Hello all, did you miss me?

Sorry for taking so long with this chapter, I was busy with some of my other stories and especially a new one I am writing right now mostly for myself. It will be a wuxia but with some anime elements mixed in, I did not start posting it yet so don't bother for now.

Anyway, I was also without any ideas for this chapter. I must have rewritten it 5 times at least and this one was the best result, I hope you enjoy it.

Well, now that all this is said and done let's go to what matters then.

The actual chapter ;)

3° Person's P.O.V.

In the royal capital, the day was going great, Asta and Noelle were going to the Magic Emperor's chambers at the Royal Palace to give their reports as he requested (Julius wanted a report from others beside Shiro since he is prone to sometimes overlook things or play down the danger of some situations).

As this was the first time that Asta ever entered the Royal Palace he could only gawk at everything.

"Wow, and all of this is Shiro's?" Asta asked.

"That is right," Noelle said proudly. "Shiro is the Crown Prince, the next king of our nation and thus he is the one who will have control over this castle. It is his home, so to say."

"Wow, it is quite different from the orphanage I grew up in," Asta said and Noelle sighed.

"Of course it is. Shiro is of the noblest birth possible and even if he were to never do a single thing, he would still be just as influential or even more so than the Magic Emperor." Noelle said and Asta looked at her strangely like if she was an idiot.

"Noelle, you can't be serious. I mean, yeah being the Crown Prince is amazing and all but he wouldn't be as influential as the Magic Emperor. I don't even know the king's name." Asta said.

"The name is-"

"My name is Augustus Kira Clover XIII, peasant." A pompous voice said. Asta and Noelle turned to look at who spoke and upon seeing the person Noelle instantly bowed low, she had to give respect to the position of the man after all (not the man himself, he has never done anything that could be worth it of that except perhaps being the father to Shiro and not fucking everything up). Asta, however, didn't know who the person is and did not bow to him.

Augustus already had a tick mark as he heard the previous comment and now it was even worse when the same commoner had not shown any proper respect to him.

'This is why I didn't want commoners amongst the Magic Knights, they have no manners!' The king thought to himself.

"... Who?" Asta said.

"ASTA! This is the king! You should show some respect." Noelle shouted at the muscular boy.

"Whaaaa?" Asta shouted in amazement and seeing Asta's amazed and awed expression the king got quite happy inside, but the next few words dashed his happiness right away. "This is Shiro's father? But they don't look anything alike! I mean, Shiro has different hair, eyes, is more fit, approachable, strong, and so much more kingly than the king. Are you sure the two are even related? Shiro looks like he would fit on a history book with the words hero beside the picture of him, this guy wouldn't fit at all."

"YYOOOOUUUUU!" The king exploded and wanted to blast Asta for speaking like he was anything except great, however before he could Julius appeared before him.

"My king, please be patient. Asta here has just come back from a mission, spends a considerable amount of time together with them as squad members, and just speaks what comes to mind. Wouldn't it be better to think of what he said as a compliment of the amazing genes you passed on instead of an offence to you?" Julius said and the king finally relaxed a bit before snorting and leaving.

He was not satisfied, but a reminder that Shiro was his son and thus that he was just part of the king was enough to appease the king. Besides, he knows that as the Clover Kingdom's king the most important job is to continue the line of succession with the best possible offspring.

When the king was finally gone the Magic Emperor released a sigh of relief.

"That is good, I arrived on time." He said before turning to Asta and Noelle. "You two, please think better before you act and speak out of turn. If the king were to really order your imprisonment it would be quite troublesome. Now, would you two care for accompanying me to my chambers? I want that report and afterward, there will be a reward ceremony that I believe you all will enjoy."

The two agreed but inside the two were having completely different thoughts.

'Will Shiro be there at this ceremony? N-Not that I care, it is just that if this was a fancy event I'd like to be looking me best. Not that I would be dressing up for him or anything!'

