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whisperedwaitings · 8 months ago

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Silver Cats & Black Roses

Chapter 27 – Ball like a Volcano

A/N I love this title^^ Yes, the infamous ball is finally here and our main boys are so mesmerized by how beautiful their girlfriends are 💙💜 And there is also a cute bonding moment between Nozel and Noelle.

Ao3 link

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It really felt like a volcano.

Everyone in this gigantic ballroom looked like they were having a great time, laughing and enjoying the beginning of the ball, but ignored the tension that was just everywhere in this room.

Between the golden pillars, covered with expensive imitations of royal ivy for the occasion.

In front of the high windows, through which still shined the last light of sunset.

Above the marble floors, rare black marble to accentuate the shades of white and gold in this ballroom.

Under the artistically painted ceiling, covered with clouds full of light, angels playing violins and harps, decorations of green and golden clovers for the frames of each painting, chandeliers made of crystal hanging down from it.

It was really like living just next to a volcano. Everyone was aware of the danger and tension, but ignored it in order for the silly happy life, even though the volcano might explode from any moment from now on.

This had been the feeling Nozel had since he entered the old ballroom of the three royal houses. Of course each royal house had their own ballroom, but for some reason he could never find the reason for, they also had a common for all three. As if Kiras, Vermillions and Silvas had ever been able to ever share something in past history.

But well, exceptions often confirms the rule, even for old and stupid rivalry between royal families.

Nozel had come with all of his siblings, even Noelle had decided to accompany them. Like almost every Magic Knight who came from a noble or a royal house, Finral and Noelle came with their respective family instead of with their squad.

Of course, Nozel had told Noelle that if she preferred to appear alongside the Black Bulls, he would never dare to hold her back. He knew how much she cared for them, just like Vanessa. But his baby sister insisted to come along with them, claiming that she was a Silva too and she cared for them as well. And since Nebra had been responsible for her dress, it would only be fair towards their sister.

Noelle also didn’t want to leave him alone in his whole situation with this ball and his love for Vanessa. Nozel had no words to tell his sister how much this meant to him, so he just hugged her, to her biggest delight.

He had also be put in charge by Nebra to watch that Noelle would get properly dressed. Apparently, Nebra had to spend the whole afternoon making sure that Solid would be properly dressed and asked at least five servants to get a hold of Solid.

Nozel decided that he should better never ask for details.

After all, it allowed him to spent lots of hours with Noelle, something he refused to miss.

Nozel looked at his youngest sister and he felt his heart filled with pride and affection. Nebra and Soie Velours did a marvellous job with Noelles dress.

He was told that the shape was called A-linen and he had no reason to doubt his sisters words. A tight bodice that accentuated Noelles fine waist while leaving her shoulder free and a skirt that flowed rather widely around her, but not too much. Almost like water…

The dress was water-themed, a shining blue looking like the ocean on a bright sunny day. At the bottom of the dress was a bright silver pattern, looking exactly like when waves were crashing. Nebra even managed to find Noelle in their family’s jewellery a suitable diadem, made of silvers and with aquamarines in the shapes of seashells. Nozel had put it himself on her head. According to aunt Océane, that diadem had belonged to their late aunt, Pluie Silva, who had been captain of the Silver Eagles and had died in a battle when Nozel still had been a baby. A true family heirloom.

Noelle had let her hair down, falling like a waterfall on her back and only hold by the seashell diadem. It really suited her. But she still insisted to wear the pink ribbons and so, she wore them on her wrists in sophisticated bows.

He and Noelle had been the first to be ready and had to wait for Nebra and Solid for quite a while. But both of them, especially Solid, had been perfectly dress when they finally came down, so he didn’t scold them this time for their usual lateness.

Nebra had managed to find a marine blue ornate waste for Solid, with embroideries of silver snakes and trousers in the same shade of blue. His brother had apparently refused to wear a jacket as well, but Nebra had put a white silk shirt with long puffy sleeves on him, which made the whole outfit rather elegant and simple.

Nebras dress though had rather surprise him. Instead of her usual choice of Silva colours or teal, her gown was black, with deep blue embroideries on her bodice and at the top of the skirt. For some reason, those patterns reminded a lot of the usual circles so common for trap spells and for some reason, there were also bugs here and there. Not spiders though, which was surprising, since spiders were Nebras favourite animals. He couldn’t recognize the bugs on this dress.

And the diadem she choose to wear was also a strange choice for Nebra. It was made of silver, of course. But the gems were rubies, not a gem that Silvas would use to wear. Nozel wondered if Nebra borrowed it from Océane or if she ordered it from a jewellery for the occasion.

Was Nebra going through some kind of rebellious phase? It was strange, especially since she was the Silva with most diplomatic skills and etiquette knowledge out of the four of them. But at the same time, her temper was fitting for a bit of rebellion.

And if it was against Lac Silva, Nozel would give Nebra all the blessing for it.

So many people were already here and the ball hasn’t even really started yet. But all three royal families were already present. The only royal not present was Damnatio Kira, but he was well-known to never enjoy such parties. He was certainly working on some parliament stuff.

With the presence of the Black Bulls and despite the fact that he declared Asta innocent right after Spade, it was probably better that Damnatio wasn’t present.

All the other Kiras, main members and those from secondary branches, were present. The king was in the gaudiest golden outfit, waiting for compliments, while Finral and Finesse had joined the Black Bulls at the buffet, because of Charmy. He didn’t know the other Kiras well and that was certainly for the best.

From the Vermillions, everyone was now present, even the ones he didn’t that much and even Mereoleona had dare to make an appearance. Nozel was surprised to see her, but he could imagine that Julius had asked to come here in case there’s a drama involving the nobles. He saw Leopold talking with Fragil Tormenta and his aunt laughing with Kirsch and Mimosa. Océane was wearing a gorgeous white dress with golden lilies, while Mimosa looked really good in emerald green and patterns of pale golden plants. As for Kirsch… well, his pale pink and golden ceremony suit was very sparkly. There was no other way to describe it.

His Vermillion relatives all looked very happy and Nozel was actually glad that his cousins didn’t lost their mother.

Fuegoleon was not too far away from them, standing with his own beloved, Lital Lys, wearing a dark red dress with patterns of golden and orange flames at the bottom. Nozel frowned as he saw the ceremonial suit his rival was wearing. A new one, but unusual colours for a Vermillion, especially a fire Vermillion. It was night blue, with some silver embroideries which looked like they represented stars.

Wasn’t it star magic Lital Lys had? And her dress represented flames, which was Fuegoleons magic affinity… Were they wearing each other’s colours in order to show that they belong together?

There would have been a time when Nozel would have find this kind of idea ridiculous. But today…

Nozel sighed while he looked discreetly around again. He saw so many faces, some he knew, some he didn’t know. Some he liked, some he could barely take the mere sight. Speaking of, he didn’t see Lac Silva yet, but this was a relief for now.

No, the only person Nozel wanted to see tonight wasn’t here yet. Vanessa hadn’t come with the Black Bulls, which had surprised him and honestly, he was rather worried. Was she fine? Did she felt ill and couldn’t come? Did Vanessa had problem with nobles or worse, had Lac Silva something to do with her absence?

Nozel felt like he was agonizing without Vanessa. Just a mere sight of her and he would be able to calm down. He hadn’t seen her since early this morning, it had been very difficult to let go of each other. He missed her so much, he wanted her here, with him.

He wanted to see her, to hold her, to dance with her. Not only tonight, but for the rest of his life. What would he do if he would lose Vanessa just like he lost his mother? What if… what if…

A hand was placed on his arm before he could definitely start to panic…

Noelle looked up to him, a reassuring smile on her lips.

“Don’t worry, Vanessa will come soon. Apparently, auntie Dea, uhm, I mean, lady Orchidea invited her to get ready for the ball, so she will appear with her, captain Charlotte and another Roselei I sadly forgot the name already.”

“It sounds like the introduction to a noble lady to society.”

“Yes, it does. I don’t why auntie Dea, argh, sorry, lady Orchidea invited Vanessa over, but we can trust her, so don’t worry, brother.“

“It’s just… I miss her,” Nozel admitted in a whisper. Thankfully, only Noelle heard him, Nebra was too focused to scold Solid about the inelegance of blowing his nose loudly in the middle of a ball.

“I understand, big brother. But I’m sure you won’t have to wait for too long. I haven’t seen her dress yet, but I’m sure she’s going to look amazing. And… you’re quite dashing as well, Nozel.”

