Rosette knew that Glasserton Hall, the country villa of her family, was getting tinier and tinier behind her, but she still didn't turned around. Not that the country villa itself was a horrible place to be. Oh, on the contrary, Rosette loved country life just as much as city life. But being with the members of house Vitrail…

Rosette sighed. No one knew and she came to that conclusion on her own years ago, even before she got her grimoire. She still loved her family, but she wouldn't missed them. Most of the member of her house Vitrail were typical nobles, superficial, arrogant, close-minded etc. And since house Vitrail was from high nobility, only very few members, like children or some old people, were actually at least decent or mostly truly good. Rosette came to the point that she could only love her family and most relatives from afar and that she shouldn't hope for betterment.

She wasn't hated, oh no. But given her unhealthy reputation, most people mostly pitied her and when compared to shining ladies like her older sister, she was mostly invisible. People didn't think that Rosette Vitrail was more than just fragile and pale. And this was one of the reasons why Rosette had taken a rather bold decision.

Of course, she wasn't unhealthy and despite her frail appearance, she also wasn't fragile. Rosette learned very early that being looked over and somehow invisible had some pretty good advantages. She became very observant over the years, sharpened her mind, learned many things herself… Rosette knew that it might not be very humble, but she liked to think that she was clever. And she had the weakness to like that fact. But of course, bragging about it would be dumb.

Rosette favourite colour was grey for a reason. No other colour, even brown, allowed her to be invisible and to observe in peace. And from a fashion sense, grey worked well with every other colour. And she was lucky that grey was a good colour fitting pretty well with the royal house of Silva.

Honestly, marrying into royalty was truly one of the boldest decisions she ever made and no one ever knew that it was hers. Which was good, Rosette preferred to not be in the centre of attention when she could avoid it. It already took her a lot of patience and even ruse to make her parents believe it was their idea to marry their second daughter into royalty instead of letting her become a spinster like everyone believed.

Rosette sighed in silent. She had two reasons for having taken such a bold decision and both included going away from the Vitrails. Why else would she have suggested to already move into the Silva Palace before her wedding, awakening an ancient betrothal tradition that hadn't been applied for very long?

The first reason was that Rosette couldn't do much while she was just the second daughter of the Head of house Vitrail. Observant as she was, she was very much aware of the unfairness towards misfits, towards peasants and commoners, towards witches even though they weren't many outside of the Witches Forest, towards foreigners even towards against other nobles and royals, especially those who weren't like the status quo. Although, even ordinary nobles and royals were at risk to be looked down upon.

Rosette had to fight alone against of the unfairness of her own situation and she managed to do great. But she also knew that it couldn't work in each situation, that others would need help and often didn't get any. Rosette wanted to do something against that unfairness, even if it was just a small thing. And she came to the conclusion that being a royal would give her some real opportunity to do something against unfairness, whatever those might be. But she couldn't become a royal just like that. The only way was through marriage.

A heavy decision for Rosette. Arranged marriages weren't a good thing. But Rosette was also pragmatic most of the time and honestly, who would have ever wanted to marry her, with her reputation? Rosette never hoped or wished for love, even though she was a bit of a romantic. The marriage of Nozel Silva with Vanessa Enoteca had touched her heart greatly from the start and from what she heard of Yami Sukehiro and Charlotte Roselei, it sounded like an amazing romance.

But for herself, Rosette didn't want to hope. She learned very young to be pragmatic and so, she decided to marry into royalty. It gave her at least some advantages and since it was her own decision, she also needed to face the consequences and the probable disadvantages of it. Each decision had consequences, after all.

At least, she would have some power. And Rosette knew from experience that having invisible power was actually better than obviously seeking for it. Not to mentioned that she refused to manipulate house Silva in any way.

The second reason of her rather bold decision was more selfish, but somehow also necessary. Rosette needed to get away from house Vitrail. She didn't hate them, but that was it. She didn't felt like at home. It had just been where she lived. And honestly, she wanted a place to feel at home, to call home.

That was why she choose house Silva to marry into and not house Kira, especially since her older sister married into that royal family. Of course, house Vermillion would have been an option if Fuegoleon Vermillion was Head of House. But for now, old Achilles Vermillion was sadly still in charge and Rosette observed enough to know that except being a Magic Knight or a nun, she would have kept a low profile under his jealous, arrogant eyes.

The Silvas seemed like the better option. Lord Nozel married a witch, lady Nebra and lady Noelle were currently dating peasants. That was already a hint that this royal house at least started to be more open minded. Of course, Rosette knew that Solid Silva had a reputation of being a jerk, but she could live with that. She knew worse jerks.

Besides, from the interview she had to go through facing the three royal House Heads, Rosette came to the conclusion that out of the three, Nozel Silva was the only who took this position seriously. While king Augustus and Achilles Vermillion had an attitude like "I'm House Head so I'm responsible but I do what I want because I'm lazy and a coward of my own issues", lord Nozel asked really good questions, wrote down notes about her answers or anything she said and actually took her somehow seriously.

