Here we are at Chapter 12. Time for Fuyumi to mingle in the realm of nobility once more. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 12. Enjoy.
Chapter 12: Dance Away
The next several days were a new kind of Hell for Fuyumi. She was helpless to stand against Emilia's tenacity when it came to preparations for the ball. She had her servants force Fuyumi into many different outfits, both masculine and feminine, to see which would suit her best. Then there were the dancing lessons, noble etiquette, and even more. At the end of each day, Fuyumi would feel drained. Often, she'd collapse on her bed just for a few precious moments of rest. On one such occasion, Anelia enters her room to find Fuyumi looking exhausted on her bed.
"Fuyumi, are you... okay?" Anelia approaches her tentatively.
Fuyumi groans in her pillow, "I can't take anymore. I've fought against things you've never seen, but I'd rather fight those things again than go through another dance lesson with Emilia and her servants. I never thought she'd be this ruthless,"
Anelia snickers at her words, "I guess there are some things even you're not good at,"
"Of course not. No one is perfect. Are you sure you're okay with staying here during the party?" Fuyumi lifts her head as she sits up.
Anelia nods, "Yes. I'm not good with this high-society stuff. Duke Joseph said he'd be leaving Ser Conrad and a contingent of knights and guards to watch over me while you're gone. He's since increased security since the incident with Emilia in his home. The duke and his wife will be at the party as well, but I'll be fine,"
"And... are you okay with the other thing?" Fuyumi is careful with her words.
Anelia hesitates to answer, "I... I guess I'm still trying to figure it out. Why would the headmistress lie to me and send me away? Why would someone want me dead? I still don't understand," she sits down next to Fuyumi.
Fuyumi sighs and starts gently rubbing Anelia's head, "Don't worry about it too much. For now, focus on getting your thoughts in order and getting some rest. After this little party is over, we'll be making the trip to the northeast. And don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way,"
Anelia blushes from the treatment, but smiles anyway, "Fuyumi, I actually wanted to tell you that... Well, you see I-,"
However, the moment is interrupted when the door opens up and Emilia walks in, "Ah, there you are," she smiles.
"Please, no more. My feet can't take anymore," Fuyumi quietly begs.
"Oh, don't worry, Fuyumi, I'm actually here to speak with Anelia about something," Emilia surprises them.
This surprises the pair, "Really?" they both ask.
"Ye, now come along, Anelia. Let's let Fuyumi rest. She has a long day tomorrow," Emilia walks up and takes Anelia's hand before leading her out of the room.
Fuyumi watches them leave, perplexed, but relieved that Emilia didn't come to take her to another lesson for the party.
Fuyumi flops back onto the bed, "I think this may be the first time I'd actually want a drink with alcohol in it,"
…
Anelia finds herself in another room with no one but Emilia and a pair of maids standing off to the side. Anelia feels nervous about being alone with Fuyumi's fiancé by herself, minus the two maids.
Emilia finishes sipping her tea, "Now then, there is something I'd like to discuss with you, Anelia. And it involves Fuyumi," Anelia feels even more tense now. "Allow me to be blunt: you like Fuyumi, don't you. As more than a friend, I mean,"
The sudden suggestion throws Anelia for a loop, "W-W-What are you saying?!"
"I've seen the way you are around her. I'm not as blind as some people may think. Although, honestly, I cannot blame you. After all, what's not to love about Fuyumi. She's brave, honorable, strong, beautiful, caring, intelligent, among other things. It's only natural that some people would be drawn to her," Emilia looks Anelia dead in the eye. "Admit it: you have feelings for Fuyumi."
"I-I-I, uh... um..." Anelia stutters, but her blushing face isn't helping. The fact remains: Emilia speaks the truth. Anelia does like Fuyumi, a lot. After all the time she's spent with her, how could she not. "I... I do. I do like Fuyumi, as more than a friend,"
"Well, at least you're being honest about it now. You were much more timid when we first met. I see Fuyumi has rubbed off on you a bit. Another one of her fine qualities," Emilia notes before sipping her tea.
"I'm sorry! I know that she's your fiancé, but I mean, it just... happened," Anelia notes, looking sad.
