Hello everyone, I know this chapter is a tad early, but there's no need to worry as there will still be a new chapter on Saturday/Sunday. It's just that with Sub arcs and short stories, I tend to want to get them done quickly so that I don't get too caught up and forget the main plotline that revolves around Hawkins.

However, for this particular sub-arc, I'll be going around 5-10 chapters as there are a lot of elements and plot lines that I need to explore. Some of them will even spill into the next time skip of when Jaune turns ten years old.

This sub-arc will mostly revolve around Glynda, but I'll add in a bit of Crocodile and May Marigold of the Happy Huntresses for some flavor.

With that, please enjoy the read and leave a review as they are always appreciated for criticism and moral boosts XD.

Cheers, Searoar.

*The Schnee Banquet. Sub Arc. Begins.*

Cold, that was the first word that came to Glynda's mind as she departed the bullhead's boarding platforms. She pulled the flaps of her black winter jacket closer to her body then breathed into her shivering hands.

The southern parts of Mantle, a place she'd only heard stories about while she still occupied the north side with her family, hadn't changed a bit. And that was not a good thing.

The once busy streets had been reduced from their former splendor and replaced by boarded-up buildings with signs that foretold of their eventual closing. Still, there were a few places with welcoming doors, most notably a large hotel bearing the only lighted sign on the entire straight road.

Yet, even this tall building had succumbed to the poor state of Mantle, and instead of a dazzling entryway, a wooden sign had been pitched that said: Daily soup kitchen, hungry mouths, and volunteers are always welcome.

Glynda sighed. She'd visited this hotel many times before and even attended a few banquets that were held on the roof with her parents. A frown marring her neutral demeanor, the huntress felt a chill pass beneath the back of her neck as an unsettling feeling followed suite.

Nearby citizens of Mantle had taken immediate notice of the pretty lady that strolled down their streets. Women opted to scowl at Glynda out of spite for their downtrodden clothing when compared to the proud witch, while the men were much more verbal about their distaste for rich-looking people.

"Hey, if you're looking for a place to show off, Atlas is up there." A rugged man said in a slurred tone. His cheeks reddened by his drunken state.

Glynda knew she shouldn't entertain the petty banter, but as she shifted to the side, the man and a handful of his friends blocked her path.

"I have no intention of causing trouble, so if you'll excuse me-"

The man gave a mocking laugh and showed the witch a spiteful glare.

"You think all because you've got cash that you can order us around? For your information, bitch, we used to be wealthy around these parts too. Then out of nowhere, the northern citizens of Mantle decided to kick us to the curb and head to the sky! How many families do you think were left behind after you snobs gave us the middle finger?!"

A nerve twitched above Glynda's forehead, but she remained calm.

"I am well aware of your-"

"Aware?!" The man roared. "How can you be aware when you think of yourselves as mighty birds and those beneath you as pathetic worms?!"

"I bet this lady's only here to mock us with her fucking wealth, heck, the earings dangling from her fat ears are probably worth more than what we have combined." Added another man who wore a beanie.

Glynda bit her lower lip, desperately trying to not explode with her semblance and send all these louts ten feet underground.

"I'm sorry if my demeanor offends you, but if you'll just let me pass-"

"You're damn right that you being here offends us! We had to sell our personal belongings to fill our stomachs, only to see a a high-class bitch walk merrily down our grimy roads a week later!"

The man was screaming at this point as others from the nearby alleyways had come to form a mob and release their pent-up frustrations.

"Look at all the makeup she's wearing, is she trying to compensate for her ugly nature?"

"I bet she married some snobby noble up in Atlas for nothing more than his money. Typical really, I mean, what would expect from types like her?"

"I can't believe she can actually afford jewelry and fancy clothing, I mean, I'm a woman but I haven't worn a pair of stockings since I graduated high school!"

Glynda blinked, doing her best to deter her eyes from spilling her bottled sadness. Coming here was a mistake, she knew that now, but with no way out it seemed that she would have to endure the mob's ruthless insults until she made it to Atlas.

"I can see that you finally realize that you don't belong here," the bum who started the whole ordeal picked up an empty bottle and pitched it like a baseball, "so get lost you spoiled bitch!"

In the blink of an eye, Glynda activated her semblance and stopped the incoming projectile, or at least she would have if not for a sudden gust of wind that nearly broke her balance. Shielding her eyes from the unexpected storm, the huntress assessed the situation immediately and noted that this was no normal wind.

No, never had Mantle seen a sandstorm, as the year-round snow dominated the kingdom's climate. With a trained hand, Glynda retrieved her riding crop from her jacket and formed a strong barrier around her.

