Here we are at Chapter 7. Let's see if Fuyumi can save Emilia and figure out her feelings for her. For GoldenFire215's question, probably not, but we'll see. For the guest asking about the girl's reaction to Fuyumi liking girls, you'll see. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 7. Enjoy.
Chapter 7: Rescue
Fuyumi and Anelia quickly follow Conrad as they race back to the Crystalglove manor, worry fueling their pace. Once they reach the manor, they meet up with Duke Joseph and Duchess Eleonora, whose red eyes show how much she's been crying at her daughter's disappearance.
"Lord Joseph, I brought Lady Fuyumi and Lady Anelia with me," Conrad says as they enter.
"What has happened?" Fuyumi asks.
"After you left, Emilia went back to the garden by herself to think and rest. Eleonora went back inside, and I was busy with my duties. We had a servant stay with Emilia while she was in the garden, but... as the evening came, it happened. We don't know exactly what happened. All we know is that when we felt like it was too long for her to be out, I sent Sebastian to bring Emilia back inside. When he went into the garden... he found the servant, one of our maids, dead... and Emilia was gone," Joseph explains.
"I should've been there. I should've stayed with her," Eleonora cries some fresh tears.
"It wasn't your fault, Eleonora. I am to blame. I never once thought that something like this would happen. That someone would be brazen enough to do something like this in my own home. My own HOME!" Joseph nearly bangs his hand on the table.
"So, right now, we have no idea who took Emilia and for what reason?" Fuyumi asks.
"We don't know who, but... we do know why," Joseph pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to Fuyumi.
She reads over it, "If you want your daughter back alive and in one piece, you will deliver the signed document handing over your rights to the Crystalglove duchy and 50,000 in gold coins as well,"
"The note also stated where to deliver the documents and the money. It also stated something else," Joseph notes.
"It states that 'if the white-haired mercenary is with you, have her deliver the money and documents herself, alone, at this location. She is also to come unarmed and with her hands bound. Your butler will escort her to the delivery site'. I can understand Sebastian, but why you?" Joseph asks, confused.
"That actually answers one question," Fuyumi pulls out the emblem from her attackers, "In town, Anelia and I were attacked by assassins of sorts. We killed most of them, but the last one took his own life so he wouldn't talk. He had this emblem on his person," she hands it to Joseph, who nearly gasps. "You recognize it?"
"To a degree, yes. This is the emblem of an underground assassin group known as the Skull blades. They do assassinations, kidnappings, even aid in human trafficking. They're often lurking in the shadows and can be hard to fine at times. They'll do almost any job as long as they get paid. To think that they've spread even into my domain. Those damn rats. They must've attacked you before my daughter was taken. I believe that they were trying to either kidnap or kill you, but when that failed, they then took my daughter and want you to come with what they desire for her," Joseph theorizes.
"Then this is a trap. There's no reason to believe that they'll uphold their end of the deal, even if we do concede," Conrad crosses his arms.
Anelia nods her head, "He's right. They're the bad guys,"
"The location for the deal is outside the city, beyond my security force, in the forests beyond. There are a few places to hide a crime group out there, I'm sure. But, the question is, who is really behind this? The assassin group don't care about controlling territories. They prefer to stick to the shadows. Someone hired them for this, but who?" Joseph strokes his chin.
At this point, Fuyumi gets an idea, "Well, then let's ask them,"
Everyone turns to her, "What do you mean, Fuyumi?" Anelia asks.
"I mean, let's give them what they want. I'll go, handcuffed, with the goods to the deal location," Fuyumi says.
"You can't be serious. I would do anything to save my daughter, but not if you're just going to die as well. She would never forgive me for that. I can't just send you alone," Joseph says.
"He's right. It's too dangerous, Fuyumi!" Anelia shakes her head.
Fuyumi only smirks, "I never said I was going unarmed or alone," and proceeds to explain her plan to them.
…
Later that night, Sebastian drives a carriage towards the destination in question. Once they near the location, He steers the carriage off the road and closer to the forest. As he approaches, he stops the carriage and opens the door to reveal Fuyumi, with her hands tied and without her blade, and a large sac next to her.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Sebastian asks with worry.
"I'm sure, Sebastian. I will do what I must to save Emilia," Fuyumi remains resolute.
Sebastian helps her out of the carriage and then grabs the bag with the money and the documents the kidnapper requested. As soon as they are off-loaded, several men in cloaks appear from the shadows. The Skull blades.