Nozel looked down at his new ceremonial suit he had ordered just for the occasion. Made of burgundy satin with a few silver Silva emblems embroidered especially at the borders, it was rather simple. But it matched perfectly with the one shoulder cape Vanessa made months ago.

A few months already… It felt so far away, but Nozel knew that actually it hadn’t been too long ago. But it had been before Vanessa and himself got together.

It was also a very special day Nozel would never be able to forget. That day, he had realized that he was hopelessly in love with her.

And today, he finally got the occasion to wear that wonderful gift she made him. Nozel had specifically ordered that the embroideries of his new ceremony suit had to be few and as simple as possible. That way, Vanessas cape would be in a way standing out.

“Has Vanessa done this?” Noelle asked in a whisper while softly stroke his cape with respect.

“Yes, she did. That had been a while before we started to be a couple.”

“I can’t believe that the two of you have been spending time together even before becoming a couple and I haven’t realized one thing ever. How blind was I?”

“You’re not blind, Noelle. It’s just a surprising occurrence, it had been for Vanessa and me as well. Back then, she made this cape for me as token of gratitude for the sewing box I gifted her.”

“That was a really thoughtful gift. Speaking of… Nozel, have you been the mysterious person to give me presents all those years?”

Nozel felt himself flinch. It reminded him of those years of being a distant, cold older brother, of his mistakes with how to take care of Noelle. And still, it didn’t stop him to secretly send her gifts for each of her birthdays…

It had been of secret, because already back then he felt ashamed of himself and was convinced he didn’t deserve to make her happy with presents. How wrong he had been…

“Did… did you know?”

“No, I never knew. And the Black Bulls were always curious about who would give me those mystery gifts. I only started to have suspicions after I found out about you and Vanessa. That sewing box was a thoughtful gift and yours were very thoughtful as well. And… I’m glad that you always gave those to me. We both never had real birthdays after mother’s death, as far as I can remember.”

No, neither of them didn’t. The only time there had been some kind of party for Noelles birthday, nobles started immediately to talk about her reputation and Nozel was still so imprisoned in his cold soul that the only solution he saw to stop this was to never celebrate that birthday again. As for him, he was feeling so guilty after losing his mother that he started to believe he didn’t deserved to have his birthday celebrated and over the years, only a few people remembered. Like Noelle…

Wait a minute!

“Noelle, were you the one to anonymously putting birthday presents in my room all those years? Even after you joined the Black Bulls?”

“Yes, how did you find out?”

“It was just a guess…”

Noelle just looked at him with big, surprised eyes, before she gave him a soft smile. So, Nozel smiled back. This was actually something just between the two of them and it was actually a really nice feeling.

After a few moments, Noelle said again, “It’s a really great cape Vanessa made you. And it was bold of her to choose burgundy, but Vanessa was always rather bold. I actually find it quite romantic that you’re wearing her colour.”

Somehow, his sister looked sad saying those words, which made Nozel frown with concern. “Noelle, is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything is perfectly fine with me, don’t worry for me, big brother. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Noelle.”

“Ugh, okay. Honestly, I love this dress, it’s practically the first gift Nebra EVER gave me and it looks amazing, not to mention the seashell diadem from our late Silva aunt, it’s so fitting. And I’m happy I wear your ribbons in a different way, on my wrists. It’s just… I would have loved to wear at least one item that could remind of Asta. But at the same time, unlike you and Vanessa, we’re not together and Asta isn’t even aware that I’m head over heels for him, despite his ability to read Ki. So, maybe I shouldn’t wear something that reminds me of Asta, at least not yet… if he ever falls in love with me, since there’s also Mimosa and Rebecca.”

“Don’t say something like that,” Nozel replied softly, while looking over at Asta, who was somehow trying to get between Magna and Luck who apparently seemed to try to attack each other with golden spoons. At least, Luck was, Magna looked more like he was trying to defend himself.

He was glad that Noelle, while still being a bit jealous of Mimosa and whoever Rebecca was, loved Asta truly enough that she would be happy for him he would fall for someone else than her, even though it might break her heart.

But for his baby sister’s sake, Nozel hoped that one day Asta would fall for Noelle. It was a bit difficult for him to imagine that young peasant but promising knight as a potential future member of his family, but surprisingly, he wasn’t against it at all. Well, Noelles happiness was important to Nozel and thanks to Vanessa, he actually started to be more open.

“I think that if you want, you can still wear an item that reminds you of Asta,” he continued while taking a small black velvet piece out of his pocket and handling it to Noelle. Surprised, she opened it and gasped when she discovered what was inside.

It was a small necklace, with a little silver ribbon instead of a chain and with jade stone as a pedant, shaped into a star.

“It belonged to mother. I find it again when I went through the stuff I got from her after her death. I think you should have it. After all, you too shall have things that belonged to our mother. And Astas eyes have the same colour as jade.”

“Thank you so much, Nozel…”

Noelle had now teary eyes while she smiled at him as if he had given her the whole world. Nozel smiled back as he took the necklace himself to put it on her himself. It fitted perfectly around Noelles neckline.

Suddenly, Noelle looked back to the black marble stairs that led to the entrance of the ballroom. A big smile spread upon her lips. “Nozel, look. Vanessa is finally here.”

Of course, Nozel turned immediately towards the stairs, but he couldn’t immediately see his beloved at first. He saw one of Charlottes cousins, Josephine or Joselin, almost running down the stairs, wearing a dress in autumn shades. Then there was lady Orchidea with a wide gown that looked like storm clouds. Charlotte was right next to her mother in a spectacular black dress, which was already commented by Nebra and her fashion sense radar.

And then, right behind Charlotte, he finally saw her…

Vanessa was beyond beautiful in her bright purple dress, flowing gracefully around her perfect body. White and pale pink roses were scattered around her dress, as well as some embroidery of silver, looking exactly like vines covered in frost. In fact, the whole dress seemed like to have a very subtle silver shine, it accentuate Vanessas beauty and grace perfectly.

Her hair was falling freely on her back, it was only held back by a diadem. His mother’s water lily diadem, her favourite. Vanessa was wearing it!

And it looked so mesmerizing on her rosewood curls. Almost as if it was made for her especially. She certainly was very aware of the emotional symbolism of the diadem, as she caressed the gems respectfully for a second.

Vanessa looked over the ballroom, before her gaze met his. And she started to smile, the brightest smile he ever saw.

And in this moment, nothing else existed in the whole world.

Nothing else those rosewood curls falling like a waterfall on her porcelain shoulders, those eyes shining like amethysts, this gorgeous smile…

The most beautiful woman in the entire world, both outside and inside. The woman he felt hopelessly in love with, the best thing that ever happened in his entire life, especially after his mother died.

Nozel smiled back.

He felt like they could do this forever. Looking at each other with love, smiling as if only the other existed in the whole world. But it would be even better if he could hold her hand, hug her tightly in his arms, dance with her… Honestly, anything would be fine for him. As long as it was Vanessa he could do all of these things with.

As long as she would be the one he would spend the rest of his life with and no one else…

Nozel barely noticed how other guests arrived, how some ladies looked at him with some sickening superficial longing. Only Vanessa mattered for him right now, as she started to descend the stairs gracefully, as she always was.

Was it just him or did she walked very slowly for some reason? Why does everything and everyone felt so blurry except her? Did it matter? No… What mattered was Vanessas mere present and that his love for her got even deeper than it already was. Apparently, this was possible.

“You’re glancing at Vanessa as if she is a goddess of beauty and love or a queen from a fairy tale book that stepped out of the pages,” Noelle whispered, bringing him just barely back to reality.

“She is the queen of my heart,” Nozel whispered back, not caring at all how corny it sounded very corny and that it was his beloved baby sister who heard him talk like a lovesick poet. For a second, he was relieved that Noelle loved poetry just as much as him.

“What are you two whispering over here.”

Both flinched at Nebras voice and Nozel was so in pain to turn his eyes away from Vanessa to look at his other sister. He tried to stare at her as blankly as he could. But maybe his glare was too harsh, as he felt Noelle pull slightly at his sleeve and Nebra arching a brow at him, clearly surprised.

Thankfully, Noelle was able to diffuse the growing tension immediately.

“Vanessa finally came and we were just commenting about how good my squadmate looks in her dress from Soie Velours.”

Okay, Noelle sounded very, very nervous. But thankfully Nebra didn’t seemed to notice, turning towards Vanessa, who now stood at the bottom of the stairs. Nebra let out a whistle.

