Romance of a Failed Knight
IMPORTANT AUTHOR"S NOTE!: It was brought to my attention that my paragraphs in previous chapters were too long and that I should separate each line of dialogue between characters. So in this chapter I will be trying this new format out. Please leave a review or PM me with your thoughts on this new format, good or bad. In any event, I won't keep y'all from chapter 5 any longer. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of Chivalry of a Failed Knight; that includes characters, the plot, etc.
Chapter 5: Readjustment of a Failed Knight
Ikki awoke to a familiar scene; Stella getting changed, wearing the same black bra and panties that she wore when he had first met her. This time, however, when Stella noticed that she was being observed, she didn't panic or try to incinerate him.
Stella smiled warmly as she addressed him. "Good morning love, I was just about to wake you up so we could begin your tour of the castle."
Ikki got out of bed reluctantly before responding, "Okay. You know, it's kind of funny to think that this is a similar situation to how we first met; me seeing you change and whatnot"
Stella replied with a smirk, "True, the only difference is you don't have to worry about me telling you to commit suicide or burning you to a crisp."
"Yeah, I'm grateful for that. It would be a real shame if I weren't able to see a scene this beautiful ever again." Ikki said, still admiring the beauty before him.
Stella blushed at Ikki's compliment. She loved it when he complimented her like that; out of nowhere; not too serious but clearly sincere. She thanked him, then returned back to changing, encouraging him to do the same.
Ikki reluctantly pried his eyes from Stella and did as she asked him to. Once they were both changed, they headed down the stairs to the first level of their room. Ikki insisted Stella sit down in the custom made love seat while he prepared a surprise for her.
She sat down, contemplating what Ikki could be preparing. She was brought out of her thoughts as a pleasant scent infiltrated her nostrils. She turned her head towards the kitchen and what she saw turned her on a little, though she wouldn't say that out loud. Her eyes witnessed Ikki in the kitchen, sporting an apron and chef's hat. Ikki lifted his head from what he was doing and saw that Stella was at a loss for words.
"What? Surprised I can cook. This is one of the abilities I picked up when I was teaching myself skills I thought would be useful for everyday use. I know you did all of the cooking back at school, but the only reason I never cooked was because I was almost always working and I loved your cooking" Ikki blushed at his confession, causing Stella to giggle.
"Well I look forward to seeing how good of a cook you are" Stella said, eager to try her fiancé's cooking. Once Ikki was finished, he brought a plate over to Stella. When she saw what was on the plate her jaw dropped, and she started to drool a little.
Her plate consisted of eggs benedict, hash browns, and a small bowl of grits. Not only did the food smell divine, but it was also arranged to be aesthetically pleasing. Seeing that Stella stared blankly at her food, Ikki asked in a concerned tone, "Stella, are you okay?"
Stella was brought out of her trance as she answered, "Yeah, I just can't fathom the fact that you could cook and prepare food at this level and I never knew about it until today."
Ikki once again blushed, this time at Stella's compliment. He humbly responded, "Well I hope you like it. It might look nice, but you haven't tried it yet"
"Oh stop being humble and give yourself the credit you deserve" Stella told him as she took a bite of her breakfast.
As soon as she swallowed the first bite her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she passed out. Ikki panicked, thinking his cooking did this to Stella. When she came to a few moments later Ikki began to apologize profusely.
"I'm so sorry Stella. I knew my cooking could never be as good as yours. I'll get this filth away from you immediately." As he said this he reached for Stella's plate. As he did, she reached out and grabbed his hand.
He turned to look at her, confusion evident on his face. Before he could say anything Stella grabbed him by his collar and pulled his head to be level with hers.
Their faces were just inches apart when Stella spoke in a deadly serious tone. "I will kill you if you don't cook for me from now on."
His food had in fact rendered Stella unconscious, but unlike what Ikki thought, his food had overloaded her senses. Never in her entire life had she tasted anything so divine. She felt like her cooking was third rate compared to Ikki's.
Ikki still confused asked, "What? You mean you like my cooking?"