'Magic Emperor, the strongest magic user in the kingdom and Shiro's teacher. I want that, I really want to become that. I will be the Magic Emperor, just you wait Yuno, Shiro!'

After submitting their report, they ended up meeting Yuno's group again as well as those from Azure Deer, they were asked to move to the award ceremony to watch.

There they found Shiro and Tamamo, who disguised herself using her magic to not look like a fix-girl even if that diminished loveliness a bit. For some reason, Tamamo was a bit more distant to Shiro, almost as if she didn't know how to really react to him. The reason was that after the talk where Shiro told her of his past life she had a lot to think about, mostly about what that meant.

She didn't care that he was mentally older than he looks or anything but of the honestly suicidal tendencies he used to have and how he was overly desirous to save others. She wondered if him saving her was just like it was for everybody else, if he actually cared for her as herself instead of just someone he saved.

Meanwhile, some of the magic knights in the place were looking curiously at Tamamo who, despite not being quite as close as she used to right now, was still holding hands with him and being physically quite close to Shiro. It was still farther than before where she basically glued herself to him.

However, as this was a solemn place no one spoke up about it.

"Now, with the presence of the crown prince as a guest, let us start the ceremony," Julius said and the ceremony went off without a hitch. Everyone was happy with the results and after it ended Julius was about to led everyone for a little celebration hall for a feast that was prepared but Shiro had no patience for that, he felt a pull to go and research more about what he had to know about the Diamond Kingdom.

Thus he left the area with Tamamo following him, the two went to the library and began their research for all possible knowledge they might have about the militaristic kingdom.

The information was disturbing, to say the least.

'The Diamond kingdom follows the ideology that the kingdom is the center of everything. There is no nobility there as the power is completely concentrated in the king and his prime minister. The different areas in the kingdom are controlled by the military and statesmen personal.

'What people eat, drink, and do is only what is approved by the state, religion was banned and, instead, the people only believe in the kingdom's supreme power. Any defeat is not spoken of and only victories are allowed to be known and even overblown to make the state look even more powerful. They also had a system to deal with infiltrators. If a person in a village is discovered to be harbouring feelings or ideas that go against the kingdom ideology then the entire village would be eradicated, but if the village people are to point out the person to the inquisitors before the inquisitors find them themselves then the village's not only is spared but gain many benefits like fewer taxes or other such things.

'This makes the people there die-hard patriots who think and 'love' the state beyond everything else. Education is also completely under the control of the state with only licensed teachers educated by the state being allowed into teaching what the state decree's as acceptable, much of the material being taught include information that the people of Clover and Heart's kingdoms are uncouth barbarians that drink the blood of their enemies and seek to enslave and kill everyone else with only the kingdom's military preventing such a thing.

'Another thing of notice is that the taxes in the Diamond kingdom are abnormally high, most villages find it difficult to survive through it unless they send some of their young to the military where they get high paying jobs. The best and those with unique magical abilities are then selected to be sent to the special curriculum that involves researching ways to improve a person's magic by any means necessary, as well as modifying their brains to make it more moldable.

'The eight most successful ones are then classified as Eight Shining Generals. The current eight are as follow:

- Mars - Capable of Crystal Magic and Fire magic, modified to be able to use both and was part of an experiment to make heartless soldiers;

- Ladros - Magic centers around absorbing and releasing magic power. He can also use the absorbed power for reinforcement. Advisable to take care as he has shown himself to be highly volatile in temperament;

- Sakura Matou - Crown Princess and fiancee of Atrum Galliastra. Possesses Familiar Magic, capable of creating insects and other beings that fight for her. Unable to show emotions, believed to be under heavy influence of the Soul and Mental Magics;

-Atrum Galliastra - Son of Prime Minister Morris, known sadist and sex addict. Collects female soldiers, he finds beautiful into his battalion to fight and die for him as well as serve him sexually. Uses Mental Magic, which allows him to control others via commands as long as their mental capacity is weakened enough, as well as Extraction Magic which allows him to extract the magic powers of others and use them as his own whenever he wants it. All experiments used to test on others, when deemed safe, are implemented in him to further his powers;

