'...Crossbell is an amazing city. My duties haven't allowed me much time to tour the place, but it is certainly something I would love to do should the opportunity arise. Captain Lechter actually rented the entire top floor of a luxury hotel in the Entertainment District for us to stay at during this stay. The room I'm in is fancier then any place I've ever stayed at before. I can just picture you deciding to trash the place because you can before sneaking into the casinos and night clubs.
The most recent push by the Calvardian Army actually managed to break through our lines briefly before myself and the reserve soldat units could be deployed. Thankfully we were able to stop them just before they could break into the city. There was nearly a tragedy when an airship almost collided with a vehicle filled with civilians fleeing the battle, but I was able to stop it in the nick of time.
Still, that battle was three days ago from the time of this writing. The Intelligence Division seems to think the Calvardian offensive is running out of steam. Captain Lechter has a hunch they are prepping for one final assault. He believes that when it fails they will have no choice but to make peace with Erebonia.
Hopefully that means I won't be needed for much longer. Assuming the battle goes well I am optimistic that I will be allowed to return to Thors after the ceremony announcing Rufus as the new governor-general. So long as I'm back in time to see you graduate, I will be happy.
With love,
Rean Schwarzer'
Fie wasn't sure what she was feeling as the girl finished reading over Rean's most recent letter for the fourth time. Communications with a distant place like Crossbell were limited, especially during a war, so the swordsman had been forced to send them letters ever since his deployment to the war-torn territory. This was the third one, marking the third week he had been gone from their lives.
On one hand she was happy that he was still doing well. While she doubted Calvard had anything capable of dealing with Valimar there was enough uncertainty in any battle that the constant reassurance was nice. And his news that the battle seemed to be ending and he would hopefully be back in a week or so was really good too.
And yet as she read through his neat handwriting she couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness about the whole thing. While nothing in his words hinted towards the situation being all that terrible for him, she knew him well enough to know that being out there almost completely by his lonesome while fighting a cause he didn't believe in had to be taking its toll on him.
And the thought of him coming back to Thors only to watch them leave...
Just losing Rean from the class dynamic had been a huge blow to the rest of them. The same listless energy that had taken hold of them those first few days after Crow's death had been back in swing ever since their leader left. It felt like her days had been nothing but sitting through accelerated courses that she was barely keeping up with, tending to her flowers, and lounging around in the dorm.
And that was just them losing him for three weeks. How was he supposed to endure losing all of them for an entire year?
The obvious answer was that he couldn't. Fie knew this with absolute certainty. There had been an idea floating inside her head ever since he left. A loathsome terrible idea that promised a year of misery for the former jaeger.
It was an idea that Rean would never approve of. Too bad for him that he wasn't there to talk her out of it.
But there was one person around whose opinion she did value quite a bit. With a tired groan the student rose from her seat before exiting her room. Luckily she didn't need to go far – just across the hall and down one door.
Opening the door she quickly stepped inside the room, "One of these days you will learn to knock."
Fie simply shrugged her shoulders before crossing the room to take a seat on Laura's bed. The older girl was sitting at her desk, and on it... "He's the only dork I know who would send us both individual letters even though they both probably say the same things."
"True." The Arseid giggled, "But you cannot deny that it's endearing."
Fie didn't respond, instead allowing the room to lapse into silence. There was a purpose to her visit, but she found herself hesitating. Not so much because of second thoughts, but of the enormity of what she wanted to say.
She grimaced. Hesitating like this wasn't like her. It was much easier to just speak her mind, consequences be damned. Gathering her courage she opened her mouth and-
"I am starting to think that I should remain for another year."
Fie closed her mouth. She blinked once. Twice. Thrice for good measure. That had been what she was about to say, but those weren't her words.
Sure enough, as she gazed at the girl an arge away from her she was met with a look of determination. Classic Laura. That she had come to the same conclusion as Fie was heartening, but despite that Fie couldn't help but feel annoyed, "...You stole my thunder."
"Oh, I'm sor-" The swordswoman's immediate apology was cutoff as she blinked in confusion, "Wait... Are you saying that you want to stay too? But what about your interest in becoming a bracer and seeking out your old family?"
"I can still become a bracer even if it takes an extra year." The first part of the question was easy enough to answer, "As for Zephyr... Their final words have been bugging me, yeah, but we both know that Xeno and Leo don't want to be found then there's nothing that I or anyone else can do about it. As much as it sucks I probably need to wait around until they're ready to tell me more."
Having said her piece she decided to return the favor, "But what about you? I thought you were gonna go home and become a badass Arseid swordmaster?"
