A/N: Not much to say this time around, there's one lemon in this chapter. Go to AO3 or QQ if you want to read it. One for Cid and one of his girls.
-P2W/Leon-
"…I feel like I should point out, it's usually the woman who pays a dowry." Remarked Vincent.
"Well, I felt as though I should show my gratitude in more than just making Angelica happy." Replied Leon.
"This is quite the sum of money your highness, may I ask as to where you acquired it?" asked Gilbert.
Leon shrugged happily, "It's the product of my hard efforts. Besides, I feel if I were to try and assert myself into the current political field it'd cause some unneeded pandemonium… more than I've already caused. So some of this is to help with the court proceedings."
Everyone in the room knows that isn't untrue, but Gilbert admires how Leon doesn't outright state that he got the money from the betting pool against him with ease. A necessary skill for those in the political field.
"…I see. Well let's leave it at that." Said Gilbert, "Perhaps we should move onto something else. Namely your public conversation with the five after. You had told us in the meeting that you had plans to become king, yet your acknowledgement of Prince Julius' right to challenge you again and your offer to help train him seem to spit in the face of that. So, I must ask, why?"
Because the thought of legit being a king sucks… thinks Leon, Because I'd rather spend time with your daughter than being forced to do paperwork.
"If I had to say I guess…" said Leon out loud, "It was… for the sake of our country. I acknowledge that Prince Julius has the opportunity to be a good king, he's just not been properly guided. His parents appear to be very hands off with his education, and as a result he's prone to making mistakes and being misled. However, he does ultimately have a good, albeit foolish, heart. Not to mention everything that's been surrounding his planned ascent to the throne. If it comes to it, with a proper education Julius could grow into a fine king one day."
Vincent chuckles inwardly, "If that's the truth it speaks volume of your character your highness. However, I also would like to ask, you had turned in some strange pills to the knights prior to your duel. We couldn't tell what kind of drugs those were, but strangely they ended up disappearing from custody. I must demand information about that."
Leon nods, "I've encountered said pills before, on my adventure to be exact. I also have some evidence of it being used by Zenon Griffey during the rescue of princess Alexia. These pills are a sort of drug that can enhance one's physical and magical capabilities, albeit for a heavy price."
Luxion descends and shows the footage of Zenon's gross appearance following his ingestion of said pills. Vincent and Gilbert both raise their eyebrows in shock.
"That… someone had those on campus?" said Gilbert.
Leon nods again, "Items that increase one's physical and magical abilities are rare, but not uncommon. However they're usually much more… tame in comparison to these. I believe that Jilk had been given these pills by a third party interested in keeping prince Julius on the throne. Jilk had admitted to me that he had no idea of any of the other affects these pills could have. However, he couldn't tell me who he had gotten them from, stating that he received them in a package the morning of the duel. I luckily had my familiar patrolling to help find any such contraband and was able to take it away before he could think of using it."
Leon doesn't mention how Jilk had actually tried, as he was still brainwashed a bit.
"Do you happen to know about the origin of these pills your highness?" asked Vincent.
"Hm…" pondered Leon, "Not quite. I have suspicions but nothing concrete. I can only say that it comes from rather… secret societies."
Vincent and Gilbert both nod at this, all too familiar with hidden factions.
"I can see that Angelica had chosen a rather interesting partner for herself, especially considering how much the courts have been panicking about your machinations. I'm glad that my wife isn't around to have to deal with it all. Speaking of, my wife was unable to meet you, but wanted me to ask something: When should we expect grandchildren?" asked Vincent on behalf of his wife.
Leon was glad that he wasn't eating or drinking something at the moment. With a slightly blushing and mortified face he responds, "…Probably sometime after I've formally married her and Olivia. You'd really need to ask Angelica."
Gilbert and Vincent both outwardly chuckle at Leon's reaction.
"Well, know that we'd welcome any new additions to the family with open arms." Vincent also looks towards Gilbert as he says this. Gilbert takes a sudden interest in the birds he can see outside a nearby window. "What does the future king have planned for now?"
"With your blessing I'd like to take Angelica with me during the break I feel like all of my faction could use some time to recuperate, especially considering our run in with that 3rd party." Said Leon.
Vincent smiles, "Yes, I suppose that a run in with a dragon and an enigmatic warrior acknowledged by many of the future heirs of noble houses would warrant a brief break. I believe that finishes our conversation for the day. If you have no further topics to bring up I believe we should end things here."
Leon smiles before nodding one last time and leaving.
…
"So," said Gilbert, "how long do you expect we have to wait on Angelica ending up pregnant?"