- Sanson - Responsible for Law Enforcement and also takes care of handling the spy network and executing justice on behalf of the kingdom. He uses Executioner Magic which allows him to create and control executioner tools, currently searching for a last member of the Nobility who remains in the kingdom but the search shows little success as this last noble has too strong a support base and is loved by the people outside the capital. Also hunts down the remnants of the Church being led by two who are considered Holy Maidens;

- Darius III - A powerful military man who commanded the legions of the Diamond Kingdom he is tall, black, bald, and does not like wearing shirts but likes wearing different types of jewelry. He has Undead Magic allowing him to resuscitate fallen soldiers of his legion that can continue fighting for as long as Darius commands it. Believed to have physical strength comparable with Captain Yami of the Black Bulls;

- Gorgon - A powerful warrior who has undergone the most physical modifications to make her as close to being a magical beast as possible. Has Basilisc Magic that allows for her to petrify others, produce poison, and due to her body modifications can also increase her strength as well as turn her body snake-like. Potentially the most dangerous member of the Eight Generals;

- Avicebron - Expert in Golen magic he can create golems and set different functions for them. He is the one responsible for securing the borders and other places within the kingdom via his golems. He has been shown to work closely with Morris in the projects that involve eliminating the ability to think and feel from others, turning others into pseudo-golems to work for the state;

'The terrain of the kingdom is-

Such were the reports about the kingdom and all of it painted a terrible light on what was going on there. One that Shiro did not like the sound of.

The military force of Diamond, while weaker individually, was much more numerous with some of their Generals being a match or perhaps even above Shiro in power. Not only that, he can see that he will need to try and either incapacitate or kill at least two of the eight generals if he wants to save Sakura.

Atrum had control over her mind most likely and for as long as his influence remained it would continue to eat away at Sakura. In many ways, it reminded him of Zouken and his worms, a being that Shiro did his best to eliminate and would do all again if need be. A being like that detestable and disgusting worm does not deserve to keep breathing.

As for another person he must eliminate, Avicebron seems like a necessity. It was likely that he was the one to put the auto-destruction sequence in Sakura before and only after eliminating him should his magic lose its effect. Not only that, he was responsible for watching over the borders. if he did not eliminate him he might be able to enter but leaving was another story entirely as he would be fully alert about Shiro's presence by then.

Not to mention that it is not like Shiro would be able to leave the kingdom with their Crown Princess without going unnoticed.

As he continued to work in gathering intel for his mission other things were happening.

In the gathering place of the magic knights, two sides could clearly be seen. One being centred on the nobility that did not know or interact with Shiro who were looking disdainfully at Asta and his lack of manners and the side that had interacted with Shiro previously and were simply enjoying a good time.

Well, for the most part.

"What do you mean Onii-chan has gone and fought one of the Tercera General of Spades without any back-up?! What were you all doing? And who was that girl beside him, that is MY spot!" Illya said/shouted in anger, angry figures behind her flashing in and out of view as she did so. Her glare was squarely on Klaus who, with each reprimand, felt weak in the knees.

He was strong-willed and powerful, of that there was no doubt, but he had sparred more than once with Illya before and he knew what being a target of her anger was like as well as being a target of the stare her father had.

Neither were things he wanted anything to do with, both were in the top 10 scariest things in existence for him.

"As I said, we were separated most of the time and I had faced someone as well. It took me time to shake her off and find my way to him." He said in hopes that would calm Illya down.

Of course, there had to be something to ruin it.

"Oh, that pretty girl who followed you back and was also from Spades. She did say something weird to you before she left right? Something like hoping next time your meeting would be in better circumstances and blushed to you when saying that, right Klaus-sempai?" Asta said, his face covered in sauce from the spaghetti he was eating. He then cleaned his mouth before continuing eating while mentioning the lack of potatoes and how he would still rather eat Shiro's food.