"That is still my intention, but the past year has shown me that there are multiple ways to acquire strength. We've all grown so much just from training and overcoming adversity together. Rean is a good example of that, don't you think? With nothing but his own persistence and a single scroll from his master he has gone from beginner rank to high intermediate. I am sure father will understand that this is the path I wish to pursue for myself."
"Don't forget he had us around to keep kicking his butt."
"True. Having good friends to push you along the way certainly helps. The thought of you remaining here with myself and Rean to 'kick my butt' is... a heartening one."
The former jaeger couldn't help but let out let out a short laugh in relief, "No kidding. Can't say I'm excited to be sitting through another year of Instructor Thomas and the Vice Principal, but the thought doesn't seem nearly as bad if you're gonna be along for the ride too."
Once again silence descended upon Laura's room, but instead of the awkward quiet that it had been previously this one was tense. Their upcoming decision would shape the next year of their lives and it deserved the proper time for consideration.
"So we're really doing this, yeah?" ...But not that much time. In her heart Fie already knew that this was what she wanted.
"Indeed. I am quite comfortable with this arrangement." As was Laura, unsurprisingly, "We should take our decision to Instructor Sara."
"Yeah..." Fie couldn't help but feel a little awkward at that order. Sara had been pretty excited when she agreed to become a bracer. Learning that she was changing her mind wasn't gonna be fun. Still, disappointed Sara or not this was something she needed to do, "Let's go."
None of the other girls were outside of their rooms to chat with, so it was a quick walk from Laura's room to Sara's. Fie was about to push open the door when her hand was captured by the firm grip of her companion. The disapproval on Laura's face was plain as day even as she shook her head to discourage Fie from her actions.
Clearly Laura thought she should be knocking. How lame.
Naturally the silver-haired girl gave a grin before reaching out with her other hand, causing Laura to groan before grabbing that one as well. Her attempt at kicking open Sara's door was derailed as the stronger girl shoved her too far away for it. In order to keep her balance Fie wrapped her legs around Laura's waist while struggling to free herself from the other girl's grip-
"I can't tell if you two are fighting or engaging in some weird sex act in the middle of the hall."
Huh. Fie blinked owlishly as she looked at the now open door and the amused woman standing inside it. "Both." She answered at last.
"F-Fie! Instructor Sara, we were just-"
"Yeah, yeah. I don't wanna hear about your kinky exploits. Hurry up and get in here."
After freeing herself from the frozen Laura Fie followed the woman into her room. Eventually the noblewoman regained herself and followed suit, shutting the door behind her.
"Either of you want a drink?" Sara asked, pointing towards the many crates of alcohol scattered around the room.
"...Really?" Fie knew better than to get her hopes up, especially as Laura was giving her an appalled look, but if Sara was offering then-
"Nope. Sorry. You're both still underage. I'll gladly share a drink with Laura next year, though."
Grr... She knew to expect nothing from this obnoxious woman and yet Sara still managed to get her, "I hate you so much."
"...I can't say that drinking sounds all that appealing, but it might be fun to get everyone together once in a while..." Laura turned a sly glance towards Fie, "...Well, everyone that is of age, of course."
"You too!?" Sara being a nuisance was to be expected, but when even Laura was stabbing her in the back...
Clearly her position in Class VII had fallen significantly since those cool aloof jaeger-Fie days.
"Haha... You kids are a riot. So what can I do for you?"
Fie glanced at Laura. Laura glanced at Fie. While she would never admit it out loud, Fie was finding it difficult to tell Sara the truth. The thought of betraying the woman who had become an obnoxious older sister to her was...
"Are you two just gonna stand there awkwardly all night or what? I'm not gonna be upset that you've decided to stay, you know."
"You aren't?" Fie asked in confusion.
"You knew?" Laura's question was probably the better one. "But... how!?"
The teacher gave an easy shrug, "It wasn't hard to figure out given the way you two have been moping around the last few weeks. Put two and two together and this is the obvious answer." Sara grinned at their surprised faces before turning her focus to Fie, "And no. It's a bit disappointing, sure, but I can't really be mad when you girls are doing this to help Rean. Helping others is what bracers do, after all."
"Oh..."
Sara reached over to her desk before grabbing two pieces of paper, which she handed to the students. Fie crinkled her nose as she noticed a stain on her form that smelled suspiciously like dried beer, "That's an application to withdraw your graduation. Already filled out. Just gotta sign your name and I'll do the rest."
Well, that was easy enough. Sara really had predicted their decision before they even made it themselves. That was a scary thought. Doing as told she put her signature on it before handing it back to the teacher.
