Chapter 6: Kirche's mother and the unicorn dopant
Louise and I were on the way back to the academy on horse under orders of Henrietta… since it was a secret mission it made sense no one knew where we were. We just got back by noon and just in time for lunch!
Everyone was at the dining hall and the two of us weren't noticing on our sudden disappearance, still the both of us felt good at accomplishing the princess' request...
After being exposed of our mission, Louise and I are forced to leave the fairy inn once I can move, of course Scarron and his fairies told us that we are welcome to their any time
Personally I think the experience is good for Louise since it gave her more confidence about herself and she has made friends that didn't see her a zero. It was finally time she felt good on something...
Henrietta was very upset that she got the evidence from us on the bastard Turenne on his activities as a tax collector. With testimony from every worker in town, the advisers couldn't give the excuse that the nobles could do whatever they want.
As a result Turenne was stripped of his title, power and belongings for his thievery. It was all the excuse that Henrietta needed to take action of the corruption in her home. The advisers couldn't resist on the princess for they would lose their place in the court, so they had no choice but to participate in her cause.
It was nice that the princess would do anything to save her country, but I was more concerned about the injuries I took from last night. Lucky that all the bruises were on my body are gone, no one would notice. If anyone decided to ask… we just went out to relieve our stress from schoolwork.
We got back to Louise's room and went immediately for a bath, I could use one also but since Louise is my superior I will wait until she gets back. I placed my stuff on the table and Derflinger against the wall.
"Good to be home, eh partner?" Derflinger spoke
"Sure am" I sighed "I bet you missed being used in a real fight huh Derf?"
"You said it" Derf spoke "before you came, I've been stuck in storage with nothing to do but sleep!"
While Derf spoke of it's life I was gazing on my collection of T2 memories on the table, I now have more questions than answers. If NEVER was here then what is their motive? Why are they giving away these instruments of destruction...?
My thoughts were cut short when I heard a certain voice in the room…
"WELCOME HOME PETER!"
I looked up to see Siesta dashing towards me. I managed to see a satchel on her waist before she tackled me with all of her might…
I struggled not show pain to Siesta and returned the gesture
"It's good to see you to Siesta" I smiled
After the friendly reunion Siesta brought tea and opened her satchel and showing she bought the supplies that Derf and I asked for
"Wow… you bought all of these?" I couldn't believe that Siesta was able to get the entire bundle. Derf is really eager to be shiny and rust-free, once I finished my bath first
Louise entered to see the three of us talking she was in her spare clothes and her towel hoisted on her shoulder, Siesta let out a small eep and immediately left the room
"So" I asked "is it clear?"
Louise nodded "make it quick..."
I walked to the closet to see my clothes on a small corner with my old clothes next to Quinn's custom work. I took the accel outfit and left the room…
Kirche was at the dining hall looking bored… she poked her food after her beloved darling suddenly disappeared. Tabitha was beside her still reading a book while eating at the same time
Kirche puffed her face feeling irritated at her own boredom, she hasn't found any interest after finding her true darling… the other guys lost their charm and the act of getting her attention wasn't really sparking her interest anymore
"Tabitha, let's skip afternoon classes and take a nice refreshing bath"
Tabitha finished her plate and gave a silent nod to her friend, Kirche smiled before grabbing her hand
A warm bath is always nice...
Baths… that is the one thing I couldn't get easily
It's not that I hate baths but the status of noble and commoner of this world... it has been rather hard to get some proper hygiene
So, I had no choice but to use the girl's side of the bath…
Although that it was every man's dream to see room full of beautiful naked women, but I am different. I learned from when I came here that by risking it you would face the terror of a lady's wrath, I saw Guiche do that and he received the bad end of it...
When I tried talking to headmaster about that, the old man would be in a trance and wouldn't be awake for a few hours.
The room was simple and extravagant at the same time; it was big enough to let every girl in one dorm fill up the place, it had a pool and some statues filling it, the area was covered in a heavy mist giving the room a soothing atmosphere
Instantly I felt myself relaxed, the water was warm and I could feel my troubles slip away
"Oh yeah, this bath feels nice" a voice called out
"Mm" another voice agreed
I quickly snapped from my thoughts upon hearing voices, I looked at the direction of the sound and saw familiar colors of red and blue in the mist
It was Kirche and Tabitha
"OH YOU'RE KIDDING ME...!"
I quickly covered my mouth and hoped the two girls didn't hear
But fate wouldn't miss a good laugh...
"What was that?" Kirche turned to see me with a bit of shock while Tabitha looked a bit surprised "darling?"
"Kirche! uh…um! Th-th-this isn't what it looks like!" I tried to reason with her
"Oho…! So darling decided to be naughty today... if this isn't a good welcome back then I don't know what is"
Kirche obviously liked the situation, as she took hold of me and whispered to my ear
"It's nice to see you again" she whispered "let me help you relax since Louise wouldn't let you"
"That's nice" I whimpered "but I feel a bit uncomfortable with Tabitha watching us"
"Easily fixed" Kirche smiled "Tabitha, could you please give us some privacy? I would like to welcome my darling properly"
The girl nodded and walked out leaving us
"Now we're alone"
Kirche purred and she started to roam her hands around my body, her soft touch was really making me relax her hands continued moving around me with her warm breath on my neck, I don't know if I-
"YEOWCH!"
Pain coursed through me making Kirche move back in surprise
"Darling?" Kirche spoke "did I hurt you?"
"N-no..." I grunted "just a sore spot"
"Wha-?" Kirche took a closer look at my body and saw bruises covering my skin "oh no! Darling what happened to you?!"
"I just got myself into an accident" I lied, if I tell her the truth... she would faint "it's nothing, really..."
"It's something to me!" Kirche took my hand and dragged me out of the place "Come! We are going to see Montmorency!"
"Guiche's girlfriend?" I asked "she's a water mage?"
"Yes and a good one too!" Kirche nodded "let's go!"
