Valentines: V

Ritsuka hummed as he balanced the pencil between his upper lip and his nose, eyes still staring ahead of himself for a few moments. Then freed the pencil from its nest and pointed towards Berserker.

"What about a new desk?"

Berserker looked at him oddly for a few moments. Not that Ritsuka entirely blamed him for that reaction, even to him that sounded rather absurd for a valentine's day present. At this point, he figured it would have just made more sense to melt down some chocolate and sculpt it into a fancy design.

That was the plan he was running with.

"...Did her old one break?"

"...No."

"Then why would she need a new one?"

All he could offer was a weak shrug of the shoulders and a strained smile.

Berserker's frown deepened, he reached up and cupped his chin for a few moments before perking up as if deciding upon an idea. "What about a desk made of chocolate?"

Ritsuka opened his mouth to reply, then stopped.

He thought on it.

Then thought on it a little longer.

Drawing his lips thin, he slowly shook his head from side to side. "You know? Suddenly, I don't think it would be a good idea to give her a chocolate with a theme related to work…given that she already does a lot of that. I mean, I'd assume it was someone's effort at a joke if they gave that to me."

With a tilted head, the brows of Berserker furrowed, confusion dancing through his face as he spoke the next words slowly.

"But you wanted to give her a desk…isn't that to do with her work?"

"...Yeah." He admitted with a sigh. "Forget it. I don't think that the desk idea is going to pan out so…hmmmm…"

Standing up, he brought the pencil up and drummed it against the side of his head as he paced back and forth. He wasn't sure if he could literally beat his brain into working and generating ideas, but he was sure as heck going to give it a go.

If the best they could come up with was a chocolate shaped desk after so long brainstorming, then they really were in trouble.

A grumble from the blonde, Ritsuka turned his eyes to see the Servant slump on the table with his head firmly held between his hands. A rather hopeless expression slapped over his features that made him look a bit like a kicked puppy.

"Hey, don't give up just yet." He called out to them, folding his arms. "We're just in a rough patch for ideas at the moment but it will definitely get better. I'm certain of that…we just need a little bit of inspiration on the matter, then we will definitely find the right idea."

Raising his eyes, Berserker locked the heterochromatic gaze on him. Then his head slowly nodded up and down, pulling his hands away from his temples and dropping them onto the table. "If you say so…but I'm starting to wonder if I can really do something like this. I can't make anything and I don't think that will change between the few days we have left."

His initial response would have been to say that Berserker was wrong and that their would be plenty of time.

Except that wasn't true.

They didn't have a lot of time and certainly not long enough for Berserker to become a master of the arts, not if he wanted to be able to provide gifts with everyone else and - tragic as it was to say - Ritsuka couldn't invest so much time into a valentines gift for one person. Not with him needing to invade and occupy the kitchens in the future and work with Siegward.

Though, for whatever reason, Siegward had told him that he was forbidden from entering the cafeteria between certain hours.

Ritsuka wasn't all that stupid.

He figured that someone was making something and they wanted to keep it a surprise.

So he humoured the request and stayed out of the cafeteria, this being during such hours.

With a snap of the fingers, he unfolded his arms and pointed to the Servant. "I think you're right, but then again…who said a Valentine's gift has to be something physical? It could be intangible as well."

Berserker looked and then squinted. "Intangerine?"

A snort escaped him, his lip curled up. "Intangible. It means that it's something that doesn't actually exist. You can't hold it…so in this case it would be something like a…uhm…an outing? Maybe? The Director could use a break from all the work and Valentines would definitely serve for that."

"So then…I am to wait for the day and then steal her?" Berserker looked somewhat bewildered as he spoke.

Ritsuka blinked. "Well, don't do that. I mean go to her and then ask if she'd like to accompany you somewhere…hmmm…though where is there in Chaldea that you could go in the first place…"

He drummed the pencil on his chin.

"Simulator has those little resources for downtime, courtesy of Kir…Kirsty…" Ritsuka closed his eyes and sighed. "Wodime."

"The rolling of balls, yes." Berserker folded his arms and smiled. "That was rather enjoyable. Though I believe I might have made some blunders."

Yes.

He had thrown the balls initially.

"...One or two, but that just makes it memorable." Ritsuka excused, waving his hand and smiling. "It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be enjoyable for everyone involved, that's the essence of what a date is."

"What does the day have to do with anything?"

"...Date."

"Yes…" A slow nod of the head. "The numbered days. What do they have do with anything?"

"...It's just what people call outings between two people." Pulling his hand up, he rubbed at his forehead as he tried to explain it in such a way that wouldn't come across as trying to push people together. "Sometimes there's romance involved but it can be between friends and stuff."

"I…" Berserker rolled his lips and looked down. "I do not think I am friends with Olga."

That was depressing.

"Just think of this as a chance to become friends with her." He immediately dismissed the dour take on the situation and supplanted it with a more positive one. "You're going to be working together in the future, we all are, so just think of this as a friends bonding exercise. Besides, I'm sure that the Director does care about you."

"Hmmmm."

Berserker looked far from convinced, but he wasn't outright rejecting the idea at least.

Shuffling forwards, the Servant wet his lips before speaking. "So then…what does a person normally do on these outings between friends?"

"Anything." Ritsuka shrugged, sitting himself down into the chair opposite the Berserker. "Can literally be anything. Some people make these really long plans for them while others just go in and improvise things off the top of their head. Spur of the moment type of characters, really. I've had some experience with both of the sorts of people."

