Please read this.

I really hate myself for even trying this. But I need your help.
My job has gotten... really bad. It's affecting me mentally, physically and emotionally. I've had probably five emotional breakdowns in the past two weeks. And it's making it difficult to find the motivation to do ANYTHING.

But I don't want to give up on this.

I love writing, I love putting stories down on paper and sharing them with people like all of you. So I'm swallowing my pride and asking two things of you...

One. If you know of any kind of work I can do that pays well, is near central Virginia or can be done remotely please shoot me a DM. I'm absolutely desperate to find something, anything, to get out of here.

Two. In a similar vein, I'm planning on starting a and posting the next chapter a week ahead of time on there. Among other things. The more support on there, the more often I can have the free time to write and post.

I feel like trash for asking you all for either of those things but I'm at the end of my rope here. I don't know how much longer I can survive where I am...

Thanks for reading.

The days that followed were… Slow, to say the least.

The only important thing of note was the lack of rulership in Plegia. We had discussed the possibility of claiming their territory as Ylisse's… it was unanimously, and vehemently declined.

Which left the Plegian tradition of the current Hierophant of the Grimleal taking the throne. I had warned against it, but Plegia had no other option. Even the suggestion of Mustafa taking the throne was turned down.

The man had no desire to look like a warlord conqueror.

And so Validar is to be crowned at a later date.

I can beat some issues in this world away with my fists, but I can't defeat politics…

Regardless, all that means is my future knowledge stays accurate longer. So I suppose it's not all bad, especially since Lucina being here means this is the timeline we win.

So yeah I could change things as much as possible… or I can let Chrom and Robin handle it like their supposed to, and instead turn my focus on Ubel.

It's probably the best choice… at least for now.

"Peace is the golden clasp that binds together the tome of life."

…Yet another proverb…

I'm getting better at deciphering them, or perhaps Mystletainn is just making them easier to understand…

Either way, they're right.

We have some time before I have to worry about all that, and it'll do me some good to relax. Something that'll be much easier once we get back to Ylisstol.

I let out a small sigh when I finally see the white city appear over the horizon.

"I can't wait to take a proper bath and pass out for three days…"

"Yeah, me too…" Sumia sighed from atop Eponas back.

Everytime I saw her riding my horse I felt a small amount of guilt. It was because of Ubel that her mount died, and he was there because of me. Letting her use Epona for the journey home was my way to make it up to her.

"Here, here!" Nowi moaned, "My feet are killing me!"

Glancing away from my crush, I looked down to my left and saw the little dragoness trudging along, her back hunched over in exhaustion.

"…You keep walking like that your back will stick that way."

"I can't help it!" Nowi whined, "I'm tiiiiired…"

"…Sir Kail is right. Keep your back straight."

Nowi turned to look at the equally small girl beside her, a look of betrayal on her face. "Nah! How could you take his side!? We're supposed to be dragon buddies!"

Nah simply sighed at her mother's antics.

I can't imagine how weird it is for her to interact with her mother when she has no idea who she is.

I was tempted to disclose the children's identities, and so was Chrom and Robin. But me and Lucina put our foot down and decided that we will leave it up to them to reveal themselves, and back up their claims when they do.

Right now, the story is that Lucina is a distant cousin of Chrom, while Morgan and Noire is Robin and Tharjas sister respectively.

"Kail!" Nowi called, straightening her back and pointing right at me. "Carry me!"

"Miss Nowi, stop bother-"

"Okay."

"Huh!?"

Nah stumbled in place as Nowi giggled and jumped onto my back with a grin. I barely felt the weight and didn't break my stride.

"Onward, noble steed!" Nowi called, "Mush! Mush, I say!"

"Don't push it, Charizard."

"I still don't know what that is!"

"Jeez…" Nah muttered, "If I didn't know better I'd think you two were…a thing."

Nah understandably shuddered.

"No thanks." "No way!"

Sumia giggled at our simultaneous response, "No, Nah… I think they're more like siblings."

Before I could respond to that statement, Nowi let out a loud drawn out excited gasp. Her arms tightened around my neck, a small squeal of glee escaping her lips.

"I've never had a brother before! Kail, wanna be my brother!"

"Yuor chakig meh!"

"It's decided!" she grinned, completely oblivious to her choking grasp on my neck. "And as my brother, I demand you make me more of that cheesey cake when we get back!"

Calling upon some mana to give me some extra strength, I forced her arms off my neck and grabbed one of her legs. With a small tug, I pulled her off my back and held her in front of me by her ankle.

She grinned at me as she hung upside down from my grasp.

Taking a deep breath to fill my lungs I sent her a small glare. "How'd I get stuck with such a needy little sister?"

"Excuse you! I'm way older then you!"

"I'm not talking about your age," I rolled my eyes, "You're just actually little."

"Rude!"

I gave her a cheeky grin before tossing her into the air, which didn't end with her landing in a heap like I planned. Instead she did a triple twist back flip and landed on her feet.

"Ta-dah!" she chirped.