“Damn, she really looks good. I already knew that out of you Black Bulls, she is probably the one with the most decent taste for fashion. Honestly, this is such an excellent choice of fabric and colours and patterns… It really does suit her, especially how it flows around her.”

Solid turned towards the stairs as well with an uninterested glance. One second looking at how beautiful Vanessa was and he lost all interested already.

“Yeah, I guess she looks pretty good for a witch.”

“Solid.”

“What? What did I said wrong.”

Nozel, Noelle and Nebra just stared at him with the typical stern, cold Silva glare. Solid still looked confused, but thankfully was now quiet.

Sighing deeply, Nozel glanced back at Vanessa, locking his eyes with hers. He saw in those amethyst orbs the same longing he was currently feeling. They needed to be cautious. One wrong move and their mistake could be used against them, especially by Lac Silva. Océane had warned, while also giving multiple little plans and strategies to follow tonight. Playing the game of nobility, but with their own rules.

But he wanted to hold her so much right now! To seek comfort, but more importantly, to reassure her. Vanessa was the newbie in this complicated dark golden world of nobility and royalty, not him. Of course, he was not good at playing this games of minds and traps and gossip, this was more the brand of his Vermillion aunt.

But if he wanted to fight against his father and more importantly, to fight to be with Vanessa, Nozel needed to know how this game was working. By knowing it, he could play with his own rules and if he did it right, he could win. No, he will win.

It really felt like being near a dormant volcano.

Vanessa gave him an encouraging smile, while not hiding her longing for him in her eyes. This alone made Nozel feel like he got wings. Majestic wings like an eagle, able to fly against the wind of expectations.

And now he was getting poetic again.

Noelle gave him a small squeeze with her hand. He responded to it. Nozel knew that he wasn’t the only who needed to be on guard during this ball full of traps.

Suddenly, a crystal clear sound was to hear, as if someone was poking a glass of champagne with a spoon.

Nozel turned around… And saw his father in the middle of the ballroom.

He wasn’t standing on a pedestal or a chair, he didn’t looked like it was his intention to have every person present in this ballroom focus on him. But Nozel knew better. Lacs nonchalance was one of his weapons, he built a lot of his immaculate reputation thanks to this.

Lac Silva had his white hair styled in a complicated hairdo, that might be become a new fashion for noble men within the next week. His moustache was perfectly oiled and curled, he was wearing a fine silvery white suit with a middle long black cape and golden buttons, he even put the elegance so far to wear gloves of finest silk and a monocle on his right eye.

His smile was so bright that only those who knew better would see that it wasn’t genuine.

“My dearest friends, despite not being worthy of having such an honour, our beloved king, Augustus Kira Clover the XIII gave me the joy of opening this ball. To celebrate the victory against the devils in Spade and in honour of our hard-working Magic Knights,” – there was an emphasis of hard-working, because Lac know how most nobles considered work – “this ball had been organized by nobility as token of our gratitude for the assurance of our future. I wish that everyone here tonight will find the perfect match to celebrate this victory and the future of our kingdom as it should be. I am eternally grateful to all of those present today who knows how to protect and to secure this precious gift. And hereby, I officially declare the beginning of the Three Leaves Glory ball !”

A wave of applause followed those subtle manipulating words, but neither Nozel nor his siblings gave in. There would be a cold day in hell before they would cheer for their father and one of his speeches.

Nozel could feel Lacs glare on him, but he didn’t give that man the honour of looking at him. Instead, he glanced again at Vanessa, who hasn’t stop to look at him with love and longing. But now, with the official start of the ball, there was also determination in her amethyst orbs and he felt exactly the same.

Their battle for the other and against the expectations of the status quo started now.

♣♣♣

Gosh, he hated to be in a suit. Okay, Blue Rose Mama had compromised of course and managed to find him an ensemble that wasn’t tight on the body and the skin, so that it was actually comfortable to wear, which also meant that he wouldn’t ruin it with his sweat, and which most importantly, it wouldn’t be a torture of acrobatic measures to put down his trousers in case he needed to take a dump.

Still, Yami absolutely hated to be in a suit.

Okay, he was elegant and the suit his future mother-in-law found him wasn’t ridiculous. It was of good taste, Yami had enough knowledge in arts and such to recognize that. He didn’t know if ceremony and fancy party clothes should be considered as art, though. But this was another debate.

Well, usually Yami hated to be in fancy clothes like that because it was always miracle if they were at best more or less kinda decently comfortable. This one was even more than decently comfortable. No, Yami still hated to be in a suit because he hated that he had to look fancy for those stupid nobles and their sticks in their asses. Honestly, he would have preferred to come in his daily clothes or his festival outfit from his home country. Those were comfy on many levels, his brats were used to see him that way and his captain colleagues wouldn’t have minded, even Nozel.

Gosh, their surprised faces when his brats and his fellow captains saw him in a suit, he might would never hear the end of it.

Even more so, his suit was blue. Blue! Not even his colour, one more reason to never hear the end of it. Yami could already hear Nacht and Zora mock him back at the Hideout for the next six months, as well as Jack and Dorothy, when she would be awake, tease him about it during captain meetings.

Okay, it was a very dark blue, which was fine, honestly. But it was still a reason to complain! At least, he would have complained if it weren’t for Blue Rose Mamas actually more than excellent argument.

You’re not doing it for the nobles, my dear future son-in-law. I’m sure that Charlotte would be happy if you’re elegant.

And that was the only reason why he accepted to wear an elegant suit for this stupid ball and probably also why Orchidea had choose the colour blue. Yami might thought that Prickly Queen knew him enough to not have been offended if he would have been wearing his usual clothes. But she certainly would appreciate the effort he took to be elegant for her. Okay, her mother helped him, but still.

It was worth the figurative pain to be in a suit and the weird glances his brats and his fellow captain colleagues would gave him on occasion.

Okay, Kaiser had been surprised as well, but he immediately gave him an encouraging glance. Yami had to give it to the Purple Moustache Grandpa, he was clearly one of the best nobles out there. And one of the most normal people amongst the Magic Knight Captains, honestly, which wasn’t such a bad thing, actually.

Kaiser was in the company of a slight chubby but kind looking woman, certainly his wife. Yami vaguely recognized her from the portrait that had was on Kaisers office desk. From that day he went to see his purple moustache colleague for some love advice concerning Charlotte. Advice that had been really helpful, he had to admit.

Damn, this was a while ago already… Yami sighed. It was also thanks to Kaiser he finally got the final grip on himself and actually started his relationship with Charlotte. In a way, he might owe something to his old Purple Moustache Colleague.

Kaiser had been so free to introduce him to his wife, lady Isabelle Granvorka. Who proved herself to belong to the rare kind nobles, just like her husband, Finesse or Blue Rose Mama. And Charlotte of course.

Isabelle Granvorka had a lot of positive things to say to him and at the end, she even invited him for dinner one day.

Just because apparently her husband had a lot of good things to say about him and that she already appreciated him.

Damn, why did he stumbled upon so many surprising kind nobles after Spade? In a way, it was certainly a good thing, but Yami still hoped that it wouldn’t bite him back in the ass one day.

Well, at least encountering the lady wife of Purple Moustache Grandpa had been a nice encounter, he couldn’t say that for the majority rest of the nobles though. Especially those who weren’t Magic Knights. He could perfectly feel some glares on him and his brats. Glares he was used to, of course. The Black Bulls were never those who cared about what others think of them, especially jerks.

But for some reason, this very night, those glares were actually putting him on edge and he didn’t like that feeling.

It didn’t help that Finral had decided on his own to go with his beloved wife and his brother to the ball, leaving the Black Bulls with no other option that to use their own brooms to go there and even on time, as they promised Blue Rose Mama. Well, except Noelle who went with her siblings and so spent the whole day with them. And Vanessa, who for some reason decided to accompany Orchidea, Prickly Queen and some random Roselei cousin girl to the ball.

Witches were really difficult to understand with their special view on logic, he saw that enough with Miss Sleepy Hat.

So yeah, he was already feeling on edge, it hadn’t been easy to gather his wild brats to make them ready for this fucking ball and ready to fly away. It only worked in the end because Nacht had… done something. Something Yami most certainly never wanted to know, given how his friend had mysteriously grinned.

And to crown this upsetting feeling, he even got a glance at Charlottes bitchy aunt Rosamund, wearing a poison green puffy dress with scarlet roses, who was talking with Reggie. That stupid suitor that thought making Prickly Queen his wife number six would be an excellent idea. He was wearing some purple suit with a lot of golden patterns. There was so much gold on the fabric that the original purple colour was kinda underwhelmed.

