Leaning back with a content sigh, Vilhelm sipped his tea. The flavor was much stronger and fuller than he remembered. If only the others were calm enough for him to appreciate it.
Looking up, he saw Nora standing atop a precarious stack of multiple tables loudly proclaiming, "I am queen of the castle! I am queen of the castle!" Meanwhile, her teammates surrounded her, hopefully ready to catch her if (or rather, when) she fell.
In response, Ruby crushed a defenseless milk carton in her grip, dramatically declaring, "Justice will be swift! Justice will be painful! It will be... delicious!" Her teammates fueled the fire by standing up and shouting in unison, "YEAH!"
Sighing, Vilhelm wondered how they still had this much energy, given that they had fought for nearly the entire night before.
At least they don't pull me into their squabbles, Vilhelm thought, taking another sip of tea.
Just as he was about to leave, he noticed Sun standing in the doorway, accompanied by an unfamiliar blue-haired person wearing goggles on his forehead. Other than that, his attire seemed relatively normal.
Thinking it might be a good chance to catch up with Sun—and maybe get an introduction—Vilhelm took his cup and approached them.
"Sun!" Vilhelm called out, leaning back slightly to dodge a stray piece of unidentifiable vegetable. "It's been a while."
Sun nodded in greeting. "Hey, Vilhelm. Neptune, this is Vilhelm," he said, turning to his companion. "He's the noble I told you about. Vilhelm, this is Neptune—my partner."
"A pleasure," Vilhelm nodded, though his attention drifted back to the battlefield, where Nora was now wielding a metal pipe with a watermelon impaled on one end, attempting to squash Weiss. Somehow, Weiss had procured an absurdly rigid swordfish and was using it to parry the attacks. Proudly Vilhelm noticed that she was using some of the manouvers he showed her.
"Shouldn't you help them?" Neptune asked, nodding toward the ongoing food fight.
"No, not really," Vilhelm replied, sipping his tea, unable to hide the small smile forming as the flavor hit his tongue. "Besides, this is my favorite coat."
As if on cue, Pyrrha somehow launched hundreds of soda cans toward Team RWBY. However, with such a chaotic volley, some stray cans flew toward the doorway where Sun and Neptune were taking cover. Meanwhile, Vilhelm—still too enamored with his tea—was hit by most of them.
Now dripping with soda, Vilhelm sighed, mumbling to himself about how he really shouldn't have said that. Handing his cup to Neptune, who was cautiously peeking out from cover, and askeing, "Mind holding this for a moment?"
Without waiting for an answer, Vilhelm with an audible shudder grabbed two very stale baguettes and turned to face the chaos.
"This will take but a moment," he declared before lunging at Pyrrha, whirling the baguettes like makeshift blades. Pyrrha managed to block the initial strike, but Vilhelm pressed forward, skillfully dual-wielding the hardened bread.
Noticing their reinforcements, Team RWBY cheered and redoubled their efforts. Weiss, abandoning all finesse, swung her swordfish like a baseball bat and sent Jaune flying backward. Blake while hit by Pyrrhas barrage still descended upon Ren, wildly swinging her baguette as Ren desperately tried to fend her off.
Meanwhile, Yang—emboldened by the chaos—charged at Nora with turkeys strapped to her fists, while Ruby cheered her on. However, the moment Yang got close, Nora countered with a devastating uppercut, sending Yang straight through the ceiling. The impact miraculously shattered the stupidly durable watermelon in the process.
Watching her sister vanish into the stratosphere, Ruby let out a dramatic "NOOO!" clutching her chest with her left hand. "YAAAANG! I will avenge you!" she cried before activating her Semblance and launching herself at Nora.
Ruby's speed swept up every last speck of food in the room, engulfing Nora in a whirlwind of food debris and rose petals. But she didn't stop there—the swirling mass of destruction continued forward, swallowing Jaune whole.
Seeing Ruby's success, Vilhelm seized the opportunity. Disarming Pyrrha, he hurled her straight into Ruby's food tornado, where she was promptly joined by Ren.
