Here we are at Chapter 42 and the final chapter of the story. This was another little fun one for me, but all things must come to an end. Hope those who read it enjoyed it. I do not own Code Vein. They belong to Bandai Namco. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 42. Enjoy.
Chapter 42: Beyond an Era
After the defeat of Jorus, it didn't take long for Fuyumi and Hikaru to destroy the remaining magic circles creating monster hordes. Once those were dealt with, those defending the capital city could deal with the stragglers without much issue. Sadly, there were a number of casualties in this tragic event, mostly from civilians caught unawares and a few soldiers who sacrificed themselves in defense of the innocent. When the dust had finally settled, the capital was in need of some repairs. But, thankfully, the nightmare was finally over. Yuki's family eventually found them in the catacombs, exhausted from their battle with Jorus. Fuyumi was glad they were safe, as were the others, but Emilia and Iris gave Yukitsuki a very stern talking to after the chaos was over. Yuki looked even paler than normal. Sophia and Veronica would use their laps as pillows and stroke Yuki's hair while she mentally recovered from the tongue-lashing. I her parents' defense, she did do something incredibly dangerous and maybe a little foolish.
The king had an investigation look into what caused this incident in the first place, and asked Yuki and her friends to come to the royal palace for their testimony along with Fuyumi's When he learned about the magic circles, King Mikhail was shocked that such magic even existed. Veronica stepped in there, explaining that her people developed the magic generations ago during the war with humanity. They would use those magic circles to create armies of monsters to fight against mankind. However, how long the magic circles would last or how many monsters they could create depended on the magic capacity of the one who created them. As a former demon prince, Jorus' magic capacity was quite high. Yuki and the others were curious about Veronica's true history with Jorus and so she explained it.
"We were both children of the former ruler of demons. But, after the fall of our people, we both disagreed on how to live our lives afterwards. I wanted to live for myself and my own pursuits, but he only wanted revenge. I thought revenge was stupid honestly, so I broke away from him. We were enemies ever since," Veronica explained.
That was also the reason why Veronica put Yuki to sleep before the big battle. She simply didn't want Yuki to get caught up in all her family drama. Yuki was upset she thought that was a good idea, especially when she almost died while trying to fight Jorus alone. But, Yuki forgave her for it... but only after declaring that her punishment would be to endure a month of maid training by May.
"Ooh, you want me to be your personal maid. If I've been a bad servant, will you punish me, Mistress?" Veronica seemed to like that idea, so it wasn't much of a punishment.
They were worried about what the king might do, knowing that it was Veronica's brother who was responsible for this chaos, but the king was merciful. He knew she had nothing to do with his plan, and even risked her life for a race that was responsible for destroying her own. That said a lot about both of their characters. Then came the question of how Jorus was even able to gain access to the catacombs beneath the city since only those of the royal family and a select few that have the royal family's complete trust know of those paths. As it turned out, one of those select few officials had gone missing a few days prior. His body was eventually recovered, or rather, what was left of it. It seemed Jorus kidnapped the official and tortured him until he gave up the information and then Jorus killed him since he was no longer useful to him. Now all that was left was the cleanup and the restoration of the capital. For Yuki and her friends, however, they still had classes to attend since the academy was, thankfully, undamaged like the royal castle. Of course, it wouldn't be long before they were called back to the royal castle. Not as witnesses, but as heroes.
...
In the audience chamber, Fuyumi and her family kneel before the royal family in front of a grand audience. Even Empress Philine was in attendance.
"Fuyumi Crystalglove. You and your family performed exemplary work during this recent unfortunate crisis. From majority of you fighting on the front lines to your wife, Lady Emilia, utilizing your family's estate and resources to provide aid to those who needed it. Once again, you have earned your title as the Hero of Anatolia, and a just reward. What would you desire? If it is within my power, it shall be yours," King Mikhail says.
To be honest, Fuyumi and the others wouldn't really need much. They have wealth, status, connections, allies, homes in two countries. All the things most would want when they find themselves in this position, Fuyumi and the others already have. However, there is one thing they could go for.
