Welcome to the next chapter.
Darth Simp; Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! That's definitely Julius for you~ Hmm, he could be~ We might be discovering a bit more about Venta quite soon. Mariella, yeah she might have a good role coming up. That would be cool for the Sea Temple arc.
Kdidier; I can't spoil it, but they've got an interesting relationship.
makotoxvalerie; Yeah, that fight could happen. The Devil marches to the beat of their own drum. Yeah, that would be cool with Venta. When Venta unites with his Devil, then he's not holding anything back. Yeah, he could have an ability like that. Yeah, it's quite interesting to have two grimoires.
ShadowUzumaki55; She is yeah. That's Julius for you. Nebra could be yeah~ Glad you liked the little back and forth between the two of them~ Glad you liked the Demon Light Magic.
Silver crow; This chapters a bit more relaxed. We'll find out more about him pretty soon. Mariella's got some stuff coming up. Glad you liked their meeting. Secre has done yeah. Venta visits him regularly. Yami and Karna's story will be explored as the story goes on. Nebra seems to have a few goals in mind yeah. Catherine and the others do. Can't say if it was Mariella they were referring to, or someone else. That's Julius for you. Nebra and Catherine have quite the interactions huh. Yeah, Venta's used to fast moving attacks. Sounds good for One Piece. They'd be cool from Big Mom. Yeah, Unohana's cool. They could be at the end of that arc. Yoruichi could be. Soi Fon could do. Shunko like that sounds good. Yeah, it makes sense that it was earth for Fairy Tail. She's cool. I'm sure they'll be surprised by Venta's backstory. He and Mereoleona could be. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Noelle fan; Yeah, she surely did. Glad you liked the Secre moments. Well, he could be, that will be explained pretty soon. Nebra could be made that in the near future. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
djinn; Thanks!
Guest 1; Nebra could do yeah. I could see Nozel doing something like that. Mereoleona would probably do something like that yeah. Charlotte probably would do. Grey doing something like that would be pretty awesome. Noelle using that would be awesome to see~ Thanks for the suggestions.
Fana is waifu; Grey could do yeah, and you never know, he could be~ Mariella's got some stuff coming up, is all I can say, and yeah, she could join that squad.
Guest 2; That relationship will be expanded upon pretty soon with the Diamond Kingdom. He very well could have been from then. That would be pretty cool yeah. Venta wasn't fully transformed when he used his Devil side, so when he does, it's gonna be quite the show. Some from the Diamond Kingdom will probably show up from time to time. If it appears with a canon demon, nothing would change here, there's many that have similar magic types, its what is done with it what makes it special to each user.
Andrew123456; Yes, next chapter starts that arc.
Guest 3; Yeah possibly, and we'll discover more about that pretty soon.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Heading for Blue Rose!
Having heard of what happened with the Spatial Mage managing to escape somehow, Venta went towards the area that they were last seen. He looked around, seeing the area having been frozen in places.
Secre, in bird form, popped her head out of his hair, and looked around.
"So, he had one final ally."
"Strong one at that, these guys weren't pushovers."
"So someone strong, and has Ice Magic. Have any ideas?"
Venta bent down and placed his fingers upon the ice.
The coldness of the ice went through his hand and transmitted up his arm.
"I have some theories..."
As he spoke, he saw that a Mage was coming.
A Captain in fact.
It was Charlotte, who moved closer at a rather rapid speed.
When she came face to face with Venta, the young man smiled in her direction.
To Charlotte, it looked like sparkles were surrounding the young man, and gave him a rather pleasant look to him.
Charlotte turned away calmly, not showing her red face to him.
"Calm down Charlotte! Calm down! It's only a smile! He's only being friendly, he does have that cute look to his face right now...No Charlotte! No...it's alright, I'm fine...I can do this..." Fixing her demeanour, she turned back to him in a stoic manner. "This situation has turned into something of a mess."
"Yes, did you receive the report as well?"
Charlotte nods, and explains.
"I was the closest by, and came to see what has happened."
"They haven't left behind much evidence, apart from this ice."
Charlotte looked at the ice, folding her arms.
"Which helps us little. There are a few Ice Mage's that I can think of, nonetheless I think they should at least be looked over, even if it is to just clear their names. Though I believe it is a party outside of the Clover Kingdom based on the statements of yourself, and Nebra Silva."
"Yes, they're from the Diamond Kingdom. It seems that this situation could become messy. What shall we do?"
Charlotte keeps a composed face as she explains the best way that she can do.
"The Captain's have been called, and we'll be having a meeting shortly. Though the Mage himself seems to be rather easy to deal with, nonetheless, the fact that he was capable enough to get close to someone like Nebra Silva and even managed to take her away with his Spatial Magic, it proves that his ability to sneak around could prove to become troublesome, and if he was able to get close enough to other top Mage's, and transport them into deadly traps, that is why he has to be dealt with. Then there's this mysterious Ice Mage, the fact they, whoever it is, managed to take down the escorts tells me that we're not dealing with an ordinary opponent."
Venta nodded strongly, he felt the same.
"Yes, you're exactly right Captain. I'll do what I can to search for them."
Charlotte nodded.
"Understood, then I'll take a quick look around, before going towards the Captains."
"Yes Captain, leave it with me!"
Charlotte nods, as she pulls away.
She gets a good distance away, when she turns around to see Venta bent down, examining the ice.
Her eyes look down his broad manly looking back, and then go towards his face, looking at the features, taking in the way his face looked, his eyes, his lips, in her eyes they looked soft, something she really wanted to...
"No Charlotte! What am I doing?! I can't do such things!"
She immediately blushes, and mentally scolds herself for looking, then quietly walks off with Venta glancing back towards her.
Humming for a few moments, he turned when something in the ice caught his eye.
"What's..."
Venta moved closer, and placed his hand on the ice.
"Did you see something?"
