Here we are at Chapter 28. Once more, Fuyumi gets involved in some noble family drama. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 28. Enjoy.
Chapter 28: Family Drama
"Brother Cyan," Iris mutters in dismay.
"Iris," Cyan just stares at his sister.
"Ser Cyan von Mirage. A pleasure. Sorry that I couldn't provide a more proper welcome. As you can, I've been... busy," Duke Androma gestures to his city.
"We saw the smoke on our way here and rushed to provide aid, but found the situation had largely been contained by the time of our arrival. Sadly, we came with a small party so there's really not much we can do," Cyan says.
"I'm aware. This was a surprise for us all. If your family wishes to provide aid, then your father can set it up at a later date. Now, I apologize for leaving just after you've arrived, but my duties take me elsewhere. I'll leave you to your family business," and with that, Duke Androma takes his leave.
With that, Cyan focuses back on his sister, "Iris, just what in the world were you thinking?"
"Cyan, I was-," Iris begins.
"You lied to father, to me, to our family, about where you were going. Then, we find out that you had entered Duke Androma's tournament under an alias in order to win it. What was your goal in doing something so foolish?!" Cyan chastises his sister.
"You know why. You know that I desire to become a knight like you and Father," Iris retorts.
"Iris, you know that is not possible. Father would never allow it, and it is too dangerous a path for you. What you are doing puts our entire family at risk! I can't believe you would do something so selfish," Cyan argues.
"The family is all I have thought about. How do I serve them by sitting around, looking pretty like some ornament? There is no honor in that," Iris says, a hand on her chest.
"But, there's honor in lying to your family? Iris, this stupid charade has gone on long enough!" Cyan yells, but then recollects himself after a few breaths. "Please, I am just worried about you. Father as well. After what happened to Mother, I-,"
"DON'T! You don't get to use Mother against me! Don't you dare speak about her that way!" Iris shouts.
"Iris..." Cyan mutters sadly.
"This is getting out of hand. Time to step in," Fuyumi notes before walking in between them. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Cyan von Mirage. I am Fuyumi Kusanagi. Your sister has been a great help to my friends and our mission here in Calipso city,"
"Fuyumi Kusanagi. I know of you. The mercenary who was granted a title of knighthood by his majesty after dealing with that Deleshante fiasco. Forgive me, but this does not concern you," Cyan tries to walk around Fuyumi.
But, Fuyumi stands in his path, "As this concerns Iris, my dear friend, it does concern me. She helped me in my mission that was granted to me by the king himself. She performed as any true knight would, even if she isn't an official one. You don't get to stamp away her hard work because you don't like it,"
"Mission granted by the king?" Cyan focuses on that part for a bit longer. "Look, whatever mission this might have been, it doesn't concern my sister. I don't want her to be a part in political schemes. Iris, we are going home, now. Father is waiting for you," Cyan demands.
Iris looks unsure, glancing between him and Fuyumi. Fuyumi doesn't hesitate.
"Then we'll be coming along," Fuyumi decides.
"You'll what? I just told you: this has nothing to do with you," Cyan says.
"And I beg to differ. I don't take orders from you. We're both knights, but while you're the second son of a count, I'm engaged to the daughter of a duke. I serve at the pleasure of his majesty, but I take orders from no one. I go where I want to go, and where I want to go is where Iris is going. And you can't stop me," Fuyumi declares.
"If Fuyumi's going, then so am I. Iris is my friend and I want to help her.," Anelia joins in, followed by a cawing Umi.
Elane sighs, "Fine, guess I'll tag along as well,"
"Fuyumi, everyone," Iris is touched by their support for her.
Cyan wants to disagree, but he can see that Fuyumi won't change her mind. What's more, even he knows how powerful she is as a warrior. He has several knights under his command with him, and he's no slouch himself. But, even that may not be enough to stop her if things get serious.
"Fine, but my father will not appreciate your sudden appearance," Cyan warns her.
"Funny, I was about to say something similar. Something about how men view women as nothing more than trophies, objects to be possessed and discarded when they're done with them," Fuyumi walks by him.
"That is not-," Cyan turns to her.
"Spare me your crap. Are we going or not?" Fuyumi stops him.
With that, the conversation ends and the group prepare to leave the city. While Cyan and Iris take a carriage, horses are provided for Fuyumi and the others. The destination is a town known as Bome Town. A small town where Iris's family lives. The whole ride there was tense, and Fuyumi kept her eyes on the carriage the whole time, worried about Iris. In the carriage, Cyan has another talk with Iris.
"I'm sorry... about bringing up Mother. I shouldn't have..." Cyan apologizes.
