Coco: Hello, hello, how is everyone doing today? Well, I hope.
Now, for this chapter it is a bit slow, and I plan to gloss over the whole Noelle thing to do something a bit different. Speaking of different, though Maryam is in the Black Bulls that does not mean she'll be following Asta around solely on his adventures. They'll have a few together, but they won't share every mission. Like, I plan for Maryam to go out on her own mission while Asta is with Noelle and Magna.
But more on that later, let's get started.
Silence hung heavily over the dining hall as Maryam and Noelle continued to stare each other down. The younger of the two could feel themselves getting colder by the second the longer she stared into Maryam's dark eyes. Finally, unable to continue the stare off, Noelle turned away with a scoff while flipping some of her hair over her shoulder.
"You're not even worth my time," Noelle said. "Rude commoners like yourself aren't capable of understanding the superiority of us royals. Even if I tried beating it into you, it would be pointless. Just stay out of my way."
She then walked off with Maryam's expression remaining cold until she was out of sight.
'Damn Royals,' Maryam thought with a scoff and an eye roll.
"Maryam, I'm still hungry!" Charmy, who hadn't even been fazed by what happened, called out. "More omelets, please!"
And as if a switch was flipped, Maryam's expression changed. She turned to face Charmy with a large smile on her face as she placed her clasped hands against her cheek.
"Then I'll gladly make you more, Charmy." Maryam told the older girl. "I'm so happy you're enjoying them."
Charmy, who was stuffing her face with food made by her sheep chefs, only smiled in response as Maryam started heading back towards the kitchen. Though before she could step inside, she turned her head when hearing a familiar voice. Her eyes landed on Asta as he and Magna were entering the dining hall. The prior of the two looking around in awe.
"This is the dining hall!" Magna said as he gestured grandly at the room. "Whatcha think? Ridiculously huge, huh?"
"No kidding," Asta replied. "It's enormous!"
He then spotted Maryam, which had his smile widening. He raised his hand to wave at her.
"Morning, Mary!" He called. "I was wondering where you were. Magna's showing me around the place. You want to come too?"
Maryam gave her younger brother a smile as he walked closer to her side.
"Thanks, Asta, but I already looked around." Maryam said. "So, you have fun with Magna. Though before you two continue, have a seat. I'm making breakfast."
Asta's eyes lit up at the mention of Maryam's cooking since she was almost as good a cook as his precious Sister Lily.
"Can we stop for breakfast?" Asta asked as he looked back at Magna hopefully.
Magna snorted at his junior's wide, pleading gaze. Food sounded good to Magna though, so the older mage nodded. Asta cheered as he followed Maryam into the kitchen to see what she was cooking. As Maryam returned to cooking, she began to hum, which had Asta's smile growing.
'We might not be at the church anymore,' Asta thought. 'But it's good knowing some things won't be changing.'
—FLASHBACK—
Asta sat at the kitchen counter smiling away as Maryam was helping Lily prepare breakfast. Yuno sat beside him as the two watched curiously at what was being made. As she cut the tatoes for the dishes, Maryam began humming. It was a gentle and familiar tune. One that Maryam would either sing or hum often. Usually when doing her chores or helping to put the younger kids to sleep.
Asta could just close his eyes and listen to her humming all day. In fact, he did just that. His eyes closed as he leaned against the counter with his chin resting on his arms.
May the night fill with stars
May the night fill with stars
Gather all by the water
Come and see the flowers bloom
Asta opened his eyes to look at Maryam as she started singing instead of humming. He and Yuno exchanged a happy glance before looking back to Maryam as her soft voice filled the kitchen.
—END OF FLASHBACK—
May the night fill with stars
May the night fill with stars
Softly come all together
Come and see the flowers bloom
Asta came out of his thoughts as Maryam began to sing as she has done many times before. Sometimes he wondered if she even noticed when she did. It was as if she was in her own little world as she focused on her task. And Asta didn't plan to interrupt her. However, someone else did.
"Whose making that racket?" Gauche asked as he stepped into the kitchen. "It's too early for that noise. You might wake up my angel."
Maryam paused in her singing to look back at Gauche, who was once again gazing into one of his mirrors to watch Marie as the girl slept, with raised brow.
