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Chapter Text

Subaru Natsuki stood before the altar, thinking back on the myriad and rather frantic events that led to this very moment. 

It took a lot of tenacity, quick thinking, willpower, triumphs, failures, and death.

Not the death of others, but his own.

He was not proud of some of the times he willingly Returned by Death in order to guide events on the course he desired.

But he had found himself swallowing a poison pill, stabbing his own neck, or crushing his own heart more often than he would like.

But in the end, he had managed to achieve what he viewed as the best ending, keeping as many of his friends and allies alive as possible.

And as a bonus, he now found himself with a reward befitting his effort.

The latter wasn't even fully in his mind during his journey, beyond maybe trying a bit too hard to seduce a few too many girls. It seemed like the standard thing to do in an Isekai Adventure, in his mind anyways.

Honestly he can hardly believe how it turned out, the chain of events that led to this current moment truly seemed ludicrous to him.

Snapping himself back to reality, he looked himself over. 

He was wearing a refined and lean black suit. It had been given light purple, almost pink highlights. Its form was both regal and dashing, and while he would have normally said such attire didn't fit him, he actually found it quite comfortable.

Huh, maybe this is what it feels like to win.

He mused to himself.

He shook his head, the feeling in his stomach didn't totally fade.

The initial ceremony was to be a private affair before the public viewing, as is tradition. 

The royal chapel was rather small, but finely decorated. There was an altar to the dragon, stained glass murals depicting the legends of the kingdoms and its past rulers. The most dominant ones were those behind him, an etching of The Divine Dragon with its wings out spread. To its right was a heroic depiction of the sword saint and to its left one of the Sage.

Now knowing these figures, Subaru found them mostly laughably inaccurate. 

He sighed, still feeling rather scummy. He couldn't think of himself as a good person, he manipulated too many people to get here, perhaps guided them down paths that were not truly meant for them, all for their sake as well as his own.

They died, he died, he tried again and again.

And this was the result at the end of it all. Everyone was saved and happy.

Taking a breath he waited, as he thought about how he should feel.

Maybe I am scum. Maybe somewhere along the line, I began to ignore what other people really wanted but…

He shook his head, as he considered the countless deaths he had witnessed, the cruel misery and fates which he undid via his own sacrifice.

I saved them, I saved everyone, I saved myself and…

He took a breath 

We are happy, I am happy, Emilia is happy, everyone is happy.

He smiled softly, affirming his position and path.

“So… that is what I'll claim, if it's for the sake of people's happiness, I'll go to any lengths.” 

He promises not just salvation for those he cares for, but promises bliss and happiness.

That is his resolve.

“Sir” the priest standing near him cleared his throat. 

“They are ready.”

Subaru turned and saw a royal messenger standing next to him and the priest. 

Subaru smiled. “I see. Alright then let's get this show started then!” He clapped his hands together. 

The messenger bowed as the ceremony was set to begin.

Royal marriages were set to go in stages. There was the public ceremony and celebrations obviously, but the initial marriage had to take place with the hallowed and isolated confines of the royal chapel, adhering to strict tradition and sacred procedure.

Still, despite the gravity of the situation, Subaru couldn't help but grin like an idiot.

The first to process inwards were select nobles and knights, those who were given permission to attend such a ceremony.

They would enter silently, taking assigned seats within the chapel.

Subaru's eyes scanned the crowd to find the figures of most interest to him.

He saw the current Sage Council, several members having been recently appointed due to recent events. Sitting with them was its former leader, Miklotov McMahon who had recently retired due to illness. 

The Astrea family took their seats in the front row on the other side. Reinhard entered first, a soft but genuine smile on his face. Henkel and his wife Louanna entered next.

Subaru didn't exactly like Heinkel, but found him to be a far better person with his wife around. The woman still looked rather weak, having to be helped along by both her son and husband.

Coming in behind them was Wilhelm, holding himself upright but casting a firm but warm smile at Subaru.

A clear tension was still there among the Astreas, but that family was healing.

With them were two of the other knights of the candidates, Julius and Felix.

Subaru noted that while Felix had a soft smile on his face he clearly felt an odd mixture of emotions internally, his body trembling.

A few other figures of note came in, though Subaru knew the captain of the Royal Guard Marcos would not be here. He would instead be focused on overall security while Julius acted as his proxy here.

Subaru was still sad that a few other people he found precious to him would not be here, but he understood the need for tradition in these things.

It was only then that the true ceremony began.

Five beautiful women entered the chamber, processing one at a time.

Each caught his eye as he felt his breath catch in his throat. Though the sick feeling of guilt still sat in his stomach like a stone. Some part of him still felt like scum for guiding things to this point, but another part of him beat those feelings back.

Everyone was happy.

He knew, in many ways, that this was the best path forward for everyone.

And some selfish part of him felt he deserved this as a reward.

And he knew that the five women before him would not disagree with the magnitude of what he was owed.

The first figure was Emilia, her dress was the most traditional in Subaru's own eyes. It was a gown of snow white, adorned with flowers of white and purple. Her smile was that of soft and restrained joy, but tinged with the slightest bit of apprehension and sorrow.

Seeing her like this, proceeding towards him, was a dream come true for Subaru. Ever since he first laid eyes on her, such a thing was one of the few pleasant dreams that he was regularly treated to.

The next to enter was Felt, he now knew that was not her real name but it was the name she would continue to choose to live by. Her dress was similarly white but with a soft lining of yellow, made by Reinhard himself. Felt had snuck away with it to have Subaru administer some modifications, just to make it a bit more liveable for herself. The layered dress having a few of its parts let loose and the shoulders left exposed. She seemed rather relaxed as she proceeded behind Emilia, but had some irritation due to the nature of the ceremony itself.

Behind her was Crusch. Her dress was the most radically modified, in an ironic twist. The white dress had a few of her medals pinned to it and emerald highlights that worked well with her green flowing hair. The most dramatic modification was the large slit in its side, clearly to allow for the freedom of movement she might otherwise find herself lacking in a traditional dress.

Still, Subaru was treated to the rare sight of a truly feminine Crusch, something he would etch into his memory. 

Anastasia proceeded next, a soft but foxy smile on her face. Her dress was similarly quite traditional but she still had her scarf wrapped around herself as well. She had clearly taken pains to make herself look picture perfect as she proceeded without any hesitation towards her fate.

Subaru had a curious mix of feelings about her, but he had to admit his smile brightened seeing her.

Then again, for very different reasons, he could say the same about the final figure.

Priscilla the Sun Princess was the final to enter with her dress being the most personalized. Radiant threads of crimson and gold woven into the fabric of her dress as she practically seemed to beam with an overwhelming confidence that threatened to stifle the beauty of the others. As she walked, it was with bold grandeur that befit her status as well as one who had been married several times before.

Even Subaru found his attention solely drawn to her for a moment.

The smile on her lips widened as she noticed.

The brides then took their positions in a crescent before him. 

Subaru traded a look with each of them, all the while maintaining his smile.

With Emilia the two traded a soft look of happiness, both finding immense comfort in each other's presence. It was as if even if the rest of the world fell away, they would be fine as long as they remained.

In the end what could be summed up between their gazes was an absolute and mutual feeling of love.

The smile he traded with Felt was a more relaxed one, casual almost.

She had a look that was almost playful even as she gave him a nod.

The two felt utter confidence and faith in one another, before anything else, even this, they were friends.

Looking towards Crusch, the two found a sort of comfort in each other's presence. Crusch felt her guard loosening and her smile brightened a bit more. Above all an immense feeling of gratitude passed between the two.

Trust and gratitude, that a lifetime could not repay, was what bound them together. They could truly be two who could act in unison.

As his gaze reached Anastasia, he found himself locked in a battle. The two had a playful gaze as both seemed to try and match some wits with their eyes alone.

Anastasia looked him over, as if assessing a piece of merchandise while Subaru kept his confident air.

In the end she nodded, as if acknowledging a purchase.

And Subaru wasn't quite sure if he was the buyer, or the thing being sold.

Finally his locked his eyes with Priscilla. The fire and passion in Priscilla's gaze threatened to consume him in an instant, but he held himself, confident and proud before that inferno. He could take it all and then some, and both of them new it.

A silent chuckle escaped her lips, as if daring him with her very existence.

And he would rise to meet that challenge.

The ceremony continued on, brief as it was, the priest reading through the ancient rites and scriptures that were required for such an occasion.

“Sir Natsuki Subaru… do you take these women to be your brides?” The priest asked.

The tension in the air reached its apex. In the following moments, that which should have remained a dream shall become a reality.

The emotions within him, the doubt, the fear, the madness that had plagued him due to his wretched power all fell away at that instance.

An odd clarity came over him as he spoke the next words with ease that surprised even himself.

“I do.” 

And thus the dream was born into reality

“And do you all take him to be your husband? To rule as his Queen Consorts?”

“I do.”

“I do.”

“I do.”

“I do.”

“I do.”

The words were spoken, the future was set, their fates were sealed.

The silent tension, the feeling of unreality that had reigned till this moment had passed.

This was now their reality.

The priest finished the vows as all rose to their feet. One by one those in attendance exited the venue, including the priest.

Subaru was left alone with the five women, now his brides.

He stared over them all and they started at him.

“Well, guess, that's it then?” He said, finding it a bit awkward.

“Really? That's all you have to say?” Anastasia laughed, raising an eyebrow towards her now husband. “You should be acting like you struck gold.’

Priscilla chuckled and removed her fan from her cleavage. “Perhaps the fool has finally realized the magnitude of the task before him. Maybe mind has finally burned itself to cinders in my radiance.”

Felt shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Bit late for him to finally start thinking with his proper head ya think?” 

Crusch chuckled. “I doubt after facing odd against all the Archbishops of the Witch Cult, that it would be the battlefield of marriage that finally overwhelms you.”

Emilia blushed brightly. “Subaru… you are alright aren't you?” She asked, being concerned about her now husband.

“Ah ye-yeah! Why wouldn't I be alright?” His smile widened as he looked between them all, taking them all in with his eyes. “I just married five of the most beautiful girls in the kingdom!” He declared without shame.

“Subaru that's naughty!” Emilia playfully shoved him.

Felt laughed. “Well, ya better make sure you can handle it.” 

Anastasia giggled. “Good, ya understand the value of the merchandise ya got. Maybe we'll make a merchant out of you yet.” She teased at him.

Crusch frowned, looking at Anastasia. “I'm surprised you of all people would compare us, including yourself, to merchandise."

Anastasia rolled her eyes. “You know I'm teasin’ him right?” She placed a hand on Subaru's shoulder. “I think he knows how to handle what he's got with care.”

Subaru raised an eyebrow and chuckled back at her. “Ya make me sound like a real pervert like that Ana-chan.”

“Says the man who just took over the kingdom by marrying five women, and counting.”

“Well, guilty.” He admitted with a shrug.

Felt laughed. “Least he admits it.”

“Yeah, a guy like me would have been lucky to end up one of you. But I got all of you! This is way more than I deserve.” He spoke as if making a joke but…

A frown crossed all their lips.

“Seems we still have some fixing to do.” Priscilla remarked with a sigh. “Seems even with a throne and five beauties at his side he cannot understand his own value.’ She scoffed.

One thing that united them, was their loathing of his self deprecating tendencies.

“Subaru...” Crusch said. “You do deserve this. None of us would be here without you. So it's only fair.” She said, a hand over her heart.

Emilia stepped forward, smiling warmly and yet sadly as she took his hands. “There is one more vow we want you to take. That you'll swear you'll always try to seek happiness for yourself.”

All the other brides nodded along.

“For myself?” He asked, his eyes a bit wide.

In many ways he had done so already, pushing things this far but…

“Is that… What do you all want? I feel like that would be selfish.

Ana chuckled. “So? I'm greedy as they come.”

Felt nodded her head. “Yeah, don't feel so bad about it. Do what you want.”

Priscilla pointed her fan at him. “Any husband of mine must not be one who wallows in misery. Your joy is my divine command.” 

“So please Subaru. Be selfish, be happy.”

And with that, the women affirmed his path, his dream.

He smiled at them all. “Well what kind of husband would be if I said no?!” He laughed.

“Now come on, we got a lo-o-ong day ahead.” Emilia grabbed his hands, as did the others as they began to drag him out

Priscilla laughed. “Yes, now that this is done it is time for the world to witness our divine glory.” 

As they dragged him out the chapel, to the crowds gathered outside.

***

As day turned to night, one last ceremony had to take place, and a promise needed to be kept.

Back at Miload manor, the crowd gathered was small.

Only a few were in attendance for this ceremony. The five brides of the now king of Lugunica, a pink haired maid, and other members of the former Crusch and Emilia camps.

All in all only about two dozen people were here.

The quick teleport between the capital and manor facilitated by a few weeks of planning on the part of Beatrice, who had prepared a door so that this small ceremony could be held that same night. 

Before an arch adorned with flowers, Subaru took a blue haired girl into his embrace and both shared a kiss.

While she could not be a full “bride” to the now king, she would be the first and perhaps only among his consorts.

Even if one young maid in the crowd had another idea.

“I love you.” the words softly crossed Rem's lips.

“I love you too Rem.” He spoke the words, smiling back at her.

***

That night they had returned to the royal palace through the same door, though even as the moon graced the sky his night was not over yet.

Subaru yawned. “Man, non stop ceremonies all day. I am beat.” He declared without shame as he stretched out his arms.

He then froze as he felt several gazes burn into his body.

“Subaru…” He heard Emilia's cold yet oddly soft voice.

Turning around he saw all six of his wives glaring at him, looking rather annoyed. All but Priscilla having a slightly embarrassed blush on their faces.

“Is something…”

“Idiot” Felt blushed and looked away.

“Subaru-kun, we are married now.” Rem trembled, biting her lip.

Crusch cleared her throat. “So…”

Anastasia shook her head. “Suppose ya wont stop being our idiot will ya? What good is an unused product?”

Priscilla laughed. “Did thou forget the duties a husband has to a wife in need?”

Emilia pouted “Subaru, aren't you… going to take us to bed?” Her blush became bright red.

Subaru froze, truthfully he hadn't even considered the fact that he would be sleeping with them all at once tonight. “Ah wait shouldn't we…”

“That can come later” Crush blushed and looked away.

Anastasia smirked and pressed the side of her body against him. “Come now, a pervert like you should be dying to get a chance at all of us at once? Or did I underestimate your greed?” She teased.

You have no idea.

He thought to himself, but the blush crept further across his face.

“Ah well when ya put it like that…”

It was Emilia, Rem, and Crush who grabbed his arms, dragging him away. Rem's eyes forward with fierce determination on her face, both Crusch and Emilia were still blushing, surprising themselves with their forwardness.

The girls had thrown the king onto the bed, the girls all still in their wedding dresses. 

“Ah, don't suppose I can beg for mercy now huh?”

He asked with a slightly nervous chuckle.

Priscilla laughed and she was the first to drop her dress, stepping out of it and displaying her body without shame. “Such would be unbecoming of your status. A worthy husband of mine should revel in my body, or otherwise be punished most strictly.”

Rem was the next, while blushing she removed her wedding dress rapidly, practically tearing it off. “Subaru-kun. Let us take care of you, you deserve it.’

While she trembled lightly, it was not hesitation, but anticipation that filled her.

Anastasia sighed and shrugged. “Don't think you are getting out of this now. I'm gonna use you for everything you are worth. Even if I have to share.” She undid her dress and tossed it aside. Its function fulfilled it served no other purpose in her eyes now. She blushed a bit, looking at the beauties around herself. She assured herself that she was in no way inadequate compared to them, but vowed to give it her all.

Crusch removed her dress slowly, not physically hesitating, but not rushing to undo her dress either. Slowly she let her dress slip off away from her body, biting her lip as she stepped out of it and displayed before her husband, a rare show of proof of her womanhood. She motioned over her body as she breathed out. “Please, enjoy yourself Subaru. I will do likewise.”

Felt blushed, looking around at the others as she quickly undid her dress after realizing that Emilia and herself were the only girls still with clothes on.

“Agh just enjoy it you idiot! Most guys would kill for this.” She practically shouted as she basically ripped her dress off, the fabric tearing as she was glad to get it off.

Emilia took a breath, steadying herself as she let the dress slowly slide off of her body. “Subaru, you're so naughty but… we are yours. So please, just relax.’ Her smile was genuine and warm, but it was clear to all that a certain need pervaded her body.

“Ah well, guess I don't have a choice.”

He smiled, and looked over all of them. A clear feast for the eyes that could not help but stroke his male ego, and awaken his primal instincts.

The girls fell upon him, pulling them between their embraces. The girls leaned in and kissed at his body, pulled and tore his clothes away from him.

As they embraced into the night. 

This was the beginning of their lustful dream, a starlight path of bliss and desire that would lead them into tomorrow.

Chapter Text

The men had gathered in the darkness of the woods. They carried no torches, brought with them no wagons of supplies despite their long journey. They could not afford to do anything that may attract more attention, for these were men hunted.

They were hunted and prosecuted for their faith, for they were all members of the Witch Cult, wanted men in every nation of this world.

Ever since the fall of the final Archbishops a few months prior, the cult had gone to ground, but many of its cells were being uprooted. Not enough to collapse the entire cult, not nearly enough, but to those in the compromised cells, those who were called to arms or utilized in those final hours, they would find little comfort in the continued survival of the cult.

The group gathered here consisted of such compromised individuals, their wanted posters would be plastered across the nation by morning, and the world after a week. 

So they met here, adorned in their robes which, while conspicuous, were enchanted in such a way to help shroud and mask their movements.

The group gathered was two dozen, two groups meeting to enact a plan that none here new the full picture of just yet. 

The group that had just arrived were adorned in the typical black robes of the Witch Cult, with the red eye symbol upon the forehead and the crossed golden blades coat of arms hanging from their neck.

The group that had been waiting for them wore similar robes, but with a few notable differences. The eye symbol on the forehead of their hoods was surrounded by a crimson ring with horns, and the coat of arms was replaced by that same symbol emblazoned upon the chests of their robes.

The lead member of the ‘normal’ witch cultists stepped forward, removing his hood to confirm who he was.

“Alright, I am here. You must be the members of the Horned Ring.” 

He knew of the Horned Ring, one of several sub-groups or splinter factions within the Witch Cult, created for unique purpose and function, with unique beliefs to match. Among them they were a larger one. 

One stepped forward and removed his own hood. He was an older looking man, tired almost with gray straight hair that flowed to his shoulders. 

“Indeed, I am Bishop Roman, I presume that I stand before High Priest Lukas Maldor.” 

The apparent Bishop looked him over, clearly judging the man with every second that passed.

“I am, I brought what was requested and what remained of my following that I could trust in these times.” Lukas responded.

He carried himself with a dignified demeanor still, normally during Witch Cult functions he would adopt a more servile tone. But recent events had forced him to act more ‘human’ than he would do so normally. He is, or rather was, a proud noble of the Dragon Kingdom of Luginica, who rose through the ranks of the Witch Cult via his service and ambition, and in turn used the connections of the cult to further his own rise.

That was until the cult’s recent fall, his own forces being among the dead with clear ties connecting him to the cult and their actions.

So he is now forced to flee, taking those few he could trust with him, calling upon what contacts he could within the cult that would offer him salvation.

“I was most surprised, being reached out to by your sort. From what I understand the Horned Ring has kept itself devoted to more esoteric and insular pursuits. Nevertheless I followed the guidance of the Gospel.” Lukas explained. 

“Times must change, the Archbishops fall and a Sage King, or perhaps Witch King, rules over the Dragon Kingdom. Chaos reigns within the four nations despite his power and reach, and the Archbishops are no more. Those of us who had not been called to act are now expected to do our part for survival.” Roman explained, his tone is bitter and grim about it, but also detached.

Lukas scoffed, “Tsk, it would seem that we are simply scurrying about. Still, I have secured what was asked of me and brought the required tome and components.”

“Good then, your status among the the common man has fallen, but you shall remain exalted among us Brother Lukas.”

Lukas nodded his head, “I would expect nothing less.”

A confident and smug smile crossed his face, he knew he may find salvation yet despite his crimes.

“How were you discovered exactly?” Roman asked. 

“Apparently I was under suspicion when several of the dead in one of our final operations were from among my ranks. A stroke of ill fortune that many of those who were identifiable as corpses were from my estate, including one of my personal retainers.” Lukas motioned to another cultist.

“I see, so you were placed under investigation. The gospel failed to warn you?”

“Ideed” Lukas sighed sighed. “While I was prepared to flee initially, instead a trap was sprung and they played as if they had known nothing. Considering several of my long standing business dealings with the Hoshin company, and that I was even allowed into a meeting with Hoshin herself, I expected that I had managed to be fortunate, as the Gospel gave me no warning”

“You were careless, the Gospels have proven to have limited effect against the machinations of the Witch King. You deluded yourself into thinking you would not have to give up your status. Did you intend to simply abandon the cult and hope you would never be called upon again? You are a worldly man for a High Priest.”

Lukas scowled, but said nothing because the man was correct.

“Perhaps, but that is not the reality that we live in, and I was careless. They had inspected my manor behind my back for proof, and once they found it and tied me to one of my compatriots.” He motioned to a robed cultist off to the side. “We had no choice but to flee, the gospel told me that much.”

