Nacht sometimes wondered why their current king was still on the throne. Of course, royalty and birth right had a role to play with it. But in his humble opinion, there should be a law that allows to destitute an incapable king, for the sake of the kingdom.
Was there no other Kira able to replace him? A Kira more capable to actually reign? Nacht knew that Damnatio Kira wasn't really open and hard in his judgements, but at least he was competent. Nacht wondered if it was also possible to change the reigning house completely, having a Vermillion or a Silva on the throne. Although, given that there were only four Silvas today…
In any case, King Augustus Kira Clover XIII was just proving again that he was a clearly inept king as he was the only one still absent from this important urgency meeting. And as much as it sucks, all they could do was to wait for that gaudy monarch before they could properly start. Which was a pain, considering how important it was to discuss for the future, after everything that happened.
Nacht sometimes wondered if it was possible to change his nationality.
Yami did that, but Nacht had the suspicion that his case might be a special one. He wasn't blind and unlike the majority of the Black Bulls, he was actually able to use his brain cells. Nacht of course noticed that there was a tension between Yami and his sister, Ichika. And that when the past in Hino was mentioned, Yami and this man, Ryuya, had a knowing, almost like burdening glance sharing with the other.
And Ichika seemed to be burdened when it was mentioned.
Nacht had to rise his opinion about her. She was more than interesting, she was truly fascinating. And honestly, mysterious. And while Nacht usually avoided to get near people with those kind of vibes, it was definitely different with Ichika. She wasn't like others with that vibe.
She also wasn't like her brother. No toilet problems, anything but laidback… If she would have been the captain of the Black Bulls, it certainly would be different, the duties of a knight might be taken more seriously than just by Asta and Finral, to some level also by Zora and Noelle.
Ichika already took a seat at the table, more immense than the usual one for the captain meetings. Nacht tried to not observe her, at least not openly. While the traits between the siblings were rather obvious, somehow he found himself more fascinated by the differences. Ichikas traits were a bit rounder, more delicate and still, it didn't took anything away from her brave and stern appearance. On the contrary, it just seemed to underline it even more. Such a contrast was something he never saw before on anyone.
Nacht wondered why she seemed so tense within her brother's presence. Of course, they might have been a bit awkward with each other after so many years without any contact. But Nacht felt that this was more than just some easy tension for being reunited after years afar from the other. He had noticed how she somehow froze during breakfast this morning, when Magna asked her to support him and defend Yami against Nachts criticism. There has to be something between the siblings and while this idiot of a captain seem to be also very laidback about that, Ichika was certainly not at ease.
She seemed to observe, to analyse the current situation and the people around her. An attitude he couldn't help but admire.
Ichika had quite an annoyed glance when her Ryuzen colleague – her name was Komari he Nacht remembered correctly – was talking to captain Dorothy with an excitement rivalling Lucks.
"Oh, by the great Ochaamii, your eyes are so beautiful!"
"My, thank you, you are quite dashing as well. I love your outfit."
"You do? Oh, finally someone likes it! Except Ryu-sama, everyone else said that this outfit wasn't that good for battles."
And now, Kirsch Vermillion joined the chat. "Oh, don't listen to those hideous critics. They don't know that one has to be beautiful on every occasion, even in a fight. And your looks are definitely what I have to call beautiful."
"Oh, this is so nice of you to say! Who are you? I'm Komari Imari and you have such a cool outfit as well."
"Ah, what a beautiful compliment in it's simplicity. I see that you are someone of beautiful taste. My name is Kirsch Vermillion and I welcome you with all my heart in the kingdom of Clover. Ah, you will have to tell me about the beauty of your home country, I will need to know everything."
"Will sure do, Kirsch-sama. And I have a question, who is this woman with the gorgeous purple mane who has braided her bangs out of her face?"
"Oh, this is Lital Lys," Dorothy answered with one of her unique hand signs. "A member of the Crimson Lion and while calm, she is very cute. Ask her captain."
"It's just, I have seen so many mesmerizing eye colours since I came here, but hers must be a rarity even here, right? I mean, her eyes look like the purest nacre I ever saw."
"Oh, I agree on that. If there would be a competition about the most beautiful eyes, lady Lital would win or at least be one of the top candidates."
"Like my vice-captain said, she has one of the rarest colours in the whole Clover Kingdom. Hey, Lital, this charming lady here thinks that you have the prettiest eyes she ever saw in her life!"
"Um, well, thank you?"
Nacht felt himself smirk when he saw how Lital Lys nodded in confusion. Well, it was true that the colour of her eyes was one of the most rare in the Kingdom and he knew no one else having nacreous eyes. But she didn't seem to be used to such spontaneous compliments like that, especially from people she didn't know yet. But Nacht noticed that captain Fuegoleon had a small smile when captain Dorothy yelled Komaris compliment to Lital. Seemed like it was true that he and this member of his squad were in a relationship.
Mereoleona Vermillion was standing next to her brother, arms crossed and smirking smugly at Yami and captain Charlotte, who just entered the meeting room now. She immediately reached for the captain of the Blue Roses for some talk or at least what Mereoleona Vermillion considered as a talk, making Yami look pretty much upset.
Nacht fought the urge to roll his eyes. Logically speaking, the ability to read Ki shall prevent from density, but nope. Yami was not only completely unable to tell if someone was in love with him, but he was also blind to his own feelings. Back during their rascal youth, Nacht noticed that Yami had an unknown crush on Charlotte Roselei. Unknown, because that idiot had been totally blind to it.
But those feelings were still here, despite all the density. Yami almost looked like he was pouting. And Nacht wasn't the only one who noticed it. Ichika, Ryuya and Yosuga actually saw him frown almost like a child.
