Let's go ahead and jump right in! Time to head off for a brief stop before our dear Sevens get into more trouble.
Meeting By The Lake
The following hour was a whirlwind of happenings so quick and abrupt Rean had no idea how to process any of it. All he knew was that within minutes of his father informing him he'd be going with Laura to Legram, his case was in his hands alongside a ticket and they were on the train.
Beyond that was a lot of explanations and attempts at casual conversation, though Rean's parents could tell both their son and Laura were too shocked to really do much. To summarize, Teo had received a letter from Viscount Arseid about the impending meeting with Count Sevrun, not a day after Teo had sent a letter asking about a similar meeting.
He and Lucia had swiftly packed their bags and hurried out of Ymir after reading the letter, worried that Sevrun had heard about these talks and wanted to make a move. Running into Rean at the station only furthered their concerns, which were subsequently confirmed when Laura walked in, case in hand.
Thus, the meeting they'd been planning to negotiate a date for was going to happen… well, in a few hours.
"Wait, what?!" Rean finally shouted after snapping out of his stunned daze. "Why is this the first I'm hearing of any talks between you and the Viscount?"
Teo smiled tiredly at him, Lucia beside him while Rean and Laura sat across from them. "Most of our talks have involved stuff you don't need to concern yourself with, trade and such. Our investments in several companies have bourn fruit, so we were looking for things to add to Ymir's weekly deliveries anyway."
"I've heard marvelous things about the fish that live in Lake Ebel." Lucia gushed, eyes still glued to Laura. "The misty air is good for growing year-round too if memory serves. Having the extra supplies during blizzard season would be great."
Laura seemed to snap out of her own daze at the praise. "That's… very kind of you, Lady Schwarzer. While we do produce a great deal of crop and fish regularly, most of it is… lost prior to harvest."
"Your father mentioned that in his correspondence." Teo agreed, clearly unbothered. "But you still produce enough to feed your people and export the remainder. With a bit of assistance from us, I'm sure we can solve the issues afflicting your products."
Laura went quiet again, chewing on that idea. While the opening was there, Rean got at the other big reason he was dragged along. "Then what's this about betrothing Laura and me? We've been dating all of two, nearly three months, and it really has nothing to do with Laura's situation."
"It's because Count Sevrun gives us little choice." Lucia sighed, Teo letting her talk politics. "His judicial powers already mean he's cut off most of our legal means of ending this grab for land and influence. Mind he can't just buy it or force Victor to give the land, Emperor Eugent would dismiss him in a heartbeat, but this is what he settled on."
Teo continued the explanation. "Honestly, we're not even sure this grab is all Sevrun's doing either. Going to such lengths against one of the most respected families in the empire is audacious enough, but there's been surprisingly little aplomb about it. Far as I can tell, only the Viscout, Sevrun, and us know this is happening."
"Having the Radiant Blademaster as an enemy isn't the best idea." Rean conceded, starting to see their reasoning. "Especially when you guys are involved. Having that Imperial seal really helps keep these kinds of jerks away."
Laura sighed and gave a possible answer. "If it's anyone pulling the strings, it's likely Duke Albarea. My father and the duke have never seen eye to eye, and it wouldn't surprise me if this was an attempt to hamstring my father's influence."
Rean looked to her in shock while his parents quietly discussed the idea. Nothing further came of it for a time though, as the train arrived in Heimdallr and they had to switch lines. While waiting, a curious guest strode up to them, all smiles.
"Lord Schwarzer, it's been too long." Rufus Albarea greeted Teo as he parted the crowds like a rock in a stream. "Lady Schwarzer as well. Tell me, how does Ymir fare? Has the snow melted at last?"
Teo laughed and greeted the ducal heir with a bow, Lucia curtsying in stereo. "Aye, it's melted, and the voles are out in force! You should come visit, I'd enjoy teaching you more about falconry."
Rufus chuckled and gave his own bow. "Were I able. I quite miss the nights I spent in the Phoenix Wings, but my work has kept me away for so long I doubt I'll ever be able to visit in the next decade, and that's without a disaster. Regardless, what brings you here? I guess it has something to do with your son and… Lady Arseid?"
Laura bowed to him, showing all the respect he was due. "Lord Albarea, a pleasure to see you again. We are all heading towards Legram currently to deal with business pertaining to my family, though Rean was dragged along for reasons I cannot disclose."
Rufus cupped his chin, a smirk on his lips. "I see… well, far be it from me to keep you all waiting for your train, but could I borrow you for a moment Lord Schwarzer? I promise it won't take long."
Teo shared a look with Lucia but followed Rufus. They walked a short distance away, voices too low to hear over the thrum of Central Station's many visitors, but Teo visibly tensed before shaking Rufus's hand and returning, lips set in a grim line.
