Volkner sat on his bed, Siesta beside him and her face bright red as she looked downwards, robe wrapped up around herself. The princess of Tristain sat across from him, also blushing while Derflinger rested against the wall. The four had been sitting here for a solid minute before the Henrietta cleared her throat, "I... would like to apologize for the interruption, Sir Volkner."
"No, it's... it's quite alright, Your Highness." Volkner shook his head, "It's... there is no way I can explain things without them becoming more awkward. It's best if you tell me why you've sought me out this late." To her credit the princess seemed to recover quickly, nodding as she adopted a friendly smile.
"I simply came to ask you a few questions. There were quite a few rumors circulating about you, though... I see the one about your courting prowess is well founded." She teased as she looked to Siesta, and Volkner swore he could see steam rising the maid's head as she began frantically apologizing, "It's quite alright, I shouldn't have come so late at night. Still, I can't help but have questions I'd like answers to, if you wouldn't mind sir."
"I may not be able to answer everything, but... I will do my best to if you can promise to consider my own request afterwards." Henrietta nodded.
"I will do my best to make it so. Now... I suppose the first question is: who are you, really?"
"Volkner of Vein. I am... you would call it a soldier, I believe."
"From the way the rumors phrased it, I believed you were some dashing foreign prince... or someone who'd come into the academy under false pretenses." Volkner weighed his options before sighing through his nose.
"The "prince" rumor may come from what I told Count Mott earlier."
"Oh?"
"It's... a very complicated situation. The title does not carry weight where I am from as it does here. I believe I told Count Mott I was "technically" a prince, and sadly that is as much as I can provide here." Thankfully Henrietta nodded, accepting the answer.
"That is more than enough. How, or rather why, did you come to the academy?"
"I was summoned... quite literally." Volkner crossed his arms, frowning as he though of his first moments in Tristain, "It was not by choice. I was part of the summoning ritual for familiars and ended up here."
"That is quite curious. Who summoned you, perchance?"
"Louise... hm. Louise... I do not think I've actually learned her last name. Regardless, a small pink-haired girl summoned me." Henrietta hummed thoughtfully, holding her chin.
"May I see your runes?"
"Runes?"
"Yes, when a familiar is bound, a set of runes appears on their skin. It typically represents the bond between the summoner and their familiar."
"I'm... afraid I have no such runes, or at least none that I've seen." Henrietta seemed... actually shocked for a moment.
"Did sh- your summoner, not complete the ritual?"
"I was injured when I arrived, I imagine they brought me to the nurse before it could be done. I would be lying if I said I had an issue with that. I'd rather not be pet nor slave to someone like Louise."
"I... see." Henrietta had a conflicted look on her face, "What can you tell me about Louise?"
"She has been... tolerable, as of late, but before that she was very abrasive and insistent I be her familiar. I fear what would've happened if she'd chosen to finish the ritual while I was still injured."
"Well, the summoning of a familiar is a major milestone for a mage, not to mention it's a sacred rite. Such a rejection isn't just a blow to the pride, it's a blow to their very standing as a noble. I would imagine a familiar rejecting them would make any noble desperate to get them back and be rather... curt."
"...Your highness, I mean this in the most polite way I possibly can: her social standing does not justify me being kidnapped from my home and friends, and if you think it does then this conversation can end here and now." The princess quickly shook her head, and Volkner finally noticed Siesta frantically looking between the two, a panicked look on her face.
"I did not mean to imply it did, I am simply stating how the situation is for your summoner."
"My situation, your highness, is that I need to return home. My duty to my friends and those we defend supercedes your traditions. I would, in all honesty, not even consider being healed a kindness given that the intent was to later bind me to servitude. I am not an animal or strange beast, I am a person and I prefer being treated as such." There was a long pause as Volkner finished, the two girls staring wide-eyed at him for a long moment before, to their surprise, Derflinger spoke up.
"Not to rock the cradle here, but Partner's got a point. I know other people've been summoned before, but it ain't ever ended well."
"...Wait, you know other people who've been summoned before?" Volkner look to the sword, but it started rocking side to side like it was shaking its head.
