"Gosh, that's a big package!"

"Oh, those flowers are lovely."

"Who sent you that, Vanessa?"

"Is it something to fight? Can I try it?"

"Damnit Luck! It's for Vanessa, whatever it is, she should try it first!"

Vanessa giggled as her squadmates and the visitors commented about the package and the flowers she just received. Well, to be fair with them, Vanessa wasn't usually one of the Black Bulls to receive anything from outside the squad – like most Black Bulls, actually – so when Gordon arrived with the package, the bouquet of blue flowers and card with her name on it, it made quite the sensation.

She recognize the handwriting immediately. Oh, Nozel didn't sent her letters, at least yet, but Vanessa came into his office and took a peak over his shoulder while he was writing enough to recognize his elegant handwriting.

Vanessa doubted that most of the Bulls would realize that the captain of the Silver Eagles sent her that package and the flowers. On the card was only her name and a short sentence, not to mention that Nozel only signed with his initials. And Vanessa knew that he wasn't the only person who had the initials N.S. in this kingdom. His sisters had it too, after all.

But Vanessa still hid the card before anyone got a glimpse on it. Because not only was Noelle present right now, but Nebra came to visit her sister. The Silva sisters first meeting without Nozels presence, but they weren't alone, most Black Bulls were present, and during their last meeting, Nozel actually asked Vanessa to keep an eye on them, hoping that it would be fine.

It worked well for now, Nebra and Noelle seemed very friendly with each other, there was undoubtedly progress in their relationship. Nebra was also very polite with the Black Bulls, she accepted to drink a glass of wine with Vanessa, talked nicely with Finral and Finesse, who was today's other visitor, accepted Charmys cupcakes immediately and even had banters with Zora. Okay, the last one wasn't probably reassuring, it was probably bound to happen given their personalities, but Vanessa wasn't worried. In fact, the banters between Zora and Nebra were quite entertaining and full of sparks.

In short, Nebra Silva was on her best behaviour with Noelle and the Black Bulls. Vanessa wondered if Nozel told Nebra to behave while visiting Noelle.

But back on topic, the presence of Nozels two sisters was reason enough to hide the card. Noelle and Nebra would immediately their brother's handwriting and Vanessa had no idea how to explain to every one present why the captain of the Silver Eagles and Head of house Silva would send her a gift and flowers. She couldn't it really explain it herself. Was it still because she had been upset a few days ago? It was hard to tell.

But it made Vanessa really happy. Happier than she would have imagined. To a point that she couldn't stop smiling, he heart was racing and maybe she was even blushing. No one ever made her feel like that for an act of kindness. Not even Yami.

The more she learned about Nozel, the more she came to like him. He was still a bit of a mystery for Vanessa, but not as much as back in Spade, when she saw the first crack in his cold mask.

"Come on, Vanessa, would you please open it already? We're all so curious, maybe it's a cool magic item!" Asta yelled, his eyes full of stars, like always when he was excited.

"Maybe it's food, an exotic meal or a luxurious dessert," Charmy guessed. Vanessa could already saw the saliva running on her chin. She hold Nozels gift slightly closer to her.

"Charmy, please, that package it's for Vanessa and even if it's food, it is up to her to decide if she wants to share it with you," Finral said, sitting with his wife on a sofa.

"So sad that captain Yami isn't here, it surely would have interested him too," Magna said.

Vanessa was actually relieved that Yami decided to have business outside the squad today. He loves to make fun of Nozel a lot and the fact that he sent a gift to a Black Bull would give him reasons to tease the captain of the Silver Eagles for months.

Not to mention that Vanessa had no idea what her captain would say or do if he finds out Nozel gifted her something and what conclusion he would have while reading the current state of her Ki. Yami was dense, yes, but he was also sharp. When he wanted.

"Oh, come on, Vanessa, open it already or tell us at least who sent this to you," Asta begged again, but Vanessa just shrugged. She loved her squadmates very much, but there was no way she would tell them about Nozel right now. One day she would, but she really wasn't ready at the moment. And maybe most of her squadmates weren't ready either for a shock like that.