"Given how she inherited the passion of her mother, I'd give it perhaps another month at best." Said Vincent.
-P2W-
Cid looks at the letter he had been given by Beta. It's rare for her to ask for a meeting, so he can't guess what she wants. Maybe a follow up for the other day? …Well, nothing to do but head to the plaza and find out.
Cid admits that he's a bit excited as he heads to the designated location, this mysterious message thing sounds like the start of something interesting, especially since it just so happened to designate a time and date when Alpha wouldn't be with him.
Cid walks a few more blocks, taking in how weird it is to not hold someone's hand while he's out, and eventually sees Beta. She's in her casual clothes, so you can totally tell she's Natsume Kafka. Won't someone recognize her? If they do it's all over… but this might be a part of her plan. There may be something to a celebrity doing something so brazen that no one recognizes her, that would explain why she doesn't seem to worry.
And judging by the contents of that letter… She might be testing Cid.
In that case…fine. Let's go with something from a spy film. This calls for the stereotypical spy move of 'standing next to an associate as if you were strangers and talking without making eye contact.' Like what Cid usually does with Nu.
Cid does his best to nonchalantly walk up to Beta and sit next to her. She doesn't seem to notice him at all.
…
…
"*Ahem*" Cid called out discreetly.
"E-Eh!? C-Cid?" yelped Beta. She then pouted, "Jeez… if you were here, you could have just said something."
Cid laughed a bit at Beta's reaction, "Heh. You've still got a ways to go if you didn't even notice me…"
Beta does this demure pose she often does, with her hands held up to her face combined with some puppy dog eyes, "My apologies…"
Some part of Cid wants to console her, but he's also worried about her getting caught by someone other than him like this, so he gently scolds her. "…Pay attention to your surroundings."
Beta takes it in stride with a smile and peps up, "My surroundings? Understood!"
True. Thinks Beta, it's dangerous for me to make contact with Cid so recklessly… who knows where the Cult has eyes?! I called Cid here because I felt like if I talked to him in his dorm room I'd try something again and probably make things awkward. And now I've made a complete mess of things! Beta, you idiot! You darn idiot!
Beta sighs while making the puppy dog eyes again, "Aahh… My apologies for choosing such a public area…"
Cid crosses his arms and shakes his head, "Don't worry about it… So, what do you have for me?"
"…Oh, excuse me," said Beta as she covered her mouth with both hands in shock at the lapse of judgement, before taking out a single envelope and a package. "…Here this is for you."
"What's this?" asked Cid.
Beta smiled, "An invitation from Mitsugoshi and a special outfit."
"An invitation and special outfit…" remarked Cid.
That's got a good ring to it… thought Cid, Is it an undercover event where we infiltrate some aristocrat's party? Maybe there's a fancy dress code or something inside…
Beta smiles more as she says "We've prepared a special 'event' for you."
Cid looks at Beta and asked, "…Can I get my hopes up for this event?"
"…O-Of course! It'll take place the day after tomorrow at-"said Beta with seriousness before she was cut off.
"Hey, isn't that Natsume Kafka?" called out a random passerby.
Cid and Beta look around and see people take notice of them.
Another passerby answers the first, "You're right! That adorably beautiful silver-haired elf girl—that's totally her! Maybe there's some kind of event?"
Beta quickly dismisses herself in a panic, crying a bit inwardly as she scurries off as she wanted more one on one time with Cid. Cid is only exasperated at Beta's lack of a plan and leaves before things get any more complicated.
-Angelica-
I look across the table from me and see the woman that had managed to worm her way into the retreat. She stares back at me without any hesitation. From an outside perspective it would seem that the two of us are merely having some tea while Leon shows Olivia to pilot an armor, something that I would join in, but I have some things to consider here. Deirdre and I drink tea and sit in silence.
My friendship with Deirdre Fou Roseblade has always been a bit strange. For starters, were it not for her chance meeting with Leon and Livia I can't say that we'd ever have talked. Although I suppose that a lot of the friendships I have now have depended on Leon and Livia's introductions, who knows if I ever would have been able have a group of people interact with me for reasons other than political or monetary gain if it weren't for them.
Speaking of: this time around I have managed to bring some trusted servants with me. Truthfully with Luxion's automated cleaning system the maids aren't entirely necessary, at least for their normal duties, but having them around to pour me tea and help me with changing in and out of the more complex outfits I own was something of a great comfort. It was also amusing to see them help Livia and see her fluster.
What wasn't a comfort was Deirdre coming along. It's not as though I hated her company, she's a worthwhile friend, however I had expected to the beginning of the break with just Livia and Leon. Especially since we're currently on our way to meet with Leon's parents.