"It's not racket!" Asta defended his sister. "Mary has a beautiful voice! So, apologize!"
"If anyone needs to apologize it's her for making so much noise," Gauche retorted.
Maryam sighed at the pair of them as they argued. She then plated the food she had been making before turning to the fighting pair. She cleared her voice loudly. This brought the two to a pause as they turned to look at her.
"I apologize if my singing was such a bother," Maryam said to keep the peace. "Now, why don't you two keep your own voices down and go enjoy breakfast?"
She held out two plates to them, which Asta took happily. Gauche was a bit hesitant but finally took the offered food. The two left the kitchen as Maryam placed her hands on her hips.
'Maybe I should make more than just omelets to give everyone some variety.' Maryam thought before calling to Magna to come and get his food.
After the boy left with his plate, Maryam turned back towards the kitchen and rolled up her sleeves.
'Time to get serious.' She thought.
'And done,' She thought as she wiped her brow. 'The table is filled with food and the kitchen is spotless.'
She nodded in satisfaction at her work before stepping into the dining hall where the others were starting to trickle in. Magna and Asta, of course, left a while ago to continue exploring. Gauche left as well to return to his room to continue his weird, obsessive sister-watching. Though before he left, Maryam made sure he ate enough. He might be odd and get on her nerves, but no one was going to leave the table hungry after she cooked. Charmy was still here and happily munching away, which brought a smile to Maryam's face.
"You really went all out, Maryam," Finral commented. "It's only your first day here with us, and you're already working so hard."
"Well, I was used to doing a lot of cooking at the church and doing a lot of other chores." Maryam said with a small shrug. "This is my first time getting to cook without tatoes being the main dish, so I might have gone a bit overboard."
Finral chuckled because that was a bit of an understatement. There were all sorts of breakfast foods placed upon the table, and a large amount of them to boot.
"Well, it's delicious," Vanessa complimented. "Pairs wonderfully with my wine."
She held up said wine as Maryam and Finral both kind of sweat-dropped. Both thinking the same.
'It's a bit early for that, isn't it?' They thought in unison.
"I'm glad it's to your liking." Maryam replied then looked around. "Hmm, where's Captain Yami? He's the only one not to come down and eat."
Everyone else was either here currently or had already stopped by to eat. Well, Noelle didn't bother eating with them, but it didn't really hurt Maryam's feelings.
"Oh, the captain is bad for sleeping in." Finral replied. "He'll be down sooner or later though."
Maryam huffed placing her hands on her waist. Though she wasn't too surprised. Yami didn't seem like the type to be an early riser.
"Anyway, Maryam, have you been shown around yet?" Finral asked then gave a wink. "I wouldn't mind showing you around the place."
He gave a charming smile as he spoke. Maryam shook her head at the shameless flirt.
"If you're trying to be charming, Finral, it isn't working," Maryam said causing him to pout. "Though thank you for the offer. However, I believe I've explored the whole place. Though I noticed that some places seemed different or looked like they changed when I passed back through."
"That's because the building changes from time to time." Vanessa explained. "Things that weren't there before suddenly appear and walls that had stood for days, sometimes disappear. You'll get used to it though, I'm sure."
She smiled at Maryam as she spoke as Maryam tilted her head. She never heard of a moving building before. Though she just shrugged in the end. She decided not to question it as she started clearing some empty plates from the table to start even more clean up.
"Do you think the captain will be in before the food gets cold at least?" Maryam asked as she stacked the plates on top of each other.
As if summoned by her words, Yami appeared after kicking the door down. Maryam shook her head at the man as he looked around the dining hall.
"What's cooking?" He asked as he walked over to take a seat.
"A little bit of everything, Captain." Finral replied. "Maryam was nice enough to make a big spread this morning."
Yami's brow rose at this as he looked at the girl who was carefully walking into the kitchen with a high stack of plates.
"She did, huh?" He asked as he finished his cigarette. "Well, thanks for the food."
He brought his hands together as if in a small prayer before starting to load the plate that had been left out on the table, which he guessed was for him. As he started eating, Maryam came back from the kitchen.
"Hey, Pipsqueak," Yami said getting her attention as she went to grab more plates. "Leave the cleanup to Gordon and Finral. I have a little errand for ya."