"What was that about?" Lucia asked, worried. "Does it have to do with something in the capital?"
Teo sighed and shook his head. "No, it's… something I need to share with Victor when we arrive. Lord Albarea was quite insistent on that point, so please forgive my silence."
Lucia dropped the subject then and there, though Rean and Laura couldn't help the niggling thoughts that gnawed at the back of their minds. What had been so important that Rufus Albarea himself had to tell Teo?
"Now then!" Teo harrumphed, his gaze going to Laura. "I wanted to ask you something that came to my attention a couple days ago. My daughter Elise says that during the attack here in Heimdallr, you helped Rean save both her and Princess Alfin, correct?"
Laura nodded, mind casting back to that hard chase through the tunnels beneath Heimdallr. "Our classmates assisted. We merely held off the terrorists while Elliot and Machias took Elise and Princess Alfin to safety."
"It's no small feat, but that's not all she told me." Teo continued, a flash of pride going through his eyes. "Before she got to that part I had to get through a long and winding rant about how you scolded her before the school. If I may ask, what brought that on?"
Laura looked to Rean, unsure. "Um… should I share?"
Lucia cut Rean off before he could say anything. "No, you asking him answers the question. Honestly, that girl needs to stop treating him like he's six. It's plain as day Rean's grown out of his, shall we say, less than sensible side."
She laughed at their flushed faces. "Though that's not to say you can't be hard-headed anymore, but that's what we're here for. I trust Laura can keep you in line too and vice versa."
Teo sighed and waved for everyone to follow him as the train rolled into the station. "I'll have to see about talking with her, but for now let's get our game faces on. We're showing up before the official time of Sevrun's meeting, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was already in Legram."
Everyone did just that, though it soon became apparent that trying to remain serious for the hours of travel before them wasn't going to work. Instead, Rean and Laura took turns regaling the elder couple about the myriad antics their class got into.
"How in the world did you get strung out on the bell tower?" Lucia asked, flabbergasted by one such tale. "I can understand one of your friends is a real prankster, but that's a tad much!"
Teo was guffawing from the last one, easily able to imagine Rean covered in a hive's worth of honey, so he didn't get a word in while Laura explained. "Not my proudest moment, but when our friend Becky came to me begging for help, I couldn't say no. She'd been working on one of her inventory lists when the wind picked it up and carried it into the grand-clock."
"Gaius and Emma were nearby, so we roped them in." Rean continued, smiling fondly at the memory. "Getting to the tower wasn't hard, we just had to explain to one of our instructors what was going on. Problem was, the list was had gotten caught at the very top of the clock and there was no scaffolding to reach it."
Laura chuckled, events playing out in her mind like it was yesterday. "We ended up making a human tower. Emma was, shall we say, embarrassed to have anyone below her so I formed the base followed by her, then Rean, then Gaius since he's the tallest. We… were less than stable, no matter how much I appreciated the leg workout."
Teo noted Rean's smile turn a little smug. "What, were you looking more at her than that list? Last I checked, your Gaius friend is a big guy and would take a lot of concentration to hold up."
Rean shrugged, unashamed of the blush it brought to both his cheeks and Laura's. "What can I say? It's one of my favorite things to do, no matter the occasion."
"Aidios, I knew those hormones would kick in eventually." Teo laughed, Rean's blush deepening. "Next question. If you were so unstable, why continue? Surely you could've used a pole with a spike tied to the end."
Rean and Laura looked to each other and groaned. That could've saved them so much trouble.
"Our lack of clever ideas aside," Rean continued, not wanting to dwell on the idea. "Gaius was still able to reach the list, it was just incredibly windy up there. If it weren't for Emma and I holding on for dear life, there'd have been more than a few broken bones. And, well…"
Laura chuckled and finished the tale. "The wind was so strong that Emma inadvertently flashed the entire school. Classes were in so no one saw it, but she noticed and refused to budge after securing her skirt. We were strung out like that for ten whole minutes before she finally got it together."
Teo and Lucia just laughed, wondering at how their children had met such colorful characters. After all, Elise was friends with the Imperial Princess herself while Rean was good friends with the children of very influential figures in the Empire at large, not to mention he was dating the Radiant Blademaster's daughter.
What a turn of events.
The laughter came to an end as the intercom blared to life again, announcing their imminent arrival in Legram and apologizing for the need to skip Celdic. A glance outside showed the famous fog of Legram was out in full force, the small party gathering their things and exiting the car when the train came to a stop.
No one was there to greet them in the station, but upon their arrival to the outdoors and the cool fog suffusing the air, an elderly man in a snazzy suit strolled up. "Milady, Lord and Lady Schwarzer. Oh, and Sir Schwarzer as well, we weren't expecting you."
Rean rubbed his head with a sheepish smile. "Neither was I, don't worry. Um, and you are?"