Standing together, the newly formed alliance of Team RWBY (minus the R and Y) and Vilhelm proudly watched as the tornado fizzled out, spitting out Team JNPR at their feet.
Maintaining his most serious expression—despite internally dying from laughter—Vilhelm pointed one of his baguettes at the defeated team and declared,
"This is but a taste of the strength of the RWBYV alliance. Do you yield?"
Before anyone could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Children, please do not play with your food!"
Vilhelm nearly dropped his baguettes as everyone turned to see Glynda Goodwitch standing at the entrance, her riding crop glowing as she effortlessly cleaned the entire room. The hole in the ceiling—courtesy of Yang—repaired itself in seconds.
Only for Yang to fall right back through it, reopening the hole.
Goodwitch narrowed her eyes but sighed, turning away as Ozpin strolled in, his ever-present mug in hand.
Meanwhile, Ruby rushed over to Yang, dramatically reenacting a Shakespearean tragedy, complete with tearful monologues about avenging her fallen sister. The performance was so convincing that Vilhelm almost didn't notice the way Ozpin subtly tensed when looking in his direction. Almost.
With a satisfied smirk, Vilhelm finished the last brushstroke of the painting.
Ever since the Trial—and more importantly, after the climactic battle—the painting had progressed much faster than expected. The return of… his soul? Consciousness? He wasn't really sure, yet it had still reawakened lost memories, flooding him with an endless sea of inspiration.
Looking out the window, Vilhelm observed several Bullheads deploying uniformed individuals into Beacon's plaza.
Ever since the airships had arrived, hovering over Vale, Beacon had seen a steady increase in these soldiers. As he continued to gaze outside, he went through his mental bucket list—a lesser-known perk of having an artificial body.
"Ruby did say they would need my help with something later today, but I still have time," Vilhelm thought. "I've also finished all my homework… Actually, I haven't heard from Penny since the incident, and I did promise to explain my lack of Aura to her. Now's as good a time as any."
With that conclusion, he walked over to his desk and retrieved his Scroll.
Taking a seat on his bed, he shifted into what he thought was a comfortable position—though lacking actual skin he wasn't entirely sure. Clicking through his contacts, he finally found Penny's name.
For a moment, he wondered how to start the conversation. In the end, he decided to drop the formality and simply wrote:
"Hey Penny, do you have time?"
Not expecting an immediate response, Vilhelm placed his Scroll on his thigh and leaned back. However, to his surprise, Penny replied in less than five seconds:
"I am sorry, but it appears that you have the wrong number."
Blinking once. Then twice.
Frowning, Vilhelm checked the contact again. It was definitely Penny's number. Scrolling up, he was greeted by the long list of enthusiastic questions Penny had previously sent—and his own responses.
His brows furrowed as he typed:
"Alright, Penny. What happened? Did you get in that much trouble?"
Four minutes passed with no response. Growing more concerned, Vilhelm wrote:
Penny you know that i can just sit and wait until you have written back?
Still no response.
"Penny, I'm sure that whatever happened, I can help you get out of it."
Again, no answer. Now genuinely worried, Vilhelm made one last attempt:
"Please, Penny. I really don't want to lose a friend over something so insignificant. Let me help you."
For a while, there was only silence. Just as he was considering what else to say, Penny finally responded:
"I was ordered that if I saw any of you, I should act as if I don't know you."
Dumbfounded, Vilhelm stared at the message before his lips twitched into a smile.
Receiving orders he didn't agree with? Oh, that brought back memories. And unfortunately for whoever had ordered Penny to ignore her friends… he was an expert in this particular field.
"Well then, everything is fine," he wrote back, suppressing a giggle. "For I am not Vilhelm. I am… "
Vilhelm paused for a moment, debating what name to use before deciding to be lazy about it.
"Virelm."
For a moment, there was no reply. Then, Penny responded:
"But this would be disobedience."
Snorting, Vilhelm thought back to his early days as a Cainhurst Knight.
"No," he wrote, "this is malicious compliance. After all, you're not disobeying any orders by talking to Virelm."
"Oh! Thank you, Vilhelm! I mean Virelm." Penny replied. "I was afraid I would lose my only friends."