"Seven out of ten."

"Liar!" she pointed, "It was at least a nine, right, Nah?"

"…it's an eight."

She stumbled back as if struck. "My own kin, turning against me!"

I chuckled as Nah sighed at her mother's antics, a pleading gaze meeting my own.

"Shes just being honest." I nodded a small smirk on my face. "She seems to know air movement better then you…"

Nowi's 'hurt' gaze darted back to me. "Not my own brother! This is the worst!"

"The truth hurts." I shrug, savoring Sumias laughter.

"Yeah well, you… you…" She sputtered, "You look like a fruit!"

I blinked.

"…A wha-"

"Eggplant!"

I sighed when I realized what she was talking about. "I didn't get to pick the color."

"Yeah but why'd it change in the first place?"

"I'm a bit curious about that as well," Sumia remarked, "You said something about 'unification?'"

"Yeah my soul became one with the universe or something."

"But… why would that change your hair?"

"Anime logic."

"Ani-What logic?"

"It's not important."

When we entered the gates, we were met with what had to be the entire city celebrating our return. Cheers and smiles, laughter and tears, streamers and flowers. Everything one could imagine was thrown and heard around us as we walked through the city.

It felt…. Wrong.

Why are they cheering? We were fewer then we left, not all of us came back. Vaike wasn't the only one that…

…

They shouldn't be celebrating. They should be mourning. Mourning the brave men and women that gave their lives, so that they can continue living in ignorance of the brutality.

"They fear the darkness that burns within."

They were… avoiding it. They were ignoring it…

They were ignoring the death of my comrades.

I felt burning anger fill my chest as I grit my teeth and kept my eyes forward. Glaring at nothing as my movements became much more stiff. I tried my hardest to ignore them, ignore the bastards that didn't care about the poor souls who died for them.

It was difficult.

I wanted to scream, to yell and tear into them. To make them understand that war, either won or lost was never something to celebrate.

But with a tight grip on Mystletainn, I kept my composure. Letting the blade snack on the unbelievable amount of rage coursing though my veins. And fortunately, I made it to the barracks without tearing a peasants head off with my mind.

I then promptly thanked the Gods that Chrom let us be and told us to rest.

So luckily, I was able to take that bath. But unfortunately napping for a week was off the table. It was the day after when I was told that a royal celebration will be held, and it was to be held tomorrow.

Or rather today.

Which is fine, I have no problems with that. Until Chrom told me I'd need formal wear. Now usually that'd be annoying, but doable. However, the formal wear of this Era is… well…

Fucking awful.

Those two words were two of six things running through my mind as I saw the 'suit' laying on the bed before me.

The other four were ' fuck no' and ' Fuck Chrom' but I kept that to myself, since the Prince was the one that delivered me the suit and was currently standing beside me.

But I still made my displeasure known.

"Hell no."

"Kail."

"I don't give a damn what you say, I am not wearing that monkey suit!"

"I don't like it either," Chrom sighed, "But you need formal wear for this."

"We already celebrated with the soldiers-"

"You know damn well neither of us celebrated that day!"

I flinched at the outburst, "…Chrom, I-"

"No, don't." Chrom sighed, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled like that."

"You had a right to." I said softly, "Besides, you're not wrong. We didn't celebrate, nor do I want to. It feels… wrong."

"I absolutely agree," Chrom nodded, "But unfortunately the Ylissean nobility don't see it that way. And they wish to praise our efforts."

"You mean they want to take credit for shit they didn't do."

"I won't deny that." Chrom chuckled, "like I said, I don't like this either, but we have to attend."

"I get why you have to." I gestured to his brand, acknowledging his royal blood. "But why do I have to?"

Chrom raised a brow. "You're one of the Shepherds best mages that's turned the tide of many battles in our favor, an Einherjar that somehow reintroduced Light Magic to Ylisse and are pretty much guaranteed to get the title of Sage as a result… should I go on?"

"…Point." I growled, "But do I really have to wear this disgusting thing?"

The clothing Chrom had given me was ridiculous. I thought Virion had ruffles, the man looked tame in comparison to the monstrosity before me.

Not to mention the pants that were practically skin tight.

All in all, it looked like someone trying too hard to be accurately dressed at the Ren Fair.

"I don't like wearing them either," Chrom cringed, "But as I said, you need formal wear."

"This can not be formal wear!"

"Maybe not where you're from." Chrom chuckled.

A grin formed on my face. "Can I wear formal clothing from my homeland?"

"Do you have formal clothing from your homeland?"

"No, but if your royal tailors have any talent they should be able to make me something."

"I don't know…"

"…It could take off and become the new norm?"

Chrom stared at me with an expectant look on his face. I easily connected the dots.

"The style I'm thinking of is a lot looser with less poof or ruffles."

"I look forward to seeing a piece of your homelands culture."

And that was how I found myself giving design tips to a group of sixty-year-old seamstresses. I couldn't do much to help them besides fetching fabrics and such, but they seemed to accept the challenge of making my new suit happily.

