"Vanessa, why are you coming home only now? And… who made you that braid?"

Yami would have asked the same question as Noelle, but since he also just came home like ten minutes ago and was still trying to hide that fact a secret, he preferred not to mention anything. At least, Vanessa had now the full attention of the Black Bulls, at least for those who were here.

"Looks dashing, don't you think, sweetie?" Vanessa replied with a giggle, happily fumbling with the low braid that fell loosely on her shoulder.

"Yes, it does, but still, who made it to you?"

"Oh, my lover."

"Wait, what?"

"No need to be so shocked, Noelle. Having a boyfriend who makes you some hairstyles is always a catch."

So, does that mean that her secret lover was hairstylist now? Yami had suspected that it was either a poet or tailor or a fabric merchant. Something ordinary like that. Probably that fella was also a hopeless romantic and a sickening sensible simpleton, who would be overwhelmed by the Black Bulls. Which was probably the reason why Vanessa hadn't brought him here yet, despite Gordons and Charmys invitations.

Okay, Yami hadn't introduced Prickly Queen as a girlfriend to his brats as well, but that was different. Different worlds, both captains, she was also Lucks sister, only three people knew about them and other crap. Well, it sounded a bit like he was searching for excuses to not come up with the news, but that wasn't true in his case, it was just facts. And besides, it was future Yamis problem, not his.

"It does look good on you, Vanessa," Finesse smiled. Oh yeah, she was visiting again today.

They got a lot of visitors those last few months and Yami wasn't sure how to feel about it. After all, his squad wasn't an inn to invite anyone they pleases. But at the same time, it was mostly only three people who came to visit the Black Bulls and Yami had nothing against those ladies, so why care?

Finesse was Finrals wife and the nicest royal and person Yami knew, also she was practically an honorary Black Bull at this point, so complaining should be considered a crime in this very case. Besides, Finesse had such a grip over him and every Bull with just kindness, it was even difficult for Nacht and him to say no to her.

Orchidea was Charlottes mother and also, practically Lucks mother as well, since she adopted him to a point that the paperwork would only be a formality at this point. Even more, his brats practically adopted her as some kind of auntie. And most importantly, Yami liked the Blue Rose Mama. She had a sad past and was still so admirably kind hearted. And in a way, she was his mother-in-law already, even though she didn't know.

And the third visitor lady was Charlotte. Lucks sister. His girlfriend and the woman he definitely wanted to spend the rest of his damn life with, whatever this would imply. Of course he would rather stop taking dumps for hours than even considering complaining about her visits.

So yeah, visits for the Black Bulls would be mostly a pain in the ass, but they were lucky to get the three most nicest visitors in the kingdom, so Yami would be a dumbass to complain about them.

Most of his brats were still contemplating Vanessas new hairstyle. Some were fussing about it, while others complaining about braids in general.

Yami admitted that he was more with those who were against braids, mostly because he didn't understood what was supposed to be pretty about it. It looks more stiff and stick in the ass than innocent and cute. And the places could be ridiculous like Nozel and his forehead braid. The only one who could wear braids and being beautiful was Charlotte with her little cute braid.

Okay, he didn't know much about hairstyles and personally preferred if people just let their hair be free and such, but well, others surely disagreed with him.

Like Vanessa, who was practically the Black Bulls hairstylist at this point, even though she never tried anything on her own hair. Weird.

He was about to get all the attention of his brats and Finesse back to him, when the door was opened again, revealing Zora.

Okay, with him, the last Black Bull was now present. Heck, even Nacht showed up for this matter. But still, it was unusual for Zora to be late or to be the last one to show up. Besides, he had a broom in his hand. And some hickey on his arm.

Wait, did Zora had a secret lover outside the squad as well?

First Vanessa, then himself and now Zora… Not to forget Finral, but he and Finesse were never a secret couple.

Yami didn't know how to feel about it, so he decided again that this would be future Yamis problem.

"Oh, hey Zora? Where you gone somewhere for the night?" Asta asked innocently. "Your room was next to mine last night, but I haven't felt your Ki."

"Well, shorty, you can't read Ki when you're asleep, so you can't know that I was gone for the night."

"Oh, but you were," Gordon replied kindly. "I saw you leave soon after dinner and since I had the shift for last night, I haven't seen you come back and I'm very observant my friend."

Yeah, and it was often really creepy, but at least Gordon meant well.

Yami grin as he saw Zoras smugness melt away and quickly tried to leave Asta and Gordon, who of course asked where he was.

"He has someone!" Vanessa yelled excitedly. Given Zoras slight blush and his Ki, it was true and confirmed.

"Seriously, who would be able to handle Zora?" Gauche groaned and Yami had to admit that it was a good question.

"Well, Grey is able to handle you, so there's had to be someone who can handle Zora," Noelle replied, brushing her hair aside like always.

"Shut up, Noelle!"

