Here we are at Chapter 20. Let's see how Fuyumi handles her date with Emilia. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 20. Enjoy.
Chapter 20: Out in the City
The next day, Fuyumi keeps her word and takes Emilia out into the city on a date. Emilia is wearing a different dress, a white dress with blue frills, a shawl with blue roses to match, and a hat to complete the look. They take a carriage to the noble district in the city, with Emilia taking the lead in where they go since Fuyumi is not as familiar with the place as she is. Once they reach a suitable spot, the pair exit the carriage and continue on foot.
"So, Emilia, where would you like to go first?" Fuyumi asks, escorting her fiancé like a proper gentlewoman.
"Well, there is a nice clothing store down this street that always has the best designs for each season. My mother and I have gone there several times. Come on, it's this way," Emilia happily pulls Fuyumi along.
Around the pair, people glance and stare at the duke's daughter and Fuyumi moving down the street. It's not the first time they've seen Emilia. This city is governed by her family after all. However, they've never seen Fuyumi before. So much has happened recently that she hasn't had much chance to really explore the city. Some have heard stories of Emilia's engagement, and to a woman no less, but not everyone heard the news. They eventually reach their first destination. The shop has a large sign with eccentric designs on it, making it quite hard to miss. Inside, Fuyumi finds clothing for all types of occasions for nobles, both men and women. Of course, she also sees the prices on them.
"Are you kidding me?! Back in my world, if you do the math right, this would cost me an arm and a leg just for one suit or dress. Nobles sure like to throw their money around when they really want to. I have quite a lot of money in my inventory, but I've always been conservative with it. I don't like spending too much too often," Fuyumi thinks while eyeing some clothes on display.
"Ah, Lady Emilia, how kind of you to visit us again. Your patronage is most welcome here," an older lady with black hair tide in a bun, wearing a red dress with white frills, and a folded fan in her hand approaches.
"Lady Diana, a pleasure to see you again," Emilia curtsies. "Allow me to introduce you to my fiancé, Fuyumi Kusanagi,"
"A pleasure," Fuyumi nods her head in greeting.
"Oh, so this is the famous fiancé I've heard so much about. I must admit I was quite surprised when I heard you got engaged to another woman, especially a commoner, but when I look at her now, I'm starting to see why," Diana starts walking around Fuyumi, inspecting her.
"Uh, Emilia," Fuyumi glances at Emilia.
"Lady Diana Pearmell is the owner of this establishment. Trust me when I say that few have an eye for fashion like her. Many of my clothing, I get from her," Emilia explains.
"You are too kind, my lady," Diana says as she continues to get a look-over on Fuyumi. "Impressive, your hair glows like fresh white snow. Your skin is a bit pale, but not so much to think that you are ill," she stares more intently at Fuyumi's face. "Eyes like the ocean, with a very beautiful face. I especially love that jewel in your forehead. Most noble ladies in Anatolia, and a few other countries, wouldn't dream of such an idea, but you pull it off quite nicely," she then looks her up and down. "And your figure is perfect. Not too overly muscled, but not too lean either. A figure with true beauty, and with strength as well. A woman who is also a warrior and has experience on the battlefield. You don't see too many of them around here. Marvelous,"
"Thank you," Fuyumi doesn't mind the compliments.
"Your clothes are a bit unusual thought. I've never seen such designs, especially that cloak you have on. Who designed that?" Diana asks as she gets within an inch of Fuyumi's blood veil.
"I'm afraid I don't know who designed it, but a lot of my people wear similar outfits. I'm not from Anatolia and my country is far from here, and my people tend to keep to themselves. The cloak itself was designed as a weapon for battle, but I'll leave it at that for now. My people were a clan of warriors after all," Fuyumi explains.
"I see. Very interesting. I'd love to talk shop sometime, but I digress. Now then, how may we be of service today, Lady Emilia?" Diana turns to the duke's daughter.
"I'm in the market for a few new accessories, but I'm primarily here for some clothing for my fiance. I like to see what you have in terms of masculine clothing for women to start off with," Emilia says.
"Ah, yes, no sense in going into battle while wearing a formal dress. I believe we have a few pieces that may work. Please follow me and my people will begin by taking your measurements," Diana starts walking away.
"Measurements?" Fuyumi doesn't like that idea.
But, Emilia doesn't help, "Oh yes, we must make sure she hasn't grown since that party we went to before. Let's try on a few different outfits to see what works best," she seems a little too excited to dress up Fuyumi.
"Yes, let's get right to it. Girls!" Diana snaps her fingers and several female employees in maid outfits suddenly appeared behind her. "Please leave everything to us,"
"I can undress myself!" Fuyumi yells.
