The Hoshidans send Kagero to negotiate Keiji's release and he is forced to decide once and for all which side he will support.

Reward (Epilogue)

Nohrian nights are exceedingly lengthy and the weather alongside them is oftentimes poor: facts that hold doubly true in the capital. Thankfully, you've little reason to fret from within the safety and security of Castle Krakenburg. A good evening read works wonders in keeping you occupied too.

Yawning, you close the Nohrian storybook you've been learning from these past couple of nights and set it down on the bedside table. "Gods I'm tired," you utter groggily, your eyes heavy as though lined with lead. You blink away the tiredness as best you can and look left.

Laid against your shoulder and fast asleep, Charlotte is adorable. Even better, the abrasive edge she harboured toward you has eased the longer you have spent by her side as a friend and lover. Hardly a day passes where you aren't in her company nowadays, in fact.

Moreover, you honestly wouldn't have it any other way.

You smile fondly at the snoozing girl and you give her shoulder a gentle tap. "Charlotte, dearest?"

The blonde mumbles a few slurred nothings and keeps on snoring. You tap her shoulder a second time. "Charlotte, it's bed time."

"...Alright alright," the lassie groans as she opens an eye with great effort. She then burrows further beneath the bed sheets. Turning onto her side, she goes straight back to sleep. Within moments, she's snoring again. A warming sight for certain.

You lean over and kiss Charlotte's head. "Sleep well." Nextly, you blow out the bedside candle.

With the light laid low, you get comfortable beneath the velvet quilts and rest your head against feather-stuffed pillows.

"Another day done," you reflect at a whisper. "Another day..."

You close your heavy eyes, fighting sleep as best you can so you might think.

For more than a month now, you've been a denizen of Nohr and Camilla's faithful servant. You've done almost everything asked of you by your new mistress with little issue, and she has made your life in Castle Krakenburg more than comfortable in exchange for that loyalty. Every time you've requested wine, or a hot meal or books to read, they have been delivered to your room post-haste. What's more, you also have leave to explore Windmire's urban sprawl at your leisure, provided Charlotte is in your company.

Yet, a twinge of unease still lingers in your heart. A dull pain caused by a letter, to be precise. One baring the Hoshidan royal seal and addressed directly to Camilla. A letter placed into the hands of one Her Ladyship's many helpers by an aid of Corrin's.

This missive left Camilla frowning so darkly upon reading its contents earlier today that it honestly frightened you.

Your fright soon turned to surprise after Camilla handed you the letter, however. So much so that every Hoshidan kanji of its opening paragraph is still burned into your thoughts with perfect clarity. As is the memory of the exchange which followed between yourself and Camilla.

"My sister thinks highly of you, it seems," the princess (wearing one of her many lacy evening nightgowns) informs you with a cold humourless chuckle. She hands you the letter that she recently received from Selena. "Read for yourself and you will see, my dear."

You take the paper and turn your eyes downward, doing as asked:

'To my sister Camilla, I hereby request the right to parlay between Hoshido's forces and yours, in private. Flora has made me aware since her return that my retainer Keiji is in your custody in Windmire. Therefore, I will be dispatching my brother's retainer Kagero to the Busty Maid tavern in Windmire tomorrow under the guise of a travelling dancer, so we might discuss his release. My brother and I are more than willing to reward you handsomely by way of returning prisoners or paying you gold, provided you release Keiji back to us. Regards, Corrin.'

Camilla positively smoulders with anger as you hand back the letter.

"...Do you intend to answer this summons, milady?" you ask, an anxious lump sticking in your throat.

"You and I will meet with Kagero, if only to humor her and that fool Ryoma," Camilla answers bitterly. Folding the letter, she puts it away and slams the desk draw shut. "And what of you, Keiji? Will I you return to my sister's side, or will you honor your promise and fight for my cause as you intended?"

"Wait-" You swallow hard, honestly surprised by her question. "You're letting me choose in spite of my pledge?"

"Of course I am. It goes without saying." Camilla nods. "Only a tyrant strong-arms her subordinates using brute force."

You bow your head gratefully. "Then you are indeed far more considerate than I gave you credit for, Lady Camilla."