"Ikki, your cooking could be outlawed it's so addicting. Never in my life have I tasted something so wonderful. If I have anything negative to say it's that this is the first time I've had your cooking. You were capable of this for four years, but never once shared your culinary genius with me. That is unforgiveable! As punishment, for the rest of our lives, you have to cook every meal when we cook." Stella firmly stated, crossing her arms with a look of triumph on her face. She was confident that Ikki wouldn't object. His response left her speechless.
"I won't. I'm sorry Stella, but I refuse." Ikki stated more firmly than Stella.
A little upset that he denied her wish, though it was presented in the form of a demand, she inquired "Why? Do you not want me to be happy?" She was being passive aggressive to get her way.
Ikki responded, "I really am sorry I can't oblige, Stella. However, I don't know what I would do if I never had your cooking again. I don't even want to think about it."
This time it was Stella's turn to blush at Ikki's compliment. At the same time she felt guilty for being passive aggressive with Ikki. She didn't know why he had denied her demand initially and only cared about getting her way. Now that she knew the reason why he denied her demand, she felt like a terrible person. Ikki saw that Stella's mood was nose-diving and quickly corrected it.
"Don't worry. The last thing I want is for my princess to be unhappy. Of course I will cook for you when you want me to, just promise that every once in a while you'll cook for me." He said as he offered her a comforting smile
Stella nodded in affirmation. She was honestly glad that Ikki still enjoyed her cooking, to the point that he would deny a request from her. She was just caught up in a moment of selfishness, but could he blame her? She couldn't wrap her head around the fact that he could still want her cooking when he possessed cooking skills on the level he did. She pushed her questioning aside; her prince wanted her cooking and she was more than happy to oblige given that he would cook for her when she wanted him to.
Stella returned to her breakfast, savoring every bite. Ikki just watched with a bright smile as she ate. He was happy to see that Stella enjoyed his cooking as much as she did. When she finished, she patted her stomach and let out a sigh of pure contentment.
She looked at Ikki and said, "I know I've already told you this, but let me reiterate. Your cooking is absolutely divine."
Ikki once again blushed at Stella's compliment before responding, "Well thank you. I'm just glad you like it."
Stella nodded in agreement, before standing up. "Well, now that breakfast is out of the way, how about we get this tour started?" Stella asked, stretching as she did.
"Yeah, that sounds nice" Ikki responded as he walked over to the door and opened it for Stella. "After you my princess" he said as he gestured for her to exit first.
"Why thank you my prince" Stella replied as she walked out of their room. With that the two began Ikki's tour of his new residence.
Stella began her tour by showing Ikki the way down the hall to the staircase that led to the main floor. Luckily for Ikki, his and Stella's room was not far from the stairs. Not too far after their room the hallway began to twist and wind, making it easier for a newcomer to become lost in the labyrinth like castle.
After making sure that Ikki was familiar with that area of the castle, Stella led him outside and took him behind the castle and into a large structure, roughly 300 x 75ft. Ikki was astonished by the sheer size of the structure before him.
Stella led him into the structure, and when Ikki saw what the obscenely large structure concealed, he could only stare like a child struck full of wonder. Stella had brought him to her family's personal indoor water park. It had nearly everything imaginable; a poolside bar, a various array of waterslides, a group of lounge chairs located under a large overhead skylight, a basketball goal on the shallow end, and a volleyball net a bit further down from the goal.
"Wow" was all Ikki was able to utter. Stella giggled at Ikki's reaction. Though she had half expected it, she still found it adorable.
Stella began, "I don't think I really need to explain what this building is. You'll see two bins by the door when you first walk in. The one on the right has clean towels and the one on the left is for used towels. The changing rooms and showers are down past the poolside bar and to the right. Finally, down on the opposite side of the pool and to the left is a sauna. That pretty much covers the indoor water park, do you have any questions?"
"Yes just one" Ikki informed Stella.
Curious as to what Ikki wanted to ask, Stella inquired, "Oh really? And what might you want to know?"
