A/N: I just read the first three volumes of the official translation of Mobuseka. Pretty good honestly, like I can see why some people might find Leon a bit annoying at times but I think that just makes him more fun. I also started volume 4, which has them go to Alzer and is all the stuff with Pierre and the unneeded stuff with Marie's ex-husband. I feel like there wasn't a reason to make them like the bad guys from Sword Art Online, like they needed their teeth kicked in already, no need to convince me to curb stomp again. (For the record I like SAO, but they really need to come up with other ways to make the guys suck.)

I do think that my idea of blending the lawless city and Alzer works a lot better than I thought it would though. Like seriously, the people there are just as bad as the students of the academy.

Another note, I think in that one fic written by three people (I forget the name) for Mobuseka they said that Alzer was based on America. However, in the light novel Leon goes out of his way to compare it to modern-day Japan. With Trams and Cars, which admittedly does make me think about towns like Seattle or whatever, but apparently close enough to modern Japan that Leon feels a little sick at the sight.

I hope that volumes 5 and 6 aren't as bad as everyone says though.

Oh, and that reminds me. I guess no one noticed that I buffed the AI's from Mobuseka. Luxion and Cleare actually can't really control any device they aren't close to, and only have one body each. Like, Leon has to hide Luxion in a bag or his pocket usually (even though the cloaking is a thing in canon, idk). The little robots that man the ship are more of simple AI's that you give commands from what I can tell, and Luxion can't move his consciousness to them or anything.

I just thought that since they're AI's that was a bit of bs, and it'd be a lot fairer in the Leon vs. Shadow aspects if Luxion could control multiple little drone bodies. In my fic's canon his main intelligence is in the one orb that follows Leon but can swap around with the others (Like when he helped save Alexia or when he helped evacuate people during the terrorist attack).

Oh and, for those who asked, I'm leaving stuff up on QQ but likely going to delete it from Ao3. QQ requires an account and for people to say that they're 18 or older. The main thing that worries me about the new bills is that there's a bit that talks about anyone who distributes porn, including "sole proprietor" which I think is meant to mean people on OF, , and in my case: any given writing site. It's also why I took stuff off from Pixiv, despite the fact that it's stationed in Japan.

Leon Fou [now Rapha] Barfort: Renowned adventurer and current crown prince. / previously: Hiro (pre:isekai)—Lea of Bart's Fort (The true founder of Holfort and lover to the Saintess Ann and Mary)—JOU_MOU_ (someone who used to work in Luxion's facility.)

Angelica Rapha Redgrave: Daughter of Duke Redgrave and ex-fiancé to Julius/ Previously: Ann of Bart's Fort (aka Saintess Ann and lover of Lea of Bart's fort). / Also goes by Angie to close friends and loved ones.

Olivia: Commoner from the Kagenou Barony. / previously: Mary lover and companion to Ann and Lea. When they had returned from their adventures in ancient Midgar, all three had been attacked by the founding heirs as they all wanted Ann. To save Lea and Ann from such a fate, she teleported them away, and swapped bodies with Ann. / Is also known as Livia by her close friends and loved ones.

Cid Kagenou: fiancé to several famous elves but just a regular mob you'd find anywhere / previously: Minoru Kagenou boy from Earth that would be transported to the ancient times of the current before dying at the hands of his friends due to becoming demonically possessed out of grief. / Also dons the secret identity of "Lord Shadow." Leader and founder of The Shadow Garden. / Mundane Mann, a pathetic looking sword wielder that disappeared many years ago and has returned for the Bushin festival. / Kageno of Mitsugoshi, after an argument with his parents, Cid decides to go by Kageno for a while.

Alice [Kagenou: Cid's personal elf servant, lover, and childhood friend / previously: Beatrice (this is non canon, but all of Shadow Garden had identities before joining so I made a name up for her.) / Dons the secret identity of "Alpha" or "Lady Shade." Co-leader and second founder of The Shadow Garden, first of the Seven Shades. The name "Alpha" is only used by those in Shadow Garden.

Other Shadow Garden Members: All of the seven shades have secret identities. They see their Shadow Garden names as their true names and will use that in their own thoughts. But to everyone not in Shadow Garden that sees them as their secret identities will use those names.

Beta: Natsume Kafka, renowned writer.

Gamma: Luna of Mitsugoshi, owner of said store and many others, richest Woman in the world. Xianyun, Swordmaster of the fareastern kingdoms.

Delta: Sara, certified good girl.

Epsilon: Shiron, amazing musician known internationally.

Zeta: Zetan. Previously known as Lilim, named after the therianthrope hero, Lili.

Eta: Goes by Eta Lloyd Wright, renowned Architect.

Charlie: Known previously as Carla Fou Wayne.

Yankee: Known previously as Stephanie Fou Offrey

Foxtrot: Sherry's mother.

Aurora: Called Violet by Cid, and now camps out in his soul/brain. Known as the Witch of Calamity, and the Demon Diabolos.

Disclaimer: I don't own Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs nor The Eminence in Shadow. The only Beta reader here is the elf.

-P2W-

For the kingdoms of Holfort and Midgar, the last exciting event of the months of September and October would be the Bushin Festival. Part of the reason for this is that Halloween isn't a thing just yet, although Mitsugoshi is already implementing plans to create it based on The Shadow Wisdom. Another is that this is usually the time that people need to start preparing for winter.

In short, the months leading up to November and December usually have nothing noteworthy about them once the Bushin Festival ends.

But for all political factions involved, right now they are preparing for something other than the harshness of winters. No, what they know is that very, very soon, something is going to change, and they all want to be on the winning side.

However, for now things once again start with the actions of one troublesome boy.

Cid Kagenou. Or as he's going by now, Kageno of Mitsugoshi.

This morning he was accompanied by his seven fiancés as he went to the Partner to meet with his parents.