"To my detriment, at times," Camilla laments with a sigh, shaking her head. She then waves you away with dismissive hand and starts looking over a scroll. "You are free to leave, my suave swordsman. But take heed: you and I will visit the tavern come morning and meet with Miss Kagero. I shall have my maids prepare suitable attire for you also, so we may travel under the disguise of traders."

A fair enough plan. "As you command, Lady Camilla."

"Good. In addition, please send Charlotte to me when next you see her. I wish to speak with her about something important."

"Of course, I'll send her your way." You bow once more then head for the door.

You pause in the doorway however, memories of your time in Bleakvale and Redshire's liberation flashing through your thoughts. Making a difference as you did for the villagers warms your heart deeply. Seeing the happy townsfolk celebrating in your mind's eye has you smiling from ear to ear, too.

Then there's Charlotte. You couldn't possibly leave her given how close you've become.

"One more thing before I go, My Lady," you begin anew, folding your arms.

"Hmm?" Camilla looks up from the scroll on her desk. "What is it?"

"You needn't worry about my Hoshidan brothers and sisters," you assure the princess with a sincere smile. "My mind is already made up."

Camilla's eyes soften a touch, hope glinting from within their violet depths. "And what have you decided, my dearest Keiji?"

"I shall remain here, milady. You may have my life for Flora's exactly as I promised." It is only right you do. You won't develop a reputation as an oath-breaker.

"I see. That is indeed wonderful news." Camilla gets up from her desk. Her expression radiating warmth, she points toward a spot on the floor in front of her. "Close the door and come over to me please, if you'd be so kind."

You shut the door as asked and join Camilla. The princess throws her arms around your shoulders and pulls you to her chest. She squeezes you tightly and lovingly, as though you're her most treasured possession in the world. Caught off guard by her affectionate gift, the heart within your chest pounds strongly.

"Thank you, Keiji," Camilla utters lovingly, kissing your cheek. "...Your remaining true to your word means more than you could ever know."

Her wonderful cuddle fills you with contentedness in ways you never imagined a cuddle could, as well.

"Tis my pleasure, milady. A samurai is only as good as his word after all."

"That is good to know," Camilla laughs limply, her hold over you becoming a squeeze, "for here in Windmire you find very few who value such integrity."

"You can blame my Hoshidan upbringing for that," you say warmly, relaxing into the royal's caring embrace.

"Whatever your reasons for remaining, you have my undying gratitude." Camilla loosens her grip and eases back from you a couple of inches. She pauses, kisses your cheek a second time, and stands away from you entirely. "Go now, my dear," she encourages, patting your head. "It is late and you should rest."

You touch two fingers to the spot where Camilla's lips lingered moments before. Then you lower your arm to the side and nod.

"As you wish. Do sleep well too, Lady Camilla."

Exhaling deeply, you brush aside the memory and return to the moment at hand.

"She is indeed far kinder than I gave credit for at first," you reflect in a low voice, mindful not to wake Charlotte. Turning over onto your side, you close your eyes and fight sleep's welcoming embrace no longer. "A noble trait for one so ambitious."

Tomorrow you will tell Kagero of your intent to remain in Nohr and honor your promise.

"It is the right thing to do," you resolve after a small yawn: assurance.

You must stand by your decision and be true to yourself, even if doing so makes enemies of those you once respected as comrades and allies. For only if you stand by what you believe in will all you've sacrificed be worth it in the end.

You kissed Charlotte goodbye before just noon and set off with Camilla and a band of disguised protectors for Windmire's slums. Your blonde lover insisted on coming along at first, but Camilla encouraged her to enjoy a day of leisure in the castle. Encouragement she heeded given her liking for life's nicer things.

After close to an hour of walking narrow cobblestone streets you and Lady Camilla have arrived out front of a dingy tavern. Its front doors are open and one of them dangles from its last remaining rusty hinge. A signpost depicting a well-endowed young woman wearing a corset and carrying two jugs of foamy ale hangs overhead. About ten feet to the left is a man adorning tatty clothes. He leans unsteadily against the wall of the next building over and quite casually pisses up the wall.

You snap your eyes away from the vagabond and back to your destination. Sighing, you raise a sceptical brow. "Are you sure this is the place, milady?"