The man bowed smartly, grace in every move. "My name is Klaus, good sir, and I am the butler of the Arseid household. Milord asked me to come greet you all and guide you to the manor."
"Here I was hoping to enjoy the view." Lucia sighed, gazing out to the fog shrouded lake and the outline of a grand castle in the distance. "My first time here and it's every bit as beautiful as I'd heard. What glory it would be to see it on a clear day."
Laura puffed up a bit in pride, Rean more than willing to pop that big head. "It's beautiful, but Ymir's still number one in my book. Can't beat the falls in the valley right after the first snow-fall."
Laura glanced at him with a frown. "Then I'll have to visit and see for myself. I doubt it can compare, but we'll see."
With another date officially set, the subject was dropped. Klaus looked grandly amused but cleared his throat. "If you would all please follow me. The Viscount is expecting you."
The group snapped out of their respective thoughts and followed Klaus, the sleepy townspeople barely sparing a glance as they passed by. At least until they saw Laura of course, then everyone started calling greetings.
Laura returned the greetings politely, clearly well used to the attention. Rean could understand why easily enough, Legram was only a little bigger than Ymir after all. Despite being home to the renowned Arseid style, maybe eight buildings made up the town altogether.
A statue of a woman holding a lance and two knights kneeling beside her caught his attention, but Klaus said nothing as they walked by it. While Rean could ask and drag out the tour, it was probably best not to bring it up now.
"I'll tell you the story later." Laura whispered to him as they started to climb up a long set of stairs. "First, let's get inside and see what Father's plan is. We'll go from there."
Rean nodded and remained silent as they made the first landing. A chapel and another building with the words 'Training Hall' written across a sign were the residents of this art of the town, the sounds of clashing swords echoing from the hall.
"Were it a better day, I'd love to see the style getting taught." Teo muttered as he eyed the hall. "Wonder how it would compare to mine."
Lucia cuffed his arm. "Remember why we're here. Rean, mind your manners, you're meeting the father a lot sooner than expected."
Rean put on his best game face, Laura giving his hand a squeeze as Klaus paused before the next set of stairs. "Before we go in, I'd like to formally welcome you all to the manor of Viscount Arseid. A late lunch has been prepared for you to partake in, but the Viscount will wish to discuss business the moment he can."
Teo nodded his agreement and Klaus began to lead them up the last set of stairs. All were silent as they climbed, even as Klaus opened the grand main doors and beckoned them into the finely decorated foyer beyond, chandeliers of gold illuminating the space.
Blue was certainly a theme though. The carpets and curtains were all rich hues of sapphire while the Arseid crest was prominently displayed at the foot of the main staircase. Doors of mahogany were to the front and sides with various plants and paintings decorating the walls.
The second floor, from what could be seen, looked much the same. There even appeared to be another staircase leading to a third landing, the door at the top their apparent destination.
"It's Father's office." Laura whispered again, still composed despite the conversation about to unfold. "He's rarely in because of his work with the provincial and Imperial armies, but that's where he meets all the important guests."
Rean nodded and took a breath as Klaus rapped on the doors to the office three times. "Milord, your daughter and the Schwarzer family have arrived."
"Send them in, I'm eager to meet our friends."
The deep and smooth voice made Rean gulp, his nerves sky-rocketing when Klaus opened the doors and ushered them inside.
The room was huge, a great carpet taking up the open center while the edges held book-cases, paintings, plants, and a few chairs. At the front stood a large desk with a lamp and various papers, behind which sat a blue shield and crossed swords, the Arseid Emblem emblazoned on the shield's face.
The room's main attraction though was the tall man standing behind the desk, his dark hair in a long, messy comb-over. He had a coat of ark blue with silver lining over near a black vest, a long green scarf adding a dash of brightness to the dark clothes.
As he moved from behind the desk to greet them, white pants came into view and Rean jokingly wondered if the man before him got the title Radiant more for his wardrobe than anything. Well, if power wasn't hanging around him like a physical aura.
The Viscount, for this had to be him, spotted Laura first and almost ran to her. "Laura, my child, it's so good to see you home. My heart swells to have you well."
He embraced her tenderly and started stroking her head, Laura mumbling something in embarrassment before returning the hug. Rean had rarely seen her so happy as she was right then, only the time they'd first kissed and dueled coming close.
"Father, our guests." Laura eventually said, breaking the embrace.
The Viscount looked disappointed, but swiftly hid it and turned to the Schwarzers. "Of course, where are my manners. I'm Viscount Victor S. Arseid, the ruling. Please, call me Victor."
Teo stepped forth and held out his hand. "Teo Schwarzer. It's a pleasure to meet you in person after so long Viscount, letters can only do so much."
Victor shook his hand. "The pleasure is mine, your willingness to help has brought a great deal of relief to my home. Lady Schwarzer in particular has been very responsive to my questions."