Ikki replied with a smirk, "Simple, how soon until I can see you in a bikini?"
Stella gave a wicked grin at this before she responded, "Oh, I hate to break it to you, but you won't be seeing me in a bikini."
Ikki, being his daft self couldn't connect the dots. He asked, puzzled, "Why not?"
Annoyed at Ikki's density as well as knowing she would have to say what she was implying out loud, regardless of how embarrassing it was, Stella explained, "It means I tan and swim in the nude you dense idiot!"
Ikki became flustered at hearing Stella say that. Then he got caught up in the thought of watching Stella tanning in all of her nude glory. Ikki was brought back to the present as he felt a warm and wet sensation on his lips.
He brought his hand to his lips, swiping a sample of whatever was on his lips. One look at the substance and Ikki knew it was blood; the thought of seeing Stella naked had given him a nosebleed. Stella just snickered and rolled her eyes at the turn of events.
After Ikki tended to his nosebleed, Stella continued his tour. Their next stop was her personal favorite place in the castle. She led Ikki down a beaten path through what could be considered a miniature forest at the very corner of the castle. Ikki felt like the air around him was getting oddly warmer. When they arrived at their destination, Ikki discovered why he felt a change of temperature in the air around him. It was a natural hot spring.
Stella began her explanation like with the indoor water park. "I don't think this place needs any explaining either. The only thing you need to know is that you either need to bring a towel from the house or grab one from the indoor water park before coming down here."
Ikki needed no further explanation, and told Stella to continue with the tour. Their next destination was back inside the residence. Stella led Ikki back up the stairs and beyond their room. After a few twists and turns Stella finally stopped between two large double doors.
She turned to face Ikki, informing him, "On my right is my father's study. I recommend you avoid going in by mistake instead of this next room."
Ikki, now curious as to what was behind the other door, asked, "So what's behind door number two?"
Stella decided to show and not tell. When she opened the door and Ikki got a look at what the doors concealed, his breath hitched. Inside was a bar, about twenty feet in length, made of polished oak. The bar stood out to Ikki because though it was polished, it was not trimmed, so it gave the appearance of being taken fresh from its tree. Ikki was impressed by the bar top, however, what caused his breath to hitch was what was behind the bar; Ikki was mesmerized by the sheer amount of alcohol.
The shelves were as long as the bar and there were a total of five shelves, all completely filled, but not overcrowded, with an assortment of rum, bourbon, whisky, and more.
Stella finally broke the silence saying, "So I figure that there must be something in this collection to your liking. Can I get you a glass?"
Ikki scanned the shelves looking for particular drink. He was unsuccessful in finding it, but decided to ask, reasoning that no harm could come from asking.
"Do you have any Cognac?" Ikki inquired.
"Oh, so the prince knows what he likes, does he? Well, I'm sorry to say, but we do not have any Cognac." Stella teased, but ended sadly after a brief search for the requested drink. She wished she could give him the drink he wanted, but unfortunately she could not provide it to him.
"Oh nonsense, if the boy says he wants some Cognac, then I'll be damned if he doesn't get a glass." A familiar voice gained the attention of the duo. The two turned towards the door to see the king standing in the doorframe with a glass in hand.
"What do you mean daddy?" Stella inquired.
The king wordlessly walked behind the bar and pulled out a little stepladder. He positioned it on the far side of the bar, the side that was against the wall, and ascended it. He reached for the cheapest bottle of rum in his collection and set it down on the bar below. He then took out a key from one of his pockets and inserted it into a keyhole that the bottle of cheap rum had concealed. He opened the hidden compartment and pulled out a bottle. He then stepped down from the ladder and poured a glass of the hidden bottle before returning it to its hiding place and locking it in the hidden compartment.
He stored the stepladder under the bar, then walked over to Ikki and handed him the glass. "One glass of Isle De Ré Cognac for the young man" the king declared as Ikki took the glass.
"Thank you your majes… I mean thanks dad." Ikki told the king as he raised his glass to propose a toast.
