"So, when did this happen?" Gareth asked as the upper echelon of Loki Familia sat at a table inside the Hostess of Fertility. Food, drinks, and chatter was commonplace as were the lovely waitresses who served the hungry people. However, the reason why Gareth asked such a question was the fact that Axton was not sitting next to Ais like usual. Instead, it was Lefiya. Then, with his old man eyes, he gazed between them and then clicked his tongue before laughing. "I wish you luck, young man!"
Axton, who does not touch alcohol, flushed with red cheeks that rival Gareth's current complexion. Lefiya, who was also embarrassed by the attention, wondered why it seemed so important that she was sitting next to him at a dinner table. Lefiya truly did not see this as something special. If Axton saw this as a special thing then why was everyone surprised?
"Axton…you're letting her sit next to you…" Riveria said with narrowed eyes. Lefiya was now terrified, seeing her mentor staring at her with menacing eyes. If anyone noticed this, it was Mama Mia watching amused.
Why is there so much emphasis on this?! Lefiya internally cried out. She was at her wit's end.
"She is, and I asked her to. Problem?"
"So, you're serious? You want to continue down this path?" Riveria countered his challenge. This was only because her totally not son was all but asking her student out.
Axton looked directly into his foster mother's eyes, even if she denied the title, and spoke, "I am going through with it. I said that this was only going to happen when I was serious."
"What is going on?" Lefiya could not take it anymore. The young elf was just sitting next to Axton. "Why is this such a big deal?!"
Mama Mia could be heard chuckling at this, as well as Chloe and Lunor. They knew why it was such a big deal. The next sound Lefiya focused on was Axton's fond sigh, "Lefiya, let me tell you a story of when I was a young, naive boy."
"Still are in some way," Gareth quipped.
"Hush now, gramps," he said in a posh accent. Clearing his throat, "This story is actually embarrassing but I made this declaration when I was ten before you joined the Familia. Giddy Prince was the name most referred to me as and I loved it. I mean, come on, I was a child in a world full of life and adventure. Finn and Gareth are the uncles that try to act mature when they can let loose, the former over the latter. He's got it going good."
"Hey…" the duo mumbled.
"Riveria is the figure of the family that I shan't name and I had declared loud and clear that I won't accept anyone unless I invite them to sit next to me. Think back, Lefiya, have I ever asked anyone else if I want them to sit next to me? Ais is a given as she is my sister. I never asked her. She sat next to me all the time. However, this time, I asked you."
Riveria decided to spare him for leaving a crucial but not necessarily important detail out. The look she gave him was enough for him to not even glance in her direction. It was honestly amusing to see him skip over something important like that. The fact he had said that whoever he invites to sit next to him would be the person he would marry.
"So why is it important?" the elf asked curiously. She truly did not understand.
He sighed again, "Could you follow me outside? This matter is best done in a private setting."
"...okay," she whispered, standing and following him. They made it out the door before Axton heard the voices of his Familia.
"He's going to do it, right? He's going to confess?"
"If all goes right, then yes," That was Riveria's voice. "I think it will do them good to resolve their feelings."
Axton led Lefiya down the road from the Hostess, "That story had a lot more details left out."
"Huh?"
He turned to her with a smile, walking backward. It was evening in Orario, so he had less of a chance of walking into something or tripping. Damn uneven stones. "The story I told you was all true. I never invited or offered anyone to sit next to me, except for you."
"So, why was everyone freaking out about it, even Lady Riveria was wondering about it."
Axton sighed, looking into her eyes, his hands grasping her shoulders gently, "Because…" Come on, you're this close! Don't you dare chicken out now! "Because…the person who I invited to sit next to me…is…"
Lefiya smiled at him, taking that little step forward, if he won't then I will. She steeled her resolve, placing a kiss on his cheek, "I believe…" a blush coated her face, her ears turning red as well, "...we are of the same mind."
"..." Axton felt his heart stop, restart, and beat intensely. "I…that story, all that…was because the person I invite to sit by me…they would be the person I marry."
Instantly, Lefiya squealed, "M-Marry?"
