After exploring the Elven Island's dungeon, finding the dormant AI and the four mobile suits, subduing the bad elves, and destroying the ruins itself. Kira and the others returned to the elven village where there are many elves just kneeling on the ground and begging to the sky for forgiveness for some reason.
"Demon Lord, please forgive us!" "Please overlook our island!" "I was against it! The village chief and the others were the ones invading the ruins!" they all keep on pleading while crying.
"what's going on?" Olivia asks, confused in seeing what the Elves were doing.
"let's not ask and just keep on walking." Angelica replied.
As the group continued to walk, Jilk and Greg who are carrying the ominous black Armor part made some comments.
"The atmosphere seems a bit different." Greg spoke out.
"I thought they would resent us for the ruins collapsing, but it seems like we're in the clear." Jilk added in.
The group keeps on passing by the pleading elves before they come to face the Elder and his Spokeswoman.
both looked at the elves that Kira and the others have subdued before the Spokeswoman listens to the elder's whispers and then speaks out her words on her behalf.
"We would like to talk about the treatment of these people. If possible, the collective chief would like representatives to come to her residence." The Spokeswoman spoke as she looks at Kira. "That young man and…" she looks at Lacus, Angelica, Olivia, Marie, Hertrude, and Canard. "and the six of you as well."
"seems that this is going to be a long talk." Greg said as he rolled his shoulders around and looks at Jilk. "I'll go and put this thing on the ship while you guys talk it out."
"very well." Jilk said with a smile. "then I shall go and join them as Marie's bodyguard."
"no, you are not welcome because you are the incarnation of malice." The Spokeswoman spoke out while the elder nodded her head.
"eh? What does that mean?" Jilk asks in confusion.
At the residence of the village's elder, Kira and the others sat in front of the elder and her Spokeswoman.
"The collective chief gives you all her gratitude." The Spokeswoman spoke out after hearing what the elder had whispered to her. "for destroying the ruins and capturing the chief and his associates."
"Your gratitude is appreciated." Marie spoke all bashful. "If you could prepare treasure or something valuable, I'd be delighted."
"You talk much even though I know that you didn't do anything." Angelica spoke out with a silent glare at Marie. She then looks at the elder. "but on another matter, you lost the historical ruins. You shouldn't be thanking us."
The collective chief shook her head and whispers to her Spokeswoman to give her reply.
"The collective chief is relieved that we were fortunate enough to have the old demon lord's wrath only amount to this much."
'demon lord?' Kira looks very confused as he is curious on the reference of the Demon Lord that the elf just spoke of.
As the group ponders for a moment, Olivia raises a hand and asks a question.
"E-Excuse me! This is off-topic, but what is a mixed one?" Olivia looks a bit worried but also a bit curious. "Yumeria called herself that, and Kyle-kun seems to be acting strange about it too…"
"hey! I'd prefer if you didn't meddle in the affairs of someone's exclusive servant." Marie spoke out in an unpleased tone.
"B-But, we can't ignore this matter!" Olivia cried out. "Kyle-kun's attitude isn't normal!"
Kira agreed with her worry, his mind thinking back on the elf servant's behavior ever since arrival on the island hours ago.
"is it possible for you to answer her question, elder?" Lacus spoke out in asking the elder. "why is it that Kyle is called a mixed one and Yumeria-san as an Impure?"
"that's…" the Spokeswoman elf spoke out while casting her eyes downwards. "You know that for elves, beauty is judged by magic, right?"
"Indeed." Lacus nods. "and this relates to the situation…how?"
"Magical power is unique to each individual. It's difficult to explain to others, but it's judged as a color." The Spokeswoman elf continued her explanation. "However, there are rare cases where some are born with a magical power with multiple colors mixed in. The magic such people use is strong and unique. However, we can't help but feel disgusted. These people are called mixed ones within the collective."
"so in a way…" Kira said while hardening his gaze a bit. "they are seen as foreign beings amongst your people?"
"yes. In a way." The Spokeswoman elf nodded before continuing. "In addition, Kyle's mother, Yumeria, left the collective for a period of time and used magic to act like a travelling entertainer." She hardens her gaze a bit. "but during that period, she made a child with a human male."
"a child with a human male!?" Angelica spoke out in surprise. "You mean Kyle is a Half Elf!? So they do exist!?"
"Is it impossible for both of your races to reproduce together?" Hachi asks while beeping a few times. "I've obtained records from the ruin's dormant AI and found that both humans and elves share a 96% match in the genetic DNA."
"The situation with half-elves is complicated." The Spokeswoman elf replied. "The fact that half-elves are born is an undeniable problem for males working away from home."
"undeniable problem?" Kira asks in confusion.
"Elven slaves are bought at high prices to serve as exclusive servants for nobles, Kira." Lacus explained to him. "One of the reasons why they're well received is that they couldn't have children with women." She then glances at the elder and her Spokeswoman. "but now knowing that there's a small chance of a half elf being born from between…"
"I see…." Kira nods in understanding.
"just what is with that? I didn't know that there was such a depressing story.." Marie mumbled out. "just what the heck is the genre of this game is becoming?!"
Kira heard her mumble but decided not to ask as he focuses back to the elder and her Spokeswoman.
"so in a word, both Yumeria and Kyle are seen as burdens in the village." Kira spoke out and the Spokeswoman nodded in reply. He sighs and then nodded back. "very well."
"Kira-san! please don't close the conversation like that!" Olivia cried out. "we have to.."
"Livia, I understand your concern, but you can't nose into other households' affairs whenever you want." Angelica spoke to her friend after shaking her head. "no matter how much we try to intervene, it won't change anything upon this island."
"I suppose that is true." The Spokeswoman elf nodded. "This is something you wouldn't be able to solve."
Olivia frowns sadly to hear her response as she tilts her head down while Angelica gently patted her back.
After the matter was over, the chief speaks to her Spokeswoman who listens and then faces the group.
"The collective chief will tell everyone's fortunes." The Spokeswoman relayed the elder's words and this got everyone's attention. "She says that this is a token of her gratitude."
"Fortune telling?" Hachi spoke out as the AI sounds curious. "an ability granted with Magic?"
"it's clairvoyance." Lacus stated as Kira and Hachi looks to her. "There have been special cases for people of Holfort Kingdom to have such skills but it's extremely rare."
"but not so rare to magical elves?" Kira asks.
"perhaps." Lacus nods.
Everyone faces the two elves as the elder speaks to her Spokeswoman who listens to her every word before facing the guests.
"Now then, first is the saint." She spoke as Marie looks a bit excited.
"A fortune? I'm listening!" Marie said with a grin. "please tell me something good!"
"It seems you're under a curious fate." The elven spokeswoman stated as she stares at Marie. "Furthermore, you've passed by your fated partner."
"Who's my fated partner?!" Marie exclaimed in shock. "I passed him?! when!? Who!?"
"That is unknown," the elf replies while shaking her head. "but it appears that you've already come and pass that person. You are now on your own."
"What?!" Marie looks more shocked. "I-I'm now on my own!?"
"You cannot run away from the burden you carry." The elf continued. "A hard life awaits you. It seems that you have only two paths, to either gain everything or lose everything."
Marie left her mouth agape for a short while, gradually getting angrier.
"Redo! I need a redo!" she shouted angrily but was ignored.
"Now then, next is the black-haired one.." the elf turns towards Hertrude who perks up a bit in surprise.
"Listen to me!" Marie shouted but was ignored in the background.
"The collective chief says that at some point, your life's turning point will be accompanied by great difficulties." The elf spoke as Hertrude blinks her eyes twice before nodding her head once.
"what else?" the princess of Fanoss asks in a curious voice.