"No need to thank me. Now, tell me what happened."
Goodwitch and a very lost-in-thought Ozpin stood by the window of the Headmaster's office, gazing at the ships hovering above Beacon.
"Ironwood certainly loves bringing his work with him wherever he travels," Goodwitch remarked, attempting to pull Ozpin from his thoughts.
"Mhm," Ozpin responded absentmindedly, clearly only half-listening.
Sighing, Goodwitch continued, "Very well, Headmaster. What happened?"
"Huh?"
"Ever since the food fight," she elaborated, "it's as if you've been living in a completely different world. Perhaps... wherever Yharnam lies?"
Ozpin sighed, turning away from the window and walking toward his desk.
"It's about Vilhelm," he began.
Goodwitch perked up at that.
"You most certainly remember that I failed to unlock his Aura and that he didn't have a speck of life within him."
"Of course," Goodwitch said, already suspecting where this conversation was heading.
Rubbing his temples, Ozpin continued, "That was not the case in the cafeteria. I could feel his soul as clear as day."
"I believe that's not the whole reason for your concern," Goodwitch countered. "Even if it is a bit strange that a previously soulless student now has a soul, you wouldn't be this worked up over it."
Ozpin sighed again. "Indeed. The main cause of concern is how alien his soul felt."
"Alien?" Goodwitch asked, but before the Headmaster could respond, his desk emitted a soft chime, indicating that someone was requesting access to his office.
"It seems Ironwood simply can't wait," Goodwitch remarked before adding with a smirk, "I suppose I shouldn't mention Vilhelm's ground bone powder to him."
"Yes," Ozpin replied, granting access to his office. "The last thing we need is James pressuring Vilhelm over a minor advantage."
"Minor advantage?" Goodwitch thought, recalling the devastation the mysterious substance had caused in the practice range.
Suddenly, the doors to the Headmaster's office opened, and the person responsible for the airships outside entered. Headmaster and General James Ironwood strode in, clad in his signature white uniform— a white overcoat, a white glove on his right hand, white suit pants, and silver boots.
"Ozpin!" he called out.
"Hello, General," Ozpin replied, expertly masking his concerns.
"Please, drop the formalities," Ironwood said, shaking Ozpin's hand. "It's been too long," he continued before turning to Goodwitch. "And Glynda, it has certainly been too long since we last met."
"Oh, James," Goodwitch replied in a less-than-friendly tone. "I'll be outside," she added before making her way to the elevator.
"Well, she hasn't changed a bit," Ironwood remarked once she was gone.
"So," Ozpin began, pouring tea for both himself and the General, "what in the world has brought you down from Atlas? Headmasters don't typically travel with their students for the Vytal Festival."
"Well," Ironwood started, "there were multiple things I wished to discuss— one of them being that you've located another silver-eyed?"
"Ah, you must mean Mr. Vilhelm of Cainhurst," Ozpin said, taking a sip of his tea.
"Indeed," Ironwood replied, mirroring the action. "I was hoping I could take him to Atlas Academy to finish his Huntsman training."
Once again, Ozpin rubbed his temples, a hint of irritation showing at Ironwood's presumption.
"James," he began, "I doubt that it's within your authority to decide whether Vilhelm should transfer academies."
"Ozpin," Ironwood said seriously, "having all our assets in one place could be advantageous—for the enemy."
"Vilhelm chose my academy because he asked for my help in finding his city," Ozpin countered.
"And how much have you helped him?" Ironwood asked, giving Ozpin a knowing look—only for the desk to chime again, signaling another request for entry.
"Speak of the Grimm, and they shall come," Ozpin muttered before leaning toward the speaker. "Mr. Vilhelm, I'm afraid I'm in an important meeting with the General."
A brief silence followed before Vilhelm's voice came through the speaker.
"That actually fits perfectly, as I wished to speak with the General specifically."
Ozpin glanced at Ironwood with a raised eyebrow, waiting for his response. When Ironwood gave a nod of consent, Ozpin leaned back over the speaker.
"It seems you're in luck, Mr. Vilhelm, for the General also wishes to speak with you."
"Wonderful. Thank you, Headmaster."