"Do you have the money and the documents?" one asks, apparently the leader of the group.
"It's all in the bag. Where is Lady Emilia?" Sebastian asks.
"She will be returned to the manor once we ensure the contents are what were asked for. You can leave now," the leader says.
"Now see here, I brought what you asked for. So, return Lady Emilia to us," Sebastian demands.
"Sebastian," Fuyumi gains his attention. "It's okay. Go on now. I'll be fine,"
Though he still looks worried, he reluctantly takes the carriage and leaves the area. Once he's gone, the assassins all surround Fuyumi.
"Our client wanted you in one piece. Consider yourself lucky. After losing some of our people to you, we were hoping to get some payback. We can't harm you in any way, but... that doesn't mean we can get our revenge through other methods," the man snickers.
A few of them get closer around Fuyumi, raising their hands to do unspeakable things to her.
Fuyumi smirks, "Sorry boys, but I prefer women to be my partners in bed,"
Suddenly, a black and white mask appears over her face, and her eyes turn red while the straps on her blood veil grow and stab into the ground. The assassins get spooked by the change, but they're too slow for what comes next. Suddenly, a large number of blades sprout up from the ground, skewering most of the assassins. Only three remain since they were further back. The sac next to Fuyumi opens up, revealing Anelia from within.
"Spirits of water, encase my foes in a cold prison. Freeze prison!" Anelia conjures a spell, trapping one of the assassin's legs in ice while the other to jump away.
Fuyumi rips off the fake bindings on her hands and takes out her blade from her inventory. She moves in, firing off some ice shards at the two remaining opponents. They dodge the ice, but Fuyumi only did that so they couldn't help their trapped friend, whom she slices his head off.
"Spirits of wind, control the currents around me. Wind river!" Anelia casts another spell.
The spell creates a strong current of wind that moves like a river. It moves through the area as if it's alive, blowing the two last enemies into a pair of trees. Fuyumi fires off a plasma roar at one, shocking him to death That just leaves the leader. The leader tries to escape, but Fuyumi throws a dagger from her inventory at his ankle, knocking him off balance. She performs a lightning charge to take him down without killing him. Once the chaos has settled down, Fuyumi checks on Anelia.
"Are you okay?" Fuyumi asks.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Anelia replies, though she makes an effort to avoid the dead bodies and blood.
"Now then," Fuyumi turns back to the down assassin and picks him up by his shirt. "Who hired you? Where is Emilia?!"
The assassin tries to kill himself like his former comrade, but Fuyumi thrusts her hand into his mouth to keep him from biting down on the vial. He tries to bite through, making Fuyumi grit her teeth from the action. However, Fuyumi manages to put the vial out and prevent him from killing himself.
"Oh no, you're not getting off that easy. Where is Emilia?" Fuyumi is losing her patience.
"Is if I'd talk to some mercenary whore who sucked someone's dick to get her license," the assassin taunts her.
Fuyumi just stares at him, "Anelia, close your eyes and cover your ears. You're not going to like what happens next. I'd rather you not see this. Keep them closed or covered until I tell you otherwise,"
Though hesitant, Anelia does as she was asked and even turns around from them.
Fuyumi raises a hand to the assassin's face, fire burning from it, "If you'll pardon the cliché, I have ways of making you talk,"
After a few minutes where Fuyumi 'persuaded' the last assassin to tell her what she wants, Fuyumi slits his throat with a dagger and then tosses the body behind some bushes so Anelia wouldn't have to see what she did to him. She walks back to Anelia and stands in front of her. She gently takes her hands off her ears, which causes her to open her eyes. For a moment, the two just stare at one another.
Anelia speaks first, "Are you okay, Fuyumi?"
Fuyumi takes a deep breath, "I will be... I will be. But only after I make sure Emilia is safe. I know where she is and who is responsible for all of this. I'm going there now,"
Anelia just stares at her, "You really do care about her,"
Fuyumi nods, "Yes. I'm just sorry I was agonizing over it so much. Thank you, Anelia, for helping me figure that out,"
At first, Anelia looks a little defeated for that, but she still smiles and wraps her arms around Fuyumi.
"You have my support all the way. Now, let's go save her," she separates from Fuyumi and they nod together.