The next few minutes are a blur for Fuyumi as the employees remove her clothing and take her measurements. Luckily, they do it in a private room in the back so Fuyumi isn't seen by other customers. After that harrowing ordeal comes an even worse one, trying on all the clothes that Diana and Emilia practically dump onto her lap.
"Now then, we'll start off with these. You seem like the type that prefers flexibility and range of motion, while maintaining a sense of elegance," Diana says.
The first outfit Fuyumi tries on is a white and blue military-styled uniform and armored thigh-high heeled boots (Winter Schnee's first outfit from RWBY volume 3).
"Oh, you look so dashing Fuyumi!" Emilia coos.
"Emilia," Fuyumi looks embarrassed.
The next outfit is a blue dress with armor over the body, the skirt, the legs, and on the arms (Saber's outfit from Fate/Stay Night). Suffice to say, Fuyumi didn't mind the armor, but the long skirt going all around her legs felt off. She prefers short skirts or half skirts for better range of motion. Well, Emilia still got it anyway. Next, Fuyumi has on an outfit with a blue cape on her right shoulder, a backless black leotard covered in a white top, a blue tie, black gloves, blue stockings under thigh-high boots, and silver heels (Eula's outfit from Genshin Impact).
Fuyumi checks herself out in the mirror, "This doesn't make my butt look right, does it?' Fuyumi asks.
Emilia has a deep blush on her face, "You look amazing, Fuyumi! Rather you look amazing in just about anything. And your figure is stunning. I'm actually a little jealous,"
"Oh, yes, you look breathtaking! Come, let us try on some more outfits!" Diana calls for more clothes.
"Oh, let's try out some formal dresses too," Emilia adds.
"Hold on, what now?! Emilia, I'm not sure that would work for me. I can manage formal attire that are more masculine or more for men than women, but a formal dress is something else entirely," Fuyumi rejects the idea.
"Oh, don't worry, we'll be gentle," Emilia says as Diana's employees inch closer to Fuyumi.
"What do you mean by 'you'll be gentle'?" Fuyumi asks fearfully.
The ladies have fun putting Fuyumi into different dresses like what noble ladies would normally wear, whether for formal events or otherwise. Suffice to say, this part was the most exhausting for Fuyumi. Well, at least Emilia was enjoying herself. After finally granting Fuyumi the freedom of her own clothing again, the pair finish their business in the store and continue on their date. As they walk amongst the people, Fuyumi spots a smith nearby, spotting the sword and shield on the sign.
"Emilia, let's head in there. I want to check something," Fuyumi points to the shop.
"Huh? Do you need some metal work done or a weapon forged? I believe that place makes most of the weapons for the knights and guards that patrol the city. Their work is pretty good," Emilia says.
"Something like that. Come on," Fuyumi leads the way and they enter the shop.
They spot a man with a graying beard behind a counter, polishing a sword. He hears the door open and looks back to see the two ladies come in.
"Sorry ladies, but I'm afraid this isn't a typical store that high-class ladies come to. You might have the wrong place,"
"We know what this place is, and that's precisely why we're here. I'd like to commission a little project from you," Fuyumi steps up to the counter.
The man finishes what he's doing, "Oh yeah, what kind of project?"
"Emilia, would you mind waiting outside while I discuss things with the blacksmith?"
"Huh, are you sure, Fuyumi?" Emilia cocks her head.
"Yes, I'm sure. Don't worry, it won't take long," Fuyumi says.
Though a bit confused, Emilia waits outside like Fuyumi asked, while the latter gets back to business.
"So, let me guess, you want something for the lady there, and you want it to be a surprise?" the blacksmith guesses correctly.
"Yes, I'd like a weapon forged for her, but something that is small and can be concealed, even in plain sight. Aso, due to her status, it would seem suspiscious if she were to have something plain looking, so could you make it look like something a high-ranking noble would have with them?"
"I could, but that will cost extra, and I'll need a more clear idea of what you want this thing to be," the blacksmith replies. Fuyumi whispers in his ear and his eyes go wide for a moment. "Hmm, that could work. Interesting idea lady,"
"Also, I'll need you to put a rush order on it and have it done by this evening," Fuyumi asks.
"Geez, impatient much. You have any idea how long this could take?" the blackmsith retorts... until Fuyumi throws a bag of coins on his counter.
"Will this motivate you enough?" Fuyumi smirks.
The money was from her inventory, and she has quite the cash saved up. This isn't even chump-change.
"You think money alone will convince me? Because if you did... then you'd be right," the man replies while inspecting the many gold coins in the bag. "I'll have it done. Just make sure to come by later in the evening,"
"Pleasure doing business with you. If you do get it done in time, and I find it satisfactory, I'll throw in another small bag of gold coins as a tip. See you this evening then," Fuyumi waves him farewell as he gets to work. Fuyumi walks outside to find Emilia waiting just like she asked. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting long,"
"You didn't. Care to tell me what that was about?" Emilia inquires.