"Your Majesty, there is one thing we wish. It is something my wife Emilia and I discussed with you before. We wish to make it known to the people here and now so there is no confusion later down the road. So that no one will slander us or make up lies about us," Fuyumi says.
It only takes a moment for the king to realize what she meant, "You wish to make that known here? Now?" he asks, leading to many confused faces among the nobility in attendance.
"Yes. And when we finish, we want your blessing and support on the matter. That is what we want for our reward," Emilia says.
"It was bound to become known eventually, Your Majesty. We might as well do it now while we have control of the matter," Fuyumi adds.
"I see. You have a point. Very well. You may reveal your discovery here. For those in attendance, what Ser Fuyumi and Lady Emilia are about to reveal is the absolute truth. I swear upon it with my authority as the king of our great nation. And they will have the royal family's full support on the matter," King Mikhail announces.
Fuyumi and Emilia stand up, as do the rest of her family.
"To those in attendance, we wish to tell you all something. When we welcomed Lady Veronica into our home, she revealed her studies in magic, medicine, herbs, alchemy; all in pursuit of one objective. She has created a medicine that would allow one woman... to impregnate another woman and have a child together," Fuyumi says, making the audience gasp in shock.
"And we have tried it ourselves, Fuyumi and I. I will soon be with child, and Fuyumi is indeed the 'father'," Emilia says.
"That's preposterous!" one noble exclaims.
"There's no way two women can have a child together. It's both impossible and against the order of things!" another yells.
Other nobles also voiced their disagreements with this revelation. Most of them are men of course. Fuyumi and the others were expecting some pushback. The one thing men always had superiority over women for; the one thing they could do that women typically can't do... is the ability to make a woman pregnant and continue the family bloodline. If women could do the same thing, it would cause a change in the power dynamic between men and women. And some men do not have the same level of respect for women as they do other men. It's no wonder that are so against this idea.
"Your Majesty, there's no reason to believe such vagrant lies. It's obvious that two women cannot have a child together,"
"Perhaps the duchess Emilia is merely saying this to hide an apparent affair behind the hero's back. She does need an heir to the family since it is believed that Lady Yukitsuki Crystalglove will go the Dragon Alliance when she gets ready to be married. If the family line is to continue, she must have a child, which means she will need a man to be her partner. It was bound to happen eventually," one even goes as far as to slander Emilia's good name.
She looks calm on the outside, but on the inside, Yuki is fuming. She's used to people insulting her, but she won't stand for people insulting her family.
"What a load of garbage," the one to speak and shut everyone up is none other than Empress Philine. "Here, your country stands as the country where a brilliant new discovery is made. This medicine could open doors to new possibilities for your people, and yet, you cling to the ways of old. Instead of congratulating the Crystalglove family for their achievement, one of many I remind you, you slander them because you're all afraid of the changes it will bring. Change is the only constant in this world. Those who can't adapt to it are destined to fall behind while clinging onto old, past triumphs,"
"You cur! How dare you speak as if you have a say in this? This is Anatolia, not the Gravlon Empire, and you lost the war to us years ago. You have no right to lecture us on decisions that affect our people and kingdom!" one noble barks off.
"And yet I still hold my head high. So, I will say this instead. If the Crystalglove family can no longer live in the Kingdom of Anatolia with the respect they deserve and if the people will not accept the fact that they have discovered a way for women to have children together... then the Gravlong Empire is more than willing to offer them asylum within our borders. They will keep the position thay have here in Anatolia and I will support their future plans with their family. I'm even willing to name Fuyumi Crystalglove as the commander of my armies," Empress Philine declares.
Once more, the people are shocked by something they weren't expecting.
"Well, I can't sit here and let that slide, now can I?" Hikaru stands up. "The Dragon Alliance will make the same offer to the Crystalglove family. They're already family back home, and my daughter would be moving their after she graduates from the royal academy anyway. It's no trouble to welcome the rest of my family there. Each of them would be given a high place in the imperial court where they could showcase their excellent talents. Any who could cause trouble for their family, for MY family, will meet the full might of the Dragon Alliance,"
Already the representatives of two powerful nations are moving in support of Fuyumi's family. The nobles start to sweat a little. If Fuyumi and her family were to leave for another country because of them, not only would it hurt their positions in Anatolia, but it would also hurt the kingdom itself to lose their hero due to something that's simply so petty.
