Here we are at Chapter 31. Let's see if Yuki can keep her sanity due to Veronica. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to Bandai Namco. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 31. Enjoy.
Chapter 31: The New Student
In her history class, Yuki feels incredibly uncomfortable. Maybe it has something to do with majority of the students, primarily the boys, giving her little glares here and there. What's making it worse is Veronica sitting so close to that their shoulders are touching. The boys see an incredibly beautiful young woman become a part of their class. They all get misguided dreams of wooing her and making her their girlfriend. Then, those poor hopes are dashed when said new girl suddenly blurts out that she is 'Yukitsuki's property' and belongs only to her. The way she worded it certainly didn't help. Yuki can feel their jealously washing over her.
"She's already got Hiei and Hana. Why does she get the new hot girl in our class too?! How greedy can one be?" is the collective thought in the class from them.
Yuki tries to focus on her classwork, but the atmosphere doesn't make it easy. It's only after the class ends that some of that animosity fades away and Yuki can be free.
"That was exhausting," Yuki sighs.
"Veronica, why did you have to say that you're Yuki's 'property'? It sounds like you're her slave. That will only spread some strange rumors about her, or even her family," Hiei berates the demon princess.
"Come on now, nothing wrong with having a little bit of fun. Besides, I'm Yuki's mistress, so I do technically belong to her. Plenty of nobles have mistresses or people they sleep with on the side besides their actual spouses. They can't call themselves pure and what not. Besides, this way no one will try to flirt with me and steal me away from Yuki. I only want to be with her after all. Isn't that right, Yuki?" Veronica wraps her arms around Yuki's, leaning her head on her shoulder.
"While you have a point, you could've done things a little differently. And please, keep the public displays of affection to a minimum, would you? I have enough on my plate right now. There are exams coming up, and the issue with Sophia's situation to deal with," Yuki says.
Hiei shakes her head, "I still don't understand why you want to help her after she lied to you for so long,"
"Because Yuki is a kind person, Hiei. Remember, that's one of the reasons the three of us fell for her after all," Hana points out.
"I know, but you don't have to say it. We're childhood friends so can't you take my side here," Hiei pleads.
"Yes, but as your childhood friend, it's also my duty to keep you from being stupid from time to time," Hana shrugs her shoulders, not exactly helping the kitsune.
"Okay, so how is exactly Veronica going to help with this little problem? Get dirt on Sophia's father?" Hiei asks.
"I asked my mother Iris, who's here, about that. She said that Duke Ramona really has no history of any kind of wrongdoing. He's always obeyed the law and has shown loyalty to the royal family. He's smart, but not too greedy. I doubt we can really find anything to use on him. How he treats his daughter is wrong, but there's little the law can do about that, unless he goes to extreme measures like trying to kill her," Yuki explains.
"Then we'll have to focus on Count Valmeck then. If we can find something that hurts him in a big way, we can use that to force Sophia's father to cancel the engagement in order to save face. What do we know about him?"
"We'll discuss that later. We have our next classes to attend to," Yuki says.
They head on to their next classes for the time being. In Yuki's magic class, Veronica showed her skill and expertise with magic. She keeps her power on the same level as Yuki, which still surprises the class. While Anelia was there, she carefully watched the demon princess to see how her magic worked. She couldn't help but feel jealous. She can cast magic on the same level or speed as Veronica, but the demon princess has far more years of training and experience under her belt, so that can't be helped. However, Yuki would have a more pressing issue at lunch.
...
"When did you two meet? How long have you two been together? Are you really Yukitsuki's slave?!" a large group of people swarm Yuki's usual table with questions about her and Veronica's relationship.
Yuki was seriously thinking about freezing them all on the spot in order to shut up.
"Can't you guys let us eat our meals in peace? Plus, it's quite rude to question people's personal lives like you are doing right now," Hiei is just as annoyed by them.
"Please, tell us, Lady Veronic, what happened between you two?" and they're not listening.
