Gladiolus

by IAmStoryteller

Three years after the battle against the Elves, everyone thought that the biggest threat was over. No one expected a foreign wizard to screw everything up for a lot of the Magic Knights of the Clover Kingdom. PART 1 Gladiolus Verse (Black Clover Canon Divergent AU)

3. Chapter 3

SPOILERS!

In my canon divergence, Asta and the Black Bulls didn't have to leave the Clover Kingdom to find the devils or whatever, Also, Julius is still the Wizard King, even though he de-aged, so oops, on my part.

I am really liking where Tabata is taking the Black Clover series. It was a nice twist. ALSO BLACK BULLS' ROAD TRIP IN HENRY'S MOVING HOUSE!

Warnings for this chapter:
more blood, vomiting, black outs, arguing

So enjoy the chapter! This was is a doozy!

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Clover Kingdom
Capital City
Silva Homestead
Dining Hall
5th Day of the Curse
Evening

You could cut the tension with a knife, Noelle thought to herself. She would rather be at home at the Black Bulls' Hideout, or in the infirmary looking after Finral, or even training with her squadmates. Noelle knew that Nozel had been right. The only way to get out of a Silva family dinner was if there was an official mission.

Lucky Nebra was on a co-op mission with Magna and some others. Noelle was stuck sitting between Solid and Nozel for this dinner. The rest of the Silva family surrounded them, from various aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members. She wanted to leave, but one could leave only when dismissed by Grandmother Silva.

Their father Argent had been dismissed at the start of the meal due to him claiming to "have a headache." She swore that Nozel looked like he wanted to tie his father to the chair to make him stay. Noelle loved her father but he was useless without their mother (according to Nebra). It didn't help that Solid was unnaturally quiet and timid in the presence of the matriarch of the Silva family.

Noelle felt highly uncomfortable. She dressed nice normally, but at family dinners, she had to force herself into a corset and a high-necked collar, long-sleeve itchy dress. She looked every part of royalty and it annoyed her that she wasn't home.

Because this place wasn't home.

She had never been more grateful to Nozel, after she had learned that he had been the buffer between Grandmother and Noelle, Nebra and Solid all these years without complaint. It turned out that Nozel sent Noelle off to the Black Bulls to protect her from being put under training with Grandmother's hand-picked bodyguards. Yami told her one night when he had gotten wasted why he allowed her in his squad in the first place.

"Young Lady Noelle, elbows off the table," snapped Grandmother Silva. "Living with commoners clearly made you devoid of your manners and decorum as a royal." Everyone stopped talking and eating to look at Noelle being scolded.

Meliora Silva had been the matriarch of the Silva Royal House since the death of her husband, Noelle's grandfather, Nerio Silva. Lady Meliora had been born in a noble house with the sole purpose of marrying into one of the royal houses. Her stern, wrinkled face hid that she had been a stunning beauty as a young woman. Despite her advanced age and white hair, she was quick as a tact.

Her steely blue eyes pierced Noelle straight to the core.

Noelle immediately moved her elbows off the table. She hadn't even noticed, but when you live with a human-dwarf hybrid with a bottomless stomach like Charmy, manners at the dinner table didn't matter. Noelle bowed her head, deferential. "Apologies, Grandmother."

The all-consuming feeling of wanting to go home made some tears well up in her eyes, before she forced herself not to cry and attempt to continue eating in peace.

Conversation restarted amongst the aunts and uncles and cousins when one of them, Noelle didn't know who said, snottily,

"This whole nonsense with the curse wouldn't have happened if Nozel had been picked as the Wizard King, instead of Aldebrand's oldest son. He married a commoner, after all."

Noelle gripped her fork tighter. How dare they insult Fuegoleon Vermillion? She loved her brother, yes, but everyone agreed that Fuegoleon was the better choice to take over after Julius could no longer perform the duties of Wizard King. As a Magic Knight, loyalty to one's Wizard King was so ingrained that even Solid tensed up beside Noelle.

"Cousin Dynell," snapped Nozel, in his Captain authoritative tone he used when he was with the Silver Eagles normally or in the field with other Magic Knights, "watch your tone."

"Grandmamma, tell Nozel that he can't talk to me that," whined Cousin Dynell.

Noelle knew that was the wrong thing to say as she traded side-glances of worry with Solid. Nozel had been on edge since suffering from the curse and he's particularly strange lately. Noelle knew that he was going through something in his head that had to do with Noelle and her other siblings, but she didn't know what.

"Nozel, don't speak to your cousin that way," demanded Grandmother Silva. "Noelle, sit up straight will you! Honestly!"

Noelle cringed, but made to stop hunching over, when Nozel stood up from his chair abruptly.

"Enough. Solid, Noelle, we are leaving. When the rest of our family can see to it not to be rude and entitled to those that have fought time and again for the peace and prosperity of the Kingdom, then maybe we'll dine again together as a family should," said Nozel. He was stalking out of the room.

Noelle and Solid wisely followed their oldest brother, not wanting to be in that oppressive hall any longer.

Catching up with Nozel who was visibly mad (something she hadn't seen in ages because he was so stoic), Noelle said, "Brother, are you ok? Do you need to talk?"

Breathing in and out deeply, Nozel calmed himself down. "I'm sorry I made you come, Noelle, Solid. We won't have to do that anymore."

Noelle looked strangely at her brother.

Solid looked baffled.

Sighing, Nozel replied with a cryptic response that worried Noelle more than it should, "There are some thing that I must think about for the future, but you needn't worry yourselves with it at the moment. I will explain everything to you two and Nebra when I figure it out."

Noelle was troubled. Her brother was being weird.

Grand Magic Zone Gravito Rock Zone, Neutral Territory
6th Day of the Curse
Evening

Mereoleona Vermillion was royally screwed. She knew that she brought this upon herself, she knew she did, honestly. Fuegoleon was going to be so mad at her for putting him in this position.

She looked across the campfire to the three young girls that she found running from mercenaries from the Spade Kingdom four days ago. Mereoleona had rescued them after pummeling the mercenaries to dust. Taking a look at their dirty, scared faces made Mereoleona want to save them. It was a terrible feeling. She blamed her brothers, Asta, Noelle, and Zora for the feelings.

They were all about 11 years old. One had short dark brown hair, golden eyes, and tanned skin, she was hungrily gnawing on the bone of the boar beast that Mereoleona fried for dinner. Her name was Hanima. She had blue magic tattoos running up and down her arms, ones that Mereoleona knew blocked her magic use. She suspected Hanima to be a water-affinity wizard.

Another of the girls had toffee-brown eyes, black hair and an unnaturally pale complexion. Her name was Sabriel. The black magic tattoos ran up and down her neck and face for the same magic blocking purpose. Mereoleona suspected Sabriel to be a wind-affinity wizard.

The last of the girls troubled Mereoleona a bit more because she was very reminiscence of Zacharias. It must be her imagination but the soft vermillion-shaded blond hair and the green eyes reminded Mereoleona so much of her old friend. And here she thought that she was taking time away from home to reorient herself from the curse situation that she endured, but no, things couldn't go smoothly. This girl's name was Blue. She had gold magic tattoos running up and down her arms, neck and face. Most likely she had light-affinity magic.

Hanima, Blue, and Sabriel were all dirty, underfed, and unfortunately sick from being exposed to the elements and the natural magic in this area. Hanima and Sabriel both were unable to speak the Common Language, but Blue knew bits and pieces of it.

From what Mereoleona gathered, they came from a small town at the northern most edge of the Spade Kingdom. The town in question was something that she only ever heard rumors about in her travels—a town where magic was banned. Technically an autonomous land, it still had been claimed by the Spade Kingdom.

A wizard or witch unable to use his or her magic made them sick. It wasn't like with Asta, who had no magic at all. She had to bring them back to the Clover Kingdom to get Julius to remove this tattoos blocking their magic. It was an utter travesty to harm these girls in this way.

Blue explained how they ran away because together, they began attempting to learn magic without grimoires. Chased by the authorities of their town and the Spade Kingdom mercenaries, the three girls without use of their magic managed to make their way through hostile territory until they ran into Mereoleona.

She had been impressed at their ingenuity and resolve.

And it was why she needed to help them. Not only did her own morals dictate it, but she knew that one day, these three would become amazing wizards and it would be a shame to see them never grow into their power.

Her parents were also going to not be pleased either, due to her plan to get them into the Clover Kingdom. With the way things had been going, many were wary of outsiders and she knew that the stupid Magic Parliament were going to do something like put harsher restrictions on travel between kingdoms or whatever. Therefore, Mereoleona had a plan.

Honestly, it was more a plan worthy of Asta's dumbass but Mereoleona was not going to leave these girls.

"Can...we eat...more," asked Blue, hesitantly.

"As much as you like, I can always hunt more," said Mereoleona. If she was by herself, she would have gotten home in a day. Travel with the girls was slow due to the fact that they were small, weak, and had no powers. It was going to be a bit before she got back home.

Fuegoleon was going to have a heart-attack. She was certain.

Clover Kingdom
Dungeon at the eastern edge near the border of Clover and Diamond
6th Day of the Curse
Nighttime

"Alright, Magna will lead the way into the dungeon, as it is a narrow and dark passage, his flames in front would be best," said Mackenzie Ruford, 1st Class Senior Magic Knight of the Azure Deer. She had neatly-cut short brown hair and grey-eyes. She was the squad leader of this co-op team due to her ranking, though Magna had never worked with her before, she seemed like the no-nonsense, yet reasonable, get-the-job done type. "I'll take the rear. Lady Nebra will be behind Magna, and Fragil will be behind Lady Nebra. Once in the dungeon, we'll spread out and go from there. We must be wary, however, as the Diamond Kingdom wizards may appear to take claim to the dungeon."

"Yes, ma'am," said Fragil Tormenta, Mackenzie's subordinate as a 1st Class Intermediate Magic Knight in the Azure Deer squad. Magna had worked plenty of times with Fragil before. Her snow affinity magic was pretty cool. And Fragil always had sweet snacks on her that she shared.

"Whatever," Nebra snorted dismissively. As a 4th Class Senior Magic Knight of the Silver Eagles and a member of the Silva Royal Family, she was the worst person to have in a cooperative team mission.