They had already crossed paths, when she stumbled upon him at the shop of Soie Velours or especially during that whole ordeal during the Three Leaves Glory ball almost two years ago. Lord Nozel didn't seem like he had forgotten. And he must have deemed her worthy enough to become a Silva. She got the acceptance letter just the day after her royal interview. Rosette had thought that it would take the royals longer to take a decision. Either they really weren't that many suitors for Solid Silva, as she already suspected. Or the other candidates must have been really stupid.

Or both. This was even very possible.

"Oh, isn't this amazing? We're going to live in a palace! A royal palace! That so much bigger than the country villa or the city manors of house Vitrail!"

"So true! And since lord Nozel and lady Vanessa are now parents, we might even finally see the two new princesses already! And before the Royal Presentation even! Isn't this exciting?"

"Yes, but as maids, we wouldn't have been invited to the Royal Presentation itself, remember?"

"But we can see them now before the whole nobility will and since we will now live at the Silva Palace, we might see the royal babies every day!"

Rosette hold back a giggle as she glanced at her two maids sitting in front of her. Holly and Dolly were identical twins, very prone on gossip like most normal servants and as for now, the only people Rosette was close to. And the only two people who practically adored her. Of course, she couldn't agree with everything Holly and Dolly said, but they were so very kind and good allies concerning observation. Thanks to them, Rosette was always able to know what servants were doing and saying.

It might continue within the Silva Palace. Holly and Dolly might be very prone on gossip, had a giggling habit and sometimes acted unmaidly when they needed to be proper, but they knew their job better than any servant Rosette could think of.

"Are you sad, lady Rosette?" Holly suddenly asked, looking at her mistress with some concern. "You've been so quiet since we left Glasserton Hall."

Oh gosh, had she been that much in her thoughts? Rosette hadn't realized. She wasn't even nervous about her whole life changing. Okay, maybe a little, but not as much as anyone else probably would be.

"Don't worry, you can still visit your family if you want, certainly even before the wedding," Dolly added with compassion. "And since your sister married lord Damnatio, she will be living practically next door at the Kira Palace. Maybe she'll be waiting together with the Silvas for you."

Rosette doubted that. It might have been nice, but this wasn't Athénaïs' style. She probably would have given her own pregnancy as an excuse.

Yes, Athénaïs was pregnant. Which meant that Rosette would become an aunt not only of two new Silva princesses, but also of her sister's child.

The birth date might be set somewhere in November, so there was still some time. But Rosette also knew that Athénaïs wasn't really happy about it. Once considered as the perfect future lady Silva, Athénaïs had lost many chances of gaining power when Nozel Silva married Vanessa Enoteca. Oh, in a weird attempt to make lord Nozel pay, she married another famous royal. But of course, being married to lord Damnatio never gave her any kind of power she had longed for. Lord Damnatio wasn't Head of house Kira and he wasn't one to let himself being manipulated that easily.

Not Athénaïs' best move and she was usually somehow smart.

Rosette had calculated quickly. Athénaïs and Damnatio got married a bit more than one year ago. But her sister got pregnant only now and this around probably February. Which would also mean that Rosettes future nephew or niece must have been conceived around the time when princess Nymphea and princess Valentina Silva must have been born. And Rosette had the suspicion that this wasn't a coincidence.

Was Athénaïs so frustrated about lord Nozel choosing a witch over a lady from high nobility, and over her to be more precisely?

"Don't worry, you two, I'm fine. But I'm glad to have you here with me. It's always nice to have at least familiar faces when everything else is changing."

Rosette meant every word. And she couldn't help but smile when she saw Dolly and Holly smiling brightly at her words. Their smiles were always so contagious, especially with their red curls, their round faces, their hazel eyes and their countless freckles.

"Maybe it will help you to eat a bite," Holly giggled, while Dolly took the small picnic basket. "It's always good to have at least something in your stomach during those kind of circumstances."

"If it's to have something of those special diet meals with no taste made especially for unhealthy people my mother always swears on, no thank you," Rosette replied with grimace. She might have some advantages with her unhealthy reputation, but this was certainly not one of them. With her daughter always looking so frail and thin, lady Cristal Vitrail had always ordered special meals for her, which were so healthy in appearance that they started to be unhealthy again.

Rosette had tried one day to make her mother understand that a thin and sick person should be better have meals that filled the stomach better. But lady Cristal always her own ideas about health and food.

Holly and Dolly knew that, of course. But they had also their own ideas about what their young mistresses should eat.

"Luckily for you, lady Cristal charged us with the picnic for the journey. Don't worry, we have taken more fattening food, you really need to gain some pounds here and there."

"Do you have those huge chocolate éclairs I love so much?"

"Of course, lady Rosette."

"Then please give me one. No, two. And grapes and if you have, one grilled cheese sandwich."

"We have all of that and more, young lady."

