Here we are at Chapter 6. Things are about to get a little interesting here. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 6. Enjoy.
Chapter 6: What is Love?
The morning sun rises into the sky. As Fuyumi gets ready for the day, she decides to change things up a bit and puts on her secondary outfit, now with the new stockings, instead of her first. She also puts on her other blood veil, the Midnight Sun Thorn, instead of the fatigues. After making sure her clothing is on, she checks one last thing, her blade. Rather than use Hanemukuro, she decides to go with Queenslayer this time. She always like the way the blade looked, and that the strikes were faster with it in the game than the other blades. She only thing she didn't like in her previous life was that its attack strength was lower than most other one-handed weapons. However, perhaps in this world, that won't matter. With everything set, Fuyumi leaves her room and heads to Anelia's.
"Anelia, you awake?" Fuyumi calls out as she knocks on the door.
"Ahh!" she hears what sounds like crashing sounds in the room, "I-I'm okay, just startled. Give me a second!" A few moments later, Anelia opens up the door, already dressed. "Sorry about that; you startled-," Anelia freezes when she sees Fuyumi in her new outfit, particularly the chest.
Her previous outfit kept that quite hidden, but this one was more... open.
"Is something wrong," Fuyumi asks.
Anelia blushes again, "Ah! I-I wasn't staring or anything!" but she doesn't help her own case.
Fuyumi glances at her outfit and shows a teasing smirk, "Oh, and what, pray tell, were you staring at, Anelia? I'm afraid I don't know what you mean," she walks closer, holding her chest up under her arms. If she's got the assets now, she might as well flaunt them every now and then. This only makes Anelia blush more. Fuyumi chuckles, "Heh-heh-heh, sorry, I just couldn't resist. You really are too cute,"
Anelia looks embarrassed, "I told you, don't tease me like that!" she starts banging her fists against Fuyumi, but they don't do much with her hands in the way.
Fuyumi laughs, "Hahaha, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she apologizes as Anelia calms down, though her cheeks are still pink. "Come on, let's go see what other quests they have at the guild today. The more experience you get, the better,"
"Okay, but are you sure? I mean, your clothes," Anelia asks.
"It's fine. These clothes are good for combat too, as is my sword here. So come on, let's go," Fuyumi beckons.
The pair leave the inn and make their way to the mercenary guild. However, on their way there, Fuyumi meets a familiar face.
"Lady Fuyumi," it is none other than the knight, Ser Conrad, who greets them. "It's about time that I found you,"
"Ser Conrad, a pleasure. Were you looking for me?" Fuyumi asks.
"Yes, I came to bring a message. The Crystalglove family would like for you to meet them at their home. Would you be kind enough to come along?" Conrad explains.
"They wish to see me? May I ask for what reason?" Fuyumi is a bit perplexed.
"Well, it's mostly Lady Eleonora and Lady Emilia that wish to see you. The duke himself is busy with his own affairs. Would you please?" Conrad says.
"W-Wait, Crystalglove, as in the Crystalglove family that govern this city. How do you know such an important family? Are you actually a noble after all?!" Anelia starts to lose it.
"No, no, I'm not a noble. The family are friends of mine. Would you like to meet them?" Fuyumi offers.
"Huh?!" Anelia doesn't know how to answer.
"Lady Fuyumi, this this a friend of yours?" Conrad watches as Anelia has a nervous breakdown.
"This is Anelia. We met recently when I helped her out of a jam. She just became a mercenary who specializes in magic and so I'm been helping her out. If I'm going to see the duke's family, would it be alright if she joined us. I'd hate to leave her alone in the city, especially when she's like this," Fuyumi notes as she watches Anelia try to recompose herself.
"I see. I don't think they'll mind too much, but she'll be your responsibility. Just be ready in case they say otherwise," Conrad says.
Fuyumi looks to Anelia, "Ready to meet the duke's family?"
Anelia doesn't know how to answer that. Conrad leads the two young women to a carriage waiting carriage to take them to the manor. The ride is pretty short, but every second feels like a minute to Anelia.