Nero asked, Venta inclines his neck.
"Yeah, something's in the ice."
Using his Gravity Magic, he carves the ice out, hollowing it and takes out a block of the ice, leaving what was inside intact.
It was a rose, made out of ice.
Nero looks towards it, while Venta takes the ice rose.
"A rose by any other name is just as sweet." Venta curled his fingers around the ice rose, before looking up to the sky. "Heh...lets get going Nero."
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine, seems to be the enemies calling card."
"An ice rose though?"
"Seems rather sweet to leave such a gift huh. Whoever did it, really must either want to come off as sweet, or like the thorns of a rose, looks beautiful, but can be very sharp, and deadly. Hmmm, well we wont get anywhere with this, lets get going."
Nero tilted her head, as Venta rocketed off into the air.
Flying and soaring high in the sky, the young man looked over the Clover Kingdom, before disappearing into the nights sky.
Late into the evening, Charlotte was called, along with some of the other Captains as they spoke about what had happened regarding the teleporting Mage, and how he managed to escape. Though they also talked about how Venta managed to protect Nebra Silva, something that Nozel reacted to, and was surprised by.
"Hah! So, my Vice Captain saved your sister! It seems that he's winning over both your sisters!"
Yami directed it towards Nozel.
Nozel's unamused eyes shot for Yami.
"He might have protected Nebra, but the Mage escaped. We now not know of what plans this Mage had with my sister."
Yami shrugged.
"Well, he will be found eventually."
"Perhaps you should look to your Vice Captain since he seems to be more serious about these situations than you."
"Venta can be, but he also knows when to relax."
"Are you saying I do not?"
"Hey, I didn't say it. Plus, your hairstyle...haha..."
"You're such an unruly Captain."
Nozel and Yami locked eyes with one another, sparks going off between their eyes for a good few moments.
Some of the Captains remained rather calm, some didn't look particularly bothered.
Dorothy was asleep so she didn't have any say in what was going on.
Charlotte released a breath, her sharp gaze shifting between the two men.
"Regardless, we have a Mage that could be potentially dangerous if teamed with the wrong people. If you've done enough of your childlike bickering, then perhaps we can come to a solution to this problem."
Yami gained a small smirk, taking a glance towards Charlotte who in turn narrowed her brows.
"Prickly Queen, even though you say that, aren't you secretly thinking of being in the arms of your younger lover?"
Charlotte did a spit take, and became instantly red in the face.
"I-I am not thinking anything of the sort! Stop your words immediately!"
"Well you should think of it, since he's coming to you tomorrow. Maybe you can offer your own kind of reward for him being such a good boy~"
Charlotte, placing a hand on her chest, tried to calm her uneasy heart.
Her face was so red, that she actually felt the heat pooling off of her, and she wasn't entirely sure what she was supposed to do right now.
Yami laughed.
"Regardless, Karna already sent the orders, we're supposed to look into the matter if it comes around. But she is leading an investigation into seeing if they can track down the Mage and see what it was that he wanted regarding the Silva girl."
Charlotte exhales, trying to rid the redness off of her face.
"I-I see, then we should follow Karna-sans words."
"Yes we should. Now that's over, Prickly Queen, I hope you and your younger lover have fun tomorrow, I'm sure he'll be a perfect gentlemen as you go on your date-"
"Enough of this nonsense!"
Charlotte snapped with a bright red face full of exasperation and shyness all wrapped up into one expression.
Yami snickered as a result.
Soon the meeting finished, and Dorothy, who hadn't made a move until now, suddenly moved to the side of Charlotte, and pushed a note towards her.
[Do not worry, I shall have words with Venta-kun.]
"R-Regarding?!"
Charlotte yelled in frustration and embarrassment of the evening that she was having.
Dorothy's note came to her, and held a pink love heart over the words.
[Take this chance to become even closer, express your feelings. It is fine to have a younger man as a partner, Venta-kun's very loving, and will return your affections if you allow him. I happen to know that he holds you in very high regards.]
Charlotte's face flushed, and wondered what Venta did think about her.
She could imagine many scenarios on what could be said.
"I-Is that so…?"
Dorothy passes on another note.
[Yes, he has told me several times of the respect he has for you. You need to progress your feelings forward.]
"B-But...it's...he is...and I am...it's complicated..."
Dorothy's hand produced another note, and passed it onto Charlotte who gave bewildered looks.
[Everyone deserves happiness.]
Charlotte thought about those words, and how touching they felt to her.
Deserving happiness…
Being with someone that she cared for…
It felt nice, and she did want to try.
She just felt unsure of how to approach such things.
The next morning, Venta lays within his bed, with Dorothy clinging to him. Secre was back within her Nero form, the bird like transformation that she had, to conserve some energy, and she was able to lay on top of Venta's head, nestled within his hair.
He thought about the previous day, and what happened with Nebra, and the Mage's that had taken her. The ice rose he twirled around within his fingers.
Currently however, Venta saw that Dorothy was cuddling his form very tightly.
She seemed peaceful which he was happy about.
Just then, Dorothy lifts her head, and pulls out a note for Venta.
[Are you going to Captain of the Blue Rose Knights today?]
Venta smiles softly.
"Yes, that's right. My week begins today, got any advice?"
Dorothy quickly produces another note.
[I've written down suggestions Venta-kun.]
"Suggestions huh?"
Dorothy once more produces another note, Venta wondered how she made these notes, wondering if she predicted what he was going to say before saying anything.
[To make her happy. Follow these things I have written down. I am sure she shall appreciate it greatly.]
Venta looked at the list that Dorothy gave him.
Some seemed normal, like cooking, cleaning.
But some...they seemed more sensual.
Like a massage, giving her relationship advice, and even getting into bed with her.
Though he knew Dorothy meant more of how they did, and sleep next to each other, but reading it, it looked like Dorothy had asked Venta to simply get into bed with Charlotte and sleep with her.