Now both Gauche and Zora were blushing, while Grey was hiding behind Finesse, shaking nervously. Magna also had doubts about someone being able to deal with Zora in a romantic way, before Luck attacked him just because and Charmy eating while hoping that the lovers of Vanessa and Zora were good eaters.

Typical Black Bull chaos. Just who there all are.

But well, now they had more serious matters at hand. Yami felt sick as he thought about the ball again and even more about what it implied, especially for him and Charlotte.

"Okay, brats, now that we're all here, listen to me! AND FOR FUCK SAKE'S, STOP BREAKING EVERYTHING!"

"You say that, while destroying a wall," Nacht commented with that sickening smile of his.

Finesse laughed, but the rest of the Black Bulls went immediately quiet.

"So, given that nobility want a suspicious ball for the victory over Spade-"

"But captain Yami, I still don't understand why we already going to have a victory ball. I thought we would wait at least one year before having that," Asta commented naively.

"Well, cupcake, it's not while interrupting me that you're going to learn the reasonings, so shut up," Yami groaned while holding Astas head, before continuing, "As I mentioned to you already yesterday, at least for those who were here and for those who actually listened, old man Julius suspects that this ball is fishy, to put it simple. And we captains agree on that as well."

"What would be fishy about a ball, though? There will be free food," Charmy asked, while munching her sixteenth or seventeenth grilled cheese sandwich with rosemary and garlic. Damn, now he was hungry too for one of those.

But not as much as hungry as for his Prickly Queen. Damn he missed her.

"It's the nobles who wanted that ball, of course it's fishy!"

"It's a bit a prejudice, but with the circumstances, I agree with Zora," Finesse said, a finger tipping on her chin. "Three Leaves Glory balls were practically balls for betrothal and marriage within three days in the past. Thankfully, it's not like this anymore and we didn't have those kind of balls since years. But they still exist and betrothals still play a role, even though it's in a more subtle way. From what I gathered within noble circles, the recent catastrophes like the whole ordeal with the elves, the raid in Spade, the devils and also the affair with the Wizard Kings of the past made had put some insecurities within most nobles, especially those who aren't Magic Knights. Don't ask me the whole reasons for those insecurities though, I don't understand it myself completely."

"Yeah, exactly what my wheel's wife is sayin'," Yami said casually. He had to admit that having some intel within noble circles and non-Magic Knight nobles wasn't so bad, after all. Finesse and Orchidea were noble ladies with some reach and even better, their hearts were more than just in the right place. They could help when nobles where being jerks.

Orchidea already warned Charlotte as soon as she heard plans of that stupid ball and having Finesse during a squad meeting for explaining nobility was more than useful.

"But… Why is it a trap? Why does it concern us? What are the role of the Magic Knights? Why are people choosing for others who they should marry or not?" Asta asked again, looking angry and lost at the same time. Despite that and despite Yami still holding him by the head, he had actually good questions.

"Nobility had grudges against the Magic Knights for what happened those last two years," Nacht replied, still smiling. "Some reasons are understandable, others are just noble arrogance. It looks like that this ball is disguised as peace offering from Nobility towards Magic Knights, but given the circumstances and what kind of ball it is, with past history, not to mention that there's still tension in the kingdom, like those thievery acts… Even idiots like you aren't blind that there is something more to it."

"Who are you calling idiots, stupid vice-captain?" Magna immediately asked with rage. Yami pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. He knew that Magna still had some issues with Nacht, kinda understandable. But it was still a pain in the ass. Nacht was a Black Bull, just because he was very sassy and snarky and wasn't there often didn't make him less of a Bull than any other. Besides, Zora was very harsh and sassy too, but Magna had no problem with him.

Maybe it was because Nacht was also very harsh towards Yami and Magna was always one of the first to defend his captain. As unadmittedly touching it was, Yami still hoped that none of his brats would consider him flawless. It was such a pain to be considered that and he knew that he had many flaws and such. It was actually good if people pointed them out instead of ignoring them. Even though Nacht was way too sassy about it. But Nacht was Nacht and that would never change.

"Vice-captain Nacht is right, Magna!" Noelle immediately argued. "There is something fishy about this ball and as Magic Knights, it is our duty to watch that there will be no problems. After all, all nine squads have to prove themselves still better than what nobles believes, so it is pretty clear what our duty is."

"Can you stop being so all-might knowing, Noelle? It's upsetting!"

"Well, I am royalty, Magna!"

"And no one cares, you know!"

"Nobles care," Finesse intervened. "Being betrothed to a royal is like the cream of the cream for each noble who is in marital age and eligible, no matter the royals reputation. Today, a Three Leaves Glory ball would be also to meet any suitors and royals always have many."

"Hey, don't worry Noelle, we won't let anyone marry you off against your will!" Asta immediately yelled, followed by each Black Bull.

Yami smiled. Those were his brats. Always arguing with each other, always there for each other.