The redhead took my hand and dashed out, I saw Tabitha sitting on the stairs reading a book. She looked up and nodded before going back to the bath
That young girl had things to go through, I can somehow feel it...
Thankfully I was in my Accel outfit when Kirche had to dress herself before tracking Montmorency, speaking of said girl it was easy to find her, Kirche knew where she was in her room.
Montmorency was at her table with a chemistry set of tubes and vials with fluids inside them
"A healing balm" Montmorency asked "What for?"
"Darling is battered and bruised" Kirche answered
"He looks fine to me"
Kirche quickly lifted my shirt to show the bruises I have
"Does this look fine to you?!"
Montmorency flinched at seeing my bruises
"Alright, alright… I'll get the balm"
I have to say, even though she is spoiled she knew her potions well… moving around the table like an expert without a single flinch or tipping a random vial
"Here you go, one healing balm" she handed Kirche the jar "now leave me! I have important stuff to do...!"
"Thank you" Kirche smiled and turned to me "let's go darling, I'll rub some on you"
"That very kind of you Kirche" I smiled "but I can handle it"
"Nonsense!" she protested "I must insist!"
Kirche pushing herself to do this puts me in an awkward position right now...
Travelling down the dirt road a single carriage rode down making its way to Tristain, it was guided by horses and a rider on top of the vehicle. The carriage itself was covered in bright and expensive decoration, it shows that the passenger inside was a noble or someone who's wealthy.
Inside the carriage shows a woman who took her appearance to its fullest beauty; she wore bright red dress with white trimmings that molded perfectly on her body, the design was low-cut that gave good visibility of her cleavage, she wore a gold chain around her neck, her hands were covered with ruby rings
Her appearance suggested that she was in her twenties rather than her thirties, her looks would've had been enough but it was given more exotics… her frame was firm and it was added by her dark skin and long vibrant red hair that reached her back, her eyes were chocolate brown and she smiled like a happy mother feeling proud of her child
Her eyes were on a small parchment and she read it again
Dear mother,
Oh mother, I'm in love! I don't know what to say about my feelings but I must say he set my heart ablaze! His strength ignites my passion further. He showed me that my heart was captured by his compassionate smile, his strength is wild and powerful like a fire that could never be put out...!
He holds unorthodox magic, he wields it like a master but he came from a foreign land and is unranked. He proclaims that he isn't of noble blood but his actions would say that he is!
Unfortunately, he was summoned by Louise le Blanc de la Valliere her familiar summoning ritual, yes she never revealed her element of magic but for once I am glad to be proven wrong or I might never see my beloved darling!
I am positive that I shall woo my darling, after all is it not our tradition to steal a man or woman from a Valliere
Your daughter,
Kirche Agusta Fredrica von Anhalt de Zerbst
'Interesting' the lady now confirmed Zerbst, thought about Kirche's words on the parchment. The girl was always wild and passionate and it was normal to see her go for a man who caught her interest...
But to proclaim that she has been tamed by this darling was unexpected and she hasn't been intimate with him if she read it correctly… the Valliere's are shown to be rather possessive about their property and allies especially around a Zerbst
It was why Lady Zerbst decided to visit her daughter about this man, also she had nothing to do since her husband went to the military for a special mission...
"Lady Zerbst" the coach rider called "we are about a day away from our destination"
"That's acceptable" lady Zerbst smiled "I'm in no hurry"
Hearing the place was close now, she looked at the letter again 'I am most interested on seeing this man'
Kirche had been persistent but I was able to convince her that I could handle it. I went back to Louise's room noticing some of the girls looked at my clothes and smiled at the design. Quinn has really made it unique and perhaps some of them would want to wear the style themselves
As I entered Louise's room, I saw the girl looking at the Gaia memories we collected
"Is something bothering you Louise...?" I asked
"No" she answered "I'm just wondering how all of these were able to make a being so strong"
She then looked at me grabbing my sword before I went to the door going out again
"Where are you going?" she asked
"To polish Derf"
"Yes!"
"It needs to be clean now" I finished
Boy my sword can be loud if it wants to
"Oh, go ahead then"
Louise went to her bed for nice nap after being in a mission sent by her highness
After spending the night at an average inn, lady Zerbst went her way on to the academy. She hoped to get a welcome but on the other hand she wanted to surprise her daughter about the visit. The two haven't spoken in years by now and hopefully this interaction can be pleasurable for them both
…after all, it's harder to say goodbye than saying hello
The carriage arrived at the academy the driver stopped and went to open the door. Lady Zerbst slowly stepped down her carriage and saw two people waiting for her; one was old Osmond and the other was a professor she never met before
Kirche recalled that he was one of the teachers that gave her lessons in the academy
"Ah lady Zerbst" Osmond greeted "it's nice to see you here, I regret that we didn't have enough time to prepare for you arrival"
Osmond was polite but he couldn't stop looking down at the sight of seeing a woman's body, lady Zerbst noticed it but she didn't mind. She made an effort to make them noticeable in the first place. She eyed the second man who was standing there doing nothing.
"I believe that you and I haven't met before"
The professor was surprised at being brought into conversation
"My name is Jean Colbert" he introduced "I am one of the teachers here in the academy, it is a pleasure to meet you"
"The pleasure is all mine" lady Zerbst smiled "are you by any chance my daughter's teacher?"
"Of course" Colbert smiled "your daughter has made good progress in her work"
"As expected from a Zerbst, especially from my daughter" she smiled "we must share the tales"
"I'll try to make time" Colbert nodded
'Oh he's so innocent...' lady Zerbst grinned 'it will be fun teaching him'
She then looked at Osmond to see that his eyes are still glued to her breasts, she also noticed a small white mouse peeking under her skirt, and lady Zerbst had the idea that the mouse was the headmaster's familiar. Well she wouldn't mind surprising the old man's mind today...
"The reason I arrived today is to make a surprise visit to my daughter, it has been a long time since we last spoke together"
"Well, let me show you where she is lady Zerbst" Colbert volunteered while Osmond followed him
Derf and I were at the courtyard, I was already starting to clean my sword from its rusty appearance. To me it was a chore, to Derf it's an overdue appointment.