Maryam looked at Yami curiously as Finral frowned at being put up on clean up duty. Though he supposed the one who was nice enough to cook shouldn't have to also clean, which is why he didn't kick up a fuss. That and Yami would just tell him to either do as he's told or die.
"This little spread probably took a lot out of our food storage." Yami said. "It's getting around that time we restock anyway, so I want you and one of the others to go shopping in town for more supplies. Between you and Charmy's cooking we'll need it."
He looked over at said girl as she was quickly devouring what Maryam made as her sheep chefs were already making more food in the background.
"So, I can continue to cook for everyone, Captain?" Maryam asked hopefully.
She did enjoy doing so. Especially when people seemed to enjoy what she made.
"Yeah," Yami said. "If that's want you want. We usually take turns—though Charmy usually ends up cooking the most—when it comes to cooking. But if you and Charmy want to split the responsibility, I'll leave stocking the kitchen and cooking in your hands."
He said this with a nonchalant shrug before he continued to eat. Though it was a simple thing and meant some hard work to keep everyone fed, Maryam smiled happily.
"You can leave it to me, Captain." Maryam said with a nod. "Vanessa, do you wish to go to town with me?"
"Sure, sweetie." Vanessa said with a smile. "Gives me the chance to grab more boozes and browse for some cuties."
She said this with a wink, which had Maryam laughing as her smile widened.
Maryam walked alongside Vanessa as the two exited the butcher shop while the owner was thanking them for their business. Maryam turned to smile and wave at the man before she faced forward.
"Alright," Vanessa said. "We've gotten our meats and vegetables. Charmy's garden comes in handy, but it's nice to have the extra vegetables around just in case."
Maryam nodded in understanding as she looked to her senior. Though they were running an errand, Maryam was enjoying herself, and she found Vanessa's company to be nice. The woman might like her booze and be a bit flirty, but she was overall a nice person.
"We should probably get some grains and flour and such as well." Vanessa continued. "Maybe some fruits and we'll be good to go."
They had already gotten beverages, which were waiting for them near where they left their brooms. Maryam having to very gently persuade Vanessa to spend all the money Yami gave them strictly on wine.
"Besides, grocery shopping what kind of other errands are expected of us?" Maryam asked curiously as they walked.
"Hmm, sometimes we have to drop off things between squads." Vanessa replied. "Like things that can't be carried by messenger owls. Like things that are too heavy for them or maybe letters or documents that need to be delivered personally. However, that's rare. Especially for our squad since most of the other squads don't bother with us often."
Maryam hummed while noticing earlier how she and Vanessa had been given looks by those around them. She even heard some not very kind words being exchanged by the people. She was kind of used to that behavior from being an orphanage from a poor village, so she had paid it little mind.
"And what about missions?" Maryam questioned. "Do you think I will be receiving one soon? Or Asta?"
Vanessa chuckled at the girl's eagerness to work as the two rounded the corner down a small market that had stalls placed about.
"In time, you'll get your first mission." Vanessa assured her. "The captain won't want to rush you into anything too soon even if he does believe in pushing people past their limit. As for missions they vary. Some can be simple escort missions, or maybe you'll get a mission for combat. Or perhaps you'll be asked to explore a dungeon."
Maryam had heard about the dungeons. Places that sometimes randomly pop up that carry riches and/or magical relics. Some of the relics being powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands.
"You'll probably be paired with a senior member as well." Vanessa continued. "For your first few missions at least. If you do well, Captain Yami will send you on a few solo. If you do really well, our squad will earn gold stars."
Maryam tilted her head curiously. She was about to ask what the gold stars were about when she accidentally bumped into someone. She gasped about to drop the basket she was carrying, but two hands shot out to grab the basket to steady it. Her head snapped up with her own eyes meeting the deep blue gaze of a boy with vermillion hair. The shade of his hair and his appearance seemed familiar to Maryam who mentally berated herself for not watching her surroundings.
"I'm sorry." She said to the boy as she took the basket from his hold. "I wasn't paying attention."
The boy, who didn't seem upset in the slightest, grinned broadly at Maryam with a look of recognition in his eyes.
"It's fine!" He assured her. "You're the girl from the exam, right? The one my brother tried to recruit! You use that weird plant magic."