"Yeah, who outside of this base would give the wino a gift?"

"G-Gauche, please… be-be n-nice. It's already s-so embarassing to… get a gift."

"Calm down, Grey, you're not the one who got a gift," Noelle said while she took the flowers. "Maybe it was to thank Vanessa for something. Those flowers are hydrangeas and they are a symbol for gratitude."

"Oh, please, no one cares for some fricking useless flower language, except you royals," Zora groaned, taking a whole couch for himself.

"Zora, please, don't insult my wife, she's a royal too!"

"And flower language isn't useless, peasant!" Nebra protested, before taking the bouquet from Noelles hands. "But it is true that most people don't have a clue about it so it might not mean anything in this case. Be careful, witch, most idiots who offer flowers usually have a guilty conscience."

"Guilty conscience? Does that mean that someone insulted Vanessa?" Magna groaned, already looking ready to fight.

"Great, can we fight that person?" Luck said with some concerning excitation.

"Luck, Magna, don't jump to conclusion! If Vanessa was really insulted, those flowers and this package is actually the proof that this is person is sorry and already trying to apologize! And it should be Vanessas decision to accept the apology or not. But it could mean anything else, so please, again, don't jump to conclusions!" Finral replied sternly, trying to hold Luck and Magna back.

"Maybe that person sent those flowers as a gift because he or she just thought they were pretty," Finesse said with a calm smile, the one that could calm down almost everyone. "Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers, after all."

"Well, true as well, even though there are more beautiful flowers than those," Nebra replied with a shrug, handing the hydrangeas to Vanessa.

"Yeah, for someone who knows about flower language, you don't seem to care a lot about flowers in general, Little Miss Royal," Zora snickered.

"Well, at least I know more about flowers than you who doesn't care about them at all and still needs to comment about flower language, peasant."

Zora and Nebra started their sixth or seventh banter since Nebras arrival. While people like Noelle and Finral were rather distressed at that view, Vanessa found it very entertaining.

But for now, she had another task to focus on. She really wanted to know what Nozel got her and couldn't wait to open her present. It was the first gift ever she would get from someone outside the Black Bull's squad, which was actually very exciting.

But also completely new and basically a step into the unknown, which was almost scary. Even more so, Nozel managed to surprise Vanessa with this gesture. She would never have thought he would be the type to give presents, at least to people who weren't siblings. And even with them, it was more subtle and discreet, as she saw the last birthday present Noelle got from him.

This one felt different. It was more direct than Noelles last birthday gift, even though it was still rather subtle. After all, he didn't deliver it directly.

Nozel didn't made gifts for someone out of the blue, just like that. Vanessa knew that there was a reason behind it and if Noelles interpretation was true, he must be grateful. For what? Vanessa couldn't really tell. She hasn't done anything grand to deserve this gratitude, at least in her books. But maybe she did by Nozels standards.

And that was actually very touching. Vanessa just couldn't stop smiling.

"Can you please finally open it, Vanessa? We all wanna know what you got from your new friend."

"Yes… we… are… very… curious… what… you… got…"

Gordons and Henrys kind words finally decided Vanessa to open the package. She pulled the layers delicately away, with Neros and Astas help, although he had to be told several times to not rip the layers too violently in his enthusiasm.

When all the layers were removed, a box appeared.

A sewing box. A rather big one at that, which probably meant it had everything needed and more for any needlework.

And even more, it was covered with a fabric that felt like linen. Probably some expensive and luxurious linen, since it was printed. Three flowers were printed on the cream coloured fabric.

Roses. Lavender. Water lilies.

The last flower was the definite proof that this present came from Nozel. Vanessa never forgot how he told her that water lilies were his mother's favourite flowers, during their first meeting under that willow in the park. She also never forgot how he had that nostalgic look in his eyes every time he saw water lilies.

