"And this is why we came to the conclusion that the tragic death of Gracelyn Oveja is actually not due to an accident or suicide, but that it might be murder."
Charlotte shivered at that word. Murder. As a Magic Knight and as a captain, she saw a lot of horrible things happening over the years, but experience didn't mean that she was unable to feel nothing when said horrible things were happening.
And murder was no exception. In fact, there hadn't been so many murder cases for the Magic Knights lately.
Charlotte felt the large hand of her husband lie down on her leg, stroking it gently. Of course Yami felt that she got tense. He might still be terribly dense on some topics – like the romance of his younger sister – but he still felt immediately if she was calm or not inside, even without reading her Ki.
She could also tell that he wasn't laid back like usual either. In fact, all of the captains had a serious frown on their faces, even Dorothy and Rill. Murder wasn't a case to treat casually, after all. It was serious.
"Poison in her drink, that's a dirty trick," Jack groaned, sitting in an impossible way on his chair. "That's a cowardly way for the murderer to not even be present when the victim fights against Death. Why not slicing in a desert place?"
"I don't think this is braver than poisoning someone's drink in all discretion," Fuegoleon replied. "Not to mention that it was a soirée at the main city residence of house Évantail, any of the guests or the hosts could have done it. And it is also possible that the murder wasn't invited, maybe he paid someone."
Those were all good points, Charlotte had to admit. Honestly, they didn't had any clues about the motive and even about how the murderer fulfilled this. She couldn't help but ask, "Why did lady Bianca Évantail and others even mentioned that the poor lady Gracelyn committed suicide? Or why did her own mother and others believed that it was an accident? This seems like a very stupid thing to do."
"Maybe they were all afraid of scandal? Lady Bianca Évantail still hasn't forgotten that a member of her own house had been involved in the thievery in the Common Realm and the Land of the Sun two years ago. And lady Dolores Oveja seemed more afraid of a potential scandal than the death of her own daughter," Julius explained, frowning.
"Stupid ass nobles."
No one replied to Yami. Probably because each people present certainly agreed with his statement. Even Nozel who nodded firmly.
Marx sighed deeply before actually adding, "Both of those theories are to exclude, because the poison was only in Gracelyn's drink, not in any other glass. And it is very improbable that someone would commit suicide within a crowd, like a soirée of nobles. And even if it was the case, said someone would rather take a poison that kills with no pain, not one that will attack the mana system of the body, which is always painful. But those poisons are rare, which can indicate that the murderer might be rich or came to a lot of money. If it wasn't thievery."
Oh yes, Charlotte know that. There were some rare poisons, bond to magic, which attacked the mana system of the body. And when the mana system was attacked, it was terribly painful. Many of those poisons were based on plants that in very little doses could heal the mana system. But like any medicine, a bigger doses becomes a poison.
Poor Gracelyn Oveja, she must have been so much in pain.
"The sister of the late lady Gracelyn, Claire Oveja, was thankfully more helpful to us on the matter," Marx continued. "She seemed more impacted by the death of her younger sister. Lady Claire told us that Gracelyn had been a bit upset lately, even during the soirée. But she couldn't tell us way. Her sister apparently promised her that she will tell her today. But, well…"
Marx didn't finish the sentence. Everyone understood what it meant. Especially for lady Claire Oveja.
"What do you we know about the late lady Gracelyn?" Kaiser finally asked after some seconds of respectful silence. "Maybe we can find some hint within her daily life or if something happened lately to her."
"Sadly, there isn't much," Marx replied. "According to her sister and the servants, lady Gracelyn had quite the normal, unbothered life. She loved embroidery and poetry, as well as the opera and the theatre. She also was doing a lot of charity within the Forsaken Realm. For orphanages, schools, stuff like that."
"So we actually lost one of the rare good nobles, that sucks," Yami mumbled and now, it was Charlotte who stroke her husband's thigh softly.
"She can't have been murdered because she loves charity, poetry, embroidery, opera and theatre," William said thoughtfully. "None of those things are actually harmful to anyone. And lady Gracelyn didn't seem like someone who would have been able to upset someone to a point that said someone would go as far to kill her."
"It doesn't change the fact that she is dead now," Nozel replied, fiddling with his silver wedding band. An indicator that he was nervous despite his calm appearance and probably longing for Vanessa. Charlotte couldn't blame him. "Lady Gracelyn might had an unbothered life, but we shouldn't brush this away still."
"Nozel is right," Fuegoleon added. Little Salamander on his shoulder was hissing, almost with determination. "An innocent girl has been murdered and it is our duty to give her justice. And for that, we need to take attention on every detail, even those which might look unimportant. We can't allow a murderer to be without consequences."
