If Nozel knew something about nobles, it was that they were for the most part insufferable, even when their demands could seem pretty acceptable.
"An escort of security or something for some stupid noble wedding? Are you fucking kidding me?"
Nozel wouldn't have chosen such crude and vulgar words, but although it pained him to admit it even to himself, the foreigner was right.
"Was it really necessary to use such vulgar words, Yami? Even for a man like you, it is beneath."
"Geez, Prickly Queen, do ya really need to be so harsh on poor ol' me? Think of my little delicate heart of glass you're breaking."
Nozel fought the urge to openly roll his eyes. Couldn't Yami and Charlotte just settle their unresolved sexual tension once and for all, preferably soon? It became more and more painful to watch over the years. Every captain but them knew that they truly felt for each other. Even Jack and Rill at this point!
Yes, they were from different classes and in Nozels humble opinion, Charlotte could do so much better. But at the same time, many of the eligible nobles trying to woo his friend, were more pathetic than the other. Yami was a far better man compared to those fools and he at least respected Charlotte for more than her beauty.
Nozel sighed internally. He must be getting weak or at least stupid, as he started to give Yami too much credit lately. But at the same time, after what happened with Spade, the dark Triad and the devils…
And like always when the devils came to plague his memories, Nozel did his best to ignore it. He had to focus on something. Or someone.
Julius seemed a good option.
"Actually, it is three weddings that are currently in preparation at Lavender Island," the Wizard King explained calmly, looking at the document Marx handed him. "The governor of the island himself is marrying is only daughter, lady Isadora, to one of the heirs of house Northcliff, it seems. Then we have house Dellarte, they have nine daughters and the eldest, lady Calliope, is apparently engaged to lord Lancelot of house Tafelrunde."
"They have nine daughters?" Rill asked with surprise.
"Damn, those parents were busy, hope they got enough imagination for finding nine names for each girl" Jack snickered and Nozel couldn't help to throw an irritated glance at the captain of the Green Praying Mantises. This was really an unneeded comment during a captains meeting.
"The nine daughters of lord Michelangelo and lady Christine are named Calliope, Clio, Polyhymnia, Euterpe, Terpsichore, Erato, the twins Melpomene and Thalia, then the youngest one, Urania," Marx explained as if he was reciting a poem in school.
Nozel sometimes wondered if Marx learned all the noble houses of Clover and each of their members by heart. It always seemed that he knew even more than Nebra.
"Okay, they had some imagination, more than normal nobles," Jack snickered. "But most of those poor girls are still punished with those names."
"You said it, beanpole. Especially the one named Tepsy something. Hope she has a good nickname to compensate, although with that ass long name, I doubt it. Wait, nobles often have more than one name, hopefully her second one is more normal."
"And what about the third wedding in preparation?" Kaiser asked, thankfully interrupting Jacks and Yamis mockery of the name of lady Terpsichore Dellarte.
"Lord Henry-Octavius Pergament is apparently to get married soon again. For the sixth time, to be precise. It is explicitly mentioned in the letter."
Nozel didn't had the strength to roll his eyes, this time. So, Lavender Island had also one of those nobles? Were they everywhere? Nozel lost count about how many times the Silver Eagles had to intervene within a complicated inheritance affair or divorce problematics, because of one lord who got married more than once, at least four times. Not to mention that Nozel had thrown many proposals of old nobles in the fire, asking if one of his sisters could become their sixth or seventh wife.
And his squad wasn't the only one dealing with decrepit marriage-desperate nobles, given the faces the other captains were making, even Kaiser, Rill, William and Dorothy. Heavens, even Yami looked so upset and done. Even the Black Bulls weren't free from those ridiculous affairs.
Nozel decided to pity Yami on that matter. He knew from experience how upsetting and draining those kind of missions could be. He didn't wished that for anyone, even for this upsetting foreigner.
"And who is the poor girl who has to marry lord Pergament?" Charlotte asked, her voice a mix of frustration and compassion.
"Lady Michelle of house York-Lancaster."
"Wait, this noble house has two names?" Yami, of course, couldn't help but laugh loudly at this fact.
"It's a complicated story," Marx replied. "York and Lancaster were originally two noble houses, but had some kind of vendetta, almost civil war, between them for decades, some centuries ago."
"It is called the Rose War in History," Nozel replied. He remembered that from the history lessons his mother gave him many years ago.
