A/N: I'm glad you guys liked the original stuff. And yeah, things are going to become a little more original now given all the stuff I had added.
Disclaimer: I do not own Trapped in a Dating Sim: This World is Tough for Mobs, nor do I own The Eminence in Shadow. The only Beta reader here is the elf.
"So…" I say as I gaze at Cid's extremely bandaged body. "What're you in for?"
Cid looks over at me, "Some people don't like being rejected, you?"
"Technically I'm still injured. Politically Princess Iris was pissed that I had the ability to report where Princess Alexia was but gave orders to Luxion not to give that kind of information to anyone but Olivia in the event that I was unable. So, she got the doctors to force me to stay here for a little longer." I say.
"Princesses." Utters Cid.
"Princesses." I agree.
We lie in silence for a few moments, Luxion serving as a quasi-TV as he plays the footage he got of Lea and Ann's romp in the dungeon, Shadow Garden's rampage around the town, and Shadow's new hidden technique. Thankfully since he was stuck to Lea's belt he didn't see much of Ann and Lea making out. He also didn't get many shots of the fight, but it was interesting seeing this "Minoru" fight the two.
Shadow Garden's rampage is only really called that because of that one violet eyed member that was straight up getting rid of buildings. I do admit it was kinda funny seeing her seemingly get into an argument over how to destroy the buildings with a taller blonde elf member. First she cut them horizontally, then vertically, then diagonally, and then just made a bunch of holes. Like, it's terrifying in retrospect given how easily the violet eyed member did it, but it's funny to watch. The only other downside of the video is that it's hard to make out any facial features. Similarly to how Shadow's face is always obscured by black smoke, so are the other members of Shadow Garden in all recordings and photographs. I'm guessing it's some kind of spell at work.
The footage of Shadow fighting the monster version of Zenon was a favorite of Cid's. Not only because of the better camera work, but also because all boys love explosions. It's just a fact of life. Like it's freaky as shit that there's some random guy that is only probably good, can just like delete entire sections of land like that, but I gotta respect the craft.
"Hey Leon?" asked Cid.
I turn to him. "What's up man?"
Cid points to Angelica who's cuddled up to my chest like a girlfriend watching the TV with her boyfriend in my old world, "Can I ask about that?"
"You may not." Answers Angelica.
Cid just shrugs as we watch Luxion lead Iris to Alexia again. It's a little funny that Alexia's directly at the level of her sister's breasts. Not because of anything lewd, but because of the difference in personalities. Iris is something of a gentle giant most of the time in comparison to, as Cid put it, her ravenous chihuahua of a little sister.
[Although I do not mind replaying the footage for you given the lack of things to do, wouldn't you like to watch anything else? I possess several thousands of movies left by my creators.]
"Thank you for offering Luxion, but no one here can understand the languages." Angelica thanked.
[…I feel like it is a net loss to old humanity to have that border. I shall set out to make translations for you all as soon as possible.]
"Please do." Beamed Angelica. It was always so cute how interested she was in Old Humanity stuff. When I first talked about it during our tea parties here eyes sparkled like Colin and Finley's when I would talk to them about my time as an adventurer.
I guess I shouldn't mention that I can in fact speak English and Japanese still. Had to learn the former for some of the previous jobs I had as Hiro.
After my confrontation with Lea, I acknowledge that I have to move on as Leon from here, but still, I can't just erase my time as Hiro… okay maybe I could with magic but I feel like that'd be wrong for multiple reasons.
"Hey Cid." I ask.
"What's up?" he responds as he watches Shadow blow up the city again.
"I think I heard Alice earlier, was that right?" I ask as Luxion rewinds the footage.
Cid nods, "Yeah. She's going to be here as my maid. Technically, she's still a commoner and can't attend normally."
"Technically?" asked Angelica.
"Hm… do you know the store Mitsugoshi?" asked Cid.
"Ah, yes. It's something of a major power in the merchant side of things." Acknowledged Angelica, "I believe I heard that its head was an elven woman, correct?"
Cid nods, "That's Luna, Alice's older sister. She actually sent a bunch of money to my family while we were in the dungeon as a dowry, so as far as my parents care to know Alice and I are engaged."
Angelica and I both look incredulously at Cid who seems nonchalant.
"Luna… richest woman in the world… is your sister-in-law?" I ask.
"And possible third wife." Adds Alice as she walks into the room with some apple slices cut to resemble bunnies. Also, she's now wearing a maid dress. I don't think that's how maids actually dressed though, so she's probably just wearing it for Cid. (A/N: Lookup Valentine Alpha from the Master of Garden game It's also the profile pic for the fic on fanfic)
Angelica and my eyes nearly pop out of our heads.
"Third!?" yelled Angelica.
Alice nods while stuffing apples into Cid's mouth, "Myself, Natsume Kafka, Luna, and a few others. We have known Cid since childhood. We were the victims of kidnapping and Cid had found us before we could starve to death after escaping. However, as we grew, we couldn't keep relying on Cid to sneak out some food and money, so Luna and the others did their best to go into their passions to make money. And well, it started taking off about two years ago, which is why I had left."
Angelica puts her hand to her chest in admiration, "How amazing… You truly do have a good heart Cid… but a harem? Truly? I never took you for the type despite your elven lover—no offence meant Alice! I just mean that most other nobles with elven lovers-"
Alice shakes her head to say no harm was done.
"Uh yeah, I didn't really expect it either," said Cid as he looks at Alice's smiling face, "I mean it's not exactly the coolest thing, having a harem."
"I disagree." I said a little too quickly and with such certainty that everyone looks at me immediately, leaving me with no choice but to quickly explain myself. "Okay so if you think of it like how a bunch of the noble ladies at the school do, where all your partners are basically just props to make you look better in public and make you feel better in private, then yeah obviously that's not cool. It's kinda why the five heirs and Lafan's relationship sucks, I don't think they know anything about her."
"Right." Said Cid.
"Agreed." Said Alice.
"I'm sensing a 'however' here," notices Angelica.