Lucia curtsied demurely. "It's no trouble, Lord Arseid. I simply had the time to answer."
Victor nodded approvingly before turning his gaze to Rean. "Oh, I wasn't expecting your son to come with… Hm, this can work. I assume you're the Rean that my daughter's been writing about?"
Rean bowed respectfully, his best manners on display. "I am, Lord Arseid, Rean Schwarzer at your service. It's an honor to meet one of your abilities and to count your daughter as a close friend."
"Oh, she's well more than that." Victor quipped, chuckling at Rean's flinch. "Hm… well, you're polite if I can take anything from that introduction, good looking too. Assuming my daughter wasn't embellishing, you're a fighter and smart too."
He crossed his arms and nodded his head. "Welp, I can at least take comfort in the fact my daughter has good taste. Glad to meet you, Rean, I hope you don't mind us having to get to business. I'll have my time to get to know you later."
Rean swore there was a veiled threat, but nothing in Victor's expression or stance said as much.
"To business then." Teo agreed, Klaus presenting them with chairs. "As I'm sure you already know, we're willing to buy most of your current stock and take it home with us. That should be enough to cover the tithe for this year, and we'll be more than willing to keep buying in the future."
Victor strode back to his desk and sat, a small stack of papers appearing before him. "Klaus and I have the lists of what we're selling right here. If you and your wife could look these over for any oversights, it would be appreciated. Beyond that, I've already spoken to our farmers and fishmongers, they'll be more than willing to sell at a discount after this first purchase."
Teo and Lucia took the papers and read them silently, neither of them finding any of the agreed items missing. Once satisfied, Teo handed his set back to Victor. "Everything's there, and I'm sure the discount will make everyone back home happy. It'll be an honor to serve Legram's famous fish at the Phoenix Wings."
Victor smiled gratefully. "I don't think a letter could ever truly convey how much you've helped by agreeing to this, Lord Schwarzer. The tithe may not have changed much but… well, Helmut's been more of an ass than usual and hiked up our tax. Weren't for that we wouldn't be in this situation."
"I take it as a means for us to meet at last." Teo countered easily. "I've only heard rumors about you aside from a few glimpses at grand gatherings. It's nice to know there's someone else who can't stand the socialites."
Lucia giggled at him. "You just prefer to be out hunting like a wild-man. There are days I wonder why I haven't returned from helping with the wash only to find you with a new beard and a club over your shoulder."
Teo smiled at her, missing the flash of melancholy that drifted over Victor's face. "You'd have me shaved and the club burned before I could say 'ooga' and you know it. I don't want a repeat of that deer hunt."
Victor looked to Rean for explanation, as Lucia was too busy trying to hush her husband. "Dad went on a hunting trip with one of his friends in town. They cornered a deer, but the thing fought so hard even after they'd wounded it, he ended up drenched in blood. That was before they had to butcher it, so he was filthy when he came back and tracked blood all over the carpet."
"I can imagine," Victor drawled. "Lord Schwarzer is well known as an expert hunter after all. Now, if everything's in order, let's sign and stamp these things."
The next several minutes passed in silence as Teo and Victor signed and stamped the various forms, making the agreement official. A final shake of hands sealed the deal, and everyone could see Victor relax.
"I know we have another matter to attend, but would it be alright if we ate?" He asked after Klaus took hold of the documents. "I've been on pins and needles for days now, barely had an appetite."
Lucia answered for them all. "Of course not, that sounds wonderful. We'll see to that when the time comes."
Everyone stood and followed Klaus out of the office and to the dining room. A table laden with delicious smelling food met them, Lucia already asking Klaus and a maid named Prana for the recipes. Victor took the head of the table while the elder Schwarzers took the right side. Laura took his left with Rean next to her.
"So," Victor began after everyone had a few minutes to eat. "If I may ask, Rean, when did you first notice my daughter in a romantic light? I already know you've been pen-pals for many years, but I never thought she'd have a love beyond her training for far longer."
Laura gave him a flat stare, but Rean just laughed. "I've known she was beautiful since the day she sent the photo. My mother and father simply couldn't believe I'd been writing to her for so long. Though… if I had to name the moment, I started having feelings…"
He cupped his chin and gave it some thought, everyone looking at him curiously. It was rather odd that he hadn't shared that tidbit yet, especially with Laura.
"I would have to put it as when we first sparred." He eventually decided, Laura giving him an unimpressed glare. "What? You were just so… honest and passionate. I could tell just how much you loved training with the sword from the first crossing of blades, how could I not find you attractive?"
Laura kept her glare. "So, it was my form with the sword that won you over? Hmph, looks like Alisa owes me another hundred mira, she thought it was that time I dressed up on our first free day."