The last time they spoke, things did not end too well, so everyone is a bit on edge.

…Well most of them are for that reason.

"Zetan, Sara." Said Alpha a bit frustrated, "You two don't need to walk right next to me."

Kageno turns his head and sees the sight he saw this morning when Zeta had been informed by Delta of what she missed. After confirmation from him and her checking with her nose (at least Kageno is pretty sure that's how Zeta could sense it) she also shifted to guard mode.

The way that Delta and Zeta wouldn't let anyone but him within two feet of Alpha was almost comical. Part of Kageno wanted to give them sunglasses and tell them to wear suits while they protected her.

"Can you tell them something darling?" asked Alpha.

Kageno thought about it, "No."

"No?" questioned Alpha.

"If they were pregnant instead of you, how harshly do you think you'd be coddling them?" posited Kageno.

While Alpha conceded the point with a resigned pout, Violet teased Kageno from within his head. "Not going to mention how you barely want her to go outside and get hurt, huh?"

No idea what you're talking about, denied Kageno.

With one hand on her hip and the other poking Kageno in the face, Violet continued to tease, "Oh? So the way you distracted yourself by coming up with 42 different plans on how to teleport, barrier, swap, etc. in case anyone tries to hurt her was just a coincidence?"

Of course, lied Kageno, I was going to come up with those kinds of things anyway. It was just a neat thought experiment.

"And the plan to make her take maternity leave? Or all the questions you asked Yumeria about what helped during her pregnancy with a half-elf?" asked Violet.

"...Oh, hey look it's the partner!" Said Kageno. "You girls ready?"

"Are you?" asked Beta.

"I know you can face anything," said Epsilon, "But there's no shame in doing this later."

"…I can… rewrite… their memories… and make them… think they met you…" offered Eta.

Kageno chuckled, "No. I'm… I'll be able to handle it. Thanks though."

"If bossman's parents try anything funny then I'll throw them out the window!" shouted Delta, to which Eta nodded in agreement.

"Since when could she use 'I'?" questioned Violet.

Oh? If you don't know that then I suppose some of my memories are hidden to you then. Replied Kageno.

Alpha sighed, "Why do you need to throw them out a window? Moreover, why did you break all of the ones in the hall the other day with Claire?"

"Bossman said that the best way to get someone to leave you alone is to throw them out a window! And I'm really good at throwing people! But we only had so many windows…" admitted Delta.

With that settled they walked towards the stairs leading onto the ship, where Leon had waited alongside Olivia.

"You ready man?" asked Leon.

Olivia stepped forward, "Claire and Angie are keeping them busy if you want to take a minute."

Kageno shook his head. "Thanks, but I'll be fine. Let's go ahead and get this over with."

-Mrs. Kagenou-

My name is Mai Kagenou. Formerly, it was Mai PlazH Nam.

I couldn't tell you where it started but for as long as I could remember I…

I haven't had anything I've strove for.

Perhaps it's my upbringing as a noble, but I've never been expected to do anything other than become a wife and mother. Of course, my father wanted me to be able to defend myself when I went to Midgar's dark knight academy, so I was taught by some private tutors on how to fight and defend myself.

I wasn't the strongest nor the smartest when I went to the academy. No, that honor went to the high nobility with far better tutors, gear, and honestly more time than I could ever afford.

I hadn't even had the time to pursue romance. Most of my time was spent studying and training. I was under the impression that I needed to prove myself. But I was never sure who I was proving myself to. My family demanded nothing of me but to eventually marry and have children, but they let me control who and when. My friends thought I was rather 'cool' for being as strong as I was without being high nobility.

In fact, I had quite a few fans back in the day. Fellow female students especially would give me flowers and the like to show their admiration. I believe I even got one from the woman that would go on to become the queen.

But none of it ever meant anything to me.

I felt nothing from it.

Studying hard, training even harder, and resting with tea time amongst friends were all really just things to do. It was something I figured I should do as a noble. As though I was playing a role.

But then one day, a strange boy walked up to me after school. I recall that it had rained that day so rather than training outdoors like usual I had waited out the rain in a nearby gazebo. The boy had come up to me with two umbrellas, one for him and one for me. He handed it over right away, but asked that in return I at least hear him out.

"Ah-ah-ah…! M-Miss Mai Nam!" shouted the boy his voice trembling about as much as his legs.

Thanks to the reflection of the rain on the ground, I could tell that despite him not looking me in the face, and even though he was several feet away from where I stood, he was so nervous that his eyes wandered constantly. What's more, his face was rather flush.

Part of me thought that perhaps he had caught a cold due to the rain, especially since his umbrella didn't cover all of his body as he bowed. Then he threw the umbrella aside and prostrated himself before me, slamming his head into the ground at full speed.

"W-w-w-will you attend my tea party…?" asked the boy, his head burrowing into the ground.

It was a completely pathetic display.

It was adorable.

I was really glad his face was burrowed into the ground because I knew mine was burning more harshly than his. I had barely managed to squeak out a "…o-okay…"

From there we had a bit of a whirlwind relationship. His name was Otou Kageno. His family's barony was one of the many on the border of Midgar and Holfort. His mother had actually come from Holfort, a left over of the many women who went unmarried due to haughty attitudes in the school, and had her marriage arranged by her parents after their territory fell into hard times. She taught him the method of approaching the girl you liked with a tea party.

I'll admit, that it did help him charm me. Although he was pretty pathetic still. However, his good looks helped make up for it. Of course I do find him attractive in our old age—he's my husband and I love him damn it—but I'll admit he was quite the looker with a full head of hair back in the day. What's more, he was pretty talented as a dark knight. Mainly because he could heal himself enough that most damage people gave him was easily ignored. No matter how much blood he shed, he'd just get back up again.

