"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Mother, you wanted to meet Luck, am I right? You agreed to this visit and the Black Bulls know that you're coming. Luck and Yami told them. And if you fear their rather unorthodox behaviour, they promised their captain to act on their best with you. Besides, there are enough members to scold the most wild ones."
Orchidea just nodded, still unsure and definitely nervous. Charlotte just smiled, holding her hand in an encouraging hold. Her mother just started not only to move on and to finally heal from her past, but to also be bold and trying new things.
A new hobby was a first step. Orchidea started to paint little things on porcelain, like plates or cups or anything like that. Something she always wanted to try, but never dared to, because it was certainly considered improper for a noble lady. But now, her mother started and was even pretty good. Charlotte of course supported her, happy to see her mother finally do something for herself.
Who knows, maybe one day she would use some of the porcelain cups her mother painted for her rose tea.
The porcelain painting was a new thing. Yesterday, Charlotte accompanied her mother to the grave of Grace Voltia, an attempt to face the past and move on from it.
And today, Orchidea would finally meet Luck, her daughter's younger brother. This was both a new thing to dare and another step to come to terms with her past. Which made her really nervous. Even more so because it was the Black Bulls.
"Don't worry, mother, they're not as bad as their reputation… In some ways. But once you know them, they're really nice people, each one in their own way."
"I know, I do my best to not judge them based on their still bad reputation. After all, Finral Vaude is one of them and you know that he's not a monster with just one look at him. But, I'm just…"
"Nervous? Of course I understand that. I won't blame you for that, it is normal to be. After all, this is way you wear your favourite dress today, isn't it, mother?"
Orchidea just nodded, looking down at her favourite dress like she was seeing it for the first time. Being this nervous, her mother preferred to wear clothes she felt comfortable in it.
It was a simple dress with an empire waist. Made out of the finest and softest cotton in the kingdom, it was long, in a very pale green, with a silken red ribbon around the famous empire waist and short, puffy sleeves.
It was more the dress of a young lady than someone her age, but Charlotte found that it fitted her mother perfectly, making her even look much younger than she actually was, despite some strands on silver in her black hair. The pale green of the fabric matched well with Orchideas green eyes, it gave her pale skin a shining, youthful glow. And for the first time since she was a young girl, Orchidea let her hair down, falling like a raven cascade on her shoulders.
"Will… every Black Bull be here?"
"Yes, except for vice-captain Nacht. He's never there often for some reason and funnily enough, he still does his job when he's away, apparently. At least, that's Luck told me."
Which wasn't entirely true. Luck did tell her about Nacht Faust, yes. But not more than about his other squadmates. She got the most details about Nacht from Yami. Her boyfriend didn't complained that his vice-captain was never there, but more that he was doing his duties, like paperwork and such, while he was away and was sending them specifically for the final check.
Even away, Nacht made sure that Yami followed his captain duties, which he found upsetting, while Charlotte found it amusing. But well, if Nacht made sure that the captain of the Black Bulls was now doing a better job than before even away, it was still impressive.
"Shall we knock?" Orchidea asked cautiously, glancing at the heavy door as if it would act on its own for some reason. Given Henrys magic, it wouldn't be that far of.
"I don't think so, mother. Luck has the best magic sensing I ever saw, he probably already knows that we're here."
Indeed, the door opened and the next moment, a blonde lightning was racing out, almost knocking Charlotte out as she was trapped in a big hug.
"Big sis!"
"Glad to see you as well, Luck."
Because her little brother had both wrapped his arms and his legs around her, the only thing Charlotte could do was awkwardly put her own arms more or less around him. But this was Lucks way to greet her and to show how happy he was to see her, so she really didn't complained.
Charlotte took a side-glance at her mother. Of course Orchidea was shocked, but it was surprisingly short lasting as she took a closer look at Luck. The look in her eyes immediately became soft once she saw the resemblance between Charlotte and Luck. The same shade of blonde they inherited from their late grandmother, lady Primrose Roselei, and the exact same blue eyes they got from their father, just with more kindness in it.
Luck finally hopped back, freeing Charlotte, and finally took a closer a look at the other woman.
"Are the mama of my big sis?"
"Well… yes, I am. My name is Orchidea Roselei. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Luck."
"Woah, you're pretty. No wonder my big sis is so pretty!"