"I'm not the only royal who isn't married yet, there are others, don't forget Mimosa and well… all the others!" Noelle yelled back while stuttering and blushing. "Besides, I have no intention to get married yet, stupid Dorksta, so don't get the wrong idea!"

"Huh?"

"Besides, captain Nozel would never marry Noelle off," Vanessa added firmly. "If he wanted that, she would have been at least engaged when she joined us but that isn't the case. So, don't worry, sweetie, your brother has your back as much as us."

"I know that, of course," Noelle replied, even though there was some worry in her voice and her Ki. She was probably worried her bro would get married off, but damn, Braids was Head of House. Yami was certain that this position would at least give you some freedom and it was normal for Noelle to defend her older brother. She always snapped when someone insulted him, almost each Black Bull had to go through that once.

But what wasn't normal was how Vanessa defended Braids. Yami wondered why exactly, but ever since the return from Spade, Vanessa always joined Noelle to defend Nozel and she even glared at him when he mocked Braids.

Really, why the sudden care for Bird Braid all of a sudden? Okay, Nozel was good-looking despite the braid and Vanessa always had a soft spot for pretty boys, but still. It didn't make any sense for Yami.

Well, that was also future Yamis problem.

"Mimosa too? We won't let her get marry off against her will as well! And Leopold too!" Asta yelled and the Black Bulls heavily agreed with him again, even though Noelle seemed a bit upset for some reason.

"There not the only ones, Prickly Queen is very popular on the marital crap too," Yami said and it took each inch and bit of his will to not let hear how terribly angry and disgusted this perspective made him. But it was torture to sound so casually about it.

"I will defend big sis against each suitor!" Luck yelled, looking far too excited about this perspective.

"Wait? Does that mean that Neb… that Noelle's sister is on the disgusting nobles radar as well?" Zora asked immediately. He sounded a bit worried for some reason. Weird, Yami thought that Zora would be last one worried about royals being marital prices.

"Why are you asking about Nebra especially, Zora?"

"Meh, your sis' is one of the few royals I know more directly, that's all. Same question applies to your stupid bros, of course."

"Of course?"

"Captain Nozel is not stupid!"

And now Vanessa was defending Bird Braid for the second time in not even a minute. Why though? Yami had somehow the feeling he was missing something important, but well, since it was about Bird Braid, that feeling probably meant nothing.

"Does that mean that captain Fuegoleon and captain Mereoleona are in danger as well? None of them are married?" Asta asked, looking rather concerned for them.

"Nah, kiddo, Hard Nose is apparently dating someone and he's very happy. As for Sisgoleon, do you believe there is anyone on this world who has enough guts to try and woo her? No, there's none."

"Anyway, the point is clear as crystal," Nacht said calmly. "Magic Knights are invited to that underhanded ball to celebrate the victory in Spade, but one of our secret missions is to make sure that there won't be underhanded engagements taking place, at least as much as we could. It must be really underhanded before Magic Knights are officially allowed to step in. So, don't be stupid during that ball and watch with attention."

"And that won't be our only secret mission," Yami added. "You brats hopefully haven't forgotten that we still need to deal with this crappy thievery in the Common Realm."

"Yeah, when I visited Rebecca lately, she told me how she felt a bit wary still about those!" Asta yelled and Noelle looked upset again.

"She's right. And maybe this ball has something to do with it. Don't ask me how, I have no idea. It is just a theory and maybe it's not true, but like Fuegoleon and Julius said, we can't allow ourselves to ignore any possibility. So, like Nacht said, don't be stupid and pay good attention on this case."

"Well, that would be for the secret missions, now the official one. Finral, your turn," Nacht said, smugly.

"What, another one?" Magna complained immediately, he even pouted.

"It's quite the easy mission, all things considered," Finral said, looking at a bunch of papers, while Finesse was holding his arm kindly. "This ball is definitely a big deal, and each modiste of the kingdom will have their hands full of work. Especially Soie Velours, the most renown within Clover. She and her workers will have a lot of orders and customer to deal with, more than usual. So, she asked each squad to send some knights from time to time, in order to look that nothing gets overwhelming, in any kind, especially with the noble customer. Soie Velours mentioned that point at least three times. In exchange, since we knights are invited to that ball, she'll also make according clothes for those who want."

Yami heard about that, but didn't really care. It was an easy and honestly, a good mission. Also pretty logical given the situation. Besides, it seems that this modiste trusted the Magic Knights to ask them to watch over her shop until the ball was over and these days, it was always nice to know.

"Before any of you brats complain, it's only for those who want. I know it's not as exciting as fighting missions or dungeons missions, but it's not humiliating. Besides, since it's a ball for the Magic Knights as well, she offers us to make us new clothes for those who want."

"And she even offers to come personally to the squads, if it's wanted, to talk about it," Finral added, pointing at a line on some paper.

"But can we afford those clothes?" Nero asked, speaking of for the first time since the reunion started.

