*Four days ago*

A swift kick to the stomach knocked an attacker back, while her wooden sword, struck the other across his face, causing him to drop his weapon.

Agnes was hardly impressed by both of her new trainees. She hadn't expected much out of Leo, but Jacob proved to be far more lacking. Disappointing, given that despite his sister didn't have much, if any training with a sword, but could hold her own quite well.

"Up. Once more," she said, looking out over the two exhausted young men. She found it hard to believe that just yesterday that one was trying to kill her, and frankly, was doing a good job. Now, he could barely hold a sword correctly, and that had been an improvement over his former club like grip.

Leo was in a far worse state of affairs. She had seen his hammer, of course, which went far in explaining his lack of skill. Combined with just as little training as Jacob created a disaster that was already resisting improvement. At this point, she would force them onto someone else, most likely Isabella herself. But seeing as the girl had been 'kidnapped' by one of the Valliere sister's, that was no longer an option. Which left her to deal with the situation at hand. With no way of knowing when Louise or her familiar would get back, several plans were going to have to wait. Including the princess's plot to reveal any traitors currently in her court.

Unless the two developed a level of competence in the areas of combat, but that was already unlikely. Both of them had some degree of potential, but they hadn't ever needed to use it. Agnes knew the broad details of Isabella's origins. Life was simply easier where they came from. With no need for them to farm or hunt, they mostly lacked muscles that their non mage peers would. Especially in Leo's case. He shouldn't have been able to support any weight with his wiry frame, let alone his hammer.

Which left Agnes with questions of her own. Given Isabella's own word was stated to lack magic, a fact merely confirmed by the youngest of the Valliere sisters. She had to admit at first she was curious about such a world, but it diminished greatly over time. How different could it really be? Without magic, those who wanted power would simply find a different way to hold on to it. Prephase they had progressed beyond that, but Anges doubted it.

Even as deep in her own thoughts as she was, the two still hadn't been able to land a hit on her. But the fact they had managed to endure for so long was commendable. Especially Jacob. What few water mages remained were baffled by his impossibly swift recovery. For her, it didn't really matter. That way, Agnes could keep a close eye on both of them.

Under normal circumstances, the arrival of a Romainian priest would be considered a good thing. But these were no normal circumstances, and as far as Agnes knew, this was no normal priest. The fact they sent the Pope's lapdog, to the location of a suspected void mage and her familiar was alarming. Henrietta had become clearly worried for her friend, while Isabella simply didn't trust the man, though why was unknown. Regardless, the possibility that Louise's identity had been compromised was troublesome. But Louise didn't really flaunt her magical affinity as much as one might expect, and Isabella had been tight lipped on the matter.

Which meant they either had a non-Reconquista spy in their ranks, or that somehow, the Pope already knew. Both options were alarming, with the latter being more so. With her being at the Valliere estate, Louise would at least have sometime away from prying eyes. Though getting her back had the possibility of being a massive political affair, if it was even possible. If they were to win the upcoming war with Albion, having a Void Mage in their corner would be helpful. Even if they had to fight the Valliere family to get her.

That wasn't helped at all by the fact Isabella's origins were also as big of a secret. Along with anything, or anyone connected to it. Julio could not learn of the truth about Isabella's presence, let alone that of her sibling and friend. Which meant Agnes and her musketeers had to keep him away from the pair, and away from everyone else. The girls were loosed lipped, especially around Julio. He would go to them first for information, so it was likely that he knew Louise had summoned Isabella.

Keeping the two seperate from the girls had also proven difficult. Curiosity about the prior day's event, and the unfortunately true rumor that he was Isabella's brother had caused a peak in female interest that Leo thankfully didn't. Though she had to question the behavior of those who were interested. Isabella's more maschine behavior had earned the ire of more than a few male students, while a degree of popularity with female portion. This fan club of sorts immediately took a fixation on her supposed brother. Things weren't helped by the fact that they were the only three males in their age group anymore.