This compliment left both women flustered. They didn't get the chance to thank him though, as Luck immediately hugged Orchidea.
"Yeah, now I have a second mama!"
Orchidea was taken aback in a positive way by this declaration. She definitely didn't expected this.
Charlotte looked at the picture, her little brother hugging their mother. They weren't related by blood, but right now, they genuinely looked like mother and son. This alone made her so happy, for both Luck and her mother, but also for herself.
"Geez, adopted already? I wished it would have worked that fast with Zora, that jerk."
Yami stepped out of the building, casually as always and for someone who didn't know him or who was a Black Bull, it looked intimidating. But not for her. In fact, Charlotte couldn't help but let her heart race in her chest. She was calmer about it since they were in a relationship, but the heavy beating of her heart still never changed, maybe it was even stronger now that they were lovers.
He must have felt her heavy heartbeat thanks to her Ki, as he gave her a knowing and subtly seductive smile. Charlotte tried her best to not openly smile back. Heavens, why did she never melt on the spot every time he looked at her like that?
Yami just grinned, before he turned towards the visitor, who was still tightly hold by Luck.
"So, you must be Prickly Queen's mom."
"Yes, I am. My name is Orchidea Roselei. It's a pleasure to meet you, captain Sukehiro."
"No need to be so formal, ma'am. Geez, now I know where Prickly Queen over here got that from, but in a more annoying version."
"Excuse me?"
"What? It's true. Don't deny it, Prickly Queen. You always so formal you can make Braids looks like a liberal dude next to you."
He was obviously teasing her, of course he did. That didn't stopped with them finally getting together, even though his teasing was more soft when they were alone. It was just who Yami was.
But that doesn't mean that she won't tolerate it that easily and he knew that. Besides, her mother was present. And thanks to him, she got bolder in her teasing. Something she always enjoyed with him.
"Someone has to be formal. And unlike you, I don't let some of my subordinates do the job of being formal for me, I do it myself."
"Ugh, burn. Don't tell me I'm too lazy for being formal."
"Alright, I won't tell you. Because you're also lazy on other topics. Except for your toilet breaks, but that is definitely not something to be proud of."
"You're wrong, those are some of the toughest battles one person can fight, it should be in the history books. You can do it as well, Prickly Queen. It surely would do your good to have a dump battle from time to time."
"On the contrary of you, I don't have any digestion problems and even if I have, I would rather see a doctor or at least a healer instead of letting it go worse every passing day."
"Nah, seeing a doctor is for pussies."
"Given how much courage it takes to admit one's weaknesses, maybe not saying anything about it is for pussies instead."
"Do you imply I'm a scaredy cat?"
"You like proving me wrong, so do it."
"Come on, Prickly Queen, you're breaking my delicate little heart of glass here."
Luck burst into laughter, like every time when his sister and his captain had a friendly bicker.
Orchidea on the other hand, look back and forth between them, looking more than confused. There was also another hint in her green eyes, but Charlotte was too focused on Yami to take any more notice of it.
In the end, her mother let out a small cough, making everyone focus back on her.
"Um, captain Sukehiro, if I may… I also have some digestion problems from time to time. Not much, I'll admit, but I still know some methods that help me. I have no idea if it can help you, but I can understand you don't want to bother a doctor or a healer. In that case, maybe you could try some tea? Peppermint and ginger tea are good for digestion, black tea even more in some cases. If you wish, I can send you some of my samples."
Charlotte was surprised at her mother's words, yes. But also touched. And the surprise in Yamis eyes was also amusing and adorable at the same time. He just looked at her mother as if he never met someone like her before. Knowing him, Yami was certainly touched by this proposition, even though he would never show it, of course.
But soon, the teasing glance was back.
"Prickly Queen, you really need to get more of your mom's kindness."
"Excuse me?"
Yami didn't answered her, as he turned to go back in the Hideout. "Dunno if your teas would help with my dump battles, ma'am. But since you offered it so kindly, I would be a real jerk to refuse. Oi, brats, time to behave, the Blue Rose mama is here!"
Charlotte heard chatter, bickering and other noises from inside. For a moment, she wondered if all the present Black Bulls would stay perfectly in line and greet her mother like school children.
But of course it wasn't the case, most of them were still all their chaotic selves once they entered.
Charlotte could see that her mother was stunned by what she saw of this squad. But she took it really well, compared to how a standard noble would react towards the Black Bulls.