I nod, "Right. However, if your relationship was the culmination of everyone agreeing that they wanted it. Because of genuine shared loved and camaraderie, then how could it be anything less than awesome? Relationships are hard enough to maintain between two people, so if you can put in all the work, dedication, and care into what that relationship would entail into one with multiple people, then, I just think that'd be cool."
"Hm… I guess harems are cool when you put it that way." Said Cid.
For some reasons Alice is shooting me a grateful look. Guess Cid had some doubts about his relationship? I know I do. I've been stuck here in the infirmary and unable to talk to Olivia.
*Knock* *Knock*
After Angelica gets up from cuddling with me and Alice helps Cid up, I chime, "Come in."
The doctor and nurse that had been in charge of the ward come in. "Ah, Sir Barfort and Mister Kagenou. If you two are feeling better then you have been cleared to leave."
I look at Cid who shrugs. I look back at the doctor and nod.
"Guess we're good here. Need me to walk you to anywhere Angie?" I ask.
"I have a meeting with Julius, I'm sure he wouldn't care if you drop me off." Said Angelica before muttering, "Or if I even show up."
"Okay. I have to meet with Princess Iris anyway before she thinks she can leave." I agree.
"Huh? 'Thinks' she can leave?" questioned Cid.
I wave over to Luxion who brings forth a letter sent to me by the queen through her husband's connection to me in agreeance with the King of Midgar. Everyone glances over it, including the nurse and doctor. Who then look at me.
"Should we ready the bed for your return after you deliver the news, Sir Barfort?" asked the nurse.
The letter is very long but can be summarized as such:
To Sir Barfort,
With the current state of affairs, we cannot in good conscious let Princess Iris return to Midgar. Not only for the continued safety of her sister, but also due to her own failures in listening to you. As her father and King, I am issuing a command for her to stay in Holfort for the time being. I have talked with the King and Queen of Midgar, and they have agreed to let Iris fill in the now empty spot of sword instructor. Otherwise, she is under your command. Do with her as you will, Alexia has long been decided to be the current heir to the throne.
-P2W-
"Do you really not have any clue? Angelica." Demanded Julius.
I fiddle with my bangs as I look out the window and answer, "…No, I do not."
Jilk brings forward some ruined objects, "These are Marie's textbooks. They were burnt along with her bag. After some questioning the girls who were there said, that you, Angelica, ordered them to do so."
*Sigh* These truly were the men I respected. With my view as Ann over them, I've come to see how rose-tinted Angelica had seen her past. I couldn't just forget my feelings for Julius, even when I began to have some bubble for Leon.
Truth be told, my feelings for Leon had surfaced before I had even gone through the dungeon induced revelations. Out of loyalty to Julius, my family, and Livia, I had done my best to ignore them. But through all the tea parties, the shared stories, and all the times he did his best to make Clarice and I laugh… How could I not begin to feel something?
"Be honest." Demanded Julius once again, "You think of Marie as-"
"*SIIIIIIIIIIIIGH*" I involuntarily sigh.
"Redgrave!" Yells Jilk.
I still had feelings for Julius until about when I had woken up. Ann had filled me with fury, but hate is not the opposite of love. No, it was with a conversation with Leon last night after the purple light had faded that had caused me to finally see Julius for the man that he is, and not the one I had fallen in love with as a child. As the latter never truly existed.
Leon had asked me why I fell in love with Julius. I could only answer that it was mostly due to being told my entire life that I had to marry him, how I was raised for that specific purpose. But when I acknowledged our first meeting in particular, how he had said some line that swept me off of my feet, Leon gave me his saddest smile. He then asked Luxion to look up a novel, and then turned to a page that had the exact same line. I could only weep upon realizing that I had fallen in love with some half-baked act.
Leon had held me, apologizing for putting me in pain. He then told me, that despite our connection through Lea and Ann, if I ever wanted to pursue something with him, then he'd like to do it as Leon and Angelica. He'd wait for my answer, as he did still need to talk to Olivia about it, but his words felt more genuine than anything Julius had ever told me. I was still uneasy and unsure of what to do from there, so I had simply rested my head over Leon's heart as Luxion briefed us over everything that had happened while we were talking to Lea and Ann. I had rather enjoyed how it quickly sped up in panic when we first saw the footage of Shadow's "Iamahtohmik" spell.
"Angelica Rapha Redgrave!" yelled Julius as he slammed his hands on the table and stood up.
Oh, I guess I zoned out. I'm picking up some bad habits from Leon already, I truly do fall in love easily, don't I? I sigh once again, surprising Julius and Jilk with how much I do not care, "*Sigh* I do not care about your affairs your highness. Not anymore. If anything, I should be grateful that you had the sense to choose someone with blonde hair and a talent in magic."
Julius and Jilk looked at me in astonishment.
I shrug, "If we had this conversation a couple of weeks ago, perhaps I would have had trouble with it. But now? I'd be a hypocrite for it."
"…What do you mean?" asked Julius as he sat back down.
"I mean that I've also fallen in love with someone during our time here at the academy. Our marriage can go through for political reasons if nothing else, but after that I'll spend all the time I can with my lover. You clearly wouldn't let me perform any duties as queen." I state.
Jilk scoffs, "Oh please, if that were the case then why would you had ordered your followers-"
I raise a brow, "The followers that I long have dismissed due to their hatred of my best friend? I believe they are simply causing trouble and attempting to use me as the scapegoat. I can think of several instances where the girls that flock to you all have done the same to the lower class, but you do not see me raising a fit over it to you."
Jilk sits down this time too, as he is from the family most involved with espionage, he knows all too well how common of a problem such situations are.
Julius sits in silence before speaking again, "You… would I be correct in assuming your lover is Leon Fou Barfort?"
"And this 'best friend'," asked Jilk, "Would I be correct in assuming that's the scholarship student, Olivia?"
I nod, it's not as though it's a well-kept secret. Most people had assumed so well before I began to see them as such. "Yes… oh that reminds me, Lafan hasn't spoken with Leon yet either correct?"
Julius and Jilk shook their heads.
"I suppose we were indisposed for the past couple of days. You should really get on that. Hm..." I say as I begin to ponder how to imitate my Leon, "Perhaps I could send her a gift to show there's no hard feelings? Would you happen to know her favorite flowers?"
