A/N: Hewwo… Okay. Yeah, no I'm sorry. I just don't have anything to really note on this time around. I guess there's the bit with Angelica near the end of chapter 5, but to be fair I don't think it's been mentioned when she did the maid thing, just that she did it at some point.
Disclaimer: I do not own Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs, nor do I own The Eminence in Shadow. The only Beta reader here is the elf.
-Leon-
For the two years we had been apart, I would send Olivia some letters. Usually once or twice a month. Just a few pages about how I was doing, anything my family got up to now that Zola's doing her best to avoid us, and other stuff like that. Olivia sent me much the same. I know more about baking than I ever did, or that I knew she did. In hindsight, in Alto Liebe the protagonist would often use cookies as a means to multiply the increase in affection meters of the boys after any time spent together. I thought it was weird how cookies and bread could serve as such huge multipliers, but the samples Olivia sent over with the help of the Luxion drone I left with her really had me eating my own words. And those cookies, damn they were good. Dad, Nicks, and Jenna would try to steal some from me all the time. I only shared some with mom, Finley, Colin though, and that was just when I was in a good mood.
Speaking of buns, Olivia's really filled out over the years. I remember what I saw from the CGs, but damn. I know she's not going to go for a guy like me, no matter what mom and dad say, but I can still appreciate the view. Well, to a degree. I'm a healthy young adult male, not a complete pervert. I know the line for that is thin, but still.
"Mister Leon~! Mister Leon~!" cried out the creature that was as cute as it was lewd.
"C'mon Olivia, we're friends. You can just call me Leon," I said, feeling the Mister thing is a bit weird now that we're both adults. I then mutter, "I wouldn't mind Senpai though."
Olivia tilts her head. "Aren't we in the same year though, Senpai?"
Guh! Critical Hit!
Olivia comes in with the [Once More!] with her next statement, "But if that makes you happy, I'll do that! And you can call me Livia!"
Gah! I'm on low health, can't someone heal me!
[It is nice to see you once again Mistress Olivia.]
"Luxy!" beamed Olivia, "Thank you again for helping me stay in touch with everyone. I hope you're well."
[My systems are running well, thank you. You may be pleased to know that since you are no longer burdened by distance you may exchange letters with everyone on a much shorter basis. Within minutes, if you'd like.]
I shoot Luxion daggers as Olivia hugs my arms in excitement. Suddenly our reunion is a bit cut off by the people around us.
"Tsk, you're in the way! Gerald!" said some random harpy.
Suddenly Olivia and I find ourselves face to face with therianthrope slave. Apparently, we were in his lady's way, despite this gate being 50 feet wide. He attempts to get handsy, so I glare and show off the other lady at my side, my trusty pistol Etra-chan. He backs off, and his lady glares at me. Though of course that's not the worst thing I saw today, and of course it's not only the women who are awful.
"Hey, pick up the pace old man!" shouted some random noble man, kicking at an old butler doing his best to carry five big suitcases.
"I-I'm sorry young sir!" Cried the old man.
I begin to tear up a little as I understand that these are going to be my peers for next few years. I wanna go home! Who cares about canon! It'll proceed without me!
"KYAH! It's the prince's entourage!"
Olivia and I turn to see said group walk past everyone, them all splitting like the red sea to make way for them. The dark blue haired Prince Julius Raufa Holfort whom was the game's main route and basic 'I don't want the crown' type guy, The long green haired Jilk Fia Mamoria his adopted brother who was the yandere-lite route, The light blue haired bespectacled Chris Fia Arclight who was the needy guy route, the red haired muscly Greg Fou Sandberg who wasn't much other than strong from what I remember, and the purple haired Brad Fou Field who was supposedly the best looking. Much as I'd hate to admit it, they are the best looking here, total ikemen. I look to Olivia to see if she has a route in mind and see her looking back at me. Before I can ask her what she thinks of the off-brand power rangers the nearby nobles begin to make coherent words again.
"H-huh?" a couple of girls whisper, "It's the house of Redgrave's…"
A beautiful girl with a blonde hair in a braided bun and a few bangs framing her face walks her model like body with purpose, a few other girls following her and holding what I presume to be her bags. Ooh, that's the villainess Angelica! In the game she's the rival of the protagonist who's betrothed to the prince and frequently stirs up trouble. I admit that I found how her hotheadedness became her undoing, ultimately orchestrating her downfall to be fairly amusing my first few playthroughs. Looking back, I kinda feel bad for her, after all she was just doing her duty, and she did love the prince. Angelica's the daughter of a duke, a level of nobility that's second only to the royal family, that had to come with expectations, especially as a woman. Seeing her from my own eyes instead of Olivia's she really gives off a different aura than I expected, heck it's different from everyone near us.
I look back to Olivia only to see her smiling at me like my mom does at my dad whenever he lets me do something stupid. Like that one time I wanted to try drinking beer and ended up with a hangover. Just like my dad, I do the only logical thing and try to run. However, as my arm is trapped between the heavenly peaks, I have nothing to do but accept my fate.
