Here we are at Chapter 29. Time for Fuyumi to learn the truth to Iris's family dilemma. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 29. Enjoy.

Chapter 29: To be a Knight

"What happened to Iris's mother?" Fuyumi asks.

The question freezes Count Lyle in place, "...W-What? Why would you..."

"I ask because I have a feeling that she's the key in all of this. You had your daughter trained to fight, to defend herself, and yet, you don't want her to be a knight. I highly doubt you would allow her to become a mercenary. But then, why allow her to learn how to fight? What's more, I haven't seen any sign of any woman who could be her mother in this manor. I haven't seen every inch of it, but I've been in bigger manors than this place. To add to that, you all seem to be really uncomfortable with talking about her, and I have a few ideas why," Fuyumi moves to stand in front of Lyle. "So, I'll ask again: what happened to Iris's mother?"

"You have no right to ask such a question! The audacity-," Lyle moves to leave, only for a sudden frost shard to stab the floor in front of him.

"We're not done talking. No more running from this. Your family is on the brink of falling apart, and you have a chance right now to stop that from happening. No, tell me the truth!" Fuyumi demands.

Lyle remains silent, a myriad of thoughts racing through his head. Finally, he sighs in defeat and returns to his seat.

"It happened years ago. The children were young then. My wife, Fiona, and I were in another city for a social gathering among some nobles. The children were left back home, safe. It was too soon before they could start attending such parties. The gathering was going well enough, but when we were planning to return home, last minute business kept me behind for an extra day. I asked Fiona to go on home ahead of me so she could see the children. I... I should've gone with her, or told her to stay with me," Lyle looks out the window, anguish written all over his face.

"What happened, Count Lyle?" Fuyumi asks.

"Because we would return separately, I had half of our security detail go with her while the other half stayed with me. It wasn't enough. During the trip back, her carriage was attacked by bandits. A messenger raced back to inform me while the rest protected my wife. I came as fast as I could, but when I arrived... it was already too late. She was gone, as were the ones tasked with protecting her," Lyle's fists clench in rage. "I hunted down those damn bastards, but I felt no joy in their punishment. My sweet wife was gone, and it was all my fault. When I told my children what happened, they took it hard. Iris most of all. I was harder on them after that, regrettably. The grief didn't help. When they were of age, I began teaching my sons how to wield a sword and magic if they had the capacity for it. I even trained Iris. My wife had no means to defend herself after her guards were killed. She was... easy prey for them. I thought that if my daughter at least had a means to defend herself, then goddess forbid, if she found herself in a similar situation, then at least she could have a chance to survive. She was quite skilled, and she could use light magic. I would regal her with tales of knights and serving the kingdom, protecting the innocent,"

"But, if she's so skilled, why not let her become a knight? To serve as you once did?" Fuyumi asks.

"Because... Because being a knight means putting your life in harm's way every day. To face death every second you're on a battlefield. I already lost my wife, I was not going to risk losing my sweet little girl too," Lyle explains.

"But, you allowed your sons to become knights. The risk is the same for them," Fuyumi points out.

"They are expected to become knights. And they are quite skilled. I was never worried about them," Lyle argues.

"But Iris wasn't?" Fuyumi narrows her eyes.

"No, that's not it. I must admit, she is skilled, maybe even more so than her brothers," Lyle replies.

"Count Lyle, she'll always be your daughter, but she's not a little girl anymore. Count Lyle, you love her, you raised her. You're not protecting her now. You're holding her back. If you keep pushing her, trying to make her pretend to be someone she's not, the damage could be beyond repair. She will resent you and you could lose her forever," Fuyumi says.

"What do you expect me to do?! Let her go out there and risk getting herself killed. I love my daughter. I know she hates what I make her do, and what I don't allow her to do. I'm aware of my greatest fault. That I can't tell her my honest feelings. I don't want her to pity me. To see me as a man consumed by the fear of losing his child. I just don't know what to do," Lyle slouches in his chair.

"Well, it's a little late for that," Fuyumi walks over to the door.

"What?" Lyle is confused.

