Disclaimer: Fate series and Persona series belongs to their awesome owner. I do not own anything.
"No matter how enjoyable the detour, eventually one must return to their appointed path"
-Leo Harway from Fate/Extra
The night has come for the people of France to celebrate a successful operation that happened the other day. The queen mansion is heavily guarded by the country soldiers as they guard the entrance and check every individual that is going to attend the ball party tonight. Guards patrolling the area with observing eyes and check places around the mansion.
One of the patrols saw a person sitting under the tree with a bottle of beer on his hand. The said person is staring on the ground and mumbling under his breath. The patrol approaches the person and called him out. "Hey there! What are you doing-." The guard stops himself as he approaches the man. "Oh, good evening Sir Gilles. Why are you drinking here by yourself?" The guard asks as he recognizes the man.
"You look drunk as well sir. If the queen knows this you will be on trouble." said by the guard as he notices the reddish color of the general face. "Leave me alone and keep on your duty, soldier," Gilles replied then took another drink on the bottle on his hand.
"But sir, I cannot just leave you here." The guard look at the bottle of beer on the general hand. "You rarely drink such beverage, sir. Usually, we men get ourselves drunk alone from beers when we have problems." The guard took a seat beside the man before continuing. "Did something happen sir?" He asks.
"Its none of your concern, soldier."
"I heard something happen on the sewer the other day. That monsters are living in that place." The guard look at Gilles in concern. "That it took many lives of our men from fighting those monsters and only one manages to survive the encounter."
Gilles tightens his grip on the bottle from hearing the guard stories. "Is it because of that sir? That only you manage to survive, that only you manage to get out of the sewer?" The guard questioned his superior. "We're not blaming you sir from what happened."
"Shut up," Gilles said to the soldier without looking at him.
"The result of the operation ended up terrifying. But we still fortunate enough to have a survivor, sir, and it is you." The guard tried to encourage the drunk general on beside him with kind words. "So please, sir. Don't let what happened on that operation losses you the fighting spirit, that us soldiers of France followed."
The guard then gets up on his feet and extend his hand onto Gilles. "We still believe in you, sir. Just like the queen says 'Viva La France!'." The guard waited for his superior to accept his helping hand. But Gilles didn't take it and stand on his own.
"Didn't you hear what I told you?" Gilles looks angrily at the guard eyes. "I said 'Shut up.' Can't you follow a simple command like that?" The guard looks at the ground a bit saddened from the general action. "Do not lecture about that nonsense coming to your mouth. Lives are needed to sacrifice to win a battle. You think I'm getting myself drunk because of what happened on the sewer?"
"That is hilarious." Gilles makes a fake laugh as he talking to the guard. "But you know what else is hilarious?" He asks the guard. Gilles didn't wait for the guard replied and continued. "There is a demon here on France!" He said and made a wholeheartedly laugh.
"A demon, Sir?" asked by the guard as he looks at Gilles in confusion.
"Yes! Yes! A demon, didn't you heard what I said?" The general continued his laughing pit. "France is doomed because of that. Each and single one of you will die because of him."
"Sir?" this time the guard asked with a tone of fear on his voice.
"You will die because of him, soldier." He said with a wicked smile on his face. "But do not worry, yes do not worry. Just become cooperative and you will not meet the same fate as the others." Gilles then walks closer to the guard and pressed his index finger on the guard forehead. "Remember that, soldier. Just cooperate and we will have the power to get rid of this demon."
Gilles then started to walk away and laugh while doing it, leaving the guard in shock and fear at what Gilles said at him.
The group of female servants plus Hakuno finally arrive at the entrance of the mansion in a stagecoach. They didn't get out immediately as they look at how glamorous the design and the beautiful decorations they place around the outside of the mansion.
"Looks like the queen gives her all on this event," Tamamo said with a smile on her face. "Now I'm getting excited to get inside the mansion and get started with this ball," she said as her tails started to wiggle from excitement. "We can tell from your tail, caster," Nero commented. "But I agree, with these decorations outside I wonder how well they did inside the mansion. Also, look at how many beautiful girls attending this event."
"But you are the most beautiful one among them all praetor." She said with a bashful smile on her face after complimenting the girl on her side. Hakuno smiled and gotten embarrassed from receiving a compliment from the Roman emperor, she about to reply but Tamamo's tail blocks their view at each other.
"Mikon, sorry about that." Caster said while sending a mischievous smile at Nero Claudius. "Why you!" Nero said but stop herself from complaining when Hakuno started to laugh from watching their antics. The group started to laugh as well and joined the sovereign.
"By the way. We supposed to have an escort right?" Medusa asks.
"Wait we have!?" Tamamo then taps Hakuno shoulder to get her attention. "Please be my escort!" she pleads at the girl. "That is not fair! Praetor, please let me escort you!" came from the Roman emperor as she shoves the caster tail in front of her.
"I already have someone to escorted tonight." Hearing what Hakuno said, leave the two servants in shock.
"Who?!" They both ask in disbelief.
"Us!" Altera said while sitting at Hakuno lap. The little girl is also carrying the cat named Morgana on her arms. "I ask the master to escort us earlier." She said with an innocent smile. "Can I?" Altera then asks the two servants. Tamamo and Nero look at each other for a moment and then make a sigh afterward.
"Yay! I'm excited, master, Morgana as well!" Altera looks behind her and sent Hakuno a smile. The sovereign of seraph returned a smile of her own then pat the girl's head which she enjoyed.