"O-Olivia" I ask.
"Livia." She insists with a firm tone of voice and even firmer grip on my arm.
"Livia, I kinda need to go set up my dorm." I do my best to excuse myself.
However, Olivia makes a sound that reminds me of the delinquents that always crowded around the convenience store near my house, "Ha?"
Like every time I had to walk past those delinquents, I do my best to talk quickly, "I mean you do too. It was nice meeting with you and all but I don't want to race back and forth from Partner all the time."
Olivia's red eye begins to surge with mana as she grips my arm super hard, "Who is your Partner?"
"WHY IS YOUR EYE GLOWING LIKE THAT!?" I cry out in equal parts fear and pain.
"Answer me senpai."
Aw, she's still using the nickname.
[I believe master is referring to the name of my main body, his ship in other words.]
Olivia's new red eye stops charging with energy. I wonder if she can shoot a beam out of it like Luxion? She doesn't let go but does relax her grip and begins to pout.
"…but I wanted to see you so badly." She mumbles.
I smile and pat her on the head. "Hey, we're going to same school dummy. You're going to see a lot of me."
Olivia smiles, "Yeah I guess you're right senpai."
"Pfft" I laugh, "I was just joking about that. Now c'mon Livia, or else we're both going to have to stay on Partner for the next year…"
I try to walk forward only to see myself not making any progress.
"Luxion, am I crazy-"
[Yes.]
I glare at the little orb and continue to speak as though he didn't interrupt me, "or am I not moving?"
[Mistress Olivia appears to be holding you in place.]
I look back at Olivia who's smiling innocently. I laugh and start walking. She laughs and doesn't.
Nicks and Jenna eventually got all their luggage and found Olivia and I stuck in place. I managed to talk Jenna into helping Olivia sign up, figuring she was just nervous to go alone. Miauler, Jenna's servant that I bought for her because I figured it was the only way she'd get a boyfriend, has to drag Olivia. Olivia merely pouts at me and makes cute little grabby hands at me as she's toted away.
-Cid-
"An Eminence in Shadow shall act as one of the mobs when not acting as the Eminence in Shadow."
That is one of my most important mottos. An Eminence in Shadow is called as such because he doesn't stand out. If he did he'd just be another OP protagonist. That's Leon's job. I think. In any case, "The Eminence in Shadow" and "Mob" are two sides of the same coin. That's why even before my reincarnation, my first priority in school was to not stand out. No, not only in school, but any moment I was observed outside of my days as The Stylish Ruffian Slayer. One who aspires to be The Eminence in Shadow must master the ways of the mob. Even at this school, nothing has changed! As such, when there's a small party where all the lower noble men meet prior to the start of the semester I attend as well.
A senior on the stage greets us all, "First… I must say that I am quite happy to see that once again we can welcome another group of freshmen of our level of nobility into our ranks. But anyway"
"CHEERS!" Cries out everyone with their own standard barrel looking mug. I do the same. I've long since altered my body with magic to be immune to the effects of alcohol and most poisons, much to Eta's chagrin. So, as I sip from my mug, I do my best to walk around and blend in. Eventually I find my buddy Leon talking to some other mobs. I wave hello and they do the same.
"Hey." Said Leon to a mob with tan skin, "What kind of welcoming party is this? We haven't even started school yet."
The mob responds with, "Well… we're all from the advanced class, but it's a gathering for poorer countryside nobility."
Hm? Am I in the advanced class? Or is this because I'm a foreign noble?
The tan mob then offers his hand to Leon and I, "My name is Daniel Foe Dalant. I'm a first year."
"Cid Kagenou, first year."
"Leon fou Barfort. I'm also a first year. Nice to meet you."
Daniel sets down his mug and begins to give us the tutorial on how the school year is going to look like, "Compared to the rich guys, it'll probably be hard for us to find a wife. That's why we made this group, to discuss our problems and share information."
Woah, I almost never hung out with other guys, but clearly these are men of culture. Of course, no man could resist the urge to create a secret society!
"Hm.." pondered Leon, "But in that case, won't a fight break out if two of us like the same girl?"
Good point. I mean I'll just pretend to like who's popular like I did in my last life and back down to anyone that's actually interested in them, that should be fine… why did the shade's pouty faces pop into my mind?
Suddenly a green bowl cut haired begins to speak while adjusting his glasses, "Eve if there's a conflict, as long as we're in the group we'll still hang out. So we won't do anything rash. If there's a fight, we'll settle the matter as a group… but that rarely ever happens. I'm Raymond Fou Arkin, nice to meet you."
As we all shake hands I can't help but smile at my new mob friends. Or Leon's mob friends I suppose. Ah, tripping flags like a true mob would. I could learn a thing or two here. Not anything about charming women, given how many 3rd years are here, but limitless lessons in mobfu. Speaking of the upperclassmen, one walks up to us, only slightly tipsy.