"Enough!" the king raises his hand, demanding calm across the room. Everyone becomes silent as they await his next words. "Fuyumi Crystalglove, what do you say to all of this?"
"Your Majesty, while the Kingdom of Anatolia may be where I live, my home has always been with my family. If they are no longer welcomed here, simply because we are different, then I have no reason to stay. If Veronica's medicine is not accepted, and my first child with Emilia is not accepted as the child between myself and Emilia, then we will leave Anatolia and love elsewhere. If anyone tried to come after us with nefarious intentions... then I will not hesitate to end their lives myself, no matter who they are," she stares at the king with resolve in her eyes.
"I see... Let all who are here remember my words. I, the king of Anatolia, hereby acknowledge the discovery of Lady Veronica's medicine and the Crystalglove family's use of it. When Emilia is with child and gives birth, I will be there to officially recognized them as the child between Ser Fuyumi and Lady Emilia Crystalglove. Any who make statements about infidelity or that the child is not Ser Fuyumi and Lady Emilia's child together, then they will answer to the authority of the crown. Let us not forget that it was thanks to their family that another crisis was avoided, and casualties were kept to a minimum. Our kingdom once again owes them a great debt. Three ruling families of the three strongest countries on the continent are prepared to offer their support to their family. With that in mind, is there anyone here who still wishes to dispute their claims, especially when they have no evidence to backup their statements?" King Mikhail says, eyeing the crowd. No one has the courage to say anything at that point. "When the child is born, we will know the truth then. And then, there will be no more useless judgments on the matter. That is final."
"Your Majesty, if I may. We will not dispute your judgment on the matter regarding the legitimacy of Lady Emilia and Ser Fuyumi's future child. However, if what they said is true, then that could potentially become a threat to your reign. Given the Crystalglove family's power and status; being able to give birth to their own children could make them even more ambitious. What if they decide they want your throne and crown and attempt a coup. With their combined power, they cold overthrow you!" one noble argues.
Now the king just looks tired of all the useless chatter as he rests his head on his fist.
"I believe I've heard enough. What do you two say to these allegations?" King Mikhail looks to the couple in question.
"Please, you really think I could be a king? Sounds like way to much stress to deal with it if you ask me," Fuyumi hates the idea.
"And I'm plenty busy enough managing my own domain. I have no interest in controlling everyone else's," Emilia adds.
"Well, I think we've settled the matter finally. Now then, please step forth Yukitsuki Crystalglove and her party," the king commands.
Fuyumi and Emilia bow before the king one more time before stepping back, allowing Yuki and her group to kneel before the king.
"Yukitsuki Crystalglove, you and your friends, despite being so young, did this kingdom a great service. You defeated the one responsible for the attack on our capital, thus ending this nightmare once and for all. While you all did disobey the command to remain at the royal academy until the crisis had ended, I can pardon you for that in light of your heroic deeds. As for your reward, what is it you desire? If it is within my power, it shall be yours," King Mikhail says.
Yuki glances at the others, wondering about what she should ask for. However, when she thinks about it, she really has everything she could want. A home filled with warmth. A family that loves and supports her. Being able to marry and love the women that she cares about so much. There really isn't anything left she could ask for.
"Your Majesty's offer is most generous, but I already have everything I could want. I need nothing else," Yuki replies, smiling.
"I see. A most humble young woman indeed. It appears your parents raised you well. What about the rest of you?' the king looks to the rest of her team.
Hiei's request was simply a special sword to add to her collection which she began recently. Veronica merely asked for books on magic, alchemy, and herbs for her studies. Hanazuki asked for a series of different fabrics and silk for her clothing hobbies. When it came time for Sophia to make her request, someone tried to interrupt her.
"Your Majesty, if I may interrupt. Before she speaks on her request, I need to point out the fact that Sophia Ramona is my daughter. As such, her reward can go to the Ramona family where we will further discuss the matter once she and I return home," it was Duke Ramona.