"They should be here already, right? We sent them a message before heading to the parlor." Jeanne said as she looks at the window and searches for the male servants of their group. "They will going to get punished if they made us wait!" said by the shrine maiden caster as she raises her fist in the air.
"Oh, it seems they arrived in time," Medusa said as the door of their stagecoach opened and revealed four charming men in a suit waiting outside for them. "Good evening ladies," Roland said as he approaches the stagecoach and offered his hand on his possible muse. "Roland at your service."
"Seeing master already have one. I'll go first." Tamamo then took the waiting hand of Roland and let the paladin escort her. "Don't let my beauty attract you too much, sir Roland. Please lead the way." Tamamo jokingly said at her escort. "I will do my best." As soon as Tamamo feet set on the ground, Roland makes a bow and then lead her towards the mansion.
"Well, then I'll go next." Nero steps outside the stagecoach and looks who will be her escort. "Who among you three will be my escort." She confidently stood there with a beautiful smile on her as she waits on who's hand will it be. "That would be me, your highness," Charlemagne said while bowing. "Allow me, Charlemagne, to become your escort emperor of red roses." He then extends his hand for the girl to take.
"Then let us make our way, King Charlemagne." She then took his hand and slowly leave the stagecoach with Charlemagne.
"We'll go next. Come on Altera, it's our time." Hakuno told the girl before leaving the stagecoach first. Altera followed up then let Hakuno carried her before setting her foot on the ground. "Are you ready?" Hakuno asks the girl. Altera looks in front of her and saw many people beaming a smile at them. It made the girl nervous but she knows Hakuno is on her side. "Let us go, master!" She said then the two walk toward the mansion.
"I'll go next," Medusa said then step outside the stagecoach. But before she looks on who's her escort is. She peeks a look at the saint of Orleans who looks somewhat nervous. "Remember what caster told you okay? Just enjoy the night."
"So I guess it will be you huh, Archer," Medusa said while looking at who's hand it was. "Why do you sound disappointed," Archer ask then look at the girl in disbelief. "No, I'm just surprised." She then took his hand and Archer gentlemanly help her. "You look good with your hair tied up. You should keep it if you don't wanna cut it off." Medusa compliment the Nameless Archer. "You should smile more often, Medusa. You look more beautiful if you did."
"Is that a compliment I just heard?" Medusa teased her escort. "But thank you, I will keep that in mind." She said then they leave. Jeanne slowly let herself out of the stagecoach. Steeling herself to not embarrass herself in front of many people, she stood there and let the people of France see her.
"Wow." She heard from the charming raven-haired man below her. Ren felt his heart skip a beat from seeing the saint wearing a night blue colored gown. He stood there and let the beauty of the saint captivate him. "Quit staring, Ren," Jeanne told the boy as she started to feel embarrassed from it.
"I'm sorry." The boy smiled softly and then held his hand to the saint. "Is it okay if I become your escort tonight Jeanne?" He sweetly asks the girl. Jeanne blush from hearing his request. "Of course." She said before accepting the waiting hand of the phantom thief. Ren gently helps Jeanne out the stagecoach. "Um, Ren? Well. Please take care of me tonight." Jeanne kindly ask.
Ren holds her hand tightly to get her attention. "I will." He said then place himself beside the saint and then offered his arm. Jeanne embarrasses from the tender moment, she let her hand attach onto his arm. "Are you ready?" She heard from the boy beside her. "Yes," Jeanne answered and then the two walk their way to the mansion.
The two walks closely to each other and Jeanne felt the world moves slowly as they getting closer to the mansion. She can feel the different stares coming from the people outside the mansion. Some males are looking at them in jealousy while the other is amazed at them. Some females looking sad while staring at Ren and glaring at her as she pulled herself closer to him, while some females are staring at them in delight.
But then again. Jeanne doesn't want to think about it. All that matters right now is she walking side by side with him. She felt happy but she doesn't know the exact reason why. 'Is this love?' Jeanne asks herself. 'If it is then how long she has these feelings?'.
'Is it during the first time they meet or is it somewhere where they started to become friends? Did she started getting this feeling from the way he treats her or because he's always there when she needs him?'
She shakes her head to get herself out of from her thoughts. Jeanne is still not sure about her true feelings, maybe it's too early for her to call it love or think she in love. But if there is something she is sure about, Jeanne d'Arc the saint of Orleans is happy to meet him, be with him, do things with him, and many more.
"Is something the matter? I felt your head shaking." Ren asks.
"Oh, its nothing. By the way, I realize that Astolfo isn't waiting with you outside."
"He got into a wardrobe accident. He told us that he will find something else to wear so that is why he isn't there." Ren answered the saint question. "What accident?" She curiously asks. "A waiter accidentally trip over and get his suit drench."
"That is unfortunate."
"It is. But I'm glad that did happen."
"Why is that?"
"If that didn't happen, then I won't be able to escort you, Jeanne."
"Wait what?" The saint asks in disbelief. Ren softly smiles from her reaction and then explained what he means. "Astolfo is so eager to be your escort, I don't know why but he keeps telling me along the way here."
"That is strange about him."
"He probably just wanted to tease you."
"That is a possibility. He always does that, also do you know the reason why he's wearing skirts?"
"I do not know. I also didn't ask anyone about it."