"Eh, some of these are..."
Before he could finish, she placed a finger to his lips.
With her eyes still closed, she leaned closer, and ended up lightly kissing his cheek.
Secre looks on for a few moments, seeing what was going on, before appropriately nestling herself back within his locks, enjoying the softness that his hair brought to her.
Later on, Venta was walking through a city going towards the Blue Rose Knights, and while he did, Nero rested on top of his head, and he spoke quietly with Nero.
"You know, there's something that's bugging me."
"About why they targeted Nebra you mean?"
"Yes. I get she's got high levels of Mana, she is a royal after all. But, I don't know...something doesn't sit right with me."
"Maybe they were going to do something in regards with the Silva family in general?"
Venta hummed.
"Maybe, but that guy was from the Diamond Kingdom...still, why target her..."
"We'll have to wait and see what comes up when they or you find that Diamond Kingdom Mage."
As she said it, Venta felt someone coming closer.
It was Sol.
He saw her cutting through the crowd as she had noticed him.
When she got before him, her finger outstretched towards him.
"You're going to be Sis's for the week, is that right?"
"Yeah that's right. I'm on my way now."
"B-But it is Sis! She is a strong woman, and only the best may be right beside her! So, I have to make sure you're prepared!"
Venta wondered what that was about.
Even Nero looked on with a questioning look.
"And how are you going to do that?" Sol took his arm, and began walking away with him. "Hey wait, where are we going?"
Sol didn't look at him as she dragged him along.
"I'm preparing you for Sis, and being apart of the Blue Rose Knights. We are really a squad that have the best kind of Captain and she deserves the best kind of subordinates. So come and do this mission with me, then I'll see if you're worthy enough."
Venta sweat dropped.
"So I do this, and then I'll be shown to be worthy enough in your eyes?"
"That's right, lets go quickly."
Venta felt like there was more to it, especially as he glanced towards her.
Regardless of the reason, Venta continued on with Sol, curious as to what was going to happen next…
When Venta arrived at the area Sol had taken him, he was surprised to see that he was taken to an area that was filled with what looked like bandits. It was a cave, he saw spike like earth protrusions coming down from the caverns ceiling.
He could see in the distance that they were angry looking people that held knives between their teeth.
His eyes shifted back to Sol who gave a hard stare.
"So this is the kind of mission you wanted me to help you with? It seems simple enough for me. It shouldn't even take someone as strong as you are more than what, half a minute to deal with the people around here?"
"Well, that's nice of you to say. And it might be an easy task, but I am asking you to do it for me so just go and do it if you wouldn't mind. I want to access how strong you've become."
Venta did have some thoughts as to why she was asking him, but he shrugged and did as she had asked.
"If that's what you really want, then I don't have any particular complaints. But I am still curious as to what's really going on."
With a flex of his leg muscles, he shot off at blinding speeds.
They had rather weak levels of Mana, so as he got in close to them, he summoned his Gravity Magic all around him. The force of the gravity began to spread out more and more, compressing it all together, and then aimed his fingers downwards.
"Hey, who the hell is that?!"
"Some Magic Knight!"
"Lets attack him!"
They turned their Magic's onto him, and fired off different elements towards him.
But it didn't stop Venta from releasing his Gravity Magic that caused the area to become flattened. The Magic's fired off didn't stand a chance, and was crushed under the incredible force that Venta released his Magic.
As they tried to fight it, they weren't able to do it in the end, and were finished off quickly.
However, before he could turn to Sol, he felt Mana shooting for him, so he turned to see that a giant earth hand was coming down towards him.
Rising out of the ground, and the hand seemed to be getting more and more ferocious as it came towards him. The fingers of the earth grew thicker, and sturdier than Venta had last seen them, showing that Sol had indeed improved her form a good deal.
"Aah, so that's what it was..."
Venta held out his hand, and released a pulse wave to shatter the earth hand that was nearing him.
As he did, he saw that Sol was running towards the right hand side of him.
"We haven't sparred in a while Sol-chan."
"I have to make sure your skills for Sis are sharper than ever! She is someone that deserves the best!"
As she said it, she placed her hands on the ground as her Mana swirled around her fingers, and from her hands, she shot a good sized wave of the earth for Venta.
It wasn't a named spell as far as Venta could tell, but it was clear the destructive potential behind the earth rising up in the way it was, so Venta cupped his hands together.
"If it is simply that, then I don't have a problem with it."
Venta opened his hands, revealing a sphere of gravity that he flicked forward.
Going to the centre of Sol's growing earth wave, Venta's small sphere hit the centre, and then released the compressed gravity in all directions.
Flattening the earth below, and smashing it above the gravity sphere, sending it flying all over the area they were in.
Sol looked on, surprised that such a small sphere packed such a huge punch to the impact.
"Your damn Gravity Magic, it seems that it is repelling even my Earth Magic."
The young man didn't say anything in response to that.
Venta knew why here now, since he was surrounded by the earth in such a tight cave.
"The setting is rather nice, are you going to use it to your advantage perhaps?"
"Perhaps I am, think you can handle it?"
Venta smiled at the young woman.
"Sol-chan, if you wanted to train, all you had to do was ask."
When he said that, Sol suddenly became flustered.
"W-What?! No, this isn't anything to do with training with you! This is a test for you, that's all! Don't mistake the two!"
Venta knew she was lying.
He knew her well enough to know when she was lying and speaking the truth.
"If you say so~"
Still holding a reddish face, she turned her eyes solely on the young man.
"I-It is! So be prepared for me!"
As she said it, she began going through her own Grimoire, and flipped through the pages, stopping on a spell. Then she chanted it, and she created a hand out of her Earth Magic, which smashed up from below him.