"You're doing great partner!" Derflinger spoke "I can feel the rust going away...!"
"You should thank Siesta" I replied "after all she was the one who bought the supplies"
It took me the previous day to get half of the rust gone, and by the way when it said rusty I mean it's really rusted. The only part where Derf didn't get rust was the bandaged cloth on the handle.
When I started taking the rust off, I could see that the blade was giving a silver sheen making it a good display piece if not in use, the metal guard where Derflinger's mouth is placed was yellow in color. I thought that the material was used are either brass or gold
Derf was now rust free and all that's left is to sharpen the blade and another polish to make the blade look proper. I checked the metal only to see no brittle edges or cracks, whoever created Derflinger is a really good blacksmith.
I started to sharpen my sword while Derf told me how to sharpen it.
"Peter!"
I looked up to see Siesta dashing toward me
"Oh Siesta" I spoke "hello"
Siesta brought a basket of treats which I completely forgot since I took the task of cleaning and sharpening Derflinger.
"Are you hungry?" She asked "I brought some food for you from the kitchen"
Thank you Siesta, thank you very much
"Hey maid girl" Derflinger interjected "thanks again for getting the supplies!"
"It is not a problem Derflinger" the maid replied "and you really sparkle when your clean"
I have to say Siesta really got used to Derf that fast… usually most folks would freak out when they saw a sentient weapon like Derf, but Siesta took it rather fine… and quickly too.
"Well partner did a good job, of course I had to tell him how"
I learned how to clean a sword from Derflinger, after all being a sentient blade can obtain knowledge, if Derf is old then he learned a lot of things
"By the way" Siesta spoke "did you hear that a noble from Germania came here to visit the academy"
"Really?" I asked "why would he or she come visit here?"
"Since lady Zerbst's daughter is here, it's perfectly understandable" Siesta nodded
I stopped when I heard who was visiting
"Wait, you mean to say that Kirche's mother is here?!" I asked with exaggeration
"Yes…"
Uh-oh… even though that this will be a plain visit between mother and daughter, I can't help but feel that it's going to be about me
After shaking that thought away, and I returned to fixing Derflinger up
Colbert showed lady Zerbst the tower where Kirche lives and told her where her daughter's room is, after a flight of stairs she was in front of Kirche's room. She knocked on Kirche's door while feeling eager to know who the man that captured her daughter's heart is.
"Who is it?" Kirche called
"Your mother" lady Zerbst replied
In a split second, the door was open seeing a surprised Kirche. If someone were to see this the Zerbst ladies would look like sisters instead of mother and daughter
"Mother!" Kirche smiled "it's so nice to see you!" before blinking in realization "what brings you here?"
"Well…" lady Zerbst hummed "since my daughter talked so much about her new darling, I just had to come see him myself!"
She eyed her daughter and saw a blue ribbon tied on her hair
"Is that a gift from your darling?" she asked
"Oh yes" Kirche sighed as she touched the ribbon "it was a reminder from when darling has captured my heart in our first interaction at night"
"How charming" lady Zerbst cooed "I must simply meet this darling of yours...!"
"Oh wonderful!" Kirche clapped "but remember mother, he's mine first..."
"I would never dream of taking him" lady Zerbst huffed "not without your permission of course"
"Then there will be no problems" Kirche grinned "I think I saw darling in the courtyard"
"Then let us not waste time then!" Lady Zerbst made the same grin like her daughter
"There we go" I finished repolishing Derflinger "that should make you feel brand new"
"You look splendid Derflinger" Siesta gasped at seeing the sword sparkle in the sunlight
Now that Derf is sharp and clean, it looks like a nice piece of display rather than a weapon for battle
"I feel great!" Derf shouted "hey partner, why don't we go find some thugs to test how sharp I am?"
"Easy there" I spoke "I just finished fixing you up. Try to get used on your new look first?"
The sword grumbled but complied at my request.
I placed Derf back in the scabbard and took a bite from Siesta's food delivery
While I was enjoying my light meal I felt something bad will happen, I turned around to see a man in dark violet clothing; he had dark skin, black hair, sharp and trained eyes. He carried a hybrid mix of a wand and sword but judging by his appearance and noble status I would say that he's some kind of bodyguard
I paid no mind at him at first and continued my meal… that is until he called to me
"Excuse me"
I turned to see the man looking curiously at me
"Yes?" I questioned after I bit on my bread
"You look different from the others" The man asked "are you a part of this academy?"
"Yes I am" I nodded
"So are you a hired mercenary?" The man asked again
"You could say that" I confirmed 'if I told you that I'm a familiar, you would be the complete opposite of this attitude'
"That's nice" he smiled "I'm Alejandro"
"Peter"
As we ended our friendly greeting a voice called out
"Darling!"
The two of us turned to the voice and saw Kirche jumping happily to see me again
Alejandro on the other hand, grinned and spread his arms and waited for a hug
"Beloved!"
Woosh
Kirche ran past Alejandro and tackled me on the floor while pressing her bosom against my face
"Oh darling I'm glad to see you again!"
Kirche held onto me tightly and judging by this performance. Alejandro held a look of shock before changing into fury
"HOW DARE YOU!" He shouted "taking advantage of my...my-!"
"Is this him Kirche?" another voice interrupted
Kiche let go of me to see her mother. There wasn't a difference between them since her mother's beauty is in equal level. I have to say, seeing what Mrs. Zerbst looks like then Kirche will nonetheless be the same.
"Lady Zerbst I presume" I spoke calmly even though my insides were feeling tight
"Yes" lady Zerbst smiled "and you must be the darling that my daughter speaks fondly of?"
"This is him mother!" Kirche interjected "isn't he wonderful?"
"Red does fit him..." Lady Zerbst hummed as she examined me and my clothes
I felt like a piece of meat when I saw a small glimpse of hunger on her face and I could almost shiver at that
"I sense an air of mystery" lady Zerbst spoke "didn't my daughter say that you were from outside Halkeginia?"