"Dunno, my memory ain't what it used to be. Still, I know it's happened before and ended up in heartbreak." Henrietta quietly sighed.
"I see. I cannot deny you have made fair points, sir Volkner, though I do ask you keep Louise's situation in mind and be patient." Volkner nodded, the least he could. Louise wasn't a threat but she wasn't someone he'd worry too much about. "Now, I think that's answered most of my questions. I believe it's your turn. What did you wish to request of me?"
"I want to know if there is any sort of protection you can offer to Siesta."
"Protection? From what?" Henrietta looked to the maid who quickly shrunk back.
"Count Mott." Henrietta couldn't hold back a long sigh. "I take it you know of his reputation?"
"I do, unfortunately, and even worse there is little I can do against it. As reprehensible as I find it, it is common practice among the nobility and to reprimand him would cause a disturbance among them. Moreover he has not done anything wrong by law." Siesta was stunned when Henrietta bowed her head to her, "You have my deepest apologies, if I could aid you I would."
"Nononono, it's quite alright Princess!" Siesta frantically waved her hands in front of herself, "Volkner has bought my contract for now, so I'm safe! You didn't do anything wrong!" Henrietta raised her head and smiled, a mix of sad and relieved.
"That is good then. Sir Volkner, I believe I've gotten the answers I've needed, albeit not the ones I sought." She stood and curtseyed, "I'm terribly sorry to have intterupted you two."
"It's... quite alright, your grace." Volkner returned the politeness. While there was something off about her, he didn't get the feel it was anything malicious, "I hope the answers help you in... whatever you're seeking." She nodded and wrapped her cloak around herself, exiting the room and leaving the other three in silence. After a long moment Siesta spoke up.
"...I'm sorry, Volkner."
"Hm?"
"The reason why you stopped me before... it was because of Sir Derflinger, right?"
"Oh, I like that: "Sir Derflinger!"" The sword clacked as Volkner sighed.
"That is... a part of it, yes. The other is that... I suppose it depends on what sort of relationship you wish to have. If it's something like what Kirche and I have, then I see no problem, but anything past that... will be very difficult." Siesta shook her head.
"I want more than that, I..." She sighed, speaking softly, "I'm not joking when I say no one would do for us commoners what you do. You bought out my contract-"
"Kirche." Siesta blinked as he spoke up, "Kirche paid for your contract. I don't have any money from this land, so she agreed to pay."
"...Lady Zerbst paid my contract?" Siesta sounded like her brain had short-circuited.
"Yes. Also... my home is very far from here. It's not likely that you'd be able to see any family you may have, or even write to them." Siesta looked away, the two sitting in silence for a long moment, "I'm not sure when I'll be able to go home, so it gives you some time to consider." The silence stretched on again before Siesta looked to Volkner.
"I think... I think I'd like to spend the night with you, at least. Just sleeping!" She clarified quickly, smiling sweetly when he nodded. Silence settled over the two as she closed her eyes, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"...and now kiss." Derflinger added, and Volkner sighed.
Estelle quietly made her way with a few other maids towards Volkner's room, Rochelle speaking up, "I'm not sure about this."
"Come on, we need to make sure everything goes right! Plus, aren't you guys curious about a guy who could make Lady Zerbst stick to one man?" The girls mulled it over before they heard a voice speaking quickly from Volkner's room.
"He-Hey, come on it was just a joke, you two look good toge- GAH!"
The maids froze as the door opened and a sword came flying out of the room, smacking into the wall and clattering onto the ground, and it called out from its spot, "That's no way to treat a Sir!"
"...You know what, I'm sure she's fine." Estelle spoke up and the other maids nodded, retreating from their quest fast enough they didn't noticed the cloaked figure approaching the sword...
The morning after the Princess' visit came and went without incident, Siesta leaving in the early hours to go get dressed and Derflinger apparently finding a conversation partner during the night to keep them company, though exactly who the sword wouldn't say. Still, he seemed to be in high spirits and Volkner was glad for that. Though he was still chuffed that he had to be left behind as Volkner left for the day, and he almost felt bad the sword would be missing the show. Volkner helped the servants here and there in setting up the stage and laying out the seats for the teachers and students and soon a few people began trickling in, including Count Mott who harrumphed and stuck his nose in the air as he stamped past Volkner to take a seat at the front. The revenant raised a brow at him but didn't bother reacting as he took a seat in the middle row, though he did quietly scoff when the princess arrived and Count Mott called her over and claimed he'd reserved a seat for her.