Of course, since I could create the design myself, I made the suit more… fantasy like, because regular modern suits weren't that much more comfortable then what Chrom had tried to make me wear.

Not only was it impressive how quickly they picked up the style, but much more so how fast they had made it.

When I had asked Chrom if I could commission my suit, the celebration was about three hours away.

The suit is finished and now I have twenty minutes to get ready.

Those old ladies are no joke, they are good at what they do! And I'm glad I could give them a new style of clothing that they seemed to enjoy making too. But I digress, it's time to get ready.

I had decided to stick with my new color scheme given to me by Hubba. Pearl white dress shoes and pants, button up shirt of the same color with the top few buttons undone, revealing a gold turtleneck undershirt.

A gold vest with some spiraling embroidered patterns and white buttons was next, followed shortly by a white victorian, almost steampunk, trench coat-style jacket that came down to about mid-thigh with golden seams, trimming, and buttons.

All in all, it looked badass and totally something a Mage would wear.

Time to leave for the ballroom. Can't wait to see Chroms face.

"Pride will rise you to the top, and let you plummet to the dirt."

Oh, I also had Mystletainn with me, charming bastard he is. Chrom told me to bring the sword with me, something about Sacred swords being a sign of status. I wasn't paying much attention.

"Damn Sparkles, can I get one of those?"

"The only way you'll get this coat is if you pry it off my dead body."

"Eh, I need to wear darker colors anyway," Gaius shrugged as he sped up to walk beside me. He was still dressed in his thieving attire, candy stuffed pockets and all. "Looks good on you though."

"Thanks…" my eyes narrowed, "Are you not wearing a suit?"

"Nah, I'm not important enough." Gaius, as per the norm, unwrapped a candy and tossed it into his mouth. Some kind of chocolate it looked like. "Blue told me to come in whatever."

"Oh come on! I'm not that important to these people, why do I have to dress up!?"

"Yet."

"Huh?"

"You're not important to them… yet."

I grabbed his shoulder and stared him dead in the eyes, "What do you know, Wonka?"

"Oh I'll never tell." Gaius smirked, "Seriously, never. Been tortured by some nasty crimelords for info before and didn't once crack. You're getting nothing from me."

"Damn you and your criminal ways!"

"Yup, I'm a scoundrel." Gaius chuckled, "let's just say this isn't just a victory celebration."

"Oh godsdamnit," I sighed, "Chrom isn't going to like, announce I'm an Einherjar, is he?"

"Not quite." He said as we walked closer to the doors leading to what I'm beginning to think is my doom. "You don't gotta worry about anything, man. Just focus on dancing with your girl, yeah?"

"I suck at dancing, thanks for the reminder."

Gaius chuckled and opened the right door as I opened the left.

So many ugly suits assaulted my eyes it hurt. I'm so glad I had mine specialty made, everyone in the grand hall looked like clowns.

At least the ladies were in normal ball gowns. Funny how that works.

"So… what now?" I asked.

"I see a snack bar."

"That would be the first thing you see, wouldn't it."

"You don't like snacks?"

"Depends on the snacks."

"I see muffins."

"Chocolate?"

"Blueberry."

"Lets get to work."

We power walked to the snack bar like we were on a mission from God. People literally ran out if our way like we would murder them if they slowed us down.

Gaius probably would if I'm being honest.

Regardless, we made it to the snack bar and immediately began eating. Gaius grabbed a muffin and threw it down his shirt before grabbing two more and taking a bite of each.

I was content with simply unhinging my jaw and devouring the entire top of my own muffin. If there's one thing this place gets right its their cakes and pastries, this is the best godsdamn muffin I've ever had.

"Well, it seems you were certainly hungry."

I turned to the owner of the voice and immediately began to choke at the sight.

A sparkling white ball gown, traces of lavender drawing the eye to the pleasing and admittedly sexy curves of the wearer. Long frilly sleeves matching the long and slightly poofy skirt that made it seem like she was flying. Her face showing the slightest hint of make-up and framing her already beautiful face.

If someone were to look up the definition of the word beautiful in the dictionary, they'd see a picture of Sumia.

I nearly died at the sight of her… literally. I'm still choking on my muffin.

Gaius put his muffins down, grabbed a napkin and pushed it over my mouth before slamming his fist on my back, almost instantly dislodging the chunk of muffin out of my windpipe and into the napkin.

He balled it up and threw it behind him, and went back to his own muffins. He ignored the cry of disgust from whatever noble the pre-chewed chunk of delight had landed on, and gave me a look before glancing at Sumia and walking away.

"You look great Stumbles, try not to kill him."

"Um… okay?" Sumia mumbled as she watched him go for a moment before turning back to me. "Are you okay?"

Alright, she's asking about me, I was just suffering from a serious case of suffocation via Blueberry delight. Just reassure her I'm okay, and tell her she looks wonderful.

"…Hi."

Damn it Kail! Why must you disappoint me so much.

"Hi!" Sumia giggled, "Still catching your breath?"