Okay, now Nacht was even more impressed by Ichika. She might haven't see her older brother for years and she hasn't been here in Clover for long, yet she still saw immediately that Yami had feelings for Charlotte Roselei, a woman she didn't even knew yet. Unlike her brother, she seemed to use her brain rather often and Nacht liked that.
"What makes ya this upset, old friend?" the shogun asked warmly as Yami joined them.
"Nothin'. It's just that I finally had a proper talk with Prickly Queen over there and then it was interrupted. First by Mushroom Head, then by Sisgoleon."
"Oh, I can understand that ya wanted to be a bit alone with her. Charlotte-sama certainly seems to prefer to be in yer company as well. She is really beautiful and she seems to be a wonderful person as well. Plus, she seems to trust you a lot. Wonderful catch, Yami, that's for sure."
"Nah, ya got it all wrong, old friend. There's nothing between Prickly Queen and me. She can be a prickly pain in the ass too, but not as much as the others, that's all. And she is the only one I know who doesn't need to be told to surpass her limits, she's doin' it on her own. What she needs to remember is to rely on others more often. And yeah, she's a real catch, but she always said that her partner is the battlefield and I don't think any man can be good enough for her."
Yeah, right. Nothing at all, really? Whom is he trying to convince here and why was he that stupid to not realize it himself? The Shogun had a knowing smile as well. Okay, Nacht might like this man, he certainly wasn't stupid. At the same time, he better not be since he was the head of a country.
The man called Yosuga even snickered while patting strongly on Yamis back, much to Nachts secret delight. "Don't be such an Okami in denial, go for yer woman. You are lucky to have one. Speaking of… the one yer girl is currently talking to. That's this famous fierce fire women, right?"
"Yeah, that's Sisgoleon."
"Mereoleona Vermillion."
"Shut up, Nacht! Well, ya can try to talk to her, if ya want. But trust me, that's a too high risk. She's a wild beast who takes her baths in lava, who grabs people with fire paws and she is undefeated on many levels. Yeah, if ya want to live, don't challenge her. Even the Black Bulls won't take that risk."
"I see. Seems like a worthy risk for me. And even better if she can also defend herself, those women are the best."
And to everyone's surprise, Yosuga actually walked over to Mereoleona Vermillion to introduce himself.
That was actually something Nacht never saw before and he never would have thought anyone would have the guts to talk to this woman as casually like that. That man, Yosuga, was either completely stupid or too daring…
Or he might be actually the kind of man able to take over the heart of Mereoleona Vermillion.
She didn't seem at all impressed by him at first. Of course she wasn't, this was Mereoleona Vermillion after all. Who had ever impressed her that much, except maybe the late Acier Silva?
"You are very bold to think you might impress me by just tell me your name."
"Oh, don't worry, this wasn't my intention at all."
"I'm not worrying. And if this wasn't your intention at all, what do you want? Challenge me, maybe?"
A few gasps were heard in the room. But Yosuga didn't seem scared by Mereoleonas angry voice at all. On the contrary, it seemed to motivate him even more, his eyes practically shining. "That would be a start, yes."
A small smug smirk appeared on Mereoleonas lips. "A start, huh? You really have guts, I admit."
"Let me prove myself to you while I'm staying in yer country. I either will succeed to impress you or I'll die happily trying it."
A few more gasps. The little Diamond Queen was now squishing her white teddy bear and if Yami had a cigarette in his mouth right now, it would have fallen on the floor, he was this stunned by what each one of them just witnessed between Mereoleona Vermillion and Yosuga Mushogatake.
He was serious. This man was fucking serious. He practically challenged the Undefeated, Uncrowned, Unchained Lioness and not only he didn't show any fear talking to her, he survived the encounter without a scratch for now and given the smile on Mereoleonas lips, Yosuga even might started to impress her at least a bit.
"You have balls, that's for sure. No one ever challenged me like that, without even any fear. That's a nice start. You better not disappoint me, even if it's your death sentence."
"Oh, I won't let you down whatever happens, I'm sure of that."
"That's my kind of confidence, I like that. No else of those idiots ever had it."
With that, Mereoleona turned around to talk to Charlotte again and a happy, satisfied Yosuga joined Ryuya, Yami and Nacht again. Both seemed very unbothered by the tension the majority of the present people had.
"I think I have a chance here."
"Well, ya survived, so maybe ya have," Yami said, still stunned. "And if ya die?"
"It would be one of the most glorious death I could hope for."
That man was just as crazy as Mereoleona Vermillion.
The shogun laughed and put an arm around his subordinate. "Well, in that case I hope that ya won't die and succeed at impress and seduce her, I don't wanna lose one of my best warriors and oldest friends to a love blood bath."
Nacht turned around. Lucius Zogratis might have been something crazy to witness, but that scene between Mereoleona Vermillion and Yosuga Mushogatake was certainly more surprising than anything else in his books.
He couldn't help but discreetly glance at Ichika. Of course, like everyone else, she has witnessed that crazy scene and while her dark grey eyes were wide open, Nacht had the feeling that she was more surprised about something else than the fact her teammate survived to give a challenge to Mereoleona Vermillion.
This was confirmed as the third Ryuzen, Komari, came over to Ichika and whispered to her, "Have you seen that? The woman Yosuga-kun always dreamt of might exist after all. Oh, gosh, do you think he will fall in love?"
"He might be infatuated already, did you see the shining in his eyes? I'm actually truly surprised that this woman fits every description Yosuga ever gave about the lady of his dreams so perfectly."
Really? This was certainly… something. Nacht didn't know how if the word miracle was the right one in this situation, but it was certainly not something anyone would see every century. A bit scary in this specific case.
"Lord Nacht?"