The two shake their heads.
"Favorite book?"
Another shake of dark blue and green hair.
"Favorite food?"
Same response. I look at them in confusion.
"Uh," stutters Julius, "She… just likes everything we give her. She never complains, unless it's extraordinarily expensive."
I nod, "Yes I suppose given her history of debt- oops."
I pretend that I hadn't meant to do that on purpose. Leon, is this the satisfaction you feel when you act like a complete scoundrel? Julius and Jilk immediately rise to their feet in panic.
"What are talking about?" demanded Julius.
I shake my head this time, "It's not my story to tell. You should ask Lafan. It's been taken care of already anyway, though she might not be aware. It's one of the reasons Leon wished to talk to her… some advice?"
"Yes?" Julius accepts my offer.
"Perhaps do your best to work on how much you value a dia. I'm sure Lafan is tragically aware on how little you can get by on. Also, Leon and I are reviewing how to govern territories together. If you'd like, you could join us. I'd welcome the distraction, I'm unsure how much we'd be able to concentrate if we were left alone." I said.
Julius seems to nod at my words, and then I start to leave the room as Jilk opens the door for me. However, as I walk out I'm surprised to see Leon pinning Princess Iris to the floor by holding her arm behind her back.
…
Is that a blush on her face?
Leon notices the three of us and waves with his free hand, "Hey, Angie! Your meeting over?"
"What… is going on here?" questioned Jilk.
Leon shrugs, "Our new sword instructor was super upset about how her father said she had to answer to me for a bit."
-P2W-
It had been a while since I hung out with my mob friends, and they hadn't met Alpha as Alice yet, so I figured that while Angelica and Leon were busy, I'd just enjoy my mobness. I gotta balance out my Eminence in Shadow self with my mob self, perfectly balanced, y'know?
"More tea sirs?" asked Alice as she took over the tea serving duties in Leon's absence.
"Y-yeah!" declared Daniel.
"Yes, please madam!" shouted Raymond.
I kick both underneath the table.
"Sorry!" They chorused.
"It's so nice to see you again Alice!" said Olivia as she hugged Alpha.
Alpha smiles and hugs her back.
"So, how's the search going guys?" asked Clarice.
Daniel and Raymond both immediately slump in their chairs and darken their expressions.
Raymond chuckles sadly, "Did you hear two of the rich kids just got engaged."
Daniel looks into the distance and responds, "What's more, they're with Milly and Jessica… even though they were the only ones who treated us well…"
Claire, Deirdre, and Clarice all point at each other as if asking, What about me?
"I think they mean they mean from the people they were pursuing romantically," clarified Olivia.
Raymond takes more tea from Alpha as he continues to mope, "The rich guys are always scrambling for the nice girls… As long as Milly's happy I'm fine but…"
"ALL THAT'S LEFT FROM HERE ARE THE MEAN AND UGLY GIRLS!" bemoans Daniel as he slams his head onto the table.
"Damn it all… it's the end for us… *sniff*" cries Raymond.
I look to Dan out of curiosity since he never seemed to worry about these things, and he shows off a ring on his finger.
"I-I'm sure it's not that bad?" tried Olivia.
"I have a few unmarried women in my retinue, perhaps I can make introductions?" offered Deirdre.
Daniel and Raymond look at each other before looking to Deirdre warily.
"Um just checking but among our upperclassmen some were forced to allow for lovers outside of demi-humans in order to get married. The wives are giving birth to their heirs, so they have to treat her lovers well… she enters a bigamy with them and lives a life of luxury, or so I heard…" starts Daniel.
"None of your retinue are like that are they?" desperately asks Raymond.
"Not at all, honestly I'm a bit insulted. Perhaps I shouldn't make these introductions." Glares Deirdre.
Daniel and Raymond immediately attempt the Kagenou family technique and prostrate themselves before Deirdre.
"Forgive us!" shouts Daniel.
"Please! We're desperate but vow to be completely loyal!" Agrees Raymond.
"Gross…" remarks Claire.
Carlice and Alpha nod.
However, Deirdre, "OHOHOHO! Yes! Beg more! Show me your desperation!"
Huh, so she's one of those types. And she does the Ojou-sama laugh. Neat.
-P2W-
"Lady Iris?" asked a timid voice, "Are you okay?"
Iris, who has a bandage on her cheek from her earlier altercation with Leon a few hours ago.
"*ahem* I'm fine. Thank you, Sherry. I know it must be a bit difficult meeting like this given you are from Fanoss, but I hope we can put that aside for now." Said Iris.
Sherry shakes her head, her little cowlick bouncing, "No-no it's fine. Besides Midgar and Fanoss are on great terms so I feel more comfortable with you than some of the other students here."
"Glad to hear it," Iris smiles, "So… I'm sure you must all be aware of the multiple attacks that occurred in the capital the other day. We're currently focusing all our efforts on investigating it. I've come here today to enlist the help of the science faculty's brightest. I understand you are hailed as the number one prodigy in this academy by the professors when they aren't accounting for the necessary political moves. As such I was hoping you could help me learn something new."
Sherry holds up a relic given to her by Iris as she responds, "Well, it'd take some time to decipher this. The writing on this artifact… These are ancient runes, but the text itself has a highly sophisticated encryption… Where did you find something like this?"
Iris nods, "It was left behind at the remains of a base belonging to a religious group called The Diabolos Cult. It's our only reliable lead connecting to this incident. The truth about the explosion that wiped out their base, as well as the reason behind the princesss kidnapping are still mysteries. That's why I was hoping we could learn something if you managed to decipher it…"
Alexia, who was sitting next to her sister, looks at her unimpressed. Even with the 'foo-taj' from Sir Barfort's Lost Item, she still refuses to believe that Shadow had used a technique to cause the explosion. Apparently the 'foo-tag' is a little too convenient for Iris to believe, as well as being the product of a Lost Item. It's true, that for all Iris knew the 'foo-tag' could have been made on the spot by the lost item, but surely Alexia, Rose, and all the other's testimony should have swayed her sister.