"So you have been on lots of dates?"

Ritsuka stared and felt his smile turn a little brittle.

"...Just take my advice and don't think too much about it." He replied instead of giving an answer, coughing into his fist and laying his hands flat on the table, setting aside the pencil he had originally been using to write down ideas.

The blank piece of paper sitting between the two of them served as a mocking reminder for how well that had gone.

Though now he had a reason to use the pencil.

"Alright so, the best thing to do with dates is find out what sort of person you are and what works well for you. Now tell me, Berserker, are you good at planning?"

"No."

The sudden reply left him at a brief loss.

"...Nevermind the plans then." Ritsuka muttered, pushing the paper and the pencil away to one side. To his credit, Berserker looked a little apologetic but there was really nothing that could be done about it.

Forcing a plan onto someone who couldn't plan was never going to end well for anyone.

"What do we know about the Director?"

Berserker looked thoughtful for a moment, then brought his hand up and cupped his chin. With the expression of a deep thinker who would have stood shoulder to shoulder among the likes of Plato and Socrates, the Berserker leaned forwards and - with the confidence that was almost without match - he declared with a loud voice.

"She controls stars."

Ritsuka kept his face blank.

Berserker continued to stare at him with that same expression of confidence, a subtle sense of pride in the eyes of the Servant showcased just how pleased they were with their answer.

Drumming his fingers on the table for a few moments, Ritsuka eventually hummed and nodded his head up and down. "...Can't fault you there, I guess."

Berserker nodded with a pleased grin.

"But setting her astronomy powers aside…" Ritsuka made a gesture with his hand. "I mean what do we know about her personally?"

This time, Berserker was more silent.

"...I'm not sure. I know she is confident, she is very forward looking. Brave. Respectful."

Ritsuka just sat back and listened as the Servant started to list more and more things, the feeling of his brows creeping higher and higher up his forehead the longer the list went on came next. Evidently Kalameet had a rather inflated view of the Director to the point where he was actually debating whether or not the Servant saw her without a ray of light shining down on her.

Still, it was decidedly better than the idea of them disliking her.

"How wonderful."

The two of them paused.

Those words came from neither of them.

Gradually, their heads turned to the right and then craned upwards slightly.

With a gentle smile, Kiyohime looked down at them, her eyes moving between one and then onto the other. Lingering on Kalameet before she flipped her fan closed with a deft movement, gesturing towards the Berserker with a rather soft expression. "I see that you have given much thought to this person. It is a rather beautiful thing to witness…especially so close to an important day."

Her eyes darted away from Berserker and onto him, a flash through them and her smile broadened just a little.

Stepping to the side of the table, she lowered herself down into the chair near them and placed the fan against her chin.

"And yet…does this woman know you think of all these things for her? Have you declared your true thoughts to her?"

Kalameet shuffled for a moment and then looked down to the table. "Not…not recently."

A light frown, the girl leaned forwards and tapped her fan against the front of Berserkers head a single time.

"That will not do." She declared with a hint of chiding. "Such a thing comes dangerously close to lying. If you do not speak your true feelings from the heart and without shame, then how can you say you care for this woman? Ultimately, you lie to yourself if you are not being open with all that you wish to say."

Kiyohime smiled. "That is why I never hold anything back from Anchin-sama."

Ritsuka cupped his chin. "I…she has a point. Though sometimes there is an issue of confidence."

A thoughtful look flashed across the face of the girl, she glanced to Berserker for a few moments and then made a small sound, as if seeing him for the first time, then looked back towards Ritsuka.

"Yes, perhaps it would be best for something more…subtle." Kiyohime muttered, fan opening up once more and her eyes squinting. "...When did you first feel these things for her?"

Berserker looked up. "Hm?"

"Your emotions, these feelings of pride and respect…no, perhaps much more. This feeling of beauty. When was it that they first gripped your very heart." She leaned forwards, lowering the fan. Her eyes roamed over the Servant as though scrutinising every aspect of them. "What was it you saw that made you feel this way?"

Berserker looked down, his hands clasped together on the table.

"...I saw…" He paused for a moment, looking up and staring between the two of them, then back down. "I saw something…unthinkable. I looked at her…and saw the stars."

Kiyohime watched for a moment, then leaned back and smiled. "How truly romantic. Such a poetic thing."

Ritsuka, however, knew better than to think it was poetry.

He had read the full report of the Scandinavian Singularity and knew exactly what it was that Berserker was talking about. Yet to hear them speak of it in such a way was a bit surprising for him. He would have assumed the moment would have been much earlier, but perhaps it was the actions that spoke louder than words.

Then again, he would have been in awe at someone dropping meteors on his head as well.

And more than a little terrified, truth be told.

His eyes widened, and he snapped his fingers. "That's it!"

Both Berserkers perked up and looked at him.

Ritsuka leaned forwards. "You were looking at this as to what you can give the Director and I have it. She showed you something that only she could do…which means that I think you need to show her something that only you could really do."

"Only…I can do?" A tilt of the head, Berserker furrowed his brows, then looked to Kiyohime for further support.

Ritsuka turned as well, a bit relieved to see the girl nodding her head along.