Fuyumi opens the door, revealing everyone that had previously left on the other side. The one with the most shocked expression is Iris.

"Iris..." Lyle pales.

"Father... that is why. Because of what happened to Mother? Why couldn't you just tell me?" Iris pleads.

"You know how men are with their pride. Too stubborn for their own good," Fuyumi shrugs her shoulders.

Cyan steps forth, "Father, I have always supported you, but this has gone on long enough. Nothing we do or don't do will bring Mother back. But, if we continue down this road, the rest of our family will fall as well. Please, it's time to let go," he pleads.

"Whatever you decide, I will support, Father. Just think things over carefully first," Albert adds, honestly not caring much either way.

"Father, I will not die like Mother did. More importantly, that was not your fault. You had no way of knowing that bandits would attack her carriage. And you already punished them for it. There's no need to punish yourself either," Iris says.

"Iris, I can't lose you too," Lyle retorts.

"Then let me live my life. I want to become a knight, not for myself, but for my family, for our people, for our kingdom. Let me do this and prove to you that I am not a little girl anymore," Iris pleads.

"I... I," Lyle is still unsure about letting his daughter do such a dangerous thing.

Fuyumi sighs, "Alright, enough hesitation. Count Lyle von Mirage, I hereby challenge you to a duel!" she announces to everyone's shock. "We'll fight only with our blades; no magic. If I win, you let Iris choose her own path. If you win, I won't bother you or your family anymore,"

"Fuyumi," Iris mutters.

"You're willing to go that far for her?" Lyle asks.

"I'm only wondering why you won't," Fuyumi fires back.

Lyle takes a breath, "Very well. Out in the courtyard. Fifteen minutes," and he's the first to leave with his servants and Albert in tow.

"Fuyumi, what are you doing?" Anelia asks.

"Settling things. If my words won't change his mind, then maybe my blade will. He's too stubborn for his own good," Fuyumi says.

"Fuyumi," Iris steps up to her. "You don't have to fight him. This is about me, so let me do it,"

Fuyumi takes Iris's hands in her own, "I can't let you do that. Despite everything that's been going on between you guys, he's still your father. And you still love him, all of your family. I won't force you to bear such a difficult burden. It'll be easier for me. And I want to do this for you. I want to see you spread your wings and fly as far as you desire, as long as I get to tag along for the ride,"

Iris starts to tear up a bit because she knows that Fuyumi is right. Fuyumi wipes her tears away and plants a kiss on her hand before walking way, but not before stopping near Cyan.

"You're not going to stop me?" Fuyumi asks.

"No... You're doing what I should've done a long time ago. You're more of a knight than I ever could be," Cyan shakes his head.

"It's never too late to walk down a new path. You're Iris's brother, not me," Fuyumi says before leaving.

Outside in the courtyard, Count Lyle is getting his armor in, the design very similar to Cyan's, but with a family crest on the chest plate. He wields a sword on his hip. Fuyumi comes out with her friends and draws her sword from her inventory. Her friends and the count's family stand on the sidelines to watch the duel.

Gerard steps forth, "For this duel, I shall act as the referee. Everyone here today will act as witnesses. Any objections?" he calls out, but the two duelists shake their heads. "Very well. The duel will continue until one submits or is unable to continue. Death is strictly prohibited,"

"You sure you want to go through with this?" Fuyumi asks her opponent.

"You're asking me now? I will do what I must to protect my family," Lyle draws his sword.

"Funny, doesn't appear that way to me," Fuyumi notes.

"Ready?" Gerard raises his right hand, prompting the two warriors to ready their blades. "And... begin!" his hand falls down.

The two fighters charge at one another, clashing their blades. When they push back from each other, Lyle goes on the attack with a flurry of swings. Fuyumi dodges them all, getting a thrust in at his left shoulder. Lyle parries the strike, only to get kicked in the stomach by Fuyumi and staggers back.

"You know that you can't force Iris to go down a path she wants no part of!" Fuyumi yells.