The woman next to Sherry, a thin pale woman with yellow-green hair and similarly shaded eyes, speaks up. "Sherry, this sounds like a good opportunity, you should take it. Your father has put his faith that you'll become a great researcher one day, surely this request will be connected to that bright future."
"Miss Offrey…" gasps Sherry.
Stephanie fou Offrey pinches Sherry's face as she coos, "Aw don't be like that. You can call me Stephanie, hm?"
Iris smiles at the fond sight as she speaks, "In the meantime I'll assign guards to you. We can never know, the cult might come to retrieve that item. And with Zenon's case in mind… We can't trust the knights as they are now. Which is why your protection will be handled… by my own Crimson Knights. Glen?"
An older burly man steps from the back of the room and bows, "I shall do my duty, Miss Sherry."
"Iris!" pipes up Alexia, "I want to be part of her guard too! As someone who's been involved in the incident from start to finish, I must be!"
That man dressed in black, Shadow thinks Alexia, I want to know what his goals are. I want to find out whether he's a friend or a foe.
Iris glares at her sister, "I can't allow that Alexia. What if you get exposed to danger again?"
Alexia glares back, "Then perhaps it's time to let the people know how you're sleeping each knight while hugging a bear plushie. Or that your panties have bunnies on them."
…
Stephanie begins to laugh behind her fist.
"Very well… I will assign you to less dangerous tasks. Sherry, I'll leave the artifact to you. Also forget everything you just heard. If this reaches my boss, there will be consequences." States Iris with a deep voice in an attempt to hide her shame.
"Yes ma'am!" choruses Alexia, Stephanie, and Sherry.
-P2W-
"Dumb Brother!"
I get up from my nap and see my least favorite sibling. I attempt to go back to sleep.
"YOU'RE GOING BACK TO SLEEP?!" shrieked Jenna.
Jenna then storms up to me, rips off my sheets, and then shakes me back and forth, "TELL ME EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED THIS PAST YEAR! RIGHT NOW!"
"Huuuh? Why should I?" I say.
"I've heard some strange information, so I came to confirm it." Staes Jenna as she lets go of me to place her hands on her hips. "Do you know a girl named Marie?"
I wave to Miauler as he comes in and closes the door. He bows in response.
"She's the elite's chew toy, yeah." I state.
Jenna crosses her arms, "How about the duke's daughter?"
"What about her?" I ask cautiously.
"Huh!? Are you an idiot?" sasses Jenna.
I can't help but drone, "That's rich coming from you."
Jenna sticks her tongue out at me and flips me off before continuing, "The higher your standing the easier it is to manipulate your surroundings… to your liking that is. In the first place Marie wouldn't even be alive if they really set out to crush her. That's what it means to make an enemy of a duke household."
I get up, "So you're saying that it's unrelated to the duke's daughter?"
Jenna shakes her head and points at me, "That's a different matter. Don't you think that them claiming not to be responsible…"
"Is strange?" I finish.
"THAT'S WHAT I MEANT!" Jumps up Jenna as she gets in my face, "Got it? At this rate his highness is going to inherit the throne, so… if he's liked at school, he has nothing to be worried about. On the other hand, being disliked would be disastrous for him. In any case, you don't associate with either of them, okay? The end of the year party is coming, and I don't need you embarrassing me with that shitty face of yours!"
Man, I shouldn't mention that I've shoved my tongue down Angie's throat. I mean it was Lea doing it to Ann, but still. I just nod and Jenna smiles and leaves. Heh, since all she does is talk about herself, she's going to be so surprised later. I know that this was her way of trying to warn me and stuff since I blend in with the background enough to look like I'm not friends with literally a princess, a duke's daughter, an earl's daughter, a count's daughter, two foreign nobles, one of which is apparently engaged to the richest woman in the world, and Olivia who can be the next Saintess.
[It sure is lively this morning.]
"An end of the year party… almost forgot that was coming with everything else that's happened." I remark as I fall back to my bed.
[I would assume you had fun this past year. Master is as much of a lazy person as he is a pervert, so this upcoming physical activity is good for your health.]
I glare at Luxion, who knows damn well that I train every day with Claire. "Do you hate me or something?"
[I hate new humans. So, by extension, I hate master too.]
"What do you mean by new humans, I thought Lea and Ann already clarified that the Old Humans and New Humans just merged together after everything." I ask.
[Hatred is not easily forgotten. Especially since neither of us have the clearance to access my memory banks.]
I sigh, "What a pitiable A.I. to be exploited by a master it hates. I'll be exploiting you for eternity so prepare yourself."
[I'm doing this for fun though.]
I look at the sun in the middle of the sky.
…
Okay, I guess now's a good a time as any.
"Hey Luxion how goes the information gathering." I ask.
[I have done as you had asked and gathered all necessary information. I have even checked over the women in your life as you requested. But I won't tell you stuff like their three sizes.]
"Tell me Angelica's" I order.
[I just said that I wouldn't, scum.]
I laugh. "Well, let's go get everyone then. Contact Angelica and Olivia first. Then get Cid and Alice after about an hour."
[I believe that Cid and Alice are currently speaking to an elf with silver hair in their room.]
"Is it that one with the mole on her cheek that was here the other week?" I ask.
[Yes. I believe her name is Natsume Kafka.]
"Well, if Cid and Alice trust her, so can we. At least as much as we trust them." I state.
[Well, I'll get on it, then.]
Luxion really is the best item to have.
-P2W-
I walk with Cid on our way to Mitsugoshi. Beta had been with us earlier but left in order to help get the girls ready. I admit that I'm a bit nervous to show off everything. Even if he swore to me on… that night… *Sigh~*
*Ahem* Even if he swore to me then as we consummated our relationship that he wanted to work together, to be together and never separate again, I can't help but feel nervous. As Beta discovered, we never asked him for permission to use all of his Shadow Wisdom. We merely assumed that he told us to help us. As a precaution, should we all need to apologize, I have recalled all seven shades to our current location.
Thankfully, Cid was weirdly insistent on waiting in line. Stating that he needed to maintain his mob persona. I don't understand it myself, but hopefully he can explain. If I had to guess, it's likely that he means something along the lines of standing out.
"Woah, look at that girl!"