“I see, are you still being pursued?”

“Possibly, however for now we may be…”

A blade of wind suddenly cut off the head of one of the cultists standing guard. It was quickly followed by several blasts of fire but walls of earth and ice instantly rose to defend the cultists.

“Attack! Dead or Alive!” A man called out.

A force of knights descended upon the group of cultists, outnumbering them 2 to 1 and flanking from two sides. With the knights were even a small handful of Iron Fang mercenaries. 

 “To arms!” Lukas shouted his command and pulled out his own blade.

Battle was upon him, he could no longer be a human, his eyes deadened and he became simply another cultist.

Roman directed the defense quickly using a El Shamak spell to cut off several of the advancing knights before taking a step back.

Being the highest ranking cultist present command fell to him, none questioned the hierarchy in these situations, everyone else was a tool for him to use as he saw fit.

The battle was brief, frantic and furious, with the Witch Cultists remaining on the defensive. They mustered spells of ice and earth to barricade and hold off the advancing forces. Lukas himself conjured blades of wind that beheaded at least one knight, but he could tell they were getting encircled.

He found himself locking blades with a knight who had more of a presence than the rest.

“I am Sir Doran Morgave. Count Lukas Maldor, for the crimes of high treason & conspiracy against the Kingdom of Lugunica I am here to bring you under arrest. Surrender now and don’t make things difficult” 

Normally Lukas wouldn’t respond, he was after all a Witch Cultist at the moment, not Lukas Maldor. But given the circumstances he couldn’t put ‘Lukas’ to sleep quite so easily, so he responded.

Lukas sneered, “Sir Morgave. I believe we met at your younger sister’s birthday, correct? She was a lovely lady to dance with.”

His tone remained even, confident, composed, as if they were not locked in battle. Though a tiny bit of mocking venom laced his words.

Doran roared, “I shudder to think that I even let a wretched cultist like you draw so close to her.” He glared, still maintaining his composure while keeping an eye on the surrounding battlefield.

The two began their dance of blades. Doran’s style, while refined, was direct and powerful, leveling blow after blow against Lukas. One wrong move and the cultist would be cleaved in two by the knight’s sword. 

Lukas’s style was more artful, as befit his lithe frame. Giving way and parrying the blows aside as he tried to jab and stab at the knight.

Both clearly masters of their respective style and more than a match for the average knight. 

Their clash of blades continued for several more moments before Lukas found his opening.

“El Fura!” Lukas shouted.

It was quick, a single blade of wind to try and knock Doran off balance. The Knight was forced to guard but staggered backwards.

Lukas found his chance and stabbed forward with his blade towards the knight’s neck.

Doran’s instincts saved him as he raised his blade, perhaps in an awkward fashion, partly deflecting the incoming stab, causing it merely to slash across his face.

“Bastard! Ul Goa!”

Doran now responded in kind and unleashed a powerful close range Goa. Normally doing such a thing would be suicidal, but Doran was rather skilled at using this magic at close range.

Lukas’s eyes went wide as he created a barrier of magic to block, but it was too late and he found himself hurling onto his back. 

Quickly rising to his feet he mustered magic to defend himself, now that swordplay had failed.

“El Fura!”

“El Goa!”

“El Goa!”

“Ul Dona!”

“Al Fura!”

“Al Goa!”

The two unleashed spell after spell upon each other, blades of wind, spheres of fire, pillars of earth. The exchange of magic between them was furious and unrelenting, the determined righteous fury of the knight faced the monstrous relentless dispassion of the cultist.

But the knight underestimated the cultist. While Lukas’s past military accomplishments and prowess were known, being a member of the cult has ascended his power to new heights.

“Al Fura!” Lukas shouted.

A powerful torrent of wind blades was unleashed by Lukas, devastating what remained of the surrounding trees.

Doran raised a wall of earth to defend but it too was simply cleaved by the magical winds. Doran was thrown back, bleeding with several deep gashes in his body as he groaned.

Lukas advanced, saying nothing as he drew his blade again and prepared to finish the knight. 

“Doran!” Another knight called out and then fired a barrage of ice magic at Lukas’ side. Lukas cut through the spears of ice with his blade before meeting the knight’s charge with his own blade. Their exchange was brief but in the end knight the was run through by Lukas’ blade sinking into his heart.

As life faded from the knight’s eyes, Doran’s expression did not change.

But that moment was all that Doran needed.

“Al Goa!”

A massive barrage of flame engulfed Lukas, who then found himself on his back, blacking out for a single moment.

That moment cost him, as when vision returned to his eyes he saw Doran above him, blade raised and poised to bring it down upon the cultist.

Then the colors came.

Like countless flower petals, a storm of colors swept over the battlefield, engulfing all within it.

The Knights screamed for a moment, before falling silent. 

When the colors vanished, the knights were all dead on the ground, while the cultists remained.

“So, you arrived.” Roman's voice cut through the silence.

Lukas surveyed the area, finding that all their enemies were dead. His ego awoke fully again and he was Lukas once more.

He stood up and saw a new figure, a woman dressed in robes similar to themselves but very very different. Her robes were white, with crimson etchings, and looked more similar to the attire of an archbishop, while also being tight and form fitting.

She had dark hair and crimson eyes, wearing a playful smile on her face. 

Behind her were four other Witch Cultists, though the miasma that radiated from them was stronger than most he had encountered, save for that of the Archbishops.

And save for that of the woman, whose Miasma rivaled that of an Archbishop. 

Lukas and the other cultists of his group noted that the Horned Ring cultists bowed to her presence, so he did likewise.

“Oh? Bowing before me, before you even know my name and title? I do suppose you know your little protocols well.” 

Her tone was teasing and mocking, though not quite malicious. 

“Might I request your name then, so I might properly address you?” Lukas asked. 

She tapped her chin and smirked. 

“Sure, this is my show anyways. You may call me Eris, Wi… Demon of Dreams.”

“Of… Dreams?”

Roman stepped forward and interposed himself between Eris and Lukas.

“Lady Eris was an early experiment by the leadership of the cult. An artificial ‘witch’ in many respects. While she was sealed away due to the perceived failure of the outcome, she was loosed recently by the leadership of the cult so that she might aid in our reconstruction. She was one of the earliest products of the Horned Ring and thus occupies our ruling council.

Eris giggled as a wicked smile graced her lips. “Stop stop, you’re making me sound like a big deal. I just help get things moving along, I am a tool and a trigger, nothing more.”

“If this is correct, then your position is that of an honorary Archbishop?” Lukas inquired. 

Eris clapped her hands together. “That’s right. So then, did you have everything we asked you for?”

As she talked she stepped over the corpse of an Iron Fang member and a Knight, her heels digging into them lightly.

Lukas nodded his head and produced a book, as well as a strange looking crystal.

Eris inspected them

“Yes, those will do great!” 

She clapped her hands together again, almost like a giddy child.

 “Come on then, it's close by!”

Neither Roman nor Lukas questioned her. Both donned their hoods again and proceeded to follow her. 

They came to a small clearing in the forest as Eris tapped her foot and hummed to herself.

A small strange yellow spirit appeared next to her.

“Ul Dona!”

Using spirit arts, the earth around themselves was cleared away to reveal a circular stone etching upon the ground.

She motioned with her hands together and turned to the cultists. 

“Roman, time for your performance. Don’t disappoint.”

“Arrange the gathered crystals around the edge of the seal. Lukas, take out your book and recite the enchantment on the 70th page.” Roman gave his orders and so they would carry it out.

Lukas began his chant, but was joined by Roman who had his own book and spoke a totally different incantation. The words of the two harmonizing as the seal before them began to glow with a radiant light.

Eris stepped forward and lifted her hands, smiling as miasma suddenly poured forth from her body, and then from the bodies of all the cultists assembled.

The miasma crept across the ground till it engulfed the seal, before sinking into it.

She made a motion with her hands for them all to stop.

Silence fell over the forest, the insects and animals having fled as soon as the chant began. Even the wind seemed to be still.

A rumbling erupted from the ground as the stone circle began to turn, and slowly slowly began to lower herself. As it did, a pillar of black miasma poured forth from the opening, rising like a pillar in the night sky as tall as a mountain for all those who might see it.

“Amazing.” 

Eris muttered to herself.

All others were silent, only she was permitted to speak.

The pillar of darkness then dissipated, leaving a yawning void in the ground.

Shadows emerged from the pit, dark shadows that were destined to never see reality again, never meant to take the stage of the world again. Their time had passed, their curtain called, their last bows given, and so they had exited the stage of the world and history.

But a single chance, a single moment, as inconsequential as the butterfly flapping its wings had called them forth. 

The cultists bowed.

The demon smiled.

For now they would turn this butterfly dream into their own twisted nightmare. 

Chapter Text

13 Years after the Royal Selection

In a lavish bedroom, a young girl slept soundly. The sheets in her bed were pulled up to her neck as her body remained curled up within it, ready to sink into her fluffy mattress.

Despite her dearest heartfelt wish to continue sleeping, she was not permitted that luxury. It would be ill suited to the expectations of a princess for her to sleep in again. 

A knock on her door alerted the young one that her peaceful sleep was at an end, and that she would now be forcibly awoken to start her day.

“Your highness.” A voice that was curt and sharp, but still kind, came from the other side of the door. “Your mother has requested you join her for breakfast today, your father will be dining with you as well.”

Her tone was professional, almost cold. But those that knew the maid could tell the subtle shifts that indicated she cared for the girl sleeping in her room.

“Ah Daddy is with us this morning!” At the mention of her father the little girl instantly perked up, rocketing herself out of bed. “Okay, I'm up!”

She proclaimed with a bright and sunny smile on her face.

She was a young and thin girl with a beautiful fair skinned face, silver white hair that was cut halfway to her shoulders, and dark looking somewhat terrifying eyes. 

The door opened to reveal a pink haired maid, Ram, standing there. She let out a sigh and then a smile. "You had best be quick lady Chochorina. You do not want to gain his majesty's habit of lateness. The more of his habbits you get, the more hopeless you will be in the future." She remarked, softly but still with mocking jabs as the apparent king.

The young princess huffed. "Why do you have to keep making fun of daddy? She stomped her foot a few times. 

Ram smiled. "There are reasons." She then proceeded onward towards her other duties, letting other maids enter to attend to the girl.

Of all the royal children, many adored her the most, despite her… unusual features and intense personality.

After she had washed herself, she found herself adorned in a white dress, much like her mother's style. Seeing herself in the mirror she pouted.

"Something wrong princess?" One of the maids asked, worried that they had done something in error.

"Grr, why am I so short!" She flailed her arms around as she shouted and whined.

"Leo, Rigel, Helena, Cassiopeia, Maia, and the rest are already taller than me! Even some of my younger half siblings are taller than me!!!" Her whine was loud and shameless. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she propped herself up on her toes in a desperate attempt to seem taller.

“Hmmm!”

She strained, as if trying to will herself taller would produce such an effect.

The girl was clearly discontent with the injustice of the universe that condemned her to shortness.

The maids looked towards each other and giggled. “Don’t worry your highness.”

“It's probably due to your elvish heritage, you are a quarter elf after all. Your mother's blood proves quite potnent.~”

They said those words without any malice or hesitation. Given the stigma against elves historically this would be unusual but...

Any maid assigned to this girl was carefully selected by her mother and Ram to make sure they would display no bias for her appearance.

They knew any disparaging comment in that regard would result in their immediate termination of their employment, it was a line both her father and mother would not tolerate. 

For this reason as well, the elves assigned to Emilia's children were disproportionately demi-humans. 

“Besides, as your father said, such heritage makes you among the cutest of his children.” The maid said sweetly. 

The young girl considered the maid's words. Measuring the all important factors of cuteness according to her father and height. In the end she figured that Daddy assessing her as 'cute' was a far more important factor, as it could lead to additional head pats, a vital source of sustenance for the young girl.

She decided shortness was a worthwhile curse for her increased favor. 

She puffed out her chest. “Yes I am the cutest!” She declared proudly, and even held out a V sign towards the mirror.

As Chochorina posed, the maid then fastened a purple bow into her hair, the last accessory for the girl.

"There! Ready to see daddy and mommy!" She proclaimed.

She was quickly led to the breakfast hall to find several people waiting for her.

There was her mother, obviously, a beautiful half-elf woman with silver hair and amethyst eyes. She smiled at the girl with the kindness and warmth that only a mother could have. “Ah Chochorina you made it! I reeealy hope you stop sleeping in so much. It's not very good for you.” 

Chochorina pouted and shook her head, crossing her arms. “But sleeping is fun mommy!”

Emilia sighed. “Well you aren't that late, so hurry up and sit so we can get eating.” 

“We are waiting sis.” A young boy, a fellow quarter elf with silver hair tacked on his commentary. “Unless you want to keep us waiting all day? Maybe I'll take your food since you're late.” His smile was soft and playful, though she knew the threat to her food was very real.

“Ah no fair! My food is my food!” She quickly rushed over to her seat, or was about to when she remembered something important. Darting to the edge of the table, she saw her father sitting there and gave him a hug, practically tackling him as she launched herself at him. “Daddy!”

He was smiling, enjoying the interplay between his family when Chochorina rushed to embrace him.

“Ah hey! Guess ya really slept in huh my little ice princess?”

“Mhm mhm. I was having really fun dreams! I didn't wana wake up!” she rocked back and forth in her father's embrace, practically bouncing while being held.

Subaru laughed. “Well you probably wouldn't sleep in if ya didn't bounce off the walls every day” he sighed, still smiling as he shook his head. “Well, hope you aren't giving people a hard time again Choco? We don't want the maids and knights having to chase you around the palace.”

Chochorina rapidly shook her head. “Nope! Chochorina is a good girl! Just other people don't know how to have fun!” She shouted without shame.

Emilia giggled lightly. “When she isn't bouncing herself around the palace. I was never quite like that for my father.”

Subaru chuckled and gave Chochorina another pat on the head. “Geeze, guess you got all that energy from me then huh? Always getting myself into hot water and where i shouldn't belong”

“Yup! That’s right daddy!” she proclaims, throwing her hands up and kicking her feet. “I get it all from you!” 

Everyone at the table laughed, all but one anyway who only smiled lightly, but remained silent.

The youngest at the table, Adhara, with her deep amethyst eyes and long dark hair, remained silent. She did, however, smile at the pleasant feelings surrounding her.

Chochorina noticed her sister’s silence. “Oh sister sister!” she hopped off her daddy's lap and sat herself down next to her youngest sister. “Want to play with me today! I got nothing to do!~” she grabbed her sister’s hands.

Adhara blinked a few times. “Well… I’m not sure.” Her voice was soft and low, more like a whisper, the girl withdrawing a bit more and inching back.

Subaru cleared his throat. “Ah you got some studying to do first Choco.” He said “We can all play later, after your mother and me are done with work.”

“Ah, already finished! My tutors gave me today’s work yesterday since I did it too quickly!” She grinned widely, proclaiming her triumph over the evils of her studies.

“Again jeeze.” he rubbed his head. “You work way too fast.” he muttered.

“Seriously where do you all get your smarts from.”

Tonnura laughed. “I think she just wanted to get it all over with.”

Tonnura leaned himself against Emilia's side.

She smiled and patted his head.

“Oh does that mean we can play right away?” Chochorina excitedly asked.

“I said after work dear.” Subaru remarked, rather flatly, taking another bite of his food.

“Oh… you did?” she tilted her head confused.

“Yes dear” Emilia giggled.

“Yeah.” Tonnura added.

“Mhm” Adhara nodded along.

“Hmm fine!” She declared, before sitting herself down in her seat, next to her father.

Adhara sat to the other side of Subaru, while Tonnura was between Emilia and Chochorina.

The family began to eat, pleasantly enjoying their meal together.

“So… what are you doing today?” Tonnura asked his parents. 

“Oh, your father has a lot of paperwork and stuff like that to do. I’ll be doing some meetings and such. We should be done promptly by the middle of the afternoon.” Emilia explained.

Subaru casually continued to pick at his breakfast. “Yeah, you know how it is. I do have to talk with Crusch about a few things, now that she is easing back into work.” 

Tonnura smiled. “Ah, hope that means we’ll see more of Crusch mom.” He asked with a smile.

“Well maybe.” Subaru remarked.

He then looked to Chochorina. “You got any plans today dear?”

“Well… playing! Obviously!” she thought about it. “Hmm I do have to commune with my spirits for a bit… OH! I could could could try to make a great big ice sculpture! Get in some more practice with my magic!”

Subaru smiled. “That’s a great idea honey! You can even show me what you manage to do later.”

Emilia smiled as she took a bite of her food. “You are a looot better at practicing than I was at your age. You’ll be fantastic Chochorina.”

The young girl reveled in the praise of her parents.

“Mhm Mhm! You really think so? I’m practicing Suuuper hard! I bet soon I'll be able to make it snow all over the whole city and make it winter every day!” She proclaimed, throwing her arms out.

“That would be neat.” Adhara chimed.

Though a silence fell over the other three at the table, who each had a bit more common sense than the two young girls. 

“Sis.. maybe not something to umm aspire too? Is that the right word mom?” He looked at Emilia.

She nodded her head and softly patted him on his own. 

“Yes dear.”

Emilia looked back at Chochorina. “Dear that’s…”

“One step at a time.” Subaru completed Emilia’s thought.

“What? I think I can do it daddy! I just need to practice!” 

“Yes but…” he began but he was interrupted by one of the knights entering the room.

“Is something wrong?” Emilia asked with a look of concern, shooting a glance towards Subaru who let out a sigh.

“Alright well, lay it on me.” he said with a shrug as he leaned back in his seat.

Leaning in, the knight whispered something into his ear. Subaru shook his head. “Ugh it seems something came up that I have to deal with. Guess I was having too much fun here and took way too long with breakfast.”

He patted Chochorina on the head.

“Do you need me to go with you?” Emilia asked, concern evident in her voice.

“Ah, how about you get your stuff done first. If I'm not done by that point you head over.”

Emilia smiled. “Yes, that sounds good to me.” She smiled at him, a warm soft and gentle smile. “Just remember you still owe me a date tonight.” and then the smile became cold. “No excuses with Crusch, Priscilla, or any of the others.”

“Ri..right” he said, understanding the implicit threat in her tone.

Chochorina looked between the two. “Uh oh, daddy is in trouble for playing with other mommies.”

Tonnura chuckled and smirked at Subaru. “Dad seems to REALLY like annoying mommy sometimes huh?”

Adhara took a bite of her food but giggled afterwards. “Naughty daddy.”

Subaru winced.

“Ugh my own kids rubbing salt in the wound.

The knights mostly looked away, the king’s love life was a matter of much talk, and entertainment, for those who worked in proximity to the royal family.

“Yes dear, daddy can get into a lot of trouble for neglecting his first wife.” Her smile remained plastered on her face, unmoving, cold.

Subaru could swear that the temperature dropped a few degrees. 

Tonnura looked around and then slowly inched away from his own mother.

Subaru cast a pleading look towards his son, but Tonnura just shook his head and shrugged.

He quickly turned back to Emilia. “Ye-yes of course! You know I wouldn’t miss our date for the world!” he boldly declared. “I may be a king, and husband to several women, but I am still your knight Emilia-tan.”

“Good~” Emilia said, seemingly content with the answer as she quickly finished her breakfast. 

Tonnura, make sure to finish.

The young quarter elf boy whined and grumbled. “But I have too… I...”

A cold glare from Emilia quickly relieved the young boy of any thoughts of finishing that sentence, as he quietly finished his breakfast.

As Subaru stood up, he smiled at Chochorina. “I promise i’ll play with you and your siblings as soon as i’m done with work today, okay?”

“Promise daddy?” She asked with big puppy dog eyes.

The other two children also looked at him, with equally adoring looks.

“Of course! I swear it on my oath as king!” he proclaimed, pointing at himself with his thumb.

“Yay!” Chochorina cheered

“Thank you daddy.” Adhara added.

Tonnura then muttered. “Unless something happens like… ninjas invade the palace..”

Subaru paused, thinking about it he smiled at his son. “Well if something like ninjas, monsters, or ghosts invading the palace daddy will have to deal with that.”

“Then we freeze them.” Adhara added plainly.

“Well… that would be the plan. Right Emilia-tan?”

Emilia giggled “Yes, no one should interrupt our family time after all.”

Subaru grinned, going over to his kids he gave Chochorina and Ahdara kisses on the forehead, and Tonnura a hug.

He quickly left, alongside the knight who came to fetch him.

The children sighed. “Daddy is gone” Adhara remarked, a slight frown on her face.

“Well, dad has to work. He is king after all, even if all the mommies help him out and do… well most of the real work. Dad has to keep it running.” Tonnura commented.

Adhara sighed. “He does a lot.”

Chochorina pouted. “Too much.”

Emilia sighed. “He does, but he does it all for us. Always remember that about your father.” she smiled. “He wants every single one of us to be safe and happy, so its our job to make sure he is happy!”

“That’s right!” The three children were totally unified in this. 

“And you happy too mom!” Tonnura added, sweetly smiling at her.

“Mhm mhm! Mommy needs to be happy too!” Chochorina chimed.

“Oh.. why thank you dears~ But being with you and your father gives me all the happiness I need” She smiled, looking at her children with an odd mixture of emotions, even now she still struggled to process everything she felt

Adhara remained quiet though, looking down at her plate as she took a few more bites of food. 