"I know that if she chooses this path, she'll die. Even if she hates me, at least she'll be alive to do so!" Lyle retorts and goes after Fuyumi. Fuyumi deflects a downward strike and spins around for a wide swing, making Lyle lean back from the strike. "I taught her how to defend herself, just as she wanted. But I also taught her about music, etiquette, noble decorum and many others. She can be an amazing noble lady. She could find happiness there,"

"There is no true happiness if that isn't what she wants! That is such an outdated way of thinking!" Fuyumi retorts.

Fuyumi unleashes Swallow Cutter, deflecting a strike from Lyle while nearly knocking the blade out of his hand. She then jumps up and unleashes Savage Dive, an assault from mid-air. Lyle gets knocked back from the onslaught, hitting the ground. However, he manages to roll back onto his feet.

"You're strong, Fuyumi Kusanagi," Lyle notes as he stands back up.

"So is your daughter," Fuyumi replies.

"I know she's strong, but there will always be someone stronger, and they could be an enemy. I won't let her die a pointless death," Lyle retorts.

"But, at the same time, you won't let her live a noble life either," Fuyumi argues.

"Silence!" Lyle charges again.

Fuyumi blocks the strike and pushes him back. They parry a series of strikes from one another. At one point, Lyle makes an upward strike at Fuyumi, who leans back to evade the strike. He makes a downward strike, but she backflips out of the way. He makes a swing at her back, but she blocks the strike with the sword behind her back. Moving his blade around her, she elbows him in the face, followed by a kick to the stomach again. He goes for another swing, but Fuyumi jumps over the swing into the air. Lyle feels something land on the edge of his blade and looks back to see Fuyumi standing on the flat side of his sword on one foot, like a balancing act.

"How..." Lyle is stunned by the display.

"It's simple. I let nothing hold me down from being who I am," Fuyumi smirks.

Lyle growls and swings his blade, making Fuyumi jump off and land elegantly on her feet. Lyle goes for another attack, but Fuyumi jumps up into the air and unleashes Grave Knocker, slamming her foot on the ground to release a massive shockwave. The attack stuns Lyle into standing still, giving Fuyumi the chance to get in close. She performs Shadow Assault, making a powerful slash at him. Lyle manages to block the strike with his sword, but the attack is so strong, it not only cleaves his blade in two, but it also knocks him into a well-trimmed bush. Lyle grits his teeth in pain and tries to get up, but Fuyumi already has her blade a few inches from his face.

"Yield," Fuyumi demands.

Lyle looks like he wants to retort, but he sags in defeat, "Alright, I submit,"

"The match is over. The winner is Fuyumi Kusanagi," Gerard calls the match.

Cyan goes to help his brother up while Fuyumi sheathes her blade. Lyle looks a bit pissed at being defeated, but he has other matters to attend to.

"Now then, I trust as a knight, that you will keep your word," Fuyumi says.

"Father," Iris steps forth. "I will always love you; I will always be grateful for everything you've done for me, but... I want to be a knight. I don't want to be the helpless damsel in need of saving. I want to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. I want to live a life worth living. A life of honor,"

"Iris," At this point, Lyle finally loses the strength to fight back. "I was so afraid of losing you like I lost your mother. I was living in fear for so long that it consumed me. Meanwhile, you were trying to move forward, despite the fears of what could happen. Heh, I'm a failure as a knight, and as a father," he looks away dejectedly.

"You are a wonderful father," Iris places a hand on his face. "And you always will be,"

Lyle sighs, "I guess you've grown faster than I expected. I'm sorry, Iris. I was wrong," he holds her hand in his. "A knight shouldn't let fear control them. I failed in this aspect. If you want to become a knight, then you shouldn't let anything stop you, especially me,"

Tears start flowing from Iris's eyes, "...Thank you, Father. Thank you," she hugs her father, who returns the loving embrace.

Fuyumi and her friends smile at the scene.

"Ser Fuyumi," Cyan steps up and bows his head to her, "Thank you... for saving my family. I owe you an immense debt,"

Fuyumi waves it off, "Just be there to actually support her instead of trying to hold her back and we're even,"

"Fuyumi," Iris races over to hug her. "Thank you for everything! I'm so happy right now that I can't find the words,"

"So, now that this whole family debacle has been settled..." Elane trails off.