"I am" I nodded
"Oh how mysterious...!" she purred "I'm looking forward to learning everything from you"
"L-l-lady Zerbst!" Alejandro sputtered "are you just going to stand there and let this… this… LECHER, take advantage of my fiancée!"
"Fiancée?!" I was in shock 'Kirche was engaged...?'
Wait did Alejandro just insult me?
Lady Zerbst tsked at the whole engagement
"Oh Corleone, you know those plans were just a suggestion" lady Zerbst sighed
"A plan that your husband strongly favored" Alejandro retorted
"Yes, but nothing was confirmed so my daughter is free to pursue whoever she wishes" lady Zerbst recalled
Seeing lady Zerbst act like that to her fellow noble must mean that she has higher power than a normal one… not to mention that she has a strong spirit to boot!
Hearing Kirche being engaged would make sense, when I first came here Kirche had been flaunting with the other guys before she went after me when I accidentally captured her heart...
I saw Alejandro glare at me for taking his bride to be, but lady Zerbst confirmed that it wasn't allowed and no doubt that he would duel me for Kirche's hand
"Now then" lady Zerbst smiled and grabbed my right arm while Kirche held onto my left "let the three of us know each other better"
I can't help but feel that I would end up with a harsh punishment from Louise by the end of today...
Siesta ran like her life depended on it, her knight in shining armor was now being bargained for marriage to the Zerbst family, she ran to Louise's room and get Louise to stop the Zerbst from taking Peter away. There's no way that her knight in shining armor and the only way for that to stop was to call Louise for help.
She barged into Louise's room
"Ms. Valliere!" She called out "Ms. Valliere!"
Louise jumped in surprise at the sudden intrusion
"Now listen here maid!" Louise persecuted "I have things to do so I suggest that-"
"I'm sorry for interrupting you but this is an emergency!" Siesta gasped "it's Peter!"
"My familiar?" Louise blinked "what about him?"
"Ms. Zerbst is wooing him again!" Siesta panted "but this time her mother came and I believe that the two will try to get Peter to marry her!"
"WHAT!-?" Louise shouted, she was trembling in anger with her wand held tightly in her hand "t-t-that t-t-TRAMP! I should have expected this...!"
She turned to the maid with a scary glare
"Take me to Peter right now!"
Louise was in no shape to talk so Siesta took her hand and ran to where Peter and the Zerbsts are
I was now in a special guest room with both Kirche and her mom clinging to my arms. Alejandro was acting guard for lady Zerbst, but he wasn't minding his post since he was busy glaring holes at my back
"Kirche has told me about your mysterious magic" lady Zerbst commented "I must admit I am curious about that, a suit of armor being created rather than casting a spell. Please tell me the details of these Gaia memories..."
I could see that she wanted to know my powers and I don't see any harm in telling the two Zerbst ladies of the Gaia memories. I took out my acceldriver and accel memory to the table for them to see.
"These are the source of my magic" I told lady Zerbst, the other memories are with Louise since she was curious about the different element/ability they posses
I then told her about the Gaia memories' power of turning humans into monsters called Dopants, the group called Museum that created the artifacts for the purpose of evolving the human body.
"Amazing..." lady Zerbst gasped
"Just be careful with the information lady Zerbst" I replied "I wouldn't want the corrupt beings to become Dopants"
"My… you became more interesting today" lady Zerbst purred
Alejandro coughed trying to get on my nerves, Kirche stayed quiet and tried to bury my arm deeper to her cleavage, she paid attention to my words but she didn't give a sound, I expected her to make a loud outcry. Perhaps it was that the meeting with her mother went well and she wouldn't want to interrupt...
"There is something that peaks my curiosity" lady Zerbst hummed "the way you speak of these memories and Museum with their purpose to create a better world makes me wonder…"
"Wonder what?" I felt nervous that when she asks it will surprise both me and Kirche
"Are you perhaps part of Museum?" She asked leaning a bit closer
Well that was surprising, I know there was one person who would try to stop them and her name was Shroud, even if there were other people who would take her side... they would've been killed by Museum making the woman go into hiding hence her name
"Well I have been studying their research but I never joined them" I replied
"But you know so much about them and with the abilities you hold, it would be convincing that you are a part of Museum" she argued
"Darling is that true...?" Kirche gasped
Alejandro once again coughed trying to interrupt the conversation
"Uh…well… I..." that was a good argument... even though Shroud was the only rebel. There were possibilities that a few others would secretly want to destroy the Gaia memory project
"It's perfectly sensible that you don't know" lady Zerbst spoke "it would be for the best that you don't pursue that idea"
"I'll keep that in mind"
"But still, you could find nobility in Germania" lady Zerbst gleamed
"But isn't nobility given to those who are born with magic?" I questioned
"Basically that's true… but in Germania, anyone with enough money can buy a noble title, or if you have a recommendation from a noble family" she smiled "of course, there is a third way"
"And that is…?" I shivered that lady Zerbst would be this close. I could feel my voice going away at feeling her warm breathe
"Marriage" she finished
"ZERBST!"
Louise to the rescue...
Louise's cry was loud enough for the four of us to see her stomping toward us
"Louise!" I cried happily, for once I'm glad that to see her… wait is that a whip in her hand?!
Kirche huffed at seeing Louise "interrupting my time with darling again Louise?"
"More like saving my familiar from your corruption...!" she shouted before turning her gaze at me "and just you wait until I decide your punishment for being easily led by her"
"But…but!" I tried to reason her
"No excuses!" she still had a lot of anger inside
"Oh you are definitely Karin's daughter" lad Zerbst smiled "you have her hair and her temper over everything that's even fun"
"What?-!" Louise was so angry that she didn't who she was talking to "and who are you to say such things about my mother!?"