"you live in a world of lies as you can only find the truth through two paths that diverge and combine into one as you tread further." The elf stated as Hertrude keeps her every word in mind. "a path of pain or a path of peace. You must follow the path that you choose as it won't be easy. However…"
"however?" Hertrude repeated.
"no matter how hard the path you tread on your own. You will always be helped by a hero who you have met in your journey." The elf stated. "that hero will always help you no matter what. that hero will always save you even at the times of chaos. As long as you have love and trust to that hero, you and your loved ones shall have peace in life."
"I-I see.." Hertrude nods as she tried to hide her happy and excited emotions under her professional face but that failed miserably. "I'll keep that in mind."
"next is…." The elf spokeswoman turns towards Angelica next. "you."
"Me?" Angelica blinks her eyes twice in confusion and surprise as she is a bit taken aback.
The collective chief whispers her words to her Spokeswoman who seems a bit perplexed as she listens.
"w-what is it?" Angelica asks as she became a bit nervous because of how long it is taking for her fortune to be told. "please tell me quickly! I'm starting to feel uneasy!"
After a little while, the spokeswoman turns towards Angelica with a calm look on her face.
"like with that black haired one, your fate is peculiar and intertwined with another." The elf stated as she glance at Olivia's direction. "you and that one over there have met someone who changed your lives and for that; the gears of fate have turn and change the path that was once meant for you two to take."
"we met someone…" "who changed our lives?" Angelica spoke first before Olivia followed as they slowly turned towards Kira who noticed their glances and looks a bit confused.
"the paths that were meant for you two have been changed or erased by the events of the past, you two along with others shall understand this meaning in the future with the person who changed your lives." The elven spokeswoman continued. "but I advise that the two of you to always understand your boundaries with the one who changed your lives. Never trifle with one's past and never force your ideals to another. That duty belongs to another who is here." she glances at Lacus. "that is you."
"Myself?/her?/ Lacus?/Princess Lacus?" everyone minus Canard spoke in unison as the elf spokeswoman nods her head.
"your fate has been intertwined with the fate of another, yet your actions would only affect the fate of others." the elf spoke as she stares at Lacus who stares back with a bit of curiosity in her eyes. "push and pull, light and shadow, chaos and order. You bear the position to balance another's fate. And it seems that you must do your best to ensure that your soulmate does not go astray from the path of righteous for he is slowly coming to the path of chaos itself."
Lacus looks perplexed for a moment, but she calmed herself and then turns towards Kira who is staring at her.
"soulmate, you say?" Lacus turns and asks the elf spokeswoman who nods before looking back at Kira whose hand he takes in a warm and gentle grasp. "I see."
Everyone looks a bit curious for a moment as they wondered what lies in the future for Lacus and Kira.
"last but not least, the both of you." The elf spokeswoman turns to the last two guests who are Kira and Canard, both haven't had their fortune told yet.
"Perhaps you should refrain from doing so." Kira said as he looks at the village elder. "The elder seems fatigued and should not force herself to tell all of our fortunes."
"yeah, I agree with that guy for once." Canard said while looking a bit annoyed. "this prediction thing is nothing more than getting some know how from a fortune cookie." He scoffs while waving a hand to the side. "this is nothing but bogus."
"b-but you should know of your future!" Olivia cries out, sounding a bit forceful in a way. "I mean, we all know what might lie in our future! You should too!"
"yeah!" Angelica added in, looking very curious, serious, and a bit excited in a way. "you need to learn how to prepare for your future! Especially Kira's future!"
Kira looks a bit awkward to how the two are acting as he wondered why they wanted to hear his fortune be told.
"his fortune is the same as that Lacus Clyne." Canard stated as he huffs a bit. "His is probably just the same as hers. Just tell me mine, his fortune telling is a waste of time."
Hearing Canard's words, Kira turns and gave a hard gaze of a glare at him. The man returned the favor as both are hostile to each other once again.
"Kira, enough." Lacus told Kira while grasping his hand right. "do not let your anger get a hold of you."
Like magic itself, Lacus' words soothe Kira's heart as he quickly abides in not glaring at Canard anymore. The man scoffs at his foe's action and just turns to look at the elves.
The elven spokeswoman listens to the elder before she nods and backs away.
"what's wrong?" Olivia asks, wondering why the spokeswoman moved back.
"Thank you for saving the 'Fan Collective'." A quiet and hoarse voice is heard as it is coming from the elf elder who is smiling. "truly, thank you all."
Marie's and Hertrude's eyes popped out in surprise towards the collective chief's words as they thought that she couldn't speak at all or her voice might be too quiet or something.
"my divinations cannot see far into the future, but I can see the fate that lies for the both of you." The elder spoke as she looks at Canard and then to Kira. "one whose life has been chaos and despair upon the day of his first memory and the other has been in peace but his hands have been tainted with blood and darkness. Both of you are doomed to battle each other to the death no matter the causes."
"a-are you saying that there's going to be…" Angelica spoke but the Elder shakes her head.
"the battle between the two of you is the battle of your existence at the cost." The elder stated. "one wishes for peace and the other wishes for chaos. Two sides of a coin that are not supposed to meet have now encountered each other and must settle their differences no matter what. but…" she glances at Canard. "your foe has recognize his existence in the world, you have the freedom to choose your own existence. Your own reason for existing. You are who you wish to be, do not let others choose who you are to be."
Canard hardens his gaze a bit to hear the elder's words as he just nods in return.
"and as for you…" the elder turns towards Kira. "you have a mission in this world. A mission to find the peace that has been lost in time. You and your soulmate can only return to your land once you find all the pieces of the board." She tilts her head down a bit. "the path will be obstructed with countless dangers, but you will be able to thread forth with the comrades you make along the way." She then smiles to the young man with a nod. "do your best to bring peace to this world and you shall be rewarded heftily along the way."
Kira processes her words as he looks at Lacus and sees her smile then head nod to him.
The young man smiles and nods back before he bow to the village elder in gratitude.
"Thank you very much, Elder." Kira spoke in a humble voice and the elder bowed her head in reply.
Sometime later, the Espada flew away from the Elven Island as the quest to venture into the ruins came to an end.
Within the interior of the Espada, Kira and Hachi are found walking in the hallway before they turn a corner and finds Lacus standing by an opened doorway that leads to the deck.
Lacus was staring outside before she turns and sees Kira with Hachi coming near.
"How is she doing?" Kira asks Lacus as both turn to look outside the deck where there is Yumeria, Kyle's Mother who is watching the growing distance between the airship and her home island which is becoming smaller by the passing second.
"I sense that she is relieved to leave her home, but at the same time not." Lacus replied, seeing the indescribable expression on the elf's face. She then looks at Kira with a small smile. "however, I believe that she will be well at the Bartfort Household."
"Yeah." Kira nods with a small smile. The young man had decided to take Yumeria away from her hometown as he had enough in seeing the terrible living conditions that the mistreated green haired elf has been living in. "Balcus-san and Luce-san would welcome her with warm and open arms."
"Especially since they needed another maid to help with cleaning their new home." Hachi added in with a few beeps. The little drone then looks at Lacus. "however, would this not be a problematic matter with Marie's household? Considering that we are taking in her servant's mother after all."
"perhaps it would be a problematic matter later when given the situation at hand." Lacus replied with a nod as she looks back at Yumeria. "but it is a small price to pay to help her live better."
"yeah." Kira nodded in agreement. "I think so too."
As they were chatting, they see Yumeria coming to them while looking rather anxious.
"U-Um, what's going to happen to me?" Yumeria asks, in a rather soft yet nervous tone.
"You will be a new servant to the Bartfort Household which I am a vassal to." Kira replied with a smile. "Do not worry, the head of the family will treat you well unlike at your island."