I thought it was a pathetic way to defeat his opponents, but I fiercely admired his will… though that didn't stop me from beating him up every time he did something stupid. Sometimes I worry that I hurt him too much, but he always apologizes and said he deserves it. I make up for it by apologizing later with a gift or… the way a wife does.

Speaking of the best gift I've ever given to him as a wife was our two children, according to him. I remembered how pathetically he cried when he learned I was pregnant with Claire. It made me immediately want to help create Cid.

Claire was a bright child, always so sure of herself and what she wanted to do. She took to her sword training and studies like a duck to water. She had her father's will and I loved her for it.

Cid however… he had inherited my apathy, and that worried me. While Claire excelled at anything she put her mind to because she was able to devote herself whole heartedly like her father would in the past, Cid just seemed to not care about anything much like I had. I had wanted to spend more time with him, but I had my duties as the matriarch of the family. As did Otou. For as beautiful as our lands were, they were often plagued by pirates and other bandits. Especially after Cid was born.

Thankfully Claire doted on him heavily—a little to heavily sometimes—so we knew he was never alone. I figured that he didn't feel lonely. And when he got older he seemed to want to spend time alone… but I guess I just assumed he'd prefer to be alone rather than actually ask him.

It's no wonder that he wanted Alice. He was lonely, he wanted someone he thought would never leave him. Looking back I can't thank Otou enough for convincing me to let Cid keep her. The way his eyes lit up with her around… well it's no surprise that he loves her so. She was the fire in his eyes much like how Otou was for me.

It was a surprise that she'd leave due to a family emergency and leave poor Cid heartbroken. What's worse is that the bandit issue wasn't solved when both she and Claire left so we could only spare a few moments of time to pay attention to him, and I could tell that he didn't really care for it.

I suppose that the bandit issues don't sound like a big deal when I bring it up like that, but it was something that plagued the territory for years. Countless children were taken from their own homes and it was considered lucky if you could see them as a slave later, because at least then you could buy their freedom! Even Claire was kidnapped by them! Right from our own home!

It was a gift from the Saintess herself that Leon had shown up with Olivia when he did, and I can't blame Claire for falling for him so. I only approved more when I saw the effect he had on Cid, as I never saw him smile so brightly.

Eventually, despite being all alone again, Cid would go to the academy. I had hoped that perhaps he'd find a new flame, or perhaps being around his old friends would cheer him up.

I did NOT expect for a woman claiming to be Alice's sister, Luna, to show up and offer me and Otou a dowry so large that we briefly worried that we'd go up a rank if we came into possession of it. But we agreed, figuring that reuniting Cid with Alice was the best call for his happiness… and that was about the last thing we did for him.

We exchanged letters with Claire often, but Cid almost never sent anything home aside from his report card. Luna talked to us more often than him, sending us reports about how he's been doing in the company and how successful she is. She even talked about the other fiancés. Alice was obvious, but the other 5 were completely unknown to us.

Then things got even stranger when I was called into a meeting to help instate Leon as the future king of Holfort. Apparently as one of the border barons my opinion mattered more than I had thought, not to mention my connections to Claire and Luna.

We'd get reports of all the trouble they got into, but thought not much of it. We worried of course, but if you send your children to the nation of adventurers to train as dark knights it only makes sense that they'd get into trouble. I was so proud of them for surviving through it all alongside their friends.

I thought it was fine.

Then we were informed by Leon of Cid's affliction.

One he had for his entire life.

Something that we would have never noticed.

Something that he had to essentially sell his soul to the devil to help treat.

…

And then we had that argument.

And I lost my son.

I wept for hours, unable to even muster the strength to take my frustrations out on Otou.

I knew. I knew that in the middle of that argument when he brought up how he was an adult now, that he was about to cut himself off from us completely. But I couldn't stop it.

Thankfully, Leon was able to talk our son into talking to us one more time.

I have no idea what I could possibly say at this point to make for it though.

-P2W-

The Partner's lobby room is rather tense as the Kagenou's meet with Kageno.

Leon, Olivia, and Angelica sit off to the side, there to make sure things don't get too heated on either side.

On the Kagenou's side is the father, mother, and Claire.

On their friend Kageno's side, is the man himself. He's surrounded by his seven wives that apparently his parents had never met all in person before. None of them seemed particularly happy with their lover's parents. One would think that the therianthropes who growl and hiss at the Kagenou's are the most intimidating, but it's Alpha's stare down that makes them more nervous than anything.

Neither side makes a move. As though they're powder keg ready to explode with a single word spoken.

Given his inability to stand awkward situations, Leon decides to speak up.

"I hate to cut in, but I don't think you guys are going to solve anything with a staring contest." Said Leon, causing Olivia and Angelica to both elbow him in the gut. "Hrk! I know! But like seriously! Please someone speak already!"

Kageno opens his mouth first. But his father raises his hand. So Kageno shuts his mouth and waits.

"I know you probably have a lot to say, and most likely none of it kind. But please, hear me what I have to say first." Begged Mr. Kagenou. "I'm sorry."

Everyone on the son's side finds themselves surprised.

Mr. Kagenou stand and then bows, "I really, really am sorry. For yelling, for trying to hit you, for neglecting you all these years. I can never make up for any of it. But please, at least let me explain things from my side. I hope I can provide closure, that way if you never want to see me again, you won't have any questions that would burn at your mind."

"Okay." Said Kageno.

"Thank you." Thanked his father before sitting back down and continuing, looking at his own folded hands rather than his son's face. "You asked the other day why you don't know your grandparents. I suppose that's as good as a place to start as any."

"Baldy?" questioned Claire, having never heard the story before either.

"They're dead." Clarified Mr. Kagenou, "And I killed them."

"Dear!?" shouted Mrs. Kagenou.

Mr. Kagenou continued, "The reason I'm so good at healing myself isn't just because of a bloodline affinity. No, my own father used to beat me."

Kageno leans forward in a combination of interest and confusion.