Roses weren't surprising for Vanessa. Given how popular that flower was, it must be pretty common to find them printed on expensive fabric. But Vanessa loved roses, she might have mentioned it to Nozel once or twice (or more) and he commented once on her favourite rose water. Of course he remembered, even that she preferred not the red roses, but the white and pale pink ones. The roses on the fabric had those colours.

As or the lavender, he never mentioned it ever during their talks, but she suspected that he might love it. After all, Vanessa did learn that Nozel has subtle scent of lavender. You had to be very next to him and to pay attention closely to discover the smell, but it was here. Vanessa ignored if it was his soap or his shampoo, maybe something else entirely, but it was fair to assume that he loved lavender. Vanessa came to love that scent, to a point that she couldn't pass some lavender without thinking about the handsome captain of the Silver Eagles.

Slowly she opened the box. There were a lot of compartments in it, with drawers and little shelfs she could push. The interior was made with a shining, reddish wood she didn't recognize, but it was truly beautiful.

Nozel did even more than just getting her a complex and beautiful sewing box. He went as far to buy her all the utensils she might need for her needle work. All kinds of needles in different sizes, threads of all colours and materials, three silver scissors in different sizes and with a bird design, a stork maybe, measurement tools. Above all that, Nozel also got her half dozen of fabrics, each one from a different colour and a different material.

Vanessa felt her racing heart filling up with overwhelming joy. She had thread magic and sewing craftsmanship in all its forms were automatically one of her non-magic specialties, a hobby even. With this gift, Nozel practically gave her everything she needed and maybe more to do everything she wanted to sew, embroider and anything else with a thread and a needle.

He was… just amazing.

Vanessa blushed a bit.

It was only now that she heard the surprised gasps and admiring comments around her. That amazing gift got all her attention that she found herself in a happy bubble without even realizing it.

"My gosh, printed linen?" Nebra said as she knelt down and respectfully let her fingers glide on the fabric of the box. "And one of the best qualities even, nice. Also, look at this interior. This is mahogany wood! Printed linen of the best quality and mahogany wood. Witch, you got a pretty expensive gift here."

"And look at all those tools and materials. There is everything for every needlework possible in this box," Finesse added with an admiring smile.

"So cool!" Asta yelled, even though he had no idea at all about sewing.

"So… pretty… congratulations!"

"Now we can share needles, like two friends who love needlework."

"It's… so wonderful… getting such a big g-gift… so embarassing!"

"Can we use the needles to fight each other?"

"Damnit Luck, this is Vanessas gift, not something to fight with! Especially not me!"

The voices of Henry, Gordon, Grey, Luck and Magna were somehow mixed in her ears. Vanessa couldn't tell if it was because of her bubbly feeling or if they just talked at the same time, as the Black Bulls they were.

She heard no comments from Zora and Gauche, which probably meant they were amazed as well about the sewing box.

Noelle knelt down as well to caress the rolls of different fabrics, too fascinated to even try to look not interested. "Silk, satin, velvet… and this one is, um…"

"I think this is cotton," Finral said helpfully.

"Of course I knew that, I'm royalty!"

"Didn't heard that argument for a while."

"And there's even some rolls of lace to use for the needlework!" Nebra exclaimed, more and more surprised. "Lace from Raque even, the best one in the whole kingdom!"

"And unless I'm wrong, those fabrics might even come from the ateliers of Soie Velours," Finesse added.

"I didn't know that she sold fabrics as well in her shop."

"She, doesn't lady Noelle, but if your powerful influential enough, you can buy some, kinda from the back door."

"Oh, that's sneaky," Zora snickered, finally getting a hold of his surprised. "If it's an apology gift, that person really ran passed his limits to make amends. And if it's not, well, it means that Vanessas secret admirer must be very rich."

"Secret admirer?"

All eyes looked at Zora, before slowly turning towards Vanessa. And for the first time in her life, the Drunk Witch of the Black Bulls actually felt shy from this kind of attention.

"What? Come on, why such an expensive gift just for gratitude? No, that's too much for a thank you. It can be only a gift from a secret suitor or something."

