Continued from [x] with @infernal-ism
She did not choose him by accident. It was her conscious decision. Nunnally was well aware of who Yuujin was and what fame followed him. But that was exactly why she approached him. Yes, she was frightened. But she was even more scared she would not use this chance, no matter how slim, than she was scared of him.
Nunnally did not expect him to agree. She was sure he’d refuse and simply send her away as it had always happened before when she looked for this kind of skills. But if he agreed… No, she did not go as far as thinking what would happen, had he said ‘yes’. But at least she was sure that her father would not be in a position to object it. To forbid it. Perhaps even he would support it? Seeing it as a way to try to have her married off to him? Nunnally was not naïve. She knew Yuujin was rich and powerful, and many families would happily welcome him as their son-in-law. But she had no interest in that. She did not want to be anyone’s wife, although she expected she’s have no say in whatever was to happen to her. When the time came. But at least she could try. She could try to delay it. To find her way to inherit her house. To rule it. And not to lose to her cousins only because they were male.
Nunnally was surprised he did not say ‘no’ immediately after hearing her question. She gave him her hand and was actually surprised with how gently the kiss he planted on it was. Perhaps the stories were exaggerated? Perhaps she’d have a chance…? Her heart started to beat faster but the first words he said made her almost sure it was just a polite refusal. A sword was nothing of a noble weapon for her. Not really different from the butcher’s knife. Both serving the deadly purpose if used by the skilled hands. If anything, a sword was a tool of discrimination. When she was a small girl, perhaps six or so, she could not understand why her cousins were given a sword and she was given a fan and a needle. As she was growing older, she found it so unfair that most of the skills she was taught were those to please the persons wielding the sword. She was even forbidden to practice archery as she was shaming her male cousins being better at that presumably male activity. But whenever Nunnally inquired about why she was not allowed, she was brushed off with the meaningless words that she would get protected. As she grew older she understood how the world worked, but never accepted it. She never truly believed she’d be protected. At least not as a person. Yes, they would protect her as their possession, as their prize, as their asset, but not as a person. Who would protect her from her protectors? The question she had never asked, but she knew the reply anyway.
Despite her thoughts, Nunnally did not dare to oppose his words. Slowly losing hope of finding her way to learn how to protect herself. How to increase her chances to survive. But his next words proved she had misunderstood him. She moved her blue eyes up only to meet the side of his face.
“T-thank you, My Lord.” – she said simply her blood rushing again; she did not consider learning anything but the sword. Nunnally liked, however, the new ideas his words introduced to her. Perhaps that would be even better. The world did not play fair towards her, so why should she? – “I would be happy to learn whatever you’d be willing to teach me. When...when could we start?” – she said eagerly. Was she too eager? Probably, but Nunnally would not risk Yuujin having another thought about it. She took his arm when offered, now only the tiny bit of fear lingering inside her. But was it the fear of him or of him changing his mind was not clear even for Nunnally herself. They walked the promenade gaining the curious looks. It was not an often sight to see archduke Aidoneus accompanied by the lady especially so tiny as herself. Even less common that the lady showed no obvious signs of fear and was visibly enjoying herself. Nunnally was aware there would be gossips.
“I was rather good at archery.” – she added slightly out of blue – “But it was a long time ago since I last practiced.” – a sigh – “I might have forgotten…”
It was an unexpected feeling of safety that she suddenly felt.
“Thank you, My Lord.” – she repeated - "Thank you for your kindness."
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Bowser & Luigi x The Great Ace Attorney, in the M&L art style
[November 2023 Patreon request]
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I'd been working on another mikohomu/homumiko doujinshi since last year and it's now available for direct purchase and download on my ko-fi shop! Thank you so much for your support and interest ☺❤
Eng Version 🇬🇧
JP Version 🇯🇵
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