WARNING: THIS CHAPTER HAS NOT BE BETA'd WE DIE LIKE ACE.

SURPRISE! Consider this extra chapter a belated Christmas and New Years gift! This was the second half of that chapter I was working on split in two. Chapter's 3 and 4 were worked on together, having become too large to simply be one chapter. So enjoy!

For those of you who are looking for a more plausible reason for the timeline disturbances I have a head canon where Archer's appearance causes a rippling effect if you will. These little nudges altered the timeline in small ways. Big events don't change but certain little ones do. Some people are born earlier, others later. Certain discoveries occur later or early and so on. That sort of thing. I just lack the knowledge to explain it properly without said explanation taking so much away from the story.

Mereleona: 19-20 years old

Archer: 19-20 years old (in reality: Age undetermined)

Fugoleon: 16-17 years old

The Vermillion Parents: 43 years old.

Leopold: 0-1 years old.

Fate/Clover Chapter 4:

The next two weeks have been liberating for Archer in a way that he didn't expect. His relationship with Mereleona had remained virtually unchanged from their time in that hot spring. Her parent's gift was kept safe near the door, free from any possible accidents that could take place. Their time was spent fighting, training, and spending quiet time amongst each other. There was one addition though that Archer was unprepared for.

Mereleona was quite blunt with her affections. Such as now.

"Leona."

"Hmm."

"You comfortable?"

"Yup."

Originally Archer had his back was against his favorite tree, a book in his hands. A pair of reading glasses were on to help lessen the strain of reading and mostly for style. What can he say he rocked the glasses and ever since the hot springs he put some thought into his appearance. The consequence was not what he intended though. For Mereleona had decided to grab Archer and throw him, back first, into her chest. Leaning against Mereleona was certainly more comfortable than a tree but still.

The hell?

It was enjoyable though. Archer smiled as he flipped another page in the history book Mereleona snagged for him.

"Your kingdom…it has two kings?"

"The crowned King and the Wizard King yes."

"That seems counterproductive…though not something I haven't heard of before."

"Oh?"

Mereleona leaned her face down, rubbing her cheek against Archer's.

"What was your world like?"

"Depends on the time period. From what I can tell your country has been a monarchy for a long time. The only comparison I have is a kingdom from ancient Greece. The kingdoms name was Sparta and they employed two kings. In the event of a disagreement the two would fight, with the winner's victory being the decision moving forward. There was a lot more to it than that, but that would be the basic gist. Do your kings fight for the same?"

"Hell no. Our crowned king's a wimp. In all honesty Julius probably runs the country more than that imbecile. I'll admit the man has strong mana but the idiot has no idea how to use it. To be fair Julius wouldn't normally be the wizard king right now. Our previous ruler up and died fighting off some interdimensional creature or whatever. Well that's the rumor anyway."

"This occurred when?"

"Hmm…about three years ago."

Archer stilled.
"Was…That might have perhaps been the disturbance that brought me here."

"That holy grail or whatever?"

Archer laughed, having explained the specifics of his transition here had been…less than pleasant, but it had to be done for his own sake at least.

"Yes. It's possible that other beings interloped to this world using what happened. Has there been any other disturbances like that?"

"Heart kingdom apparently had something happened but I don't know the specifics. No one died though."

"With your previous Wizard king dead, I thought your people would elect a leader that was sufficient. Yet, you're to tell me that your current king is, as you put, a wimp, and the other a novice? I don't understand why would your royal families stand behind an imbecile?"

Mereleona grinned as she leaned her head back against the tree.

"Think you can figure it out."

It took Archer just a moment before he smiled.

"He's a scapegoat isn't he."

Mereleona laughed.

"HA! You got it in one. The king or queen usually isn't so…"

"Inept?"
"I was going for retarded. That works better. But usually, they were trained for the job from a young age. His older brother was supposed to be king and died from illness. Per tradition the next oldest sibling would be in charge…only she eloped with a commoner. That left our idiot king. Julius was always impressive, no one had any issues with him taking the position. If anything, he was allowed to take the position thanks to that idiot."

"A necessity rather than a want."

"A bit of both but yea."

"You really don't like this man do you?"

"He dresses like a baby and pretends that the women he surrounds himself with actually love him. He's an idiot."

Archer decided to take Mereleona's word for it.

"When my parents and the other heads realized just how utterly pathetic that sack of crap was, they decided to use him. Honestly, it's kind of ridiculous how easy it is to convince him things were his idea. Commoners for instance are getting more funding this year, though we still can't do much about the outer rims."

"The terrain too rough?"

"Not really. Just the magic power out that way tends to dip for some reason. They can't sustain the magic tools needed to better their lives. I'm pretty sure the egg heads back home can figure something out, but they couldn't be that bothered for it. That and food spoils over long trips."

"Do you not have spacial magic? Why not store the food within a rift. Without the concept of time it shouldn't go bad."

Mereleona smiled.

"That's the real question isn't it. Spacial magic is rare with only one family producing users with any regularity."

"So, they don't do it, not for cheap."

"Nope."
"I'm starting to see why you don't involve yourself with politics. They all seem incredibly annoying."

"Right? Still I have to go back for my parents but after that…"

"You miss them."

Mereleona sighed.

"I…I guess I do. My brother is fine, my parents are fine…but I do enjoy spending time with them. Just not for long."

"That's quite alright. Soon you'll grow tired of me, and you can bounce back and forth no? A way to maintain your interests."

He felt Mereleona grow cold. She shifted and Archer's head found itself in her lap. She tilted her head, analyzing Archer's face.

"…No…I don't think I could ever get bored of you…asshole."

"I'm starting to worry that my name will be asshole at this rate."

Mereleona chuckled, her face filled with warmth.

"Hey…you are an asshole."

Archer put his book down and laughed. As his laughter died Mereleona spoke up.

"About the hot spring…I don't know what came over me…but I meant every word."

Archer stared at her and smiled, his eyes closed in contentment.

"I meant every word as well. It could end badly Leona, but I'll walk this road with you till the end, wherever it leads."

Mereleona smiled. That comfortable silence returned and Archer found himself growing tired. He had never actually felt this way. He was always alert, pushing through beyond the limits of the human form on a regular basis. Yet here and now…he was tired.

"Rest."

"Is this what it feels like to actually…be safe?" wondered Archer.

He didn't know if that was quite right…but it felt nice anyways. As he fell asleep Mereleona stared into the open fields of Archer's farmland. Even away for a few weeks the produce grew strong and large. His hair was as rustic as her own, a bit like straw really. She looked at Archer and trailed her fingers over his face.

"What kind of life have you lived?" she wondered aloud.

The scars that Archer had were thin. They weren't scars in the truest sense of the word. A normal scar was rugged to the tough, and usually pale discoloration as well. Yet, for the most part Archer's so called scars were as smooth as his skin. Mereleona was worried that this was some sort of degradation, but Archer assured her that wasn't the case.

He had explained that these scars were likely marks on his soul from powerful weapons or entities. So while his body back in his world was presitne and flawless, his soul always had the marks dug within it. More like a metaphorical scar than an actual physical thing. Yet here, the echoes of those wounds imprinted themselves into his newer body. Archer barely understood it himself, believing that whatever set of rules were governing the transformation of his hair and skin was also responsible for the transfiguration of his scars. She noticed around his hands and arms that the scars were repetitive, with thick ones lining the underside of his left hand.

He had told her they were scars from archery, from the times that his bow string would slap the understand of his fore arm. So many scars across a lifetime that Archer had forgotten. Mereleona took pride in them, a symbol that Archer had survived something horrible and came out stronger for it…yet…she felt that wasn't necessarily true. It didn't matter either way as Mereleona continued to ease his rest, finding solace in the physical comfort they shared with each other. Perhaps this didn't make any sense, but Mereleona swore she would fight for this, wherever that fight took her.

