Resuming their walk to the destination, the four ahead begins their discussion once more, Elise making sure Musse doesn't misbehave for the time being.
"Sheesh, Musse hasn't been this 'active' since I first became Alfin's bodyguard." Relon sighs.
"She's hasn't acted like this since I first became Alfin's bodyguard." Claire informs for Relon to sweatdrop nervously.
"Leave it to Musse to make things... 'eventful.'"
(More troublesome than anything.)
"You know deep down she means well. She's just a huge teaser. To the point she doesn't know when to stop." He ends flatly.
"Quite. Aside from her, you really seemed to have changed."
"Have I? You all may say that but I don't think I look all that different appearance wise. My hair is a little longer but the only noticeable changes are my height and muscles. I mean I grew past you." He chuckles.
"Ha ha, very funnu. You may not think so but coming from us, take our word. You're definitely different from the time we fought on the Gigantic."
"Ha. I could say the same about you. I almost didn't recognize you at first glance. You're even more beautiful than last time I saw."
"Y-You think so?"
"Yeah, it's pretty obvious. Oh, and congrats on getting that promotion, Major Claire."
"Please, just Claire is fine coming from you."
"Oh? Am I special case?" He wonders.
"That's a good way of putting it. Though I am curious to hear all about what you've been doing these last three years aside from training. I'm also curious to hear about a certain topic."
"Heh... Yeah, Mister helped me learn more than I bargained for. Though, I'm still grateful to him as always. Not to mention my aunt. Aunt Cecily definitely played a part in helping me understand a large quantity of things that Mister struggled to explain when they weren't arguing."
"She seems like quite the woman."
"I'm sure you've heard of her actually." This causing her to look with curiosity. "Tell me, Claire. Who are you right now?" He asks, his eyes forward on the girls a good ways ahead of them.
For a moment, her eyes remain on Relon before they too avert forward.
"I am simply Claire Rieveldt. A friend. Not an Ironblood nor a Major associated with the RMP." She states, this seeming to bring back the teen's smile as he glances to her.
"That's relieving. Don't want Osborne learning too much about me."
"You know he still holds some interest."
"Some?"
"Okay, a large sum of interest." She corrects.
"Of course he does." He sighs with a shake. "You've heard of the Weapon Collector, right?" At his question, his smirk grows bigger as does Claire's eyes. "Careful, if you keep widening your eyes so much, something bad may happen to them. Don't want those beautiful eyes of yours to go bad." He states looking forward, Claire's cheeks heating up.
Taking a moment to regain her composure, she continues.
"Your aunt is the Weapon Collector?"
"Yup. Took me by surprise too. Mister is the Wandering Beast and my aunt is the Weapon Collector. Makes you wonder what my title. I'm kinda excited to find out."
"I can certainly understand why. You have quite the family tree."
"Yup. Everyone in the orphanage is pretty awesome in their own ways."
"So what about her?" She gesture ahead of them, Relon's happy demeanor lowering slightly.
"As you can see, Noro doesn't have the ability to walk. That alone made her an outcast amongst the others for some time."
"She also is on the reserved side. Kinda reminds me of the reports I read about you from Lechter."
"I knew there were files on me! How is he by the way?"
"He's the same as always. He and Millium are always up to something. Whether it's work or simply a little messing around."
"Millium?" He tilts his head.
"She's the newest Ironblood. Quite the interesting girl too. I think you two would get along. Her and Pippin especially."
"What makes you say that?"
"Let's just say her weapon of choice is similar to your sword." She chuckles.
"Now I am curious to meet her."
"She's an energetic girl, I'll tell you that. When she first joined us, we had a hard time making her be still. I wish you were there. You probably would have had a better success rate than we had."
"Haha, sounds like it. With how much energy I have, I bet I could give her a run for her money."
"But back to the topic at hand, you must tell me about your Aunt. It's always been a dream of mine to meet her. She's one of the best known marksmen in Erebonia!"
"Oh yeah, I know." He gives a groan. "I've been on the receiving end more than a few times. Her training along with Mister's is more brutal than anything I could ever imagine."
"I wouldn't mind seeing that..."
"Yeah, no. I refuse to let you of all people watch me struggle like my life depends on it just for entertainment."