Venta slammed his hand down, enhanced by gravity, unleashing it all around him and caused the earth to shatter. More and more, spreading out to dangerous levels, the area around Venta became a crater by the time that he had finished.
While doing so, Venta saw Sol try to get in close, so he took to the air as she swung her fist for him, and floated above her.
She grit her teeth.
Sol clicked her tongue.
"If you're finished flying, then come down here and we'll continue fighting."
Venta smiled, returning down to the ground.
"Alright, lets keep going."
His eyes met with her own, as she held out her fist.
"Have this!"
She came at him with a single fist, so he blocked with his arm. The strength she had was pretty good, as he felt her fist through his arm, though it didn't hinder him, and he pushed her back, releasing the gravity in the area so her body began to float in the air, and his speed increased thanks to gravity no longer hindering him at all.
"Damn it! Earth Magic, Mud Wall Partition!"
Because she fully wasn't able to touch the ground due to flying upwards, she bent her body mid air, moving her arms down as if she was swimming in the air, pushing her body as hard as she could to reach downwards.
Eventually, she managed to touch the ground with her fingertips for but a moment, causing a giant earth wall to form. Higher than a few stories of a house, and was several feet thick, sturdy and ready to tank most attacks.
Venta smiled at the sight, and condensed the gravity around his hand to increase his striking potential.
"Gravity Magic, Annihilation Fist!"
Swinging his fist out in a single movement, the attack smashed deep into the earth, and released the gravity, generating a shockwave that broke through the entire wall, and continued for Sol's body who let out a gasp when seeing it.
But Venta stopped before hitting her, and retracted his fist from her body.
"Sol-chan, does that convince you that I'll be able to do my best for your Captain? Is my strength enough?"
Sol huffed as Venta returned gravity to normal, so she fell down, landing on her feet.
"I suppose it wasn't that bad, though I still want to see everything you've got one day."
Venta chortled.
"Okay Sol-chan, I don't mind. Though I can see you've gotten stronger physically, been training hard?"
Sol brushed a hand through her hair, keeping a calm face, though make sure to avoid eye contact as she didn't want to reveal what she felt deep inside.
"Naturally, if I want to be able to stand beside my Sis, then I have to be strong. Isn't it only natural to think like that?"
"It is, and I'm glad that you've gotten stronger."
Sol was happy that he had such a positive attitude, she felt like he was rather easy to speak to compared to some that she could think of.
"Perhaps, next time I'll show you even more of my strength, that's only the beginning. I've got plenty of more within me to show you the power that I've got. You will be stunned, I promise you that."
Though she said that, she had to admit that she could see the fruits of Venta's training as well, and that his rank wasn't just for show, he was indeed strong.
"Interesting, can't wait to see how strong you're gonna become Sol-chan~ Either way, I'm glad you're satisfied with my performance. Though next time, you don't have to go a round about way for us to have a spar between us."
"I-I told you, this wasn't a spar! This was to do with those bandits, and Sis as well!"
Venta let out a small laugh from the pit of his stomach.
"Well, whatever your reason was, I enjoyed the sparring match Sol-chan. I had fun, did you?"
Sol went to say something, but she held herself back.
She then looked into his eyes, seeing the kindness that was radiating right back towards her.
"...Well, it wasn't so bad, I have to admit."
She admitted.
Though she couldn't admit to the fact that she merely wished to spend time with him.
She just didn't know how to say it directly, so she went on an indirect way of doing it.
So this was the best way for her to currently do it.
When he arrived at the Blue Rose Knights, he was met with Charlotte who didn't look pleased. She raised an eyebrow, when Venta pointed towards the bewildered looking Sol, who gazed right back towards him.
"I was late because she wanted to test me."
Charlotte's raised brow went towards Sol.
She couldn't exactly say he wasn't right, since he was.
"W-Well, you know how it is Sis."
"So you made him late? And don't call me Sis."
"Okay Sis." Venta and Charlotte sweat drop. "But he is a man, so I wanted to make sure that he was worthy of serving you in all your glory, and I have determined that he has quite the power to do such a thing for you."
Charlotte exhaled.
She didn't really want Sol doing such things for her, but Sol did insist a good deal, and showed initiative, for better or worse, sometimes Charlotte wasn't entirely sure.
"Sol, I need you to do a mission for me."
"Anything Sis!"
"Don't call me Sis." Charlotte insisted, but Sol just smiled happily for her Sis. "Now, let me explain..."
So Charlotte did just that, explaining what she wanted from Sol.
Sol did her best to recall everything, but felt like this was something that someone else would usually do. Gaining ingredients, she thought that Venta might have to do that, but no, it seemed that Charlotte wished for Sol to do that.
"While I'm gone, make sure Sis is safe and sound!"
Sol explained with a gruff voice, Venta gave bemused eyes.
"Right, got it."
"I mean it!"
Venta lightly laughed at the sight before him, finding Sol's overprotective ways to be rather fun.
Charlotte's eyebrows narrowed.
"Sol, what are you saying now?"
Sol grimaced, shaking her head, and began making excuses, before shooting out of the room.
Leaving Venta and Charlotte alone, completely at that. No one from the Blue Rose Knights was within the room at all, so Venta took this opportunity to move closer to Charlotte, and when she saw him moving closer, the heat on her cheeks became more notable.
Charlotte watches as he made it to the right hand side of her, and offers a small but kind smile, which made her also smile, but then she becomes surprised at such a thing, and turned her head away from Venta.
"So, any updates Captain?"
"O-On?"
Charlotte murmured, trying to keep a composed face.
"On the situation with the Spatial Mage?"
Charlotte shakes her head, still unable to face towards him.
"No, nothing so far. We are doing our best, but nothing yet."
"I see, that's a shame." Venta moved closer, with Charlotte's eyes drawn towards his form. "Captain, may I ask you a question?"
"O-Of course, what is it?"