Veronica giggles, "Heh-heh-heh, well basically while she was in the Dragon Alliance, Yuki here helped me out of a jam and saved my life. I fell for her right then and there. She was so beautiful and dashing, like an ice knight from the story books. I decided to give my whole being, body and soul, to her. Even if we can't get married, I have dedicated my life to being by her side. All day... and all night," she leaves off with a wink.
The girls gush at the fairytale story (which was just made up as a cover) while the boys lament in anguish at how unlucky they are. Another beautiful girl is off the table now.
"Now, now, it's not proper etiquette to crowd around their table in such a manner. Please, grant them some space and peace," they all look as Princess Iris walks over.
The crowd do as the princess asks and return to their own tables.
Yuki sighs with relief, "Finally. Thank you, Princess Iris,"
"It's fine. You know how people love to gush on love stories, especially those who have yet to have their own. Honestly though, some people so easily forget proper decorum at times," Princess Iris notes.
"Well, we can blame this on the she-jester over here who can't keep herself from causing trouble wherever she goes," Hiei glares at Veronica.
"I have no idea what you mean," Veronica plays it off innocently.
"Princess Iris, perhaps you can explain to me... how exactly was Veronica able to enroll here. I'm afraid we had too much going on to ask her for the details," Yuki asks.
Princess Iris sits down across from her, "She made a deal with my brother. In exchange for information and a written testimony that she will not do anything that could harm this kingdom, we would help her enroll here as a transfer student from the Dragon Alliance. Few know the truth about her, and some of those who do are rather... cautious right now. Demons, even today, are still seen as enemies of humanity,"
"Oh please, I'm not going to do anything that's going to harm Yuki or her family. I live for her now, not the royal family. Be sure your brother remembers that. Besides, how many conflicts have humans waged against each other over the passing of time? It hasn't really been that long since the war with the empire after all," Veronica makes a good point.
"It was hard for my brother to argue against her when she made several strong arguments. And so that's basically it. I do offer you my sympathies, Yuki. It seems you'll have your hands full with this one," Princess Iris notes.
"I have my hands full enough with other matters as it is," Yuki sags in her seat.
"Oh? With what?" Princess Iris inquires, curious.
Yuki looks around, "Can you keep this between us?" she whispers.
Princess Iris nods and Yuki decides to trust her and explain the situation with Sophia. To say that Princess Iris was disgusted with the whole thing would be an understatement, though she didn't show it on her face.
"Hmm, that does make things difficult. Without any proper evidence, you couldn't say anything against Duke Ramona. Plus, he's always been loyal to the royal family and made a few contributions during the war. You wouldn't want to do anything drastic that could cause problems between the two families. Also, other houses of lower rank, if they get win of this, may try to use the situation to their advantage and pull the rug out from under you both. It would be better to focus on Count Valmeck. If you find anything incriminating and expose it, Duke Ramona may be forced to cancel the engagement in order to save his house from going down with the ship, so to speak," Princess Iris explains.
"Okay, any ideas where Veronica can start?" Hana asks.
"Count Valmeck has made quite a lot of money recently, even more so than any other count. He owns a few businesses that deal in jewels and artwork like pottery and paintings. However, while doing good business in those fields, given enough time and effort, can make one wealthy, it doesn't do so at such a rapid pace. I was confused and a little wary of the idea myself when I heard about it," Princess Iris notes.
"Which could mean... he's got business elsewhere that's given him the extra cash," Hana surmises.
"Then, that's where I'll start. Don't worry, I have a few tricks up my sleeves for just such an occasion," Veronica smirks.
"I'll go with you," Hiei says.
"I'm afraid that won't work," Princess Iris interjects.
"Huh? Why not?" Yuki asks.
"The best time to go would be during the weekend when we don't have classes to attend to. However, there's something coming up. You'll be receiving an official summons soon, Yuki, but you will be requested to go to the royal castle in a few days," Princess Iris explains.
"Huh? A summons? For what reason?" Yuki asks.
"We will be receiving a special guest for talks, and they requested to meet you and your fiances during that time. They also asked that the royal family do not say who it is until the day of the meeting. That's why Hiei can't go with Veronica," Princess Iris says.