"Look everyone, this is my second mama!" Luck yelled, still holding Orchidea tightly. Charlotte was even delighted to see that her mother started to caress his hair.
It was such a happy relief that her mother and her brother were already accepting each other and so easily even.
Finral immediately greeted lady Orchidea properly, which put her a bit at ease. She even asked him about how Finesse was doing.
"Captain Charlotte's mother, it is a pleasure to meet you!" Asta screamed, bowing profoundly at least three times in front of her mother.
"You're… Asta, right? I heard about you. And I'm grateful that what I heard about you is false, you seem so incredibly nice."
"Thank you, ma'am!"
"You don't need to yell, stupid Dorksta, you're going to scare her away."
"What? But I don't yell!"
He said, while yelling even louder. Charlotte couldn't help but chuckle, like practically most of the people present.
Noelle Silva didn't chuckle though, she rolled her eyes and blushed, as she turned towards Orchidea. "I apologize for their behaviour, they have no manners."
"Oh, don't apologize, lady Noelle. It's okay, really. They are all so natural. It's such a change from noble circles."
"You see, Noelle? She doesn't mind!"
"That's not an excuse, Magna! It would still be polite to welcome her correctly, otherwise we might overwhelm her."
"You're overwhelming her already with your royal attitude!"
"Well, I'm royalty, you know!"
"Magna, fight me!" Luck yelled with glee, interrupting the argument between Magna and Noelle. "I wanna show my second mama what I can do!"
"Oh hell no, Luck you asshole, I don't wanna die! And fighting while we have a visitor is not proper!"
"Oh, really, NOW you care about being proper?"
"Shut up, Noelle!"
Finral and Charlotte brought Orchidea to one of the sofas. But just as she sat, Charmy planted herself in front of the visitor.
"You, Blue Rose Mama. What is your favourite food?"
"This is Charmy Pappintson, our self-proclaimed chef," Finral immediately added, as Orchidea looked confused for a moment.
"You should really try her cooking, mother. She is one of the best cooks I know."
"Oh, really? Well, miss Charmy, I love cucumbers, especially when it's still fresh. I also love eggs, it doesn't matter how they prepared, I love each egg meal."
"As for meals?"
"Well, except all those dishes with eggs, I also love those with melted cheese. It is not really noble standard, but I really appreciate them. Be it on bread or potatoes or even on salad."
"And what about desserts?"
"Crème Brûlée is one of my favourites. Oh, and blueberry cake filled with ice cream."
"Good. You will stay for lunch, I will prepare dishes like you love. I like you, you have appetite."
And with that, Charmy immediately disappeared into the kitchens.
"She likes you, lady Orchidea. You have a bunch of favourite food and dishes, this is always a determined point for Charmy if she wants to like you or not," Finral explained, clearly a bit embarrassed.
"Miss Charmy loves to eat, it seems."
"She does and your daughter's right, she is an amazing cook. But she hates when someone disrespects the cooking of another chef just for hers. According to her, disrespecting one cook is disrespecting each one of them, including herself. Oh, and she also hates to skip meals, even when others do it. I did that once and my jaw took weeks to feel normal again. Oh, I'm sorry, this isn't one of the stories to make you trust the Black Bulls."
"Oh, I'm not scared, just surprised by this uniqueness."
"Do you want some wine, lady Roselei?" Vanessa suddenly asked, charming as ever, with a bottle and some glasses in her hands. "Sorry, we only have cheap wine, not something noble and fancy. Vanessa Enoteca, by the way."
"Happy to meet you, miss Enoteca."
"Just call me Vanessa, please."
"Well… okay. No wine for me then, I really can't hold my liquor. But some grape juice would be nice, if you have it."
"We got that, since Noelle over there can't hold her liquor either and grape juice is the closest alternative to wine for her."
"Vanessa!"
Charlotte smiled as she stood up, leaving her mother in the care of the Black Bulls. She was happy and relieved to see that her mother seemed to be more than accepted by the members of the squad. Even better, Orchidea looked really glad to be here, despite still being a bit stiff and shy in the Bulls presence.
Luck was the happiest to have her here. Even since Charlotte told him her mother's story, he wanted to met her. Despite being a real berserker, he had a good heart deep down.