"Well, those who like to spend their money in a useless way might want to do some economy if they want some new and fancy clothes," Noelle muttered. She seems still upset for some reason.

"Easy for you to say, Noelle, you have your royal salary next to your knight payments," Gauche immediately snapped back.

"But I'm not one to waste the salary of six months into children toys or gamble in a whole day!"

"It's fine," Finesse interfered with a soft smile. "I can help you and I'm sure that lady Orchidea Roselei would support you as well."

"I-I would love… love to wear such a… pretty b-ball gown. But it's s-so e-embarassing to want that!"

"No need to be embarrassed, Grey. I can guide you if you want, to choose one. After all, my aunt gifted me one dress from Soie Velours for the wedding."

"Yeah, but she choose for you and I know for sure that your fashion sense can be okay at best and disastrous at worst."

"Not true, Vanessa, I have excellent fashion sense!"

"Oh, sweetie, but I remember when you would have bought that hideous flashy orange and pink dress if I hadn't been there, just because you thought that it was a good match with your sandals."

"I haven't seen that it was orange as well."

"Come one, sweetie, the flashy orange and the flashy pink was the first things anyone saw on that dress."

"Okay, that was all from my side, if you want to go to that modiste or if you want fancy clothing, just ask Finral or Nacht or whoever is in charge, I need to take a dump."

"You're fleeing your responsibility again," Nacht said, still smiling, but with a slight upset undertone.

"I'm not fleeing, I'm taking a break from it."

"That's what you do most of the time."

"Well, it's just another proof what a pain in the ass captain duties are."

Yami laughed loudly as he left the common room for the bathroom. Normally he would have asked Finral to portal him over there, but since Finesse was here today, he would let his wheel in peace, for her sake.

Besides, he was laughing, but he didn't really felt like it. It was like peace with nobility and damn, he knew how necessary that was. But this was poisonous peace, not the real deed.

He hated that so much. There was a risk of Charlotte being betrothed against her will to a noble jerk, probably that old Reggie even. Well, Yami knew first hand that his Prickly Queen won't let herself be a marionette that easily and Blue Rose Mama put her daughter's happiness above anything else.

But still, most nobles could be tricky, subtle, malicious and Yami doubted he had enough brain capacity to beat the most clever ones at that game.

But it didn't matter. He loved Charlotte deeply and he would fight for her. She won't get married against her will under his watch. Hopefully he wouldn't need to go so far to kill a noble jerk though, that won't help.

Yami groaned as he sat down on the toilet. This whole ordeal was clearly stressing him out. If taking a shit won't calm him down, he would visit Prickly Queen tonight. Nah, screw that, whether his toilet break would give him peace or not, he will spend the night with her.

A list.

Nozel couldn't believe that Lac Silva had the audacity to send him a list with any potential noble ladies in this kingdom. And apparently, according to the man he refused now to call father even in his thoughts, those were just the most eligible candidates within the Clover Kingdom.

It wouldn't be surprising if the next list would hold names of foreign princesses and noble ladies. Maybe not from Spade, as this kingdom was still within a whole process to rebuild itself, but knowing Lac Silva, he would consider this a perfect opportunity for a match between the countries. Ladies from Diamond and Heart might be on that future list as well and of course, foreign princesses countries from other continents. Why not even the far away Land of the Sun, while we're at it?

If there was anything positive Nozel could say about Lac Silva, then that this man is an excellent diplomat. A position that was entrusted to him by king Augustus' father and that gave him a lot of power despite only being married into royalty and even more so since he became a widow after his wife passed away. Becoming a widow after marrying into royalty was a huge step down, implying a loss of power. Some might stay into the house, like Nozels grandmother – Acier Silva was too kind hearted to kick her mother out of the palace – or in most cases, the widows left the royal house and would go back into their birth house, if they were lucky to be accepted back. Otherwise, they ended up sitting with the spinsters or other people considered misfits within noble circles.

But of course, Lac Silva ended with neither of those possibilities. He was too popular for that, too well-loved by royalty and nobility. Of course he got a position of importance after Acier Silva died, so that his genius wouldn't be wasted and forgotten. He already did diplomatic trips while his wife was still alive, so why not letting him continue?

Lac Silva was an excellent diplomat, maybe even too good. Nozel remembered that once, one of his missions went that well that a foreign king came to visit the Clover Kingdom with most of his family and court. There had been a ball in this king's honour, although Nozel had the feeling that it was more for Lac than the king. Solid had still been a baby, just being born, so neither him nor Acier had been attending, while Nebra and himself had to. Nozel remembered how the foreign king talked to Lac Silva in such a respectful way as he was more important than the king of Clover.

Almost as if Lac Silva had been the king and not king Augustus Kira Clover XII, father of the current king Augustus.

Nozel was disgusted by that thought. Whatever Lac Silva was doing on his diplomatic trips, somehow he managed to show himself as one of the most important personalities in Clover. Be it on purpose or not, it didn't matter.