"Think she's single?"
"Who's that dude next to her?"
I'm used to hearing such things, but I suppose it's different when I'm standing next to Cid now.
Cid roughly grabs me close to him, ruffles up my hair a bit, and sticks some glasses on me that remind me of the ones Nu wears.
Oh!
I-Is Cid Jealous!?
Oh my gosh that's so cute.
I hug Cid. He's grown over the years so I can't carry him around like I used to when we were children… hm, maybe I could still try later? And carry him straight to the bedroom.
"Alice, I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm not going to just let you do it." Said Cid with that look on his face that reminds me of a teddy bear.
Hehehe. "I have no idea what you're talking about Cid."
Cid squints at me. We've really known each other for too long, haven't we? Heheheh~
"Dear customers," called out our brown-haired subordinate Nu. "Getting inside could take as long as 80 minutes. If you don't mind the wait, we'd be overjoyed to have you!"
The crowd around us hears this and begins to complain a bit. However, Cid merely nodded, clearly he expected this already. It would explain why he had grabbed a crossword puzzle book to fiddle with as we waited, although we had completed it a long time ago.
"80 minutes!?"
"We're barely going to shop any before the curfew comes!"
"Plus there's those rumors about the slasher… I don't want to be out here past midnight!"
"Slasher?" questioned Cid.
Ah, that's right. Beta had been so nervous that she couldn't brief Cid properly.
"You haven't heard?" I answer in my best civilian manner, "lately, they've been appearing in the capital at night. They're pretty good with a sword, so even the knights have started suffering casualties."
Cid nods. He must have a million different plans running through his mind already.
Nu then walks up to us; the girls must be in place then. "Dear customers! Could I take some of your time? I was hoping you could answer a little survey for us."
"What!?"
"Hey! Why those two!?"
Nu laughs with her practiced customer service smile before stating, "We aim to service all walks of life to reach the widest possible demographic. We have limited surveys and a male noble with a female elf servant is very unique. Thank you for your enthusiasm, will the man and lady please follow me?"
The crowd merely grumbles in acceptance as we walk behind Nu.
We walk indoors and I can't help but tightly grip my hands, curious as to what Cid's reactions mean. He's looking quickly around, clearly recognizing everything, even the products we created using Leon's ideas, but his face doesn't change its expression whatsoever. I know that Cid is a master of his craft, and he can adopt any expression need be, in fact it's for the best that he's able to keep such a perfect poker face, but…
Just once, she'd like to see that childish look of joy she used to see whenever he'd find treasure when they first started Shadow Garden. Would that be too selfish of her to ask?
"So…" begins Cid, causing both Nu and I to jump, "I'm guessing that there is no survey, correct?"
Nu smiles genuinely this time and shakes her head as she opens the doors to the throne room, "That was merely an excuse, please head inside."
Inside is a room with some of the most luxurious items we could assemble, as Cid had always enjoyed such things. We followed his Shadow Wisdom and was able to make the room look like it was completely made out of gold despite only being a façade. What isn't fake is the chandeliers made out of the finest gems, relying on light magic to light up the room and make the false gold shine even better. The curtains are made out of the finest silk, and there are rows of our numbers ready to greet their Lord Shadow.
However, as they all bow, it's our line up of the Shades that greets him.
"Bossu~"
As expected, Delta cannot contain her joy and immediately attempts to tackle Cid. For his part, Cid catches Delta and then spins in order to manage the momentum better. Delta is a wolf therianthrope, her long black hair is accompanied by some cute ears on top her head with gray tufts spouting from them. She also sports a long tail accessorized by a golden band with a blue feather hanging off of it. I've often seen her snuggling her tail whenever she feels scared or needs comfort. Her purple eyes gleam with delight as she sees her 'boss' for the first time in years. Her smile causes the similarly shaded whiskers on her face to stretch.
When they stop, he begins to pat her head. "It's nice to see you again Delta. Have you been a good girl?"
Something within me wants to ask if I've been a good girl, but that can wait until later.
Delta's tag wags vigorously, blowing a few of the numbers back with the force of the wind she generates, "Mhm, mhm! Delta's been a very good girl nano-desu!"
Cid smiles and then looks to the others. Gamma's up next.
With an elegant and mature smile befitting her 20-year-old appearance, and a dress to match, Gamma greets Cid for the first time in years. "We've been awaiting your arrival, my lord."
Gamma is the third member after me and Beta. Cid has remarked before that she possesses the craftiest mind among the seven shades. She is in fact older than both Cid and I but still answers to the two of us, in fact as we had helped bring up her and the shades, I often feel like something of a mother towards them. Gamma has long navy-blue hair that frames her face in a way that highlights her purple eyes and the mole underneath her lips.
Gamma begins to descend the stairs, and likely is doing her best to not let her elven ears wiggle in happiness in front of all the numbers to maintain her dignity. However, "It's nice to meet you again my lord. We haven't seen each other for a few years now. You can't believe how much I- PWGYA!"
Gamma's smart, she's smart. But she's the weakest in terms of physical abilities and the clumsiest among us. Some servants help Gamma up and wipe the blood from her nose.
"My lord!" cries Epsilon, her twin tails fluttering as she runs up to Cid and goes in for a hug. "It's been too long! I missed you dearly!"
Epsilon is the fifth member of Shadow Garden. She was always something of a frail and easily frightened child growing up. She was super attached to Cid, even compared to some of the other members, as a result. In comparison to Beta, who became the famous author with the use of Cid's shadow wisdom under the name Natsume Kafka, Epsilon had used Cid's shadow wisdom to become a famous musician under the name Shiron. Her teal hair sport their common twin tails.
"My lord! I hadn't had the opportunity to express this properly, but I had missed you as well!" declares Beta.
Epsilon growls as she and Beta fight over Cid's hug. They've always been something of rivals. I recall fondly how whenever getting clothes for the two as they grew Epsilon would often feel inadequate towards Beta due to Beta's now buxom figure requiring larger and larger shirts. However, given the growth spurt that Epsilon had last year, it's rather silly looking back.
"I know I don't have to say that I looked forward to seeing you, My lord." Stated Zeta as she sneakily steals Cid from the two arguing shades.