"Yes, a childish declaration I had made but I resolved to see it through, and Lefiya…for the past few years…I've been crushing on you…and it's only recently that I have started to see you in a new light," he admitted to her in a soft voice, a vulnerable voice, one Lefiya hasn't heard before.
Is he really confessing to me, right now? Right here? My heart can't take it. One of the strongest adventurers in Orario is confessing to me?! Lefiya may be slightly dramatic but she didn't think he returned her feelings, let alone have them. Her smile turned radiant. She grabbed his cheeks, "T-Then let me show you that I return your feelings…"
She leaned closer with her eyes closed and he did the same.
If anyone out on the street noticed, no one interrupted. One of the most eligible bachelors of Orario, right behind his sister, was confessing. Not the other way around. Anytime he was confessed to, he turned them down gently. This time, if—pretty big if—she turned him down, he would be devastated but he would soldier on.
However, that was not the case.
*Chu*
One kiss, one simple touch of their lips, and both of their shoulders dropped the tension they'd been holding in. Each thought the other's lips were soft and…nice. Another part of them wanted to kiss more but with how they just did something that sealed their fates…they chose not to push. When they pulled back, their gazes softened but the thought remained the same.
I love him/her. They thought at once but didn't voice it aloud.
"That was amazing…" he whispered.
Lefiya was blushing up a storm, I can't believe I just did that! I'm such a lewd elf! There's an order to things! Her hands fell off his face and onto her own blushing cheeks. Axton looked unsurprised to see her lose her cool. She took a step back, "Wait, please. Please don't run."
"B-But I…we…"
"I know but please listen to me. You do not have to proceed…but I need you to answer this question: Lefiya Viridis, will you let this humble man, Axton Wallenstein, the honor to court you?" He asked in elvish. The language of her people. He was going the extra mile to ask. Asking her in Koine was one thing but asking her in Elvish was another. He also specifically used the Wishe Forest dialect to ask as she hailed from that forest. He had to move forward.
She knew his secret now, so he had nothing to fear. The only reason he said Wallenstein instead of Waldstein was because that name was too well known and if the wrong person hears it…there will be consequences. Lefiya held her hands over her mouth, her feet refusing to move. "I…"
"I know that you're supposed to answer but if you need mo-"
"NO!"
Axton sweatdropped, feeling his heart race and not in a good way, "N-No to what?" The night meant nothing right now. All that mattered was her answer.
Lefiya saw where his mind went with her outburst, "No, as in I need more time." She exhaled sharply, "I, Lefiya Viridis, accept your request, Axton Wallenstein, to court me. The responsibilities for this shall be discussed at a later date of my choosing. Is this acceptable?"
Elated didn't even begin to describe how he felt. The blond swordsman wanted to jump, pump his fists, and celebrate like there was no tomorrow. "I accept. I shall await your summons." He bowed slightly to her.
That sealed it. Anti-climatic as it may seem. Axton Waldstein and Lefiya Viridis are now courting. "Lefiya?"
The moment was still in her mind but she answered anyway, "Yes?"
"C-Can…can I hug you?" His poor innocent mind was not ready for another kiss. Yes, the boy who is known as the Sword Prince was not ready for another kiss; neither was Thousand Elf.
"Okay," she said, opening her arms. Axton closed the gap and wrapped his arms around her upper back, their cheeks resting on one another. He avoided her ears as those were a strict no-no. Only once they were closer would she allow it.
"Hey…"
"Yes?"
"...you don't know how happy you've made me today. It makes everything worth it, past, present, and future," he whispered in a voice that only Ais had heard before back when they first arrived in Orario. The voice of the boy before he became the Sword Prince and before he became a member of Loki Familia.
Lefiya giggled a bit into their hug, and she found he was still warm. She felt like the wind was surrounding them, encasing them, telling them that they would be protected. "We should probably head back. I think some people are staring."
However embarrassed Lefiya might be, Axton chuckled lightly, "Let them. They need to know that I'm off the table and will only be on yours." He paused, "That sounded a lot better in my head."