"See, as a barony on the border there are few ways to survive. Have a friend with military connections, be a prodigious dark knight or leader in your own right, or choose to ally with your supposed enemies. My father chose the last. He used to supply the pirates with easy picking, use the money he gained from them and his territory's taxes for gambling, then take out his frustrations on me." Mr. Kagenou admitted.

Mrs. Kagenou puts her hand on Mr. Kagenou's.

"My mother wasn't much better. She was a raging alcoholic. She never targeted me herself, but most people that came across her saw how horrible she could be. Honestly it was a miracle that I was able to go to the academy." Said Mr. Kagenou. "And things were better for me over all. But when I came back with your mo… my wife, I realized that I couldn't let things continue. I tried to get them to become better, but after hearing my father talk about demanding money from my wife's family and my mother attempting to test her with some of her own flings… well, they had an accident on a ship later."

"You… how did that happen?" asked Claire.

"I simply told some of my own friends about a supposed pirate ship. They had a particular distaste for pirates due to them losing dear ones to them, and they didn't even think twice about shooting it down. Given that there were some other pirate ships in the vicinity it was ruled as a simple accident, especially since I sought no justice." Said Mr. Kagenou.

"Why bring this up?" questioned Epsilon.

Beta agreed, "I don't see how this is relevant."

"Because when I killed my father it was around the same time I became one. And I swore that I would never beat my own children like he did. But then I see that all your life I hurt you in other ways. Not to mention how I did try to hit you and had to be held back. I can blame it on having my parents brought up again, but in truth I know I have no excuse." Said Mr. Kagenou, bowing once again, "I have no right to be your father. But please, if you can, see if you can find it in your heart to forgive your mother."

"Please, let me explain myself too…" said Mrs. Kagenou, who then went on to explain her own past as well before joining her husband in bowing to their son.

Kageno sits silently for a minute, processing the information.

He leans his head back and closes his eyes, "I'm a father now too."

Mr. and Mrs. Kagenou both gasp at this, and see Alpha put her hand over her stomach.

"I don't want to repeat your or your father's mistakes either." Said Kageno. And for a brief moment Mr. and Mrs. Kagenou feel their stomachs drop. "But I can only do that if I learn what it's like being a dad from you… Baldy."

Mr. and Mrs. Kagenou both begin to tear up.

"Are you sure?" asked Gamma.

"It's not like there's dozens of parenting books that could do the same." Mentioned Zeta before pointing at Leon, "Sides, that guy said he's got a pretty good dad too, you could ask him for advice."

Cid nodded. "I'll admit, I gave a half-hearted excuse. I did want to come in here and yell their ears off… but…"

Cid thinks back to Minoru's parents, and how they left without ever explaining anything to him. How he knows that he pushed them away. How he never got that explanation. He then thinks to his life as Cid Kagenou and how his parents did their best. They really did. Honestly knowing how his friends' home lives were like, he got to realize that his previous conclusion of not resenting the Kagenou's to be true. He just figured that he should push away these parents before he had them discover and then disparaged his dream like his previous parents.

But that wasn't fair, and more importantly, wasn't cool.

"I think maybe I overreacted." Admitted Cid, but then he takes a more serious look, "But if you ever try and hit my kid…"

All seven shades, Leon, Olivia, Angelica, and Claire all glare at the Kagenou parents… who faint from the pressure.

…

"So now that that's settled, do you think some of you can carry them off the ship or…" said Leon, having Angelica and Olivia elbow him again.

Eta, Zeta, Epsilon, and Gamma would end up leaving with the Kagenou's and Claire in tow.

-Mylene-

I had known that once I left Leon-kun's ship and headed home I would be thrust back into work, with the only reprieve I'd likely get be if Erica decides to visit.

See, what I hadn't told Leon-kun or Angie is that things back home weren't that great, and in fact, the reason I had left was because there's essentially nothing I could do, not if I wanted things to go according to plan.

Of course, most of that plan has been changed somewhat due to Leon-kun, but I believe he is still holding up some of it pretty well, and he may just be the figure the kingdom needs one way or another. I love him, but I know he'll either be remembered fondly as a guiding figure… or live in infamy as some sort of bastard king that everyone hated for being right.

Speaking of…

"Settle down, settle down…" yawned Roland, "Marquess Frampton, could you repeat yourself? I'm afraid I'm a bit tired from my duties and may have misheard you."

Said duties of course were the ones he usually shirked. I almost didn't get the opportunity to meet with Leon-kun and everyone at Lindwurm because of his usually attitude.

Strangely, me yelling at him: I wish to meet with Leon-kun and get my pipes cleaned. I cover for you all the time when you shirk your duties to go gallivanting with all of your non-live-in-maid lovers. You. Owe. Me. Got him to agree. As apparently it was fair enough.

I can't help but wonder how it came to it that rather than the two of us loving each other as husband and wife we'd come to be helping each other go meet our own lovers.

What was stranger was that he said I should take Erica with me. Even stranger was that Erica said she wanted to see if my new lover was good enough for me.

I think that girl reads too many of Natsume Kafka's romance books… come to think of it, Leon-kun is friends with Natsume's fiancé, perhaps I could set up a meeting for Erica?

Marquess Frampton walks up. He's one of the older members of our court, and as such looks the part as well. A balding head, sagging features hidden by his large mustache and beard. To be fair most of the court looks similar.

Ah, Leon-kun, your boyish features are a healing presence in my mind amongst all these men who are older than my own father. I look forward to the moment you're going to participate in this court.

"I said that we have a problem on our hands sire." Said Frampton, "Our new crown prince Leon."

Eh?

"Problems?" questioned one of the other lords.

Frampton took out a packet of paper, "Where do I start? Beyond his blatant disrespect for the nation's rules by challenging the crown prince to a duel, or his apparent engagement to princess Iris of Midgar done of his own volition, how about we start with his lost items? As you recall he had been able to wipe out a fleet from the Principality of Fanoss on his own."