These blissful days, they were worth whatever struggle she needed to endure. Mereleona knew what she was. She was an animal. A creature driven by instinct, a lust for strength, and a lust for battle. Yet here she found peace. Peace with a killer of all things. A beast of a different sort. Her chest thrummed with warmth but her grimoire suddenly glowed, a new spell revealing itself.

Mereleona scoffed.

"What kind of stupid spell is this? Useless."

Her grimoire obeyed her will and shut itself back into holster. Archer as always was a restless sleeper and awoke not thirty minutes later.

"Thank you" said Archer "but there's a lot to do today."

"Didn't realize we were on a schedule."

"You leave today, don't you? We got to make sure you have supplies for the trip."

Mereleona sighed, not wanting to part so soon after everything's happened. Did they talk enough? She knew they weren't exactly clear on what they were. More than friends but…not necessarily lovers. Not yet.

"I want to talk more about us when I get back."

"Of course" smirked Archer "we're not children."

Mereleona smiled and grabbed Archer from behind again. She buried her nose into shoulder, smelling the scent of ash and steel. Perhaps it was disgusting to others, but the scent of Archer's was one that was unique and as such pleasant to Mereleona. Archer turned around in her arms and wrapped his own around her. He held her close, resting his chin on her head. A thing that irked Mereleona. Archer laughed.

"Are you still mad that I'm taller than you?"

"Fucker. You're only nine centimeters."

"So exact. Does it bother you that I look down at you?"

Mereleona clicked her tongue and looked away.

"It's fine. Just don't like it. I'll get used to it."

"Well I hope so" chuckled Archer "or this will burn down faster than either of us thought."

"You are a fucking downer, you know that."

"I'm just trying to be realistic. Who knows who we are, twenty years down the road."

Mereleona sighed.

"Man, must suck to have lived as long as you have and done jack shit."

Archer damn near chocked.

"The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It sounds to me you've barely lived. All this pessimistic bullshit. Grow a damn pair and just tell me what you want. If I don't like it I say no and vice versa than move on."

"I'm pretty sure it's more complicated than that."

"Why? Make it simple and life is simple."

"Of course, you'd say that…though you aren't necessarily wrong. Now, let's get you packed."

Archer returned the cloak that Mereleona had loaned him and with it was able to store a decent amount of food. Packing for her was easy, with the decanter being od some concern. That was until Archer made some kind of box to place it in.

"It should hold against most impacts."

"Seriously, what can't you make?"

"Honestly?"

"Yes."

"…"

For the next fifteen minutes Archer was in deep concentration. Mereleona felt her eyes twitch as Archer seemed to struggle to find an answer.

"You don't have to show off you prick."

Archer's eyes opened and he looked at Mereleona, a smirk on his face.

"I cannot create mana from nothing. There."

Mereleona stared at him.

"….that…that is not the flex you think it is."

"How so?"
"Your literally body produces mana!"

"….point. Well in that case I guess nothing is theoretically out of my reach bar energy constraints and natural limits."

Mereleona sighed. But Archer was rubbing his chin.

"Say, is there a reason you don't use a broom."

"Brooms are for bitches."
"….oh your serious."

Mereleona nodded.

"What's the point of the broom if I can fly faster than the broom!?"

"Fair. Just asking. Any idea when you'd be back."

Mereleona's instincts were never wrong…and she smelled bullshit. The asshole was planning something…but what? The sad truth was that she didn't have time to interrogate him…not if she wanted to make it home with time to spare.

"Probably a month, maybe two. Depends on how annoying my mother gets."

"Before you leave."

Mereleona held her hand and caught a knife. It gleamed as black as night with a strange rune on the hilt. Archer held his own up.

"This blade was made with the left-over ice stone. When you put your mana into it, the symbols will glow."

"Why the hell would I need this."

Archer tilted his head.
"Thought you'd like some way to communicate. You don't have another of those books do you?"

Mereleona could swear that her heart skipped a beat. Where the hell was this coming from!? Was this the trick? The joke? Archer smirked, enjoying the torture going on.
"You!"

"Better hurry if you want to get home."

Mereleona growled, detesting that he somehow always got the last word.

"Fucker…"

The sound of Archer's laugh was annoying as it was heart warming. She would miss it…as irritating as it was.

"Better hurry" muttered Mereleona as Archer entered his house. As she rocketed into the sky she couldn't help but feel down.
"Well time to pick up the pace!"

Mereleona soared through the air like a rocket, making full use of her ability to manipulate the mana around her.

-5 Days Later-

"Welcome back Lady Vermillion!"

"Fuck off!"

"Eeeeep!"

The man guarding the gates quickly hid, his face terrified at the aggression of Mereleona's face. She had a history with that asshat. Being back in the clover kingdom was far from what she wanted…but Archer had been right. As liberating as seeing the world was, family came first. Even if most of her relatives sucked.

Mereleona cringed slightly at the attention she garnered walking down the street. She usually arrived at the same time every year, but coming early had garnered a reaction. There were even some kids pointing at her. She turned her eyes to them and found that boys, as usual, running at the sight of her. The little girl however smiled and waved. Not wanting to be a total bitch she waved back with her usual smile. She was greeted by fellow nobleman that happened to be in the square and Mereleona had to say…she didn't miss it. They were so annoying! The constant ass kissing was just brutal. Her own family rarely had to deal with it mainly because they stuck to their station so to speak. But Mereleona, who constantly travelled, had to bear the brunt of this. Thankfully the way to her estate was not as congested. The gates stood tall, magic sigils on both ends swirling with a familiar energy. The two guards were a welcome sight. They were in their fifties but still going strong.

The guard on the left never spoke. Her face was as stern as usual.

"Nice to see you too Berelda."

She exuded confidence and strength. While Mereleona had surpassed her a while ago, she was someone she looked up to as a kid. The grounds were as beautiful as always, though Mereleona found it stale and fake. The mansion was massive, filled with many rooms that Mereleona found useless overall. She grinned, thinking of the home that Archer built with his bare hands…well and some magic but mostly with his own skill. That was a home to be proud of, dings and all.

The guard on the right did nothing as usual. His eyes were closed, lost to the dream world with his dream magic, his soul searching the grounds constantly. The man had caught more trespassers in his career than any other guard but he still remained loyal to the vermillion line. They might both be weak but the two of them were no weaklings. The respect she had for them was earned. They let her through without trouble, as always. But like always did nothing to tell her when something was happening. More than one servant rushed past her, carrying boxes and decorations. Their frantic behaviour made no sense with the large smiles on their faces.

"Sister!"

She turned to find her brother Fugoleon. He was sixteen now, just starting to fill out as a man. He was almost as tall as she was at this age. His voice still cracked which Mereleona found hilarious.

"You're back!"

"Yea, here for mom and dad."

"…really? But you never came back before for their anniversaries or birthdays."

…Yeesh now that Mereleona heard it outloud she was a kind of a bitch about the whole thing. Her parents, thankfully, understood her desire and never blamed her. But still….there were limits to everything.

"Yea well my friend convinced me to come here early, even helped me with their gift."

The entire grounds went deathly silent. A few of the gardeners stared at Mereleona, the servants stopped and gaped at her, while some of her lesser known relatives stared at her suspiciously. Her own parents, who were in the midst of greeting her at the door were also shocked.

"Is the idea that I have a gift that shocking" muttered Mereleona.

Was she that bad!?