"It is exactly as Anchin-sama says." The girl declared, pointing the fan towards Berserker's face. "This woman showed you something that was such an unforgettable experience, as such if you wish to get your true feelings across to her and show her exactly how much this means to you, then it is only right that you do the same. You must make her see and experience an event that she can never forget."

Berserker looked down at the table, though this was without indecision.

Ritsuka could see the thoughts brimming in the eyes of the Servant.

Then his head came up, a moment later he was standing up.

"...I must speak with Roman."

Turning around, Berserker made for the door, then paused and looked back.

A smile crept onto his face. "Thank you…brother, sister. I shall be back soon."

And then he was out of the door, leaving Ritsuka and Kiyohime alone in the common room.

Ritsuka looked to Kiyohime, then raised a brow. "How long were you there, anyway?"

Kiyohime blinked, then let out a soft chuckle. "Not for long. I merely sensed the topic of love being discussed and sought it out. When I sensed you were involved, I feared the worst but to see you helping someone find their own heart…it was a magnificent thing."

"You helped too." He pointed out, standing up as well. "It would have probably taken me and him quite a while to get to that point. Thanks for that."

"You're most welcome, Anchin-sama."

Perhaps he expected something a little more overbearing, but for whatever reason, the girl quickly rose up from her seat and shot him another gentle smile.

"If there is nothing else, Anchin-sama, I shall be on my way."

He blinked, a little taken aback by her actions.

Watching as she ventured towards the door and stepped through it, leaving the common room and himself alone.

…She was probably saving herself for Valentines day, he decided.

It was supposed to be a casual event.

Really, she expected very little to come from it at all, perhaps with a little help she would have it wrapped up within a single afternoon and then the completed plan could be taken to Uncle Gwyndolin and he could prepare everything.

So then…

…How did it go from being something she enjoyed to being a literal nightmare for her?

"Streamers and fairy lights-" A swift declaration from Astolfo, smiling from ear to ear and clearly just wanting to say something to be a part of the discussion.

If it could be called a discussion.

"Someone take this man's eyes, for he clearly does not use them." Nero shot back, looking towards the Rider as though he had spoken the greatest of heresys.

A violent move, but it was not long before another stepped up and launched their own verbal counter argument.

"It is hardly as though your own plans have held some great amount of merit."

She winced at the tone used by the individual and purposefully avoided looking towards them.

It was awkward enough when her father entered the room and since then, he had been anything but silent on the matter.

"Or is adorning the room with idolatry of yourself a common practice for mortals on a day that has little to do with them? If there is to be any form of worship in this event, then I would put forth the motion that-"

"I venture that steam-" The metal man, Babbage, tried to get his own words in.

"We're holding a dance, not a punk rave." Mozart was swift with the counter attack, looking at the man with an aghast expression

"Steam is not limited to raves-"

"We're trying to make an afternoon of fun, not choke out the guests. Are you trying to murder them?"

"It's steam, not toxic gas."

"That is just a sauna." Martha stepped forwards, bringing up her hands and waving them down in an effort to calm the room. Though her own expression was tense enough, acting as some manner of mediator for the dispute had caused visible strain to appear on her.

Well, it was visible to Hanleth.

She could feel the irritation bubbling within the woman, even if she did not show it.

"We are trying to assemble a nice little evening, not create a den of depravity-"

"Umu!" Nero let out a thunderous cheer. "In that case, I shall wholeheartedly support the idea of Babbage! I believe that it would-"

"You even think about turning this party into an orgy and we are going to have problems."

A pout from the Emperor, arms folded over as she looked over at the Saint.

"You are far too stiff. That is the whole point of this evening, for a chance to loosen up and become relaxed. Umu. I believe it would do you a great deal of wonder to find a nice fellow or woman to share your bed for an evening."

Martha did not dignify that with a response, instead she sent the coldest of glares at the Emperor before ignoring her completely and returning her attention to the room as a whole.

"We can agree that this should remain as a casual dance and nothing more. Anything of the sort that is indecent can occur within your own time and with consenting individuals. That is all I need to say on the matter."

Hanleth rolled her lips inwards.

She was familiar with the notion of what Emperor Nero had suggested and they were quite correct, such parties were frequently used by those who wished to unwind and there was some merit in them being used for relaxation. Then again, she very much doubted that the climate of Chaldea would have been all too welcoming of that little notion.

"Can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I'm with the lass on this one."

Eyes turned towards the druid in the corner, Cu Chulainn - the Caster - leaned against the wall with his arms folded over his chest and eyes shut. The silence persisted, eventually he cracked open a single crimson orb and flattened his features, a grunt and a shrug.

"What? Alright, I like a party as much as the next guy but we don't want anyone ending up dead by the end of the night, do we? Some of these guys have work in the morning and…well…"

He trailed off, then formed a smirk.

"I tend to leave a lasting impression. We want people capable of walking about, don't we?"

Someone made a groan of disgust at the crass comment, but she wasn't sure who.

"But we're forgetting something important with all this talk of decorations and stuff, so I'm gonna come right out and say it."

With a hardened face, the Caster opened both his eyes and squinted them.

"What are we doing about booze? Because we're gonna need a supply run if we hope to make this night fun."

Martha exhaled and pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head from side to side.

But no one was truly surprised by the words of the Caster.

Hanleth nodded her head along with the words of the man, that was another important component to a party. She had never really seen one in which there was not the option for alcohol. While she never truly participated in it herself, there was no denying that it was enjoyable for humans and her brethren.