Nacht turned around, almost flinching for being directly addressed. But he relaxed immediately as he recognized who it was.
"Queen Ciel, your Highness," he replied with a small bow. Nacht usually wasn't one to be polite and respectful towards people of the hierarchy. But there was still a few exceptions. And the current queen regent of the Spade Kingdom was certainly one of those people he would make an exception for.
During his time as a spy in Spade, he came in contact with her from time to time. He had admired her, how despite her big loss – losing husband and son the same night, while seeing her kingdom fall into pieces and escaping Dante who had tried to force her into his bed before he indented to kill her – queen Ciel had still been able to stay strong and doing her best in the shadows, to save her kingdom and the people, as well as to throw over the Dark Triad. That woman had the inner strength every ruler should have in difficult times.
"I'm glad to see you again," Ciel said with a smile. "It's been a while since we saw each other. How do you feel being back in your homeland?"
"Honestly, I don't know if I'm used to be back. One year in Clover is not much compared to those I've spent in Spade."
"I understand, but you still seem have made your marks back. And with what I know from you, I'm sure that you are an excellent vice-captain."
"You are way too kind, your Highness. It's not like I have a choice, the captain of the Black Bulls is too laidback and delegates quite too often for my taste, someone has to keep him in check. Like when he uses our spatial mage for the most ridiculous things. And your son, does he find his marks in Spade?"
"Slowly, but yes. He is still a bit reluctant, even though he is open to learn about his birthland. I don't blame him, Yuno spent very little time in Spade and he grew up in Clover, his friends and comrades are here, as well as the people he came to call family over the years. Of course he is more attached to Clover now than to Spade. I don't want to push him, I know that one day he will come back. For now, I'm just happy that he grew attached to me again over the past year and that he calls me mother today."
And this was certainly something that meant the world to queen Ciel, to be a mother again for her only son. After all those years in the darkness. Nacht understood her quite well and he was happy that she got this back.
But to be honest, even though Yuno was certainly a loyal, devoted knight and that he did great things for the kingdom of Clover, Nacht firmly believed that the right thing to do for this boy was to go back to Spade and finally become not only the prince, but also the king. It's not like he had no supporters in Spade. Since he grew up in Clover for so long, Yuno would certainly be able to continue to be there for both Clover and Spade, not only as a prince, but as a king. Since he has a foot in both countries, no one could be better to form the new friendship bond between the two kingdoms.
But for now, queen Ciel was doing a wonderful job to give her son a healthy and happy kingdom once he was ready.
"I've heard that our allies from Hino are here to offer Spade, Clover, Heart and Diamond an alliance," she continued, looking over at the Shogun, who just introduced himself to captain Nozel Silva. "Loyce had been in the land of the Sun once, when he was still the prince of Spade. But such an alliance is something new and welcomed."
"You seem pretty happy about it, your Highness. I understand, the Spade Kingdom needs more allies after all those dark years."
"From a political point of view, it is certainly a wonderful thing. But Spade needs also to be friends with other countries, not only allies. Friends we can trust. And after what happened with Lucius Zogratis, each of our countries need trusted friends with each other. Especially little Lavendel, she is still too young to bear that burden of ruling a kingdom alone. Poor sweetheart."
Nacht glanced at the young Diamond Queen, who sat down on one of the chairs as well, with two cushions so that she could look over the table. Yes, this little girl we'll need allies she can trust for her country. Nacht had compassion for queen Lavendel, eleven was way too young to become queen. And given how all the adult heirs either died – due to her predecessor or due to Lucius Zogratis – or actually betrayed the Diamond Kingdom, she became next in line for the throne.
At least, they choose someone good to accompany her to this urgency meeting. From Nacht knew about Lotus Whomalt, that man was not only not interested at all to gain power and manipulate the child queen, but he was a family father himself and certainly not only saw his queen in Lavendel Neuschwanstein, but also a little girl who needed both to be still a child – who could blame her that she brought her teddy bear to this urgency meeting – and loyal guidance for her duty as a queen.
And Nacht heard that a young man named Mars was currently taking care of the Diamond Kingdom during the absent of the queen and that this man had high interest for the best of his country. Plus, he was apparently a friend of Asta. For now, it seemed that queen Lavendel was in good hands.
He couldn't help but look again at Ichika, this time talking to En Ringard, who became the new captain of the Green Mantises. She certainly would be a great help for her Shogun with his offer of an alliance. Would she also help for this little girl that was now on the throne of Diamond? Nacht didn't know why, but he had the impression that Ichika would have some compassion for such a young girl.
While Nacht couldn't take his eyes away from Ichika, he didn't noticed how queen Ciel observed him with surprise, before she followed his glance. Looking at the young woman from Hino, the queen regent of Spade looked again at Nacht, with knowing interest.
But before she could say anything, the king of Clover finally arrived, without any apology for being half an hour late, followed by a tense young boy with a Green Mantis robe who hold his long cloak.
"Ah, I see that none of you started without me. I expect nothing less from how you all need to respect me. Now, shall we start already with this urgency meeting? I don't have all day, I have other duties to follow."
Nacht rolled his eyes. As long as king Augustus would be there, no important steps could be really discussed.
Yami was THIS close to groan loud and deeply as he sat down at his place, like everyone else present in this room. It was one thing to have an urgency meeting without Julius. But having a meeting without Julius and having that stupid wabbly wannabe pudding of a gaudy wannabe king sitting at what was Julius old place should be considered disrespectful. Especially since said wannabe pudding king looked so full of himself like always, if not more. Just looking at him, no one would have thought that the Clover Kingdom just survived some kind of fucking apocalypse.