"No no my dazzling cousin! We were just shocked that you have made a friend considering your illustrious attitude!" muttered some cousin whose name she never remembered.

Mereleona gave him a queer look, silently asking why he was here. The man wore some kind of headband and a bunch of pink. She wasn't judging but damn he wore a lot of pink!

"What? You guys have known about him for years!" grumbled Mereleona.

"So it's a he."

Turning to her parents Mereleona couldn't help but grin. Her father was a tall man with blonde hair and green eyes. He was a clean-shaven man, ordinary in appearance. However, his aptitude for business made him a terror as a nobleman, putting other minor families out of business by employing commoners at cheaper rates than a fellow noble. He wore his usual, a black suit, red shirt, and a black tie. Her father was roughly her own height. Her mother was the same in that regard but unlike Mereleona's wild hair her own was kept in a tight pony tail. She wore a dress that was made with the finest vermillion silk and her eyes wore the standard pigment of the direct vermillion line. Unlike her daughter, she lacked the fang-like tooth, a trait Mereleona inherited from her grandmother. Her mother was also staring at her father blankly.

"His gender doesn't matter dear, now".

The woman turned to her daughter. While she seemed the height of class and royalty, the woman's eyes were sharp and just as fierce as her own daughter's.

"Mereleona, telling us that you made a friend and then never speaking of them again tends to tell us that said friend was less than stellar. Especially when we've tried to discuss them with you and you barely give any concrete answers. Dear…you also never had friends."

"I had Acier."

"She was effectively your teacher and sparring partner."

"Point."

Her mother blinked at her slang term but Mereleona didn't care.
"So when's the party? Seems like you guys are busy."

"It's within the hour actually. We are expecting guests. I take it you won't wear a dress."

"Too uncomfortable."

Her father smiled broadly.

"Excellent, so the new suits weren't a waste."

Mereleona could already feel the suits on her body, they were unusually comfortable when tailored by her father's friend. Her mother smiled, well used to her answer. Mereleona followed her mother, trailing behind the woman. She noticed that she was more careful with her steps. Her mother spoke up as they ascended the stairs in their frankly humongous mansion.

"It is good to see you daughter. Come in and get ready, you smell awful. We'll talk more when you're present. To be aware that we are having guests this time around."

Much like Mereleona her own mother was as blunt as a stick. The difference was that her mother said it nicer than she did. It was a quick affair getting ready. The suit was all black with a vermillion shirt and tie. It wasn't a coloration that Mereleona enjoyed but she would roll with it. If it was her choice she'd have a crimson shirt, but beggars can't be choosers.

She wasn't exactly thrilled at the prospect of the party overall but she was ready to spend time with her family after. She usually only stayed a couple of days but perhaps a week, maybe two might be better. Mereleona did nothing with her hair and instead went straight to the party. Her parents always broke out the good stuff during these events, might as well make full use of it.

Her descent down to the large gathering was more…eventful than she would have liked. Jeez it was like people forgot she existed or something!
"What are you looking at!" she growled.

One brave (idiot) man approached her at the base of the stairs.

"Lady Vermillion, you are dazzling as always."

"Fuck off."

He wilted at her rejection while other nobles cringed at her language. Her brother sighed as he rubbed his brow but her parents smiled at her.

"Sister, could you perhaps not be so…rough."

"No."

"She is correct in this case Fugoleon. As much as I disagree with her use of language your sister was firm and left no room for argument. The boy will not bother her again."

"Besides" muttered her father, his eyes calculating and cold "the boy is from the Burlington family, it's quite blatant that they wish for us to buy their debt…the fools."

And there it was, the politics. Over the years Mereleona actually had some suitors in her younger years. Suffice it to say, they sucked.

"So, what's new," asked her mother, easing into casual language with her daughter. Mereleona smiled, itt was funny. Mereleona knew her mother was just as wild as she was. She had heard the stories, of how she had blazed a trail into the unknowns only to settle down in the earlier years of her life…though it was mostly forced on her. She detested the entire necessity of their royal mannerisms but played along as needed. But with them? It was always easy.

"Why am I only noticing this now?" thought Mereleona.

A surge of fresh guilt ate away at Mereleona.

"It's…going good. I've been traveling more with uh Archer."

"Really now" muttered her mother, a strange glint in her eyes "you've never travelled with anyone, even when I offered to go with you?"

"Because you're my mom and I do…appreciate it. But it was something I wanted to do on my own."

Her mother blinked and softened.

"Dear…what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Sweetheart, I love you…but you are horrible at expressing yourself with anything but violence. I know you love me, but you've never felt the need to tell me how appreciate me…what happened?"

Her father was the same, giving her a concerned look. Her brother was worried as well, though Mereleona still thought the wimp was too weak to be worrying about her.

"It was something Archer said…it's been bugging me."

Her mother rose an eyebrow. Her look sharpened as she glared at her husband, silently urging him to shut up. The man sighed forlornly, he was building up to a proper fatherly rage. His poor wife wouldn't let him have his fun.

"He mentioned that I should see you guys more often. He told me that he never knew his birth parents, and that they died. He said it so…matter of fact. Like it didn't even matter to him."

She looked at her mother and father, the words struggling to get out as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Look I don't mean to be a sap it's I didn't want to be the same you know?"

"…I do. I admit Mereleona…there are times I wish you stay home more but."

Her mother smiled.

"The call of the outdoors is not something that can be ignored. I sacrificed my opportunity to do so in my youth when I was young."

She gripped her husband's hand and smiled even wider, almost to the limits of what was socially acceptable in these noble circles.

"While that choice has led me to have such a fantastic life…there are things I still regret. It was why I allowed you to forgo your place as the family head. Don't feel as if you do not do enough for us Mereleona, live your life with the freedom we didn't have. That's all we care about."

"Exactly sister"

Her brother smiled up at her, his face filled with that usual unearned confidence.

"Leave things to me. I promise that I'll lead the Crimson Lions to new heights!"

Mereleona snickered.

"Maybe when you actually grow taller than me squirt?"

"I'm still growing!"

Mereleona basked in the love her family had for her. They were right, they knew she loved them and they loved her in turn. She quickly grabbed her brother and noogied his poor skull thoroughly, to the utter despair of Fugoleon. The other nobles sighed at Mereleona's behaviour but could do nothing about it. That was the difference between Royalty and Nobility. Both had money, the other had influence and power.

"Say," her father asked "Your friend, Archer, correct?"

A nod was given.

"How would you like to bring him here?"

"You asked me this already, remember?"

"I have yes, your response at the time was…"

Mereleona cringed a bit, remembering that particular conversation. She had been blitzing through the door as her poor parents tried to have one last conversation before she left.

There was a hint of bitterness there, from her father. A reminder for Mereleona that time with Archer meant she was away from family…a family she only saw once a year for the last four years. This situation was one of her own making, but she couldn't help but feel that in the future…that a choice might have to be made.

Mereleona promptly decided fuck that choice and made a new one, right at this moment.

"Ill bring him by kicking and screaming if I have to The man lives like a hermit, its about time he sees the world."

"A hermit?" Her father croaked.

Her mother seemed to grow slightly concerned as well.

"Mereleona…where did you meet this friend of yours."

"In the northern forest regions."

The two of them felt their expectations of a nice normal boy splinter into pieces. Instead, some type of large muscular savage type man entered their vision. After all, no sane person would live in the mana regions year-round. Even Mereleona came home once a year. Either that or he was a beast on par with their daughter. Neither prospect was exactly entertaining.

"I see" her mother muttered "well regardless he is your friend. He'll always be welcomed in our halls anytime."

Mereleona grinned.

"Thanks mom. Speaking of, did you want the gift I brought?"