Leaning towards Chris, she dropped her voice into a low mutter.

"Write that down."

Her friend looked down at her for a moment, a dull look in her gaze that told her that they had been asleep until she disturbed them.

With an apologetic shrug of the shoulders and a nervous smile, Hanleth looked to them for a moment longer.

Chris eventually relented and rolled her eyes in frustration, but did drag the pen across the paper before dropping it on the table and letting it roll away. Her eyes closed once more and she melted back into the chair, folding her arms and making an effort of going back to sleep.

With that done, her focus returned to the room as the conversation progressed.

"It's a staple of a good night-"

"A good night in a tavern, perhaps but some of those going to the party are youths." Martha argued, a stern frown on her face as she looked around the room. "I refused to watch over the likes of our Master slumped out over a table and drooling into the floor because he was gifted one too many ales."

Silence greeted her.

With narrowed eyes, she squinted at the room and looked around to all of them for a couple of seconds, clearly noting the lack of an answer.

Hanleth noticed it as well, perking up.

A second or two later, it clicked in the face of the Rider, her eyes closed and her lips rolled inwards.

"...When?"

"While I would not be one to spread idle gossip." The tall man adorned in white robes and long navy blue hair stepped forwards, a thin smile on his face that was a touch teasing. "I do recall a small rumour afloat about an incident regarding Francis Drake during a singularity…as well as the usage of a blessing of a certain Goddess being used as a cure."

Someone snorted in the back of the room.

At least, she assumed it was a snort.

The alternative was that it was a roar of a small beast, she jolted and whipped her head to the source.

Her Uncle was in the corner of the room, arms folded over his chest and with a flicker of mirth in his eyes, they swept down for a moment and his head lowered a touch. The amusement in his voice remained as he spoke. "A blessing used as a cure for a hangover? Certainly a rather trivial use, but I can see the benefit. Especially if one needs the mind to be sharp within a moment."

Flann let out a scoff. "Only you could condone such disrespectful uses of the gifts of the Gods."

Hanleth cringed at the exchange.

A weight settled on her shoulder, a blink and she looked down at the warm touch and looking at the hand, then raising her eyes up towards the blonde who had somehow found himself beside her without even noticing.

She recalled his name was…Nudd? Nuada? Something along those lines?

The silver arm made him quite distinctive, as well as the divine aura about him.

With a comforting smile aimed for her, the man brought his head up and stepped past her towards the room, entering the fray.

"We can settle this without insults." He waved his hand. "The matter of our Master and his past aside, I support the notion of Martha and Setanta. We can make room for some of the stronger brews for those with self-control, while allowing for those who do not wish to partake the option for some watered down drink."

A moment of silence, then he glanced between Martha and…Cu Chulainn?

Then who was Setanta?

Was that the blue haired guy's name?

That was…odd.

"Makes sense." Cu Chulainn agreed with a nod of the head.

Martha looked pensive for a few moments, then nodded in assent.

"Excellent." Nudd let out a small sigh of relief. "With that, I can venture that perhaps what we need is some delegation…our numbers have rise and, quite frankly, we are operating as a gang of party planning thugs, each desperate for the chance to throw an idea into the mix with all the subtly of a punch."

Another pause.

"Meaning no offence, I am grateful to see so many are passionate about this…but it is clear we shall never be capable of satisfying every idea, thus I propose that we turn our attention to the aspects we feel more strongly towards and then work from that point. This way, we can all contribute in some small factor."

Nudd folded his arms, smiling all the while.

"This is not a party for ourselves alone, it is a day in which the bonds between us - some closer and others - are celebrated. Rather, it would be better suited if we were to lock arms and ideas, forging ahead to make this day something truly representative of what we are all working towards."

Slowly, his head turned towards her.

"With that said, where shall we start, Hanleth?"

She blinked.

Then glanced around the room and started to feel herself shrink a little.

The eyes of everyone were upon her.

Hanleth felt a strong desire to learn the Chameleon spell and then vanish into the world, yet as the seconds ticked past. There was a lack of sudden learning which granted her the ability to do that.

Clearing her throat, she shuffled and slowly rose up from her seated position and glanced around.

"R-right…yes…"

More silence.

"I-I think that…uhm…Nero should help with the design!" She hastily blurted out, pointing towards the Emperor in question before she could really figure out what she was doing. At this point, she resorted to just working off her gut instinct and who would have the most fun at what post.

Whether that turned out to be the right choice…well…

"Umu!" A pleased hum from the Emperor, the woman swung her gaze across the room with a hint of smugness. "As expected, even a Goddess would understand that when it comes to entertainment and venues for the public, I am an individual without peer-"

"And you will work with her!"

"...Eh?"

"Huh?"

The individual in question glanced upwards when they realised that they were also being spoken to. Quickly bringing up a finger and pointing to themselves. Slowly, their brows climbed up their forehead before dropping back down into a baffled stare. One that was only matched by the Emperor as they realised they would not be alone with this venture.

"I am…not quite sure that I follow."

The confusion was shared rather quickly, Hanleth wet her lips and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"S-someone needs to stop her from going overboard and you're the right person for the job!"

Ledo cupped his chin for a moment, then slowly nodded his head up and down. Standing up, he folded his arms and bowed his head towards her.

"As you command, Princess." Bringing his head back up, he turned it towards the Emperor and within a split second, his tone was filled with mirth as he moved towards the stunned looking woman.