Damn, he felt so annoyed already that he almost wished that someone more competent from house Kira would be here instead of this useless king. Even the scale bastard with the mole would certainly be a better option! But Damnatio was probably still in recovery, like the other surviving paladins.
Okay, to be fair, Yami didn't believed that the king wasn't the only reason why he was bothered. But it was such an excellent excuse!
Yami side-glanced at Charlotte, who sat next to him like always. He didn't know what exactly happened between them, back in the hallway just a few minutes ago, but damn, that sudden tension was so thick it should have been cut through with a knife. And even weirder, it didn't even felt like it was bad!
Okay, maybe it was, but not that kind of bad.
Prickly Queen was really messing with his mind and she probably has no idea, so it wasn't her fault at all. Okay, maybe it was, but not that kind of fault.
What kind was it then?
A good question and he really wanted to know the answer, because he had no fucking clue, which was pissing him off. Probably more than it should. It clearly wasn't because she had to see one of her girls die. Okay, maybe partly, but Yami just knew in his guts that it wasn't only that. All he knew so far that whatever was between Prickly Queen and himself bothered him so much that he was unable to get her out of his mind, even after everything that happened those last days and even when he had to take a dump.
And if even taking a dump started to have less importance than Prickly Queen in his mind, then there was a problem! Somehow. Kinda. For some reason, it felt a bit wrong to call Prickly Queen a problem.
Has it something to do with her confession back in Spade? Yami remembered that he had been on the brink of death at one moment and that it was Charlottes voice of all people who somehow brought him back.
Had Finral been right? Was it a love confession? Then why the hell had no one ever told him before and why had his wheels been so surprised that he didn't know? After all, Charlotte? His Prickly Queen? In love with him? It sounded so unsatisfyingly absurd. Almost not like real life, but more like one of those romance novels Vanessa loved to read, with forbidden love, angst and still a fucking happy end.
Speaking of Vanessa… now that he think about it, one year ago, practically two weeks after the raid in Spade, she had tried to talk to him and Prickly Queens name had fallen. Had it been important? Well, she practically followed him and Finral to the Royal Capital for the captains meeting, so maybe it was somehow important? Back then, Yami just had brushed it off, too focused on that stupid meeting and eagerness of having a proper gamble with Jack afterwards, back in the pub where the captains always loved to hang out after boring meetings. And Vanessa had been kinda confusing with her choice of words. But his disinterest seemed to have upset her for some reason and after failing again when the meeting was over – she really waited outside of it – she called him a dense idiot and unromantic, before leaving. Okay, he wasn't dense at all, but unromantic? Probably.
Wait, had Vanessa tried to help Charlotte? Since when were they buddies? She never ever had mentioned anything about spending time with Prickly Queen and the Blue Roses, be it for drinking or girl talks. Vanessa was always pretty open about the people she know or at least pretended to know.
But that didn't matter right now. What mattered was… Was Prickly Queen really in love with him? Charlotte Roselei? Captain of the Blue Rose squad? The same woman who didn't need encouragement and pushes to surpass her limits and who always claimed that the battlefield was her partner?
In love? With HIM?
If it weren't for his sudden strange gut feeling, Yami would have brushed it off and called it a day. After all, he had been so certain that Charlotte couldn't stand the mere sight of him. Now he wasn't that certain anymore and he hated that feeling.
What if she didn't run away because she hated him, but because she was nervous around him? Did she feared a rejection? Oh, to that he could relate. She also ran away screaming one year ago, after Vanessa had left frustrated. But the real question was… would he reject her? And there started some kind of uncertainty he hated to feel. Because it was confusing and he couldn't just delegate him to future Yami.
Weirdly enough, the answer couldn't be yes, that was certain for some reason. Then the answer would be no. But strangely, while yes was obviously not the answer, the no seemed more confusing? Why? And where the heck was the maybe? Was there even a maybe in the first place?
Could someone slap him and free him from this fucking confusion? Or at least distract him?
His eyes went on Charlotte again. He already knew that she was a hot damn beautiful woman. But he never realized how much. Or rather, he always knew, he was always fascinated by her and he only realized yet that he always found her more than beautiful. Her fair blonde hair with only one sweet little braid while the rest fell free like a stream, her shining blue eyes, her shining pale skin like the finest Hino porcelain…
Oh shit, was he really thinking all of that?
Okay, they NEEDED that tea date so much, to finally sort things out. But when? And how? There were still no pubs, restaurants or cafés open, dang it!
"Hm-hm."
Fuck, Yami almost forgot that they were at an urgency meeting and he actually forgot that this stupid wannabe pudding king was here.
Since king Augustus made a noise, seemed like the discussion would be started. Everyone had now sat down, except for that Mantis carried the royal cloak or something. But that stupid king seemed to wait as well, looking at each present person with expectation and a bit of irritation.
What was he waiting for? He make the noise to begin and he was the king of the kingdom where this urgency meeting was held, so of course he should start! Julius would have known that.
The kings shadow with the Green Mantis robe flinched a bit before actually speaking, "Your Glorious Majesty, you look magnificent today and we are so grateful you gave the hospitality for everyone to discuss the important future, like you always did. We are all so relieved and mesmerized that you stood strong during the tragedy and now, you are even more strong and glorious."
"Ah, thank you, Sekke, my dear child. I know I can always count on you to remember me how wonderful and kind-hearted I am."
Wait, that's what he wanted first? A compliment, flattery for his own person? Yami wasn't really surprise, but it was still frustrating. Couldn't he think about his kingdom for a change and not himself? Stupid king and poor August month, its name was wasted onto such a wannabe royal pudding.
Of course, he wasn't the only one feeling that way. Heck, even Kaiser, Dorothy, William and Rill looked so done with that shit. Fuegoleon, Nozel and Dorothys glittering vice-captain even more and those three were royals themselves.