The students and teachers trickled in until almost all seats were filled and the show began, and Volkner felt a pang of sympathy for a number of students who did their damnedest to be impressive with their familiars despite being frogs or owls (he did admittedly get a kick out of Guiche nearly being arrested by the Princess' guards for posing nearly nude with his familiar on a bed of roses). Kirche's friend definitely stole the show though, flying around on a dragon was a rather diffiuclt act to beat, though the sudden appearance of the giant stone creature would likely-
...Why was everyone screaming?
Louise watched in horror as a golem rose up in the distance, a cloaked figure riding atop it. The other students began screaming and running away when it began beating on one of the towers, and she joined them for a few moments before she stopped and looked back at the golem. Everyone was running, the teachers trying to guide the students away while the Princess' guards ushered her away, but no one was actually heading towards the intruder to confront them. She slipped a hand around her wand and gripped it tightly before starting to swim through the stampeding students towards the golem. Brimir must be blessing her to give her such a chance to prove herself! When she got out of the crowd she rushed into the courtyard with the golem and aimed her wand at the figure on its head, "Halt, villain!"
The cloaked figured looked down to Louise, "By my right as a noble I hereby place you under arrest!" The figure smiled and chuckled before the golem reached down towards Louise and she started to cast a fireball spell, shutting her eyes-
"STUPID CHILD!"
She yelped as she was suddenly shoved aside and fell, quickly scrambling up to see her familiar and that bizarre dog-coat of his in the golem's grasp, the dog heads biting into the wrist of the golem to try and free their master from its grip. Louise quickly stood and continued casting as the golem's other hand reached for her, but thankfully she was able to get her spell off this time and there was a distinct explosion along the arm holding her familiar... and when the smoke cleared the arm was missing, along with her familiar. There was also a new hole in the tower besides them, and the cloaked figure smiled, "Well, spares me the trouble." The golem moved and all but shoved both head and master into the hole, and Louise swore in her head as she ran and found the entrance to the tower, quickly heading inside. She climbed all the way up the tower to a set of heavy wooden doors that'd been blown open, and pointing her wand forward she stepped inside, "Reveal thy... self..." There were countless objects and debris strewn about the room, but what drew her eye were the two unmoving forms in the center of the room.
She recognized one immediately as Miss Longueville, unconscious besides a bloodied, burnt figure it took her a moment to recognize as her familiar. Large chunks of his body were marred by burns, blood leaking from several gashes across his face. So stunned was she that she didn't notice sunlight filling the room until the golem's remaining hand reached in, wrapping around a crouched, cloaked figure that must've been it's master, and it took her longer to remind herself why she was here. Louise got her bearings as the golem was stomping away with its master, and she managed to fire off another spell, tearing a chunk out of its back. The golem toppled forward and for a moment she'd hoped that it was slain, but it began melding back into the ground rather than collapsing, vanishing along with its master. She stood there for a long moment, frustration welling up within her before a quiet groan from behind her got her to quickly rush over to Longeuville's side, crouching down beside her, "M-Miss Longueville, are you okay!?"
The assistant slowly cracked her eyes open, "Lady Valliere? Is that you?" Louise nodded and Longueville looked sadly to the body besides her, "I, I was trying to shield him but I was knocked aside by that thief..." Louise stared at her familiar's body and though she tried to force it away the realization she was very much responsible for his state battered its way into her mind. Oh Brimir, she was an awful mage! She couldn't cast a spell, she couldn't stop a thief, she might've just killed her familiar! She began to tear up as it all began to hit her, but a twitch from her familiar stopped her.