He said this with his grin growing larger as he looked excitedly at Maryam who blinked in return.
"Uh, yes," Maryam replied. "My name is Maryam. It's nice to meet you."
"I'm Leopold Vermillion of the Crimson Lion Kings!" The boy proclaimed proudly.
He went to say more but was interrupted when a voice was cleared. The group of three turned seeing none other than the captain of the Crimson Lions himself—Fuegoleon Vermillion.
"Leo, I hope you are not bothering these young women." Fuegoleon said looking at the younger male sternly.
"No, no, sir." Maryam quickly cut in. "Leopold wasn't bothering us at all. It was me being a bother. I wasn't watching where I was going, and I bumped into him."
"It's no big deal." Leopold assured her with his grin unwavering.
Maryam smiled glad to hear it. Her smile only growing as she thought Leopold reminded her a lot of Asta. Maryam then turned to Fuegoleon.
"I would like to thank you again, Sir, for your invitation to your squad." Maryam said as she bowed her head. "And I must apologize for not accepting the gracious offer."
"There's no reason to apologize," Fuegoleon assured her. "Though I am curious as to why you chose the Black Bulls considering their reputation."
Maryam opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off when Vanessa, who leaned against her, gave a laugh.
"Well, you see, this little sweetie has decided she's going to surpass Captain Yami." Vanessa said as she pinched Maryam's cheek affectionately. "She said the best way to do that is study him close and learn from him to become better. Isn't that just the cutest thing?~"
Maryam blushed a bit at Vanessa's teasing as the witch giggled and continued to show affection towards the younger female.
"Is that so?" Fuegoleon asked with a barely noticeable smile. "That is quite the lofty goal. Yami is no pushover, after all. He's a formidable opponent."
Maryam, who finally managed to get Vanessa off of her, looked to Fuegoleon to look him dead in the eye.
"Which is why I chose him as my captain," Maryam said without hesitation. "If I plan to be one of the best, I need to surpass the best. I won't settle for anything less."
She said this unwaveringly as she held the older mage's gaze. Fuegoleon's smile widened.
"I see why Yami took such a liking to you, Maryam." Fuegoleon told her. "I wish you luck in your future endeavors."
Maryam thanked the man who turned to leave while calling for Leopold to follow him. Though before the boy did as he was told, he looked to Maryam with his grin still in place.
"We share similar goals, Maryam of the Black Bulls." He said. "I too plan to surpass someone great! My brother the Captain of the Crimson Lions! Perhaps we could train together to better ourselves! Though I warn you that I will not hold back."
Maryam found herself smiling at the eager boy who had the same spark in his eyes that both of her brothers carried.
"I would be insulted if you did." Maryam replied.
Leopold's smile widened before he finally went to follow his brother through the market. After they were gone, Vanessa turned towards Maryam and winked.
"Look at you, Ms. Popular." Vanessa said. "Only your second day in the big city, and you've already got a possible romantic interest."
Maryam, who had to readjust her hold on her basket, snorted at the older woman's words.
"Please," Maryam scoffed. "Not only is he too young, but I am not looking for a romantic interest. That isn't the kind of story I have planned out for myself, thank you very much."
"He's only a year—two years at the most—younger, Maryam, not ten." Vanessa retorted with a chuckle. "Live a little while you're young, sweetie."
Before Vanessa could press the matter, the small communication device she had brought along with them, went off in her bag. She sat down the things she was carrying to quickly dig it out.
"Hello?" Vanessa answered the call.
"Vanessa, Maryam, it's me. Finral." The spatial made replied from the other end. "You guys almost done shopping yet? We had a small incident with Noelle here and need you guys back here ASAP."
Maryam frowned at the mention of the little royal girl as she wondered just what kind of trouble the girl had caused the squad. Whatever it was, Maryam wasn't sure if she wanted to deal with it. But Noelle—though insufferable—was part of her squad—making her a part of the group of people she adopted into her family—which means…
'I have to look out for her just as I would the rest of them,' Maryam thought in annoyance.
Coco: That's the end of that, folks. And don't worry Noelle and Maryam's relationship definitely gets better. I promise you that.
Now, until next time. Remember to stay safe and keep being your beautiful selves!