"It's hardly your fault. It is as you said, it happened as you spent more time with her. However, you are also right. Fuyumi is MY fiancé. What kind of bride would I be if I were to just let my groom go like that without doing something about it. However, I have the perfect solution to this little dilemma of ours," Emilia says, getting a little ominous.
Anelia is afraid of what she might say. She's afraid of Emilia telling her not to interact with Fuyumi anymore. If Anelia is honest with herself, she doesn't want that to happen. Deep down, she wants to spend more time with Fuyumi, and grow closer with her.
"You may as well get engaged to Fuyumi as well," Emilia says with a smile.
Anelia wasn't expecting that at all, "...Huh?" she's left speechless.
"I'm not playing games here. I love Fuyumi, and you have feelings for her as well. Fuyumi is an amazing person. It's honestly to be expected that she might end up with more than one wife. It would be weird if she didn't. What's more, polygamy is accepted in this kingdom, and a few others. And also, while it's uncommon, there have been female nobles who have taken on multiple husbands. This way, we can both get married to her and be with her," Emilia explains.
It was like a ray of light beamed down on Anelia, "You mean I can stay and be with Fuyumi like you?"
Emilia nods, "Yes, I believe she would be sad if you were to suddenly leave and never come back. That is, unless you don't want to marry her,"
"No, I do! I do want to marry Fuyumi!... Wait, what?!" Anelia fell for it.
Emilia giggles "My, you truly are too adorable, Anelia. Very well, then we'll tell Fuyumi about it tomorrow. I'm sure she'll be pleased with this. However, there is one thing I must make clear,"
"And what would that be?" Anelia cocks her head.
'We may both marry her, but I will be her head wife, understand," the aura behind her words leaves no room for argument. Honestly, it scares Anelia a little bit. "Since I became her first fiancé, it is only natural that I be her first and her head wife. You agree, right,"
Anelia nods vigorously, "Yes, I understand! I will be her second wife!"
To disagree would be a very bad idea, Anelia thinks. With that settled, the two girls make idle chatter for the time being, while Anelia attempts to regain her composure due to Emilia's pressure.
…
The next day, the two girls meet Fuyumi to discuss this proposal, "So, what do you say, Fuyumi? Would you like to marry Anelia alongside me as your second wife?" Emilia asks.
Emilia and Anelia are sitting across from Fuyumi in the duke's office. Duke Joseph is sitting behind his desk with his wife by his side. They weren't too surprised by this sudden proposal because Emilia already talked to them about this the night before. But, Fuyumi doesn't know that.
"Wait, Emilia, you're okay if I marry someone alongside you?" Fuyumi is certainly surprised by this.
"Yes, it is no trouble at all. I will be the head wife, of course. However, I think there's a more important question for you to ask. Isn't that right, Anelia" Emilia faces the girl next to her.
Fuyumi looks at her, "Anelia, do you really like me that much?"
Anelia takes a moment to summon her courage, "...Yes, I do Fuyumi. I really do like you in that way. I think it's been like that for a while now, but I was always afraid of saying anything because you were already engaged to Emilia. But, if I can marry you two, then I would really like that. I mean, if you're alright with me, that is,"
Fuyumi looks to Emilia, who nods with approval. Fuyumi stands and walks over, kneeling before Anelia.
"Truth be told, it's the same for me. I was hesitant because I didn't want to hurt Emilia. But, if it is okay with her, and more importantly, with you... would you like to become my wife as well?" Fuyumi proposes to her.
Anelia's eyes light up like never before, and she even starts tearing up, "...Yes. Yes, I'll marry you!"
The two move into a warming embrace while the others watch on with smiles.
"Splendid, I guess we'll need to rearrange a few things for the wedding later down the road," Joseph notes.
"I'm just glad I get a cute girl like her as a second daughter," Eleonora smiles behind her fan.
Fuyumi and a blushing Anelia separate, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you guys already know about this,"
"Yes, Emilia already informed us about it before she came to you. We already foresaw such an event, and we gave our support. Congratulations on another engagement, Fuyumi," Joseph says.
"Of course, I will be the head wife, and while I wouldn't be surprised if you end up with a few more lovers in your entourage, I will say that I will allow no more than six besides myself. This way, I can have you all to myself at least one day a week," Emilia leaves no room for discussion.
"I think that is taking things a little too fast. Besides, we have more pressing matters to attend to, don't we," Fuyumi rubs her head as she tries to change the topic.