"Hey! You guys having fun? I'm Rukul a third year, I thought I'd come over and introduce myself since I recognized you Leon."
Leon looks confused, so Raymond clarifies. "Don't play stupid. You're the third son of a baron that went out and became a successful adventurer before enrolling. Stories of you have even reached my house, let alone the capital!"
Daniel who didn't recognize Leon jolts in surprise, "Oh! So, you're that rumored adventurer! I thought you were one of Natsume Kafka's latest stories!"
Rather than enjoy the fame, Leon remembers why he had to make the money in the first place. Before he say anything Daniel continues speaking.
"Wait, don't you already have that commoner girl? Why are you here?" Daniel asked.
"What are you talking about?" said Leon with his head on the table.
Rukul nods, "That's right! There was one other notable first year, a commoner girl with no background who got in based on the school's efforts to get extraordinary individuals ever since our temporary merger with Midgar's academy."
"And," added Daniel, "the behest of her lover before the king."
All the men pause and stare at Leon, but since he's doing his best to fuse with the bar table he doesn't notice.
"We're just friends… besides the only reason I'm here is because I had no other choice. I had to make money or else I was going to be sold to some demonic hag in her fifties." Moaned Leon.
The bar grows silent, and Daniel and Raymond pat Leon on the back. I hear a few of the other men talk about how they're worried on how Olivia is in the high class with the rest of us, and how they're worried that she'll become a nuisance. It seems that despite how mob-like they are, Daniel and Raymond share the opinion and don't enjoy the fact that commoners—well a commoner—is going to attend the academy. I guess that's why we're still in kingdoms with nobility classes.
After Leon and I have a few drinks, I do my best to take him to the dorms. On our way there, Olivia and Luxion meet with us. I say my hellos and goodbyes as Olivia drags Leon off like an angry housewife.
Gotta say, using magic to change your eye color is really cool. A bit too 'baby's first oc' for me to do it for now, but I think I'll borrow (read: steal) the idea of using magic to make my eye glow. Plus, I already change my eyes from gray to red to help hide my identity as Shadow. Though I wonder… how'd Olivia get her magic signature to look like an old 3D movie? I feel like if I had the glasses I'd see Olivia's magic signature pop out at me. Hm… did I ever tell Eta how film works? I feel like I hadn't.
-Leon-
*YAWN*
I decided to attend the ceremony, if only to briefly escape Olivia's clinginess. Which I would enjoy if I thought she like me, but I know she's going to just end up with the prince and/or his entourage so I've been trying to hold her at arm's length. But man did the prince's speech have to be so boring? I feel like even he's falling asleep. "Downcast eyes" my ass, he's bored out of his mind. I wonder what else the game misinterpreted to fit sales. Even in different worlds, opening ceremonies are a drag it would seem. The only thing I manage to hear is how the prince issued a royal decree to not have anything that happens on campus to be brought outside of it, in the interest of having everyone treat each other like equals or something. As a baron, I realize how bad that would go for some people. I wonder if this means I can't talk to my family back home legally speaking?
"They're here at last. I've waited 10 years for these princes."
Huh? Who was that, it gave me the chills. I look around in a calm but tired manner and eventually my sights set on some short blonde girl… I don't know why but looking at her I'm filled with… some mixture of rage, spite, and hatred… no it's even more complex than that.
In any case, the ceremony ends, and I walk outside with everyone else. Luxion eventually comes back from his scouting mission I gave him.
[Master!]
"Oh Luxion," I yawn again, "How was the town like?"
[My science and technology far outshine it all, of course. But their feats in the realm of magic do nothing but astonish me. However, with science and technology, it is possible to reproduce their effects. I will continue monitoring.]
Knowing he's avoiding the subject to brag about old humanity again I get annoyed, "So did you see anything of importance or not? Why don't you just say it you sassy bot. What are you, a Tsundere?"
[Oh my! Do you wish to enter a romantic relationship with me Master? Unfortunately, I do not possess reproductive functions so I cannot return your feelings.]
I groan. Even though Luxion doesn't change his voice at all—how an advanced civilization didn't make good AI voices astounds me given all that they did do—I can tell he's laughing at me. I then shake my head and start heading towards the dorms. Right about now, Olivia should be meeting with the prince. It's the standard event that takes place no matter what route you take, but it's basically the start of the prince's route.
"Hi senpai, hello Luxy!"
"Hey Livia."
[Greetings Mistress Olivia.]
…
Hold up.
I turn to see Olivia's red and blue eyes staring at me, practically filled with sparkles as she smiles.
"Livia… uh, Whatcha doing here?" I ask.
Livia giggles and does that cute finger poking/wiggling thing. "I was looking for you silly~"
"You…" I begin to grasp at straws. Olivia needs to meet the prince. God how many minutes after the ceremony was it when it happened in the game? "You sure you didn't want to look around campus or anything? Maybe meet up with your friends?"