"I do have some ideas, actually."

A leather bound notebook fell into his grasp, was opened and already the knight was flicking through the pages.

"I visited some places during my travels and came across a lot of different festivals related to romance and I thought some of them were really sweet. I'd be interested to hear your opinions on the matter."

Hanleth swung her hand around next, pointing towards another person.

"You!"

Marie raised her brows. "Me?"

"Yes! You will be in charge of music and take…take him with you!"

It might have been the biggest surprise in the room that she had pointed not towards the actual musician, but instead towards another person entirely. Something that became evident from the baffled faces - none more so than the man she had volunteered - being aimed between the two of them.

Siegfried tilted his head slowly.

"I…I am not certain how capable I would be in that role." He looked a little unsure, then closed his eyes and nodded his head once.

"But if that is the role I have been designated, then I shall make the attempt."

A beat.

"I apologise in advance if I am found lacking for this task."

Hanleth waited for a moment, then gestured towards Mozart and waved a hand between the man and the group that was comprised of Marie and Siegfried. The musician looked close to laughter but sauntered over to the now trio, smirking all the while as he clapped his hands together.

"A rather interesting group."

What else did a party need?

Food and drink.

"You, you and…er….you!"

Her finger flew between three different individuals, though there was little surprise this time around in who she had actually selected for the roles.

Cu Chulainn, Nudd and Martha looked back to her with expectant faces.

"You'll be helping with the food and drink for the party…as for everyone else…uhm…"

Right.

What did she do with everyone else?

Ah-ha!

"Alright."

Her mind entered a state of focus as she stepped forwards, eyes sweeping across the room and scanning the faces of everyone. Measuring what they would and would not be useful with and how they could aid her.

A moment later, she was pointing to different Servants and telling them to group up with others and assist the teams she had selected.

When all was said and done, there were several groups in front of her each tasked with a specific job of the party.

"When everyone has finished, come to me with your final designs and we'll see if there are any improvements to be made."

She gave another look across the room.

When satisfied, she brought her hands up and shooed them towards the door, something that they very quickly got the message of. If their sudden turn away and hurrying towards the exit was any indication. Some of them flew out of the room, such was their excitement.

Hanleth waited until the last of them had vanished from the meeting room.

Then she dropped back into the chair and lowered her head into her hands.

"...Why is this more stressful than the theme park?"

"You had others do the work for you and gave them free reign to do whatever they wished."

Hanleth slowly raised her hand from between her hands, turning it towards Chris and flattening her features at the dull stare she found herself on the receiving end of. She opened her mouth to reply, then paused and slowly closed it again.

…Chris was actually right, which made her a little bit annoyed.

It used to be that she could just tell people what to do and they would go off and do it, or provide some vague instruction and they could interpret that however they wished.

Now she had to actually put in effort to make sure it all worked out…

…This was the worst.

"...Do you think everything will go smoothly?"

"...You put your progenitor in the same group as your uncle."

It took Hanleth a second to realise that Chris was right.

Then her eyes closed and her head dropped into her hands once again.

Yeah.

That was going to end horribly, she could already tell.

And that meant more work for her as well…why?

"I'm going to take a nap Chris, wake me when-"

Before she could even finish the sentence, she suddenly felt herself enveloped in a sudden warmth. Blinking, she looked down and found herself covered with a thin blanket, soon glancing over towards Chris with surprise. Watching as the Saber retracted her arms from where she had just thrown the blanket.

With a shrug, Chris leaned back into her chair and closed her eyes.

"I knew you were going to fall asleep at some point."

"...Thank you, Chris." She muttered, closing her eyes and allowing herself to surrender to the embrace of darkness. "Goodnight."

"Hmph."

Faraam had no knowledge of this type of work, but he had agreed to lend his aid and whether he understood what was happening or what was being spoken about, he was still going to live up to his word and offer his assistance.

Limited as it might have been.

"Umu!"

A loud noise from the speaker at the forefront of the room, a moment later she slammed a hand down into the table and put on a smile that was all teeth and stretched from ear to ear.

"The first thing we shall do is begin the drawing of designs. I have dozens of ideas that already surge forth from my bosom-"

His brow pinched a little at her odd choice of words, but he dismissed her as being a touch eccentric. Which she very much appeared to be, from the few words that he had actually heard her speak.

"-and each one of them shall fully put on display the beauty of the world and, of course, demonstrate that the romance of the Empire is first and foremost the greatest in history."

It felt as though she had some ulterior motive here.

"Man, I didn't think that we would have someone so passionate here."

A wry chuckle from the man sitting near him, tanned skin and green armour, the bowman rubbed at his brow for a moment and shook his head. Mirth still dancing across his features before he slowly stood up, calling out towards the Emperor with a hand raised.

"If I might interject?"

Nero regarded him silently, then nodded her head.

"Thanks." A note of gratitude and the man continued. "I can understand trying to do all the Roman ideas, but didn't that fellow say that he explored a couple of other countries as well? They all had their fair share of ideas towards romance and these kind of things. I was just under the impression he was assigned so we'd all use those."

The blonde pouted for a moment and folded her arms, it looked as though she wished to argue the matter, then cast a side eye towards the Silver Knight.

Ledo was still with his head dipped low, scanning through the book he had brought with him.

Whether he heard the comments or not, the knight sensed the topic of the conversation had shifted and brought his head up, meeting the stares of the room and then coughing a few times, swiftly rising to his feet and holding up the book.

