Two months later

"Wasn't so bad, right, handsome?"

Nozel just shrugged. It probably wasn't so bad as he feared, but he won't go back to Black Market this soon. Between the fact you had to go through a literal wall, the more than suspicious merchants, merchandise and shops, the suffocating air and probably the thieves hidden here and there, that wasn't a place for him to just go shopping.

But Vanessa liked that place…

And this was the reason why he came along in the first place. Just for her. It wasn't the first time Vanessa invited him on a shopping trip when none of the other Black Bulls wanted to accompany her and well, it became more and more difficult for Nozel to say no to her. Was that what love did to people, among other things? Heck, he even accepted to enter the Black Market for the first time, just for her.

Nozel sighed. He realized and somehow accepted that he was in love with Vanessa two months ago, but that was it. He was still frozen by many things instead of going forward. By many more reasons he originally thought of.

Of course, he couldn't forget that he didn't deserved that kind of happiness, after all his past mistakes. But as hurtful as it was, he find it more and more difficult to live up to it. He used to know this for so long that it became almost like a second nature. Yet today, he was needed to hammer those words in his mind over and over again in order to not taste that forbidden fruit. But he wasn't as successful as he thought. Was he not trying hard enough, maybe? And did he still wanted to believe it, deep down?

Nozel also got silly reasons, for which he was truly ashamed deep down. Because it made him sound like a stupid lovestruck teenage boy. He had no idea how to court a woman. The only experiences he had was reduced to a short and shameful period of some flings, as well as fade dates arranged by a trice person. In short, he had absolutely no idea how do everything in a courtship and he would be damned before he would ask Fuegoleon for advice. Also wasn't like he would court Vanessa anytime soon.

Besides, what they had right now was so nice just as it was. Again, more than he deserved, but being in Vanessas company was something he couldn't help but enjoy. Rarely did he had such kind of happiness since his mother died. So innocent, so pure… Nozel was afraid to corrupt it by pushing something he had no right to obtain in the first place. This was probably acting like a coward, but he already knew that for years. Vanessa deserved better than a coward, who was chained by duties, guilt and so many issues.

At least, Nozel still could love her in a courtly way. Like a knight of ancient times, he gave his heart to her and hold his secret love dearly, even if she would never love him back. He doubt she would. Vanessa was so different from him, everything he wasn't. He could only be her knight in secret. He couldn't be hurt too much if he had not a lot of hope to begin with. Too much hope had a great risk of pain, Nozel knew that from experience.

But… there was a problem. As beautiful the idea of courtly love seemed to him, it probably also was a naïve one and Nozel wondered if it was just another excuse to not start to court Vanessa properly. Because the dreams he had of her at night weren't as pure and innocent he wanted them to be. Or at least, not in the way of courtly love. He imagined so much to know her better, to go on official dates with her, to slowly start to see a future with her, to hug her like a lover, not just a friend, kiss her, feel her lips on his… And there were other dreams and fantasies that weren't innocent at all.

Nozel felt the blood rush to his cheeks and slightly shook his head to not see those images again. It already wasn't helpful that Vanessa usually wasn't wearing much. Always more skin than clothing. Nozel refused to reduce Vanessa to that. He loved who she was mostly, but of course, he couldn't help that his love for her was a bit mixed with lust as well.

Did Fuegoleon felt like that with Lital Lys as well? Even after ten years?

Nozel would never know.

Was he maybe complicating just complicating things more than what they should be?

"Are you alright, handsome? You seem a bit hot."

And now she was right in front of him, caressing his cheek softly, her eyes concerned about him. Nozel froze again under her intense glance.

It's always had been like that since a few weeks. There were moments of tension between them from time to time. Not due to fights, thankfully. It was a strange tension, awaiting but still comfortable. Intense, yes, but comfortable. As if time decided to stop altogether just for them.

It was a silly thought, he knew, but Nozel started to grew fond of some silliness. Him, a captain. Who put so much importance on discipline and order, for his squad, for his house, for his life.

But in moments like these, none of it seemed to matter anymore. Nothing mattered to him than those mesmerizing amethyst eyes, the rosewood curls falling on porcelain shoulders like a soft waterfall, the entire woman in front of him, who glanced at him just as intensely as he was glancing at her.