But Charlotte was still very surprised that Luck opened up to Orchidea this quickly and even more, that he called his second mama. It was unexpected, but it filled her with immense joy.
Luck lost his mother when he was very young, now he got a second mother.
Orchidea always wanted more children, but couldn't because of her condition. And now, she got a second child.
They weren't related by blood, but giving the looks Luck and Orchidea had for each other, Charlotte was certain that in their hearts, they were already mother and son.
The other Bulls seemed to come to love her mother as well. She overheard how Gordon already asked her if he could sew a doll at her image and Gauche showed her a picture of Marie, about whom Orchidea asked more questions, making him delighted to talk fully about his little sister.
It was certainly a new experience for Orchidea. And after Charlotte learned about her, she knew that this might be something her mother always needed.
"Follow me, Prickly Queen."
Yami was suddenly beside her and before Charlotte could say anything, he took her hand and guided her to a rather hidden corner of the room. It was pretty hidden from most perspectives, but from a few others, everyone would be able to see them.
But Yami didn't seemed to care, as he pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss. Impossible to resist, so despite the risk of getting discovered at any moment, of course Charlotte gave in. After all, it wasn't like she didn't longed for him since he left the Blue Rose's base earlier at dawn.
But this didn't mean that she wouldn't scold him about being this reckless. Someone had to keep a cool mind in this relationship and it seems it was often up to be her in this case.
"I know already that you're addicted to me, but really, right here in the living room of your base? While my mother is here, my little brother and practically each one of your squad members except Nacht?"
"Do you think I can hold back while you look like that? Think again, your thorny majesty."
"Looking like… what? Excuse me? I don't look any different than usual."
"This is exactly what I meant. How can I resist you when you look as gorgeous as always? Despite the fact that you're not naked."
Yami grinned and kissed her fiercely before Charlotte could even protest. Seriously, did he really need to be this crude? And why did she find this side of him still so appealing despite getting more or less offended by it?
By the three leaves of the Clover, this man would be the end of her. A sweet ending, if she was being honest, but still the end.
Of course, Yami couldn't just kiss her only. His lips left hers, slowly wandering around her jawline, before reaching her neck. More precisely, a certain spot of her neck that always made her moan, especially when he was leaving a hickey.
Which he seems starting to do right now.
"Yami… Oh my God."
"Yes, Prickly Queen?"
"Don't you dare leave a mark at this place, everyone could see."
"Hey, it's not my fault that you're wearing such covered clothes, that leaves me with not a big choice of places where to put a hickey."
"Yami, this is not what I… Hm."
Dang it, he kissed her again. Not long, but enough to make her lose the will to protest for a bunch of seconds.
"I didn't meant to insult your clothes, you know. I love it and besides, leaving this much to imagine is even more sexier than being in revealing clothes."
He dared to say that while putting her tight against his hip.
"Your such a brute."
"Yeah, yeah, but your brute, Prickly Queen."
Well, he wasn't wrong with that. Charlotte just smiled and this time, she kissed him, with the same fierce passion he kissed her. Good Heavens, why did she waited so long before getting together with him?
They make out for a long while, in that hidden corner. And if it weren't for the presence of others, maybe they would have done it right now and right there.
How did they become so addicted to each other and why? Was it to catch up to all those lost ten years?
"Yami, seriously, not here," Charlotte whispered, breaking a kiss, as Yami clearly started to play with the lacets of her outfit.
She heard him sigh deeply, almost pouting. Why was he sometimes just like a child?
"I would lie if I say that I'm not… well… thirsty for you, but this is definitely not the place. And to be perfectly honest, I prefer a comfortable bed than a stone wall for this kind of exercise."
"Yeah, guess yer right, Prickly Queen. Although I would say that the risk of being caught kinda turns me on, ya know."
Charlotte bit her lip. Because this idea turned her on as well, if she was honest. But still, not while her mother and the Black Bulls are right there!
"Still, it's not the best place, please."
"Got it. And besides, you're right about that, Prickly Queen. It's just that I haven't seen for centuries."
"We saw each other hours ago, Yami."
"Still too long."
"Well, we are in different squads and we're both responsible captains."
"Did I hear some irony just now, your thorny Majesty?"
"Maybe?"
Yami just smirked, before he kissed her again, softer this time. Charlotte sighed against his lips. She loved how fierce he could be, but the softer side of him was so unique and wonderful that she never could get enough of it.