Please Kail, for the love of all that is holy, say something cool to recover from that travesty.

"Y-yeah? Yes!" I stood up straighter and tried to put on a confidant face. "I-its just hard to catch my breath after you so easily stole it."

The amount of pride and satisfaction I felt when she blushed could never be put into words.

"I-I think it was just that muffin." She looked away with a clearly sarcastic pout. "You seemed to be enjoying it."

"Nothing compares to your company Sumia." I took a small step forward. "Especially in that dress, just wow."

"S-Stop it," She sighed, "It's not that special."

"No, I mean it." I reached out and gently squeezed her arm. "You look absolutely stunning."

"…Thank you," she smiled, "You look very handsome in your… what do you call that?"

I smirked as her eyes roamed across my clothes. It seems it had the intended effect and impressed her.

I shrugged "Just some formal wear from back home."

"Well it looks incredible."

"Thanks," I smiled as I straightened my coat. "I'm lucky Chrom let me commission it. The clothes he wanted me to wear were atrocious."

She giggled, "I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

"No, trust me," I sighed, "It was absolutely hideous. Like a grandma in a bikini."

"Umm," She furrowed her brow cutely. "Whats a bikini?"

"Its… it's not important." I sighed, "it was just really ugly, okay?"

"Well then I'm glad you got it made in time." She smiled and made my heart pound. "I wish I could have had something made instead of having to wear this old thing."

"I stand by what I said." I firmly proclaimed, "You look incredible."

She blushed and smiled at me, nearly making my legs turn to jelly. "Well, that's good enough for me!"

"So… Chrom told me this was a victory celebration." I crossed my arms and looked towards where Gaius escaped to. "But Gaius claimed there was some other reason we're doing this. Know anything?"

"Maaaaaybe." She sang, turning away slightly.

"Sue, what's happening."

"I'm not sure… probably nothing."

"Stop being cute and tell me."

"Nope."

"You're right." I sighed, "Asking you to stop being cute is like asking the sky to stop being blue. But you can still tell me what you know."

She blushed yet again and blinked at me before giggling. "I can, but I'm not going to."

"What did I do to deserve this…"

"Honestly," Sumia giggled, "I don't know the details. Just that both Chrom and Emmeryn had something to give you that needed to be given in front of this crowd."

"Well if that doesn't give me anxiety I don't know what will."

She reached out and held my hand in her own, giving me a soft smile as she looked into my eyes. "You'll be fine."

Before I could reply, a horn sounded out. We all turned to the source and saw a herald standing at the bottom of the massive staircase that had been lurking in the back of the room.

The doors at the top started to creak open as the Herald began to speak, somehow projecting his voice clearly across the whole ballroom.

"Now announcing the arrival of Princess Lissandra Varen Ylisse, and her Suitor; Lon'qu, Champion of the West-Kahn of Regna Ferox!"

Lon'qu? Suitor? Lissandra!?

Who are these people!?

Lissa and Lon'qu began walking down the steps, both dressed smartly. Lissa in a beautiful yellow dress, and Lon'qu in intricate furs and leathers. The swordsman was clearly uncomfortable, but somehow I could tell it was about the situation and not the fact that Lissa was hanging on his arm. Good for him… but… Lissandra!?

I am so giving her shit for that.

"Now announcing the arrival of Prince Chrom Drakblod Ylisse, and his Fiancée; Pegasus Knight Cordelia Ysgarlad of the Twenty-second Wing Regimen!"

Of course Chrom would have a badass name like fucking Drakblod. The cool bastard. And look at Cherrys dumb grin, it's clear she's living a dream. Apparently, she was the one to make the first move which I'm absolutely taking credit for.

"Now announcing the arrival of Her Grace, Exalt Emmeryn Stjarna Ylisse!"

Emmeryns dress was a literal work of art. Frills, lace, and ruffles all working together to make a wonderful piece that didn't feel too busy nor to basic.

Her hair was no longer in her normal hairstyle and instead done in voluminous waves, framing her serene face in a way that had nearly every man staring.

It was almost funny seeing people so enchanted with her that they jumped when she spoke from her spot, in the middle of the staircase.

"Thank you all for coming, dear friends. Before we begin the celebrations, I must speak."

The silence was deafening as no one dared speak out.

"Many of you have served my family for generations, and for that I deeply thank you. And to those who are here due to your efforts to protect and serve the Halidom in its time of conflict, you have all of our thanks. For it is through your actions, that we are able to be here tonight."

She smiled and gestured for Chrom, in his dumb medieval suit, to come stand beside her. As he made his way up she continued.

"Some of you have done and achieved many things deserving of praise. Most of all the Shepherds of Ylisse, who have been on the frontlines since the beginning of this conflict. All of you will be rewarded handsomely."

Ah… so is that what this was all about, a thanks to us for protecting and serving the Halidom? It would make sense… but then wouldn't Gaius need to be dressed properly? Unless he just refused and eluded Chrom…

Now that I think about it, that's absolutely possible. Gaius is a slippery bastard.