Mother…
"Who in their right mind gives a fucking flower title to a vendetta? That's so fucking weird."
"If you would learn a bit more about history, foreigner, you would learn that a lot of occurings can have the strangest names. Like for example the Battle of Cats threehundred years ago."
"The what now?"
"We are not here to discuss or remake history," Fuegoleon claimed, putting both his hands on the table to mark a point. "Wizard King, if I understand correctly, the governor of Lavender Island ask for our acquaintance to help and secure the three weddings that are currently in preparation."
"This is correct."
"But Lavender Island and the other six islands at the south of Raque never once cared to require Magic Knights for anything. In fact, those seven islands take some pride to have the most independent nobility in Clover, only recognizing royals as their superiors, and never once had Magic Knights been stationed there. So, why the sudden change of heart?"
His rival asked a really excellent question. Nozel admitted that he didn't knew much about how those flower islands were governed and except house York-Lancaster, he barely knew the noble houses living there. This was more Nebras forte.
If those islands took some pride about not needing Magic Knights to handle their problems, why sending a request all of a sudden? And for something as simple as making some security for weddings.
The Wizard King just shrugged. But something in his eyes told Nozel that he wasn't just shrugging this detail of. "Maybe they need more help, because it's an island and three weddings are currently being prepared. Maybe they also want to start to have more relations with the Magic Knights on the mainland. But there is another request that has been sent. From lord Talmond, another noble living on Lavender Island. And it seems that it was sent independently from the governors."
"And this is strange?" Kaiser asked.
"Those islands always governed very specifically by their governors and Marx told me that lord Buckingham is very sensible about this topic. Lord Talmond knows that. He probably still sent his personal request because it might be a bit too close the politics on Lavender Island. He states that it's rather dark behind the golden curtain and that he believes that Magic Knights might be the right persons to at least try to solve those problems."
"A non-Magic Knight noble who cares about things going fair? Nah, he probably just wants the power and govern the island by himself."
"I doubt that would ask Magic Knights to come investigating if this was his intention, Yami. Lord Talmond is one of the richest nobles in Clover, he has enough funds to take over the island if he wanted. We can't be sure, of course. But at least, he seems to trust Magic Knights truly. Plus, he has Wave Magic, how cool is that?"
Everyone decided to not comment on Julius' main reason to trust lord Talmond. When magic is involved, the Wizard always banished the word prudence out of his vocabulary.
Marx just sighed deeply, like he always does, before putting a firm hand on Julius' shoulder. "Sir, don't forget the rest, please."
"What? Oh, yes, of course. It is clear, officially you will meet with the governor. It is written here that his wife will lend you an estate for the Magic Knights on this mission, during their stay. On the other hand, lord Talmond writes that he will come visit said Magic Knights probably one or two after their arrival, officially to pay his greetings as any noble would, but in reality it will be to explain his plea furthermore. I have decided that I shall send between three and seven knights to Lavender Island, preferably from different squads. And at least one captain shall be part of the mission, but two wouldn't be so bad as well. Fuegoleon, I hope you don't mind that I don't want to send you. You just came back from your honeymoon three days ago."
"Don't worry, I understand."
His rival sounded not that much offended. Nozel observed him and saw Fuegoleon stroke his wedding band softly.
Nozel closed his eyes. It was good that Fuegoleon was married, pragmatically speaking. It was almost a duty for many royals who didn't have the privilege of being Mereoleona Vermillion.
But… his rival didn't got an arranged marriage. He married his beloved, it was love that decided that match. Unlike what he had been told since it was fifteen, royals do love. Sometimes… It happened.
But Nozel knew that what Nozel got with his wife was just an exception among nobility and royalty.
It wasn't meant for him. It was never meant for him. Never. It would be either be arranged marriage or celibacy for him. Love was something for good people and he wasn't that. Not after what he did, what he failed.
Maybe it would be celibacy for him in the end, as nobles were getting more and more on his nerves lately. No wonder, with lady Finesse married to Finral Roulacase and Fuegoleon embracing domestic life as well, the Silvas were the only royal house who didn't had a royal wedding so far, at least since his parents. And there were only four Silvas and he was the favourite prize.
But if he didn't marry out of reason, the pressure would be on his siblings and he couldn't do that to them. Never.
His siblings' marital freedom was today the only reason why he couldn't ignore the possibility of an arranged marriage.
But the coward he was still hasn't acted upon it.