"That is bold of you to assume, Zora. And who would even wanna court the wino?"

"If you don't have a better theory to spill out, you better shut up, mirror freak."

"Is it true, though, Vanessa? Do you have a secret admirer?"

Vanessa didn't answer Finral. Well, she couldn't answer for many reasons and all of those involved Nozel in one way or another. She didn't quite know what he was for her. But at this point, with this gift, Vanessa couldn't deny that he was very important for her.

To a point that the mere thought of him seemed to feel her up.

Now, was it just because of this amazing gift or was it deeper than that? Because, if Vanessa was honest with herself, thinking about Nozel feel her up already, before she got that gift.

It was just more obvious now.

"Oh, my, Vanessa is blushing," Noelle smirked, unusually smug. Oh, that was mean. Okay, maybe she deserved it, given how many, many times Vanessa had teased Noelle about her romantic life, aka Asta. But still, Noelle was new on being cheeky. One word and she would felt embarrassed and babbling again to avoid attention.

"Well, maybe I do blush. Maybe I have a secret admirer."

"Shall I tickle the witch to make her spill the beans?"

"Yes, do it Nebra, Vanessa is ticklish!"

Oh, Nebra was clearly enjoying the gossip and seeing the Silva sisters smug accomplishes like this was indeed touching. If only Nozel could've been here to witness this moment.

"You're tickling too, Noelle, even more than me. Shall I tell your big sister which parts are the most ticklish?"

"You… You may not, Vanessa, I'm royalty."

"Well, I guess I'll let it pass for now. Now, if you'll excuse me, I better take my gift to my room before Asta, Magna or Luck destroy it in a fight."

Asta and Magna protested, while Luck just laughed at them, before attacking them, of course. Vanessa used the focus those three had right now to grab box and fabrics and flee to her room. Which was like always a real mess, so it needed a while to find a decent place for her gift.

Now, in the calm of her own room, she sat on her bed and observed the box. In fact, she couldn't got her eyes of it. Vanessa wouldn't even be surprised if she had a dreamy look in her eyes.

Honestly, it was already great to get a present that was so perfect for one of her hobbies. But the person who gifted it to her made it even more special.

Oh, if she gotten something like that from one of the Black Bulls, Vanessa would have been happy as well. But somehow, she knew that it would have been a different kind of happiness.

Getting a gift from Nozel just had its own worth for Vanessa, one only he was able to give.

It was a bit a spontaneous thought and she had no idea why she was so certain of it. She just knew. It was enough for her.

There was no denying it, Nozel meant something for her. She had no idea what it was, but she'd add it to the list of all the things she wanted to know and to discover about him.

Her face felt warm, she was probably still blushing. But Vanessa didn't care, she was too happy. Her current happiness made it up more than enough for the sadness she had felt a few days ago, when she overheard those noble jerks gossiping about Nozel and her.

Vanessa should do something to thank him. No, not should. She wanted to do something for him. Not just thank him for this gift, but also for the meetings, that he was slowly opening up to her, for being more than kind to her. Just for being him. Vanessa wondered if many people appreciated Nozel for who he truly was.

Well, she did and she would show it with a gift.

But what could she do to him? Maybe she could sew him something with her new sewing box…

Vanessa remembered the ball of Finrals and Finesses wedding, how dashing he looked in his ceremonial suit, with a dark colour and the one shoulder cape.

The one shoulder cape…

What about that?

Vanessa looked quickly at the fabrics she also got, thinking a bit before opting for one. Then she searched for a thread of a very specific colour and a needle.

When she had everything, Vanessa sat back on her bed and started her piece. Never had she enjoyed doing something as much as this.

The room was small and dark, but cleaned and comfy. Yami and Charlotte just sat quietly at the table while their host served them some tea in old fashioned ceramic cups, dark blue with tiny white spots.

"I'm sorry, I don't have any rose tea here. I recall that rose tea is your favourite, lady Charlotte. But sadly, it's too expensive for me. I hope a classic peppermint tea with lemon will do it too."