"Oh, so you'll let anyone else?" Her eyes cut with a grin, a tint of red forming on Relon's cheeks as he averts his eyes. "What makes me so special?" She continues leaning in.
"You're being a Musse."
"No, I'm simply being a woman. And as one, I tend to like certain things I hear." She lean up.
"Oh, so singling you out from the others is something you like hearing?"
"Hmm, maybe~."
"I swear, trying to understand females remain a difficult study." He shakes earning a chuckle from his companion.
"Brother!" She looks over to see they've arrived at their destination.
Catching up, the six looks at the large mall before them.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this..." Relon gulps. "Look, before we go in, can we just remember that this is for Noro?"
"Why, Instructor, how could we forget about the birthday girl's special day?" Musse gasps as if taken offense.
"Because a wise man once told me that going shopping with females never end well for us males. And I know shopping is one thing a certain princess loves."
"Hehe, guilty as charged. But do not fret. We are here for Norowareta first and foremost. Although..."
"Alfin." Relon reminds.
"Yes. Yes. I know. I was only joking!"
"No you weren't." Everyone states with deadpanned expressions except for Musse, the girl smiling.
"Alright. It's a little past four so we have a few hours before the sun begins to set." If you girls are ready, then let's go."
"OKAY!"
Heading inside, Alfin leads the way to the only shopping store she is a customer of.
"Ah, Princess Alfin. It is a pleasure to see you once again. Ms. Elise and Ms. Musse as well. And a new face. A pleasure to have you within our establishment. I believe you will find all our fabrics to be to your liking." A man with light purple hair states bowing. "And I see Mr. Relon is with you once more. A pleasure as always good sir. I hope your travels have been safe yet adventurous."
"I most certainly will take your word for it." Claire nods.
"You too, Mr. Ginyu, sir. And they have." Relon greets as they head inside.
Been a while since I've been here. I still find the fact that the store is named 'The Change' to be kinda weird. Alfin always liked coming here and their clothing was really nice. Expensive but still nice. Glad Alfin gets a discount. Saved me a ton of mira whenever I did buy something like that scarf. Now that I think about it, this place has more purple colors than any othet so this should work nicely.
"Alright. Reta, you mentioned being a fan of purple, right?" Elise asks to get a nod.
"Anything in particular?" Musse asks to get a shake.
"Hmm. Well, why not just try on a variety of things and see what you like and don't like?" Relon suggests. "Noro, what do you think?"
"Sounds good."
"Alright, we got a game plan."
"Leave everything to your big sister, Reta!" Alfin exclaims.
"Since when were you her big sister?" Claire wonders.
"Since you two started flirting on the way here." Alfin teases.
"We were just catching up." Relon flatly corrects, not a hint of embarrassment evident. "I had the chance to catch up with you girls back in the class so I took the moment to catch up with Claire."
"Oh, really now..." Musse wonders stepping towards Relon.
"Anyway, we should disperse to hurry up the process so let's do just that! Come on, Noro." Quickly, he wheels the girl off to a section of the store leaving the four alone.
"Princess, you're becoming more and more like Musse."
"Teehee, am I?"
"That's not a good thing, Alfin." Elise sighs.
"My, this is quite the opportunity we're being presented." Musse comments looking in the direction of the step-siblings.
"Musse, we're here for Norowareta." Claire reminds. "Not for Relon."
"Hm, but I can't help but think. Here we are, four lovely ladies in a clothing store with a male we all adore aside from maybe Elise. You do care deeply for Rean, after all."
"M-M-Musse, that's not it at all!"
"Hehehe, of course it isn't. My point is we have a chance to impress Instructor Relon so are we really going to pass this chance up? I'm sure he would love to see you in some stellar clothing, Major Claire."
"What's your game, Musse? You're always trying to win him over so why boost myself when you could simply go behind our backs and do such a thing?" Claire crosses her arms.
"Here we go again." Elise sighs. "I'll go get Relon."
"No, Elise, wait! I wanna see this!"
"Alfin, you're not helping!"
"Who knows. I simply want to have a good time with the instructor as the rest of us, hehe. Nothing wrong with some friendly competition. Especially with a fellow rival. Am I wrong?"
"On what part are you referring to?" Claire narrows her eyes.
"Why, what do you think?" Musse copies the gesture.
"Oooh!"