What were those two jerks talking about? Trapping Charlotte into engagement? Oh hell no, not on his watch!

If there was one person in the world allowed to woo his Prickly Queen, it would be him and no one else! Reggie and auntie Rosabitch are going to bite their tooth out on him! Of course, after Charlotte would beat them while Yami would probably enjoying the show with a good booze.

Now that sounded like plan. Even though Yami had no clear idea how this would look like, but well, that was future Yamis problem.

Actually, speaking of Prickly Queen, where was she? She was the only person he really, really, really wanted to see tonight and she was still not soothing his poor delicate eyes with her presence.

Damn, he really hoped that nothing went wrong with the preparations for the ball. If Charlotte won’t appear, he would have put on this stupid blue and comfy suit for nothing! And more importantly, what was he supposed to do when his Prickly Queen wasn’t here!

His brats must have felt how tense he was, because they were leaving him alone. Even Nacht who just… went somewhere, who knows the place. Yami had his eyes practically glued on the stairs that lead to the entrance of this stupid black and white and golden ballroom. The same entrance he would certainly use a second time pretty soon already if his Prickly Queen wouldn’t appear in the next five minutes.

Maybe ten minutes.

Make that fifteen.

Damn, what was taking them so long? Yami knew he should have never tried and come early or on time.

Finally, Blue Rose Mama appeared. Which was a good sign, his future mother-in-law would probably never come without her daughter nearby.

She was wearing some neat dress, from what he could tell. Two different shades of grey, one dark and one bright, almost looking like different storm clouds gluing together as one, with very light blue patterns that looked like lightning.

Yami couldn’t help but grin. It was very obvious who this dress was more or less honouring. Damn, Blue Rose Mama really fully embraced and adopted Luck as her son. No wonder it was so difficult to hate a noble like her.

There was some young brown teenager next to her, already running down the stairs in some gown with autumn colours. The random Roselei cousin, probably. Vanessa was just behind Blue Rose Mama, wearing some kinda nice dress, metallic purple with some flowers. Since when was she choosing a cold colour instead of a vibrant one, like a wine coloured dress?

And who cares about that anyways? Where was Prickly Queen?

Finally she appeared next to Vanessa. And Yami finally see the true queen of this ball. A queen always made her people wait for the best, he should have known that.

The dress Charlotte wear surprised him though. Yami had been so certain that she would wear some shade of blue or even multiple shades of blue, since it was her colour. Heck, why else would he have to wear a suit of the same fucking colour?

But Charlottes dress wasn’t blue. It was black, with golden patterns. And it was perfectly truly breath taking, accenting her fine waist perfectly while it made her look like a black rose, with golden dew.

Damn, did she choose those colours to honour him? Was this the real reason why Blue Rose Mama insisted that he should wear a blue suit?

Why hadn’t he thought about from the start?

Charlotte was now going down the stairs very slowly, at least for Yamis taste. He just couldn’t wait to be at her side. But at the same time, while she was going so slowly, he could admire her elegant walk, like the true queen she was.

He barely even noticed how a lot of men, including that Reggie jerk, also were mesmerized by Charlottes appearance. Why would he even waste his time on those losers while he could just glance and admire his Prickly Queen finally becoming the queen of thorns she always had been? She really needed to wear more dresses from time to time, it suited her so well.

“Isn’t she beautiful?”

Yami jumped immediately, but relaxed as he saw that it was just Blue Rose Mama, grinning up at him.

“She choose those colours for you. But she still decided to keep the rose and thorns theme.”

“That sounds so much like her…” Yami mumbled while looking back at Charlotte, who was now finally down the stairs and looking around, certainly searching for him.

Orchidea sighed softly, before putting a hand on his forearm. “Good luck to the both of you. You’re going to need it this night.”

With those words, Blue Rose Mama turned around to greet Luck, who was for once not excited for a fight, but because of the dress his second mother was wearing.

Charlotte finally saw him, looking relieved. She started again to walk towards him, still too slowly for his taste.

But maybe it was just him being weird, because something was definitely wrong. Why does it seemed like the light was mostly shining on Prickly Queen and why did everyone looked so blurry except her? Also, why did it seem that the other ball guest were for some reason making a path for her towards him?

It must be something with his eyes. And it didn’t really stop when she was finally standing in front of him.

Charlotte had a small, naughty grin as she looked at him, amused. “I hope you’re not going to say that I will catch a cold with this dress, because that would also be insulting towards you, regarding the colours.”

Yami grinned. This was normal, definitely sounding like the Prickly Queen he knew and loved. She became rather bold, even teasing while being with him and honestly, he liked this a lot.

“I wouldn’t dare, your thorny Majesty. This is a very fitting gown for her rosy Highness and the colours are made for only a true queen. I had no idea that the Queen of Roses and Thorns herself would grace Clover nobility with her mere presence today.”

“A compliment from you? I guess miracles can still happen every day, in this case. Is there a possibility to see you alone, handsome stranger?”

Damn, Charlotte must have missed him quite a lot already if she was flirting like that with him. Not that Yami complained and to be fair, they haven’t seen each other since very early in the morning. Okay, it hadn’t been like a separation for thousand years, but still. It should be an official crime to separate him from his Prickly Queen!

No one was paying attention to them, as they all got focused on some white haired jerk who started a stupid speech. Great, this was the perfect occasion. Yami took Charlottes hand and lead her behind a pillar, where no one was and practically no one could see.

Charlotte didn’t even let him do the first move, as she cupped his face and literally crashed her lips on his. Yami put his arms around her waist to hold her closer and more firmly, while he still was cautious enough to not make her pretty diadem fall.

“Damn fuck, you really missed me.”

“Goodness, did you just kissed me with that mouth?”

Yami grinned wolfish before kissing her again, teasing her lips with his tongue. Well, if it was only up to him, they would have left this stupid stick-ass party and go at her place for a good old beddance, either naked or still wearing their ball clothes. That would have been a perfect plan for tonight, maybe even with some bedroom dinner afterwards, just the two of them. Yami promised to remember this for a later date.

They made out for a short moment, before some music from the orchestra was to be heard. Charlotte sighed as she break their kiss.

“The dances are about to start.”

“Do we have still some time before the betrothal trap waltz?”

“Probably, as it would be neither at the start nor at the end.”

“Good to know. By the way, your bitch aunt Rosamund and that five-wives-suitor jerk Reggie are nearby, certainly searching for you. Rosabitch might wanna try to reserve all the dances with you to that stick-ass wife hunter.”

“Rosab… Um, aunt Rosamund already tried this when I was still at home to prepare, but thankfully mother and my cousin Josephine had the grip on me and then Vanessa came, so everything went fine for now.”

“Why was Vanessa with you in the first place?”

“You might find out later today… In the meantime, even though I refuse to dance with Reginald Évantail, I certainly intend to dance in general. Shall I wait until you invite me or…”

“May I have this dance? This is how nobles use to ask or shall I be a bit more ridiculous?”

Charlotte just giggled before she took his hand and both appeared from behind the pillar to join the dancefloor. Well, it was the first time Yami would fight a battle while dancing. But it was definitely worth it. For Charlotte, he would even surpass the limits of his pride.

26 notes · View notes

whisperedwaitings · 8 months ago

Text

The Scent Of Lavender

Chapter 2 – Journey of Lavender

A/N The journey is slowly going and our main pair has a first real talk... that goes deeper than what Nozel intended 💜

Ao3 link

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“I’m going to DIE!!!”

“Come on, you overdramatic virgin delinquent, you are just seasick, that is no big deal.”

“No big deal? NO BIG DEAL? I’M DYING OVER HERE!!!”

“Given the strength of your voice currently, I highly doubt that you are dying right now. And you call yourself a Magic Knight?”

“Shut up, No-No! Why are you two so mean to me? I’m the one dying and you just throw shades at me? Talk about squadmates, you are worse than vice-captain Nacht and his horrible claims about our squad!”

“You have to admit that vice-captain Nacht doesn’t lie, as harsh as his words is,” Noelle replied with shrug.

“No, he is lying! He says that captain Yami is irresponsible with his grimoire!”

“Well, he is. Who in their right mind gambles their own grimoires, risking to lose them?”

“Real men do!”

“Reason more why men are stupid. The Blue Roses aren’t so wrong, after all.”