They break the kiss as they heard Orchidea laughed. From what they could gather from the voices, apparently Zora throw a rainbow stinkbug against Asta. Or Magna. Or Gauche. Well, definitely against someone and now hell went lose again.
And Orchidea Roselei just had a genuine and free laugh in the middle of some typical Black Bull nonsense.
"Mother seems happy right now."
"She definitely is, if I understand her Ki right."
"Thank you for allowing her to come and visit Luck."
"Hey, I'm not a jerk and after what you told me about her past, your mom definitely deserved some good things happen to her. And besides, she doesn't want to marry you off anymore."
"No, she doesn't. She promised me and besides, my happiness is more important to her than any advantageous alliance. I sadly can't say the same for the rest of my family, though. My aunt Rosamund seems more and more desperate to marry me off to Reginald Évantail, it's start to get on my nerves."
"And on mine, honestly. Your bitch aunt must have lost a bet or something for wanting to making you Reggies sixth or seventh wife."
"Speaking of arranged marriages, my mother warned me earlier this morning, right after breakfast."
"Oh, what about?"
She could hear the dangerous threatening tone in his voice. Charlotte knew now how Yami was protective of her, so she didn't know how he would take the news. Although her mother said it was just a rumour for now and maybe it would not happen, but some nobles should never be taken lightly.
"Well, it's just a rumour for now and my mother doesn't know if it's true… But still. Apparently, some nobles want to prepare a special ball for the victory over the devils in Spade."
"Huh? What's wrong with that?"
"First off, that's more something up the Wizard King to decide, not for nobility. And second, some noble balls are unofficially just excuses to make definite betrothals between nobles and also royals."
Charlotte looked at him. And from the glance in his dark grey eyes, she knew that he got the hint.
Yami went silent for a moment, clearly thinking hard. That wasn't something he did often, especially not when it wasn't during a battle or at a gamble table. But Charlotte knew that her boyfriend could also get serious at times.
"You say that this might be something that put our relationship in danger, with that many suitors you have and with that many fucked up Roseleis that want to marry you off."
"If it's true, yes. But right now it's just a rumour. But well, we both know that our situation isn't the easiest one right now, especially with nobles more desperate than ever to find a good match. But I'm yours and I have no intention to find anyone else."
Yami looked at her so lovingly that Charlotte couldn't help but look down. Even now as a couple, this side of Yami was still a rare sight to witness and this was also the side of him that made her blush the most.
"I… just wanted you to know that."
"Hey, I would fight for you too, Prickly Queen. Those fuckers can piss off if they don't fricking accept that you choose me over assholes like Reggie."
"Goodness, do you really kiss me with that mouth?"
Yami didn't answered or rather, his answer was exactly that. A kiss. Charlotte moaned against his lips giving in again.
It really didn't matter if nobles would probably never accept that she choose a foreigner over high born nobles. It didn't matter that he was a brute and had a very crude language coming out of his mouth. She wanted no one else.
Fully concentrated on their make out session, neither Charlotte nor Yami saw that Orchidea actually moved from her spot and was now having a good perspective on their corner. They couldn't see at first the shock she had on her face and immediately after, a happy and satisfied smile that was formed on her lips.
"And this is girls chambers. You're lucky that Henry made them extra near today. Sometimes, the rooms can be so far away, that it needs almost an hour to reach them after dinner or after a bath. Especially since Fin here is married and doesn't sleep at the hideout anymore, it really happens more often."
"Vanessa, please, you know that I'm more than just a transport tool to bring you all from one room or another in the very same house."
Vanessa giggled at how done Finral sounded. Well, he was right and there were people like Noelle, Nero or Gordon who at least almost never used him as a chauffeur. But with a kinda lazy captain like Yami, it was practically his daily fate as a Black Bull knight, even though he didn't slept here anymore now that he was married.
She heard Zora snicker and lady Orchidea chuckle. Well, it was a good thing that their visitor had such a good time. The mother of captain Charlotte had been pretty much nervous at first, but she was a noble visiting the Black Bulls willingly for the first time, so it was normal. But she obviously made a lot of efforts to get acquainted with each one of them and she was so nice.