"Ooh that sounds fun! We should go get Cid and Claire and have her show us around!" said Olivia with a smile so bright a dark type like me begins to take damage.
This is bad. I need to ditch her for the sake of the kingdom!
"L-Livia… You can go ahead. I'll catch up."
"Oh, do you need to do something? I'll come with you."
Shit.
"Livia."
"Yes?"
"I just want to rest in my room."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, so-"
"I'll come with! We can read some of Natsume Kafka's books! Did you know there's one based on us? Claire gave it to me the other day."
"I-I really just wanted to take a nap though…"
"Oh."
"Right, so-"
"You can just rest your head on my lap while I read. I don't mind, I just want to spend time together."
Shit. That sounds nice… No! Don't give in Leon! For the future!
"Livia."
"Mhm?"
"I need to go shoot some pheasants… you know? Pick some flowers?"
"Are you going out? That sounds fun, can I come? Wait, but I thought you said you wanted to go rest."
"…I'm going to take a shit Livia. It's a euphemism."
"Oh"
Okay good, she gets the point.
"I'll just wait for you at your dorm then, does Luxy have the keys?"
I stare at Olivia. She smiles back. I turn my head to see if Luxion is nearby. The traitorous orb activates his cloaking function as soon as I see him. I look back to Olivia, she smiles and starts reaching for me. I start thinking about it. Honestly, Olivia's a real catch. Menhera qualities that are surfacing aside—oh who am I kidding I'm so desperate I'd appreciate those too. If anything, something within my soul is just screaming for me to accept this. However, my brain that knows every single bad end of Alto Liebe and what that could mean for my family, even Jenna, coordinates with my body, and I book it.
-P2W/Nu-
Nu had attended a school like this, not too long ago. However, despite it being a few years it feels more like a whole lifetime. Nu was not an elf like many of my peers, yet she can't help but wonder if that is what they feel like looking back on their lives. Nu can't imagine what the likes of Lady Gamma, Eta, or Beta have seen in their many years on this planet. Not to mention Lady Shade, or her husband Lord Shadow.
Speaking of, Lady Shade, leader of the seven shades and acting leader of the Shadow Garden, had given her the honor of watching over Lord Shadow's school. Originally Nu had simply watched over Lord Shadow and gotten a feel for the school while disguised as one of the students. It had been simple enough to pretend to be one of the lower-class students, many were shy in nature and kept to themselves. However, with Lady Shade's coming arrival, Nu had been tasked instead with keeping watch over Lord Shadow's friend, Sir Leon.
According to Lady Shade, Sir Leon has earned the respect from Lord Shadow due to his willingness to survive no matter the cost, his bright mind, and his shrewd nature. Lord Shadow describes him as a worthy friend, and even a worthier pawn. As Nu sees it, Sir Leon had been the one to find "Luxion" of the Lost Hangar of the Winds, so even though Lord Shadow is never wrong, Leon's feats only prove Lord Shadow correct.
Although, as she watches Sir Leon dash away from Miss Olivia, the former looking like he's being chased by a monster and the latter smiling like she's playing a game, she has a few doubts. She closely follows, her speed being easy to-
Nu ducks as she feels the familiar gaze of Sir Leon's familiar, Luxion. Lord Shadow had blessed The Shadow Garden with the ability to detect the gaze of these 'ka-moo-ras' with the use of the slime suit's ability to store magic. Something about waves, light, and electricity that made no sense to her feeble 20-year-old mind. It is a bit more difficult to perform in her disguise, however, and so she has to use the magic that she barely understands to move quickly around Luxion's gaze instead of walking through. But with how Luxion always looks at her locations she can't help but feel that the robot knew of her even when she had the spell and slime suit equipped.
Nu feels Luxion leave and gets back into position. Sir Leon approaches Prince Julius' location. As Sir Leon is running roughly 20 kilometers an hour Prince Julius takes an interest in what's going on and uses a spell to stop him. Sir Leon merely jumps over it. However, with his momentum now lost, and Miss Olivia close by, Sir Leon does his best to hide in a nearby tree. Prince Julius tries to speak to Leon in his hiding spot, only to be dragged up there as well and be silenced by Luxion's metallic tentacles.
Miss Olivia quickly arrives to their general location. When she does, so does another blonde-haired girl. Marie fou Lafan, a student that had paid for herself. Even though school has barely begun she has already found herself the victim of bullying. Nu would feel a bit sympathetic however given how Lafan immediately tries to scare Miss Olivia away from the location with extremely harsh and derogatory words related to Miss Olivia's appearance and status as a commoner, Nu believes that perhaps she should step in. However, in a manner that appears uncharacteristic compared to how Lord Shadow and Lady Shade described Miss Olivia, she immediately puts her hands on Lafan's shoulders, and brings her close. Nu can't tell what Miss Olivia is saying but as Lafan begins to panic and Sir Leon's jaw drops, it's likely not good. Prince Julius gets loose and rushes to Lafan's aide.