During those moments, Nozel wondered if Vanessa would ever fall in love with him…

And that was the moment he had to stop this comfortable tension before he could start to have false hope.

"Thank you, but I'm fine…"

"If you say so, sugar."

She just giggled as if he said something stupid – which honestly happened quite often to him when he was around her – and took his arm before they started to walk.

Nozel didn't show it, but he was quite shocked at the gesture. It almost felt so terribly intimate, as if they were really a couple and not just two people who happened to enjoy spending time with each other.

And still, somehow it felt right.

The walked through an empty street full of trees and sunlight. It was a nice late afternoon, warm but not too hot for summer. Perfect for shopping in Vanessas books and since Nozel had practically no shopping experience, it was fair to assume that she was right.

"Were you able to get every ingredients you wanted for your potions?" Nozel finally asked her. Not that he was interested in potions and other witch things in particular, but… Vanessa was a witch, it was her world and she loved making those. He was interested about her, every bit of her.

"Yes. I especially happy that I got those blue poppy leaves. They're extremely rare to get outside of the Black Market and the only merchant who sells them is such a thief, he changes the prices every time I'm there."

"That was somehow the feeling I got."

"Right? He's not even subtle about it! Usually I end up slapping him so that I can get those leaves. But he seems to have a good day today, he didn't argued too much."

Nozel smiled. That might be because he discreetly put some of his own money in Vanessas wallet. She seemed to need and want urgently those blue poppy leaves, given how she argued with that corrupted merchant.

Actually, despite the moments of strange tension between them, despite the fact that he had absolutely no idea how to act with his feelings, despite his guilt, Nozel liked to spend so much time with Vanessa. He liked how more open he was around her, only for her.

He couldn't deny that having Vanessa in his life was more than just a good thing. Maybe it was good to allow himself some happiness.

Suddenly, Vanessa stopped to walk and looked in front of her, frowning.

"Vanessa, what's the matter?"

"Do you perhaps know that man over there? He's looking at us in a way I don't know if I should like or not."

Nozel followed her stare… and froze when he saw the man looking at them.

Those white hair tucked in a ridiculously complicated hairdo, those arrogant magenta coloured eyes, this moustache subtly curled, this grin that looked like a crueller version of Solids smile.

Oh no. Why is he here?

"Darling, are you alright? You look horribly pale."

Nozel wanted to reassure her, but it would be a lie. He couldn't say anything at all, as the man walked swiftly to them, while looking he had every time in the world.

"Hello, son."

Nozel felt Vanessa flinched heavily against him. He never told her much about his father, but still enough that she knew what this reappearance was implying.

Lac Silva gave them a smile that didn't reached his eyes. Of course it didn't, his smiles were always fake. Especially for his children and his late wife.

"You don't greet your own father? Where are your manners, Nozel, I teached you better than that."

"You teached me, but you never raised me."

Nozel hated for once how quiet his voice sounded. Normally, he never needed to yell or scream to make everyone obey him. But with his father, his usual authority wouldn't work. In fact, he never had any authority in the presence of this man, instead he felt and sounded more like a child who was getting punished for something he didn't made.

He felt Vanessa hold his arm slightly tighter and despite her presence, Nozel couldn't find any comfort. He wished she wasn't here, so that she wouldn't witness how pathetic and weak he was against his father or worse, that Lac Silva would somehow hurt her.

"Teaching and raising are one and the same for royalty, Nozel. But would you please introduce me to your… charming companion?"

Nozel flinched and he felt that Vanessa did as well. That tone, that choice of words… Subtle and clear as crystal at the same time, Lac practically implied that Vanessa was nothing more than a fling, a grisette with a humble job and low morals, who choose a noble or royal protector to gain a bit more wealth until she was considered too old.

Vanessa wasn't that and Nozel would rather give up his royal status than treating her that way. But his father wouldn't care for that.

"A witch wearing a Magic Knight robe. Oh, a Black Bull… you must be the Drunken Witch, then. How delightful to make your acquaintance", Lac said with a sickening smile and taking Vanessas hand to blow a kiss on it. Nozel clinched a fist. It looked so disrespectful when his father was doing it and all he wanted was to kiss Vanessas hand, in a naïve attempt to wash away his father's touch.

