in thought. "I've heard that too. Can only imagine what it must be like having royalty in there."

Fie… didn't know who the princess was. Elliot preceded to give her a quick crash course on the royal family before Laura pointed out that Alfin was the same age as Fie.

While Fie attempted to process that, Machias had a frown set in. "I still think it's not right that Prince Olivert is denied the right of succession because his mother was a commoner. From what I've heard of him, he'd be a more than capable emperor."

He sighed and shook his head. "But, that's how things are done I guess. Not much point getting riled up over it."

They proceeded to discuss Prince Olivert and his recent exploits before hearing a familiar voice call to them. Group B had arrived at last, Alisa leading the party. "You guys got here early."

Rean shrugged with a smile. "Eh, what can we say? Never been much for lounging."

"Everyone not named Fie that is." Paula quipped, getting a laugh out of everyone. "But yeah, it's good to see you guys. Have any exciting stories to tell?"

Gaius hummed as he recalled their day. "Trust us, we have plenty of our own to go with it, right Jusis?"

Jusis's face was as stone, his grip on Paula's hand showing he was beyond frustrated with something.

"I'm sure you do." Elliot said, noting the exasperated gaze Paula threw at Jusis. "But why don't we figure out why we've been brought here first? Then we can go into embarrassing story time."

The class at large chuckled awkwardly. They all did love a good embarrassing story, even if it was one of their own so long as no one laughed too much.

Jusis though, was a good deal pricklier. "Can we see to this shortly? I… have business to attend to."

Paula pulled on his hand and into a hug, her voice only for him as she whispered something. Whatever it was, Jusis visibly relaxed before they separated, and he cleared his throat. "Forgive me, that was rude. I do have business to attend to, but it can wait."

"She has you wrapped around her finger like a string." Fie sighed in amusement, everyone else chuckling with her. "Maybe you should give Laura some lessons, Paula."

Paula flashed a victory sign and the groups went silent. There really wasn't anything else to talk about that wasn't bound to get interrupted, so it was better to wait patiently.

At least until Alisa couldn't contain herself anymore. "So, Emma told us that you guys got a bunch of problems worked out. Is it true, did Fie and Laura finally figure things out?"

Laura nodded with an embarrassed look on her face. "Yes… I apologize for any worry I may have caused on that front."

Fie just smiled. "We're all good… but not as good as those two."

She nodded to Rean and Laura, who blushed as everyone's gaze turned to them.

"Thank Aidios!" Paula cheered, amber eyes shining. "That was two months I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, glad it's over."

Gaius nodded his approval, which said all that was needed.

Emma had one more quip to add. "Next time though, please find a better way to solve your issues and have someone discover it. I didn't need to hear about you two making out, but Machias never was one for holding back."

She grinned at Machias, who only blushed in response.

"…Rean?"

Now that was a voice no one was expecting to hear, least of all Rean. It sounded nervous, sad, and more than a little fearful, but it belonged to only one person.

"Elise," Rean sighed, turning to find his sister walking towards the class from the school with an incredibly pensive face. "I shouldn't be surprised, this is your school after all."

Elise nodded and looked to the others. "I… uh, see your classmates are here too…"

Alisa smiled at her, trying to break the tension. "It's only been a week and all, but how're you doing?"

Elise gulped and put on a weak smile. "I've… been doing ok, thank you. Um… may I ask what you're doing here?"

"We were told to gather here." Elliot answered. "Have you seen a woman in a yellow dress and blue jacket nearby, magenta hair on top of that?"

Elise stared at him for a moment before her eyes widened. "Wait… are you the ones I was told to get?"

She shook her head in exasperation as everyone stared at her. "I was told to expect ten guests at five o' clock, but I certainly wasn't expecting this."

"Wait, so are you the one we were told wanted us to be here." Gaius queried, not believing that could be it.

Elise sighing confirmed his suspicions. "No, I suspect it's a friend of mine. Always such a mischief maker, I swear, and not an ounce of warning at that."

The class stared at her as Elise groused. Eventually though, she collected herself and curtsied. "Where are my manners? Welcome to St. Astraia Girls' School, I hope you'll enjoy your visit. Follow me please."

Rean sighed as courtesy buried Elise's nerves. Here he thought she may have been close to just apologizing, but now she had time to steady herself. Why did his sister have to be so stubborn about admitting she was wrong when it came to him?

That thought was soon buried under the gossip and speculation engine that was a girls-only school. Comments on the girls, while uncomfortable, were mostly ignored but it was comments on the guys that made an impact.

Someone called Elliot cute, causing Fie to scoot closer to him and throw a glare at the girl who said that. Another found themselves on the receiving end of an Alisa stare when she commented on how tall Gaius was. Others made snide remarks bout Paula hanging of Jusis's arm, but twin glares from them both sent those rats scurrying.

Finally, Laura taking Rean's hand was met with cries of despair as the picture of gallantry many of the girls envisioned Laura as was shattered.

Elliot had to ask the question. "Um… are they ok?"

"How many of them have ever seen a man besides their fathers or servants?" Machias asked rhetorically as he shielded Emma from envious eyes. "But it does feel like they're boring holes in my head."

Elise sighed as they heard someone call Rean handsome, only for the commentator to run off when Laura leveled a fearsome glare at them. "Staking territory aside, please don't be too hard on them. There's few chances to meet people beyond the school and a lot of them are, shall we say… discovering themselves."

Rean shook his head with a groan as they left the gawkers behind. "Never tell Angie about this place, they'd never survive the night."

The class shuttered at the thought of Angelica getting access to a school full of genteel young ladies that likely knew little of the world beyond their wealth. A rampaging lesbian with a schoolgirl fetish would be the least damaging of the results.

Then again, Angie did have some restraint and didn't do anything too bad without consent, so perhaps it wouldn't be terrible.