It was strange, though. Usually Nozel would never dwell on this, doing his best to avoid thinking about that specific future. But lately, especially after the wedding of his rival, it was like something was bugging him.
As if he couldn't avoid something unknow.
Nozel snapped out of his thoughts as the captains meeting was ending. Julius asked all of the captains to tell their knights about the decisions and see if there were any volunteers. He would make his final decision a few days later.
But just as he was about to leave with the other captains, Julius called for him, "Nozel, stay for a minute please. I want to tell you something."
Nozel couldn't help but sigh. "Not long, please. I have still a lot of work to do back at the Silver Eagles."
"I know you're taking your duties as a captain very seriously and I admire all your efforts. This is also why I want to talk to you. It's about the mission on Lavender Island."
How could he say no, then. Nozel sighed again and turned towards Marx and the Wizard King. Julius looked very serious, which was a reason to not protest.
"I want that you're part of that mission."
Nozel blinked. He certainly haven't expected that.
"Why?"
"Honestly, given the noble autonomy of Lavender Island and the other six, I wouldn't be that much surprised if the politics out there might be more corrupted than here. Those are islands, away from the rest of the kingdom by sea, royals are highly respected there, but far away. You aren't only a captain and a royal, but also the head of a royal house. If what lord Talmond said is indeed true, your presence might give them an impression."
"I'm not so sure about that. You know I'm not the best at dealing with nobles."
Nozel said this as if it was just a fact. Because it was just that. But it still cost him a lot to say this out loud. Thankfully, it was only in front of Marx and Julius. A lesser evil.
Julius nodded. "I know that. But remember, those islands are in a way more isolated than a lot of villages in the Forsaken Realm. So, it is fair to assume that what they heard about you is not quite the same as in the capital. I also think that you're giving yourself not enough credit, Nozel."
The Wizard King seemed like he wanted to say something else, but refrained himself. Instead, he just gave him an encouraging smile.
Still, Nozel wasn't sure if she should accept. Maybe Julius was giving him too much credit. Nebra was so much better than dealing with nobles, that language had no secret for her. If he would go, who will look after the house and the squad?
To be fair, he could trust his vice-captain to handle the squad in his absence. Agatha was more than capable and professional to a fault. Plus, she was a genius at administration and not only because of her ink magic.
But what about the house? Oh, certainly Nebra would be delighted if he would give her more responsibilities with the house, she asked so many times to let her help. But Nozel also knew her temper all too well.
He never gave the reins of the house to anyone. Not once since his mother died. She entrusted him to lead the house on her dying bed. It was his duty and more importantly, his burden to bear. After failing his siblings, he couldn't put more pain on their shoulders.
Speaking of failing, there was also Noelle. His beloved baby sister. They started to be on better terms. What if his absence would have a negative effect on the progress they made? Maybe they could write letters, but it wasn't the same as seeing each other. Plus, with him away, who would supervise the interactions of his sisters?
Yes, after he dared to tell the truth of their mother's death – and after the storm called Nebra fell onto him – his other sister had one day come to him, wishing to make amends to Noelle. It was a slow process, a very slow process and for now, the meetings of his sisters were only in his presence. Awkward meetings, except when Nebra and Noelle were talking about spooky novels.
Who would have thought that his sisters would find an unexpected common passion. Why spooky novels, though? Couldn't come from their mother, Acier couldn't read the first pace of such a novel before putting the book away and hiding under a blanket with some creamy cocoa.
Mother…
"Your mother had her honeymoon on Lavender Island."
Nozel almost flinched as he snapped out of his thoughts. Mother? On Lavender Island? It sounded familiar, but…
Julius had a knowing glance in his eyes and Nozel wasn't sure if he should be at ease about it or not.
"She loved that place. Back when we were both captains of our respective squads, it happened that she would talk about it. When she was pregnant with Noelle, your mother even told me that she would love to bring you and your siblings there, to make you discover a place she came adore. It's sad that she was never able to. Wouldn't you mind seeing a place that meant a lot for your mother?"
Nozel blinked. Somehow, this argument had more weight than his duties…
One week later
"Are you coming, Vanessa? We should be at the port of Raque by now! It is a mission, not a vacation, remember?"
"Relax, sweetie, I'm ready in five minutes."
"You said that five minutes ago! And each five minutes since a whole hour!"
Noelle looked like she was about to pull her pony tails from her head. Thankfully, she didn't go that extreme, instead she sat down on the floor and pouted. Vanessa couldn't help but find her squadmate utterly adorable.