"Sir," Vanessa simply said with a cold nod. He never seen her like this and it hurt to see her with a similar cold mask to his.

"Son, I'm quite surprised that you are in the company of someone way too far away from your status and one of Noelles squadmates at that. Still feeling ashamed to be directly in your little sisters company?"

There was it again. The ultimate strategy of Lac Silva. Never lying, but telling the truth in a way so that it would humiliate his opponent and be beneficial only for him.

Like always, Nozel had no idea what to say.

It was Vanessa who replied instead. "Not true, they're getting along better than ever!"

"Oh, really? But Noelle is still a Black Bull."

"She's very happy in this squad, I won't take her away from them."

"So, she's still happier away from you, dear son?"

That hurt so much more than it should and Nozel had a very hard time to not look down. But even if he did, Lac knew that he hit a nerve, given his slight victorious smile.

"That's not true, Noelle is-"

"Miss witch, I don't think you have any concern into the affairs of house Silva."

"You neither, you left your children alone for years when they needed a father the most."

Lac stopped smiling, looking now terribly insulted. Vanessa looked at him with anger and protectiveness towards Noelle and… Nozel.

She was protective of him? Why?

"Miss witch, you-"

"Her name is Vanessa!"

Both looked at him, Lac with outrage, Vanessa with surprise and something he couldn't really identify. But Nozel didn't care. His father could insult him every time, he could live with that. But Nozel just couldn't tolerate this man insulting a woman he fell hopelessly in love with despite every issue he had.

"Miss… Vanessa, you should go, I have something to discuss with my son without any witnesses."

"I won't let you-"

"Vanessa, please, it's alright."

She looked at him, clearly not believing it would be alright. Nozel didn't believed his own words as well. But he wanted her out of here, out of this situation before she could be corrupted and getting cracks for interacting with Lac Silva.

Despite his father's presence, he looked at her pleadingly, hoping she would somehow understand.

It was just a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity until Vanessa nodded slowly. "Will you call me later."

"Yes."

That seemed enough for Vanessa. She looked at him intensely, with the same comfortable tension they always had since two months. She tighten her grip on his arm for a second, as if she tried to give him some comfort, before she took her broom and her bags, flying away.

Just as she disappeared, his father turned to him and said with cold tone he used only for Nozel, "You won't call her back."

"You have no right to tell me what to do," Nozel replied coldly before turning his back to his father. He started to walk away, which was useless, but he still had to get out of here as quickly as he could.

"Oh, because you're a thirty year old grown adult? Don't be silly, Nozel. Given all the stupid decisions you took concerning house Silva since you took over, I think I have every right to," his father replied. Nozel heard him walk behind him.

"You only consider those decisions stupid because they don't help you for your own schemes. Do you really think I'm stupid? I know that you less married mother and more house Silva, I know that our family is just a stepping stone for you."

"Haven't you learned anything, Nozel? In an arranged marriage, it never matters who you're getting married to, but from which house your spouse will be. Acier was just the only Silva princess left to marry, since Océane was married into the Vermillions and all the others died already. Typical Silvas, at least I gave this four heirs, which is always the main reason why a house who loses members quite often should get marital alliances… and shall I remember you that your dearest mother was more than willing to have children with me."

Nozel knew that Silvas had a strange habit to die mostly young and in celibacy, he knew that his duty of arranged marriage implied to conceive heirs. But he hated how his father talked about it, as if it was his achievement only.

"Four heirs, but only because I didn't got a magic with water affinity like you. Otherwise, I would have been an only child. You never enjoyed fatherhood anyway. You only accepted to have more children the moment you learned I have mercury magic."

His father didn't answered, which was the proof that Nozel did hit a point. But he couldn't rejoice this small and rare victory, as his father now got a grip on his arm, holding him back.

"It doesn't change the fact that you won't meet up with this… witch again, whatever her name is."

"That's not up to you to decide, you never cared about my frequentations before. So why now?"

"Because you never dealt with people who weren't part of our circles outside of you work as Magic Knight before. I don't have personally something against witches, but you shouldn't frequent them. Think of your duty."

"Since when has it to do with my duty that I shouldn't meet up with Vanessa?"