"Eeh, maybe..." Venta looked at the list Dorothy gave him. "...would it be acceptable if I take you out to dinner?"
Charlotte nearly collapsed.
Heat flooded her system, as her mind screams "HE WANTS TO GO OUT WITH ME!" but all that came out of her mouth was...
"W-WHAAAAAAAAAAT!?"
Venta was shocked by her sudden yell, he didn't expect it.
"Y-Yeah, dinner. May I? It's a bit early, so we can go a bit later?"
Charlotte had a hard time calming her already beating heart which beat profusely within her chest.
"T-That's...yes, that's...dinner is..."
"So, dinner? And before then, maybe a massage?"
Charlotte this time did collapse.
Venta murmured "Ooh damn." and rushed to her side, helping her up.
"Captain, are you okay?"
"M-Massage? W-Why a massage?"
She was finding it difficult in keeping a composed face.
Venta looked on curiously, and then smiled in a sweet way, which in of itself was very powerful to Charlotte.
"I am in your care, so I thought that while I'm here, I should do my best to make your life easier. Captain Dorothy suggested it, so would you like me too? I've massaged Vanessa-san and Captain Dorothy before, and they seemed to like it."
Charlotte really wanted to.
But right now she couldn't, she had to prepare herself mentally for such a thing.
"T-That's not necessary, another time...f-for now, how about...cleaning the base here. It seems Sol has neglected her duties again."
"Aah, of course, that's a simple task~ You sure you don't want me to do anything else?"
"If I think of something, then I shall."
"Great, then let me get to work~"
Venta then went about cleaning, while Charlotte tried to not look in his direction.
Her eyes however kept getting drawn towards him, and how he was do all of the work with a smile on his face, which in turn would also cause her to smile at the dedication even to simple tasks such as these.
However, she couldn't get over the sight before her eyes, how his clothing looked really well on him, and how he was smiling in her direction as he did so.
As he did, he suddenly paused, and turned to Charlotte.
"Captain, how about some tea?"
"T-Tea?"
"Yes, would you like some tea?"
"Well, I suppose it would be nice..."
Venta smiled and went into the back.
Charlotte bent forward on the chair, and looked into the kitchen to see Venta happily making her some tea.
"This kind of dream...a nice kind husband...Charlotte no! You can't go there yet! Though he is sweet, and kind...and he really is someone very reliable...no I can't do anything, it's too embarrassing...a massage would have been so good, to feel his hands on my skin...what if the others walked in and saw us? What if that fool Yami got wind of this? He would surely tease me to no end...but even then, I would have loved to have a massage from Venta-kun, I'll have to try it again some other time when I'm more prepared..."
As she thought about what could have been, he came back in with some tea, placing it down with a smile before getting back to work.
If nothing else, at least she had some nice company for the day, and she did, she managed to speak to Venta about a variety of topics that ranged from serious, to simple, and she enjoyed each of it...even if at times, she had to yell in her head to calm down whenever he'd compliment her.
When the night came around, as Venta had promised, they went out on, not an official date, but it felt like it, as Venta was dressed for the occasion, and even Charlotte was.
She came out of the base she worked in, wearing a beautiful blue shimmering dress that matched the beautiful look on her face. Her hair was even down for this occasion, it looked marvellous before his eyes.
When seeing her, Venta began to blush at the sight before him.
"C-Captain, you look...beautiful."
He didn't know how else to describe it.
Charlotte blushed gently, as she came closer.
"You...also look rather..."
She couldn't finish it.
She felt embarrassed to say that he looked handsome.
But, she then steeled her will, and finished it off.
"You...look...ha...han...hand...hand...handsome..."
Venta smiled gently.
"Thanks Captain~"
Charlotte was glad she could say it, taking steps in the right direction.
"Rather than eating in a restaurant, I want to go somewhere else. Come with me."
She ordered, Venta shrugged, and did just that.
He followed her out of the city they were in and towards a quiet place for the pair of them. A small but magnificent looking lake laid before their eyes.
She sat down on a bench, Venta sitting close by.
While sitting alone, a million thoughts ran through Charlotte's head.
Perhaps she could say something, anything to express what she felt deep inside.
After seeing such people like Vanessa being able to express herself freely, she also felt like maybe she should give it a go, that maybe it would be good if she could finally express what she felt deep within herself.
So she turned towards Venta, but saw that his eyes were cast on the water, seemingly in deep thought.
So she spoke up.
"Something on your mind?"
Venta's eyes shifted to Charlotte, adopting a small smile.
"I'm fine, I was just thinking about something."
"What is it?"
"I was thinking about if I was making a good impression."
Charlotte placed a hand over her right part of her chest.
"What do you mean?"
"I was hoping that I was able to make a good impression on you, because Captain Dorothy said that I would be able to assist you in many ways, one being able to take your stress away."
Charlotte almost did a spit take.
But was able to hold herself together, albeit a small blush across her cheeks.
"You did, I haven't felt this...relaxed in a good long time."
In some ways, she was very relaxed.
Being in his presence calmed her, even if at points she did become flustered.
Venta's lips curled upwards.
"I'm glad, because you know Captain, you're someone that I really do look up to as a great Captain." Charlotte's heart skips a beat. "…Since we met those years ago, I've seen how strong of a Captain you are, yet you're also someone that is rather kind and compassionate. I can tell within your eyes the care you have for your comrades, and your squad, I admire it greatly."
Charlotte was quite blown away by his pure honest words.
It also made it rather happy to hear that from him.
"I see...though, if it is about admiration, then I would have to give mine to you, considering the Captain and the people you've got to deal with. Only someone with an iron will would be able to survive such things."
Venta snorted.
"Maybe you're right, but I really do quite like the Black Bulls."
Charlotte offers a very small smile.
"You could have always joined the Blue Rose Knights, I am sure that Sol would have accepted you. She seems to quite like having you around, even if she doesn't admit to it."