Rean frowned in confusion. "But… you're beautiful no matter what you're wearing. I mean, seeing you after a work-out or spar is like seeing an angel."
Victor couldn't help but laugh loud and proud, Teo and Lucia joining him. "He's a sap, I love it! And such a shameless romantic at that! Oh, and here I thought only I could make Laura blush that deep, but it can be done! Without embarrassing stories!"
Laura proved him right by flushing crimson, the laughter making her hide her face in her hands.
"Oh, I can tell you're genuine just from that." Victor chuckled as they calmed down. "Even the best actors can't say stuff like that with a straight face. While you're cheesy, I can see you're serious too."
Klaus cleared his throat, drawing the room's attention to him. "Milord, may I remind that you were of a similar disposition during your school days? In fact, I believe you were much worse."
Victor looked stricken, but Teo came to the rescue. "I was much the same, and his mother has been force feeding him romances from a young age. It doesn't surprise me he's such a sap, but at least we all know he's serious."
"If I may ask my own question." Lucia interjected, a sudden aura of danger surrounding her. "Laura, when did you start seeing Rean as more than a friend? I'm quite curious."
Laura clammed up, not prepared for the surge of murderous intent. It took Rean grabbing her hand under the table for her to answer. "Well… for me, it was probably the first time we dueled as well. There was just something… thrilling about it that I'd never experienced before. His kind heart and dedication simply enforced that feeling."
"Oh, you two are birds of a feather." Lucia gushed, aura of danger dissipating. "Here I thought there wouldn't be someone who loved talking swordsmanship as much as Rean does, but here I sit proven wrong. It'll be a joy to get to know you more in the future, Laura."
The room relaxed and the meal continued, Klaus taking his leave to start preparing tea. While he was gone, the parents started poking even more fun at their children, various embarrassing stories swapped in and effort to make Rean and Laura faint.
It was during one such story, when Teo was describing Rean's first true encounter with a gopher and its hole, that Klause returned, ashen. "Milord… it appears Count Sevrun has arrived."
All conversation ceased, Victor shooting out of his seat and slamming his hands on the table. "Then it appears I was right to call this meeting so soon, he's come early. Laura, follow Prana and get ready. Lord Schwarzer, Lady Schwarzer, Rean, please go wait in the guest rooms. This won't take long."
His tone brokered no argument, the Schwarzers retreating upstairs in an orderly manner. Rean had enough time to whisper encouragement to Laura before they were separated. He couldn't sit still though, pacing the guest room like a trapped wolf while his parents watched silently.
"I didn't think the Count would actually show up today, but I'm glad we came anyway." Teo muttered, watching his son carefully. "Nor did I get to share the news I was given with Victor."
Lucia glanced at him. "Could you share that news now? I'm sure that Sevrun has a less than noble loophole ready despite our agreement getting signed."
Teo sighed heavily and crossed his arms, silently debating the idea. While he could share, Victor seemed set on dealing with the Count himself and Teo didn't want to intrude on his fellow father's pride. Then again, Sevrun knew the legal system better than most, so having as many aces as possible was preferable.
Eventually, caution won out. "Well… Lord Albarea gave me some information that confirmed an old rumor I'd heard about the Count. He's been a judicial officiant for many years, but he's always had controversial rulings follow him only to get swept under the rug. The most infamous one was when he denied the return of personal items from those lost in the Hundred Days War."
Lucia and Rean listened intently, only Lucia knowing the incident. Some technicality in the law made it so that any items taken from the battlefield during a war by the provincial forces was considered loot. Didn't matter what kind of items or who they came from.
"Thing is, that ruling was made in clear violation of international law, which is why word of it was hushed so fast. Only Dukes know about it and Helmut Albarea apparently bribed many a witness to stay quiet. Rufus Albarea told me this himself and offered to provide evidence the moment it was necessary."
Lucia frowned at the idea, feeling like there was more at play here. "If Helmut Albarea did that, what was there to gain?"
"Heirlooms and information." Another voice answered, the door opening to show Rufus himself on the other side. "Forgive the intrusion, but the opportunity has arrived for us to… put this matter to rest."
Teo scowled at the Albarea heir, finally realizing what was going on. "Rean, tell me, is it common knowledge what each noble's tithe is?"
Rean looked at his father cautiously, still trying to digest what he'd been told already. "Now that you mention it… I don't think it's legal for anyone besides the Imperial Treasury to know the tithe. The only exceptions I've heard of are the… Dukes… son of a bitch!"
He rounded on Rufus, but Teo froze him with a withering look. "Much as I agree with your desires, there's likely more to this. Tell me, Lord Albarea, do you have that evidence I mentioned?"
"Indeed, I do." Rufus answered, unflappable as always. "I honestly didn't think the opportunity to reign in this less than honest Count would come anytime soon, but I have sharp ears. He's been eager to find a way to increase his influence and enter my father's inner circle. I simply… encouraged an idea."