"Son, you seem to be more stupid than years ago. It doesn't matter which witch you met up with for some luxurious activities, that's not the point. It is already rather stupid and naïve of you that you're frequenting a witch, this is worse than with just peasants and commoners. Royals don't mix with witches in particular, our terms with their queen are peaceful but fragile. But the worst part is, that you prefer following your braindead sexual instinct instead on finally focusing on your duty.

Nozel felt nauseous and angry at his father words. How dare this man believe that? How dare his father insinuate that he… treat Vanessa that way, just for his own fun? Even though he was always taken aback by her beauty, it was more than anything her personality that touched his heart!

"How dare you… Vanessa and I did not-"

"Oh, do you perhaps think that your lust is love?" The fake pity was so sickening and Lac Silva certainly knew that. "Nozel, my dear son, you must have forgotten. Royals don't love. Royals. Don't. Love."

"Not true! Don't you remember mother? It might have broken her heart in the end, but she did love you!"

"Acier loved me? Well, her mistake, her weakness."

"Don't talk about my mother like that!"

"Still the mama's boy, I see. You were always behind her skirts when you were a little boy, always looking up to her and I have to say, Acier spoiled you rotten, cherishing you instead of being a proper royal parent. Your grandfather, may he rest peace, already had concern that she was going to be too soft with you. And he was right. You might look all cold and stern on the outside, but you're weak. You played your role well, I was impressed. But unlike the nobles, I am not a fool. You and your mother, you might think that love is a good thing, but no. It is a weakness, makes you braindead and it's overall just a flimsy emotion, be it for royals or peasants. Why do you think that most scandals involving love end tragically? All those secret weddings of the past? Eloping only makes you happy until the bliss of an adventure fades away and you're stuck in an unstable life with a partner you have nothing in common with. Why are so many divorces occurring after many so called love weddings happened? It is pretty common in the Common Realm and unlike nobles, commoners at least have nothing to lose after a divorce. Why do most so-called big love stories end tragically? I can tell you two examples from my youth, it portrays the generality of this nonsense. I remember lady Gloria from house Pompadour, who fell in love with a foreigner from the Heart kingdom and instead of letting go of it, she threw herself out of a cliff when her house make her lover disappear for her safety. Or lady Desirée from house Évantail, she loved her husband and when she found out he had a mistress, she poisoned herself. Not to mention your own mother, little mama's boy. Didn't she ended up broken hearted after years of living in a delusion of true love?"

Nozel wanted to protest, but he knew he was useless. Not because his father was stubborn, bluffing or desperate enough to cling on this belief.

No, Lac Silva was effortlessly convinced on what he just said. For him, it was just a mere fact and there was no way anyone could ever convince him otherwise.

Lac Silva never used lies to convince. Only the truth and for him, this was the truth.

His father took his lack of answer as a success, as he continued with a superior smile, "You know how fragile house Silva is right now. There's only four of you and none of you are married, not to mention that none of you have at least one heir. Nebra should have been married a decade ago, Noelle at least engaged and even though Solid is a difficult cause, a search for a potential spouse for him should start soon. And you, Nozel… unlike your siblings, you aren't so much of a disappointment, except your magic affinity. You should think of your future marriage instead of playing with a pretty witch. At least, you're quite concious of the stupidity of adultery, so you will not have manipulative mistress once your married. But stop postponing it. This is just calling for me to take this matter into my own hands."

"I will NOT let you decide upon my life anymore!"

"Then you should stop acting like a child."

Nozel snickered unhappily, "You say that, but you still treat me like a child. And you don't really want to stop me to act like a child, it makes it just easier for you to manipulate me. And on the other hand, when I was a child, you treated me like I was already an adult, but a stupid one who had no idea of the world. When mother died, you weren't even there, not to mention you were absent at the funeral. All I got from you is a note saying I should pull myself together and that sadness is a weakness."

"Well, it is."

"I hold back my sadness and any other so-called weak affections for almost two decades, just for the sake of the house! I was a child, too young for this burden… but my own father just called me pathetic because I was cursed and made things even more difficult for me once I became Head and since he's so popular within nobility, it was already his word against mine! And you're still wondering why I refuse to let my life be a chess piece for you? Despite your reputation, you only married into royalty, but I'm the head of house Silva, I'm a captain of a royal Magic Knight squad and it's my decision alone if I get married for political reasons or out of love."