Zeta is a feline therianthrope from the now extinct golden panther tribe. She is something of an enigma, even to me. I do not know if it is fair to say, but given the feline ears and tail she sports, perhaps it'd be fair to say that she is similarly finicky. She does get along with us all, but often chooses to do things her own way. I often don't know what to do with her. Her purple eyes dilate with happiness as she begins to rub her tail on Cid, likely leaving her scent on him.
"Hey! Pussy Cat! You're getting Boss all stinky!" Shrieks Delta.
"I'm getting the scent of wet dog off of him, Baka Wan-chan!" Shouts Zeta.
"Grrr! Delta is not Wet, Delta took a bath and dried herself off before Delta came here!" argued Delta.
Ah yes, just like most cats and dogs Delta and Zeta don't get along. Thankfully before Cid and I have to intervene, slime tendrils erupt from the ground and force Delta and Zeta to jump and land in front of me. I put my hands on their shoulders and firmly pressed on them. They do their best to stand straight, their ears and tails following suit.
"Lord…Shadow…" cutely yawns the last edition to the shades, Eta. "I missed you… did… you… miss me?"
Eta is a short but still buxom elf with long brown hair with a violet tint. Her hair has bangs that almost cover her similarly purple eyes that look up from Eta's slumped form, giving her the impression of making puppy-dog eyes at Cid.
Now that I think about it, are Beta and I the only members of the shades without purple eyes?
For his part, Cid cups Eta's cheek and she leans in, looking as though she may fall asleep in right there. "You look tired Eta. Did you stay up all night again?"
"V." Eta holds up a peace sign with her hands until Cid pinches her cheek. As she flails her lab coat's too big for her arms sleeves, she cries out, "Uuuu… Lord Shadow… why…?"
"That's not healthy Eta. I've told you before." Scolded Cid.
Eta nods and Cid pats her cheek.
"Lord Shadow!" calls out Gamma, "Please, sit on this throne, we prepared it and this hall just for you! Since Shadow Garden has gained a great number of new members I saw it fit to create a great hall where everyone could be present."
Gamma gestures to the solitary throne that stands at the back of the room atop a set of stairs. The throne is the only thing not made of false gold; we spared no expense for it. The best cushion, the best threads, the best gold, and the best design.
Cid ascends the stairs and takes his place upon the throne. We all watch nervously as he gazes upon us all. Would he be angry of our act of stealing the shadow wisdom? Would he approve of our actions?
Would…
Would he… leave us?
However, Cid then smiles. "Hm… I'll say this. The view is decent, at least."
Decent?
"Allow me to fill the gap you had left." Said Cid.
A flurry of slime then fills the room, the sounds of construction quickly overtaking the sound of our bated breaths. We don't even have the chance to look at each other in curiosity before the darkness fades and we can only gasp in joy. Cid is now in his appearance as Lord Shadow. Although he had long since given me the same coat and hood he now wears I cannot argue how much better he wears it. He sweeps his arm to display what he had created.
We all gasp in happiness at the realization that he had made seven personalized thrones each with the symbols that each of our names came from: α,β,γ,δ,ε,ζ,η. I can only cry as I realize that he placed my throne right next to him. The others are in pairs, descending with the stairs in a V shape, leading up to ours.
Cid smiles again, in a way that doesn't fit his Lord Shadow appearance, nor his mob persona. Rather it looks like that one smile he had when he laughed during our departure. "You've all grown far past the children that I found in my youth. Haven't you? Here, a reward."
Cid raises his arm and fires a ball of purple light into the air. It explodes and bathes the entire room in the blue violet light. This soothing light that saved us all when were afflicted with the curse. I cannot help but sob as I am reminded of how Cid had truly saved us. Not only did he heal us, not only did he play with us, not only did he train us, but he bestowed upon us the 'shadow wisdom.'
…
"Lord Shadow?" I ask hesitantly.
Cid quirks an eyebrow, "Yes Lady Shade?"
"We… would like to apologize." I state. I bow and the other shadow garden members follow suit, even Delta.
"Whatever for?" asked Cid.
"We… were only able to make Mitsugoshi and establish ourselves in all fields as we did thanks to your Shadow Wisdom. However… we had failed to ask if you had meant for us to use Shadow Wisdom at all. We never thought to ask you for permission. I… apologize." I state.
I hear Cid descend from his throne. As his shadow covers me, I pray that I had not angered him. I pray that he still loves me.
I feel a hand caress my hair.
"Enough of that for now. We can work on an apology later, but for now we should be united. This is the first time we've been gathered in years, there are other things to focus on." Stated Cid with the gentle voice I've only heard when he would help the girls with their nightmares. I can only nod. Cid then turns, "Gamma? Why don't you explain the extent of Mitsugoshi's influence?"
"O-Of coursh. Ow. I-I mean. *Ahem* We have branches in every major city, both here and abroad. With Lady Shade's help, management is smooth. Behind the scenes while expanding Shadow Garden's territory, we are also focusing our efforts on securing funds." Said Gamma as she prostrates herself.
"Hm. I hope that with my future contributions we can grow even further." States Cid.
Everyone but me raises their heads in surprise. Hehe.
"Pardon?" asked Gamma.
"I have always stated that there is no use for borrowed strength. That one should always strive for higher and higher heights. Even if you believe yourself to be at the highest peak, the sky lies beyond, and beyond that the stars. Know this, you should never try to stop growing." Stated Cid.
"Of course, Lord Shadow" everyone agrees.
"But what you have done so far, is use borrowed strength. You relied on my Shadow Wisdom to grow this far." Admonished Cid.
We can all only look ashamed, all of our ears drooping.
Cid shakes his head, "But. I cannot blame you, not entirely. You were all orphans clawing your way out of the darkness, everything you knew and loved failed you and your new life was full of uncertainty. But let me bestow upon you a lesson I had learned in our time separate from one another, given to me by the lost king."
The lost king? Cid truly does know far more than we do.