Rean snarled at him. "You could have done this at any time! Do you have any idea how much weight you put on Laura's shoulders? On the Viscount's?! I thought you cared for your students!"
Rufus remained impassive, but Teo and Lucia noticed the spark of indignation that flashed in his eye. "I encouraged the idea long before Lady Arseid became a student of Thors and thus under my jurisdiction. All of this was in motion and could not be stopped. Now, are we going to rescue our dear Viscount from this meeting or are we going to sit here and hurl accusations?"
Lucia took the reins, Rean too riled to answer and Teo clearly upset by the situation. "We may as well. Lead the way, Lord Albarea, but know that my husband and I will have words with you afterwards."
Rufus inclined his head politely and gestured for them to follow, the Schwarzers doing so reluctantly. A butler in the colors of house Albarea was outside, clearly Rufus's attendant, and he bowed to the Schwarzers. "Milords, milady. The meeting appears to be growing quite heated, I heard the Viscount raise his voice."
That lit a fire under their feet, even Rufus frowning. It appeared that for all his aptitude, he certainly didn't want to see Victor abandon all sense and solve this problem himself.
"You will not undermine the traditions of my home, I don't give a damn what that scrap of paper you hold says!" Victor's voice boomed as the group hurried up to the office door. "I am the sovereign lord of this province, only the Emperor himself can override me!"
A pretentious sniff was heard over the rage. "You haven't been keeping up with the legal code, Viscount Arseid. Two years ago, the ducal houses were granted the ability to override the authority of lower nobles in their provinces so long as it is seen as a necessity by both the duke and his council. This paper right here contains that very authorization; thus, I can override that silly idea of a duel by will of the duke."
Rufus held out a hand to stall any attempts of storming the room, clearly wanting to hear where this was going.
"Even still, you cannot just decide the betrothal completed!" Victor argued back, anger growing with each word. "My daughter is of age and can decide for herself, as is your son! Do you really think that she, let alone I, would agree to such a thing when all you've offered for defacing centuries of tradition is a tithe payment?!"
The roar could've silenced a dragon, but the other voice returned dripping with the smug satisfaction of assured victory. "I've already paid your tithe, Viscount. The next three years' worth. It is an amount well within my ability to pay, but you? Not even every brick in this town could pay it back, only your daughter's hand could hope to absolve the debt."
Rufus chose then to make his entrance, not wanting Victor to flat out murder the Count. "That will not be necessary. Count Sevrun, I believe there's something you've been holding out on the dear Viscount."
His entrance was followed by the Schwarzers, Rean rushing around him to find Laura. When he saw her, he almost leapt forth but held himself back.
She was staring at her lap, shocked into silence. The sheer audacity of the Count's actions had stunned her, not even noticing Rufus and the Schwarzers enter the office. Across from her sat a well-dressed young man that looked equally shocked, his age placing him as the Count's son, Reave.
A spindly and well-groomed man stood his ground at the center of the office, face clear of any beard or moustache. He wasn't plain, but he had an aura of smug superiority around him that would've made Machias's skin crawl. "Lord Rufus, whatever could you mean? I thought this was a simple meeting between two parties, nothing that would involve you."
"I know about your involvement in the Hundred Days War." Rufus stated without preamble, the Count's face adopting a frown. "How you avoided the fates of the instigators by turning them over to the RMP. How you horded the stolen loot of entire families. And don't think I throw these accusations without cause."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a bound sheaf of paper. "This is a full audit of your assets and possessions, as ordered by the Imperial Treasury. You made more than a few people suspicious when you suddenly paid three years' worth of the Arseid tithe without any substantial increase in official income."
The count went pale and snatched the sheaf of paper, pouring over it desperately and paling with each second. The sudden change in situation snapped Laura and Reave out of their shock, both looking to the count in thinly veiled hope.
"Of course, I am willing to keep this quiet and spare you both the scandal and the courts you do so love to flaunt." Rufus continued, stealing the count's earlier assuredness. "So long as you return all of the heirlooms you haven't pawned off or sold. Oh, and drop this gross attempt upon a loyal fellow member of our fair province."
He smiled at the count, the older man crumpling the sheaf in impotent rage. "Do that, and I won't spill your near treasonous activities. Cross me… and, well, I hear the firing squads have been quite bored recently."
It was sight to see. Rufus Albarea had, in the span of maybe five minutes, taken what had looked like a complete loss for Victor and turned it into a big victory for himself. Not only did this essentially give him even greater influence in Kruezen than he already had, now the Arseid family and Victor personally owed him an immense debt.
In other words, he came, he saw, he conquered. All because he'd 'encouraged' the count.