Taking a huge bite from one of her chocolate éclairs, Rosette closed her eyes to savour the taste perfectly.

She loved chocolate so much and she would do anything to finally eat some every day. Well, Rosette heard that not only the Silvas were all having a sweet teeth – apparently, it was a family heirloom – but also that the Silva pastries were excellent. Surely there would be chocolate too.

But Rosette doubted that she would get some pounds here and there, like Holly and Dolly hoped she would. Three years ago, she had made an experience and mostly ate fattening food in secret for almost one week.

Rosette was still waiting for those pounds to finally appear.

Holly and Dolly took some food themselves, while sharing the latest news. Apparently, lord Aquarius Seashell had been so desperate in his search for a wife that he started to court two ladies at the same time. Of course, the young girls only learned way later about the other and in the end, none of them wanted to marry lord Aquarius. Prudence Évantail came back last week from her long vacation in the Heart Kingdom, but still without a husband. And on a sadder note, while Sapphira Gem and her brother Smaragd were still grieving about the death of their older sister Damaris, their parents were already over it. And the late Damaris Gem wasn't even buried yet.

This didn't surprised Rosette, sadly. Damaris had like her an unhealthy reputation. But unlike Rosette she had been really ill. When Damaris died last week, overnight in her bed, everyone of course believed that it was because of her poor health, especially her blood sickness and her asthma.

Rosette haven't heard though that Damaris' health had been worse lately, so it had been still surprising and sad to hear that she died all of a sudden. But at the same time, it was typical for nobles to hide any news that could made others look down upon them.

May Damaris now rest in peace and be at a better place now. At least, her two younger siblings would miss her and so she won't be forgotten that easily.

A few hours later, Rosettes carriage finally drew into the royal capital. Holly and Dolly immediately had to look out the windows, never getting tired onto commenting everything they saw. Like Soie Velour's shop and atelier, the arena where the Magic Knight Selection Exam was held or the market place. There were also some walking merchants with any kind of baby items, in honour of the Royal Presentation of the two newest royal babies.

Rosette let her maids have their fun, while she finished her second egg sandwich. It won't be long now and she would live at the Silva Palace, with her future in-laws and her future husband. A completely new life.

She would lie that she was still a bit excited of it.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped. Holly and Dolly, who actually stood to have a better view out of the windows, stumbled back inelegantly on their seats, immediately starting to pout. Those two, really.

What was going one? Rosette quickly swallowed the rest of her egg sandwich, before standing up and bowing a bit out of the window.

"Lorenzo, what is going on?"

"I don't know m'lady. Looks that there was an accident."

Her uncle's driver was right. There was a huge crowd almost covering the whole road, mumbling and looking down onto… something. Rosette couldn't see what or who it was exactly.

On the other hand, she saw that four Magic Knights were already investigating. She recognized Langris Vaude and David Swallow from the Golden Dawn, as well as Magna Swing from the Black Bulls, as well as… Nacht Faust, vice-captain of the Black Bulls?

Rosette had of course heard of him, but she barely saw him before. Apparently, he wasn't one who liked to stand out, even as a Black Bull. Not bad looking at all, actually, even though the kind smile seemed threatening for some reason.

"Excuse me, lord Nacht?" she called. Rosette still remembered that the Faust were once a noble house and even though he was the last one alive of that family, Nacht Faust was still a noble.

Nacht turned around, his expression hasn't changed. He came up with nonchalance. "Young lady, if you're in a hurry, you either be patient and wait until the crowd goes away. Or you take another road, this one will preoccupied for a while."

"Don't worry, we won't be disturbing the works of the Magic Knights and we won't bother you longer. But tell me, what happened here exactly? Is it bad?"

Nacht Faust seemed a bit surprised by her answer, but still didn't stop smiling. "It looks an accident. A young girl either fell from a balcony or in front of a carriage in hurry. It's not a pretty view, it might take some time before we can properly identify her."

"Oh, poor girl. She must have suffered."

"Not really, it seems like she died immediately."

"Hopefully. Is there something on her clothes or anything that gives at least a hint about who she was?"

The vice-captain of the Black Bulls seemed mildly surprised again, but still said, "Her clothes are made of silk, the finest silk and the dress comes apparently from Soie Velours. So, she seems to be a noble or a royal, or even just someone from the gentry who is very rich. Although, she has a necklace with some kind of strange pendant around her neck. Odd for a higher-up, at least."

"A strange pendant?"

"You're very curious, young lady."

"Well, maybe I know that young lady who had that accident and you Magic Knights would win a lot of time if you can identify her immediately."

"Good point, I have to admit. I'll give you that. Well, first it's only made of iron, one reason it's odd for someone rich. And the shape is strange too, as it's a bat."

"Oh, Veilchen Methusalem! Poor girl."

"You know her?"

"Barely. I only seen her from time to time within noble circles and I've only interacted two or three times. But I will never forget her pendant. I think she was the only one within nobility to wear an iron bat as a necklace. Is her hair lilac, by any chance?"