"Sol-chan, that girl really can be quite difficult, but she's still got some cute sides to her~ Besides...Captain Yami, I...well, I'm sure you know of our history already."
Charlotte's lips curl upwards.
"Yes, I am aware." Charlotte confirmed as she placed her hands together briefly. "By the way...may I ask you a question?" Venta nods. "Then, in the future, what are you going to do?"
"What do you mean?"
"Are you looking to become a Captain? If Yami retired, or something else happens were he wouldn't be the Captain, would you take over?"
"Well, it was a dream that I would do if I got the chance. Being the Captain of the Black Bulls, I wouldn't mind doing that. However, I have many dreams Captain, some that I don't know if I'll ever be able to fulfil. Some dreams...I'll never see the end of."
Charlotte could resonate with that.
She wanted to tell him that she had...strong feelings.
But the shyness she felt, wouldn't allow her.
She wanted to grab his shoulders, and tell him straight.
But she couldn't.
She wasn't able to fight by the crippling shyness that she felt.
"By the way...may I ask, what are your opinions...on someone…?"
"Someone? Who?"
"...On me..."
She almost took it back when she let it slip.
But before she could, Venta spoke up.
"Well, if it is you, then you're someone I admire, you're strong, confident, and kind as well as able to handle any situation. I'd readily go into any battle beside you Captain."
"That's a wonderful way to express it, and I share a similar mentality of fighting beside you. But I was thinking...more as a woman..."
Internally, Charlotte was freaking out.
But she wanted to keep going.
Wanting to see what his thoughts were.
Venta caught onto what she said, and began blushing as a result.
"As a woman...Captain..."
"I-I just was curious, for Sol's sake. That's all. I know how that girl is, and what she thinks about you."
Venta furrowed his brows.
"Only for her sake?"
"...Yes."
She lied, she couldn't express the truth now.
Venta placed his hand near Charlotte's own that laid on the bench.
She looked down at the hands, and thought about simply crossing the distance, and holding one another's hand.
"I see, so that's how it is. As a woman...you're...how to say this...you're really...I quite like...haha...you're...beautiful Captain..."
As he spoke, Charlotte bit her lower lip, seeing how the moonlight was shining down on them.
Then without her thoughts getting in the way, she allowed her fingers to wrap around his own.
He looked down, and saw that Charlotte was facing away, internally she was having such a hard battle.
But Venta liked it, and flipped his hand, so he held onto her hand, capturing her attention.
"Captain, remember when we first met?"
Charlotte's cloudy eyes turned towards Venta.
"Yes...I remember well. It is a day I haven't forgotten."
"Me neither. Even though I was young...I thought you were quite magnificent..."
Charlotte gave a humble bow of her head.
Then her eyes locked onto his own.
"Venta-kun...under this light, you really do..."
She couldn't finish as she looked down at their connected hands.
His strong manly hand within her own.
She felt like this could happen all of the time.
Even more than this could happen.
Her eyes lingered towards his lips, thinking of the possibilities of simply leaning forward, and kissing him.
Being able to feel what others have felt before, like Vanessa.
She wished she was as bold as someone like Vanessa.
But she wasn't sure how she was going to do this.
Even then, holding onto his hand was a pleasure that she couldn't defeat ever.
So that's how they stayed.
"Thank you, for today Venta-kun. It has been...very nice."
"Yes...it's been quite nice spending this time with you Captain."
She felt like this was a milestone for her.
One more step closer to expressing the deep feelings that she had.
So for right now, she'd hold onto the hand that she had wished to hold for so long.
Next time...she wanted to go even further, and progress what she really felt deep inside of her.
The next day, Venta and the other Black Bulls, minus the ones that weren't there currently, were eating breakfast together that Charmy had made. Asta stretches her arms as she sits happily on Venta's right thigh with Charmy on the left one, staring at Asta with questioning eyes.
While eating their breakfasts, suddenly the doors open. Venta and Yami cock their heads to see someone stepping inside.
It was a beautiful woman with long brown hair and purple eyes that was in her mid to late twenties. Her hair is braided at the back of her head, and her bangs hang down and cover most of her forehead. She wears a pair of purple teardrop-shaped earrings.
She's wearing a backless, sleeveless white dress with a red corset belt. In addition, she dons a purple cape with yellow, oval-shaped ornaments. She was sporting light blue thigh-high stockings that contain a section of yellow at the top and wears short red-heeled boots that adorn the shade of white at the heel cap.
This young woman was someone quite known to most of the Black Bulls, especially Yami who gained what looked to be a mixture of a happy expression, that also held some nervousness at the same time as well.
When Asta saw her, she drew a question mark.
But when Noelle saw her…
"Ooh my God! Is it...i-is it really Karna Freese-sama!?"
"Karna who?"
Noelle's dangerous eyes went towards Asta who flinched.
Even Venta was surprised that the dangerous look within Noelle's eyes right now, she seemed rather determined all of a sudden.
The girl then cupped her hands together, and spoke in an elegant manner.
"You surely can't say you don't know who Karna-sama is? She is one of the strongest women in the Clover Kingdom, her raw might is only matched by her beauty. She works directly under the Wizard King himself, as his personal guard. Wielder of Moonlight Magic, the woman that can defeat many in a few seconds, she's amazing in battle, graceful, and magnificent all the way around, and she's kind to everyone she meets!"
Venta smiles at how excited Noelle was getting.
Asta at the same time seemed rather pumped.
"Wow! She serves under the Wizard King directly!? So she must be strong! I wanna fight her!"
Venta chortled, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"No you don't Asta-san."
Asta tilted her head.
"Future husband, do you think that I wouldn't win?"
"Right now, I'm afraid not Asta-san." His eyes drifted to Magna and Luck who both were shaking. "Even the battle maniacs of the group are showing that they don't wanna fight Karna-san, she is a very strong woman after all."