"Yes! I do have many suggestions that I believe we should all look through and take a vote on? Doesn't that sound fun?"

"Yeah!"

A shout from across the room, the pink haired Paladin had jumped to his feet and punched a fist into the air, making a rather vocal show of support.

"Let's get a disco ball!"

…What was a disco ball?

A loud huff, the Nero gave a lethargic wave of the hand towards the direction of the knight and leaned over the table, shooting him an expression which looked more like that of an irritated child than anything dignified.

"Very well…I shall hear some of these ideas and I suppose it would be fair to combine them with the aesthetic of Rome…"

There was a rather excited noise from behind Ledo's helm as he flipped through the pages and swiftly came to a stop, dragging his finger down and muttering under his breath before sweeping his head back up and speaking at a volume they could all hear.

"Ah-ha! This one comes from Astora!"

Oh?

"In the spring months, they have a festival of the Hearth." He read aloud. "During that period they exchange presents and gifts which can be used in the home life. Such as cooking knives, furniture and clothes. For those who are married but without children, it is considered the best season to…"

He trailed off, but he needn't say more.

The implication was obvious enough.

"...Being the neighbour of a married couple must have been dreadful."

Someone commented that from somewhere, but he couldn't quite see.

Ledo scratched the top of his helm.

"Uhh…what else…ah! They have a dance which lasts three days, during which time everyone in the town, village or city is encouraged to become involved. Partners of the dance are exchanged frequently and by the end of it, the best dancers are to perform and from that, the winners are selected."

Ledo chuckled, setting his book down and folding his arms.

"I just so happen to be the champion of three different towns."

Faraam raised a brow.

Is that what the Silver Knights were doing?

Actually, where would he have even learned of such a thing in the first place?

"Really?"

Though, evidently, that was the information of most import to several members of the crowd.

Chief among them being the Paladin and the Emperor.

Ledo preened at the surprise, rather than be insulted by it.

"I know. I was the envy of the dance, such was my legend that I became known as the dancing knight for a few years when I roamed the land. Though that story likely fell away after I departed…perhaps I should return to the floor and reclaim my title? Certainly sounds like a good time…though I'd need a partner…"

"I volunteer!"

Astolfo had his hand up to the ceiling, jumping up and down.

Ledo just shrugged.

"And I now have a partner."

A heavy cough silenced the room.

Then another individual stood up, arms folded behind his back, crimson red hair and a stern face.

"These distractions - amusing as they might be to some - pull us from the purpose of our being here. Return to the task at hand, knight, and find it within yourself to resist from the wayward path of the irrelevant."

Faraam grunted, the eyes of the room turned on him next.

His head nodded towards the speaker.

"Flann speaks truly. This can be brought up within private hours when we do not have work to be done. Hanleth will expect results and time is of the essence. Ledo, speak more of the decorations of these dances."

Ledo nodded his head. "Well, it was a festival of the hearth during spring so there were flowers."

"...Flowers."

"Yes."

"...Do you intend on elaborating?"

Ledo paused, then slid his book across the table towards himself and looked down for a moment.

"...Yellow flowers." The knight physically winced and brought his head back up. "This was fairly early into my travels and I wasn't quite as skilled a drawer back then, or all that specific when it came to notes…I just made quick little remarks. I apologise for for that."

Nero leaned forwards and looked down at the book, then squinted at the pages and made a rather strained expression.

Evidently it was something far from useful.

Unfortunate.

"No matter." Flann announced, making a sweeping gesture with his hand. "The types of flowers mean little. We can achieve the same result with colouration and the conjurings of Prince Gwyndolin. What matters is the manner in which they were arranged. Bundles or wreathes?"

"Crowns." Ledo replied, then glanced down at the pages, but it was Nero who spoke up next.

"Umu. Crowns, bracelets, necklaces." The emperor dragged her finger down the page, nodding her head up and down. "These sound rather amusing. I could create such things with the petals of my roses, doubtless they would be fine jewellery. I approve of this wholeheartedly! Accessories made of the love of Rome!"

"...I shall concede to the merit of that suggestion." Came the slow response from Flann, his arms returned to their position behind his back. "But perhaps the use of spells to alter the colouration of them? A singular block of crimson would be a dull affair."

Faraam straightened.

Since when did Flann have such a keen interest in artistic details?

Nero cupped her chin. "You mean to make patterns? Combinations? Yes…I see. A fine idea, we can form these crowns of complimenting shades. We shall need a spell caster who could achieve such feats, but within these halls, that would be an easy task, I am certain. Failing that, I shall handle it."

She said it with such confidence that he believed her for a moment.

Attention returned to Ledo as he cleared his throat.

"Alright, we have something else here from a trip to Lindelt."

"Lindelt?"

Flann's tone was empty.

Faraam found himself in agreement, quickly standing up and facing the Silver Knight with raised brows.

"You marched all the way to Lindelt?"

Ledo nodded his head up and down.

"Not only that, I was made a guest of honour during my time there…then again, I was older than the foundation of the Kingdom, not that they knew. Well, they never asked is what I mean to say. I'm not entirely sure they knew who I was in the first place. The priests of the land treated me well during that time and granted me the freedom to walk the city in exchange for training their knights. It was a single year, but I'm told my training was rather well received."

A light chuckle came next, the knight folded his arms.