…

The image of Angie with demon horns looming over the school with the students running away in panic crossed their minds and all swore to never mention it.

Elise, ignorant of these thoughts, stopped them before a building with the sign 'Rosen Garten' over the doors. "The one who called for you is waiting in here. Hold on a moment while announce you."

She turned and opened the doors, ignoring the class speculating on who their caller was. "Your Highness, the guests you requested are here."

She turned back to find everyone slack-jawed, an amused grin rising on her lips. "Now then, if you'll please follow me."

The class did so, if only to see if what they thought was true. Then, on the other side of the doors in a space filled to the brim with flowers and elegant statues, stood a girl in the Astraia uniform with flowing gold hair and bright blue eyes.

It could only be Princess Alfin herself.

"Hello everyone!" Alfin greeted, no answer coming from the gob smacked crowed. "As you've probably guess, my name is Alfin. Alfin Reise Arnor. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She curtsied and the class hurried to give their own proper greetings. Who'd have though a royal would call for them specifically?

They then somehow were invited for tea and a friendly chat. While everyone save Laura and Jusis were nervous with the princess, her charm and friendly demeanor soon set everyone at ease. For what felt like hours they talked and talked, Alfin infinitely curious about everything they had to say.

At least until Alfin looked to a still upset Elise. "Look, I'm sorry. I just wanted to tease you a little, I didn't think this'd make you so upset."

"I believe you had something you wanted to discuss with them." Elise huffed, not looking at the princess. "Go ahead and discuss it, we've had pleasantries long enough."

Alfin sighed good naturedly. "Really, it's not my fault that you never told me about Lady Laura and your brother dating. Anyway, as she said, let's get to business."

That snapped everyone out of staring at the pair. It was strange seeing royalty so carefree and easygoing, but it only substantiated the comparisons to an angel that many others had made. Even Rean felt himself relax at seeing Elise with a friend, though that friend was the thrice-blessed princess.

Who apparently didn't understand boundaries until she'd asked Rean to be her brother as well, at which point Elise had almost lunged at her. That led to a comedic chase around the table before they settled back down like nothing happened.

Then she called Rean handsome and refreshing, whereupon the room became choked with the pressure of an angered lioness, Alfin quickly rescinding her implied interest when she caught sight of Laura's too sweet smile.

That was before she got serious, as she was now. "The reason I called you all here today wasn't because I wanted to talk to you, that was just a bonus. There's someone else who wants to talk, and they have a stake in what you class does if you're curious."

Before anyone could ask, a lute's strings filled the air and a tall man with a blond ponytail strolled into the garden, the lute that played in his hands. He had a white overcoat with blue stripes on over dark pants and brown boots, his hair a match for Alfin's.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting." The stranger greeted, Jusis recognizing him first. "My name is Olivert Reise Arnor, amusic instructor at this fie institution and a wanderer in search of that mayfly called love."

He winked at the shocked crowd. "That may raise brows here, but who could ever resist a pure conclave of sparkly eyed maidens? Ah, the romance is fit to burst my heart."

Alfin stood and, without missing a beat, produced a paper fan with which she smacked Olivert's head. "And that's enough of your silliness lest they flee for the exit. Care getting to the point, dear brother?"

Everyone remained gob smacked as Olivert recovered. "Never one to skip a beat, eh Alfin? Anyway, she's correct. I've come to speak with the members of the class I helped found and the owners of some… rather dangerous artifacts."

As if his words triggered something, a rustle sounded in Paula's satchel before an incredibly ornate sphere with gold edges and a huge jewel face flew out of the bag. A familiar symbol burst to life on it before it slammed into Paula's back and the air was filled with the sound of tearing flesh.

Paula screamed in shock and pain, but the sound ended as soon as it began, Paula hunched over and panting as Jusis raced to her side. What he found rendered him mute, the sphere having burrowed itself deep into Paula's back with only the jewel and some white metal peaking out of the skin.

Olivert merely sighed as everyone panicked. "Here I was hoping they hadn't found that damn thing. Leonard got lazy."

He stood to his full height and his voice boomed across the room, silencing everyone. "As chairman of the board of governors and Prince of the Erebonian Empire, I beseech that you be still and listen after your comrade had been attended to."

He strolled to one of the arches and leaned against it, only Elliot and Emma not paying attention as they tended to the whimpering Paula.

"What I'm about to share defies belief, but it is in all your interests to hear this." Olivert began, his serious tone at great odds with his earlier revelry. "Dangerous artifacts have come to my attention, four of which now reside with this class."

He looked each person present in the eye before dropping the bomb.

"As the creator of Class VII, I am here to tell you that those artifacts may very well steal the souls of the one's they've bonded. Such is the state we now find ourselves in and it will be up to us to save these souls and put an end to the corruption that now plagues our fair country."

Everyone was silent as they stared at him, not one daring to speak.

Olivert gave them a flippant grin.

"No pressure, yeah?"

Ch. End

Alright ladies and gents, we have a chapter! I do hope you enjoy this one and I apologize for not getting all the way through. I promise we'll finish up next time and get some awesome glimpses as to what the power our artifacts offer.

Now, review time!

Heero de Fanel: I'm really glad you liked it! This one's nowhere near as heavy as the last two, but considering the size of this study, I felt we needed a breather. Hope you enjoy this too.

Yoheer: I'm glad it met expectations. I always found it funny that you'd get these high agility stats in the game, but never show it besides dodging, so I made Elliot have something fun happen that tied into his constant dodging of Fiona. Also, nothing is known of Fie's past beyond battlefields, which means free game!

8GoKey40th: No, ew.

Camperor: Not happening, completely separate universe.

That's all I have! See you all next time and I hope you enjoy!

Ciao!