"B-But, I'm.." Yumeria frowns while looking down with her hands clasped together. "In the collective, they called me a dullard or a blockhead. I'm worried about whether I can be helpful."
"you have nothing to worry." Lacus said while comforting Yumeria. "I understand the values that elves consider to be beautiful, but humans do not share such views." She nods with a smile. "you will be alright."
Yumeria looks a bit worried at first but seeing the smile and kindness coming from Kira and Lacus, her lips formed a smile.
As things were getting settled, Kyle appeared with an enraged face.
"What's the meaning of this?!" the young elf shouted very loudly as his sudden appearance surprised everyone.
"Kyle?!" Yumeria spoke out in surprise as she watched Kyle come and face Kira.
"Why did you bring my mother out of the village?!" Kyle shouted as he swung a hand to the side. "Do you understand the significance of this? Do you understand what you've done!?"
"w-wait, Kyle! This person is just concerned about me and…" Yumeria tried to intervene while holding a hand to her son's right shoulder, but he quickly swatted it away and face her.
"Zip it! You're always being deceived like this, aren't you?!" Kyle shouted before pointing a finger at Kira. "Do you know who this guy is?! He's the Lecherous knight of the academy! He seduces women to become his!"
As Kyle continues to shout at his mother, Kira, Lacus, and Hachi watches before they glance at each other and nodded.
"because of your level of stupidity!" Kyle shouted but was stopped when he got grabbed by the back of his collar by Kira and then slammed towards a wall nearby. "gah!" the elf was then held up by the brown haired young man's arm on his chest. "ugh! What are you!?"
"I've had enough of your attitude to your mother." Kira spoke out as he had a very stern and hard gaze at Kyle. "I was patient enough when we first arrived on the island, but we are now leaving and therefore my patience has gone to its limits." He pulls back his arm and let Kyle slide down to the floor while coughing with a hand to his chest. "I don't know what your problem is, and I cannot care less, but let me tell you this one thing." He points a finger at the young elf before to his mother. "That woman right there is your mother who gave birth to you and love you with all her heart. My birth mother couldn't show me her love and therefore I will not allow you to disregard your own's mother love for you." He hardens his gaze even more. "So, apologize to her this instant."
Kyle begins to tear up as he slowly picks himself up.
"you think I care?" Kyle spoke out as he gritted his teeth. "You don't know a single thing! I'm broke because of that person!" he then glares tearfully at Kira. "Do you know why I'm working as a slave at this age? Do you know how I've been treated at the collective?! You act so self-important, but you don't know a thing!"
With that, Kyle storms off into the hallway. The young elf runs like a child who lose a fight and is now running away while crying.
"K-Kyle!" Yumeria cried out to her son who is now gone from sight.
"We shall handle his matter at a later time." Lacus spoke out as Yumeria turns to face her. The pink haired princess has a rather serious face that softens with a smile. "For now, let us take you to your room."
Yumeria looks a bit hesitant at first but she soon nodded with a sad frown.
Kira looks at Yumeria before at Hachi's drone that came floating near him.
"He is currently holing himself up in his own room." Hachi spoke to Kira, informing him the whereabouts of Kyle. "would you like me to keep an eye on him?"
"please do." Kira nods. "make sure that he doesn't do anything considerably crazy like jumping off the Espada."
"understood." Hachi replied while beeping a few times.
In a vacant room within the Espada, the place is used as Yumeria's temporary living quarters.
Kira, Lacus, and Yumeria enters the room that has been prepared by Hachi's worker robots. The green haired elf mother went and sat by the bed where an old brown leather suitcase placed by.
"I'm really sorry to trouble you all." Yumeria spoke out with a frown. "if I didn't come on board, Kyle…"
"We know, but it's not your fault." Kira said after shaking his head. "Your son is just going through a phase."
"but if I had chosen to be a pure bred instead of a mixed one, he would've been more happier and…" Yumeria spoke before Lacus comforts her after sitting beside her.
"we understand but it is still not your fault." Lacus spoke while patting Yumeria's back. "Pure Bred or not, you still love your son for who he is, correct?"
Yumeria was silent for a moment before she nodded.
"Still, this has some concerns on some other facts that needed to be addressed." Hachi spoke out as the AI's drone come hovering near Yumeria and Lacus. "the concept of the Pure Bred and the Mixed ones, both of you possess magic power identical with one another. How would this lead to the labelling of such names?"
"the thing is…Mixed ones like me cannot use ordinary magic." Yumeria explained. "Due to that, I couldn't do work in the village that required magic."
"The collective chief said that you could a special kind of magic though?" Lacus asks, the princess had asked all information regarding the green haired elf which was provided by the elder and her assistant.
"Yes.." Yumeria nods before she picks up her suitcase and begins rummaging its contents. "I can't do much, but I at least have some redeeming features." She pick out a small flowerpot and placed it on her lap.
Kira, Lacus, and Hachi watches Yumeria who takes out a seed from a hand pouch and then plants it into the pot before she held up both hands above the pot and in a flash of second, a flower grew out.
"so this is your special magic?" Kira asks while Hachi's drone takes some photos of the magically grown flower.
"Yes, it's not that special though…" Yumeria replied with a nod.
"with such magic, you could've helped grown field crops and help the elves sustain a steady food supply." Lacus spoke out as she thought of the possibilities with Yumeria's magic. "I cannot believe that the elves placed her in such an unfavorable position in the village."
"perhaps they prioritized their psychological reaction over such an ability." Hachi said as his drone finished taking photos. "I have an estimation of a 99,75% increase in crop production if she had used her magic capabilities at the island. It is an incredibly special power."
"I-It's really not that special or great." Yumeria said while looking a bit embarrassed from the praises. "It has its limits and aside from me being a mixed one, I think that the reason for my treatment in the collective also has to do with me giving birth to Kyle, a half-elf."
"Are you saying that his kind are hated and disgusting in the views of other elves?" Kira asked and Yumeria nodded.
"They are hated but they are allowed to live in the village with their powers." Yumeria explained. "however, I went on a journey to know the outside world. Soon after, I fell in love with a noble." She frowns a bit as she reminisces some past memories. "but when I made a child, I was driven out of the noble's residence."
"and you returned to the village?" Lacus asks.
"yes, but…" Yumeria spoke while tearing up a bit. "When I returned to the collective, I was told that if I gave birth to a half-elf, the child's value as a slave would diminish, and I was met with strong opposition towards giving birth." She looks down at her lap and frowns sadly. "However, my belly had already grown large, and I wanted to see my child born. I….I!" she begins to cry in tears. "I-I'm so sorry…I just couldn't!"
Kira frowns at Yumeria who is comforted by Lacus who had pulled her into a hug.
"so this is what it is all about…" Kira whispers before glancing at Hachi's drone that came hovering near him.
"Perhaps this is the reason why the elves opposed Yumeria from leaving the village in the first place." Hachi spoke out after beeping a few times. "Elves who are at risk of being pregnant would certainly be seen as defective exclusive servants and there would be no helping it if such a thing diminishes their value."
"that's why the elves wanted Yumeria to stay." Kira spoke. "they didn't want anyone to know about her being a mixed one and about Kyle being a half elf." He sighs while crossing his arms. "I guess being a half elf is something worse than being a mixed one, is it?"
"While half-elves look the same, there are differences between them and elves." Yumeria spoke out, slowly holding herself together. The green haired elf getting her tears gently wiped away by Lacus who held a pink handkerchief. "That child's growth speed is the same as that of humans."
"which would lead to anyone knowing if he is a half elf or not." Hachi added in.
"If so, why was he sold as a slave?" Kira asks. "was it because of the other elves?"