I take a deep breath and set my teacup down.
"Deirdre." I state firmly.
"Yes, dear Angie?" answered Deirdre with a smile.
"I know that Livia and I had said we'd welcome some members into Leon's bed. However, don't you believe that you are acting a little soon on that promise?" I said.
Deirdre shakes her head, making those beautiful drills of her wave to and fro, "Not at all. If anything, I'm moving rather slowly for a woman of the Roseblade household."
"…" I take another sip of tea.
"Besides, given how you and dear Livia limp some mornings while Leon looks completely fine, you might need the help you mentioned during the duel, no?" tittered Deirdre.
Right, I had said something to that effect. And I suppose that it isn't untrue. Leon has much more stamina that Livia and I. We have toyed around with the idea of doing things one on one occasionally, but I'm not entirely sure that I could survive such a thing. My mother had once told me that physical stamina doesn't always translate to sexual stamina, but Leon… has the libido of someone our age, and the body of an adventurer.
I had intended to really only open the doors for the girls and allow them a chance when Livia and I would get pregnant, as I wouldn't like to endanger any future children. However…
"Come to think of it, does Leon even know of your approval? I believe dear Livia had tried to explain things to him but she was rather inebriated." Mentioned Deirdre.
Oh right. I don't think we had talked to Leon about how we would want him to acquire more lovers. Well I suppose want isn't entirely the right term. It's more like accept. As future king Leon has to leave behind several potential heirs, and from Mylene has told me birth isn't exactly pleasant. So, having several lovers to help spread the efforts is something I've deigned to be a good idea. I suppose it also does help that all of the women are from our friend group. And that they're rather attractive.
"I'll talk to him about it." I said. "However, it will be up to you to find the opportunity to do anything."
Deirdre beams, making me smile fondly in return as she raises from her seat and reaches over to shake my hands with lots of enthusiasm. "Thank you, dear Angie! I look forward to our continued relationship for years to come!"
I chuckle, "Of course. However, I would like to set some ground rules."
Deirdre nods and sits down, leaning in rapt with attention.
"1. If Leon says he is not in the mood please respect his feelings. He is his own person, with his own feelings. I know we all stare rather shamelessly at times during training but he's our lover, not a servant. I know I don't have to really say that to any of our friends but I feel like I should set the record clear." I start.
"…Men can not feel like having intimacy?" questioned Deirdre.
"Well, to begin with, Leon was rather nervous when doing things with Livia and me. I can only imagine that going forward you'd likely have to take the lead to work through that. But yes, my own mother had explained that it's common for men to be tired from their duties during the day and unable to do anything during the night." I explain.
Deirdre nods, "yes, I believe my own mother has explained something to that effect as well. I suppose that as future king Leon would be rather busy as well once we graduate."
"Right. 2. Although I suppose you cannot really control it, Livia and I would like to be the first to have children. But if Leon chooses to finish inside you, I suppose that you don't have to refuse." I continued.
"Very well. Is there anything else?" asked Deirdre.
I think about it for a second before deciding, "Hm. Some advice? I wouldn't recommend trying to take on Leon by yourself."
Deirdre blinks. Once, twice. Then responds with, "Pardon?"
I shrug, "Leon possesses more stamina than Livia and I combined. We also fainted the first time we had coupled so I recommend having someone help you. Livia and I will likely be too preoccupied so perhaps you could ask Claire. We should be meeting her in two weeks."
"Oh, is that why Cid is with us as well?" realized Deirdre.
I nod, "Sort of. Cid had a meeting planned with his wives in a nearby territory, and asked if he could come with us to lessen the fee for the distance he'd have to travel. He'll be staying with us for the first two days before leaving."
Deidre nods before folding her arms and leaning back in her chair. "Me and Claire… hm…"
I finish my tea and leave her to her thoughts. Truth be told Livia and I also plan on training our stamina secretly while Leon is busy with other things. We love spending time together, of course, but it would be more romantic to have some one-on-one time. It's more of a matter of pride than anything.
-Alpha-
While Cid was on his way to Leon's territory I had a meeting with the other seven shades. We were in Mitsugoshi… and we were joined by Beatrix.
"I see…" remarked Beatrix, "so you all are the other wives?"
Everyone waves politely… including Delta, whose presence worries me the most. We all had taken turns to try and remind Delta that she cannot call herself Delta whenever talking to someone outside of Shadow Garden, but she's never been able to catch on. That's why we've never let her go on any incognito missions, let alone meet Cid in a common area.
"Right." I confirm. "These are the women that Cid had saved like me, and we had grown up together. They are like sisters to me."