"Yes, all of you will be given a hearty reward… however… Two of these Shepherds have gone above and beyond."

…Oh no…

"A man with no memory to his name, who has turned the tides of every battle with his keen mind and skill. He has led the Shepherds and Ylisse as a whole to victory… and asked for nothing in return besides the safety of the ones close to him. Such humility deserves recognition… Tactician Robin, please come forward."

Robin stepped out of the crowd and walked before the Royals. He was dressed not in a clown suit like everyone else, but instead a set of purple and gold robes that looked fairly regal… and Plegian. Only now do I realize that he was standing beside Tharja, dressed in similar robes. Perhaps he decided to embrace his heritage?

"Kneel."

Chrom said firmly, and Robin did exactly that.

Chrom drew Falchion and placed the flat of the blade on Robin's left shoulder.

"By the right given to me by the Exalted blood that flows through my veins," Chrom moved the blade over his head to rest it on his right shoulder. "I hereby dub thee, Sir Robin… Cetas."

Finally, Chrom held the blade above his head. "Knight of Ylisse, and new Grandmaster of its Armies. Rise, Sir Cetas."

Robin did so and stood to his full height, nodding at Chrom in thanks and bowing to Emmeryn.

"With your new title," Emmeryn said softly, "You will be given lodging within the palace, a right to an assistant of your choosing… and most importantly, a place on the Royal council. I know you will serve well, Sir Cetas."

"I will do my best, Your Grace. Thank you, for this opportunity."

Emmeryn simply smiled at him, while Chrom gestured for him to stand at his left, which he complied with.

I couldn't help but notice many of the nobles looking at Robin with distain. The fact that he wore Plegian robes has earned him many enemies it seems. I wish him the best of luck.

"And now, we have one more to thank."

Oh Gods. I think I'm gonna barf. The only reason I haven't is because of the tight grip Sumia has on my hand.

Wait… was she holding my hand this whole time?

"This young man has only been a soldier for a year at most, yet he has become skilled enough that my brother, your Prince, has claimed him an equal."

Muttering echoed through the room, some of which was from me. "When did he ever say that?"

"Shh!" Sumia scolded me.

"This young man, faced down a wyvern on his own to keep me safe, he slew a hoard of the same beasts from atop the back of a Pegasus. He fought a sorcerer of unnatural power to a standstill with his equally unnatural talent with wind magic."

The muttering was replaced with a maddening silence that made me squirm. Sumia squeezed my hand.

"This man, a stranger to our land. Summoned the First Wind of the ancient spirit Forseti to face that sorcerer. And not only did he do this… he was able to rediscover the lost art of Light Magic."

The muttering doubled from the last time, some shocked gasps leaking through the voices.

"And finally, he took that foul sorcerers blade, purified the dark magics within it and claimed the legendary Mystletainn as his own."

Some shouts of disbelief were heard as many turned back and forth, no doubt trying to find the blade itself. I'm glad that it's hidden beneath my coat.

"Wise. Arrogance brings destruction."

Right, that's something you said I can actually understand and absolutely agree with.

"Shepherd Kail, step forward."

I didn't move as promptly as Robin had. It's only after Sumia gave me a gentle shove that I actually started walking towards the Royals that were suddenly terrifying.

When I reached the base of the stairs, I eyed Chrom looking at my suit before giving me a subtle thumbs up. That little action calmed my nerves.

Chrom raised his blade, only to twist his grip and offer it to Emmeryn. I could see many people in my peripherals gaping as she took the blade and looked me in the eye.

"Kneel, Kail."

I awkwardly knelt, keeping my eyes to the floor I couldn't tell exactly what was happening. But I assumed it'll be the same process as Robin's Knighting. The slight weight on my left shoulder confirmed that thought.

"By the will of Naga and the divine blood that sings in my veins," She moved the blade to my right shoulder. "The Halidom of Ylisse sees fit, to grant you a new title. Henceforth you shall be known as…"

She placed the blade on the crown of my head.

"Sir Kail Ventus, the first Sage-Knight of Ylisse."

The weight of the blade vanished, yet she didn't tell me to stand, so I didn't, and kept my head down.

"As the new wielder of Mystletainn, do you swear to use the power of light in the name of Naga, Ylisse, peace, and justice?"

"I swear."

"And do you swear to never raise Mystletainn with rage or hatred, but with love, and compassion?

"I swear."

"And do you swear, to uphold the honor and legacy of those that wielded the power of Naga before you?"

"I swear!"

"…Rise, Sir Ventus."

I stood and looked up at Emmeryn, who was smiling down at me as if she was an angel giving me guidance.

"The Halidom has given you this title as thanks for your efforts and accomplishments in protecting this land. Yes, this is a gift from the Halidom."

Emmeryn turned and held her hand out, not a moment later was a small scroll given to her by the Herald that had announced her arrival.

"And with it…" She turned back to me, "You earn the right to this..."