In a move that surprises Nu, Lafan slaps Prince Julius for some reason before storming off. Perhaps because Prince Julius rescued her from Miss Olivia by picking her up like a toddler? Prince Julius begins to speak to Miss Olivia, looking like he was going to reprimand Miss Olivia. However, she looks at Miss Olivia with a stare that scares Nu, even from the big distance she had. Prince Julius points above him, revealing Leon's location. Miss Olivia shoots a light beam, breaking off the branch Sir Leon was hiding on, causing him to fall right into Miss Olivia's arms. As Sir Leon's dragged off Nu can hear him curse Prince Julius, not having realized who he was.
Prince Julius eventually leaves, bowing in apology before chasing after Lafan. Nu, knowing she can't avoid Luxion's gaze on Partner, merely prays for Sir Leon's safety.
-Leon-
Even after breaking Julius flags and giving it to some random girl, Olivia didn't follow any of the other routes. I think the only one left is Brad's, when he sends an invitation for the tea party. Heck, Olivia hasn't even bothered making any new friends aside from the people I've introduced her to. Daniel and Raymond have taken to her, if a bit scared of her. I can't blame them. I'm guessing it's my fault, but Olivia has her personality that she has at the end of the game already. She's completely kind to everyone, but quick to become scary to anyone who's a threat to the people she cares about. I heard that Greg tried to approach her because of that but was quickly thrown out a window because she promised to study with me. Meh, he was my least favorite route too.
In any case, the boys and I are sitting around a gazebo as we lament our marriage prospects as usual. Well except for Cid, pretty sure he's just waiting for Alice to come back. Lucky bastard, I hope you live a long happy life.
With my head held aloft by my hand as my will to live has been depleting, I ask, "What are we going to do about the tea party? We're supposed to figure out who to invite, right? Probably someone from a barony or the daughter some lesser viscount… any ideas?"
Daniel grins, "Absolutely None!"
Raymond simply shakes his head and sighs. "Well as long as it's a girl that might actually come, I'm okay with anybody."
Cid looks back at us, "That sounds pretty sad honestly."
"Shut it, you happily spoken for man," I rage, "I hope you and Alice meet soon!"
"Yeah!" seethes Daniel, "You better invite us to the wedding damn it!"
"Silence normie," chimes in Raymond, "I look forward to hearing about your children in the near future."
Cid shuts up and does his best to hide his blush as he drinks out of a juice box. Another one of mitsugoshi's suspiciously familiar products. I'd worry about it and how they published a book on my adventure more if I wasn't so preoccupied. Plus I got a letter with a promised discount in the future whenever I visit one of their stores, so.
I sigh again, "Ugh… these tea parties are nothing but expensive bootlicking to curry favor with the women."
"There's no two ways about it," says Raymond while cleaning his glasses, "If we don't even bother with the tea party, rumors will spread. And that is sure to mess up our chances of getting married."
Daniel slumps in his chair, "Whether or not anybody will actually accept the invitation of some poor baron's son… I don't know."
We pathetic three sigh and Cid has the audacity to laugh. He tries to hide it, but the first blood has been shed.
"Hm.." ponders Raymond, "Cid, I believe you mentioned that Alice is an elf, correct?"
Cid nods while pulling out another juice box.
"Doesn't that mean you still need a legal wife?" asked Daniel.
Cid's eyebrows raise in surprise, and so do mine I imagine.
"Well, perhaps it's different in Midgar, but in Holfort elves hold no position of power. I know you said that your elder sister would be taking over as the family head, but don't you also have a responsibility to marry someone and create connections for your family?" explained Raymond.
Cid takes out the juice box, "I suppose. My family never really cared to mention anything like that."
"Well," said Daniel, "maybe they figured you'd already know? I'd ask Claire at the very least. Ignoring that, you are required to at least ask someone to go to your tea party."
"Oh, I'll just say I was rejected then." Said Cid.
"Won't work," I say, "You apparently need to be rejected publicly for that to work."
Cid starts to think about what to do. As he does I hear a commotion come from the other end of the garden. Ah, the sound of squealing noble ladies, the prince and his entourage must be nearby.
"…This year the princes and the sons of the great houses are attending so it's hard to even compete." Lamented Raymond.
"Of course we're gonna be compared to them, I wish they'd cut us some slack," I said.
"I mean check it out," pointed Daniel, "there are even some daughters of margraves and viscounts among their groupies."
I look over and see one girl who I wouldn't mind have following me around.
"Your Highness." Greets Angelica Rapha Redgrave.
Everyone falls silent as he turns to her. Poor girl, I can see how much he doesn't want to see her from here. A bit interested in what's going on and having nothing better to do anyway, the four of us get closer.