I blush a bit when saying that and do my best to ignore the 'aww's' from the nearby maids.
"…I'm glad to hear it." Said Beatrix with a smile. "You have a lovely family, could you introduce us?"
I clear my throat, "Going in order of meeting, this is Natsume."
Beta bows politely, "It's nice to meet you!"
"Luna."
Gamma tries to bow as well but trips and lands on her face with her butt in the air. I quickly help her up and wipe her nose.
"Are you alright, Luna?" asked Beatrix.
Gamma nods with tears in her eyes. I give her a hug to let her know I don't mind, but I imagine she must be mortified given the circumstances. I'll try to reassure her more later, perhaps even have Cid join in.
Delta walks up to us and licks at Gamma's face to cheer her up, and Gamma does giggle a bit.
"Oh?" Beatrix noticed Delta as she fussed over Gamma, "And who is this?"
I immediately try to cut in with one of the names we tried to give Delta, "This is-"
"Sara." Said Delta. "Sara's name is Sara."
I blink. Once. Twice.
I take a look around the room discreetly and find that everyone, even Eta, has their eyes open wide.
"It's nice to meet you, Sara." Said Beatrix with a pat to Delta's head.
Delta leaned into the petting, surprising me once again, as aside from the Shades and some members of Shadow Garden, Delta doesn't seem to like when people touch her, usually seeing it as a threat.
Delta smiles and then asks, "Hello! Why do you look like her?"
I begin to panic again, but Beatrix just chuckles "I'm her aunt."
Delta beams and her tail begins to wag wildly, "Auntie?"
Beatrix's ears begin to wiggle in happiness. "Yes. I'm your Auntie."
Delta cheers in happiness and begins to hug Beatrix rather tightly. Beatrix doesn't seem to notice Delta's super strength, but I pry off Delta before she can crush Beatrix's spine.
"Well, Beatrix, we should continue, this is Shiron." I say while gesturing towards Epsilon.
Epsilon curtsies "It's nice to meet you ma'am."
"This is Eta Lloyd Wright." I said.
Eta waves with her arms covered by the long sleeves of her lab coat, "*Yawn* Hello…"
I then move to introduce Zeta, before I recall that she doesn't have a cover name she agreed on using. It also doesn't help that she still seems in shock from Delta's apparent ability to lie. I nudge her with a quick elbow to her side and she jolts out of her stupor.
"Ah, yes! Hello, I'm… Zetan." Said Zeta.
I would face palm if it weren't for the situation at hand.
"There's no need to be nervous around me Zetan. You may call me Auntie as well." Said Beatrix with a smile.
Zeta nods demurely, a bit flustered at doing worse than Delta no doubt.
Beatrix began to look around before asking, "Hm… where is Cid anyway?"
"Ah, Cid is away at the Barfort territory currently." Clarified Gamma. "He is heading towards a location we are working on for future business but went with Sir Leon to cut on the necessary traveling fees."
Beatrix tilted her head in confusion, "Traveling fees? I would assume that a company that is doing as well as yours wouldn't need to use public transport."
Epsilon shakes her head, "We do have several private vessels, but they are mostly for moving goods. We also do have some guards, but they need to be paid every time they go somewhere. It was much simpler and safer for Cid to leave with Leon then join in on one of the vessels trips towards the new location."
"Plus," added Beta, "I doubt there's many places safer to travel than his highness's ship Partner."
Beatrix nods at this. Truthfully were thankful for Cid's idea as we had wanted a bit more time to plan everything prior to meeting him there. It had taken some extra work to get things done sooner, but the extra training regimens that Cid had given last week had already been producing results, and allowed us to head there sooner than expected.
"…I suppose I'm the only thing keeping you here then?" asked Beatrix apologetically.
I shake my head, "It isn't as though I hadn't meant to introduce you to everyone eventually. This is just how things ended up with our schedules."
Beatrix smiled before thinking on something, "…Do you plan on becoming pregnant over the break Alice?"
I do my best to not let my emotions show on my face but I can't exactly do that considering how hot my face feels at the moment.
"I…" I begin, "I wouldn't… be opposed to such a thing, and I haven't exactly been doing anything to stop that from happening in my current… Mou~ Beatrix why are you even asking about this!?"
Beatrix doesn't seem bothered in the slightest as she says, "It's not as though I'm unfamiliar with such topics. I may have never done such a thing myself, but your mother and grandmother would often regale me with the tales of their own couplings. There's no need to be ashamed of it."
I don't recall much of my mother and grandmother, but I do know that the thought of them doing such things is in no way appealing to me. I do my best not to gag as I reply to Beatrix, "Please… do not. I… I am not comfortable with that. I… also would not like to discuss these things in front of anyone who is not involved with Cid romantically."