She took another step down the stairs, now only one higher then me, she held out the scroll. "The deed to Solvarg Manor in the eastern side of Ylisstol. A manor that stood empty since the last Sage died four hundred years ago, it's stone holds the legacy of Light, a legacy that is now yours."

"I…" I reached out with both hands, gently grabbing the parchment. "I am humbled and honored by both your gifts and your words. Thank you, Your Grace…"

"As a knight, who now owns land within the city walls. You are now known as: Sir Kail Ventus, First Sage-Knight of Ylisse and Lord of Solvarg Manor. You will be granted staff, to upkeep your new home. As well as a retainer of your choosing to protect and serve you. Perhaps your choice is here today?"

A retainer of my choosing? Who to pick… my first thought is Sumia, so I can just be with her everyday… but I doubt I can have the relationship I want if she was assigned to that duty… which means…

My aura sense picked my choice out immediately. I turned in his direction and immediately pinned his foot down with mana, preventing him from sneaking away.

I kept hold of him as I turned back to Emmeryn, a large grin on my face.

"I ask that Shepherd Gaius be given this role."

"Nope!" I heard him call out from the crowd. "Not happening!"

"I'll have a baker as part of my staff that can make whatever you want, whenever you want."

Next thing I know he was beside me, kneeling in front of Emmeryn.

"I accept!"

Both Emmeryn and Chrom could barely hold back their laughter.

"I encourage you to think carefully on this."

"Umm…"

"F-Father, could you please-"

"The benefits are too good to ignore." Duke Wilhelm, ignored his daughter. "Many will think ill of you as you are not born of noble blood. But If you were to marry my daughter, the support of the people of Themis and myself will ensure you can share your knowledge of Light Magic unimpeded! All I ask in return is a grandchild that-"

"Father!" Maribelle screeched, "That's quite enough!"

"You must marry eventually, Darling."

"And I'll marry who I want!" She scolded, "Now, please stop this talk! Sir Ventus's heart belongs to another, and I will not have you pressure him like this!"

Oh so she knows about my thing for Sumia too. Gods I really suck at this don't I?

"I… I see." Wilhelm said calmly, he looked to me and smiled. "Well then... I encourage you to pursue the lady who has taken hold of your heart. I did much the same and the years I spent with her were the best of my life."

"Y-yes." I muttered, "I'll do just that… with that said, I do hope we can get along in the future. While I may not care for your daughter in a romantic sense. She still means a great deal to me, and I'll stand by her, and by extension Themis, whenever they need me."

The Duke smiled as Maribelle blushed. He reached out and gripped my shoulder. "That means a great deal. And I ask you to think the same of me, if you need help with anything… don't hesitate to ask."

"I'll remember that, thank you, Duke Themis."

He nodded at me and turned to look at Maribelle, "I will leave you now, I see lord Arin and I must say hello."

"Of course," Maribelle said, smiling in relief. "Have fun, Father."

"It was nice meeting you."

He turned to me one last time and smiled, "likewise, now please excuse me."

Both me and Maribelle watched him go for a moment, only once he disappeared in the crowd did she sigh and turn to me.

"I am so sorry for that…"

"Ehhh its no big deal." I shrugged, before turning to her with a smile. "I figured stuff like that would happen eventually. But still… he didn't pull any punches, did he?"

"No, my father has always been a very straight forward man."

"Guess I know where you get it from then."

She arched a brow and gave me a look. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean, Sir Ventus?"

"Just that you speak your mind." I said with a smile. "I didn't mean any offense."

She stared for a long moment before rolling her eyes. "I suppose that's true enough."

"Such humility… who are you and what have you done with Maribelle?"

"Oh shut it, you pest."

"Ah… There she is."

She shoved me in annoyance, I chuckled and was glad to see she smiled as well.

"I did want to apologize to you."

"Hmm? What for?"

"What for-" Maribelle stumbled as she looked at me with widened eyes. "For the words I said to you! I belittled you and-and said those insensitive things and-"

"Oh, that." I laughed, "No worries, Curls. I forgive you, water under the bridge and all that."

"What?" She remarked, "Just like that?"

"I mean… yeah?" I chuckled. "I said some things in poor taste too. I'd rather forgive and forget then linger on it and let bad feelings brew into hate."

"You…" she blinked, "You are a strange man, Sir Ventus…"

"Good strange or bad strange?"

"I'm not quite sure to be perfectly honest with you."

"That's fair… and I am sorry for scaring you back then too."

"Forgiven." She said quickly, her face softening shortly after, she continued. "How… how are you feeling now…?"

I hesitated. It took me a moment before I remembered what she was referring to.

"Better." I nodded, gently gripping my sword, "I won't claim I'm at a hundred percent… but this sword likes to use those feelings as a snack so, that helps me a bit."

"I suppose that's good." She sighed, "I'd have preferred if you overcame those feelings on your own. But I shouldn't complain."

She reached over and laid her hand on my shoulder. "If you ever need to talk… I'll be here. Okay?"

"Thank you, Maribelle."

She smiled one last time before walking past me. "Good evening, Milord."