Magna should know, because he was pretty sure that Captain Yami and Wizard King Fuegoleon was either out to annoy him to the nth degree or somehow hoped that Magna will get Nebra to be less hostile to non-Silver Eagle Magic Knights. To be fair, she had gotten a lot more tolerable since the war against the elves. She doesn't insult people anymore (mostly) and worked as hard as everyone else, it was just her attitude that grated on most people's nerves.

Magna felt his eye twitch. The only reason he hadn't challenged her to a fight to knock her down a peg or two was because she was Noelle's older sister. Magna knew how much Noelle was working mending her relationships with her older siblings and he didn't want to ruin anything for her.

"Sounds like a plan, team captain," said Magna. Despite having the lowest ranking as a 2nd Intermediate Magic Knight, he suspected that he was the second strongest in terms of mana levels (with Nebra outstripping him because she's a royal and they naturally have more mana) but the best at combat. Fragil and Nebra's magics were designed more for traps or behind-the-scenes moves. Mackenzie was an all-around wizard but a type to plan accordingly so no one had to fight. It was up to Magna to look out for his teammates, no matter what squad they came from or no matter if they were a stuck-up princess or not.

The point of cooperation mission between squads to promote good will and grow the ability to work with anyone regardless of magic, class or personality.

"Great," said Mackenzie, smiling. "Lead the way, Magna!"

Magna used his magic to light a torch and he led the way into the wet, damp breach to the dungeon below. He sensed the three women behind him, in the order that Mackenzie suggested. Eventually the small cavern opened up to a large maze dungeons. Maze dungeons were the worst.

Then he sensed four other distinct mana types nearby, stopping abruptly, causing Nebra to slam into his back.

"What's your problem," hissed Nebra.

Magna leveled a glare at the royal woman behind him and held up four fingers. "We are definitely not alone."

"Alright, be on guard, let's go," said Mackenzie.

The four Clover Magic Knights entered the dungeon, unknowingly headed straight into massive danger on a scale of which they hadn't seen in three years.

Clover Kingdom
Somewhere in the Skies above the Clover Capital
7th Day of the Curse
Morning

William Vangeance gnawed on his bottom lip in worry as he held several ancient texts in his arms, while Patri used his light magic to take them to the Magic Knights Headquarters. William was rather worried about Yuno. Certainly, he was worried about the others, especially his dear friend Dorothy, but Yuno had the assuredly fatal curse.

"You are going to make yourself bleed, William, you must relax," said Patri. They were sitting on a light-based carpet-like transportation spell. "Yuno is a strong wizard. I'm sure that once he realizes the situation, he'll have to confess to whomever he's in love with and it is Yuno, so only a fool would turn him down."

William sighed. "I don't think it's that easy for Yuno, Patri. Humans all get a little strange when it comes to the matters of the heart." He had been the same way, to be honest, he still was weird about romantic love. He always felt like he was not good enough, thanks his deep crippling insecurities about his birthmark. However, William had no idea what was stopping Yuno from confessing to Asta. Of course, William knew it was Asta. Asta was the only one that wasn't aware of the depth of Yuno's feelings for him. What's the saying? Sometimes, you can't see what's right in front of you.

Patri raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "I am well-aware of that fact."

"What's that supposed to mean," William asked.

"Licht fell in love with a human princess, did he not? Elves are more open to just tell another their feelings, and if hadn't been for Licht's forwardness and kindness, I doubt the princess would have said anything in fear of something," responded Patri, glibly. "And, you forget easily that I had shared a body with you for 28 years. You think I didn't notice the whole time."

William was lucky that his mask covered the majority of his face, because his face was on fire. He coughed. "I don't know what you're talking about, Patri."

"Right," said Patri, sarcastically.

"You are spending way too much time with the younger members of the Golden Dawn," mused William. Patri, since the battle three years, had been spending the majority of his time attempting to make amends. Most of his work centered on the Golden Dawn and the younger recruits had taken to Patri. They are a terrible influence on him, but Patri's getting along with humans so it's fine. Patri's sarcasm was a result of these interactions. "I'm not hiding anything."

Patri shook his head and amusedly replied, "So the fact that you've been wanting to go to the infirmary every day since the mess started to sit with Dorothy, but haven't, because she hasn't spoken to you in three years, doesn't mean anything, huh?"

William opened his mouth to respond, but shut it immediately. Patri was right. William had been a very terrible friend to Dorothy in the last three years. The two had been good friends long before they were Captains of their respective squads. They had bonded over their love of hats and masks. Dorothy had even gifted several masks to him over the years that he's kept safe, but never worn. And of course, William knew who Dorothy was coughing up pink rose petals for and it wasn't him. It was worse because everyone attended the wedding of the person that Dorothy was in love with, only a year and a half ago too.

The fact was that she was furious with him after the whole Eye of the Midnight Sun thing and maybe letting an elf taken over her body thing. It was a big betrayal, after all, and William didn't blame her for shutting him out of her life. Granted, mostly everyone who knew what he had done over time forgave him, even Julius, but once he saw the fury and the hurt in her eyes, he couldn't even bring himself to apologize properly. Words meant nothing, after all, if the actions didn't match.

"William," called Patri, as they approached the headquarters, getting ready to touch down on the ground, "I know better than anyone that it's never too late to learn from your mistakes and make up for what you've done wrong. An apology is a good start."

"Thanks, Patri."

"Of course."

Clover Kingdom
Coral Peacocks' Squad Headquarters
Vice-Captain Kirsch Vermillion's Office
7th Day of the Curse
Morning

If this was just another day, Asta would have been having a blast exploring the trippy and whimsical Coral Peacocks Headquarters. The floating castle hovered in the sky with purple daze dream clouds to stop intruders. The castles floors and ceilings were made of trampolines and pillows. Everything was bright, colorful, and fun.

Instead, Asta was in Kirsch Vermillion's office, which was the most normal-looking room in the entire castle, reviewing mission reports with Levi Roe, suffering while worrying about his childhood best friend and the rest of the victims in the infirmary back at Magic Knight Headquarters. Kirsch, in fact, did all the Coral Peacocks' paperwork because Dorothy was sleeping the majority of the time.

Asta wondered if Dorothy was more like Captain Yami, who just didn't give a damn about paperwork in the first place. Asta knew that Finral was the one that did all the Black Bulls' paperwork when Asta first joined the Black Bulls. Slowly, Asta and Noelle helped take some of the burden off their beleaguered older teammate.

"Yeah that guy doesn't seem like it, but he's actually very reliable and efficient. It's gross," said Levi, the first time Asta was taken to Kirsch's neatly and precisely organized office. Levi seemed to view Kirsch with grudging respect, which is how Asta viewed Kirsch after the first time they met at the Royal Knights Exams. But the other members seemed love their Captain and Vice-Captain very much.

Thankfully, the Coral Peacocks' squad was self-sufficient, probably due to the constantly sleeping Captain and the efficient, reliable Vice-Captain who had no time to micromanage. There was no backup of paperwork or reports, so everything was current.

"Umm, I'm a little confused, Levi," said Asta. He just read another report of a small team of Coral Peacock members (who were all commoners). "Kirsch doesn't like commoners, but the Coral Peacocks has members who are commoners and Dorothy is a witch from the Witches' Forest. I mean, you're a merchant's son, right?"

Levi snorted. "Vice-Captain is a complicated person. Despite his dramatics and attitude, he cares in his own way, his own…strange way. Kirsch respects Captain very much. We all do. And I think because of that respect, when Dorothy picked us for her squad, Kirsch basically forgot that we were commoners and focused on us being his squadmates above all else. Actually, I really don't know, but that's my best guess."

Asta sighed. "I hope they get better soon."

"You and me both, Captain Asta," said Levi. Then he said, "Not that hanging with you has been bad or anything, but without the Captain, no one has gotten any good sleep, and without the Vice-Captain, everyone's stressed about paperwork and keeping the squad functioning. It's a bad combination."

"Understandable," said Asta, feeling very much like an eighteen-year-old kid and not a young man. The thought of someone coming in temporarily for Captain Yami was disheartening. He always made everyone push past their limits. "Do you think that Captain Dorothy and Kirsch will be able to overcome the curse?"

"Yes," said Levi, without an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You still worried about Captain Yuno, huh?"

"Yeah," replied Asta. He honestly didn't know what to do with Yuno. While he had visited, there wasn't much to say since Yuno won't listen and Asta just wanted him to get better.

"You're not the only one that cares about the people in the infirmary," said Levi, with a sympathetic smile. "Let's get this done and hopefully the cook set up the ice-cream bar in the kitchen again."

Asta nodded.

But what Levi said gave him an idea. It might work.

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
Inside the Infirmary
7th Day of the Curse
Noonish

Leopold was so done with this whole situation. He wanted to go home. He wanted to go back to training and missions. And he wanted not to think about feelings. After a couple of days of being cooped up and monitored, Leopold was bored. In his boredom, he made friends with Captain Charlotte, who was actually super cool and she promised to stop by to bring him some books and snacks. He also befriended Finral, who was super energetic for someone ill. Leo and Finral had taken to teasing Leopold's cousin Kirsch. Kirsch insisted that he had no unrequited feelings for anyone and complained the most.

However, being in the infirmary also meant constant visits from his mother, Lady Ruth (who hurt if you didn't listen to what she said) and beleaguered Dr. Owen. The hovering the medics were doing was actually kind of stressful.

At the moment, Leo was on his best behavior since his mother was the medic on duty and the fact that Uncle Sazerac and Aunt Nickole were there visiting Kirsch. Kirsch was attempting to soothe his parents' worries, even with Aunt Nickole attempting to get Kirsch to tell her who he was in love with and if she could set up something for him. Poor Kirsch. At least, Finral had his new cute girlfriend Finesse to keep him company. They were kind of sickeningly in love.

Leopold didn't want to look at the Queen of Hearts, because she was in bad shape, or Yuno, because he looked like death warmed over and Leopold was actually worried for him. And Captain Dorothy was still sleeping away, despite the pink roses steadily falling from her mouth.