"Better not to think about it," Jeanne said as the two finally inside the mansion. The breath got taken by how beautiful the inside of the mansion right now. Everything looks expensive and professionally made by some elites. Also, everyone inside looks like a high-class civilian from the way they carried themselves.
"I feel out of place here," Ren whispered at the saint.
"Everything looks so high-class," Jeanne replied. "Oh look like we're in time."
"Attention everyone." Came from the white lily, Chevalier d'eon who is wearing a beautiful white dress, who made her way to the center of the mansion. Everyone present inside the room is looking at her and waited for her to continue. "Good evening, allow me to introduce myself. I am the white lily and her highness personal guard, My name is Chevalier d'eon. It is a pleasure for us to see you here on today event."
"Her majesty is the most pleased to see everyone attend the event she makes. Today we're not only here to celebrate the successful operation of our forces but also to celebrate the expansions that our country made and it is all thanks to everyone who help France. This event is for all of you." Chevalier d'eon announced before making a bow under the sound of applause coming from everyone.
"But of course. I do not want to make her majesty waiting as she cannot wait anymore to see everyone here." The white lily took some step toward the mansion stairs before looking at everyone. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Give your round of applause for our queen! The queen of our country, please welcome Queen Marie Antoinette!"
Pieces of music suddenly played as Chevalier d'eon introduced the queen of France. Everyone clap their hands as the queen slowly walk down the stairs wearing a beautiful white dress and make the queen look beautiful and stunning. She gracefully steps at each stair with a matching smile on her.
Once the queen step reaches the floor. Everyone stop clapping and all attention was on her. Keeping the smile on her face the queen, Marie Antoinette has spoken to her people. "Thank you for the warm and wonderful welcome! And thank you Chevalier d'eon for the kind introduction."
"As Chevalier d'eon said, I cannot hold my excitement to see everyone here tonight." She then saw Hakuno at the crowd and sent her a smile. "I'm very pleased to see you here as well, Hakuno. Everyone, please give the sovereign of Seraph a round of applause." Marie told everyone and the room been filled with the sound of applause. The queen is also clapping alongside everyone.
A moment later everyone stops and let the queen continue. "Thank you. Not wanting to become repetitive but I want to let everyone know that this celebration isn't for me. Tonight is the celebration for France success and the loving people living here!"
"I don't want to take everyone time anymore and I also eager to get this evening started. Everyone! Enjoy this evening to the fullest! Let us celebrate our success! Viva La France!"
"Viva La France!" Everyone shouted and repeated.
The event started as the music played in the background. Some of the attendees settled on their assigned tables while the others walk around and converse with the other guest. Meanwhile, the male servants of Hakuno's group find themselves their table and rest there.
"Look how the male guests surrounded our female friends," Roland commented as he staring at the distance where the female servants are. "We're probably gonna get have the same attention with the female guests if only our old geezer friend over here didn't give them a cold treatment!" The paladin then looks at the nameless archer across him.
"I just said what is on my mind." Archer calmly replied, but then glared at the paladin. "Also who are you calling old geezer? You should be happy that you will not be in any trouble with how creepy you look at those girls." After hearing what Archer has said. Roland immediately pointed his finger onto him. "Trouble? Are you telling me I'm gonna get in trouble by appreciating the beauties around me? That is hilarious, old man."
"I don't want to get work up with your childish antics. But call me old one more time and I'm going to deal with you." He warned the paladin. But Roland just gives him a provoking smile and was about to call him out, but Charlemagne decided to stop the two. "Enough you two, we're here to enjoy tonight event."
"Sure," Roland answered but then make a sigh. "But look how pitiful we are. Four males on a ball, but instead of talking to girls, we're just here in this table." He complained. "Can't we just go and talk to those girls over there? Our charms us paladins will get us into something right new guy?" Roland then asks the raven-haired boy beside him.
"That isn't a bad idea. But we better wait for Hakuno and the others first." Ren answered the paladin question. "I guess that is the best thing to do," Roland replied. "I'm excited to get on that floor and start dancing with a girl." He grinned then continued. "Aren't you guys excited for that as well?"
"I'm nervous with isn't good for me." said by the paladin, Charlemagne and then make a nervous laugh. "You can pull it off, king Charlemagne," Roland said to the paladin. "We've been here before after all."
"That is true."
"Besides it is going to happen soon," Roland said then greeted the familiar girls that is approaching them. "Your table is over there ladies." He said at Hakuno and the female servants with her. "Thank you very much, sir Roland," Hakuno said at the paladin, which make the blond man smile.
"Hopefully nobody harassed you while talking to those guest." said by the nameless archer. "I do not think anyone here has that motive to harass and us servants here," Medusa answered as she and the others sit on a different table. "You four looks excited. Did we miss something?"
"We're just talking about the dance that will happen later on," Roland answered. "Do you girls already have a partner for that or are you still free." He asks the female servant beside their table. "Well dic ask us, but we excused ourselves. So yes we still do not have a partner in mind." Tamamo replied.
"Do not include me, caster. I'm about to ask praetor to have a dance with me." Nero said. "You can have the first dance, saber. But the last dance will be mine. Spending the remaining time of the ball with just the two of us. That is the sweetest thing to do here after all." Tamamo replied while holding herself from the fantasies she has on her mind.
"Who said you going to have the last dance, caster?" Nero challenged her rival.
"Don't get greedy now, saber," Tamamo answered back.