Whatever his goal was, marrying his oldest son, a head of a royal house and a captain of a royal and old squad, was definitely just one step more towards it. His children where just tool, chess pieces on his very own game board.

Lac Silva was also very meticulous. Not only has he put many names on this list, but he also added to each a little commentary, giving his opinion to each eligible lady. And if Nozel knew that man well, he would need to read between the lines and find out if said noble lady might be a willing ally or an unaware chess piece for Lac Silva.

Nozel groaned in frustrations. As if he hadn't so much to deal with already, Lac seemed to consider his future marriage as the most important priority.

Nozel remembered how Lac offered him some intel about the thievery affairs within the Common Realm, in exchange for accepting an arranged marriage. That man obviously didn't care about the peace and the safety of the kingdom, otherwise he would have reported it to the Magic Knights or the Wizard King. No, it was just another tool for him to use for his very own interests.

Did he have something to do with those thievery acts? Maybe not directly, but holding the strings? But what would he gain from such an operation? Lac Silva was incredibly rich, very popular, a flawless reputation. And if he doesn't have anything to do with it, how did he know details about it? Was it just bluff? But Lac Silva never lied, he always used the truth even with bluffs.

Frustrated, Nozel took his head between his head, groaning. If he started overthinking about many possibilities of what Lac Silva would do to make him yield.

Maybe he was giving him too much credit, but he also knew that this man was not a person to take lightly.

The only solace Nozel could find about Lac Silva was that this man didn't know everything. He thought that his son was just having some fun time with the witch of the Black Bulls, but Nozel and Vanessa only started the relationship after the encounter. He also considered love a silly thing, only for his son to fell hopelessly for a witch and even better, being loved in return by said witch with the same strength.

Oh, Vanessa…

She was definitely the best thing that happened in his cold and controlled life since his mother died.

Nozel was determined to spend the rest of his life with her. He was ready to fight for that. But he also knew that it won't be easy. Nozel never had been one to race blindly into the risk, it was almost second nature for him to plan ahead.

With Vanessa he finally learned to let things come to him and accept happiness, but he didn't want to lose her. He needed to be cautious.

If only he would have any idea what to do. Nozel always hated uncertainty, it reminded him too much of this horrible months when he had to watch his mother dying every day, without being able to do anything to save her.

It still hurt, even after almost two decades.

He lost his mother, he won't lose Vanessa. Nozel wasn't certain if he would be even able to bear to lose her in any ways.

Nozel looked at the list again. At least, it would give him some intel about which ladies he needed to absolutely avoid during this poisonous ball.

There were a lot of Évantails on this list. Of course, house Évantail had one of the biggest head counts within Clover nobility.

From all of them, Prudence Évantail was definitely the worst. Very strict on noble etiquette, but according to Nebra, Prudence was also capable to going around said etiquette to gain a very advantageous for herself. Like climbing on a balcony and trying to seduce some very eligible bachelor. Okay, Nebra had a tendency to exaggerate when she was complaining about nobles, but she might be not too far off in this case.

Prudence's younger sister Victoria wasn't any better, just more stupid than her. Or wait, Prudence and Victoria weren't full sisters, but half-sisters. Same father, different mother, since Reginald Évantail had this habit to always marry again. Wasn't he searching for a new wife still? Well, Victoria might be not as intelligent as Prudence, but she was still like most of the Évantails. Arrogant, full of herself, lazy and probably very prone on mocking gossip. And she had a twin brother, Victor, who was just like her and they were practically never apart from each other. Really wonderful. In his commentary, Lac even suggested to Nozel if he would choose Victoria Évantail as his bride, then Victor Évantail must obligatorily become a Silva as well, either by marrying Nebra or Noelle.

Never!

The next one wasn't even better, Athénaïs Vitrail was even worse than Prudence Évantail. In fact, this woman always made Nozel sick for some reason. Incredibly beautiful, immaculate reputation, intelligent and sophisticated, already a power to deal with, Athénaïs Vitrail was considered a perfect match for a royal. According to Nebra, that woman had even high standards concerning the eligible royals, to a point that she wouldn't consider people like Solid, Leopold or Kirsch good enough for her. Really one of the most arrogant nobles in the kingdom, being married to her would be hell. The only good thing Nozel could say about her was that Athénaïs always took care of her younger, kinda unhealthy sister. But was it genuine or just another strategy to look immaculate in front of nobility?

Nuage Wolke, Cuivre Kupfer, Donatella Caseus, Livetta Caseus, Blanche Évantail, Josephine Roselei, Rubinia Châteaubriand… It was a long list and Nozel didn't know each one of them more than their names, nor did he had the patience to read each of Lacs comments to each one of those ladies.

One thing that he took notice of however, was that none of those ladies were Magic Knights. Nozel knew that some noble ladies in age to get married were also Magic Knights and from very renown noble houses as well.