Luck already loved her so much, that he immediately called lady Orchidea after he only saw her for less than a minute. Something Vanessa found so utterly adorable. Charmy decided she was perfect after lady Orchidea told her all of her favourite dishes – which they had for lunch today and it was delicious, especially the blueberry cake filled with ice cream – and the rest of the Bulls accepted the noble woman without any difficulties. Asta and Magna even started to call her auntie Dea.
Now, while Charlotte and Luck also got some sibling bonding time again, Vanessa took upon herself to show Orchidea the rest of the Hideout. At least, more or less, as she could get lost herself, even though she lived here. Finral came along, in case their visitor got overwhelmed by Vanessas chatter – fair enough – and Zora accompanied them as well, for some snickering commentary and for some occasion to make fun – not fair enough. At least, Orchidea really seemed to have a lot of fun.
"Since it's the girl's quartier, I put some traps here and there, just in case. But we don't have burglars coming here, so it's mostly our boys who get trapped."
"But shouldn't the Black Bull boys know where the traps are?" lady Orchidea asked, stepping carefully, in order to not let a trap get in action.
"Nah, the traps have a spell that make them change places, so why bother knowing where they are," Zora replied with a snicker.
"Come on, Zor, I explained it to all of you more than once."
"Yeah, when you were drunk or in a rant. And your rants are long, so who in their right mind would listen to you until the end?"
Nozel does, but of course Vanessa wouldn't say that out loud. Their relationship was still a secret, after all, and Zora was one of those who might not understood why she choose a royal as her lover, given his still remaining beef against the higher-ups.
But still, a smile spread on her lips as she thought about Nozel. Vanessa had been surprised that Nozel would actually listen to her when she would rant for hours long and even more that he would catch up every word she says. Even better, he remembered them days later. Today, Nozel knew a lot about each member of the Black Bulls thanks to her, even details someone outside the squad wouldn't normally know.
Plus, given how Nozel listened to her rants, now Vanessa would get a bit more upset when most of her squadmates wouldn't listen to her. Much to their surprise, as she never got upset about that before.
"Where is your room, miss Vanessa?" lady Orchidea just asked, bringing her back to the present.
"Right there, although I don't know if you really want to see it."
Zora immediately laughed, "Yeah, the wino is the most messy Bull in this squad. There's barely any place to walk in her room and she has one of the biggest room in this fricking base."
"Language, Zora," Finral protested weakly.
"It's fine, I would still love to see the room."
"Yeah, but we warned you, my lady."
So, Vanessa opened the door to her room. It was true that it was a real mess. One of the biggest rooms in the Black Bull's Hideout and she still managed that there was barely a spot to walk properly or to stand and turn without bumping into something. Heck, she even have some things on her bed.
But this was new. Since she spend her nights in Nozels room, be it at the palace or at the base of the Silver Eagles. And since Vanessa practically didn't sleep in this room anymore, her bed just became another spot to put her things on.
This was the other reason why she haven't invited Nozel at her place for now. Well, the more important one was because their relationship was still a secret and it was difficult to meet in secret at this base. But also… Vanessa couldn't forget how tidied Nozels room was. Not even because of servants. Now, Nozel Silva was actually someone with enough discipline to tidy himself, even though he barely left any mess behind him. The state of her room might gave her half a heart attack.
"Um, Vanessa, do you have still enough place to sleep?" Finral shyly asked while pointing at the bed.
"You see, my lady?" Zora snickered, casually putting an arm around Orchideas shoulders. "This is one of the biggest mess a noble like can witness. Don't think you've seen worse in your life."
"Oh, actually, I already saw worse."
The three Black Bulls turned towards her completely stunned. But Orchidea just shrugged.
"Lady Rosamund Roselei, one of my many sisters-in-law, is way more shambolic than this. To a point that even the most motivated and paid servants have given up to clean up after her. And her room… phew, you can barely enter, barely walk and the light barely comes in. The only spot which is completely free her canopy bed. Or rather the mattress. Rosamund has the habit to put things under her bed and above the canopy. Thankfully, her husband and her have separate rooms."
"Okay, now I can get behind why nobles spouses have the dumb habit of having their own room each," Zora mumbled.
"Yeah, Finesse and I are a bit the exception concerning this, since we sleep in the same room."
Vanessa just giggled. Never would she have thought that there was someone more shambolic than her. And it was a noble even! She didn't know if Rosamund Roselei was a nice noble or a normal one, but given the smug hint in Orchideas eyes while telling the story, it was fair to assume that Rosamund wasn't a nice noble.