"Oi, Oi, what's with all this blasted noise." Grunted a low voice.

Glynda immediately narrowed her sights on the owner of said voice, and felt a tinge of worry rack her mind as the gentleman was no small individual.

A stitched scar over his nose that spread from ear to ear, he had a condescending look in his dull gray eyes that showed he was a man of absolute business. The fur coat that draped over his broad shoulders couldn't have been cheap, and the many rings on his right hand emphasized his stature. However, it was the golden hook that occupied the slot of his left hand that caught Glynda's attention.

Behind the hooked man, was a simpler person, but he too wore a serious face. Dark-skinned and clean-shaven, he wore a black suit and necktie with a matching pair of shoes.

"I wanted to see what kind of capital I could wrench from these crumbling streets, but I guess I'll have to do some evicting first." The scarred man took a long drag from his thick cigar. "Don't you idiots know that no one is allowed to trespass on RDI property?"

"You mean Reptile Dust Industries?" The bum and his lackeys stepped back in fear. "W-We have a right to be here I'll have you know!"

"Not anymore!" Cheered a more childish voice.

Glynda, who'd been pushed out of the spotlight, kept her guard up but lowered her barrier. Behind the scarred man, were two children. One with red hair adorned in a fancy red suit, and a younger girl with mismatched hair of pink and brown who wore a pink frilly winter coat.

"What was that you brat?" The bum growled.

The young lad showed nothing but confidence as he playfully wagged a finger.

"My pops bought this entire street two days ago, which means you're all trespassing on his turf. So you'd better get lost before my pops gets angry!"

"W-Wait a minute! S-So that means y-you're..." The bum was reduced to a bumbling mess as his eyes widened in panic.

"Crocodile Crocodylus, owner of the RDI and boss to two major factories in the kingdom of Mistral." The hooked man laughed as the mere mention of his powerful name was enough to send the mob running with their tails between their legs.

"So, why are you still here then?" Crocodile curled a brow at the fine lady on the other side of the street.

"I didn't come here to cause any trouble," Glynda said firmly, "I merely wished to visit some past memories before this place was demolished then rebuilt."

"I see," the former warlord replied, "so I'm guessing the rest of your visit is going to be in Atlas?"

Glynda's eyes narrowed, but the defiant action only made Crocodile laugh again.

"Easy, I'm not in the mood to kill anyone today, so how about we just make our way to the station like civilized people?"

"And why are you assuming that I have business in Atlas?" The huntress huffed.

The next to speak was Crocodile's right hand man. "It's because you're the daughter of Caitlin Goodwitch and Bolton Garf. Two noble families who joined to not only increase their political influence but also expand their existing treasury."

"It's puzzling actually," Crocodile took another drag from his cigar, "as to why such a woman with your background would abandon all that power to serve incompetent wusses who can't fend for themselves."

Glynda bit her lower lip. Not only had she just been ridiculed by a group of drunken strangers, but now she was having her entire history listed by a man she barely knew.

"What's the matter? Are you too sad to speak?"

"I'm fine," Glynda said sharply. "However, I'd like to continue my journey to Atlas by myself if you wouldn't mind."

The former warlord shook his head jokingly. "Alright, have it your way. It's not really going to do you any good though, because we're bound to at least see each other at tonight's banquet."

The huntress blinked. "Banquet? What are you talking about?"

From his coat pocket, Crocodile presented a golden ticket stamped with the Schnee company logo which was an intricate snowflake with a powdered blue background.

"I guess that uptight bastard finally decided it was time to strike at me personally. Usually, I'd throw away such an invitation, but work back home has been so good, I decided it was time for a vacation."

"I see," Glynda seemed unconvinced, but without any details she could only hypothesize the business man's true motives.

Seemingly finished with what he wanted to say, Crocodile ended the conversation with a drop of his cigar and grinding its ashen remains with the heel of his shoe. He left without a goodbye, but Glynda wasn't really expecting one if she was being honest.

A cold chill passing under her chin, the witch decided it was time to move on and confront her greatest hurdle. Her parents in Atlas.

/-/

"Pops, why did you bother with that stern lady?" Roman asked once he and his family were out of earshot.

"Aren't you studying, Roman?" Crocodile grunted. "That huntress is ranked number three on the World Hunter's Monthly, so she's a contact I'd like to get under my thumb if I can."

"Neo and I won't have to wait down here in Mantle while you're gone will we?" The young ginger asked.

Crocodile's lips curled to a short smirk. "Hah, you think I'd let myself suffer alone? You and your sister are going to have to clean up your act and gather some strong connections with the younger folk at the banquet."