Emilia sighed, staring at Adhara. 

She shook her head and smiled, walking over to the quiet dark haired girl, and embraced her. “Are you going to play with your brother and sister, my little Adhara?”

She lightly caressed the girl’s cheek. 

Adhara looked up at her with her amethyst eyes, locking gazes with her. 

She tilted her head, as if confused, before she smiled back at Emilia. “Yes mommy.” 

Emilia brought her in for a hug. “I will always love you Adhara, remember that. Your family will always love you.”

Adhara smiled, a genuine and joyful smile. “I know mommy, I love you all too.” and she hugged Emilia tightly.

Chochorina and Tonnura stayed silent, staring at Adhara. Both the normally cheerful children wore a look of concern, but their smiles returned upon seeing Adhara brighten her mood.

“Well then, it's decided! We play today by practicing magic to impress daddy!”

“Isn’t that practicing, not playing? I mean I dont’ mind but…” Tonnura asked.

“Why can’t it be both!” Chochorina. She then grabbed both her siblings by the wrists. “Now let’s get going!” she declared with a smile on her face, racing off while dragging them along. Tonnura smiled softly while Adhara had the look of a startled wide eyed deer on her face.

Emilia watched them go, wearing a warm motherly smile. 

She then turned towards another door. “Right then!” she declared, putting her fist in her hand. “I have to get to work today too!”

She declared to herself.

Her husband was wonderful.

Her children were wonderful.

She had to strive to be wonderful as well. She refused to be useless for her family.

This was the half-elf’s resolve.

***

The children of Emilia and Subaru had laid general claim to one of the many small courtyards in the palace, or rather, Chochorina herself had. The gardeners didn’t bother to come to this part of the palace for one simple reason, the fact that there was no point.

Magic laid thick in the air in this small garden, due to the perpetual snow on the ground. This was the place where Emilia’s children, Chochorina and Tonnura specifically, practiced their magic the most regularly.

The problem was that Chochorina generally ended up creating localized weather phenomena, so this area of the palace had been rendered as a perpetual snow park. Careful warding was applied to the walls to contain the cold to that area, after all the eldest princess of the half-elf needed to train her magic, lest a greater disaster happen due to her lack of skill.

That is not to say Chochorina was territorial, far from it, the girl invited anyone and everyone to her little kingdom. Decorated with snowmen and ice sculptures she and Tonnura had painstakingly made with magic, and maintained by the numerous minor fire and water spirits that dwelled here.

These spirits surrounded Chochorina as she giggled and worked on a new statue. This one being of a giant rabbit.

She liked rabbits, they were cute and fluffy, though she noticed her daddy sometimes had problems with them. He could never explain why beyond saying it was “a bad memory”

With that, Chochorina made it her mission to create a cute enough rabbit to replace the good with the bad.

Watching her work, Tonnura worked on his own sculpture of ice. The young 9 year old dressed for the day. He wore rather plain clothing, a simple black tunic and trousers. They were simple, but a high quality fabric, not that he really cared about that last point.

He softly hummed to himself, a peaceful and contented look on his face as he crafted a knight made out of ice.

He softly and carefully worked his magic to try and get it just right, as while his sister created a rabbit the size of a bear, he worked on a simple figure equal in size to him.

“And done!” he proclaimed with pride as he looked over the miniature knight. “Now to arms!” he declared as he pointed right at the knight, posing dramatically.

The knight then began to move, taking a few steps before… the knight fell forward onto its face and the torso fell off the legs.

He heard a giggling off to the side, seeing that Adhara was watching his attempts while she sat on a bench off to the side, kicking her feet.

“Try again brother.” she said, her tone sweet but also slightly mocking.

Tonnura sighed and nodded his head. “I know I know Sister.” 

He looked back at the soldier and tried to piece the broken knight back together again.

He smiled though, enjoying his work as he considered the sculpture.

“Hmm ugh” he groaned and sat back, gripping his head.

“Not trying again?” Adhara asked.

“I am just, a bit annoyed.” he pouted as he stared at his broken work. “But I got to get back to it!”

Chochorina wandered on over and pondered. “Hmm… maybe that's enough practice for today?” she asked Tonnura.

“Huh? No sis, you wanted too…”

“But you have been trying at that thing over and over again for an hour? You’re not having fun anymore.”

Tonnura paused, and chuckled a bit. “I guess not.” he stood himself up but then smiled at her. “Alright then, big sis, as your little brother i’ll take your teachings on the ways of fun”

Chochorina laughed. “That’s right! Otherwise you’ll end up boring like brother Leo.” she said, pointing at Tonnura’s chest.

Tonnura frowned. “Leo isn’t…”

“You’re you! You’re my brother! Your mommy’s son. That means you got to know how to be silly and fun!”

Tonnura stomped his foot. “I am fun!”

“Not right now no” Chochorina stuck out her tongue.

Tonnura frowned. “Grr, fine be that way then… in that case… Huma!” he gathered snow into his hand and fired it as a ball right at her face.

Chochorina yelped and fell onto her back.

Adhara giggled. “He got you!”

“Hmmm alright then fine, snowball fight!” Chochorina leapt to her feet and hurled a sphere of snow back at Tonnura.

The two began a back and forth of magically enhanced snowballs. Adhara watched on, smiling as her older siblings played. She was content to merely watch but…

“Come on Adhara!” Tonnura called out for their youngest sister to join.

“Yeah, it's fun! Help me teach Tonnura a lesson on fun!”

“Huh wait! She’s supposed to help me! You’re the one with the massive gate!”

“Too bad! Boys versus girls!”

The two shouted back and forth.

Adhara stared for a moment, and then leapt to her feet. She scooped up some snow into the ground and pelted Tonnura in the side.

“Two against one! Ugh I feel like I have dad’s luck!” Tonnura whined as the two girls continued to pelt him with snowballs.

***

Subaru and Emilia would both enter the yard sometime in the late afternoon, having both completed their tasks for the day. Subaru looked to see that Chochorina and Adhara were both chatting with each other, sitting on a large pile of snow.

“Ah hey you two, it seems you're having fun.” He flashed a wide grin towards his two daughters.

Emilia looked around the yard. “I see you two had some new sculptures made? I don’t see any of your brother’s soldiers though.”

Subaru shrugged. “Where is the guy? Did he run off with the others or get roped into more studying by one of his tutors?”

“Ah No we had a snowball fight!” Chochorina declared. 

“A big one” Adhara tacked on.

“Okay… and?” Subaru asked.

“A REALLY big one, and we won!” She declared, posing while pumping her fist atop the snow pile he was on.

Subaru sighed as he looked around. “Riiight.” He then decided to make life easier for himself.

So he activated Cor Leonis.

Obviously he could see the ‘light’ from Emilia, Adhara, and Chochorina. Their light and the light of many others in the palace who he considered his friends became apparent to him.

But he also noticed one light that was buried beneath the snow pile that Chochorina and Adhara were on top of.

Subaru blinked a few times and noticed a foot dangling out of that pile off to the side.

Subaru groaned. “Emilia…” he pointed at the foot.

Emilia gasped. “Tonnura!” and she quickly rushed over, pulling the dazed child out from the snow that he was buried beneath.

Subaru whistled and walked over, crossing his arms. “Done in by your own sisters, harsh.” he teased.

Tonnura groaned and leaned back. “Ugh no fair they teamed up on me.” he whined, but a smile was on his face.

“That’s life.”

“Let's get you cleaned up.” Emilia said, brushing the snow off of him as she looked him over before pulling the young quarter elf boy in for a hug.

Subaru thinks and then smiles “Alright how about another round, you three against me and your mother, no magic though! We’ll do this the old fashion way.”

Chochorina beamed. “Sounds great!

“Alright,” Adhara added.

“I won’t lose this time!” Tonnura declared firmly.

Emilia laughed, “Well then let’s have some fun together!”

And so the family engaged in a snowball fight, for right now all the troubles of the world were banished from their minds.

***

Tonnura rolled his arms and threw himself back into bed.

“Agh, really tired.’ He muttered and stared up at the ceiling

It was another day of him being dragged into the storm of his older sister's mayhem.

“At least I didn't get in trouble today. If we ran into sister Cassie then we'd have really taken things too far.”

He shuddered at the scenario but still had a smile on his face.

He lifted his hand up and began to craft a small flower of ice in his hands. Staring it over he sighed.

“Everyone is so amazing. I know I have to be too. Mother, father, sister… I promise I'll make you proud.”

He looked to his nightstand.

There was a picture there, captured by a meteor, it depicted his parents, his older sister, himself… and his younger sister, back shortly after she was just born.

“And I'll protect you, little sister.”

The boy's resolve declared to himself, he allowed himself to drift into sleep.

***

By the time the play of the day was done Chochorina had tired herself out. Breakfast with daddy, lunch and dinner with her siblings, magic practice, and an invigorating snowball fight. The day was so much fun for the young girl.

She only regretted that she could not rope her other half siblings into her antics.

Hmm that's it!

She figured it out in her mind.

I'll spend this whole week dragging Tonnura with me as we play with our siblings. That's a great idea!

The young girl nodded to herself as she pulled the sheets up and yawned.

If there was ever a time the young quarter elf would be still, it would be when she was about to drift off into the grasp of sleep and her over active dreams.

“I love you all.”

She muttered to herself, the heart of the royal children drifting into slumber.

Chapter Text

Emilia and Subaru sat together over dinner, the children were away so now it was just the two of them. They sat in one of the small palace gardens, not even the servants were nearby though several of Emilia's lesser spirits lingered about.

“So you helped Chochorina create quite the mess didn't you?”

“I mean she made the mess.”

“You didn't make it any better.”

“True.” he shrugged.

“You also hit Ram.” she smirked.

“Ah that was Choco! Not my fault I dodged right when Ram walked in.” he groaned.

She lightly smacked him on the chest. “You are a terrible influence.” She said laughing.

“Ugh still! I mean Ram, Rem, Rigel, and Spica joined in after that, and they all ganged up on me! So unfair!.” He huffed with a similar whine to Chochorina’s.

As the two continued to chat away about their day, about their children, about each other and themselves, Subaru let out a deep sigh.

“I'm glad you are all still here with me.” 

Emilia giggled. “Of course you dunderhead. I doubt that any of us would abandon you.” 

He shook his head. “Not what I meant…”

“Oh…” she paused.

The two sat awkwardly for a moment, before Emilia spoke up. “You saved us, you kept this family together.” She said, her voice filled with gentle affection.

“Was still my fault.” he grimly retorted. 

She frowned. “It wasn't. The kingdom would not survive without you, even if it did. The Witch Cult would still be around and…”

“A lot of people don't like me.” Subaru sighed. “Can't even blame them. Everyone knows I'm…”

She then grabbed his face and stared into his eyes.

“We love you, your children love you, the people you saved love you, I love you.” She exclaimed.

“You… and our children are everything to me. I wouldn't trade you or them for the entire world. People castigated me for who I was my entire life. Please Please don't let them hurt you like they hurt me.” he lips quivered. 

“Who even says ‘castigated’ in this day and age” he let out a dry chuckle, before sighing and shaking his head. “But they tried to hurt…”

“And that isn't your fault! You idiot” She leaned in and kissed him, pressing herself against him. If her words didn't reach him she felt her body would. “You made this family, and you saved this family.” A few tears fell from her face, though a painful smile remained upon her lips.

“So don't blame yourself… we all still have nightmares from that time” she continued.

Emilia brought his hand to her chest. “You gave me everything, truly gave me everything. So everything I have, I dedicate to you, my beloved husband and knight.”

He paused and smiled. “Thanks Emilia, sorry for being an idiot and worrying you.”

She smiled. “Weeell now I have to cheer you up. And I think I know just how to do that for a silly boy like you.”

The two stared at each other and leaned in for another kiss, for now, banishing the nightmares of the past for the dream of the present.

***

Later on that night all the children within the palace were asleep.

Subaru laid in his bed, laying next to him was Emilia in a nearly see through white nightgown. She remained pressed against him, lovingly holding him with a hand on his chest.

“Soooo did you have a good day dear?” Emilia asked as she playfully poked at his chest.

“Well, Ram got annoyed with me, Rigel tried to beat me up, Chochorina ended up burying us all in snow, Tonnura, Adhara and Spica had a great time, and I am currently in bed with my beautiful wife in a barely there dress.” he grinned widely. “So I'd say it's a pretty good day.”

Emilia laughed “Ah you're so awful and naughty!” she playfully slapped his chest.

He laughed. “Hey hey, can you blame me when I have a beautiful sexy dream wife like you?”

She blushed. “No but it's still true! And didn't stop you from having a bunch of other wives!”

He shrugged and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “Well, guilty as charged there. What's my punishment?” He teased.

“Grr” she then laughed and pat him on the cheek. “It's fine, I want you, all of you. But my perverse dunderheaded knight and husband deserves everything he has.”

“Do I?” He asked.

Her pout returned as she smacked his chest again. “Yes! You silly. Seems I have to keep reminding you!” she then flashed a playful grin.

Both then shared a laugh, before Emilia leaned in and locked her lips with her dearest beloved husband.

His hands wrapped around her, one coiled around her chest, the other working its way lower and lower down her back.

Meanwhile one of her hands cradled his check as the other rubbed at his chest, before working its way under the covers to grab at her prize.

Emilia shifted herself, climbing atop him before breaking the kiss and pulling back. She stared down at him with loving eyes.

Subaru stared back, and started. “Hey Emilia… I know… everything got off track. Od knows the royal selection became a mess but… are you happy with all this?”

She smiled and patted his cheek.

“I have a loving, if somewhat salacious husband. Two beautiful daughters, a lovely son, and hopefully more children on the way.”

She kissed him lightly on the lips.

“So yes, I am very, ve-e-ery happy.”

She pressed on him.

“Even if I have to share my wonderful husband.”

“Ah glad to hear it Emilia I…”

She touched his lips with her finger. “Bu-u-u-ut I think I would enjoy having a few more children, & promptly. Some of the others are way ahead of me!”

He laughed. “Are you girls really keeping score?”

She looked at him, her amethyst eyes locking with his dark eyes, as if this was a matter of utmost seriousness. “Of course, and just because it's harder for Rem and I to get pregnant is no excuse. That just means we and you have to try that much harder. Every single night we can.” As she spoke she grinned herself against his body, her need very apparent.

She sat herself up atop him, staring down.

Subaru laughed. “I wonder where my sweet innocent Emilia-tan went?” He teased and rubbed the side of her face, before his hands caressed down the side of her body, taking a hold of her hips.

“I think I need to ask my debaucherous, depraved, dunderhead of a knight and husband that.” 

Both laughed and kissed each other again.

“I love you.” Subaru mouthed softly, his grip tightening on her.

“I love you” she spoke sweetly, her voice like bells. “Now let's make you veeery happy.”

A slightly impish look crossed her face, along with a blush. She kissed his lips once but then began kissing down his body, slowly working her way lower and lower until she vanished under the covers.

“Ah he-hey Emilia I…”

He then let out a gasp.

The two would spend the night in each other's passionate embrace, their bodies exploring each other to the fullest.

***

During the night he was awoken.

A silver haired girl was atop him, lovingly planting her lips against his own.

Her body having long since discarded the dress she had been wearing, the white nightgown thrown to the side of the bed.

Her touch was cold, yet he felt like he could melt into it.

He felt her arms running down his body, her entire naked body simply reveling in his touch as she almost seemed to want to sink into him, to melt into each other and become one.

He had assumed the silver haired half-elf had simply awoken with a certain need, one he was normally all too happy to fulfill.

She took her place atop him as they became one yet again, as he felt himself sink into her. She gripped his hands and guided them to her own body for him to enjoy, bringing his hands to her own chest. She continued to move herself up and down as she let out soft moans that echoed through the darkness.

He felt himself sinking into the sensation and pleasure.

But all stopped when he met her gaze.

Rather than a bright amethyst, her eyes were filled with a shadow, tinged with the darkness of a starless night. 

His eyes went wide for a moment.

“You are…”

She placed a finger softly to his lips, the shadows rising to surround them both.

As she did ‘something’ buried awoke within him. The world fell away around him into nothing but shadows as the two were alone together in the unfolding darkness that isolated them from the world.

“It's my night tonight, so I want you to remember what you really feel my love. At the very least we deserve this much.”

Her voice was soft, cool, and loving.

But still utterly terrifying.

And something was returned to him that night, for only that night, and every other night.

Something she saw fit to return to him every night they met in such a way.

Fragments of memories that were otherwise forever out of reach. 

These feelings, these emotions, these memories normally locked in shadows were given permission to take hold of his body, possess him, guide him, control him.

For this night…

He was not Subaru Natsuki.

And she was not Emilia.

This night they were sinners who committed an act of violation against themselves, for the sake of themselves and each other.

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

The words softly escaped her lips, like a mantra, like they were the only two words they knew as the two continued to voraciously indulge in each other’s bodies.

 Their hands roamed and gripped at each other, softly and harshly, perversely and intimately.

Their mouths tasted each other's lips and each other's flesh.

The two remained locked together in that passionate embrace, moving against each other and gripping onto each other tightly. Acting like separation would be death, and as if both had waited countless years to truly become one with each other.

Such a sentiment wouldn't even be inaccurate, as they let the fires of their passion consume and guide them.

Their lips only separated to speak those sacred words between them.

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

And as the night marched on, the two remained in each other’s embrace.

The two submerged themselves into love, into stasis, into bliss, into need, into lust.

When night became day only then would they be Subaru Natsuki and Emilia, as others knew them, once again.

The night being a dream shared by two people who they were no longer. 

Chapter Text

A loud crash was accompanied by a wooden door bursting open and two figures being hurled out of a room.

The first was Tonnura, the white haired boy tumbling across the ground with a groan, followed by an older man, dressed in the attire of a royal tutor.

“Sorry Bro Tonnura! You were in my way!” A harsh but distinctly girlish voice shouted. 

A young girl then burst forth out of the opened door at high speeds bolted down the palace halls. 

She was adorned in a white tunic and black pants, her long yellow hair flowed freely like a lion’s mane, while she had a wide but aggressive grin on her face.

“Agh, your highness! Get back here!” a man shouted.

“Agh again!” A knight shouted as they began to give chase.

“Ahahaha no way!” she retorted back as she booked it through the halls.

Within a minute, not just the one knight, but a small team of them had gathered to try and chase the child.

Were it any of the other royal children, the maids and butler staff would have helped, but not for this child. Instead they just cleared the way, some running in the other direction.

“Cassiopeia! Get back here right now or we’ll let your mother know!” One of the guards shouted.

“That bitch can deal with it!” She shouted back.

“AND your father?!”

That actually caused her to freeze for a moment. Mother she could handle, but falling behind in her father’s eyes was something that was absolutely unacceptable.

Then again, she was confident in her ability to regain any lost standing. She had already made her decision to run away, so she would follow through on that choice till the end.

That momentary pause was enough for one of the swifter guards to catch up to her, though being one of the newer palace staff, he was far FAR too careless.

Cassiopeia pivoted on her feet and with a spinning jump delivered a powerful kick that sent the young knight flying backwards. “Gahagh!”

She smirked, proud of her violent display as she quickly skittered herself up the side of the walls to instead try and escape via the rafters of the palace.

Darting through a few halls she eventually found a spot where she was hidden and could overlook the ground, getting a good look at her pursuers. 

“Hmmm”

She counted 4 normal palace guards, one knight proper, and one royal guard.

She considered her options when…

“Hey, you snuck away too?”

She looked next to her, and groaned. “Oh, you.” 

“Huh, what do you mean ‘me’! Got a problem with that?” Rigel grumbled, the blue haired half-oni having had a similar idea, and both knew that this was a good hiding spot.

“Shut up!” She slapped him across the face.

“Gah bitch” he grumbled.

“Hmpf!” she pouted and looked back down.

He rubbed his face, as if this outcome was not unexpected. “So… what class are you running away from today Cass?”

“Etiquette, but they REALLY annoyed me.” Cassi remarks.

“How?”   

Cassi sighed.

***
Less than an hour earlier Cassi was within the small study room, tapping her foot anxiously with an annoyed look on her face.

Tonnura was standing across from her, a pleasant, polite, and energetic smile on his face. “So, I'm here to help you out today Sister Cassi!” 

“You mean help THEM out.” she grumbled, motioning to the tutor standing off to the side, and the knight guard standing by the door.

“Ah well…” Tonnura began as he rubbed his head.

The tutor cleared his throat. “Young mistress Cassiopeia, you have been struggling in some of your subjects. Young Master Tonnura is here to help you with your etiquette lessons.”

She grumbled and crossed her arms. “He’s two years younger than me! Why do I need lessons from him?”

“Because, you are woefully behind, your highness.” the tutor said rather bluntly.

“Grr” she clenched her fist.

Tonnura smiled warmly at her, acting the part of a polite gentleman. “I know things can be rough, but I'm reeeally hoping I can help you out here sister Cassi.”

“And why YOU exactly?”

Tonnura blinked and remarked, stepping back a bit. “Would you rather have Leo or Helena here?”

“Hell no!” She shuddered at the thought.

Leo would rant on and on about duties and responsibilities.

Helena… she knew would hold it over her for the next year, at least. 