"It's perfectly, fine. Thank you, Jonathan."

The old man just smiled at Charlotte and Yami, looking so young despite all the wrinkles.

It hadn't been easy, but they managed to find the two servants who were attached to the direct service of her father all those years ago. Difficult, because they retired like seven years ago and the paperwork of house Roseleis servanthood of course didn't clarify what they did after quitting their service.

The first one, Lorimer, hadn't been of any help. Arrogant and prideful, bragging on his time as a servant of house Roselei, he lived with the same attitude as a standard noble, even though his fortune wasn't comparable. But despite his pride of serving the Roseleis, Lorimer hadn't been happy at all to see Charlotte again. As a matter of fact, his pride and admiration only were for the men of house Roselei, as he had a low opinion about women in general, Roselei or not, noble or commoner.

Yami had been surprised to see that kind of attitude from a servant and, Charlotte had been stunned about it as well. Lorimer didn't deemed necessary to welcome two Magic Knight captains in his house and even seemed offended about Charlottes question concerning her mysterious half-sibling. Because it meant to reveal dirty laundry about lord Fidel Roselei and Lorimer would rather kiss a witch than disowning the reputation of his former master. His words.

On the other hand, Jonathan had been more than welcoming, even inviting them for some tea and an apple pie with whipped cream, which he baked himself. Unlike Lorimer, Jonathan lived simply, a small cottage in the Common Realm, with his widowed daughter and his three grandchildren.

"Oh, look at you, lady Charlotte. What a fine and proud young woman you've become. Ah, I can remember what an adorable and kind little girl you were, never afraid to talk with us servants about anything. It seems like yesterday… And look at you, how beautiful you are today, and so brave, a Magic Knight captain! I'm getting old, where does the time flies?"

Charlotte took a sip from her tea, to hide her blush. Even though there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Jonathan had been so genuinely welcoming, more than kind, undoubtedly happy to see her again. What a contrast to Lorimer.

"And I have to say, what an honour to welcome two squad captains in my humble home. What a privilege to meet you, captain Yami. If I had known I would greet such elite people, I would have cleaned the house more properly."

"Ya don't need to feel bad, gramps. It's very clean and honestly, my knights aren't as dutiful as you. Sometimes, I have to literally push my brats to do the chores, but most of them always try to avoid it."

"Sounds just like my grandchildren when they have to tidy her room. My dear daughter has the most difficulties to make them do it on their own. Even more so since the two oldest are old enough to do it themselves. But well, most children never liked to clean and tidy, I was like that too when I was eight. Ah, I miss my childhood."

Charlotte smiled. It was so nice to see Yami treated with kindness and respect from someone who wasn't a knight. Often, even servants had prejudices towards him and the Black Bulls or even towards commoners, peasants and foreigners in general, as she found out during their investigation. But Jonathan wasn't doubtful or anything, just kind.

"Well, as much as I appreciate your visit, I guess that it's not just for chit chat. Are you here on Magic Knights business? Does it have to do with the thievery acts within the Common Realm? As much as I liked to help, I fear that I can't give you some useful informations."

"Don't worry, Jonathan. The Magic Knights are indeed investigating about those thefts, but that is not why we're here. But of course, if you might hear or see something suspicious, you can report it to the Magic Knights Headquarters anytime."

"I won't forget this, lady Charlotte. But then, why are you both here?"

"It actually mostly concerns Prickly Queen over here. I'm merely there to support her, no big deal."

No big deal? It practically meant the world for her.

Now, both men were looking at her, expecting her to talk. Charlotte took a deep breath. After years of having no idea where her half-sibling might be, having no idea what to do and where to search, she finally had a lead.

She was nervous, of course. Finally having a lead didn't meant that everything was certain. On the contrary, it was still a high jump into the unknown.

And for that, she was eternally grateful towards Yami to be at her side, helping her in her search. It was still such a drama about her feelings for him and she still didn't find the courage to finally tell him directly that she loved him, but never before had she spent time with him so often, being close to him basically every day. It helped her to learn more about him, to be more confident and nicer with him, to understand him more than before. And she would be a fool to consider this not being enough.