A minute later, the doors opened, and Vilhelm entered the office. He now wore a very expensive looking black coat with gold stitchings, accompanied by a short black half-cape lined with red. His signature gloves covered both hands, and black leather boots completed the ensemble. With his pale white hair, he stood as a stark contrast to Ironwood—something Ozpin idly wondered if he had done intentionally.
"Headmaster," Vilhelm greeted Ozpin with a respectful bow, identical to their first meeting, before turning to Ironwood and simply nodding. "General."
Ozpin had to suppress a smile. From his time as King of Vale, he recognized Vilhelm's tactic—downplaying Ironwood's importance while subtly showing greater respect to himself, likely to provoke some form of jealousy.
"Mr. Vilhelm," Ozpin said, offering him a cup of tea, which Vilhelm accepted with a nod. "I believe you wished to speak with the General?"
"Indeed," Vilhelm said, turning to Ironwood while taking a slow sip of his tea. He closed his eyes briefly before continuing. "I would like to know why you ordered Penny to act as if she didn't recognize us."
Ironwood blinked before asking, "And how exactly did you find this out, Mr. Vilhelm?"
"Sir Vilhelm, i was knighted." he corrected.
Ozpin hid his smile behind his cup, recognizing yet another courtly technique at play.
"As for your question," Vilhelm continued, swirling his tea absently, "because I already exchanged Scroll numbers with Penny, I was able to communicate with her. So, I simply told her that she was speaking to someone else—thereby allowing her to follow your order without technically disobeying it. But I believe you have yet to answer my question, Mr. Ironwood."
"General Ironwood," he corrected before continuing, "and as for the order, I am willing to withdraw it—if I may ask you a question in return."
"Of course, go ahead," Vilhelm said, giving his utmost effort to appear disinterested, which, Ozpin noted, was quite convincing.
Ozpin could almost see the tension in Ironwood's expression as he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally asked, "I would like to offer you a place at Atlas Academy."
Vilhelm took another sip of tea, sighed, and turned to Ironwood.
"General, I appreciate your hospitality; yet, I am not interested in joining the Atlesian military. However…" he paused, a sly smile forming, "if you were to find the location of Yharnam before the Headmaster… I might consider it."
"I see," the General replied, expression unreadable as he turned toward the door. "I thank you for hosting me at your academy, Ozpin, and Sir Vilhelm, for considering my offer. I will look forward to your enrollment in Atlas Academy."
Vilhelm waited until Ironwood had left before walking over to a chair beside Ozpin's desk, where he sat down with an audible sigh.
"What an unlikeable individual," he muttered. "I will never understand why people strive for positions of power when they have to deal with such company."
"The General may be a bit headstrong," Ozpin admitted, "but he is a valuable ally. However, I wasn't aware you'd even consider transferring academies."
Vilhelm snorted. "I spoke with him for mere minutes, and I already know he's a stubborn, self-righteous know-it-all. While attending the same academy as Penny would certainly be enjoyable, the General's presence makes it far less worthwhile."
I see, yet I did not expect this change of wardrobe. Am I right in assuming that you wished to impress the general?" Ozpin questioned.
"Not exactly," Vilhelm replied. "It just felt wrong to ask for an audience with a high-ranking military leader while wearing casual clothes."
He took another sip of his tea before looking up suddenly.
"Oh, I almost forgot," he said, extending his hand, which became enveloped in a soft teal glow. "I must thank you for your indirect help in unlocking my Aura."
Vilhelm slowly turned his hand, eyes fixed on the swirling energy.
"This 'Aura' you spoke of is certainly interesting… though an all-encompassing shield could encourage bad habits."
"Which is precisely why Huntsman academies exist," Ozpin explained. "So Huntsmen can learn not to rely too heavily on their Aura."
"Indeed," Vilhelm agreed, finishing the last of his tea. "I look forward to the next combat class, where I can properly test it out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an important message to send to Penny."
"I see. Well, have a nice day, Sir Vilhelm," Ozpin said with a sly smile.
Vilhelm immediately stopped mid-step before turning around with a grimace.
"Please don't call me that, Headmaster."