The elf sighed, "Please tell me that I won't be dealing with this type of humor all the time."
"Would it make it better or worse that I wasn't trying to be humorous?" Axton inquired as he started leading Lefiya back to the Hostess. "So…are we going to break it to them? Or play ignorant? Or…prepare for all the teasing remarks we're about to receive?"
"Huh?"
"I also realized this. We did this in the wrong order. It was supposed to be I ask you, then we kiss. Instead, we did it the reverse…" Axton chuckled, gauging Lefiya's reaction. She only blushed while giggling.
That was the image they were greeted to as soon as they re-entered the Hostess, Tiona was the first to ask, "So, didya confess?"
"Tiona, please, calm down and at least let them sit down," Riveria's voice carried throughout the tavern. They did so, and a certain blonde waitress noticed the two holding hands, enjoying one another's closeness. For Axton, she couldn't be more proud. For Lefiya, she was mentally cheering for her student. Those two kids deserve some happiness.
Once they sat down, Ryuu headed to the table with water for the pair, "Congratulations, you two."
Axton glanced over to the waitress to see her lip twitch up slightly, "Thank you, Miss Ryuu. I assume it was obvious?"
"Holding hands with an Elf is considered a large step," She factually stated as she bowed and left to another table before Mama Mia yelled at her. "Do take care of my sister elf, Mister Wallenstein."
"Oh? Sister Elf?"
"She and I may not have grown up in the same forest, Mister Wallenstein, but I do consider any elf my brothers and sisters, excluding those of Royal status. Forgive me, Lady Riveria," the waitress bowed to Riveria as a sign of respect.
"I am not the Princess of the Alf Forest here, Ryuu, you do not need to bow to me," the High Elf said, having had this conversation many times before. Tiring was a word that seemed overused to Nine Hell.
Ryuu blinked before nodding slightly, her eyes found him again, "I congratulate you once more, do take care of her. Miss Lefiya, keep a keen eye on him, he tends to be rambunctious."
"Oi!" Axton whined, missing the small quirk of Ryuu's lips. "I was not and am not that bad."
Tiona giggled, "Windy Lane."
"That was both of us!" he defended, pointing at Ais and himself.
Lefiya was turning red again not from the conversation but from where her hand currently was. Her hand never left his, as he was running his finger over her knuckles to calm her. Or it was embarrassing her further.
He looked over to see Finn and Riveria eyeing him expectantly, Loki was piss drunk, Gareth not far behind. Bete was docile for once, and Tione and Tiona were playfully arguing. However, Ais was staring at him with a smile. "I'm happy for you."
"Thanks, Ais," he smiled back at her. "Hey Lefiya, you know that Ais is going to be your sister-in-law now?"
"Eep!" Clearly, she just realized it and it was now settling in. "Mi-Miss Ais…"
She shook her head, loose strands of her blonde hair framing her face, "Since you are now…courting…my brother, please call me Ais. Everyone does."
Riveria looked at them with scrutinized jade eyes, "Listen you two." Her tone sent shivers down their spines, "Don't hurt each other. Lefiya, I will be increasing your studies. Axton, you best continue training. Nothing should happen to either of you. Ais, this includes you too. Train so that nothing happens."
"""Understood."""
Loki then slurred herself sober—don't ask, they've been trying to figure that out for years—and spoke up, "Oh, to the ladies, we're going to Melen!"
"Why?"
"Checking in on stuff," the Trickster said, clearly amused.
"Do anything perverted, Loki, I will race over there and slap you silly," Axton deadpanned.
"I would never do su-"
"Last week, two before that, three months ago," Axton listed off seemingly inconsequential non-specific dates but Loki comically paled with each passing word. "Need I go on?"
Gareth was boisterously laughing, slurring his words, "Neva s-s-seen tha kid shuterr down suu fassst!"
He sighed, leaning his head toward Lefiya, "Looks like we'll have to postpone that talk if you're going to be gone that long…I'll miss you." He admitted shyly. Only Ryuu, Lefiya, Alicia, Dino, Ais, and Riveria heard him say this, as they were the only ones who spoke Elvish in any form.
