Set when Mereoleona is a teenager, about 16/17, just after Acier's death (spring time sometime)
Mereoleona Vermillion did not care what other people thought about her. She was used to being the strange one amongst her royal relatives. More than once she had heard old aunties and uncles not just whisper or mutter under their breath, but also say it directly to her mother and father's face that Mereoleona was "too wild," "uncontrollable," and "unbefitting of a royal in this house." Her mother and father's responses were generally the same that Mereoleona was "perfect just the way she was" and that was the end of direct confrontations.
She did not like living in the Capital, despite her parents and brothers were there. The only reason she even stayed was to get trained by Acier, who was the strongest person that Mereoleona knew.
But Acier was gone.
Mereoleona couldn't even bring herself to visit the new Silva baby. From what her little brother Fuego told her, Noelle looked very similar to Acier.
"Mother, Father," said Mereoleona, all of sixteen-years-old, standing in front of her parents in her father's den. "I'm leaving to train in the Grand Magic Zones."
"Uh, what," asked her father, startled.
"I'm not getting any stronger here. I have to do things my way," said Mereoleona, arms crossed, scowling.
"Sweetie, I don't think that going off on your own will help any. Being a member of the Magic Knights, of the Crimson Lions is a high honor that you can't just ignore," said her father, trying to remind her of her duty as first-born. "The boys will need you."
"Fuego and baby Leo will survive without me," replied Mereoleona. "They're my brothers, after all." Her father sighed, and rubbed his eyes. She almost felt bad that she was stressing him out.
"Okay," said her mother, finally breaking into the conversation. "Let's go and get you some supplies to start. I know that you know how to forage and hunt thanks to Acier, so we'll get you all the supplies that you can carry. Ooh, and maps. We need some maps of the Neutral Zone!"
Her father merely sighed. "I swear. The things I do for you two. Fine, go ahead, Mereo. Solace make sure that she has one she needs. I'll…figure out what to tell everyone."
"Tell them they can go fuck themselves," responded Mereoleona, grinning.
Solace burst out laughing while Aldebrand merely hung his head.
"Come on, sweetie, let's get you set," said Solace, grabbing Mereoleona's hand.
"Thanks, Mother."