It had taken a few minutes for Mereleona to get the gift out, along with her brothers. Fugoleon as always knocked it out of the park. She wasn't sure what it was, only that her parents cooed at the gift…some kind of a catalogue of things he had bought.

"It took a bit to get everything together but they're all ready for delivery, just give the word!"

Her father took the container from her and opened it. His eyes widened as he slowly took out the decanter and the two glasses, handing the two glasses to her mother.

"These are whiskey glasses" her mother muttered, "though I've never seen material like this before…and they're cold!"

Her mother smiled widely while her father marvelled at the decanter.

"I've been trying to get those glass mages to make me something like this but they all came out…blocky. This is beautiful Mereleona, thank you. Where did you buy this?"

"I didn't buy it" she said "my friend Archer made it from some ice stones we found. He told me he didn't know how long the mana within the decanter would last, so don't expect it to keep things cold forever."

Her mother laughed at the pattern swirling and even pointed at the family emblem engraved on the side.

"I'm shocked he got the pattern right. The symbol is immaculate…this is suburb work Mereleona, your friend should be proud. Sadly, your mother will not be able to use this for a few months."

Mereleona blinked.

"What do you mean."

Her mother smiled and flicked the side of the glass. Her parents marvelled at the perfect clear ringing sound, her mother having a look of disappointment.

"I would love to try this right now but alas."

Her mother turned to the crowd.

"Everyone, thank you for your patience, especially as we opened our children's gift without your leave. We have a very special announcement. Myself and my husband…we are with child once again."

Mereleona felt her whole world stop. She stared at her mother's belly. She was only three when her brother had been born. As a child she didn't understand the entire gravity of what her parents having another child meant. But now? As an adult herself? She felt her smile widen.

"Another sibling huh…oh god damn it." She muttered.

Her brother glared at her.

"Sister! This is something to be celebrated!"

"Yea yea I'm happy and all but now I have to listen to Archer tell me he told me so! Smug asshole."

Her brother wilted at her language, praying to all the gods above that whoever this man was, would at least curb this part of his sister…it was suffice to say that the gods were not listening. Nor did they care. The rest of the night had been a whirlwind of emotions for Mereleona but at the end of the night she found herself gripping Archer's knife. She fooled around with it, dressed in nothing her tank top and silky pants. Then she saw the run glow…she should have known she was not alone in the room. Because all her mother saw from the doorway was the smile of her daughter…a smile so warm and emotional that she couldn't help but smile herself.

As the mother of Mereleona returned to her room, she found her husband.

"Lowin, are you alright?" he asked.

She smiled, rubbing her belly.

"I am. I was going to say goodnight to Mereleona but she was busy…Hunter."

"Yes?"

"This friend…I think he's more than that."

"Oh? It seems a bit presumptuous for that…they're just friends is all dear."

She gave her husband a dry look.

"I know you've been preparing for confronting Mereleona's would be suitors but we both know that this Archer is likely her equal."

"And?"

Lowin smiled at her husband's bravado.

"It means dear that he would kill you quite easily."

The man sighed, his yellow three-leaf grimoire flipping through numerous pages and filing his worksheets for him. They were amazing adaptable things once you understood how to use them, not that many did.

"It is a shame when daughters surpass their parents…but I'd prefer that over the alternative. We never have to worry about Fugoleon. The boy has taken to his duities far better than I could have imagined. His business acumen needs work…but that's what I'm here for. His presence in the nobility is unmatched by save the Silva family."

He turned to the decanter he kept on his night post, the design absolutely beautiful to his mind. It was truly one of a kind, though simple in its overall shape.

"Mereleona is a wild fire. The strongest Vermillion to ever come out of your house yet."

"Our house."

The mans smiled.

"Forgive me. Our house. I only worry that she may suffer what we did in our youth."

"She won't dear."

"You remember what happened, don't you? The rage your father expressed when you demanded to marry me…I'll never forget the courage that took you."

"My courage? I remember a man that quite literally sacrificed every ounce of wealth and honour he had to take my hand. From where you started…I couldn't imagine giving everything up."

"I didn't give everything up," said hunter smiling. He gripped his wife's hand and placed his other one on her belly. "I got to keep the greatest thing of all. You. This family is worth more than any honor…but it was not easy. It is likely that is a commoner…the outrage that would have would be immense. I had at least noble blood but…that idiot king won't see it that way."

Lowin sighed.

"I know. But her choice matters love."

"It does…though I wouldn't say she's quite in love just yet. Takes more than just time together to build love."

His wife gave him another blank stare and patted his cheek.

"Grow up and accept it. I asked you to marry me on our third meeting."

"But that's different! We knew each other for years as children and!"

"Dear just accept the loss. Now come to bed."

The man sputtered hopelessly but joined her quickly. He smiled as he fell asleep, only to be awoken by a hard shove.

"Dear?"

"Close your damn book before I shut it in your face."

The man felt a sweat drop fall from his head and sighed. He loved his wife and daughter to death but…honestly, they were quite scary. It was eerie how similar the two were in mannerisms.

"Archer…I wish you god speed whomever you are. You'll need it."

"I heard that."

"…sorry dear."

The woman laughed with her husband as they dove on to sleep, intent on spending the future days as best they could.

-1 year and four months later-

And so time passed. After returning to Archer for a few weeks to explain what's happened, Mereleona decided to make frequent trips back and forth. Her brother had been born healthy and strong, though there were a few things to worry about. Thankfully they had been resolved swiftly. Her time here with Archer was once such quick trip. They had already discussed the next location they were going to visit for the next year, a mana region that had become a desert deep in the Spade Kingdom's territory.

Now she was spending leisure time. Her time spent with Archer was no different from before, only that they talked more and more about their relationship, and what they wanted. Mereleona still remembered struggling to explain how she felt…and yet Archer remained stalwart, educational even, especially now.

"I've never felt this way before" explained Mereleona, sitting at the table after a meal with Archer. The man himself was washing the dishes in his sink, an achievement he still crowed about to this day. "You'd think I'd have been attracted to someone else? I mean I'm 20 years old damnit."

"Contrary to what you believe" smiled Archer "sexuality is not simple. There are many different ways to look at it."

"Riiiight" muttered Mereleona.

"You've probably have seen it before. Does the term homosexual mean anything to you?"

"That's when they're gay right?"

"Correct. That's an example of a sexuality that's different than a heterosexual. It's entirely possible that you're a demi-sexual."

"A what now?"

"A person who can only feel sexual attraction to those that they have strong emotional bonds to."

"Never felt that way about Acier."

"Then perhaps you're a straight demi-sexual. Or perhaps you don't fall into any predetermined mold whatsoever. Perhaps your asexual even."

Even Mereoleona knew that term and would be the first to tell you that was far from the case. But she kept silent, letting Archer speak.

"Only you can decide the specifics of that part of your identity, though terms like I just used can help."

Mereleona shrugged.

"Maybe. I don't really like labeling it. I like you. Simple as that. Speaking of, you're coming with me this time, back home."

"Alright."

"…seriously that's all it took?"

"Why wouldn't it?"

"You've hold yourself up here for years…thought you'd be all hermitty or whatever, stick to this place like a tree."

"Hermitty, is not a word. There is also the fact that there are several things I wish to look into, to do that I need to visit your kingdom."

"Is that for my gift you keep yammering on about? Stop it, I don't need one."

Archer smirked at the small blush on Mereleona's face. As a gift for her 20th birthday, Archer made a pair of bracers that wrapped around Mereleona's hands and forearms. They were flexible and strong, more akin to tough leather than metal. They were pitch black in color, a stable of Archer's designs it would seem, and were made of the same material that his personal bow was, not that Mereleona had connected the dots with that just yet.