"On his own?" questioned Lord Arclight, "I recall my own child as well as several others being there."

Several other noblemen chime in with agreements, saying that "are you going to claim that didn't happen?" and "we haven't even had the ceremony to reward them yet!" and even, "Where was your child?"

To my memory Frampton's child is working as a knight in his own territory, as the governing is still ran by his father.

"Yes, this did happen. I will admit. But remind me what we were informed of? That our prince had ran off and let everyone to their devices?" questioned Frampton.

Redgrave's son, Glen, cut in here. "That's a rather strange way to say that our crown prince had taken the brunt of the monsters, leading them away from the ship so that the student body could stand a chance of breaking way. Not to mention how he had been the one to take on the Black Knight."

Even I find myself nodding at this, no matter what, no one can argue that last bit.

"And how did a mere 18 year old manage this?" questioned Frampton. "The Black Knight is a well known figure in our long standing conflict with Fanoss. How could an 18 year old manage to defeat him?"

"Age perhaps?" offered Serberg, "The Black Knight should be well into his 60's if not older. No one is exempt from the slow decay of approaching death."

Field was next, "Not to mention that all five of the founding heirs could agree that Leon is a prodigy, both in Magic and Physical combat."

I'm glad that I have a poker face trained over the years, otherwise I'd be smirking.

Although I find my good mood challenged with Frampton's next few words, "And where did he come across this prowess? Even if he was an adventurer, even if he was a prodigy, how could he come across this strength?"

"His lost items, no?" offered one of the lords.

Frampton smirked. He then takes out some reports. Enough for everyone in the room to have a copy.

I skim it, and feel my stomach drop.

Leon Fou Barfort's Treasonous Actions.

The following is a report on Leon Fou Barfort's secret collaboration with entities deemed a danger to the Kingdom of Holfort.

Incident #1: The Duel.

Leon's duel with Prince Julius and the other four heirs was already treacherous enough. But at the end of Julius' one-on-one with Leon a third party had interrupted. Is it possible that given how Leon was able to simply send the dragon and Lord Shadow away, this was planned ahead?

Incident #2: The Goddess' Trial.

When given the chance to participate in The Goddess' Trial, Leon had a strange encounter. Rather than summon a warrior from the past in the normal manner—a flash of light—the lights had gone out and a warrior thought to resemble Lord Shadow was summoned. Shortly after, Lord Shadow himself had shown up, and summoned the witch of calamity. Leon's armor was also seen chasing Lord Shadow from the arena.

Incident #3: The Bushin Festival.

This is more explicit.

First, Lord Leon had let the captured princess Hertrude Sera Fanoss and her retainer Sherry Him Zenden go at the behest of the King of Midgar without sending so much as a letter back to Midgar for us to advise him.

Second, it would appear that all the members of Leon's faction had collaborated with The Shadow Garden. Princess Rose's supposed rescue of her father was protected by Mitsugoshi, a company that seems to suspicious and is said to be under the protection of mysterious powers, as they had never suffered a robbery.

All people in the arena that had been fighting the demonic looking terrorists had been rescued by members of Shadow Garden.

What's more damning, Leon had been seen fighting the leading demon alongside the warlock Shadow. Accounts of people given that could see them say that Lord Shadow had flown alongside Leon. Also, when the country had been surrounded by that light, and despite part of the floating park they had last been seen on was destroyed, Leon returned unharmed.

Conclusion: Leon Fou Barfort is likely working with The Shadow Garden to take over the Holfort Kingdom.

Oh Leon-kun… where are you now? I hope that these accusations of you collaborating with Lord Shadow can be easily dismissed.

-Kageno/Cid/Shadow-

I'm currently collaborating with my brother from another mother on how to kill myself.

"Okay, so from what little we know, Lord Shadow has enough mana to cover the entire country of Midgar—" said Leon.

I mentally estimated that it's roughly the size of Honshu in Japan (228,000 km). Technically I could cover the entire country, but it was more like the size of the capital that I can blast. The wide array was for show while there was a secret second layer to center a Hiroshima sized explosion. I figured it was the poetic ending Minoru deserved.

…Is that racist towards my past self?

Meh.

"How big's a Hiroshima?" asked Violet.

About well the city Hiroshima itself was about 900 square kilometers, but the explosion that I mimicked was about 1.3 kilometers big.

Violet tilted her head, "That doesn't seem very impressive."

I mean, no, not really. But I want to be an Eminence in Shadow. I don't really want to go the Naruto route of saying I'm some super stealthy ninja or whatever but then level mountains.

Violet squinted in my direction.

Okay, sure, I can do that. But I do just enough damage have it be written off as a lost item unless you see me do it myself. All my I AM ATOMIC's are (somewhat) planned and (kinda) controlled. Total Eminence in Shadow behavior.

Violet shrugged, "Fair enough."

"—and the moves he use is called 'I am atomic' meaning he's probably using knowledge of old humanity and then changing it into a spell type." Said Leon.

(You know, I recall there were some notes on Olivier being able to use spells with a similar effect. These were deigned the "frei" line of spells.)

My eyebrows shoot up at this.

Like I figured that Minoru probably continued the path of wanting to become a nuke, but to think he probably shared that knowledge with Olivier… does Alpha have those memories?

Should I teach her?

…

You know what, probably not a good idea to do that while she's pregnant.

"Good call." Said Violet.

Leon finishes writing what Cleare told him.

"Okay, so we have frei, freila, freidyne and their AoE variants. There is also Cosmic Flare the tier 4 area of effect spell, and more importantly it's single target version: atomic flare." Said Leon.

Both Violet and I gasp.

What in the copyright law of 1899!?

Leon nods, drawing a little doodle of me (good start for a logo honestly) and writes 'origin?'