THAT last comment, however, made MANY looks at Asta with horror.

"Wait, commoner. What do you mean by 'Shiro's food'? Even if we are not talking about how impossible it is that he would be doing such a menial and inferior thing as cooking you should pay more attention to your words! He is the Crown Prince, show some deference to those above you." A man from Golden Dawn said this, it was, however, less about Shiro and more about his position as Crown Prince.

This man, like many from Golden Dawn, noted that their Captain and Vice-Captain did not like Shiro and emulated this.

"Eh, but Shiro said I should call him that and think of him as just another Magic Knight as we are all friends. Besides, he does cook for everyone back in the Black Bulls." Asta said without any issue.

To Asta, Shiro was a friend, he was completely different from his original idea of someone of Royalty and was more like someone Asta could respect as long as he was away from Sister Lily. That is one thing he wanted to make sure did NOT mix. Besides, Asta knew Shiro enough to know that he was just glad to help and clearly liked cooking anyway.

This, however, caused everyone else to freeze before one released a laugh and before long most of those who did not know Shiro began to laugh out loud.

"This, this is just too funny."

"He really thinks the Crown Prince is his friend."

"To think someone this stupid would actually be a magic knight. This is too funny!"

"Honestly, this is why commoners should remember their place and not bother trying to go somewhere in life. They actually become delusional otherwise!"

Such were a few of the comments thrown around, none of those who knew little of Shiro actually believing it.

Soon after a fight broke out between the two sides, mostly because of one person.

"Painting Magic: The Scream." As this voice rang a figure emerged that looked like a person screaming and it actually began to scream loudly, covering the entire hall with the pitch and making everyone look at the person who did so.

Rill, the captain of the Azure Deer squad, was calmly waving his brush around as he did so. He wanted others to stop speaking nonsense. He knew little of Asta or what Shiro was doing but if Shiro considered them his friends then they were also Rill's friends. That was more than enough for the youngest captain ever to move.

He was about to stop his magic when a spear of mercury pierced it through.

"That is enough of your antics, Rill." Nozel said as he moved forward, he wanted to end all this nonsense and end this whole thing as he desired nothing more than to ask (read interrogate) about this mission that Shiro, the CROWN PRINCE and next King who Nozel was confident would raise the kingdom like no king before, went against the Tercera General of Spades, who should not be anywhere close to there, and alone.

A. L. O. N. E!

Depending on the situation Nozel could either kill Yami for the incompetence or kill Yami for not preparing any guards for someone who should always have at least one Captain Level guard close by just in case. The Black Bulls did have one other like that beside Yami and Shiro (regardless of what Shiro might deny being of or close of that level), but the lazy captain didn't bother and the other was probably galavanting around to help whoever asked him whatever it may be.

However, what he did not expect was that Fuegoleon would move as well.

"Nozel, we should not worry about trivial details like Rill's antics-" Rill looked like he got shot through the heart hearing that and quickly became depressed with his Vice-Captain DaVinci putting a comforting hand in his back while she drank some coffee with the other, for her this was just like any other day for them. "Instead, you should tell your siblings to have less prejudice against those they do not even properly know yet. If this young man here says he is friends with Shiro then he should be shown the proper respect."

"Humph, regardless he still is a commoner, it would not do to have one such as him thinking himself worthy of being friends with the Crown Prince. If something like this becomes known to all this might introduce instability to the kingdom from the mid and lower nobles thinking little of the crown and the Royal Family." Nozel pointed out before he knew it he was already releasing a heavy aura of power and it was like he was pressing everyone else down with his magic power alone.

That, clearly, did not agree with Fuegoleon who stared Nozel down as the two glared at one another. Both wanted what was best for Shiro but both disagreed on what 'the best' meant. Truth be told, this was just one more thing for the two to fight about as they would have found something eventually regardless. They just liked to fight one another. Yet deep down, they respected one another and considered each other the biggest obstacle to the title of next Magic Emperor so any chance to show dominance was appreciated.