Soon electricity suddenly sparks as the two female rivals stare at each other intensely. Hakuno who knows what to do in this situation, just smiled at the two while in the middle of the intense staring contest of the two servants. The background music suddenly changed and some of the guests stood up with a partner in hand.
"Oh, it's going to start," Medusa commented.
"Oh then," Jeanne whispered to herself while she nervously pressing her index finger at each other. Medusa makes a sigh from seeing the sight of the clueless saint. "Should you boys start inviting your partner before it starts?" The Greek rider reminded the boys across them.
"Come on," Altera said as she grabs not only Hakuno hand but Nero and Tamamo as well. "Let us dance together." She happily asks the three and then slowly dragged them to the middle. "I guess we can change partner afterward," Tamamo whispered and Nero agreed silently.
Medusa taps the saint shoulder and then whispered in her ears. "Go for it, Jeanne." She said and the saint nod after understanding what she means. Jeanne looks at the raven-haired boy and gets his attention by calling him out. "Do you think, um. Do you think you can join me for a dance-" She tried to invite the boy out but another voice the sound very familiar cut her out. "Hey, there hot stuff. Would you like to dance with me!? the beautiful Astolfo tonight!" Astolfo out of nowhere came up and wearing different clothes. The paladin right now is not wearing a suit anymore but a pink colored gown.
"Astolfo!?" Jeanne shouted in disbelief at seeing the paladin wearing a gown and look beautiful with it. Astolfo sheepishly smiled at them as they stared at him. "Stop staring, I know I look pretty with this gown but that doesn't mean I won't get embarrassed from it."
"Is that you Astolfo!?" Roland reenact what the saint did as he looks at his cousin. "Hello, Roland!" Astolfo wave at his cousin with makes Roland shock furthermore. "Guh!" He let out and then passed out from what happened. "Is that blood?" Charlemagne asks as he notices a trail of blood coming from the paladin's nose.
"Well, we cannot help it anymore!" Astolfo then leaned at Ren to give him a better look. "How about it Ren, looks like your not the only one who can pull of a cross-dress huh? Anyway, would you like to have a dance?" He asks the phantom thief who look very uncomfortable from Astolfo who's getting closer to him.
"What!?" Ren heard from Jeanne but wasn't sure what part of Astolfo said made her react like that.
"Well, I uh." Ren tried to make a response but the paladin grab his hand and pulled him. "There no more time for that! Let us go and make our way to the stage Ren!" Astolfo said. "Wait I'm about to ask Jeanne-" He tried to protest but Astolfo already drag him to the stage.
Jeanne looks at the two in distance. "What was that?" She let out, still haven't believed what just happened. "My chance." She whispered in sadness. "Come on let us go," Medusa said as she pulled the saint hand. "The night is still young, so let us keep our self in high energy."
"Wait is this okay? We're both females and-"
"It is fine just look at those two, they are both males it just that one of them is wearing a dress," Medusa said and slowly pulled the saint. "Well, you three watch our tables alright?"
"Well, let us go." The two then leave the king of the paladin, the nameless archer, and the pass out leader of the paladin alone on their lonesome table.
Unfortunate for the leader of the phantom thief. He got drag in the dance floor by the one and only Astolfo of the twelve paladins of Charlemagne. Getting drag by the male paladin and about to have a dance with him was so much embarrassment for him. Luckily his only saving grace is that Astolfo wearing a gown and no one besides their group knows he is a guy.
But then, it will be more embarrassing for him if he cannot pull himself off on this situation. 'It just likes what happened on that dream, where I wear a drag costume but I still manage to pull it off. Embarrassing as that is I still manage to do it with style.' He told himself and then immediately regain his normal composure.
"You look charming tonight, Ren. I always have this feeling that you will look more good with a different hairstyle." Astolfo compliments his partner as they are now standing on the dance floor. "Thank you. You look good on that as well." He said a bit unsure on how to make a compliment at Astolfo.
"Oh really!? well, thank you very much." The paladin giggled from getting a compliment from the boy. "Well then let us start!" He said then hold his partner hand. The music soon starts and every participant move alongside the rhythm of the song.
Except for the two of them.
"Um. I do not know how to dance." Astolfo sheepishly told his partner. "Um, your not mad right?" He asks Ren who look at him with mix emotion, but it is mostly in disbelief. "Why did you even invite me here, if you don't know how to dance, Astolfo." He slowly worded it out.
"For fun?"
Luckily for Astolfo. Ren isn't the type who will snap out from this kind of situation. He took a deep breath and then move on. The two of them can't leave the dance floor anymore since their on the middle and surrounded by the dancing guest. 'I can pull this off. The show is already starting might as well join it' He said to himself.
"So what now?" Astolfo asks as he looks around for potential exit for them. "They circle us out. We're completely trapped in the middle. I'm sorry Ren I dragged you here." The paladin apologizes at his friend. "It's fine, just follow my lead and we will steal the show, Astolfo." Ren encourages his partner.
"Let's go!" He answered and then the two started to move and followed the rhythm of the music playing at the background. But Ren notices that Astolfo is having a hard time to pick up the steps for the dance. It is not looking good since later on, all eyes will be on there. As they will be left in the middle when the music about to end.
So Ren decided to change things up. Since he's the one going to lead this dance, might as well show up some moves he learned from that dream. Soon the music reaches its climax and little by little the guest making their exit on the stage. "Ren we're going to get left out here to finish this dance," Astolfo said at his partner.