"It is indeed, my precious Hoshidan," Camilla chuckles. "And worry not, should we be inside for too long my little helpers will enter and seek us out."

Again, you exhale. An open showing of your displeasure. "...I can't imagine why they'd send Kagero here of all places..."

"Now now," Camilla admonishes gently, touching a reassuring hand to your shoulder. "Do I detect a hint of Hoshidan snobbery there, my dashing gent?"

There is no sense lying about it. "Perhaps a little, yes."

"I thought so. I take it this place like this doesn't match Hoshido's sake dens?"

"Not unless they employ sweetly perfumed serving girls wearing kimono, or at the very least have comfortable cushions to sit on, no." You look to Camilla out of the corner of your eye. "But I've a feeling this establishment lacks those things, if its exterior is anything to go by."

For a moment, you hope in vein. When Camilla nods in confirmation, you hang your head dejectedly for a second. "Very well then... Let us proceed." You snatch Camilla's hand into yours and knot your fingers with hers. "And please milady, stick close to me at all times. So I might protect you."

"Of course, Keiji. I am in your capable hands."

You and Camilla step inside the Busty Maid tavern; one of the most well-known drinking pits in Windmire's slums. Your mistress wears a long velveteen cloak with the hood pulled down over her head to hide her identity. An ornate white ballroom mask also covers her face for added safety. You wear the sort of waistcoat and brown patchwork trousers all too common among travelling merchants and peddlers. A sure-fire way to avoid undue attention.

"Alright Keiji, stay alert," you utter under your breath

The popular drinking den is alive with rowdy patrons and ale swilling louts even in the early afternoon. Diverse assortments of rogues and unsavoury types pack out the tables nearest the bar. There are plenty of gruff battle-scarred men built like human walls with muscle, and a good handful of well-armed and alluring women among them as well. Definitely the Nohrian equivalent of sell swords; the sorts looking to get rich from war's raging flames.

A quick glance from corner to corner of the hive for drunkards and mercenaries reveals nothing in the way of an exceedingly tall, dark-haired woman with long and shapely legs. Gods knowing, you'd definitely spot someone like Kagero given Nohr is renowned for its fair-skinned blue-eyed lassies.

"She must be hiding," you surmise. You nod to yourself and head further inside. Camilla follows beside you.

The two of you reposition yourselves by the bar. The princess then taps you on the shoulder and leans close so she might speak into your ear. "I know the owner of this place. He is a supporter of our movement. Summon the barman and direct him to me, if you please," she instructs.

"Understood." You rap your knuckles loudly against the sticky bar top and eye the gent charged with serving drinks. A fellow as tall as a tree with a head of thinning golden hair and built as though a brick latrine. He glances your way for an instant, finishes cleaning out a mug with a cloth, and comes over.

"Get yer somethin' there, little Hoshidan peddler?" the burly drink slinger asks with a half-smile.

"You certainly can," you reply, jabbing a thumb toward Camilla.

"Good afternoon, Andrew," the princess greets the man.

Camilla leans nearer to the bar and lowers her hood just enough for the barman to catch a glimpse of her mask-covered face. His eyes widen with surprise for an instant. He composes himself for a second and points the two of you toward the closed door behind the bar. Camilla smiles gratefully, then leans over and whispers something in the man's ear. He nods understandingly, puts down his mug, and pushes the door open for the two of you.

"Let us go, Keiji," Camilla instructs a hint of quieted satisfaction to her voice. "Andrew will direct our guest into the back once she shows herself."

You bow your head and follow the princess. She walks around the bar and into the back room, shutting the door after you join her inside.

Leaning up against the wall a few feet from the door, you fold your arms.

Before you is a wide and gloomy storage room with mould-covered white painted walls and ale casks stacked high in its leftmost corner. Between gaps in those casks is a little square window with a crack at its centre: the only source of light. Sitting squarely the room's middle is a large, rounded wooden table with half a dozen chairs pushed in underneath. An unlit wax candle sits atop of it in a polished bronze holder.