"I think that if atomic flare is the tier 4 version of a spell line, then Lord Shadow managed to go even further beyond that." Explained Leon, "he seems to have a penchant for almighty spells too, so my best guess is that he made his own unique spells by merging the two. For the same reason, I don't think we should try and bet on a weakness for the spells, it's likely the almighty aspect will just negate it."

Eh, close. It's mainly understanding how atoms work and then using the whole 'magic is what you want it to be' shtick to surpass atoms. While I do have massive mana reserves, it's the control that's more important honestly. It's part of the reason that I think I can live to about 400 years right now, if I put my mind to it.

"Well, your first wife demanded at least 1000 so you're less than halfway done. Chop, chop!" commanded Violet.

"Now, unique spells like Deirdre's Rose Hurricane or the Redgrave's Flame Lance usually come from strong beliefs more than an understanding of how the science works." Said Leon.

I decide to chime in here to help guide Leon's character.

"Leon. It's just Leon." Deadpanned Violet.

"So what do you think all the strings mean?" I said, ignoring Violet and how wrong she is.

Smack*

If you want it to hurt make sure you wrist isn't limp.

SMACK*

Atta girl.

"Well let's try and think about what we know about Shadow." Said Leon.

Hm. What do we know about 'Lord Shadow'? We did come up with a decent background during the last writing room meeting, but current motives? We hadn't really gotten into it, but considering his character arc—or maybe just character considering we're planning to kill him—is coming to an end, we should come up with something satisfying.

Let's work backwards then, "Well we know the motto of The Shadow Garden."

Leon nods and writes: We lurk in the shadows, and hunt the shadows.

"So what does this mean?" pondered Leon.

Well I mean, I made it vague on purpose so that I could inject Lord Shadow into whatever situation I wanted.

Leon then furrowed his brow, "Actually, it might be a good idea to think back to something else. I don't remember if I told you, but when I first met Lord Shadow he made me run into the guy that kidnapped Claire."

I nod.

"Right, well that guy was all distorted because he took those red pills—" began Leon.

I throw Leon a bone by cutting in with, "I think I heard some of the shadow garden members in Mitsugoshi call them 'diabolos cells' or something like that."

"Hm, okay that makes a little sense then. See, I brought it up because that guy tried to go after Livia because of her 'light' saying that if he had it things would've turned out better for him or something." Revealed Leon.

Oh? I didn't actually remember that.

Violet, do you know why someone corrupted by your body would want Livia?

"…you could have phrased it any way you wanted, and you chose that?" said Violet as she pulled at my face, "In any case. I don't have tons of memories of Mary, but from what I do remember I think she used to periodically heal me. Though I don't know why."

Hm… something to consider then. Maybe you had magical cancer? After all, Livia's healing magic is a lot different from others in that I think it's sort of like the opposite of my atomic attacks. Actually, no. It's like my atomic healing moves, but rather than powered by extreme magic control, hers is powered by belief. I think just like how Delta is physically stronger than me due to our differences of race, Livia's healing has the potential to be better than mine due to how her magic works.

"Maybe… maybe these shadows are the opposite of Livia's light?" suggested Leon. "Livia's light is healing, which comes from her love and belief. So maybe the shadows Lord Shadow is after…"

"Is born from corruption and hatred!" I exclaimed, feeling a good story beat come about. "Lord Shadow wasn't just after any corrupt noble, he had specific targets!"

"And he needed the strength to go after them too." Said Leon, "But… what are the chances that Lord Shadow also became corrupt? Stare into the void and all that, right?"

I nodded, "So maybe we shouldn't be planning to just kill him. Maybe we need to save Shadow!"

Leon and I lock arms like Cyclops and Ryu, having figured out how to do the story beat of 'unlock the eminence in shadow / rival character as an ally.'

[Should I gather all the girls that left for you two to geek out?]

"In a bit." Said Leon.

"It was funny how you two left them all in the dust when it came to this. But shouldn't you still plan on how to kill Lord Shadow 'lore wise' given that he's a known threat?" mentioned Violet.

I mean, I'll admit that Lord Shadow is one of my favorite roles so I don't want to get rid of him if I don't have to. But you're right.

Leon turns to me, "Okay. But if we do end up needing to kill the guy…"

Leon then went into a long explanation that I can basically boil down to one thing:

If Leon was a named character in Alto Liebe, he'd have been the super-secret super boss that you have to unlock by fighting a gauntlet of other secret bosses.

-Leon-

Cid and I walk back from the planning room. Or as Angie and Livia referred to it: My man cave.

You hang up one monster head…

Anyway, we walk back to see the girls in the room.

"You know," I said to the crowd of girls all having tea time, "I still don't get why you all wanted to sit out the conversation."

"You boys seemed way too enthused to kill someone for me to be comfortable." Said Angie, to which Livia nodded.

I smile, "Well good news, that's now plan B!"

Alice raises a brow, "What do you mean?"

We then go on to say that Shadow may be in danger as well. As he's only gotten more and more corrupted over the years, his actions in almost killing me might have been an accident.

"So I need to heal Shadow?" asked Livia.

"Well that's the current plan. To see if Shadow is right in the head and not corrupted by healing him. If it turns out that we do need to kill him we figured out some stuff." I clarified. "Not to mention all the other things we need to get ready."

Cid and I join the girls at their table, "So Alice, this involves Mitsugoshi. The topics a bit heavy, but I figure you need to know."

"Very well." Replied Alice.

I nod and then motion for Luxion to show up. He then displays a bunch of blueprints for air ships.

"This is…" said Alice.

"With the way Fanoss has been acting as well as my knowledge of Alto Liebe I'm pretty sure that we're going to get into a war with them ahead of schedule. The best thing we can do now is prepare ourselves." I said.

Angie looked closely at the blue prints, "These say 'restoration' and not 'construction'."

