Here we are at Chapter 14. Time for Fuyumi and Anelia to see Ustia City, and the royal magi academy. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 14. Enjoy.

Chapter 14: Lineage

"What do you mean you won't go after her again?!" an angry voice shouts out.

"The people we sent out never came back, which most likely means they failed and are dead. We cannot afford to keep sending resources out for your personal agenda. Too much activity and the authorities will realize something is wrong. We cannot lose the element of surprise," a female voice calmly replies.

"Though that is a minor objective for us, I'm afraid that is not the only issue. A few of our cargo shipments have been interrupted. It seems some of the locals have been riled up. I thought you said you'd take care of this for us," a third voice says.

"And I did, but gathering all those materials when, one, they're hard to find, and two, without raising suspicion is harder than you think. Why don't you give it a try?" the angry voice argues.

"Don't forget your place, child. Your family is in quite the precarious position, isn't it. If the royal family were to learn of your family's recent... activities, then you'll all be done. You knew what you were getting into when you started this. Never forget: you do not give US orders. You will focus your efforts on fulfilling your end of the bargain, or you will answer for it, understand," the third voice commands.

"I... I understand. But, just tell me, what of Anelia?" the younger voice asks.

"If the issue comes up again, if the opportunity presents itself, we may try something again. Until then, we have our mission. Nothing else matters," the third voice says, ending the conversation.

…

In the late morning, Fuyumi and Anelia are finally reaching their destination: Ustia City. It had been quite a journey, but the two are glad to have made it in one peace. The city looks pretty large to a degree. The stone walls encircle the city, and the lines to get in are as long as always. Once they finally make it inside, they head straight for the manor of the noble who governs the city, Marques Victor von Shikova. As they traverse through the city, Fuyumi notices at least a few young people wearing similar outfits: dark blue open robes that reach their calves and clothes that look like uniforms from a school. Boys seem to wear a red vest over a white blouse and a tie, and black pants. Meanwhile, girls are wearing short skirts, white blouses and corsets instead of vests.

"Anelia, are those..." Fuyumi nods to the people in the matching outfits.

"Yes, those are students from the magi academy. Sometimes, they come out into the city for shopping or other stuff. Many students are from noble families, but some are commoner students that get in on scholarships. The school focuses more on one's merits rather than their lineage. But, stuff still happens from time to time. I never came out much since I didn't have much money, or really any friends. I mostly stayed on campus and focused on my studies. Even I'm not too familiar with what sells on the streets of the city," Anelia explains.

"Hmmm, well for now, let's go visit the marques. Hopefully, he can help us out," Fuyumi says as they continue on towards their next destination.

…

When they reach the marques' estate, they find an assortment of guards protecting the place. Duke Joseph wasn't kidding about this guy being from the military. When they approach, the guards quickly scrutinize them and ask for their reason for being here. When Fuyumi said who they were and that the duke sent a letter detailing their arrival, the leader of the guards had one head inside to verify while they wait out front. A few minutes later, the same guard returns and confirms what Fuyumi said. With that, the two are allow entry to meet the marques. Guided to his office by a servant, they enter to find a man standing behind his desk, with his back turned against them. The man turns, revealing a middle-aged face with a scar over his right eye. The man is wearing a suit similar to Joseph's, but in red in black. His muscled body almost looks like it barely fits in his suit. This was definitely a man that has seen combat. His very aura gives off that sense.

"Fuyumi Kusanagi and Anelia Lumare. I've been expecting you. I am Marques Victor von Shikova. Take a seat," Victor keeps the pleasantries brief before they take their seats on couches around a table. "The letter Duke Joseph sent me briefed me on your situation. You wish to visit the magi academy to investigate why the headmistress sent Anelia on a special assignment that doesn't exist in that school. As per his majesty's decree, the school is based on merit, not social status, and normally operates outside the city's purview. They do still have to operate by our city's, and our country's laws, but we do not have direct control of it. I can get you in, but that will be most of what I can offer. Normally, I wouldn't waste time or resources with something like this, but I trust Joseph. If he believes there is something wrong at the magi academy, then it could very well affect the whole country. A number of students from that school become court mages or enroll in the military. They help protect the kingdom," Victor says.

"We appreciate whatever aid you can provide, Marques Shikova," Fuyumi bows her head.

"I just don't want any trouble happening in my city, or else it could affect the rest of the country. I help keep watch on the northeastern border of this land. Directly east of us is the Dragon Alliance. We don't have any animosity with them, but they're not allies either. We're neutral, but that suits us fine. However, there are territories not too far from here that are not affiliated with either country. They usually belong to the elves and the dwarves," Victor notes.

This grabs their attention, "Actually, on the way here, we encountered a group of hooligans trying to kidnap and enslave elven children. We intervened and saved the children, but almost got into another fight when an elven warrior came and attacked us, thinking we were with them. Luckily, we were able to convince them that we are on the same side and helped get the children to safety," Anelia explains.