"Here's to a new home, a wonderful father, and the woman who is my everything. Thank you both so very much, from the bottom of my heart." Ikki proclaimed as he touched glasses with the king before taking a sip of his Cognac.
Stella teared up at Ikki's toast and the king just smiled and thought to himself, 'what a fine young man Stella has found herself. I never liked the idea of giving my daughter away to another man; I still don't. However, if it's to this man, I think I can let her go; she is an adult after all, one I am so proud to call my daughter.'
With that thought in mind, the king brought his glass to his lips and took a sip of his drink, which unbeknownst to anyone at the time, was also Isle De Ré Cognac.
The trio went their separate ways, the king to attend to his kingly duties and the duo to continue Ikki's tour of the castle. Stella brought Ikki back down to the main floor. As soon as they reached the bottom of the stairs, Stella immediately turned to her left and led Ikki down a straight hallway. Once they reached the end of the hallway, Stella turned to a door on her right, and put her hand on the knob, but hesitated in turning it.
Ikki noticed Stella's hesitation, and placed a hand on hers, which was still on the knob. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and began to turn her hand, turning the knob in doing so. Ikki stopped when the knob was turned as far as it would go. He wanted to reassure Stella that he was there to support her, however, he would not force her to open the door if she didn't want to. It was up to her whether or not she pushed on the ready to open door.
Stella took a deep breath and gently pushed the door, causing the door to slowly reveal what it had once concealed. What Ikki saw both amazed and confused him; in the center of the room was a concert grand piano, made of Sitka spruce. The piano was absolutely gorgeous. It was illuminated by a single overhead light that enhanced the shine it gave off, but not so much so as to be blinding. At the same time Ikki was confused as to why Stella had been hesitant to show him this room. He pondered what could have possibly caused her to have any doubts.
Stella brought Ikki out of his thoughts as she spoke, "I guess you're wondering why I was a bit hesitant."
Ikki nodded in affirmation before adding, "But you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Just know I'm here for you whenever you need me." He offered Stella a warm smile, which she instinctively returned.
Stella was moved that Ikki put her own feelings and comfort before anything else, but she felt like he deserved to know. She also wanted to be completely open with him; he was her fiancé and she wanted him to feel like he could be completely open with her as well.
"Well, you see." Stella began, "The last time we were in a music room was after graduation when your father said all those awful things about you"
Stella was about to continue, but Ikki cut her off. "My father can say whatever he wants about me, but he insulted you and even would've have hit you had I not intervened, and I will die before I let that happen."
Stella told Ikki, clearly upset, "That's just the thing! I don't want you to associate any part of this house, any part of our life with any bad memories, especially any involving that arrogant prick."
Ikki thought for a second before responding, "I'm sorry Stella; you're right. How about I make this right and paint a good memory over the bad?"
Stella was lost at Ikki's proposal. She had no idea what he meant by what he just said. Ikki didn't wait for a response and walked over to the concert grand piano and sat down in front of it, readjusting the seat as he did.
Stella stared in disbelief as Ikki did this. "No… Are you telling me you can…"
She started before Ikki spoke up stating, "I'd like to dedicate this song to my fiancée, Stella; you are my everything. Here's to the many wonderful memories I can't wait to make with you."
After Ikki finished he began playing a sweet melodious tune. After a few bars Ikki began to sing. When his voice resonated in Stella's ears she was at a loss for words; Ikki's singing was that of an angel's.
Stella had never heard the song before, but she knew she would never forget it; My Girl, by The Temptations:
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl
My girl
I've got so much honey, the bees envy me
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl
My girl
Ooh
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
Yeah
I don't need no money, fortune or fame
I got all the riches baby, one man can claim
Well, I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl
My girl
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
With my girl
I've even got the month of may
With my girl
Talkin' 'bout, talkin' 'bout
Talkin' 'bout my girl, my girl
That's all I can talk about
Is my girl.
While Ikki was still in the middle of singing, looking back at Stella with a warm smile, which she returned, neither of them noticed the figure in the door that took a picture of the moment between the two. After the figure took the picture, it exited as it had entered, silently and unnoticed.