Speaking of Dino, he stood from his table—having been at another table the entire time—"So, I'm hearing you finally confessed?"
"Yes."
Dino grinned down at him, "Time for you to learn how to be the perfect gentlemen."
"You think Riveria hasn't been preparing me for this day?" Axton countered.
The dark elf patted his shoulder, "The Light Elf way but you need to learn the Dark Elf way as well. Some slight and major differences but we'll worry about that later."
Axton rolled his eyes, "Don't you have an elf to woo yourself?" He asked with a grin that showed he knew what was happening. While not perfectly visible, Dino's cheeks darkened a tad.
"None of your business, buddy," Dino puffed before walking away as Axton snickered before winking at Jericho, the raccoon giving him a thumbs-up.
Ais tapped him on the shoulder, "Will you help me pack? And…find Bell?"
"Sure thing, sis," he smiled. "You need to talk to him?"
Ais nodded, "He returned from the Dungeon, I wanted to see him." Lefiya was listening in but said nothing, "but I don't know where their home is…"
"Hmmm, it's too late to ask the Guild but I can ask in your stead while you're gone," he offered. Riveria liked the scene between the Prince and Princess. The High Elf selfishly thought that this was how they were supposed to be, just two kids trying to live their best life, not fighting for their lives in the Dungeon. Oh well, that's just how the cookie crumbled.
However, fate is such a cruel mistress.
The night at the Hostess ended on a good note. Bete wasn't drunk so no scene for him, Axton and Lefiya got together, and Loki managed to not grope someone for about fifteen minutes while drunk off her ass. Loki Familia called that a success.
Waking up early in the morning was something Axton had to adjust to, avoiding nightmares and terrors that still haunted him, his own trauma, but there was one thing that helped him wake up: Knowing that he was dating Lefiya! His crush! He will deny it till the day he dies, he squealed and tossed and turned in excitement. "I still can't believe that she said yes!" his voice softened and lowered to a whisper, "She got my first kiss…"
Clearing his throat, he got up and got dressed, already knowing that the ladies were already in Melen. They left early. He noticed something on his dresser and picked it up. There were two notes. One from Ais and one from Lefiya. Ais' was simply her letting him know what time they left and that it shouldn't be long. Lefiya's was a bit more personal. Early morning and he was already at ease.
"Miss her already?" Is this what it was like to be in love? He was truly walking in unknown territory. Thankfully, Riveria did teach him to be respectful and mindful of elf customs. If she wanted it done, he was to fulfill that desire. He exhaled before going to the men's shared bathroom.
Quickly cleaning up, he returned to his room and dressed himself. His list to do was go to the Guild for Ais, train, and relax in the evening. It was simple but he wasn't allowed to go into the Dungeon. Maybe if he had time he could help around Orario. Grabbing Requiem, slotting it to his side, he exited his room.
Since he saw no one, he headed for the gate surrounding the Manor, once there, he was met by some of the lower-leveled members, "Morning."
"Good morning, Swo-I mean Axton," they replied, seeing his look sour at being called by his title.
"How've you been?"
"Here and there, Lefiya and I are a thing," he said with a dopey smile.
The first guard turned to the second, "Pay up."
"Normally, I'd be upset but if everyone was like this, then I guess I was more oblivious than I hoped," Axton snickered to himself. "Don't pass out, make sure to drink water."
"Sure thing."
They opened the gates and Axton was sauntering down the street, greeting others like normal, hoping to maybe see Calan or Nella. Some children seemed to be on a field trip, and one of them noticed Axton, "That's the Sword Prince! He's super strong!"
Axton turned and noticed the teacher smile apologetically. Axton subtly shrugged it off, he can make a detour, he's got time. "Hello class, Miss Sasha."
"Sorry to disturb you, Mister Wallenstein," the woman named Sasha said. Sasha is a young woman with brown hair and green eyes. She wears rimless, oval glasses that framed her face perfectly. Sasha wore a long navy blue dress with a white collar with brown boots not seen because of the length of the dress. "You know how children are."