Her husband must be really grateful that he had his own room instead of sharing one with his wife. Vanessa never understood this tradition of married nobles to not sleep in the same room, but it was probably for the best in Rosamunds case.
This made Vanessa wonder if lady Acier shared a room with her husband. Given how in love she had been with him, she probably would have loved to. But Vanessa remembered her only encounter with Lac Silva and she was certain that he wasn't one to go against traditions and share a room with his wife. Given that he also cheated on lady Acier, a separate room must have been more practical for him. And with what Nozel told her about his parent's marriage, his poor mother must have accepted that decision to please her jerk of a husband.
It made Vanessa wonder… How would Nozel view this? She was certain that back then, when he was still considering an arranged marriage for himself to give his siblings freedom, Nozel probably would have preferred a separate room. But now that he was with her? They spend every night with each other since they slept together for the first time. So maybe… in a faraway future, they would…
Orchideas voice brought Vanessa back to the present, interrupting a train of thoughts that might would have started to go out of hand.
"Oh my, this a beautiful sewing box."
Like every time someone mentioned the sewing box Nozel got her, Vanessa became immediately giddy.
"Yes, and it's also a very sophisticated one," she said and took the box to show it better to Orchidea. "You see? There is EVERYTHING you need for any kind of needle work! And threads in every colour and needles in every heights and… just everything!"
"It really is a dream for every seamstress, to have sewing box like that. Needlework must be one of your hobbies, miss Vanessa."
"Yes, it is!"
"She got this sewing box as a gift," Finral said with a smile.
"Yeah, from secret admirer or lover. She's practically every night with him and when she's back, that box is never far away from her."
"Don't laugh at me, Zor, you also have a lover outside of the squad. Didn't you come home yesterday morning with a hickey on your thigh?"
The smugness immediately disappeared from Zora's face, making place for shock as he immediately put a hand on his thigh.
"How… How did you found out?"
"I didn't, you just confirmed it."
Finral and Orchidea chuckled gently. Zora on the other hand, just glared at Vanessa before leaving the room, mumbling in rage, "Stupid wino. And stupid princess who has to leave marks on the most ridiculous places."
Princess? Was it just a nickname or did Zora actually date someone from nobility? Gosh, that would be such an irony, that Zora had such a beef against higher-ups and ended up falling for one of them.
Vanessa promised she would investigate this. But not today. She had something else to do…
"I bet you're going to meet your secret lover," Finral smiled. Of course he saw her excitement.
"You got it, Fin."
"Well, then I leave you get ready for your date. Goodbye, Vanessa."
With that, Finral left her room as well.
Vanessa smiled. Honestly, Finral was such an amazing friend on many levels. Like the topic of her secret lover. Of course he asked her some question about said lover, teased her also sometimes about how giddy she could be – Finral never had many occasions to tease anyone, so Vanessa let him have it – but he was always so supportive and even defended her love life when the other Bulls took their teasing too fast.
Sometimes, Vanessa wondered if she could tell Finral about Nozel. Her best friend would certainly be shocked at first, who wouldn't. But knowing Finral, maybe he would be the first one to warm up to the idea and certainly give them his full support.
Not to mention that maybe Finesse has some suspicions, but Vanessa couldn't be sure about that.
It was only then when she realized that Orchidea haven't left her room yet. She just stared at the sewing box, a soft smile on her lips.
"A gift, huh? It is a very thoughtful gift."
"It is. I told my lover that I love needlework and he haven't forgotten."
And it was at a time when she and Nozel weren't together yet. Already then, he listened to her rants and remembered every word.
How could she not love him? All Vanessa hoped now was that she could help him, like he was helping her. It had been such a huge step for her to tell him about her past, especially the cage. Even more so, he was the first one she willingly told about it, while her squadmates didn't learned it from her, not even Finral.
Does this mean she was not afraid to show vulnerability in front of Nozel? Seemed like it. He certainly trust her enough to show her his own vulnerable side. A huge step for him. For them.
Maybe it was also because he was himself like in a cage for long, since his beloved mother died. He looked like that in Spade and that was one of the reasons why back then, Vanessa reached out for him in the first place.
They had clearly opposite personalities, but were also similar in some ways.
"And it's covered with printed linen, that is a little luxury," Orchidea continued. "Roses, lavender and water lilies… Do those flowers have a special meaning to you?"