Victor's expression turns grim, "That's not good. Slavery is officially forbidden in this country, but it doesn't surprise me that there may be those looking to sell slaves on the black market. What's more, slavery is permitted in the Gravlon Empire. Perhaps they were looking to sell them there. Elves fetch a high price on the slave market. The kingdom has tried to forge good relations with the elves, but they are incredibly cautious of humans. This will make things more difficult for the royal family. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. It seems I'll have to conduct a few investigations around here. For now, though, focus on your current objective. Anelia is a student of the school, so she should normally able to come and go as she pleases. However, given the situation, that may not be the case. I'll have the headmistress come here to my estate where there will be fewer prying eyes and more protection. It's not the first time I've invited her to my home. Her school is in my domain after all. Just try not to cause any trouble here. I have enough problems to deal with right now,"

With that, the plan was set.

…

The next day, Headmistress Gloria receives the missive to visit the Marques at his manor. She saw nothing wrong with this as they meet up every now and then to discuss work and politics and other such matters. After arriving at the estate, she is guided inside by a servant until she reaches the Marques' office. Inside, she finds the Marques sitting at his desk, hands clasped together as if expecting her arrival.

"Marques Victor, it's been some time. You seem well," Gloria greets her old acquaintance.

Victor offers a stiff nod, "Indeed. Thank you for coming on such short notice,"

"It's fine, though I am curious as to the sudden call for a meeting. Is there something I should know about?" Gloria asks, standing in front of his desk.

"Forgive me, but before we can begin, we have two more guests that will be joining us. Enter," Victor calls out and the doors open.

Gloria first sees Fuyumi enter and is curious about who the white-haired beauty is. However, her curiosity turns into fear when joining her side is Anelia.

"Anelia?! What are you doing here? It is not yet time for your assignment to be complete," Gloria says.

"Headmistress Gloria..." Anelia looks sad at this, knowing what she knows.

Fuyumi offers a bow, "Greetings, Gloria von Bramaus. My name is Fuyumi Kusanagi. I work as a mercenary, but I also hold the title of knight of Anatolia. More importantly, I am Anelia's fiancé, and I have some questions for you,"

"Her fiancé? But, how did that happen?" Gloria was surprised for a number of reasons by this.

"We can discuss that, but first... why did you send Anelia on an assignment that doesn't exist in your academy?" Fuyumi wastes no time in getting to the point.

This takes Gloria by surprise, "What? I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. The special field assignment is a rare one, only given to a few select students every few years. I understand that it's not well known amongst the rest of our learning curriculum, but we do have such assignments,"

"No, you don't," Victor jumps in. "The king's decree dictates that nobles cannot directly interfere with the school and how it is run, but you do still need to abide by the country's laws, and the laws of my domain. The duke, and I, have thoroughly examined the school's curriculum, among other things. No such assignment exists. So, why send your student on a fictional assignment that required her to leave the academy? I know the school has field assignments, but sending one student out into the world all on her own? Without any supervision? What's more, she told the duke and Ser Fuyumi here that the school would contact her when the time was right to return? When exactly would that time be, and how would you even be able to contact her if you don't even know where she is, or if she's even still alive?" Victor pours it on hard.

"There is a reason for that-," Gloria begins.

"Headmistress... Why were you trying to get rid of me? Was I that much of a failure at the academy?" Aneli starts to tear up.

And at this point, Gloria concedes and falls onto a couch, "No... heavens no. I sent you away, not to get rid of you... but to protect you," she confesses.

"Protect me? Why?" Anelia doesn't understand.

Gloria sighs, "You are incredibly talented in magic, more so than any student at my school. But, given your low status, it is only natural that some would come to hate you for it. You were so caught up in your studies to succeed that you didn't see how ugly the world around you can be. The dangers that were encircling you, all because of your true origins, among other things,"

"True origins? What do you mean?" Fuyumi asks.

"Decades ago, there was a war that nearly destroyed the continent. The combat was fierce. It was before my time, but I didn't need to be there to understand it. My grandfather fought in that war as a mage. He told me stories when I was younger. However, he also told me one important story about one day, when he was nearly killed in combat, he was saved by the great archmage. This man was the greatest magic caster in history because he could use every elemental affinity. Light, darkness, fire, water, earth, and wind. None could stand against him in terms of magical capability. He was a key figure that helped end the war, and he fought for our kingdom," Gloria explains.

"What does that have to do with Anelia?" Fuyumi asks.

"Anelia, what do you know of your parents?" Gloria looks to her student.

"My parents? I came from a village. My mother and I lived there, but my father... my mom said that my father died from illness when I was just a baby. It's just been the two of us ever since," Anelia recollects.

"I see... This is only a theory, but I believe that because of your father, your great-grandfather... was the great archmage,"

"The great archmage? How is that possible?" Victor asks, since Anelia and Fuyumi are too stunned to ask first.

"The great archmage was given the reward of a high noble title, land, and other gifts, but he refused them. All he really wanted was funds and some materials for his research. The kingdom agreed, and even hired an assistant to aid him, as well as monitor him. However, the archmage fell in love with the assistant and they had a child, and then grandchildren, and then a great grandchild," Gloria stares at Anelia, causing everyone else to stare at her.