With that, he exited the office, leaving Ozpin alone with his thoughts.
Whistling while juggling his scroll in one hand, Vilhelm made his way to the library. Following the scent of Team RWBY was easy enough—Yang's hair product had an almost sickly-sweet scent, one he could track even without a nose.
I wonder if Faunus would smell it as well, Vilhelm thought. Blake doesn't seem to mind, but perhaps a Faunus with a different heritage would.
His musings, however, came to an end as he reached the library, immediately spotting Team RWBY gathered around a map, along with Team JNPR, Sun, and Neptune. The latter was shamelessly courting Weiss, using the same pickup lines Jaune had attempted before—though, to Vilhelm's amusement, with much greater success. This, in turn, seemed to annoy Jaune to no end, while Pyrrha frowned behind him.
Oh, that is just wonderful, Vilhelm thought, overjoyed that his old hobby had made a return.
Ruby spotted him immediately, waving him over.
"Oh, hey, Vilhelm!" she called out. "What are you doing here? Oh, nice cape! We're matching!" she squealed, holding up her own cape.
Vilhelm slowed down, glancing at his short cape before smiling—her delight was contagious.
"So it seems," he said, pulling a free chair over to take a seat at the table. "Oh, and I managed to get our fellow vigilante out of her quarantine."
This made everyone look up in shock. Seeing their confusion, Vilhelm elaborated:
"General Know-It-All ordered Penny to act as if she didn't recognize us, so I managed to talk him into lifting her ban."
JNPR and Neptune still looked confused, prompting Vilhelm to explain further.
"She was the visiting Huntress who helped us stop Roman's Dust robbery."
"First off," Weiss interjected, "we did not commit vigilantism, because the Dust belonged to my family. And second—did you just call General Ironwood General Know-It-All?" she finished, looking scandalized.
"Yes," Vilhelm replied nonchalantly. "Our Atlesian military leader has quite an awful personality."
"He is the most powerful man on Remnant," Blake said, raising an eyebrow.
"He certainly acts that way," Vilhelm remarked, recalling the look in Ironwood's eyes—a look that said everyone, with a few notable exceptions, was beneath him. It was a look Vilhelm had seen in many executioners, Vilebloods, and even in the mirror before he was transformed into the abomination he was now.
"He offered me a place at his academy," Vilhelm added, his tone turning sour.
Noticing the shocked expressions around him—and already imagining Ruby begging him to stay—he quickly continued, "Obviously, I refused. I'd rather take a swim in searing hot oil than spend more time with him than absolutely necessary."
Ruby immediately relaxed, but Weiss fixed him with a surprised look.
"Was it really that bad?" she asked.
Vilhelm thought for a moment before answering, "It wasn't that bad, but it would have been worse if the conversation had continued."
Weiss nodded, though she still looked unconvinced.
Vilhelm then turned his attention to the map spread across the table, covered with figurines.
"What's this?" he asked, pointing at the board. "Are you planning another act of vigilantism?"
"No, not ye—" Ruby began, then quickly shut her mouth. "Anyway, this is Remnant: The Board Game. She quickly explained trying to cover up her slip up. You play as one of the kingdoms and try to conquer the rest of Remnant."
Vilhelm nodded thoughtfully. I see he thought, so it is a overly complicated version of Chess.
"I never took you as the board game type," Sun said, trying to make conversation with Blake.
Unfortunately for him, it didn't really work out.
"Well," Blake began, "I'm done playing, actually." She stood up. "I'll see you guys later," she said as she walked away.
Hopelessly looking at the group for answers, Sun found that the only one willing to comment was Nora.
"Women," she said with a shrug before leaning back in her chair and immediately starting to snore.
"Well…" Yang began. "Seeing as we just got space for a new player—wanna join, Vilhelm?"
"Sure," he said, picking up Blake's cards and attempting to decipher the rules—with little success.
"So…" he began. "How exactly do you play this game?"
Much later, Vilhelm was walking back to his dorm after getting absolutely destroyed in the board game by the other three participants—before Yang finished off the rest. Wanting to familiarize himself further with the rules, he asked Ruby if he could borrow her board game for a while. Additionally, he carried a small stack of books on Remnant's combined history to have something interesting to read during the night and, more importantly, a book containing all the laws and regulations of Atlas.