Roman shrugged at the idea, simply glad that he wouldn't be left behind, though his sibling did not share his outlook.

Neo tugged her brother's sleeve and wore a frown.

"Sorry, Neo, if pops says that we're going then we're going."

Neo continued to pout, but eventually gave up after her cheeks grew sore from being temporarily inflated.

"So what are you going to do with this new land, pops? I thought you said you wanted to avoid expanding the company in Mantlesian territory?"

Crocodile raised a brow. "That was the plan, but as things stand I can't really afford to skip out on this opportunity."

His son tilted his head. "Can't afford it? I thought business was booming?"

"It is, but only in the city that our main factory is occupying."

"So we're going to build another factory here? Won't the demolition of the existing buildings cost a fat stack of lien?" Roman scratched his head at the idea of his father making more problems than solutions for the RDI.

"It will, but the tradeoff is more than worth it." Crocodile raised his hook to the empty lots of cracked concrete then to the shady alleyways that were occupied by makeshift tents.

"The people around here, mostly Faunus, are desperate for employment. It's not like they're uneducated either, as Mantle was Atlas' stomping grounds in regards to technological development and dust refining."

Roman snapped his fingers. "So the abandoned citizens here are gonna flock to the RDI after we've put up a few hiring signs?"

His father smirked. "You're behind the curve, Roman, I've already set up a few advertising campaigns that Daz will be watching over while we stroll around Atlas."

As the four members of the RDI neared the end of their walk in the streets of Mantle, the Atlas station in the distance was illuminated by the headlights of incoming and departing bullheads.

"I'll see you tonight, Daz, don't go having too much fun without me." Crocodile gave his right hand a slight nod which he returned with a knowing expression.

/-/

"Hot coffee, Ms. Schnee?" Klein entered his master's office with a skip in his step.

The smile on his master's fair visage had grown rarer over the years of her marriage, with her children being some of the few things that could part the dreary clouds that loomed over her.

"Thank you, Klein, just leave it on the table. I'm almost done with these documents." Willow replied neutrally.

Dressed in an off-white business blouse with a black, knee-length skirt and matching stockings, Willow sighed as she put down her pen.

"All is well with the banquet's preparations I hope?" She said in a hopeful tone.

Klein smiled in the affirmative. "Of course, I personally saw to it that the other butlers and maids oversaw the decorations, and Lucci has finally managed to get a hold on the arriving chefs who will be helping with the main dishes."

"That's wonderful." Willow felt the corners of her lips twitch upward, but could not find the strength to present a full smile.

"Speaking of my husband's personal bodyguard, could you call Lucci in for me? I would like to have a word with him before all is said and done."

Klein gave his master a polite bow and left the office immediately. He knew that if Willow wanted to summon Lucci, all she would have to do is call him with her scroll. Yet he didn't mind having to search for his fellow butler, as it gave him a sense of importance to have Willow trust him with even the most trivial tasks.

However, to Klein's surprise, his endeavor for Lucci's whereabouts lasted no more than half a minute for the secret Zoan was already on his way to Willow's office.

"Lucci, are you here to see Ms. Schnee?"

Lucci nodded. He claimed he had received an urgent message from Jacques that needed to be delivered as soon as possible and held up a white envelope bearing the Schnee emblem to prove the fact.

Klein, with no reason to refuse, stepped aside and went to the lower halls where the banquet would be held to make sure everything was ready for tonight.

/-/

"The guest list, Ms. Schnee," Lucci entered the office with a neutral expression and placed the letter on his master's table.

Willow stretched her fingers and opened the letter. Within was a gold piece of paper with the names of nobles and their families written in red ink on the top part of the page and the names of the well-known businessmen on the bottom in blue.

"Let's see here," Willow said in a soft hum. "We have the Marigolds, the Goodwitch family, the Arcs..."

Ice blue eyes meticulously scanning the list, Willow raised a dainty brow at a particular name that left an uneasy feeling in her gut.

"Crocodile Crocodylus? Why is the owner of the RDI attending my family's banquet?" She turned to Lucci for answers.

The zoan shrugged.

"My assumption is that Crocodile's reach has started to spread outside of Mistral's borders. Not only for building expansion, but also dust resources, especially after your husband secured a contract with the local mining industries in Vacuo."

"I am aware of the RDI's recent exploits," Willow sighed exasperatedly, "but why have I not been informed by my husband's meetings with the Vacuo representatives? I am a part of the SDC too, aren't I?"