"Ah, son, you look dreadfully bored," said the familiar calming tone of his father, Aldebrand Vermillion. His father was an ultra-busy man, just like Fuegoleon. Leopold loved and respected his father very much. Leo felt bad about taking him away from his busy schedule just to visit him. "Dear, I'm going to take Leo for a short walk. He needs some fresh air."

"Of course, sweetheart, just be sure that if his coughing gets worse to bring him right back," said his mother. Solace was busy attending to the Queen of Hearts.

"Naturally," said Leopold's father. "Let's go, my boy."

Taking advantage of getting out of the infirmary for a while, he got out of the bed and slipped his shoes on his feet to follow his father out of the infirmary. His father, who Fuegoleon took after in looks the most, stood close by Leopold, just in case. It almost felt like Leo was a little kid again and not a nineteen-year-old young man.

"Come, let's go to the courtyard, Leo," said his father, gently leading Leopold to the nearest outside courtyard by the infirmary.

"Thanks cough for coming to cough visit, Father, I cough appreciate it," said Leopold.

"Nonsense, Leo. You're my son, of course I'm going to come and check on you," replied his father.

Finally outside, Leo felt a bit more like himself as the sun beat down and the fresh air filled his bruised and battered lungs. They found one of the benches and took a seat. "Ah, that sun cough feels nice."

"As a fire affinity wizard, staying out of the sun is no fun," commented his father. "We'll go back in a bit, so long as you're okay. Let's not invoke the wrath of your mother."

Leopold grinned at his father. "Yeah. It's not so bad. Cough cough The pain is dull."

"Means you're getting used to it," said Aldebrand, turning a critical eye on Leo. "Leo, I've never interfered with you and your siblings' choices. Mereoleona chooses not to marry. And Fuego chose to marry the love of his life and not to the arranged fiancée picked by my parents."

Leopold nodded. The fact remained that Mereoleona being an unmarried woman in her thirties was practically unheard and Fuego marrying for love, a commoner no less, was also something not done. But their parents supported the decisions. "Well, I can't really see Big Sister cough cough cough ever getting married. And Big Brother cough deserves all the cough happiness in the world."

Aldebrand chuckled. "Yes, I agree. But Leo, I know you won't tell your mother or your brother, but won't you tell me? If there's something I can do to help, I want to."

Leopold knew someone would ask eventually. No one dared asked the Queen of Hearts. Asta asked Yuno and that caused an argument. Finral's flowers were for his brother Langris, everyone knew it. And Kirsch was mum on the subject, in complete denial. Leopold had told one person—his friend Fragil, who knew all the best places to get sweet treats. But Fragil was busy on missions and he didn't want to burden her anymore.

He really wished it wasn't his father that asked Leo this question, however. It was not that he didn't trust his father or want to confide in him. His father was a good, strong, kind man who never had anything bad to say about anyone. Leopold just didn't want to seem any weaker in front of his father.

Truthfully, Leopold probably spent more time with Fuegoleon growing up than his father, but that didn't mean anything. It didn't mean that his father loved him less.

"Leo, stop it. I don't think you're weak," said his father, sternly. How did Leo's father know what Leo was thinking? Did his father really pay that close attention to Leo? "You are my son, you are your mother's son, and you are your siblings' brother, there's no weakness in you. Love is complex, especially when you are dealing with a curse on top of it. Unlike Fuego who had an emotional maturity about him forever and Mereoleona who just says what she thinks, you are more like me. When I fell in love with your mother 36 years ago, I couldn't handle it. My responsibilities as heir to the Vermillion family weighed heavily upon my shoulders. I didn't think I was good enough for her, despite her background and couldn't bring myself to fight my father for my chance to court and marry her."

"But you did, cough because you two cough are married," said Leopold.

"Yes, after your mother turned around and asked to court me in turn. Oh, the horror of the older generation of a nobleman's illegitimate daughter courting the male heir of the Vermillion House. It was scandalous then," mused Aldebrand. "It's okay to have feelings. And even if things seem like it's hopeless, never give up. You might be surprised at what may happen."

Leopold sighed. He felt the heavy weight on his lungs. "I have no chance, cough cough though, Father. Really, I don't. Cough I don't know why my heart cough cough did this to me, made me have these cough cough feelings for someone who won't be able to love me cough cough cough back because they already cough love someone more than anything."

"Have you told them? How can you be sure?"

Leopold laughed, self-deprecatingly. "Cough cough cough You would have to be blind not to see how Asta cough cough cough cough cough cough cough cough looks at Yuno, Father."

And then Leopold realized that he just said out loud what didn't want to say. Men being in love with other or women being in love with other women was fine, but only if you weren't royalty or nobility.

"Oh, son," said his father, unable to keep the sympathy out of his voice. "Asta is a good kid, an honorable Magic Knight, despite having no magic, and he's very honest and earnest to a fault, isn't he? I can see why you fell for him. Have you talked to him?"

"I can't," whispered Leopold. "Father, cough I don't know what to do." He won't cry. He won't cry, not now, not in front of his father.

"Asta being in love with someone else does not, in any way, shape or form, invalidate your feelings. You have a right to tell him how you feel, and if he's the young man that you and I both know him to be, he'll listen and still be your friend at the end of the day," said Aldebrand.

Leopold felt the tears before he could stop them. He sniffled once, then twice. He hurriedly wiped his face. He was an ugly crier.

Then strong, warm, steady arms wrapped around him in a tight hug as his father pulled him into an embrace. "It's okay, Leo, I'm here."

And Leopold held on to his father and cried.

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
The Wizard King's Office
7th Day of the Curse
Afternoon

Fuegoleon Vermillion had wanted to be the Wizard King since he was a little boy. He just never knew how much of a headache it was deal with the ins and outs of politics of kingdom based on magic. While the Magic Knights were the main military force of the Kingdom, they were not given free reign over anything. Everything had to pass through the Magic Parliament's hands before major orders to be given. Ultimately, the reigning monarch had last say over everything.

The Magic Parliament will be issuing new orders beginning next month, banning all inter-kingdom travel without express permission and appropriate documents (i.e. someone's merchant's license, etc.). Mereoleona had better get back home soon or there will be an incident on their hands. Not to mention inter-realm travel continued to be limited. How were young aspiring wizards supposed to get to the Capital for the Magic Knights Exams if they needed notarized permission from the magistrate of the next realm over? Fuegoleon really needed to call another Captains' meeting.

This was a goddamn mess.

"Sir, sorry to interrupt you, but we have a situation in the dungeons," exclaimed Marx, rushing into Fuegoleon's office.

"Yes, Marx," asked Fuegoleon, wishing for a vacation somewhere where no one knew his name.

"The rogue Heart wizard has been found dead in his cell. The cause of death was some sort of suicide pact curse," Marx declared.

Fuegoleon sighed. "Unbelievable. Marx, please investigate the situation. Find out how he accessed his magic since he was to be cut off from his mana with magic dampening spells. Have Dr. Owen inform the Queen of Hearts of the situation. We'll keep this quiet until we can figure out what really happened," ordered Fuegoleon.

"Yes, sir," said Marx. "I'm on it. Also Sal is on her way, just to let you know and she has a look on her face."

"Ugh, more bad news, alright. Get to it, Marx. Keep me aware of the situation," he replied. Marx nodded and left to do his orders. There was a reason why Fuegoleon kept Marx on as the Wizard King's assistant. The man was good at his job. Fuegoleon can see why Julius brought Marx from Grey/Azure Deer with him when Julius became Wizard King.

A knock on the door had Fuegoleon's attention as Sal entered the office. Sal was as tall as him with medium length, untamed black hair and grey eyes. She was formerly of the Grey/Azure Deer as a 1st Class Senior Magic Knight, but when Julius became Wizard King, she was brought along with him. Sal is an expert in the fields of magical theory and did a lot of leg-work research for Julius' curious magic nerd mind.

Sal was also Fuegoleon's wife of almost two years.

"So, what the hell was Marx's rush," asked Sal, finding a seat in front of his desk. "And you look peeved. So either it was the rouge wizard again or the Magic Parliament or both."

Fuegoleon shook his head. "How do you even know sometimes…? Anyway, yes, the Magic Parliament is troublesome as always, but the Captains and I will figure something out. And unfortunately the rogue wizard has died via a suicide curse."

Sal grimaced. "Well, your day is about to get worse, dearest."

"Nice try to lessen the blow. But you using a pet name is weird. But I figured you had bad news. What did you find out?"

"The rogue wizard wasn't working alone. And I think we are going to have an Eye of the Midnight Sun problem."

"Good Lord in Heaven."

"Yeah, she can't help us now, Fuego."

"I know. Explain."

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
The Infirmary
7th Day of the Curse
Dinnertime

Langris Vaude returned from his mission to find out that his Captain was in the infirmary with the unrequited love curse. Langris didn't necessarily like Yuno, but he respected the younger wind wizard, even if Langris got passed over for Captainship for him. Nonetheless, after the whole elf-taking-over-his-body thing and almost murdering his older brother, Langris was trying to learn to let things go and not take everything to heart.

Even if meant playing nice with the younger wizard that took his rightful spot as the Captain of the Golden Dawn, Langris was trying, sort of. Well, he and Yuno haven't gotten into any arguments over leading the squad in a year, so that's progress. So it was the respect for the position of Captain that had Langris going to report directly to his Captain in the infirmary.

Admittedly, he was trying to avoid the infirmary because Finral was there and they haven't really spoken in three years since Langris' attempted murder of him (well, nothing outside of Magic Knight business). Langris didn't even thank Finral for saving him back then, either. Finral's face would either send him into a flying rage or make him feel massive amounts of guilt and other feelings he had rather not feel. It didn't help that Alecdora heard that Lady Finesse had confessed to Finral on top of the situation, so if Langris' fiancée was there, it would be even more awkward.

Entering the infirmary, Langris was not able to avoid making direct eye contact with his brother. He and Finral stared at each other for a long time, much more than what was appropriate until his brother began vomiting up ungodly amounts of cherry blossoms. It caused the old man doctor to rush over to help as Lady Finesse panicked her pretty empty head over Langris' brother. It just meant that Langris was able to make a beeline for Yuno.

William and Patri (ugh, Patri, thought Langris to himself) were at Yuno's bedside, though he noted that William was closer to the sleeping Captain Dorothy's bed.