"Still..." Sara warned them with a frown, "As weird as this might sound, I'm not sure the decision is entirely in your hands anymore. I'll do what I can with these, but there's a very real chance that your choice will be refused."
Fie frowned thoughtfully. Was she trying to say that their choice to graduate early hadn't been much of a choice to begin with? But... why? What would someone in power have to gain by graduating them early?
"...With the addition of two more companies of my RMP plus the soldiers freed up from the front line fighting I am confident that these security arrangements will be more than sufficient to ensure the annexation speech goes off without any troubles."
Captain Lechter Arundel listened with half an ear as Claire went over her security arrangements to the assembled Ironbloods – minus Millium, naturally. While he knew this meeting was important, the intelligence agent couldn't really bring himself to care all that much.
Mostly because he had been working with Claire in Crossbell these past few weeks. He knew everything that she was reporting just as well as she did.
The same couldn't be said for the other two figures who were participating in this video conference. "Haha..." The old man laughed once her report was finished, "Very good. While I can't say it would stop me for long, I am not eager to take another bullet through the heart anytime soon."
Lechter wasn't sure if that was meant to be a friendly remark or another tease at their inability to discover his secret to survival. Knowing Osborne? It was probably both.
"Very good, Captain. You've more than earned your upcoming promotion."
That Lechter could agree with. He couldn't help but feel his own upcoming promotion was a different story, however.
"Of course. I live to serve, Your Excellency." Claire nodded with no visible emotion.
"Does anyone have anything further to add or should I adjourn this meeting?" Lechter was hoping for the latter. He could be hitting it up at the casino right now instead of sitting through this boring old meeting.
"I do, actually." Damn! The speaker was both the newest and oldest member of their little Ironblood family. Honestly he still wasn't sure what to think of Rufus Albarea, but if nothing else he was sure the man had earned his spot. Guy practically had ice in his veins given how little anything seemed to ruffle him.
In a way Jade Rook reminded him of the old man. Now that was a scary though.
After Osborne nodded his assent the Albarea continued, "While it might only be for a few more days, I am still currently a member of the Thors Board of Directors. Thus I have recently become privy to news that two members of Class VII have chosen to rescind their early graduation."
"Schwarzer's lady friends, I take it?" For the first time since finishing his own report Lechter saw fit to speak up.
"Just so. Still, I do not believe it to be much of an issue. There are many avenues available to have the two removed from the school-"
"That's won't be necessary."
"Sir?" Claire sounded just as surprised as Lechter felt. If Rufus was surprised he managed to hide it really well.
The chancellor must have found their surprise hilarious as he let out a boisterous laugh, "I see from the looks on your faces that I should explain."
"Gotta admit, I am pretty curious." Lechter admitted, "I thought the plan was to keep Schwarzer isolated from his friends to make it easier for us to control him in the future."
"Indeed it is. But given the parentage of those two girls I believe this could be an opportunity for us to gain favor with two powerful pieces."
"I see..." If Rufus held any doubt he didn't show it, "In that case I will ensure their extended stay is granted. That's all that I have to report."
"Excellent. Thank you, Jade Rook. You as well, Icy Maiden and Scarecrow. Everything is proceeding just as I have planned. I look forward to seeing you all in a few days when I visit our newest province for myself."
With that the screen containing their leader went dark, followed shortly after by Rufus'. Claire lasted long enough for Lechter to make out the thoughtful look on her face.
And he couldn't blame her. Something about that explanation felt off to him. Sure the Jaeger King looked to be a central figure in the upcoming rivalries. And it would be a lie to claim he had never had nightmares involving the Radiant Blademaster bursting through a wall, stupidly big sword held ready to punish him for his many crimes. Getting on their good side could only be a good thing.
But... Did this really do that? Would allowing their daughters to stick around at school for an extra year actually influence them in any way down the line?
Lechter didn't think so. He might not be as brilliant as the old man or Jade Rook, but from what he could tell this didn't benefit them much at all. Sure it didn't really hurt them much, but for someone who had been so masterful and efficient in his plannings prior it didn't make much sense for Osborne to make a decision like that.
Still, it wasn't as if the decision upset him at all. Schwarzer was a good kid. Watching him work these last few weeks made it painfully obvious how much the guy was suffering. As much as he clearly didn't want to be there the old man's kid was doing his best to protect the people of Crossbell and Erebonia both. Lechter could respect that.
Hell, a part of him wanted to spill the news to Rean himself. Kid deserved some good news after these last few months. Of course as much as he would love to be there when that bomb was dropped Lechter knew it wasn't his place. Those girls could handle that well enough.