"Yes."

"Then it is really Veilchen Methusalem. Poor girl. She was one of the rare nobles to not be ashamed of having special hobbies, like wandering or observing night animals. Veilchen even had been proud of her passions."

Something was shifting in Nachts eyes, as he slowly nodded. "Thank you for your input, young lady. Can I have your name? It's for the rapport, even though I personally think it is a waste of time. Especially since my captain is so lazy about his job."

Rosette couldn't help but giggle. "Of course. My name is Rosette, of house Vitrail. And if you need it for your rapport, I'm going to the Silva Palace."

"Hm, interesting. I think that Vanessa has mentioned something about you. Well, you shouldn't let captain Nozel wait, as he is very punctual. If you take that side-road, you can be at the Silva Palace in no time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to put some senses into those idiots behind me."

Indeed, Magna Swing was yelling something at Langris Vaude, who looked done for some reason, while David Swallow tried to be diplomatic.

"I see. Good luck, vice-captain Nacht."

Nacht didn't responded, as he immediately went towards the Magic Knights arguing. Rosette just shrugged, it must be who he was.

"Lorenzo, you heard what Nacht Faust told us. Go towards this side-road, please."

"Yes, m'lady."

Rosette sat back on her seat, deep in thoughts. Well, the beginning of her new life had quite the interesting start. She was curious to see how it will go.


Solids fiancée should now be arriving in any minute. Even Zora and Asta had come today for this rather special occasion. Asta came of course out of kindness, but Zora was more eager to meet a noble that might become his girlfriend's future sister-in-law and ready to roast said noble with his harsh honesty.

Well, he might ended up surprised by Rosettes difference from most other noble ladies her age. Maybe. Nozel wasn't sure about anything, since no one here truly knew Rosette Vitrail in the first place. Vanessa and himself had only interacted a few times with her, especially two years ago. At least, Rosette had made a good impression to them, especially during that Three Leaves Glory ball.

In the end, Nozel just hoped that everything would end up going fine. That Rosette won't be a corrupt noble in disguise. And that the members of his family – including also Asta and Zora – would be on their best behaviour today, when Rosette would arrive.

Especially the one who was her betrothed.

"Solid, cutie, don't hold this bouquet like this. You don't want to give your fiancée flowers that looked gone with the wind, right?"

Solid just pouted, but still obeyed his sister-in-law and hold the bouquet of lilac wisterias and bluebells, all from the Silva Flower Garden, in a more appropriate way.

Nozel couldn't help but smile at Vanessa. He was so blessed to have at her side, to have her helping him, even with his siblings. He couldn't wish for a better partner and even if there was, Nozel knew that for him personally, no one could be better than Vanessa.

"Seriously, Solid, why are you pouting? You're the one who wanted to go through an arranged marriage in the first place," Nebra snickered, arms crossed. Not very proper for a royal, but knowing his sister, Nozel knew that she would act more royal than royal standard once Rosette Vitrail would arrive.

"What does those flowers means, actually?" Asta asked, looking rather curious at the bouquet in Solids hand.

Noelle, of course, immediately answered him, "Bluebells are a symbol for kindness. Wisterias usually mean that someone is welcoming. Which is actually pretty fitting, we are welcoming lady Rosette in our home and we want to be kind."

"Oh, thank you Noelle. Hope I won't forget it."

Maybe he would, but Nozel had learned quickly that it wasn't needed to be upset at Asta to not know about flower language. Besides, since he offered Noelle some flowers that were usually used to be put on tombs, Asta always asked Nozel for help first every time he wanted to gift his girlfriend some flowers. Of course Nozel would help him. He grew rather fond of Asta after some time and helping his hopefully future brother-in-law with flower language had always been a good bonding time.

"Well, it doesn't look like the fiancé wants to be kind and welcoming of his future noble spouse," Zora snickered, arms crossed just like Nebra. Nozel didn't know what was more worrying. When Nebra and Zora were flirting/arguing with each other (for their specific romantic case, those two words were actually synonyms) or if they both became a team to prank or mock others.

"Well, the reasons might be not good ones in your shoes, but I still have some reasons to be at least a bit upset," Solid groaned, pouting again, not looking like he was twenty-two years old. "Seriously Nozel, out of all the candidates I got, why did you choose the only one who has a reputation to be unhealthy and rather frail? There were certainly others who were obviously healthier."

"Solid, I also choose the only one who would probably not looking down on Vanessa, Zora and Asta. Would you have preferred a wife who would have prejudices against your in-laws and who might even want to try to use house Silva for their own schemes, based on those prejudices?"

Solid didn't answered, which actually meant that he agreed, even though he refused to admit it. Vanessa put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "At least, Rosette seems to be truly a nice girl, be happy it isn't an arrogant noble."