Lucci rolled his eyes. "Forgive me if my words are out of line, but in terms of success, your attempts to lead the SDC down a profitable path have led to lackluster results. Didn't the company have to hamper down its spending when your negotiations with Mistral went awry?"

Willow's hands clenched.

"Then I suppose that gives my husband permission to do whatever he wants behind my back?"

Lucci raised a hand in apology. "I never intended for my words to lead to that conclusion. I'm simply saying that if you wish to regain control of the situation, you must be willing to sacrifice a few days of your private time so you can get your affairs in order."

"What are you implying?" Willow said after a deep breath.

"You're attending the business trip to Vacuo in the next coming week correct? Wouldn't that be a good opportunity to stake your place in the SDC while also keeping a close eye on your husband's questionable decisions?"

The noble pursed her lips and rubbed her temples. She seemed exhausted and the light bags beneath her eyes emphasized this fact.

"Yes, I will be attending that business meeting..." She said slowly. "However that trip is only to cement the already agreed terms that we have established with the Vacuan council. After that, I'll be spending two weeks at Vacuo Springs with my children."

Lucci frowned and softly shook his head. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but only your eldest daughter will be accompanying you to Vacuo Springs."

This statement made Willow rise from her seat and stride over to meet her butler face to face.

"And what do you mean by that?" She said with a hand on her hip.

"I mean that your husband has already prepared to take Weiss and Whitley with him to Mistral. Apparently, they'll be spending the two weeks of your shared vacation there."

"What?!" Willow seemed horrified by the idea. Out of all the things to prepare for, her vacation with her children was the one thing that she truthfully desired.

"Since when does Jacques get to make the sole decision of where he goes and who he decides to take a vacation with?!"

Lucci showed no emotion as he politely stepped back to give the Ms. some space as she continued her rant.

"I'm still a part of this family and company, aren't I?! My grandfather, Nicholas Schnee, was running this company long before Jacques decided to enter the picture and my father made sure to uphold the just vision he desired!"

A tear trickled down Willow's face as she felt her face grow hot.

"And I'm sure you intend to do just that, Ms. Schnee, but if you continue to stroll down the road you're currently on the only thing I see you accomplishing is a fake attempt to retake your family company," Lucci said bluntly.

Willow took a minute to gather herself. It wasn't right for a woman of her stature to lose her temper so easily, and it wouldn't benefit anyone affiliated with her either. So, instead of throwing a tantrum, Willow politely asked Lucci to leave and he did just that.

The click of her office door ending the conversation, Willow strolled back to her desk and plopped onto her chair with a dull thud. She knew the dangers of stress, with many of her peers and own parents being a direct example, but couldn't help following their poor habits as she profusely rubbed her temples.

"Knock~ Knock~ Knock~"

A vein bulging atop her forehead, Willow demanded the person at the door to leave, but when she heard the owner of the one who knocked she changed her tone.

"I'm sorry, Winter, please come in."

The door creaked open to reveal the eldest daughter of the current Schnee family. An almost identical version of her mother in her younger days, the eight-year-old girl had her white hair tied in a bun and wore a simple blue shirt with its collar tied by a black ribbon that was tied in two hoops.

A bluish mauve skirt tied by a thin belt, a pair of black, knee-high socks ended in a pair of white slippers.

"Good morning, mother," Winter said with her hands clasped behind her back.

Her weary demeanor fading at the sight of her offspring, Willow tucked a stray hair behind her ear then stood to give her child a hug.

Winter accepted the warm gesture eagerly, and upon separation, the two Schnees fell into a light conversation in regards to tonight's banquet and their coming vacation.

However, to Willow's disappointment, it appeared that the main reason for Winter coming here was to confirm that it would just be them attending the lovely Vacuo Springs.

While the master of the house was disappointed that she couldn't spend her vacation with all of her children, she knew well enough that Jacques would spare no expense in making Weiss and Whitley happy on their shared outing. The man at least had the decency to treat his own children well, at least when they obeyed him.

A ring from her scroll foretelling the arrival of a visitor, Willow furrowed her brows at the noble name that appeared.

Carmel Arc had apparently decided to visit the Schnee mansion early despite already possessing an invitation for tonight's banquet.

With a sigh, Willow asked to be left alone so she could answer the call and her daughter followed her mother's instructions perfectly.

Once alone, Willow pressed the answer button and was greeted with a voice that was all smiles.

"Hello, Willow, I know I'm a tad early for the festivities but there was something I wanted to talk to you about in private..." The voice who currently held the surname of Arc said.

"Of course," Willow replied, "I'll have Klein prepare us a table in the gardens..."