“Who are you calling stupid, you jerky majesty? Argh, I’m going to… can’t the waves just stop?”

“If the waves stop, the ship won’t be able to move forward and you’ll be stuck on it for longer. And of course I’m calling you stupid, I’m royalty.”

“What fricking logic is that even?”

Vanessa giggled at the argument of her squadmates. Poor Magna certainly regrets by now that he asked them to keep him company. For some reason, he thought that the butler of captain Rill would be a pain in the ass for him. Magna logic.

But Vanessa was now certain that Magna would actually prefer the butler as a travelling companion. Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing, dear old Walt would be the one spending the most time with him once they arrived at Lavender Island. Which would be in three or four days from now on, after their departure the day before.

It was strange that they hadn’t brought any spatial mages with them, though. They would have been there in no time. But apparently, any spatial mage known never set any foot on Lavender Island and for some reason, there were no Magic Knight stationed there permanently. Noelle of course pretended that it was because nobles there were full of themselves. But Noelle had a tendency to jump to the worst assumptions.

Vanessa was certain that if no Magic Knights were stationed on Lavender Island, it must been because everything was fine. Heck, maybe the nobles there were more open-minded and even kinder than on the mainland.

Plus, three weddings at once? That was so romantic.

Vanessa was certain that this mission was the best kind she ever had. It was really more like a vacation than a mission. Okay, it was sadly not a family vacation, since it wasn’t the entire Black Bull squad being sent. But well, they had the opportunity to work with people from other squads, to make new friends and this wasn’t something Vanessa dared to complain about.

Captain Rill was certainly a cutie, his butler seemed so caring and Mimosa Vermillion was just one of the most kind person Vanessa knew. That would be a piece of cake going along with them.

Captain Nozel was of course another level, more difficult to reach and there was the whole painful past with Noelle. But for Vanessa, it sounded more like a challenge. After all, there might be more about him than just a cold asshole. Him trying to mend his relationship with Noelle shows that he certainly had a heart.

Vanessa still wondered what could had happen to him that he ended up as cold jerk. Maybe she was overthinking it, but she didn’t had the impression that captain Nozel was enjoying being a jerk. Maybe a protection of some sort?

Protection from what, exactly?

Well, it wasn’t like this vacation mission was the perfect opportunity to learn more about him. Not to mention that he was handsome, which was really motivating for Vanessa.

Although, after she accidentally flirted with him when he caught her stumbling… the approach would be a bit difficult. Captain Nozel was related to Noelle, surely there has to be some sibling similarities and if awkward at taking compliments was one of them, he might trying to avoid her. It wasn’t like Vanessa didn’t felt embarrassed about it. She did and gosh, it never happened to her ever before to be embarrassed about her flirting and teasing. What a dumb first.

Not to mention that yesterday, Noelle scolded her for half an hour after Vanessa accidentally flirted with her brother. Okay, it was just Noelle overreacting like she did, but still, her squadmate make it sound like she just killed someone or something like that. Were Silvas really that bad at anything positive?

Magnas grunting brought Vanessa back to reality and away from that handsome yet cold man that was the captain of the Silver Eagles.

“I should’ve asked that stupid butler to keep me company. Or the captain of the Aqua Deers, even though he probably will take my plaster to paint on it. Or the sweet Golden Dawn girl, she seems nice and she is always in a good mood, plus she is a healer. Speaks A LOT for your cousin, Noelle. Heck, even the jerk captain of the Silver Eagles might be better company than you two!”

“That is not a kind thing to say to your squadmates, poor little virgin delinquent. Really, you’re in a bad mood when you’re seasick. And dealing with a wounded leg. Gosh, it’s both, no wonder you’re such in a bad mood!”

“Shut up, you wino!”

Well, if that didn’t proved Vanessas point, then what would it be? But honestly, Magna was really unhappy to be in this rest position. And the fact that he wasn’t on the mission. And probably because he couldn’t fly on his special broom in this condition. Vanessa actually hoped that taking the Crazy Cyclone with them would make Magna a bit happier. But well, if he can’t fly on it… But at least he would spent some of his time to take care of his broom instead of letting someone else doing it.

Hopefully Magna would realize it soon.

“Honestly, Magna, I have the feeling you’re just complaining for the sake of it,” Noelle sighed dramatically, trying to focus on her book. “Your situation isn’t that bad at all. Not the thriving adventures, training and gambling you have daily, but given your condition, you’re rather in a good place. Don’t tell me you would have preferred to have Luck trying to fight you every minute? Think of your leg, last time it happened, you couldn’t use it properly for a month!”

“Don’t remind me of that! I’m sure Owen just was overdramatic, it only took a month because… because Luck was being a jerk, that’s why!”

“It is better than losing your leg forever, if you ask me.”

The three Black Bulls turned their heads towards the door of Magnas cabin, only to see Mimosa in the frame, a teapot and a hot mug in her hands.

“Oh, sorry I didn’t knock, but my hands are rather full, so…”

Vanessa immediately stood up and guided the young Vermillion into the cabin. “Oh, it’s okay, come in, love. The more the merrier, am I right? Oh, is that tea?”

“Yes, for sir Magna. It’s a good herbal tea that would help for his leg. The waves and sea wind can be rather tricky. I put some honey in it, if it’s okay.”

“Of course it is! How kind of you! Magna, don’t be a jerk and accept this delicious tea.”

Oh, was Magna actually blushing? How cute! Well, Mimosa Vermillion was a pretty girl, but maybe it was just the kindness she was showing. Which also meant for him that he couldn’t get mad at her, unlike with Noelle and Vanessa.

Magna just grunted as he took a sip from the mug. Only to have his eyes brighten up the very same moment.

“Hey, this is actually pretty good! Thank you, Noelles cousin!”

“Magna, where are your manners? My cousin’s name is Mimosa! You should know that by now, it’s not like Asta never talks about her after he visits his rival… I mean, not that it matters to me at all!”

Vanessa frowned. Why did Noelle sounded kinda jealous right there?

“You’re very welcome, sir Magna.”

“Magna is just fine.”

“Okay, if you wish so. Asta told me a lot about you, he has you in very high esteem.”

Oh, did Mimosa just blushed right there? Yes, she did and even got a cute little smile on her face!

Vanessa started to understand. Mimosa certainly had a crush on Asta as well. Couldn’t blame that dear girl for that, honestly. Vanessa couldn’t tell though if Noelle was aware about her cousins crush on Asta or if she was just jealous that another girl was close to Asta. In any case, she wouldn’t admit it, obviously.

Well, that was some news. They weren’t even arrived at Lavender Island yet and she already learned something juicy. Vanessa was now almost disappointed that Asta wasn’t part of the mission, so she could have witness this sweet love drama in its full glory. But for the sake of those two princesses, maybe it was for the better.

Asta was a sweet lad, but so terribly dense and oblivious that sometimes even Vanessa was fed up with it. If he hadn’t realized Noelles feelings so far, it was only fair to assume that he also didn’t realized Mimosas as well.

What a situation, really. Logically, Vanessa was more close to Noelle, so she should maybe cheer for her squadmate more. But Mimosa was also such a sweet girl and she definitely appreciated Astas qualities, which was a huge plus point in Vanessas eyes. Happiness was something she deserved. And in the end, once he got a hold of his density, wouldn’t it be Astas choice? Be it Noelle, Mimosa or maybe someone else entirely?

That thought made Vanessa blink for a second. How strange. For as long as she knew the Black Bulls rookies, she always took for granted that Noelle and Asta would end up together one day. It seemed just the normal course of action in her eyes. But now that she learned that Mimosa Vermillion was also having feelings for Asta, she actually considered the possibility that Asta might fall for someone else…

Well, as exciting as it was, Vanessa hoped that it won’t end up tragically. It was fair to assume that both Noelle and Mimosa loved Asta enough that they would support each other, if he would choose one of them or someone else, that they would be happy for him. And Vanessa would certainly not try to sabotage any relationship just so Noelle can get with him. She often read some stupid romance novels were the love interest ended up with someone else first and the main character tried to sabotage that relationship, often with the help of friends. In the name of “true love” and because “it was meant to be”, some shit like that. Vanessa always hated this kind of plots and she refused to become that type of person. Even for her squadmates.

Even for herself… After all, since the jealousy towards captain Charlotte just wouldn’t come at this point…

Oh no, dangerous territory here, a slippery edge it was the best to ignore and drown in wine. But as Vanessa wanted to take another sip, she had to realized that her bottle was empty.