"Alfin, please!"
"Fine." Claire's sudden answer gaining all's attention. "First we help Norowareta, then I'll participate in your little game. As for why, I'll leave the exact reasoning for you to figure out." She sighs.
Whatever she has planned, I'm ready for it.
"Excellent!"
"For now, let's just find something for Reta." Elise states already tired of their 'conversation.'
With that, the girls finally disperse, unknowing of Relon and Noro having easily heard everything.
"I knew something bad was going to happen." He mutters facepalming.
"They really care." He looks down to Norowareta.
"I don't know if all of this is really them caring." He chuckles squatting next to her.
Giving a shake, she responds.
"They do. They told me earlier." The girl smiles at his brother.
"Well, I was hoping something like this wouldn't happen on your birthday of all days though."
"I don't mind." This making him tilt his head. "Being surrounded by those who care not only for me but you is worth spending time with."
"Noro..." He lowers his head looking at the floor. "You're too good of a little sister, you know that?" He raises up smiling at the girl.
"I could say the same for you, big brother." She rubs the top of his head
"You only ever speak full sentences when it's something I need to hear." He chuckles for her cheeks to go pink.
"T-That's..."
Now Relon is the one to place a hand on her head.
"I'm only playing, Noro. Don't push yourself though. You remember what Aunt Cecily said." She nods.
"I won't. I promise."
"Pinky promise?" He extends a finger, one she wraps without hesitation.
"Pinky promise."
Both share a fit of laughter before Relon gets to his feet.
"Relon! Reta! I found this pretty dress!" Alfin calls skipping over.
Examining it, the youngest girl's eyes seem to sparkle.
"Why not go try it on?" Relon asks for the girl to nod.
"I'll help you!" Alfin comments.
"Thanks, Alfin." He watches as Alfin wheels Norowareta off to the changing room.
"... You know, it's not exactly nice to eavesdrop." He turns around looking at rows of clothing for Claire to pop her head up.
"Forgive me. I was honestly looking through outfits when I happen to be close enough that I couldn't help but listen." She explains walking towards him.
"It's fine. I should probably watch what I say in public places."
"Relon, may I ask you something?"
"Does it have to do with my concerns over Noro pushing herself?" She nods, his eyes lingering on the fading girls before looking to the bluenette.
Seeing that wry smile, her anxiety only grows. Raising a hand to her chest, she awaits for the teen to continue.
"Noro... Norowareta is dying."
On reaction, she clutches her chest as the words sink in.
"An illness she's long had since before she was taken in at the orphanage. We still haven't found a cure. All we know is that the symptoms include heart problems and loss of eyesight."
"... How far has it developed?" He glances at Claire before back ahead, the girls now out of sight.
"Not too far. As long as she doesn't raise her heart rate too much, she's in the clear. As for her eyesight, there's only the random blurry spots every now and then when she blinks. I guess you could say it's her curse based offf her name. For the time being, all is well. But..."
"You're afraid her condition may escalate once you're gone."
"Yeah. But we had a little talk about it before coming here. I'm not as worried as before." His response surprising the girl.
"You're not?"
"No. Noro helped ease my nerves. Now, we both are looking ahead though still with some worry." He states. "I'm gonna make the most of our time here and now. That's my plan at least. And to do that, we need to find Noro something she'll like."
Relon...
A smile forms on her face.
"Yes, you're right."
"Besides... While Noro enjoys her shopping spree, I can enjoy you and Musse's fashion contest." He smirks at a now blushing Claire.
"Y-You heard that?"
"Yup. Pretty easy considering you guys were half shouting but hey, Musse has her reasons for competing as do you." He shrugs.
"Relon, have you- Huh?" She begins for a hand to halt her.
"Yeah. Though that topic can wait until later." He lowers his hand. "You've been waiting three years and I've been wanting to tell you what I've learned."
"You're right. I'll look forward to it."
"Same. For now, let's find something for Noro."
And so, the duo dispersed in search of a collection of clothing Noro would like. Before long, the group gathered together leaving Noro unable to decide but ultimately going with the dress from Alfin and a scarf from Relon.
"Looks like it's a tie between Relon and the princess." Claire notes.
"Hehe, good match Relon."