"Yeah, can we be so sure about that, concerning that noble?" Zora asked, still snickering. "She might be a smart cookie with ambition and she acted nice to have more chances. And before you two come again with the argument that you interacted already a few times with her, a few times isn't enough to determine someone's personality."

Nozel didn't know what he could reply to that. Zora wasn't a liar and when he was right, then he was right. It was true that a few interactions wasn't enough to know a person. But it was already some good hints.

But Vanessa knew exactly what to reply, of course. "Trust me, Rosette is not an arrogant noble with ambitions who will look down on you, Asta and me, or even Nymphea and Valentina. You can trust my gut feeling."

"And when have your gut feeling ever been right, wino?"

"From my experience, it had always been the case. I'm still astonished that most of you Black Bulls still aren't trusting Vanessas gut feeling yet."

Vanessa kissed him passionately on the cheek for his words, while Zora and Noelle looked at him with surprise. Still surprised that he always trusted Vanessas gut feeling. Nozel would never forget how most of the Black Bulls looked at him as if he had cut his braid when he told them that he trusted Vanessa always when she was feeling something.

Only Asta nodded with a smile. He also always trusted Vanessas gut feeling and the fact that Nozel did the same was enough for Asta to consider him as a good person and boyfriend to his squadmate.

Nebra was about to add something to the discussion when suddenly a carriage came on the place shared by the three royal palaces. A noble carriage made of white wood with golden patterns, the sigil of house Vitrail pranging on the doors.

Rosette Vitrail was arriving.

Nozel couldn't help but fell a bit nervous. He still wasn't sure that Solids decision to go through to an arranged marriage was a good one, especially after he fought for years to assure his siblings the marital freedom. And even so, he was the one who choose Rosette Vitrail to be Solids betrothed. But to be honest, it had been either her or no one.

Sometimes, Nozel still preferred he could have refused anyone and not putting Solid through an arranged marriage. Even if it would have cause some kind of scandal for house Silva. But well, nobility always find new ways to put shade on his house.

But he choose a young girl and now, he had to go through his decision. There was no decision without consequences.

Nozel felt Vanessa took his hand, giving it a reassuring grip. She maybe knew more than anyone what kind of thoughts were worrying his mind. He might repeat himself, but he was so grateful that she was with him. Remembering how he was before Vanessa entered his life, Nozel wondered how he would have been able to continue his cold, controlled life. She saved him before he fell over the edge.

The carriage stopped in front of the Silva family and the driver had even enough policy to take his head to salute them, before he jumped down to open one of the carriage doors.

"Thank you, Lorenzo."

Before she was even seen, Rosette Vitrail already spoke, as she took the drivers hand and got out of the carriage.

For someone who was very thin, frail looking und who was for some reason believed to be unhealthy, this young girl still was standing very firmly on her feet.

Her straight white-blonde hair was falling freely on her shoulders, only hold back by a pearly grey ribbon. Rosette Vitrail was wearing a dress of the same colour, simple but still from high quality, with another ribbon around her waist, this time in a pale pink and a bow on her back. She didn't seem to have a lot of baggage. At least for someone of nobility, as it was still a lot.

Rosette turned towards the Silva family and genuinely smiled at them before she actually courted politely in front of all of them, even Zora and Asta. Zora especially seemed rather surprised by Rosettes genuine policy.

Vanessa, who was actually wonderful as first lady of house Silva, smiled brightly back and slightly returned the bow. "Well, welcome to the Silva Palace and into royal life, young lady. I hope that the journey wasn't too boring. Carriage journeys can be so much longer than travelling with broom or with special flying spells. Not to mention spatial magic."

"Thank you very much for your kind words, lady Vanessa. It was indeed kinda long, especially since most of the members of my house are currently residing at Glasserton Hall, the country residence of the Vitrails. So the way is long, since I have neither a flying spell yet and that travelling with broom is not always recommended with the amount of luggage I have with me."

Nozel noticed that she said members of my house and not my family. But Rosette continued rapidly, "But it wasn't so bad. I had my books with me and my maids to ensure I wasn't missing anything."

"Your maids came with you?" Noelle asked surprised. Nozel almost chuckled. His youngest sister lived mostly with the Black Bulls, that she was now actually surprised that other royals and nobles actually still had maids. Vanessa had been surprised too, but not as much as Noelle. In fact, Vanessas maid was Diana, one of the Silvas ancient maids and who once served Acier Silva until her death. After being just a maid for many years, serving at a country residence, Diana actually asked to serve the new lady Silva after Nozels and Vanessas wedding, to which he agreed. Diana and Vanessa got along perfectly, to Nozels happy relief.

"You have two maids?", Nebra asked right after Noelle. Of course, she would be surprised that someone would have two maids instead of one. To be fair, it was also surprising for Nozel.

"Yes, they came with me. They're at my service since I'm ten and I didn't want to be apart from them. Don't worry, they will fit wonderfully within the Silva household. In fact, they were even excited to work now in a royal palace. As because I have two… Well, my maids are identical twins."

