Disclaimer: I don't own the Kiseki series. Falcom does.
Warning: Spoilers for CS 2 onwards.
TD: Blood and Iron Matchmaker
"Now then, tell me son, any lady on your mind?"
Rean Schwarzer almost spit out his drinks when that question came out. Thankfully, years of training under master Ka-Fai and experiences from his time with Class VII allowed him to reign in his impulse and swallowed it down instead.
"Not at the moment. Works and school are keeping me busy" When he was sure that it was safe to talk, the young man replied. "Although, if I may be so bold, why are you asking?"
"I was hoping that whatever is written in this drivel was wrong, but..." Here, Chancellor GIlliath Osbourne brought out an orange book titled "Knights". The author's name, however...
"DRT?" Rean took the book with trepidation. If he's right - and he prays to Aidios that he isn't - then the only reason for Osbourne asking is...
Three pages in, and Rean slammed the book shut with more forces than necessary. He was oh so right. The writing styles, the proses,... it just screams Dorothee. And knowing the girl in question...
"While I may find it quite ... difficult to accept, know that I will not forces you to change should you prefer - ah, what was it that Lechter called it? Ah yes - batting for the home team"
No. Just... No.
"No, my tastes do not lie that way thankyouverymuch" He shouldn't be speaking with a tone like that, he really shouldn't, but ... "These are merely the imaginations of very ... gifted writer, that's all"
"Ah, I see" The former military officer nodded. "Still, you have yet to answer my question son"
Rean cursed under in his mind. He was sure he managed to dodge that question, but it seems that his biological father - Rean thinks that he'll NEVER get used to that thought - wouldn't let it go any time soon.
"Or perhaps you have not yet found the ones that lit your flame of passions, so to speak?"
The young knight couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that. Seriously? That was waaaayyyy too corny, and he was the one that people usually calls out on making speeches. Huh, maybe he inherited it from Osbourne - nononononono, not going there. Nope. Back to the task at hand, mind.
"Well... I wouldn't say so, at least" Rean cautiously answered. Rean haven't really thought about it, but maybe this would sate the man's curiosity "There are ... maybe a few..."
"Oh?" The way his tone goes from casual to uplifting made Rean think he might have made a mistake. "Wouldn't it happen to be Lady Laura of the Arseid family then? Hmm, I must say that is quite a good choice on your part. Politically, the Arseid family remains one of the most famous and beloved family, especially in their home of Legran. The two of you also shares the same passion for the way of the sword, so that is another plus. And from what I see, she is already a beautiful lady: Strong and graceful, a more developed yet quite balanced figure compares the other of her ages. I heard that she was also a member of the swimming club, yes? Her legs would be quite the sight to behold then"
"Wha-" Okay, this is leaving awkward right onto bizarre. Best to stop it now before it goes straight to crazy - let's just ignore the fact that Laura have very very very nice legs. "No, I-"
"Not her then? Or maybe that student council president of yours? Towa Herschel, was it?" the chancellor nodded, as if in approval. "While politically, she might not be as powerful as Laura, but I can tell that she would have no problem winning the people over. Talented and hardworking while remaining as gentle as her is a very rare find. Her figure may not be as ... developed as Lady Laura, but I believe that her stature might help in some ... positions, if you catch my drift. In fact, she might make for a good teddy bear"
"Uuuhhhh, no..." Aidios, don't think about it. Don't think about how easy it would be to lift Towa up and... STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!
"Hmm? Still a no? Or do you prefer a more mature approach?" Osbourne slightly tilt his head to the side, looking deep in thoughts. "Perhaps Captain Claire would fit you then? I admit, I do worry about her sometimes. Between her distant demeanor and work ethics, the numbers of suitors are rather low. Although... judging by certain reports, I believe that she may have set her sights on you, my son. Do not worry. Despite her work and training, I believe that she still retains her womanly charm underneath - a fact that Lechter commented on from time to time."
"..." No, stop. Don't think about how she looked nice in her uniform. Or in that cocktail dress. Or - STOP!
"Or are you waiting for Princess Alfin? Oh, quite an ambition there my son, though not an unreachable one. That would explain a few things. I don't have to say anything about the sheer political power she possess, no? While she may be young now, I believe that many hearts are going to be broken in the future if only because the young men of the Empire realizes that they would never have an angel like her - both in look and personality. But I also believe that you have an advantages compare to those men. After all, the romance between a princess and her knight in shining armor never fails to move the heart of the people."
Well, when he puts it that way, Rean could certainly see the possibility. He pointedly chose to ignore a certain joke about "sharing" with his sister. That way lies ... well, not quite madness, but sleepless night.
Just then, his ARCUS ringed. Never before has Rean so happy to take a call.
"Rean Schwarzer speaking! How may I help you?" The soon-to-be instructor replied cheerfully. Perhaps too cheerfully.
"... Rean?" Lechter's voice come over after a moment of silence and with much hesitation. "Are you... free?"
"Why yes I am! What could I help you with?"
" Well, Altina's been getting too much attention because of that outfit of hers, so could you take her out shopping? I'll cover the prices"
"Of course! After everything she's done for me, I'll be more than happy to! Where do I pick her up?"
"... I'll send you the coordinates." The Imperial "secretary" replied with a hint of trepidation. "Rean, are you sure you're okay?"
"Never better! In fact, I'll head over there immediately!"
Closing the equipment, Rean turns over to say goodbye to his "father" - and to get the hell out of there as soon as possible - only to meet with the Blood and Iron Chancellor himself.
"Now Rean. I know that you are a responsible young man, and that Altina can take of herself. However, should your taste lie that way, do remember to wait, yes? And that you would take responsibility, should the time arise?"