…
In the manor of a certain noble, Emilia wakes up to find herself on a luxurious bed, with her hands bound to the bedposts. She looks around, seeing fancy and expensive furniture around her. Just then, she hears the door open and looks to see none other than Marquess Deleshante walking in with a sickening grin on his face.
"Ah, my dear Emilia, I'm so glad that you could finally come to my home. I have waited so long for this," Reginald stands before her.
"Marquess Deleshante, what is the meaning of this? Do you really think this will make me accept your marriage proposal?" Emilia asks defiantly.
Reginald shakes his head, "Oh, my dear, this isn't about the marriage proposal, though that would've been a nice bonus. This has been about your family's territory,"
"What are you talking about?" Emilia asks.
"I am a marquess, but I deserve so much more than hat. I deserve to be a duke, with greater territory, money, and power. After how hard I've worked, everything I've endured because of my father who lacked any real ambition or sense of what being a noble is all about; I deserve more,"
"What about your father? Wasn't he trying to help your territory's people?" Emilia still doesn't understand.
"That's precisely the problem. He wasted so much money and resources on those commoner rats. Why should we nobles care about the rabble? They exist to serve us, because we give them the right to exist. We nobles are better than them. My father didn't understand that, which is why I killed him," Reginald confesses.
Emilia gasps, "You... you killed your own father? But, I thought he died from a sudden illness,"
"Yes, I had to make sure the poison couldn't be traced back to me, and that it wouldn't be so easily seen. It costed me a pretty coin for that. But, a necessary sacrifice to restore the proper order of things in my territory. A proper order I will bring to my new territory when I become the new duke," Reginald says.
Emilia appears disgusted with him, "My father won't allow such a thing,"
"Oh please, he has already signed the documents necessary to give control to me. That, and some money, should be on their way to us now," Reginald says, much to her shock.
"But... why?" Emilia gasps.
"I said if he did that, then I'd return you to him. Though, I didn't think he'd be this foolish," Reginald takes off his tie and jacket as he climbs onto the bed. "I have no intention of giving up a beautiful flower as you. You will be my wife. You are mine," he looms over her.
"I don't belong to you, you disgusting boar! I am my own person!" Emilia defiantly yells.
"You are just a woman. Women exist to help and please men with their beauty and their bodies. I'll take great care in making you understand that," Reginald reaches out to stroke her cheek, but Emilia bites down on his fingers. "ARGH!"
"Don't you dare touch me, you horrendous oaf!" Emilia shouts.
Reginald grits his teeth, "I was hoping to do this gently, but it seems I'll have to be a little rougher to make you understand!" Reginald violently rips apart Emilia's dress, tearing pieces of fabric off and revealing her white undergarments beneath. "Oh, I've always marveled at your beauty, and not that beauty is mine. Don't worry, be a good wife to me, and you'll enjoy a happy life."
Emilia tries to struggle under him, "Get off me! I don't want this! Stop!" she cries as tears begin to form. "Please, someone help me!"
Reginald laughs as he reaches for her breasts, about to expose them. Just then, the door to their room is kicked off their hinges.
"Who dares interrupt me?!" Reginald yells as he looks up. Who walks in is none other than Fuyumi, unbound. "The mercenary?"
Fuyumi looks at the scene before her, and as soon as she sees the tears in Emilia's eyes, she's seen enough. Fuyumi jumps at Reginald, pinning him to the wall with a hand wrapped around his neck. The rage in Fuyumi's eyes is almost palpable.
"You tried to get the duke's land and power, me, and Emilia. But, your friends in the Skull blades assassin group are dead, and the duke still maintains control. There's just one last thing to take care of," Fuyumi tightens her grip on his neck.
"You... You're... just a... filthy common mercenary... I was going to make you... my mistress... along with Emilia... I deserve as much and more... You can't do this to me... To a noble," Reginald chokes out.
"You know, I considered killing you... but that would be giving you the easy way out. You don't get off that easy," Fuyumi releases her hold, and then throws a hard punch to his face to knock him out. After tying him up, Fuyumi moves to free Emilia from her bindings. "Are you alright?" she sits her up and wraps a bedsheet around her.
"Fuyumi... you saved me... again. Fuyumi!" Emilia latches on to her, bursting into tears.
Fuyumi holds her close, "It's alright now. It's alright. No one's going to hurt you anymore," she whispers while rubbing her back.