He wasn't going to reprimand the older woman for calling him 'Mister' since she was in front of kids. Sasha's smirk that the children didn't see was smug, and Axton let her have this one. He was about to speak before a blur smashed into his legs, "Axton!"
Looking down, he saw Calan burying his face into his chest. "Well, hello."
"Calan-kun!" Sasha exclaimed.
Axton held up a hand while patting Calan's head with the other, "Not to worry, Miss Sasha. It's not the first time I've gotten affection from him. I do hope it doesn't go to his head," a subtle message that the young wolf got. "And no being jealous of him, class. I'll give you all hugs if that's what you want."
That got him a round of cheers and a fond sigh of exasperation from Sasha as each child—thirteen in all, including Nella, who was happy with the affection from her onii-san—ran up and hugged him. Oher passerbys noticed and thought he was being nice, as they've come to expect from the Sword Prince, "I hope I'm not intruding on your plans. Is Miss Wallenstein around?"
"Ah, they are on business on Familia matters. Apologies kids," Ais may not know it but the kids love her. A childish admiration but Ais doesn't see it that way. She wonders why the children flock to her. "They should be back in a few days. I was about to head over to the Guild on behalf of her because she wanted to know something that she was unable to find." He stood as the last child chose to cling to him. Their weight was nothing to him so he carried on the conversation as if nothing was amiss. "Shall we walk and talk or do you have a pre-planned route?"
Sasha nodded, "After this, we were going to stop by a clothing shop. Babel was the final destination before we headed back to the school. The parents are around, as I'm sure they don't want them getting lost."
Axton had an idea, as this would work as two birds one stone, "Do you want my assistance to help protect the kids?"
Sasha shook her head before he even finished the sentence, "There is no way I could possibly ask you to do that!"
"I'm not going to charge anything. Just seeing the kids laugh and smile is good enough. So, whaddya say kids? You want me around while you explore Orario?"
"YEAH!" they all shouted, none more so than Nella, surprisingly. The elf has a set of lungs on her. Should she ever choose the life of an adventurer, he could see her with a sound-type spell. Calan looked over to her and his tail wagged without pause. Axton snickered slightly to himself. Is that what I was like to Lefiya?
He shrugged with a smirk, "Guess you don't have a choice now, do you, Miss Sasha?"
Sasha adjusted her glasses. "It seems I don't. Come along class, let's go see what a typical day in Orario looks like."
Axton followed along from the back of the class, his eyes up in the clouds, "Wonder if this is what I missed when I was a kid…"
He didn't put much thought into it once he found his answer. Stupid Dragon.
Inside the birdcage, Aria Waldstein sat, looking utterly pleased with herself. She was able to 'reach' her children. She was able to put them at ease for the night—something she wishes that Albert was around for. I miss you…
She looked up to not see the Dragon, who still thinks that she is to be his wife. She has not found any viable escape routes and even if she did, where is she? Where could she go? Even with her powers, she could not outrun or outfly the Dragon.
She sighed to herself, running her hand through her blonde tresses. Then she felt it, a connection in her wind. A connection with her son… Axton, you found someone to hold close…just like I did. Now Ais, find someone you love, just like how Al found his hero in me. Her smile made her look as beautiful as Freya. She knew she was desirable but she found the one she wanted to be with. She felt alive.
For the first time in one thousand years, she felt alive. However, this feeling was short-lived as she heard the wings of the Dragon. Her smile faded and she looked like someone had taken her toy. Well, it did take her freedom, her husband, her friends, and her allies, and it took her away from her children only because she forced them away for their safety. She has every right to be upset. "How is my wife?"
"Not your wife and never will be, human," she spat at the winged beast, knowing it would insult its pride. It loathes being called a human when it was obviously not the case.
A growl ripped through the air, menacing as it spoke again through grit teeth, wings fully expanded, making it much more intimidating than it already was, "You dare insult me?! I am a being that can cause disasters on a whim! Do not associate me with those lowly bipedal cretins!"