Nozel tried to sound calm, but it was clear as crystal that he didn't have his emotion under control. Never in his father's presence.

The choice of his words, how he formed his sentences, spilling out his grudges against that man… all that was a clear indicator that he was in control of the situation.

Lac Silva knew that. He looked at him with an air of superiority, caressing his moustache and smiling, amused and disdained at the same time.

With all the love Nozel had for his mother, sometimes he couldn't help but wonder what she actually saw in her husband.

Nozel wanted to walk away again, but of course his father didn't let go of his arm.

"I might accept to let you choose your future betrothed, if you hear what I have to offer you."

"Don't take me for a fool. Since are you making deals that might be not beneficial to you?"

"Just listen. You are a Magic Knight and despite it is clearly not the a very useful job given what happened the last two years, you're taking it very seriously… And since I heard that all nine squads are currently dealing on a matter of thievery in the Common Realm, I'm ready to give you some help for this ridiculous affair."

Nozel flinched. Well, he had to admit that help was indeed the Magic Knights needed help with those thefts that were putting the Common Realm on edge. Since they had learned that a secret and very well prepared organisation was pulling the strings in the background, they were very cautious with anything tied to this affair. Nozel would admit that he had thought more of Vanessa than this organized thievery during those past few weeks, but still, he couldn't forget his duty as a Magic Knight and as a captain. They indeed might need help on this.

But… accepting help from his father? Even if that man wasn't lying and even though it wouldn't be bad to have some help from someone more neutral than the Magic Knights, it wasn't right still. Because Lac Silva didn't offer help out of generosity, he wanted something in return.

But what exactly? He was offering his help and in exchange, he would accept to let Nozel make his own decision about his future spouse and marriage. It sounded fair. But Nozel just knew that it wasn't, not with his father.

Whether he let him choose on his own or not, now that Lac was on board on that topic, he would gain something out of it either way. That much was clear to Nozel. By ruining a noble house, making his daughter-in-law is willing or unwilling ally… he would gain something out of it either way and it would serve and his goal, not the Silvas.

As for the help he could offer the Magic Knights, Lac Silva would consider that the Wizard King and all nine squads would owe him something in return. And he was eloquent enough to make it sound like they owe him big and he would put the nobles on his side. Given how the Magic Knights weren't already well received within nobility these days, it would be a piece of cake for him.

"Consider it, son. You have everything to gain. It's not like you want to be happy in marriage, am I right?"

Why did it sound so wrong coming out of his father's mouth? Why did his conviction falter for a second?

And why couldn't he stop thinking about Vanessa, longing for her presence and at the same time, be afraid should find him pathetic and stupid?

"No."

It came out before he could even think about it. But still, it felt like the only right thing for him to say.

"No? Hm, guess I was wrong, perhaps. If this is your answer, maybe being a Magic Knight and a captain isn't that important to you after all. Maybe you hang on it just because of your mother, like the perfect little mama's boy you are. What would your witch think of that, I w-"

"No, you're wrong. It is important for me, not only because of my mother. I'm very aware of my duty and I learned from experience that help that comes in the form of deals shouldn't be trusted on this matter. And don't you dare think this poorly of Vanessa. You don't know her, she's not driven by ambition and she's not hoping to gain something by being around me. She is not my mistress, she doesn't deserve to be called like that. She… means a lot to me and unlike you and most nobles, she… likes to be with me. Vanessa is kind and honest and everything you consider weak, but she is strong. Now, leave me alone!"

"I'm here only for the day before I have to follow my important duties. I can give you some time if you want, but I'm not finished talking to you, Nozel."

"But I'm done listening to you… Lac."

There was no way he would call this man directly father. It felt so wrong.

Lac continued to talk, but Nozel refused to listen. He pulled his father's hand from his arm, summoned his mercury eagle and flew away.

He didn't know if this was a victory or not. It didn't felt like it. Even worse, Nozel didn't felt like the thirty year old adult, captain, knight and house head, he actually was, but more like a teenager.

Like the fourteen year old boy who lost his mother and who cried all alone, next to her dead body.