"Just follow my lead." Ren reminded the paladin as he counts the remaining participant before them. 'Just how long this music is before it end!?' He asks himself. 'Nevertheless, I cannot stop now.' Suddenly his face flares up with azure flames.
"Eh?" said the paladin as he stares at the three floating fairies in front of him. "Ren, what are you doing?" He asks. "Stealing the show. Anyway Pixie, High Pixie, and Hua po go find the source of the music and play something else." Ren told the three floating personas beside them.
"Oh messing with their equipment. That sounds fun!' said by the giggling Pixie. "What music should we play then?" She asks. Ren wondered in thoughts for a moment. But he immediately came up with a plan. "Play 'Wake up, Get up, Get out there.' that should be fine."
"Oh alright! Sisters let us go!" Pixie told the other two and they flew away to find who's managing the music. Astolfo looks at him with disbelief. "But the music is about to end. Why are you planning to play something else?" He questioned the boy action.
"My body wants to dance and I cannot stop it."
"Wait what!?" Astolfo let out before he realizes that it was only them on the dance floor and everyone is looking at them even Hakuno and the queen of France is waiting for them to dance. "What now?" He asks in panic. Ren didn't do anything but smile at him.
The music continues and then suddenly get cut off. Soon a piece of different music started to play and the sound of a microphone getting on echoed the room. Everyone started to wonder what is happening but their focus set once again at the two on the dance floor.
Ren stood far away from Astolfo and fix his sleeves. He smiled confidently to himself and then the phantom thief Ren Amamiya started to dance on his rhythm and stealing the show with his moves. As the music goes the audience cannot look at something else but the man in middle dancing.
Astolfo, on the other hand, stood there and watch his partner dance. Just like the audience, he also got captivated by Ren Amamiya and just by watching Ren, it gives him a cool breeze. He also felt the emotion of the singer that is singing the song.
The music soon reaches its end and the audience stood there with wide eyes on their face. Ren makes a bow and then one by one he hears the clap that is getting louder from every passing moment, coming from everyone who watches him.
"That was a show," Astolfo commented behind Ren. "You are a show-off huh? But I cannot complain, that was excellent." Ren turned around and just give a simple reply. A smile on his face.
"That wasn't part of the schedule, but that was stunning, Ren Amamiya." Ren heard a voice from the crowd. Marie Antoinette walk passes through and stand in front of him. "You stole the heart of this many people from your dance. You are oddly special Ren." Marie commented.
"Thank you for the compliment. I just really need to improvise while dealing with this new hobby of mine."
"Which is dancing?" Marie then giggled from her question. "Oddly special indeed. First, you are talking to a cat and now you have this desire to dance." She said to tease the raven-haired boy. "The first one wasn't a hobby and the second one is just newly discovered."
"Oh, so you have more hobbies than that?" She curiously asks. "Well yes, it is much weirder than this, so I rather not to talk about it," Ren replied as his memories about the school festival where he scares a student wearing a mask. He just has this hobby about ripping a mask off a person's face.
The music on the background change once again. This time playing a relaxing beat. Marie Antoinette smiles and then lift her hand at Ren. "The second dance is about to start." She said. "Do you think you can join me for one?"
"Very well." He said and lead the queen on the middle of the floor. Soon the guest joined them and dance once again. "I heard that you have some difficulties making my invitation. Is that true?" Ren asks as he leads the queen from the rhythm of the music.
Marie got startled from hearing his question. She remembers telling d'Eon to not tell anyone about it. But it looks like she forgot about that since Ren is asking her this question. "It just to make up for you. I mean I dragged you around this city and all." She answered.
"I thought it means something else." He chuckled.
"Well."
"By the way, congratulations from everything France achieves."
"You should congratulate yourself as well. You help France too you know." Marie reminded her partner as they dance. "In just a few days the residential park homes we built will have its grand opening." She happily informed him. "Soon people around Seraph will settle their home here in France!"
"Residential park homes?" He asks.
"Yes, it will soon be opened for not only the people of France but also those who are looking for a home."
"To be honest, there are already a large group of people who will live there. They have been living in a caravan and been moving from a different location every week. We offered them a place to live for in exchange for working on our industrial farms."
"I also wanted them to live here so the fear of wild beast attacking innocent people here on France territory will be avoided."
"That's good news," Ren answered while being happy about the result of everyone work. "It is. They will arrive here within two days, we already sent some soldiers to escort them here. But I wanted to make sure they arrive here safe."
"Then perhaps I could help?" He offered.
"But your group should relax now. Since after the opening I will tell my decision whether or not joining your alliance."
"It's fine, I'll be happy to help France anytime."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Ren confidently answered the queen question.
"Then maybe you can join them tomorrow. I'll send one of my soldiers to lead you to them." Marie told him which he nods to answer. "While we talking about it, there are children and senior among their group. So please make sure they arrive here safe."
"I'll do my best."
"Thank you, Ren."
"Viva La France, right?"
Marie smiled from hearing her slogan from him. "Yes 'Viva La France!'." She repeated as she shows him her smile. "By the way, Is that Mozart and Sanson staring at us?" Ren asks as he saw the two in the distance. "They are?" Marie said while taking a peek behind her and saw the two.
"Its because I'm dancing with you does it?"
"Yes, I'm sorry but I think that is the reason why they staring angrily at you like that," Marie said in an apologetic tone. "I remember what their request is. Did you know that they did request it with you on their mind." The queen curiously raises her head to have a better look at her partner and ask. "What do you mean?"