"Right back at you, I think those two go well together. Aunt Cecily and I have been meaning to expand her wardrobe so these are sure to help. Though you didn't have to pay, I had more than enough."
"Nonsense! What kind of big sister would I be if I couldn't help with something like this?"
(She's really into the whole sister aspect, isn't she Relon?)
(Elise, I've honestly accepted it at this point.)
(Well, technically Reta has three big sisters~.)
(Please don't start again.)
(Hehe, whatever do you mean Major?)
"Anyway, I would say that's it for shopping but..." The only male of the group glances to Musse and then Claire.
"It's time for part two of our shopping trip." Musse says stepping away from the group. "You can always back out, Major Claire."
"I have no need. So what are the conditions?" The young adult asks for Musse's eyes to wander to Relon.
"Oh no." He sighs.
"Simple. Whoever can impress Instructor Relon wins. Any clothing~."
"Can we not?" He asks.
"Fine by me."
"Okay, just ignore me." Relon sighs. "Elise. Alfin. Can you two take Noro somewhere she can't see this?"
"Leave it to me." Elise responds.
"Ooh! I know a great ice cream parlor not that far!"
"Ice cream...?" Norowareta's eyes seem to sparkle as a little drool hangs from the corner of her mouth.
With that, the two head out leaving Relon to his fate.
(Pippin, save me.) He calls but Pippin never answers. (Damn it.)
Looking up, both girls take him by his wrists, Relon trying his hardest to resist but fails as he's dragged away to the corner of the store where the changing rooms are. Stopping before two doors, both turn to the boy.
"Again, can we not?"
"Oh, Instructor. Consider this a duel between maidens. And only the victor can claim the prize."
"Musse, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, ask away."
"Where did you learn to act like this?" His question seeming to surprise the girl before her expression returns to normal.
"My, what made you want to ask all of a sudden?"
"It's always been at the back of my head as for why you're the way you are. Back when I first started watching over Alfin, you'd always tease any of us like you've been doing today."
"True. So what exactly is your point?"
"My point is back then, you'd nonchalantly ask if I was interested in learning about the source of your teasing and every time, I'd reject it either being to scared to know or simply not caring."
"Are you suggesting things are different?"
"No. I'm telling you things are different." She furrows her brows as he continues. "I don't want to regret not doing something I've should've. That's something I learned from Mister. What's different now is that I want to know so I can better understand who Musse Egret, my friend, truly is. That and I simply want to apologize if I ever upset you concerning that topic."
For a moment, both girls can just stare in awe at the young teen.
You've certainly learned a lot, Relon. So, how will she respond?
"You really continue to surprise me." Both Relon and Claire look to the youngest of their trio. "I tend to think ahead of how people will react to my teasing and almost always, I am always correct on the outcome yet... With you, I barely get even 50% correct, And just now, you've left my mind stumped and my heart beating." She walks stopping before Relon.
"Musse?"
Reaching down, she takes his hand in both of hers.
"Very well. The next time we're alone, I'll be happy to tell you." Her voice clear yet sincere. "Maybe at our next private tutoring session~." And as soon as her maturity came, it went for Relon to chuckle.
"Sure, Musse. Though Alfin is my star student along with Elise, I'm sure you won't need too much help." He pats her head.
"Hehe, you underestimate me how poor at academics I am."
"No, you underestimate how smart I know you truly are. I know you were only acting like those math problems I gave today were difficult."
"How could-
"I am you Instructor. It's my job to take notice of these things. That and I tend to be very perceptive." He chuckles easing the girl's tension.
"You really are amazing, Instructor." She mutters to smile stepping away.
"Meh, six out of ten on average. nine out of ten on a good day." He shrugs. "Though, right now, you two may think otherwise during this competition."
"No." Both look to Claire. "Just be honest and neither of us will think any different of you. Though, I want to say we will be able to tell if you try holding back on judging."
"Yeah. I'm the most neutral person there is to judge, haha. Well, knowing I can't escape, what are the rules?" He looks to Musse.
"We'll each assign a type of clothing to wear. You judge who looks better and the first to two points win. Do these rules work for you, Major?"
"Yes. These work just fine."
"Alright, I'll flip a coin. Heads; it's Musse and tails is Claire." He pulls a coin from his wallet. "Sound good?" Both nod.
14-year-old Musse and 20-year-old Claire. Oh boy, this is going to be rough. I can feel it.