"Ooh my...it seems they are worried as well, when they wanna fight everyone. She must be super strong, is she stronger than Captain Yami?"
Venta snickered as Vanessa showed a small smile on her face as well.
"Lets just say Asta-chan, that Captain Yami will never be able to win against her."
Asta's eyes shine like diamonds from Vanessa's comment, while Yami's smile turns weaker the more Karna comes closer.
When stopping before her, with an elegant expression on her face, she bends down towards Yami, and pokes his embarrassed looking cheek.
"I heard you've been causing trouble lately."
"No, it isn't like that Karna, it's sleepy head and Prickly Queen!"
The young woman giggles.
"I see, and those incidents of the other Black Bulls?"
"Well, you know how they get Karna, though it seems that Venta has straightened them out a good deal."
"It isn't good that your Vice Captain can do the jobs that you should be doing."
Yami hangs his head.
"You're right, I'll try harder."
Karna snickers.
"Don't take it so seriously Yami~ I know how you march, to the beat of your own drum, right?"
"Hah, you know how it is after all Karna."
As they spoke, Asta noticed that Karna and Yami's hands connected.
She turned to Venta, and tilted her head.
"Future husband, what's their relationship like? Are they...together? In a relationship?"
"Yes, they are."
Noelle coughs when hearing that.
"Someone as beautiful and wonderful as Karna-sama has gone towards our Captain!? Really!? Our Captain of all people?!"
Yami's frustrated eyes went towards Noelle, who let out an "Eep!" and hid behind Venta who in turn adopted a small smile.
"Yes, they have quite the history together, they've saved one another's lives on occasion and work very well, their dynamic on a battlefield is quite the sight to see, they have great teamwork. It really is a romantic story between them."
"Our Captain has a romantic story?!"
Asta asks, Venta shakes his head.
"Yeah, I've seen them together, he can be quite romantic with Karna-san."
Asta's jaw hit the floor.
"I didn't know our Captain knew how to be romantic!"
Yami breaths sharply out of his mouth, while Karna giggles softly.
Venta continues on, glancing at his Captain who's hand was firmly within Karna's, seeing their relationship was always nice to those that knew of their past together, such as Venta, and Vanessa.
"Well, Karna-san is something of a soft spot for the Captain. He and her have that kind dynamic with one another where they trust one another completely, and have good emotional connection. Well, it is to be expected after the history the pair of them have with one another."
Noelle looked on, and then began nodding.
"But still, to think that Karna-sama, who is a very beautiful and talented woman with wisdom and kindness that really is hard to replicate, is with someone like the Captain. Our Captain who doesn't have the best reputation, seems to gamble his own squad away and generally is-"
"I can hear you water girl."
Yami's eyes fell on her, with an aura beginning to leak from his body.
Once more, Noelle let out an "Eep!" and clung to Venta for dear life.
"Ooh Yami. Forever the jokester for the group, aren't you?"
Karna glances at Yami who laughs, and dispels the aura.
Karna turns towards the rest of the squad, and giggles.
"It seems we're being talked about Yami, shall we disclose everything?"
Yami's eyes widened ever so slightly, before he began shaking his head side to side.
"...No, that's our private business." Karna nods slowly, but has a small teasing smile on her face. "So, I take it this isn't a social call."
"It is that as well, but you're right, the Wizard King himself has issued an order for the Black Bulls. Rather, for a certain Black Bull, and since I wished to come pay a visit to my Yami, then I thought I'd deliver the message personally." She looks over the squad, before her eyes land on Asta. "You would be called, Asta-chan, yes?"
"Aah, yes that's right! My name is Asta, from Hage!"
Karna smiles in her direction.
"Nice to meet you. Now, Asta-chan, and also Noelle-chan-"
"Me?! Karna-sama knows my name! Ooh my God!"
Venta snickers "She's unexpectedly a huge fan of Karna-san, it's really sweet." to Vanessa who snorts as a response.
"Isn't it cute though Venta-kun? We are seeing the birth of the cuter side of Noelle-chan, I really like it."
"Yes, Noelle-san is quite cute when she's like this."
Hearing that, Noelle gained a shade of scarlet across her cheeks.
Being called cute by Venta wasn't what she had expected, but something she secretly did like.
Karna then bows to the pair of them.
"Yes, Noelle Silva-chan, and Asta-chan, there's been a new dungeon that has surfaced that's on the borders of the Diamond Kingdom." Venta's eyebrows furrowed at hearing that. "The Wizard King would like you two to go towards it as quickly as possible, I've got the details here for you Yami."
Handing over the papers, Yami looks over them then shrugs.
"That's fine with me, I'll send Luck to go with them as well."
"Ooh, that would be a good choice."
Noelle raised her hand.
"Eeh...well, is Venta-kun coming with us?"
Noelle felt like it would be best if he did come.
However, Yami glanced at Karna, and without speaking, it seemed they were having some kind of conversation, even if no words were actually taking place between them, since they were so in sync with one another, they could read each others gazes, and guess what the other was thinking.
"No, he isn't going with you."
Noelle's face drops, while Asta blinks rapidly.
"Eeh! But he's my future husband, we really should go together!"
"Y-Yeah, we're still new, shouldn't we go with Venta-kun in case something happens?"
Noelle added after Venta.
She was a bit worried, since they hadn't done a mission without him yet.
She believed that she had grown stronger, but she also was worried about not being able to do the mission. And to the border of the Diamond Kingdom, she wondered if she would be able to tackle such a mission.
Yami however shook his head.
"No, I think this time it will be fine on your own."
Noelle tilted her head, while Venta glanced at her.
Seeing some nerves within her eyes, he placed a hand on her back.
"Don't worry Noelle-san, you did the last mission without me, didn't you?"
"Perhaps...but, I also...I also thought about...what if that guy turns back up? Asta and I don't have the power to fight such a guy yet."