"Wait you didn't know?" Ren asks in disbelief. "Well I read their letters but all that written in it is your accomplishment, they never wrote their reasons why they did it and all," Marie replied, remembering all those letters she read from their request.
"I guess I should tell you," Ren said. "Mozart reason for making that request is to make new music to present for you. He wanted to ease the stress your feeling so he thought that his music will help. I don't know if you already heard it though."
"I still haven't." The queen said while looking at Mozart in the distance.
"That's strange. I thought he will present it to you as soon as he finishes."
"What about Sanson then?"
"Well, he builds this farm full of animals and crops for you to visit someday. He spends all of his money just for that. Sanson wanted to help you with your dreams, he told us stories about your dream life and the things that you wanted to do. I'm guessing he still hasn't invited you."
"No, he isn't."
"They probably waiting for their opportunity to say it on you." Ren then smiles softy after realizing something. "I probably ruined that opportunity at this point." He said feeling guilty about what he did. "But those two are kind people and they care about you, Marie. I think they deserve this dance more than I am."
"Ren." Said by the queen.
"I'm grateful for the gift and attention you have given to me Marie. But those two deserves it more, I'm still just a stranger on your life. Meanwhile, they were with you and help you longer than what I've done to you." As the music slowly reaches its end. Ren let go of the queen hand and give her a gentleman bow. "I think they waited long enough, Marie."
It left the queen in shock as she stares at Ren. But she understood what Ren mean by that. What she did does make her guilty from picking him over those two who's been with her and like what Ren said, they deserve it more than him.
"Thank you, Ren. You're strange you know that?"
"I get that from a lot of people," Ren said with a smile. "I think the next one about to start, so I better take my leave." He then waves at her and said his goodbye. Marie watches the boy walking away from her and realize she forget to ask him about that thing the other day. 'Like a king to his queen' the one that stuck on her head for a while now.
"Maybe he's that kind of person that will help anyone who needed it." She told to herself. "Maybe I just misunderstood it." Marie then softly smile to herself. "Still what a kind young man." She said and then make her way toward the two friends of her.
Jeanne for a while now is been staying on their table after the first dance. She did have a dance with Medusa and returned afterward, but Medusa mostly teases her during that. Once they returned, they let Charlemagne and Roland go and dance.
But Medusa got ask by Roland which she accepts, Charlemagne, on the other hand, got dragged by Astolfo and the two awkwardly dance and The nameless archer said his going for a walk. But she saw him making his way to Hakuno near the dance floor.
She also saw the show that Ren did earlier. She doesn't have any idea that Ren is good at dancing. His moves are smooth and eye-catching when she saw it. But then she also saw the queen of France asking Ren for a dance. Since then she hasn't seen Ren.
She has been alone here for a while now not until she heard the chair move and someone seated on it. Looking beside her, she saw the raven-haired boy who looks exhausted from everything he did. "Oh, welcome back." Jeanne greeted the boy.
"Thanks," Ren replied as he grabs a glass of beverage that is placed on their table. "The ball dance will going to end soon, Aren't you going to dance, Jeanne?" He asks after taking a drink on the beverage in his hand. "I don't have a partner to dance with."
"Strange. No one asks you to dance?"
"Well, I decline some invitations."
"Why is that?"
"Nothing." She said while looking at some female getting invited for the last dance. They look so happy, both the man and the girl. She feels a little jealous of looking at them. "Then perhaps you can join me for the last dance, Jeanne?" She heard coming from Ren.
"Huh?" Was all the saint could let out after getting surprised by his invitation. "Are you inviting me for a dance?" She tried to clarify. "You wanted me to become your partner for this last dance?"
"That is right."
"Are you sure?" Jeanne asks in hesitation. "I'll be fine here. You don't have to invite me." She said. But once Ren makes up his mind, he's not backing down anymore. "But I wanted you." He said in a straight face which make the saint blush.
"How can you say that in a calming manner." The saint asks while looking away at the thief. The music on the background started to play and the participant started to dance. "Come on, this is our last chance," Ren said as he gently grabs the saint hand and pulls her up.
Jeanne didn't make any protest at the boy. Soon the two of them reach the dance floor, Ren holds Jeanne's hand and put his other hand on her waist. Jeanne followed Ren lead as they move to the rhythm of the song that gets played.
"You know a lot happened since we met." Ren started to talk and break the silence between them. "I remember that rainy day, where I'm just roaming around on that lonesome road." He made a soft smile on his face as he continued the story. "Waking up on the middle of a forest, clueless about what happened, and things don't seem familiar from the memories. You could tell I was very lost at that time."
"But things change when a blond-haired girl that is riding a horse stop in front of me. She looks at me in the eye with concern showing on her face." Ren chuckled as his recollecting his memories. "Who knew that it will all be going to start with a raincoat."
"Well, you look very drenched and cold from the rain," Jeanne replied. "I wish I could do more. But I was in the hurry at that time."
"What you did is more than enough. Most people will just ignore me, especially if they are in a hurry. But you didn't, you even lend me your raincoat to borrow."
"Because of that, I've met the people of that town. I even meet saints that I never thought I would ever meet. They even took care of me. That's why I wanted to thank you, Jeanne. If it wasn't for you, who knew where would I be now."
"You thanked me more than enough," Jeanne said as she felt her body getting closer to him. "I think you forgot everything you've done for that town and us saints."