Iris keeps her eyes on the road, "You were just doing what Father taught you. Focus on your enemies' weak points and exploit them if you have to in a fight,"
"But, you are not my enemy, sister, just as I am not yours," Cyan says.
"Why do you hate it? Why do you hate the idea of me wanting to be like you or Father, or brother Albert? To be a knight that protects the people and serves the kingdom? Is it because I'm a woman?" Iris argues.
"Iris, it's not like that. It's just that Father, that we would rather you focus more on being a proper-," Cyan begins.
"A what? A proper lady? You and I both know what qualifies as 'proper' ladies. Girls from noble families that are forced to exist in a very strict manor. Girls who are married off to men for political reasons, for financial reasons, and usually nothing else. And they NEVER have a say in the matter. Even if the man they're set up to marry has no feelings for them. And you know how often that is," Iris gets angry, her fists clenching. "Do you have any idea how often I wished at night that I wasn't born a woman? 'If only I was born a man, then I could be a knight'. I've never asked for anything from our family. I never asked for dolls, for cosmetics, for fancy dresses. I studied, trained, and did as I was told for so long. And yet, the one time, the ONLY time I asked for something, and you all told me no and to simply 'do what was expected of me'. Do you have any idea how it feels when you hate yourself for something that was completely beyond your control?"
"Iris-," Cyan says.
Iris finally looks at him, "No, you don't! Because you were lucky to be born a man. Because you have that freedom. I don't, and I've had to work twice as hard to get even just a piece of it. Don't patronize me and claim you have my best interests at heart. If that was the case, then we wouldn't be in this situation right now. I want to bring honor to our family, and you simply won't let me do that," Iris turns her eyes back to the road, ending the conversation.
Cyan is left unable to say anything. No matter what he could say, it would only anger his sister even more. Of course, their conversation got loud enough for Fuyumi to overhear most of it. The rest of the trip was done in silence.
…
Soon enough, the group at reached Bome Town. It was definitely smaller than the places Fuyumi usually goes to. Most likely because the place is managed by a count, which isn't the highest rank in noble society. They get through the gates quickly enough and head straight for the lord's manor. The manor is smaller than Duke Joseph's, and with a different color scheme, but seems quaint enough. Several more guards and knights await the carriage. A few of them stare at Fuyumi, who has the same effect on them as she does most men. Once past the gates, the carriage stops in front of the manor. Cyan exits first, followed by Iris. Fuyumi dismounts her horse along with the others. Standing at the front entrance is a middle-aged man with short auburn hair cropped back and a small mustache to match, and green eyes. He is wearing a red outfit that seems like a cross between a suit and a military uniform, with a white buttoned-up shirt underneath, white pants, and yellow accents. Most likely Iris's father, Count Lyle vin Mirage. The man wears a displeased expression on his face. Cyan and Iris approach the man, with Cyan in the lead.
Cyan bows to him, "Father, we have returned,"
"Yes, good work, Cyan," Lyle nods to him before stepping in front of Iris.
"Father-," Iris begins, only for the man to slap her across face, shocking Anelia and Elane.
"What were you thinking? Lying to your family, participating in a combat tournament without my permission, and then getting involved in all the chaos afterwards because of an illegal slave trade. Do you think this is how a knight acts? You irresponsible little girl! Are you trying to destroy our family name?!" Lyle yells at her.
Iris just stares at him, "Sorry to disappoint you again, Father. But, then again, I've been a disappointment in your eyes since the day I was born, right," her words are laced with resentment.
Count Lyle looks like he wants to yell again, but stops and sighs. His expression softens.
"I yell because I worry about you, Iris. Why can't you understand that?" Lyle asks.
"You were worried about the family name and my use as a marriage pawn. We both know the truth," Iris doesn't budge.
"Iris, you still don't understand," Lyle retorts.
"Then explain it to me. Tell me the truth then if you haven't already," Iris demands. Lyle is about to speak, but hesitates and keeps silent. "I didn't think so. You've made it abundantly clear what I am to you. And I've made myself clear that I want to be more than that. Are we done here, because we have guests, Father," Iris gestures to Fuyumi and her friends.
Lyle stares at them for a moment, "We will continue this later. Head inside. Gerard, see to it that refreshments are prepared in my office. Today will be a long day, it seems," he calls out to an old butler behind him.
"As you wish, sir," the butler, Gerard, bows and escorts the siblings inside along with a few other servants.
Iris steals a glance back at Fuyumi, who replies with a small smile, before she disappears into the manor. Fuyumi then turns her attention to the count.