"no, there was a slave merchant who came to the island and had met Kyle." Yumeria replied after shaking her head. "he found out that Kyle is a half elf and wanted him. I didn't want it to happen but since the village chief couldn't reject that person's request…."
"so he was taken from you?" Lacus asks Yumeria who shakes her head.
"Kyle left on his own accord." She replied. "he left the money and leaves the island when he was bought as a slave." She frowns very sadly. "I think the reason why that child is hard on me is because he's irritated about a lot of things. However, he's a good child. I don't receive much from my salary, but he sends home money for me."
'If so, it would mean that he doesn't actually hate his mother and his words from before were just him trying to say that she is better off staying in the village than going away.' Kira thought as he remembered the words that Kyle had shouted at his mother. He sighs while having a small smile on his lips. 'I guess he couldn't be honest with his own feelings, huh?'
"Kira?" Lacus called out to Kira who made a small noise while looking at the princess. "With everything we now know, what will we do with Kyle?"
"I'll go and talk to him." Kira said while uncrossing his arms. "after learning his true intentions, I can have a heart to heart talk to him." he looks at Yumeria. "don't worry, I won't hurt him like I did before."
Yumeria looks at Kira a bit hesitantly before she nodded.
"Hachi." Kira looks at Hachi's drone. "he's still holed up in his room?"
"Yes." Hachi replied while projecting an image of Kyle sitting alone in his room. "he's been in the same position ever since."
"I see.." Kira nods before he looks at Lacus. "I'll be back."
Lacus nods with a smile and watches Kira leaves the room with Hachi following.
In Kyle's room, the young half elf sits alone on the floor by the bed as he had his legs hugged to his chest. He stayed silent before he glanced to the door that had a few knocks before it was pushed open by Kira and Hachi who entered.
"What do you want now?" Kyle spoke out in a gruff tone. "beat me up to get me to apologize to that woman? If so, you can forget it."
"nothing of the sort." Kira spoke as he came to face Kyle. "if anything, I would like to apologize for my previous actions." He smiles a bit. "I didn't understand the reason of your hatred against your mother, but after learning a few things, I came to learn that your hatred was just a disguise for your love for her."
"Love?" Kyle spoke before he scoffs. "you must be delusional if you think I love that person who gave birth to me as a half elf." He looks away. "I had to go through terrible things because of her and everything is worse because of you as well!"
"You say that even though you always send her money that you've obtained from working as a slave." Kira spoke and Kyle twitched a bit.
"Please do not try to lie as I have the function to see if you are lying or not." Hachi added in and Kyle growls a bit angrily while looking embarrassed.
There's a moment of silence in the room before it disappeared when Kyle spoke out.
"That person….my mother, is good-natured and easily deceived." He uttered out while slowly tearing up. "She's timid and has a low self-esteem, but I can't find it in me to hate her for how kind she is." He sniffles while rubbing his eyes against his arms to wipe them away. "What a terrible parent."
"yes, I can understand that feeling of yours." Kira nods while coming near Kyle. "but even with all the harsh words you uttered against her. Yumeria has nothing but pure love for you who is her beloved child. She loved you whether you are a half elf or not and that proves one thing." He went and gently patted his head. "she loves your dearly and that is something that would never change."
Kyle tears up again while Kira caresses his head, the half elf boy soon pushes his hand away while getting up.
"What will you do with her?" Kyle asks while rubbing his tears away with the sleeves of his right arm.
"the Bartfort Household, the household which I am a vassal knight to. They require more servants to help in maintaining their newly rebuilt home." Kira spoke out. "They've made proper arrangements for the servants living there. She will have everything accommodated for her needs."
"if they accommodate her needs." Kyle spoke while facing Kira with a tense gaze. "I don't know about your household, but they're nobles. Why should I take your word for it?"
"aside from the legal wife, Balcus-san and Luce-san took me in and cared for me like I was their real son." Kira spoke with a smile. "I can assure you that your mother will be cared just the same."
Kyle looks at Kira before he looks to the side and seems to be pondering for a moment.
"Will she be alright all the time?" Kyle asks. "will she get a meal three times a day and she won't get treated badly by anyone?" he faces Kira. "Will she always be happy?"
"she will." Kira nods. "and if you'd like, I can arrange a special visit for you to meet with her whenever you like. You can personally come to the Bartfort island to check on her at any given moment." He then crosses his arms on his chest. "however, I would suggest that you do not bring your master along with you."
"Considering what we had to face when we were at the ruins, she would make trouble for the Bartfort Family if she came with you." Hachi added in with his drone doing a head nod.
Kyle looks at the two for a moment before he wipes away the last of his tears and then stands up straight before silently bowing to Kira.
"Count Bartfort, please take good care of my mother." Kyle spoke out in a humble and pleading voice.
"I will." Kira nods with a smile. "I promise you."
After settling the conversation, Kira and Hachi made their way out of the room but stopped when Kyle called out to them at the last second.
"You should be careful about that principality's princess." Kyle spoke out while crossing his arms and looking to the side. "It seems that she's scheming something."
"Hertrude?" Kira spoke before he thought back to the Principality Princess and her strange desire for the broken black armor piece that he recovered from the elven ruins. He cups his chin and began to think of something. "now that you mention it…"
"I've heard many things. I also spoke with the village chief, and I have a hunch that there's something dangerous about her." Kyle spoke before he shrugs his shoulders. "Well, knowing you, you'll be able to manage somehow."
"I see.." Kira said before he left the room with Hachi.
"Do you believe that she and her companions are scheming something, Kira?" Hachi asks as the AI's drone hovers near Kira's right shoulder.
"I believe so." Kira nods. "I just don't know what."
Kira and Hachi continued going down the hallway, both thinking on what the Princess of the Fanoss Dukedom is scheming behind their backs.
A few hours later, nearing midnight.
At the upper deck of the Espada, Kira with Hachi entered the area with two worker robots carrying the mysterious black Armor piece.
"Where is he?" Kira asks and Hachi turns to the direction of the upper deck's front area where there is Luxion whose metal drone form is just floating around in circles. "He seems rather…frustrated."
"That is because of his hatred to this Armor piece we have on hand." Hachi replied while looking at the Black Armor Piece that the worker robots are carrying. "I have obtained information required from the Ruin's AI and I learn that this Armor Piece was created by a group of people called the New Humans who are opposing the Old Humans."
"New Humans? Old Humans?" Kira asks confused.
"in simple terms, the New Humans are a new race of humans capable of using magic unlike the Old Humans who cannot." Hachi explained. "however, the Old Humans were scientifically more advance than the New Humans."
"So they're like Naturals and Coordinators." Kira spoke before he frowns a bit. "would this mean that this world had a war alike with ours?"
"Yes." Hachi replied. "however this war happened centuries ago and the conflict has come to pass." The AI beeps a few times while looking at the Black Armor Piece. "What is left of the war is nothing than ancient relics like this one right here."
"I see.." Kira nods in understanding before he sees Luxion's drone that comes hovering to their side.
"If you are all finished with your conversation, perhaps I can begin with a new one?" Luxion spoke in a rather gruffy voice. The AI looks at the black armor piece with its red lense just glowing menacingly "Have you decided on your actions with this piece of filth?"
"I have," Kira nods, the young man had been told of a call from his foe's AI that had sent an email to Hachi, asking for a meeting regarding the Black Armor Piece. The young man was sceptic at first but after learning that it was only the AI that requested the meeting, he thought otherwise. Crossing his arms on his chest and giving the AI a hard look, he spoke. "however I have a question as well."
"And that question is?" Luxion asks, not taking its single red lense away from the black armor' Arm.