Like it was their clue, two young women who looked completely identical stepped out of the carriage and immediately started to bow.

"Milords and Miladies, it is such an honour to meet you and to serve within your household from now on. I'm Dolly."

"And I'm Holly."

Holly and Dolly, identical twins with apparently also similar personalities. That would be something, but hopefully not so much of a bother. Nozel side-glanced at Asta, who looked very confused at the two ginger haired maids. So even he couldn't tell them apart, despite his ability to read Ki.

Rosette now turned actually towards Zora and Asta, smiling at them without any prejudice in her pale grey eyes. "You must be Zora Ideale and Asta, from the Black Bulls squad. It's a true honour to finally met you."

Nozel couldn't help but sigh softly in relief. It was really good to know that Rosette didn't seem to be one of those nobles who looked down on peasants. Vanessa smiled happily, Nebra only nodded to hide that she was relieved, while Noelle showed her relief in a very obvious way.

"Oh, shoot, she's actually serious," Zora groaned, completely stunned.

Asta had a bit more manners, as he immediately replied rather loud, "Hey, it's nice to meet you too. You're really nice! My name is Asta! And it's nice to meet your two friends here as well."

"What an honour to meet a hero," Dolly or Holly said while immediately bowing in front of Asta.

"Hey, you don't need to bow in front of me, Molly, was it?"

"Oh, you don't like it that way, sir Asta? Then how about that way?"

"Or maybe this way?"

"Or rather this way?"

"Or that way?"

Holly and Dolly were now trying different kind of courtesies in front of Asta, who looked so confused about it. And the two maids didn't seem to want to stop. It was strange but also amusing to witness, Nozel had to admit.

Zora, Nebra, Vanessa and Noelle were also pretty amused by the scene. Meanwhile, Rosette just shrugged and rolled her eyes. She must be probably used since years by the antics of her twin maids.

Solid, who was silent during the whole ordeal, finally moved and handed the bouquet to his betrothed. "Um, here… To welcome you or something."

Nozel fought the urge to roll his eyes. For someone who was rather arrogant about being a royal, Solid rarely acted accordingly to his position.

But Rosette didn't seem to mind at all. On the contrary, her pale grey eyes suddenly began to shine brightly as she took the wisterias and the bluebells. "Oh, thank you very much, lord Solid! Those flowers are so beautiful. It's the first time anyone ever gifted me flowers! This is truly so kind of you!"

Really? That actually sounded kinda sad. Nozel knew that not everyone liked to receive flowers, but it was always a nice gift. Vanessa always teased him that he would made a florist shop out of her each time he gifted her a bouquet. It was her way to tell him that she was happy about the flowers.

One of the Silvas main butlers appeared, ready to take order for the newcomers. Nozel turned towards him. "Baxter, please make sure that the baggage of lady Rosette will be brought to her bedroom. And then, take Holly and Dolly with you, show them the palace and then bring them to our housekeeper, so that she would explain them the rules of our household and our habits."

"Of course, lord Nozel."

"And can someone please explain to those two to stop to bow to me? Or is there a special magic spell to stop the bowing?"

"Oh, sorry Asta. I apologize, my maids are really excited to work at the Silva Palace from now on," Rosette replied in a giggle, before clapping in her hands. "Alright, Holly, Dolly, stop the courtesies now."

"Yes, lady Rosette."

The two maids immediately stopped, to Astas biggest relief. Rosette turned towards them and ordered kindly, "I'll see you two later, the butler will take care of you. Baxter, was it? Please take good care of Holly and Dolly. They might not showing it, but they're a bit nervous."

"Of course, lady Rosette. Dolly, Holly, please follow me."

After a last bow for their mistress and one groan from Asta because of said bow, the two maids disappeared into the palace. Nebra sighed and rolled her eyes, before clapping her hands. "Well, there's no reason to stay longer here. Let's go to the Silver Flower Garden, everybody. Do you want some tea and pastries, lady Rosette? We from both or chefs and from the chef of the Black Bulls squad."

"Gladly, especially if there is some chocolate to it. I adore chocolate, just so you know."

"Well, if you're a sweet tooth too, you might be fit pretty well in this sugar addicted family. Ouch!"

"Shut up, Zora!"

While Nebra and Noelle looked harshly at Zora and Asta still tried to somehow recover from the courtesies of the maids for some reason, Nozel gently but firmly pushed Solid towards his betrothed, so that he could guide Rosette himself.

Vanessa took his arm immediately and they got back into the palace. "Well, honey, this wasn't so bad, right? And Rosette is very nice already. It was an excellent choice. Also, her maids are so amusing."

"I hope it won't be difficult, first with the official betrothal party and the royal wedding later. As for the maids, that is going to be something since they're so similar. Even Asta couldn't tell them apart with his Ki reading."

"That's certainly because he never interacted with identical twins before. And don't forget that Asta is still a lovable idiot."