"Isn't it strange, though?" Rill asked innocently. "Last week poor Damaris Gem died in her bed and only yesterday Veilchen Methusalem had that terrible accident. And the same day, Gracelyn Oveja was poisoned. That is a sad coincidence."
Silence went around the meeting room as every person present had their eyes focused on the youngest Magic Knight captain. Something that made Rill quickly uncomfortable. "What? Did I said something stupid? That wasn't my intention, I swear!"
"No, Rill, it wasn't stupid. Actually, you mentioned a very concerning possibility," Julius replied, deeply frowning in worry. "All of those poor dead girls… could it be that we have a serial killer roaming free?"
"Oh, please not that," Charlotte said in despair. This was actually a worse scenario than a simple murderer and this was already something to be worried about. But a serial killer? This possibility could make her sick. Hopefully it wasn't true. But if it was, he had already killed three innocent girls and who knows when that murderer would kill next and who. Without any clues, it would be difficult to investigate.
Yami took her hand under the table. Charlotte hold it as if her life depended on this gentle, comforting hold.
"But what could those girls have in common, that makes them potential victims?" Kaiser asked with worry. "Those poor girls haven't died the same way, as far as I know. If it's a serial killer, can it be possible that he uses different… well, different methods to… kill his victims?"
Another good point and Charlotte honestly didn't liked it. It was another reason to hope that it maybe wasn't a serial killer, that it was just a tragic coincidence. Hopefully it was just a tragic coincidence.
But despite her hope, Charlotte felt that her gut feeling told her something else…
"If that's the case, then we have to deal someone really smart and this is never a good thing when we have to investigate murder cases," Marx said with a sigh.
"If we have truly to deal with a serial killer, then maybe we should also focus on what the victims might have in common," Fuegoleon added, deeply frowning, while little Salamander hissed again. "All three are nobles, but not from the same kind of nobility. House Methusalem is from low nobility, house Gem is medium nobility, while house Oveja is from high nobility. Maybe there is something else that those poor girls had in common."
"Maybe. We should search further on that matter. I admit that I really hate all those maybe's and if's we have on this case, but it's not like we can be sure on anything," Julius said, deep in thoughts. "It is still possible that it is just a tragic coincidence, which I hope and I'm sure all of you hope it as well."
Everyone in the room nodded. Of course. In all their different ways, all nine captains cared a lot for the Clover Kingdom.
"But just because we hope it, doesn't mean it's the case," Nozel replied in a dark tone, softly fidgeting his wedding band. "We can't allow ourselves to be ignorant to any possibility. We had enough lessons in the past about that."
"Was there any kind of cases about a serial killer in the past already?" Yami asked, not laid-back for once. Charlotte almost smiled. She knew how casual her husband could be on captain duties, but when it was getting really serious, he was still all on it.
Plus, he asked actually a very good question.
"I think there was a case like three or four centuries ago," Marx answered. "But I don't know the details. I think the killer had been arrested? I need to go through the archive to find it again."
"Maybe it has nothing to do, but maybe it would also help us with our current case, if it's a serial killer as well," Julius said and anyone could clearly see how painful it was for him to use the words if and maybe again. "I will also have a talk with Damnatio about this. No matter if it's a tragic coincidence or really a serial killer, it is still a crime and Gracelyn Oveja at least deserves that justice comes to her. Which mean that her case will come in front of the parliament once we catch her murderer."
"Do you really believe that this scale bastard with the mole will help us with that case?" Yami asked, annoyed. Charlotte couldn't blame him. He and his squad weren't on the most friendly terms with Damnatio Kira, given what happened to Asta and Nero.
"I trust Damnatio, he cares truly for this country despite his methods and he already helped us with the case of the Devil Believers."
"Okay, that's a good point, old man."
"I think this will be all for today," Julius finally said as he stood up, imitated by the captains. "I know that all of you will tell your respective squads the new mission of investigation, but I will still send a mission sheet to all of your vice-captains. In a case like this, we might need to repeat ourselves time and time again. Also, I want all of the nine squads to work hand in hand together to solve this case. We need all the teamwork we can get, so don't be surprise if I give you missions for two or three squads altogether. Maybe even more. Also, I don't want words of this murder case to be spread out of the ranks of the Magic Knights. At least not yet, since we haven't any proper clues yet. But rumours can be wild and we don't need a new panic in the kingdom. Heaven's know how many we had during those last years. I don't want it to be public knowledge unless it can't go otherwise anymore and I don't know if we're going to be able to hold this worry in our ranks completely, so let's all do our very best to not spread any details more than necessary."
All the captains saluted while Julius and Marx left the meeting room.