"Why are you along with Princess Hertrude so interested in such an item?" Kira asks as he glances at the object of the conversation. "it's practically a useless object and it has been damaged beyond repairs." He looks back at Luxion. "yet, it was said to still have value by her. so why is it that both of you are interested in it?"
"to be correct, Princess Hertrude finds it of value because of what it is." Luxion replied while turning to look at Kira, the metal drone having small sparks of electricity flying around it. "I on the other hand, despise this piece of filth for what it is and from who it was made by!"
Kira looks at Luxion rather confused and surprised before he glances at Hachi's drone that came near its AI foe's drone.
"to have such a level of Ire against such an item would without a doubt indicate of your existence to be an AI created by the Old Humans, correct?" Hachi asks while beeping a few times. "and would this be conclusive to say that you have no interest in keeping such an item to stay existing?"
"that is correct," Luxion replied. "if you now have the knowledge transferred into your memory drive by the Ruins' AI, you would understand why such an item must be destroyed."
Hachi remains silent for a moment before the AI's drone floats to Kira.
"Let us begin with the eradication of the Armor Piece." Hachi spoke.
"You believe that this AI just wants to destroy this thing?" Kira asks Hachi who nodded his drone.
"I have records from the ruins' AI and found nothing than terrible consequences that may befall upon us if we keep this object in our possession." Hachi replied while the worker robots begin to carry the armor piece to the edge of the Espada. "it is without our good interest to eradicate it."
Kira looks at Hachi and then at Luxion who is watching the worker robots begin to prepare to throw the arm off the ship but a second later, an eye slit appeared before it opens to reveal a demonic black eye that grew large and wide.
"T-This is!?" Kira looks surprised as black tentacles begin to sprout out of the black metal arm.
"Extinguish it now!" Luxion shouted while the AI's drone fired lasers at the tentacles that came near it.
The worker robots threw away the black armor piece as it falls straight down before it was incinerated by a powerful blue energy beam that came out of nowhere.
Kira saw what had happened and he with Hachi looked at Luxion.
"was that one of the many reasons why you despise such an object?" Kira asked and Luxion nodded.
"That piece of crap is a weapon that must not exist. No relics of the new humans have any value in this world." Luxion replied before floating away. "Therefore all which once belonged to the New Humans must be eradicated till there is no speck of dust left behind."
Kira and Hachi watches Luxion return into the ship, the AI done with incinerating the now non existing Black Armor Piece.
"His interest is to his partner and not that of the Principality and their princess." Hachi spoke and Kira nodded.
"Perhaps there's more to that AI than meets the eyes." Kira whispers before he hears footsteps from the sidelines and sees Hertrude walking by, seeming to have entered the upper deck from another entrance.
"So you were here." Hertrude spoke, greeting Kira while holding a hand to her side hair that is flying around because of the night breeze. "I've been looking for you."
"And for what reason if I may ask?" Kira asks. "also, why is it that you are alone? Where is your bodyguard?"
"Canard wanted to take a quick rest after everything that had happened on the elves' island." Hertrude replied while smiling a bit. "Which comes as a good opportunity because I wanted to talk with you alone."
"If you believe that you can attack him on the Espada, you are highly mistaken." Hachi spoke, the AI believing that Hertrude might plan to kill Kira without anyone looking.
"nothing of the sort." Hertrude replied while waving a hand to the side. "what I wish to talk is about that item you found at the ruins." She squinted her gaze a bit. "I already said this at the collective, but could you sell me that object you found? It's a valuable item for my kingdom and I will pay a suitable amount for it."
"and I had said before at the island that I would not sell it to you." Kira spoke while crossing his arms. "I do not know what it's main function, but I know that selling it to you would lead to trouble in the future." He hardens his gaze at the princess. "and besides, I do not possess it anymore."
"So you presented it to the princess and the kingdom?" Hertrude spoke before waving her hair to the side. "That is fine, I can obtain it through negotiations and therefore.."
"I did not present it to her nor the kingdom, I simply destroyed it." Kira interjected her words as this froze Hertrude in her place.
"eh?" the princess of the principality slowly turns her head and looks at Kira with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. "y-y-y-you did what?"
"I destroyed it." Kira spoke once again and Hertrude's jaw dropped.
"A-ARE YOU AN IDIOT!? WHY DID YOU DO SUCH A THING!?" Hertrude screams out. "WHY?!"
"It was an object that has no worth to me." Kira replies before shrugging his shoulders. "and I wanted to get rid of it."
"Then why did you destroy it?! you could've just give it to me and be done with it!" Hertrude screamed while pointing a finger at Kira. "This matter will be reported to the kingdom's upper management!"
"that would lead to nothing at the end." Hachi spoke out. "the item was found by Kira and according with the kingdom's rules, it is in his own property. There is nothing to be done at all."
"If you can't handle such valuable treasure with care, you have no qualifications to be an adventurer!" Hertrude shouted. "What have you been learning at the academy?!"
"Nothing other than learning to be a proper noble." Kira replied and Hertrude just looks all furious before she turns and begins stomping her way back to the ship's interior.
"Keep this moment in your memory!" Hertrude shouted while going back into the ship's interior with a very foul mood.
"Seems that we have made her day very bad." Kira said and Hachi's drone nodded.
"We were right to destroy it after seeing what it tried to do before getting destroyed." Hachi spoke before the drone turns to look at Kira. "best if we keep a track on her from now on."
"Agreed." Kira replied while nodding.
The two then returns into the ship's interior while conversing about some random topics.
"Kira, if I may ask you a question." Hachi spoke as the AI's drone turns its lense to look at the young man who glances back. "what had happened in the ruins?"
"What do you mean?" Kira asks.
"during your arrival into the hidden underground laboratory located deep within the ruins of the elves' island, you experienced a traumatic shock that made you completely vulnerable." Hachi said after beeping a few times. "and that incident showed deep trauma that is still very visible."
"that's…" Kira spoke before he pauses and looks forward while stopping. The young man looks forward with his AI companion hovering near him. "that time…" he hardens his gaze when he remembered the monsters created in the large glass tanks of the underground laboratory that overlapped with the ruined laboratory located at the abandoned Mendel Colony. "i…"
"if you do not wish to speak about it, I understand." Hachi said while the AI's drone had its lense enhanced its sight on Kira before beeping a few times. "I have concluded that your source of trauma is connected with the abandoned colony of Mendel and also…"
"I know and it is." Kira said while nodding. "when I saw that lab in the ruins, it reminded me too much of Mendel and just seeing it just overwhelmed me to the point I had to try and stay sane against my own madness.." he close his eyes and shakes his head to get rid of the memory before he slowly opens his eyes. "I also believe that not only myself, but that man is the same as myself."
"Canard Pars, correct?" Hachi said, already knowing that Kira and Canard share more than just their genes as Coordinators.
"What the elder said about the fate that intertwines my existence and his." Kira spoke while remembering the elder's clairvoyance fortune of him and Canard. "Without a doubt, it means something that ties us together as Coordinators created at Mendel."
"Perhaps that is true." Hachi said. "however, things cannot be predicted with mere fortune telling."
"yeah, maybe." Kira nods as he begins walking again. "for now, let's just wait and see if what could be become in the future is true or not."
"yes." Hachi replied as its drone followed Kira who is heading back to his room.
four days later, after the expedition to the elven island came to an end. The Espada returned everyone on board to Holfort Academy.
Right now, our attention is to the Holfort Kingdom's Royal castle where Kira is found wearing his school uniform and has Tori perching onto his right shoulder. The young man had come to the castle to submit his report of their findings in the ruins.
Kira had decided to not write too much about what he seen, discovered, and found in the ruins as he just wrote basic information about what he had seen and nothing else.