He slowly opened his eyes, staring blankly to the ceiling before one of his hands raised up shakily. Louise reached out to it, thinking this would be his final words and this was the least she could do, but the hand fell onto his chest and a faint light flicked around him. Burns and cuts were healed, blood faded from his skin, and after a moment he appeared like nothing had ever occurred. He turned his head and silently glared at Louise, who became more and more nervous the longer he did so, right up until Miss Longueville turned and pulled her familiar's face into her chest. "I'm so glad you're alright!" He visibly tensed at the touch but after a moment relaxed.
She would've smacked the dog any other time but she held herself back, and soon several teachers and guards came rushing into the room. They were all brought down to the courtyard to have any injuries looked over, and they were asked to explain themselves in the headmaster's office among the teachers when they were all cleared. Though, that led to another issue...
"Miss Longueville, can you say with certainty that it was Count Mott who asked you to take inventory of the vault?" The green-haired woman nodded before bowing to the Headmaster is his now-crowded office.
"I'm sorry Headmaster, I know I shouldn't have but I felt that I couldn't disobey-"
"It's quite alright Miss Longueville, I understand." The Headmaster began stroking his beard, "Why in the world would he ask for such a thing...?"
"Does it matter, Headmaster?" The Wind teacher spoke up, "That thief, I'm certain it was Fouquet!" A few teachers gasped and began whispering, though Volkner raised his hand.
"Who is that?" The Earth teacher shook her head.
"A thief, one who's used their earth magic to break into noble's homes. You only know they've struck when your goods are gone and the walls have turned to sand. Not even their face is known." Volkner crossed his arms, looking to the floor as the teachers broke out into an argument over what should be done about the thief before Volkner raised his hand again.
"...I know it does not help, but may I speculate?"
"Perhaps an outside perspective would help determine the next course of action." The Headmaster hummed and the Fire teacher scoffed.
"We know the next course of action: the Princess' knights must-"
"If they did not combat the stone creature before, they definitely won't now." Volkner interrupted, stunning most with the dismissal of the royal knights, "Right now I'm concerned with "why." Fouquet is the most dangerous kind of thief: smart. As you've said, they break into homes and leave little trace besides the sand and missing walls. They even wore a cloak to hide most of their face... which begs the question of why they'd go to such lengths in broad daylight." The teachers began murmuring among themselves and Osmond leaned forward, hands clasped in front of his face.
"The Staff of Destruction." All noise left the room as the teachers looked towards Osmond in fear. "It's an old but powerful weapon, one safeguarded in Academy for decades-"
"I'm... sorry, I feel the need to ask why you kept something called the Staff of Destruction in a school?" In a rare show of emotion Volkner's tone was entirely incredulous as he interrupted the Headmaster who rubbed his temples.
"It was an item that was close to a compatriot of mine, I thought it would be safer within my vicinity."
"...In a school?"
"The Vault door was warded with poweful magics, we did not think someone would simply smash in the unwarded walls-"
"Why would a thief use the front door!?" His voice barely rose but it was clear Volkner was reaching a new breaking point, "More importantly why would you have a door if you can simply bend stone to your will?"
Osmond groaned, both because they were getting off topic and that he was being embarrassed in such a way, "This isn't important! What is important is confirming the staff's disappearance from the vault and tracking Fouquet down!" Volkner opened his mouth but shut it, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before opening them.
"Yes, my apologies, I... derailed the conversation." Osmond nodded but sighed, rubbing his temples.
"The question of how we track her down through the ground is present. More importantly, I share the opinion the royal knights are not like to aid us. I must ask who amongst you would chase after Fouquet." Volkner raised his hand... and no other. "What!?"
"Headmaster," The Earth teacher stepped forward, "We are not soldiers, and if Fouquet really has stolen the Staff of Destruction..." Osmond sat back in his seat. He couldn't entirely fault them for being cautious, but what was the purpose of teachers if they didn't protect their students? Osmond blinked as one wand raised up, but from Miss Valliere.
"Headmaster, I think it's only right I join in. I am a Valliere, after all." Osmond just nodded, not trusting his voice at the moment. The Valliere's were a powerful family, so arguing against her wasn't a wise idea, but it wasn't exactly a secret Louise's skills were... lacking. He was saved from saying anything by Volkner speaking up again.