There was silence after they left. Charlotte might not be able to read Ki, but she was still feeling so much how all of the other captains felt tense and worried after this meeting. Who would blame them, though?
Charlotte hoped so, so much that they wouldn't have to deal with a serial murderer, that the tragic deaths of those poor young girls were a mere a sad coincidence. But she had a bad feeling about this… It just refused to let go of her.
And as a mother, she couldn't help but immediately think of her son. Her sweet baby boy, her little child, who wasn't even half a year old. His silky blonde hair, his dark grey eyes just like those of his father, his innocent smile between his chubby cheek…
Asahis life barely started. Charlotte and Yami just started to settle down, finally having domestic life. Could that be shadowed by the case of a serial murderer? Would this have effects on them?
Charlotte immediately felt kinda bad for those thoughts. Does it made her selfish to think about her own, even secured life when three girls had tragic deaths and that those deaths were maybe even bonded to each other?
Yami and herself were still Magic Knights, there was nothing to go around that. They were yet able to find a good balance between their job and their private life. First to take care and to raise Asahi the best way possible. Second to also not neglect their own romantic relationship. And they did a great job so far. But of course, cases like this might have an impact on their private life as well.
Plus, Charlotte genuinely felt bad for those poor girls, may they rest in peace. She often heard of Damaris Gems weak health, once even had an escort mission when she and her younger siblings visited their grandparents. Veilchen Methusalem was someone she never truly met, but Charlotte had admired how she didn't let anyone talk her out of her special hobbies, she probably might have become a great example for young nobles to follow. As for Gracelyn Oveja… Charlotte couldn't imagine what pain this poor child had to go through during the last moments of her life. A poison that attacks the mana system of the body… It was actually a rather scary thought.
And her murderer had been bold to poison her during a soirée, an event full of many people.
"Yer alright, Prickly Queen?"
Her husband only whispered, but it still stopped her worried thoughts altogether.
"Well… not really. I'm sorry."
"Yeah, thought that much. Let's leave, I don't think that our colleagues are eager to meet on an after-meeting-drink either."
Charlotte nodded. Both of them quickly bid their goodbyes to the other captains and headed out of the Magic Knights Headquarters.
Charlotte thought that both of them would have to separate ways to reach their own squads and to tell their knights about the new cases which would involve all nine Magic Knight squads and then see each other back home, seeing if Asahi hadn't been spoiled rotten by his grandmother, who was babysitting him today.
But Yami apparently had other plans, as he lead his wife into town.
"Sukehiro… what are you doing?"
"Ya know, I like it when you used my first name that become somehow my family name back as a first name."
"That isn't an answer for my question, though."
"Dinner. We're both hungry and we need something positive after that meeting."
"But… shouldn't we join our respective squads first? To announce them what we captains decided and what kind of case we have to investigate, even though we have no clues about the truth yet? And Asahi and my mother? And what about Ichika, she is our guest, remember? And-"
"Calm down, Prickly Queen. And before you say anything, no, it's not me about being too casual about the topic. But I know you and I know that ya can't properly work when yer worries get the better of you. We will announce it to our idiots later and besides, Julius and Mushroom Head will sent each vice-captain a memo, so our brats are going to learn it any way, even if it's not from us. As for our son, Asahi is in good hands with Blue Rose Mama. Besides, she loves him so much that she won't complain if we come home later than usual. Wouldn't be the first time. As for my sis', well, she said that she wanted to catch up with the Black Bulls today and besides, Nacht is there."
Charlotte almost wanted to reply that Nacht being there was probably the main reason why Ichika wanted to stay with the Black Bulls today, but she hold back. Yami still had no idea and Orchidea had told her to better keep it quiet for now.
It was still a mystery for Charlotte that her mother learned about Nacht and Ichika a long while ago. But at the same time, it wasn't surprising. Orchidea became a true mother figure for Ichika, the young woman must have confided in her.
"Listen, Prickly Wife, I don't feel nice either with a possible serial killer luring around and we probably both hope that it's not the case, even though a poor girlie still had been murdered and needs to get justice post-mortem. We will have a lot of our plate, but I also don't want this to overwhelm us. We both need to calm down, to have something good, to discuss about that with clear mind and then enjoy the late evening with our Horned Rose. Besides, we both know that you have a better clear mind than me."
"Why do I have the feeling that I'm the only one you would say this to?"
"Because yer the only person that will have that privilege, woman."
"What about our son?"
"He's just a baby filling his windles with dump and babbling when we cuddle him, so he doesn't count yet."
"I better hope that he'll get that privilege as well once he's old enough."
"Damn, yer harsh on me here, woman and I'm trying to be a considerate husband."