“Oopsie! Empty bottle. Don’t mind me, you little ones, I’ll just get another one and I’ll be right back.”

“Vanessa, you shouldn’t. This is already your fourth bottle today.”

Vanessa fought the urge to roll her eyes. She loved Noelle dearly, but that constant worry about her drinking habits was sometimes really annoying. After all, her royal squadmate had the tendency to overreact.

“Noelle, sweetie, I’m really holding back. Normally, I would be at my eighth bottle at this point.”

“And what about those you drink in secret?”

Shoot, how did she know? Or maybe she was just bluffing.

“Don’t worry about it, I got this under control. Don’t forget, I’m an expert at magic control, that counts for drinking as well.”

Vanessa left the room before Noelle could protest. Thankfully, neither Mimosa nor Magna noticed it, Magna would have argued again with Noelle and Mimosa probably would have been worried too, as the healer she was.

As Vanessa closed the door, she heard Magna laughing, while Mimosa told something funny about Finrals jerk of a brother. Well, the bonding was already promising for this vacation. There was nothing to be worried about in her books.

If it worked with Mimosa, it would certainly work as well with the two captains of their team. Maybe it needed more effort with Noelles handsome brother. Especially after the accidental flirt yesterday. Gosh, this was really embarassing. But what would life be without some little challenges here and there?

But first things first, a new bottle of wine. So, where was the kitchen of this ship again? With the cabins or below or above? Ships were rather like labyrinths for Vanessa and she lived in the maze that was the Black Bulls Hideout. But to be fair, she had never been on a ship before, no wonder it was easy to get lost.

“Ah, screw it, I’ll just ask a sailor to show me, let’s go on deck.”

Sadly, she didn’t saw any sailor on the deck, except for one who was behind that strange wooden wheel that was apparently leading the ship. Vanessa didn’t know what it was called and how it worked, but he looked certainly like he was on duty. So, better not asking him to show her the ships kitchen.

The only two other people present were the captains of the Aqua Deers and the Silver Eagles.

Uh, captain business?

Gosh, seeing them together like this, so different in so many ways, it was actually hard to believe that both of them were captains.

Not to mention that they were both so different as well from captain Yami… and captain Charlotte…

Dangerous territory, Vanessa. Don’t think about it.

Why did that thought sounded like she was trying to convince herself?

To distract her, Vanessa started to observe captain Nozel in particular.

Like yesterday, she was taken aback that she never realized how handsome this man was. Okay, she knew that he was handsome, but what she never noticed before was how fine-looking he was.

His profile was something else, it looked sharp and at the same time, there was a softness within, making him elegant. That jawline was probably the most mesmerizing one she ever saw and she had been in awe of Yamis jawline for long. His hair looked spiky, but Vanessa was ready to bet that it only looked that way. The shining of it was the same as Noelles and her young squadmate had quite the silky hair. Maybe his hair was silky too, just fuller? It had to be fuller than Noelles, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to make such an iconic braid out of his bangs.

Speaking of, it was astounding how such a hairstyle looked so good on him. Not ridiculous at all. Vanessa didn’t know how the captain of the Silver Eagles could pull it off, but he did. It was somehow fitting, as it did give him an eagle look. Was it on purpose or just a coincidence?

The beginning sunset bathed him in some pale golden light, only accenting his beauty. He was still looking cold and distance, yet the golden light somehow made it look as it was just a mask, as there was more behind. She saw the metallic lilac of his eyes, such a rare and mesmerizing shade. Vanessa did wonder if under a certain light, maybe his eyes would have more a lavender shade.

In this moment, it was almost the case…

Captain Nozel seemed to have finished to talk about whatever it was with captain Rill, as he walked away from his colleague. Vanessa was taken aback about how elegantly he was walking. Why haven’t she never realized it before? Granted, she never had much to do with him or Silver Eagles in general. But still…

His march seemed so focused, his aura was still cold. Yet, when he walked on the deck, his Silver Eagle robe slightly floating behind him, his expression serious, his lilac eyes clearly hiding more than they were showing, he looked more than just royal in her eyes. He looked majestic…

Gosh, did she really just thought that? Damn… maybe Zora was right, maybe she could easily be distracted by a pretty face. Well, she could still admit that Nozel Silva was handsome, no need to interpret more. After all, he wasn’t her type. He wasn’t buff like captain Yami. Yet, looking at the captain of the Silver Eagles, Vanessa dared to think that while he wasn’t buff, he wasn’t a beanpole either, like captain Jack. She knew that you don’t need to be buff to have muscles. Maybe it was the case for Nozel Silva? He always wear a lot of layers, like his Silver Eagle robe and Vanessa knew from Noelles clothes that the Silva attires could be rather complicated and with multiple layers. Light ones, though. Maybe there were some muscles hiding under all those layers.

Lean, well-defined muscles… That seemed rather attractive. Maybe she should stop looking only at buff men?

Phew, her thoughts were running wild. Was this good or bad? Was it right to forget her crush on captain Yami? Maybe, since the jealousy just wouldn’t take her.

Oh no, slippery slope again. Why did it always come back to her mind?

Nozel nodded slightly as he passed her, but that was all. He didn’t even glanced at Vanessa. Well, at least he wasn’t ignoring her, like he might would have done before his apology to Noelle. Yet, Vanessa wouldn’t have blamed him if he would’ve ignored her. Given how she accidentally flirted with him yesterday.

Still, it was somehow rude, just a nod and nothing else. Good reminder actually that he was still a cold jerk. But a damn attractive one.

“Oh, hello Vanessa!”

Captain Rills voice took her away from his eye-catching colleague and he even waved at her. Vanessa waved back and went towards him. Why not bonding with him too? He was a kind and sweet lad. So different from Nozel Silva…

“So, what were you two captains talking about? Captain business? Some small-talk? Enjoying the view?”

“I was, but Nozel was more focused on the mission.”

“I wonder why, it’s an easy mission, feels more like a vacation to me.”

“Well, it’s about nobles and weddings, I guess it is especially important to not lose focus.”

Really, captain Rill as well? Vanessa couldn’t be the only one who saw no problem with those weddings and this mission.

But maybe the captain of the Aqua Deers only tried to act like his rank. After all, he was the youngest captain ever so far and all the other ones were quite older than him. She wondered how it was like during captain meetings.

“Is it really such a big deal, captain Rill? I mean, when it comes to nobles and weddings.”

“It is complicated to me for the most part and thankfully my mother never urged me so far to get married. But I know enough to not be blind about it.” He was still smiling, but his voice was more serious than it usually was. “Noble marriages aren’t really out of love, it’s more about deals, power, alliances between houses, money… oh, that is a rough draft, but it’s the basic idea. I can’t really explain to it in details. Maybe you should ask Nozel, he understands certainly more about this topic than I do. Plus, he is also Head of House, he has to deal with such things probably on a daily basis.”

Vanessa frowned. Again this urban legend about loveless weddings and nobility. She just couldn’t believe that it was true, as it didn’t make any sense at all. At least to her, plus Noelle and Finral always have the tendency to exaggerate.

But captain Rills statement… and the fact that it was the first time someone outside of the Black Bulls talked about that topic…

“Maybe the nobles on the island are more open-minded about marriages than on the mainland,” Vanessa said slowly.

“Or maybe they are even more traditionalist because they live on an island.”

Well, she didn’t expected that statement. Why did it gave her a bad feeling about the whole mission?

“Captain Nozel knows more, you say?”

“I think so. I don’t think he likes it, he sometimes makes a face about nobles when he think no one is looking. Did I made a drawing of that face once? I certainly should. But yes, it’s only logical that as a Head of House, he knows more about it. If you wanna know more about nobles and their strange world, he is certainly your best shot right now.”

Maybe… But was it necessary? Vanessa was never really interested to know more about nobles and their world. It was too far away from her reach and since most of them never cared for the likes of the Black Bulls, why bother?

But somehow…

Was Noelle right? And Finral and some others, even captain Rill? Was it important to know more about nobility sometimes?

💜💜

“You are kind-hearted, Nozel… thank you…”

He could have sworn that his mother was smiling. But why would she? She was in pain, she had no reason to smile.

Nozel hold her hand a bit tighter. Fighting the tears in his eyes.

Was it just him or did her hand felt colder all of a sudden?

Maybe he should tell the servants to make some fire, his mother shouldn’t be cold in her condition.

But just as he stood up, her hand fell back on the blanket.

Lifeless…

“Mother?”

