Hello people of fanfiction

Yes, I am back with another chapter more, after a long holiday hiatus. I am happy to get back and see how much I can write and finish this story. I do hope you all are ready for more.

This chapter is well…needed to happen. If not then the later chapters would be rough to do. Plus this was an idea I had on how to get around for a character.

I do hope you all enjoy it.

Chapter 7: Grief

Klaus was looking into various papers and moved the abacus from one part to another. He frowned once he wrote a few more numbers on a small paper. "This makes no sense at all. We sent enough food and weapons to a whole platoon for weeks. How did they run out just now?"

He knew how many years the wars had been going on. How much Eostia has been pushing or retreating the lines. They were able to find a way to keep things in balance, and yet, for some reason this is different. For his years, he has seen little to no changes, until the Black Dogs have come along.

Since they have come, they have managed to move against Queen Olga in the Northern Region. Thus far, supplies have been steady until a month ago. He at first assumed it was just a small push needed to motivate them.

But this was different.

He stopped writing for a moment and heard a knock.

"Enter."

He saw his father enter. He kept a calm look and looked into his father.

"Yes, Klaus. What do you need?"

He placed the paper in front of him. "This."

He looked at it and looked at his son. "You do realize war is-"

He cut him off "High priced. I know, but lately we have been pushing forward well against Olga and those monsters. This supply shouldn't even be there anymore. Just what is going on."

"Are you questioning how war is engaged, boy?! We are doing what we can to push those monsters forward and bring that bitch to her knees!"

He noticed his father became defensive. He wasn't having any of it. After watching how his father was beaten and humiliated by a green haired elf, he looked at his father and said "I will deny this order."

"What?" This surprised him.

"Yes. I mean look at what is going on. We have a new group of people who managed to clear more monsters in such a short time than our own forces. I also believe that if this keeps up, we will manage to capture Queen Olga."

Grave went to his full height and showed a look of contempt "I won't allow you to tell what to do. As your father I will tell you to give those supplies."

Klaus got up and was having none of it "I refuse father. I refuse to allow you to belittle me or use force on me!"

For once his father was surprised by his own son, who not only refused to give him what he wanted, but also stood his ground. A small part of him is proud that he has a backbone, but the rest of him, he wasn't happy. He knew he could flung him and threatened him, but then his wife would know and the others would question it.

Grave closed his eyes and responded "Very well….you win." He then got up and left the room.

Klaus sighed in relief. He rarely stood against his father, and he somehow managed to get him to leave. In a way, seeing that elf made him motivated to stay strong, no matter what. He stretched his back and then sat down.

Another knock is heard "Enter."

In came his wife, smiling at him. "Klaus."

"Hello Claudia." He gestured to come in and moved his chair a bit more. He then patted his lap, as she sat on his lap. He held on to her and smiled "How are you?"

"I am well, love. You seem in a good mood."

"Yeah. I finally managed to put my father down on one of his ideas."

"How did that go?"

"He tried to argue about the war, but I pointed out that the newcomers have actually pushed the enemy further down. With the Black Dogs, we are close to ending this fight." He then placed his head on her chest. "He tried to force me in a way, but I was having none of that."

"My husband standing up to a man that has years of fighting?"

"Yes. Ever since I saw that young elf, Ryuu beating my father, I became motivated to stand up for myself more often. If someone like that can humble my father, then I should be able to handle it."

She smiled hearing this and kissed his forehead. "Does that mean some fun later tonight?"

He gave a sly smirk "Maybe work on our first child?"

She looked at him in surprise "Really?"

He nodded and took something out of his drawer. "According to a potioneer, one drink will make my sperm stronger and will allow me to impregnate you. We will try it."

She did want children. Considering the war is almost over, it would be a good time to start a family. She has been trying not to, considering they see it as a high risk.

Another knock is heard. "Enter."

In came Bell, smiling "Hello."

Klaus smiled "Bell. Good to see you. How are you doing?"

"Better."

"That's good to hear." He kisses his wife on the cheek, making her giggle.

Bell blushed slightly seeing the affection, much to Klaus amusement. "Trust me, Bell, once you have a beautiful woman in your arms, kissing them is just second nature."

He chuckled "There is this girl that I do want to get close to. The thing is that she is stronger than me. I do want to one day reach to her level and fight side by side with her as equals."

Claudia smiled "Bell, if this girl likes you, even how you are right now, then you shouldn't be worried at what level you are or skills. What matters is if she likes who you are more. Look, I am married. A man who, despite not being in the front lines, is there to give me a massage, kisses, and love. Something that I enjoy."

She kisses his forehead and added "Do try to show more of that to her, when this is over."

"Umm…maybe you can teach me, sir and ma'am?"

Klaus chuckled "Of course I will. Although it will vary for how the results will be."

"I….I understand sir."

Just as he was getting up, a knock was heard. "So many visitors enter."

In came a maid "Here is your herbal tea sir."

"Thank you." he smiled and looked at Bell "Unfortunately, I was born with a condition that forced me out of the battlefield. Because of this, I have to drink this tea in order to keep my health in balance."