Agnes didn't know why Leo wasn't getting similar treatment. Maybe he had rejected previous advances, and the girls had gotten to picture. This, was again, doubtful. These girls were used to getting exactly what they wanted. Unless something had convinced they that trying to have him was a bad idea, they would simply continue until they had what they wanted.

Regardless, the less anyone knew about them, the better. Keeping them isolated, while suspicious, was simply the best option. Even if it meant she had to train both by herself. She didn't plan on leaving Julio to his own devices, with only the best present were watching his every move. What remained her musketeers were training the few students that had not been withdrawn from the academy. Which had been a lot. Many nobles were worried about the Academy being a target, and had removed their children after the initial assault.

She couldn't exactly blame them for their actions, in this case. It was natural of parents to wish to protect their children. But this was a time of war, and they need to be prepared. Reconquista wasn't going to give them forever. It was only a matter of time before they launched a larger fleet. One that might be able to overtake Tristan's meager defenses, void mage or not. Especially if the infiltrators and treasonous nobles went unopposed. Isabella and Louise's simple disappearance was already bad enough in that regard. While Louise likely wouldn't be of much use, her familiar certainly wouldn't, especially if the rumors about the sword she used were true.

But at this rate, they would have to move on ahead with their plans without them. There were too many parts in play to be stopped now. Which meant these two, like it or not, were going to have to get involved at some point. Isabella's potential problems were irrelevant. Leo's reported healing abilities and strength alone were a valuable asset, while she had seen Jacob's own abilities first hand. If those could be replicated even slightly, then maybe he could be useful.

"Again!" Anges snapped as both managed to pull their bodies out of the dirt. She could already see Leo's bruises beginning to fade, while Jacob's form told a similar tale. So far, they had proven to be uncoordinated, lacking in both subtly and skill. They attacked one at a time, failing to use their superior numbers to their advantage. Not that it would change the outcome, but it would at least be more challenging.

Jacob was the first to press the attack, lunging forward with the wooden sword in his grip. It was a decent move, if he had gotten closer and didn't telegraph as much. Agnes shifted to the right, before bringing her own wooden sword down on his exposed back. The blow landed with a solid thump, adding downward force to his forward momentum. Jacob was eating dirt, and was effectively out for this match.

Leo made his attack while she was dealing with Jacob, believing her to be distracted. He lept into the air, sword raised high. Only to receive the hilt of her blade into his stomach, stopping his momentum dead. Air exited his lungs causing Leo to drop to the ground, the wooden blade that was once in his hands tumbling out of his grasp as he clutched his stomach.

"What exactly was that?" Anges growled. She had seen many things in her time, but never before had she seen anything like that. Stupid was the best word for it. "You do not leap at somebody like a frog!"

"Thought, it would look cool," Leo managed to groan out in an attempt to hold on to his lunch. Agnes resisted the urge to slap her face with the palm of her hand. Out of all the reasons, that was the one he gave? It didn't matter if he might be able to survive being run through. Such a move was just asking to be killed. She knew he wasn't that stupid. Ok, maybe stupid wasn't the right word. More like, tactically incompetent. Yes, that would be the best way to put it. She wasn't used to many not knowing the subtleties of swords play. Most members of the Musketeer squads were handpicked, knowing either how to use guns or swords effectively. Sometimes both. She was aware that many of those who were literate, including commoners, had an idea based on dramatic stories and tales. Most likely, Earth was the same. So long as Agnes had time to expel such notions, she couldn't care less.

*Day of Karen and Isabella's duel*

Agnes's brow furrowed in annoyance. The timing was far less than ideal, but that didn't change much. Isabella would have likely arrived last night to the Valliere estate, and it was simply too late to make an attempt at recalling her. Which meant Leo and Jacob were the only ones that could take on and complete the mission.