I would think that would scare off Beatrix, however she merely begins to ponder once more. Mortified, I begin to push her out of the room before she can say anything else on the subject. I know that Cid had spent a lot of time alone with her, but I do not plan on sharing with my own aunt… maybe if Cid asks nicely. I could never turn him down.
Beatrix laughs fondly on her way out and I sigh deeply after she leaves. I turn to see the shades hiding their own laughs.
I clear my throat and begin to speak once again, "Okay! Gamma, could you start the meeting this time?"
"*Giggle* Uh, *Cough* Yes. Today's meeting is about something extremely important to all of us." Said Gamma as she took out a whiteboard with one phrase written on it:
CID'S LOVE LANGUAGE
Needless to say, everyone in the room was at full attention. Even Delta, who I believe may or may not be smarter than I ever gave her credit for.
"Currently, the only people in the room that have gone on genuine dates with Cid are Alpha, Beta, and me, if the party is counted I suppose. But with how Alexia constantly was intruding on us I wouldn't." said Gamma, grumbling at the latter half of her sentence.
Delta raised her hand.
"Yes Delta?" I asked.
"What's a date?" she responded.
We all chuckled softly.
"Baka Wan-chan. You don't even know that?" taunted Zeta.
Delta begins to growl at Zeta, but luckily Eta begins to pet Delta to help calm her down.
"A date… is something… that a couple does… to spend time together… romantically." Clarified Eta.
Delta did her best to think on those words.
"Oh!" said Delta with much enthusiasm, "I've been on one with Bossman! Just before we went with the giant lizard to play with his friends!"
We all chuckled again.
I start, "I'm sure you have Delta, but-"
Delta, however, cuts me off with one of the most surprising sentences I've heard, "We even mated at the end too!"
All of us have different reactions to this revelation. I immediately stand up in surprise, Gamma slips from her chair hitting her head on the table as she does, Epsilon stand up and knocks her chair over in the process, Eta slumps over and onto Delta, Zeta becomes catatonic, and Beta-
"WHAT!?" Beta screams at the top of her lungs.
I slowly waked to Delta, who seemed unaware of the chaos she caused. She sits as she usually does, with her hands in the begging stance she likes to have them in. I slowly take her hands and ask, "Delta. Could you tell us what happened? It might help going forward since Cid had turned down Beta for… mating. We would want to know how to make him comfortable enough to engage with everyone else in that manner."
Delta smiles, then frowns.
"Mm… Delta's not sure she can." Said Delta.
I frown a bit too, "What do you mean? Do you not feel comfortable telling us?"
Delta shook her head, "N-no! It's… um, Bossman said… some things that are a super-duper-ultra hush-hush secret."
I can't help but giggle a bit. Cid always says that when he's joking around, but Delta probably took it seriously. I should change my approach a bit, "Okay. But can you tell me everything else?"
Delta smiles, "Okay!"
-Delta-
This was after bossman, and I played with Lion and the lady that smells like cookies.
Leon. Delta, his name is Leon.
That's what I said! Lion! Jeez, do you want to hear my story or not?
My apologies, carry on.
Mhm. Well, this was a couple of um… minutes (?) after Alpha finished yelling at me. Bossman said he'd do anything I asked if I helped him-
He did!?
Mm, that's what bossman said if I helped him no questions asked Epsilon… Well, he said a bunch of things after, but basically he said he'd do what I want. So, I asked him to come with me to my den near Alexandria. He said okay, since he wasn't tired yet, so we walked there right after the big lizard went home.
When we got there, I had bossman close his eyes and walk behind me by holding onto my tail. Then when we got to my napping spot I started pulling out all the treasures I found for him.
Treasures?
Mhm, mhm! Bossman loves treasure so I made sure to get him a bunch. I got him so shiny coins, some clothes I think fit him, some other shiny stuff like crowns, and some yummy food that I hunted, One of those big piano thingies since he likes playing on that, and-and I made him some paintings!
Delta…
That's what Bossman said! After Delta said he can look, anyway. He looked at everything carefully, Delta had so much fun showing him everything. Bossman even played a song on the piano for Delta, Bossman's favorite song. The… What was it…?
Moonlit Sonata
Yeah that! Bossman said he liked how it sounded from Delta's den. He only played one song and then he leaned over to Delta's face and gave Delta a big kiss!
Aww…
Mhm. It made Delta so happy! Delta started to want to get closer to Bossman so Delta nuzzled into Bossman. He started laughing because Delta's fur was tickling him, so Delta laughed too! Because whenever Bossman's happy Delta's happy! And Delta was really, REALLY, happy!