Speaking of royals… The Heart Queen and the little Diamond Queen seemed confused about that dumb scene, but the Spade Queen and Golden Boys mother, she not only had an irritated glance at king Augustus, but she also looked very offended and slightly furious. Oh, just for that reaction, Yami decided that he liked Golden Spade Mama.
"Well, dear subjects… oh, and colleagues, of course… We all know why we are assembled here."
Yes, everyone knew that, couldn't this useless wannabe royal pudding come straight to his point and be done with it?
"Well… what happened to my kingdom and to the others probably as well is tragic. Very tragic. It is so unspeakable how tragic it is… Um…"
Now he was searching for words. Yami wondered how many other people present had currently the same urge as him to roll their eyes. Even those who hadn't met king Augustus before must realize that he was a joke as a king. Heck, even the Diamond kiddo looked now very irritated and she was the only person present in this room who had a real good excuse to not behave like a ruler.
But even that little eleven year old queen with the teddy bear looked more responsible than king Augustus. Who sadly wasn't finished talking. "Oh, well… as you can see, I am at a loss for words. Of course, after all it was tragic. Well, whatever. I hope that everyone here will make sure that everything will be repaired accordingly, to bring me and my kingdom to his glory again. I will myself work to be the pinnacle of hope and glory again, so that I can guide my people who will see like always what a wonderful leader I am. I gloriously promise that I will make a better leader than Julius ever was, may he rest in peace, so that I can guide the next Wizard King, like a wonderful mentor. Look at me and be amazed by how benevolent I am!"
King Wannabe Pudding opened his arms, but since no one reacted to it, he fell back onto his chair like a pouting child and asked in an immature mutter, "Well, shall we continue? We have other things to discuss, I suppose."
"Indeed, there is, Augustus," Golden Spade Mama spoke, standing up in the process. Yep, that looked actually royal. "The destruction his huge, but this is something all of us can manage hand in hand. Our battle against Lucius Zogratis and his army showed us that teamwork is always a key to win a war and I'm convinced that is also the key to rebuilt what was destroyed. And more importantly, to give hope to the people. Rebuilds are easy compared to the loss each and every one had to endure. All of us and our people lost ones dear to them. Be it close or not and while we have to grieve in order to move on, hope shall not be forgotten in those times, despite its fragility."
Golden Spade Mama was clearly speaking out of experience. Hadn't she lost her husband when those fucked up Zogratis siblings took over her kingdom. And she was so right by saying all of this.
Yami looked over at the others. He wondered how many of his colleagues lost at least one of their knights. And what about the three queens present? Fuegoleon had his eyes closed and looked stoic but Yami could tell from his Ki that he was grieving. Heck, no wonder, Hard Nose lost many of his knights, because they sacrificed themselves for Sisgoleon. Yami felt bad for those fire siblings.
The dark purple haired lady with the pearly eyes, who sat next to Hard Nose – obviously a surviving Crimson Lion – had a grieving Ki as well and tapped the arm of her captain in comfort.
And what about Prickly Queen? She had lost some of her girls too, she had told him that before the meeting. Heck, he kept her company for a whole night because she needed a shoulder to cry one after she saw one of her knights dying.
Instinctively, Yami took her hand from under the table and felt his heart beat in high speed when she actually intertwined their fingers together.
We did that felt like a dream coming true? And why was her Ki just as overwhelming as his own right now?
Did… did she really loved him?
"Ah, yes, of course, I will wear black as a grief sign, even though that colour is veiling my glorious light," the pudding said, before he seemed to finally realize the presence of the Hino people in the room. "Who are you and who allowed you to enter my country without my explicit authorization after I had to deal with a terrible apocalypse? I don't have time for foreigner tourists!"
If Charlotte wouldn't have held his hand right now, Yami swore that he would have stood up and throw a Dimension Slash at this Wannabe Pudding King. He was used to be looked down since he came here. But that doesn't meant that he would let people from his homeland get the same insults. Especially since among them was his childhood friend and more importantly, his younger sister.
The tension in the room was now thick, everyone felt the offense. But thank goodness Ryu stood up quickly from his seat and came towards king Augustus, bowing very respectfully in front of him. Ichika, Yosuga and Komari followed and put down a kneel on the floor. This was clearly indicating that Ryu was their leader and they were their subordinates. Only an idiot wouldn't realize that.
Too bad that Wannabe Pudding King was an idiot.
Ryu put his most polite smile on his lips and spoke in the most fluent Suitish Yami ever heard, "I deeply apologize to have entered your wonderful kingdom unallowed, your Majesty. Unfortunately, the circumstances of those last few days had forced me and my subordinates to be this drastic."
"And what kind of circumstances would force you to ignore my authorization?"
"The attack of Lucius Zogratis, your Majesty."
"Ah, yes… Of course, of course… Well, what are you waiting for, continue your explanation!"
"Pardon me, Majesty. Well, you see, just like Clover, Spade, Heart and Diamond, my own country was attacked by the paladins of Lucius Zogratis. Hino or as you might know under the name, Land of the Sun. Add to this that the young knight of the Black Bulls called Asta had been stranded at our shores. We found him, healed him and trained him. Asta also helped us to fight against Lucius' paladin who attacked our country. We came here during the battle, to help your four kingdoms, like Asta did with us. But I would also love to offer you help to rebuild your countries, especially Clover, since the biggest of the war happened here. And I want to offer each of the kingdom an alliance."
"An alliance?"