"Borrowed strength is not the same as working together. I had left you to your devices to grow, and with your reliance on my shadow wisdom you have done so, but it is only a matter of time before you all plateau." Cid points out. I can only agree. Beta had written all the stories Cid had told her, and only recently has she begun to create more original works. Even then it often is based upon the events of the real world, such as the case of her romantic recreation of Leon and Olivia's meeting.
Cid then spreads his arms, as though inviting all of us in with the same warmness that his magic had created, "But now we shall work together and achieve things that we could not do alone, and never again shall we be separated."
The shades and I lose control and tackle him then and there, dignity be damned. Honestly the only thing that surprises me is how Eta had been able to catapult herself to get there first.
-P2W-
[Mistress Olivia and Angelica are approaching Partner, Master. I would recommend perhaps taking a shower to get rid off all the sweat you have accumulated out of guilt.]
I flick Luxion again, but I admit it's a decent idea. It's not guilt that was causing me to sweat so much, but nervousness. I don't remember if I had a relationship as Hiro, I think I might've had something, but it didn't go anywhere on account of the rumors Hanabi and my then mom spread. I know as Lea I had some experience, and it was pretty good experience. But Leon? Leon is flying off the seat of his pants.
I decided to take a quick shower and change into some clean clothes that aren't soaked with sweat.
[They've arrived. Shall I let them in the room?]
!
"What do you mean!? I'm still in the shower!" I yell. "I still got soap on me!"
[Mistress Olivia had instructed me to lie to you. I agreed thinking it in your best interests.]
"You thought it'd be funny!" I yell as I do my best to get clean quickly.
[True.]
I manage to get the soap off and quickly race to get decent.
"Leon~! Livia and Angie are here!" calls out Olivia with a sweet voice that usually comforts me but now makes me think that I'm being hunted.
"Wait I'm not dressed! Luxion keep that door locked!" I shriek… I mean I yell, in a very manly voice.
[Understood.]
"Luxion, unlock the door~" spoken the Siren Saintess.
[As you command.]
"Wait!" I yell as I block the door to my room with my body, "I don't even have my pants on yet! Wait!"
I immediately feel the door pushing back against me and the doorknob rattling a ton.
I can't help but blush heavily as I yell, "Why are you trying harder to get in!?"
"L-Let us in Leon." Stuttered Angelica, "You called us here t-to chat, correct?"
"I wanted to have a very serious discussion about the nature of our relationship going forward!" I clarify.
"I don't see why you need clothes for that." Insists Olivia.
What!
"Cid and two of his wives are going to be over soon, we need to be decent!" I hissed.
The struggle stops.
"I… suppose that makes sense." Said Angelica.
"Boo…" pouted Olivia.
I lock the door again after they let go of it. You know, it's something of an ego boost to have them want to see me so devoid of clothes, but I can't help but feel like I'm not ready for it. Does that mean I'm the maiden in this relationship? Oh well.
Eventually I get dressed and the girl and I walk to another room. I'm afraid if I let them in my quarters, they'll start something again. Which, my body is saying I should just let them. But I love them too much to just give in like that. We eventually walk to one of the lobbies and sit in a couple of chairs. I chose the wide open area to help things feel more… open I guess.
"So…" I begin, not really knowing what to say.
The girls simply stare at me, also unsure of what to do. They may have been excited earlier, but now that we're talking seriously the high they were on has worn off. I take a deep breath. I should start this from the very beginning.
"What… do you know about reincarnation?" I manage.
"Um… It's the idea that you were someone before you were born and become someone else after you die, right?" said Olivia.
I nod, "Something like that. Well… I know for a fact that I've reincarnated. More than a couple of times actually."
This surprises Angelica.
I continue, "First, let me start with the reincarnation that Angelica and Luxion know about. We kinda discovered this together when we fell in the dungeon."
Olivia looks over to Angelica who nods and holds her hand.
"In one past life I was known as Lea." I say.
"Oh!" says Olivia as she comes to a realization, "I know about that one! When I wore that necklace to sleep after we separated I used to have dreams about that life. I always just thought it was my imagination but… well you remembered those times too right? When you said you had memories of being a luggage carrier for the founding family's ancestors."
"Well," I say sheepishly, "that luggage carrier thing was really a lie I made up on the spot."
This takes Olivia by surprise. But thinking on it… If that necklace is Ann's, and through it Angelica and I unlocked our past life's memories then perhaps that lie came to me because there was a grain of truth to it.
"Hm… maybe it wasn't actually." I state as I lean back in my chair.
Angelica glares at me softly, "Don't play games with us Leon."
I can only chuckle, "How funny you say that."
The two look at me in confusion.
"Okay, so like I said I remember more than one life, well this other one is a bit difficult to explain but… okay let's say that I was essentially a member of Old Humanity. Way before anything that would make the world as it is happened. You following me so far?" I explain. Livia and Angie nod so I continue talking, "In this life I actually had a connection to this world. See… there was this… interactable novel. Like at certain points you could decide what the protagonist of this novel would say and based on that the outcome of the novel would change. That make sense?"
"An interactable novel…" thinks Olivia. "Oh! Like one of Natsume Kafka's 'choose-your-own-adventure' stories!"
I nod, "a good start yeah. Well, I had actually played a story that took place in this world."
"Is… is that why Lea had said something about your life as Hero? What was it? You can't live in this world like you were completing a game?" Angelica ponders.
I take a deep breath, and Livia and Angie lean closer in intrigue. "The story was known not as a novel but belonged to a form of media known as a 'video game.' I had been forced to play the game about this world, despite it being predominantly marketed towards women thanks to my mischievous little sister… no I can get into that later. What's important now… well let me summarize the game, known as Alto Liebe: The protagonist is an ordinary girl from the countryside who enrolls into a school for nobles. She's an honor student who was allowed to enter the school as a commoner. At the school, she meets the prince, nobles... and other romantic targets. She gets picked on by other girls of higher status and at the same time, various incidents and wars ensued. It's a romantic game with adventure and warfare in the background."
It takes a few seconds for the girls to realize what I was saying.