…
Marquess Reginald von Deleshante would be arrested for the charges of kidnapping, extortion, murder, conspiracy, among a few others. This situation was that bad that the royal family of Anatolia got involved to show that Reginald would not get away with such serious offenses. A messenger sent on behalf of the royal family came bearing a message for the duke's family.
"After uncovering Marquess Deleshante's crimes, and in light of the crimes committed against the Duke's family, the King of Anatolia has decreed that the now former Marquess' territory will be annexed into the duke's, making it his land and responsibility. Deleshante shall be stripped of his title, ranking, and all finances. As he had no wife nor children to succeed him, the Deleshante family shall end their line with him. With regards to the assassin group, Skull blades, the royal family has assigned one of their knightly orders to take over the investigation. We deeply apologize that such criminals were able to do such harm to your family," the message read.
However, the last part of the message was the most shocking, "We humbly request that the mercenaries known as Fuyumi Kusanagi and Anelia Lumare come to the royal capital for an audience with the king himself. The mercenaries were instrumental in uncovering this plot and thus shall be rewarded for their contributions. A carriage shall come within the coming days to retrieve them and bring them to the capital, Raynolia," the message ends.
In the duke's office, Fuyumi and the others discuss this, "So, the king wants to meet with me?"
"Just as the message says. He wishes to reward you for your aid in this delicate matter. It is considered a huge honor. For the royal family to take notice of your exploits shows how serious this is. It wouldn't do well for them to not properly reward you," Duke Joseph explains.
"An audience with the royal family?! Oh, I don't know. What if I offend them and they behead me?! Besides, I didn't really do that much to help," Anelia nearly has a nervous breakdown.
"It'll be fine. I'm sure you'll be careful. And besides, the king believes otherwise, and you must be recognized on this matter," Eleonora calms her down.
"But, I'm not a noble. I'm not familiar with noble etiquette," Fuyumi notes, feeling like this is a pain more than anything else.
"The royal family is aware. Don't worry, we'll help you in that regard. The envoy coming to retrieve you should be here in a few days at least. We'll use that time to prepare you. We'll be attending the ceremony as well, so we'll be there to support you in any way we can. You have saved my daughter twice now. I owe you my life for that," Joseph bows his head to her, much to his servants' shock.
"Please, lift your head, Duke Joseph. It doesn't suit you. I appreciate your aid in this matter. I guess there's no point in arguing. Seems like I'll be seeing the king then," Fuyumi relents.
The duke's family help prepare Fuyumi and Anelia for their audience with the royal family. Emilia takes great pleasure in helping Fuyumi, much to Fuyumi's embarrassment. Soon enough, the envoy comes to pick up Fuyumi and Anelia. The duke's family would be travelling in their own carriage, but there is also a second carriage bearing the emblem of the royal family: an eagle with its swings spread, with two swords crossed over it. This carriage is for Fuyumi and Anelia. Several knights in elaborate armor will serve as the escorts. Fuyumi comes out of the manor, in her first outfit, to approach the carriage. As she approaches, the knights all gaze in awe at her beauty. Some even wonder if she really is a mercenary or a goddess in disguise. One knight keeps his composure and walks up to Fuyumi and Anelia. The knight seems older than the rest, with a trimmed brown beard, a scar over his left cheek, and brown eyes. He gives off the air of someone who is battle-tested and commands discipline and respect.
"Lady Fuyumi and Lady Anelia, I presume. I am Ser Dorma Vespar, Knight commander of the royal knights charged with protecting the royal family. On orders of his majesty, we are her to escort you to the capital," Dorma introduces himself.
Fuyumi nods, "A pleasure, Ser Dorma. I am Fuyumi Kusanagi and this is Anelia Lumare," Fuyumi gestures to Anelia, who offers a nervous bow. "Thank you for receiving us,"
"The king has taken notice of your exploits. Now then, we should be off. Best not keep his majesty waiting," Dorma notes.