"So, this is the mercenary turned knight that has gained his majesty's favor. I am Count Lyle von Mirage. An honor to meet you. Welcome to my home, and my town. My apologies for the... earlier scene," Count Lyle greets her.
"A pleasure, Count Lyle. I am Fuyumi Kusanagi. This is my second fiancé, Anelia, and my friends, Umi and Elane. I know you weren't expecting us, but Iris has become a dear friend of mine. She has told me quite a lot about you. And most of it was... less than complimentary," Fuyumi says, keeping a pleasant smile on her face.
The count narrows his eyes at her, "You've obviously had a long journey. Please, come and rest inside," Lyle turns to head back inside the manor, with Fuyumi's group following behind him.
They are escorted to a room for guests with a large table and several chairs set around it. Fuyumi and her friends each take a chair, with Umi perching herself on Fuyumi's shoulder. A pair of maids provide treats and refreshments for them while they wait for the count and his family. A few minutes later, the count enters the room, followed by Cyan who is no longer wearing armor, but a white shirt under a blue coat and black pants. With him is another young man slightly older than Cyan, with green eyes and the same hair color as Iris's. He's wearing an attire similar to his father's, but more formal and less militaristic. This must be Iris's eldest brother, Albert. However, Fuyumi notices that Iris is not with them, nor anyone that could possibly be her mother.
"Where is Iris?" Fuyumi asks.
"She'll be joining us shortly. Most likely, she's arguing with the servants about what her attire. Please, let us focus on more important matters. My son Cyan informed me that you were on a mission in Calipso for the king. Is that true?" Lyle asks.
"Yes. I can't get into specifics, but we were investigating possible slave trafficking in Calipso. This was in regards to a previous incident of similar activity. To be clear, Duke Androma was not involved in the activity. We found slavers working in the shadows of the city during the combat tournament. We found them, but then they caused several explosions at the main arena and in the city in order to mask their escape in all the chaos. I brought Iris in on the mission because I felt we could use her aid. She proved most valuable as a skilled swordswoman. I've come to trust her as well," Fuyumi explains.
"Iris shouldn't have been there in the first place, no should you have gotten her involved in such a dangerous operation," Lyle notes bitterly.
"I didn't bring her there, and it was her choice to join us. She did what any true knight would've done," Fuyumi retorts.
"My daughter is not a knight, nor will she ever be. I am grateful to you for looking after her, but that is where this ends," Lyle says.
"Father, if I may interject," the eldest son, Albert, joins in. "Perhaps we should let them stay in town for a few days. This discussion won't be solved with one meeting, and perhaps we can come to an arrangement that benefits us all," he suggests.
"What kind of arrangement?" Anelia asks.
"The kind that would give them better patronage from the royal family, most likely. Seeing as how this mission was granted to me by the king himself and I seem to be in his good graces. You really are a noble's son," Fuyumi quickly figures it out.
"I do what I must for my family," Albert's reply is curt.
"I find that hard to believe. You mean, what's best for your family except for Iris," Fuyumi retorts.
"What else is new?" Fuyumi looks and is momentarily stunned by what she sees.
Iris is wearing a beautiful blue dress with a few white frills. She has on a gold, jeweled necklace, matching earrings, and a pair of braids in her hair. She was truly mesmerizing in Fuyumi's eyes. The only issue is the clear look of displeasure on Iris's face.
"It happens more often than you think," Iris notes as she takes the furthest seat away from her father.
"Iris, I trust you didn't give the servants trouble again," Lyle asks.
"You know how I feel about formal dresses," Iris retorts, clearly upset.
Cyan sighs, "Perhaps we should continue this discussion tomorrow. It's been a long day for everyone, and perhaps with cooler heads, we can have a more productive discussion," he suggests.
"Very well. I'm sure you'll find suitable lodgings in town. I'll have a servant come to retrieve you tomorrow morning" Lyle says as they all stand up.
"One more question, if I may ask, Count Lyle?" Fuyumi stops them. "If I'm not being too pushy, where is Iris's mother, Lady Mirage?' Fuyumi asks.
This stops the family for a moment, "That is not your concern. I suggest you take your leave, now," Count Lyle is adamant that they leave for the day.
Seeing that the conversation is truly over for now, Fuyumi and her friends leave the room. However, as they do, Fuyumi takes Iris's hand into her own while her family is not looking.
"I'm on your side, Iris. Never forget that, and don't give up, you hear me," Fuyumi says.
"Fuyumi... Yes, I hear you," Iris actually smiles now.
Fuyumi leans a little closer, "And if you don't mind me saying, you do look beautiful in that dress" she ends it with a kiss on Iris's hand before leaving with her group.