"If your Karin's daughter, then you heard stories about me" lady Zerbst smiled widely "allow me to introduce myself; I am Maria Agusta Lilith von Zerbst" she greeted "I am also called Maria, the blazing flame"
After hearing that name Louise suddenly turned pale like she saw a ghost and then she fell to the ground
Thud
"Louise!" I dashed to the fallen girl and shook her slightly "Louise wake up! Speak to me...!"
"Oh dear, it seems that Karin was exaggerating in her stories about me" lady Zerbst blinked at the girl's reaction
"From the way I see it" I looked at the Kirche's mother "she must really hate you..."
I placed Louise comfortably on her bed while Siesta is helping get a wash cloth for her, as much that Kirche wanted me to stay and talk with her mother some more. But I have rules to follow and looking after Louise is one of them, after a few goodbyes I carried Louise in my arms and went back o her room.
"She's really out cold" I sighed looking at Louise
"The shock must be immense" Siesta noted
"You have no idea..." I replied
I heard from people that some nobles carry special names that identify their abilities; like Guiche creating his bronze golems and Kirche's mother was called the blazing flame, maybe her status was higher than any other in Germania, I even heard that Ms. Zerbst said that Louise's mother Karin... must have equal status to be the woman's rival
Just how strong was this feud...?
I have to ask Louise about it and if I leave her now she would be very angry and punish me, I'll just have to wait for the girl to wake up until then...
"I'll get the water this time" I took the empty tub and walked out the door
"Thank you" Siesta smiled watching Louise in my place
I was at the fountain getting cool water for Louise while thinking about the rivalry between the Zerbst and Valliere's
'Why would Louise's mom give her such scary stories of lady Zerbst?'
My thoughts were cut off when I saw Alejandro walking right at me
"What is your relationship with Kirche?" he scowled
I sighed at the blunt anger he had, it was pointless to argue with him
"Can we talk about this later...?" I asked
"No we cannot" he denied "now what is your relationship with her?"
I thought about that before, what was my relationship with Kirche? I just thought she clung to me for being the man of her interests but after I got back from my mission she hasn't moved to another man ever since
"Right now, Kirche and I are friends" I answered "despite her advances, we never made any... intimate behavior with each other"
"And your intentions toward her?" Alejandro's voice turned sour after not hearing a simple answer of not being together
That question did hit me though... what do I want with Kirche...? Just now she just introduced me to her mother for crying out loud...!
"Right now, I'm happy with the way she's behaving" I replied "but I'm not sure if the two of us will be together, I have no intentions with her until later in times"
"Kirche is my fiancée" Alejandro growled "she is not yours"
"I beg to differ" I called "lady Zerbst said that your engagement with Kirche is not established, and I for one agree with her thanks to your selfish intent..."
After my words left my mouth, I just made the guy mad for not knowing his flaws but he wanted Kirche like a trophy and I won't let him get the girl now!
"I challenge you to a duel!" He declared
"Accepted!" I answered quickly
"I'll see you at Vestri court tomorrow. The winner will have Kirche's hand!"
Then Alejandro walked away feeling confident about his status, just then something got me
"Hey Alejandro" I called
Alejandro stopped his pace but when he turned he didn't expect what to happen
SPLASH!
The Germanian was surprised when he got splashed by water
"I hope that you can keep a cool head when we duel...!" I laughed
It felt good to see that man soak, I left the scene before he could start a shouting fit!
"So you accepted a duel from Kirche's fiancé?" Louise spoke
The pink-haired girl was in her nightgown drinking tea that Siesta brought after dinner, I can tell that she isn't happy about the news
"I'm sorry about that" I sighed "but I just can't let Kirche be taken by that guy"
"Hmph!" Louise huffed "I'm pretty sure that Zerbst is feeling anxious to see you fight again"
"About that, what made you faint after hearing lady Zerbst's name" I asked "also… I heard that your mother, who has a big issue about that, can you please explain?"
"My mother was known as the Manticore Knight..." she confessed
"Let me guess, she rode this beast into battle?"
Louise nodded
"The creature was so fearsome, powerful and majestic" she sighed "unlike me..."
I can finally see why Louise was so uptight when I was summoned by her… her mother was respected for having a strong familiar in the family. I kinda felt insulted, but then again… Louise didn't expect to summon me, a human, to be her familiar...
"And Maria the blazing flame?" I added "what exactly did your say about her?"
I have to ask that question... why would Louise's mother put so much effort to make Louise cower in fear when lady Zerbst came into the picture?
"I-I-I w-would r-rather n-not talk about t-t-that" Louise trembled at hearing that name
"Okay Louise" I placed my hand on her shoulder "let's forget about her for now"
Louise calmed down and poured another cup for her to drink
"Let's just go to bed and focus on the duel that Alejandro made"
Louise nodded and went to her bed, but before she went to sleep she gave one last line
"This is your fault..."
"Again, I'm sorry" I muttered before taking my sleep on the hay bed
I was now at the Vestri court feeling ready to fight the idiot Alejandro for being possessive of Kirche.
The audience became bigger than my first duel with Guiche. Not only were the students there but the academy staff as well. They heard about the duel from Siesta and were excited to see their hero win against another noble.
Kirche was excited to see her daring in action, her mother on the other hand was curious to see Peter's ability to use these 'Gaia memories'
I was waiting for Alejandro to come and judging by his status he would come in a flashy manner to show that he is a noble.
Whoosh!
Just like I expected… Alejandro entered via swirling tornado, upon his arrival he was on a white Pegasus making the girls sigh dreamily at him, well… except for Kirche and lady Zerbst since the two were focused on me, not him
I stepped forward feeling determined to put Alejandro in his place for obsessing over Kirche
"I'm surprised that you came" Alejandro huffed "I was hoping that you would not show up..."
"And miss my chance to prove myself as the better one?" I smiled "no way"
I placed the acceldriver on my waist and took out the Accel memory
Accel
Kirche's mother looked at Peter with curiosity when he is about to show his magic
"You're going to like this mother" Kirche smiled
"Hen…SHIN!"