"Oh? So I'm one of those 'lowly bipedal cretins' too. What does that make me to you?" Aria asked as she looked up at the Dragon unflinchingly. "I walk on two legs like the rest of Humanity. Why did you claim me as your spoils instead of killing me?" She asked as she stood up, using her wind to dust herself off, her golden eyes glaring right at the singular eye of the Dragon.
The Dragon froze as its words came back to bite it. "..."
Aria allowed herself a smug smile, "Until then, do not interact with me, and do not speak unless you plan on bending your pride to apologize to this 'lowly cretin' and letting me go."
When she turned around, she saw that the Dragon was gone again. Aria felt the slightest bit bad but after a long period of time, she needed something to pass the time. "What else haven't I tried?"
Aria was always looking for a way out. She had come close a few times but was always brought back. It was never with brute force. Even at her full power, Aria would never be able to hurt the Dragon, unlike Albert who made it half-blind. This cage had limiters on her power, so she was sitting at around ten percent of her full potential. Even if she got outside of it, her power would not return instantly. She fears that this cage is siphoning her power, yet she does not feel weaker in any sense.
The uncertainty of what the Dragon planned to do with her was what made her fear grow. Saying she was to be its wife could be a ploy to lower her guard, focusing her attention elsewhere, distracting her from its true goal. She didn't know what that was.
Aria knew that the path to freedom was not a smooth road. She expected it would take some more time to break free so that she could return to her children. She had to meet her future son-in-law and daughter-in-law. It was that simple thought that allowed her to push on.
I never was able to thank Chronos for what he did for me…
The class bid him farewell as he arrived outside the Guild. They asked him many questions and he answered what he could without giving much away. They all gave him hugs before Sasha ushered them away. "Ahh, children are so innocent." That right there is what I also fight for. So that they don't have to experience what I did. His free hand thumbed a scar under his clothes, the same one he did when he was in Ouranos' chamber.
Those days should be long behind him but there were times that they crept up on him. Sighing and clearing his mind of those thoughts, he stepped into the Guild. He ignored the looks and awed reactions, seen it once, seen it a million times. He did smile and wave, however, to those that were in his line of sight. Considering the last time he stepped in here was for tense reasons, he was not affected by it. He approached the counter to see Rose Fannett, the werewolf with whom Bete has spent some private time with…
Not necessary information but drunk Bete likes to speak his mind sometimes.
"Sword Prince, not often I see you in here," Rose greeted with her typical 'I don't want to deal with people's attitude. Axton took this in stride.
"Hopefully, this will be quick. I need information on Hestia Familia, specifically where their home is located."
"And why do you need such information?" she inquired, as was the standard for giving information.
"Ais wishes to speak to Bell but since the ladies of my Familia are on business, she is unable to find him herself and I, being the wonderful younger brother that I am, wish to help her," Axton gave his reason. "Plus, I would like to touch base with him. Need another guy to talk to that is outside the Familia and who doesn't see me as just the Sword Prince."
Rose smirked as her tail waved slightly behind her in amusement, "Considering how you have people address you as your name and not your title, I can see why. I cannot help on that front but I know someone who can. Wait here for a moment, kiddo."
The blonde smiled at her, his features making him seem like a normal kid, if one discounted the Durandal weapon attached to his side. Rose was still in view as she tapped another one of her co-workers on the shoulder. Axton could barely make out the conversation and maybe caught every other word or two.
He waved once Rose plus one returned, "This is Eina Tulle, advisor to the new Record Holder."
"Rose!" Eina, a lovely brunette half-elf with striking green eyes and glasses that rested on the bridge of her nose. "Apologies, Mister Wallenstein."
"None taken," he said as Rose looked surprised that he didn't call her out on the way she addressed him. "So, you're Bell's advisor?"
"I am," Eina replied.
"Could you tell me where Hestia Familia lives? Ais wants to talk to Bell when they get back," Axton explained his reason. "Again, I just came in her place. They left early this morning."
Eina produced a map of Orario and pointed down East Main Street. "Past the Hostess of Fertility and it should be on your right. I only ask because as his advisor, I have to worry if you are planning anything."