Angelica begins speaking again, her voice no less formal nor nice to hear, "I have a desire to speak to you in regards to the upcoming tea ceremony. Would this be an opportune moment for you?"
Julius sighs, not even bothering to hide it, "Ah Angelica don't force your way into the conversation. This is the academy, you know."
Ah yes, a subtle reference to his royal decree to treat him however he wants that benefits only him. I'm lucky no one knows about how Luxion can send communications, or else I'd have to never talk to my family until the holidays.
"I am aware of that. However," Angelica levels a glare at the groupies, "The conversation around your highness is rather loud."
Heh. Seeing the harpies do their best to look everywhere but Angelica is funny considering how quick they are to look down on us. Huh? It's that girl again.
"Marie!" cried Julius with a smile, "Thank goodness! We were looking for you!"
"U-Uhm" spoke Marie in a soft voice, "You called for me your highness?"
As Angelica glares, I can't help but remember that this is a scene from Alto Liebe. Is that girl… trying to replace Olivia? Wait where is Olivia? Usually by just thinking of her she appears within my vision.
"So that's the famous Lafan girl" remarked Raymond.
"You know who that is?" I ask.
"Yeah, rumor has it that she slapped the prince." He answered.
Well, I actually saw that.
"You're kidding me right!?" said Daniel, "You know, I heard that she was eating with one of the great house nobles and she all but swallowed a steak whole!"
"A common courting ritual." Said Cid.
A slap… and a steak…
Julius begins to speak "I'm planning on holding a tea party soon. I don't like it when things get too flashy. So I'm just inviting acquaintances. And so, I thought I'd ask you as well."
Angelica jumps in shock, doing wonderful things to her chest. Man, I love corsets.
"Wai-Wait, your highness please!" interjected Angelica, "There are rules and etiquette to be followed in a tea ceremony! Your highness must hold a tea party of a size more befitting of-"
Julius cuts off Angelica in a cold tone, "You dare to question my decisions Angelica? I'm here as a student. You might be my betrothed but you have no cause to interfere this much in my life."
Angelica grits her teeth, "Hm… how rude… of me."
I'm tempted to go and help her out. Something within me is burning with the desire to. But someone beats me to the punch.
"Does that mean you're going to be free Lady Redgrave?"
Everyone falls silent and looks to the new voice. It's Olivia.
Dumbfounded, Angelica can't help but answer, "…I suppose so, yes."
Olivia beams, causing the prince and several others to blush, "You should join me and Mister Leon then!"
"Pardon?" asked Angelica.
"Oh, Mister Leon is a friend of mine. You might have heard of the adventurer of the lost winds? That was him!" bragged Olivia, making me feel a bit sheepish.
"Oh?" said Julius.
"Adventurer of the lost winds?" asked Marie.
"Ah," said Jilk "A recent upstart adventurer. His love story with miss Olivia as penned by Natsume Kafka here is rather popular with the noble women. I could acquire a copy for you later."
"And… you're inviting me on his behalf?" asked Angelica, still confused.
Yeah, that's a bit confusing to me too. But Olivia's developed the habit of speaking on my behalf, I can't say I hate it, I do it for her too sometimes.
"Well, if he did, you'd think that he was trying to court you, and we couldn't have that," said Olivia while adopting a smile that suggests her eyes are closed but the glint of her glowing eye says otherwise, "I mean people who cheat on their spouses are just the worst! Anyone who'd do something like to someone just deserves bad things to come to them right?"
Jilk narrows his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
"Hm?" Olivia merely tilted her head.
Okay, I should step in now.
"Oh nothing," I say while everyone turns to me. This is where I can use my game knowledge to my advantage and vent some frustrations from my past life and current life, "I mean it's not as though you have been completely ignoring your fiancé and galivanting with a random girl, leaving the former to go crazy trying to grab your attention."
Jilk all but growls at my words, "I am not gallivanting-"
I cut him off, "But you are ignoring Lady Atlee?"
Everyone stays silent, I look at Olivia and she smirks at me, and I return it.
"Lord Mamoria, you surely haven't been-"starts Angelica.
Jilk merely leaves before she can finish. The rest of the prince's entourage look uneasy at what just happened, not used to people not letting them get their way.
"*Ahem* Julius?" I ask to finish the conversation, "Would it be alright to entertain your fiancé while you talk to your… acquaintances?"
Julius looks at me, then Olivia, and nods. "I see no issue with that, have fun." Julius and the rest of his entourage leave shortly after, leaving us with Angelica and a few of her followers.
I'm guessing Olivia has been locked out of the Julius, Jilk, and harem route. Well, actually, that little kid from earlier may have been going on them instead. I should look into it with Luxion later, as it could turn bad soon. For now, though, I turn to Olivia and Angelica. The latter of which appears somewhat dumbfounded still, though not as much as Daniel and Raymond do. Cid just has a new juice box.