All in all, she ‘got’ why they called Tonnura but…

“Ugh well I don’t want your help!” She stomped her foot again and huffed. “The lessons are stupid anyways! I don’t need them, I do just fine at those stupid parties.”

“Ah, it's not stupid sister… Usually… Besides, if we do it together we can make it fun!” He asked with a smile. Like his elder sister, he was genuinely a sweet kid, and he had slightly more grounding than her, slightly.

She snorted, breathing out of her nose as she glared at him.

Tonnura sighed, but continued on. “I mean we have to know how to behave properly, we don’t want to embarrass our family do we? We can’t make total idiots out of ourselves.”

“Don’t care, and you and dad make yourselves look silly all the time!”

“... True…” Tonnura couldn’t counter that. None of the royal children, save for the most delusional, could. 

“So… Get lost” she huffed. “I don’t think I need it so I won’t need it so I won’t need your help!”

Tonnura frowned, glaring at her. “You do need it, so you DO need my help. Don’t embarrass us sister!”

She grumbled "I'm leaving!”

“Huh no you aren’t!!!”

The tutor got in front of the door. “Your highness I must protest you can’t run away a….”

***

“So I went to leave, stupid Tonnura and the stupid tutor got in the way, so I kicked them through the door.”
Cassiopeia shrugged her shoulders as she finished recounting the tale to Rigel. 

“Riiight” He sighed and shook his head. “Sometimes I think you really are a crazy dog.” he muttered under his breath.

“What was that?!” She glared back at him.

“Tsk nothing. Anyways im running away from mathematics, don’t know why the old man insists we take it.”

She shrugged “Because daddy is great and stupid obviously.”

“True, the old bastard is like that.”

They then looked down at the guards searching for them, the two hellions contemplating their next move.

“They’ll find us soon.” Rigel commented.

“Ugh I KNOW! Let me think” Cassiopeia tapped her fingers on the nearby beam.

Rigel sighed. “Lets stick to the top for now and stick together. 

She thought about it and nodded her head. The two darted across the rafters, avoiding the knights below for now as they continued to make their way outside.

“Where are we heading?” Rigel asked Cassiopeia .

“Not here.” She responded frankly.

“No shit, ugh lets head into the city. Might be fun to see what’s going on.”

“Good plan” she agreed.

As the two continued to work their way across the ceiling their progress was halted by a loud shout. “Both you brats stop right there!”

Cassiopeia groaned “Great, mom.”

At the end of the hallway, also on the rafters, was Felt. The golden haired woman stared back at her with an intense and cold fury, crimson eyes locked in on her. She was still short for her age, in truth Cassiopeia was already as tall as her. She wore a black top with a brown vest, her midriff exposed, along with matching black pants and shorts.

“Ya both better get back there or I'll drag both of your brats back!” Felt snarled. 

“Crap, one of dad’s girls.” Rigel grumbled.

Cassiopeia grumbled. “That’s my mom you jerk.”

“And? Am I wrong? She isn’t my mom.” he shrugged.

She smacked him across the face and he winced again.

“Ugh better her than some of the others. Mom isn’t one of the really scary ones.” Cassi remarked.

“True, if it was my mom we’d be dead.”

“Says you.” Cassi remarked.

“Hey I'm right here you brats! You want one of the scary ones! Fine!” She rocketed herself towards them, darting through the rafters.

Cassieopea grinned, mana surged through her body, determined to take her mom head on. 

Rigel blinked a few times and stared. “What the hell, are you crazy!?”

Felt and Cassi glared at each other, not showing hostility but a mutual stubbornness and refusal to back down.

Rigel realized he’d have to be the cooler head here, a very uncomfortable concept for him but one he found he had to perform regularly around certain siblings. “Grr I hate being the oldest sometimes.” He then tackled Cassi off the rooftop as they both landed on the ground. “We can’t outrun her up there and a fight will just cause problems and someone annoying to show up probably, we need to move.”

Cassi glared at Rigel and threw him off of herself and into a nearby wall. “Ugh, fine! I get it! Lets go!”

And they suddenly bolted again, racing back through the halls.

“Get back here you too! I swear by Od that I'll…!”

The commotion of the hallway, as the two young royals ran, cut off what was doubtlessly an expletive ridden rant on behalf of the golden haired queen.

As the two continued to run, a knight moved to cut them off. Rigel leapt over the knight’s head while Cassi darted to his side and shoved him against the wall, causing the knight to violently crash into it. “Dammit!”

“Ha!” Cassi reveled in her victory as the two continued to flee, but found more and more of their paths being cut off by guards.

“Grr dammit we’re going to have to barrel through!”

“Bad idea! Dammit I REALLY don’t wana have to deal with mom after, no way giving them any amount of time to ‘cool off’ will save us…”

He blinked and then yanked Cassi down a side hall.

“Huh why did you… ah!” Cassi’s confusion was short-lived as she saw who was down this hallway.

Adhara was walking alone through the hallway. 

The black haired, amethyst eyed girl blinked at them as her two older half siblings approached. 

“Hey you got a useful door sis?!” Cassi called out.

 “The old man’s goons are trying to catch us!” Rigel shouted.

Adhara blinked and nodded. “Yes.”  

She then opened the door.

The two didn’t know where it would lead exactly, a swirling vortex of shadows was there in place of what should be a closet.

“Coming through!” Cassi and Rigel both dove into the door, Adhara closed it behind them.

As the knights gave chase they all came to a stop in front of the young black haired princess.

They looked at each other warily, and then back at the girl.

She stared at them with vacant yet curious eyes. 

A few of the guards, about half, quickly decided to continue the chase on their own, spreading out to search.

One of the guards, an older one, cleared his throat. “Y-your… highness… Your highness Adhara.” Clear apprehension and discomfort was apparent in his voice.

Adhara blinked at him.

“Could you please tell us where your door crossing led them? It's VERY important that we find them.” His words were polite and proper, though his tone was awkward and forced as he leaned down to speak closer to eye level with the girl.

Adhara continued to stare at him, and sighed.

The knight frowned and slowly stood himself back upright. “I… see…”

“Gah the girl won’t tell us anything.” One guard said and led a few more away to search, leaving only a third of the original group. The head guard shot that man a nasty look as he left. 

Felt spotted the group and she rushed over. “Why are you morons standing…”

She looked down at Adhara, who shifted all her attention to Felt.

“Oh!” She stared down.

The knight from before cleared his throat. “Princess Adhara helped them escape with that new technique she learned from Lady Beatrice.” the knight explained.

Felt sighed. “And she won’t talk to any of you.”

“My apologies, your majesty, I shall endeavor too…”

“Save it, I know.” She sighed and then smiled at Adhara. There was still some hesitance but it was far far more genuine than that of the knights. She wasn’t forcing it, there was just some wariness mixed in with her smile.

“Hey, Adhara, my little brat is causing problems again. Would you mind telling me where you sent them?”

Adhara blinked, and shuffled awkwardly.

“Please?”

“East wing… near the bakery.” She muttered out lowly. 

“You heard her move!” Felt shouted, as the guards quickly ran.

Felt stared down. “Don’t suppose you’ll send me there?”

Adhara looked down, and shook her head.

Felt sighed and patted Adhara on the head. “It's okay, I get it. Try to have a really good day Adhara!” and she quickly took off again, Adhara staring at her she whispered. “Have a good day mommy Felt. Love you…”

The young girl then continued along her way, walking through the empty halls of the palace.

***

Rigel and Cassi quickly found themselves separated, having opted to go down different paths of escape to escape to throw off the guards.

Cassi continued to race down the hallways, chased by several guards. She grumbled to herself. “These bastards just don’t let up.”

A wide grin crossed Cassi’s face as she saw another one of her half-siblings emerge from the end of the hall, Chochorina.

The young girl was happily munching on some candy snacks she got from the kitchen.

“Ah! Hi sister Cassi!” Chochorina waved with one hand excitedly. “Do you want some snacks!”

“Ah um later!” Cassi muttered. 

Okay think, think. Chochorina can be dumb as nails. How can I…

“Are you playing a game?” Chochorina asked, noticing the knights chasing her, she began to run alongside her half-sister.

“Ye-yeah that’s right! Want to play?” Cassi asked. She wasn’t as quick witted as her parents, but had a good instinct about this.

“Oh I wana play!” She raced alongside Cassi, her elven heritage letting her keep up. “Ah what is it? Are we racing? Tag?”

“Ah… sort of big sis.” Cassi remarked. Despite Cassi being younger by about a year, Chochorina was actually a fair bit shorter. Of the eldest siblings they were the tallest and shortest.

“Then what is it? I want to play. Oh are they playing too!?” She motioned to the guards pursuing Cassi. 

“Ye-yeah it's ummm…. Crap oh it's sort of like… tag! Though it's the guards and such trying to catch me and Rigel. Want to help us play?”

“Sounds fun! Do I just have to run away too?!”

“Umm… just help us run away. It's a team game… yeah that’s it!” Cassi said.

“Hmm okay in that case… El Huma!”
As Chochorina summoned a big wall of ice that cut off the pursuers.

“You’re the best sis!” Cassi shouted as she quickly took off.

“I know!” Chochorina replied back.

Cassi then focused back on escaping.

Ugh I owe her one later. Well for that and for punching out Tonnura but he was getting annoying.

She thought to herself as she continued to run.

As she continued through the halls she knew she was near an exit where she could slip out without issue, but then… her biggest obstacle came into view.

Old Man Rom was wandering down the hallway, noticing the young girl rushing madly towards the exit.

“Out of my way Grandpa Rom!” She shouted, almost snarling like a beast.

Rom groaned. “Ugh running away again?” the old giant groaned and steadied himself. “Not letting you through princess. You got a job to do so get on back there or I drag ya back! Ya hear?!” 

“Ha, no way! Now move!” The lion princess stopped herself, ready to square off with the giant she considered her grandfather.

A wild and savage grin graced her face as she knelt down, like a sprinter ready to run a race. As she did, mana surged and cycled through her body, rippling across her form.

“Oh? That far already?” Rom remarked, locking eyes with the girl.

“Yeah! I’m gonna run right through ya!”

“Ha! Go ahead and try! I handled your mom and I can handle ya!”

“I’m not my mom! I’m better!” She declared with pride and passion in her voice as she rocketed forward.

If it were Felt, Rom would prepare to dodge, prepare for her to somehow dart around him.

Cassiopeia could do that, she was clever enough to do that. But it wasn’t her style.

The child was a lion, a shooting star who met all her problems head on and smashed through them.

So Rom braced himself for impact, as he tried to grab hold of the charging girl.

Cassi rocketed at him at high speeds, and headbutt the old giant right in the stomach.

Rom let out a gasp as he fell onto his back, winded.

“Gah! Damm brat!”

He fell to the ground with a thud, groaning.

Cassiopeia stood atop him and grinned. “I win!” she declared her personal triumph, pumping her fist.

But Rom was not done and grabbed at her leg. “Not so fast!”

“Agh let go!” she groaned and tried to yank herself free, though Rom groaned trying to resist the girl.

In truth, if she had a mind to seriously hurt him, she probably could easily break free. 

“As I said, I’m gonna drag you agh!”

A smoke bomb fell on Rom’s face, making him let go of the young lion.

“Gotcha! Ya big oaf!.” Rigel proclaimed, landing nearby. “Come on! I found a good way out! Let's go!”

“On my way!” She shouted as the two quickly ascended up the rafters again.

The two made their way to a window, overlooking a lightly patrolled garden adjacent to the palace. 

“We jump?” Cassi asked.

“That’s the plan but…” Before Rigel could finish, Cassi jumped from the window.

“Ugh, crazy bitch.” Rigel muttered before leaping out himself. 

The two dived downward, both preparing themselves for the fall. Cassi casting a wind spell to brace the fall for them both.

However, before the two could touch the ground, a wave of ice and snow erupted from beneath them and ensnared them both.

“Fuck!”

“Dammit!”

The two found themselves half encased in ice and unable to move.

For Rigel, only his head and one leg were free.

While for Cassi, only a few of her fingers and her head were free.

“Ahahaha I win I win!” Chochorina cheered as she bounced up and down before them.

Standing next to her was a smiling Tonnura. 

“Ya gonna come back now!?” Tonnura asked, his voice slightly mocking, though not quite the absolute glee that was Chochorina’s tone.

Felt was also there, along with a few guards, tapping her foot and looking rather annoyed at the two runaways.

“Gah! Choko Sis you damm traitor!” Cassi snarled.

“Huh? What do you mean? I thought I just won?” she tilted her head.

“I told ya, we win if I get away!”

“Yeah… But brother Tonnura and the guards said that they surrendered. That if you got out we would play a new game where I tried to catch you! And I won right away!” she proclaimed, beaming with pride.

“Ugh… how is she such an idiot? She’s worse than you.” Rigel grumbled.

Cassi groaned and continued to trash about for a bit before sighing. “Ugh, dammit. Guess this is the end of the road.”

“You’re damm right!” Felt declared. “Could you let the two idiots down?” she asked Chochorina.

“Oh Okay!” She snapped her fingers and the ice around the two melted, letting them slide down.

Felt glared at the two of them as she then grabbed Cassiopeia by the hair. “YOU are coming with me!” She then began to yank the girl along back into the palace.

“Agh fuck agh dammit agh, lay off!” Cassi thrashed and whined as she was dragged back into the palace forcefully by her own mother.

Rigel sighed and remained on the ground as he rolled onto his back. “Ugh, it was a  good attempt.”

“Oh? Is that right???”

Rigel blinked and stared upward, finding his mother, Rem, standing there with a strained smile on her face. “Well, I think we need to have a long talk, my sweet Rigel.”

“M-Mom!”

She smiled, and grabbed him by the ear, dragging him back into the palace as well.

***

Subaru was in his office, sitting behind his desk.

Felt sat herself on the side of the desk, legs dangling off it, while Cassiopeia was sitting on a chair in front of it, facing them both. 

“Ugh, again Cassi? Really?” Subaru remarked.

Cassiopiea didn’t lower or bow her head, but winced upon hearing her father’s tone.

He sighed, shaking his head and rubbing his nose bridge.

“I mean, there is acting the part of a delinquent girl and then there is running all over the palace like a rampaging bull.”

As he spoke, Ram entered and poured some tea, otherwise remaining silent. Her judgmental gaze was also upon the girl though.

“Well, got anything to say for yourself, huh?!” Felt barked at her, kicking her feet.

Cassi bit her lip and shook her head. “I wanted to get away, I didn’t, so I lost. I got to do what I got to do now.”

Subaru sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Ugh that’s not the point. Are you going to actually try and learn without tearing up half the palace again?”

Cassiopeia stared back at Subaru with her unyielding and defiant eyes.

Subaru stared back and sighed. His disappointed and frustrated gaze met her own. “Cassiopeia…”

Cassiopeia stared, and then trembled, and then she broke, her shoulders slumping in defeat. 

“Ye-yes dad.” Cassi muttered, sighing.

Felt shook her head. “Listen, I ran away a lot too. It was a royal pain for me to deal with all that stuff. But you at least got to learn it, otherwise you’ll only be able to change things by hitting them with your sword or fists.”

Cassi frowned. “Maybe that’s all I want.”

“Is it really?” Subaru asked.

Cassiopeia paused and sat back, leaning against the chair, she sighed. “I really, I'm not sure.”

Felt sighed. “Well you’re honest about it. More than I could say about me.”

Subaru laughed. “Well you were a handful in your own way.”

Felt glared and playfully smacked him. “I’m your wife, not your daughter.” 

“Still a handful.” He teased.

“Piss off.” Felt rolled her eyes. 

The three of them laughed.

Cassiopeia looked at her parents, and let out a sigh. “I’m sorry.”

Subaru paused and nodded. “Just try to do better, okay Cassi?”

She smiled. “I will dad.”

Subaru then stood up. “Well it should be about dinner time, after all that mess, let’s go and eat.”

And so, only a short time later, the three of them would eat together. Rather than move to the dining hall, they ate instead in the office. Felt sat on the desk, while all three used the desk as a dinner table.

It was a quiet meal. Cassiopeia would stare at her food, at her parents, and out the window. With every bite, the girl processed the events of the day.

It was during these moments, that an odd sense of peace always entered the storm that was the existence of Cassiopeia.

Chapter Text

“Ugh, seriously where does that kid get all... "that" from?”

Subaru groaned, laying in bed.

Felt meanwhile was sitting on the bed, wearing a very short yellow nightgown that was barely decent.

She yawned and stretched her arms. Her body was still among the most lithe of the wives, though she had grown to be slightly taller, about the same height as Anastasia. She had filled out slightly to be less petite, though her overall frame could still be described as such.

“Who knows, we’re both trouble makers.” she laughed. “Got to respect her for that much at least.”

“I mean, I do but she’s going to get hurt if she doesn’t learn at least some self control.”

“Yeah well… she is the type of girl that only learns the hard way. Sounds like two people I know, ‘big bro’” she teased.

“Ugh, its weird when you call me that now ya know.” Subaru rolled his eyes.

Felt shifted, scooting closer to him on the bed. “I know, that’s why I do it.” She laid back, laying across his chest. 

“You worry too much.”

“I’m the king, and you’re queen. It's our job to worry.”

She sighed and groaned. “I know but we are in bed together. Can you think about something besides work?” She tilted her head to the side to meet his gaze.

“I guess you are right.” He shook his head.

She sighed and  looked back up at the ceiling. “She really doesn’t fit in here does she… then again, do we?”

“Hell no.” Subaru laughed. “I still don’t know what I'm doing as king.”

Felt grinned. “Yeah, I can tell. Ya always somehow make it work though. I still feel more comfortable out and about in the streets. She swung her foot up and down. “Maybe next time its my night, we use those powers of yours to do ourselves up or something and sneak out. No one would notice, Beako could probably get us our fairly quickly.”

Subaru considered. “Not a bad idea honestly. Would be nice. I sneak out sometimes to get a good feel of things in the capital. So doing it together would be a good idea.”

“Great! It’s a date then.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

She then sighed. “But unlike us, even if she doesn’t like it. She really is built for it. She has that… ugh I don’t know. That thing that Crusch, Priscilla and noble girls like that have.”

“Charisma?”

“You have that, it's more than that, she feels…”

“Kingly? Proud?” Subaru remarked.

“When she isn’t being an animal, yeah.” Felt remarked. “She knows how to act the part, to look the part. When she gets dragged to any of those stupid parties and such the nobles love her for some reason even though she wants to just smack them across the face like I do. I can’t explain it ugh.” 

Subaru paused and stared at Felt. “She really feels like…”

“She isn’t like you and me? How the fuck does that work we are her fucking parents but…”

He smiled. “Stuff  like today makes it clear she’s ours I’d say. Extreme violence aside.”

“Ugh honestly if I could do what she did at her age, I'd probably start punching out people too.”

 “Fair.” Subaru thought about it, his gaze couldn’t help but roam over her frame though.

“Maybe we should consider that it has less to do with us and more to do with the Ro…”

“Don’t fucking say it.” Her crimson shot him a scornful look. 

“S.. sorry.” he sighed, slumping his shoulders. 

“I’m Felt, Felt Natsuki Van-Astrea now. I don’t want any other names, no matter what anyone else says. I don’t want my daughter to be anyone but Cassiopea Natsuki Van-Astrea… along with the name of whatever guy is unlucky enough to marry her.”

Subaru laughed. “Harsh.”

She sighed. “Yeah well, she needs to fix her attitude before I'm nicer.”

The two then shared a laugh, smiling at each other as Felt caressed the side of his face. “But still, if any of those bastards try to put any weird ideas in Cassia’s head, I am going to break open their skulls.”

Subaru chuckled. “Maybe give them a warning, so they’ll maybe not even try it?”

She laughed. “But where is the fun in that?”

“Ugh, not fun for me when I have to clean up your mess!”

She stuck out his tongue at him. “That’s what you signed up for when ya married me and put a baby in me.”

“Okay okay fair enough.” Subaru poked her in the forehead.

“Good now then” She sat upright atop him and stared down at him.

“You’re taking care of me tonight” she poked at his chest.

“Oh? Rare treat.” he grinned at her. “You normally just like to sleep. You’re not…”

“Yeah I'm not as ‘hungry’ as your other brides, and the one brat you put inside me has been enough of a headache for a lifetime.”

Subaru blinked and stared back at her. 

“But I need to relax, and so do you after what she put us through today.” She straddled him, rocking herself back and forth.

Subaru laughed. “Well I’m not going to complain about getting the needy Felt-chan jackpot.”

“Good, ya better not!” She leaned in and kissed him, Subaru meanwhile reached around her back to pull the dress she was wearing off, tossing it aside.

“Oh? Going right into it!?” Felt asked, still playfully grinning.

Subaru shrugged. “You’re the type of girl I need to be direct with.

“Ya make me sound ‘difficult’” She kissed him again

“Nah, not difficult to be with, just difficult to handle.” He teased back, sticking his tongue out slightly.

“Oh you bastard, maybe I should…”
But he had already grabbed her and flipped her onto her back.

“Agh what’s the big…”

Her protests were cut off by a kiss.

“You asked for it, now you got to deal with it.” he pressed himself on her and attacked his neck with his mouth.

The lion queen let out a sharp gasp as he felt him press onto her.