"It'll be fine. They're not bad people, and they're my friends. If anything happens, I'll handle it," Fuyumi remains composed.
"But, what if I do or say something that offends them and they decide to have me beheaded?" Anelia freaks out again.
"They won't do that, and even IF that were the case," Fuyumi reaches out and takes Anelia's hand. "They'll have to go through me first. So, you'll be fine,"
This calms Anelia down as they make their way to the manor. Once there, they are greeted by the servants again who guide them inside. Inside, they find Eleonora and Emilia waiting for them.
"Fuyumi, I'm so happy to see you again," Emilia smiles as she curtsies to her. She then notices her outfit and blushes a bit. "Your clothes are very... attractive,"
Fuyumi offers a polite bow in response, "I appreciate the compliment. It's good to see you again, Emilia, Lady Eleonora. How have you been?"
"I'm well, Fuyumi. Oh, who is this?" Emilia turns her attention to Anelia... who's hiding behind Fuyumi.
"This is Anelia Lumare. She's a student from the Royal Magi Academy who's here on a special assignment. She's just become a mercenary like me, so we're working together. We've become fast friends. I thought it would be alright if she came along," Fuyumi explains.
Anelia pokes her head out from behind Fuyumi, "It's, uh... an honor to meet you, your highnesses, or wait... is it Duchess and Duchess' daughter? Wait, I'm sorry!" she gets nervous again.
Eleonora giggles behind a fan, "Isn't she just adorable. Honestly, she reminds me of Emilia when she was a little girl. A pleasure to meet you my dear,"
"Mother, please, Fuyumi doesn't need to know that!" Emilia pouts, but then remembers that they have guests. "Ahem, I see. Well, she is welcome to join us. A pleasure to meet you, Anelia Lumare,"
The ladies head to the garden where a table has been set up with two maids preparing sweets and tea for them. While three of the girls remain relaxed, one remains ever nervous.
"So, you're from the Magi Academy. They only accept those with the best magical affinity. You must be quite adept at magic," Eleonora notes.
"She can use multiple affinities. We went out on a quest to slay some orcs, and I got to see her in action. She's quite good," Fuyumi notes.
"I'm not that special. I'm sure there those that are much better than me," Anelia doesn't feel so confident.
"Oh, come now, we've seen Lady Fuyumi in action ourselves. If she says you are a skilled magic caster, then we are inclined to believe her. You shouldn't doubt yourself so easily," Eleonora says.
"Indeed. Besides, how many students at that school have actual experience in battle. There are plenty that would become mages in the royal army, or work as mercenaries, but usually they don't do so until later in their lives. You starting out so young is quite uncommon," Emilia adds.
"You really think so?" Anelia asks.
Eleonora gets an idea, "Emilia, why don't you show Fuyumi around the garden? Her last visit was so brief, and we were rudely interrupted last time. I'll stay here and chat with Anelia,"
Emilia brightens at the idea, "That sounds like a great idea! Let's go, Fuyumi," she pulls Fuyumi out of her seat and leads her through the garden.
"I hope you don't mind them spending some time together," Eleonora asks.
Anelia shakes her head, "No, no, it's okay,"
"Hmm, you seem to get along well with Fuyumi. She certainly has her charm," Eleonora notes.
"Fuyumi is very kind," Anelia shows a small smile.
"She is far from her homeland, in lands with people she does not know. My daughter has taken quite a liking to her. We are indebted to her. If she didn't save us that day... I hesitate to imagine what might've happened to us. And I will always feel indebted to her for protecting my daughter," Eleonora says fondly.
"Fuyumi helped me too. I feel safer when I'm around her," Anelia agrees.
"Now then, how about you tell me more about your magic studies. I'm quite curious," Eleonora asks while sipping her tea.
Meanwhile, Fuyumi and Emilia walk through the garden, Emilia's arms wrapped around Fuyumi's left. Emilia enjoys telling Fuyumi about the flowers that grow in her family's garden.