Yes, indeed. For they have the party coming up tomorrow. With the discussion taken care of, the rest of the day goes by with making final preparations for the event.
…
The next day, the evening comes quicker than most thought. The event is being held by a noble friend of Duke Joseph, Earl Nicol von Homenstrauf, who lives in a city smaller than Crystalglove, but not too far away by carriage: Lemnia City. In the earl's manor, noble guests enter in quick, but fashionable precision. The manor is lit up with lights, an orchestra in the back for music, and several long tables with assortments of food and drink for the guests. The nobles are all around, enjoying the treats, or conversations with one another. And one of the biggest conversations in the room is on the special guests for the night.
"I heard that the duke's daughter is coming with her fiancé to this event," one lady whispers to her friend.
"The king himself wanted her as a bodyguard for the royal family, and even the crown prince asked for her hand in marriage, but she refused both in order to marry her," one male noble notes.
"I think it's a tad ridiculous. I mean, the woman is a foreign mercenary. Surely, she can do far better than that. Why isn't the duke doing anything about this?" one asks distastefully.
"You're just saying that because the duke's daughter refused the marriage proposal between your eldest son and her," his acquaintance replies.
Just then, the eyes of the crowd turn to the main entrance as the doors open.
"Presenting Duke Joseph von Crystalglove and Duchess Eleonora von Crystalglove," an attendant announces as the duke and duchess enter the main hall.
The duke is wearing a dark blue suit with gold edging to go with his hair color, with a white buttoned-up shirt and white pants and black boots. His wife is wearing an elegant off-the-shoulder floor length dress with sequins. Fabric cascades off her shoulders like a cape. The couple gain the attention and admiration of everyone they pass by. At least, that was the case until the next couple arrived, that is.
"Presenting Ser knight Fuyumi Kusanagi, the Sword Maiden, and Lady Emilia von Crystalglove," another announcement rings out.
If the duke and his wife garnered attention, Fuyumi and Emilia were on another level. Emilia was wearing a beautiful lavender bib neck cold shoulder mermaid dress. The dress glitters and has a pair of matching gloves to go with it. Emilia has her hair tied in a ponytail, silver jeweled earring, and a touch of makeup to finish her dazzling appearance. Meanwhile for Fuyumi, rather than a dress, she is wearing a white button-up over white pants, a long, navy blue, gold-accented tailcoat with large cuffs, black thigh-high boots, white gloves, and a red bow. Rather than go with her usual ponytail, she has her hair down in a long braid. While Emilia is gorgeous, Fuyumi is majestic in a more masculine way considering her attire. The crowd all have a few dissimilar reactions, but most are in awe. The single men are taken in by Emilia's beauty, but some of the men and even a few of the women are drawn to Fuyumi.
Emilia keeps her excitement in check as they walk, but Fuyumi can feel it by how strong her grip is on her arm as she escort's her fiancé.
"I just knew we would gain quite the attention," Emilia notes.
"Of course. You are truly beautiful after all, Emilia," Fuyumi compliments her, making Emilia blush.
"A pleasure to see you again, Lady Emilia, and to finally meet your groom face-to-face," they are greeted by a middle-aged man in a red suit with a few ruffles and black pants; Earl Nicol von Homenstrauf.
"A pleasure to see you again, Lord Nicol. Your party is quite lovely, but then I'd expect no less from you," Emilia curtsies while Fuyumi bows.
Nicol responds in kind, "The pleasure is all mine, my dear. And a pleasure to finally speak with you, Ser Fuyumi. Or would you prefer Lady Fuyumi?"
"Ser is fine. Emilia is more of a proper lady than I ever could be. Thank you for the invitation," Fuyumi replies.
"I see, of course. Well, I had to when I heard that you would be coming. Duke Joseph has told me about your exploits. And if even the king himself has taken a liking to you, then the stories I hear must be true," Nicol notes.
"Hopefully not as bad as I might think," Fuyumi smirks, eliciting a chuckle from the earl.
"You are truly an interesting person. I'm starting to see why Lady Emilia became so smitten with you. But, please, enjoy the evening. I'm sure there are other people who would like to speak with you. No need to spend all your time on an old man like me," Nicol bows to them before taking his leave.