"Right," pointed out Cid, "See, making a bunch of ships out of nowhere doesn't make a whole lot of sense, and will take too long. But if we use all the ships that have been sunken over the years by people attacking Mitsugoshi, and any pirates we happen to come across…"

"We should have more than enough for a fleet." Concluded Alice.

I lean towards the couple, "We're going to need to rely on Mitsugoshi for the materials. Honestly, you can bring just about any ore. It's the float stone shards that are most important, but don't worry about the rest."

"Eh?" questioned Livia, "But I thought airships need specific ore and wood to be built with, especially if they're going to be used in battle."

I look to Luxion. "How close are we to my territory?"

[Approximately 30 minutes till.]

I look back to everyone, "It'd probably be easier to show you. I honestly didn't believe it either."

-Alpha-

I recall that the last time I had seen Leon's territory was on the brief runback to the capital so he could announce it. I got about the same amount of time there, able to enjoy the novel sight of robots looking after the fields before we walked to what appeared to be Leon's home.

However, the building was empty. Barely any furniture was there aside from where the windows could see. We then walked to a wall in the den. Leon then pulled an amount books on a nearby shelf, and the wall opened up like the doors on Partner. Darling was rather adorably excited at the sight, and I made a mental note to try and have something similar built at home.

When we reached the bottom, I saw a hangar with some air bikes and robots having maintenance performed on them. But more importantly there was a familiar looking green sigil on the ground. From the sigil, a portal of light appears and Leon ushers us through. He assures me that it's safe for pregnant women as Ann (in Mary's body) had often used one to sneak around her husband's back when she had cravings for food she knew he wouldn't have allowed. Lea would also use one to chase her down and drag her back home.

In any case once through that, we found ourselves in the hangar of the lost winds. Specifically the lobby area that used to have that pair of skeletons.

"Wow… how nostalgic…" said Olivia in awe. I couldn't help but agree, it's been years since we've been here.

Angelica looked around with stars in her eyes, "Amazing…! I've never seen this style of architecture in a proper building."

Darling and I both looked to Leon who beckoned us to the hangar's control room. As we all made our way there we passed the hangar, and there I was able to see the ship we had fought Luxion's giant body in.

"Okay, so this is what I wanted to show you." Said Leon as he showed us the control panel. "Ask me for any kind of ore besides float stone."

"Oh what about rubies, like Angie's eyes!" shouted Olivia.

Angelica smiled, "Then how about a sapphire for Livia's eyes."

Personally I'd prefer the rubies, to match darling's eyes when coursing with magic.

Leon smiled, "Got it. Luxion?"

[Putting in order for two rubies and two sapphires… request accepted. Material needed.]

"Great," said Leon before turning to darling. "Okay, do you have those rocks I told you to grab."

Darling nods and takes out some fist sized stones. With a quick direction from Leon, he places them on to a nearby machine.

[Material transformation beginning…]

The machine then seems to scan the rocks with an array of lights before a *VRRRRR* sound plays. The lights then go over the rocks one more time, but as it does, I see the rocks change. When the light fades and the machine rises, I see two rubies and two sapphires.

Darling immediately grabs one of each, putting them up to his eyes. The sight makes me laugh a bit.

"Copying Livia, Cid?" teased Leon.

"Huh? What are… oh." Chuckled Darling before putting them down, "From what I can tell, these are real. Honestly one of the rocks I put there was a mudball, so I have no idea how you did it, but you managed to change it into a real ruby."

Impressed as I was, I knew that Leon showed us this for a reason.

"Figured it out Alice?" asked Leon.

"We'll be able to build the fleet at a break neck speed this way." I said. "I assume that we'll have to take things over to your territory so that you can begin building?"

Leon nods, "If possible I'd prefer for you guys to say that the fleet is for Mitsugoshi's protection or something similar. We can sell them to other people later, but for now the priority should be building it."

"But how would we even pilot them? We don't exactly have a fleet's worth of captains." I asked.

[I can handle that.]

I turn to see Luxion and Cleare floating by. Then a third eye, but this time with a green eye floats in.

(Hello~! Look at this! Hubby and I made it together.)

[Do not refer-]

Before Luxion could finish his statement Olivia let out a loud gasp.

"Did you and Cleary have a baby!?" shouted Olivia with a happy smile.

Luxion fell silent. Leon began to try and hide his laughter.

[Archive search. Mistress Olivia hidden Leon folder #3. Now playing Senpai's longest sigh: *SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGHHHHH…]

As Luxion played the recording of Leon's sigh, he slowly descended to the ground. Once the recording was finished, he rolled out of the room.

Leon dissolved into hysterics for the next 5 minutes, and darling joined him within seconds.

From there we continued to plan on how the ships would work. As Cleare would explain to us, she and Luxion could create AI 'children' which could pilot ships much like a crew so long as they had at least one leader per duty. So rather than needing a crew of 50-100, each ship would really need only 5.

After finishing the preliminary plans, mainly figuring out how many of materials we'd need and how to go about establishing the fleet's legality, we left for Leon's home barony for dinner.

Unfortunately, there were people other than Leon's family waiting for him there.

-Angelica-

I recall that when Leon had first told us about Alto Liebe that I had privately requested to know of my fate should things had gone according to the game.

I'll admit, I had nightmares of those events for the next week leading up to the duel. I didn't let it show, because I knew that by the nature of waking up next to Leon and Livia every morning that none of it would come to happen. So long as I had Leon and Livia everything would be okay.

It was like some kind of simple math equation.

Leon Livia = Okay.

So I suppose I could be forgiven for my current state once that equation was disturbed.

"Angelica…" muttered my Father. "Calm down."

"CALM DOWN!?" I demanded, "THE LOVE OF MY LIFE WAS JUST ARRESTED FOR TREASON AND YOU DEMAND THAT I CALM DOWN!?"

.

.

.