Acier Silva was still lying, her head a bit to the side were Nozel had been crouching, holding her hand. Her eyes were closed, her hair across the pillows looked like silver ink and she was actually smiling.

Does that mean that she was better? Was there still hope? It has to be, since she was smiling!

“Mother?”

Nozel put a hand against her cheek. It was cold…

And she wasn’t moving.

She wasn’t moving!

“Mother?”

There was no breathing… No, it was probably there, just very faint, not to be heard. Normal in her condition.

But as Nozel felt her pulse and her heartbeat, there was nothing but cold.

“Mama?”

Nozel hated how stammering his voice sounded now. He shouldn’t show any weakness. Mother counted on him and he was the only one who knew about this horrible curse. If not him, who else would be able to support her.

He shook her shoulders, softly first, then a bit more firmly. But Acier Silva, captain of the Silver Eagles and the Dancing of the Battlefield, didn’t moved.

“Mama…”

She can’t be dead, right? They wouldn’t let evil win, they were stronger than that. But she wasn’t moving.

Nozel couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, still denying the horrible fact as he fell on his knees, taking her hand again and looking at the smiling face of his mother. She was smiling, but it was cold.

Calling her, but she was gone… as well as his childhood.

“MAMA!”

Nozel woke up, sweating and panting, despite not feeling hot and wearing only his pyjama pants. As he looked around, he realized that he was not in his mother’s chamber on that fateful day, but in his cabin on the ship. Sailing to Lavender Island.

Just a nightmare. A memory.

They were always the same.

Nozel tried his best to calm his breathing. He should be focused, he was on a mission. Even worse, a mission involving nobles and weddings. This wasn’t the time to show any weakness. Neither in front of nobles nor of his companions.

One of them was Noelle…

He sighed deeply as he fell back on the pillow. On one hand, he was happy that his sister was also part on this mission. Of course, it wasn’t the first time that they got to be part of the same team, as they had been both part of the Royal Knights. But this had been before of his apology and before they started to mend their relationship.

Before he made amends…

And this was the reason why, on the other hand, he felt like it might be overwhelming for her. Nozel already felt so nervous about it, so how nervous could Noelle be, who suffered a lot because of his mistakes? Was it a good idea to be on the same team, on the same mission, for a rather long period of time?

Maybe he shouldn’t have accepted to go on this mission. But to be fair, Nozel accepted to take it before Yami even decided to send Noelle. Nozel wondered if he would have refused to go if he had knew beforehand his baby sister would be chosen to be sent on Lavender Island. And his own answer balanced between “yes” or “no idea”, but never to “no”. Wasn’t this the proof that he wasn’t a good man and never would be? That he was such selfish scumbag?

Nozel knew that he would never be able to make up for all the mistakes he did, that nothing he would ever do could make someone good out of him.

Yet, why was he still trying to reach to Noelle, to atone for what he did, when it was useless anyway?

Nozel couldn’t answer that. Maybe he didn’t wanted to, but he couldn’t see a reason for trying that wasn’t selfish.

Besides, he knew very well why he accepted this mission. It was because Lavender Island was the place his mother spent her honeymoon.

With his father… but Nozel refused to even think about him.

No, all he could think about was that his mother apparently loved to spent time there, on Lavender Island. If she had lived, she certainly would have brought all four them there. She had always loved to take him and his siblings on vacation, whenever she had some days off, which didn’t happened often.

Nozel didn’t understood even why this reason motivated him so much to go on this mission. His mind wasn’t even that much focused on the task ahead, but more about seeing a place that meant a lot his mother.

Even though, like everything related to the wonderful Acier Silva, it put a sharp dagger through his heart. It opened a wound that never had been close since he was fourteen years old.

For so long, Nozel had been afraid to focus for too long on anything that was somehow related to his mother. It always hurt too much and more importantly, he didn’t deserve it to have those memories without pain.

Yet, lately, ever since Spade, he seem to remember more often, willingly. The pain was still too much to bare, yet Nozel couldn’t stop it.

Having lost his curse must have made him mad in a way. He was so used to have it that not having it anymore felt… wrong. Now wonder he was going mad, if not having a horrible thing made him felt mad.

Nozel touched his neck, there were the curse mark used to be was now just a subtle scar, barely seen or felt. Making the golden chocker he still wore useless, but he put it on anyway. A good person would have abandoned it.

But that wasn’t him.

It would never be him.

He couldn’t go back to sleep. Not with those thoughts. Maybe he should walk around and come back, it sometimes helped him to fell asleep again.

Nozel wondered if he should try to ignore all those thoughts or rather dwell on them. Both options seemed appalling, though.

As he stood up, his eyes fell onto the office desk of his cabin. It was quite the ingenious invention, as it was anchored to the wall and on the floor, making it impossible to move, even during a thunderstorm. Same as the bed and any other furniture.

It wasn’t much anyway, but Nozel didn’t mind that much. This cabin, despite being smaller, actually had more furniture than his chambers back at the palace.

But his eyes fell on the books that were on it. Six, actually.

Three were his own. It was a long time since he read those stories and it felt a bit wrong to bring something on a mission that had nothing to do with it. But somehow, Nozel thought that maybe he could. Noelle did it as well, after all.

The Rose Crown, Fawkes & Geneviève, Lullaby of the Maiden…

It was just stories from old medieval times, when there was no Magic Knight squads and Wizard King. Stories of courteous love, of knights and fair ladies, tragedies, of only loving from afar.

If he ever would fall in love – as if that would happen to a man like him – Nozel always assumed that it would be this way. Only from afar, as pure as it could be. But never happy.

The other three books were more recent, had happy endings and were also about love. But despite that, it still hurt. Not only because he would never know that, but also because… those were some of his mother’s favourite novels.

Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense & Sensibility…

Why did he brought those books with him? Was it because he would go to a place his mother loved?

Well, Nozel didn’t want to read anyway.

After putting his sandals on, he made his bed and left his cabin. The ship was still moving, subtle only, as a mother rocked a baby.

Mother…

Nozel started to walk along the hallway. As silently as he could, to not wake up the others.

But apparently, it wasn’t good enough. A door to another cabin opened.

And the Black Bull witch came out.

Nozel froze. Why did it had to be her? As if it was already not enough that she certainly hated him because of what happened to Noelle and wouldn’t want anything to do with him? No, just yesterday, she stumbled as she came on the ship, he had to catch her… and she actually dared to flirt with him, in front of everyone, before realizing it was him!

Nozel wondered if she was as embarrassed as he was. But no, she was known as the Drunk Witch and given Noelles stories during her visits, that woman might have completely banned embarrassment from her personal dictionary.

The witch looked up and gasped a bit as she saw him. Nozel quickly looked away because… she barely was wearing something. Just her underwear! Was that even normal, even for a Black Bull? Not to mention that those pieces of fabric could barely be qualified as underwear, as they barely even covered…

Why did he looked back? Nozel turned his eyes again. She must think he was some kind of open pervert that only objectified women. As if she hadn’t already a horrible opinion about him.

He had to admit that, objectively speaking of course, she was quite beautiful. Much more than many noble ladies that always tried to woo him. Her porcelain skin, those long eyelashes, her elegant arms and legs, that swan like neck, her eyes, that wavy hair and that special shade of pink… what was it called, rosewood?

Oh no, he didn’t realized that he was staring again! What was wrong with him? Was this whole mission a big mistake, as he took decision he never would have made before? Like indulging anything related to his mother?

And the pain came back…

For a moment, Nozel had the impression that something in her eyes softened. But that was his mind playing tricks on him. Why would she ever soften her glance at him? He hurt Noelle who her squadmate.

“Bad dream, huh?”

“Is there any other kind?”

Nozel hated that he said that out loud. As true as it was for him, it was still a weakness and he shouldn’t show any weakness. Especially in front of someone who of course didn’t like him, might even despise him.

And who had good reasons for that.

“Wanna come in? That kind old sailor cook made me some and it’s always a good thing against bad dreams.”

Nozel looked up, shocked by her proposition. Why was she nice to him? Didn’t she resent him? She should, right? She had no reason to offer him something as delicious as hot chocolate.

And… why did she reminded him of his mother? Acier also swore that nothing was better against nightmares than hot chocolate.

“Cat got your tongue? Don’t tell me you dislike hot chocolate, handsome. Noelle always needs at least three big bowls of cocoa each morning. Don’t tell me she is the only one the family, that sweettooth must be in the genes.”