Sophia does well to hide the disgust in her expression, "He's trying to us this crisis and my role in helping to stop it in order to strengthen his own position. Is he that much of a desperate idiot?" she wonders.
"Really? From what I heard, Lady Sophia severed all ties with your family and cast aside the Ramona name. She now lives with the Crystalglove family and works as a maid there as well. This was after she was almost assaulted by a count you had set her up to marry, correct?" King Mikhail asks.
It's a good thing Emilia informed the king about those unfortunate events beforehand.
Duke Ramona stiffens a bit, "W-Well, that was a misunderstanding. Had I known about the count's criminal acts and what he intended to do with my daughter, I never would've gone along with the marriage arrangement. I believe she only said such things because the incident was so traumatizing for her. She clearly was not in her right mind at the time and was speaking nonsense," he tries to lie.
"I was not speaking nonsense, Duke Ramona," Sophia speaks up. "I was clear that I would not be your political pawn anymore. In a house where I was not loved or respected. I cast aside the Ramona name and my noble status of my own free will. I was not hysterical when I made that decision. I will spend the rest of my life with the Crystalglove family, and I will marry Yukitsuki Crystalglove and become her third wife. And nothing will change that. Your Majesty, for my reward, I want a royal decree that the Ramona family will end any and all contact with me, and that they will never again attempt to have any kind of association with me," Sophia says.
"Very well. I will see that it is done," King Mikhail agrees.
And thus, Duke Ramona's last shot at using Sophia comes crashing down before anything could really happen, much to his chagrin.
The meeting finishes up shortly after that and Yuki's family speak on the matter in private.
"It's finally over.," Emilia says.
"Yes, and now we can get married without anyone trying to stop us," Yuki hugs the arms of Hiei, Hana, and Sophia.
"Don't forget about me. My medicine will surely take off in the near future. Then, we'll really be raking in the money," she rubs her hands together.
Yeah, she's never gonna change from being a troublemaker. But, that's why Yuki loves her; all of her lovers.
Fuyumi kneels in front of Yuki and strokes her hair, "You've grown up so much in such a short time. I'm so impossibly proud of you, Yuki. You may not have my blood, but you have my heart and spirit. You truly are my daughter, through and through," she says, smiling.
Yuki smiles back, "Thank you, Mother,"
The Crystalglove family would celebrate their latest achievements and welcome a new time of peace for them. Yuki and her lovers would go on to graduate the royal academy with honors; thus ending one chapter in their lives and beginning another. During this time, Veronica's medicine would be proven affective as Emilia became pregnant with Fuyumi's child. She would give birth to a healthy daughter, Yuki's younger sister. The king acknowledged the birth and proclaimed Veronica's medicine to be true across the land. Emilia and Fuyumi would name the child Io, in honor of an old friend of Fuyumi's. They would use that medicine, and Fuyumi would have other children with the rest of her lovers. Their family became much bigger after that. And it wouldn't just be them. Other women, both noble and commoner, would use that medicine to have children of their own. It was the start of something new, something greater.
As for Yuki, she stayed true to her word and moved to the Dragon Alliance to become Hiei's wife. Since she is a princess in that land, that made Hiei a part of the imperial family by marriage. As did it with Hanazuki and Sophia. Yuki would have Hana's children first. The process was a little different since Hana was an arachne and not a human woman, but they end up with three spiderling children who quickly grew into young arachne with white hair and purple stripes, symbols of their parentage. Yuki would then have Hiei's child, a boy with white hair and fox ears. As for Sophia, she wanted to have Yuki's children and gave birth to a baby girl with her hair and Yuki's eyes. And Veronica got her wish as well. Yuki would give birth to demon twins, a boy and a girl. And thanks to her soul being bonded to Veronica's, she would age slower and live longer than a normal human. And in those days, she felt nothing but peace and happiness with her family. With the people she loved most. It truly was a New Era.
And that's the chapter and the end of the story. Ah, I love happy endings. Hope you guys enjoyed this story like I enjoyed writing it. Until next time, please Read and Review.