Maybe that fourteen year old boy never disappeared, maybe he never stopped crying in silent and all alone, during those seventeen years.

Nozel felt himself like crying right now. He probably made things worse for him and more importantly, for his siblings during this interaction with Lac Silva. What if that man would try to marry Nebra or Noelle off behind Nozels back? What if he threaten Solid with a political marriage that would end in disaster, because Solid was Solid and Lac would be able to turn this disaster into an advantage?

What if…

Nozel stopped. He was overthinking again. Lac surely had other duties to follow, he said it himself and he wasn't a liar. King Augustus, Achilles Vermillion and the vast majority of the nobles either trusted or admired him. Lac wasn't the type to waste his time on bothering, at least. And Nozel knew that he would give him some time. Lac reminded him of his duty to his house and at the same time, managed to make him feel completely lost.

He was pathetic, so pathetic. Nozel had no idea what to do. But mostly, he couldn't help but think about Vanessa. How would she feel about him, seeing him like this, being played like fiddle by father? Would she be disgusted, disappointed? Nozel didn't want Vanessa to think badly of him! But why would she even think of him as someone wonderful? He loved her hopelessly, but Nozel knew that it was irrational to hope for something like that.

Lost in his thoughts, Nozel didn't realized that someone was following him. A very specific witch, who actually didn't exactly left after he asked her to go.

Nozel didn't know yet that Vanessa did hear everything…

"I'll bring you to captain Kaiser."

"Yeah, geez, you don't need to be this nervous."

The Purple Orca – Digit or something like that – who was leading the captain of the Black Bulls through the Purple Orca's headquarters just nodded, but didn't get less nervous. Weird, Yami didn't even tried yet to be threatening or something.

Looking around, Yami was surprised that while everything looked cleaned, it was also really cosy. Not up tight, not random, not military, just cosy. Back when that traitor ham Gueldre was the captain of the Purple Orcas, the headquarters just looked nasty, suspicious and full of unfairness. Now, it was both cleaned and cosy. Yami was used that cleaned places weren't cosy at all and that cosy places weren't cleaned.

It looked like the purple moustache grandpa actually did a very decent job to turn the Purple Orcas back into a proud and more than decent squad. Well, a proof that kindness wasn't a weakness at all.

Yami sighed. It had ask a lot of his own pride to come here and actually ask for an advice. Since two months, the tension between him and Prickly Queen just grew more and more intense. The weirdest part was actually that the tension didn't felt in any way negative. He never had something like that before and even though he hated to admit it, but it was freaking him out.

The shock over her lost brother's identity was calmer now, but not really over. Charlotte hadn't been ready to tell Luck the truth immediately, which Yami totally get. Oh, he had no concerns about Lucks reaction, honestly. But the hardest part was always before the revelation and Prickly Queen needed some time to prepare. At least, Charlotte asked if she could visit the Black Bulls and Yami accepted. It seemed a good idea, allowing Charlotte to get used to her brother's squad and getting Luck used to Charlottes presence before he will learn the truth about their family bonds.

Which was today. Prickly Queen got a grip on herself and decided to tell Luck that she was his half-sister.

She wanted to do it alone and Yami let her be. Not only because it would indeed be better for both siblings if Charlotte did it all by herself. But also, all this weird tension and emotions and thoughts around Prickly Queen became really unbearable for Yami lately, to a point he decided to ignore his pride for once and ask for advice.

Actually, Kaiser wasn't just a random choice. Yami came to some kind of partly conclusion lately. It just didn't make any sense when it came to Charlotte for him, but since nothing made sense with her… Kaiser just happened to be nice guy, pretty chill and who was in a happy marriage and unusual for a noble, that man married out of love. His marriage also wasn't only happy, but also calm and apparently, one of Kaisers favourite thing to do was spending some nice quality time with his wife.

All that put together, it was probably the best person Yami could ask advice for. Okay, Finral was happily married as well, but he was a Black Bull and Yami would NEVER ask one of his subordinates for help. He had still some pride left, for fuck's sakes! As for other captains, Fuegoleon was apparently in a very happy relationship, but he still wasn't married yet. Kaiser was older and that meant he had the most experience out of all the people Yami knew. Also, he probably won't be judging.