Peter placed the memory and made a few twists on the throttle
Accel
A ring of red engine pistons surrounded the boy blasting a bit of hot air with his armor taking form on his being
"Oh my…!" Lady Zerbst gasped at seeing the display "how magnificent!"
Kirche started cheering for her darling to win this duel with a few others following her example
Alejandro stared blankly at his opponent's new look
"So this is the magic you possess?" Alejandro muttered "it won't save you"
I pulled out my engine blade and dashed to my opponent ready to make the assault but Alejandro had a trick in his sleeve.
The noble pulled out his weapon and pointed it to his target and a second later a gust wind burst out
I jumped dodging the heavy that was in front of me and then I sprawled at seeing a second wind come at me, just when was about to get up I was suddenly trapped in a tornado
"Oh great" I muttered 'Alejandro must really by trying his best just to get Kirche's love'
"How do we get out of this partner?" Derf asked feeling a bit hopeless
I checked the debris surrounding us and saw them going in a counter-clockwise direction
"I just found a way"
I opened my sword and placed my engine memory inside
Engine
"Get ready Derf, this might be a little rough"
Alejandro smiled at seeing his target trapped in his spell, but before he could declare victory a voice came
Jet
Just then the tornado dispersed showing Peter in the center
"You think a little wind can stop me" he spoke "well think again"
I ran to Alejandro with my blade ready strike
Klang
I clashed my weapon with Alejandro's. I pushed myself forward and saw my target starting to struggle, taking the chance I decided to push his buttons
"What's wrong?" I smirked "feeling weak...?"
"Shut up!" Alejandro "you don't know who your facing!"
I jumped back dodging a slash from his sword
"Oh I already know" I pointed at Alejandro "I'm fighting a loser"
The audience gaped at my declaration
"You came here for taking a girl who already found someone she loves" I said "and now you're facing someone who holds higher power than you"
"Shut up!" he shouted again "you're lying!"
"Am I?" I asked "you will never have her and she will never love you!"
Alejandro dropped his weapon and covered his ears from my words
"I'm not hearing this...!" he denied
Kirche blushed a bit that her darling was talking about her. Maria on the other hand was surprised at seeing Peter declare Alejandro to be weak, but then she remembered her husband's words when he was describing a soldier
'A soldier must remain calm so that he can study the opponent for openings to counterattack, but if distracted…he will be wide open to be attacked from the enemy'
'I can't believe that he knew that tactic' Maria gasped 'if he wasn't with Louise, I would've mistaken him to be a soldier'
'Heh' I smirked 'fell right into my trap'
I stabbed my sword on the ground
"Sorry Derf, but I'd rather finish this myself" I spoke
"That's fine partner" the sword replied "just let me see the fight okay?"
I looked at Alejandro who is still denying the truth, I squeezed the handbrake
Accel Maximum Drive
I was covered in flames and I jumped forward and delivered a spinning heel kick to my target leaving a red tire track
Boom!
Alejandro flew back from the smoke and he felt a burning sensation on his chest, he was about to get up but was pinned down. He looked up to see his opponent
"I suggest that you give up if you value your life" I stated
Alejandro growled at this "I…" he looked away feeling both ashamed and disgraced "…surrender"
I let the Alejandro up and he walked away but he gave me a small glare for ruining his honor
"Darling...!"
I was taken by surprise when Kirche hold my head to her chest
"Oh darling, that was fantastic...!" she smiled "mother, isn't he just amazing!?"
"Peter Lionheart" lady Zerbst called "I have seen you act and your duel with Alejandro has made me say one thing..."
Suddenly my head was trapped between lady Zerbst's soft assets
"Welcome to the family son-in-law!"
SON-IN-LAW!?
"WHAAAT!?" Louise screamed
I was shocked to hear that lady Zerbst would accept me after the duel… then again she is the mother of Kirche...
I pulled myself out of lady Zerbst's arms and my armor disintegrated making me change back with a feeling of heavy fear
The audience was in shock at seeing me defeat a high-class noble in a duel of skill, after a moment of silence and then everyone erupted in loud cheers
"THAT'S OUR SWORD!" Marteiu cheered
"Wonderful, simply wonderful" Osmond clapped along with Jean and the other teachers
"I tell you he's no commoner!" a random student shouted
I saw Louise shiver in anger with her whip in hand, if it wasn't for Maria... then I would've face the wrath of my master
"Darling, darling!" Kirche called for her lover as she walked through the halls "where are you darling?"
As for where I am, I'm hiding behind a statue away from Kirche. I know what you're asking... why am I hiding from a beautiful girl who is willing to give her heart and soul to me...?
The answer has been simple; I'm not really ready to have myself ravished by her, and with lady Zerbst around, my chances are pretty slim...
There was only one place that I could feel really feel safe, and that was Louise's room… I shivered at the place knowing that the girl is furious about me fawning with the Zerbst ladies, but what choice do I have?
I quietly made my way to the door and slowly entered the room, needless to say Louise was surprised to see me and my thoughts are correct... she was scowling at me
"What are you doing here?" she spoke "you should be with Zerbst by now"
I could hear the anger in her tone but at the second statement she sounded sad, knowing that her fury would go first I could do the only thing that came to my mind
I placed my hands and knees on the floor and bowed deeply, Louise looked surprised
"Louise, I know that I have not been a good familiar" I spoke "but please! Let me stay here with you, I'll do anything!"
"Anything...?" Louise asked
"Yes anything!" I repeated
Oh Louise will enjoy this... I just know it!
I was on my hay bed chained to the wall with a collar on my neck. I have to say, I never thought that she was into this kind of thing
"Uh… Louise"
"Silence dog!" Louise took out here whip and struck me
WHAP!
"OW!" I yelled in pain
"You have no right to speak until I say you can!"
Louise really is enjoying my misery, when I told her that I would do anything this little arrangement is a small priceto be safe from Kirche's warm love
For now...