Charlotte glanced at Yami, who gave her a small, encouraging smile. Not that typical smirk to make fun of her, not a dumb uncaring grin, no, a real and soft smile, just for her, making her heart race at high speed.

"Well, Jonathan… I know I'm late about this topic, but… I'm here about my half-sibling. My father's bastard."

"I understand."

No judgement in the old man's eyes, no sudden cold stare, nothing that might show some prejudice. Just an understanding glance and a soft smile.

So much different than from Lorimer.

"I was your fathers direct servant back then, along with Lorimer. We were basically following him wherever he wanted to go. Be it for the business of house Roselei or for his private joy. But before that… lady Charlotte, you do know that your parent's marriage was arranged?"

"Yes, I'm very well aware of that."

"Good. It would have pained me to tell you the sad truth if you didn't know. But well, with arranged marriages, it is not unusual if the spouses to search elsewhere the pleasure they can't find in marriage."

That was very elegantly said. Charlotte just nodded. She felt Yami put a comforting hand on her back.

"Your father was the same. I don't think that your mother went that way too, she was very and genuinely dutiful the moment she got married. But well, there was at best respect between them, but never love. Sometimes, love can come later within arranged marriages, but not here. So, while marriage was a duty for him, he searched elsewhere some recreation, as he said it. It was never to search love either, because most nobles consider love as not as important and for some, even as a nuisance. Of course, Lorimer and I had to accompany him. I'll admit that I never liked the times when lord Fidel met up with women. But who was I to say anything against? I was just a servant. Your father often invited us to have fun as well and Lorimer always accepted. But I always declined, so I all I did was guarding and waiting."

Charlotte thought she might be shocked to learn those things about her father. Jonathan was telling the story so delicately and Yami didn't let go of her back. But she wasn't shocked at all. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised.

She remembered how much she loved and respected her father as a little child. How that drastically changed after she witnessed how he chased that poor woman away.

Jonathan continued, "We accompanied your father to many places within the kingdom. Noble Realm, Common Realm, one time even the Forsaken Realm, even though lord Fidel and Lorimer didn't returned satisfied from there. But he met the mother of your half-sibling in Heladise, a town in the Common Realm."

Heladise? Charlotte never heard of that town and given Yamis look, the name didn't ring a bell for him either.

"Jonathan, was there anything special about Heladise."

"As far as I know, there wasn't. It's just a small town, the kind where everyone knows everyone, where the only great events are some celebrations typical only for the town and where never big things happened the rest of the year. The woman he met was called Grace and she was a waitress in the only inn of Heladise, the Red Pork."

"How… was she?"

"She was pretty, which was enough for lord Fidel. But I believe that she was exhausted from her work and she never took a break, from what I witnessed back then. Grace must have had a big pressure on her, but I don't know where it came from. She never told anything about her private life and from her boss, we only learned that her parents passed away, probably also from exhaustion. Grace also seemed very naïve and in desperate need for affection. It was easy for lord Fidel to seduce her. It was lust for him. As for her… Well, I can't say if it was love on her side. But she was clearly infatuated by your father and mixed with her need of affection, maybe she thought that it was love. She was very sad when your father had to leave, but he promised her to come back. Which he never did. His promise to women like Grace were always empty."

Jonathan looked so sorry to tell her about her father's wrong doings. But she gave him a small, reassuring smile. She already suspected for long that her father wasn't the proud, well-behaved and perfect noble he pretended to be. Again, disappointed in him, but not surprised.

But now, she was also angry and sad. Angry at her father, for how he acted and thought to get away with it, just because he was of high nobility. But also sad for Grace, who was a victim who probably didn't have a happy life and who got a rare happiness taken from her by a selfish noble man.

Of course, Charlotte understood that the marriage of her parents wasn't out of love. But there was a limit between searching some happiness and comfort and taking this as an excuse to break innocent hearts who had nothing to do with someone's sad life.