A gift and an experiment rolled into one.

He had explained to Mereleona that they were a bit last minute and that her true gift may take some time before it is done. She was not enthused with the effort that he had put in, as the woman herself simply got him a cooking book. Archer smiled softly at the memory, wondering why it was that the belligerent woman he had come to care for cared so much about that. The book was a thoughtful and fantastic gift.

"So…you're ok with waiting?"

Archer blinked, leaving the dishes in the sink.
"What?"

Mereleona's face was bright red. Archer was worried at first but than realized that her face was red from embarrassment…though she was usually so headstrong.

"Leona?"

"I need to know" she whispered.

Archer closed his eyes.

"Ah, that" he thought.

"Of course I am. Leona…sex is not something to be rushed. Contrary to what some idiotic men may say, the urge for sexual activities is not as all consuming as they make it out to be. Do I enjoy it? Of course, but I'll enjoy it most when you are ready…not when you are forcing yourself. Your competitive nature needs to take a break here Mereleona."

"I'm not jealous" she growled.

Archer smirked.

"Really now?"

She grunted and turned away.

"You're comparing yourself to people that have long since passed on" explained Archer "their story with me has come to an end while my story with you is just beginning."

"But they…they know you…all of you."

"….Leona, it doesn't work that way."

"Look! I'm horny allright it's just…reasons!"

Archer blinked and raised his eyebrow.

"Wait…"

The pieces began to come together.

"Don't you fucking dare!"

The urge for Archer to meet her parents have steadily become more forceful. This was the fourth time she asked, with Archer rejecting the other three due to various reasons at the time.

"You want me to meet your parents first…you want their approval for me as a partner."

Mereleona's face exploded in a fiery color as Archer began laughing his ass off.

"Such a Mama's girl!"

"ARCHER!"

She grinned, igniting her fists. Archer stalled his expression wilting.
"Don't you-".

In mere moments the kitchen became a battle ground of thrown food and dirty soap as Mereleona's flames gripped and threw whatever she could get her hands on. Nothing was damaged, save for Archer's clothes. The man sighed as Mereleona trapped him in a head lock.

"Do you give!"

"I was never resisting in the first place."

"Pervert!"

"Well, now at least I know what you're into."

"YOU!"

Archer grinned as he was let go, another victory notched into his metaphorical belt.

"Go get ready asshole! I'll meet you outside."

"We'll leave now?"

"YES!"

Perhaps he had needled too far, but Archer was always a fan of Mereleona's blushing expression, rare as they have been. Thankfully there was nothing to pack, not in the traditional sense. Archer decided to wear something that was at least presentable, though that would be changed to when he got to the Clover Kingdom's capital. For now, he wore his standard outfit that he wore as a counter guardian, with the single addition of a hood, just in case. He exited his home, smirking at Merelona as he did.

"Ready?" he asked.

His lover merely smirked.

"Think you can keep up?"

"After you started using your magic as a would be after burner, no I don't think so."

Mereoleona deflated.

"Party pooper."

"…Fine, distance?"

"The clover kingdom!"

"….I don't know where that is Leona."

"….you don't have…something that can just lead you there?"

"Contrary to what you may believe Leona, I do not in fact have the answer to all of life's in convinces in blade form."

"…well sucks to be you!"

With that the woman launched herself away, cackling as he did so. Archer summoned a large sword, easily the size of himself, and hopped on. Using his own magic to stick to the sword, Archer flew through the air seamlessly. He was notably slower than Mereleona, but he was still faster than any broom. Archer turned to his makeshift home, smiling softly.

"To new beginnings" he muttered.

He wasn't sure if this was a good idea. He wasn't…good with people. But Mereleona needed this. He could feel it with his ki, her sense of being dragged one way and the other. So Archer resolved himself. He would make sure that he got along with her family to, at the very least, an acceptable level. He already began recalling every single noble phantasm in his head that had any connection to royalty of any kind. He needed to brush up on his manners. Though they'd be vague references at best, considering the circumstances.

For the first time in his new life, Archer saw the world beyond the mana regions…and he thought it was beautiful. Fields upon fields of verdant green, endless lands of small villages and people. It was…peaceful. So entuned with nature. The three quadrants of the Clover Kingdom were interesting to see. The idea of poverty was much different in this world than in Archer's. Even the poorest of this kingdom's citizens had access to plenty of water and food, so long as they were willing to grow it. There was a wage discrepancy, a massive one. But at the very least they were fed and clothed.

The middle quadrant had more modern novelties but were still nothing but small villages. It wasn't until he and Mereleona had reached the capital that Archer saw her kingdom at its best. The architecture was beautiful, at least to his limited skills would see. Magic was used everywhere with the area steeped in magical energy. It was if the entire capital was a massive leyline.

It was surreal.

"Hey!"

Archer turned to Mereleona, who was starting to head down from the air.

"You coming or what?"

Archer quickly followed, dismissing his sword and reigning his mana back in. Apparently entry into the kingdom wasn't hard. It was not being bombarded with magic knights that was the problem. Thanks to Mereleona, Archer didn't have to go through the standard procedures. This resulted in him getting to her house far, far sooner than he anticipated.

"No bathroom breaks?" asked Archer.

"Why? We got them at my place."

Archer sighed, passing two guards that gave him the stink eye. Archer was of course unaffected, but the thought counted.

"Do your parents even know you're coming home?"

"Nah but it doesn't matter."

"I'm pretty sure bringing a guest uninvited is considered rude Leona."

The two guards who overheard the conversation looked at each other. The silent woman stared at her sleeping companion, her unique magic allowing her to see his soul. The man was gaping at the two, watching this strange man berate the could have been head of the Vermillion family.

"…weird" muttered the woman.

The man than turned to his compatriot, pointing at her. She stared at his soul and simply mouthed "no one will believe you."

He grunted, lamenting that another chance of revealing that his mute friend was not in fact mute was lost to him. Archer turned around, smirking at the sight of the two guards fooling around.

"What is it?" asked Mereleona.

"Nothing, just something I've noticed."

"How far is that Ki range of yours?"

"About 800 meters now."
"Jeez. Making Yami look bad…and how the hell did you even measure that?"

Archer shrugged, not really caring to answer either of those statements.

"So, Mom and Dad will greet us, then we can get dressed and ready for whatever they decide."

Mereleona knocked on the door and would have continued if not for the small blip of Archer's mana. She turned and stared at her friend. He was wearing a steel grey dress shirt fitted perfectly to his torso. The sleeves were rolled up, showing his bare and muscular arms. He wore a dark pair of slacks to match with his shirt and his hair was now brushed back, like he usually had it. He turned to Mereleona and smirked.

The man was dressed to kill while Mereleona was still dressed in her traveling attire.

"When the hell" she muttered.

Archer gave a playful wink as the door opened. He clasped his hands behind his back as a woman that looked like a less wild version of Mereleona answered the door, a sleeping red haired baby held to her chest.

"Hello…Mereleona! Dear I thought you'd be back within the month!"

"I managed to convince Archer to come with me this time…uh, speaking of which."

"Hello."

Mereleona's mother blinked at the deep voice. She swallowed, unprepared for the fact that Archer…the man was…the man was….

He was friggen normal. Her mother sighed a breath of relief and smiled.

"Hello sir, your name must be Archer?"

"That is correct madam. I am sorry that I was unable to attend your previous invitations, sadly we had…issues."

Calling a rampaging host of sea creatures coming from the watering hole an issue was understating it, something Lowin could tell from the way her daughter scoffed.