"Headmaster, I don't know much about staffs, but did the staff have any sort of gemstone on it?"
"I... do not believe so, but the case it was warded in did have a small opal inset on it. Why?"
"I think we have a way to track it..."
Guiche was looking more prideful than anyone Volkner had ever seen as the Headmaster described the case that held the Staff of Destruction to him and his giant mole. The current squad consisted of himself, Guiche, Louise, and Tabitha and Kirche since it was revealed they were eavesdropping on the earlier conversation and wanted to join in. Tabitha was a knight, something that still surprised him, though he was unsure what Osmond was thinking to allow Kirche along. Still, they were as prepared as they were going to be, Volkner re-armed with Derflinger and Brodiaea. If he could he'd have a hammer given how durable the stone creature seemed, but time wasn't their friend at the moment.
"Come friends, Verdandi shall find this villain's scent!" Guiche finally called out, striking a pose with his rose wand, and the group gathered around him. "Verdandi, go forth!" The furry beast made a noise and began shovelling through the dirt, leaving a clear trail for them to follow above ground, though they didn't have to travel long, the mole leading them to a pair of carriages outside the stables. Volkner could recognize one as the carriage the princess came in but the other one, much less ostentatious, was the one Verdandi was pawing at. As they got closer some guards with spears began jabbing at the mole with the blunt ends of their spears, Guiche quick to admonish the guards but Osmond gripped his staff tightly as he all but marched up to the guards, "Gentelmen, step aside."
"Sir, this is the carriage of-"
"I know whose carriage it is, and of this moment Count Mott is now under investigation for collusion with Fouquet of the Crumbling Earth." One of the guards stepped forward to protest but Osmond got into a defensive position with his staff and Tabitha did the same, Volkner and Kirche following suit. The guards seemed to understand this was not the hill to die on and backed away. "Mr. Volkner, if you would please check the carriage for what we seek?" The redhead nodded as he went around and into the back of the carriage, and it didn't take him much searching to find the case Osmond had described earlier. When he stepped Osmond's glare could melt stone and with a quick chant rocks locked around the wrists and ankles of the guards.
"Children, please remain here while me and Sir Volkner have a discussion with the Count..."
Count Mott smiled as the Princess thanked him for swearing to find and bring in Fouquet. Osmond clearly was a senile old fool and had no idea how to run this school, but that was to Mott's benefit. When he caught the thief the Princess would surely reward him any way he wished, and he knew exactly who he wanted as a- there was a commotion in the courtyard the Count and Princess had been moved to from the teachers gathered there, and he swore loudly in his mind as he saw the old fool and that false prince coming towards them with a decorated box. Damn them both, but that "Prince" twiceforth! How many more times was he going to get in Mott's way!? The Princess was praising the two for their recovery but the redhead simply handed the box to one of the Princess' guards and continued towards-
"Wh-What madness is this!?" The rusty sword they had on their hip was suddenly pressing against Mott's neck. As guards all aimed their spears, swords, or wands at the boy Osmond spoke up.
"Count Mott, I highly recommend you cease playing the fool." Mott's eyes whipped to the old mage, wondering if he was even more senile than Mott thought.
"What in Brimir's name are you talking about!?"
"This case was found aboard your carriage. I find it terribly convenient that you asked my assistant to take inventory of the Vault, and after the attack the Staff of Destruction happened to appear in your carriage." The whispers grew and Mott's guards looked nervous as the gathered knights stiffened and turned their eyes towards Mott. This couldn't be happening, this was a clearly a setup, why did none of them see!? That assistant... no, no, she must be in league with that fake prince! Mott looked to the Princess.
"Your Higness, you can't honestly believe I would do something so reprehensible." The Princess said nothing for a moment and Mott knew that vagrant got his hooks into her mind, so he went for the last road he had. He couldn't risk the blow to his reputation a trial would cause, so he quickly spoke up, "A duel! I call for a duel! I'll prove my innocence and that this miscreant is in league with Fouquet!"
"...Sir Volkner, please." The redhead didn't look away at the Princess' words but he did slowly pull the sword back. "I would prefer settling this within a court, but if Count Mott truly wishes for a duel, I will allow it."