With that, they all load up and begin their journey to the capital. Fuyumi and Anelia have their carriage all to themselves. They make small talk along the way since the capital is a bit of a distance away. Anatolia is large, overall. Soon enough, they reach the capital, Raynolia. To Fuyumi, it seems like the duke's capital, but with a growth spurt, and a little more glamorous. The citizens clamor to see the royal knights escorting the carriages into the city. The windows of the carriages have curtains, so none can see the two mercenaries inside. After getting a heck of a welcome from the people in the capital, they enter the noble district and Fuyumi can see the castle ahead of them. It is large and grand, a symbol of the kingdom's strength. Walls protect the castle, with many soldiers and knights to protect the royal family. Entering through the main gates, they find a royal procession of knights saluting with their swords and flags for them. The duke's family exit their carriage first, speaking with Ser Dorma. After that, Ser Dorma helps Anelia and Fuyumi out of their carriage as a proper gentleman. Normally, Fuyumi doesn't like that, but lets it slide just this once. As she leaves, the new knights that were waiting for them also gaze in awe at her beauty. Honestly, Fuyumi's starting to think her looks should be illegal. She'd prefer more women fawning over her like that, but she won't deny the silent compliments the men give her when they freeze at her beauty.
The knights escort the group towards the audience chamber. Inside, they find a number of nobles all standing to the sides of the chamber. Most likely nobles from other regions, advisors and personnel of the royal family, and other important figures. At the end of the chamber, sitting upon a magnificent throne, is the king. The king is older man, with blonde hair and beard, and blue eyes. He wears extravagant robes of red, blue, and gold, with a golden crown to match. Sitting on his left is most likely the queen. Even if she is older than Fuyumi, she is still quite beautiful. Green hair tied brilliantly in a long braid, and green eyes. A glittering necklace adorns her neck, with a green and gold dress to match her fair skin. She wears a smaller crown compared to her husband. On the king's right is a young man, probably around Fuyumi's age. He has his father's hair, but his mother's eyes. The boy wears a side cloak on his left shoulder in his father's colors. Fuyumi surmises him to be a prince. On the boy's left is a little girl, probably a year or two shy of becoming a teenager. She looks just like a smaller, cuter version of her mother. A princess.
A man in blue robes standing near the royal family steps forth with a sheet of paper in his hands.
"Presenting Duke Joseph Matone von Crystalglove and his family," the noble announces first.
The duke, his wife and Emilia move to stand before the royal family, all kneeling or curtsying to the king.
"It is an honor to be in your presence, your majesty, King Gaius Shilage Anatolia. A pleasure as well to see you once again, your majesty, Queen Leticia Irene Anatolia, and you, your highnesses, Prince Mikhail Crusco Anatolia, and Princess Iris Margerette Anatolia," Joseph greets them.
"Duke Joseph, first allow me to offer our grievances for your family going through such a traumatic experience, especially your daughter. However, thanks to all the evidence that has been uncovered in this incident, the former Marquess Deleshante will most likely be sentenced to death for his many crimes. He will harm no one ever again," the king says.
"You have my utmost gratitude, your majesty," Joseph bows his head again.
"As a reward for your diligence in this affair, I am granting you authority over the former marquess' domain. Govern it how you see fit. We will also take over the investigation into the assassin group known as the Skull blades. They are a danger to our kingdom and its people. Let us work together to deal with this threat," the king adds.
"We would be honored to offer any assistance we can in this mission, your grace," Joseph responds.
Shortly after that, the duke's family step back and Anelia takes the stage. Having so much attention on her is hard on her nerves, but she stays strong.
"Anelia Lumare, I have been told that you are a student from the Royal Magi Academy on a special field assignment from the headmistress. She has told me of your talents. As a reward for our aid in this matter, would you care to become a court mage that serves the royal family?" the king makes her a most generous offer.
There are a few shocked faces among the crowd, but everyone keeps their mouth closed so as to not offend the king's decision.
"Y-Your majesty... that is a most generous reward... but, I' afraid can't accept it," Anelia surprises everyone with her refusal.
The king remains composed however, "Oh? And may I ask why? You would have a noble position with land, a manor, and gold to your name,"
"I do appreciate the offer, your majesty. But, I am still a student from the academy. I wish to grow stronger with my magic, and I want to be a better me in the future than the e I am today. I can't do that if I remain here only in the castle. And I... I want to keep traveling as a mercenary with Fuyumi. She helped me learn a few new things. I'm simply not ready yet. Maybe someday, but not today," Anelia explains her reasoning.
"I see. Very well. We will hold the offer for the time being, but know that there may come a time where we ask again. However, you must be rewarded for your contributions. Is there anything else you'd like? If it is within my power, it shall be yours," the king says.
Anelia thinks about it for a moment, "I guess... some money for supplies and travel expenses would suffice. Oh, and maybe some books on magic that I can't really find in the academy," she blurts out without thinking.