Not surprisingly, other guests come to greet the couple. Most of them are young noble ladies who wish to talk with Emilia. Te girls ask about details on how she and Fuyumi came to be engaged and how they developed feelings for one another. As Emilia regaled them with the tales of her meeting Fuyumi, the girls couldn't help but gush over the romantic tale.
"Oh, how I would love to be swept off my feet by some noble prince after he saves me from some ruffians. It's just like in the story books," one girl gushes.
"And yet, I heard that the prince himself proposed to her when you went to the capital, and she refused both his proposal and the king's offer. Just to propose to you. Was that really true?" one girl asks.
"Yes, she gave all that up to be with me. How could I not say 'yes' to her. Oh, I practically fell in love with her at first sight when she saved me from those bandits, but the atmosphere in the royal palace just made me fall in love with her all over again," Emilia recollects with a big smile.
"But, you're okay with it? I mean, marrying another woman? I'm not saying I'm really against it, but what about the future of your house? You won't be able to bear children of your spouse is another woman," another asks her, looking put off by the idea.
"I am aware of the situation. However, there is more than one way to have children, just as there is more than one way for a someone to become a noble in this land. Fuyumi and I will overcome this issue. But for now, that is something to set aside for the future. We still have yet to be officially married after all," Emilia remains confident.
After that, the girls continue to ask questions about Fuyumi, but more in line with what she's like and her talents. Emilia enjoyed speaking on those topics. Meanwhile, Fuyumi is speaking with Eleonora and Joseph.
"So, enjoying yourself so far?" Joseph asks.
"Well, I guess I'm still getting used to it. The battlefield is much simpler than the ballroom, it seems," Fuyumi nearly sags her shoulders, but holds herself back while at the party.
Eleonora giggles behind her fan, "Oh, wasn't expecting it to be so complicated. Though, if I were in your shoes on the battlefield, I'd be feeling the same as you. Noble society is its own battlefield after all,"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to enjoy yourself. Please, this is a party where you and Emilia can celebrate your engagement. You don't get to do so every day. Now, if you'll excuse us, it appears there are some people that would like to speak with us, and with you," Joseph nods his head to the other nobles glancing at them.
Fuyumi lets out a light sigh as she is approached by a few young noble ladies. They ask her questions in regards to her homeland, what it's like working as a female mercenary, and other such questions. Fuyumi takes her time answering their questions, while keeping her origins as a revenant secret. But, after a while, she parted ways with the ladies for a chance to catch her breath. She finds solace by one of the tables serving drinks and sticks with fruity juice. Even in her past life; Fuyumi never drank anything with alcohol in it, for fear what the alcohol could do to her health. Most kept their distance while she sipped her drink, the key word being most. Meanwhile, Emilia has just finished speaking with the ladies when a newcomer enters the fray.
"You truly are beautiful, Lady Emilia," Emilia turns to find a young man approaching her. The man has short black hair, green eyes, and is wearing a dark green suit with red edging and a few white ruffles, along with a pair of white pants and black shoes. "I'd expect nothing less from you, of course," the man offers an elegant bow.
"Ah, Lord Metus von Nokama, a pleasure to see you again," Emilia offers a curtsy.
"It has been some time, I'm sure. I hope this little gathering has been to your liking," Metus says while grabbing a drink from a passing servant. "I'm sure that my family could provide just as lavish a party as this one,"
"That would be nice, but I'm afraid I may have to decline. I am quite busy with my studies in preparation to succeed my father. And then there is my wedding in the near future," Emilia declines.
"Yes, yes, congratulations on your engagement. Though I must ask: are you truly happy with this arrangement?" Metus asks.
"What are you referring to? If you're speaking about Fuyumi's origins, I will tell you right now that I care not for that. What's more, we already have the king's blessing for our marriage. He even made Fuyumi a knight, which technically grants her a noble title," Emilia reminds him.
"I am aware, but that was not what I was referring to. Your fiancé is a mercenary. Someone who never stays in the same place for too long, who is constantly staining her hands with blood on the battlefield. Who knows how long she'll be gone. Or who she may meet along the way. Or if she may never come back again," Metu steps a little closer to her. "I mean no disrespect. I am just saying that perhaps this engagement was made too quickly, fueled by emotion and nothing else. You deserve someone who will actually be there for you," he reaches out to take her hand, but she steps back out of his reach.