Intending to return Ruby's board game first, he made his way to Team RWBY's dorm. As he rounded the hallway where their dorms were located, he spotted Ruby outside her room, talking with three other people.
One was a girl with light green hair tied into two long strands and dark skin. Beside her stood a boy with pale skin, gray eyes, and gray hair. The last was a woman with fair skin and black hair that partially covered one of her amber eyes. Both the boy and the woman wore the uniforms of visiting Haven students.
Since Ruby was the one facing his direction, she was the first to notice him.
"Oh, hey, Vilhelm! I was just about to go find you," she called out.
Curiously, the visiting students grew noticeably cautious as he approached.
Well, that looks suspicious, Vilhelm thought. They are most likely libertines. Thank Oedon I didn't leave the library any later.
"Hi, Ruby. Here—I brought your board game," Vilhelm said, handing the box to her while keeping his sights fixed on the three strangers. "I believe we haven't been introduced yet. I am Vilhelm of Cainhurst—a pleasure." He nodded politely.
"Cinder Fall," the woman answered smoothly. "Likewise. And these are my teammates, Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai." She gestured toward each of them in turn.
Vilhelm nodded in acknowledgment, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
If she's younger than twenty, I'll be the next Vicar of the Healing Church. He narrowed his eyes slightly. Truly, debauchery has taken a foothold in these individuals. But to think they would pester someone as young as Ruby!
"I believe we got lost and missed our own dormitories," Cinder continued with an innocent expression.
What an unconvincing lie, Vilhelm thought, unimpressed. She is most likely the instigator, and the others have been pulled into her harem, unable to escape. I must warn Yang—she should be able-bodied enough to keep these perverts away from Ruby.
"Oh! Your dorm should be just east of these ones," Ruby chimed in helpfully, her innocence far more genuine.
"Oh, thank you very much," Cinder said with a polite smile before walking away, her accomplices following close behind.
"Very well," Vilhelm began. "And if you require any help, merely ask." He watched them leave, casting a look of pity at the two who were likely powerless against the woman's machinations.
"Oh, and welcome to Beacon!" Ruby called after them before turning to Vilhelm, who was still deep in thought.
"Vilhelm, do you have time tomorrow, after class?" she asked.
"Hm? Well, of course," Vilhelm replied, snapped out of his considerations.
"Awesome!" Ruby beamed. "Can you meet us tomorrow at our dorms?"
"Certainly," Vilhelm said. "But remind me—I need to tell Yang something."
"Alright," Ruby said, clutching her game to her chest. "Goodnight, Vilhelm!" she called before slipping into her dorm and locking the door behind her.
Shaking his head, Vilhelm made his way to his own dorm just a short distance away.
Who would've thought morality would have sunk this low? he mused one last time before closing his door.
"And they're Ozpin's little mystery chess pieces?" Mercury asked once they were safely inside their dorm.
"So it would seem," Cinder replied, her thoughts drifting to the two silver-eyed individuals. The girl is hopelessly naive and therefore easy to manipulate. The other guy, however… She could've sworn he had noticed something—had he even looked at them with pity?
Could it be that he already sees through our plans?
She shook her head, dismissing the thought. While he was certainly suspicious of them, they would simply need to be particularly careful around him.
"I can't believe Roman was right," Emerald said, taking a seat on her bed. "Do you think he's already managed to do… you know what?" she asked, glancing at Cinder.
"We can't be too sure," Cinder replied. "Just be careful around him. We don't want to raise any more suspicion."
Author's Note:
This chapter was a quick filler to introduce both Ironwood and Cinder's infiltration squad. The idea of making them appear as perverts searching for their next victim—in Vilhelm's eyes—was simply too hilarious to leave out. It also kind of fit; after all, a group of strangers seeking conversation with a younger individual? BIG RED FLAG!
And of course, Ironwood would want a silver-eyed warrior in his ranks, so he tried to make Vilhelm an offer—which obviously would never come to fruition. Right?