So, this morning, Yami put his pride aside and called the purple moustache grandpa if he could come over for a talk. About something personal, he needed to add.

Kaiser didn't sound surprised and didn't ask any questions. He practically invited him to the Purple Orcas headquarters in the afternoon. Right during the time of Charlottes visit, which was perfect. Yami had no idea if he was able to face her right now.

So, in the afternoon, Yami took his wheels and ordered him to bring him to the Purple Orcas. Thankfully, Finral had been there before. Now, he was waiting outside and having small talk with some young Orcas. When Finral asked his captain why the sudden visit, Yami just said something about squad business and while his wheels frowned, probably sensing the lie, he was also clever enough to not pry.

"We're here, captain Yami," the nervous Orca finally said, stopping at a door, knocking on it and leaving immediately.

Yami sighed, before slowly opening the door. Depending on this talk, he would either get even more confused or finally got his answers.

Entering the office, Yami was taken aback again by how cleaned and cosy it looked. Heck, the office looked like the perfect mix of a captains office and a cosy living room.

For the first time, Yami wondered if it wouldn't be too bad to have his own office back at the Hideout. He needed to talk with Henry about it.

"Welcome Yami, I was expecting you," Kaiser stood in front of his desk, actually smiling and even handing him a glass of whiskey. Not full, of course, by nobles fucked up logic, the best way to enjoy whiskey was only to put not much in a glass with some little ice cubes and to took only sips from it for an hour. Yami would have preferred a full glass or even better, some booze.

But at the same time, this was going to be an important talk for him, so he better needed to not get drunk.

"Geez, thanks," Yami just said, taking a small sip. Hm, that whiskey was pretty tasty. Purple Moustache Grandpa had some good taste at least.

Kaiser made a gesture, inviting him to sit at the desk. He even was actually polite enough to wait for his visitor to sit down, before taking place himself. Unexpected from a noble but at the same time, Yami knew already that Kaiser was just a nice moustache grandpa.

"I had to admit that your call from this morning surprised me, Yami. Not in a negative way, of course not, but still surprising. Is there something bothering you?"

"Ya can say that, Moustache Guy," Yami replied, taking another sip from his drink. A bigger one this time, because he really needed some courage right now.

This never happened before to him and Yami wasn't sure to like this new side of him. Well, hopefully his brats wouldn't learn or he might risk to lose his authority among them.

"Well, moustache… Kaiser," he finally started, hating how unsure his voice sounded. Thankfully Kaiser probably won't be judging for it. "I might… need some advice for… something very specific and complicated to explain. Well… I came to you because, um, you're married for years and, um… having a happy marriage and you… um, love… your wife."

"Does it have something to do with Charlotte?"

Yami was very happy that he didn't take another sip from his whiskey, because he would have spit that excellent drink directly on his host in this very moment.

"How… how did you know?"

"Well, ever since I've become captain, I noticed pretty fast the tension between you both. I even sit next to both of you during most captains meeting, but to be fair, I think everyone noticed it. But that tension honestly became more intense after Spade, especially those last few months."

"Wait, there was tension before?"

"Yes, there was. I don't blame you for not realizing it immediately. It me also some time before I understood what was specifically between you and Charlotte."

Yami didn't know what to say. Kaiser had no reason to lie to him and according to his Ki, he didn't. But if there was already tension before between Prickly Queen and himself, why didn't he noticed it?

Either they just had a weird and unique way to act with each other… Or Yami had to admit that he had been terribly dense.

Kaiser smiled, while looking at a framed portrait standing on his desk. A rather round grandma with a shining smile was on it. Probably his lady wife. She wasn't a proper beauty by nobles standards, but Kaiser still looked at her as if she hung sun, moon and star all by herself.

Proof for Yami that he actually knocked on the right door.

"I feel honoured that you're asking me for advice on this matter, Yami. I understand first-hand how difficult it can be when you have romantic feelings for a very specific person. And given your situation… Well, how about you first tell me everything."

"Okay."

Yami told Kaiser everything he knew, everything that happened since Spade and even what happened before when Kaiser was asking, everything that was just so unique and weird and without any sense concerning Charlotte, just… everything. Yami never would have imagined how good it felt to open his heart to someone, to just put all his worries and everything he couldn't understand into words.