"Ah, sorry, I sadly can't speak your language very well," Ryu said very fluently without any accent. "What I meant of course is to offer a political bond and friendship alliance between Hino and the four kingdoms. Not only for the rebuilt, but also on many other levels, be it during war or peace, the latter hopefully being our future. And forgive me, I haven't introduced myself and my subordinates. Those people are Yosuga Mushogatake, Komari Imari and Yami Ichika, part of the Ryuzen, the equivalent of your Magic Knight captains. My name is Ryudo Ryuya, the shogun of Hino, the equivalent to your Wizard Kings."
Yami could feel the confusion when his sisters name fell and honestly, while it was kinda understandable, it was somehow getting on his nerves. Why was there even such a fuss about his fucking name? Okay, he was a bit confused himself when people from his homeland came back, but this was a detail. It wasn't his problem when people were confused because Julius mixed his first name and his family name.
"Yes, Ichika is my sister and yes, in Hino it is usually the family name that is said first. Happy now? Don't need to fuss about it."
"You're a bit too laidback about this, Yami dear," Dorothy replied with a wink. Why wasn't she even sleeping right now? He really preferred when she was snoozing, she was way too cheeky awake.
"Who cares about the foreigners sister," king Augustus snapped in annoyance. "What I want to know is you foreign Wizard King can be of any help when you haven't any ma-"
"I gladly accept the offer of the Shogun in behalf of the Spade Kingdom," Golden Spade Mama claimed loudly, interrupting Wannabe Pudding King. Thank goodness, this could have ended badly. Yami wasn't surprised that everyone in this room would have noticed that Ryu doesn't have any magic, but if king Augustus would have pointed it out… He could feel how his sister seemed ready to attack and he felt himself ready for a good Dimension Slash. Queen Ciel just saved the situation right now.
"I also accept the offer in behalf of the Heart Kingdom. It's good to have new friends, after all."
"In behalf of the Diamond Kingdom, I also accept the offer. I mean, it's good for our kingdoms to have allies, right?"
Ciel smiled at the Diamond Queen, before turning towards the Clover King. "Well Augustus? I'm sure you agree that this offer is one of the best things that could happen to all of our four kingdoms after the war we had to endure. And Lolopechka, you and myself need to be good examples for little Lavendel to follow."
King Augustus looked offended, but a bit intimidated by queen Ciels stern glare. Damn, she had some cold and badass authority. Still, he hesitated. Yami ready again for a good Dimension Slash.
"If I may, your Majesty, I also agree with queen Ciel, queen Lolopechka and queen Lavendel that this offer is a wonderful opportunity for our kingdoms," Fuegoleon said and this was actually a relief for Yami. If the two royal captains of his own kingdom would accept Ryus offer, Wannabe Pudding King couldn't refuse the offer anymore without looking like a stupid fool.
"I also agree. The Silver Eagles are like the other squads, we have lost wonderful knights and a lot of us are still wounded. Any help is welcomed, be it for the rebuilt or for the future we need to assure."
"Not surprised that you choose the safest road instead of remembering your pride and status, Nozel."
It was just a mutter, but everyone heard him. Yami was truly stunned and he was not the only one. Well, he knew that king Augustus looked down on others, even when they weren't Black Bulls. But to be almost this openly disrespectful towards another royal, who was not only a squad captain but also another royal Head of House? He never witnessed that before and for Nozels sakes, it actually made him ready for another Dimension Slash.
Nozel himself didn't seem fazed at all. Shit, was he used to it? Yami didn't liked that at all. Fuegoleon and Kirsch Vermillion, on the other hand, they seem to at least know what was going on, because if glares could kill, the king should be dead at this point.
"Fine then. In behalf of the Clover Kingdom, I accept the offer. After all, the little one here needs to have the best example to rule. So, is there something else?"
"No, you can go if you have other urgent matters to attend to."
A blatant lie, but Golden Spade Mama apparently make sure to gain what everyone wanted at this point: Making King Augustus leave. Which he did, followed by his stupid Mantis Shadow.
Once he left the room, a relieved sigh was heard from anyone and a comfortable silence settled in, at least until the Diamond Queenie said shyly, "So… I guess that this was not how I should behave as a queen for Diamond?"
The remaining tension fell and everyone at least laughed a bit at her words. Yami liked that kiddo. She was certainly way too young to rule a kingdom, but at least it seemed so far that she didn't lost her childhood.
Fuegoleon bowed respectfully in front of the little queen, before he turned towards Ryu. "I apologize for his behaviour. Believe me that the rest of us are definitely accept your offer. He is a difficult person when he interferes with our affairs."
"I'm honestly surprised that he is king and not you or lord Nozel:"
Uh, Golden Spade Mama actually made a good point here.
"It is alright, Ciel-sama. Yami already filled me in about the Clover King. But I'm happy that the rest was so open to my offer. I'm happy to work together with all of you."
"The pleasure is all ours. So, for the matter at hand, shall we begin?"
And so, under the lead of Hard Nose and Mushroom Head, the ACTUAL discussion finally began. Everyone got involved, even Ryu and Diamond Queenie. But honestly, while Yami understood what it was about, he didn't paid that much attention, leaving all the inputs from the Black Bulls being brought up by Nacht. Well, it wasn't something new that he was laidback during meetings, but this time his mind was filled with Charlotte.
Charlotte…
Damn, no one in his entire life, not even the Black Bulls, have made him lose his mind like that.
The hours past and they actually came to some results and plans for the next days and even weeks. While the nomination for the next Wizard King was only mentioned, it had been decided that big funeral ceremony shall be held for the fallen.
It was practically finished when William stood up, having one last point to share.
"As you all know, during the first fight against Lucius Zogratis, I have stepped down as captain of the Golden Dawn and Yuno Grinberryal took my place. I just came here one last time for this urgency meeting, to introduce Yuno to his new duties, but mostly also to tell you goodbye as a captain. It has been my highest honour to have fought at your side for all those years and I apologize for all the wrongs I have done to you and to the Clover Kingdom in the past. Especially to you Fuegoleon… And Yami, I am grateful that I was your rival."