"Captain Yuno, you look terrible. How could you let this happen to yourself?"

"Langris cough," nodded Yuno in greeting.

Langris gritted his teeth. "Well, I suppose that William will take temporary command of the Golden Dawn while you slowly die."

Yuno gave him a stoic stare. Yuno had a punchable face, but Langris held back as the Captain spoke, "Actually, against my better judgement, cough cough I'm leaving the Golden Dawn in your surprisingly capable hands. Cough cough cough You have lead the squad before when cough Captain William was away. William will be our go-between. Cough cough No major changes and no scarring the younger recruits for life."

"Taking all my fun away, I see," said Langris, half-joking. He was trying to be more approachable. Joking around was not his strong suit and Yuno's deadpan stare meant his joke fell flat. "Very well. I hope you have a plan on how not to die, otherwise everything you've done up until now would have been a waste of everyone's time."

It would be a pity to see Yuno die before Yuno and the annoying Asta watch Langris became Wizard King.

"Thank you for all your hard work, Langris" said William, coming over to nudge Yuno. Sometimes, William had to remind Yuno to give out positive reinforcement praise.

"What cough he said," said Yuno.

"Nice," said Langris, scoffing. "Well, I'll take my leave. I need a good night's sleep if I'm going to have to clean up your mess."

He turned to stalk out of the room, making sure not to look in his brother's direction again. No one said goodbye and Langris didn't care.

Unfortunately, he was not home-free yet because someone small and weak grabbed his arm. It was Lady Finesse with a fire in her eyes.

"Are you not going to even say anything to your brother, Lord Langris?! After everything, you won't even ask how he's doing," scolded Lady Finesse.

Langris ripped his wrist out of her hands and glared at her. "Mind your business. I take it that you've told your parents that you are not marrying me but my brother."

Lady Finesse paled, which told him that no, she did not inform her parents of the decision. "I'm not worried about that now. You've hurt Finral by ignoring him."

Langris glared and snapped. "Why would he care if I ignored him?! We have done just fine without each other for three years. He doesn't need me! Go back to coddle him, I don't have time for this!" And he stormed off, knowing that he was leaving her baffled and people probably overheard him yelling at Lady Finesse.

This day sucked. He was ready for it to be over.

And he wasn't going to think about his stupid brother either.

Clover Kingdom
A Small Town between the Blue Rose Knights' HQ and the Black Bulls' Hideout
7th Day of the Curse
Evening, Just after Dinner

Charlotte wanted to die of embarrassment. This was just how she expected a date with Yami to go. She was super awkward and couldn't utter a sentence together around him, while he walked around the town, eating from foot stands and having a bored look on his face. They were walking to the restaurant in complete silence. Her sister Lerola thought the restaurant in this town would be best since it was neither fancy nor rundown. She was dressed nicely but not too nice. And he was dressed in his regular everyday clothes.

"Oi, Prickly Queen, I'm starved, where's this place," drawled Yami. He said this while stuffing his face of fried beef on a stick.

Charlotte felt her eye twitch as he sounded so bored and dismissive. After suffering for so long because of her feelings both before the curse and because of the curse, she just wanted to have a good time with the man she loved. Was that too much to ask?

She snapped, "You're the one that asked me to dinner in the first place! If you were going to complain so much, why did you let me pick where we go?"

"Because where I would pick would be too low-brow, your noble highness," he replied, sarcastically. "And you can't hold your alcohol for shit. So food where you like."

Charlotte wrinkled her nose. "Don't be strangely considerate, you asshole. I'm supposed to be annoyed with you."

Yami paused and stared at her. Then he smirked. "There's the Charlotte Roselei I like."

Charlotte flushed. It was the first indication that he actually liked her. The strong feeling of hope that he returned her feelings was the reason she beat the curse. She actually smiled (causing mild heart-attacks for the other men in the town who were outside). "You're lucky that I'm hungry too, otherwise we would fighting now."

"I'll take you on anytime, but you're right. Food first."

They eventually found the place. Thankfully, her sister was enough of a foodie that the place was actually good. It wasn't too busy as it was well after dinner rush, but before the real night crowd came out.

"Swanky. Ooh, they have duck," said Yami, entering the place without Charlotte.

No reservation required, the hostess seated them and gave them menus.

Charlotte looked over her menu to see Yami winced. He must have saw the prices. Yami was a Captain, but she knew that he not only gambled away half of his pay, drank another ¼ of it, but put the rest back in his squad (taxes on the house that Henry couldn't pay; new robes every time one got destroyed in a fight, etc.). He didn't have any other form of income, except his Magic Knight Captain pay. "I'll pay this time. Perhaps, next time, I'll join the Black Bulls for one of Charmy's feasts."

"I like how you think. Then, I'm getting the steak."

Charlotte rolled her eyes.

Clover Kingdom
Black Bulls' Hideout
8th Day of the Curse
Early Morning

"Please, guys, I know that you both are off today. I would really appreciate you guys doing this for me," said Asta. He had his hands clasped together and he was pleading with both Gauche and Gordon to do him this big favor. He was doing his best puppy-dog eye impression.

Gauche looked less than impressed. "Stop it. You're being gross. Marie is still the cutest thing in the world."

"Please Gauche. Can you just bring Sister Lily, Father and the kids from the orphanage to visit Yuno? Please, please," said Asta. There was no way that he could get them there on his own since he had no magic.

Gauche looked rather annoyed but Gordon was whispering…something.

(Gordon was saying: "Of course, I'll help you out Asta. We're best friends after all.")

"Between the two of you, you'll be able to get them there by the afternoon," said Asta. "Yuno won't listen to me, so maybe he'll listen to them."

With a scoff and roll of his eyes, Gauche replied, "You know that's rather devious of you to give Yuno a guilt trip. It is really that bad. I suppose then, I don't have a choice since you'll bug me forever if I don't. But know this, Asta, you will not marry Marie."

Asta flailed his arms in protest. "I told you that I don't want to marry your sister!"

"And what's wrong with Marie? She'll make someone a wonderful wife, even if that person will die a horrible death after the wedding," replied Gauche.

Asta groaned. "I'm not arguing with you again about this, Gauche. Please, you two, don't traumatize the kids. Again I really appreciate this and I'll make it up to you both!" Asta had to get outside and wait for Levi to pick him up, but he heard Gauche call after him.

"Promises, promises, brat!"

Clover Kingdom
Capital – Shopping District
8th Day of the Curse
Mid-Morning

Vanessa loved shopping with Noelle. Noelle had so much excess money and the young royal didn't care if Vanessa wanted five of the same dress, Noelle would buy it immediately for her. Naturally, Vanessa didn't take advantage of Noelle's lack of money sense often. But, Noelle needed a break from all her stress of worrying about Asta, Yuno, Finral, Kirsch, Leopold and Captain Dorothy. In addition, the added stress of doing all of Finral and Asta's Black Bulls' work. But most of all, Vanessa wanted to spend some quality time with her.

Since most of the Black Bulls had been traveling in and out of the Capital to visit Finral in the infirmary, Noelle had gotten whisked away too many times to spend time with her big brother Nozel.

Vanessa was not jealous. She really wasn't. She was glad that the pompous, arrogant Captain of the Silver Eagles was being the big brother he was supposed to be years ago to Noelle. Vanessa was happy that even the worse siblings of Solid and Nebra were making strides to be better to Noelle as well. Noelle deserved all the happiness in the world.

"What do you think? Is this too fancy a dress for meeting up with Kahono," asked Noelle, holding up a pretty sun-dress.

It snapped Vanessa out of her thoughts (man, did she need a drink). "Cute, cute, but how about this one?" Vanessa pulled out of the racks a fancier and sexier dress.

Noelle's face flushed. "Uh, no way, I can't wear that, Vanessa! It's not a date, how many times do I have to tell you?"

"You can't fool me," said Vanessa, teasingly. "She's a cute girl and she knows you're super amazing. I'm happy for you."

"You're so embarrassing," said Noelle, half-complaining but completely fond. "Oh! I forgot to tell you what happened after the dinner the other night."

Vanessa followed Noelle around the store, adding things to the pile for Noelle to try, while listening to Noelle.

"So after Nozel scolded Grandmother, he took me and Solid for ice cream. Can you believe it?! I mean, it's something that I would have wanted when I was a little kid, but it was kind of sweet at the same time," said Noelle. "I don't think Solid knew what was going on, so he was quiet the entire time, which was a blessing in itself."

Vanessa giggled. Nozel really was trying to make up for lost time, wasn't it? If it wasn't so sad, it would almost be cute. "He does realize that you're 18 now, right?"

Noelle shrugged, looked at the pile of clothes they pulled and said, "I think that's enough for now."

Vanessa sighed. "Okay, but come show me each one! I want to see how beautiful you look in everything."

Noelle flushed under the praise. But before she went into the dressing room, she said, softly, "You know I'm really lucky. I've got my Black Bulls family and my siblings supporting me. I'm so glad I am loved now."

She disappeared into the dressing room, while Vanessa hurried to wipe her eyes of pesky tears. There would be no waterworks from this witch today.

(Moments later, Vanessa did burst into tears as soon as Noelle stepped out of the dressing room in a beautiful casual dress and Vanessa hugged Noelle so hard, crying, but that was neither here nor there).

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights Headquarters
The Infirmary
8th Day of the Curse
Noon

Charmy zoomed into the infirmary. She had been spending a lot of time there lately. She was worried about poor Finral and now her food-saving Prince Yuno was affected. Of course, Charmy knew that Yuno wasn't in love with her (his loss, in her opinion), but she still thought he was cool. She kept coming to feed the people in the infirmary her healthy and yummy food to lift their spirits.

"Hiya, Charmy," said Finral, once she entered. Today, he didn't have his pretty girlfriend at his side. Lady Solace told Finesse off for not resting herself and sent her on home. Finral was playing cards with the Queen of Hearts, who was actually sitting up and more alert today than the past few days. "No, cough cough I don't have any eights, go fish, your Highness."

Charmy giggled as the Queen of Hearts jokingly and dramatically reached for the deck that was placed on the table between the two beds. "You are cough cough too good at this game, cough cough Lord Roulacase."