A/N: Okay stopping here. Things were longer than I expected honestly. So, I mentioned this on QQ already but we're technically in the Fanoss War Arc. Specifically, the few chapters where Leon was arrested. However, rather than have him wait in jail (because it doesn't make sense to do that with how much I've changed) the entire time I'm going to write a few original chapters (unless I manage to fit it all into the next one.) All I'll say is: https/watch?v=vkz_fTuGn8c

Oh, I guess I should say, you guys have gotten a lot better at commenting the day I post. Which is both nice and a bit of a let down. Like it's cool but at the same time I kinda liked seeing a new comment every day. Oh well, as long as you guys keep it up my motivation will stay high.

QQ-

Skelethin: Yeah Delta doesn't see Leon as a real threat. For many reasons, such as one hinted towards by Cid this chapter, beyond his strength outside of Arroganz.

Someone ani: I had fun writing the lemons, but it is what it is. The memory thing was fun to write.

VATSTeen: So I'll leave up the lemons on QQ, and if I bother writing more it'd be on there too. But I'll hold off on doing that for a while.

Bladist: You know, your proposal is actually pretty close to how I planned on doing the reveal when I first came up with the story. It was going to be around the Mundane Man arc. Leon would've done the "cut the mask off" reveal on Alpha and accuse her of cheating before realizing the truth about Cid.

In between Cid and Alpha would've gotten on bad terms because being accused of being a cuck isn't cool, and there was a funny scene where when Leon confronted Cid, Cid would've thought "*gasp* a way to salvage this sequence of events, Leon, you're my new best friend!" Causing Alpha to suffer psychic damage miles away. (Like that one scene in Fairly Odd Parents).

I will say that I'm kinda debating on whether to kill shadow or not. Part of it has to deal with Rose and what she knows.

Zackman2k12: Fair enough. I am glad that I'm pretty good at keeping these people in character.-

Misaka Phenex: yup.

Guest (first one): That's an image in my head. In my head I was imagining it look like those old Mario Bros Z fights.

Guest (second one): I'm glad you liked the scene, it was pretty fun to try and figure out how to write. Eta is one of the few Shades that ever mentions her parents after all, so I figured I should bring it up again at some point.

Cid and Leon vs. Shadow is probably going to be at the end of the arc, but I look forward to writing it.

SB

MWKillKenny84: Lmao, neat reference.

Ao3-

Gary(Guest): I think there was some kind of miscommunication here, but Minoru's parents were basically normal people, if a bit on the richer side. They did have fertility issues and spoiled Minoru (all the classes) but didn't at all think he was going to be like, Lord Shadow in real life.

The teachers were concerned because they knew he could do better.

I feel like giving Eta boundaries is the most OOC thing I've done, lol. But this is the version of Eta that lives in an Otome game world, so.

Oh yeah, Cid's just like "We're killing me? Say less bro."

The Partner is essentially the equivalent of a luxury cruise liner capable of combat, which is why so many people were interested in it.

I'm afraid that the Fanoss sisters are more leaning towards Cid and Sherry, especially Sherry.

Anisomeone: I'm glad I gave Cid's memories as Minoru a decent job.

Stephanie's relationship with Sherry is one of the most 'didn't think I'd write that but now I want to keep writing it' things I've ever done.

Yeah, the fun thing about Gamma is that she looks like the most sane of the seven shadows aside from Alpha. But if you spend like 10 non business related minutes with her you know she's arguably the most Yandere and just nerfed by her clumsiness.

Yeah, I also felt that way about Iris. She's got a bad influence behind her, but given how much is hidden from her a lot of what she does is well intentioned.

I liked writing Eta, she's just really cute. And a psycho, but less so when alone with Cid.

Actually, there's still two 'plates' to work through. Cid's mini arc isn't completely done.

Wolfpaladin: Yup. Since Hertrude doesn't really do anything in Mobuseka after Fanoss and I already gave Leon a red eyed black haired love interest in Claire, I figured why not have Hertrude go after someone else. The idea that Sherry just draws evil people to her like flies to honey was hilarious to me, which is what spawned the stuff with Stephanie and Hertrude.

I do plan on giving Foxtrot one on one time with Cid, but that'll come later… Cid's not going to seduce her… probably.

Writing Eta was fun.

Yeah the talk with memories was supposed to link back to Cid's feelings his identity, but it's cool how you could link it to his identity as new parent as well, I honestly didn't notice the connection.

Oh I'm totally including Akane. She's a fun concept to play with honestly. I'll admit that part of me wanted to reincarnate her too, probably as Hertrauda. But I figured that'd overcomplicate things and be hard to bring up so I decided against it.

RAGDE1999: Glad to have you still read. Everything will stay up on QQ.

Timmbarney94: I'm not the type of person to take requests in general. Maybe some for Omake's at best, but like I've never been good at liking what someone's told me to do. And I only write what I like. Plus I dropped shield hero after Trash/Bitch was spared, felt like the story didn't really have much draw after that.

Totntotbt: He's still got stuff to work through in Lea's mind trials, but yeah there'll be stuff when we go back.

Miauler was really cartoonishly evil and had two scenes where he spoke. When he framed Leon and when he died for it. So I decided to play with his character a bit.

Honorary? Sherry is a harem protagonist.

BOY4_GOW:

1. More like emotional support animal, given that Gamma compared her to a pet.

2. Yeah it'd be a weird thing to hear.

3. I had so much fun writing that scene.

4. That's good then.

5. Yup, actions have consequences and the otome game world forces Cid to grapple with them.

6. I didn't understand this comment very well.

7. Oh well the flutes don't destroy the kingdom they spawned from, just summon monsters that take up life force to do so.

8. Everytime I write a scene like that I worry you guys are just going to call me cringe or something. It's pleasing in some way to see it described as brutal.

9. Absolutely.

10. I needed the laugh too honestly.