"Just consider it a little surprise. But, we'll have to come back here in the evening on our way back to the manor," Fuyumi says as she offers her arm to Emilia, who happily accepts.
"In that case, now seems like an excellent time for lunch. I know just the place," Emilia says and they go onto their next stop.
Emilia decides to take them to a nice pastry shop in the city well known for their sweets and desserts.
"You don't mind sweets, do you? I can't quite recall," Emilia asks.
"I admit that I don't like all kinds of sweets, especially things that are too sweet. But, there are at least a few things that I don't mind. Although, I doubt some of those items would be on the menu in a high-class establishment like this," Fuyumi replies as she stares at the business in front of them.
The place looks fancy, and expensive.
"Well, I'm sure we can find you something. This place is quite popular with the younger ladies. Come on, I'm quite famished," Emilia pulls her along as they head inside.
Inside the store, the place seems quite busy with most seats taken up inside, as well as outside. It seems Emilia was right. This place is popular.
"Hello, and how may we help you ladies today?" a man with short black hair in a red and black tuxedo acting as the receptionist at a podium greets them. He smiles when he recognizes Emilia. "Ah, a pleasure to see you again, Lady Emilia. Your presence is always welcome here."
"Thank you. We'd like a table with a view of the outside if possible. For two, please," Emilia requests.
"I'm sure we can arrange that. Just one moment," the employee steps away, only to return after a few quick moments. "We do have a table available. Please, right this way," he guides them to their table.
Fuyumi notices all the eyes on them. The duke's daughter and her fiance having a sweet treat in the eatery. Of course, they'll get attention.
A waiter comes and offers a pair of menus, "Good afternoon ladies, and welcome to our fine establishment. May I interest either of you in something to drink while you look over our menu?"
"I'll have the usual sweet tea please, and one for her as well," Emilia asks.
"Very good," the waiter bows and leaves to get their drinks.
"Go on, see what they have to offer. I'll be having a slice of their cheesecake. They're absolutely delicious," Emilia replies, stars in her eyes.
Fuyumi chuckles at her love's expression before looking over the menu. They have a variety of cakes, cookies, pastries, and other sweet treats on the menu. Honestly, most of them seemed like works of art rather than food. Was it okay for someone like her to even touch them, let alone eat them? However, she did find one treat that she knows she does enjoy, even in her past life.
"I think I'll try their cream puffs," Fuyumi decides.
"The cream puffs? I remember them having those, but they're not the most sought-after treat here at this place," Emilia notes.
"I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but I do have a taste for these. I'll go with them," Fuyumi replies.
The waiter returns with their drinks, "Two sweet teas. Now then, have you both decided what you would like to order?"
"Yes, I'll have two slices of the daily cheesecake special please," Emilia hands over her menu.
Fuyumi does the same, "Three cream puffs for me. Maybe a little extra cream in them, please,"
"Very well. Two slices of the daily cheesecake special and three cream puffs with extra cream. They will be ready in a little bit," the waiter leaves to hand their orders to the kitchen.
"Are cream puffs your favorite sweet, Fuyumi?" Emilia asks.
"I can't say if they're my favorite, but I do enjoy them. Back home, we had our own sugary sweets, but a lot of them were similar to what I saw on the menu here," Fuyumi thinks back.
"Oh, I see great minds think alike. Or at least, great chefs do," Emilia notes, making Fuyumi laugh a bit.
"Lady Emilia, a pleasure to see you again," they look over to see two young noble ladies, one in a red, frilly dress, and one in a dress with a few shades of green, approaching. "You seem to be doing well today," the one in red says.
"Ah, Lady Margaret and Lady Delphina. A pleasure to see you two again. I'm doing quite well in fact," Emilia greets them with a smile and a nod. "Fuyumi, this is Lady Margaret Lufah and Lady Delphina Moklai. They are the daughters of an earl and a count respectively. However, we've known each other for a few years now. They're old friends of mine," Emilia introduces them.
The two girls curtsy, "A pleasure to meet you,"
"Ladies, this is my fiancé, Fuyumi Kusanagi," Emilia gestures to Fuyumi.
"A pleasure, ladies," Fuyumi offers a light wave.
"So, you're the one we've been hearing so much about lately. I was hoping to meet you someday," Delphina clasps her hands together.
"People are talking about me?" Fuyumi asks, confused.
"Why wouldn't they? You saved Emilia, took down two corrupt nobles who committed such cruel crimes, was granted the title of knight by his majesty-," Delphina begins.
Margaret steps in, "-And you rejected the prince's marriage proposal in order to propose to Emilia right then and there. It was so romantic; just like something out of a romance novel," she coos.