When Ikki finished he turned to Stella who had tears streaming down her cheeks. Before he could say anything she ran up to him and tackled him off the seat.
"Stop hiding all of these talents from me!" Stella scolded him.
Ikki was about to speak but was cut off as Stella began planting a barrage of kisses all over him. Ikki was shocked at first, but quickly eased up, wrapping his arms around Stella's neck. After a few minutes of exchanging chaste kisses, the two got up to continue Ikki's tour, though they both wanted to continue their previous endeavor.
As the duo exited the music room, Stella turned to her left and headed towards the front door. She brought Ikki outside and led him to the entrance of the garden.
"I know you might think this is a garden, but you'd be wrong. I guess the best way to describe what this area is would be to call it a miniature park." Stella explained before she took Ikki's hand and pulled him onto the path before them.
She led him passed the wolf fountain and the koi pond and a zoo of bush animals, including wolves, tigers, elephants, rhinos, and the main attraction, a dragon that looked an awful lot like Peterhausen.
She slowed down as they approached a short pier on a small lake. She walked Ikki to the very edge of the pier and removed her shoes before sitting on the edge, gesturing for Ikki to do the same. Ikki followed Stella's lead and removed his shoes and sat down beside her, taking her hand into his as he did.
She nestled her head into the crook of his neck and let out a sigh of pure contentment. Ikki instinctively rested his head on hers and wrapped an arm around her. He couldn't help but smile at the scene he found himself in; it was like a scene straight out of a dream, only this was reality and Ikki couldn't have been happier.
Once again the figure from earlier poked its head out from behind a tree and took a picture of the couple as they just enjoyed being in each other's company. Once again, like back in the music room, the figure left as it had arrived, silent and unnoticed.
"Hey Stella" Ikki said, breaking the silence.
"Yes, what is it Ikki?" Stella replied, giving her fiancé her undivided attention.
"Thank you for today. This castle was really intimidating when I first arrived. Now that's not the case; because of you it's starting to feel more like a second home." Ikki said with a blush
Stella was a bit confused and hurt at this. She thought Ikki was saying that he couldn't think of her house as his own. Ikki saw Stella's expression sadden and immediately knew that Stella mistook what he had said. It was true that he was dense, but not even Ikki was that dense.
"When I said second home I didn't mean that this place will never be my home. I should've explained that I already have a first home that can never be replaced. My home is wherever you are. Stella, if I'm beside you then I'm where I belong; I'm home whenever I'm with you." As Ikki finished his confession he could feel his already evident blush intensify.
Stella felt like an idiot. This was Ikki she was dealing with, someone who valued her emotions more than his own life. Of course what he said only stemmed from how much he loved her and she just misinterpreted what he said and jumped to a hasty conclusion like she always did. She wrapped her arms around Ikki and pulled him in to a sideways embrace.
Ikki once again broke the silence, addressing Stella, "Hey Stella? There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, but I've been waiting for the right time, and I think that time is now."
Stella replied immediately and eagerly, "Of course love! You can ask me anything."
Ikki began, "Well…
Author's Note: Yes I know how awful I am for leaving y'all with another cliffhanger. I hope y'all will forgive me. Just hang on for one more month.
If anyone guessed that My Girl might have been a song I sang when I was in choir, you would be correct and I give you high praise for your sharp eye. In regards to Ikki's cooking abilities, drink preference, and musical talent, I don't want to give Ikki any abilities that the viewers couldn't see him possessing, but I also want to add some personal touches to this fanfic.
To anyone who knew what anime Peterhausen was from without having to look it up, awesome! I really loved his design; he wasn't a cliché dragon, but still looked badass to me, not to mention how much I loved his character. For those of you who didn't know or didn't look up what anime he's from, I recommend you watch Demon King Daimao.
Who could this picture taker be? Why are they taking these pictures? Also, what does Ikki want to talk to Stella about? Find out all this and more in the next chapter. Until then, stay you my friends.