"I still remember Rhones. Almost as strong as me, so he was. A frightful thing for a human without an ounce of lordkin blood in him, but I thought he was funny. Well…I don't know if he found me funny, but I found him funny. I'm sure that he missed me terribly when the call of the world pulled me from the land."

Faraam rolled his jaw and looked down, it confirmed what he knew at least.

It was a strange kingdom, worshipping the Gods and yet not a single one had ever been there before. Scraps of knowledge served as the foundation of their faith at best, but it was merely that.

…Not much else could be said, the kingdom was said to be prosperous for many years and one of the great lands.

Rival to Forossa while it still existed.

Even he gave credence to the tales of the 'Demon Cleric' as he was so affectionately referred to by his enemies.

Suddenly it made sense why such a man was considered so monstrous if he had one of the few remaining Silver Knights in the land to tutor him in the ways of brute strength.

"As for Lindelt…Here we are!" A cheer from the knight. "Day of the Sun, made on the official founding of the Kingdom. The formation of new bonds between people…basically you just went out and met someone new on that day. Went to a new part of the city or found someone you'd never spoken to before…you just opened up yourself and met people."

He got the impression the knight was grinning behind his helm.

"It was a great time. I met quite a few people…Rhones was a bit shy, but I got him to open up."

Ledo brought up a hand, then tapped against the cheek of his helmet.

"As for decorations…well…it was supposed to reflect growth and new life so there was a lot of bright colours. The city strung along hundreds of sunflowers in these big chains looking down at you…then there was the…uhm…they made little wall out of these individual binds that people would come up and attach to it."

Waving his hands, the knight made several gestures in an effort to replicate the idea.

Closing his eyes, he brought his hand up and scratched at his brow.

He doubted he would ever get away with contributing nothing.

"Forossa had…the evening of bonds." He muttered, pulling his hand down his face and opening his eyes, glancing upwards. "Statues to commemorate those who lingered in our minds, much drinking…those who were able would have the chance to forge their own blade that would be a ceremonial piece…those who already had the blades would bestow them upon…important individuals."

"Awwww~"

He turned a sharp look towards the individual cooing.

Astolfo quickly locked his jaw shut and immediately turned his head towards the wall, pretending to inspect it.

Faraam lingered his gaze on the boy, then turned it away.

"Lions were a symbol used. Strong packs." His arms folded over his chest. "Fierce hunters. Even the strongest are greatest with allies, as they say."

"Was the irony lost upon you?"

His brows twitched at the comment from Flann, but he said nothing.

Giving no reaction, despite the irritated glare aimed his way.

"Hmph."

If the flame God had more words, they were lost when Nero clapped her hands twice and drew the room towards her.

"I am intrigued by these ideas." She exclaimed. "They all have the capacity to be improved upon with the addition of Roman-"

"Improved?" Faraam cut her short and narrowed his eyes. "The Evening of Bonds stands fine as it is."

Nero exhaled. "But it is such a subtle romance. True, there are elements of trust and harmony but there should be greater cheer within it! This must be an event that grips one by the shoulder and plunges itself deep into their heart, holding them with such a passionate embrace that it is not swiftly forgotten!"

A thud, the girl slammed her fist on the table.

"That is what it means to show the value of love! A lack of shame or regret! One must put their feelings out into the open where all can witness! That is what I mean. We shall take these ideas and thrust them to the spotlight! Under the gaze of this Emperor, she shall elevate these traditions and leave the guests afloat in the sea of beauty!"

She sounded somewhat insane.

But he had seen that glimmer in the eyes before, the sort who would not be deterred.

His arms came up and then folded over.

"Hmph."

"Unseen Face."

He turned to the speaker.

Flann stood there with a blank expression, then repeated the words. "Unseen Face. Masks of different sorts were adorned, one would venture out. It was a matter of judging one by their actions rather than their image. Those of all sort could enter the city and do whatever they pleased…even those of royal persuasion."

The Flame God looked slightly strained, as though remembering something troublesome.

"...Even if they attend for such a trivial reason as to launch a raid on the local bakery for pastries."

Ah.

Suddenly that explained it.

Nero suddenly let out a soft giggle. "Am I to assume that such masks did not disguise wings?"

Flann closed his eyes and said nothing, but that was an answer unto itself.

The blonde smiled, then nodded her head. "Umu…yes…the yearning of the soul rather than the craving of the flesh. I can see the beauty in such a thing too, perhaps this is the chance for those who wish to expose themselves without being seen? A hidden nature…umu…umu! The shy and the flamboyant locked in union! A perfect joining."

The Emperor cheered.

Faraam realised something.

"...Was it not our role to decorate the venue, not the guests?"

Nero's cheer faded away, her expression turned blank.

"...Ah…" She wilted a little. "U-umu…you are quite right…hmmmm…then again, a venue is only as resplendent as those who walk it's halls and tread its grounds. Our role can cover such things as well!"

A swift recovery.

He shook his head.

"Nah…little bite sized things are fine." He waved his hand. "That's the sort of thing you'd probably get at the more modern gatherings and I doubt Chaldea can really throw a feast."

Perhaps they could…if they planned on rationing afterwards.

Folding his arms over, he leaned back and angled his head to the side, his hand came up and cupped his chin between his fingers. A low and thoughtful hum escaped his throat before he pointed to the person at the other side of the room. "What about little stuff? You know…filling but small? Pack a lot of flavours in there."

