Here we are at Chapter 47. Soon, a new trial will begin for Fuyumi and her friends. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 47. Enjoy. Have a Merry Christmas!
Chapter 47: Brawl at the Ball?
Things have been quite peaceful in Anatolia since Fuyumi's mission to the Dragon Alliance. Communications between the two countries have been conducted through bureaucrats and the two rulers to take care of the finer details of this new alliance. For the time being, only a select group of people know about this, and most of them are at the capital. As such, Fuyumi has been granted a reprieve from traveling across the land, for which she is thankful for. Even the greatest of warriors must put down their blades to rest their spirits every now and then. Of course, she hasn't entirely laid her sword down. After her original blade was broken by Homura, she returned to using her secondary weapon, Hanemukuro. The human smiths in this world would be able to restore her blade, and even if they could, it would be far weaker than before since they don't possess the necessary materials. During her time in Crystalglove, she has taken chances to do mercenary work alongside Anelia, Elane, and Iris when she's not guarding Emilia. Even Hikaru joins them for some exercise on their hunts. Fuyumi would tell her not to go into her dragon form so as to not scare the populace thought. Of course, this has caused a few other mercenaries to try and either recruit Fuyumi's group to their ranks... usually for lecherous reasons, or for some to try and join Fuyumi's group. Fuyumi would decline such offers, but for those that didn't take a hint, a swift kick between the legs or the threats of being roasted, frozen, or skewered alive seem to do the trick. However, those tactics wouldn't work for her next challenge.
…
"A ball in the capital?" Fuyumi asks one afternoon in the duke's office.
"Yes. It's the social season this time of year, so nobles head to the capital to host balls and get-togethers with each other. A means to show off their stature, make connections, build relationships, and other political matters. The king also wishes to use this chance to officially announce and celebrate the occasion that our country and the Dragon Alliance are now allies. Not everyone is aware of it yet. The emperor and the empress will unfortunately not be making an appearance due to issues back home. As such, His Majesty has asked that Hikaru stand in their place as the emissary and your fiance. Of course, I will be attending as well with Eleonora. The king wishes for you, Emilia, Iris, and Hikaru to attend as well, since this is only possible because of you. There are also invitations for the rest of you," Duke Joseph gestures to the others.
Fuyumi sighs, "I don't suppose there's way for me to get out of this,"
"Nope. You're my fiance, so you'll need to make an appearance every now and then," Emilia notes.
Fuyumi looks to the others, "What about you guys?"
"I don't mind going. This is normal for me," Hikaru says.
"I'm not too keen on the idea of wearing a dress, but I'll endure," Iris adds.
"Um, I don't know how to act at noble parties, so I'll pass," Anelia replies nervously.
"Elane?" Fuyumi looks at the elf.
"I've been speaking with my father over letters. There are still plenty of humans who have negative opinions of my people, and vice versa. Progress has been made, but now is still not the right time to reveal myself to the public. One day soon, but it is not today. I just... I need a little more time," Elane says.
"We understand. True trust and progress cannot be rushed," Eleonora says.
"Oh, and here I was thinking I could get you into a pretty dress. Boo," Emilia giggles. "Speaking of which..." she gets a look on her eyes that makes Fuyumi nervous.
…
Fuyumi finds herself up against a wall as if looking for a way out, but trapped. Standing before her are her lovers, with Emilia and Hikaru showing smiles that seem innocent but are anything but. In Emilia's hands is a very fancy white dress.
"Why?! Why do you have that? And how do you even have one in my size?! We only looked at more masculine clothing for me that one time," Fuyumi cries out.
"Oh, do not underestimate a female designer's keen eye. That shop owner is a master at her work," Emilia replies.
"Elane, Anelia, I could use some help here," Fuyumi looks to her more sane lovers.
"Sorry, but... she said she wouldn't force me into a dress if I agreed not to help you this time," Elane glances away.
"And how can you say that after you left me behind with them at that clothing store in town last time?" Anelia stares at her accusingly.
"Iris, a little help here," Fuyumi pleads.
"Forgive me, Fuyumi, but Emilia said I could wear a more masculine outfit if I helped her get you into a dress for the ball. I swear I'll make it up to you someday," Iris scratches her cheek with a blush.
Fuyumi tries to teleport away in red mist, but the second she reappears, Hikaru is already on her, grabbing her arms in an arm lock to keep her pinned. Emilia comes around with the dress in hand.
"Ah, ah, ah, not so fast, Fuyumi. I want to see my beautiful mate in a beautiful dress. You can't escape from crossing fate," Hikaru says.
Emilia slowly approaches, "Now then, Fuyumi, time to make you cuter than ever," Emilia says, chuckling.
Why does her chuckle sound so evil right now?