“Agh you bastard, agh i wont agh break that easily tonight agh ya know!?” She squirmed beneath him as she wriggled.

He broke his embrace and smiled down at her. “Oh it won’t be easy. But I aim to win, besides, it's fun when you get to the point that you start screaming.”

“Grr, Fine bring it!” She challenged him.

Of course, within the next half hour, the lithe queen was already screaming out in heavenly bliss.

And why all were grateful that the royal bedroom was reinforced with layers of magical enchantments to dampen sound, for otherwise those who slept nearby could never get any sleep.

Chapter Text

Subaru Natsuki stepped through the open door with the yin spirit Beatrice holding his hand.

He smiled, looking at the small blonde girl next to him. “Thanks Beako! You are a lifesaver ya know?”

The King had lost track of time while dealing with matters across the palace, and so employed the use of Beatrice’s Door Crossing to quickly move.

She pouted “hmpf, just be aware that to use Betty's door crossing on such short notice like that, I demand extra time with your children suppose!”

“Fine fine, greedy aren’t ya Beako. Ya already got plenty with our contract” he pinched her cheek.

“Ah unhand me I suppose!” She flailed her arms cutely but made no move to resist. “And as the guardian spirit of your family Betty must ensure she maximizes time with all her contractor’s children I suppose.”

“What about my wives?”

“They are irrelevant to Betty in fact!” 

“Harsh” he muttered and continued along. He made a habit of not door crossing right to the door he needed to, but instead a short distance away. He felt more natural like that.

As he walked with Betty to the meeting he passed by the courtyard, pausing to see that there were a few figures already there.

The most striking figure was Julius Juukulius, standing before two smaller figures.

Both were young girls, both seeming to be about eleven or twelve years old.

King Subaru was very familiar with them both.

The younger looking one was a serious looking young woman with long dark purple hair, named Jaina. She was Julius’ eldest child.

And the other was a girl with short black hair and a fierce yet friendly expression. Rather than the typical armor for a knight, her custom armor was primarily black in color. Rather than the typical cloak, her armor had a black version of the cloak of the Iron Fang. Given it was not an official uniform, no one openly begrudged this since it still bore the symbol of the kingdom and she was royalty. She was Maia, one of Subaru’s children by Anastasia. 

She was begrudged openly for her outfit by no one, save for occasionally the man standing before her, the finest knight, Julius.

The two girls continued to practice their swordplay against each other, both having a distinct style.

The purple haired girl’s style was elegant, swift, precise, in keeping with her father’s swordplay.

The black haired girl’s style was similarly mobile, but also direct, sweeping blows and and over all she kept herself as a dervish, moving around and closing in against Jaina as she pleased, while Jaina had to weather the storm. 

He clapped his hands once and then both girls stood at attention before him. 

He smiled at them both as they stood before him. “Well it seems your swordsmanship training is coming along nicely.”

“Thank you father.”

“Thanks uncle Julius.”

The tone of the two were also polar opposites, at least outwardly.

Jaina’s voice was cold, even, and respectful.

Maia’s voice was casual, emotional, and relaxed.

“So, got anything else to teach us today?” Maia asked with a smile on her face. “Maybe more about spirit arts?”

Jaina sighed as she let her companion continue to speak.

Julius chuckled a bit. “Eager today, a rare thing for you Your Highness, hmm very well, your father did permit me to be your instructor in this field.”

She leapt in the air in cheerful glee, despite her seemingly heavy armor.

“Great! I gotta thank dad later and…”

He paused and raised a hand, a confident smirk on his face. “But your mother instructed me to drill you in proper manners as well. And as my liege lady I am sworn to uphold her orders first and foremost.”

Maia winced and calmed down. “Oh. lucky me… More extra lessons... yay” She awkwardly chuckled.

“You walked into that one.” The girl next to her said coolly with a smirk. “Granted at least it wasn’t a wall or off a cliff this time. I suppose I have to commend you on not being lax in at least some of your training for once.”

“Hey! Watch it! Remember whose the princess and whose…”

Julius cleared his throat. “Girls, please. Can we not have another fight between the two of you. I believe both your mothers, and I would have an issue with that.”

The two young girls pouted and looked away from each other.

He sighed and forced a smile. “Still, I think we can work in some etiquette on the training for knighthood, and then have a lesson on spirit arts. Does that sound acceptable to you, your highness, dear daughter?” Asking them both, if only to be polite.

Both the girls looked at each other and nodded their heads.

Julius clapped his hands together. “Very well, we shall go over the code of chivalry then.” He smiled brightly.

Both girls winced at that, even for Jaina who idolized her father, there was a limit to how much one could be instructed on ‘the code’ of chivalry. 

As Subaru watched the scene play out he laughed lightly. “Oh, well that’s what ya get Maia for asking to train with Julius. He may be a great spirit arts teacher but since you want to be a knight he’s gonna ram it down your throat till all you can do is choke out the code.”

Beatrice raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a problem with the way he’s training her I suppose?”

“Nah it's fine, guy may be annoying but he’s the best guy I got for this sort of thing. Besides, if she wants to be a knight and a spirit knight at that, there is no better teacher. I'm just happy she is actually trying.”

“She can be rather slothful I suppose.” Beatrice admitted.

The two then made their way into a nearby building where a small crowd had already gathered inside. 

A single wolfman, Ricardo, was leaning against the wall with a grin on his face. “Hey, your mini-majesty, you made it in time. And here I thought Ana-bo was gonna have to scold you again.”

Subaru laughed, rubbing his head. “Well I wouldn’t want that. She can be scary.”

At the central table there was a petite woman with a slender frame, long bright mauve hair, and a white scarf wrapped around her neck.

She smiled, and while it was a cold and calculated smile, Subaru knew her well enough by now to see the warmth and playfulness that she did have, the slight brightening of her eyes. He could tell there were a hundred thoughts, and a dozen schemes behind those eyes.

But he could probably only guess about half of them if he really tried.

“So Ana-chan, hope everything is arranged for the meeting?” Subaru asked his wife with a cheerful tone, hoping that he had not messed something up, again.

She chuckled a bit and smiled. “Nope, as long as you have your brain working to present your ideas to the merchants and nobility, then we should be just fine.”

She stood herself up and then pointed a finger at his chest. “You can do that much riiiight?”

He gulped and smiled. “Of course, you know it! His Royal Majesty Subaru Natsuki Van Astrea is always ready to put on a show!” he flashed a bright grin at her and gave her a thumbs up.

She smiled and walked around him, pressing herself on her back. “And that’s what I like to hear.”

She said, her almost serpentine tone still there, but with a warmness.

She wrapped her arms around his back and whispered into his ear. “Knock 'em dead, as you say.” She nudged his back. “We’ll have lunch after with the kids and then have some more meetings tonight on our next steps.” 

“Ye-yeah can do!” he said with a laugh. “Geeze you work me to the bone more than Priscilla and Crusch when you want too.”

“They work you in different ways than me. I work your beautiful stupid brain more than your body.” She stepped back and tapped his forehead, before tracing a finger down his body.

“Ah well, guess that’s true?” he smiled and both of them blushed.

“After all, I need to make sure I get all that’s worth it out of my husband while I got him.” She flashed a grin at him.

While those two flirted back and forth, another figure currently in the room paid no mind to the display, beyond pulling his book up closer to his face.

A young man with short wavy purple hair and soft boyish features. He was a little bit short, and a little bit thin, and currently was content to hide away in his book. Right now he wore work pants and a white button up shirt that gave him a fairly classy appearance. 

“Ah Mercurius, have you read anything good lately?” Subaru asked, walking over to his son with a beaming smile.

“Ah, yes dad, a bit. I also worked on some of my sketches.” he said, quickly scrambling to pull up a notebook at his side. Presenting it to his father Subaru began to flip through the pages.

“Wow, these are good. When you’re a bit older I think we’ll have to see which of these we can make work. Some of these could be useful.”

“I hope all of them can be useful father, otherwise it would be wasted time.”

Anastasia giggled, bringing a hand to her mouth. “Good, you are already thinking with your mother’s brain. Every moment wasted is a coin lost.” She smirked.

“True, though that’s good for a merchant. If he wants to make products there is going to have to be trial and error, not everything will work out okay. I mean, look at me, I mess up all the time and I’m still king.”

“Somehow. I think we are all trying to figure out how that worked.” Anatasia remarked.

Subaru winced. “Ah hey hey! I have my moments!”

“Of stupidity or genius?” she grinned wider. 

“Both obviously!” 

“Still, I'd say I made a good investment in my choice of husband, quirks, defects, and all.” She playfully nudged his side. “Though maybe I should have driven a harder bargain, especially since he was a joint investment. You’d expect a perfect product, sadly reality disappoints.” She wiped away a tear that didn’t exist.

“Hey, I don’t go around insulting you all the time.”

“Because there is nothing to insult.” She smirked. “Unlike my dear husband who makes mistakes like sprouting off his ‘random’ and ‘silly’ ideas to other merchants in casual conversation before bringing them to his ‘wife’ first”

Her smile was forced, at this point her eye twitched.

“You're still angry about that?” he asked, his voice awkwardly fluctuating. 

“Of course not. How much money did they make from that product again?” she still maintained her smile, though there was obvious strain. 

“Oh yeah.” He huffs and looks her over. “Well how about the time when I told you about body pil..Ugh!”

As he then received a quick jab to the gut from her elbow. 

“Better get ready dear~”

She smiled and then turned back to him.

“They’ll be here soon.”

Ricardo laughed and Mercurius sighed. “Why are you two always like this?” the twelve year old boy grumbled quietly to himself and huddled into a corner, hiding behind his book again.

It was at that moment that Russel Fellows entered, followed by several nobles and merchants. He bowed, “Your majesties, I do hope you are all well.” he said smiling.

Anastasia smiled and nodded her head. “Doing well Russel, shall my husband and I get this meeting started?”

Russel smirked. “Indeed, the King’s innovations always catch the interest of those seeking the strange and exotic.”

“For better or worse.” Anastasia muttered to herself, but kept up her otherwise friendly demeanor.

As everyone filed into the room, it was a collection of nobles & merchants, young and old. Hand picked by Anastasia and Russel for this demonstration. 

Russel Fellows himself took note of the child in the corner. “Ah, young Mercurius will be joining us then?”

Anastasia nodded her head. “Ah yes, I figured it was good for him to get some more exposure to these sorts of meetings.”

“Well it saves me the trouble for later then.” He pulled out a book from his coat and walked over to the young boy. “Here you go, the book you wished for when last we spoke.”

Mercurius’s eyes lit up. “Oh thank you Mr. Fellows!” he quickly took the book and opened it up, replacing his current book, stuffing it into a bag that was filled with others.

Russel smiled, calmly, putting on a friendly tone as he stepped back. He paid a quick glance to both the king and queen who had their gazes focused on the assembly before them, but he noticed a side eye upon himself from each. He then stepped back, though he did sit nearby the boy still, off to the side as Anastasia and Subaru got to work.

As the meeting began Subaru began to present another innovation to the crowd. The presentation had to do with a food product, known as ice cream, which was passed around to various people to sample. Two flavors were offered, vanilla and chocolate. 

Both husband and wife took turns talking Russel occasionally leaned over and pointed out certain things about the presentation to the boy, Mercurius’s expression stiffening as he focused on how both his parents operated. 

As the presentation came to a close Anastasia approached Mercurius, extending her hand. “Well then shall we get going Mercurius? Your sister should be with Julius outside.”

“Ah ye-yes mom.” he stuffed his books away into his bag and took her hand, hoping up.

“Good to see you again Sir Fellows.” Mercurius bowed his head.

“Likewise your highness, likewise.” he smiled.

Russel turned to usher the group of nobles & merchants out as Anastasia and Subaru led Mercurius away, followed by Ricardo.

Russel did turn back, casting a curious glance at this part of the royal family, before they departed.

Subaru smirked as he looked down at Mercurius. “So how was it watching your old man work huh?” 

Mercurius smiled. “It was great as always. You really do have a talent for that dad. I really couldn't imagine being like that.” he said with a sigh.

Subaru winced as Ana then leaned down and patted his cheek. “You’re young dear, and you have a better head on your shoulders than your blockhead of a father. We both believe in you.”

“Yeah, you're so smart I can’t believe you're my kid!”

Anastasia smirked. “Well don’t forget who his mother is.” She brushed her hair back and stood back upright. “Someone had to give him all his good traits.”

“I guess that’s true, suppose he gets his more fun side from me.”

“Are you saying I'm not fun?” She pouted.

“Nah, you’re more, greedy heartless fox than fun.” he grinned right back at her.

A silent but playful tension passed between the two as Ricardo simply laughed, while Mercurius blushed.

At least they aren’t flirting in front of me. That gets really awkward quickly.

As they passed by the yard Maia spotted them right away and raced towards them. “Ah, all ready to go?” She asked them with a smile.

Ana nodded her head. “Yes Maia, did you have fun with Uncle Julius?”

“Sure did! Aside from the boring etiquette stuff, why do I need that?”

“That’s what I keep telling her!” Subaru remarked with a grin.

“See! Dad gets it!”

Ana facepalmed and shook her head. “Did only one of my children get any of my brain?”

“Maybe? Probably? I mean Mercurius is REALLY smart.” Maia said, grinning at her brother.

Mercurius rubbed his head. “Ah yeah well, I really can't match your energy sister so I guess that makes sense.”

The 4 laughed together as they began to make their way back to the palace. 

***

After the family meal together, the children of Anastasia Natsuki Hoshin had decided to spend some time together while their parents focused on other business matters. 

Mercurius was reading through the book given to him by Russel earlier that day. It was a black book with the title “The Law of Coin & Iron” a simultaneously famous and infamous book that detailed the rise of some of the most famous, and ruthless merchants in Karagari history.

I wonder if mother will have her own chapters in any sequel.

He thought to himself as he flipped through the pages.

Meanwhile Maia was practicing with her spear, her preferred weapon. Despite Julius being her teacher, the girl’s style was markedly different. Rather than training in an open circle or field, she surrounded herself with obstacles that she vaulted and darted around. She would strike set targets as she ran a circuit around her impromptu obstacle course.

To an outsider it may look rather strange, but despite the odd nature, there was a clear method to this style of training. 

“Gah!” She groaned as she tumbled onto her back, after vaulting over the last obstacle.

“Still not good enough.” she grumbled, letting out a childish whine as she slammed her fist into the ground.

“Huh? That looked great big sis! And that was only your first try.” In contrast to the twins there was a younger boy sitting nearby, watching her train.

He had very dark, nearly black, purple hair, and was about half the height of his older siblings.

He smiled sweetly and clapped at her display. 

“Oh um thanks little brother Altair, but I still gotta do better if I want to beat Leo.”

Altair tilted his head. “Huh? But big brother Leo trains all the time. Aren't you too laz… agh!”

The comment he was about to make earned him a light smack on the head from Maia.

“Hey! Watch it twerp.” 

Altair grumbled. 

Mercurius looked up from his book “Not really fair to compare sister. I mean… Leo focuses mostly on the sword and practices constantly. You tend to relax and are better at spirit arts so…”

She sighed and walked over to him. “Yeah but he also focuses on all that paper work junk that dad and mom seem so busy with.”

Mercurius blinked. “The paperwork that keeps our kingdom and economy running?”

She sighed. “I said it was boring, not that it wasn't important.” She huffed, pouting her lips.

“So, is that book any good?” she asked with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Ah yes, it's really interesting. It's hard to get through at times so I've had to ask for some help here and there with some of the words.”

“We are just twelve, you know.” 

“We also have a very expensive education.” Mercurius pointed out. 

“Ugh don’t remind me.” Maia groaned.

“Still, I see why mom didn't have the book…” Mercurius's tone became a bit more sheepish.

“Oh?” Maia tilted her head and sat down next to him.

“How come?”

“The book details some merchants that mom would find… in bad taste.”

Maia tilted her head.

Mercurius sighed and flipped to another section, it detailed a merchant called Barghan Marst.

“Barghan…wasn't he a slave merchant or something?”

“After the demi-human war, yes.” Mercurius added.

“Yeah… can see why mom wouldn't want that book. Surprised she let you have it.”

“Well, she just told me to keep my head on straight when reading that stuff. But… She did seem a bit uncomfortable with it, ill admit. Though Mom and Dad trust me so I'll be keeping my guard up while reading.”

Maia giggled “If ya say so, anything interesting at least?” She sat down next to him.

Altair also walked over and sat down on the other side of Mercurius. 

“Well, just the economics of it was interesting, if cruel by conventional standards. He made most of his profit off slavery, but some areas found it distasteful. So he would exert economic pressure via his ‘soft trades’ like drugs and other supplies, in order to get them to accept his ‘hard trade’ of slavery. It also worked since labor was in short supply but high demand, so he got buyers who needed the labor, even if they didn’t approve of slavery.”

“Yeesh, talk about making your own market or something. If it wasn’t for the fact that it involved slaves I'd say mom would be proud.”

Mercurius nodded, lacking the seeming distaste that her sister had. “Mhm. Its really an excellent showing of how you can make demand for a product, even if there is none to start with. And how you can use your other economic levers to really move your primary and most profitable product.” 

Maia raised an eyebrow. “You sound almost impressed.”

“Ah well I suppose it's kinda just, I'm finding it interesting how even in a time of disaster there are people who still find a way to make profit.”

Maia nodded her head. “Mother did say to ‘always look for opportunities’ or something like that.”

“Wow sis!” Altair said. “You remembered something other than spears and spirits! Thought you were too lazy to keep anything else in your brain.”

Mercurius blinked a few times and slowly hunched himself back.

Maia's smile remained frozen, before she lunged at her little brother who quickly took off. “Agh you get back here you little brat! I'm gonna knock some sense into you!”

Altair laughed and booked it, running around the yard.

Mercurius sighed and shook his head. “Really, sister?” He then slowly went back to his book as he contemplated his day.

Mother will be busy until dinner time, sister will probably continue to train unless she finds something else. There is also a good chance mother will monopolize father, she’ll maximize her time with him while she has him.

He flipped a page.

Our tutoring is done for today. So what is something productive I can do?

His eyes traveled down the page.

Option 1: play with my siblings and half siblings. Cost: Time and effort, risk of being dragged into unprofitable antics. Profit: Further my siblings bonds.

He let his gaze drift up, Maia had caught Altair and kept him pinned.

Tempting, probably the most enjoyable option. Enjoyment is a worthwhile reward, as is love. Father made sure I learned that.

He smiled and looked down at the book again, flipping another page. 

Option 2: Continue my independent studies. Cost: Time and effort, and sacrifice of social interaction. Profit: furthering my knowledge and sharpening my skills.

He considered and tapped his foot.

Maia is an aspiring knight, while her business sense isn't bad… a blunt sort of individual and is inherently lazy. Fundamentally I am my mother's heir & I need to cultivate those skills.

He flipped another page.

Option 3: Look through my father's notes or Hoshin’s texts for ideas and invention concepts, and try to work at creating one. Cost: Time, effort, frustration, risk of failure. Profit: Obviously personal wealth and the praise of my parents.

He sighed and leaned his head back.

But… that's always risky, I may not be able to do it. High risk, high reward. And the money may be worth less than the knowledge.

He looked back up at his siblings who were both laying on the ground and laughing.

In the end the most “profitable” course may be to remain with my siblings. Yes I'll do that for today, I can read more later.

He smiled and walked over to them both. “So what's next? I… guess you're done for the day.

His tone was slightly soft and insecure.

Anyone who wasn't Maia would even believe that, it wasn't even a lie.

She knew Mercurius's proper mindset very well. 

The two knew they were not honest people, but they were always honest with each other.

“Ah, guess you decided what to do then?” She scratched her own forehead.

“Yes well, we could try to see what the others are up to? See who else we can find?” He asked.

“Sure, let's go bother them, see what is happening around the palace.” She remarked, smiling at her brother.

“You come too little brat.’ She motioned to Altair.

“Ah, sure sure big sis” 

As the twins and their younger brother traveled off.

***

As the three siblings wandered the hallways, Maia suddenly gasped and rushed forward.

Altair giggled while Mercurius sighed. 

Maia had rushed up to the captain of the Royal Guard, Marcos Gildark. While a few gray hairs had begun to afflict the captain of the royal guard, his body otherwise seemed as strong as ever.

“Ah Good day to you captain Marcos!”

She saluted with a smile, perhaps unbefitting of a royal princess, but very befitting of a girl who wished to become a knight.

He paused, looked her up and down, and his otherwise stoney expression morphed into a slight smile.

“And a good day to you, your highness. It seems you are well.”

She nodded her head eagerly.

“Yes yes, I've been practicing every day for my chance to join the royal knights when I am older.”

His smile slowly faded. He looked at her with consideration.

“I see, you’ve been training with Julius and his daughter then?”

“Yes me and Jaina have been training with him almost every day in spirit arts & combat!” She proclaimed proudly.

"Even if she is still lazy about it." Altair chimed.

One of the knights, a younger one, in the background seemed to chuckle but was lightly, and discreetly jabbed in his side by the elbow of the slightly senior knight standing next to him. 

“I see, if your skill at spirits arts even approaches his or your father’s, and if your martial skill proves adequate, I trust there will be no issue there though I imagine your mother may have an opinion.”