"I always enjoy having tea out here when the weather is nice. It's quite peaceful here. I'm glad you're here too, Fuyumi," Emilia smiles.
"I enjoy seeing you too. I trust that things have gotten better in your world of aristocracy after recent events," Fuyumi notes.
Emilia sighs, "For the most part. I still get plenty of invitations to parties and gatherings. I have to be careful which ones I choose to go to, as that has greater effects than some may think. The most annoying part is all the marriage proposals that keep coming my way,"
"I can't exactly say that I blame them. You are beautiful and kind-hearted," Fuyumi smirks.
"Thank you, but it's not so simple. There are those that want me for my beauty, or because of my family name, or for my family's position or support. And even though there may be those who seek me out of genuine affection, I can't feel the same. I'm... afraid," Emilia says sadly.
"Afraid of what?" Fuyumi raises an eyebrow.
"My mother and father. They are a rare breed among nobles. They married, not because of politics or business or money, but... for love. They've known each other since they were young. I want to experience that myself. I know it's selfish, but I don't want a loveless marriage. Does that sound foolish for someone in my position?" Emilia asks as she looks Fuyumi in the eye.
"It sounds... human. I don't particularly agree with the idea of arranged marriages. These marriages are arranged by the parents, not by their children who will marry. And often the reasons are for anything other than love. The one who suffers the most in the end is the girl, who has her life taken away from her because of another person's personal ambitions. I, too, would rather marry for love than anything else. I wish to keep my freedom as well. A loveless marriage for a young woman is no different than being in a cage. Doing only what is expected of you and nothing else, for nothing at all. I see no freedom in that," Fuyumi notes.
"Was there... anyone back in your home that you cared about deeply? Anyone waiting for you should you return?" Emilia asks.
Fuyumi thinks about it a moment. In the game, the player character and Io grew close, but Fuyumi was not the player character, not anymore. And this was not the game world of Code Vein.
"No, there isn't. I can't say if there might've been someone before, but that's all in the past now. I am not currently in a relationship with anyone," Fuyumi replies.
This actually makes Emilia feel a little hopeful, "Then, if you ended up deciding to not return to your homeland after your rite of courage and cowardice is completed, would you... think about marrying someone you care about?"
"That is a possibility, though I'm in no rush right now. My journey has only begun, and there is much I still have to learn, to experience," Fuyumi replies.
"I see," Emilia mutters.
By that point, the pair had returned to Anelia and Eleonora. They make idle chatter after that, but soon enough the day has gotten late. With that, Fuyumi and Anelia bid farewell to the noble family and return to their inn. As they leave, Emilia keeps her eyes on Fuyumi, which her mother notices.
"You seem troubled, my dear. Would it have something to do with Lady Fuyumi?" Eleonora asks knowingly.
Emilia nearly jumps a bit, "M-Mother! Please, this isn't the time for that!" she blushes.
Eleonora giggles, "It's rare to see you this flustered, Emilia. I know what you're thinking,"
Emilia sighs. Nothing gets by her mother.
"I just... I don't know if what I'm feeling is love, but I know that if I had a choice, I'd like to marry Fuyumi. But, if she were to marry me, then she would lose her freedom. The world of nobility. I'm not blind to see that there are restrictions in it. Do not misunderstand, I love my life. My home, my family. And I believe in our duty to help our people and our kingdom, but... would that be fair to Fuyumi? Can I have her in my life selfishly while taking away hers? What's more, she doesn't know this life. A life where nobles fight with words and politics rather than swords and sorcery,"
"Emilia... Perhaps you give her too little credit, and yourself as well," Eleonora rests a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"I'm surprised you're not immediately against this," Emilia says.
"I'm quite familiar with how noble marriages are usually formed, but I was lucky when I married your father. I'd rather you get married to someone you love too. If you end up in a marriage that has no love in it, then how can you be happy? As your mother, that is what I want most of all," Eleonora says.