Venta adopts a small smile.
"Don't worry, if you need me, you can always call for me and I'll be there in a flash."
"Call for you?"
"Yes, with the audio communications, you can give me a call and I'll come to help you. But I know you've got this Noelle-san. Believe in yourself."
Noelle wasn't so sure as Karna claps her hands.
"Go and get prepared everyone! I'm sure you'll be excited to go!"
Asta was, and rushed around the entire Black Bull base.
Noelle on the other didn't seem as energetic as Asta did, and disappeared up the stairs.
As they went, Venta saw Yami gesture outside, so he walked away with him, and Karna following.
When they did, Venta came face to face with the pair of them.
"I take it from not sending me, there's something else I am going to be doing?"
Karna inclines her neck.
"Yes, we have managed to trace the Mage's Mana to several locations. No doubt, an attempt to throw us off, however we have to investigate each area, and one of the areas that we have found, happens to be the dungeon that the others are going to be going towards."
"So yeah, go and check it out Venta, and make sure the newbies don't cause too much trouble."
"Even some new members of Golden Dawn are going to be going. I'm sure you're aware of Yuno-san and Mimosa-san? Even a member named Klaus-san is going to be going to the same location."
Venta was bewildered.
Two groups going to the same place.
"So my mission is to track down this guy, and protect the newbies on both sides?"
"Yes, that's essentially it, since you have the most rapport out of everyone in either squad, with all members who will be going, it would be best if you were the one who went towards that one and if things do begin happening, either with this Mage, or that group that we've been told about, then we can have you step in."
"Other words, keep an eye on them. Let them think they're alone, and see how they handle themselves Venta, step in if necessary."
Yami added, Venta nodded.
"I don't have a problem with that, they'll grow from it. So this Mage, do we know what's going on with him apart from his location not being known? If he's done anything around the Clover Kingdom that we're unaware of?"
Karna shook her head.
"He isn't strong, as you yourself have indicated. However, his Spatial Magic can be something that could be a potential threat to us if partnered with any strong Mages, or if he got his hands on that power boost that the group we're currently facing troubles with. While we aren't worried per-say about him, it is what his potential threat with stronger people could mean for us. He was able to get close to Nebra Silva, he clearly has the ability to sneak under the radar, we cannot have that happen again."
Venta could hear the seriousness in her voice.
It was clear that this was a situation they'd have to think long about, what they'd do about it next.
"Understood, then I'll go and do what is necessary, to make sure that if he's there, then he is captured."
Karna nods, so Venta bows, and leaves the pair alone.
As Venta went to prepare, he walked by Noelle's room, and heard some mumbling. He stopped for a few moments, then walked towards the door, and went to knock, when he could hear her questioning if she was ready for this.
He then knocked on the door, and it was opened a few moments later by a worried looking Noelle, but she then fixed her look, and gave a more confident look to her face.
"Is there something wrong?"
"Not with me, but...may I come inside?"
Noelle blushed at the thought of Venta being in her room, alone with her in her room.
But she consented, and stood aside, allowing him to step inside.
Once inside, he sat down on the bed, with Noelle stood off to the side, her arms folded.
"So, I can see that you're a bit nervous, aren't you?"
"Nervous?" She denied with a shake of her head. "Nothing of the sort, I am perfectly well equipped to deal with anything, you have given me the tools to be prepared for such things. I will be fine to deal with this."
Venta nodded.
"Yes, you will be fine Noelle-san."
Noelle pauses, and the bravado she had, begins to fall as Venta watches her fingers press together around her stomach area.
"Am I fine though? Asta...and Luck as well..."
"You are fine, Noelle-san. I know you're able to do this. You can do this Noelle-san, believe in yourself."
"Easier said than done. If I made a mistake, you were there to make sure everything went alright. Now that you're not there..."
Venta could understand.
This would be the first time that she didn't have the security of Venta being around in case something happened.
While he would be there, she didn't know that, and he knew that she'd be able to do it if he wasn't around, that she had the ability to accomplish this mission if she, and the others put their minds to it as well.
"During your first mission, you managed to do a lot, you saved a lot of people, and coordinated together with Asta-san and Magna. I know that you're smart, you're skilled, and you're strong. I'd be worried about the Mage that crosses your path now Noelle-san."
Noelle adopts a small smile, her cheeks reddening ever so slightly.
"Do you think...it will be okay?"
"I can't tell you, because I can't see the future. But what I do know is that you can do this Noelle-san, and you'll not be alone, Asta-san and Luck will be right beside you. You together can show your abilities and strengths. I've seen you go from strength to strength since we first met, learning and training so hard. The determination you had. You can do this, I believe in you."
With those words, Noelle felt confidence fill her.
She was happy, she felt like she was going to be able to do this.
The worries that she was feeling began slowly melting away.
Though she did have that spec of doubt on whether she'd be able to do it, she wasn't going to allow it to control her this time.
"Thank you, Venta-kun. I'll do my best."
"Yeah, do your best."
Noelle adopted a small smile on her face.
With her confidence renewing inside of her, whatever was to come, she'd do her best.
End chapter!
So this chapter had some relaxing times, as well as deepening some relationships with Venta and Sol, then Venta and Charlotte. Karna finally made her appearance, with her having some back and forth with Yami, while Noelle seems to be quite the fan of hers, though Noelle felt some nerves for the mission ahead, but had a talk with Venta which helped her, and now she's ready to tackle the mission. Next time, they're off to the dungeon and meeting with the Diamond Kingdom with Venta having his own mission within said dungeon, we'll see what happens there!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Venta; Mimosa, Vanessa, Secre, Dorothy, Rebecca, Asta (fem), Yuno (fem), Noelle, Elf Fana, Mereoleona, Nebra, Sol, Sally, Grey, Charmy, Charlotte, Mariella, Lolopechka,