Kaiser was also a good listener. He didn't interrupted, asked for some more details here and then and most importantly, he wasn't judging at all! Just understanding and thinking.

It took longer to put everything into words, especially since his colleague was also asking some questions, who seemed random at first but by answering them, Yami had to admit that those were clever details to ask for.

After a long while, both captains were silent. Kaiser actually gave Yami another glass of whiskey and this time, it was full.

"Well, Yami… There's a lot of unspoken things between you and Charlotte. But in my books, you actually came to the right conclusion."

"So… I love her."

"Yes, indeed."

Yami had no idea what to think exactly or to even feel. He was so surprised to find out he was head over heels for the Prickly Queen, but at the same time, he wasn't. It just made so much sense, given… everything.

"And… Charlotte?"

"Oh, I can tell you for sure that she loves you as well, Yami."

Again, so terribly surprising and at the same time, it made so much sense. And everyone else but him probably figured it out. Yami groaned. Had he been really that stupid, that dense? Seemed like it. Goldie Guts already pointed it out that he might wasn't able to recognize if someone was in love with him, despite his Ki reading.

But how would he have ever been able to get it, with how Charlotte treated him for years? Okay, he never questioned in the first place and never asked himself if she was just putting on a mask or not. But still!

And… what now?

That was honestly the real question in this very moment. Concerning his brats, he never cared if they fell in love and with whom. Why care about the consequences, when all you had to do was surpassing your limits?

But now that he was in a situation like this, Yami felt that he couldn't just waltz in, tell Charlotte he was head over heels for her and they live happily ever after, everyone's happy, who cares for the consequences?

Their circles were different, Charlotte cared a lot about her duty, she fight a lot against the sexism concerning her rank and position… She would care about the consequences and who was Yami to go against her will? He never needed to tell to surpass her limits, she always did it all by herself. To a point that she actually needed to relax and rely on others. If they wanted to be in a relationship, people would help them. But others would put stones in their way. Nobles never cared for a relationship who didn't apply to their marital standard and even more to their own selfish schemes.

Besides… Why would Charlotte even love him? Why him of all people?

Fuck, was he actually doubting himself right now? Never happened before… What Charlotte thought of him was also really important for him.

"What do I do now?"

Kaiser didn't answered directly, just silently thinking, his eyes focused on the portrait of his wife. But when he spoke, his voice sounded concerned and caring, like the nice grandpa he was.

"Listen, Yami. I won't lie to you and won't try to tell you to just jump in without any care. You must be well aware how nobility runs in our poor kingdom. My marriage with Isabelle was an exception and even today, politics, fortunes, reputation, alliances are considered to be some of the most important topics for a marital bond. Love is considered as flimsy and stupid, a nice bonus at best, one of the most terrible weakness at worst. House Roselei is from high nobility and Charlotte, who cares about her duty as you know, is one of the most renown parties on the noble marital market."

Kaiser made a pause, before continuing with a smile, "But I also won't tell you to give up. Arranged marriages are maybe the norm, but it shouldn't be, as they're mostly awful. Love is a very good reason to go against this status quo and it's worth all the difficulties. You love Charlotte and she loves you, both of you have a good reason to take the risk. You just need to be careful, to not take unnecessary risks. I firmly believe that this would be a fight you can win. And don't forget that both of you aren't alone, people would help you."

Yami knew all of this already, but it was good to heard it confirmed from a more neutral party. It made everything more real.

But there was still something that made Yami weirdly unsure. Unusual for him, but maybe it was probably a common issue for every people in love. Did Finral felt like this too with his beloved Finesse?

"How… can I tell Prickly Queen, um, Charlotte that I… well, you know."

"Every romance is different from each other, so it won't be the same for every couple. You and Charlotte are very different from Isabelle and me. All I can advise is you is to be yourself and to feel it for yourself, as well as for Charlotte. And to not let your doubts and fear be stronger than your love for her. She means a lot to you already. You wouldn't have come to ask for my advice otherwise."

Very true. Yami did made a good choice to ask this specific colleague for help. He'll never admit it out loud, but for once he needed advice. The right advice.

Kaiser just smiled at him with an understanding look in his eyes, not judging at all. Wasn't this the proof that some people won't be upset to have him at Charlottes side?