He flips the coin high in the air. Catching it, he reveals it.
"Heads. Musse, you start it off."
"Hehe, excellent. First up, dress attires." She winks at Relon before going to a rack and grabbing an outfit. "Good luck, Major." She closes the door behind her.
"She seems more tame now." Relon comments for the door to open.
"Oh! And Instructor, I wouldn't mind if you accidentally opened my door~."
"And I take back what I said. Wasn't planning on it, Musse~."
"Awe, Teehee."
"Some things just never change." He looks over to see Claire carrying an outfit.
"Change isn't always needed though it is good sometimes." He notes as she nods in agreement before disappearing behind the closed door.
After a few minutes, both open their doors stepping out.
"Whoa..."
Before him, Musse wears tan dress with a light green jacket and sandals while Claire wears a simple white sundress.
"My, I never knew having the one I adore stare at me like that would make me feel so self-conscious." She holds her cheeks.
"W-Well? Hurry and choose one." Claire demands avert her eyes.
Shit, I didn't think comparing Claire's more mature body to Musse's would be so difficult. Musse is using her aesthetics to assist in looking good. That jacket matches her hair seems to help even out the tan coloring...
"I'm not allowed to pick both when you choose the outfits am I?"
"Nope/No!" Both responds for the boy to roll his eyes.
"Great... this just makes things harder." He sighs looking at both girls. "I'll give this one to Musse." He states, both looking surprised.
"Hehe, that's one point for me. One more and victory is mine~."
"Hmpf, we'll see." Both look to Relon, the poor boy looking away.
I can feel their fierce gazes. Claire's especially.
"Swimwear." Bucking wide, he turns back to see both females already at racks inspecting their options.
Why am I trembling? Am I just that scared of what the outcome of all of this will be? Get a hold of yourself, Relon!
Feeling movement at his side, he looks at Pippin moving slightly.
"I refuse to listen to you when you wouldn't help me earlier." The sword receding to it's sheathe.
With the closing of doors, Relon looks on with both anxiety and anticipation. Three minutes later, they step out. Relon's jaw nearly dropping though he catches himself as he can only gulp.
Donned in a one piece with a color combination of white and cyan. Claire is also wearing what seems to be a see-through jacket with a gold outline. To her right is Musse wearing a two piece frilly blue swimsuit.
"I think we have a clear winner." Claire says with a triumphant grin on her face.
"Yeah... Yeah." He says dumbfounded by that one.
"Looks like we're tied. Very well then. Instructor, you decide the last option. It's only fair since I would just use my chance to gain the advantage." A determined smile on the greenette's face.
"Okay." He goes into thought bobbing his head side-to-side. "Surprise me." He flatly states.
Both responding with quizzical looks before nodding. Turning around, they walk together, Relon's eyes following to shoot up to the ceiling.
Mind. I'm saying no. AND BODY. DEFINITELY NO! I'm not dealing with the drama that would come if they caught me checking out their asses.
Looking back, his eyes open slightly seeing Claire looking out the corner with a smile before she turns forward.
No... She didn't... did she? Shit. Damn it, I'm thinking like Mister more and more. I've been swearing both out loud and internally more often.
Eventually, both girls return and before long, they exit. Relon responding to their appearances with a grin.
"Nice."
Musse is wearing a white buttoned shirt with a purple skirt while Claire is wearing a black and white striped bodycon dress with a bracelet made of blue rings. Both wearing knee high boots. Musse brown and Claire black.
"Okay. Who's the winner?" Claire questions.
"Yes, we are ready to hear your answer."
"Both of you are." He shrugs.
"... Huh?"
"I said you both are. You both look great in those outfits so you each get a point. I can't decide so that's just how it is."
"But we said-
"Yeah, I know." He nods. "I asked if I'm allowed to pick both when you two choose the outfits." He grins for both to widen. "Besides, I honestly think you both look beyond attractive in those outfits. I legit can't pick one over the other." He gives one last shrug. "You two should keep those. You look cute in them. I'll be waiting at the entrance." He smiles turning to leave, the girls utterly speechless.
"He did it again. Went and pulled one right over me. I was so focused on winning, I didn't read between the lines." Musse sighs. "Looks like we'll have to have another competition some other time, Major."
