Sorry for taking so long to update, I'm sure most have forgotten about this story... But i want to try updating it more regularly now, because I've written ahead quite a bit. Please enjoy the story, and review if possible. I'll try to update soon.

When I find them, they will eat these words thought Gwendal angrily. Wolfram might have looked utterly angered, but even he could see the pain that flashed through his green eyes when Yuuri was mentioned, and the beseeching, almost pleading look he sent Yuuri as he read the letter. It is as though he wishes the king to deny the lies that have been put against him, his fiancé. Gwendal couldn't help but get slightly annoyed that Yuuri wasn't instantly damning the falsehoods, but the king was most definitely concerned. I wonder if it's for the same reason that I am worried Gwendal thought musingly, as he stared across the table at Conrad, who looked prepared to murder whoever it was that sent the letter. His commanding glare stopped Conrad who was about to snatch the letter out of his hands.

"Wolfram, as your superior, I expressly forbid you from going to meet these hooligans. Most likely it is a hoax. If it is not, it is an even better reason to stop you from meeting them. Listen Wolfram, if this is a trap you will be endangering yourself needlessly" Gwendal knew he had to try to protect his brother, knew that it was his duty, and knew that it would not work. When he ended the (for him) long speech, Gwendal slouched into his chair, waiting for the defensive tirade to come.

He was not disappointed.

Wolfram dragged his gaze from Yuuri and set it on Gwendal with enough anger behind it that Gwendal was tempted to check if his coat had caught fire. He drew a deep breath before launching into his destruction of Gwendal's order.

"Technically, brother, as Yuuri's betrothed, I outrank everyone except Yuuri and The Great Sage, and possibly mother. Your order is therefore not an order, and I will only see it as a request from my brother."

Wolfram took another breath,

"If this is a pointless letter sent to infuriate me, it has proven effective. Should this be the work of hooligans, I will find them and bring them to justice. Swiftly, and preferably painfully. And if this is a trap, well…." Wolfram grinned evilly "then I am almost entirely certain I can take care of myself. Faden is nearby, so my magic should still be strong, unless they decided to stock up on hosenki. If they did, I will only be endangering those who follow me. So obviously, I should go alone" At the end of his impenetrably bizarre logical reply Wolfram took up a determined stance, known by many as "the-unshakeable-will-of-the-lord-brat pose" that has beaten everyone before into submission.

Gwendal wanted his knitting needles, partly so that he could beat Gunter into sensibility again, partly because if he didn't keep his hands busy right now something will break. "Fine, I am ordering you as your elder brother not to go!" Gwendal had raised his voice at this, and he could hear a spoken consent coming from Conrad. Gwendal loved cute things, and Gwendal loved his family. If anything happened to Wolfram, who was not only his baby brother, but also the cutest being in existence, he would….

"Sorry, brother, but unless I am less then 72 years old, you have no control over me. Mother is not here to forbid me, and I do not yet have a spouse to stop me from going. So I will most definitely honourthis engagement (he almost spat the word), alone most preferably, and will meet with this bunch of misguided idiots."

Finally,finally, Yuuri spoke up.

"Wolf, I know I am not your…. husband, and I refuse to give you an order as a king, because that would be unfair… but I am seriously hoping you will stay nice and safe here at the castle, and let Gwendal or Conrad or Josak settle this thing. You know they can be depended upon"

Wolfram's stance had not changed. Instead, he swiveled on his heels away from Gwendal to face Yuuri.

"Yuuri," he said through clenched teeth, fists shaking at his side "I know you don't really think much about these insults to me, but I cannot simply stand by and let my brothers fight for my honour" you should be doing that "and so, my standing as a soldier of Shin Makoku means I will go to meet these imbeciles and set them right"

Yuuri smiled sadly. He had not missed that barb about him not caring. The truth which he had carefully concealed was that Yuuri was struggling not to become the Maou, his anger was so great. How dare they! How dare they insult Wolfram, Wolfram the brave, Wolfram the loyal, Wolfram the devoted, Wolfram the beautiful, Wolfram the angelic? I will find them, and they will learn the enormous error of hurting Wolfram. He could feel the magic straining to get out, magic red-hot, fierce and angry. But he strived to keep his temper. Throwing a magical tantrum now would only further encourage Wolfram to do something stupid, and he'd much rather be hated by his fiancé than see him hurt, though he was greatly saddened by the spitting anger for him that could be seen in Wolfram's eyes. Wolfram, you brat, you should know me better than that. These idiots will be brought to justice. Never imagine for a moment that I do not care. I think I may actually care too much.

"Very well then. I will follow you, and so will Gwendal, Conrad, Giesela and a small group of soldiers, both mazoku and human." Yuuri waved his hand for silence as Wolfram opened his mouth to argue. "That was not a request from a friend. That was a king's order. And Gunter, I am depending on you to take care of things while I go and sort this out. Am I right in placing my faith in you?" Gunter, who before was close to tears at being excluded was now crying at the apparent (to him at least) show of love from the king to him. "Heika, I am not worthy! But as your ever-loyal servant, I will gladly give my life to keep things running for you". Conrad was smiling greatly at his seat, pleased with the outcome. Gwendal showed his agreement with a tiny nod.

In fact, the only person displeased with the plan was Wolfram.

"What do you care, wimp? It's my battle; I don't need you or anyone else to worry pointlessly about me! Obviously you don't trust me not to be rash, and I don't appreciate being treated like a child!" Wolfram threw Yuuri a look of pure ice. "Stay. Out. Of. It. Yuuri."

With that as his parting words, Wolfram turned on his heel and walked angrily out of the dining room. Yuuri heaved a great sigh of displeasure. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. But though I hate having Wolf this angry at me, I refuse to put him in danger just to get on his good side thought Yuuri, and with renewed resolve turned to face Conrad. "How soon can everyone be prepared? I don't know how long it takes to get there" Yuuri waved his hand vaguely in the direction of the letter before continuing, "and I don't think Wolfram is willing to wait for us"

"Don't worry your majesty, I promise to get everyone ready and saddled in 20 minutes" Conrad stood and sketched a bow before he exited, closely followed by Gwendal. "Conrad" Yuuri said to the shut door "it's Yuuri, remember?"

Yuuri was now alone in the room, and sighed again before walking off to get ready. The force with which he slammed the doors to the room shut was great enough to shake the rafters in the ceiling, the sound of dust settling accompanied by worried squawks of "bad omen!"

(flashback ends)

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Exams ended a month ago, so again I'm sorry I took so long in updating (gets pelted with tomatoes) If the response for this chapter is good, I promise to get the next chapter up in a week. And to everyone who is reading this, HAPPY NEW YEAR!