Now, her tone was flirty again. Was it to tease him? A subtle undertone to show that she disliked him? Some noble ladies who tried to woo him sometimes used that tone with him, Nozel neither was blind nor deaf.

But somehow, it still felt different…

Again, his imagination. Just his imagination.

But the witch was also one of Noelles squadmates and probably a better sibling he would ever be, no matter how hard he tried. If he wanted to be on better terms with his sister, then being polite with her squadmates maybe would be helpful.

“Only one cup, then.”

He might be polite, but he didn’t want to stay for too long. It was already unfitting for him to enter a woman’s chamber, even though she invited him. Nozel already so much dignity with all the mistakes he made, he could at least try to hold the last bit of respect that wasn’t in the mud.

The witch smiled – why? – and waved him in. As he entered, Nozel saw that her cabin wasn’t different from his, except that it was fuller and completely in disorder. It almost looked like Nebras bedroom, either at the palace or back at the base of the Silver Eagles. And Nozel thought no one could top Nebras shambolic nature.

It was strange. There was some familiar feeling in this chaos, even though it wasn’t Nebras. And it wasn’t back home at the palace.

Although… The Silva Palace stopped to be his home from the day his mother died. It was just the place he lived, but not home.

Another pang of familiar guilt went through his heart.

In the meantime, the witch filled two little cups with hot chocolate and handed one to him. Nozel took it, careful to not show his hesitation. He still had no idea if the witch was just trying to be polite or if there was something he should be cautious about. She was a Black Bull and certainly knew about Noelles past. She had reasons to hate him and maybe thought that Noelle needed to be avenged.

And Nozel wouldn’t even blame her. Wasn’t it normal to want to avenge people you loved and that had been wronged? He himself wanted to take revenge on Megicula for his mother. Why wouldn’t the Black Bull witch taking revenge on Noelles behalf?

And yet still… Nozel couldn’t feel anything out of the ordinary, anything that would have woken up his suspicions.

“Not quite the talker, aren’t you, sugar?” the witch giggled while taking a sip.

“Not really.”

“Small talk isn’t the worst, you know?”

“Small talk is what nobles use if they hope to gain something on the subtle way from a royal, especially a Head of House. I had to deal with those kind of people my entire life since I was fifteen… So, I have yet to find something positive about small talks.”

The disgust must have been quite obvious in his voice. The witch frowned and looked closely at him. He felt like his mask was falling. And he couldn’t have that.

“You don’t like nobles.”

Well, what an understatement.

“You know, for long I thought that only the kind commoners, peasants and some misfits like us Black Bulls would dislike nobility. But not only, as I found out. If even a royal like you, who isn’t a black sheep like Noelle and who is actually a Head of House, doesn’t like nobles, I really wonder why nobility still exists.”

Good question. But it wasn’t as easy as that.

“It’s… complicated.”

“That’s an easy way to not handle things going wrong.”

“Sometimes… but sometimes, it is not an excuse. It is really complicated. I am… myself struggling with it. But I’m not the only one. It is difficult to understand for many and a lot of nobles… add to the problem. They love power and a lot just want more of it. It’s simply put, but it’s the basic image.”

“Why not getting rid of nobility and any status altogether?”

“If it was that easy, it would already be done a long time ago.”

Nozel refused say more. The witch clearly didn’t care about nobles and how that corrupt world worked. If her idea was to simply get rid of it, she clearly was naïve. Which was stupid and not a good thing to be as a Magic Knight.

Yet, Nozel envied her a bit for her naivety. He had it as well when he was a child. But he lost it when his mother died.

And he lost every right of childlike joy when he started his unforgivable mistakes…

The witch must have noticed something shifting within him, as she put a hand on his bare shoulder. Nozel flinched at the touch. It was cold, yet not disagreeable. And her skin felt like silk…

But his flinch made her back away.

“Sorry, didn��t meant to startle you. But I think that since you don’t like nobles, maybe you shouldn’t have come to this mission.”

“The Wizard King asked me to come.”

“Well, I don’t think he would have mind you saying no.”

“I’m a captain. I can’t just say no when it fits me.”

“Yami does it all the time.”

“I’m not Yami.”

Nozel really hoped his tone hasn’t been to harsh. He knew how much the Black Bulls cared for the foreigner and they had good reasons for it. They went all to Spade in order to save their captain. Certainly the witch wouldn’t like if someone talks about Yami Sukehiro in a negative tone.

He didn’t like Yami, but he would be stupid to not respect him.

“Do you maybe have another reason to go on this mission?”

How did she know? Was her drunk reputation just a mask and she was actually terribly observant?

Nozel did the mistake again to look at her without his usual mask. And the witch dared to roll her eyes.

“It’s simple logic, darling. It visibly bothers you to go on that mission, yet you’re still going. You certainly have another reason than the mission. Nothing wrong with that, I don’t think you should be ashamed about it.

He wasn’t ashamed! Not really, but…

“It was the place my mother spent her honeymoon.”

“Oh.”

She sounded like she understood. Why?

“Does Noelle know?”

“Not yet…”

“You should tell her. Don’t you think you owe her that?”

“I know!”

He saw the witch flinch and he immediately regretted to have yelled. He didn’t want to yell, but he hated being remembered from others that he owed Noelle. He knew that better than anyone else. He owed his little sister more than could fit in the rest of his life and it would never be enough.

“I’m apologize for the yelling, miss Enoteca.”

“Please, handsome, you can call me just Vanessa.”

“Miss Vanessa… I know I owe Noelle this. But… Noelle looks so much like our mother and it is one of the pathetic reason that had lead me to do all those my mistakes towards her. I know that she deserves to know more about our mother. But Noelle is also her own person and after being practically in the shadow of a woman she never knew… it had hurt her. And I’ll do anything, anything… that it won’t hurt her again. I just… don’t know how to do it.”

Nozel hadn’t meant to tell the witch all of that. It was a bad idea, especially in front of someone who disliked him. It would sound to her like he was trying to find excuses. But that wasn’t it.

But who would believe that?

Still, it had felt… right to tell it to someone. To open his heart, even just a bit. He didn’t deserve it, of course. Yet it still felt it needed to get out. How strange.

Was he really getting unable to carry his burden anymore?

“Handsome… have you ever been able to grieve?”

Her voice didn’t sound any kind of upset or not believing him. Not even unkind. It sounded… like she was surprised, taken aback, maybe a bit sorry.

Hopefully it wasn’t pity. Nozel had never been able to handle pity.

And compassion had never been given, at least he never saw it.

“Tell me, miss Vanessa…”

“Just Vanessa is fine.”

“When… when a child, not even old enough to have a grimoire, lost a loving a parent… and is left alone to take care of the other siblings, unable to properly grieve and placed in a position to big for someone that age… What should be done?”

Nozel didn’t even know why he asked. After so many years, he hadn’t questioned why he didn’t got help. But…

All of a sudden, he remembered how he had asked himself this question when mother died. And he never get an answer. Was there even one?

The witch seemed to think a bit before answering, “Well, that child certainly shouldn’t be left alone. At least one adult should be there to support said child and the younger siblings, to help all of them dealing with the loss.”

“And… when no adult was there? When no adult helped?”

“That would be so cruel to leave a child alone with a task too big for that age. Left alone, that poor child might make mistakes and be screwed growing up, not to mention the younger siblings. But which adult would leave a child alone in that situation.”

Nozel didn’t answer. He just look at the witch. Not even trying to hold his usual mask. He didn’t had the strength anymore for it. Not tonight at least. He really was getting weak.

He saw confusion on the witch’s face at first, then the slow realization. His heart break for some reason at the sight… Was it right to have told her that much already? And why was his heart breaking when it wasn’t even whole in the first place?

Nozel felt like he was losing himself. Again…

“Wait… don’t tell me… that child is you? No one helped you? Why?”

He didn’t answer. After all, he didn’t had the answer himself. Except that he wasn’t a good person, but somehow, it sounded so… wrong?

The witch looked like she wanted to hug him, but thankfully she didn’t. Pity wasn’t something he wanted to get.

Instead, she put her cup back on the table and put a hand on his shoulder. This time, Nozel didn’t flinch. He couldn’t look at her either. It was wrong that he told her all of that. But it didn’t felt like it…

“You shouldn’t had been left alone back then…”

Nozel didn’t cry. He couldn’t. But her genuine kindness, despite her obviously disliking him, was enough to let at least one single tear fell from his eyes.

Vanessa went silent, but her presence was somehow doing more than his guilt…

#they look so magical my babies 😳

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