She shrugged “Mama Ana-bo said I'm too much like my father to be a merchant anyways! Besides, my father was a knight before he was king!” 

A few of the older knights behind him cast looks at each other, some slightly uncomfortable looking, others letting out slightly silent smiles as if remembering fond memories.

All these knights who reacted were old enough to remember the day the self-proclaimed knight humiliated himself in the arena.

And other antics that the future king would engage in.

“That he was, a very unusual and unorthodox knight.”

His tone remained neutral.

He then took a step back into formation with the knights following him. “Now I must be on my way, your highnesses. I wish you a good day.”

He bowed his head to the assembled trio, causing the other knights to do so.

To those who were familiar with normal procedure, the slight reluctance by some to bow before royal princes & princesses would be cause for some concern.

Mercurius sighed as he watched the display and thought to himself.

I suppose it will take some time for father, mother, and the other mothers to fix this. What a mess we were born into.

He lightly gripped Altair's hand tighter.

His mind drifted back to a vision of their youth. Maia and Mercurius were only 5 at the time.

Still all shared the same bed during some of those nights along with their mother, and occasionally their father.

Mimi, Hetaro, or Tivey would stand watch inside the room.

Ricardo or Julius would stand outside of it.

All of them, even Mimi, had looks of grim seriousness about themselves.

Maia was not yet aware enough of her surroundings.

But Mercurius was among the siblings who were aware of something being terribly wrong.

Even if it took him a few more years to understand what was happening, the type of viper’s nest they had been born into.

Back in the present Mercurius watched the knights march off.

I’m still not ever sure who in this palace is an enemy. The only allies are our family, and those who were with our parents before they ascended the throne.

Maia happily continued to lead them along, pulling both brothers through the halls.

Mercurius smiled even as he continued to consider things.

I’m glad Maia hasn’t noticed. She’d probably start picking fights with others, people she shouldn’t. I just need to keep gathering information, for all our sakes. 

***

As they walked through the halls they found themselves suddenly surrounded by tiny white spirits, Maia especially.

“Ah ah hey you guys! Happy to see you too!” she chimed.

The spirits swarmed her in a friendly fashion, clearly eager to see the young princess.

Alitair waved. “Hiya!”

Mercurius also waved at the spirits. 

The spirits then retracted towards their master, that being the young and excitable Chochorina, who barreled towards them with a big smile.

“Hiya! Hope my friends weren’t brothering you Little brother Alti, Sister Maia, Brother Mekus…Merkeyus… Merciurius! Gah why did daddy make your name so hard to pronounce!”

She pouted and sighed. 

Mercurius smiled. “Ah my apologies sister.” 

Maia giggled. “Ah they never bother me sister Choco!”

The spirits danced around the two, both these girls being loved by the spirits. 

“So sister, what are you doing?” Mercurius asked

He was polite, he loved the quarter elf as he did the rest of his family, but he did not want to waste more time.

And Chochorina LOVED wasting time. 

“Oh, nothing! I was taking a walk between my lessons today!”

“Ah, you’re still not done for today?”

“Nope, but ugh, it's math. Daddy says math is important though.”

“I mean yeah?” Maia says.

Mercurius nodded his head eagerly. “Math is obviously really important.”

“SUPER important, but I like reading more!” Alitair added. 

Chocorina huffed. “Right you are Ana Mama’s kids, guess you would all like math.”

As if on cue each of the kids took out a small coin pouch they kept, a habit they all took from their mother.

“Of course! We’re the children of the GREAT business woman!” Altair said proudly, seemingly the one most openly invested in that though, when it came to devotion to that aspect of themselves…

Mercurius cleared his throat. “We can’t help but see the world through our mother’s lens. Well… me and my little brother can’t.”

“Hey what’s that supposed to mean!”

Maia bonked Mercurius on the head.

Alitair laughed. “Careful sister! Mercurius uses his brain! He isn’t like yo…”

And that also earned him a bonk on the head.

Maia huffed and grumbled a bit. “I'm clever when I want to be!”

“Yeah me too!” Chocorina smiled. 

Altair was about to open his mouth again before it was covered by Mercurius.

Letting Altair speak his mind in front of Maia and Chocorina… very unprofitable. Only results in ‘expenses’.

He thought to himself.

The two half sisters then laughed.

“Well I have to go back now… Ah! Maybe we can go into the city later! Aunt Melli could take us!”

The siblings all looked at each other and nodded their heads.

“Sounds good to me!”

Mercurius smiled. “Yes, I'd perhaps like to see how things are like down there, but maybe let one of the Iron Fang know to come with us? Otherwise Mother might get worried.”

Chocorina nodded. “Okay! I have to go back and you’ll get them! I’ll bring my little sis and little brother with me!”

“Sounds great!” Maia replied. 

Mercurius frowned.

Going into the city with Adhara. That’s a risk.

He sighed and shook his head.

But it shouldn’t be.

***

The assembly of royal children had found themselves in a good place to relax once within the city.

They had taken up residence in a tavern managed by an older muscular dog eared man who was a retired Iron Fang mercenary. The bulky man kept a wary eye on those stars here.

Alitair and Chochorina were sitting off to the side, playing with a multi part wooden toy that was made by Mercurius. It resembled a bunch of wooden blocks joined together, the puzzle giving them both trouble.

Mercurius sat at the bar, also surveying the scenes in the bar, nose still otherwise in a book.

Sitting next to him was Mimi, the Iron Fang vice captain happily sipping her own drink as chatted with the former comrade in arms. Mercurius’s gaze would often wander to mimi with a slight blush as she chatted away.

The most unusual group was situated off to the side. Melli, having grown into a tall lovely woman with beauty comparable to her late 'sister', sat against a large dog MaBeast that had parked itself inside the tavern.

Adhara was softly patting its head as the MaBeast lovingly licked her.

Tonnura sat close by, also reading a book but more so keeping an eye on both his sisters.

Maia was the center of most of the attention though. Several regulars at the bar, consisting of 1 soldier, an Iron Fang mercenary, a thug, a low level merchant, and the son of the bar owner, all sat at a table with her. Various piles of money were before each of them, though Maia's was the largest by far.

As Maia rolled her dice she cheered. “Weep and despair boys, I win again.”

They all groaned as Maia scooped up the money, Mercurius smiled at the sight

They never learn.

He thought.

“Ugh how does this always happen?”

“Girl has to be cheating right? Check the dice!”

“Hey, those are my dice!” 

“No magic either.” The mercenary bemoaned.

They all looked crestfallen as Maia scooped up the money with a big grin on her face.

“This is fun! Let's play again!”

“No thanks.”

“Not in the mood for losing my shirt too.”

“Maybe a different game?”

“She wins at EVERY game.” The eldest at the table groaned.

Maia counted her money, taking joy in the jiggling and clinking of the coins.

Tonnura laughed a bit. “Seems they never learn Aunt Melli.”

“Nope they don't.~ wouldn't dream of taking on Maia like that.” The former assassin turned honorary elder princess still spoke with a playful, almost mocking voice. But that was just how she spoke.

As Maia reveled in her victory, Mercurius turned to face the bartender. “So… anything new going on in the city?”

He sighs “the usual ya know, things have calmed down a bit, the reconstruction boom died down but people are still getting up off their feet.”

Mercurius nodded along. “Mom is still dealing with the economic fallout.”

“Yeah, well when all four nations go to hell that tends to leave an impact for a while. Sure the Boss Lady managed to make her own profit off it.”

Mercurius sighed. “That was before I was even born, not to mention the trouble that came after.”

“Do ya remember all that mess? Was after that I retired. Your mom used the Iron Fang as security and riot breakers at the time. Ugh people will believe anything.”

Mercurius blinked. “I remembered sleeping with my sister and mother together in the bedroom under constant guard. I'm not sure my father even slept during that time… I think… only Rigel, Helena, Leo, and I remember those nights, though we didn't have much awareness beyond the basics that we experienced.”

The bartender paused and poured him some juice. “Probably best that you don't, ya are still a bit young to get into the ugly politics.”

Mercurius nodded but… “but if its important shouldn't we know for our own sakes?” He asked.

The bartender sighed. “Guess ya got me there, but I'm not the best person to tell ya, far from it.”

Mercurius nodded his head. “That's fair.”

I got enough from him anyways.

Tonnura and Mercurius began to chat while Maia sat with Chochorina and Altair. 

A few mercenaries entered the bar, one spotting the kid and the MaBeast. “Huh, what's this a daycare?” One asked.

Another merc shook his head. “Nah, some of the kids who live in the palace sometimes hang out here since the owner is old Iron Fang.”

“And you're sure this is a good place?”

“Drinks are good, food is alright, just ignore em unless you wana get roped into nonsense.”

Mercurius looked them over as the mercenaries sat at the table.

More? I see, a lot of the nobility are privatizing their security now…

He flipped another page in his book. 

“People still don't like us.” Tonnura muttered in a hushed voice as he saw the men cast wary glances at them all.

“Some do, the common people, those tied with the royalist faction.” Mercurius said.

“Yeah but… not everyone, not the people who only hear the bad things about dad.” Tonnura frowned. “If only people could see how fantastic our parents are.”

Mercurius shook his head. “Dad had to do a lot of things for the kingdom and our family. A lot of people still don't like him for that, and a lot of them believe things they shouldn't”

They both cast a glance over to Adhara who was happily cuddling the MaBeast dog.

Tonnura nodded his head. “Yeah, I know.”

Mercurius looked him over. “For being as silly as your older sister sometimes, you can be a lot more mature than some of our oldest siblings.”

He blushed. “I mean, I guess. I just don't want to disappoint mom or dad, ever.”

Mercurius paused. “I know the feeling.”

***

Later on the group was making their way back to the palace as the sun began to set in the sky. Mimi walked on ahead while Melli rode her Mabeast alongside Adhara.

“Today was fun!” Mimi proclaimed. “Did you all enjoy?”

Maia whistled “Won a good chunk of money today so I'm happy.”

Alitair blinked. “but you won less than our allowance.”

“But I ‘won’ that money.” Maia grinned. “Worth way more than just money I get.” 

Tonnura chuckled. “I see the appeal.”

Melli grinned “Little sister Maia seems to like seeing men cry when she cleans them out.”

“That's right!” Maia and several of the others laughed. 

As they made their way back Mercurius cast a sidelong glance at a nearby alleyway.

He noticed a few men hanging out, though at least one of them kept the band of royals in their gaze as they traveled along.

As they continued towards the place Merciruius kept quiet, but noticed again, a few people hanging out in an alleyway while keeping an eye on them.

The third time, he noticed a few men traveling down the main market street in the same direction as them. One of them was a man from the first alleyway.

Being followed again.

He looked around, noticing that Maia had also noticed. A small yin spirit manifested next to Maia.

Maia noticed, not surprising. Who else…

He looked about, none of the others had though Mimi was resting her hand on her staff.

Mimi, fantastic as she is, isn't that subtle, her instincts just kicked in.

He didn't see anyone else noticing, but…

He noticed Adhara had a vacant look in her amythest eyes.

Mercurius's eyes widened.

Tonnura noticed the shift in Mercurius’ attitude, and then looked to his little sister.

Tonnura walked over and placed a hand on her. “Hey… sis Adhara? You okay?”

Adhara blinked, and softly smiled. “Yes brother.” Her tone was soft and delicate.

Mercurius sighed, rubbing his forehead. 

Looking back he noticed the men following them were gone.

As they later arrived back at the palace, Ricardo was there to greet them. “Hey, so ya enjoy your day out?”

Chochorina smiled. “Yup! It was great!”

“Yeah we enjoyed it.” Tonnura added on.

“Won some good money!” Maia necessity.

Ricardo laughed. “So I heard, just don't make a habit of it.”

Maia shrugged. “We'll see.”

Alitair yawned. “Agh I'm tired.”

“Well let's get ya all inside.” Ricardo motioned them to follow him back into the palace, the group ending another mostly peaceful day.

Chapter Text

“And done! FINALLY!” Subaru threw the last of the papers onto the table and groaned, rubbing his face with his hands.

Anastasia sat across from him, calmly placing the last of her papers now as she smiled sweetly at him. “Well not so fast!~ We have to recheck to make sure the numbers are all balanced at all points.”

Her smile was unchanging.

“Ugh you got to be kidding me, nu uh no way I am done today.”

She laughed. “Well, I suppose I can have someone else just check the math, now that we made the plans, if my husband is going to be lazy and good for nothing.”

“Yup! I’m king so I get other people to do things for me.” He smiled without shame.

“Like your harem of wives?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Exactly!”

“OD you are awful.”

“Hey, you knew what you were getting?”

“Did I? I feel like there was a lot of false advertising. Maybe I should sue to get a refund.”

“Huh! No way, this guy is non refundable. You are stuck with me.”

She giggled. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She stood up, walking around his chair and snaked her arms around his shoulders and chest from behind. She leaned herself against him.
“After all, none of the others would put that big beautiful… occasionally degenerate and perverted messed up brain of yours to work.”

“Hey! I felt like I was being insulted there.” He laughed, groaning as he leaned into her embrace.

“Because you were silly.” She tapped his nose.

“I’m not a degenerate!”

“OH? But what were all those things you told me about from back home then? Some of which you owned. Figurines, adult doujin, ecchi anime, hen…”

“Ah okay okay maybe a bit. But no worse than other guys who were in my situation.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Which were…”

“Otaku shut ins…” he winced. “But I wasn’t that bad seriously I…”

“Shush shush shush. You’re only gonna’ dig your hole deeper honey.”

He grumbled. “Damm money fetishist stackless loli short stack I… OUCH!”

She let her nails dig into his neck lightly. “Ya said several things there ya little shit for a king. Care to repeat each of them nice an’ slowly so I can hear?”

Her left eye twitched as she glared at him.

He paused and stared at her straight faced and said. “I stand by the first part.”

She gasped in mock horror, “How dare you!”

“You literally asked me to cover the bed in holy and gold coins once.”

“Well it was money well earned and well used!” She huffed, blushing at that memory. 

“And you poured it on yourself.”

“...” She stared blankly at him

 “And then there is the collar and the whi..”

She then jammed her nail deeper into his flesh before he could finish that sentence.

“Agh!”

“We’re doing that again if this product sells well.” She muttered lightly. “Holy coins only next time.”

He sighed. “Ugh of course Scrooge.”

She slapped him across the face. “I’m not a duck! Or a banker!”

“Agh! I thought I explained that story well enough for you to get the joke!”

However her eyes suddenly sharpened as she pondered and tapped her foot. “Ah, write that down, that’s probably a story we can adapt!”

“Huh? I mean I was able to adapt some anime stories I knew but that one was connected to a holiday in my world and…”

She shook her head. “That can be replaced with a local holiday probably, and we can emphasize the other elements of the plot. Hmm, it goes a bit against my morals since the theme is that greed is bad but… I can always leave my name off it.”

“Right… ill add that to the list.” he sighed and went over to a nearby cabinet haphazardly overflowing with an assortment of notes and drawings. He scribbled down the note. “Adapt ‘A Christmas Carol’ to a local holiday” and stuffed it into the cabinet, locking it securely afterwards.

“There, are we done squeezing my brain dry for ideas?” he asked. 

She smiled, genuinely warmly at him as she stepped up to him, wrapping her arms around him as she kissed him on the lips.  

“Mhm! I think ya paid enough to your greedy little wife today. I’m thinkin’ now ya need to enjoy what ya paid for. What good is a product that’s not used?”

He laughed. “Well in your logic, selling it to make money.”

She grinned. “No trade-ins, no refunds, no gifting, and ya contract states till death do we part. This gal ain’t for sale.”

He wrapped his arms back around her. “Well then, guess I gotta get my money’s worth out of ya then. Just remember, a deal is a deal.”

“I’m aware.~” Though a slight nervousness and a blush crept into her face at that point.

He seized her, quickly picking her up. “Then I'll happily enjoy my meal of one foxy business girl. Even if the meal could use some more meat.”

“Od! You are the worst king.” She playfully slapped his face.

“Guilty.”

***

Once in the bedroom, the two laid together, Anastasia opting for a pale purple short nightgown while Subaru laid under the covers.

She climbed atop him, wriggling her body as she smiled down at him. “There we go, my top tier custom body pillow. A shame it's pretty worn out though.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I'm pretty sure it can give you more than enough ‘comfort’ tonight.”

She winced, but she was not one to back down, even if it might end in her fragile body being returned to the brink of the next life. “Oh you’ll have to prove it. Don’t want my husband going defective now do I?”

He smiled and laughed. “Oh now you are asking for it.”

She smiled down at him, lightly rubbing his chest when she paused. “Hey, Subaru. I’m not workin’ ya too hard. Am I?”

Her normally cool confident demeanor falling away for a moment. She trembled a bit actually.

“Huh? Of course not, why would ya say that?”

She slapped his chest playfully. “Because you do work too hard, idiot! I felt like it was a long day and you’re dealin’ with all of us.” 

She shook her head.

“And dealin’ with the mess we all walked into.” Her shoulders slumped a bit.

He stared at her.

“Things went to absolute hell, more than once. But I never blamed you for it, you saved my life, you saved the life of everyone I care about. That’s all priceless for me.”

She smiled. “And you gave me that, ya gave me my life. I’m not sure I'd even be alive if it wasn’t for you. You helped me out when I thought I had nothing. You didn’t even ask for anything, you just saved me. So as far as I'm concerned I'm yours forever you idiot. That’s a debt I really can’t repay.”

“And somehow that all ended up with me marrying you and the rest, and becoming king.” he remarked with a dry chuckle. 

“And you somehow make it work. Even I don’t know how you do it. Feels like you trip, stumble, and fall into the right solution half the time.” She giggled as she spoke.

“That sounds about right.” He sighed and leaned his head back. “Trying to make time for you and all of the kids, while also being a king is hard, but I try to make it work. Not sure how well it's working out though.”

She smiled at him and kissed his cheek, rubbing her body against him. “You are doin’ just fine in this girl’s book. Don’t know how you fill my greedy heart and that of over four other girls but ya do!”

He laughed. “What, are you trying to hype me up a bit now?”

“Handle with care.~ I know my husband is some piece of delicate merchandise at times that needs a good ego polishing to really make him shine.” A devilish smile crossed her face as she continued to grind herself, now more sensually and aggressively, against him.

“Oh? Be VERY careful what happens when ya try and flip that switch.”

“I’m greedy, I wanna see.~”

**

Subaru wrapped his arms around her and brought her into a tight kiss.

She let out a sharp moan as she suddenly felt herself lose all control of the situation as he seized her.

She quickly began to work off her own dress. Subaru looked primed to rip it off but she let out a gasp. “Agh, it's expensive just agh, take it off, agh let me idiot!”
Her voice, rather than that of a commanding business woman, was the voice of a desperate and needy girl.

She sat herself up and tossed her nightgown aside, having nothing beneath it save for her skin as she quickly fell back into his embrace.

Her body was alight with a desperate need awoken within her as she continued to press herself against him. 

He hadn’t even taken full control as the two fully embraced, her entire body alight with passion. 

“I’m taking what ya owe me ya know.” He whispered into her ear, just to tease her.

“Ye-yeah I know.” were all the words she could mutter. “Do it.” were the last semi-rational words she spoke that night. 

She then found herself flipped onto her back.

Gone was her confidence, her pride, all her layers of defense.

At that moment Anastasia Natsuki Hoshin had let herself become a prize for her husband, a meal to sate his lust and passion.

All her normally clever and witty vocabulary fell away, replaced by a lexicon of moans, cries, and pleas for release that would echo throughout the room.

Once again, the wards of the room proved most effective in making sure the rest of the palace had a peaceful night’s sleep.

Chapter Text

“97” 

“98” 

“99” 

“100” 

In the middle of a yard a boy with short green hair practiced with his sword, diligently performing the same strike until he had perfected it. His eyes were a fierce mixture of color, reflecting the eyes of both of his parents. 

“Well, that is enough for that swing for today.”

He smiled, satisfied by his own progress.

He then shifted his stance and began again, with a horizontal swing this time. 

“1”

“2”

“3”

And so on…

He continued to practice within the training field adjacent to the palace, between the knight’s barracks and the central parts of the castle. Of all his siblings, half or otherwise, he was the most diligent and disciplined.

He adorned himself in a military uniform with a black jacket, pristine in nature save for one article of clothing. A hat on his head that was more worn than the rest of his outfit, far older than even he was.

But that made sense, it was his mother’s old hat, a precious object for him.

As he heard a door leading into the private yard opened, he stopped to see who it was before standing at attention as he recognized the figures.

His mother Crusch Natsuki Karsten, accompanied by her aged butler, Wilhelm Van Astrea, had entered the yard to approach him.

“Mother, it is good to see you.” he spoke evenly, firmly, respectfully, as if addressing a superior officer rather than a family member. Nevertheless his boyish familial love for his mother seeped through his otherwise professional tone. 

She smiled at him, true there was her usual sternness, but also a soft smile graced her lips. “Be at ease Leo, it's good to see you well today. Practicing diligently as always?”

Her tone displayed obvious pride for the young man.

“Of course mother! I always have to strive for the best I can be.” He maintained his upright tone of voice when speaking, affirming his resolution in this field. 

Wilhelm smiled. “The boy truly has a passion for the blade and all skills befitting a prince.”

He spoke warmly to the young man.