After submitting the report to the kingdom's nobles, Kira is planning to get back to school as he has nothing to do after the expedition.
"How's the maintenance with the other mobile suits, Hachi?" Kira asks his AI friend on his earpiece communicator.
"Repairs and maintenance upon the Aegis and Blitz have been completed." Hachi replied while beeping a few times. "the Duel and Buster however still require direct repairs to their motor systems and electrical systems."
"How long would it take?" Kira asks.
"With the supplies we required during the expedition, I estimate an approximate 17 hours before both mobile suits function to maximum capabilities." Hachi replied. "also to be noted, the repairs of the mobile suit support vehicles have been completed and are awaiting test run for functionality."
"good." Kira nods.
Kira and Hachi continues to converse about various topics while the young man makes his way out of the castle, but just as he did.
"This is bad! This is bad! Lacus!" Haro came bouncing into the scene as the pink ball jumps to Kira who got surprised and this made Tori fly around. "This is bad!"
"I can't say I find it so annoying after all this time." Kira said with a small smile while watching Haro jump around.
As Kira watches Haro jump around, a pair of hands came from behind and close his eyes.
"Guess who~?" a sweet voice asks Kira from behind and the young man just smiles while not bothering to guess who it is.
"Is it perhaps Holfort Kingdom's beautiful pink princess?" Kira asks in a playful tone while gently holding the hands and then turning around to see that it is Lacus standing behind him. the pink haired princess wearing a very beautiful white and pink dress that hugs her petite figure very perfectly. "well? Did I answer correctly?"
Lacus giggles with a smile before she hugs Kira who returns it.
"How have you been?" Kira asks while caressing Lacus' back.
"It's only been four days after the expedition, right?" Lacus asks while receiving a kiss on the forehead by her beloved Kira. "Did you miss me that badly?"
"Terribly." He replies with a smile while caressing Lacus' cheek. "I want to be with you every second, minute, hour, day. I just want to be with you so that I can love you and protect you forever."
"You worry so much, Kira." Lacus said before smiling even more. "but I love that part about you."
Kira smiles as he hugs Lacus once again, inhaling the aromatic floral scent from her to satisfy his desire for her.
"This is bad! This is bad!" Haro cried out as Lacus and Kira turns to see the pink ball jumping to a hallway where there is some small chatter that could be heard.
"let's go somewhere private." Lacus said and Kira nods before the young man was led into the inner parts of the castle by the princess while being followed by Tori and Haro.
In Lacus' bedroom, the door was locked from inside by Lacus who is making tea for Kira who is checking out the room.
"So things in the castle has been rather hectic from the news that I've heard." Kira spoke while checking out a painting of Lacus with the King and Queen which is hung up to a wall. "Something about the Principality demanding the return of their princess?"
"Yes, and they also demanded the head of the knight responsible for destroying their first invasion forces." Lacus said as she carried a teapot to a table. She looks at Kira with smile forming on her lips. "and I can assure you that we rejected their demand in full."
"I see.." Kira spoke as he looks a bit guilty. "I'm sorry that I made some trouble for you to handle, Lacus."
"it's not your fault, Kira." Lacus said while pouring tea into two cups. "it is the principality's actions that leads to their karma, not you." She then place the teapot down to the table while motioning a hand to the filled tea cup. "here you go."
"Thank you." Kira thanked her while sitting down by the table and then taking his cup of tea which he took a sip from. He smiles when he tasted the sour yet sweet delicate flavor. "this is very nice."
"It's made from the processed tea leaves of a Jasmine flower mixed with the petals of a Rose." Lacus said while gently blowing her teacup before sipping it and then smiling. "they call it the Sweet Love."
"that's a very appropriate name for it." Kira said smiling before taking another sip and then looking at his right shoulder where Tori came and perched upon.
The two began to converse on various topics, many about Kira's life after arriving into their current world and a few about Lacus' lives growing up in Holfort Kingdom as the princess.
"You've appointed yourself as the Administrator of Holfort Kingdom's internal affairs?" Kira asks Lacus after hearing what the princess had been doing for the past three years.
"Yes, and I've been doing my best to ensure that there is always peace between Holfort Kingdom and the bordering nations." Lacus nods while looking at her reflection in her teacup. "in the history before Holfort Kingdom's making, this nation is still not see as a real nation because of the fact that it was built by only five commoner people."
"Perhaps this might relate to the history of the kingdom being built by the current King's ancestors along with the five households?" Hachi spoke as the AI's little copter drone appears out of nowhere. "sorry to interrupt but I have an incomplete data regarding this history. May I join this conversation?"
"sure." Kira said while nodding.
"regarding the history of Holfort Kingdom's making, it is said in the history books that there were six people who are adventurers and helped in building the nation, correct?" Hachi asks while the drone turns to look at Lacus. "and those people have descendants in the kingdom?"
"yes." Lacus nods while imagining six silhouetted figures in the back of her mind. "The Royal Family Household; Holfort, the branch family; the Marmoria Household, Seberg Household, The Field Household, and the Arclight Household. Those five households are the founders' currently existing households."
"Aren't we missing one?" Kira asks, just hearing that there were six people who founded the kingdom. "you said that there were six founders, right?"
"Yes, but the six person, the sixth member of the kingdom's founders had disappeared." Lacus replied while imagining the silhouetted figures that parted away, but one had just vanish. "legend has it that the sixth founder was the only female in the group and is the First Saint of Holfort Kingdom."
"if the sixth founder is the first Saint, would this mean that Marie Fou Lafan is her descendant?" Hachi spoke out, bring out the fact that the current Saint in the kingdom is Marie herself. "perhaps history will be changed with this finding."
"True, but I have some doubts about it." Lacus said before taking a sip of her tea.
"What doubts?" Kira asks.
"I have a feeling that Marie Fou Lafan isn't the descendant of the First Saint." Lacus spoke while placing her teacup on the table. "I believe she is nothing more than a fake one."
"What make you say that?" Kira asks, interested.
"for one thing, it would be the fact that she possesses one of the lost magic items belonging to the first Saint and that she knew you had the second item which is the Holy Necklace in your possession." Hachi spoke out, bringing up the fact that Marie had the Lost Bracelet in her possession and that she knew where to find the necklace as well. "Didn't you find it strange before, Kira?"
"I did." Kira said while thinking back. "but I didn't have enough proof for such a suspicion."
"You do now." Lacus nods. "not only us, but my mother or rather Mylene-san has the same suspicion on Marie Fou Lafan as well."
"The queen as well?" Kira spoke.
"right now, Mylene-san is doing an investigation to the Lafan Household and its history." Lacus said while pouring herself more tea. "to see if Marie Fou Lafan is really the descendant of the First Saint or not." She finished pouring her tea and then held her teacup near her lips. "but her investigation is progressing very slowly because of the current dispute between the royal family and the Marquis Frampton's faction."
"Is there a problem arising within the royal court?" Kira asks, knowing a lot of the dispute from the Marquis' faction thanks to the constant reports from Hachi. "Is this Marquis Frampton planning to overthrow the royal family?"
"Nothing of the sort…Yet" Lacus spoke before she sips her tea and sighs. "However, there's been word that the Frampton's Household is planning something." She hardens her gaze while looking at her reflection in her tea. "Something that could lead to the destruction of the Holfort Kingdom."
Kira looks at Lacus for a moment before he hardens his expression.
"If he plans to cause chaos upon Holfort Kingdom, I will help in stopping him." Kira spoke out in a determined voice to Lacus who looked at him. "This world should not be tainted in the same chaos that befell our own. If Marquis Frampton plans to do something that would endanger everyone in the kingdom, I will do my best to put a stop to his plan." He hardens his gaze. "for sure."