Rose looked ready to chastise her co-worker but Axton just chuckled, "I understand your concern but please think of me as a kid looking to connect with other kids my age range. From what I know, Bell is naive to the point of ignorance. I wish to help him, and mentor him in a way."
"And will your Goddess allow it?"
"...she's not here right now, so don't sweat the details," he grinned mischievously. "He's growing at a rate that no one has been able to replicate, and that's bound to catch up to him with his lack of experience. He will one day get in over his head and not return. I think we don't want that, now do we?"
Eina had to admit, he was right and he was being devious and genuine about it. Rose continued to observe as she was curious about where he was going with this. "Okay, do you want me to set a meeting up with him next time I see hi?"
The doors opened and Axton glanced over his shoulder, "That does not seem to be necessary. I appreciate your time, Miss Eina, Miss Rose." The blond swordsman snuck up behind the rabbit and whispered, "Whatcha doin'?"
"Ahhh!" Bell jumped, his red eyes wide. "A-Axton! W-What are you doing here?"
"Ironically, looking for you in my sister's stead," he said. "Care to walk and talk after you finish your business here?"
"S-Sure. W-Why does Miss Ais want to talk to me?"
Now Axton didn't like lying to people but he would omit some details as he did know why, "She just wants to talk, after all, that rumble in the Dungeon was not for show…" he whispered.
"Fancy meeting you here, Sword Prince," another voice said, "Long time no see."
Axton turned to see Welf, "Ahh, Welf, nice to see you're alright." He glanced to see a Pallum next to him, glancing up at him with distrustful eyes. "Miss Lili."
"Sword Prince."
He sighed, "Another one…I swear people don't listen to what I say. Call. Me. Axton. Got it? Seriously, just because I am first-class does not mean I need people worshiping the ground I walk on. I started where everyone else has…"
Welf grinned at seeing the normally composed boy loosen up, perhaps this was what he was like outside the Dungeon. "Where's your sister?"
"Familia Business," he responded after running a hand down his face. "Anyway, Bell, meet me outside when you're done. This will concern your adventuring career going forward."
His eyes steeled as he responded to the elder boy, "I understand."
Axton smiled, patting him on the shoulder, "Good. You two take care of him, okay?" Welf nodded while Lili said something about being there for Master Bell at all times. The poor kid flushed red.
Axton left, unaware of how many people were wondering why he had an interest in the Record Holder.
So far, Melen was a beautiful place, Lefiya had to admit. She liked the open ocean and bright sky. However, there were a couple of things that she did not like right now. One of those things was Loki trying to get Lady Riveria into a skimpy bikini that should be burned on the spot. Riveria was frozen looking at it, unblinking.
The second thing that she did not like was the arrival of Kali Familia and her group of Amazons. The two captains, Argana and Bache Kalif, immediately insulted Tione and Tiona. Argana wondered where Finn was.
However, it was the words of Bache that had her almost unleashing an Arcs Ray at her, "I wonder where the Sword Prince is. I heard he reached level six, he could make strong children. Did you not bring him?"
Many women of the Familia, except Ais as she was glaring at Bache, subtly looked at Lefiya to see her with a serene smile and closed eyes. Her staff remained in her hand but she was close to exploding on them, knowing that it would be a fruitless endeavor.
"I would appreciate you not talking about my brother," Ais said emotionlessly.
The two co-captains thought it was hilarious, "Look Bache, she thinks that she can stop us."
"Well, when I see the Prince, I'll be sure to fight him. If he wins, I'll be his. If he loses…" Bache drew a line across her throat, a universal symbol.
Ais likes to think she has gotten better control of her emotions lately. How quickly she was proven wrong. The wind coalesced around her with a precision that has not yet been seen before. Even Lefiya was shocked, knowing the reason why did not make hiding that shock any easier.
"Ais, stand down," Loki's voice commanded. "I know why you're flyin' off the handle but keep it down. Kali, control your Familia. Lefiya, I know this affected you too, stand down."