Four days wasn't enough, as far as she was concerned, but orders were orders. If the Princess thought the plan would work, then it would. Now, she simply need a swift and efficient way to get both to the capital without drawing attention. One of the key places was the Charming Fairies Inn, was the primary point of contact. If Agnes remembered the report's correctly, then she knew its significance. Isabella and Louise had managed to capture a corrupt tax collector named Turenne. Agnes paused, an idea forming in her head.

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"What do you mean, we're heading for the Capital?" Jacob asked, though by this point things were already too late.

"The Princess has requested a military meeting, and has requested that I bring both of you along. She'd like to meet, you, Jacob, personally, seeing as your sister helped defend Tristain from attack, and to you, Leo, because she wants to discuss if it is possible to create more of those Zero fighters," Agnes said. It wasn't entirely a lie. Princess Hentrintia had been curious to meet Jacob, and desired to discus with Leo about the weapon that helped them win the Battle of Tarbes.

There was no military meeting, however. Rather, a kidnapping. Leo nodded. Something told her that he hadn't bought it. Unlike Jacob, Agnes knew Leo meet the Princess, though their interaction was brief even by generous standards.

"So, where exactly are we staying while the meeting happens. I doubt anyone, even with the Princess's recommendation, would be allowed to simple march in observe an event that important to national security," Leo stated, crossing his arms, almost causing Anges's face to slip. Such a factual and obvious statement, yet only Leo had seemed to have thought of it.

"No. We have arranged for you to stay at the Charming Fairy Inn. We weren't exactly able to pay for everything two travelers would need on such short notice without arousing suspicion, so you may be requested to work in the kitchen in the meantime," Agnes stated calmly, despite the clear looks of displeasure the two young men gave her.

"Relax. Your sister spent some time there once during a stakeout mission for us. She stated that she had a great time," she watched both responses, with Leo just simply shaking his head, while Jacob's eyebrows rose.

"So my sister really did become a medieval James Bond," Agnes was able to pick up on the faint whisper. Who exactly was James Bond?

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"So, this is it," Jacob looked up. He had to admit to himself, it looked quite nice. Two and a half to three stories in height would be his best guess. Plenty of windows gave it a nice, open feel to it. Overall, it felt like a charming place, as it's name suggested more than suitable to spend at least a few nights. "You first."

"What? Why?" Leo asked in outrage. Honestly, he had his doubts about what Agnes had said. Not the military part. Tristain was gearing up for war, and he would have a role to play one way or another. Despite Professor Colbert's objections. The aging fire mage had no desire for war, that much was clear, and it was obviously brought on by experience. Whether it was because Colbert himself had fought or he was caught in a bad place at a very wrong time during his youth, Leo didn't know. Nor, did he pry. It simply wasn't his place.

"Agnes said Isabella liked it," Jacob simply crossed his arms over his chest. "And she said sis did a stakeout for them here."

"Which makes you think she was seriously about her James Bond thing?" Leo rolled his eyes, stepping through the door. He only regret the decision immediately. Either Isabella left a very, very lasting impression on this place, or it had been like this to begin with. Neither option was appealing.

What first drew his eye was the girl standing in the room, wearing an outfit suspiciously similar to that worn by Revolutionary Girl Utena, further solidifying the idea of Isabella's influence, surrounded by a few other girls. Each wore a rather frilly dress, complete with a massive fan in hand. Though that wouldn't be as startling as second.

See, he was quite fine with what a few considered Isabella's 'odd habit' of never wearing a dress. Every school dance she went to, Isabella came in a suit. Hue showing up with her girlfriend all dressed up usually got a few 'where's Isabella?' or 'damn he's hot' moments, before everyone realized it was, in fact Isabella. She readily admitted that it was an activity she engaged in for her own amusement, though in this case, it made sense. Not many would expect a disguise exactly like that.

This made him much more prepared from what appeared to be a man in a pink dress, with green frills, wearing what had to be a purple wig, with spiraling curls. Jacob, however, did not seem as well prepared, nearly gagging.