"No offense to your father, Prickly Queen, but he's a jerk," Yami said, his voice clearly sounding like he was holding back his anger.

"Yami, he deserves this offense, you're not insulting me by saying this."

"Are you sure you're his daughter?"

"Why, yes? Sometimes I wish I wasn't, but you can't choose your blood family."

"You have lord Fidel's eyes, lady Charlotte and the hair colour of his late mother, your grandmother, lady Primrose Roselei. Ah she was a wonderful woman, one who didn't only had nobility in her blood, but also in her heart. I can tell you, she would have been very angry with how her son acted towards that poor Grace."

Charlotte smiled. He grandmother passed away she was a little child, so she didn't have many memories of her. But the few she had of lady Primrose clearly showed the example of a kind, brave and humble person. Actually anything a noble should be, but no one was sadly like lady Primrose Roselei these days.

"Well, whatever you got from yer old man, you clearly made those traits better than he could ever."

"I… thank you, Yami."

Charlotte looked away, certain to be blushing right now. Hopefully, the room was dark enough so that both Yami and Jonathan wouldn't see her pink cheeks.

Jonathan seems to look at his visitors a bit confused, but didn't comment, thankfully. Instead, he continued his story. "We haven't heard from Grace for over a year. At least, I didn't. If she wrote any letters, either lord Fidel throw them into the fire or Lorimer destroyed them before they could reach your father. Lorimer always had the highest respect for your father, excusing each of his wrong doings. Both seemed to have forgotten about Grace, but she didn't. She couldn't even, as your father had left her pregnant. And one day, she appeared at the door of the Roselei manor, when almost every one of the family was out. I never knew if lord Fidel finally accepted to meet her and so made sure that every other Roselei, especially his wife, weren't present or if it was just a coincidence."

"Both are possible and I don't think it matters anymore today if it was a coincidence or not," Charlotte replied. "I remember that day. Originally, I had to accompany my mother for some shopping trip or something similar. But I didn't felt well, so I stayed home."

"I remember as well. Actually, I don't think neither your father and Lorimer ever learned that you were here today, so they weren't concerned about you finding out about the secret. Lord Fidel took Grace in his office and she pleaded her cause. Somehow, she realized that he didn't love her, since she didn't suggested to run away together, to elope or to divorce your mother to marry her instead. She didn't even asked him to make her his mistress. All Grace asked for was him to provide for her and even more for their son."

"Son?"

"Yes, lady Charlotte. I don't know his name, sadly, but you have a younger half-brother. I saw him and let me tell you, even as a baby he was so similar to you. The same eye colour, the same shade of blonde. And he was a cute baby, always smiling. Which wasn't the case of his parents. Lord Fidel refused to get her any help, he argued that he already had a legitimate heir despite the curse and that it was Graces own fault to get pregnant in the first place. I'll admit, never had I felt this ashamed to serve someone like that day. Grace was on the verge of tears as she left. Whatever affection she had left for your father, I saw it change into hate. Lorimer and lord Fidel went to other occupations immediately, but I just couldn't not do anything. So, I catch up to Grace before she left the villa and gave her a good amount of money. She first refused it, she still had some pride left. But Grace understood quickly that this an opportunity to provide for her baby, so she finally accepted it."

"Where did you get the money?"

"Well, I… I confess, I stole it from your fathers own cassette. It was the money he used for himself, especially for his… recreations. It only seemed fair to me that Grace got this money for her son. But… well… It doesn't change the fact that I stole from my master, so…"

Yami laughed and Charlotte also couldn't help but chuckle. Honestly, compared to what her father did, Jonathan stealing his money was more than harmless.

"Do not worry, Jonathan, we'll keep the secret. After all, you did it for a good reason and it wasn't for yourself. Besides, my father deserved that."

"Thank goodness. Well, a servant shouldn't steal from his masters, still. But I really thought that I was doing the right thing."

"You did, old man, you did."