"I really don't think it's such a big deal, no need to be serious," Vanessa continued as she put two of her new bikinis in another bag. "It's an easy mission, so easy that it can be considered a vacation and we're even paid for it."
"Vanessa, don't act so casually. We're not only supervising a bit of security for three noble weddings. We also have to see if the things are going alright on the island. And those are nobles getting married, those are arranged marriages, so stop being romantic. Those kind of weddings are rarely happy."
"Oh, sweetie, don't spoil my sense for romance with this urban legend."
"It's not one! Argh!"
Vanessa just shrugged, amused by Noelle getting all worked out for this. She and also Finral always talked that nobles don't get married out of love, but Vanessa just thought that they were overreacting. Noelle and Finral had an history about that.
Besides, "arranged" didn't sound that dramatic to her. After all, marriages were also contracts, in a way. Nobles certainly have more to arranged for those than normal people, but this was so normal for two people who were ready to spend the rest of their lives together. A wedding without love… nothing sounded more like an urban legend for Vanessa.
It was just so ridiculous. Yes, nobles could be a real pain, but even they couldn't be that stupid, after all.
"Okay, we won't discuss that topic. But please, Vanessa, could you please put an end on finishing packing? We're already running late, Magna is in a mood and Nozel hates people being late, not to mention… gosh, why am I even arguing?"
"You're nervous, Noelle, it's normal for a vacation."
"This is a mission, not a vacation!"
"Would be nice if our vacations wouldn't involve missions and training, for once."
"You're impossible. Why did you volunteered, anyway? Captain Yami already choose me and apparently, the Wizard King did say that one knight per squad was enough. Did you really beg to be chosen too just to go on an island?"
"An island of lavender, sweetie. It's one of the best flowers in the world, right after roses. Besides, Magna is coming too."
"But not as a knight assigned for the mission! He is only coming with us because doctor Owen ordered him some rest to make sure that his leg goes better. And if we believe Owen, the climate of an island might be the best. And no, don't say anything about Magna staying here to heal. This already happened once and because of us Black Bulls being… Black Bulls, his arm took not one week but ONE MONTH to get healed back! No wonder doctor Owen is being extra stern with our squad."
"But at least he's coming with us. Although, it wouldn't have been bad for him to go on another island to meet new people."
"New people or in his words, people he wouldn't know. He's only coming with us because he knows us. And since he's not part of the mission and stuck in the wheelchair, he is already in a bad mood. I hope he won't insult my brother."
"If he's taking captain Yami's example, he would. But captain Rill and Mimosa are also coming, so I think it will be just fine, don't worry."
"Famous last words."
Vanessa laughed and at least Noelle smiled faintly. But her nervousness wasn't going away. Typical Noelle. Was she really on edge because Vanessa was taking so much time or was it because it would be the first mission she will have with her oldest brother since the Royal Knights?
Maybe both. Honestly, since Noelle was getting on better terms with captain Nozel, Vanessa was quite curious how this will go for the siblings. She wouldn't lie that she wasn't wary of the captain of Silver Eagles, given Noelles past. Vanessa didn't know all the details of said past, barely even, but that man certainly had a lot to make up for in her books.
But at the same time, he was trying. Like really trying. And Vanessa would be damned to not give him that. It was difficult to stand to your wrongs and when someone who made mistakes tried to make amends and was owning said mistakes, it would be stupid to deny those efforts. Vanessa found it cruel even.
"Okay, I think I'm finished. Oh wait, my little sewing box! So, now I think I'm finished. Noelle, would you please help me to bring all my stuff down? It is really a lot… do you think I overpacked?"
"You always overpack."
Still, Noelle took some of Vanessas luggage and went down to the common area, where all of the Black Bulls were waiting for them.
"Gosh, finally! Why are girls always taking their time packing?"
"Only Vanessa, I was ready from the start, I'm royalty! And stop complaining, Magna, you at least aren't set on the mission!"
"Yes, you're the luckiest, virgin delinquent, you actually got vacations."
"Yeah, lucky… I'm stuck in a wheelchair and I'm on fucking rest! How is this lucky?"
"Oh my, such a word in the mouth of a virgin."
"STOP MAKING FUN OF ME, VANESSA!"