When I turned my gaze to follow her, I saw Chrom smile and nod at her as she passed by.

"No Cordelia?" I asked, drawing his attention away from a retreating Maribelle. "How in the hell did you pull that off?"

Chrom chuckled as he held his hand out to me, letting me grip his forearm and him mine. "She started talking wedding gowns with Sumia. I made a tactical retreat."

"Tactics? You?" I laughed and pulled him into a quick hug. "Robin must be rubbing off on you."

"Ha ha, very funny." He grinned and grabbed the collar of my coat in between his thumb and pointer. "I want one."

"You and everyones brother!" I laughed. "I wanted to ask you something though…"

"Of course, what do you need?"

I grabbed him by his stupid ruffled shirt glared at him in his stupid chiseled face.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me I was going to be knighted!? I nearly had a godsdamn panic attack!"

"Er… Surprise?"

I glared harder.

"Do… do you do that on purpose?"

"Do what?"

"The rainbow fire on your eyes. You've been doing it whenever you're annoyed."

"…No not on purpose." I muttered, only now feeling the small sparks of mana leaking from my eyes. "But don't change the subject damn it!"

"Kail," he sighed, grabbing my hands and freeing himself from my grasp. "I didn't tell you because I knew you'd refuse the promotion."

"Yeah, I would." I growled, " I have enough on my plate without having to worry about politics!"

"I'm in the same position as you, Kail." He replied, "I have to worry about politics everyday. And in case you didn't notice, I suddenly have a daughter, and an actual prophecy to fight. You can handle a little social pressure."

I glared at him for a bit longer, before just sighing and hanging my head.

"…You aren't alone in this, Kail." He spoke softly, "You looked after Lucina when I couldn't… I can't thank you enough for that."

"That wasn't me," I shook my head. " that was the other me, it's dif-"

"No, that's not what I'm talking about." Chrom interjected, "I'm talking about after she came to this time… after she gave you that letter. You were there for her, helped her… thank you."

"…I knew what it was like…" I whispered, "To have the world on only your shoulders… I didn't want that for her… she didn't deserve that."

"No… she didn't." he agreed, "but you don't deserve that either."

I hesitated as I took another look at his stupid face before just nodding and sighing again.

"Yeah… thanks Chrom." I turned to an open door, leading outside, it seemed quiet out there. "I… I think I need to be alone for a bit."

He followed my gaze and nodded. "Of course. Take your time, I'll be here… we all are."

I gave him a smile and a nod before making my way to the door, leading to an overhanging balcony. The moment the crisp night air hit my face, I was reminded that it's the cusp of Winter.

I sighed as I leaned against the railing and looked out over the city of Ylisstol… a city in which I was now a Lord.

What the hell?

I can just imagine the reaction of these nobles when I tell them about my family and how peasant we are. The son of a chef and a seamstress… suddenly a Lord of a magical kingdom in a other world.

Sometimes I forget that this is literally another universe that I was just thrown into. More often then not I feel like… I was always here.

But maybe… maybe there's a reason for that.

I reach into my pocket and grab the small wood carved pendant, holding it up and looking at my shoddy workmanship. My mind drifted to the one it was made for. I cant imagine a life without her in it, maybe that's why I feel like I belong here now.

But, there's too much saying otherwise. My knowledge of the future, of the others history and of course… my opposite.

I grit my teeth when I imagined that bastards face, I could feel my mana flaring as I saw Vaike die in my minds eye.

All while that bastard had a smile on his face.

Okay, calm down. No use in getting worked up here, save it for when you see the bastard again. Two years… I have two years to get my affairs in order. To find Hubba and train my ass off, to get my crew fighting like a well oiled machine…

To confess to-

"Hey, you okay?"

Holy fuck its her!

Quickly stuffing the pendant into my pocket I turned around and saw Sumia walking up to me, a gentle expression on her face.

Gods she's beautiful.

"I'm okay!" I said far too quickly, "just getting some air."

"I see…" she said quietly before giving me an adorable smirk. "May I join you, Milord?"

I stared at her for a moment, rolling my eyes once I realized she was teasing.

"I suppose I can make time for my lessers."

"You are too kind, Lord Ventus."

"Ugh, I thought the sarcasm would make that funny," I muttered, leaning against the railing once more. "But it still sounds pretentious as all hell… Why'd she choose Ventus of all names?"

"I dunno…" She said sarcastically as she took her spot next to me, shes closer then normal… Her shoulder was pressing against mine.

"Maybe it's because you literally threw a tornado from your hands?"

"…Point."

She giggled and my heart raced. Yet despite the joy at having her be so close to me, despite the honor of the titles and the literal mansion that was given to me. It still felt… Wrong

"…I don't deserve any of it."

She looked away from the cityscape in front of us and stared at me. "…Any of what?"

"The titles… the deed, the renown…. All of it. I… I got someone killed, someone important to all of us. Someone Chrom had called brother. Yet everyone is acting like I'm some damn Messiah."