"Hello? Are we here at a bad time?" Leo asked, finally getting the room's attention. At first, it was a simple staring contest.

"Not at all! You must be Leo and Jacob, yes?" the large male had finally turned around, proving Leo's suspicions about the wig correct. He was surprisingly buff, and quite tall. The question almost instantly drew the attention of the five girls.

"How'd you guess?" Jacob questioned, trying his hardest to keep a straight face. It was him the girl's were primarily eyeing. Honestly, Leo was beginning to expect Isabella to have a fan club.

"We do not typically rent out rooms for men, no. But, for the friend and brother of James, my fairies were willing to make an acception," the man said, with the girls in the background almost seeming to swoon at the mention of James, as Jacob developed a vein above his eye. Leo almost felt a twinge of pity for the young man. He never really had an interest in anyone, romantically or in the more primal sense. But it had to be something, having a sister that was so much better with women than he would ever be.

"Okay, my dear fairies, time to open shop. We will be very busy tonight because of the play, so be ready" the man turned around, facing the girls. Jacob's eye had begun to twitch uncontrollably.

"Yes Ma Mademoiselle!" they all cheered. Leo had to admit, this Ma Mademoiselle was strange, but it was clear that the girls simply adored him. If little else, that proved he was a good person.

"And for you two, you are needed in the kitchen. And Jacob, if you do know any of your brother's recipes, please feel free to make some. They were quite good for business," Ma Mademoiselle said. Meanwhile, Leo noticed that the twitching in Jacob's eye appeared to be contagious, seeing that it had spread from his left, to his right.

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"So, let me get this straight. James isn't James, but rather, Isabella?" the girl that had joined both of them in their cooking and cleaning duties asked. Jessica was her name, and she the one wearing what Leo thought was the Utena suit. He wasn't surprised that Jacob hadn't been able to put a name to it, seeing how Revolutionary Girl Utena was his sister's favorite series when younger.

"I'm not lying!" Jacob said, exasperated with the turn of events. Like his sister, he really had no sense of cooking. Leo did. Even if he had managed to set chocolate on fire.

"I can confirm that he isn't lying. Third party and all that," Leo sighed. He didn't exactly like the twinkle in her eye.

"That's a shame, and a missed opportunity. I'm willing to bet she would look great in a dress," the statement made Jacob's eyes to commercially grow in size, as Leo just shook his head.

"No, it's not a missed opportunity. You try to put her in a dress, you wouldn't have a building anymore. Let's just say our father tried making her wear a dress at age six. He got a punch where the sun doesn't shine, and leave it at that," Jacob seemed to shudder at the vague memory. Leo himself had also heard the story. Isabella had been punished by her parents afterwards, but they also decided that if they kept on forcing her to do something she didn't like, especially over something so minor, she would simply create more trouble. Hence why they let her start wearing suits.

"So, I heard about a play?" Leo asked, desperately trying to change topic. Thankfully, despite the strange look Jessica sent their way, she took the bait.

"It's nothing to special I will admit. A love story at it's hard, about a prince and his protective warrior princess," Jessica said proudly. Leo resisted a frown. There was a pretty clear inspiration for such an idea. A princess saving princess actually was a step up from a prince saving princess.

"Where is the performance, if you don't mind me asking?" Jacob asked, startling Leo. He couldn't tell if he asked just simply out of politeness, or interest. It was likely politeness, because Leo doubted such an event would be of interest to Jacob. However, Leo was thankful for the additional information, without having to pry for it. His continuing questions might come off as suspicious. He was fairly certain something was happening. Something big.

"Tonight we will be performing at the Taniarjina Royal Theater, I believe," Jessica grinned. "But that this point, I think my father is going to need my help, and you two look like you have everything under control." Leo merely nodded, now certain that the princess herself likely had some type of plan in motion, while Jacob wore a face of horror, mouthing 'no' at the simple idea of the man up front having children.