"None of that Lord "nonsense," cough cough I am but a mere Magic Knight," Finral replied jokingly.

She was glad that Finral wasn't taking this whole curse thing to hard—making friend with the Queen of Hearts and occupying both Kirsch and Leopold so they were distracted from the problem at hand. Everyone else in the room looked like death warmed over, though, in Charmy's humble opinion. Yuno looked like death warmed over, especially when William, Mimosa or Klaus visited. Leopold was five seconds from crying half of the time. Kirsch complained about everything. And Captain Dorothy still didn't wake up to deal with anything.

"Ahh, Miss Charmy, you brought more food," said Lady Solace, standing up from her seat at the desk. She liked the Vermillion Lady. She was soft and warm. "Will you make plates for everyone while I fetch Lady Ruth?"

"Okay," said Charmy, beaming a big grin. She loved to feed people, even though she liked eating more herself. She fished out the plates that were kept in the infirmary for any visitors and sick people. She piled meat, vegetable and starch on the plate. She served Kirsch first since he was the closest.

"Eat everything on your plate or else."

"Yes, cough cough Charmy," replied Kirsch, who after the first time knew not to cross Charmy.

Then, Charmy went to work filling up plates of food for everyone.

After that, she served Dorothy, who was able to eat while sleeping. It was something that Charmy also had mastered in order to eat as much as a humanly and dwarfly as possible. After that she went over to Leopold and served him his plate of food, but he had sweets provided Fragil.

"Thanks, Charmy. Cough cough This looks good as always," said Leopold, digging in before the coughing up flowers activated again.

Charmy was pleased. Leopold always remembered his manners. She liked the vermillion-haired young man.

"Yuno! I put extra vegetables on your plate. You need the vitamins," said Charmy. She gave the plate to Yuno, ignoring the look from the wind sprite Bell. "Tell me if you want seconds."

"Uh, cough thank you, cough Charmy."

"Make sure you eat everything. You need your strength to fight this," said Charmy. She believed that good food could solve everything, after all. Yuno looked so tired. She knew that he and Asta had been arguing every time Asta came to visit him, recently.

Yuno was never big on smiling to reassure, but he did nod at her once.

She rushed to get the last two plates over to the Queen of Hearts (whose bodyguards test-tasted the food) and Finral. Finral got a few extra goodies, because he was her squadmate and friend. She finally sat in the guest chair next to Finral's bed.

"Thank you cough cough for everything, cough cough Charmy. You're the best," said Finral, smiling at her.

Charmy giggled. "Of course! We Black Bulls are a family!"

Clover Kingdom
Blue Rose Knights' Headquarters
8th Day of the Curse
Little Bit After Noon

"Come on, Big Sis, we need to get going!"

"Let her be, Lerola, Big Sis can take as much time as she needs!"

Charlotte sighed as she exited the headquarters of the Blue Rose Knights to find Sol and Lerola arguing again. They were always arguing since they met years ago. Sol's admiration and Lerola's devotion were two different things. Lerola was Charlotte's sister and they had a closeness that allowed Lerola to love and admire Charlotte, but not let Charlotte get away with anything. Sol was much more overprotective but in a well-meaning way.

One day, the two would eventually learn to get along, Charlotte thought to herself. She suspected that they both also had big crushes on each other.

"Enough, you two, don't embarrass us in public with petty arguing," ordered Charlotte. Lerola and Sol snapped to attention. The three were going off on a training trip to practice some combination magic. It was Lerola's idea to strengthen bonds in the Blue Rose Knights squad.

Charlotte thought it was a good idea, so they were going to start and see how it went, before asking others to do so.

Then, Marx's face appeared before her.

"Captain Charlotte, we have a situation. You are one of the closest captains to the Village of Kende. The co-op team sent to the latest dungeon has shown up there and requires assistance!"

Charlotte nodded and took off, yelling at Lerola and Sol to "Go on without her!"

When she arrived in Kende, a small village at the edge of the Noble Realm, she immediately sensed familiar mana. She rushed to find that the town's doctor was already trying to tend to the four members of the co-op team.

A familiar shadow appeared next to her. "Yami!"

Yami nodded at her and they both rushed to where Magna, Nebra, Mackenzie and Fragil were at the gate of the village. Magna was the only one awake, but barely. Nebra and Fragil were out-cold but Mackenzie was stirring. It looked like they all had been through a ringer.

The town's mayor was distressed. "This young man came barreling in, carrying all three of those young ladies, demanding medical attention and for someone to call the Magic Knight Headquarters. I have never seen such a feat. Had the young man not gotten us, the silver-haired woman would have died." The town's doctor had strong enough magic it seemed to stop all the bleeding all four of them, thankfully. Charlotte didn't want to see Nozel's face if he found out that his sister bled out from a wound.

Not wasting anymore time, Charlotte summoned enough vines to be able to pick them all up gently. 'Yami, guard my back, let's get them to HQ."

"Roger that, Prickly Queen."

As Charlotte transported the beaten team, she heard Yami talking calmly to his underling.

"Captain, it was so bad, so bad, the Spade Kingdom, we have to tell the Wizard King. The Queen of Hearts is in danger," mumbled Magna in his delirium.

"Easy, kid. Let's get you healed up and then you all can tell us what happened."

Charlotte grimaced. It didn't sound good. All Charlotte could think was what could be next to attack their Kingdom?

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
Captain's Meeting Room
8th Day of the Curse
Early Afternoon

"Alright, alright, everyone settle down," said Fuegoleon, entering the Captain's meeting and immediately getting to business. It still pained Fuegoleon that all the Captains were not there. Asta was in place of Dorothy. Langris was in place of Yuno. Randall was in place of Mereoleona.

(Where the hell was Mereoleona at a time like this? This was just like his sister.)

"As you know, we recently sent a co-op team to the recent dungeon that appeared at the border of our Kingdom with the Diamond Kingdom," said Fuegoleon. "The team managed to get all the back to the edge of the Royal Realm with severe injuries. All four team members are in the infirmary, on the mend as we speak. They were able to report to me and it's troubling."

"My poor Mackenzie and poor Fragil," cried Rill.

"Shut up, Rill, not the time," scolded Nozel, who had been stressing since Nebra was brought in.

"Anyway," Fuegoleon cleared his throat and leveled a stare at everyone in the room, "When they had arrived at the dungeon, the team was immediately confronted by four Spade Kingdom wizards. According to the descriptions that Magna and Mackenzie were able to get, I have deduced that these wizards are a part of a separate branch of military in the Spade Kingdom, focused solely on assassinations, intelligence and espionage. From records, these people are all on the level of their Generals."

"Well, that sucks," said Asta, growling. "Did they say anything to Magna and the rest about what they wanted and why they were so far from the Spade Kingdom?"

"Luckily, Fragil overheard one of the younger ones saying something about the Queen of Hearts," said Fuegoleon. "I spoke with the Queen of Hearts as well. It seems that the Queen of Hearts and the King of Spades have had some diplomatic incidents over the years, but the main one was that the King of Spades' oldest son, uh, kidnapped and killed the Queen of Hearts' cousin, several years back. So, uh, it looks like the Queen of Hearts' had the Prince of Spades assassinated."

A pin drop could have been heard in the room.

"I see," said Charlotte. "Serves the disgusting pig right."

"Be it as it may, here's where things start connecting. The assassin assigned to take out the Prince of Spades was Flower Curse wizard that caused us our troubles. In order to save face, after the assassination, the Flower Curse wizard was banished from the Heart Kingdom under the falsity of murdering people for no reason that Yuno reported at the beginning of this whole ordeal," said Fuegoleon, sighing.

"Unbelievable," said Kaiser, sighing. "So because the Prince of Spades kidnapped the Queen of Hearts' cousin, we have some of our Magic Knights out on medical for curses and internal injuries?"

"Basically. It also means that the Queen of Hearts is in danger. Her entourage left three days ago, and she only has the three bodyguards," said Fuegoleon, continuing. "We must get the Queen of Hearts back to her Kingdom, in order to get her behind the natural magical barrier. We will send a team to escort her there. Dr. Owen will go to monitor the Queen's health. Nozel, I want you to lead the team."

"Understood," said Nozel. "Who should I take with me?"

"I'll go," said Asta.

Fuegoleon shook his head. He knew that Asta was getting restless and wanted to do something more to help. "I need you here, Asta, until Kirsch or Dorothy get better. Langris, you can't go either." He cut Langris off before the young nobleman could also offer.

"If I may make a suggestion," said Kaiser. "I believe that the Coral Peacocks' Levi's barrier ability and the Black Bulls' Vanessa's strings of fate ability would add to the protection of the Queen of Hearts. In addition, I believe that young Edward Kairos should go as well." Edward Kairos was the alias of Julius Novachrono, who was stuck growing up again and he was hanging out in the Purple Orcas squad as a squad member.

Fuegoleon was glad that, at least, one of his captains was as sensible as Kaiser. "Agreed. Also Sal will be going as well, since she's studied the magical areas over by the border a lot over the years. Asta, Yami, Kaiser tell Levi, Vanessa and Edward to be ready for tomorrow morning. I will let the Queen of Hearts and her bodyguards know what will happen."

"Yes, sir!"

"Everyone dismissed." The captains filtered out of the room to go back to work, except Nozel.

"I'll prepare the routes and check the weather reports" said Nozel, with a sigh. "You'll look after my siblings while I'm gone, Fuego?"

"Of course," said Fuegoleon. "And if you see Mereoleona out there, tell her to get home immediately."

"Like she'll listen."

Nozel left to get ready for the mission, leaving Fuegoleon with his thoughts.

He just hoped that they were going to get the Queen of Hearts home in time to get behind the natural barrier of that Kingdom. He should have made sure that the Queen of Hearts got home immediately, but no, the Clover King wouldn't allow it.

He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming.

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
8th Day of the Curse
Dinnertime

"Your friends are so nice to come and bring us to visit Yuno," said Sister Lily. Asta was walking her, Father, and the kids through the Magic Knight Headquarters to the Infirmary. "It's so troubling to hear that Yuno got hit with a curse."

"But Yuno's super strong, Sister Lily," said Recca, holding onto Sister Lily's hand. "He'll be okay."