He was clearly teasing her and Charlotte couldn't help but smile back. Her worries haven't disappeared, but she was feeling less tense already. That felt actually relieving in a way.
Yami was maybe right, she probably needed to let go of some of her stiffness. And who was she to say no to any time spend alone with her husband?
They went to their usual restaurant. Charlotte grew to love this place a lot, not only because of the excellent food – Charmy already sent one of her Special Reward Baskets full of her food to the chef of said restaurant, like always when she discovered a new restaurant – but also because of the memories bond to it.
It was in this restaurant she had to explain to Yami what her curse was about, the very same day she declared her love for him to her squad, even though he had been another level of dense back there. It was also the same restaurant where she told him about her father's scandal and about her lost half-sibling, not knowing back then that it was one of the Black Bulls, one of Yamis knight.
And it became the restaurant where they usually had their dinner dates, even after getting married, even after Asahi was born.
They sat down at their usual table, ordered their meals and then Yami hold her hand over the table. "Ya don't like that whole crap, am I right?"
"Of course not. Having a murderer on the loose, who might be even a serial killer, that isn't good news. I really hope that the deaths of those three poor girls is just a coincidence, but… I have a really bad feeling about it."
"Yeah, me too. My gut won't leave me alone with that. But will find that bastard, serial killer or not, he is a criminal no matter what. We will find him, put him into justice and then in prison."
"It might also be a woman."
"Still no excuse for being a fucking killer, if you ask me."
"Of course not. But this was a bit a casual speech."
"I know. But it was mostly to calm you down. And to also convince myself a bit. This country went through a lot of crap lately and enough is enough. I won't let a stupid murderer get more crap to my new home. We're going to raise Asahi in a world washed from all the filth."
"We will always filth to clean up, as Magic Knights."
"Yeah, and I won't lie that sometimes it is such a bother. But well, being a father gave me a new perspective on this stupid job. And I hate seeing you over worried, especially when there are reasons too. We'll find a way to bring justice upon this girl. Or those girls."
"Thank you, Yami."
Charlotte smiled as she leaned over the table to give a soft peck on the lips, which made him groan with satisfaction. She was truly grateful that he was reassuring her, giving her hope and more positive thoughts.
And Heaven knows how much all of them would need that while investigating.
"Oh, aren't they adorable? The most adorable princesses I ever saw! Has anyone ever seen such adorable princesses before?" Dolly exclaimed while looking at the twins. Or was it Holly? Vanessa was perfectly unable to tell them apart. Okay, they were only at the Silva Palace for one day, but they were so similar even within their personalities.
But Vanessa still liked Holly and Dolly a lot. They were kind and fun and honestly such a blast. And most importantly, they truly cared for their young mistress, which was honestly always nice to see coming from servants.
Vanessa looked at Rosette, who was currently holding Valentina, letting the baby play with her white blonde hair falling on her shoulders.
Rosette was really a nice girl, as far as Vanessa could tell. After all, the young fiancée was just living in the Silva Palace since yesterday. So, Rosette was still a mystery. She didn't seem to hate to be here, though. She was kind, polite and already learning the ways of royalty very quickly, faster than Vanessa ever did.
She really hoped that Rosette could be close to not only herself, but also the Silva siblings, Zora and Asta. It might happen. It would certainly be nice to have her as a sister-in-law, to become a family.
If only it wasn't due to an arranged marriage.
This was certainly the point that Vanessa didn't liked in the whole situation. But well, it was Solids decision, so it will be his problem if he wasn't happy. If only it wouldn't hurt both him and Rosette. He was trying, that was certain. But Solid still needed a lot of help when it was about courting his betrothed. And like any true Silva, he was very stubborn to accept help. Okay, Zora wasn't really helping, more like pranking him.
At least, Vanessa would gain a nice, open-minded aunties for her daughters. And she was determined to bond with her future sister-in-law.
"They like you, it's so obvious," Vanessa giggled, while balancing Nymphea on her lap.
"I like them too. I will love being their aunt, that's for sure," Rosette replied, softly poking Valentinas noise. The baby let out a babbly laugh.
Rosette might be still a mystery, but her attitude towards Nymphea and Valentina was certainly more than genuine. Vanessa found this very reassuring. Not to mention that Solids fiancée had no prejudice against Zora, Asta and Vanessa herself, treating them politely and kindly.
Given how many other nobles and some royals reacted towards Nozel marrying a witch or Nebra and Noelle dating peasants, it was so refreshing to have someone who don't know them having no prejudice against them.
"Don't they have nannies?" Rosette asked, while rocking Valentina in her arms.