The banner pinned up in the middle of the rightmost wall behind where Camilla stands is most interesting. A Nohrian standard with its colors swapped to display a black crest and a white background. An insignia you've seen many times while in the company of the princess.

"A secret meeting place for your followers, I see," you observe with a smirk.

"Naturally, Keiji," your mistress answers with a mischievous look about her. Walking over to the table, she snaps her fingers and sparks up a tiny orange ember at the tip of her right index. She then lights the candle and blows the ember out.

You whistle, impressed by the little display. "And magically talented too."

"I am indeed: as a girl I was tutored by several court wizards," Camilla recalls pridefully. Pulling out a chair from underneath the table, she seats herself. For a short while, the princess fixates her gaze upon the candle's dancing flame. Then she looks over to you and gestures for you to sit in the chair next to her. "Do sit down and relax. You look terribly tense standing there like that; it can't be comfortable perching by doorways as you so often do."

"Force of habit I'm afraid," you explain shortly, pushing off from the wall and joining Camilla by the table.

"From your days as a common soldier, I assume?"

"Correct. I was often tasked with sentry duty at Fort Jinya." You pull out a chair from beneath the table and sit down next to Camilla. "How did you know?"

"Because it shows in your mannerisms."

"Meaning I come across as guarded, correct?" you ask with a knowing smirk.

Camilla chuckles softly, and winks. "I'm not the first to observe as much, clearly."

"No you aren't," you tell her with a shake of the head, a mental imagine of Hana painting your thoughts. "A lover from days past once said the same."

"Then she was certainly an astute girl."

"'Astute' is one of many words I'd use." 'Stubborn' and 'hard-headed' are two more. Closing your eyes, you shake away Hana's memory and sigh.

"...Is something the matter, Keiji?" Camilla wonders, touching a hand to your shoulder.

"Nothing milady, I'm merely-"

The door to the left of you swings wide. Into the room Kagero steps with a face like absolute thunder. She shuts the door behind her after an irritated grumble. You look her up and down, eyes wide. Namely out of surprise for the skin she shows.

The kunoichi sports a short gray skirt with a slit down the left side. Her tummy is on full display, and her bustier is a size too small. Strapped wooden platform sandals cover her rather long and narrow feet, and black polish covers her toenails. A silver Nohrian pendant hangs from a black rope necklace around her neckto compliment the overall outfit (or lack thereof), and a looped golden earring hangs from her left ear. An arrangement apparently entertained by women from travelling Nestran theatre troupes, according to the letter Camilla received. And something you never imagined Kagero wearing.

"My goodness gracious," Camilla hums, eyes narrowed and smiling wickedly. "Don't you look simply delicious? Miss Kagero, I presume?"

Kagero shudders with disgust. Raising a balled and trembling fist, she states down Camilla with absolute hatred. "You dare mock me after the efforts I went to obtaining this loathsome outfit, and the disgusting utterances I endured in the streets, you Nohrian cur?"

"Now is that any way to address the one whom holds the power in this discussion?" Camilla retorts, her shoulders tensing. She gets out of her chair and straightens up. She then perches against the table's edge and holds herself steady with her hands. "Though I must give credit where credit is due, however." The princess eyes Kagero's outfit up and down with painstaking scrutiny. "To go to such lengths in the name of coming here safely is impressive. Either my sister holds this young man behind me in very high regard, or you too have a vested interest in his safety. Curious. Which is it...?"

Kagero scowls, the air around her laced with an icy bite. A ninja's warning. "My orders nor my feelings are any business of yours, Princess Camilla."

As intent as you are on remaining in Nohr, it isn't fair to make Kagero squirm. Even with your measured dislike toward her.

"Milady Camilla," you speak up, standing from your chair, "would it not be best to simply get this over with?"

Camilla glances your way and smiles thinly. "It would, yes." She pushes off from the table and closes the gap with Kagero, folding her arms. "Keiji wishes to speak with you personally on this matter, kunoichi. I will hear of that which my sister and Ryoma offer for his return beforehand though."

"Fifty prisoners of your choosing," Kagero reveals shortly, stepping back from the princess. "And a chest of five hundred gold pieces."

You audibly gasp.

Camilla considers the Hoshidan offer with a hum, meanwhile. "Quite the impressive sum for a single person, I do confess."