That was true, but it was probably part of his charm. Otherwise, Noelle wouldn't have fallen in love with him. And Nozel was now married to the best reason to never doubt the choice of his beloved baby sister.

"Thank you, Vanessa."

"What for, my handsome husband?"

"For just… being here, helping me emotionally. I think I really needed it today."

"Of course, Nozel, it's perfectly normal. I'm here for you and you're here for me. That's how our relationship works, remember?"

Vanessa smiled at him, before putting a hand on his cheek and kissing him softly. Nozel leaned it to kiss as if it was something he needed to live, like air or water. But for him, it was indeed something he needed to live.

He barely heard Solid groaning "uh, gross… ouch!" before he got smacked and scolded by both Nebra and Noelle, like always when Nozel and Vanessa kissed in front of them. He barely heard how Zora snickered at their public display of affection, how Asta yelled that they were "such an amazing couple for doing that!" and how Rosette letting out something that sounded like kind, amused awe.

All he could focus on was his wife, the mother of his children, the woman he fell so deeply in love with that he could never imagined his life without her anymore.

Like so often in two years, since he realized his love for her, Nozel was so grateful to the gods or the heavens that he gave into his feelings for Vanessa instead of sacrificing himself into an arranged marriage.


"You know, little mochi, if you wanted to stay here at the Hideout, I certainly would have given you Nachts bedroom, ya know it's a cosy one. That jerk is often away lately. But at the moment, he's here, so…"

"Sukehiro, it's okay, really. I'm also happy to stay with you and Charlotte. I can still fly over at the Black Bulls Hideout and if I want, you also gave me your old bedroom here to sleep, in case my visit to your squad gets a bit long. Besides, staying at your cottage is also the perfect opportunity for me to spend more time with my nephew."

Ichika smiled immediately, brightly even, at the baby in Yamis arm. Asahi smiled back and reached his tiny arms towards his auntie. Of course, Yami couldn't resist and put his son in his little sister's arm. It always warmed his heart to see aunt and nephew together. Ichika looked so soft and Asahi was always happy to see his auntie.

"Blue Rose Mama will come later today to visit. She'd been quite excited when she learned that you'll be back again so soon."

Ichika immediately smiled brightly. She was very fond of Orchidea Roselei. No wonder, Blue Rose Mama was totally the mother figure Ichika never had for so long. Yami couldn't forget that his mother-in-law was also one of the reasons why he had been able to make peace and getting closer with his little sister.

Well, both Orchidea and Charlotte helped him.

"When will Charlotte come back home?" Ichika asked after a while, while stroking Asahis belly, something he absolutely loved, given the happy babbling that was leaving his tiny mouth.

"Won't be so long, since we have Asahi, she's used to come back home rather early when she has to work. Well, what can we do, our little Horned Rose needs Mum and Dad, plus Prickly Queen is unable to resist those grey eyes and the cuteness overload, our son's biggest weapon. I can't blame her."

"Certainly because you're also very, very unable to resist Asahis cuteness, even more than Charlotte."

"Come on, you little shit, why such harsh words towards your own big bro? You're breaking my delicate little heart of glass here."

"I'm just giving you your own medicine back. It's not so bad to have it and I know that Charlotte would agree with me."

"Yeah, you both always team up on poor me. I hope that my little Horned Rose would at least be on my side. Right, son? We Yami men need to stick together."

Asahi just looked up at his father, his big dark grey eyes almost seemed to be judging. Okay, Yami now that Bird Braids twin daughter with the N name had already very cold glare for a baby, but Asahi wasn't so bad either.

"Come on, even my own baby boy is siding with the ladies. Okay, he's already a gentleman, I'll give him that, but still, he's also breaking my delicate little heart of glass here. I'm a Virgo, so I'm delicate."

"How ironic, since you don't want to act delicately in front of your squad."

"Nah, that's fine. They all need some tough love to surpass their limits and they know better than to stand up when I'm angry."

"Vanessa does it, though."

"But only since she started to be romantically involved with Bird Braid. Damn, that stupid silver royal made her so bold and it's even worse since they're married. Do you remember how she took all my cigarettes away?"

"That was during her pregnancy. Do you also remember that Charlotte did the same, as she was pregnant with Asahi during the very same period? Besides, you did stop smoking long before that."

"Ugh, yes, true."

Of course Yami hasn't forgotten, but he just enjoy this playful bicker with his little sister so much. And it wasn't so bad that he stopped smoking, Charlotte clearly enjoyed that his kisses didn't have a smoky taste anymore.

The problem was more that he needed to calm his stupid addiction. And he got two options. One was Charlotte in all her entire existence and there was nothing to complain about. The other was any kinds of sweet and Yami wasn't really proud of that. But this was personal and he just delegated it to be Sweet-Tooth-Yami's problem.

Ichika was about to say something else, when there was a knock on the door of the cottage. Yami stood up immediately. "That's probably Blue Rose Mama already. She had been quite excited when told her that ya will be back visiting so soon again."