Lacus looks at Kira before she sighs while gently placing down her cup of tea to the table and then reaching out a hand to her beloved's grasped fist.
"I know you will, Kira." Lacus nods while gently softening Kira's grip and pulling his fingers apart. "But you shouldn't let yourself be the one to do so on your own." She intertwined their fingers together. "I've said it before but the power we have is just power, we cannot let it overcome us." She smiles as she gently raised his hand and held it with both of hers. "We will ensure that Marquis Frampton doesn't do anything rash, and we will make sure that he won't cause harm to others. so, for now let us wait till the right time comes. Alright?"
Kira looks at Lacus for a moment before he smiles and then nodded.
"I got it." Kira went and pecked Lacus' hands. "I will wait and see what shall come to the future and I will do my best to help."
Lacus smiles and nodded before watching Kira who stood up from his seat with his hands holding hers. The young man went to her side and then pulls her into a hug while taking her lips for a sweet yet deeply passionate kiss.
Both teens shared their kiss for a minute or so before they separated and just smiled to one another and then continued their warm hug.
While they were doing so, Hachi watched them from the sidelines before the AI made a few small beeping noises.
"perhaps I should begin reconnaissance around the Marquis and spy on all his actions." Hachi spoke, the AI making plans against the evil noble.
Time passes as Kira is bidding Lacus goodbye because he spent nearly 5 hours talking and having time with her. It is almost nighttime because outside, the sky had already turned dark with the moon in the sky.
"If you need any help, just give me or Hachi a call, alright?" Kira said before giving Lacus a peck on her forehead and then smiling to her. "Whether if the castle got sieged by enemies and their mobile suits or in this case Armors. I'll come to save you no matter what."
"I know." Lacus smiles before hugging Kira. "but don't worry, Kira. I'll be alright, I promise."
Kira smiles and hugs her back, the young man pecking her head while caressing her back several times.
After a brief warm hug and a few more affectionate kisses, Kira and Lacus separated before parting paths.
Kira is now walking down the nearly empty hallway of the castle as he is making his way out of the castle with the company of Tori and Hachi.
"Hachi, do we…" Kira spoke with a glance at the AI's Drone.
"I have made a number of 50 Drones to help in surveying Lacus' surroundings and a number of 20 stealth drones to now go and spy on the Marquis Frampton." Hachi spoke, already knowing what Kira would ask him. "as of now. I am recording every single speech and movements he is making."
"Thank you." Kira nods with a smile. "make emphasized notes if he tries to do something that could lead to trouble."
"Understood." Hachi nodded his drone.
As Kira continues conversing with Hachi, Tori who is perched on its owner's right shoulder twists its head and looks in one direction before flapping its wings and then flies off.
"Tori~!" Tori cries out and Kira turns to see the mechanical bird flying to a corner and a surprised squeal is heard. "Tori~!"
"Tori?" Kira follows his mechanical bird and soon finds it perched on the head of Holfort Kingdom's Queen; Mylene Rapha Holfort who is on the floor with a rather embarrassed mixed surprised face. Seeing the queen's state made the young man also become surprised and shock "M-Mylene-san?!"
"K-Ki- I mean Count Bartfort!?" Mylene spoke out in surprise to see the young man.
The situation now becomes silent and awkward for the two because of the rather embarrassing situation that had occurred on the young man's island. The accidental incident at the hotspring is still fresh in their minds.
"a-are you alright?" Kira asks, rather awkwardly with his face being red while he reaches out a hand to her. "are you..not hurt?"
"y-yes…" Mylene said as she hesitantly takes Kira's hand before slowly being helped up to her feet. "I'm fine..t-thank you."
Now there is an awkward moment of silence between the two because the little incident between Kira and Mylene that occurred at the young man's island hot spring is still fresh in their minds.
"um.." "uh.." Kira and Mylene spoke in unison as they collided with one another which made them go silent. "sorry, you go first.." their words collided once again and this made the situation more awkward than before. "uh…"
As the two are trying to establish the turns of who is going to talk first. Hachi's drone hovers above and watch the scenario from a hidden line.
"This could lead to trouble in the future…" Hachi spoke after beeping a few times.
A few minutes later, in a private room within the castle.
Kira and Mylene are inside as the queen had proposed for them to have the room to have a conversation with one another.
"P-Please have some." Mylene said as the queen had some tea already prepared for herself and her guest.
"T-Thank you very much…." Kira nods in gratitude as he and the queen are sitting at a table and facing each other.
Both seeming very embarrassed and awkward with one another, the two being in the room because the queen had suggested it out of fear that she didn't want any passing by noble or castle servants to see the two and get a misunderstanding but now, the situation was very silent with one another.
The moment of silence between the two carried on for almost 5 minutes and ended when Mylene decided to speak.
"S-So….how have you been?" Mylene asks a bit timidly while just staring into her cup of tea. "I heard that you've been getting along well with La- I mean princess Lacus and that she went on an adventurer with you to the elven island." She then looks up and smiles a bit awkwardly. "and I was a bit startled to hear that her Highness Hertrude was taken along for an adventure."
"rather than taken along, she was forced to." Kira replied after nodding. "but I heard that she was given permission though?"
"I see…" Mylene spoke before she took a sip of her drink and sighs while looking a bit gloomy. "There are people in the royal palace who have varying opinions about it. As for me, I don't think that this matter falls under studying abroad."
"are you saying that the Royal Court is at odds with the royal Family itself?" Kira asks and Mylene nodded. "I see…" he then raises a hand to the side and asks. "I've heard that there's a bad relation between Holfort and Fanoss, but for there to be a deep grudge held even by the princess of that kingdom. What could've had happened in the past?"
"that's…." Mylene spoke out before pausing while lowering her head. "I believe it is something you may learn in the future."
Kira looks at the queen and hearing her response, he nodded in understanding before he picks up his teacup and took a sip.
After a moment, the room went silent as Kira and Mylene stayed quiet while sipping their tea.
as Kira was drinking his tea, Mylene spoke out.
"Count──no, Kira-kun. I don't think the principality will give up." The queen held up her cup of tea and stared into her reflection. "no matter what will be done, the war between the two kingdoms won't stop no matter what."
"It seems that way." Kira said after nodding.
"there is so many trouble coming in and out of the kingdom." Mylene sighs after sipping her tea before she place the cup down on the table. "Even the matter of the Saint's Bodyguards had been troubling." She looks at Kira. "have you heard of the problem arising in the Lafan Household?"
"if I'm not mistaken, it is concerning a deep debt that they have?" Kira replied and Mylene nodded.
"Julius had been working around the clock to solve the saint's debt, but the Lafan viscount household increased it further." Mylene spoke before sighing and having a rather tired expression. "I thought about revoking that family's nobility, but as to be expected, there was a lot of opposition towards destroying the saint's household." She sighs again. "It would be nice if the royal palace and temple could help pay back the debt on her behalf. However, there are a lot of things to budget for next year."
"I see…" Kira said as he refills his tea. 'perhaps there are other nobles who believe that Marie is not the descendant of the First Saint at all.'
"Now for the main subject at hand." Mylene said as she folds her hands on her lap. "The commanding officer of the saint's bodyguards is you, right? You will take responsibility to repay it, correct?"
Kira looks at Mylene with surprised eyes at first before his expression hardens a bit and he close his eyes while holding his cup of tea up.
"Mylene-sama, if I may speak frankly on that reply." Kira spoke while slowly opening his eyes. "If this is the matter of responsibility, I suggest you should consider the fact that the task was forced upon me without knowing."