Instead the captain rose from his seat. Thoughts of annexation ceremonies and upcoming wars could wait. Right now the slot machines were waiting for him. He opened the door to his room and was about to step out-
Lechter froze as a stray thought came to mind. It was so insane that he was tempted to dismiss it outright. And yet as much as he wanted to he couldn't.
It was completely absurd and out of character.
But all the pieces did fit...
What if... What if under all that blood and iron there was an actual father? One who despite everything he was doing still wanted his son to find what little happiness he could before everything went to Gehenna in a year?
There was no way that was possible... right?
"Hey, Laura? What did you put as the answer to question seven? The one about Valflame Palace? It was Emperor Valius I, right?"
Question seven? Laura wracked her brain as she tried to recall how she answered the test question. The conclusion wasn't promising, "Was it? I think I wrote down Hector II..." Both she and Alisa grimaced at the realization that one of them was wrong.
"Um..." Both girls turned towards Emma, "Actually the answer was Hector III. His father mostly busied himself with reconstructing the city while Emperor Valius expanded Heimdallr to its current borders."
Laura shared a glance with Alisa before both girls groaned miserably, "It's just not fair!" Alisa whined,
"We're going through too many emperors in such a short period of time!"
"And why did they keep using the same names?" Laura groused, "I've never really considered what names to give any children I have, but I can't imagine giving them their father's name."
"What? So no little Rean juniors in your future?" Alisa teased with a wide smile on her face.
The Arseid tried to prevent the blush from consuming her face. She failed, "Come on! It's only been a few months! It's way too early to be thinking about that!"
Although now that the topic had been brought up the idea of small children with their father's warm smile and beautiful eyes did sound appealing. Would they want to follow in the way of the sword like their parents? Would they learn the Arseid style, Rean's Eight Leaves school... or maybe they would take the best of both parent's styles and create something wholly unique?
"I think we lost her." Laura was pulled from her thoughts by the sounds of both her friends giggling at her. Her blush grew further at the notion that they had an idea of just what she had been thinking.
She cleared her throat in preparation to say something to change the subject, but it proved unnecessary as the door opened and in entered their homeroom teacher, "Good job surviving another day of crazy classes, everyone. You're all dismissed. Oh, but Fie and Laura? The Principal wants to talk to the two of you real quick."
That statement caused a few glances to be sent their way, which wasn't surprising considering she hadn't told any of her classmates about their plan, with Fie presumably doing the same. She noticed the other girl silently rise from the conversation she had been having with Gaius, Millium, and Jusis before approaching the teacher. Quickly Laura followed suit.
After a short walk the three of them reached the principal's office. Instructor Sara knocked on the door – it would be nice if Fie took notice of that - and after getting approval from the old warrior inside opened it and allowed the two girls to enter before her.
Principal Vandyck was calmly seated behind his desk as he stared at the two students in front of him, "Before I make my decision I wish to hear directly from the two of you: Why do you wish to remain at Thors for another year?"
Subconsciously Laura straightened her stance as she stared back at the principal, "It just doesn't feel right, sir. Us all graduating while Rean is forced to stay behind for another year. And since I feel like I can accomplish many of my goals while remaining here... it is a simple choice for me to make."
"What she said." The blandness of Fie's answer was offset by her sharp gaze and rigid posture. Should the need arise she would be the first to argue the point.
"I see..." The elder man mused from his seat, "That's a good answer. Still, you do understand that even should you remain that Class VII will still be disbanded and that the three of you will be placed in different classes, yes? The Class VII dormitory will also be closed shortly after graduation."
"Ugh... That sucks." Fie blanched at the revelation, not that Laura could blame her. She admittedly hadn't thought that far ahead either, "Doesn't change our decision though."
Principal Vandyck nodded his head, "Very well. In that case, after careful deliberation the board of directors along with myself have agreed to extend your stay at this academy by another year."
The blue-haired warrior exhaled, feeling such unfathomable relief at that declaration. The entire situation still wasn't ideal for anyone involved, but at least this way they could weather the storm together. Something which meant everything for her.
Fie must have felt similar as she felt a smaller hand snake its way into hers before giving a squeeze.
"...And while I might not be able to assist you as much as I would like..." The principal continued with a small smile at their reactions, "...I am not entirely powerless towards your cause. Did you know that under special circumstances students can be allowed to live off campus?"
"Are you suggesting...?"
He nodded to her unspoken question, "Indeed. During your second year the three of you shall be allowed to reside in an apartment in town that shall be prepared for you. That being said, I must emphasis that this is a special privilege, one that can be revoked should you do something to deserve it."