"Think nothing of it young man, my daughter told us as such. My name is Lowin Vermillion, a pleasure. This little one is named Leopold."

The baby was sound asleep, but Archer could see the beginnings of a fanged tooth sticking out from his lip.

Archer smiled and bowed slightly.

"Thank you for having me this evening. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know."

Lowin Vermillion blinked and stared at her daughter. She narrowed her eyes.

"What kind of blackmail did a beast like you have to get an angel like this?"

Mereloena's façade broke as she glared at her mother.
"The fuck he's an angel! That man is the biggest!"

"DON'T!"

Archer grinned at the sight of Mereleona being cowed by her mother, Lowin pointing at her baby.

"So polite, please don't feel at all like you have to help. Did you need any refreshments?"

"At the moment no, but if I could use a bathing area of sorts, that would be fantastic. Traveling can take a toll. Mereleona and me have been on the move for quite a few days."

"Of course dear, help yourself. Dredrick can lead you to the baths. Dredrick."

A loud pop and a stoutly buff gentleman well into his twilight years appeared. The man's moustache was legendary but his bald head shone in the air like a proud eagle.

"Lady Vermillion!"

"Please lead our guest to the bath house please and than you are free for the evening, thank you."

"Always my lady, come young man!"

Archer followed the butler. His eyes analyzed the physique and scars on the mans body. This was a fighter…one who used spacial magic.

"I've never seen spacial magic used that way before" said Archer "is that a unique trait?"

The stoutly man laughed.

"No no. I trick I picked up, nothing more. I am incapable of opening spacial gates like most users. Lady Lowin was the captain back when I was a magic knight and she assisted me in mastering my limited magic. I owe her a great deal, she even introduced me to my wife!"

The man tapped his leg, a metallic hollow sound echoing through the hallways.

"Lost me leg in the war a few decades back and I've been in service to her family ever since. She's a great deal younger than most of the family heads but that's just how the family works."

"Oh?"

The man turned to Archer, allowing him to exit out the door first and into a vast guarden filled with unique plants and a stone pathway. The butler Dredrick popped back in front of Archer, his stout figure moving gracefully.

"The Vermillion family burns the brightest out of all the Royal families. To them a leader should be strong, young. The titles are passed down relatively early with the previous heads acting as guides and mentors."

"I've heard of a similar concept back in my home. We refer to them as elders."

Archer was of course referring to the clans that dominated most of Asian Europe. The various cultures that practiced the idea of clans had various rules regarding what constituted an Elder. As far as Archer was aware, this was relatively unique but not unusual.

"Interesting. I know my lady and her husband would love to hear more. For now, this is the bath house. Merely call for me and I will lead you back to the main house. Please, do not be concerned with what Lady Lowin said, I am at your beck and call for the remainder of your stay."

Archer rose an eyebrow as the man disappeared. Already Archer had found himself impressed with the building. He had felt, with his ki, a large variance in the servants of some of the noble homes he passed by. Most were neutral, it was a job. But a rare few were steeped in negativity. Yet, this place was filled with warmth and loyalty. There was the occasional blip of negativity, but Archer attributed that more to Mereleona's cousins than her main family. Archer blinked as Mereleona was suddenly beside him, her towel over her shoulder. She was stripped down to her basic shirt and pants. She was of course not wearing a…the hell did her bra go?

"Oh, damn it Leona" thought Archer.

He put his focus elsewhere.

"Hey! Ready?"

Archer sighed.

"You'll have to stay on your side this time Mereleona."

"What why!?"

"Leona, we are in the presence of your family, I plan to at least respect that this is their house."

"So?"

"It's the principle of the matter Leona."

She scowled a bit as Archer moved into the bathing house, purposely entering the male segment. She scowled as she decided to say fuck it and enter the men's room anyway. That was until a familiar hand gripped her shoulder.

"I'm happy to see your friend as better manners than you."

Mereleona turned to her mother, scowling as her personal maid dropped the camouflage.

"Verbergen" muttered Mereleona.

The rather creepy looking maid gave Mereleona a peace sign. She was wearing a long skirt with a white frilly apron on it. Her pitch-black hair was combed straight and fell over her shoulders freely. Her skin was almost white, with her eyes having large bags under them.

"Thank you Verbergen" muttered Lowin "now, leave that poor boy alone. Though…it would seem he's not just your friend is he?"

Mereleona blushed as she scowled, looking away.

"I was going to talk to you about it."

"When? After you were pregnant with child."

Mereleona sputtered, the thought never having entered her head.

"WHAT! That's!"

Her mother's smirk broadened as Mereleona realized she was played.

"Damnit!"

Lowin smiled.

"We can talk about it later dear, but as far as I can say…I approve. I'll give my official notice during dinner tonight."

"Are you sure?" whispered Mereleona.

"You love who you love dear. Perhaps this last forever…perhaps it doesn't."

Her mother gestured to a bench on the further side of the bath house. The two of them sat as her mother took her hand.

"When I was younger, your grandfather, my father, was…obsessed with making the family stronger. The only man that I could honestly call a father was my grandfather Leonis Vermillion."

The man had been a legend for the vermillion family, having held the line agaisnt both the heart kingdom and the spade kingdom…

By himself.

Mereleona strived to leave the dirtbag in the dust as her life goal. Lowin smiled, remembering the man who had unfortunately passed on from sickness when Lowin was only sixteen.

"He loved spending time with me but my father…I was honestly naught more than broodmare for him. I was originally supposed to be married off to Augustus."

"OH fuck no".

Her mother grinned.

"Precisely. I was older than him…not to mention he's pathetic."

The two woman nodded.

"When I proposed to your father…my own father was not happy. I swore not to repeat the mistakes that he made. So Mereleona, do not hesitate or worry about the family, alright. I promise…whatever your relationship becomes I will accept it. Any children you have will also be Vermillion, I promise."

Lowin grinned evilly as she watched her daughter process what she said. For her entire life her daughter was infallible. The girl was never nervous or afraid, having spear headed through life with the gusto of a raging lion. Now though?

Perhaps she was bad mother for wanting to see her daughter's flustered face at least once.

"Go on and bath daughter, I will have dinner prepared within the hour."

Mereleona growled at her mother, leaving to get cleaned.

"Was that necessary?" asked Verbergen.

"No, but it was fun. Now bring me back to my husband and Leopold please, I've seen most of what I needed."

Verbergen and Lowin disappeared from sight. Archer smirked while he was in the tub, laughing at Mereleona's misfortune. He didn't hear a word they said, but his Ki sensing, honed by the countless lifetimes of battle, allowed him to get the gist. Archer grinned as he noticed the hole near the top of the wall separating the male and female sections. He waited until Mereleona entered her section of the bath.

"So, children?"

"Not talking about it!"

"I mean your mother."

"I swear to whatever deities you worship I will shove my foot up your ass Archer!"

"Kinky."

"DAMNIT!"

Ever since their sparing had become common, Mereleona had tried baiting Archer into confrontations with words. She was quick to give up, which was ironic given her character. Archer always enjoyed a battle with words, which Mereleona must have picked up on. He was thankful for her attempts. After all, they made him laugh. Getting dress was no hassle. He simply conjured new clothing. The butler Dredrick, was helpful as always. He even popped Archer with him to the dining hall. The man blinked as they entered.

"Color me surprised young man. Most tend to react…negatively."

"It's not the first time I've been teleported like that."
"Truly! The world is a vast place. Please, enjoy your meal young man."

Archer entered and smelled the delicious food coming from the kitchen. No one else was here…so…surely. He opened the door to the kitchen and Archer was greeted to the grim visage of the young head chef, her eyes glaring at the man that dared to enter her kitchen unannounced.