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It didn't take long for the inn to become packed with customers. The establishment was popular, and in a sense, Leo could see why. Drink's, and girls in frilly maid outfits. He understood the marketing behind this place. Basically, it was a medieval maid cafe that served alcoholic beverages. Normally, having a hormonal male teenager in such an environment would be a bad thing. Poor decision making on top of a substance that affect the logic centers of the brain was a bad mix. One of the many reason's he and Isabella avoided parties. But Jacob had Isabella as family. Being in close proximity to an avid anti-drinker left it's mark.

Leo took a look at the back door, before narrowly eyeing someone that he actually recognized. Vittorio had arrived sometime prior. Leo, while not sharing in Isabella's outright mistrust of the man, now found present circumstances to possibly prove her concerns correct. Besides, Jacob should have been done with the trash by now.

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Jacob let out a grumble, dragging the wooden crate full of garbage into the alleyway. Really? He was in a magical world, yet he still had to do the same chores he did at home? Talk about lame.

His thoughts were interrupted as a hooded figure wearing a clock bumped into him. Whoever the person was fell over, landing on their rear. For a moment, he contemplated just ignoring them. After all, they clearly weren't paying attention to where they were going. Ultimately, he decided against it.

"Are you ok?" Jacob finally offered, extending his hand downward, allowing the person who ran into him to pull themselves up.

"Um, is there a shop called 'Charming Fairy' around here?" a voice asked from underneath the cloak. It clearly belonged to a female. He immediately became curious, about why.

"That would be," he tried to get out, before his body was pulled against the wall, his mouth covered by a hand, as a group of guards ran past. A criminal? No, this was something different. Silently, the hood fell down, revealing purple hair. For a moment, he paused, looking at her. Purple hair. He knew Isabella had mentioned that earlier, and she made use of a name. Was it? No, it couldn't be.

"Princess?" Jacob asked, only to be shushed again. Well, something was happening. Why couldn't Isabella be here? She was the one who liked dealing with all the wacky shenanigans.

"I need your help," she said softly, beginning to drag him along.

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Thankfully, it wasn't a long trip to the room that Jacob and Leo had found themselves sharing. Jacob shifted against the wall, uncomfortable. He had no idea how to react in this type of situation. Be respectful was about as far as his knowledge went.

"I don't know what's going on, but I'll go get Leo," Jacob offered, desperately trying to find a way out of this situation. He was in over his head.

"Please don't. Leo is to assist Agnes in her part of the mission. Please, be my bodyguard for the next several hours,' the Princess stated. Her voice was kind, but her eyes were full of steel. This wasn't something Jacob was simply going to be able to walk away from.

"Bodyguard?" Jacob's voice sounded exasperated, "You're the Princess! You should have plenty of people far more qualified than I ever will be!" Hentria only undid the clamp that allowed the cloak to hang from around her neck.

"I'm the Queen, actually," she smiled, as if understanding that he didn't know much about the situation. "And I must act while undercover." Jacob let out a sigh. Well, if the cards were already in play, he might as well deal with what he was dealt.

"Ok, since it's an order from the Queen, and seeing as I don't see any other options, I'll accept," Hentrintia's face lit up at the comment. "Just promise me this won't end with my sister wanting to hurt me afterwards."

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Dang, I think I got this chapter done, in like a single week, maybe a little less. Having characters besides Isabella and Louise taking center stage feels like it helped. I mean, I've written about them for twenty five chapters, with them taking up center stage. That is the longest that I've ever written about any character for a story ever.

And it's all because of those who read this story, favorite it, and review it. Thank you so much for actually taking to the time out of your day to read what I've wrote. Seriously, I wouldn't have gotten this far without you. I cannot thank you enough. This stories first year has come and gone, and I'm still updating. This is the largest project I've ever done. All of it because of you.

I hope you enjoy more of Leo and Jacob's adventure's in Tristian, because Isabella and Louise aren't coming back for a few chapters.

I hope you all enjoyed, and I hopefully will see you again next chapter!