"Thanks a lot, sir Yami. Well, for the rest of the story, I can't say much. All I know is what Grace told me before she definitely left. She said that she would return to Heladise, as she had nowhere else to go. Apparently, her boss, the innkeeper, was very understanding during her pregnancy and didn't throw her out, so she was able to keep her job as a waitress. She got lucky, because towns like Heladise aren't also the most tolerant towards bastards and their mothers. Yes, not only nobles have disgust towards bastard. But what happened to her afterwards? I have no idea. I never went to Heladise ever again. All I hope is that Grace and her son managed to live happily, despite everything."

Charlotte nodded. They already got new things to continue their investigations. Okay, they still didn't know Graces family name or the name of her half-brother. But now, Charlotte knew that her lost sibling was a brother and not a sister, she knew where he and his mother lived, if they didn't left Heladise during those years and she finally knew more details about this sad and sordid affair.

"Thank you very much, Jonathan. You helped us a lot with your knowledge."

"Um, lady Charlotte?"

"Yes."

"You're a very honourable woman, probably more than anyone in house Roselei, as you always want to make things right. But please, remember. What your father did to Grace and your half-brother isn't your fault at all. It's not your duty to deal with the consequences of lord Fidel's actions."

"I know that, I just… It's not only… Well, I feel bad for Grace and…"

"She also wants to be a big sis for her long lost brother and I'm here to help her get that."

Charlotte frowned at Yami, as he laughed heavily, like when he teased her.

But she didn't say anything. Because actually this wasn't teasing. This was just Yami being… more than kind.

"Then, all I can do is wish you good luck with your investigation."

"Thank you, Jonathan."

Yami and Charlotte bid their goodbyes to the old man and went out. But in front of the door of Jonathan's small house, they stood in silent. Not awkward, but not comforting either. Somehow, Yami felt unease about something, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"So, Prickly Queen, what will be our next move?" Yami finally asked. He sounded so much more serious than a minute ago, not laughing anymore.

"The next time we have time for our investigation, which I hope will be soon, we should go to Heladise and search first for the inn Grace worked for. Jonathan said it's called the Red Pork. We'll see from there how we'll continue."

"'kay. Call me when you're ready."

"As always. Shall I accompany you back to your squad?"

"Thanks, but nope. I'm a big boy, don't worry about me, Prickly Mom."

"Yami!" Charlotte protested. Normally it would be for the teasing, but not this time. Because… this teasing didn't felt wholehearted like all the others. Something was bothering Yami and Charlotte couldn't help but worry about him.

"Yami, is everything alright?"

"Um… Prickly Queen, do you think…"

He stopped talking and Charlotte wasn't sure how to feel about it. She wasn't used at all to see him like that.

Yami just stared at her. The intense stares they shared for every goodbye since they started their investigation. Only that this time, he started it.

And this time, he actually caressed her cheek. Only short and soft as the touch of a butterfly. But the touch of his fingers on her skin left a burning fire which even made Mereoleona Vermillions magic looking like a pitiful ember.

Why did Yami never stop to have such a strong effect on her? She just wanted him more closer to her forever every time.

"Bye, Prickly Queen."

His touch disappeared and he flew away on his broom before she could even make a movement to hold him back.

As she saw him disappear in the sky, Charlotte wondered why she was still hesitating. And why she wanted everything at once already, despite the fact that they weren't a couple yet. Heck, Yami had no idea that she was in love with him.

Was it normal to be this contradictory when you were deeply in love?

"Ah, young love…"

Charlotte turned around immediately. Jonathan did come out of his house and given the look in his eyes, not only did he saw them intensely staring at each other, but he also perfectly understood that Charlotte Roselei was in love with Yami Sukehiro.

"I just…"

"No need to explain, I understand."

He really did. There was no prejudice in his blue eyes, no judgement at all. Just understanding and affection, maybe the old man was even touched by this young romance.

Jonathan just smiled at her and took her hands in his. "Good luck, lady Charlotte, You surely need it for your love story."

Charlotte only nodded, grateful. She needed luck indeed.