Asta had Hollo hanging off his back and held on to Aruru's hand. Nash refused anyone's hand but that's because he was a moody pre-teen. Asta was glad to see his makeshift family again, even if it was to convince Yuno stop being stubborn. Asta was also glad to be going to the infirmary now that Magna was there, along with Miss Fragil, Noelle's sister, and Miss Mackenzie. "Of course, I just thought it would cheer him up to see you guys!"

"Asta, you're so thoughtful," said Father, tearing up a bit. "You two have grown so much."

They reached the doors of the infirmary and he pushed through to the doors.

"Hey, Little Rasta, you brought all these cuties to come and visit me," called Magna, cheerfully.

"Hey, senpai! Glad you're feeling better," said Asta. He knew that the Queen of Hearts had been moved to a private room since she was leaving tomorrow protected by a squad of Magic Knights. Magna was in the bed that Queen of Hearts had been in, most likely so that Magna and Finral would be able to keep each other company. He spotted Miss Fragil in the bed that Captain Mereoleona had been in; Nebra, sleeping away, in the bed that Lady Finesse had been in; and Miss Mackenzie in the bed that Captain Charlotte had been in. "I'll come over in a minute after I talk to Yuno."

Magna grinned.

The group from Hage went to the bed Yuno was laying in, who sat up when they entered the room. Yuno glared at Asta for a minute but greeted them.

"Look who came to visit, Yuno," said Asta.

Sister Lily and Father Orsi immediately went to parenting Yuno by fussing. The kids, except Nash who stood awkwardly off to the side, climbed into the bed with Yuno to give him hugs. Asta smiled at the sight.

This was a good idea. If anything, it would actually cheer up Yuno.

Once that was settled, he went over to talk to Finral and Magna. "Vanessa wanted me to tell you two not to die while she's gone."

"Will she be alright without us," asked Magna.

"I mean, Vanessa cough cough doesn't do co-op missions," said Finral.

Asta grinned. "Vanessa's super strong and she'll have Captain Nozel there and Levi, who's really good at defense, and Lady Sal, who's as scary as Captain Mereoleona. Oh and "Edward" will be going."

Magna and Finral didn't look convinced. Magna said, "Anyway, it was nice of you to get them here to visit Yuno."

"Yeah, I owe Gordon and Gauche now," said Asta, with a shrug.

"Well, it's still cough cough cough nice," said Finral. "So, uh, how have you been cough cough handling cough everything?"

"I'm fine," said Asta, brushing off the concern. He didn't want to worry either of them unnecessarily.

Magna and Finral traded looks, like they knew something that Asta didn't. Magna replied, "We're here, if you need to talk."

Asta grinned. "You guys are the best seniors."

"Yeah, of course, cough we are," laughed Finral.

"Yes, yes, I know," said Magna, pleased.

Eventually, the Hage Village kids were tired, so Asta already arranged for them to stay the night in the Magic Knight Headquarters' guest rooms and then Asta already arranged for Langris (after a lot of pleading and needling and eventually he just agreed to shut Asta up) to transport them back quickly tomorrow after breakfast. Lady Solace helped show them to the rooms so Asta could quickly talk to Yuno again.

The infirmary was going quiet with many going to sleep early. Asta sat at the edge of Yuno's bed.

"That was cough cough cough unlike you," said Yuno.

"What do you mean?"

"Whatever, Asta. Cough cough You can't change my mind. Cough cough"

Asta didn't want to argue with the stubborn, handsome jerk, so he just scowled. "I won't be by until tomorrow evening since I'll be busy at the Coral Peacocks, since Levi leaving for the mission."

"Fine. It's fine, Asta, cough cough you don't have to come cough every day."

"Shut up, of course, I do, you idiot."

Asta and Yuno stared at each other for a few minutes, when Yuno began coughing up more flowers. With a sigh, Asta fetched Yuno's bucket and patted his back.

While Yuno was heaving out flowers, Kirsch said, suddenly, "Oi! Asta, you had better not be messing up my file system in my office!"

"I am not, Kirsch! Geez!"

"I swear revenge if you mess up my office!"

"Alright, alright, Levi showed me everything. It's all working smoothly."

"Fine. We'll see."

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
8th Day of the Curse
Nighttime

Zora originally stumbled home to the Black Bulls' hideout, only for Henry to slowly tell Zora of all the chaos happening. Being that Zora doesn't go on official missions (mostly, unless ordered by Captain Yami or the Wizard King), Zora was off rooting out corruption of the nobility and royalty classes. Occasionally, he needed to rest, so he returned to the Black Bulls' hideout to sleep for a week before he planned on going back out.

But instead of passing out to sleep for a week, he had to go back out to check on his dumbass squadmates. Henry told him he didn't have to go, but Zora admittedly kind of cared about them. Mostly.

And if he wanted to also make sure that another person that will not be named was still breathing, so Zora will still have a chance to show up him again that was Zora's personal business.

"So you two didn't die," said Zora, entering the infirmary. Finral and Magna were still awake, playing cards. Finral looked like death warmed over, probably from the blood loss and the lack of oxygen. There were cherry blossom petals all over his bed. Magna looked like he got into a fight with an entire army. Zora shook his head as he plopped himself in the chair, and grabbed some fruits out of the basket that clearly had Charmy's handiwork all over it. "So, spitting out flowers, huh, Finral?"

"Nice cough to see you too, Zora," said Finral. "Have you cough made a menace of yourself cough cough to anyone recently?"

"Yes, always, and it was glorious," replied Zora, glibly. "And Magna, what the fuck man? Heard you ran into some Spade Kingdom goons?"

"Hey, I totally saved the day," said Magna, grinning.

"He totally did," called out someone from across the room.

"Thanks, Mackenzie," said Magna, giving her a thumbs up.

Zora scoffed. "Just wanted to make sure that you're both breathing is all. Dumbasses."

"Aw, you do cough cough have a heart," said Finral, teasingly. "Deep, deep down, cough cough under a ton of crap."

Magna chuckled. "You like us."

"No, I fucking hate you all, don't put gross words in my mouth, thank you very much," said Zora, glaring at them.

Finral and Magna traded looks and together said in sing-song tones, "You like us! Zora likes us!"

Zora said, "No." And then, Zora threw some stink bugs at their heads, causing them both to groan from the smell.

"Oh my God, I'm gonna die from the smell," Magna dramatically said.

"Uhhhh, it's almost cough cough cough cough as bad as going into the cough cough cough bathroom after Captain Yami," gagged Finral.

"OI! What are you doing to my patients, boy!?"

An elderly woman came over and used her magic to clear the area of the bad stinky bug smell, she was short and a little pudgy, kind of reminded Zora of Captain Charlotte with that glare. Finral and Magna immediately straightened out and laid in bed.

Zora raised an eyebrow at the woman. "Nothing."

Finral hissed, "Zora, don't piss her off that's cough Lady Ruth, the former Captain of the Blue Rose Knights, and cough cough the head of the Roselei Noble House and our main doctor since Dr. Owen is leaving."

"Ah, I know who you are, boy-o," said Lady Ruth, still glaring but with a little smirk on her face. "You're Zara's boy."

Zora tensed, ready to spring to defense of his father, even if he had to fight an old noble woman. He saw Finral and Magna both shaking their heads. "Yeah, what of it?"

"You do good work," said Lady Ruth, surprising Zora immensely. "Back in my day, I used to have to break a lot of noses of stuck-up pricks who thought they were better than me because I was a woman. It's why I created the Blue Rose Knights, when I became a Grand Magic Knight Captain, to be a safe haven for the women wizards and witches. The fact that you're sticking up for the non-nobility and non-royalty and rooting out corrupt duckweeds, I can respect that."

Zora narrowed his eyes. "Oh, really?"

Then Lady Ruth's mana spiked, menacingly. "But that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want in my infirmary. No stink bugs while you're here or we will fight, boy-o."

Everyone in the room visible started to sweat, including Yuno and the sleeping Captain Dorothy.

"Got it," said Zora.

Pleased, Lady Ruth left their part of the infirmary and went back to the desk to review papers. Zora breathed a sigh of relief. Note to self, do not piss off the old lady doctor, Zora thought to himself.

"Oi, deal me in," said Zora, gesturing to the cards that Finral and Magna temporarily abandoned.

Magna grinned. "Awesome. And eat some of this food, me and Finral are stuffed. Charmy keeps us well-fed."

Zora nodded, as Magna dealt him a hand of cards. "We playing Go-Fish?"

"You know it. The Black Bulls' family game night game of choice," said Magna.

"It's the only game cough that doesn't result us breaking cough out in fights, for the most cough part," said Finral, shaking his head.

Zora snorted.

These dumbasses, he was not fond of them, not at all.

Ten minutes into the game, Lady Ruth was calling for Zora, the only one other than Lady Ruth in the room without injuries or a curse, to help him get Kirsch back into bed as the royal fell out in a heavy coughing fit.

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
8th Day of the Curse
Nighttime, 15 minutes ago

Kirsch wanted so much to go back home to the Coral Peacocks. He was very much over the whole curse situation. He knew that without him or Captain Dorothy that his underlings would be stressing. Kirsch was also certain that between Asta and Levi (who was a damn disaster), his immaculately organized office was no longer so.

It was also irritating that there were people that were able to either get the person they love to return the feelings or able to overcome the feelings like adults. They got to leave and he didn't. Kirsch may have occupied his time needling everyone, because it was obvious who was in love with who to him, but Kirsch for the life of him had no clue who he had feelings for.

Kirsch didn't think himself in love. It would be something you would know, he reasoned, when he argued with Cousin Leo and the Black Bull Finral, who have taken to good-naturedly teasing him. How could he not know he was in love with someone?

There was no one that Kirsch had ever been interested in before—he had no time for romance.

Of course, he was beautiful and amazing, but he was serious about being a good Vice-Captain to Captain Dorothy, who took him in when no other squad wanted him because he was annoying and egotistical (their words, not his), and a mentor to his juniors in the Coral Peacocks. He was also trying to be better as a big brother to Mimosa. Honestly, Kirsch was disappointed that for the longest time she hated him because he was an asshole about poor people.