"I'm sorry, Mother. I just... I don't know what to do. May I be alone here for a while longer? I need some time to think," Emilia asks.
"Of course, just don't take too long," Eleonora gives her daughter some space and returns inside the manor, while Emilia looks up into the evening sky.
…
Back in the city, Fuyumi and Anelia decide to stop by a local tavern for something to eat and drink. They heard that the food at this place was pretty good. Inside, the tavern is lively and boisterous as people eat, drink, and sometimes yell for one reason or another.
"So, how did it feel to meet the family of a duke, minus the actual duke though?" Fuyumi asks Anelia before sipping her mug.
"It was nerve-racking. I didn't know what to say or do, and I was afraid that my lack of noble etiquette would get me in big trouble," Anelia lays her head on the table, looking exhausted.
Fuyumi chuckles, "But, you still have your head on your shoulders, so I think that's something worth celebrating," she chews into her meal.
"What did you and Lady Emilia talk about anyway?" Anelia looks up, but the question makes Fuyumi stop from taking another bite. "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked!"
Fuyumi shakes her head, "No, no, it's alright. We talked about a few things, but it ended up being about marriage. Emilia is concerned about who she'll end up with,"
"She's a duke's daughter, so she has a lot of options, right?" Anelia notes.
"Not as much as you think. She wants to marry for love, like her parents, rather than for political obligations. It's a feeling I understand. I wouldn't mind finding someone special, but not if it means losing all of my freedom. The life of a noble; it isn't a life I wish to live exactly," Fuyumi sighs.
"Do you like Lady Emilia?" Anelia asks.
"Yeah, I'd say that I like her. But, I like you too, Anelia," Fuyumi replies.
Anelia blushes a bit, but stays on point, "But, do you... love her?"
This makes Fuyumi think more, "I... I don't know. I'm a warrior, on a journey. I would be able to visit often, but I wouldn't exactly be able to stay. What's more, I'm not familiar with the life of a noble. I don't want to embarrass her in front of her associates. To nobles, appearances are everything and more. They don't fight with sword and magic. They fight with words, cleverly thought-out insults, schemes, money, and backstabbing. I may not always be able to see a threat to her. What do you think I should do, Anelia?"
"I'm not good with romance, or with dealing with most people in general, but... I think, if there's someone that I care about a lot, then I'd want to help them anyway I can. To be there for them. I like reading books, and I've read a few romance novels. The couples in some of them faced stuff like this too, but even then, they weathered the storms, and found paths they didn't think possible so they could stay together," Anelia says.
Her words give Fuyumi much to think about. However, she doesn't have much time to think about that when she notices a few guys in hooded cloaks sit at a table, with two of them occasionally glancing at her table. She's gotten plenty of glances since she came here, but it's easy to tell what reasons they stare at her for. These guys are looking at her for a whole different reason, and not a good one.
"Anelia, what's say we get out of here? It's getting a little rowdy in here, and I prefer somewhere quieter to relax," Fuyumi gets up from the table.
"Huh? Oh, uh, okay," Anelia is confused, but doesn't object when Fuyumi offers her a hand.
The two ladies leave the tavern and head down the street. The sun has just about set, the night sky taking form. Less people are out and about now because of it. As they walk, Fuyumi can feel those same eyes on her back. She doesn't glance back, but keeps going while pulling Anelia closer to her, much to the girl's embarrassment. They turn around a corner, and Fuyumi encases them both in red mist, disappearing in an alleyway, only to reappear on a rooftop.
"Fuyumi, what's wrong?" Anelia asks, a little unnerved by the experience.
"Quiet, we're being followed," Fuyumi glances over the rooftop, seeing five men in cloaks come into the alleyway. "Those guys were spying on us in the tavern. They waited until we were out and alone,"
"Why? Who are they?" Anelia asks.