"Yes. It would seem so... And Musse."
"Yes?"
"Do you truly have feelings for Relon or is it just an act?" She furrows her brows to face the woman completely.
"I could ask you the same question. Was it not one of the reasons for accepting?"
"You always like avoiding the questions I give yet you seem to be fine answering Relon's."
"Hehe, well there's a reason for that."
"Which would be?"
"Are you asking me as Claire Rieveldt, the woman entrusted by Relon to protect her highness or are you asking as the Icy Maiden, an Ironblood under Chancellor Osborne?" Both females narrowing towards the other.
"So that's it." Claire eases going into thought. "Relon asked me the very same question on the way here. I suppose that's his way of protecting what he wished to be held in secret."
"And you told him you were just Claire Rieveldt, no?'
"I did. And he told me without any hesitation afterwards what he had to say. So tell me, Musse. Is trust what you've been looking for? Is that the true cause behind the way you are towards me? Because you find it difficult to trust me, an Ironblood?"
"And if I said yes?"
"... Then I would would be satisfied with that." She turns stopping at her changing room. "Relon and I gained each other's trust through a life or death situation even though he knew who I worked under. You and me are a different story. If you choose not to believe me, then that's fine. Take my word for it or don't, but today, I stand before you not as an Ironblood but simply Claire Rieveldt." She opens and closes the door behind her.
We'll see, Major. We'll just have to wait and see...
Later
"To think in the span of thirty minutes, you three not only went to the ice cream parlor, but 14 other shops." Relon chuckles.
"Don't worry, I've already ordered everything and it should arrive at Celdic eventually." Alfin smiles.
"Alfin, you really don't know how to hold back, do you?" He chuckles.
"Why would I when it's for our precious little sister!" She hugs Norowareta who smiles returning the gesture. "Relon, are you sure she can't stay with us for just one night?"
"Now, Alfin, Relon and Norowareta must get back to Celdic." The queen explains. "It has been wonderful to see you again, Relon."
"I believed you when you stated you were off to get stronger and seeing you now, I have no doubt your time at Thors will only further your growth." The king states.
"Thank you, your majesties." He bows.
"Alas, though our time was short, it was spent well."
"Indeed, Prince Olivert. It was good to see you safe and sound."
"Haha, such a grand adventure only made me grow as has your own. With every day, we all surpass our previous selves."
"Yes! Most certainly! Until we meet again!"
With their final bidding and some prying Alfin from Norowareta, the two along with Claire make their way outside to see a car pulling up.
(Damn it.) He curses.
"Brother?"
(He wasn't supposed to be back until later!) Claire gasps.
"Norowareta, just act natural. Okay?" Hearing his cautious tone, she nods as they approach.
Stepping out of the vehicle is a familiar redhead and out next is a tall macular man in a robe.
"My, my, it has been some time, hasn't it?"
"For me at least. I'm sure you've had your people keep close tabs on me. Am I right, Osborne."
"Resistant as ever." The man gives a hardy laugh. "I assure you, I have done no such thing."
"Oh? So why on Earth do I not believe you?"
"That is indeed a good question. What do I have to gain from watching you?"
"A lot. Though I'm not the kind of fool who gives off the whole list just so you can add to your own. On another note; Lechter, good to see you again."
"Sup, see you and Claire finally got together. Nice." He winks with two clicks of his tongue.
"We aren't together." Claire corrects.
Not yet at least.
"I simply was escorting him to the exit." She narrows at her fellow Ironblood.
"Yeah, yeah, I know." He rolls his eyes.
"Ah, youth. How I remember those fond memories." Giliath hums in thought before his eyes fall upon Norowareta. "And who might this be?"
"She's my little sister. Since it's her birthday, I decided to bring her to Heimdallr as there's a lot to do here." Relon answers eyeing the man, Osborne's eyes not leaving the girl for some time.
"H-Hello."
"A pleasure to meet you, young madam. And what might your name be?"
"Norowareta. Norowareta Namikaze."
"I presume she's another child under Cecily's care?"
"You know my aunt?" Relon questions raising an eyebrow.
Lifting up, he grins at Relon.
"Yes. After all... we all did go to Thors together."
A/N: Claire's clothing is based off of reddit findings I found. Sundress was just a nice touch I added.