He, of course, thanks to Asta and others, saw that he was wrong about the commoners (but really he knew it the entire time, since there were quite a few commoners in his squad, he just ignored that fact when training them). It hard trying to be better, but ultimately, he knew it was worth to gain actual respect that was earned not given just because he was a royal.

It was especially hard when he realized that he mimicked his father's attitude to feel closer to him, because his father was always off flirting with women and had a fabulously amazing life as a famous poet. His father was not a bad man, but he was completely unaware and arrogant. He was certain of his greatness. To a young boy, Kirsch thought his father was the best.

Kirsch had resented his mother Nickole when he was younger, but as he got older, he realized that he idolized the wrong parent. His mother overworked herself as a Blue Rose 1st Class Senior Knight, stressed with missing her deceased older sister Acier, and ignored a husband who wasn't always faithful. She was a good mother, even if she was too serious and rarely smiled. She always cared in little ways—made sure that they had everything they needed, came home to take care of them when they were sick, and wrote them letters when she was away.

And sitting in this infirmary gave him too much time to think—he really needed to get out of here. He was going to go mad.

Kirsch sighed.

"Do you have to make so much noise? My goddamn head hurts" said Nebra, testily. She took over what was Finesse's bed, so they were nearby the other. She was laying down, still woozy from the blood loss and several blows to the head. She woke up a couple of hours ago. "Between the sighing and the running commentary, if you don't stop making noise or talking, I'm going to murder you."

"Aw, dear cousin, cough you don't cough mean that," said Kirsch, lightly.

"I will suffocate while you sleep."

"Alright, cough mean," said Kirsch, knowing when to push any of his cousin and when not to. He did have a lot of volatile cousins (Mereoleona, Leopold, Noelle, Solid, Nebra, and Nozel). Fuegoleon was the only one that didn't blow up in anger. "I'm glad that you're cough alright, though, Nebra."

"Shut up with those gross words, Kirsch," said Nebra, sounding pleased.

And then of course, everything got worse when the annoyance that was Zora Ideale stepped into the room.

Zora was there to visit Finral and Magna, of course, as they were squadmates and each other's found family. Kirsch felt his annoyance rising—why, he didn't know, because he really thought that he and Zora got over their antagonism. He didn't hate Zora. When Zora was forced to go on missions, Kirsch almost always got stuck on the same co-op team as Zora. They were able to work together well, even as a duo.

Kirsch almost thought they were enough to be called friends, or at least, acquaintances.

Why was he so annoyed?

He heard Magna and Finral tease Zora about liking them and that's when he felt like he couldn't breathe.

"Kirsch," asked Nebra, concerned.

Kirsch coughed and coughed and coughed, letting red carnation petals and some buds free from his lungs. He tasted metallic, knowing that there was blood in his throat. He heaved. He tried to reach for the stupid bucket, but fell over and just kept coughing.

"Zora, get over here and help me get him back in bed," yelled Lady Ruth, who was suddenly at his side. Despite her power, she was still an old lady that shouldn't be picking grown young men.

"Damn royal, completely fucking useless," muttered the familiar voice of Zora, because Kirsch's eyes were filled with tears due to the pain and he couldn't see well.

Kirsch felt Zora pick him up easily and place him rather gently in the bed.

Kirsch was still coughing up carnation petals.

And then he realized.

He was in love with Zora Ideale. That was a thing. What was his life?

"Oi, Lady! He's turning blue, he can't breathe!"

"Shit. Kirsch, Kirsch! Focus, boy!"

All Kirsch saw was darkness.

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
9th Day of the Curse
Morning

Leopold had been worried when Fragil come into the infirmary injured, but she as taking everything well. Nebra had been the one that had been hurt the worst and Magna did all the fighting. It was nice to have her there, keeping his company and keeping his mind off of his situation.

"And the also had this amazing macaroons, Leo! When we both get out of here, I'll take you, my treat," said Fragil. She had been speaking of her new favorite bakery with the best pastries and baked treats. Leopold had a bit of a sweet tooth and Fragil always knew where to go for the best of everything.

"That's sounds cough great, Fragil," said Leopold, eyeing the bandages on his friend's hands. "How're you cough feeling since my mother used her cough healing magic on you again?"

"Hmm, I feel loads better," said Fragil, smiling softly. She had a worried on look her face. "You ok, though?"

Leopold shrugged. He wasn't exactly alright, but after talking with his dad and having one of his long-time friends there, he was feeling better. But Yuno was still there, his flowers changed that morning to daffodil flower buds, and he was looking worse and worse. Leopold felt so bad for him. "I'll survive."

"Hmm," said Fragil. "I should call Captain Rill and see if he can bring some art and craft supplies for us."

Leopold grinned, weakly. "Might be something to do. Cough cough I think Finral and Magna spent the entire night last night playing cough cough Go-Fish with Zora and, somehow, cough both lost 50 yul each to him."

Fragil giggled. "That is pretty funny. Arts and crafts are safe, no one will lose money." Then she whispered, "I'll ask him for straw-weaving supplies, if you want."

Nodding, Leopold replied, gratefully, "That'd cough be nice." One of Leopold's secret hobbies to help him decompress at the end of a long day of training and missions as a Magic Knight was making baskets out of straw. The straw-weaving's monotony helped him calm down. It would be nice to do it again and not think about anything at all while doing so.

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
9th Day of the Curse
Afternoon

Dorothy opened her eyes in the waking world, for the first time in weeks. The first thing she noticed was that she was, in fact, in the infirmary. She had been using her dream magic to converse with Kirsch, her loyal Vice-Captain while he slept so Dorothy had an idea of what was going on with everything. The second thing she noticed was that her lungs and throat hurt. The third thing she noticed was Lady Ruth was at her bedside.

"Lady Ruth? Cough cough"

"Ah, you're finally awake Dorothy. I was wondering if you were going to sleep the entire time," said Lady Ruth. Lady Ruth tested Dorothy's temperature with a firm, warm hand.

Dorothy, like Charlotte, started in the Blue Rose Knights. It was the only squad that would have Dorothy, being a witch from the Witches' Forest. The majority of female wizards or witches had use to start out in the Blue Rose Knights. Dorothy had been grateful to be given a chance to not only making a best friend (Charlotte), but meet a woman that she highly respected like Lady Ruth.

She was glad that poor Vanessa got taken in by Yami. Yami was always gathering up the outliers and the rejects. Had Vanessa done the Magic Knights exams and Dorothy had been given a chance, Dorothy would have picked her fellow witch in a heartbeat. Witches ought to stick together, especially witches trying to avoid the Witch Queen. As a young girl, Dorothy had a bad habit of dream-jumping and pissed the ancient witch off one too many times.

"William, she's awake," Lady Ruth said. "I'll be back over in a bit. Charmy from the Black Bulls has been leaving food for you. You've been eating while you sleep, of course."

"Thank you, cough Lady Ruth," said Dorothy, cheerfully. She sat up. She noticed that Yuno was in the bed next to hers on one side and that Finral was on the other side. "Hello! Yuno and Finral, cough I hope you aren't feeling cough too bad!"

"Hello, Captain cough Dorothy," said Finral. "Magna's here too."

Dorothy waved excitedly at the Mohawk fire-magic user as he was two beds away. She spotted Leopold, Fragil, and Mackenzie across from her and Kirsch and Nebra off to the side. Dorothy slept the majority of time because she was a dream-affinity witch, but when she woke up, she would be up for about a week without sleep. And when she was awake, Dorothy made the most of it, being happy to be with her fellow Magic Knights.

"I'm so glad you're awake, Dotty," said William, coming over from the desk full of books. "Here, drink some water."

She took the class offered by gentle William. She took a few sips. "Thank you, William. Cough If you could, cough would you tell me what I have missed? Cough Kirsch told me some things in his dreams cough cough but he doesn't know everything."

"Of course, Dotty," said William. "But first, I would like to apologize that I haven't been a very good friend these last three years. I've been selfish and ignored you and many others who have cared for me over the years."

Dorothy blinked once. "William, cough I have forgiven you ages ago. Cough Certainly I was angry that you hid cough cough so much from me, but ultimately I understand. Cough cough You are always going to be my friend."

Smiling, William replied, "And if you need to talk about you-know-who, I'm here."

Dorothy smiled, though blushing a bit. "Thank you. Cough Now, what's been happening? Cough Don't leave anything out."

William launched into the story from all the back to Remembrance Day, while Dorothy ate from the gift baskets left by the half-dwarf and half-human young woman. It was very nice to get to talk to William again. She always thought that he didn't want to be her friend anymore since Patri was around, but she was glad to be wrong in this instance.

Once the masked former Captain of the Golden Dawn was done, Dorothy said, "Oh, I missed so much…cough cough I'm glad everyone's handling cough cough everything to the best of their ability. Now, William, will you cough help me over to Kirsch, so I may cough fuss over him?"

William chuckled. "Of course."

Daffodil
(Meaning) the sun is always shining when I'm with you

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
9th Day of the Curse
Evening

"So, the flowers changed again," said Asta, when he sat at the edge of Yuno's bed. Yuno didn't know what Asta kept coming here when there was nothing he could do. But he supposed it wouldn't be Asta, if Asta just gave up. "Daffodils, huh?"

"That's what cough Lady Ruth said," said Yuno, softly. He was trying not to irritate his throat any further.

The air was tense between them, especially when Asta said, "I hope that person is worth all this."

Yuno straightened his posture and in a monotone voice asked, "What's that cough supposed to mean?"

"It's just not like you to lay down and give up before you even gave it a chance," replied Asta, eyes glowing not unlike when he was ready for a challenge. "I don't understand why you won't let me help you."

"This isn't cough cough something you cough cough can fix," snapped Yuno.

Asta smiled sadly. "When did you stop telling me things? You won't talk to me about important things anymore. Aren't we rivals? Aren't we friends? Haven't we been each other's family since forever?"

"Of course we are, cough Asta. Cough cough cough But I don't have cough to tell you cough everything, cough you know," said Yuno. He knew he was being stubborn and contrary. Yuno had no right to burden Asta with the knowledge of Yuno's less-than-platonic feelings for the magic-less boy.

Asta sighed, irritated. "Yeah, I know, I know. Geez, Yuno, I am mad at you, but it's just because I'm so worried. I want you to be happy. And I want to face you for the chance to become Wizard King, our dream."