The count knew the jig was up and all but stormed out of the office, Victor happily taking the authorization paper that had been obnoxiously shoved in his face and ripping it to pieces. Then he threw it into the bin with a maniacal smirk.
"Sir Reave, I apologize for that showing." Rufus said to the young man, far kinder this time. "Worry not for your family's lands or people, this was a personal audit. Please, go in peace and know that your father will be unlikely to entertain such undesirable thoughts for some time."
The young man smiled gratefully and bowed, quietly excusing himself in the same moment. He practically fled too, all too eager to be away from the shattered meeting.
"A good young-man, he'll do well." Rufus chuckled quietly before looking to Victor. "Viscount Arseid, I believe we can call this matter concluded. You have my sincerest condolences for Count Sevrun's frankly odious actions, and I hope this gift can offer some repayment."
His butler stepped in and handed Rufus an ornate box, the Arseid emblem worked into the glazed wood. Victor and Laura apparently recognized it, the Viscount taking it gingerly while Laura covered her mouth, unable to seal in a gasp.
"My business is nearly concluded now that we've seen to the count." Rufus said into the silence, everyone just staring at him in slight awe. "But, while I'm here and you're available, care to teach me something new, Radiant Blademaster?"
Victor harrumphed and shook his head. "You sly bastard of a fox, using our situation like that. Come then, I'll teach you some manners in the training hall. Teo, come join us, I wish to see if that Schwarzer style you mentioned in your letters can back up your words."
Rufus nodded, though not without a little sweat beading his brow. Even his unflappable demeanor could break, it just took the threat of the Radiant Blademaster wanting to whip his ass.
Lucia at least looked eager. "Oh, a show before tea? How wonderful."
"Dear, you're doing the thing again." Teo sighed, despite starting to stretch. "It's that thing where you start putting off enough bloodlust to scare a bear."
Lucia turned to smile at him, Teo freezing. "I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about. Klaus, could you lead us to the training hall? I wish to see if Lord Albarea and my husband can hold their own."
"Of course, milady." Klaus agreed having stood by the side during the entire chain of events. "Please follow me everyone."
The adults did so, a silent agreement going between them to leave Rean and Laura alone. When the door of the office closed, Rean broke his silence and went over to Laura. "Hey, are you ok?"
"…Kind of." Laura answered after a long pause, eyes still locked on the ornate box Victor had left behind. "The count was so… aggressive. He went and trampled on generations of my family's traditions like they meant nothing, even going so far as to take away the tithe, one of our responsibilities as nobles. I… still don't know how to process such blatant disrespect for the values I hold dear."
Rean took her hand and stroked the back with his thumb. "Take your time. If it helps any, you look even lovelier than usual. I knew ballgowns would look good, but… damn."
"You're such a suck up." Laura giggled, hand gripping his. "It just looked like I'd be… engaged, despite the agreement. The count was going on and on about how I'd have to leave Thors and learn how to run a house and all this… other stuff. Poor Reave, looked like he'd been stabbed when that started."
Rean was silently glad for Rufus's appearance now. "Well, it didn't happen. You don't have to worry about any of this now, we can get back to the dorms and put this all behind us."
"Yeah…" Laura sighed, reaching out to stroke the ornate box. "Um… the reason this box is so important is because… well, it's my mother's. It holds… or held, we need to check, all the jewelry father gave her. She took it with her when she was deployed to Liberl…"
That explained why Victor's face had gone deadly serious when Rufus mentioned the Hundred Days War. "I see… what was she like?"
"A kind and capable woman, someone I aspire to emulate every day." Laura answered, voice heavy with nostalgia. "She would be there every day during training, ever ready with advice or a bandage. She was an instructor in the Arseid school of swordsmanship and the only one besides Klaus that was regularly in town that could challenge Father. When the call came for soldiers to invade Liberl, to avenge Hamel, she volunteered."
"The day she left… was the last I saw her."
She looked to the wall, Rean following her gaze to find a small framed photo. Three people were in it, two of them younger versions of Laura and Victor while the third was like an older version of her daughter.
"What… was her name."
"Anne S. Arseid." Laura said, almost reverently. "She took the S. Arseid name upon marrying Father. After she… passed, Father was grief-stricken. Only training made him smile, and I threw myself into it just to see him do it."
She shook her head with a sad smile. "Ultimately, we agreed that she wouldn't want us to keep being sad. We said our farewells and did our best to move on, and it is my goal to uphold the ideals she so valiantly fought and lived for."
Rean squeezed her hand, falling even harder for her. "A wonderful goal, and one I know you can achieve. I know she'd be proud of you, and I am beyond proud to call you my girlfriend. No matter the mishaps."
Laura turned from the picture and pulled him into a kiss, light and chaste. Once done, she took hold of the box and stood. "I feel the same, and I love you too. We don't want to miss the show though, so we'd best get over there."