An understatement through and through. Five hundred gold pieces alone are enough to enlist, arm and train a small company of soldiers! At least they would be in small-town Hoshido. Also freeing fifty prisoners of war is unbelievable, your safety being Corrin's intended goal or no.

"An offer which matches our Lady Corrin's desire to see her retainer returned," Kagero highlights. "And an offer made to you personally, I might add."

To think Corrin would go to such efforts to secure your release. Your heartbeat quickens gratefully.

Then you remember Okashi. The town's populace could have been saved had Lady Sakura been allowed by Ryoma to deploy her whole retinue and march for settlement. A request the eldest prince denied in the interest of her personal safety. An instruction he saw enforced by sending Kagero to keep an eye on her. When yours and Hana's units arrived at the burning village, it was already too late. Bleaker still, Kagero (whom followed you there) did nothing to help.

"I take it you accept such a generous offer, Camilla of Nohr?" Kagero asks your mistress, her voice snapping you back to the moment at hand.

"The decision is not mine to make," Camilla answers. She looks over to you for an instant and smiles, and then trains her gaze upon Kagero again. "Only Keiji has a right to decide his own future. A decision I believe he has already made, if our recent discussions regarding this matter are any indication."

"Indeed I have," you confirm, pushing your chair underneath the table and taking your place beside Camilla.

"You'll be returning with me to Macarath, naturally," Kagero assumes, holding out her hand for you to take. A subtle glint of compassion radiates within her usually dark and calculating brown eyes. An instant of weakness from a time when the two of you were far closer, you'll wager.

You take Camilla's hand into your own and squeeze her digits. "You're wrong I'm afraid, Kagero. I'm remaining here in Nohr, as Camilla's chosen."

Kagero's breaths hitch and her eyes widen with surprise. "You cannot be serious."

"I'm afraid I am." You nod in confirmation. "I pledged my life to Camilla in exchange for Flora's return; an oath I shall keep." You hone your stare and frown with resentment. "And what's more, this very exchange has revealed to me just how self-interested my Hoshidan 'masters' can be."

You unthread your fingers from Camilla's and step nearer Kagero. Arms folded, you stare her down. "You offer chests of gold to see me - a retainer - released. And yet nothing was done to help the innocents of Okashi nor Hana when they needed it the most."

"Still you dwell on that day," Kagero grumbles. She looks to Camilla and back to you, and then scoffs. "This Nohrian witch twists you against us."

"Be silent, Kagero," you snap in warning, unwilling to entertain attacks on your new Lady's honor. "This decision was mine and mine alone."

"So you would betray us in times of war...?" There's a hint of pain to the kunoichi question.

"Standing by one's beliefs doesn't make me a traitor. But Hoshido's viewpoint on these things has always been rather narrow," you add with a cynical smirk.

"And to think Lord Ryoma and I held such high hopes for you," Kagero sighs. Her gaze softens and she pleads with her eyes. A rare showing of emotion for the usually reserved kunoichi, and the sort you haven't seen from her in a very long time. "I will give you one last chance to cease this foolishness, Keiji. For the sake of a time when we were closer than close. Please, step away from this Nohrian temptress and return with me to Macarath."

A guilty pang grips your chest for an instant on account of Kagero's sincerity. It isn't enough, however.

You shake your head and step back from the lady ninja.

"I refuse, Kagero." You again link yours and Lady Camilla's fingers, tying them together. "Lady Camilla seeks to make this world a better place. What's more, she has a kind heart despite all of the vicious rumours regarding her cruelty. I shall remain here as her chosen sword."

"Very well then," Kagero exhales deeply. "You have chosen. But I trust you realize what this means?"

"I do." You nod. "You and I will be enemies when next we meet... because too many only see these matters in shades of black and white."

"Justify this as you please, traitor." Kagero turns her back on you and Camilla and walks toward the door. Touching a hand to the knob, she looks back. "How easily you discard those who place their faith in you." Eyes ahead once more, she opens the door. "A mistake I for one won't make twice, Keiji."

Kagero steps out into the tavern proper and slams the door shut behind her.

You breathe outward to cleanse your frustrations. "And so the deed is done."