It sounded like you were just kissing and cuddling though. Even if you gave Lo-…Cid a mating display how did that turn into you actually mating?
A/N: This is the start of a Lemon. Go to AO3 or QQ to read it.
Cid and Delta's mating session told through a third person point of view because writing Delta's POV was too clunky.
A/N: Lemon ends here
-Alpha-
"Okay! That's enough!" yelled Zeta while covering Delta's mouth.
Angry at being cut off despite us all being interested in her story to begin with, Delta growls at Zeta, "Eh? But Bossman and I went at it till he got tired! I still have a couple of-"
"Please, Delta, I'm starting to feel really jealous!" yelled Beta.
Delta started to whimper, not used to Beta being mad at her. This of course made Beta cool off immediately and hug Delta.
"Sorry Delta," said Beta as she ran her hands through Delta's hair, "I'm not angry at you… I just… Cid wasn't ready to things with me so hearing about how he did it with you for… a while, made me feel a bit sad."
Delta hugged Beta back, "Oh… Delta's sorry… Oh! Maybe Delta can help you make your own mating gift!"
I freeze at this. I head to the white board we had set up and immediately write 'Receiving Gifts' underneath Cid's love language.
Eta sees me doing this and adds, "Put… quality time… too."
I nod and write it.
"Oh!" Epsilon jumped up, "Words of affirmation too! Delta said that she's always happy around Cid before they started making out!"
I add that too. Yes… I can see it now.
"Eh… but what differed from my date?" asked Beta.
I think on my own experience with Cid as well. If I recall correctly: Quality time would be satisfied by how we had met for the first time. I had doted on him a bit, so that may be more of an act of service. I gave him a tuna sandwich from Mitsugoshi's Tuna King, so I suppose that's gift giving. After we kissed, I also mentioned how I missed him, though he said it first, so I suppose that's words of affirmation…
What about Beta's date. For starters it differed that Cid had been the one to invite her rather than the reverse. They had spent some quality time together… then jumped into kissing straight after, and stopping there.
For Delta, she had spent some quality time with Cid, gave him gifts, and compliments, and it could be considered an act of service I suppose…
What's missing?
Suddenly one of the other women in the room called out, "Um, if I may."
I turned my head to see that it's Nu speaking. "Speak."
Nu bows before answering, "Perhaps you're looking at this… in the wrong way…?"
"Oh…? Then… how should… we be looking… at this?" asked Eta.
"Rather than thinking of this like a checklist… perhaps you should look at the force behind everything? I… I think maybe it's the sincerity of everything that is what moved Lord Shadow." Offered Nu.
"Eh!? But I was super sincere in what I did!" exclaimed Beta.
Hm… sincerity in our actions… I see!
"Beta, calm down." I said, forcing her to pout and sit back down. "I think I have a working theory on how to conquer Cid's heart."
All the members of Shadow Garden perk up at my statement and Eta in particular seems rather excited at my statement.
"Nu's partially right," I begin, "What Cid admires is our sincerity in our actions. However, he also likes to be on the receiving end. What Beta was missing was something to show the depth of her feelings."
"Eh…? Hm… wait then how did it work for you?" asked Beta.
I blush a little, doing my best to not let my ears wiggle as I recall that day, "I… I believe it's because of how much we missed each other. How… how we managed to continue right where we left off from when we met each other for the first time. He… he could probably tell how much I loved him."
The girls all squeal at my words. Even Zeta and Eta, though I imagine they're doing it to mock me.
"*AHEM*" I clear my throat to stop them, "In Delta's case, she had done her best to show how her sincere love in her own way, and that had moved his heart pass the threshold of the relationship they had. Beta, in your date Cid had shown the depth of his feelings for you by reenacting a scene from one of your favorite stories, perhaps try to do the same for him and show him your sincerity. This goes for everyone else as well… Nu, in light of your assistance, if Cid takes other members, then I shall recommend you."
As Nu pumps her fist discreetly as we close the meeting. Cid… You will be lambasted by love in the coming week.
-Leon-
As I see my childhood home grow in the distance, I look to my left and see Livia adorably nervous. I look to my right and see Angie better off but still having her eyes closed the entire time while she clings onto my jacket.
"They're going to love you girls I told you already," I reassure them, "The only one that has to worry about anything is me. Mom and Dad are probably on the verge of a heart attack with everything that I did."
Livia and Angie both sigh at that, but I see them smile a bit.
Deirdre who walks next to Cid also laughs, with a boisterous "Ohohoho!"