"I know, but even when considering the time of your appointment and other matters, the royal palace and temple will be calling for someone to be punished." Mylene replied. "I'm sorry to say this, but…"
"Do not apologize." Kira said while placing his cup down. "but please remember that my answer to this matter will be a No and I shall retaliate if such matter would be placed upon me or the Bartfort Household." His eyes went serious. "I can tell that you do not wish to see a replay of the incident that could've happened with Jilk Fia Marmoria, correct?"
Mylene look at Kira for a moment and nodded with her eyes closed.
"I shall relay this as a warning to the Royal Court's Nobles." Mylene said. "apologies for ruining your mood, Count Bartfort."
Kira merely nods before he takes a few sips of his tea.
"If I think about it more clearly, I can already see that Lacus would also deny such notion done by the royal court." Mylene said after sighing before she smiles a bit. "it's rather funny in a way." She giggles with hand to her lips. "Lacus was only interested in international affairs and nothing domestic, but after your unpredicted arrival; she has become rather motivated to protect the Kingdom from outside and withing." She looks at Kira and smiles. "if she became the queen of Holfort, I would have no worries at all."
"I can envision a future of Holfort being at peace within her reign." Kira said while nodding in agreement, the young man smiling when imagining Lacus as the queen of Holfort. 'and of course, I would definitely be her knight and guardian.'
"I guess I should work hard to ensure that you are not indicted with anything else." Mylene said while holding her cup of tea and taking a sip before sighing. "I can't bear to see the one knight who protected the kingdom be harmed in any way." She giggles a bit. "Not only would Lacus retaliate if such actions were to occur, but many other nobles who supported your promotion would've done the same."
"Is that so?" Kira asks. "I've heard that I was promoted due to the support from Greg, Brad, and Chris' household."
"Yes, and myself as well." Mylene nodded while placing a hand to her chest. "and might I add, Lacus as well?"
"I see…" Kira spoke before realizing something. "Queen Mylene, may I ask you something?"
"What is it?" Mylene asks while tilting her head to the side and having a confused face.
"I've heard that with the promotion, a noble is also given a hefty amount of finances as a reward." Kira said with a hand raised to the side. "and I've also heard that the reward can also be changed into any other reward that the kingdom could offer, is that correct?"
"yes, and to be precise. It can only be changed to what the royal family could offer at the present time." Mylene said. "are you asking for a change of reward for your next promotion?"
"yes." Kira nods. "and if it's possible, I would like to ask the royal family's assistance in finding my comrades."
"your comrades?" Mylene said.
"yes, you see…." Kira spoke before he explained the story that he and his allies were separated when the war of his homeland went into chaos. He had tried to find them but the result is that he arrived to Holfort without knowing. "and that is why…"
"That is something I could help." Mylene said while thinking. "I mean Holfort Kingdom have several ambassadors stationed at several neighboring countries and they would also give monthly reports of their society's situation…" she then looks a bit confused at Kira. "but is that really something you wish for? I mean, most nobles would just send notices to other countries for requested information and such.."
"yes" Kira nods. "I'm sure you remember that I'm an adventurer who is always on constant travel to find treasure to help my finance, but with how I am still considered a foreigner, my options and actions are rather limited." He waves a hand forward and then to the side. "however, I am also opened for the chance to do a student exchange study to Alzer if that is possible. I wish to find my friends, wherever they may be."
"well…that's certainly possible.." Mylene said as she looks more confused. "but honestly, that's something only possible after things becomes rather peaceful between Holfort and Fanoss. Neighboring countries are seeing our kingdom a bit hostile in a way."
"I understand." Kira said before he looks at the window nearby and sees the night sky. "it's already very late." He finishes his tea and then stands up before bowing his head. "Queen Mylene, I thank you for the tea and your time for this conversation. I also apologize for causing you some troubles present and past. Please forgive me."
"y-yes! It's alright.." Mylene said, a bit embarrassed to how humble Kira suddenly became. "I would also like to thank you for your time." But she soon made a surprised noise and reaches out to the young man.. "oh, but wait!"
"yes?" Kira looks at Mylene as he is about to leave his seat. "what is it?"
"I'm sorry, but can you sit back down?" Mylene asks. "I still wish to ask you a few things, it shall only take about a few minutes at the most."
"I see.." Kira said as he sits back down on his chair. "what do you wish to ask?"
"a few things are seemingly unimportant at the moment, but the main question would be regarding your travel to the ruins upon the elves' island." Mylene said while having a slightly serious gaze directed at the young teen before her. "It has come to my mind that there was something more within the ruins that you have not submitted into the report early on."
"I see…" Kira spoke as he sighs and then looks down. "I suppose that you require a full and detailed explanation of the entire event?"
"that's…" Mylene spoke before she pauses and shakes her head. "no, not all of it." she sighs and looks at Kira. "I understand that there are things there that you do not wish to relive through." She bows her head a bit. "I'm sorry."
"no, that's alright." Kira nods. "but if there is something that you must know, Queen Mylene. Is the fact that Princess Hertrude is scheming something."
"scheming something?" Mylene asks. "Scheming what?"
"I don't know." Kira shakes his head. "but what I know is that it is something that could lead to trouble that may or may not come to Holfort."
"I see…" Mylene nods before she sighs and thought of something. "After hearing this…I suppose I must retake a few words before." She sighs again before she looks at Kira. "Count Bartfort, What I speak in this room is something that not many people truly know." her expression then became serious. "what I will speak now may determine the outcome of Holfort's Future against Fanoss."
Kira looks at Mylene as he could tell that the Queen knows something that not many know.
Meanwhile at the time upon the academy, in the location of the Boy's dormitory. The building was quite empty because the students were all in their rooms and the staff are doing a change of shifts which leads to there being not many people around.
In one of the building's floor level, a group of five Demi-human servant slaves are walking in the hallway quietly as they head straight for Kira's room which is empty because the young man had left for the royal palace and haven't returned.
"You have the key?" one cat man slave whispered to an elf who nods while taking out a spare key to Kira's room. "Good, open it."
The elf quickly yet quietly inserts the key to the door's keyhole, turns it counterclockwise, and a small click sound is heard later on. The door now slowly being opened by the demi-humans who hurriedly went inside after making sure that no one saw nor hear them but leaving one man to guard the door from the outside.
"To think that guy hadn't come back yet." One dog man servant said as he checks the surroundings. "this makes it easy for us."
"it would've been more easy if that Kyle brat had helped us procure the key." The cat man slave growls angrily. "That guy betrayed us, he won't lend us a hand at all!"
"The kid is the Saint's own personal servant." The elf told the cat man. "He can't afford to do any reckless conduct that could lead back to us being bitten back."
"that's right." another elf added in before looking at the cat man. "so? what is next?"
"just the letters." The cat man said before turning to another cat man who is taller and built, this one carrying some stacks of letters that are tied. "we put them in this guy's room. Put some in the fireplace cause we know that he tends to burn letters from the noble ladies."
"What do they plan on doing with these things anyway?" an elf asks. "they're just letters, right?"
"As if I'd know." the cat man shrugs his shoulders. "all that we should care is that we placed these letters in the room and receive our reward money. that's all there is to it."
Seemingly to have some hate against Kira, this group of Demi-humans are noble ladies' exclusive slaves who hated Kira as a few were the ones formerly belonging to the former Offrey Household that the young man had brutally beaten up during the school's festival.
The demihumans moved around in placing the letters at the table, the fireplace, and some even hidden under the bed. All while being quiet and discreet.
After finishing, they left the room and the dormitory in just a few minutes.
"I don't know if those letters are bad or not, but if it leads to that foreigner guy being in trouble, it's worth it." the cat man said with a grin as he and his little team went off to return to their respective owners, not planning to get themselves caught in their little scheme.
That's a wrap!
Bye bye