"Right back at you, Goldie Guts."
Yami honestly didn't know what else he could say. It was already so weird that Jack wasn't here anymore. And now William? In Yamis books, he deserved so much to remain a captain and he made already so many amends. But it was his choice and Yami would never blame his rival for that. Just like Julius, Nacht and Morgen, William had actually been one of the first to accept him completely when he came to Clover and Yami would never forget that. One of the best rivals anyone could ask for.
With that, Goldie Guts and Golden Boy left the room on a goodbye, accompanied by Golden Spade Mama, who looked so proud of her son. All of the others left one after the other. But Yami remained a bit, leaving his people some advance. He had suddenly the urge to talk to Prickly Queen.
And thank goodness she had remained, leaving her vice-captain taking some advance. Good, now hopefully no one would disturb them.
But what the heck could they talk about?
"Hey, Prickly Queen."
"Well, Yami… oh, sorry, Sukehiro. I've told you that I would need time to get used to it."
"Yeah, can't blame ya for that. Geez, that stupid name thingy will probably follow me for the rest of the year. Sleepy Hat seemed already excited to have something new to tease me about."
"Is that why you haven't joined the others yet."
"Nope. Okay, yes, partly. But I also wanted to talk to ya. Ya know, about that tea…"
"It will be difficult to have it right now."
"Yeah, that sucks. But ya still want it?"
"Of course. Despite our current duties, the two of us… well, we have a lot to talk about. Especially me. I should have done this years ago, honestly."
"Hey, don't feel that way. Some things are difficult to say. That's why I always told ya that you can rely on others."
"I know. But… the thing is… the things we need to settle between each other… well, my girls help me out. But it is something I can probably only solve with you and no one else."
Only with him? Yami suddenly felt anxious to know the answer. But at the same time, he NEEDED to know.
"Prickly Queen, why do you want that tea with me?"
Charlotte blushed heavily, looking at him shyly. But suddenly, there was determination in her aquamarine eyes. She took a deep breath, came very close to him, went on her tiptoes…
And put her lips on his.
Charlotte was kissing him. Charlotte was kissing him! CHARLOTTE WAS KISSING HIM!
He was panicking on the inside, that was so true. But instead of freezing, Yami felt his body acting on its own, putting his arms around her and gave in to the kiss.
It felt… As if it was always meant to be.
Nozel only came back to see if he had forgotten something in the meeting chamber. Well, actually he hadn't and after what he just witnessed, he immediately regretted that he hadn't listened to his vice-captain and by that, wouldn't have gone back.
Because now, he had to witness THAT.
Charlotte and Yami kissing like there was no tomorrow.
Nozel considered for a moment to make his presence noted, but decided against it. If he would do that, the whole situation would just drag longer and be not only embarassing for him, but also for Charlotte and Yami.
So, he closed the door again and went away.
They were lucky that the meeting was over and there was no one else in the room. He would have been upset that they started to make out in a room everyone was using, but he just couldn't. That would have been hypocritical of him.
After all… he had done more than just making out in another room of the Magic Knight Headquarters, more than a year ago…
Nozel shake his head, trying to chase those painful feelings away.
Honestly, he wasn't really surprised that Yami and Charlotte got together. Heck, with all the sexual tension between those two, Nozel was more surprised that they weren't together yet. Even Jack, may he rest in peace, who had been as stupid as Yami, has noticed it. Every one of the captains noticed that sexual tension, even Rill did. But Charlotte and Yami? Too blind for the obvious.
Okay, it was to be expected from Yami, but Nozel thought that Charlotte might have noticed at least her feelings for the captain of the Black Bulls.
Or maybe she did? Then she haven't realized that he felt the same way.
If they finally found each other, good. Finally. Hopefully, there will be less sexual tension thick enough to cut through with a knife during captain meetings.
But Nozel couldn't be properly relieved about that fact like he hoped. Because…
What about Vanessa?
Nozel could never forget what ever brought them to their first embrace. He couldn't forget that Vanessas heart belonged to another man, to her captain. And while he pierced his heart for some mysterious reason and despite the fact he was himself not a good person, he wanted Vanessa to be happy.
But it seemed that she never had a chance with Yami. Because… That dense man had sexual tension only with Charlotte, never with Vanessa. And if by some chance she would win his heart, it would break Charlottes. Whatever the outcome, there would be a broken heart. And it would be Vanessas.
Nozel felt some mysterious relief that Yami seemed to have chosen Charlotte and not Vanessa. But he couldn't allow himself to feel that way. It was selfish and unfair. Just because he more than enjoyed the sensual embraces with Vanessa didn't meant that he should keep her when she deserved to find true love.
And yet, he didn't want to lose what they had. Each time they slept together, the more Nozel realized that it will be harder to let her go. Because he had to, one day. Because of his duty for his siblings, because she deserved better.
It wasn't love, it couldn't be. A romantic relationship didn't start with sex and while they clearly enjoyed each other's company… it wasn't love.
Strange. It didn't sound like the truth, but more like a desperate attempt to hold onto something to not get drowned.
"Handsome?"
Nozel flinched and his heart was racing as he saw that she was here.
Vanessa.
Gorgeous as always. In the Magic Knight Headquarters.
Just like over a year ago. Only this time, she didn't looked upset, but so openly caring.
He didn't deserved that.
And yet, he couldn't throw it away. Not something that was so precious and pure despite being profane on the surface.
Wait… Did he just consciously thought about that?
Oh no, what if she wasn't there for him, but for Yami? How would she feel if she would saw him kissing Charlotte like there was no tomorrow?