Emilia giggles, "Margaret is a fan of romance novels. But, yes, plenty of people have been talking about you. You have made considerable contributions to the kingdom with your recent deeds,"
"I didn't do that much, and I didn't do it alone," Fuyumi rubs her head.
"And also, a lot of people are talking about how strong you are as a warrior, and how beautiful you are as a lady. The stories were not exaggerated now that I look at you. Some nobles have been talking about possibly gaining your attention into marrying their sons or daughters in order to build ties with you and Emilia," Delphina adds.
The part about the men makes Fuyumi cringe, "Sorry, but I have no interest in men, and I'm not sure I'm ready to take on another fiancé just yet. Besides, I only marry for love, not political reasons."
"Oh, that's even more romantic. Maybe I should try to gain your affections, too," Margaret coos.
"Now, now, Margaret, I am right here you know," Emilia reminds her.
Just then, the waiter returns with Fuyumi and Emilia's order, "Your dishes, my ladies.
"Oh, looks like we took up a lot of time. We'd best get going so we don't interrupt. Enjoy your date and your meal. Lady Emilia, I'll set up a tea party soon so we can talk about all the local gossip around you and your betrothed. Ta-ta for now," Margaret and Delphina curtsy before taking their leave.
The waiter places the dishes down and then leaves as well.
"Well, no time like the present," Emilia takes the first bite of her cheesecake. "Ah, the texture is always perfect, and the flavor fills my entire mouth," she moans from the delicious treat.
Fuyumi giggles, "I guess cheesecake is your weakness. Good to know for future reference. Now then," Fuyumi picks up one cream puff and takes a slow bite. Quickly, her eyes widen in surprise before swallowing her bite. "Wow, that is good. And the cream is just the right level of sweet, but not too sweet. And the taste is excellent. All this just from a cream puff,"
"The chefs here pride themselves on making sure even the smallest treats are cooked to perfection. You will never be disappointed," Emilia says in between bites of her cake.
The pair eat in blissful nirvana as they enjoy their desserts while making idle conversation. After finishing their treats and paying the bill, Fuyumi and Emilia leave to check out a few more places. As the sun begins to set, Fuyumi believes her order at the weaponsmith to be complete, so she escorts Emilia over there.
"Smith, is my order ready?" Fuyumi asks as they step inside.
The smith comes out, sweaty, "Hah, just managed to get it done. That was an interesting order lady. Better hope you're ready to pay for the rest of it," the smith brings out a small box onto the counter.
"Of course, as long as it is satisfactory," Fuyumi replies.
"Welp, then have a look for yourself," the smith pulls back the box to reveal a small object underneath.
Inside is a blue folding fan, just like the ones that noble ladies would hold. However, the two end pieces for which the actual fan is set in between are made of metal.
"What you asked for is inside the end pieces. There's a little switch where they connect that activates the little gift inside. Just like you asked for," the smith says.
"Thank you. You've earned your pay," Fuyumi hands over the rest of the money she hired him for. "Pleasure doing business with you," Fuyumi collects her item and takes her leave with Emilia.
"Fuyumi, why did you have a blacksmith make a metal folding fan for you?" Emilia asks as they head inside their carriage.
"Watch," Fuyumi hits the buttons on the join of the fan, causing a pair of small, double-edged blades to pop out of the metal sections of the fan. The action spooks Emilia a bit. "A hidden weapon for added protection. And it's not for me, it's for you," she places the fan in Emilia's hands.
"For me?" Emilia looks between Fuyumi and the fan.
"After what happened to you when we first met, I thought about something. I may not always be around to protect you should something like that happen again. At least this way, you'll have another way to protect yourself. I know it's not pretty; we can always get it decorated later. And I'm sure it's not what you were hoping for, but I just want you to be safe," Fuyumi explains.
It certainly isn't what Emilia was expecting, but she was still touched that Fuyumi was thinking about her and her wellbeing when she made the order. It makes her blush.
She unfolds the fan in front of her smiling face, "I love it. You got this with me in mind to protect me. Since it's from you, that means that I'll always have you protecting me,"
She leans her head on Fuyumi's shoulder as they make their way back to the duke's manor. However, despite the romantic atmosphere, Fuyumi's mind is hardly at peace.
Fuyumi stares out the carriage to the setting sun, "I can't let things stand like this. If we are to become a family then, they need to know the truth. Fuyumi's truth. Come what may, for better or worse, they must know the truth. The truth that I am a revenant."
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi and Emilia enjoy their date in Crystalglove city. However, a tough challenge now awaits Fuyumi. How will this go for Fuyumi? Will she still be able to be with Emilia and the others, or will it sever their ties to one another? Until then, please Read and Review.