"Okay, that's weird. And the royal family just agreed to that without question?" Hiei cocks an eyebrow.
"Without question, no. But, this is a delicate situation, so we're trying to keep things peaceful. You'll understand when you meet them. To be clear, this isn't something bad and your parents, Fuyumi and Emilia, have been asked to come to the royal castle as well. There will be eyes on you. However, not as many know about Veronica being your mistress and she wasn't asked to attend by the guest coming in. That will give her a window to operate in," Princess Iris clarifies.
"Hmm, must be someone important to get you guys rattled like this. Sounds interesting. But, you're right. While you all play politics, I'll play espionage. This should be fun," Veronica smirks.
"Should we inform Lady Sophia about this?" Princess Iris asks.
Yuki shakes her head, "No, let's keep her out of the loop for now. If anything bad happens, I don't want her being implicated in it. As for who may go with Veronica, Aunt May can do that. She's got plenty of experience in this field,"
"That will work. Very well. I'll let you know if I hear anything on my end," Princess Iris says.
"Thank you, Princess Iris," Yuki bows her head in thanks.
With that matter settled, along with learning they'll have another task ahead of them, the girls finish their meals and head off to their next class. Yuki tried to keep an eye out for Sophia so they might talk, but it felt like the older girl was avoiding her. Even if she tried to sneak into the older girl's dorm room, she doesn't know which one and she would have her roommate there as well. Though, that did pose another question.
"Wait, Veronica, what about your roommate? What will you do if they find you missing in the middle of the night?" Yuki asks.
"Oh, don't worry about that. I'll just put them to sleep using my magic, come sleep with you, and then be back before they wake up in the morning. I can do the same thing when I go looking for dirt on Count Valmeck," Veronica says like it's no big deal.
"You are not sneaking into Yuki's bed like some kind of sick pervert!" Hiei stand in between them.
"Oh, but then what will I do when I need to recharge my energy? I suppose I could always try and kiss her... during class that is," Veronica says teasingly.
"You will do no such thing!" Hiei nearly yells.
Yuki sighs. She's starting to wonder if this was a good idea to ask Veronica for help now.
...
Meanwhile, Sophia is on her way to her next class when she happens to bump into someone she wants nothing to do with at the moment.
"Hello, dear sister," Sophia looks up to see her brother, Thorsen. "You look kind of down. Any way I can help cheer you up?" Thorsen asks in a condescending tone.
"I've no time for your tiresome games, Thorsen. I have class to get to," Sophia walks by him.
"I don't see why you should bother with the classes since your future has now been set. Though, you dropping out, even for marriage, wouldn't look good for the family, so there's no choice there. It must be such a shame, hmm? You were getting quite close to that commoner girl and now you can't be with her. How sad; you two were practically a match made in mediocrity. She's not a true noble and neither are you," he says, making her stop past him, though she doesn't look back. "Tell me, did you think you and her could have some fairytale ending and live happily ever after? Please, as if trash like you and her would be worthy of something that grandiose. Besides, would she even want to be with you if she knew the truth? That you were just using her for our father's ambitions? That in the end, she never meant anything to you," Thorsen walks in front of Sophia. "But, I never could understand why anyone would love a common street urchin like her-," Thorsen stops when Sophia slaps him across the face.
"I don't care what you say about me, Thorsen. I already know I'm not a good person, and I know I'm not worthy of standing by Yuki's side. But... NEVER disrespect Yuki in any way ever again. Is that clear?" Sophia demands, her voice low and menacing.
Thorsen still appears shocked that Sophia slapped him in the face. His face turns ugly as his anger builds.
"You dare threaten me? You think you can lay your filthy hands on me and get away with it?! You are nothing more than a common whore, just like your mother!" Thorsen yells, about to lunge at Sophia.
Sophia, however, stops him with her wand aimed an inch away from his face.