"Are you okay? And before you ask, I've come to see you."
To see him? Not Yami, but him? Nozel didn't know what to think anymore, he felt like panicking inside. And at the same time, he was so grateful that she was here.
"Let's not talk in the hallway."
And with that, she pulled him into a nearby room. But all things considered, Nozel would have preferred if she would have chosen another chamber.
Because this specific restroom, tiny a bit cosy with the couch and the carpet… was where they had sex for the first time over one year ago.
Vanessa seemed to have realized it as well.
"Oh, sorry… I didn't know…"
"It's fine."
It wasn't, but it felt rather stupid to choose another room right now. Nozel sighed as he locked the door, before he looked at Vanessa. Did she realize how beautiful she looked in the light of the late afternoon sun?
"Do you remember?"
"How could I forget? It wasn't my finest moment. I was just so upset with captain Yami and captain Charlotte as well, and I let it all out on you. I'm really sorry for that."
"To be fair, I probably did deserve it."
"No, you didn't. I was just angry and I let it out on you. Nozel, you certainly haven't forgotten how calm you remained while I yelled at you. And how terribly I felt once I calmed down."
"It's impossible to forget. I have given you a pillow so that you could punch on it."
"That helped me calming down. Nice idea, handsome eagle. You must have find me rather pathetic when I started to cry afterwards…"
"Not at all."
Okay, this was a lie. He had found her pathetic. But he hadn't known her back then and he still remained, because it had felt so wrong to leave her alone in that state. It had reminded him of the time when he lost his mother, when he spent hours alone, crying his heart out. No one had been there for him back then.
He didn't wanted the same thing for anyone else. That was the reason he remained with her that fateful day. And then… well, there were some talks, not really friendly in his books maybe, but not hostile either. They got nearer than they should… a kiss… and before both of them had realized it, they had sex. First against the wall, then on the floor. They had left each other rather quickly afterwards, flustered.
Nozel had thought that this just had been what they called a one-night-stand. Something that just passed and that would never happen again. Except that he started to think so much about Vanessa for the next three days, only for her to appear one rainy evening on his balcony, kind and a bit lost. And so, something that was supposed to be a sole occasion became something so much deeper. Their first time was kinda rough, their second time more sensible.
"Nozel, you look like you're going through a lot."
"I can manage."
"Don't lie."
Her voice was so kind. And it was difficult to maintain his posture when she actually gave him a hug. In fact, it was impossible. So, he put his arms around her and dived his nose into the crook of her neck. How many times had he felt her silky skin against his, be it in a simple hug or intertwined with lust?
Yes, he wasn't doing well. The memory of his mother as a paladin and even more her dying a second time in his arms, full of regrets of what she had done? It still haunted him. Solid was bound to bed with high fever and it might be long before he could recover. It was so much to rebuilt, more than after the attack of the Eye of the Midnight Sun. He had lost some knights during this war. And the worst part… king Augustus openly questioned his ability of leading his house.
Oh, he was used to that since he was fifteen. It was something this pompous king and the head of house Vermillion, lord Achilles, loved to do, after all. But this time, it was in front of other people. In front of his vice-captain, in front of his captain colleagues and their vice-captain, in front of four ruler from other countries and their companions! He had felt the shock of the others, as well of the anger coming from Fuegoleon and Kirsch. Just a bit more disrespect and those two would probably had attacked Augustus.
Would this be mentioned at another meeting? What if Augustus would do the same to him in front of his siblings next time?
In front of Vanessa?
Nozel didn't know if he could stay stoic like he always did if the other two royal heads or even maybe nobility would start to openly question him as a royal Head of House. What if this would lead people he respected to question him? Or worse, people he cared about? Nebra, Solid, Noelle? Vanessa?
Vanessa…
He didn't want to be pathetic in front of her!
"I…"
"Yes, handsome?"
"I… I just want to forget… Just for a moment… It's… so much right now… I know, it's pathetic, I'm sorry."
"It's not. It's normal that you feel that way. I would never blame you for feeling overwhelmed."
Maybe she should. But Vanessa was too kind-hearted.
Nozel moved his head a bit so that their lips could meet. The kiss started out soft, but quickly became more fiery, more passionate. To a point that he started to curse the clothes they were still wearing and being grateful that he locked the door.
His lips started to wander across her jawline, her neck, her collarbone, making her moan and growing his desire for her. In the meantime, Vanessa tugged on his clothes and lead him to the couch. It wasn't a small one, but not large either, maybe they would finish their embrace on the floor again.
Like more than one year ago…
Vanessa let herself fall on the couch, pulling him with her. Nozel couldn't help but look down at her. He was always taken aback by how little she used to wear and according to Noelle, she even wear only underwear back at the Black Bulls Hideout. How could he be still flustered by her revealing clothes when underneath was nothing he hadn't seen already? It was so much already that he could never look away.
Vanessa was the most beautiful woman he knew…
"See something you like, stud?"
Not just something. Everything… Heavens, he was addicted to her at this point. Maybe he would never be able to let her go.
Nozel cupped her face with one hand. Forgetting his duties and his guilt for a second, he find himself weak enough to wish that Vanessa would never leave him. It was selfish, and she deserved better. But…
He went for her lips again, they started to make out while getting rid of their clothes. It felt so good to feel her skin brush against his. But it never felt like just bodies, which was strange enough. Maybe it was just his imagination.
Nozel sighed, before he turned them both over, so that Vanessa was now on top of him.
"Nozel?"
"I will let you lead."
She smiled kindly at him. Not even five minutes after, they became one, kissing and holding each other like there was no tomorrow. It was just them, just Nozel and Vanessa. Two souls becoming one.