Uninterrupted Talk

Disclaimer: I don't own the Cold Steel series or any of the Kiseki series. They belong to Falcom.

Suppose that Rean did not notice Fie following him, and the latter decides to utilizes her stealth instead of deliberately let Rean discover her, the talk with the dear Captain might be a little bit different.

"Well, I guess this is place…"

Rean Schwarzer – de facto field leader of Class Seven – was nervous. When he accepted captain Claire's invitation, he was only thinking of how to solve the problems in Roer and how her information might help. But now, standing in front of the bar that she had guided him to, Rean belatedly realizes that he would talk, alone, with the beautiful captain.

Sure she was strong enough to kick his ass – he could tell from the way she handled that incident in Celdic – but that doesn't change the fact that she is still a beauty in her own right. And Rean… well, he was never the best with woman. (*coughyeahnocough*)

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, the young swordsman entered the place, never noticing a pair of eyes trailing on him.

One set of stairs later, Rean found himself in an establishment that doesn't seem to fit Roer at all. Everything looked expensive, and he could feel a very high class sort of atmosphere permeating the place. Soft music resonated through the bar, highlighting the difference between this place and the industrial city outside.

And then he looked at the counter and his anxiety came back.

There, RMP's most famous captain sat, a book in her hands. Her hair was the same side tied ponytail that he had grown accustomed to seeing but her outfit was not. Instead of the usual gray uniform, she was wearing a beautiful light purple dress, a white shawl around her shoulders.

All in all, Rean felt that he was underdressed for the occasion, considering that he came in his summer uniform. The red jacket would have been a nice addition he thinks.

Still, he came here for a reason. Mustering all the courage he had, Rean approached the captain.

"Sorry I kept you waiting" There, that should do it.

Claire turned around, a small smile gracing her lips.

"Don't worry about it" For some reasons, Rean noticed that her eyes were softer than usual. "Shall we move to a table for two? I believe that staying at the counter might attract too much attention".

Rean nodded, not quite sure that he wouldn't say something that he shouldn't.

As they moved to a table in the corner, the Captain caught sight of a strange figure sitting at the bar. Her eyes focused on the figure before moving on when she saw a hint of silver.

"It is good to see you" The captain said as their drinks arrived "I think this may be the first time we've been able to have a proper conversation".

"You may be right" Rean nodded, memories of his encounter with the woman in front of him flashing through his mind "I was hoping I'd get the chance to sit down and talk with you too, actually".

"Oh…?" Claire blinked.

"I have a lot of questions … But before that, I still want to thank you for your help in Heimdallr. Without your reinforcements, we might not have make it out as safe as we were"

"Not at all. I was just following my duties" Claire shakes her head, before a contemplating frown crossed her face. "Still, I assume you heard from your instructor? About me willing to sacrifice your sister if it really comes down to it?"

"…" Rean closed his eyes for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "While I don't like it, I have to accept that to you, the Princess is a higher priority. In a way, if it was between Elise and one of your comrades, I would have prioritise Elise first so I can understand"

"Thank you for understanding" The smile returned, and Rean had to force himself to focus on her next words "Moving on, I believe you have some questions for me?"

"Yes. Like why did Millium transferred into our class. But the most important question to me is… " It was perhaps wrong to ask her this, considering the loyalty she showed to the man, but even so… "What exactly is it that you and Chancellor Osborne are trying to accomplish?"

"…!"

"Take the standoff with the provincial army earlier. While I definitely don't feel any much sympathy for them after they drove armored cars into the city, maintaining orders in the region is usually accepted to be their duties. Perhaps it is just me, but interfering with it can be seen as belittling their authority, as if you're actively trying to provoke them." The tachi wielder explained, watching the captain's reaction.

"…" A moment of silence later, Claire started her explanation. "Without proper context, I can see how the situation can be viewed like that. I would explain to you as best as I can. But first, a general view of the situation.

Right now, the Empire itself is in a volatile situation: The factional conflict is nearing its breaking point, Crossbell is buzzing with independence talk while Calvard is still dealing with their immigration issues. As such, a far more expansive network than that of the provincial armies is needed to maintain public order. Only the RMP and the Intelligence Division are up to the challenge."

"That may be the case, but… My apologies, but the Chancellor isn't helping with the situation at all with his actions"

" … I won't deny that." Claire nodded, a conflicting look on her face "But… he is still at least acting with a sense of integrity, and he hasn't actually stooped so low as to … aiding terrorists, unlike some others. I want you to understand that"

"!" Shock flashed across Rean's face. That declaration might as well be… "Are you saying that… the Noble faction is…"

"Yes. Considering that we've all but confirmed the involvement of Duke Cayenne – the most prominent representative of the Four Great Houses, I fear that there is little doubting it now" the bluenette nodded "The three airships used by the ILF have been traced back to Ordis as well"

"But how did they managed to get their hands on such advanced models…" Rean wondered, before his eyes widen in realization "Wait… Rufus is a member of Noble Alliance, but he's here in Roer… Don't tell me!"