…
Several days later, in the capital, the social season is in full swing. At the royal castle, nobles from all corners of the country have come to talk, mingle, discuss engagements, and get the political scope on competition. Of course, people are talking about how Fuyumi will also be attending this party. Due to all the missions she has gone on for the king, she doesn't show up at social gatherings all that often. The nobles were very excited indeed. With each passing day, her fame and prestige only seems to grow more and more. Despite the efforts of Emilia and her father, there are still a few thinking about trying to get their daughters engaged to Fuyumi in order to gain the benefits that come with being connected to her and her associates.
Currently, the ballroom in the castle is in full swing. Servants serve food and drinks. Music is being played, and everyone is wrapped up in their own conversations. A moment later, eyes start turning as a new group join the festivities. First, they see Iris in a military-styled uniform whit a navy-blue coat, white pants, black boots, and some gold edging, with her hair back in a braid (think the military outfit that Lieselotte wore in Endo and Kobayashi Live with the prince). On her arm is Emilia, wearing a light blue V-neck dress with short, flutter sleeves, long white gloves, and silver embroidery on the skirt of the dress. She has her hair up in a bun with braids on the sides and some strands flowing down her shoulders. She has Iris as her escort since Fuyumi is with Hikaru for this occasion. Since this party is about the formation of the alliance of their two nations, they have to put on appearances. The next pair is Duke Joseph and his wife, Eleonora, wearing a dark blue and white suit and a dark green dress respectively. However, the onlookers gasp when they spot the last pair to enter. First, they see Princess Hikaru, wearing a dark red off-shoulder dress with a pair of elbow-length black gloves, and a matching sash around her waist. The skirt glitters in the light, with a pair of red high-heels hidden beneath. The glitter on the skirt forms an oriental dragon flowing up and around the skirt. Finally, she has a golden necklace with a few red rubies around her neck. Her tail sticks out in an opening on the back of the dress. Many who aren't aware are shocked to see the Dragon Princess showing up at the party. The only bigger shock is her chosen partner. On her arm is Fuyumi, and her appearance takes their breath away. She is wearing a white gown with an illusion neck, giving off the images of feathers across her body. The gown has long matching gloves to match the neckline. She has her hair down with a pair of braids going to the back of her head, a pair of silver earrings with blue gems, and white high-heels. A few silver crescent moon ornaments adorn her hair and a gold necklace finishes the ensemble. While on the outside, she appears composed, it's another story on the inside.
"This feels ridiculous! A combat skirt is one thing, or a skirt for a school uniform. Those I can do, but this is something else entirely. You'd better watch your backs, girls, because I'll get my revenge one way or another," Fuyumi is trying to keep her blush to a minimum.
Those in attendance watch in stunned silence at seeing the famous Sword Maiden in a formal gown. She looked amazing in more masculine attire, but she looks breathtaking in a dress. Some of the men have to work hard not to blush, lest their wives or fiances notice. Even some of the women gush in awe at her beauty. They can't help but feel jealous that Emilia and the others in Fuyumi's circle have her all to themselves.
"You certainly have everyone's attention, Fuyumi," Hikaru whispers in her ear.
"And you're certainly enjoying my torment, aren't you, Hikaru," Fuyumi gives her a subtle glare.
"Now, now, you have to get used to it eventually. Might as well start now," Hikaru replies, still smiling.
While the duke and his wife talk with some of the other influential nobles, Fuyumi and the girls try to stick together. Anelia and Elane declined to attend since they either don't trust the other humans here, or would freak out from nervous energy at being surrounded by a bunch of nobles. Some of the nobles approach them for a chat.
"I must say, you look absolutely beautiful, Lady Fuyumi. Like a moon goddess," one male noble says.
"Indeed. I knew you'd look dashing in men's clothes, but you look stunning in a formal gown as well. Perhaps the goddess herself has blessed you with beauty similar to hers," a female noble adds.
"Why, you're all too kind," Fuyumi smiles back.
Emilia and Eleonora gave her some tips on how to deal with nobles who try to get into your good graces by throwing compliments left and right. These people are like most nobles, looking to improve their standing by getting on her good side. As a fiancé of the duke's daughter and the dragon princess from a powerful foreign nation, a hero to many in Anatolia, Fuyumi has gained quite the prestige to her name. Any who can get close to her would be close to powerful families and even the royal and imperial families of the two kingdoms since she has earned the king's favor as well.
"I was hoping that if you're not too busy, I'd love to introduce you to my daughter. She has heard tales of your exploits and is just dying to meet you," one noble asks.
Ah, there it is. Trying to through their daughters at her for connections.