"That would have been rather normal, right?" Vanessa replied with a giggle. "Well, sometimes, we need to have babysitters, especially since both Nozel and I are still Magic Knights and we can't always ask auntie Océane to watch over them while we're away. That old wannabe lion always acts like he's going to have a stroke when someone from his house spends too much time with the Silvas."
"You mean lord Achilles Vermillion? Yes, this probably makes sense."
"Since Nozel and I decided to raise our little treasures here ourselves, we don't have tasked someone to be an official nanny or something. I suppose this is the case for many royals and nobles, but we just ask some of our closest servants to take care of Nymphea and Valentina when we're away. My own maid, Diana, is often trusted with that task and she is very fond of the babies. I'm sure we can also ask Holly and Dolly to be nannies for a while."
"Oh, yes, I gladly accept, thank you, lady Silva!"
Vanessa couldn't tell if only one of the twin maids talked or if it had been both. But both Holly and Dolly were so happy about the suggestion, so Vanessa didn't care. Besides, being called lady Silva or lady Vanessa without any hidden prejudice behind was always a very nice feeling.
"Twins babysitting twins, that might be something," Rosette chuckled.
"You are right. Tell me Rosette, I know it was only day for now, but have you settled down already in this huge palace?"
"So far, I have, yes. Thank you. My room is very cosy despite being so big and I love that the main colour is a beautiful pearl grey. It works well with the pale pink and blue shades here and there."
"I was honestly a bit afraid to give a grey chamber. It's not a very welcoming colour, honestly."
"But it is my favourite."
"Well, then we were lucky. I usually don't trust Noelle with her colour choices, but for once she was inspired. But her fashion sense is still rather disastrous."
"How did you lived in when you moved into the Silva Palace, lady Vanessa?"
"Please, Rosette, just Vanessa is fine. To be honest with you, it was one of the biggest changes in my life, so of course I was a bit apprehensive. But I had Nozel at my side and thanks to the Black Bulls Hideout, I was already very familiar with labyrinthine houses. And now, it is truly another home for me."
Not to mention that there had also been the task to make the Silva Palace a home again for Nozel. Vanessa never forgot how he told her that he didn't felt at home anymore after the death of his mother. His own bedroom being so bare, white and so empty had just been an indicator.
Thankfully, it wasn't the case anymore. Today, their room wasn't empty anymore but fuller and white wasn't the dominant colour. It was a bright lilac instead, with some subtle silver patterns here and there, but still simple.
As for their daughters chambers, they had opted for purple as well, a very pale purple, with some hints of silver and spring green. Purple seemed to be a bit their colour sometimes, which was very to Vanessas liking. But the ceiling was instead night blue, with many, many silver stars on it.
Yes, today the Silva Palace was a home. For Nozel again, for herself, just like the Black Bulls Hideout, and for her daughters. Nebra and Solid were definitely at home as well and even Noelle considered that way.
Hopefully it could also be a home for Rosette one day.
Just as those thoughts crossed her mind, the door of the twins chamber opened. "Oh, I didn't know that our daughters had visitors."
"Honey, you're back!"
Why Holly and Dolly bowed, Vanessa immediately hold Nymphea close to her as she stood up from her armchair and went up to her husband. She knew that Nozel had a captains meeting today, Vanessa always made sure to be more or less up to date with his schedule. And given his frown, today's topic hadn't been pleasant.
She kissed him softly on the lips – which resulted with some aww from Holly and Dolly – and put Nymphea in his arms. It will certainly settle him down a bit.
"I'm just bonding a bit with my future nieces, lord Nozel. You truly have two wonderful daughters," Rosette replied as she also stood up, coming up to her future brother-in-law and putting Valentina softly in his arms.
Vanessa observed her discreetly. There was a glimmer of compassion in Rosettes eyes, at least from what she could see. Had this young girl felt or saw that Nozel was worried? It wasn't the first time Vanessa had the impression that Rosette might know more, but she hadn't truly knew her in the past. But now, she was seeing it more directly.
What a mystery Rosette Vitrail still was. But Vanessa promised herself to clear said mystery out. After all, she would get a new sister out of it.
"Thank you, lady Rosette. I appreciate the thought," Nozel replied, as he relaxed a bit and even managed a small smile looking at his daughters.
Vanessa felt her heart beat faster at the sight. Her beloved husband, holding their babies… She loved that sight of him, it was honestly of the best side of Nozel, one of his traits she certainly loved the most.
And she wasn't the only one to love his fatherly side.
"Aw, isn't he adorable, being a father like this, holding his baby girls?"
"And he's not even ashamed of it, so cute! You know how rare this is for royals and nobles, right?"
"You're right, is such a shame that loving parenthood is so disgarded, especially fatherhood."