He looked at the tea and drank it. He smiled and wiped his mouth. Then he frowned and saw nothing but darkness.

"Klaus!"

One hour later….
Claudia Levantine lost her husband. The tea was poisoned and it acted fast. She held on to her dead husband's body.

Hermes returned with Asfi and said "We questioned the maid and she had no idea how it happened. We are, however, investigating ways and means that happened to him. We will find the person who did this."

Claudia heard him, but she was too focused on her husband. "Can….can I be alone a bit longer….please…"

"Of course." He bowed and left her alone.

Bell was outside, looking sad about this. One moment they were chatting and the next, he was dead. He then turned to see Klaus' father, looking stoic and went inside. He knew the man wouldn't be happy learning his only son is murdered.

It didn't take long until he left, with a dark look on him.

The white haired teen knew that he would start to question and hunt down the person who did it. Whoever it was, that person won't live long.

Then Bell decided to see what he could do to help her. Maybe talk to her.

He went inside and saw her still crying. He placed a hand on her shoulder and saw it was Bell with a sad smile. "I'm sorry what happened."

She wiped her tears, and was surprised Bell gave her a handkerchief. "Thank you." She blew her nose a little, and placed it away.

"I lost a family member when I was a child and….it isn't easy losing someone that you cared for the most. I know it is different, but just know that they are still with us here." He gestured at his mind, then he moved it to his heart.

She gave a small smile, still tears in her eyes. She hugged him, surprising him. He then hugged her.

"Thank you Bell, thank you."

The last time he held a crying girl was Lilli, but the body difference and height was there.

She then wiped her tears. "I…..I need to plan for his funeral and….grieve for a while. I don't think I could."

Bell smiled "I know it will be a rough time. Take the time to grieve, remember the good things with him, and hope that one day the person that did it will pay. Justice will be served."

She nodded and went to hold on the cold hands of Klaus, as Bell left her there, hoping his words would be enough comfort for her.

Celestine went to check up on Claudia and hugged her knight. She went to hug as well.

"I'm so sorry for your loss."

"I'm sorry too…"

The high elf knew how much Claudia loved her husband. How much she would talk about him, that at a few times, she grew curious of being with a man in a relationship. But alas, the priests weren't allowing it, as it will affect the other girls who are sworn with each other, lest a consequence happens.

All she could do is give comforting words and hope the hug would help her out.

Few hours later, in Kent
Beasly was counting his money, the second most favorite thing next to having some women cosplaying as his sweet Alice. He enjoyed every moment of counting the glittering gold coins he was collecting.

He heard the door barged in and in came Grave. He was then grabbed aggressively hard and pinned on the wall.

"I know you had something to do with what happened to my son!" he said darkly.

Beasley was a little nervous but then calmed down. "So what, you were going to go after his bitch, I decided to accelerate it."

He then whispered harshly "I should cut that stupid head of yours here."

He then had an arrogant smirk "But you won't. Not when I decided to give you what you want, all while taking care of the obstacle."

His hold became less aggressive then lets him go. Beasley then went to look outside and found no one. He closed the door and sat down.

"Think about it, Grave. With your son passing, Claudia will cry and be very vulnerable. You can then comfort her, and provide her needs. Then, the moment where she is open, then you can do whatever you want with her, showing you are better than that limp of your son."

Grave looked at him. He then realized he was right. Claudia is vulnerable and needs a man to comfort her, why not better than himself.

Beasley continued "I would suggest you start when the funeral process starts, then you can strike from there. As for the elf girl, we will figure that problem out."

"Although I wish my son would see how to properly handle a woman, then I suppose once I make her mine, I will do that in front of his grave."

"Such a dastardly idea….I love it."

Both men agreed to it and planned out the details of it, for a while then Grave left the room.

Beasley opened the window and sighed in relief for some air. A moment of a strong breeze sent him shivering down.

"At least Spring is almost over."

Few days later
The funeral finished with a pyre, as they watched on.

The Sword Princesses were there for Claudia, knowing how much it affected her. Each of the girls were there to offer comforting words and a few hugs.

They knew the risks of being a Sword Princess, and one of the reasons why they don't deal with relationships. It wasn't against the rules, but they see it as a hindrance to their mission and purpose to protect Eostia.

However, they already knew Klaus well, and they did like him.

Prim saw him as a father figure, a kindly man. She remembered the time he has given her some new gloves for the winter time, and she loved it.

Alicia sees the same way as Prim, and provides intel at times. She enjoyed having a father figure around to listen to her problems.

Maia, who is known to dislike men who try to get into her pants, thought of Klaus as a nice gentleman and a considerate person. He was a decent looking man, and would be flirty with him. She admired how loyal he was to his wife.

Ruu Ruu met him with advice on trade and was a great help. He provided routes and places to grab supplies for the other Pallums.

Kaguya thanked the man for helping her out getting a diplomacy deal with the East with supplies. Without him, she wouldn't even bring in the weapons she needed, and the supplies to chase out demons.