So why didn't Lac Silva put them on his list as well? Would it be too difficult for him to have a grip on Nozel and to manipulate his future daughter-in-law if she was a Magic Knight? Or was it just because of the current distrust nobles had towards the Magic Knights these days?

Nozel groaned, taking the list in the clear intention to rip it apart. He wasn't a chess piece and he couldn't marry anyone of those noble ladies, not even for the sake of his siblings. Because none of them were Vanessa.

Vanessa…

Suddenly losing the urge to rip the list in thousand pieces, Nozel took his quill and started to cross each name and each commentary. At the end, there was still some room, so he started to write down another name.

Vanessa Enoteca, the love of my life.

It was corny, very corny even. But even though Nozel was blushing about it, it was the truth.

Nozel knew he wanted to spent the rest of his life with Vanessa. And that needed some work and some fight. Could they even get married? They never mentioned that, of course not. Their relationship was still young, not even a month old. Not to mention that the life of a royal can be very much like a cage.

And the last thing Nozel wanted was to put Vanessa in a cage! He will never forget about everything she told him about her past!

He will find a solution. They will find a solution. Despite all the hurdles, they still had time and each other. Nozel didn't wanted to go fast with Vanessa. For once he was able to live in the present, he would be a fool to throw that away because of his worries and his torturing overthinking.

His aunt would help him, she told him so much and Nozel had no reason to distrust her. Océane even asked him to meet Vanessa once and this was something he wasn't too worried about.

Nozel looked at the paperwork on his office desk. It wasn't much, because he had worked a lot today. He also had a competent vice-captain and he wasn't a captain to delegate while just sitting around doing nothing.

But this rest of paperwork could wait for tomorrow. Nozel… just didn't want to deal with it. With this ball around the corner and Lac Silva trying to get him married against his will, he doubted that he would be able to concentrate anyway.

Or was it just an excuse.

Before Vanessa, Nozel practically drown himself into work after the death of his mother, rarely taking a day off and never a vacation, only delegating when he really had no other choice, working until late in the night to finish more than his duties.

But after Vanessa, he was unable to do that anymore, taking more time for himself. To a point that Noelle and Nebra had to point it out more often lately. Solid… haven't realized any changes, of course.

Remember, Nozel, don't do anything by yourself, even when you're becoming captain of the Silver Eagles. Don't hesitate to ask for help, don't let it just come to you.

Those were the words his mother told him, when they had talks about what his future would be. Nozel never forgot those words, but already back then, he was someone who believed more in actions than words. His mother always did so much by herself, rarely asking for help, so he thought that he needed to do the same.

She always made it look so easy. But was she struggling too, just like him? Had she told him to not do everything alone because she didn't want him to face the same difficulties she was?

Many things made so much sense, now that he was thinking about it way later on, with a certain distance…

When he left his office, he saw Grenadine discussing with Alysanne Dragonstone and Julia Ambrosia back in the hallway?

"But… I only became part of the Silver Eagles after the whole raid in Spade. Do I really have my place in this specific victory ball?"

"Well, of course, little hatchling!" Julia laughed loudly. "Just because you weren't a knight during that raid doesn't mean you don't deserve to be invited. You're still a Magic Knight, after all."

"Besides," Alysanne added with a grin, "you're a competent knight and we will need every competent help during this ball full of traps. And since you're not at risk to get betrothed behind your back, you will have more freedom. Not to mention that Samuels days as a Silver Eagle might come to an end if he continues to serve his family's conspiracy instead of doing his duty as a knight. Oh, good evening, captain Nozel."

Alysanne saluted immediately as he passed by, followed by Grenadine and Julia. Nozel nodded to them, even giving a small, encouraging smile to Grenadine. After all, she indeed deserved to be invited to that ball, despite becoming a knight after the war with Spade had been over.

Was it just him or did Grenadine and Julia looked at him with a strange glimmer in their eyes?

Probably just his imagination.

As he left the hallway, he heard Alysanne speak again, "And Grenadine, if you want, you can even wear a ball gown from Soie Velours. This is an amazing opportunity and her dresses are always so gorgeous."

Oh yes, there was another thing. Soie Velours asked for some protection and guarding time from the Magic Knights, given the immense amount of orders she received due to the Three Leaves Glory ball. In exchange, she offered all nine squads to provide them with proper clothing for the ball, for those wanted.

Would Vanessa accept the offer? Every time they passed by the shop, she always stopped to look at the gowns exposed in the vitrine. Nozel never missed the admiration and almost longing in her eyes when she looked at the colourful fabrics or the embroidery on the skirts. Vanessa clearly would love to wear a ball gown sew by Soie Velours and Nozel sometimes considered to gift her one.

But at the same time, Vanessa always shrugged and said that she already so many dresses and that she mostly looked at the gowns to take some inspiration for her own needlework. It was her hobby and Nozel knew that if she wanted, she would sew herself a new dress. Especially with the sewing box he gifted her a few weeks ago. Nozel felt his heart filled with joy and pride each time Vanessa would fuss about said box.