"You know partner" my sword spoke from it's scabbard "it's really a waste to not be with those two-"
Derf stopped when Louise gave a scary glare making the sentient blade rattle in fear
"O-on the other hand, I'm just a sword!" Derf went back to it's scabbard without saying another word
If it doesn't want to be melted down, it should keep quiet until she calmed down
Meanwhile in the village Alejandro Corleone was in a bar drinking a few glasses of wine to get rid of the shame he felt earlier but it was failing. He touched the mark on his chest feeling the pain still and he remembered the words spoken to him during the duel
'You will never have her and she will never love you'
Alejandro growled at those words, oh he just wished get rid of that… that INGRATE!
"Hello there" a voice called
Alejandro turned to see hooded figure sitting next to him
"What do you want?" Alejandro was in no mood to talk after having his pride destroyed
"Easy friend" the man smiled "I heard that you lost to a commoner in duel"
Alejandro growled at remembering that loss
"I also heard that he used an unusual type of magic" the man called "tell me, did it look something like this?"
He pulled out a small green box and placed it on the table
"Yes..." Alejandro nodded
"What would you say if you could have this power...?" the man smiled
Alejandro spat out his drink, being given an offer to become stronger is unbelievable. he stopped a moment... an offer like this is too easy to get
"What's this going to cost me?" he asked sternly
"The man you fought... what was his name?"
Alejandro couldn't believe what he was hearing. All this power to be traded for a simple name? He could just laugh at that, but it was tempting to get it...
I was lying down on my makeshift bed, I couldn't help but feel that something gonna happen I just know it!
I saw Louise sleeping soundly in her bed took off the collar and quietly reached for my equipment and left the room
'Oh Louise' I sighed 'if only you knew how to be nice...er'
Before I knew it I was tackled to the ground and my head hit the hard floor, as I was starting to lose consciousness I heard voices
"Oh dear, I think you hurt him"
"I was just happy to see him, I can't help but have him in my arms mother"
I was now awake to see Kirche in her nightgown smiling at me
"Hello darling" she smiled
I touched my head feeling a bit dizzy
"Ooh..." I groaned "what happened?"
"I'm sorry" Kirche replied "I'm just happy to see you that I didn't know that I hurt you, I'm sorry"
"That's okay Kirche" I smiled "I just hope that you learned not to do that often"
"How touching"
I turned around and to my shock, I saw lady Zerbst in a black version of Kirche's nightgown
Lady Zerbst grinned at my expression
"Like what you see...?"
I couldn't speak at the pure beauty of Kirche's mother and only nodded at her question
"Oh your sweet" she smiled "I can't wait to feel you"
I shivered at her tone. I could almost feel her words go up and down in my body
"Oh mother" Kirche pressed her body against my back "he's mine"
"I know that Kirche" lady Zerbst laughed lightly "I just want my share of your mysterious darling"
Before long the two of them were in front of me
"Let us enjoy our time together" they spoke at the same time
I couldn't handle it anymore, I was tempted to get this over with but I couldn't. The debate over the situation led me to pass out again.
"Aw" Kirche pouted "he fainted"
"Don't worry daughter" Maria chided "we can still sleep alongside him"
Kirche smiled at the suggestion and the both of them placed themselves beside Peter and fell asleep with a warm feeling
I opened my eyes feeling very warm and comfortable I tried to move but I stopped hearing a moan; to my left was Kirche and to my right was her mother. I looked down and saw my pants were still on me. I guess the two of them thought that it wasn't fun if they took advantage of me
I quietly got out off bed, took my shirt and jacket and saw flame wake up, I patted the salamander and it purred a bit before going back to sleep
I walked out to the halls and saw it was a night sky. I must've been out for a while… I saw Louise with Derflinger in her hands she looked slightly winded, my guess is that she was looking for me when I suddenly left her.
"Where were you?!" Louise screeched "I was looking everywhere!"
I smiled at Louise's worried expression
"I was just hiding from Kirche that's all"
Alejandro quietly moved to the girl side of the academy with a quick chant he floated to Kirche's open window. He saw his bride-to-be lying on her bed, and also saw lady Zerbst sleeping on the same bed but she was far apart from her daughter
He took out some rope and used his magic to slowly tie itself around Kirche's arms and legs. And the girl floated out the window and into his waiting arms
Alejandro smiled at his accomplishment but was interrupted by a voice
"Just what are you doing with my daughter?"
Alejandro looked up to see Maria looking very unhappy
"If you want to know, I am taking Kirche to Germania"
"Not without my permission...!"
Maria took out her wand and made a quick fire spell
Boom
Louise and I heard the explosion
"What was that?" I asked
"It came from Zerbst's room!" Louise answered
Louise and I ran to the room and saw a melted wall with lady Zerbst inside looking mad
"What happened?" I asked
"It's Alejandro!" Lady Zerbst shouted "she kidnapped my daughter!"
I know that Alejandro was twisted but resorting to kidnapping...? that's the lowest act upon the society.
I could feel my anger raging to my mind, I was already thinking of getting that bastard if a noble a piece of my mind. Just then red light glowed in my pocket… I took out the object and saw that my Accel memory was actually trying to agree with me
I smiled at this, I placed my acceldriver on my waist and placed the Accel memory inside, I made a quick twist on the throttle.
Accel
My armor appeared finishing my transformation but I didn't stop there, I took out my Trial memory and twisted the stopwatch on top before replacing it with my Accel memory
Trial
My armor changed to bright yellow and then it broke down revealing my Trial form
Maria and Louise were awestruck at seeing the transition up close
I turned to Kirche's mother
"Don't worry ma'am, I'll get your daughter back"
I then ran to the hole that lady Zerbst made and ran down the wall leaving two speechless ladies with a cloud of dust.
"Let go of me you brute!" Kirche struggled "just what are you planning to do with me!?"
"Why, we're going to Germania to be wed of course...!" Alejandro grinned
Kirche was shocked to hear that. Alejandro was so crazy to force her to marry him just to fix his wounded pride? He's insane...!
Kirche continued to fight the bindings she was in until she saw a large trail of dust following her… only one person came into her mind.
"DARLING!" she shouted "SAVE ME...!"