"Right, I suppose we would have to be getting back. We sent a letter to the royal family, letting them know about what happened in Calipso, but I'm sure they'll want a face-to-face explanation as well," Fuyumi sighs.

"Huh, you're leaving already?" Iris steps back from the hug.

"Yeah, we ended up taking a detour to help you when we were originally on a mission for the king. I can't stay away forever, or else it could cause problems," Fuyumi replies.

"Right. I forgot about that," Iris looks a little sad at the thought.

Fuyumi smiles, "Would you like to come with us, Iris?"

Iris's head bolts up, "Huh?" she almost misheard her.

"I'm asking if you'd like to join us on our journey. I plan on informing His Majesty about your contributions to our mission. He might be willing to make you an official knight for that," Fuyumi says.

"A knight? Really?" Iris stops and glances back at her father. "Is... is that alright, Father?"

Count Lyle can only smile, "I've decided to stop holding you back because of my fear. You've proven yourself capable enough. Go, become a knight worthy of the family name. I know you will,"

Iris tears up a bit in joy, "Thank you, Father! I swear I won't you of the family down,"

"But, with that being said, it'll take some time to reach the capital. Perhaps you should consider staying the night and leaving tomorrow morning to get a fresh start," Lyle offers.

"Well, I do have a quick means of reaching the capital, but it has been a long few days and I'm sure Iris would like to properly prepare and say a proper goodbye to you. Sure, we'll stay the night," Fuyumi accepts the offer.

The rest of the day is spent with Fuyumi and her friends resting with Iris's family. At one point, Iris gets Fuyumi alone for a chat.

"Fuyumi, I wanted to thank you again for helping me sort things out with my family. I do not know how I could ever hope to repay you," Iris notes.

"I wanted to help you, Iris. You wanted to pursue your own path, not fall in line like so many other women, noble or otherwise. There's no need to repay me. Besides, I still have yet to fulfill my end of the bargain to help you become an official knight,"

"Yes, I guess it's still a little hard to believe. I'm finally going to pursue my dream. And I have you to thank for it. I've always admired you, Fuyumi, after you became a knight. But now..." Iris holds a hand to her chest. "I feel like that's evolved. Simple admiration doesn't do you justice,"

Fuyumi smiles and cups Iris's chin in her hand, "Well, I wouldn't mind seeing where this takes us. I admit, I've developed quite an interest in you since I first met you. Also, I still have to reward you for all your hard work into becoming a knight. I said I would reward you after you became one," she leans in close, making Iris blush.

"F-Fuyumi," Iris stutters.

"Or are you averse to seeing how this goes?" Fuyumi teases her by gentling coaxing her hands to Fuyumi's butt cheeks and then wrapping her arms around Iris's neck. "For the record, not just any woman catches my eye," she leans back against the wall, pulling Iris with her. "Hmm?"

"Fuyumi..." Iris is just an inch from her face. "I... am not averse to it. I've been mesmerized by your beauty, your skill, your strength of character, everything about you. You saved my life and gave me true freedom. My life might as well belong to you now. Looking back on it, I've never developed an interest in men. I think that was part of the reason why I never wanted to get set up with a random man in an arranged marriage. Because I was never interested in men. But you, every moment that we shared together, my feelings grew from admiration to a crush to genuine romantic feelings for you. I fell for you before I truly knew it,"

"Then, just go for it," Fuyumi whispers.

Iris throws away her hesitation and leans in to kiss Fuyumi. Normally, Fuyumi would make the first move, but she can allow Iris some control, especially when she's had no control in the past with her life. Her lips are sweet. Their kiss is slow. Iris's hands rise up to Fuyumi's waist as she keeps her pinned to the wall. The only thing that might be a little off about the picture is the fact that Fuyumi is in her second outfit while Iris is still in a dress. Well, that can always be fixed. All that matters right now is this moment between the two of them. Them and their new love blossoming.

And that's the chapter. Fuyumi settles the Mirage family dispute and even gets a new girl added to her harem. Now it's time to return home and deal with what comes next. What's next in Fuyumi's journey? Until then, please Read and Review.