Still, would it made her happy? Would she like it?

This thought just wouldn't leave his mind, even once he left the Silver Eagles base. He loved Vanessa, of course he wanted to make her happy. Gifts weren't the only way for that, he was very well aware of that fact. Vanessa was already so happy to just spend time with him, even when it was just in his room. She never stopped to repeat that even the smallest gestures he made meant so much to her. Nozel still needed to fully understand this, but he had no reason to doubt her words.

Besides, Vanessa had been literally glowing with joy when braided her hair this morning. It had been a spontaneous idea and Nozel almost regretted it, but Vanessas happiness had been worth it and the end result had been pretty much acceptable.

May, you really are nibble with your fingers.

She and her teasing, really. Vanessa was probably the only person in the world he could accept the teasing from, despite how much it made him blush.

Nozel decided to not use his mercury eagle to go home, opting to walk instead. Walking often help him to think, even better now after Spade.

So, he ended up in the street of the capital where his mother's favourite café was and Soie Velours' shop.

Nebra had told him once that customers could create accounts in that shop, which was easier to order gowns and to pay on credit.

His sister also told him that some noble men had their own accounts there as well. Not for their wives – noble ladies had of course their own accounts, again according to Nebra – but for their mistresses. Nebra told him too that those accounts were on their names, never on those women names. Apparently, it was more easier in case those men changed their mistress.

A thought that didn't sit well with Nozel, probably never would…

Vanessa wasn't his mistress, she was his lover, his girlfriend. Their relationship was a secret, true, but he just won't make a mistress out of her. Heavens, he hated that word so much.

Nebra even suspected that those nobles never let the mistresses choose their gowns and dresses in the first place. Maybe this was just his sister making things up, like she often did, but it wouldn't be surprising.

Those men had accounts on their names, not on their mistresses…

They apparently never let their mistresses choose for their own dresses…

Nozel walked firmly towards the shop. He had an idea, but if he doesn't put it into action right now, he would never felt to courage again to pull it through.

When he entered the shop, Nozel came to the conclusion it must be soon closing time. The remaining customers were mostly paying their purchase and leaving the shop.

Nozel heard a few whispers of people recognizing him, but he didn't pay any attention to them, walking directly to the cash desk.

"Good evening, what can I do for… Oh, lord Nozel!"

"I want to talk with Soie Velours."

Honestly, Nozel had no idea how to as for an account, but demanding this directly to the business woman herself seemed like a pretty certain road for him. Besides, he had no intention to hesitate or go back for now, or he would never find the courage to do something so out of character ever again.

"Oh, of course, of course," the young cashier lady replied nervously. "Her schedule is free right now, I'll see if she can-"

"Lord Nozel, what a pleasant surprise to see you here!"

Nozel turned automatically around and regretted immediately as he recognized three noble ladies. Lady Cristal Vitrail and her two daughters, Athénaïs and Rosette.

Athénaïs fainted to be surprised and a bit shy, but Nozel immediately recognized the greed and willing to catch the opportunity in her royal blue eyes. She played with a golden lock as if she was timid in his presence. And this was one of the noble ladies Lac Silva and most of the nobles in general believed to be a perfect match for a royal, especially him.

Of course, she was considered a beauty with her immaculate porcelain skin, the deep blue eyes and the golden locks, but in his eyes and in his heart she couldn't even hold half a candle to Vanessa.

Her younger sister, lady Rosette, was the only one of the three to look at him with genuine curiosity and no greed. She hadn't been on Lacs list. Probably due to her reputation to be rather fragile and not very healthy. But despite looking very thin and very pale in everything, skin and white blonde hair, there was an intelligent, almost fiery glimmer in her pale grey eyes.

Their mother, who looked still very young despite the grey hairs in her golden bun and the wrinkles around her grey eyes, immediately stood in front of him with a sickening sweet smile.

"It's been so long since we saw you, what a shame, really. Your presence is always so appreciated."

Yeah, right.

"The Magic Knights were dealing with the aftermath of the war."

"Ah, yes, of course, how tragic," lady Cristal sniffed with a vague gesture, as if it was of no importance. "But thankfully, this will now be behind you, lord Nozel, and you're going to have more freedom, especially with the upcoming victory ball. After all, we nobles are always so eager to support you Magic Knights."

Especially when it worked for their agenda, but this was something Nozel wouldn't say out loud. At least, not as long he hasn't reach the bottom with his frustration. Poisonous peace, this what Magic Knights truly had with nobility these days. Wouldn't those three bother just leave him alone already.

"I heard you'll be present at the victory ball, lord Nozel," Athénaïs said with a shy tone, but he clearly heard the greed in her voice. "You will be dancing, I hope. I heard you are such an exquisite dancer, if it's not too bold to say."