"I guess you do have it worse don'tcha Leon?" laughed Cid. "Can't imagine how my parent's would react if they found out I became the crown prince while at school."
Due to having an arm free for once I flip off Cid, who returns it in full bro fashion.
Speaking of bros, suddenly a familiar voice calls out, "Big Bro!"
I find myself tackled by a small blur, it's not enough to knock me down, but considering that I'm wearing some armor to help look more impressive I don't want to hurt my little brother and act like he knocked me down.
"Colin!" I yell in joy as I lift him above me, "It's been so long!"
Colin giggles as I hold him, and Cid comes by to help by grabbing Colin off of my hands.
"Woah… it's like a mini Leon." Remarked Cid before adding, "One that hasn't been corrupted."
I give Cid a punch to his shin which he tanks and laughs off.
Colin is dropped by Cid and immediately runs up to Livia and Angie.
"Hello! I'm Colin, who are you?" he asked with a bright smile.
Livia immediately squealed and dropped to her knees to hug the stuffing out of Colin. I chuckle at the sight of a confused but happy Colin.
"Let him breathe Livia," I say while gently prying her off of him.
Colin finds himself only momentarily free as both Angie and Deirdre fuss over him next, crouching down and pulling at his cheeks.
I find my attention drawn by Livia as she tugs at my arm.
"Leon." Called Livia with deadly serious voice.
"Yeah Livia?" I answered nervously.
Livia then looks me dead in the eyes and states with absolutely no hesitation, "I want 20."
A/N: Okay, I think that's a good place to stop for now. The summer "arc" is likely going to take one or two more chapters. Basically one for Cid with the shades at the resort, probably give Beta a redo (maybe alongside Epsilon), and then have Leon with Deirdre and/or Claire.
As for the Delta lemon, she is explaining things to everyone, but I changed perspective because Delta's first person pov didn't really work that well. So what she tells everyone is different from what you read. Although it would be funny if she suddenly became hella verbose.
So fun thing, I actually rolled Shadow in the Master of Garden game, which inspired me to do this chapter sooner than I expected to. My motivation isn't dying or anything, I just was grinding my games again. Cleared all the Melusine village quests in Genshin Impact and grinded the dog event in Fate/Grand Order because the needed material to ascend Kriemhild were in the shop.
Now I'm going to try and answer all of the comments, admittedly on AO3 it's a bit harder to tell if I did or not.
AO3:
Kisame_hoshigaki: So I do know Spanish, but I've been using google translate to answer your guys' comments just because it's easier on my brain. Lmao, yeah I know one word from other languages and it's either hello or some kind of curse word too.
Oh, Leon just guessed. Leon's pretty quick on the uptake in canon so when he saw someone doing the reverse harem route he just took a swing with the "like a firework" comment to Julius. Those two are definitely going to interact more.
Yeah, Marie's character is complicated, she brought a lot of it onto herself, but I can't blame her for everything. Especially since she did seem to try and change when she had her daughter.
Thanks for reading, hope you liked this chapter too.
Wolfpaladin: So Leon's harem is planned to be Angie, Livia, Clarice, Claire, Deirdre, Mylene, Iris, Noelle, and Louise. Livia had meant seven aside from her and Angie.
As for not sticking to canon by excluding Hertrude and not sticking to the no incest-rule by including Louise, it's because I don't have a lot to work with when it comes to Hertrude. Hertrude understandably is deeply connected to Fanoss, but outside of that and loving her sister I don't know much about her as a character. It's either in the light novels I haven't read yet or I should just make small inferences based on like the kindergarten spin off. In that case, it'd just be like Claire's personality but less friendly basically. So, Claire replaced Hertrude. As for Louise, I feel like it could be fun to work with. I did mention I might use her in the beginning chapters anyway. There is an incest undertone, but it's more of something interesting to work with, like the step-sibling trope, rather than something I find gross, like the actual blood related relationship.
SergioSilver506: thanks for all the comments, that made me really happy to see. Anyway, answering them in order-
Yeah the fight was pretty even at that point, since it was 'pre-timeskip' shadow garden. Plus it's hard to ignore the mass the robot would have. Glad you liked how I kept the status quo for Leon, I was worried someone would've pointed out it not making any sense, even for the series.
Yeah, forward Olivia is great. It makes sense too, given how much she scolds Leon for the stuff he does in canon, as much as he doesn't listen because he thinks she's cute. Yeah, Claire knowing about the rejection plan is better for the fic in my opinion as any rivalry with Alexia would be stolen by Beta later on, and Claire has friends this time around so isn't as much of a bro-con as in canon.