"W-What?" Anelia can't believe her ears.

"You are the archmages great-grandchild. Bloodlines have little to do with magical affinity, but no one since his time could wield so many affinities. Most can use one or two, and there have been a few cases were there were three, but those are very rare. But, a mage with four affinities, second only to the archmage himself. I have no definitive proof, but I believe you are his great-granddaughter," Gloria says.

"But... But how? How can I be his great-granddaughter? I'm just a girl from a village that can use magic. I'm no one so important," Anelia doesn't believe her.

"Shouldn't there be records on the archmage's lineage?" Victor asks.

"There should be, but he was such a polarizing figure that only the royal family and a few select people have access to such knowledge. I am not one of those people," Gloria replies.

"Okay, but that still doesn't quite explain why you sent her away from the academy? You said that there was danger creeping up on her. What kind of danger exactly?" Fuyumi asks as she helps Anelia take a seat on the couch opposite of Gloria.

"I do not know who, but before I sent you away, over the past few weeks, I felt disturbances to the magical barriers at the school These barriers are put in place for security purposes. I set them myself. I couldn't trace them back to the source, but they always occurred near areas where Anelia was. Her classrooms, the library, her dorm. And they were getting closer. Then one day, I discovered that someone attempted to poison Anelia,"

This horrifies Anelia, "Poison me?! As in trying to kill me!"

"When did that happen?" Fuyumi asks.

"A few days before I sent Anelia away. It was during lunch break at school. I grew worried for Anelia, so I sometimes put my schedule to coincide with hers. I have the light and water affinities for magic. Together, they are useful for medical and recovery spells, as well as for sensing abnormalities. I used this magic to detect that someone had poisoned her food and drink. I intervened," Gloria explains.

"Wait..." Gloria's words stir something from her memory. "I remember. You came to me and said that my food looked spoiled, so you switched it out with a fresh set of lunch. The drinks too,"

"Yes, I didn't want to frighten you, nor could I make it look so obvious to others that someone wanted you dead. It was only after that incident that I knew you had to leave, for your own safety. If you are indeed the archmage's great-grandaughter, then you must live. Your power could help protect the kingdom, protect s many innocent people from those that would harm them. I know it sounded selfish, but I just didn't want you to die. As a teacher, it is my duty to help the young bring out their potential, and your potential is great, my dear," Gloria says.

"Headmistress..." Anelia is moved by her words a little.

"Do you have any suspects for these attempts?" Victor asks.

"No, I do not. I'm ashamed to admit that while there are those among other students who did not have a favorable impression of Anelia, they never really showed any signs of wanting to kill her. And the poison was from a plant that does not grow much in these lands. It could be almost anyone. A talented mage and teacher, I am, but I am no soldier or an investigator," Gloria shakes her head in shame.

"Perhaps the culprit is just that good at hiding their true feelings. Perhaps, instead of merely searching for them, we get them to come to us," Fuyumi suggests.

"Draw them out with something they may want? They seek Anelia. You wish to use her as bait?" Victor asks, much to Gloria's dismay.

"Only if she decides it," Fuyumi turns to her fiance. "If you don't want to do this, then we won't. But, if we don't solve this mystery, your life will always be in danger. I do not want that for you. What do you think?"

Anelia thinks for a moment, "I... I think we should do it. I want to find out what's going on too. After everything the headmistress has done for me, everything you've done for me; I must know,"

"But, if we send her back to the academy, she'll be in great danger again," Gloria protests.

Fuyumi smiles, "I never said we'd send her back alone,"

…

A few days later, in one of the classrooms of the royal magi academy, students are spending their morning time studying, speaking, or other frivolous things. However, some of them notice one girl sitting in a chair near one of the windows. Anelia, back in her school uniform.

"Hey, isn't that..." one girl mutters to another.

"I thought she was expelled or something," another notes.

"I just figured she quit, or she died," one boy notes callously.

"Alright, that's enough of that," the teacher, a man with black hair and glasses, strolls in. "We have a quite a bit to do today, but first we have an announcement. A transfer student will be joining our class this year. She will be studying with you all, show due show her due courtesy and respect. You may come in now," he calls out and the door opens up.

Immediately, all eyes turn to the young woman walking elegantly into the room. White hair like snow and going down to her knees (hair choice 30 from the game), pale, soft-looking skin. Blue eyes like the ocean, with a jewel on her forehead to match. The woman stands in front of the class.

"Now, please introduce yourself," the teacher asks, being the only one maintaining his composure.

Anelia knew this was coming, but even she was still stunned by the scene before her. How could she not? After all, here was her fiancé, Fuyumi, standing in her classroom, posing as a student.

The woman does an elegant curtsy and a beautiful smile, "A pleasure to meet you all. My name is Yukina Hikaru."

And that's the chapter. Fuyumi and Anelia learn of the latter's true origins, and possibly the reason why someone wants her dead. Now, Fuyumi, or Yukina in this case, enters the royal magi academy as a student to find out. What secrets will she unlock here? Will she find the culprit? Until then, please Read and Review.