"Excuse my daughter, she is just very shy around your magnificence presence. I'm sure she would love if you could have a dance with her for the ball."

Shy, really? Nozel fought the urge to roll his eyes. But he almost smiled as he saw Rosette roll her eyes behind the backs of her mother and her sister.

"So, lord Nozel, if it's not too bold to ask, can my daughter already reserve a waltz with you for the ball? Or a tango, she loves that dance. And can we invite you for dinner this evening or tomorrow? Our new chef-"

"As much as lord Nozel would certainly love to talk with us, mother, and especially with Athénaïs," Rosette said, interrupting her mother with shy tone that was bathing with ruse, "don't forget that all three of us are invited to the soirée of lady Bianca Évantail and it would be not good for house Vitrail to come late. Especially that lady Prudence would be there as well and we shouldn't let her go at Athénaïs by stealing her spotlight."

Prudence Évantail, another candidate on Lacs list and by that, the "rival" of Athénaïs Vitrail. Nozel almost laughed as he saw how quickly mother and daughter seemed to change their plans about him.

"Goodness, Rosette, you're right, we really shouldn't wait longer before gracing the Évantails with our presence. Excuse us, lord Nozel, we have important matter to do, we won't disturb you any longer."

"But my propositions for a dance still stands," Athénaïs said quickly, dropping the shy act in her haste.

Rosette stood at the door after her mother and her sister left the shop. She turned towards Nozel, winked at him before leaving quickly.

Nozel had no idea how to feel about this whole ordeal. He had the feeling that in a way, he owed something to Rosette Vitrail. But why would she help him? Did she had her own agenda or was it genuine? Giving her reaction towards the talk lead by her mother and older sister, he would rather go for the second option, but he preferred to be cautious. After all, it wasn't like he would see Rosette Vitrail anytime soon.

"Hm, lord Nozel?"

Oh, yes, he almost forgot the cashier girl.

"Soie Velours will receive you, I'll guide you to her office."

Thankfully, he hadn't lost his determination yet. The young girl guided him into the first floor, but Nozel didn't see anything about the sophisticated décor. His goal was in his mind.

The office of Soie Velours was full of mannequins, drawings of gowns, fabrics and sewing tools, everything looking in perfect order and messy all the same. A messy order? How was that even possible?

The famous Soie Velours sat at the office desk, studying some drawings. She was a rather chunky woman, but still very elegant, wearing a green velvet gown and her red hair styled in corkscrew curls. Next to her, in front of a large drawing desk, was a little boy of maybe ten years old, blonde hair attached in tiny ponytail.

"Welcome to my office, lord Nozel. It is a true honour to have you here. Sorry for the mess, but you, an artist can only be at his best within a mess."

Nozel frowned, he never heard about that, but said nothing. Soie Velours brought herself a chair for him to sit on, before she sat back herself and gesturing at the little boy.

"Lin Velours, my nephew and also my apprentice. He lives with me, it makes it easier to teach him everything. Come on, Lin, don't be shy, we have a royal visit today."

The little boy turned around and shyly bowed to Nozel, who nodded in return. Lin then climbed on his aunt's lap, which she didn't seem to mind. Nozel almost smiled. The aunt and the nephew seemed very close to each other.

"Well, lord Nozel, what can we humbly do for you?"

"I would like to open an account."

Soie Velours and her little nephew only nodded. It must be routine for them. A man opening an account, to provide luxurious gowns for his probably greedy mistress. But that wasn't his case and despite the secret, he needed to make that clear to a certain point.

"But not for me, not under my name. It is for someone else, someone… dear to me."

That seemed not usual at all for the modiste and her nephew, as they looked at him with more surprise and interest.

"Still, the bills shall be sent to me and not to that person, unless it would said accordingly. And… I would prefer if she could make her own choices concerning the gowns and the dresses. She… she deserves this."

He stopped before he could starting to ramble about how wonderful Vanessa was. It was already bad that he started blushing in front of two complete strangers and one of them was even a child.

But thankfully, and to his surprise, both Soie Velours and Lin Velours didn't ask for more, despite the knowing smile on the modiste's lips. It wasn't a mocking smile, more like gently teasing and understanding a bit.

"Well, Lin, it seems that we have a special kind of account to create today. And for a very honourable man it seems, unlike most noble lords we deal with most of the time?"

Honourable? That was the first time someone other than Vanessa called him like that in such a genuine way and not in flattery.

"Well, lord Nozel, since the bills will go to your name and not to the owner of this account, unless it's precisely mentioned, it might be a bit complicated to fill every detail, but that shouldn't be a problem. And since it's for a royal like you, I'm ready to do some little compromises on it. So, under which name shall that account be?"

"Vanessa Enoteca."

He must have said her name with such softness and maybe with a tiny smile, as Soie Velours looked at him with a knowing smile, while her nephew just glanced at him with awe. They didn't judged him and this was a true relief for Nozel.