“You honor me with your praise Sir Wilhelm!” He said, still maintaining his posture.

“We will be heading to our family estate later to handle some things. I hope you will join us?” Crusch asked. “Or will your studies and practice prevent you?”

“Ah of course I shall go! I am heir to your legacy mother, if there is business to handle on our family lands I must attend, shall I not.” His smile widened slightly. 

She nodded her head. “Very well, you shall accompany us.” She got down on one knee and pulled him in for a hug.

“I am very proud of the man you are becoming my Leo.”

She then gripped his face, a small look of sadness tinged her gaze as she stared at him.

“Just please, do not push yourself harder than you have to okay?”

His eyes widened for a moment and he sighed, relaxing a bit. “Oh… thank you mother.” He said, his tone of voice breaking. “I guess my old habits still get to me at times.”

She sighed. “I know, just remember, more than anything you are a young boy and my son. We have our burdens and duties, but you cannot be that which you are not meant to be.”

Leo’s firmness broke and he smiled. “Thank you mother, it… means a lot to me.”

She then stood up and smiled at him. “Then let’s be on our way.” she motioned for him to follow.

The young boy adjusted his uniform and quickly followed after her, still determined to behave perfectly, especially in his mother’s presence.

“Oh mother, how is father today? Have you seen him?” He asked.

While his mother is his idol, his father was also someone he deeply respected. Though he did acknowledge that his father had a ‘strange’ reputation among some. 

She shook her head. “I was going to meet him briefly, but he had some business to attend to with Hoshin. I plan to meet up with your father when we return from our estate.” She explained.

“Ah very well, if father has duties to attend to then it makes sense.” he said, accepting that he will not see his father for a bit of time. “I just hope he isn’t overworking himself too much.”

However…

“Ah wait up!” A voice rang out.

The three individuals paused and turned around to a dark eyed man running after them, out of breath. “Ah glad I made it. When I heard you were leaving early I rushed over!” 

Wilhelm and Leo stood themselves up straight, while Crusch remained in her usual dignified stance.

“Subaru.” She smiled. “I suppose I should have known you would come to see us. Didn’t you have business with Anastasia?”

“Ah, yeah I did but some stuff came up. We need you for something, some of the nobles we were chatting with have some issues and it involves security matters so…”

She sighed. “I understand, I can delay my trip a few hours to resolve this.”

“And besides, you’ll be gone for a week or two right? Obviously I wanted to make sure I saw you before you headed off. 

She sighed. “That’s right. Some issues came up at my family estate. Nothing too dramatic but I need to tend to it myself before it becomes a problem.”

He nodded his head. “Do you need any help? I could send some more knights or…”

She smiled and shook her head. “Not needed dear husband. I have Wilhelm, Ferris, and our children. That should be sufficient.”

He smiled. “Well if you're sure then you're sure. Just be sure to let me know if ya need anything. If there’s a real emergency I'll have me and Reinhard will be over in a flash.”

He looked around. “Speaking of which, where are Felix and the rest?”

She smiled. “You missed them, I had Felix take them on ahead.”

“Ah well that’s good. Felix can keep them straight.”

“He has my utmost confidence.”

Subaru then looked down at Leo, still smiling while his son retained his official seeming demeanor.

“Well, Leo, make sure to take care of your mom & younger siblings okay?” 

He patted him on the shoulder.

Leo nodded his head. “Of course, it is my honor and duty father.” He saluted towards his father.

Wilhelm smiled. “He’s a fine young man Subaru.”

“Indeed.” Crusch added with no small amount of pride. To those who knew the queen from her younger days as a duchess, seeing her so affectionate would be unusual. “Though he perhaps needs to still learn how to properly treat himself.” Her tone becoming critical at the end there.

“Yeah though, were you that serious growing up Crusch? I could see that. I certainly wasn’t, I was probably more like Maia or Kiara, maybe a bit of Tonnura.”

She chuckled. “I was, though circumstances were a bit different. I determined my path without prompting. As should he.”

Both smiled warmly at him.

The little soldier’s professional demeanor cracked a bit and he blushed. “Ah father, mother, you really don’t have to…”

“But we want to.” Subaru sighed. “Geeze you really are a stick in the mud at times ya know Leo.” he teased his son, but his tone held not a single barb or dagger.

Leo looked at both his parents. “I see. I suppose I still worry you both?”

The husband and wife shared a look with each other. Subaru leaned down and placed a hand on Leo’s shoulder.

“Leo, I've told you before, I know exactly what it’s like. Just remember you make us both proud, you don’t have to be anyone but you, alright?” He grabbed his shoulders.

Crusch leaned down, also meeting Leo at eye level. “Yes, you do worry us still. Just remember to please be honest with us about how you feel from now on. Please, for your own sake and ours.”

Leo bit his lip lightly and nodded his head. “Ye-yes I understand its just, I never lied to you…”

“I know… I know…” Subaru hugged him. 

Crusch sighed, her fist tightening a bit. 

That’s why I am still worried.

She thought to herself.

Leo took a breath. “I’ll try to relax, though I do genuinely enjoy practicing and training as such father, mother, honestly.”

Subaru chuckled. “Fine fine but make sure to try some ‘normal’ fun too. If it makes you feel any better you have orders from your king to play with your younger siblings. Got that?”

Leo smiled. “Yes father, I will.”

Subaru looked back at Crusch. “I really don’t want to hold you up more than I have to so let’s go take care of this. Hopefully it won't take more than a few hours and you can be on your way before sundown.”

Crusch sighed, almost seeming tired by it, but then her expression shifted to one of professional resolve, befitting a queen and the master of house Karsten. “Yes, let us be on our way dear husband.” 

Subaru looked to Wilhelm. “Watch over Leo for me if you don’t mind Grandpa Wilhelm.”

Wilhelm bowed politely. “Of course your majesty.”

“And be sure not to push yourself too far when you are away either, okay?” Subaru tacked on.

Wilhelm chuckled. “Of course, while age may be an enemy I cannot overcome, I can still swing my sword quite well.”

Subaru laughed. “I don’t think you’ll ever grow too old to swing your sword.”

“That is my hope.”

As he spoke with Wilhelm, Crusch looked her husband over, a frown crossing her face.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, tilting his head.

She reached over and adjusted his collar lightly, “Honestly your majesty, you need to make sure your appearance befits your station.”

“Ah, yeah I guess.”
He said with a laugh, blushing as he was pulled in close.

Crusch pulled him forward towards herself as they both shared a passionate kiss, lost in each other’s worlds for but an instant. Subaru threw one arm around her back to hold her close.

Wilhelm let out a silent chuckle while Leo looked away embarrassed.

Do they really have to do that in front of me?”

The young lion thought.

I won’t say anything but still, it's not…

“Seriously, take care of yourself when you are away.” Subaru said as he broke the kiss.

“I will, do not worry” She said, placing a hand over her own stomach. “I wish to get as much as I can done now, before you perhaps render me unfit for my political duties yet again.”

Subaru laughed. “Yeah, a lot of the people at court complain about your absences. I guess it would be my fault if that happens again.”

She smirked. “It would be.” She grabbed his arm. “Now then, let’s be off.”

Wilhelm bowed and Leo bowed as Subaru and Crusch left to attend their business.

Subaru spared them a glance and a smile on his face.

Seriously, that kid is way too stern for his age. I know why but still…

He considered for a few moments and then sighed, smiling before walking off himself. 

Wilhelm turned to the young heir of house Karsten, and possibly the entire kingdom. “Well, your highness, do you wish to continue your training? I could assist you, if you would let me?”

Leo’s face lit up for a moment before he quickly composed himself again. Clearing his throat he nodded his head. “It would be my honor, Great Grandfather Wilhelm.” He stood at attention with a hand on his chest.

Wilhelm nodded slowly. He knew Leo wished to be drilled like any noble pursuing the sword would be. He did not wish to deny his great grandson of this. 

“Very well then, let us return to the field.”

Leading him out he had Leo demonstrate a few of the sequences he had been practicing. Wilhelm studied the boy’s stance and movements closely and carefully.

Leo’s movements were swift, precise, focused, textbook even. There was a slight stagnation he noticed in the sequence but that was due to a lack of personalization due to his young age. The boy had already achieved a level of swordsmanship that would make him qualified for being a proper royal knight of the kingdom.

Wilhelm smiled. “Very good, very good indeed. I must say your form is excellent, your highness.”

Leo sheathed his sword as he finished his demonstration. “Thank you Sir Wilhelm. Your praise means the world to me.” 

When in the midst of training, Leo couldn’t help but return to habits of discipline and formality. 

Wilhelm cleared his throat. “But obviously there is room for improvement, there is always room for improvement or refinement of techniques…” He paused, the image of his grandson by blood entered his mind. “With one exception perhaps.”

Leo nodded his head. “Well then, I shall forever strive to be the best that I can be. Please guide me in the next steps for me to take.”

Wilhelm thought for a moment. “You retain the even handedness of your mother’s style, that would make sense as she is your primary tutor, but you retain my aggressive posture in your sequences and cuts. You advance with your cuts, trying to drive the enemy back and applying constant pressure.”

“That is correct, my mother provided me with my foundations, but you helped refine my edge so far.”

Wilhelm nodded and picked up two wooden practice swords, tossing one to Leo. “Then let us work on your reactions, how you apply your sequences and swings when faced with opposition.”

Leo grabbed the wooden blade as it was tossed to him, readying himself with a firm stance, ready to charge the sword demon.

Leo then advanced, beginning a series of swift and precise blows meant to break and bypass the sword demon’s guard. Wilhelm casually blocked and parried the blows, keeping his motions relatively slow and predictable to start, but as Leo’s speed increased, as the aggression in his attacks picked up momentum, Wilhelm found himself putting more and more effort into his defense and occasional offensive swings.

The two continued their swordplay back and forth. One could mistake it even for a proper duel. 

Eventually Wilhelm raised his hand to stop the duel. “That is enough for now.”

Leo stopped on the spot, breathing heavily.

Wilhelm smiled. “Well done, now then, take a minute to catch your breath. I have a few things I think I can show you.”

And so the sword demon began to train the young prince, instructing him properly in the art of the sword.

After an hour of training, a few others approached the pair as they trained.

The first was the young prince Tonnura, the white haired quarter elf watching in awe as the sword demon swung his blade. Joining him was his elder sister Chochorina who giggled and watched the show.

The final one to join them was Cassiopeia, the blonde youth having rushed over when she heard that the sword demon had not yet left.

“Hey! Great Grandpa Wilhelm!” She waved wildly at the sword demon. “Ya didn’t leave yet?” She asked, resting her hand on her sword at her side.

He paused, looking down at the young and fiery princess. “Ah, yes Lady Cassiopeia, Lady Crusch was delayed by some political matters.”

Cassiopeia looked over at Leo, who stiffened his posture again upon seeing his half siblings approach. “Well, if you are training Leo then I want a go too while you are still here.”

She asked, though her tone was somewhat that of a demand.

Wilhelm chuckled. “Well as long as young Leo does not mind sharing, it would be remiss of me to deny an opportunity for another one of my pupils to train, since I imagine Reinhard is not around.”

“Nope, busy again.” Cassiopeia shrugged.

Tonnura then shuffled forward, the young prince approaching his half brother. “Actually, I was hoping I could train with you for a bit, Big Brother Leo.” Tonnura’s smile was as bright as his father’s.

Leo looked over his younger half brother, and offered a half smile as he sighed. “Obviously as your elder brother it is my duty to help your growth. I would be honored to help you brother Tonnura.”

“Thank you!” Tonnura hugged Leo, catching the prince off guard. 

“!!”

“Ah Sorry, I got excited.” Tonnura rubbed his own head as he stepped back. “But you do really need to learn to relax more Big Brother Leo.”

Leo paused and let out a sigh, smiling again. “You are right, sorry Tonnura, I was being too impersonal again. I'm happy to practice with you.”

As Leo spoke he noticed Cassia cast him a sidelong glance. An unseen tension passed between the two.

“Loosen up.” Cassia remarked, plainly and directly.

Leo sighed. “Anyways Tonnura, let’s get started.”

A practice match was soon set up between Tonnura and Leo. The two began with just swordplay, Leo finding himself slightly pushed back though. Not due to Tonnura having superior skill, but superior raw power. Even with the slight age gap between them, Tonnura’s elven blood gave him a natural advantage.

But it was not enough to overcome Leo’s advanced skills. Leo advanced forward, shifting his combat style, both their wooden blades glanced and parried off of each other.

Leo’s blows were precise and direct, while Tonnura’s lacked quite the refinement needed to keep up the assault he unleashed his own powerful swings and cuts to try and push his elder brother back.

Leo’s face remained cold and composed.

Tonnura struggled and groaned as he continued to press his own assault.

But then, with a single feint Leo managed to maneuver around Tonnura’s guard, deflecting Tonnura’s own swing, sidestepping him, and delivering a solid hit to Tonnura’s side.

“Match” Leo said bluntly.

“Ah, yeah, you win Brother! But did I do good?”

Leo paused, and smiled. “Yes you did just fine Brother Tonnura.”

Wilhelm nodded along. “Very good Tonnura, now while Lady Cassiopeia trains with Leo, I'll give you some pointers.”

“Ah okay Great Grandpa!” and Tonnura rushed over to the sword demon with a smile.

Casseopiea grinned as she twirled her practice blade. “Hope ya aren’t too tired out?”

Leo stared back at her, shaking his head. “Hardly. I can face you well enough sister.”

“Well then, let’s see if you really got what it takes to be on top here.” She grinned widely.

“That isn’t my goal, it's our responsibility to keep reaching higher.” He replied coolly.

“If you say so, let’s get started then!”

And the two rushed at each other, a dramatic difference in techniques. Cassiopeia’s moves were aggressive, direct, liner, and ferocious. A rapid rain of power blow after power blow that sought to shatter Leo’s guard and batter him into submission, delivered at such speed that dodging or redirecting the blows would be infeasible.

Leo however retained his cool demeanor. His posture was tight, yet fluid, his defenses keen and on point. Rather than meet her blows head on he used his speed to redirect and parry them aside, trying to jab and thrust at her when he had an opening.

Leo couldn’t be aggressive against Cassia, he knew that was a fool’s errand. Instead he would dodge, redirect, bend with the wind. 

Their blades clashed again and again, their swords splinting lightly as they continued to collide again and again.

A cool look of intense focus was across Leo’s face.

While a look of relentless directed aggression dominated Cassia’s expression.

The fight picked up speed and intensity, more and more until…

“Alright that is enough for now.” Wilhelm clapped his hands together.

Cassia and Leo both breathed heavily, disengaging at the sword demon’s request.

“Well then, good to see that you are both on point. I almost believed I was looking at a true battle.

Both half siblings smiled at the praise, along with one other they stood at the apex of the royal children, with Chochorina being considered in her own category due to her raw magical power yet lack of sense.

“That was great!” Chochorina cheered from the side, Adhara had appeared to join her amidst the duel, smiling silently as her elder sister beamed with joy upon seeing the duel between her half siblings. “You were both awesome! And you were great too little brother Tonnura.”

“Ugh why do I feel like I was just tacked on here.” Tonnura grumbled, but still wore a smile. “Seriously, you two were amazing as always.”

Cassia laughed. “I know I know, but I have to keep getting stronger.” She pumped her fist. “After all, someone has to knock the proud looks off this bastard here and Helena.” She pointed her thumb at Leo.

“If you wish to injure my pride sister, you’ll find its one fortress you cannot simply rend asunder.” Leo replied with a confident grin across his face.

“Give me time, give me time. I’ll smack that look off your face.” Aggression was clear in her voice, but also a certain fondness. 

Wilhelm cleared his throat. “Now then, take a moment to rest, all of you. Then we can resume.”

Chochorina rushed over and created a pile of snow “Ah rest here! It will cool you off.”

Adhara walked up to her siblings and smiled. “Was fun.~” Her tone was soft and sweet towards Leo and Cassiopeia.

“Thanks little sis.” Cassiopeia’s aggression fell away as she patted Adhara on the head.

Adhara giggled.

“Glad I could entertain you, little sister.” Leo also smiled at her.

And so after a brief rest, the disciples of the sword demon continued their rigorous training.

***

Later that day, Crusch, Leo, and Wilhelm were standing near the dragon carriage. The servants had just finished loading the luggage when a figure approached them both, he was a man in his twenties wearing a dark coat of nobility.

He was a man with shoulder length blonde hair, dark eyes, and a refined but weary air about him. Nevertheless he had a sharpness that put Crusch and the rest on edge.

“Your Majesty Crusch Natsuki Karsten.” He bowed, his tone was cold but also considerate.

“Duke Valeth Barbatos. You came to see us off?”

He nodded his head, a soft but distant smile on his face. “Well I wished to see you and your son safe travels.”

The two locked gazes, both held cold looks for each other. 

“Was that truly all? You are not one to act on sentimentality. You also rarely like to speak with me personally.”

The man sighed, frowning  “I suppose I shall take that as a compliment, but no, that is not all. I wished to make a request of you, for your consideration.”

“Which would be?”

“I would greatly appreciate it if your knight were to visit my domain.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“There have been incidents of a few victims suffering from unusual curses.” He explained.

“Their healing has been slow and they do not match our current records. I was hoping he could perhaps examine them, gaps in my knowledge, trouble me a fair bit.”

She detected no wind of untruth from him. 

“And your personal investment in this?” her gaze remained cautious.

“One victim is the family of an acquaintance of mine, another is in my employ, any others just happen to be citizens of my domain.”

She paused. “If he is available I'm certain he would be willing to help. Is time of the issue?”

“They are stable, but if he could head over to my domain quickly, that would be ideal. I would owe you a personal favor.”

“A valuable thing from one such as yourself.” She responded.

He nodded his head. “I understand issues remain between your family and certain parts of the nobility are strained. You are well aware that…”

“Yes, I know you in particular had no part of that farce, or in my more recent personal matters."

Her tone became almost acidic.

“But I also understand what sort of man you are, Duke Barbatos. You yourself rose to true prominence out of that chaos. I do not take kindly to those who profit from the kingdom’s instability like a vulture.”

He paused and then considered his words, before a soft smile returned to his face. “I am not quite sure you have me completely figured out, your majesty. But I know you understand enough that we are likely people with irreconcilable differences. And it is true I will take whatever opportunity is presented before me, I am honest about the sort of man I am. But I do act in the matter that I see as the most benifical.”

She nodded her head. “That much we can agree upon.”

He sighed, but a soft smile graced his lips. “Well then, I shall bid you a safe journey then.”

He bowed and left, along with his small escort.

Leo looked up at his mother, who still wore an intense look.

As the duke vanished, she turned back to Leo.

“Is he a problem mother?”

“Not, like the others are, no. He’s more a… political difficulty your father and I regularly have to deal with.”

“I see, I shall be wary of him then.”

“See that you are please. Unlike many of the other scum around here, he is quite capable."

She led her son by the hand into the dragon carriage, as the two headed off for the Karsten domain. 

While in the dragon carriage, Leo peered out the window to see the city, a smile on his face.

Crusch looked at her son with motherly care, though she frowned as she saw her son's expression darken.

Etched in black graffiti paint on a tavern's outer wall, was a simple statement.

"Acursed be the WITCH KING and his VILE SPAWN"

Leo sighed, looking down at but dejectedly. "Father is not... we are not..."

Crusch's fist tightened, both at the derogatory message and at the impact it had on her son. She breathed out and pulled him in for a hug, holding him in her embrace.

"Its just a few foolish people, nothing to worry about."

"But... they tried to hurt father already..."

"I know... I know..."

Chapter Text

After a few days of travel, the Dragon Carriage approached the Karsten Estate. 

“I hope the others are doing okay.” Leo remarked as the manor came into view.

Crusch smiled at him. “Worried about your younger siblings?”

“Of course? It is my duty to be worried, though… I suppose Kiara has a good handle on things, especially if Uncle Felix is there.”

Crusch chuckled. “Yes, I think Kiara is quite capable of taking care of them all, Ferris included.”

Leo laughed lightly as both jested lightly at the healer’s expense. 

Pulling up to the estate they were greeted by two people. The first being Felix, slightly older but still feminine looking with a lean and beautiful body, his dress a bit longer than the one he wore when younger.

“Ah! Lady Crusch, it's good to see you nya!” He said happily.

The smaller figure next to him was a beautiful young girl with amber eyes and long black hair. “Mother, Brother Leo, it's good to see you both well.” Despite her young age she spoke with every bit of the maturity one would expect of a noblewoman.

Crusch smiled. “And it is good to see you Kiara.” She gave her eldest daughter a hug. “How have your younger siblings been?”

Kiara smiled at her. “They are doing well, Laith is still spending way too long in the library at night. I had to send in Aria to drag him out.”

Leo sighed and shook his head. “He really needs to learn that he does need sleep.”

Kiara let out a slight laugh. “I seem to recall that you also used to push yourself way too far brother.”

“And I acknowledge my mistake sister, something I fear our little brother is incapable of in his own way.”

Kiara raised an eyebrow but smiled. “Glad to see you doing well Leo.” she then hugged him tightly.

He smiled and hugged her back.

Crusch motioned for Wilhelm and Felix to follow her inside. “Come now, we have matters to attend to. There is also something I need to discuss with you in private Ferris, a request was given to us that I am considering. It can be handled after the immediate business.”