As Asta spoke, the flowers began to build up in Yuno's throat. It was suffocating and then he retched. Asta had been getting quite good at getting the bucket under Yuno's face, quickly. Asta stood up and moved so that he could pat Yuno's back and whispered words of comfort.

"There, easy, Yuno, let it all out."

Yuno wanted to cry, it hurt so bad. He didn't want to cry in the infirmary. He had not cried since that night in winter where he watched his best friend get beaten black and blue for him over a stupid pendant (which Yuno didn't even have anymore, because it was a stupid magic stone). Yuno was not going to start crying now, not in front of his fellow Magic Knights.

Once he was finished coughing this round of flowers out of his mouth, Asta wiped Yuno's mouth with a handkerchief from the pile at the small nightstand. And Yuno's face must have been in some way because Asta was immediately hugging Yuno and stroking his hair. Because Yuno was laying down in bed and Asta was standing up, it wasn't too awkward. "You're so stupid."

"Shut up," muttered Yuno, face pressed into Asta's chest.

"Yeah, yeah, you handsome jerk."

Pink Roses
(meaning) admiration and gentle emotions

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
10th Day of the Curse
Morning

The infirmary was quiet for once in the morning. Or at least, that's what Kirsch told her. With Finral out on a walk with Lady Finesse, Leopold in another room getting an examination, and the co-op team members sleeping off their injuries, the only sound was of Yuno's wind spirit Bell fussing over the young Captain. Dorothy was sitting on top of the bed on the other side of Kirsch's bed, snacking on breakfast slowly.

"…And now cough Levi cough is on a mission so I'm certain that Asta will have our squad in disarray by the time we get back," complained Kirsch.

Dorothy giggled. "I think you cough underestimate young Asta cough and the rest of our squad. They have cough become quite self-sufficient, cough thanks to you."

"No. I just have my way cough of doing things. Cough Asta's great in a fight, cough but there's a lot of paperwork and menial tasks that bore him," said Kirsch, shrugging. Suddenly, Kirsch was pelted by grapes, courtesy of Yuno's wind magic. Yuno had great aim. "OW! Yuno, cough what the hell?!"

Dorothy smiled as Yuno impassively stared down Kirsch. She said, "I don't think cough Yuno likes you thinking that cough Asta won't give it his all to do his job. You worry too much, cough Kirsch."

"And you don't cough worry enough, Captain," replied Kirsch.

Dorothy shrugged, smiling at her precious Vice-Captain. "Come on, eat up. Cough Let's not waste dear cough Charmy's food, okay?" Kirsch grumbled under his breath about his strict training diet and how he was going to get fat.

Dorothy and Charmy became good friends, after the elf war. The young hybrid girl was just the cutest and Dorothy saw Charmy as a younger sister. She knew that Charmy was serious about food.

She, herself, dug into the treats left for them. Dorothy was always ravenously hungry after hibernation. While she was able to eat when she was sleeping, it was always in small batches. And she never was able to enjoy the food while she was sleeping.

"Captain?"

"Yes, Kirsch cough," she replied, in between bites of food.

"Are you ok with cough the whole flowers thing," he asked, concerned.

Kirsch had always been adept at observing other people, which made him a great Vice-Captain, with the ability to draw the best out of people and getting them to work together. She suspected that he knew who she loved. She replied, grinning, "You know who everyone else's flowers are for, cough and yet, you are still in cough denial over your own."

Her Vice-Captain flushed red and protested. "But…cough cough cough cough cough cough cough cough cough I am not!"

"Hmm, oh, if you say so. But really, Kirsch, I'll be fine. Cough I know that my feelings won't be returned. He's happy with her. Cough She's a good woman. They are good together. I know this. Cough I really do," said Dorothy, smiling.

"Why didn't you cough ever tell? Was it because you were a cough witch and he a cough royal," asked Kirsch, genuinely curious and not in a mean way.

Dorothy had been in love with Fuegoleon Vermillion for many years. He was a kind, fierce man with strong morals and very handsome to boot. Despite being a witch, he had always treated her with respect and kindness. He supported her and saw her strength. She always thought he was so cool. She deeply respected and admired him.

But Dorothy always knew.

And when Fuegoleon married Sal, Dorothy went to the wedding and congratulated them both. She made them matching hats as a wedding gift, too.

"I am a witch, but no, that's not why. I think I always knew somewhere in my heart that I would only ever be a friend," said Dorothy, smiling.

"Oh."

Moments passed and then Kirsch said, "You aren't coughing anymore, Captain."

Dorothy put her hand over her chest and breathed deeply. There was no pain and no flowers. She laughed and cheered loudly, jumping up and down on the bed.

"Have some dignity, Captain!"

"I beat the curse! I am so cool!"

"Oh my God, Captain, please cough stop jumping on the bed, you are not a child!"

Dorothy was beyond happy, ignoring Kirsch's embarrassed pleas. Now, all she had to do was help Kirsch come to terms with his own feelings and overcome the curse. She needed her Vice-Captain back in top shape, so she could go back to sleep without worrying for her squad or the Kingdom.

Clover Kingdom
South Gate of Capital City
10th Day of the Curse
Departure of Team Save the Queen
Evening

Fuegoleon stood before his Magic Knights that were doing to the border of the Clover Kingdom and Heart Kingdom. The send-off had been delayed several days due to some arguing that had to be done with the Clover King and the Magic Parliament. But Fuegoleon and Nozel managed to talk them out of keeping the Queen of Hearts in their Kingdom.

They had set the Queen of Hearts up in a carriage that Nozel was moving with his magic. Dr. Owen was inside the carriage with the Queen monitoring her health, as it's getting worse as the days go by. Nozel, Vanessa, Levi, and Julius/Edward were all on their brooms, reading to slowly guide the Queen of Hearts home.

"I expect everyone back here after the mission is over and in one piece," said Fuegoleon to the team. There was only one member of the team missing.

Sal came flying out of the sky, at that moment. She never needed a broom due to her storm magic. "My storm trap magic is all set up for our cover."

Nozel said, "Alright. Let's move out. We have a long way to the Heart Kingdom."

"Take care all of you," said Fuegoleon, waving as the team began their ascent into the sky. He stood there until the carriage and the five Magic Knights were covered by stormy grey clouds. Sighing, he had to get back to Headquarters and see if Dorothy was ready to go back to active duty as Captain. He was going to need Asta soon for another matter.

Clover Kingdom
Magic Knights' Headquarters
The Infirmary
11th Day of the Curse
Morning

"I'm gonna bring you loads of sweets, Leo," said Fragil, as she gave him a hug. She, Nebra, Magna and Mackenzie were all fully healed and they were released from the infirmary that day. Magna already left, especially since Luck came to bring Magna back to the Black Bulls' place for training. Mackenzie immediately sprinted out of the infirmary, worried about the state of the Azure Deer squad without her there to temper Rill's outlandish tendencies. Nebra left, too, but she was escorted home by Solid.

Fragil stayed a bit, but she just got a message from Mackenzie that Fragil was needed back at squad headquarters for a clean-up situation.

"Thanks, Fragil. Cough cough Appreciate it. Cough cough Have fun with a clean-up whatever that means," said Leopold.

Fragil made a face. "It just means that Captain and the other artists in the squad may have done something insane, like painting the entirety of Headquarters again or experimenting with exploding paint balls."

Leopold snickered. "Good luck. Cough"

"Thanks. I'll come visit soon." She, then, rushed out of the room. It sounded dire over at Azure Deer.

But if Leopold had anything to say about it, she wouldn't have to come and visit him anymore, because he was getting out of this infirmary today. There was only Finral, Kirsch and Yuno in there with him. Leopold was becoming stir-crazy and so he came to a decision last night when he couldn't sleeping for the second night in a row.

He was going to confess to Asta today when Asta came to visit Yuno (Asta was technically also visiting Finral, Leo and Kirsch too, but mostly it was for Yuno). His father was right. Asta would hear Leopold out. After all, he wasn't the only one to fall in love with Asta. Noelle and Mimosa both had been in love with Asta, only to be turned down rather gently by Asta. Noelle bounced back a bit quicker than Mimosa. Noelle enjoyed her spot as one of Asta's best friends. Mimosa was one of Asta's dear friends.

Leopold would still remain a rival and a friend to Asta. He had, at least, that to comfort him.

Eventually, Asta came strolling into the infirmary (relieved minding the Coral Peacocks). Leopold waited, because of the way that Asta did rounds in the infirmary when he visited. Asta went over to talk to Finral first to check on his senior. Then, Asta went to inform Kirsch of on-goings at the Coral Peacocks' squad.

"Hey, Leo. Feeling lonely now that Fragil is gone," asked Asta, grinning.

"A little cough cough cough," said Leopold.

"How're you feeling?"

"Haven't cough cough slept in cough cough two days," said Leopold. "I'm getting a little cough stir-crazy, sitting here all the time. Cough Big Brother's too busy to stay for too long. And cough Mother's got to watch everyone in the cough infirmary, not just me."

Asta nodded. "Sounds like you need some fresh air. I've got time now that I'm not minding a squad and not yet assigned to a mission. Hey, Lady Ruth! I'm stealing Leo for a bit."

"Fine, but you know the rules," replied Lady Ruth, waving them off.

Leopold grinned, as he slipped on his slippers and followed Asta out of the room. If he felt a dark stare at his back while he and Asta walked out of the infirmary that was Yuno's problem not Leo's.

"I know that it's stuffy in there because of the disinfectant but man, I can see why you're going nuts in there," said Asta, shaking his head. "I'm glad that almost everyone is better."

They finally reached the outside courtyard that Leopold just had a conversation with his father a few days ago about his feelings for Asta. Leopold's hands were sweaty, the flower petals in his throat burned and he hoped that he was not about to ruin his friendship with Asta.

"Hey, um, cough cough I have something to cough cough cough tell you," said Leopold.

Asta nodded, turning serious. "Of course, Leo, you can tell me anything. We're friends, after all."

Leopold had to say it now or the flowers would multiply like crazy and he would pass out from a coughing fit before long.

He said, clearly and certain that this wouldn't be misinterpreted, "I am in love with you, Asta."

"Oh."

Ch. End