"Just try it. We both know that you are no fighter or mage. You've always hated me for the fact that I was blessed with magical talent while you were not. You also hated the fact that I've done more to enhance our family's position than you, despite the trials that were set before me. But, I think the one thing you hate about me most of all is the fact that unlike you, I have people who care about me. I know Father doesn't care about me, and neither do you, but I know Yuki does, despite how I've led to her. It's not that you haven't felt love, Thorsen. You simply can stand the fact that I've felt loved as well," Sophia retorts.
"You... You dare-," Thorsen seethes.
"I suggest you leave now, brother. Wouldn't want that pretty face of yours to get wet. And besides, we know you can't touch me right now before I get married to Count Valmeck. Wouldn't want him, and his money that Father wants, to pull out because there's a scratch on my cheek," Sophia says.
Thorsen looks like he wants to retort, but he holds it in, "I can't wait until your wedding day, dear sister. Because then I can enjoy the fact that you'll become an old man's plaything who will no doubt cast you aside and leave you in the gutter where you belong after he's done with you. Like the common trash you are," he growls before finally walking away.
Sophia watches him leave, only lowering her wand after he's gone. Sophia sighs, her strong defense crumbling. At least when she leaves the Ramona estate, she won't have to deal with him anymore.
"Perhaps it would better if they threw me out onto the streets. At least that way, I wouldn't have to deal with any of them anymore," Sophia mutters sadly.
...
The weekend comes around soon enough and Yuki, Hiei, and Hana are officially summoned to the royal castle. They came in formal attire for such an occasion. There, they meet Emilia and Fuyumi who were waiting for them.
"Mother Emilia, Mother Fuyumi, it's good to see you again," Yuki gives them an elegant curtsy.
Normally, she'd want to give them a hug, but since they're in the royal castle, she must follow the rules of etiquette.
"We're fine, Yukitsuki. It's good to see you're doing well. Hiei, Hanazuki, a pleasure to see you again," Emilia greets them.
"Lady Emilia, Ser Fuyumi," Hana and Hiei bow their heads to them.
"I trust Veronica isn't here because she had other... business to attend to?" Fuyumi asks.
"Yes. Hopefully, we'll hear from her soon... and hopefully she won't cause too much trouble," Yuki replies.
Yukitsuki informed her parents via letter about what she learned from Sophia regarding her father and their plan to find dirt on Count Valmeck in order to cancel the engagement. Her parents, while upset about the deception, ultimately understood. Plus, Sophia was just the tool, not the architect of the plot. They don't like it when people mess with anyone in their family.
"Well, luckily, May is with her. She'll be a great help to the mission, and keep Veronica in line. For now, we have our own objective to deal with. Someone wanted to meet with all of us, and we still don't know why," Fuyumi says.
"Do you have any idea who it is that wanted to meet with you, Ser Fuyumi?" Hiei asks.
Fuyumi shakes her head, "No, I'm afraid not. Whoever they are, they want this to be some kind of surprise from what I gather. Let's just hope this doesn't bring too much drama,"
Just then, a female servant approaches the group, "Ser Fuyumi, you and your family please follow me. I will take you to one of the king's visiting rooms with our esteemed guest," she says and then leads the way.
They all follow her to one of the many rooms within the palace. When they reach a set of doors, two more servants open them for the group. Inside, they see the king and queen, Princess Iris, and one more individual with two men standing behind them. The person is a woman, around Emilia's age, with green hair flowing halfway down her back. She's wearing a black, red, and gold dress with a long half-skirt on the back and a short skirt on the front. Gold armor covers her arms, legs, and chest. A matching crown sits upon her head.
The woman looks over and smirks, "Well, well, it has certainly been a long time since we last met, Fuyumi Kusanagi,"
Fuyumi only looks mildly surprised, "Yes, it has. An honor to see you again, Your Majesty, Empress Philine Hawke,"
The special guest turns out to be the ruler of the Gravlon Empire, Empress Philine Hawke.
And that's the chapter. Yuki figures out a plan to help Sophia, but now she must meet with the Gravlon Empire's ruler, who was once an old enemy of Fuyumi's. How will this meeting go? Until then, please Read and Review.