Rean smiled and took her hand, the couple leisurely strolling out of the office and the manor proper. The fog still hid the sun mostly, but the golden-orange glow of evening still pierced through the veil, turning everything into burnished bronze.
Laura ignored the sight to guide Rean to the training hall, though she did note how his eyes kept wandering to her dress and hair. She couldn't blame him of course, Prana had helped her style the sapphire locks into a wavy cascade that swayed like the ocean while her ball gown twinkled with its silver embroidery in the dying light.
In other words, she was really gussied up.
Had to give Prana credit though, she'd worked the magic on her hair in bare minutes, something only Sharon had been capable of previously.
Regardless, they entered the training hall without incident and found Rufus dueling Teo. The moves were simple and not at all spectacular, but the fluidity of the strikes and counters showed both were very skilled.
"Oh, good, you're here." Lucia greeted when she caught sight of them. "Lord Albarea and my husband are having a short duel to warm up, nothing fancy. Rean, the Viscount wishes to speak with you for a few minutes alone, he's in the side room over there. Laura, while that happens, care to sit and chat some more with me?"
Rean gulped but took courage from Laura's smile to part from her and make for the side room. Klaus stood outside and opened the door for him, Rean gulping at the heavy atmosphere he could feel inside.
Still he strode forth and beheld Victor in meditation, an ornate blade sheathed before him. All was quiet for a time, Rean respecting the master's need to mentally prepare, before Victor released the breath he was holding and opened his eyes. "So, you've come. You're braver than I gave you credit for."
He turned and unsheathed his blade, the casual flourish blowing Rean's hair back with force. "As you might imagine, I'm quite incensed. Whilst your father and Rufus shall take the place of Klaus this day, I feel the need to get this out of the way."
Victor vanished and appeared before Rean, looking down on him with eyes so intense it was like green flames burned in his iris. "Laura is my world and I will do all in my power to see her happy. AS of this point, her happiness lies with you, but even now I sense doubt in you. It is a self-imposed restriction, something you might not even be aware of, but it is there. Will that doubt hold you back when the time comes she must stand and face her demons? Will it hinder you should that gauntlet hurt her?"
His last words were as thunder. "Will you step aside if you bring her to harm? Will you accept punishment?"
Rean did his best to look the man in the eye, reminding himself that this was the father talking, not the great master. "I… do not know, sir. Laura is the first I've ever felt this way towards, and I cannot know what will happen in the future or how I will act."
He took a deep breath and did his best to express his resolution. "But if I know one thing, it is that I love Laura. I love your daughter so very much, to the point that when we fought it hurt to not speak with her regularly. I will not make a promise that cannot be upheld, for I have already harmed her, but I can promise to keep loving her through all the pain and missteps, all the spats and arguments we're bound to have, and all the joy we've yet to experience. That is what I can promise."
Victor stared down at Rean with all the authority of a god, searching for even the slightest hint of deceit. To his surprise, Rean did not waver under his scrutiny, and Victor had to smile. "I see… her taste is even better than I thought. A good answer, Rean Schwarzer, better than I was expecting from one so… very nervous when I first saw him."
Victor chuckled and backed away, though he kept his sword out. "Well then, I've seen men many years your senior buckle under that look, so your spine is there. Now we get to go see if your old man is as good as I think he is. Won't go easy on Rufus though, he needs to remember to keep the pawns in his plans up to date."
Victor chuckled again and wrapped an arm around Rean's shoulders. "Oh, by the way, your mother has apparently insisted that I instruct Laura to call her 'Mother'. Would you happen to know why she's so gung-ho about that?"
Rean sighed and slumped, answer at the ready. "Empty nesting, that's all it is. Just a very… severe case."
Victor laughed and guided Rean back into the main hall. "Oh, I know the feeling."
"You would not believe what I tried to shove into Laura's bags when she left."
Ch. End
I'll save that duel for next time, keep something for the last real breather chapter.
That's the chapter folks! I loved having Rufus come in for this bit, it just really fit that he'd hear of Legram's financial troubles and swiftly formulate a plan like this. Doubt he saw the Schwarzers stepping in, but hey, he got a lot out of it.
He's actually a lot of fun to write when he's being sneaky.
Anyway, review responses!
Shashenka: Thank you for continuing to read!
Yoheer: Glad you liked it! The others have received something of similar import, though those'll be covered in future chapters. Hope you like this one too!
Heero De Fanel: No Machias and Emma this time, but I hope you enjoy nonetheless! There will be more shenanigans next time, so I hope to deliver!
Last note, we're almost there people! Let's cross that threshold and hit one-hundred reviews! Well, maybe, it'd just be nice to see it hit triple digits. It's a milestone I aspire to in my longer works, shows that I'm doing good enough for people to keep coming back.
Anyway, that's enough sap.
Ciao!