"Indeed my loyal warrior, indeed," Camilla follows, squeezing your hand affectionately. "And thank you again... for choosing to remain beside me." Her cheeks tinged pink, the princess is gorgeous to behold. "I do hereby promise to reward your loyalty, on my honor as a princess."

"Honor among Nohrian royalty, now there's a first," you tease.

"Do be gentle dear, lest you wound my fragile heart," Camilla chuckles, gifting your hand a second squeeze.

Silence descends between yourself and your mistress: a break in the light-hearted air. You find yourself lost in Camilla's eyes of deepest purple, as though transfixed by their alluring depths. Your heart kicks in your chest. Once. Twice. Three times. Your cheeks warm, too.

Camilla inches her face nearer yours, smiling gently. "I have a request."

"Indulge me, milady."

"I'd like for you to accompany me to my personal armoury once we've both returned to the castle and changed our clothes, Keiji."

You'll do as asked. "But of course."

"Very good." Camilla leans close and presses her lips to your forehead. A brief but no less pleasing instant for you. "Let us take our leave, shall we?"

"Fine by me."

Camilla releases her hand from yours and walks over to the door. You join her with a spring in your step and open it for her. "After you."

"Why thank you." The princess steps out. You follow her and close the door afterward.

Castle Krakenburg awaits.

What's more, your place as Camilla's faithful retainer is secured from this day on. For good and for ill.

Safely home and changed into nicer clothes, you follow Camilla through a pair of thick oaken doors with a love heart insignia etched over them.

"Behold, Keiji darling," Camilla declares with absolute grandiosity, swinging an arm outward in display. "My personal armoury, do you like it?"

Your jaw hangs loose. The words don't come.

Hoshidan armouries are typically plain affairs: oftentimes built beside training dojo to house all manner of essential supplies. This place is one of absolute opulence by comparison. Tall and bulky mannequins adorn midnight-black suits of armor at the room's centre; alongside them is a huge crate containing chainmail suits. There is selection of arming swords placed in racks against the rightmost wall, and it is beyond doubt the vastest you've beheld. Iron blades are available for the common soldiers, with shiny silver pieces for the most elite troops. Bows with quivers line the left-hand corner wall, while polished axes occupy a designated spot behind the door. The overall variety on show here is vast: easily enough to arm a military force several-hundred strong.

"Well now, Keiji...? What say you, hmm?" Camilla inquires with a playful titter.

You close your mouth. Then you whistle: a showing of how impressed you are. "Every single piece within these four walls is yours...?"

"They are indeed, yes," Camilla answers with pride, puffing out her ample chest.

You step into the room's heart so you might further admire. Two of Camilla's maids close the doors behind you and stand guard with folded arms. All you can think to do meanwhile is ask how this collection came to be. "You're quite the battle-maiden, that's for certain. Just how long has it taken to amass these?"

"Very kind of you to say so, my gallant rogue. I've been collecting since I was a tender girl of thirteen," Camilla reveals, her eyes radiating fondness. She holds a hand to her bosom and dons a look of recollection. "I would venture out into Windmire's commerce district with my guards and spend hour after hour perusing market stalls and shopfronts. Every trip brought with it new trinkets for my jewellery box and weapons for my storeroom.

"And now, I would give you something from this collection of mine. A retainer needs a weapon, after all. And I think I have just the thing." Camilla looks from you with her maids and nods at the pair with a touch of authority. "Maria, Eliza, if you would be so kind as to fetch it for me."

"Milady," both young women answer with a curtsey. They then abandon their posts by the door and venture far into the back of the room. Obscured by vast quantities of arms and armor, you can hardly see them from where you stand. A great deal of banging and clattering follows.

"Just what are they searching for?" you ask Camilla, folding your arms.

"Something very important to me, my darling." Her cheeks pinkening, the royal touches a hand to your shoulder. "And something I would give to you this day, as thanks for supporting me like you have thus far." She sighs gently, if sadly. "I had intended this gift for Corrin, but you may have it instead."

The maids return a short time later carrying an old wooden trunk with a solid silver Nohrian insignia etched into the lid. They drop the massive thing at Camilla's feet after a snap of her fingers, and one of the women presents her with an artfully designed iron key with a love heart shaped handle.