"You can say that," Vanessa replied. "I love roses a lot and he has a soap or a shampoo that gives him a subtle scent of lavender, which I love personally. As for the water lilies, he told me that those flowers were his mother's favourites. He was very close to his mother, you know."
"That is rare within nobility and royalty…"
Wait, what?
The surprise must have shown on Vanessas face, as Orchidea just smiled reassuringly, "It looks like an expensive gift, so I may guess that your lover isn't from your circle."
"Oh… yes?"
"Don't worry, I won't judge you. On the contrary, I wish you good luck. Why would I even judge? My first love was a peasant. But it didn't work out."
Oh. Vanessa felt for her. It was just two sentences, so she didn't had any details. But the sad hint in Orchideas green eyes were enough proof that it was a tragic story.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be, it's not your fault. I hope your romance will get a better end. Besides, you are not a mistress."
"No, my lover is not married and he refuse to call me a mistress. But how would you know?"
"Most nobles who take a mistress don't do it out of love. More because of lust or even for political reasons in some cases. The woman's personality never matter that much. So, the gifts they offer their mistresses are mostly luxurious classics, like jewellery or ball gowns. Doesn't matter if it's matches their physics or not, as long as it is expensive. It's even what most noble mistresses want. But your lover… he gifted you something thoughtful, for a hobby of yours, which means he values your interests. He values you. It's enough proof that he loves you with all his heart, miss Vanessa. That's why I hope your romance will get a happy fate. Now, enjoy your date."
With an encouraging smile, Orchidea left the room, calling for Finral who was apparently still in the hallway.
Vanessa was left a bit uncertain by this conversation. But still, she smiled. Lady Orchidea was a really nice woman. No wonder captain Charlotte ended up pretty much strong and caring for her squad.
Orchidea definitely seemed to have quite the difficult live behind her. Now wonder, since she had been apparently in love with a peasant and sadly couldn't be with her true love. And then her husband cheated on her, fathering a bastard he didn't want. Maybe Orchidea had other difficulties in her life, but it would be wrong to push her to learn about them, despite that Vanessa was rather curious.
And still, she seemed to make the best out of her situation, even getting really good things in her life. Orchidea clearly loved her daughter truly, wanting her happiness and she was kind hearted enough to accept Luck like a son, even though he was her husband's bastard son. She might didn't look like it, but she was strong.
And despite losing the love of her life, Orchidea don't seem to envy those who are in a same situation as she was, with just better luck than she had. Instead, she was genuinely happy for them and wished them luck. Vanessa wondered that if the truth would come out about her and Nozel, Orchidea would actually support them.
It was this train of thought that occupied her mind while she flew to the royal capital. Vanessa knew that as a Black Bull, she wouldn't let nobility get between her and Nozel, despite how obviously difficult it would be. But never had she thought how it would be to have support outside from the Black Bulls and their closest friends. To have support from nobles who weren't directly bonded to the Black Bulls, who weren't even Magic Knights and who still would care.
Would this make things at least a bit easier? After all, they were nice nobles in this world out there, Orchidea Roselei was the proof. Maybe not much, maybe they were more hidden than the bad ones, but they still existed.
Somehow, Vanessa came to the conclusion that this was actually reassuring. For her, for Nozel, for Yami and Charlotte if they would finally get together, for Noelle and Asta if they would finally get a grip of their innocent selves, for anyone open minded.
Happy by this conclusion, Vanessa entered the café. Of course Nozel was already there, he was always on time and she was the one getting late. But he never seemed to mind and Vanessa always tried to be closer to the time for him.
"Hello, handsome," she greeted him, giving him a soft kiss on the lips before sitting down in front of him. He already ordered her a hot chocolate, even with whipped cream on the top and a caramel cheesecake.
Didn't she mentioned a few days ago that she liked this kind of cake? Of course Nozel remembered.
"How did lady Orchideas visit go?" Nozel asked, digging in his slice of lemon tart. Of course she told him about today's visitor.
"Excellent. Luck is already like a son for her and I think she likes us. We like her too, she became a Black Bull auntie."
"I'm happy to hear this."
"I'm happy too."
She wasn't only happy that Orchidea Roselei was such a nice person. Vanessa was also happy to love with Nozel, to be loved by him. She was ready fight for their future together.