A few nobles give her condescending looks, while Fuyumi tries her best not to snicker at Anelia's behavior. She really is too cute.
The king chuckles, "Hm-hm-hm, you are more peculiar than I previously heard,"
Anelia freaks out, "Uh, please, I apologize your majesty. I-,"
"Granted. What you ask for shall be delivered. These are simple matters that can easily be granted anyway," the king says, much to her surprise.
After finishing things up with Anelia, it is now Fuyumi's turn.
"Presenting the mercenary Fuyumi Kusanagi," the noble announces.
Fuyumi steps forth, gaining the most attention besides the duke's family. Even the prince himself seems to be mesmerized by her beauty, while the princess gazes at her like seeing a figure from a fairytale.
Fuyumi kneels before the royal family, "It is an honor to be in your presence, your majesty,"
"Ah, so you are the one we've heard so much about. I originally thought the reports of your skills, and your beauty, were exaggerated. But, after seeing you here now, I am convinced," the king notes.
"I am honored by your praise, your grace," Fuyumi says.
"Fuyumi Kusanagi, a warrior from another land. I heard that you are able to cast magic without chanting. I do not wish to doubt the words of Duke Joseph, but there are some among the nobility that have a hard time believing these statements. Might I ask a demonstration of your abilities?" the king asks.
"Of course, your majesty," Fuyumi stands and then casts some frost shards, Guard of Honor, around her, followed by Ember Reversal, an arc of flames that melts them away around her. She then casts Fourfold Verdict, four bolts of lightning before dissipating them. The crowd around her, and even the royal family, are stunned by this. "Is that a sufficient display, your majesty?" Fuyumi can't help but smile a little.
The king recomposes himself, "It is most assuredly. Even our best mages in the history of our kingdom have never been able to do such a thing. And to think you have multiple elemental affinities with magic. Truly remarkable. Fuyumi Kusanagi, how would you like to serve the royal family as one of our bodyguards? We would even grant you the title of Knight for your accomplishments,"
Most of the nobles are surprised that the king would grant such a reward to a mere mercenary. However, they soon realize the king's motives for this. Fuyumi Kusanagi is a skilled warrior who can cast magic without chants, an accomplishment no one else has ever done. What's more, given how she helped the duke's family when they were in need of it, without asking for anything in return, gives weight to her strength of character and that she is an honorable person. The king certainly can't let someone like that slip through his fingers. So easily.
Just before Fuyumi can answer, the prince stands, "Forgive me, Father, but might I interject with another offer?"
King Gaius turns to his son, "Mikhail... Very well, proceed,"
Prince Mikhail walks down the steps to stand before Fuyumi, "Fuyumi Kusanagi, your skills with both sword and sorcery are magnificent, and your beauty is rivaled by only the most beautiful women in our fair kingdom. Instead of being a mere bodyguard..." the prince takes her hand and kneels before her. "Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
The prince's bombshell practically freezes everyone in the room. Even the royal family wasn't expecting this. Here, a prince proposing to a common mercenary to be his wife. Yes, Fuyumi is stunning, and her skills are amazing, but the fact remains that she is just a commoner. Such a tale is something only heard of in children's stories.
"Y-Your highness, I must interject. This lady is not a high-ranking noble. She is unworthy of being your bride!" one noble voices his disapproval.
"Forgive me, your highness, but I must agree. For a prince of your stature to marry a mere commoner simply because of her beauty," another says.
"It is not your beauty alone that I make this proposal, Lady Fuyumi. You possess a kind heart to help those in need. You didn't ask for anything in return when you went to Lady Emilia's rescue. I also believe it a shame that one as skilled and as beautiful as you should work as a common mercenary. Will you help me make our kingdom more prosperous? Will you walk down that road by my side?" Prince Mikhail is adamant.
Fuyumi takes a moment to decide and finally says, "...I decline," she does it with a smile.
"Oh, thank you, my-Wait, what?!" the prince certainly didn't see that coming.
"I must also decline your majesty's previous offer to become your bodyguard. Please allow me to explain," Fuyumi takes a step back from the prince after freeing her hand. "It is true that I am a mere commoner, and thus, unworthy of standing by your highness' side. However, that is not the only reason. I am a warrior always; I know nothing of politics, governing a kingdom, or being royalty. It is not who I am. I have come to like your fair country, and may stay for a time, but there is so much I still have to learn. So much to see and experience. What's more, to be bound to you would mean sacrificing that which is most dear to me... My freedom,"
"Your freedom? Please explain, Lady Fuyumi," the king asks.