-Fifteen Minutes Later-

Mereleona felt like murdering the cook. The way she was eyeing him. The fact that her mother was laughing didn't help.
"Is there something I should know dear."

Lowin smiled lightly, feeding her darling Leopold another spoonful of his food, ignoring her husband's question. The poor man sighed, wondering what game she was playing. She deigned to answer him after feeding her baby boy.

"It's fine dear. An inside joke. Archer is here, in the kitchen exchanging notes as he says."

Mereleona looked through the window, scowling as Archer smiled at the head cook, the woman's smile radiant. Archer left the kitchen, smiling at her parents.

"My apologies. I smelled the food and was curious as to how she was basting the chicken. I've smelled cooking like that before but her method using mana was unique."

Mereleona gave Archer the stink eye but let it go. Archer went to the seat beside Mereleona and extended his hand before he sat.

"Sir, my name is Archer."

Her father grinned standing up and clasping Archer's hand with his own. Archer was a bit confused at the sheer relief the man had at seeing him.

"The name's Hunter Vermillion. I have to say it's a pleasure to meet you at last. Mereleona doesn't say much but what she does tell us paints a good picture. What made you finally decide to come to the Clover Kingdom."

"In all honesty the home I built needs constant maintenance to remain standing. Due to the mana conditions of the region, anything I make there erodes given time."

Mereleona's parents nodded. This was a common problem with Mana Regions.
"It took some time to create a bounded field to ward off these effects for longer than a few months, but Mereleona was a good help with that."

"I see, so it was just a matter of safety, so to speak."

"Effectively yes. There was also the concern of my home being overrun with wild beasts but that concerns been…dealt with for the time being."

The food was brought out, the head chef grinning as she placed Archer's plate last.

"You'll notice the grill marks here, after basting-"

The young brunette went into a long explanation that Archer followed without fail, wondering the specifics of mixing mana with food. Mereleona felt her jaw drop a the audacity of this servant, while her mother's grin kept expanding. The head chef bade Archer goodbye, disappearing back into the kitchen. Archer carefully took a bite of the chicken, closing his eyes at the taste.

"this is excellent" said Archer "thank you."

"Our chef Sterrela is the one who made it. Perhaps you can thank her at a later time?"

Archer nodded, his face stoic as usual. Mereleona stewed but was quick to find her footing again. She hated to admit it, but the chicken was great.

Damn it.

Hunter smiled at his wife enjoying the food but turned to Archer before long.

"Say, Mereleona never told us but how did you two meet?"
"She stole my kill."

The two parents blinked.

"I didn't still sh-err crap."

Lowin glared at her daughters near misstep but said nothing.
"My arrow pierced that boar; you merely finished it off".

Mereleona knew Archer didn't care about the glory of the hunt. This was about digging at her pride.
"Uh huh. Then you decided to make a meal out of it and here we are."

Archer grinned and turned to her parents.

"That's about the gist of it yes."

Lowin smiled as Archer ate his food at a sedated pace. His table manners were exemplary, all things considered. There were little things that he did wrong, but Lowin herself cared little about the traditions involving cutlery. The table sat in awkward silence, one that Archer broke as he finished his food.

The man was completely different than her expectations. To be honest her and Hunter were expecting a neanderthal with tusks and massive muscles. They loved their daughter but she had never expressed anything involving romantic or even platonic love. Yet, the man before them was…normal.

No…not normal. Lowin's eyes sharpened as she took in more of Archer. He was tall, taller than average. His hands and arms were covered in thick callouses and odd discoloured scars. A mage's hands, while calloused, were nowhere near the level at which Archer's hands were like. His aura was also unusual. Mages, for the most part, could feel the nature and mana of others. With Mereleona, it was if a lion made of flames was growling behind her, a bestial aura befitting one of the Vermillion household. Yet, Archer's was conflicted. At a first glance he was like a predatory bird made of steel. The yellow eyes piercing through you…yet hidden deeper within…it was if Lowin was staring at a sleeping tiger, one that had yet to bare its fangs.

Lowin's smile spread, though it was small. He was quite the catch. Her daughter was lucky. There was also the fact that he was handsome, with a strange exotic allure to him. She had never seen his combination of white hair, amber eyes, and dark skin. She had seen each of these on individuals, but never mixed like Archer. Mereleona was squirming in her seat, seemingly trying to get the courage to ask about her…relationship. As much as Lowin would agree, she wanted to see if Archer would catch on. After all, you didn't ask your parents permission to date your lover. It was the lover who asked permission. She locked eyes with Archer and to her surprise the man merely gave her a smirk and a slight nod.

"Was he waiting? Letting her stew in her embarrassment? Oh, Mereleona you've might have met your match."

Lowin was much the same with her husband after all, his little blushes and flustered attitude were adorable to her.

"Excuse me" stated Archer "but as much as I've enjoyed this meal with you, there is something I must ask."

Hunter, who had an inkling as to what this might be gave Archer his full attention.

"I am not sure how it is done in your culture, but I would ask your permission to court your daughter."

Mereleona felt her breath leave her as she stared at Archer, the winds in her sail taken out completely. Her father blinked whereas Lowin smiled gracefully.

"Is that so" muttered Hunter "to be honest I'm surprised you'd ask."

Lowin stared at her husband, wondering where he was going with this.

"Then again, I tested the young man myself not a moment ago."

She decided to let this go where it may…though she hoped it wasn't some stupid father thing.

"I could have pursued something out in the wilds, true, but that's not what either of us want. Mereleona and myself…I frankly have no idea if we could last."

Hunter blinked, his face resting into one he used in business. Blank, with no tells. Lowin was much the same, though she narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I can't tell the future" said Archer "not to mention that we could change as time goes on. But, if we are to pursue a relationship together, it will be done right. I won't do things by half. If you are uncomfortable with this, I understand."

Hunter's eyes bore into Archer. His mana centered around his eyes, his grimoire glowing. Archer blinked, wondering what it was he was feeling…wait…

"Is this structural analysis!?"

Before Archer could say a word, Hunter spoke.

"Interesting. Most looking to date a noble would say they'd make it work, one way or another."

"Nobility means nothing to me. But family means something to Mereleona and I know she doesn't want me or you to be a separate thing."

Hunter nodded along.

"A fair point...I like you".

Archer smiled along with Hunter, the man snapping his fingers. From his grimoire came a familiar decanter and glass. He poured the whiskey into both glasses, sending one to Archer with raw mana. It was a talent that Archer had not seen Mereleona posses…and judging from her expression she seemed shocked at her father's skill as well.

"Mereleona has had suitors in the past. To be frank…they were less than ideal."

"They sucked" said Mereleona and Archer at the same time.

"…yes, they were horrible. My magic is analysis magic, quite useless in combat I admit but excellent in terms of support and other avenues of use."

"Ah…something like lie detection?" asked Archer.

"Almost, more like the analysis of a given statement is judged for sincerity, emotions, and other such factors. It is quite difficult to lie or bend the truth to me. Especially if you are unaware of it."

It was an absurdly specific skill set, but one Archer had come to terms with. This entire world was built on the idea that every magical application had a corresponding skill set to it, with Grimoires ensuring that the knowledge that was gathered was passed on to the perfect inheritor. It was absurd how seamless this transaction was. It made Archer wonder if getting one for himself may be more beneficial than he thought.

"My point is, that underneath your statement I see a man that has been hurt before…and doesn't want to do the same to my daughter. In terms of worth, you are more than worthy enough to court her as you say…though there could be issues."

"The nobility."

"Honestly, no. The issue is easily rectified with a fabricated story. If you could release your mana for a moment?"