"With all due respect, Lord Metus, but that is not for you to decide. I am aware of who Fuyumi is and what she does. But, THAT is why I wish to marry her. Because Fuyumi is Fuyumi. When she saved me from the former Marquess Deleshante, she was under no obligation to do so. She asked for no forma of payment, and she was not forced to help me. There was reason to... and still she saved my life twice. And besides, it's common for nobles to have multiple spouses, so if she has one or more, it makes no difference to me. Someone as amazing as Fuyumi couldn't possibly have only one wife. Of course, I will be the head wife. I love Fuyumi simply because I love Fuyumi. Nothing else matters,"
"But, think about your family, your house. The other nobles will only ridicule you; laugh behind your back. You do not deserve that. At least with me, or even another proper noble of sufficient standing, that won't happen," Metus doesn't back off.
"If they have something to say about my fiancé, they can say it to my face," they hear and look to see Fuyumi approaching them. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting long, Emilia."
Emilia smiles, "Oh no, not long. Fuyumi, this is the son of Count Nokama, Lord Metus von Nokama. We were just having a... friendly conversation,"
Fuyumi walks over to offer an arm, which she happily takes, "As long as you were enjoying yourself. A pleasure to meet you, Lord Metus,"
Metus offers a stiff bow, "A pleasure, Ser Fuyumi,"
"Now, I hope you weren't trying to steal away my fiancé. I know I'm no expert on noble etiquette, but I believe it would be improper for a man to spend too much time with a woman who is already betrothed to another. So, if you don't mind, we shall be off. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening," and with that, Fuyumi escorts Emilia away from an annoyed Metus.
"Always swooping in to save me, aren't you," Emilia teases her.
"Well, I like to make an entrance. I hope he didn't say anything that upset you," Fuyumi notes.
"Not about me specifically. Though, I did mention how people would speak unfavorably about you behind your back. I actually felt irritated by that," Emilia sighs.
"Then let them. Those that have to insult other behind their backs are cowards. One, because they don't have the courage to say it to their faces, and two, because they have to make others feel bad just to make themselves feel better. Often, when they do that, it's because they are jealous of that person, or because they need to bully someone they think weaker than themselves because they themselves are weak," Fuyumi is not bothered by it.
"Them? Jealous of you?" Emilia asks.
"Yes, I mean, why wouldn't they be. I am marrying you after all," Fuyumi smiles, making Emilia smile. "Now then, we had quite a number of dance lessons in preparation for this party. I'd hate for them to go to waste, even though they almost killed my feet," Fuyumi nods over to the center of the main hall where couples are walking out to dance.
Emilia giggles, "You did better than I expected. I'll be sure to be gentle this time, provided you don't step on my feet,"
The pair take to the center of the dance floor, earning the gazes of everyone present. Taking her hand in one and wrapping one arm around her waist, Fuyumi leads on with Emilia as they begin to dance. Though they keep their eyes on each other, Fuyumi can't help but worry that she'll accidently step on Emilia's feet. She was never good at dancing. Luckily, this doesn't happen as they dance the night away, not thinking about anything else but each other. After a few minutes of dancing in each other's arms, the pair leave the dance floor under the noise of applause from the audience. They find a lone balcony for some peace and quiet.
"Emilia, are you sure you're not bothered by me occasionally leaving for mercenary work?" Fuyumi asks, having overheard the previous conversation.
"It is who you are, Fuyumi. I won't control you like that. Just promise me that if you do leave, that you will return to me," Emilia steps closer into her arms.
Fuyumi brushes aside a few strands of her hair, "I promise you. If I go, I WILL return. I don't think I'll ever become a true noble like you, but that won't stop me from being with you,"
"You are the noblest person I have ever met, Fuyumi," Emilia whispers.
The two lean close until their lips touch in a gentle kiss. A magical moment like in the fairytales come to life. Whatever challenges they may face down the road, they would face them together.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi embarks on another trip into the land of nobles, only this one more exhausting. But, it certainly had it perks. What's more, now she's engaged to Anelia as well as Emilia. After that, the time will come for Fuyumi and Anelia to head to the royal magi academy to discover the truth behind Anelia's assignment there. What secrets will they uncover when they get there? What awaits them along the way? Until then, please Read and Review.