"Well," says Olivia as she clasps her hands, "I look forward to talking to you then Lady Redgrave."
"…Yes." Agrees Angelica. "Until then… thank you."
Angelica merely walks off as well, but with a blink and you miss it smile.
As all the other nobles dissipate, the boys walk up to us. Cid offers us a thumbs up but Daniel and Raymond all but froth at their mouths. I just shrug. I have other things to worry about, like how to even do the tea ceremony, I'm not even that into tea. I was more of gamer supps guy.
-Cid-
As Leon dives into the world of tea making along with his "sensei" I decide to stop avoiding my sister. I walked up to her classroom for the first time in the year and before I could ask someone to get her, she jumped into the doorway.
"Cid!" beams Claire, "Did you want to have lunch with your Onee-san?"
I nod and Claire immediately drags me to the lunchroom by the scruff of my neck. I wonder if Delta and Zeta ever carry people around like this? I tried doing it to Delta once, but she made a weird noise when I tried using my mouth and Alpha got super mad. All of the other Shades asked me to do it to them whenever Alpha wasn't looking but somehow, she was always looking. Sasuga Alpha-sama.
In any case I ended up asking Claire about the stuff the boys were talking about the other day.
"Grr…" Claire does her best impression of a therianthrope as soon as I mentioned the intricacies of marriage in nobility, "It doesn't matter what mom and dad want. As soon as I become the head of the family, I'll be the one making decisions. If you want you don't even need to be with Alice, you could just stay at home, I'll make sure to take care of you!"
Doing my best to not get angry for reasons I don't understand, I ask "Don't you need to get married for you to become the head of the family though? How's that been going."
Claire deflates slightly, "…It's been going… already have someone in mind, y'know just like…"
"Leon's denser than an armor Nee-san, you're going to need to ask him to do something other than spar, and do something other than hit him for him to get the hint. Olivia's all but cemented her place as first wife at this point and he still doesn't get it." I said.
"W-what do you know!? Besides I never said it was Leon-kun!" cried Claire.
"He's the only guy besides me you spend time with Nee-san." I say.
Claire immediately begins to choke me again. "You don't need to point that out!"
She stops after a bit and I talk again, "Well I guess in that case maybe I should look for a legal wife. Knowing Mom and Dad they'll scare off anyone good."
Claire can only sigh in agreement. "Do you have anyone in mind Cid?"
I shake my head, "No but I have a plan."
"A plan?" asked Claire incredulously.
"It's fine if I ask literally anyone out, but if I get rejected, I can only skip the tea ceremony stuff if it's public enough for people to know about it." I say before rising to my feet with all the honor a mob can muster, "Therefore I'll just ask someone who never accepts anyone and skip the thing! Then we can tell our parents I was too traumatized from the experience and I can skip ever asking anyone again!"
"Ooh!" Claire rises to her feet in excitement. "That's perfect! Let's go scout right away!"
Claire and I would then finish our lunches and go sneaking around the school looking for the perfect target. I figured that we should at least stay within my year or the one above, just to make it seem like I could realistically think I had a chance. There was these pair of drill-haired girls but they seemed like the type who didn't live up to the stereotype, even if one was from another kingdom and the other was talking about some S&M stuff. There was this pink-haired mousy girl but she seemed like the type weak to pressure so that was a no-go. Eventually we ran into Daniel and Raymond while they got rejected and I asked them for some tips. On who to get rejected by, I mean. After they attempt to punch me only for Claire to catch both of their hands and glare them in to submission, they gave me tips on how they got rejected. Mainly that I should look for someone that comes from a higher family than mine, pale hair, and a mean glare.
"I know just who to get rejected by then." I declare.
Everyone asks me who and I point to the outside where an albino girl with her hair in twin tails passes by. She's stopped a man who seems to have shoujo effects around him, sparkles, roses, and all.
"Princess Alexia!" The man says as he gets on one knee with a bouquet, "Will you go out with me? So that we may enjoy our precious youth together?"
Princess Alexia answers with practiced ease, as though she was saying she didn't want a receipt while shopping, "I'm sorry. I'm... not interested."
Princess Alexia then departs, leaving behind the boy looking like he was just shot.
Daniel rubs his chin and nods, "Yeah if you just wanted to get rejected that'd do it. She looks like the type not to bother with flowery words."
Raymond fixes his glasses, "It's a bit surprising how easily she did that though. That boy has the looks, and I believe he's a duke's son from Midgar."
"And she dumped him within seconds, she's perfect." Said Claire.
"Well she is something of the academy's idol," remarked Daniel, "Princess Alexia Midgar. I guess love is worthless for her. Unlike our great house leaders she seems to understand that she'll be forced into a political marriage."
"Well, no time like the present Cid. Get in there!" Said Claire as she pushed me, "Even if the whole school ends up laughing at you Onee-san will be there for you!"