"And we see right here that there is nothing to be ashamed about. Look at his daddy!"
"So loving with his little baby girls!"
"I know that he is considered one of the most handsome men of the kingdom for a reason and it's true, but he's even more handsome with his daughters!"
Well, Vanessa definitely agreed with Holly and Dolly. His fatherly side made Nozel so handsome. Still, how funny it was that those two were kinda crushing on him because he was a loving father. Poor Nozel even blushed a bit, making him even more adorable.
"Okay, you two, that's enough of crushing," Rosette said, clapping her hands. She really had a good grip on her maids, as they stopped immediately.
Nozel was still slightly blushing, but smiled while looking at his daughters. Nymphea just seemed to cocooned in his arm, while Valentina tried again to catch his braid. Whatever was worrying him, now he was less tense.
But Vanessa knew her husband. She could practically feel that his worries remained. Indeed Nozel stopped smiling after a few minutes and looking at his wife, he asked softly, "Can I talk to you?"
"Of course," she replied immediately. "Rosette, wouldn't you mind of being a babysitter for Nymphea and Valentina for a while?"
"Of course not. Those two are sweet girls, plus I have Holly and Dolly to help me out with the babysitter duty. Don't worry, your dear daughters are in good hands."
Vanessa nodded happily as Nozel handed their babies to Holly and Dolly, who were rather really excited to be spontaneously trusted with the task of nannies. Still, it was a sight to see. Twins babysitting twins.
Nozel nodded his goodbye as he slowly took Vanessas arm and they left their daughters bedroom. The hallway felt so heavy and silent once the door closed behind them. Vanessa frowned. Was Nozels worry that big?
"Let's go to the library," she decided and pulled her husband behind her, who just let her take the lead. The library of the Silva Palace was maybe the smallest one out of the three castles – still rather big, though – but definitely the cosiest. And it was also one of the best places they could have for a difficult talk. Or something else…
Vanessa almost giggled thinking about all the times she and Nozel spend there. But not only to read or to talk. Sometimes they waltzed, but on other times they had another kind of dance… Nozel still blushed when it happened, as it was one of the most daring and bold things he ever did in his life.
But now probably wasn't the time for remembering those memories. Vanessa opened the door of the library and closed behind them, before leading Nozel to one of the cosiest corner of the Silva Library. Hidden between three large bookcases was a fire place with two armchairs, a small table between them and a lovely reading nook on the large windowsill, with cushions, pillows and even some blankets.
One thing to mention, the Silva Library was the perfect place for any kind of bookworms with corners like this.
They both sat down on the armchairs and after some seconds of silence, during which it started to rain, Vanessa asked, "What happened during the captain's meeting, honey?"
"We have a case with a suspicious death, it is certainly a murder. And it happened during a soirée, in other words an event with many people present. Or rather nobles. The victim is a noble lady as well."
"Oh, I see… It might be a complicated case within those circumstances. Who will be investigating?"
"All nine Magic Knight squads."
Vanessa frowned. This was a bit unusual, from her knowledge. A murder was always a bad thing, that she knew, but why would all nine squads be investigating a mere murder case? Unless…
"Is there something more to this murder?"
"We can't be sure and all of us hope that it is just a tragic coincidence. But… There were already two noble girls that died within one week. One seemed like she died due to illness, the other one had an accident. At least, at first sight. It is a sad and tragic coincidence… and all captains have a bad feeling about it. We don't have any clues, we can't be sure at all. But maybe we are dealing with a serial killer."
A serial killer? Vanessa gasped. During all her time since she came out of that cage, since she became a Magic Knight, she never had to deal with such cases. Okay, she hadn't shown any interests into normal Magic Knight duties for a long time, but Finral had always put a lot of importance on them and even he never mentioned any serial killer cases.
Anyway, she understood more why all nine squads were on the case and why Nozel was worried. Heck, Vanessa was certain that even captain hadn't been as laid back like he usually was during captain's meetings. When something very worrying happened within the kingdom, he could be very serious.
Vanessa leaned forward a bit over the table and took Nozels hand, in an attempt to reassure him. "You said it yourself, honey. There is still the possibility that it is just a mere tragic coincidence."
"But we can't be sure for now. No matter if it is or not, one murder case is certain. And the killer was even bold."
"Well, you have to be bold to kill someone in front of a lot people without anyone noticing anything."
"That too, but this is not what I meant. The killer used a very specific poison. One that attacks the mana system of the body. The last moments of that poor lady had been very painful, from what the witnesses told Marx and his team."
Vanessa gasped. This was indeed bold of that killer. And those poisons? She had heard of them, but she had never had to deal any of them so far.