Ichika nodded. Something felt a bit different in her Ki, as if she was kinda dreamy somehow. Weird, his sister wasn't someone to be dreamy. But maybe it was just because she saw her nephew again. Lately, every time she visited and that was often, Ichika was sometime dreamy, but Yami wasn't really worried about it.

After all, it was normal for an aunt to adore her nephew.

But as he opened the door, it wasn't Blue Rose Mama standing outside, but his own vice-captain, looking at him with that specific little knowing smile.

"Geez, Nacht, have I done something wrong again?"

"You mean, except not coming to work and leaving the squad in his usual chaos, without telling me that you got a free day and that I could have send someone else with Magna to patrol at the royal capital? Oh, wait, you actually haven't taken a day off in the first place and given your casual attitude, Asahi didn't got a sudden cold, giving you fairly an excellent excuse to skip your captain duties today. And I have a rapport for you to ready properly, there had been a nasty accident back at the royal capital."

"Ouch, give me some slack, would ya? I just forgot and I just needed to welcome my little sister. So, okay, you might come in, but please don't argue with Ichika. I'm still waiting for the day that you two would stop bickering."

To Yamis biggest surprise, Nacht didn't replied at all, as he just came in. Weird. Yami would have expected his vice-captain and best friend to have some smug remark or something. Given on his Ki, he seemed a bit tense and also… excited? Damn, something must have irritated him a lot, there was no other explanation.

"Ichika."

"Nacht."

Damn, the tension between them was thick as fuck. And the stared at each other so intensely. Did they have a glaring competition or something?

"Okay, you little shitheads, if you want to try to strangle each other, do it without the little Horned Rose as a witness, got it?" Yami grumbled while taking Asahi from Ichikas arms. His little sister didn't protested. She was too much preoccupied to glare Nacht back to the moon and back. Or back to hell and back, this seemed more appropriated.

There was another knock at the door and Yami decided to go open again, taking Asahi with him. He had no idea why Nacht and Ichika were staring at each other as if they wanted to get into the soul of the other, but for some mysterious reason it was pissing him of. To a point that he both didn't want to witness that and at the same time, he was feeling unwilling to leave those two alone together.

"Ugh, well, who cares. That's future Yamis problem."

He barely was able to open the door when something that was named by him a Granny-Tornado hugged him before taking Asahi out of his arms. His son wasn't even afraid of the sudden kidnapping, on the contrary.

"So, how are you doing today, my dearest son-in-law? Of course you are fine, muscular as you are. And look who's here! Hello, my little sunlight, it's granny, yes. Oh, I missed you so much, you adorable little knight."

Asahi babbled happily, enjoying the cuddles from his grandmother.

"Geez, Blue Rose Mama, you act like you haven't seen him for decades and he not even half a year old yet."

"My dear, Yami, this is just normal for a grandmother. You'll see when you are a grandfather yourself. Now, where is my dearest Ichika-chan? I'm also here for her, of course."

"Um, in the living room, my vice-captain is there too. They have some kind of glaring competition or something, I don't know."

"Of course, they haven't seen each other for long, by their books."

And with that, Blue Rose Mama run towards the living room, holding Asahi firmly in his arms.

Yami just could look at his mother-in-law, vaguely wondering what she was yapping about. And being amazed how young she looked for a granny. Okay, she had been barely eighteen years old when she got Charlotte. But still, Orchidea looked very young for someone who was like fifty years old or something. She had only some silver strands in her otherwise black hair, but even with that, she looked like at least twenty years young than she actually was. With this young looking appearance, it was still a bit weird to hear her call herself a granny and to realize that grannies could also be rather young.

"Excuse me, can I have a kiss or a hug as well? I am still not very keen of being ignored by you, dense husband. I thought you were able to read Ki."

"Oh, shoot, you here too, Prickly Queen!"

"Well, of course I am, haven't I told you that- hmpf."

There was no better way to shut Prickly Queen up than by kissing her. And honestly, it was always great to have her by his side, to hold her, to kiss her. Married, having a kid together, managing their domestic life and Yami still was amazed by Charlotte, by everything he experienced by just being with her.

"Now this is what I call a welcome," Charlotte laughed as they break the kiss, still too early to Yamis taste.

"You're the best company I can have right now. Blue Rose Mama is fussing over our little Horned Rose and my little sister has some weird glaring competition with my vice-captain who came over for some reason. And I don't know why, but them glaring each other really is pissing me off. Normally I would enjoy the scene, but here?"

"Oh, Yami… I can't believe… But that's so you."

Huh? Why was Charlotte looking like she couldn't believe what she was hearing?

But before Yami could ask anything, Charlotte looked over at him and a seductive smile which was only meant for him. Oh, he loved that one a lot.

"Since both my mother and Ichika are here, and since they both adore our baby so much, wouldn't you mind that we have some spontaneous… how do you call it… tango together later?"

"That sounds like a true plan, Prickly Queen…"