Finral coughed awkwardly, as if to put a stop on the argument, "I'm sorry to cutting this discussion short, but we are late and since all of us want to say goodbye to Vanessa, Noelle and Magna, I have a lot of people to bring through a portal and-"
"Yeah, whatever, just do your job, wheels."
"Excuse me, captain Yami, but my wife is here!"
"Oh, um, sorry for that, wheels wife."
"Apology accepted, sir Yami."
Vanessa looked at the dark haired woman, who was sitting on one of the couches, a soft smile on her lips. She couldn't help but smile back. Finrals wedding wasn't too long ago and still, it was such an event for the Black Bulls. Even better, they gained a new friend with Finesse, who was certainly the sweetest woman in the Clover Kingdom.
Given that her health wasn't the best, the Bulls had to learn to hold themselves a bit back when she visited, heck even Yami hid his cigarettes when Finesse was here. They all grew so much attached to her, as they grew attached to "Finrals dearest friends" as she said. Finesse became quick an honorary Black Bull and Vanessa suspected sometimes that Yami would one day throw a robe at her.
Vanessa liked Finesse a lot. That dear woman appreciated Finrals qualities more than anyone and this was what her best friend deserved more than anything. Honestly, Vanessa could easily forget that Finesse was a noble and even a royal, she was so much kindness in person. How was she even related to that king?
"I'm… so… happy… for… you… three… have… a… happy… mission…"
"Oh, thank you, Henry darling. So sad that you can't come with us and say goodbye at the port. But vice-captain will be there with you."
Vice-captain Nacht just had his usual smile on his lips. To be honest, even though it was nice to have the whole family finally complete after so long, Vanessa still found herself a bit wary of their vice-captain. And she wasn't the only one who still tried to figure him out. The only ones completely fine with him were Asta of course, Finral who apparently was happy to have someone really competent within their ranks – whatever he meant with that – and Gordon, because Gordon was like that.
Okay, maybe their captain was also not wary, but Vanessa could sense some straining between them she couldn't understand.
Well, they were Black Bulls, it was normal for friendships to be weird.
"Alright, let's go, we have some teammates and a ship to catch, right you snookums?"
"Says the one who took the longest to pack."
Ignoring Noelles comment, Vanessa waved at Henry and Nacht, before marching to the big portal Finral created, along with the other Black Bulls and Finesse.
"I guess the only good thing about this whole stupid rest-next-to-the-mission-situation is that I won't have to see that everlasting smiling jerk for a while," Magna mumbled. He still had some beef against vice-captain Nacht, especially involving captain Yami.
But Asta naturally didn't agree with that. "Don't be so mean to vice-captain Nacht, Magna, he is a great guy. He treated me good when I was training before Spade."
"That is because you are his favourite, Asta."
"No, I'm not! He treats us all equally!"
"Except you!"
"Would you two please stop yelling for five seconds?" Noelle complained. "We arrived and others are watching us. Don't be a circus, geez."
"Relax, sweetie, they're just having fun. See, the ship and our teammates are still here, so we aren't that late after all."
"They wouldn't leave without us, Vanessa…"
Vanessa just shrugged, focusing on the people in front of the ship. Mimosa Vermillion was here, sweet and smiling as ever, waving at them and calling for Noelle and Asta. Vanessa liked her squadmates cousin, she was a charming girl, kind and strong altogether. She was happy that Mimosa was part of their mission, maybe they could spend more time together? Vanessa wouldn't mind.
Next to Mimosa was her brother Kirsch, he probably came to say goodbye to his sister. Vanessa knew from Noelle that Mimosa might be annoyed by her brother, but at least Kirsch Vermillion seemed to care a lot for this little sister ,that was a huge plus point for Vanessa.
There was as well a woman with wavy silver hair next to them, with a marine dress and an elegant red cape. A Silva? Or maybe their mother? They were Noelles cousins, so some Silva genes had to be there.
Vanessa also saw the captain of the Aqua Deers talking with an old man with a scared face and a black suit. Was this maybe his father or his grandfather? From the looks of it, they looked really close to each other, how cute. There was also captain Fuegoleon and his brother Leopold, who immediately got into a discussion with Asta.
She also some members of the Golden Dawn, especially captain William, Yuno, Klaus and Finrals brother, who certainly came to say goodbye to Mimosa. Vanessa didn't know the Golden Dawn well, but if this didn't prove that they were as much a family as the Black Bulls, then she didn't know what other proof was needed.