"We will have to see. For now, I am holding off any meetings with other families due to the work between the new alliance. It is still fresh, and much remains to be done. Isn't that right, Hikaru?" Fuyumi looks to her fiance.
Hikaru nods, "Quite right, my love. Due to the reconstruction efforts back home, it's unclear when my father will arrive for the party. There is much to be done, after all. So, you'll have to forgive us if we must put our time elsewhere,"
They may be nobles, but she is a dragon princess. Even if she isn't human and is not from their country, her status far outclasses theirs. As such, the nobles have little choice but to concede and try again another time.
As they walk away, Fuyumi sighs, "I must admit, I have no idea how you, Emilia, and Iris can handle all of these political mechanizations. I'm tired already and the party's not even halfway over yet,"
"Much like anything else, it takes time and training. Nobles don't use swords and sorcery to fight their battles, but words, expressions, and even simple gestures. These battles are far more brutal, even if they seem less bloody. On the outside at least," Hikaru replies.
"I'll keep that in mind," Fuyumi mutters.
"But, remember that not just anyone can have you, Fuyumi. You already have Emilia, Anelia, Iris, me, and Elane as a lover. Only the best can stand by your side," Hikaru says.
After a few more minutes of hanging out with Hikaru, Emilia switches places with her so she can have some time with her fiance. Meanwhile, Hikaru goes to see what's on the menu at the food table. The two talk with a few more nobles before a new voice joins in.
"My, if it isn't the famous 'Sword Maiden' herself. This truly is a momentous occasion," they hear the new voice and turn around.
The man doesn't appear to be a noble, but he does seem to be of some importance. He is wearing white robes with a small red cape over his shoulders. The man is middle-aged with a seemingly kind smile.
"Forgive me, but may I ask who you are?" Fuyumi asks.
"Ah, forgive me for my late introduction. I am Earl Smitz, archbishop of the Church of Theodosia. Truly, an honor to make your acquaintance,"
Fuyumi glances at Emilia, "Archbishops are high-ranking officials in the church. He must be from the Theodosia Conclave, which is governed by the church which worships the Goddess. Many in Anatolia and a few other countries practice their religion," Emilia whispers.
"Hmm, I heard they don't like the Dragon Alliance because they don't worship the goddess like the church does. Best keep my cool here," Fuyumi decides before looking back to the archbishop. "A pleasure to meet you, Archbishop. I wasn't expecting a holy man of the church to come to a party like this. This is my fiance, Emilia Crystalglove,"
"Archbishop," Emilia offers a polite curtsy.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Emilia. We in the church work hard to spread the holy word of our goddess throughout the land. To both the common people and the aristocracy. The king of Anatolia was gracious enough to allow me to enter this event. I must say that the goddess must have blessed me this day since I was finally able to meet you, Sword Maiden," Earl replies, bowing his head.
"Me? Why would an archbishop of the church wish to meet me? I'm not that special," Fuyumi replies.
"Oh, but many in the church beg to differ. Stories of your heroic deeds have spread even to our humble country. A beautiful maiden, clad in white, who takes up her sword to vanquish those that tread down the dark path. Skilled with a blade, and capable of casting different types of magic without incantations. It's as if you were blessed by the goddess herself," the archbishop pours on the compliments.
"You exaggerate, Archbishop. I am only doing what I feel is right for me and my home. I'm not some holy maiden," Fuyumi waves it off.
"Oh, but I beg to differ. You are far more special than you realize, Lady Fuyumi Kusanagi. Many in the church see you as an angel sent down from the goddess to help in her duty to guide those down the holy path. I must admit, I too see a resemblance," Smitz replies.
"Is this why you came all this way to meet me? To throw out compliments and flattery?" Fuyumi asks.
"Oh, heavens no, I came for a few reasons, but the main one is I have been assigned a great task by the church that involves you, Lady Fuyumi," the archbishop replies.
"And that would be?" Emilia asks.
"I would like to invite you to come to the Theodosia Conclave and meet with the Pope of our holy church. He wishes to speak with the one who many see as the holy maiden of the goddess. You see, our objective is much like yours. We seek to help the people who struggle to survive in this world that is filled with such strife and difficulties. If you were to join us in our holy mission, we will aid you in your journeys and provide you with a plethora of resources that would be most useful. If they see us working hand-in-hand, the people would rekindle their faith and more would follow down the right path towards salvation. While many already see you as such, we would officially grant you the title of 'Angel of the Goddess'. You would stand side by side with the pope and bring prosperity to all," the archbishop explains, keeping his seemingly kind smile plastered on his face.
"I see. They want to take me to the church and try and get me to join their side in order to gain more power. Do they even know that I'm engaged to be married to Hikaru, the princess of a nation they hate? Or, are they doing this precisely because of that? Either way, they just want me as a puppet and nothing more. It's sad to see even men of the cloth to have fallen so low into the darkness," Fuyumi quickly puts the pieces together.