"I don't know... But, I'm going to find out," Fuyumi takes out her blade. She jumps off the rooftop and flies down, slashing her sword down across the back of one cloaked figure. The rest turn back to see their comrade dead, with Fuyumi standing over him. "Now then, care to tell me who you are and why you're following me? Whoever answers first gets to live,"
The four figures take out dual daggers each and all charge at her. Fuyumi deflects their strikes as they come in one at a time. She can tell that these guys are tougher than the bandits she faced before. One jumps around the walls and ends up behind her. But, just as he's about to make a strike...
"Spirits of wind, slice through any who oppose me. Air cutter!" several wind blades fly down and slice him into pieces. Up on the rooftop, Anelia has her staff out to cast her magic, "Leave Fuyumi alone!"
In that instant that their focus is off, Fuyumi jumps up with her hand charged with lightning. She smashes her hand down on the ground, sending out an electrical shockwave that hits the remaining assailants. They scream in pain, but remain standing. However, Fuyumi uses another technique, Ember Reversal. The flames arc around Fuyumi, burning through two more of the attackers and leaving just one left.
"Now then, unless you want to join your friends, I suggest you start talking. Let's start with who are you and why are you after me?" Fuyumi aims her blade at the last opponent.
The attacker glances around and decides to make a run for it. However, Fuyumi doesn't give him the chance. She disappears and then reappears right in front of him, spooking him. Fuyumi swings low to slice his legs off below the knees. The man yells in pain as he falls to the ground. Anelia uses wind magic to help safely get down to the ground. The two girls stand over the man as he holds his bleeding stumps for legs.
"Now then, here's the deal: I can heal your injuries. Tell me who you are and why you came after me and I'll heal you so you'll live. You'd better start talking fast, or you might lose too much blood to be saved," Fuyumi threatens him.
Rather than talk or even give her a snide comment, the man bites down on a small vile in his mouth. A moment later, the man starts convulsing before he takes his last breath.
"What just happened? Did he... kill himself?" Anelia is horrified by the action.
"Hmm, seems like he didn't want to talk," Fuyumi hostlers her sword and starts checking the body. "But, he still told me enough,"
"What do you mean?" Anelia is confused.
"He had a hidden vial in his mouth with some kind of poison. He took it to prevent us from gaining any information from him. Groups like kidnappers, assassins, and crime groups employee that strategy. Normally, the leaders of such group wouldn't employee such a tactic, which means these were lackies. They hid their faces and wielded daggers, which as it turns out..." Fuyumi carefully inspects one of the daggers. "Appears to have poisoned edges. A common tactic in assassins and kidnappers. These guys were sent by someone else for either you, me, or both of us. Either they wanted us dead, or they wanted us captured. If they were sent by someone else, then it's someone who has a problem with us. Do you think there are anyone who would want to kill you, Anelia?"
Anelia shakes her head, "No, I don't think so. I'm just a student from the magi academy. I'm not even a high-ranking noble. So, I'm not someone important,"
"Then there's a chance they could be after me. Maybe a rival mercenary or a friend of those bandits I killed not too long ago. But, if not them, then who?" Fuyumi wonders until she finds some kind of emblem on the body, in the shape of a skull wrapped in chains with a pair of daggers. "Interesting..." she removes the emblem.
They burn the bodies and clean up the scene until nothing remains. After that, they leave the alleyway and make their way back to their in.. However, as they're heading back, they come across a surprising face.
"Isn't that Ser Conrad from the duke's manor?" Anelia notes.
They spy the knight and two guards running towards them the knight showing an expression boarding between fear and desperation.
"Something's wrong," Fuyumi mutters.
"Lady Fuyumi!" Conrad yells as he approaches them, taking a few breaths to recompose himself.
"Ser Conrad, what's wrong? What happened?" Fuyumi asks, worried.
"It's... It's Lady Emilia. She's been kidnapped!" Conrad exclaims, much to Fuyumi's horror.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi and Emilia share a deep conversation, giving Fuyumi much to think about. However, it seems she has more pressing matters to attend to now. What exactly happened to Emilia? Will Fuyumi be able to save her? Until then, please Read and Review.