There was also captain Charlotte Roselei of the Blue Roses. Huh, why was she here? No one from her squad was part of the mission.
Vanessa didn't hated the blonde woman, in fact she would love to be friends with her. But there was something holding her back to actually move towards her. And that was captain Yami in person.
Ever since she witnessed captain Charlottes confession directly, back in Spade, Vanessa had been confused at how she reacted. She expected to feel jealousy, at least a heartbreak, even just a little sting in the heart.
But… nothing. Except some compassion towards the captain of the Blue Roses. Towards the other woman.
And this didn't make any sense! Where was the jealousy, the heartbreak, the sting in the heart? They were certainly taking their sweet time. Vanessa knew she was crushing on her captain, at least she believed so far. Oh, she was over it, more or less, maybe. But it happened, there was no reason to deny it.
But why didn't she felt any of those things a woman normally feels when another woman loved the crush?
Should she have told captain Yami about captain Charlottes confession back in Spade? It was kinda important and Vanessa didn't heard anything that they might have talked since then. But on the other hand, it wasn't really her business.
Gosh, Vanessa hated when she sounded unsure. So she did what she always did when she had a phase like that. She ignored it and tried to focus on something else.
Two of Noelles siblings were here too. The captain of the Silver Eagles of course, who was talking to maybe the captain of their ship. But the sister was also present. So, she decided to continue her efforts to mend things with Noelle and say her younger sister goodbye. Good on her.
Vanessa couldn't help but note that the third of Noelles siblings wasn't present. Well, seems that Solid Silva might be Vanessas least favourite Silvas. Not that she was particularly fond of them, but the two oldest at least tried to make amends.
Especially captain Nozel…
As he was still talking to the captain of the ship, Vanessa couldn't help but notice his profile. Gosh, why did Noelle never told her that her oldest brother was really good looking? Okay, Vanessa already knew that Nozel Silva was extremely handsome, but she never had the occasion to observe him more in detail.
Well, it would certainly be more than one opportunity on this mission. She already noticed that jawline and those mesmerizing metallic lilac eyes. Could they be also be described as lavender purple? Rather fitting for their mission.
"Ah, Noelle."
Vanessa observation of the eagle was interrupted as the older Silva sister came towards them in big steps and handling to Noelle three books.
"I don't think you know those spooky novels. They're really good from I can tell, so you should try them too. You'll have some time during your stay on Lavender Island."
"But I still haven't finished the last one you lend me, Nebra. This is why I asked you if I can take Black Roses with me, so I can try finishing it during my stay."
"You can never have enough spooky novels to take with. Consider this… as a payback for giving me Forgotten Bride, now we are quit."
"Okay. And if I find some new spooky novels during my stay, I'll buy them and write you about it."
"Thanks… I guess I can trust your taste on that matter."
Wasn't it funnily odd that the only time the Silvas sisters weren't talking awkwardly to each other was when they were discussing spooky novels? Vanessa remembered how much she loud when she discovered that Noelle liked this kind of literature. The girl who always got a jumpscare when Gordon sneaked on by just being Gordon and who would never dare to enter a graveyard alone? Maybe she liked being a scaredy cat.
But at least she had something to talk freely about with her sister and Vanessa couldn't help but appreciate that.
Even though it might end up again Noelle getting nightmares and coming to Vanessa in the middle of the night.
Vanessa eyed at the titles of the books. Ghost Masquerade, The Lady In Teal and Within The Mirror, oh my. Noelle might have some spooky nights in front of her.
"You, witch."
Flinching a bit, Vanessa was taken aback that Nebra Silva was now standing right in front of her. And almost giggled at the face the royal was making. Looking arrogant but also desperate and determined. Why did it seem so comical on Nebra?
"I've… I've heard from Noelle… from my sister… from my little sister… well, whatever, I've heard that you might be the only one in your squad to have… some sense for fashion or something."
"Indeed, I have. I've also heard that you're the fashion expert out of your siblings. Your asymmetrical skirt with the split shows it."
"Oh, you indeed have taste. Good. Listen, you know that there will be weddings prepared. Which obviously means that all of you might attend some balls or at least soirees. I've heard that fitting clothes will be given to you for the occasion. Just… make sure that Noelle gets dressed beautifully and fitting to her rank. But mostly… that she doesn't look bad. Sadly, it seems that my sister is as bad at fashion as our brothers."
Having witnessed Noelles questionable choices many times already – five words… combination of orange and pink! – Vanessa certainly couldn't deny that.