"I feel like it wasn't enough," Ren commented. "Which is why I want to make it up with everyone." Jeanne looked at her partner in question. "What do you mean, Ren?" He looks back at Jeanne as they keep themselves from dancing. "I was thinking maybe I can do something for you. I heard that your home town was on Domremy. Since we're already in France, how about we visit there once we're done here."
"Huh, where did you heard that?" ask by the saint in surprise. "Here and there. I can't remember." Ren jokingly answered. Jeanne makes a pout because of that. "So how about it, Jeanne?" He asks the saint. Jeanne wasn't sure how to respond to his invitation. It sounds nice but she felt hesitant from the idea of visiting her hometown.
"It sounds okay. But there wasn't anything to do there." She commented. "Besides we're not sure that Domremy already existed here on Seraph." Ren felt hesitant at her voice so he decided to ask. "You know living with you saints, I notice that you aren't good at hiding. So can you tell me the real reason?"
Jeanne body startled after hearing that. She wasn't sure if she didn't hide that feeling properly or it just Ren saw it from her. "Well, when I decided to save France, I made up my mind that I could never return to that village." She told her partner. "I mean I felt like I just threw it all away."
"But things are different now," Ren said to her. "This isn't the world we born into." Jeanne hides her face from her partner as she thinking of a reply. "That is true. We're on Seraph now, a virtual world that will soon become similar to the one we know."
"But I still have that feeling inside me."
"I haven't told anyone about this but I leave my hometown as well. We're similar in that matter, the only difference is that the town itself threw me away because of the rumors surround me. It even forces my parents to sent me to someone they barely know."
"What rumors are you talking about?" She asks.
"Rumors said that I assaulted a guy and almost killing him. That lead me into probation for almost a year and got kicked out of my home and the school I attend." Ren said as he summarizes what happened at him. "But in reality, I help a woman from a man that is trying to force himself to her."
"But my action backfired at me. I got arrested because of it."
"Wait why? Didn't you help a woman?"
"I did. But that man is a politician. He's someone that has a position from the government. Because of his connection, he forces that woman to tell the authorities that I assault him."
"That is horrible."
"I leave my hometown as a criminal and forced into life with a record on my name. My life drastically changes because of that, but I do not regret anything that I did nor do I hate myself for not regretting it." Ren smiled to himself as he said that. "Once my probation end and a memorable year of my life, I returned to my hometown again. Rumors are still there but I didn't care anymore. I returned there free and move on from anything that happens."
"I'm sure you can do the same as well." He said while trying to encourage Jeanne about it. "I'm not sure, I'm still a bit hesitant about it."
"You don't have to think too much about it. I'll be there with you if you wanted."
"You are? Then perhaps we could give it a try." Jeanne finally made up her mind after some encouragement. "But let me at least think about when we're going okay?"
"Of course!"
The two continued dancing with the rhythm of the music. The song continues and the two only felt each other. They didn't notice that their body are much closer than it was earlier. Jeanne let her head rest from his shoulder and felt the warmth of his body.
She started to think why is he interested in her hometown and what kind of stuff they going to do in there. All Jeanne could remember was doing house chores and reading bibles. She also knows how to farm but she wasn't sure if that going to be interesting to tell.
The two continued but suddenly they heard a voice shouting at them. The music and the dance have a stop because of that intervention. They look at the one who shouted and saw Gilles drunkenly walking toward them with a bottle of beer on his hand.
"Stay away from her, you demon!" He said as he threw his hand on the air. "Don't get close to him, Jeanne. That man is a spawn from hell." Gilles told the saint who staring at him in confusion. "Gilles, what is the meaning of this?" Sanson asks as he blocks his way. "Sanson? Don't get in my way and don't turn your back against that demon!"
"What are you talking about?" He asks.
"That man over there is a demon!" Gilles said while pointing his finger at Ren. "France is in danger because of that! We need to kill him, we need to kill him, we need too because that is our only way to save ourselves at him."
"Your drunk right now, Gilles. You don't have any idea what you are talking about." Sanson said as he tried to pull Gilles away from the two. But Gilles fights back and shove the man hand. "You have no idea what I saw." He continued his yelling. "I saw him summoning a demon! I saw him controlling it! I saw it, I saw it all!"
"You cannot hide from those things you have done to France. You're a demon! And demons like you should be burn, executed, or impaled to death!" Ren could only stare at Gilles and listen to his threats. "I saw you, I saw you! That demon you summoned."
Gilles chuckled as he tried to remember the name of the demon that Ren summoned. "Asmodeus was it?" He heard gasp coming from the audience as he reveals the demon name. "Yes, you heard it right! This man summon the prince of hell!"
"Let us kill him right now! We cannot let a spawn of demon-like him walk into this world. We cannot let him summon that demon and killed all of us!" Gilles said as he walks around Sanson who couldn't believe what he just heard. The man grabs Jeanne hand and tried to pull her away from Ren. "Get away from him, Jeanne." He said but Jeanne didn't budge. She just stood there as Gilles is yanking her hand.
"Come on now, Jeanne! You are in danger!" Gilles shouted. "He's a demon can't you hear me! A demon!" He repeated but Jeanne cannot contain herself anymore as she raises her hand and slaps the man in his face. "Stop, Gilles!" Jeanne shouted at her friend.
"Just stop." She said. Jeanne felt bad from hitting her friend but she cannot just stop herself anymore. "But-" Gilles then got pulled by the Soldiers of France and dragged him toward the exit. He didn't protest anymore as he stares at Jeanne who's in the point of crying.