"We understand, sir." There was absolutely no chance she would allow them to lose that privilege. They were being allowed to live together! She felt such joy in her heart that it was her who gave an excited squeeze to the hand she was holding.
"Good. I am glad that we have an understanding. That is all that I have for you, but I do believe that Instructor Valestein has something she also wishes to speak to you about."
His words caused both pairs of eyes to focus on the teacher who had been leaning by the door with a big smile on her face, "C'mon you two, we can talk while we walk." Giving a mental shrug Laura rose from her seat and followed both Fie and the instructor out the door. Only once they were out of the room did she continue speaking, "First, let me make sure – Fie, you're still planning on joining the guild, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"If there's anything good about Erebonia cracking down on the Bracer Guild it's that HQ has become far more willing to bend the rules to try and keep our remaining operations going. I can get away with a lot of things that other bracers can't, especially when it involves a promising new recruit."
"You girls are gonna be bored silly next year without any field studies to go on, so with the principal's permission I've been working to setup a little something... Remember during the fall when you guys were doing a bunch of random jobs and I jokingly called you the Trista Branch of the Bracer Guild? How would you like to make that semi-official?"
While the question was directed towards Fie, Laura couldn't help but blink in confusion, "How does that work, exactly?"
"It's easy. I make Fie a junior bracer and me and Toval can start sending her some requests that'll take place in this area. Even if it's just part-time work on free days and after classes I'm sure given how skilled she is that a year doing that will be enough to qualify her for a promotion to senior bracer. Sure you lose out on all the traveling experience, but considering what you guys have done during the last year I don't see it being a problem. HQ might want her to go to Leman for a test at some point, but that'll be a piece of cake. And once Fie's a senior bracer she'll be basically free to go wherever she wants, especially to keep an eye on a certain Chevalier..."
"Huh. Nice work, Sara. I'm game for that."
While Fie and Instructor Sara hashed out the details of this unorthodox arrangement Laura found herself considering the entire situation. Spending a year going around helping people and fighting monsters when she was already committed to staying at school didn't sound bad at all. And the freedom of movement that came from being a senior...
"Excuse me, instructor?" She asked at last, "Just how far are you willing to bend the rules?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Laura paused to consider her next words carefully. Best be subtle while she was still questioning herself, "What if someone was interested in becoming a bracer with those perks, but they didn't think they could commit to the profession full time, even as a senior bracer? That and they would mostly want to remain near one of the smaller guild branches..."
"Laura...?"
While Fie stared at her in surprise Instructor Sara started laughing loudly and obnoxiously, "...Was that supposed to be subtle!?" She asked at last, causing Laura to pout, "So you want to do bracer work part-time in Legram and Bareahard when you aren't following Rean and Fie around like an adorable little puppy?"
The Arseid did her best to ignore that final bit, "I... yes, I do. If father can take trips to train the Imperial Army alongside all his other duties than surely I can find the time to do bracer work during the time spent at home and at the Arseid School. Would that be a problem?"
"Nope. Plenty of bracers end up doing something similar later in their careers when they have families and stuff. You'll definitely be making Toval happy cause he's the one who works that area the most. And I'm sure HQ will sign off on it once I tell 'em that I found the most promising recruit we've had in years. Not since Estelle Bright, actually."
"You know I'm still standing here, right."
"Sorry, Fie. You're old news now." Fie scowled at the older woman, but Instructor Sara ignored it with ease. The relationship those two shared was rather adorable, "Well, sounds like I've got some work to do, but it'll definitely be worth it. You guys should start planning too?"
The two girls shared a glance, "Planning? For what?"
The teacher gave a knowing smirk, "I got word from contacts in Crossbell that Calvard has finally backed down for good. I wouldn't be surprised if Rean is back by the end of the week. You guys need to figure out how you're gonna break the news to him." With her piece said the older woman walked away, giving a wave as she did so.
"Well that was something." Fie said at last, "So... a bracer, huh?"
"Didn't want to leave you by your lonesome. Who knows what kind of trouble you could find yourself in."
"Heh... You worry too much." Despite her words it was impossible to miss the pleased smile on Fie's face, "C'mon. Sara's right. We've gotta go get ready for Rean's return."
Laura smiled and nodded. While the overall situation in the world still wasn't very bright, at least she could take solace in the fact she had made her place in it. For today, at least, she could be content that that was enough.
Whew. I've been wanting to write this chapter almost as much as I'm sure you all have been wanting to hear it. Expect some fun things to happen during the upcoming lost year and beyond!