Alejandro turned to see a figure on the ground following him and after hearing who it was, he growled!
"Him again?!"
Alejandro took out his weapon and cast a small tornado hoping to hit it's mark
I was able to follow the culprit since it was the only flying creature in the night, Just then I saw a small gale heading right at me. I dodged the attack knowing that Alejandro would try anything to get me but I'm much faster now and an attack like that won't stop me.
'I just hope this works!"
While running I made a stomp on the ground and suddenly I was up in the air gaining to the white Pegasus.
I was able to grab onto Alejandro's sleeve and placed myself in front of him
"You think you could get away with this, well guess again!"
I grabbed Alejandro's fighting arm and delivered a couple of hits on his face
Bam!
Pow!
I quickly took Kirche in my arms and jumped off the flying horse and tried to cover the girl from hitting the hard soil.
Crash!
I skidded on the grass protecting Kirche from getting hurt… if it wasn't for my armor I would have lost my arm there and then
"Are you alright Kirche?" I looked at her with concern
"I'm fine darling" she coughed "help me get free"
I took out my engine blade and cut the ropes on Kirche's arms and legs, after that Alejandro landed on the ground looking very displeased.
"Hide!"
Kirche dashed to the nearest tree and hide behind it
"I can't believe that you would do this just to feel better" I sighed "but since you did such a thing then let us settle this in skill"
Alejandro took out an object and, to my shock, it was a Gaia memory!
Unicorn
The item floated and placed itself onto his forehead, a bright green light signaled his transformation; his body was now bulky with, his hands and feet were covered with hoof-like armor, finally his head changed into horse head with a green mane with a horn on his forehead.
The Dopant felt his new power coursing through him and he loved it...!
"With this power" Alejandro spoke "I can finally get rid of you and take Kirche for myself!"
I wasted no time and ran to my target, he was about to deliver a punch to my face but I dodged that and delivered a high kick hitting his face.
The dopant flew back hitting the ground with dirt covering his body
"Even with that power, you have no chances beating me" I sneered
Alejandro growled at my words "I…WILL…HAVE…MY... BRIDE!"
Just then his horn glowed and it fired a beams of magic
I dodged the attack and seeing that I have to end this, I took out my engine blade
"Ready Derf?"
"Always ready...!"
I placed my accel memory in my sword
Accel Maximum Drive
"Get ready to taste defeat again Alejandro"
I took out my Trial memory and pressed the button on the watch
Click
I ran to the Dopant dodging another barrage of energy horns. When I got close I quickly delivered a heavy set of slashes around him making him stagger in place
Kirche saw the whole thing, once seeing her darling go into ridiculous speed delivering attack after attack, she even saw a bright blue T mark with every strike! Peter was really the one for her...
I stopped my attack and pressed the button on my stop watch showing 9.6 seconds
Trial Maximum Drive
Red lines started to appear around Alejandro's body before the explosion came
Boom!
Alejandro was blown away and he was unconscious, I took the Unicorn memory of the ground and held it tight
'Just what are you planning Daido...?'
Just then Kirche tackled me to the ground
"Oh darling you were amazing!" she smiled "I knew could save me...!"
After making sure that Alejandro was tied up, all three of us went back to Tristain academy for a much needed rest
Morning came and Alejandro was still tied up from last night, since he was from Germania, the officers of said land will take care of him.
We are now at the gates of the academy with Kirche and her mother saying their goodbyes
"Oh Kirche, I had such a god time visiting you" lady Zerbst smiled "and Peter Lionheart, thank you for saving my daughter"
"It was not a problem lady Zerbst" I bowed
Just then I was trapped again by her soft melons
"Please call me Maria" she giggled
"Oh mother" Kirche pulled me out of her mother's grasp before I went into hers "remember, he's mine"
Maria smiled at her daughter "but he's so much fun to play with"
"I know" Kirche held me tightly "he's like a warrior gifted by fire destroying the enemies that stood in his path..."
"Peter Lionheart, the fire knight" Maria hummed "that's a nice name..."
"Oh mother let's take him to Germania and make him a noble!" Kirche smiled "with his magic and skill, he would surely fit in...!"
"Making wedding preparations already?" Maria snickered
"Maybe" Kirche smiled
"EXCUSE ME!" Louise interrupted "HE'S MY FAMILIAR!"
"How cute" Maria smiled "you have a rival for the boy's affection Kirche"
"WHAT!?" Louise screeched with a red face
I was able to get out of Kicrhe's hold when Louise barged into the conversation and I have to say… her anger is really impressive if she can overcome her fear at the moment
Lady Zerbst bid her farewell and left Louise to argue with Kirche.
I looked to my side and saw Tabitha reading her book
"I'm guessing that this always happens?" I asked
Tabitha nodded not looking up from her book
To be continued…
Author's notes:
Hi there! This is the author and this chapter took a while since I have to make it up.
Anyways, I bet you're wondering who the members of NEVER are… well I'll give you a bit of information about them, and also I'll be giving them special names since they will be a part of this story
So here they are:
Daido, Kamen Rider Eternal
Weapon of choice; dagger
Skills; strong leadership, agile knife combat skills
Gaia memory: Eternal
Emily, the mystic
Weapon of choice: whip
Skills: hand-to-hand specialist, grapple master
Gaia memory: Luna
Matt, the marksman
Weapon of choice: Trigger magnum
Skills: superior marksmanship
Gaia memory: Trigger
Erik, the ferocious beast
Weapon of choice: Metal shaft
Skills: brute strength
Gaia memory: Fang
Lidia, the destructive
Weapon of choice: wand
Skills: rouge noble, powerful spellcaster
Gaia memory: Weather
For now a few of them will get a chance to fight Accel in one chapter at a time
Also I got a review from someone would like to see Skull and W
First off; Skull won't be making into the story since I thought of Eternal as the other rider for this story
And second; I'm planning to at least give an Alternate scene where Peter will use the W arsenal but only in particular scenes will it be seen okay.
Hope you enjoy the story so far
Author out