Heh. I've been waiting for this! "Confessing to a popular girl and getting completely shut down!" Truly… An event befitting of a mob character! I've researched dozens of ways on how to be pathetic, and uncovered the perfect method, straight from the house of Kagenou. Once this succeeds my mob rating will soar! I will be so much closer to becoming an eminence in shadow! Plus, it'll probably help offset how much I'll probably stand out once Alpha gets here, given how beautiful she is. I mean really,
"Ah-ah-ah! Pwincess Alexia…"
Confession À La Mob, a staccato of 'ah, ah, ah," topped off with some vibrato. Mess up the line a bit to show fatigue from reciting. Keep changing the pitch while calling her name. Hunch forward at 60 degrees, almost as if you're about to fall ahead. Make sure your knees and hands are trembling. Keep a wandering gaze, but don't look up from the ground. No time for respite, make note of the distance between you two at this moment. A mildly distant 182 centimeters is ideal. Then, at full speed, slam your head straight into the ground!
"W-w-will you please attend my tea party…?"
Nailed it. It's perfect…! Thank you Pops! No need for fancy words, make it sound like a question to express a lack of confidence, don't even ask for her romantic interest just hint at it. This is what a real mob character looks like… no this is art! Well done! Truly, well done me!
"…" Alexia kneels down in front of me, "I'm so happy you asked. I'd be delighted."
WAT.
I pick up my head and stare at Alexia, "Ehrr… uh… c-come again?"
Alexia tilts her head, "I accepted your invitation. This means you wanted to go out with me, right?"
WHEN DID I BECOME A ROM-COM PROTAGONIST!?
Oh, Alpha…. Wait shit she's going to be so damn mad.
-P2W-
About a few hours later, in Mitsugoshi's new Holfort location, the members of Shadow Garden all tremble behind Gamma and Nu. They're both mad as well, Gamma bending her Fan that's built out of the sturdiest materials Eta could make, but nowhere near the level of Lady Shade, who has been able to accomplish Lord Shadow's feat of visualizing her magic aura. She cracks all the nearby windows with her mere presence alone.
"Repeat that, Nu."
Nu gulps, feeling as though she is resting on a bed of knifes and Lady Shade has her foot above her head ready to stop down, "L-Lord Shad-d-d-dow had asked, i-i-i-n accordance with the… *gulp* expectations of all men in the academy, Princess Alexia to attend his tea ceremony. H-he expected to be rejected! H-however she accepted, a-a-and now… *wince* the school believes them to be… together."
The windows all shatter, as does Gamma's fan.
A/N: I think that's a good place to stop here. I'll get more into what Angelica's been up to since she met Leon at his ceremony in the next one. Also, I think this is the longest chapter I've done? But that's mostly from me both having original stuff, like the scenes with Nu, and copying canon again. BTW the scene with Nu was inspired by a fancomic of F/GO I saw a while back. I'll try to include it on QQ and SB at the very end since they allow that.
Now for some comments-
From QQ:
Someone ani: Haha, yeah. Alpha's entire thing is how she wants to stand at Cid's side, so if they are closer like they have been in the story it makes sense for her to get an upgrade with that.
Zackman2k12: Lmao, yeah. Part of the fun with these two series is the way they remind you of the days where you were cringe but free, so it's super easy to just slip into the slang from those days. Thanks!
PieMan1994: Thanks, that means a lot. Hopefully I can live up to some of those expectations. Maybe I should add some more tags to help more people find this.
From SpaceBattles:
Altenativefuturefan27: Hm… Well, yes and no. It'll come up next chapter, I think. If I get to the first dungeon crawl, I mean. So, I'll leave it at that.
From Fanfic:
Haseo55: I guess I wasn't doing a good job of describing it then. They aren't bashing either character, they just don't seem to be serving a good purpose. I think I remember the prince was scared of Cid because he recognized him as the protagonist of The Eminence in Shadow.
Thanks, yeah the separation is usually just played off as not a big deal to Cid but a big deal to the shades. But interestingly in multiple times throughout the series, Cid gets pretty bummed out whenever he thinks the shades are doing stuff with out him.
Angelica being met earlier does have some payoffs, such as being more willing to talk to them as seen in this chapter. I'll elaborate more later.
That sounds like a decent reason to have the Oc to stand up for Angelica. Admittedly part of the reason I like Mobuseka is because Leon didn't do it for Angelica, even if he felt a little bad for her. He did it for himself and all the men like him.
Guest: For what it's worth, Mobuseka does have a pretty interesting set up… until the Alzer Arc. I think it gets better after but I'll wait till the manga gets there.
Thanks for that, I was worried about the goodbye scene since I changed it so much but glad to see people liked it. Also, although I have been focusing on CidxAlpha, that's just an opportunity thing. Now that we're getting to Shadow Garden's debut the other girls should have more opportunity to show up… well I'll have to make those opportunities, they didn't really have a lot of that in canon.