Especially Yami or Jack, one would shrug off the responsibilities to others and the other was likely just scare off most people. The worst is that they can't say for certain which one would do what.

While this was happening DaVinci already stepped back as she looked with a fond smile as her captain was already painting something while looking at this scene.

Thankfully the previous situation was dispelled thanks to all this, not that one Klaus was any better as Illya was still glaring at him with a ghostly figure that looked strangely like a giant with a war skirt and sculpted muscles was glaring at Klaus with a strength that would make a lesser man faint.

It was at this time that two things happened at the same time. One was a messenger entering the hall with worry in his face, but before he could speak a red 'comet' passed through the window with all haste.

Everyone was confused for a moment until the messenger spoke.

"An attack, the capital is under attack by an unknown enemy."

At once, in the heads of the two people who knew Shiro best in this assembly of magic knights, a thought surged in their heads.

'Shiro, you idiot!'

Already in the streets, Shiro moved forward, thanks to his nose he could easily detect what no one else would be able to sense or detect.

A rotten, disgusting smell that he was more than familiar with from his previous life. It was different, sure, less corrupted no doubt, but the nature of it was similar enough and well-known enough that Shiro easily detected it.

Dead Apostle.

Well, not exactly a Dead Apostle, but someone that was using corpses much the same way in the form he controlled them. That raised more warning flags in his mind than anyone could understand. He knew what even one of those undead could do if left unchecked. He could not be sure of what magic exactly was being used and what principles it worked with, but it was still dangerous nonetheless.

He began to move before he could think about it and darted away from the palace as fast as his reinforced legs could take him.

"Mythical Weapon Creation Magic: The Unfading Light of the Lake Arondight." Creating the Noble Phantasm of Lancelot he felt glad to have realized that it was a great way to enhance himself even further than before, his speed firmly above amongst the top in the world by now.

He moved like the wind, Tamamo could only stare at him with bewilderment as she saw him moving much faster than she herself could follow, especially since he had a head start.

Not that she intended for him to keep his advantage. Using her energy she pushed herself even further and tried to at least follow close enough to Shiro to be able to support him as soon as possible.

When she got to the streets she could see about three dozen zombies already dealt with and Shiro moving forward, his movements like a dance of speed and grace as he moved. For those watching they could only think that he would continue on like this until he got to whoever started this and eliminated him.

That is until something made Shiro stop.

CLANG

Being pushed back Shiro looked attentively to who had stopped his path. The person stood tall with a lean build, white hair and red eyes with a spear in hand.

"This is nothing personal, but my Empress wanted to see something and, should I not intervene, then her wishes would go unanswered. I will stop you here, you may call me Karna, the Primera General."

As he said so he moved his head a bit out of the way and looked back.

'You can go and secure the watch target, I can deal with this.' The one in the back nodded despite not being visible for anyone there and the words being more an interpretation of the stare as Karna did not open his mouth. After all, he was at a distance of a few kilometres from there and Karna would not waste time speaking through such distances.

"Understood." This is what the vice-General of the Primera General said, his back straight as he looked at the target he was to watch over. He could not understand why Karna decided to stop Shiro like that, they were supposed to only watch after all, but if Karna felt the desire to do so then he would not object. He just set another arrow and prepared to show all why he, Arjuna, was the best archer in the continent.

AN:

Just in case of doubt, I plan for there to be one more Black Bull at least, ideas of who you think could fit are appreciated. Also, one thing I must make clear is that Illya can create constructs based on Berserker servants, but that does not stop it being possible for them to be used as characters as long but instead of a snarling and incapable of communication they would be able to talk and think properly. There won't be many so don't worry about that.

And Shiro's next fight will be with an even greater enemy, Karna VS Shiro + 2 others that will be helping him soon. I think that this would make a good balance.

What will happen next? How or when will the Heart's Kingdom contingency arrive? Will they arrive in time to help or not? Let us wait and see, shall we?