"Very good, ladies." Camilla lowers her head in appreciation of Maria and Eliza's efforts. "Thank you."

The maids bow respectfully for their mistress and return to their places by the door.

Camilla kneels in front of the trunk and slides the key into the sturdy latch lock. It comes undone with a turn of her wrist and she pushes the lid open with her free hand. She then slips the key into the breast pocket of her evening gown and takes out what looks to be a sword protected within an inky black scabbard. An ethereal aura resonates from the weapon: the sort you sense when mages cast spells. It is extremely faint, but no less there.

"How long it has been," Camilla utters in a low voice, hugging the weapon to her chest for a moment. She then closes the trunk and stands. Pride and subtle sadness overtake her expression when next she looks to you.

"This blade is one of my fondest possessions," the princess tells you, pulling the weapon from its scabbard.

You stand in awe. Camilla clutches a razor-sharp blade forged entirely from translucent glass with deadly pointed tip in her dominant hand. Its black iron hilt bares an all too telling ornate design that is distinctly Nohrian beyond compare. When you focus your gaze, you swear a faint purple aura resonates from the blade's body: only when you squint hard. It's as if it draws the room's candlelight into itself: like it feeds upon it and projects an aura of power outward.

Bewildered, you breathe in and out to compose yourself.

You read about a weapon just like this one in your day's training under your swordmaster sensei - in a book detailing weapons only fabled to exist.

"...That cannot be what I think it is, milady," you say to Camilla in a near-muted voice.

"But it is, my darling Keiji," Camilla insists gently, returning the amazing item to its protective scabbard. "Wraithglass: a weapon from the days of old."

You nod slowly and stiffly. "...From back when dragons waged war for control of our world."

"Exactly, dear."

"A real relic. Where did you find it...?!"

"An old travelling mage presented it to me on the eve of my fourteenth birthday as a gift. He said it belonged with me, and that a person of great diligence and compassion would one day wield it in my name. A foretelling I now believe fits you perfectly, given today's events."

"And you're sure it's real, not a forgery...?"

"Of that I am certain," Camilla says with surety, nodding. Then she holds out the blade for you to take. "And now it is yours."

You point to yourself. "Surely you jest...? You're giving this to me...?" Your mouth hangs agape and your heart thunders.

"But of course, as thanks for the loyalty you have shown to me today. And what's more, I hereby appoint you as vanguard general for our future battles," Camilla decrees, placing the weapon into your hands and gently closing your mouth. "I take it you are pleased, yes...?" she asks with allure.

You tuck the wraithglass sword safely beneath your armpit and drop to Camilla's feet in prostration. "Beyond words, milady. For you to place such faith in me is heartening in ways I cannot begin to express." You raise your head from the floor, locking eyes devotedly with your mistress.

Camilla kneels to your level. She smiles adoringly at you and cups your cheeks. "And this, my dearest swordsman, is another gift from me to you." The princess closes her eyes, puckers her lips, and presses her mouth to yours with intensity.

Drinking up the affectionate gesture, your body quakes. Deeper into the kiss Camilla leans, her tongue slipping into your mouth and knotting with yours. Held at her mercy, your very being threatens to dissolve amidst pleasure's gift and meld with your mistress. Second by second. Moment by moment.

Finally, Camilla parts her lips from yours with a smack. Eyes radiating love and gratitude, she brushes a thumb against your cheek. "How was it...?" she asks teasingly.

"Outstanding..." Honestly, the best kiss you have ever experienced.

"I'm glad, truly," Camilla hums. "And never forget, Keiji, your loyalty means more to me than you realize."

"A fact I'm noticing, you needn't worry," you chuckle.

"Good, very good." Camilla pecks your cheek and stands. She offers a hand and pulls you to your feet. "This will indeed be the start of something very special, I'm sure. And not just for us, but for the rest of Nohr as well."

"I'm sure it will, milady," you agree with a bow of the head.

A hope you've staked your life upon, and your future too.

You will stand with Camilla and see her vision fulfilled when she deems it right. From this day onward, you are vanguard general to her noble cause.

End

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