Archer rose an eyebrow.

"My analysis is quite through. I must say, I've never seen such incredible control before. To control your output so stringently that you could pass as a commoner…it's unheard of."

Lowin stared at Archer outright.

"What?"

"I'm not kidding dear."

"I'm impressed" smirked Archer "I thought I would be undetectable."

Hunter shrugged.

"I'm a very special case but for now, if you would please."

Hunter was unprepared. The amount of mana was not the concern. It was easily a match for any standard noble. It suited their purposes quite well. No, it was the feeling of it. The mana wasn't "like steel". It was steel. Every ounce of it leaked pure raw steel. He had seen steel creation magic and they paled in comparison to the purity that Hunter was feeling right now. It was if he was staring at a sword.

"Excellent" smirked Hunter "this will work well. Though I know this isn't your full power."

Archer shrugged.

"Have no concerns Archer, I couldn't care less. What you've released so far will work well for what we need. It will be easy to fabricate a story of you being nobility from the eastern regions. With your mana it will be easy to pass off as one."

Archer nodded, following along. It was annoying but if this is what it took, than very well. Mereleona was still staring at the wall, coming to terms with the fact that the entire time she was building up courage…Archer took it away. The asshole.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to trick your fellow nobles?" asked Archer.

"To be frank, most of the noble classes don't have the resources to investigate someone such as yourself. No, the problem that you'll face is one of reputation. Mereoleona is well known for the fact she's never taken a partner. This may cause you to become front and center in many debates…a few individuals may approach you, asking if your children will be the head of the house…standard idiocy. Fugoleon is the head of the Vermillion family in a few years, so the debate is null...though the line of succession may become difficult."

The comment went over Archer's head but he didn't care.

"Where is that little squirt anyways?" asked Mereleona, speaking for the first time in a while.

Lowin frowned.

"He has been sent on a mission for the Crimson Lions. If I knew you were coming I would have had them hold off until the next day. It wasn't an urgent mission by any means."

Mereleona seemed to shrink into herself a bit, glaring at Archer's told you so smile.

"Thank you for the hospitality" said Archer "I know that we arrived unannounced, rude as that is."

"Oh you don't need to apologize for anything dear, it was all Mereleona's fault anyways."

"HEY!"

Lowin gave her daughter a knowing glance.

"Sweetheart, I don't know how you found a man like Archer, but it is quite obvious that he is wasted on you. Honestly Archer, you sure you want our daughter, she is quite the handful."

Archer decided to play along with her mother's teasing, as Mereleona's temper began to overflow.

"She is quite the brat, I'll admit" sighed Archer "always wanting to fight, never letting this poor old me rest."

Mereoleona gave her lover the stink eye. Archer's smile reassured her that this was all tasteful teasing. Lowin smiled as well.

"My rather horrid jokes aside, thank you. I know our daughter has been quite lonely out there. It warms my heart knowing that she has someone watching her back."

"LIKE I NEED THAT!" growled Mereoleona.

"Now off to bed, it's starting to get late. Archer, we've prepared a bed for you on the same floor as Mereoleona. If you wish to court my daughter there are some rules you have to follow, at least here. You sleep in separate beds until an engagement."

Archer nodded, uncaring of the circumstances. He and Mereoleona had yet to actually share a bed. To his surprise Mereoleona was far from amused. Lowin was steadfast though.

"Also, Mereoleona a missive was sent for you. Acier would like to see you tomorrow for tea."

"Isn't she like 8 months pregnant or something?"

Lowin sighed, rubbing her brow. Even hunter grimaced.

"She just gave birth a few weeks ago Mereoleona."

"WAIT WHAT!?"

"How could you have not known?"

Archer patted her on the shoulder, making Mereoleona growl at the contact. She wasn't that forgetful!

"Is she alright?" asked Mereoleona.

"Well…no. She's quite weak right now, from the birth supposedly."

"Though they are still calling her the queen of the Valkyries" smirked Lowin "the strongest in the kingdom."

"HEY, I BEAT HER ASS!"

"In front of no one, with no spectators, and never mentioned it to anyone except us. Acier has also not give the details of your sparring. If she did than Julius would be demanding that you stay within the kingdom, as military power."

There was no actual law that could force Mereoleona to stay, but the pressure from the wizard king would be annoying.

"So where does she want me to go?"

"She said you would know of it…some kind of garden that is on the Silva grounds."

"Can I bring Archer."

The man blinked, staring at Mereoleona.

"What? It's a good time to meet Acier, besides she's been asking me questions about reinforcement that I can't answer".

"You have mastered it quite well."

"That does not mean I know how to explain it well."

She had a point. Archer had used his mana to show her directly though he had come to learn that it was a…flirtatious act to mix your mana together.

"Is that allowed?" asked Archer.

Lowin smiled.

"She has always given Mereoleona leave to bring a guest. Acier is quite the social butterfly in our circles…due to her husband she doesn't get much opportunity for it."

Archer could almost smell the drama from that statement.

"Alright" said Archer "tomorrow, at noon."

"It is quite secluded, it would be best to leave early. Try not to rush over there. The grounds are littered with traps that prohibit the use of powerful mana for those not registered."

"Interesting" thought Archer.

The rest of the night was calm and flowed nicely. But it wasn't till Archer had said goodnight that Mereoleona surprised him, twice.

"Archer."

Her tone made the man focus all at once, leaning over Mereoleona at her door, having escorted her there for the night.

"Can you check on Acier?"

He blinked.

"I am no healer."

"I don't want to hear that from a man that whips out healing artifacts."

"…that is entirely different."

"My point is could you look at her? She's given birth to three kids before now, she shouldn't be this weak."

Archer smiled softly.

"You could just say you're worried about."

A bit lip crumbled any resolve Archer had for saying no.

"Fine, I'll take a look. I promise nothing though."

"Great. Now for this."

Archer blinked and the next thing he knew Mereoleona was had grabbed him by the back of his skull and slammed their lips together. It was a wild kiss, possessive. She let him, her breath heavy and smilng at Archer's shocked expression.

"That was for flirting with that stupid chef."

"…when the…you are a jealous minx, you know that?"

"I AM NOT JEALOUS!"

Archer smirked and let his finger trail her jaw, the woman stiffening at the contact. He leaned in, letting his breath tickle her ear.

"Later, Leona. I promised your mother I'd sleep in my own bed."

The raging lioness growled at Archer, any compunctions she had about taking the next step gone, leaving a massive well of desire that had been bottled up for quite some time.

"I'm going to break your pelvis the second we're alone."

Archer blinked, at a loss for words at such a blatant declaration. He tried to find anything, anything at all. Mereoleona's victorious grin was wild and savage. It was large as she waved goodbye to Archer with her fingers. The man watched her leave into her room, her smokey eyes promising a night to remember. As the door closed Archer found himself again, rubbing his lips.
"I might have created a monster" he muttered.

Oh well, they would be a pair of monsters than. Thank god he knew reinforcement.

The man would need it.

For now, Archer's focus drifted of to the Acier situation. Mereoleona, for all her lacking people skills, was undeniably sharp. Her instincts rarely, if ever, led her astray…there must be something worse at play here than a harder pregnancy than expected. Archer's mind began to prepare itself for any and all scenarios he could think of, prepping for the worst. If there was one thing that Archer had come tot rust implicitly in this new world, it was that woman's instincts.

Chapter End.

For those of you wondering what the decanter is based on, look up Norlan Whiskey. The glasses and decanter are on their website. The decanter used as reference is the taller one of the two.

Next update: Arcane Craftsman and (possibly) The Legend of the Strawhats.