The dubious stare he received were a little pointed.

"Hey." Cu Chulainn frowned. "I can be a bit thoughtful too, you know? This is a little gathering, not like we just got back from a massive battle and are looking to celebrate…if we were, then I'd have been breaking out the barrels."

A sharp smirk stretched across his lips.

Nuada nodded his head, gesturing towards him.

"Setanta is correct."

If Cu was being honest, the fact that this guy was here was still something he was struggling to get used to. His own situation was baffling - and a little troublesome - all on its own, but then throwing into the mix the original king of the Pantheon of his homeland? That was a whole batch of crazy.

Especially with how…down to earth the guy seemed.

His host had apparently done a number on him.

But he did sort of wish he wouldn't get called by his childhood name as often.

"Something small…" The blonde looked thoughtful, then smiled and glanced to Martha. "What about small pies? This holiday places a great deal of emphasis on sweet and savoury, combining the two seems simple enough."

Martha placed her hands on her hips. "I considered as such, but I'm hardly skilled in that manner of cooking…I could make the effort, true, but it wouldn't be something I was familiar with and…you mentioned pies, but what if we went with something slightly different?"

A tilt of the head from the blonde, followed by an inquisitive hum.

Cu nodded his head, giving the woman the assent to continue.

"I know of this small snack known as jam tarts." She suggested, glancing between the two of them, then looking over her shoulder towards the others in the room and rolling her lips. "Perhaps styled versions of those would be suitable? Other such delights as well…fruit cakes and small chocolate helpings?"

He had never tried that sort of thing before, but he was up for anything.

A shrug, he leaned forwards.

"I'm fine with that."

"When it comes to strawberries and cakes, I'm hardly an expert either."

Jeanne remarked, looking apologetic. "In much the same way that my experience in baking is limited as well. I can make stews but-"

"It is fine, Jeanne."

Gilles stepped forwards, inclining his head as he spoke.

"I am certain that there are other tasks you could be more skilled at. Perhaps the shaping of the tarts?"

Jeanne remained silent, then nodded her head to the man and turned back to Martha. "I can handle such things."

"Thank you, lass." Nuada called back, then turned to the others in the room. "As for further aid…something related to potatoes? Herb encrusted chips?"

That…meh, who cared.

So long as they tasted good and he believed they had picked up quite a few of those during their travels so far.

Or they had come with a lot of them already in stock?

It was difficult for him to remember which it was.

One thing he immediately noticed was the slight shudder that passed through the darkened Saber, the pale skinned woman grimaced immediately and spoke up.

"Those sound as though they would have little to do with junk food."

Nuada pinched his brows, one hand on his hip. "Well…no? These are to be a light snack, after all."

The darkened Saber frowned and looked away.

The younger one perked up a little. "I can definitely see the appeal, especially if they can taste good and are healthy but…uh…n-not too many potatoes?"

What the heck was with the aversion to potatoes?

Cu rolled his eyes and then raised his hand.

"So what are we doing about the drinks?"

"Fruit punch."

"Wine is technically fruit juice." Cu remarked with a perfectly straight face. "...Same as cider."

He merely smiled at the look that Martha aimed his way.

"Operatic singing."

He knew the suggestion would earn stares, it was why he felt slightly guilty of making it mere moments after he spoke.

Lowering his eyes, Siegfried slowly shook his head from side to side. "You can ignore me-"

"No, no!" Marie stepped forwards, a finger raised and her eyes burning with interest. "Now that….that could actually be a very good idea."

Was it?

He was basing this purely off the recollection of what his own legend had turned into, he knew of no other reason why he had been selected to help this group and he had wanted to make the suggestion so that he felt as though he made a contribution of some note. At the very least, it would have allowed him to get out a swift apology.

Having the words accepted wasn't what he was expecting.

"A touch of opera or a choir…during the slow dancing moments." Marie started to grow a small smile, which brightened considerably. "There are quite a few songs that spring to mind with that…some of the most well known operas are french…I think? I hope, at least."

"What about something fast paced?"

Siegfried turned to the speaker.

"I think there are these Brazilian dances…they go really fast paced and it's just hectic."

A quick glance around, then the individual shrugged their shoulders.

"What?" Nobunaga huffed. "I know these things…Though you should definitely do something with rock and roll."

He wasn't sure how best to respond to that.

So he kept quiet.

Mozart had remained quiet, then offered a simple shrug of the shoulders. "I do not conduct music of that sort, I am afraid. Though if what you wish for is a French Opera, that I could very well manage…with the right singer, of course."

A pointed look in the direction of Marie was ignored by no one.

But the Queen seemed rather content with the stare and nodded along with it.

"Don't worry about that."

Mysterious Heroine X stood straight, hands on her hips and a smug grin on her face.

"I have a bunch of songs saved for when I go on long voyages."

Mozart made a strained face. "...I suppose beggars can hardly be choosers in this situation."

He personally did not see the trouble, but he wasn't a musician.

Marie merely pointed to the blonde haired girl. "Then we have our genres! Fast paced for everyone, then slow and steady for the romantics among us! Merveilleuse!~"

Siegfried merely kept quiet.

He had said what he wanted to say and he suspected it would be for the best if he quietly retreated to the sidelines.

Marie's hand snaking around his arm stopped him from moving a single step.

"Come on, Sieg! Lets whip up some sick beats!"

…He felt very worried.