But where the brothers as bad as Noelle? Was Nebra Silva actually the only one of their family to have a sense of fashion?
"That bad?"
"Oh, Nozel is the least bad, he would just appear with his Silver Eagle robe. But I damn hope that he will not ignore the suits I forced him to pack. But Noelle… I hope she listens to you. It can't be as bad as Solid and the incident with the chequered flannel pyjama."
Nebra made a face. Vanessa was a bit surprise that this arrogant princess was speaking as openly possible for a Silva to a witch about her siblings lack of passion. But maybe it was just relieving for her to have someone to rant about that.
"Don't worry, I make sure Noelle gets dressed in a very fashionable way."
"Thank heavens. Okay, you better join your teammates."
And Nebra went away, as if it was too much of her to handle. Vanessa chuckled. Was there a hint of gratitude in those magenta eyes? Well, Vanessa decided that she might like Nebra Silva a bit more now.
As she joined her team for this mission, Noelle was already talking to her brother. "I'm sorry that Magna is now coming with us, but Owen ordered him to rest and that the climate of an island might be the best for him and since he knows us-"
"It's alright, Noelle. We can handle this. Your squadmate is not the only non-mission person we have to take with us. Rill insisted that his butler shall come with us."
His voice was calm, but Vanessa saw his eyebrows twitching a bit. Oh, he was certainly not happy about having to drag two more people on this mission than those appointed to it. He might be very easy to tease…
Vanessa was determined to try it!
"Don't worry, Nozel, Walt is great and he won't be a hurdle!"
"It will actually be an honour to be at your service as well during the stay on wonderful Lavender Island. As for this young man, in my youth I have helped the late lord Raphael Boismortier, master Rills great-uncle, to get back on his feet after an injury on his leg. It would be my pleasure to keep some company to mister Swing here."
"Yeah, great."
Poor Magna was still in his grumpy mood. Vanessa really hoped that captain Rills butler – so he wasn't part of the family, given how close they seem, Vanessa had been ready to bet on it – had a lot of patience. His offer was still so kind.
The captain of the ship made some sign and a bunch of people, maybe sailors, came from the ship and took all the baggage to bring it on board. Vanessa supposed that this was the sign that they really should get going.
But not without a proper goodbye, of course!
Vanessa hugged Finesse and almost all of the Black Bulls present, even Zora and Gauche, tried to comfort Gordon who was crying about "losing some of the best friends ever" and almost hugged captain Yami as well. But he was very focused on Charlotte, who tried to avoid his glance.
Damn heart, why weren't you breaking or at least allowing some jealousy?
Kirsch and the silver haired woman hugged Mimosa. So, it must be their mother… As Mimosa turned towards her squadmates – was Klaus really crying? – that woman also took Noelle and captain Nozel into a big hug, making the two Silvas freeze in the process. Why were Silvas so bad at affection?
Captain Fuegoleon also gave his rival a motivating, almost hearty goodbye and the other three present captains also gave their colleagues a handshake. Okay, Yami actually laughed at captain Nozel and patted captain Rills head. But Vanessa was certain that he cared for them, after all captain Yami was a good man.
And of course, Charmy had the last word.
"Don't forget to eat the delicious food this island has and also don't forget to bring back some new recipe for me to try. And DON'T YOU DARE dismiss the food just because my cooking is probably better. Don't forget what happened last time, Magna."
Magna gulped, forgetting his grumpy mood for one second.
"What happened, Noelle?"
"Um… I'll tell you once the ship is sailing, Mimosa."
Vanessa giggled. Oh, this team already seemed promising, including Magna and the butler. She was really looking forward to this mission-vacation.
Captain Nozel seemed to sigh, before he actually getting on the ship, making everyone following him. Vanessa went last, as she waved everyone and also noticed the name of the ship. The Lavender Pearl… Keeping the topic, it was actually funny.
But as she reached the deck, while still waving, Vanessa didn't pay attention were she was going and stumbled. Vanessa yelped, closing her eyes instinctively ready for the impact with the hard wood.
Which didn't came. Two firm hands grabbed her shoulders, holding her while she found her balance again.
"Thank you for the saving, handsome stud. You have some amazingly strong hands here."
She smiled flirtatiously at her savior, but gasped as she realized that it wasn't a blushing sailor who kept from falling.
It was captain Nozel Silva. Who for once had a blank expression on his face.