"Have you already heard about those kind of poisons?"
"Yes, but this is all. Gordon had told us about them one or two times, from what he learned from his father."
"I remember. You told me once that Nathan Agrippa changed the whole family business from curses into medicine and healing."
"Of course you remember, honey. But what Gordon told us is the only things I know about those kind of poisons. I never used things like that before."
"I know. You witches prefer to infuse mana into some of your potion ingredients. I observed you making potions so many times… In the clear murder case, suicide and accident could excluded immediately. We still need to at least give her some justice and to her family. Even though only her sister was truly impacted by her death. Her mother had been more… concerned about the potential scandal."
"Typical noble parents, shouldn't she be more worried that her daughter's murderer is still on the loose?" Vanessa groaned. She had her entries within noble circles now that she was a royal. And most she met were truly very self-centred. But still, which mother in their right mind would be afraid of a scandal when her own child was killed? "What have the Wizard King and the captains decided?"
"Since we have no clues about anything for now, we have to be cautious. To not let words let loose and causing a panic within the country. The Clover Kingdom is still recovering from what happened during those last few years. And since we have no clues yet, we need to be extra cautious. Also, since all nine squads will work together to investigate, there will be team ups on even more simple missions, like patrols or the exploration of dungeons. The Wizard King wanted that at least three squads will work together from now on. Maybe even more than three if it's necessary. Marx sent a memo to all the vice-captains and we captains also told our squads already. That's another reason why I came home later today. I had to tell my squad about investigation mission and discuss some details with Agatha. I apologize for my lateness."
"You don't need to apologize for that, honey. We are both Magic Knights and work hours aren't really definite in our job. Plus, you are a captain and you take your work seriously. I knew that even before we became a couple."
Vanessa tightened her hold on Nozels hand and was relieved when she felt him respond to the grip. She could understand why he was worried and honestly, who wouldn't be if there was the possibility that a crazy serial killer was on the loose, somewhere out there? A look at the window showed her that it was now raining furiously, big drops falling against the glass and flowing down like rivers, as if the sky itself was trying to wash any kind of filth away from the Clover Kingdom.
Like potential serial killers…
Vanessa always found the sound of rain rather soothing, even during thunderstorms. Even more so since she fell in love with Nozel. Even now, despite her worries, at least there was a comforting sound with the raindrops falling against the glass.
Speaking of worries, she might now what might turning like a merry-go round in Nozels mind. Something more personal…
"You are afraid that the possibility of a serial killer might be true. That the case will take long to investigate… that maybe, we'll have to raise our daughters in a world were a serial killer might terrorizing the Clover Kingdom."
"You know me well, beloved. Maybe I'm overthinking things again, it wouldn't be the first time. But I can't help it. Vanessa, we fought a lot to reach where we are today. Some nobles accepted to be more open-minded, Nebra and Noelle can openly date their peasant boyfriend. There are many things that are going better than even a few years ago, even though it's not perfect. I… I don't want to lose it. I don't want to raise Nymphea and Valentina in fear. I'm… I'm afraid, yes, but maybe I'm overreacting again."
"Not as much as you certainly think, though. With all you just told me, it is very normal that you're worried. And understandable. Because you are a caring man, Nozel. I know how much this kingdom means to you, your squad and your family. It's not only as a Magic Knight and as a captain that you are worried. Is it also as a father, a husband and a brother. Even as a Head of House. And I partake your worries. How could I not after everything you just told me?"
Nozel looked at her, relief and gratitude shining in his metallic purple eyes. Vanessa was still surprised sometimes how grateful her husband was to her for the mere simple things, but she let him be. Given everything he had to go through, showing gratitude was certainly a huge step for Nozel.
Vanessa stood up, pulled her husband from his armchair and hugged him tightly. She felt her heart flutter when he dived his face in the crook of her neck.
"We came through a lot already, be it individually or together. We will also overcome that, whatever it will be. It is normal to be worried, Nozel, it would be dumb to not be. But we also shouldn't let this overwhelm us. We have still many things to be happy about, especially our daughters. This is what we should hold onto, to be in best shape to deal with our worries and our new hurdles."
There was a comfortable silence between them. The only things to hear was the rain falling against the window and a log of wood cracking in the fireplace.
"You always manage to put me at ease when I'm worried," Nozel finally said after a few minutes, his breath warm against her skin.
"Hey, you're doing the same to me, when I'm nervous or something. Remember when auntie Océane invited me to learn more about nobility in a noble circle? It was during our betrothal. And after I found out I was pregnant."