Thanks! Plan K was one of the things I always wanted to build up to. And thanks for enjoying the balance between the two protags, I find it hard to do but enjoyable when doing it.
Lmao, glad to know the lemons are actually well received, this is the first time I've actually written any so I wasn't sure. I admit I do take reference from stuff like this webnovel I've been reading, How to survive in a Fantasy world as a Writer.
I had to push Leon somehow, and this worked, if a bit soon like someone else pointed out.
Yup, it's not only progress for Leon himself but for his love interests too, after all he is in an Otome game world.
It's funny how you say I maintained the essence of the characters while someone on QQ said I lost Cid's, lol.
Thanks!
Anisomeone: Yeah, I noticed that on the reddit at times. Cid isn't exactly sociopathic, it is there, but he does actually care about everyone. Hell he'll get sad every time he thinks they're trying to do stuff without him. Thanks for reading.
Questionable Questing:
Someone ani: This chapter was them formulating a plan. Cid, your life ends a couple days from now. Sorry for delaying the events a bit, but I do want to properly build things up.
Alternativefuturefan27: Lmao yeah. As the girls get stronger he has less of an edge.
Angie's armor was linked to in the chapter I mentioned it, just at the end. Btw that clip made me laugh, nice.
Zackman2k12: I thought you hadn't commented in between those two chapters glad to see you were happy at seeing two of them.
Yeah, I liked getting to get Leon laid after he knocked those idiots flat. He did surprise Cid, but his goal was to only get one hit. Without Arroganz that would be a lot harder.
Cid's bullshit is core to his character, some people think it's a super power he has, I don't but I guess I kinda write it so he has it.
Marie's going to get her bootcamp treatment, after all she still owes Leon money.
Dsaeg: Y'know, I did admittedly domesticate Cid a bit. However, I feel like saying I didn't make him inhuman and crazy ignores how he tried to pull the Goku ultra instinct move on a bunch of bandits, slaughtering them, only to think "some day I'll do it as flawlessy as him" and other stuff, like bringing a dragon to a fight for a throne because it'd be cool. Agree to disagree though. Thanks for reading.
Also lmao collection. That got me!
Bladist: So your wording kinda implies that Deirdre is one of the fiancés, but just to clarify she isn't.
Leon had let go of most of those gripes by the time of the duel (Like when he humiliated Jilk and Brad in the training room), plus it's kind of hard for him to air those out on people he knows are brainwashed. He still had some problems with them, but he knew his beef at that point was with Marie and society.
No, she was still just crying in her room and a rebellious punk by the time Livia found her. I dunno but like most mobuseka fanfic writers I just kind tiptoed around that, as it really just makes me feel bad for her. It's like writing what happens to Shiho in P5, you'll want to avoid it if you can.
Lea is more willing to kill if need be, but Leon hasn't killed anyone himself yet. You're not reading too much into it, I had the same thought process, but I feel like I should acknowledge it when it happens.
Thanks, some people didn't like the Hanabi reveal, or at least didn't fully get it, so glad to see you liked how I handled it. Also that correction over the name made me laugh, nice.
He's cooked, it's only a matter of time now.
Neat how you called I'd bring Beatrix along, as for Creare… Well, let's hope she doesn't meet Eta is all I'll say!
I didn't know that about their past lives, makes sense though. But from what I remember those rumors were spread because his sister hid Yaoi books in his room and his mom found them.
Golden Darnkess: thanks for the free reference holy shit. I didn't know those existed. I'll add a separate threadmark on QQ for references I think. If you don't mind I'll add your comment to that.
From Fanfic:
Fangs of death: thanks!
EDG1999: Thanks for reading. Also short? It's above 5K words, I think most other fics are shorter but do a lot more with less words. Crazy to think how much I've written these past few weeks. I won't say he's stuck with her, but Leon's not a bad guy. And he did promise to help train them. Yeah the return to the academy is going to be a bit fun, as is his meeting with Mylene.
Haseo55: Hm… the bike race is useless now, huh… I wonder what I should… OH! Man I have a great idea!
Guest: Well, uh, sorry but that starts next chapter. I'll do my best though!
SpaceBattles:
Kaleidoscope89: Y'know, if you move to AO3 too I might stop posting on SB. Like no pressure but I think you and two or three other people are reading on here so I might as well just save the trouble of four websites.
Thanks for continuing to read. I mean I don't think Marie really faces her demons, like she has a realization but it doesn't present consequences for her. I didn't realize he was acting like a big brother, that's actually really cute, thanks!
Delta's a bit smarter than people give her credit for (especially in this fic, lol. Blame it on her being 18 now instead of 15 like in canon I guess.)