"I do." Mott quickly answered, "And I know whom I wish my opponent to be." Count Mott drew a handkerchief out of his pocket and tossed it at Volkner. Osmond was quick to speak up.
"Count Mott, you surely cannot expect-"
"I can and by my rights as a noble I shall!" Count Mott pointed his wand at Volkner. "I shall this thug to a duel to prove my innocence!"
"Come then." Volkner started walking away, "I recall something about duels not being allowed on school grounds."
Admittedly Mott felt some of his confidence leave him but soon they all were gathered on the road outside the school. He knew it'd be an easy fight: he was a triangle-class water mage and his opponent only had two swords. He'd be defeated before he even took a step! The Princess stood at the front of the crowd, her wand raised high, "Count Mott, you stand accused of colluding with the thief Fouquet of the Crumbling Earth and have chosen to defend your innocence by right of duel. The duel will be to when one party surrenders. Do bother parties agree?"
"I do." Mott nodded, Volkner doing to the same.
"Then by my right as Princess... begin!"
Mott smiled as he... yelped, diving out of the way of the thrown dagger. He managed to not fall over from his stumble, but when he recovered the pommel of his opponent's sword smashed into his nose, and he reeled back before his legs suddenly went out from under him and he fell to his knees. A blade was pressed up against his neck, and he followed up its length to see his opponent standimg above him as the princess called out, "Count Mott, do you yield?" Mott couldn't respond, his heart seized with fear. He lost. He lost. After all his years of work for the Crown, he was going to lose it all because of one bastard!?
"Count Mott, do you yield?" The Princess called out again but Mott couldn't even so much as breathe at this point. "...I am calling the match in favor of Sir Volkner. Guards, detain Count Mott..."
'...Well, that was fun.' Longeuville kept her smile off her face as the frozen Count was dragged off by knights, the crowd returning to the Academy, and she spent the next few hours going about business as normal. The plan had gone off without a hitch: she'd sprinkled a few rumors here and there about Mott and his "proclivities," not to mention his recent feud with Volkner, and thanks to her testament the school was buzzing with rumors about Mott paying Foquet to steal the staff in preparation for a duel with the redhead. Nobles: always ready to take a rumor as truth. They didn't even ask her to check the inventory of the Vault for other stolen goods, meaning she was able to steal a few pieces for herself, and for her employer. Not quite the Staff of Destruction, but it was sure to appease them. That was for future Longueville though: for now, present Longueville was tired and heading for her room.
She opened the door and a hand suddenly places itself above her on the door, and she turned her head back to see Volkner there. "Ah, sir, I-"
"I require a moment of your time, Ms. Longueville." She felt a nervous sweat drop down her back and she had a feeling this was not a request. They both entered the room and Longuevill stepped away from Volkner, crossing her arms so she had her hidden knife in easy reach. "Sir Volkner, I'm sorry but it really is inappropriate for a man demand something like this." He just flatly stared at her for a long moment before he spoke.
"I will be blunt: I believe you've had something to do with the attack." Outwardly she was collected but she definitely was panicking on the inside, "When I was blasted through the stone of the Vault I suffered grave damage, yet you were largely unharmed. Mott also appeared to be concerned with appearances, so I doubt he'd so eagerly hire someone to brute-force his wishes. There are a few more pieces of evidence, but I will admit I would be hard pressed to prove anything, which is why I am saying thus: it is only because of the threat Mott posed that I do not bring my concerns to Osmond. If you are proven truly innocent in the future I will apologize then, for now though heed my words and do not do anything to endanger those here again." Without a word the redhead turned and left her room, Longueville maintaining her pose for a moment before she breathed out.
Those eyes were nightmarish when trained on her, like a wild beast was eyeing her for being in its territory. Worse he had an inkling she was involved. Even if he had little proof it could be disastrous if he acted. At the very least that damn sword she talked to kept quiet about her questioning, however little she got from it about the redhead. Maybe... maybe she should bring him "under her wing" so to speak? It was fairly clear he held no love for the nobility, though she would have to be exceedingly careful in the future...