Nozel chuckled. Of course he remembered. Vanessa had been pretty nervous about that noble circle, even though her belly had still been mostly flat. Even more when one noble lady had commented that she was glowing in a very unique way and when she refused to drink wine… which had been a surprise for most nobles, as even them knew about her reputation as the Drunken Witch of the Black Bulls.
Today, Vanessa just laughed about it. None of the nobles found out about her pregnancy that day, it only happened way later.
Pulling a bit away from her husband, she put her lips on his, pulling into a deep, slow kiss. Nozel immediately gave in, holding Vanessa closer to his chest and even pulling her up for a few seconds.
When that kiss ended, it only lead to another one. And another one. And another one. A clear indicator what would happen next.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Vanessa?" Nozel asked as they broke another kiss, but still holding her tightly, as if his life depended on it. When it was just the two of them, he became a bit clinging, but Vanessa actually enjoyed it.
"There is nothing wrong with forgetting about worries for a while, it's not like we will ignore them. And honestly, honey, I can tell that you need a distraction now. Besides, it's not the first time we have this kind of tango in the library."
Nozel blushed at her implication, which made her laugh and even teased his upper lip a bit. "Don't worry, you know that no one is here and we will be at piece for quite a while. And besides, we are married, we clearly aren't doing anything wrong."
Her still blushing husband managed a soft chuckle. Thank goodness he wasn't as embarrassed about this kind of stuff like he was before. Nozel kissed her again with so much passion that Vanessa felt immediately more drunk than after having drank so much wine during a Black Bull Party.
Nozel carried her up like a bride and brought her to the window couch, where they continued to make out, to just focus on the other, on them together. When only their wedding bands were still on them, they became one.
They forgot about their worries for the time being. At least, they had each other, they were strong enough to go through this new hurdle as well. Their embrace was a promise, one that wouldn't be broken.
The fire and the rain was now mixed with their soft sighs and their sweet whispers…
Later that day, within a noble villa of the capital, lord Alexander Sandler and his wife lady Volupta had a very heated conversation with their only daughter, Berenice.
"This is just not fair!" Berenice yelled, her blue eyes practically spending lightnings at her parents. But they were unfazed by her tantrum, more like a tiny bit annoyed.
"Berenice, dear, there is really nothing to be upset about," lady Volupta replied, not even looking up from her embroidery, which was practically just the sigil of house Sandler, like always.
"On the contrary, there is a lot to be upset about!"
Lord Alexander looked like he was dealing with a pouty five year old child and not a rightfully eighteen year old girl. "Dear daughter, we already talked about it and we had said no, there's nothing to be upset about."
"You're talking about my future, this is something else than a new dress from Soie Velours or a complete tea set from the Heart Kingdom!"
"You still don't understand, daughter? You CAN'T be a nun, you are the only hope to continue the lineage."
"Your SPECIFIC lineage, you mean, not the general one! I'm not the last hope of house Sandler, there are so many other heirs and lineage than me. Heck, I'm not even the only Berenice, I have at least six cousins with the same name! Seven if we count the newborn baby of aunt Sandrina."
"But you are my only child."
"Couldn't you have made more children, then, if you're so determined that YOUR line continues?"
"Of course not," lord Alexander replied with a shrug and his wife even added, "It was a duty, getting married and having an appropriate heir, which we did. Please, dear, don't throw this away."
"As if you don't throw my life away," Berenice hissed. "You're practically the only ones that are still against me becoming a nun. Our House Head finally agreed for my wish, he wasn't even that much against it in the first place and Geneviève even promised me to make everything ready for my enter into the church once it's decided."
"You're great-uncle Alexandre isn't that firm as he should be, since he hadn't recognized that we gave him the perfect heir to take over house Sandler. Better than Alecdora who couldn't even become the captain of the Golden Dawn," Berenices father replied with a shrug. "As for sister Geneviève Vermillion, well, she is a royal who became a nun, so I don't think that she is truly trustworthy when it comes to promises."
Berenice was now fuming. "Geneviève is just like her cousin, lord Fuegoleon, she is loyal and keeps her promises and cares for others, unlike the two of you! I don't even know why I'm even waiting for your blessing, since I had my grimoire three years ago! It just would have been nice, for you to actually care about my life for a change. But I should have known better. I'm leaving first thing tomorrow! I will pray for you once I'm a nun, even though you might not really deserve that kindness."
With that, Berenice left the yellow salon, slamming the door behind her. Lady Volupta was a bit scared by the noise, but her husband just reassured her without even looking up from his evening newspapers. "Don't worry, dear wife, this is just a phase. She will sleep over it and will have changed her mind first thing in the morning."
What lord Alexander and lady Volupta didn't know yet, that this had been the last time they ever saw their only daughter alive. That without their stupid argument, lady Berenice might have been stayed alive.