Kail, the short stack Goddess, only cackled as she called them off with a wave. However, Bache's stare lingered on Lefiya for a moment longer. No one noticed.
If it wasn't for Loki and Kali, there would have been a fight on the docks. Njord, the God who oversaw Melen, obviously was relieved that nothing happened.
After that, everyone retired for the night. Ais and Lefiya were seen sitting on a balcony overlooking the ocean. Tomorrow, Tione and Tiona would check the seal at the bottom of the ocean while Line, Aki, Alicia, and others went to check the sewers. The two girls would ask around about the Violas.
That was for the future, "How are you feeling?" Ais asked softly.
"The nerve of that Amazon!" Lefiya exclaimed in frustration. Clearly, she had not calmed down completely. She was describing her…finacé…in such a vulgar manner. She talked about him like he was only breeding material.
Lefiya rationally knew that was how Amazonian culture worked. They bred with strong men, and since the Falna came into play, they only went after men that were either stronger or on level with them. For both Kalif sisters, that pool was limited.
"I understand how you felt," Ais empathized. "I…don't like it when someone threatens my brother. He's the only family I have left…not that I am discrediting the Familia but…"
Lefiya smiled at her idol—future sister-in-law—kindly, "I know. If I had siblings, I would do anything to protect them."
Ais gave her a small smile, "The number of times he's helped or saved me…too many to count…yet the times I needed to save him…I failed."
Lefiya moved so she was sitting next to him, "Is there a way I can help?"
The Sword Princess sighed, "Please don't break his heart. He's been hurt enough…"
"What do you mean?"
"..."
Lefiya stared at Ais, wanting an answer. Ais looked anywhere other than Lefiya. That wasn't for Lefiya to hear! The blonde swordswoman wanted nothing more than to hide and wallow in a ditch. Lefiya eventually sighed, "I guess I will have to as-"
"You can't!"
"Why?"
Ais inhaled and exhaled, "It has to do with the Dark Age."
The Dark Age of Orario was a time that no one wanted to rehash. A time when no one wanted to talk about it. Those that lived and experienced what it offered were scarred forever, if not physically, but mentally. Why?
The single question and yet another piece to the mystery that was Axton Waldstein. "He calls Miss Shakti 'Auntie' yes?"
"He does…as that ties into the story," Ais whispered. She stood up, "This conversation will have to wait until we return to Orario. I'm…worried…about Tione and Tiona."
Thousand Elf sighed once more, knowing Ais was correct. Her worries shouldn't be about her fiancé, they needed to be about the investigation they were conducting. I also need to talk to Miss Filvis. It has been a while. Oh, I need to tell her about the expedition, well, the good parts!
Meanwhile, Ais was sent a mental apology after apology to her brother. She never meant to open her mouth but with her developing outlook on life, she couldn't help it!
What Ais really needed was a filter. She went to sleep with some trouble but eventually, her breathing evened out.
...
What's this? Two in a month? Have I gone mad? Nah, just motivated for the time being. Dunno how long it will last.
Anyway, Ais is being really loose-lipped. Eh, socially inept for now, she'll learn. I'm edging closer to Axton's whole backstory. I've made plenty of obvious hints and a few subtle ones.
THEY FINALLY KISSED! HEY RANDOM GUEST, ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?!
Underwhelmed?
Good. They aren't at that stage yet. Hell, they are sixteen and fifteen. That awkward phase but their love is true. I will be increasing their affection toward one another before they go into Knossos.
So, in other words, I forgot to mention in the last chapter, after the first line break, I made a direct reference to Tristam's song 'Truth'. I thought it fit the moment. (Tristam is a musical artist who was/is under the Monstercat license but that could have changed. Truth was under Monstercat album 010-Conquest.)
I know I said—I think—that I was going to skim past SO6 but I wanted to include a little bit about it for fun. Also, we got to see Aria again! Poking the Dragon may not be the smartest idea but she needs to find a way out. Will she?
I am trying to inject some original bits into this to keep it interesting. Let me know how you think I'm doing on this. I've left myself plenty of threads to pick up on in the next chapter, so no worries.
Hope you liked.