"I guess it's time I told you the reasons why I called you here. As of now, the RMP is seriously considering a forced inspection of the Reinford Company's 1st Factory."

"The 1st Factory is one of the Company's major division, right?" It was something that Alisa explained to the group during their ride to Roer.

"Correct. It's the one that handles the bulk of the company's iron and steel processing, among other things. They're under a lot of suspicions that I can't discuss with your right now. However, you are aware that project management is split up across several major branches, right?"

A memories resurfaced in Rean's mind, specifically a talk between Alisa and Sharon.

"Come to think of it, I overheard Alisa and Sharon discussin about something like that. I'm guessing that the 1st Factory has ties to the Noble Faction?"

"It was our suspicion, but now it has become all but confirmed with the quarrel earlier this evening" Claire nodded "The divisions have become so large that they each have their own allegiances. Some are allies to the Noble Faction, while others to the Reformist. "

"But they all have to report to the Chairwoman, right? Shouldn't she be aware of it?"

"To an extent. However… the self supporting accounting system she introduced has the side effect of granting them a rather long leash. I doubt that she has a full grasp of the situation. I imagine that that she is trying to rein them back in line, but I don't think she'll have much success"

"It is because of her taking over five years ago?" Rean ventured. For her to be able to drive out Alisa's grandfather, Rean imagined that she must have quite a support base.

"You are quite the intuitive one" the captain smiled, and Rean blushed a bit at the praise "It was only thanks to support from both side that Irina was able to seize the company. Being indebted to them like that would render her abilities to target the underlying problems quite limited."

"And all this is not accouting into the rising tension across the country…" Class VII leader muttered. "This is looking more and more like a nightmare…"

"I've told you all that I can" The captain stood up "Roer is powder keg with an extra fuse, just waiting for a spark. Understand the crisis unfolding here, but please do your best to stay out of it"

Rean looked up to see concern flashing across her eyes.

"Whatever lessons that you and Class VII takes away from this, I hope that you'll all at least return to Thors alive for the festival. I wish you the best for the rest of your stay here"

For some reasons, Rean has a feeling that the captain might have some bad experiences with the festival, considering her slight wistful tone.

"Will you… will you be in trouble for telling me this?" As she turned around to leave, Rean spoke up in worry. "I am really grateful for your informations, but … "

"Don't worry about it" Claire smiled, and absentmindedly Rean wondered how to make her do it more "This is practically a well known topic among the RMP. Besides …"

"Besides…?"

This time, her worry was far more evident. Her lips have curled down into a small resigned frown.

" Even if I ask you to stay of it, I have a feeling that you would no doubt stumble into it" "Seeing as you have been involved with many of the recent incidents across the Empire, I believe it would be best if you were warned of what possibly lies ahead. You still have a bright future ahead of you after all"

Stunned by her comment, Rean stood and watched as she left the bar – stopping on the way to talk with the bartender.

Had he been more focused, he would have see the slightest shade of red on her face.

Omake:

As he sat down to recount the information he just received, the heavily dressed figure from the counter approached his table and sat down.

"Wha- FIE?!" Then to his surprise, the figure dropped the disguise and revealed herself to be Fie

"Yo"

"H-h-how long has you been there?" For some reasons, Rean was feeling very very nervous. But it was different from the one earlier when he saw the captain.

"From the start. So…" Yellow eyes bored into Rean's own "Enjoyed your date with the captain?"

And just then, his ARCUS ringed. Hurriedly picking it up to escape Fie's question, Rean belatedly realized that he should have probably checked the caller BEFORE answering.

"REAN!" Alisa's voice from the other line made sure that Rean understand the truth: He just jumped from the frying pan straight into the fire. "What are you doing?!"

"Oh, it's just you Alisa…" In hindsight, that was perhaps NOT the best way to answer it.

"W-what do you mean "It's just you?! Is it true that some girl invited you out for a night on the town?!"

"Whoa, hold on. A late-night date? I thought you only had eyes for me, Rean. ❤ Anyway, good job kiddo! You better spill all the details later!" Crow's voice coming over made him realize that probably everybody heard about his little escapade.

"HE'LL DO NO SUCH THING!"

"Now, now… I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. Fie was with him too." Elliot spoke up, ever the reliable one. Rean would have thanked him except Fie immediately chimed in.

"Actually, I just got here."

Complete silence from the other line. Rean glared at the little Jaeger, only to see her holding up a peace sign.

"S-S-Still, it was rash of you to go out on your own without at least consulting us." From the way Machias hesitated to the loud screaming in the background, Rean could tell that he was in for a looooooonnngggg night.

"Ready to head back?" Fie's little impish smirk does NOT help matter.

AN: Well, I really like Claire. Have an idea in mind for the festival where Rean asked Claire out. Should be fun to write.

R&R please. THank you!