A blushing Iris watches them leave before retiring for the day. After exiting the manor, Fuyumi and the others move through the town to find an inn for the night. The town is well-maintained, with a soldier or knight seen on patrol every now and then. Eventually, they find an inn and book a room. Though the room only has two beds, Fuyumi doesn't mind as she and Anelia would share a bed.
"I guess I'll have to find another room then," Elane groans.
"Come on now, we're not planning on doing anything here. You can relax," Fuyumi waves it off, though Anelia can only blush in embarrassment. "Anyway, this whole thing sure is a mess,"
"I don't understand why that count is so against women becoming knights. Does he really not want Iris to become one that badly?" Anelia wonders, pouting.
"I can't say it seemed that way to me," Elane notes.
"Oh, so you noticed it too, Elane," Fuyumi smirks while petting Umi.
"You are a knight, Fuyumi, and yet, it didn't look like he had any issue with that fact. Of course, that could be because you are a mercenary, or just because you're not his daughter. Or maybe some other reason. I can't say for certain. All I do know is that everything is not so clean cut as it first appears," Elane notes while finally taking off her hood.
"I have to agree with you. Iris said that they taught her how to fight to defend herself and how to use her light magic. Why would they do that if they didn't want her to be a knight? The last time I checked, proper ladies don't fight at all. Though, I'm sure Emilia would beg to differ," Fuyumi allows a small giggle. Elane coughs into her hand to get her back on point. "Ahem, right, well, I think I have an idea about what this is really about. The count is a stubborn man, and I intend to find out why. I need to speak with him again, and his time, with just the two of us. I think only then will I get to the truth,"
"You sure you'll be alright by yourself?" Anelia asks.
"I'll be fine. I've faced far worse than an old noble who can't let his little girl be her own woman," Fuyumi remains confident.
…
The next day, Fuyumi and her friends revisit the count's manor. Servants escort them inside, where they encounter Cyan waiting for them.
"Good morning. I'm here to escort you to the others," Cyan continues to guide them the way. "I can only imagine what you think of me,"
"I wouldn't be so sure. From what I've seen, you seem like you care about your sister, except you're doing nothing to actually help her," Fuyumi notes.
"It's not what you think," Cyan stops, and so do they. "I DO care about my sister, I just..." he is unable to finish, unable to look at him.
Fuyumi steps around him to meet his face, seeing the fear and the anguish in his eyes.
"What are you so afraid of?" Fuyumi asks.
Cyan's eyes widen for a moment, but he doesn't answer, "Come. Father is waiting,"
They continue to the same room they were in the day before. They find the rest of the family waiting for them. Albert looks the same as ever, Count Lyle looks like he'd rather be doing anything other than having this conversation, and Iris simply looked... tired. Tired of so much. The look on her face broke Fuyumi's heart. But at the same time, it only fueled Fuyumi's desire to get to the bottom of this and fix this whole mess before it destroys this family.
"Now then, are we ready to continue this conversation without any more pointless banter?" Count Lyle asks.
"Yes, we are. But, first I need to make a request," Fuyumi says as she stands before the count's family.
Lyle's eyebrow twitches, "And what, pray tell, would that be?"
"I need everyone aside from myself and the count to vacate the room, please," Fuyumi suddenly announces.
This takes the count's family be surprise, the count himself especially, "And what do you hope to gain from that, if I may ask? We were having a conversation regarding my family, so why must they leave?"
"Because it is about your family, and we'll get nowhere with so many people in the room. This way, it'll just be you, me, and the truth," Fuyumi replies.
Count Lyle clenches his fists, but eventually nods, "Very well. Everyone else, leave the room. Lady Fuyumi and I will continue this discussion in private,"
"But, Father-," Albert begins.
"Enough. Leave," Lyle is adamant.
With that, the others take their leave, "Iris," but Fuyumi stops Iris for a moment. "Don't give up just yet. Trust me," she flashes her an affectionate smile.
A little bit of life returns to Iris's eyes before she leaves with the others. With that, Fuyumi takes a seat across from the count.
"So, you had everyone leave, what's so important that it had to be between just the two of us?" Count Lyle asks.
"I'm going to ask you a serious question, and you WILL answer it, because it's high time you stop running from it," Fuyumi says.
"And what is that?" Lyle is getting impatient.
Fuyumi just stares right into his eyes, "What happened to Iris's mother?"
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi meets Iris's family, but it seems the issues between them run deeper than appearances show. Now, if Fuyumi can help Iris achieve her dream, she must confront the dark past of her family. Will Fuyumi find out the truth and help Iris? Until then, please Read and Review.