Celestine was saddened with the losses. War was ugly, the losses with families were sadden, but the hardest was someone that was close. She admired the man for what he had done. She gave a prayer that his soul is taken care of.

Bell looked on the pyre, but then saw Claudia heading next to him. He placed a hand on her shoulder, as she smiled sadly.

He never got the chance to bury nor put a pyro on his grandfather. He only placed a tombstone and gave a prayer. Then a few days later, he left for Orario and the rest is history. He does miss his grandfather.

Grave looked like he was staring at the pyre, but in reality, he was looking at Claudia. He noticed how Bell's hand went down on his side, only for Claudia to give a subtle handhold and a gentle squeeze, and give a squeeze back. On the outside, he was stoic, but on the inside, he was in rage.

"How dare this youngster take what is mine! I will humiliate him one of these days. Just watch Bell Cranel!"

Once the ceremony was over, Grave saw Bell ready to walk, but Claudia gestured to follow her. He did so.

Grave decided to wait another time.

Bell was a bit confused at where they were going, until they got into a room and was then hugged by her. She began to cry.

He gave her a pat on the back.

"Celestine is asking me to step aside on my duties for now, to mourn. She tells me we are close to ending the war."

"We are. Vult managed to figure out how to break through the defenses of the castle."

The hug ended and she looked at him with a smile "I don't know why, but you brought so much comfort to me, even though we have met in such a short time."

He chuckled, "Happy to help in any way."

She smiled "That girl back at your home would be lucky to have you. Do be brave and tell her how you feel, even if she is stronger than you."

This surprised him hearing this "You do?"

She nodded "When I met Klaus, he was a shy man, who saw me train with his father. One day, he came up to me and told me this poem. The poem made me smile and he reminded me of my femininity. As time passed, I fell in love with him, which surprised everyone. They assumed I would have gone with a stronger man."

She giggled "He was everything that I needed from a man who cared a lot and can be protective when he needed to be. He encouraged me to continue to follow my desires. Our love lasted for years, but now…" few tears came out. "Just…tell her how you feel. You have nothing to lose, Bell."

"I will. I will do so."

"Good. Never let others tell you that you are weak. You are a very strong young man."

He nodded "Thank you. I know, you will bounce back up after this."

She didn't say anything after that.

Hestia saw them leave. She knew the woman was in grief and wasn't going to judge what happened. She learned of what grief was like when she stayed with Hephaestus' place. Watching people losing someone and needing some time.

"Master Bell will handle her well."

She turned to see Lilli.

"What do you mean?"

"Master Bell will make her feel better, just as it did with Lilli."

"I know. I wonder if he can handle the next part of the battle."

"Master Bell will. It will make him stronger and everything will be fine."

"I hope so. I won't see him for a day or two." She then shook her head "Just keep an eye on him and make sure you all come back in one piece."

"We will."

Hephaestus looked at Welf. A part of her worries her whenever he heads out. After what happened on the 18th floor, she worries for him. She is thankful he came out alive and stronger. She knew that he had everything under control and could prepare for the worst.

"Welf."

"Yes, Hephaestus?"

She was surprised he didn't call her a goddess. "I know you will be heading out with Bell and the others, just…be careful."

He smiled and winked "Don't worry. If anything goes south, I already have a weapon with me, ready to get the others and myself out."

She nodded. She was then surprised by a hug from him. "Eh?" The goddess of the blacksmith then heard in a whisper "When I come back, we will discuss other things."

This made her quiver, then a kiss on the cheek is all she knew what his plans are. She knew that Welf is a talented blacksmith. Plus, the last weapon he made, caused her to imagen how those hands handle it.

It has been a long time since she has been in a relationship. The last one ended up with a certain goddess cheating on her, and it angered her.

Maybe this time it would be different.

For Ryuu, she knows loss better than anyone. Losing her whole familia was something she still feels responsible for. Now she would make sure she won't make the mistake. However, she doesn't understand the aspect of a married couple that love each other and lose someone. She asked herself if even her heart could take it.

She did like Claudia and Klaus, in the short time she met them. She was surprised how much Claudia loved that man. She saw him as the best thing in the world, and now it crashed down. She saw how Bell was taken to see her. She knew that it was just grief and may have handled things like that in the past. Probably.

For now, she was given information on who did it, and looked at Beasley. He couldn't see her on the vantage point, but she could. Justice will be served the right way. She could have murder him, but that won't do.

No, this man needs to pay for his crimes.

For now though, she will let this war end and then go after that disgraceful coward.

To be continued

A/N:
Yes, Klaus had to be killed off, to make of course Grave more desperate for Claudia, and show how far Beasley is going to remove someone that might find out the truth.

Of course, with that death, Claudia won't be around the next few chapters for now, as her grief is there. The other characters will be there, but not that prominent. We are going to start on the part of the invasion on the Dark Castle of Olga Discordia.

How many chapters will it be? Can't really say much, so let's see how many I can pull out before Bell learns the truth about Vult.

Until then, see you all.