Ren stood there bewildered at what just happen. He cannot believe that someone else beside Vlad III saw Asmodeus. He's not sure what to say at Jeanne after hearing that on Gilles. He wasn't sure what to do at this moment.
"Sorry about what just happened," Marie said as she walks at the center. "We're sorry about our general behavior. He let the alcohol on his head. Please don't let yourself be in fear because of what he said." Marie then looked at Ren. "This man help France greatly. We cannot let the words coming from a drunk man make us fear, Ren."
"So let us move on and continue this beautiful evening with smiles on our face," Marie told everyone. The party continues but the atmosphere has changed. Guests started to murmur at one another with a hint of fear on their tone and it made Hakuno and the servants on her group felt uncomfortable because of it.
Early morning, Gilles de Raise has been called by the queen, Marie Antoinette. The appointed general of France is currently getting questioned by the queen regarding his action yesterday night. Gilles mind is clear and remembered what he has done. But he stayed quiet and let the queen finished first.
"Do you have any idea of what you have done sir Gilles? Not only you accused someone but also spread fears on our people." Marie said at the general. She looks at him with a disappointed look on her eyes. "Can you explain your action sir Gilles?"
"Forgive me, your highness. I was drunk that night and I don't remember what I have done." Gilles answered the queen question. He lowered his head and kneel on the floor while trying to sound apologetic and sincere in his apology. "I let the alcohol on my head. Forgive me."
"You did sir Gilles."
"I want to make up for what I have done your majesty. So please tell me what I must do to earn your forgiveness and the people of France."
"I heard reports about the operation at the sewer. Tragic as that may be and probably the reason why you drowned yourself to alcohol. But you still going to get punished at what you have done."
"I will gladly accept the punishment you bestow at me, your majesty."
"You will be forced into a break on your position and take community services to reflect on your actions," Marie said and sentencing the punishment of Gilles de Raise. "As you will," Gilles said as he stands up from his feet. "But your majesty, before I take this punishment. I would like to help and escort the people that will be living here soon."
"Explain your reason, sir Gilles."
"I would like to take this opportunity not only to help them but also to use the opening of the residential park home for me to make an apology in public," Gilles stated his reason. "So is it possible to settle that first before I take the punishment you sentence, my queen."
"I see," Marie said as she has begun to think about Gilles explanation. "That would be the best course of action for you to make an apology. Very well sir Gilles, your punishment will be delayed until the grand opening. It may be also the best chance for you to apologize to Ren after your accusation at him."
"His helping as well?"
"He is, I already sent someone to escort him to the caravan. The report also says that he has two servants with him and will guard the other caravan on the west. Leaving Ren guarding the caravan coming from the east." Marie informed the general.
"Then perhaps I could join him on the east then apologize to him for what I have done."
"Please do."
"I will take my leave then and join him." Gilles bowed and then make himself out of the mansion. As soon as he reaches the entrance of the mansion, he saw the guard from yesterday. The one that saw him drinking under the tree. Gilles approaches the guard who's body startled because of him.
"Hello there." Gilles greeted the guard.
"Ye-yes, sir?" Yelp by the guard.
"I have something I want you to do."
"W-what is it sir?"
"I want you to present everyone those eggs and feast on it alright?" Gilles told the guard. "Those eggs?" asked by the guard. "Yes, those eggs that you men are eating for a while now."
"Oh, that delightful food." The guard said as he remembers the salty yet delicious taste of that egg. "The very one, I wanted to apologize for what I have done. So I wanted everyone to feast on those eggs as much as they want."
"Really sir?!"
"Of course, please carry my orders right away." Gilles gently told the guard. "Yes sir!" said by the guard and leave the general alone. "Now what to do on that demon," Gilles ask himself. "I guess its time to show everyone what that demon is." He said and slowly started to laugh as he leaves the mansion.
Author Note: Alright that settled the chapter 10 of this story. But the France arc is still going to continue! [Probably 5 or 8 more chapters before moving to the next]. Wasn't really sure how to write this ball event, but I tried to pull it off. That track from P5D [Wake up, get up, get up there.] look very cool for me! Ren moves is very smooth and I loved it! [I also wanted to put that one in the P5R trailer, but it just to short.] Anyway enough with that and onto the chapter thoughts. I realize that I should make a chapter that focuses Ren arrival here in Seraph and how he meets Jeanne. I mean it would be bad to just put this stuff about their past without a proper chapter for it. [But I'm not sure where to put that part.]
[And yes Gilles is starting to make a move!]
Also about Marie. Well, I realize after this arc, I probably ended up forgetting her existence on this story which is bad since I kinda make it that she a potential lover for Ren. So I decided to calm our protagonist down from picking up girls. [Beside she a queen of a country, I cannot just let her join the group on their adventure and forget all her responsibilities] so yeah we're back to Jeanne and Martha [Which I also starting to forget].
Lastly, I'm looking for a beta reader for this story. I mean reaching this milestone is a first time for me! and I wanted to deliver much better quality than what I'm doing alone. So if your interested send me a PM! and let us talk about it. [I also thinking about rewriting the chapters before France Arc. So whoever becomes my beta reader, we're gonna have a lot of work to do!] [I also might just put that chapter of Ren meeting Jeanne for the first time at chapter one.] I think its better that way.
Anyway, that is all! leave a review and follow this story! might as well favorite it~