"To become a member of royalty, especially as a woman, means learning to live a certain way. To eat a certainly way, and certain foods. To go only to certain places, act in a certain manor. I know there are some noble women who do not mind living such a way, and even enjoy it, but I am not those women. Even if the cage is made of gold, a cage is still a cage. A bird in a cage can fly only so far, but a bird outside the cage can fly as high and as far as they desire. I mean no disrespect to the royal family, but it is simply not what I desire,"
"I see. No life is worth living if we can't be true to our nature, to be who we are. I can respect your reasoning, Lady Fuyumi," the king says.
"Lady Fuyumi, then tell me this, is there a man you already desire? Someone you already love?" Prince Mikhail asks.
"There is someone I care deeply about, your highness, but it appears I need to make something clear first. The truth is... I simply have no interest in men. If I must marry someone, I'd rather it be another woman," Fuyumi drops a bombshell of her own.
Everyone in the room were shocked to hear this. Fuyumi figured saying such a thing would be a risk, but if she didn't make things clear here, it could lead to more misunderstandings down the road. If they decide they can't accept her for who she is, she can always move on to another country. It would ultimately be their loss.
"So, you're saying there was never a chance of us being together?" the prince seems to be taking it a little hard.
"Forgive me, your highness, but it simply wasn't meant to be. Even if you have such feelings for me, it wouldn't be fair to you if I married you without reciprocating those feelings. It would be a loveless relationship. And I only wish to marry for love; love and no other reason," Fuyumi says.
Feeling embarrassed about this whole thing now, the prince returns to his seat before anything else happens. The king gets everyone back on task.
"I see. I will respect your wishes, Lady Fuyumi, but I cannot allow this to end without rewarding you properly. Is there anything you desire? I can surmise that you do not want a court title, an estate or territory, and I doubt a position in the military will help. Is there anything I can reward you with?" the king asks.
Fuyumi thinks for a moment, "If I were to ask for something... it would be your approval,"
"My approval in what, may I ask?" King Gaius is curious.
Fuyumi then walks over to Emilia, "I am no noble. I am no knight. I know nothing of noble life, and I can't say that I'd want to learn too much of it. But, the one thing I do know is that I want to be with you, but only if you want to be with me. Lady Emilia Ikenia von Crystalglove..." she takes her hand and kneels before her. "Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Emilia gasps, probably more surprised than everyone else in the room. However, that surprise soon turns to joy.
Emilia smiles, "Yes, let me be your bride!" she accepts.
While some of the nobles are unsure about how to feel about this, others can't help but enjoy the loving atmosphere between the two women, the duke's family most of all. It doesn't take long before the king figures out what Fuyumi is asking.
"Very well. I approve of your engagement with Lady Emilia Crystalglove. That is, as long as Duke Joseph approves," the king looks to Emilia's father.
Duke Joseph sees his daughter, sees how happy she is that Fuyumi proposed to her. All he ever truly wanted was for his daughter to be like him and his wife. In a happy marriage.
Joseph nods, "Yes, Fuyumi Kusanagi, you have my blessing to marry my daughter,"
With that, applause sound out throughout the audience chamber. If there was anyone who had misgivings about this, they certainly didn't say so. With both the duke and his majesty voicing their approval, they could hardly say anything, at least right now anyway. The only one who seemed a little sad about this is Anelia, but she keeps quiet in order to be happy for Fuyumi.
"Fuyumi Kusanagi, I approve the engagement between you and Lady Emilia, but allow me to add something else to this momentous occasion. I hereby grant you the honorary title of Knight of Anatolia, with the special designation of 'Sword Maiden'. Should you encounter a situation that requires it, this title will prove useful. It will also help legitimize your engagement with Lady Emilia," the king declares.
Fuyumi smiles, "I am honored by your generosity, your majesty,"
With that, everyone claps again for Fuyumi and Emilia. It seems things have certainly gotten more interesting for her in this new world.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi rescues Emilia and stops Deleshante's schemes. What's more, she's now engaged to the duke's daughter. Things will certainly get more interesting from here on out. Just so you guys are aware, this is still an OCxharem story. There will be plenty more to come. What else awaits Fuyumi on her journey? Until then, please Read and Review.