"Let me ask you one question: the church doesn't mind that I'm engaged to another woman, or multiple?" Fuyumi asks.
"I admit there are some within the conclave who frown upon polygamy and marriage between those of the same gender. However, when comparing that to your great deeds, many more choose to support you because you fight for a noble cause. I may be a holy man, but even I dare not interfere with things as strictly fated as love. I see your bond as another part of the goddess' plan. As an archbishop, I have good authority within the church. I can convince a number of those that may not have high opiniong of you to change their mind. Plus, with the pope as your ally, Ladies Emilia, Anelia, and Iris would be happily welcomed within the church as the partners of our beloved angel. So, would you like to come to the holy land?" the archbishop asks, confident in Fuyumi giving him a positive answer.
"My, my, isn't this an interesting sight," they look as Hikaru joins the conversation. "Mind if I join in?"
The archbishop visibly stiffens upon sight of her, "Why, if it isn't the princess of the Dragon Alliance. Why are you here?" he asks, trying to remain calm and collected.
"Wait, does the archbishop not know why this party is being held?" Fuyumi cocks her head.
The truth is only a select few knew about the real reason for this party. The king wanted to announce it as a little surprise for the people, including the engagement between Fuyumi and Hikaru.
"Why wouldn't I be hear, archbishop? After all, were my fiance goes, I go," Hikaru strolls up next to Fuyumi and takes her arm that isn't occupied by Emilia.
"Her what?!" Earl is quite surprised now.
Fuyumi smirks, "Yes, were you not aware, archbishop. The Dragon Alliance and the Kingdom of Anatolia have officially become allies. This new pact was sealed through an arranged marriage between myself and Hikaru. I will be marrying her alongside Emilia, Anelia, and Iris," she says.
"You mean... you intend to marry that... retched beast?" the archbishop is starting to lose his cool as he glares at Hikaru.
Either he doesn't like her because of her homeland, because she's not human, or both. Probably both.
"My, Archbishop Smitz, I trust you are becoming well acquainted with Ser Fuyumi and Princess Hikaru?" they turn again to see King Gaius and Prince Mikhail join them.
"Y-Y-Your Majesty, please forgive me for being forward, but is it true? Is Lady Fuyumi marrying that vi-I mean Princess Hikaru?" Smitz is sweating a bit now.
"Of course. After all, this party is to celebrate a momentous occasion," King Gaius turns to his people. "There are some here who are aware of the current situation, but many of you are not, so allow me to inform you. This party is to celebrate the fact that our fair Kingdom of Anatolia and the great Dragon Alliance have officially become allies," he announces, much to the shock and joy of his guests. "And while the Dragon Emperor could not come due to much work in his homeland, he sent his daughter, Princess Hikaru Akatsuki, in his stead. And she is engaged to be married to our hero of evening, Ser Fuyumi Kusanagi the Sword Maiden, as her fourth wife. Please join me in congratulating this joining of our two great nations and the future of their marriage together!" he starts clapping, prompting the rest of the crowd to clap as well.
Fuyumi blushes at being the center of attention like this, but smiles with Emilia, Hikaru, and Iris right by her side. Of course, the only one not happy about this is the archbishop.
"Now then, archbishop, in regards to your offer. I must decline. I'm aware that the Conclave does not have a high opinion of the Dragon Alliance because they prey to other deities besides the goddess. I am not a very religious person, but I do not see the problem if they wish to pray to another god besides yours or mine. That is their right. What's more... you just insulted by beloved fiance, and I do not take too kindly to that. So, please tell the pope that I will not be going to your country. But please, do enjoy the rest of the party," Fuyumi says with a smile.
The archbishop glares at her now, "It seems we were mistaken about you, Lady Fuyumi. Perhaps you're not an angel after all. My apologies for the misunderstanding. Also, I suddenly seem to be unwell. I will excuse myself from tonight's event. Have a good evening," he says and struts away with clenched fists.
Everyone watches him leave, but the tension in the room only seems to get higher.
"I certainly hope this doesn't make things more complicated," Fuyumi wishes.
The Conclave doesn't like the Dragon Alliance, and with Anatolia becoming allies with them, it might worsen their opinion of Anatolia as well. But, when Fuyumi sees Hikaru's smiling face as people congratulate her on their engagement, she knows that she made the right choice. Hopefully, it won't come with a high cost.
And that's the chapter. The alliance and Fuyumi's engagement to Hikaru is made known to the rest of the public, but there are some who do not like it. Hopefully, this won't come back to haunt Fuyumi. What else awaits her? Until then, please Read, Review, and have a Merry Christmas.