I sighed and leaned down, pressing my forehead against the railing. "I'm not a hero, I'm not a savior… I'm not a knight, let alone a Sage. People always say they understand, that they get that I'm under pressure or that they'll be there to help. And I appreciate it… I really do. It's just…"

I looked up, staring at the night sky and once more realizing that I'm not home. The stars were wrong… the moon much too big to be the one I grew up with.

"Even with that help, how could I ever be the person they think I'm destined to be?"

Sumia didn't respond, whether she wasn't going to or not didn't matter. I'd simply bask in her company and find the new constellations. Ignis… Fulgur… Ventus… Gelum…

"Kail…"

I don't know why I didn't respond. Why I didn't look at her and kept watching the stars, but it seems she didn't quite appreciate it.

"Kail. Look at me."

Hesitantly, I turned to look at her. Immediately realizing I had begun crying sometime during my confession. Perhaps that's why I didn't want to face her.

I locked eyes with her for a moment, only for me to point my eyes elsewhere. I was facing her, yes. But I couldn't look at her.

"Look at me."

I felt her hand suddenly rest against my cheek making her whispered voice send shivers down my spine. I couldn't stop myself from looking into her big brown eyes.

"…I know you feel like you were a poor choice for this. I know you feel lost and alone… and I know you blame yourself for what happened to Vaike."

I flinched at the name. She stepped closer, her other hand resting on my chest as she gently ran her thumb against my cheek.

"But I promise you… there is no better choice. You're not alone. And it wasn't your fault. You are the kindest, bravest, most amazing man I've ever met. If you can't be a hero then no one can… So please don't ever think so poorly of yourself… Because even if you think you're not a hero, or a knight, or a Sage… it doesn't change the fact that you're my hero. And… I admire you…"

She reached up and cradled my face in her soft hands. "If you say you don't deserve those titles… then no one does."

I couldn't stop the shaky breath from escaping nor could I stop staring at her. The weight of the pendant in my coat pocket was suddenly immense and I knew what I had to do.

"Sumia, I…"

Yet I didn't know how.

How could I possibly express how much she means to me, I can't find the words. There are no words. How can I tell her that she's my everything, that she's the only thing keeping me sane? Literally. I'm not sure if my mind would have survived Mystletainns proposal if I didn't know she was going to be waiting for me.

How? How could I ever hope to put my feelings into words?

I can't.

But I won't wait around anymore. I have to do something. She's right there, she practically confessed already. Just tell her… why can't I tell her?

Her eyes never left my own, soft brown meeting my iridescent gaze as I found myself yet again transfixed by her beauty. Was that why? Was she so beautiful that I couldn't speak? But I have to say something… do something.

My eyes, for a fraction of a second, darted down to her smile. Her own eyes widening a fraction as she seemed to notice my quick glance.

This… is very stupid. It could blow up in my face. It could end everything. It could change everything.

But it can also be the exact thing that needs to be done.

"Sumia." I said firmly, my eyes focusing on her now trembling gaze.

"Y-yes?" she breathed, her voice barely audible over the sound of my heart beating in my ears.

"…If this is something you don't want, I give you absolute permission to slap the shit out of me."

"Wha-"

I didn't let her respond and, before I lost my nerve, used the opportunity to claim her lips with my own.

It was… warm.

The small squeak she let out at my sudden assertiveness spurred ne on even more, pressing my lips against her a touch harder.

When she finally registered what was happening, and wrapped her arms around my neck to pull me even closer, I felt myself soar.

It's the only way I could possibly describe the feeling. A weightlessness that made me feel a high that couldn't be compared. And the warmth of her made it all the sweeter.

I wrapped my hands around her waist and held her close as I lost myself to her taste, her lipstick must have been made with vanilla. I felt her hair brush against my forehead, giving me a wisp of a lavender sent.

I couldn't help but wonder if her hair smelling of lavender has any correlation to why my hair now bares it's color. Was my heart and soul so in love with this woman that my transformation matched her?

…How sappy.

But unfortunately, humans need to breathe, so I reluctantly pulled myself back. Letting my upper lip linger on her lower for a fraction longer then needed before resting my forehead against hers. Once more, acting before I could lose my confidence, I let out a small whisper.

"I love you. I love you so much it hurts."

I felt her grip tighten, a small teary laugh escaped her as one of her hands idly played with a few stray locks of my hair.

"I've wanted to hear those words for so long…" She whispered, leaning down further and pressing her face into the crook of my neck.

"I love you too, more than anything in the world..." She mumbled into my vest.

I felt my heart soar at her own confession. A stupid smile formed on my face as I tightened my grip around the flyer, I could feel her own heart beating against my chest. It was a frantic thing, matching my own in vigor. And somehow, some way…

They were in sync.

So, it finally happened.

I hope it lived up to expectations, I find it extremely difficult to write romance...

And sorry to start such an important chapter off with that first AN, but like I said, end of my rope here.

That said, I'll try and write whenever I can, since I find it very relaxing and open it'll make it easier in the long run.

Till next time.
-Gaijin