Olivia tears up, "That… that was me… If you hadn't met me in the forest that night I would have met my teacher the next day and he would have given me the scholarship. *sob* so you only-"
"At the time." I cut off Oliva before she can spiral. "Yes, at the time I had figured you were the protagonist and was worried that I doomed the world because I had robbed your future from you by accident. That was why I had done my part and gave you a place in the academy again. But I didn't befriend you because of my knowledge… that was just because I ended up liking you the more we spent time together."
"But… but… you always rejected me, I… why would you do that? Because of the game?" desperately asked Olivia, breaking my heart.
Angelica makes a realization, "When we first met, you said that Olivia could have any man she wanted, that she could end up becoming the queen. Was that one of the possible endings to that game?"
"One of the good ones. There were also several bad ones… and in several of those bad ones the kingdom would fall in an upcoming war. It was necessary for Olivia to fall in love with one of the heirs, claim all of the saintess' items, become known as the Saintess, and end the war." I state.
"Livia." Stated Livia.
"Livia," I concede with gratitude, "speaking of the Saintess' items. When you asked if my remark about the luggage carrier memories was a complete lie, I have to say I'm not sure. See, in the game, the Saintess' necklace was originally an item you'd get in the middle of the game, and when you do there would be a forced scene in which you'd get shot by a pirate in his last moments of life. When that happens you live, but a gem on the necklace would shatter… and for the rest of the game, you'd change in personality."
"Ann!" exclaim both girls.
I nod. "Right, at first, I thought it was due to the trauma, but knowing about Ann now I can only conclude that it was her. Heck, if you ever fell in battle again the necklace would lose more gems each time. I imagine that when I fell the first time from the ship on to Luxion's island the necklace had protected me and gave me a fraction of Lea's memories. When I fell later in the dungeon with Angie, we both gained memories from Lea and Ann."
[A necklace that restores memories of past lives upon death… how intriguing.]
"So, what now?" asked Angie. "What does all of this mean?"
I look at both of them seriously and grab their hands. They allow me, and even squeeze my hands a bit. "So much has changed from the premise of the game that I can't pretend that I'm still in my past life playing it. I can't pretend that you aren't living breathing people. People that I care about… People that I love… Livia…Angie… It might be selfish, and I understand if you can't return my feelings, but I love you. Both of you. I want nothing more than to be by your side and grow old together I…"
Livia and Angie let go of my hands, and I drop my head.
Of course.
Of course it would be like this.
I-
I feel my head being forced back up.
And I feel two soft bodies wrapped around both sides of me, and two wet sensations on both sides of my face.
"We love you too, dummy."
*Chu*
"Yes. You won my heart some time ago, fool."
*Chu*
"Scoundrel."
*Chu*
"You incorrigible man."
*Chu*
"Hey," I laugh.
Angie and Livia laugh too.
I think… I think we're going to be okay.
[Master, as happy as I am to see you dislodge your head from your rear, I should mention that the time has come for Cid and his wives to meet with you. It would appear that Alice and Natsume are joining him.]
Okay… as soon as the blush leaves my face I'll go start the big stuff. We need to really talk about Shadow Garden after all, and their apparent enemy.
Lea…
I'll do my best to finish what you started.
A/N: Okay, that's a good stopping place. Next time will start with essentially a recap. So if you're lost, then hopefully I can clarify things more then.
Now let's answer some comments.
From Questionable Questing (QQ):
Skelethin: Fuck. I knew by having Zenon use the diabolos tears against the crew I skipped something but I completely forgot about that.
Someone ani: Yeah. I am Atomic is one of the most iconic things of the series. Though I can't really take all the credit, I was mostly copying how it happened in the game.
28th00: Thanks for your comment, it really made my day. Gave me some thoughts on how things might look from the reader's point of view too.
Cid built different.
I mean yeah, I didn't want to copy the evil aspect since I feel like it's a bit unfair. Anne and Mary are mostly grieving.
I don't think I'll make Alpha pregnant just yet, as happy as that'd make her. She just is often treated like a mother to the shades when she talks about them, which is why I used the comparison.
So they don't quite know about being used as bait yet. But yeah, if Luxion could lose his marbles he would be right now. It's just that his hatred was programmed into him, he can't actually forgive and forget.
Alternativefuturefan27: I'll get into Claire's feelings soon.
Zackman2k12: Sounds like a fun scene. Not sure if I'll implement it or not but I do have similar stuff planned.
Ypintox: Sorry to hear about the migraine. Not sure what's causing the confusion right now, but hopefully I can clarify things next chapter.
From SpaceBattles (SB):
Azure the Dragon Lord: Thanks! I'm not sure the Claire comparison is completely accurate, but I not inaccurate.
From :
aSleepyPenguin: There is a fic by another person like that, but I felt like if I fused the two protagonists then I'd feel bad for the girls. After all that would be a harem of like 30 at least I think.
I think I had this crossover in mind for a couple of months. If you have your own plan for a fic I'd like to see it too.
Findarato: Nice quote. Yeah, they're definitely aware of the Cult by now. And yeah, Iris' pride is slightly understandable, but frustrating the longer it gets in the way of things.
Haseo55: Oh no, that's definitely happening. It has to really. It's just the circumstances around it are changing.
Thanks, I worry about the original content sometimes. Although they did end up losing, I feel like it was important for Alexia to see people willing to help her.
Marie's route offers a lot of stuff that's 'hidden in the shadows' and 'lost to history' so I couldn't just not include it in this crossover. That confrontation is going to happen, but remember that Marie is desperate to keep things in place of the game with her at the center. Plus, Leon went to the dungeon right after and was knocked out.
I didn't know that about Rutart. Neat.
Fangs of death: Yeah, I like the SMT/Persona magic system. I feel like it's the easiest to implement in writing too.
J-More: Thx for reading.
R41N S3NSE1: Yo no puede habla mucho Espanol. Pero QQ es Questionable Questing. Buscar para Questionable Questing en Google, y despues buscar para "Life's a Pay to Win Game."
Guest: Glad to see a fellow man of culture. That scene has stuck with me over the years, so I'm thankful you say I did it justice.
HalfmoonSilver80: I'll do my best. And yeah, Leon has the habit of falling into being a mob, there's something of imposter syndrome there, but It's probably not helped that he constantly is reminded of his past life and compares things to it.