“Oh? Understood Lady Crusch.” Felix said happily, though he noticed the seriousness of her tone.

As they walked inside, Kiara looked up to her mother. “So, how was the court mother? Are things going well?”

Crusch nodded her head. “Yes, so far things are proceeding without much issue. We recently cleared some gridlock among the nobility so right now Hoshin and Priscilla are handling the new budget and bureaucratic appointments.”

“Well that’s good to hear. Seems maybe you and father will have some more free time then?”

Crusch smiled, but let out a sigh. “Hopefully though I already spent much of my time these past years away from the heart of the court to raise you all. As much as it pains me I do need to make up for that time.”

Kiara paused. “I hope we haven’t been a burden to you mother.”

Leo also wore a look of concern, echoing her sister’s feelings.

Crusch paused and quickly lowered her hand to Kiara’s face. “Ah! Not at all Kiara. I simply mean that I wish to give your father as much support as I can. I would not trade the world for the time I spent bringing all of you up.”

Kiara nodded her head and smiled.

“You know Leo and I can take care of ourselves for the most part.”

Crusch kissed her on the forehead. “I am aware. You two have both grown to have the dignity and maturity expected of House Karsten”

“It’s because we had an amazing mother and father.” Leo remarked, Kiara nodding her head.

“And we had amazing children. Now then Kiara, where are your siblings?”

“They were in the lounge. I was cooking lunch. When I heard you were approaching I asked one of the servants to take over till I returned.”

“Well, take me to see them and then you can get back to that.”

“Very well Mother!” She smiled brightly and led her through the house. 

They soon entered one of the large living rooms of the estate. Inside was a small array of children.

A young green haired girl was happily laying back on the nearby sofa, casually adjusting and looking at her hair through a mirror as she lazily played with it.

A younger boy with black hair was sitting in a chair off to the side. Despite looking no more than five years old, his amber eyes were glued to the pages of a book, quickly scanning down the page and thumbing through it.

The last two figures in the room were two children playing with a small puzzle off to the side.

The taller of the two was a girl almost as tall as Kiara, with soft brown hair and a cheerful smile on her face.

The younger one was the smallest of the siblings, a child only four years old who happily played with his sister. He had green hair and distinct heterochromatic eyes, one being amber and the other blue.

His head quickly shot up upon seeing Crusch and the others enter.

“Ah Mama is home!” The young four year old boy hopped up and quickly rushed over to Crusch, hugging her like his entire world at the moment was just her being.

“Ah Aslan, I've only been gone for a day.” She smiled and softly patted his head, kneeling down to give him a proper hug.

“But… I missed you.” The young Aslan stared at her with his bright mismatched eyes.

Her resolve broke as she kissed him on the forehead, bringing him into another hug. “I know, I missed you too. You know how much I hate being away.”

The other two girls quickly rushed up, the other young boy putting his book down.

Leo looked to his brown haired sister. “Aria, I see that you were taking good care of Aslan.”

Aria chuckled. “Don’t I always? Not like Laith and Lenna are any help.” She playfully motioned to the other two with a smile. 

“Ugh, but you are so much better at it than me Aria.” The green haired Lenna remarked.

Aria smiled “Yes I know, maybe I should leave you alone with Aslan for a bit so you can learn.”

Leo then chuckled. “It would not hurt to have some life skills sister.”

Lenna huffed. “I have life skills.”

Laith raised an eyebrow. “Like what big sister?”

“Getting other people to do things for me! The most efficient life skill.” She smiled, as if she had the answer to all of life’s problems.

“Lenna’s lazy!” Aslan chimed.

The rest of the siblings shared a laugh at her expense.

Crusch looked between her children. “So what have you all been up to today?”

Laith smiled. “Ah I was going over more of the books in the family library, mostly on magical affinities theory and the such.” Despite being five he spoke with the lexicon of someone far beyond his age.

Lenna sighed. “Ugh, I still don’t get how you can go through all those books so quickly.” She muttered out. 

Aria chuckled. “At least he was actually doing something.”

Lenna let out a huff. “And you all do way too much!”

“And you Aria?” Crusch asked the brown haired girl.

“I was taking care of Aslan for the most part. He’s quite the handful when he wants to be.”

Crusch chuckled. “He’s calmer than you were.”

Kiara nodded. “Agreed mother.”

Aria giggled and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t mind it. Besides, it's fun playing with Aslan. Besides that I got a bit of my studies done, though I have another tutoring session later alongside Kiara. Though Lenna and Aslan don’t have much else to do, maybe brother Leo could put them to proper work.”

Leo smiled. “Perhaps I should have Lenna and Laith join me in practice later today then. I am certain you both would find the experience enlightening.”

Lenna gasped in dramatic horror. “Ah no absolutely not! I would certainly die! Please have mercy!”

Laith rapidly shook his head no. “Ah no no, with my fragile body I certainly couldn’t take it!”

Both seemed genuinely panicked by the idea of some hard physical labor, and looked to their mother for salvation.

“Hmm, we shall see. And Leo, don't tease them too much. I'm afraid you almost gave them both a heart attack.”

Leo nodded his head. “Yes mother, though they may need to both broaden their horizons.

Lenna shook her head. “My ‘horizons’ extend as far as I am happy with thank you.”

Crusch looked back to Kiara. “Kiara dear, could you finish having lunch prepared?”

“Yes mother.” Kiara said with a graceful smile as she turned about to leave. 

“Ah, Lenna, could you help me set the table?”

“Must I?”

“Yes”

Crusch, Kiara, and Leo said in unison.

Lenna grumbled to herself as she followed her sister towards the kitchen and dining room.

Aria picked up the young Aslan and held him in her arms. “Shall I go back to playing with Aslan mother? Or is there something else you need to do?”

Crusch looked back at Felix. “The people you requested haven't arrived yet Lady Crusch, you have some time.”

Crusch then turned back to Aria with a smile. “Then I believe I have the opportunity to spend time with my children.”

Aria giggled. “Thanks Mommy”

“Yay! Time with Mommy.” Aslan cheered.

Laith smiled. “Well then I shall return to reading if that is fine by everyone.”

Aria giggled. “You’d keep reading even if it wasn’t fine.”

Laith huffed a bit.

Aria brought out a new puzzle, one designed by their father, for them to play with, scrambling it on the floor as Aslan began to pick through the pieces, Crusch and Aria helping him as he tried to solve it.

Laith remained off to the side, the five year old fingering through the book with just as much glee as before. 

Leo sat with him off to the side, away from the rest of the family for now.

As the girls continued to play, Laith occasionally glanced up at Leo, who merely sat in his chair, watching them or watching nothing at all.

“You are thinking too much brother.” Laith remarked as he flipped another page.

“And you talk too much.” Leo retorted with a raised eyebrow.

“It is the curse of those gifted by the world with greater intelligence, such as myself.”

“Says the five year old.” Leo said in a deadpan fashion.

“And yet my words can prove sharper than your blade.”

“Perhaps you need to sharpen your blade brother. I can always make good on my idea to train you.”

Laith gasped and shook his head, a hand over his heart. “Ah such cruelty brother!”

Despite the possible hostility one might sense in the discussion, Leo’s posture loosened and he leaned back a bit.

Latih went back to fingering through his book before he looked back up at Leo. “So eldest brother Leo, how are things in the capital?”

“Going well enough. It seems things are remaining calm for now, father and his wives managed to get all the affairs in order...”

“But… something is bothering you?” Laith inquired.

“A bit. I still worry about Father, is all.” Leo sighed lightly. 

“Oh, you know Father can handle himself. He has many wives to help him.”

“Something I've learned recently is rather irregular.”

Laith. “You expected our father of all people to be ordinary?”

“True, in many ways he is more extraordinary than all of our mothers.”

Laith. “Oh? Rarely do you not put Mother on the highest of pedestals.”

“Mother would agree with my statement.”

“True” Laith flipped through another page.

“I wouldn’t worry. Our father is the sage, he knows best.”

“I know. I am more aware of things now.”

“See, this is the advantage of expanding your knowledge brother!” Laith said with a grin.

“I am not taking advice from a five year old.”

“But brother, I am smarter.”

“Three laps around the estate, sunrise tomorrow.” Leo spoke with a deadpan voice.

Laith’s eyes widened as he quickly turned his attention back to his book.

***

The family had sat themselves down for dinner, all of them assembled as they began their meal, quietly eating for the most part when the door suddenly opened.

Subaru stepped out of the door and smiled. “Hey there! Anyone miss me?”

Lenna launched herself from her seat. “Daddy!” She ran at him with surprising speed and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re here!”

“Papa!” Aslan also hoped up out of his seat, his legs too short to simply stand up from the chair. He rushed over and also hugged Subaru tightly.

“Mhm! I had Beako use Door Crossing to get me over. I figured I could at least pop in for today and see my lovely sons and daughters.” He spoke as he still held Lenna and Aslan.

“So how are my little princess and little prince doing?”

“Great daddy! Because you’re here!” Lenna beamed, smiling and holding her close. “You're normally so busy or playing around with the others!”

“Well there IS only one of me.” Subaru laughed. “But I can for sure spare some time for you all.” He brought Lenna and Aslan back to their seats as he went around the table greeting his children.

“Leo, hope you are keeping out of trouble.” He patted Leo on the shoulder and then on the head to mess with his hair.

“Ah yes father I am doing well.”

As he stepped by Kiara he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “And how is my little lioness?"

“All is fine with me father, don’t worry.” Kiara’s smile was warm as she hugged him back.

As he went over to Aria he gave the young girl a hug. “And how have you been?”

Aria giggled. “I’ve been fine, I hope they aren’t giving you too much trouble at court father? Would be a shame if they started bullying the king.”

Subaru laughed. “If they did that they’d have several very angry and very scary women to deal with.”

“Indeed” Crusch remarked as she took a bite of her food.

As he went over to Latih he pulled out a new book. “Got something for you, Betty recommended it.”

Laith’s eyes lit up. “Ah a book recommended by Aunt Beatrice herself! I shall read it post haste!”

“Ugh what kind of five year old kid says post haste?”

“One with great intelligence Father. After all a proper man shall be a well educated one”

“And my son shall be a very well educated, very proper man.” Crusch added.

Subaru laughed. “I still don’t get how you are my kid at times being such a bookworm.” he said with an amused sigh as Crusch smiled.

As Subaru sat down at the table, Kiara hurried off and rushed back with a plate.

“You made one for me?” Subaru asked.

“Of course! Though it just means we don’t have any spare. I don’t let food go to waste after all Father.”

“That’s a good girl, always thinking ahead.” He patted her on the head, Kiara smiling and performing a graceful curtsey as she sat herself back down.

And so the family continued their meal, now being complete.

***

After the family lunch, Crusch took Subaru into a side room along with Felix. Leo and Kiara were permitted to follow. 

Later that evening, Subaru and Crusch sat down in her office, Leo was also invited and permitted to stand to the side.

Crusch sighed. “So besides the increased Mabeast activity, i’m also here to investigate the supposed smuggling ring that has been using a path through our domain.”

Subaru raised an eyebrow. “So I heard, but I thought something like that was beneath you.”

“It would be, if local land owners weren't seemingly actively involved.”

Subaru frowned. 

“This is an issue beneath a crown and queen, but not beneath the master of this duchy, that still remains myself. Till the title is passed to one of our children.”

Subaru nodded his head. “As I said, do you need my help.”

“No, though the fact you offer always warms my heart.” She sighed, resting her head as she pondered to herself. “Sometimes I do wonder, perhaps I could have…”

“Don’t start with that, we talked about this.” Subaru said to her, walking up to her and taking her hand. “We are in this together, all of us. Handle this issue, deal with the security around the Mabeasts, and then come back home. Everyone else is going to miss the kids.”

She chuckled. “True I suppose. Our children truly are a blessing.”

Subaru leaned back up. “Also I heard Duke Barbatos stopped you on the way out?”

Crusch nodded her head. “He requested Ferris’ services to handle some curses that have appeared in his area.”

“I see.” Subaru considered. “There have been reports of new curses popping up here and there. I was having some people look into it.”

“An outbreak of curses, you don’t think…”

“Yeah, also having people look into that. Felt’s pulling some strings, seeing what comes loose.”

“Gusteko again…” She clenched her fist. 

“Crush…”

“I’m still in agreement with Priscilla and Felt, that you should have.”

“A lot of people would die.”

“They tried to take your life.” She slammed her fists on the table.

“A lot of people have.” Subaru sighed. 

She shook her head. “That time, you know the others and I shall not forgive them. If it wasn’t for Vincent, Vollachia would be deserving of an equal penalty.”

“I know, but I won’t be having our entire world at war over my life. And I won’t be raising our children in such an environment. The world needs time to heal, as do we.”

Leo then cleared his throat. “Father is correct Mother.”

Both stared at him.

Leo looked between the two, his tone a bit unsteady. “I… hate anyone who tried to harm our family, however what would happen if we tried to War with Gusteko, and possibly Vollachia. It would cause more misery. Those most directly responsible were already taken care of, from what I understand, and I know you both have not told any of us the full picture but… A war at this point would ruin everything you all hope to build, would it not.”

Crusch sighed, leaning back. “I know… you are both right.” She smiled at Leo. “You truly are your father’s son in the best way, you have his heart.”

Subaru chuckled. “Yeah, he’s better than me in almost every other. I think he could already hand my butt to me in a swordfight.”

Leo blushed.

Crusch looked back at Subaru, and then to Leo. “Leo, if you would not mind, go and play with your siblings. I wish to speak with your father.”

Leo blinked a few times and nodded his head. “Ye-yes mother.” As he bowed and quickly took his leave.

Subaru looked back. “What was that about?”

Crusch stood up, walking around the desk. She hugged him tightly, and pulled him in for a kiss.

Subaru fell into it, almost moaning as he quivered against her, before breaking the kiss.

“Hungry I see” He teased and snaked an arm around her back.

Crusch stared him right in the eyes. “Do you have to go back tonight?”

“No? Why…”

“Tonight would normally be my night. You’ll be staying here.”

He paused, laughing lightly as he let his other arm snake around her lower back. “Well with a look like that in your eye, how can I say no?”

She smirked. “You cannot.”

Chapter Text

Crusch and Subaru had quickly retired to their bedroom.

They had two in the Karsten Estate. One was close to the children's bedroom, at the end of that same hall.

This was their second bedroom, a bit smaller but also farther away from the rest of the bedrooms. 

She had pulled him towards the bed, arms wrapped around the back of his head, eagerly and passionately making out with him while she started pulling away his clothes, and peeling off her own with equal eagerness. By the time they got to the bed they were only in their undergarments, as she pulled him into it, side by side with her. 

Once in bed, Subaru broke the kiss to speak. “So I didn't get to ask, how did your meetings today go?” he asked as he began to sit up, that one question like a cold towel over the passionate mood that had pervaded between them a second prior.

“Must you?” She asked, her voice a soft and tired whine, one hand playfully slapped his chest, before she pulled him in closer again. Not permitting him to fully break skin to skin contact with herself. As if her body eagerly needed his presence. 

He laughed, 'I got to make sure everything is okay with my wife after all.”

She leaned her head against the pillow of the bed. “I met with some of the nobles and officials I still trusted, instructed them to forward what info they could to me and to gather what forces they had no hand to intercept the smugglers and deal with the Mabeasts. If need be Wilhelm and I shall engage ourselves against the latter.”

He frowned. “Just be sure to be careful.”

She smiled. “I may not have as much practice as I used to, but my blade is still sharp, I guarantee you that Subaru.”

He nodded along. “I suppose when I get back to the castle tomorrow, I can prep a knight force just in case. Also let me know if you need any other support sent over. I can probably squeeze that in between my meetings and time with the others.” 

She sighed and shook her head. “I still don’t understand how you manage to find time to relax while doing everything you do. I can barely balance between being a mother for our children, and doing what duties I must.”

“Honestly, most of my job is delegation, I make sure capable people are where they need to be. Like you.”

She smiled. “I'm glad I have your trust in this regard.”

“Of course, you're probably one of the most reliable people I know Crusch.”

She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Same to you.”

“Truthfully, I think being with you has been among the best things to happen to me, I never thought that I could… well. I’m certainly a different person, a different woman now than who I was before.”

“To me you are still the same amazing and reliable Crusch.” he softly rubbed at her cheek, and ran some fingers through her green hair.

“Maybe, but the old me was not someone who could see herself as a wife, or as a mother. I was… far too lost in those ambitions of mine.”

He smiled and kissed her forehead. “You still have those you know, you just apply them in a different way now. You are an amazing leader, so of course you are an amazing wife, and an amazing mother as well. You give it your all in everything you chose to do.”

“And yet you still manage to get past any armor I put up, manage to worm your way into my heart… and my bed.” She teased.

“Now that makes me sound very sinful.” He teased right back. “Are you that eager to get back into it?”

“Aren’t you? You are the one who put so many children in me.” She wriggled her body, adjusting herself now to bed atop him as she sat herself up, staring down at him.

She gently drew her hands across his chest. “When I'm with you, I can let go of that rage I felt before, that…”

“You don't have to say it. Besides, we still have our troubles.” He sighed. “Don’t make me out to be perfect please.”

She frowned, “Our troubles are mostly due to the machinations of others.”

“Well that's true… by the way, how is Leo doing? He still seems a bit stiff.” Subaru asked, a bit of paternal concern slipping back into his voice. 

 “He just is like that dear but, I know what you mean.” She leaned down back against him, letting out a soft sigh to try and relieve her own tension. It seemed that just touching him, pressing against him, brought great relief to the Valkyrie. 

“We really fucked up” he leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “Didn’t we?” He let out a grim soft laugh.

She held him a bit tighter, fingers digging at his chest. “Didn't you say we shouldn't blame ourselves?” 

“Maybe, yeah I did and we shouldn't but… I do have to think.” He shook his head. “Well no sense in really thinking more about it more I guess. He's doing better, that is what matters.”

She smiled. “I am proud of him.”

“Yeah, I am too.” Subaru commented,

She pressed her head on his and then locked with his gaze, one hand softly playing with his hair. “I still feel angry about it… not at him, not at you, maybe at myself but…”

Subaru shook his head “You fired half the house staff and court staff over it, can't get much more scorched earth than that within legal limits you know.”

She sighed, letting herself fall against him. “Maybe, but I still hate them. What they tried to turn our son into… what they let him start to turn himself into. My son should think of himself as more than an extension of us.”

He gripped her face, staring right at her. “Crusch, I've been there. It's a fight, I've told you what it was like for me before I came to Lugunica, it was…”

“I don't want him to suffocate in our shadow.” She held herself to him, her face pressed against the side of his own. 

“Yeah, but he's strong enough to pull himself out of it. He's more impressive than I was at his age.”

She kissed his lips. “He truly is remarkable.”

“Aren't they all.”

“Yes, maybe we should have more?” She teased and dragged a finger down his body. Clearly adoring his entire form as she pressed herself on him.

He laughed and wrapped an arm around her naked back. “I thought the others at court convinced you to back down on that?”

She huffed while smiling. “And yet I desire more?” 

“I mean it's a fun process to make them” his hands roamed to her behind and gripped it, causing her to shudder.

“Very very fun.” she smiled softly at him. “And yet Priscilla is the one of us who you have given the most children.” She pouted and stared at him with a soft accusation in her eyes.

“To be fair, Priscilla somehow manages to be a full time mother, queen, and everything in between… I have no idea how she does it.” He pondered.

They both laughed. 

“So, shall we…” Crusch asked.

“Ah no! Seriously you get worked up like this even when I don’t cross-dress. Starting to think you also have a pregnancy fetish too at this rate!”

Crush pouted, her cheeks reddening. ”You are simply awful, your Majesty.”

“You aren’t even denying it!” Subaru accused as both laughed and then Crusch kissed him again.

“Then let me make it clear. I am a woman who adores my husband, I adore his personality, his mind, and certainly his body. And I certainly enjoy his company, socially, and physically.” Her otherwise serious and straightforward delivery was betrayed by a mischievous smile. “But duties are duties, and I will be the first to admit I dedicate myself zealously to the role of mother. So I will relent for now, but I fully expect to be given leave to have my husband as a wife should.” She pressed a finger to his lips.

“Do we have an understanding?”
Despite her soft tone, her voice was commanding, direct, passionate. The woman is fully comfortable and confident with her desires, and she fully expects her husband to fulfill them.

Subaru chuckled. “No complaints from me on that front.”

“Good, because you are not allowed to sleep until I am satisfied.”

“Thought I was supposed to rest?” He teases.

“This has priority.” she remarked flatly. 

**

At that point the dam broke. Crusch pulled him into a passionate and aggressive kiss, the two pressing their bodies onto each other, picking up exactly where they were when they entered the room.

Her hands ran down his frame while his arms remained coiled around her body, eagerly griping and grabbing at her. Whatever clothes she had left were quickly thrown to the side of the bed, leaving nothing left upon the woman. Her breathing hitched and quickened as she gasped, trembling against him as she felt him embrace her. 

That only lasted for a moment before she kissed him again with a renewed and almost primal hunger, like she desired to eat him alive.

It was in these moments that she became a true glutton, for her husband’s affection and his lusts. One hand softly rubbed at his face while the other gripped at his side to brace herself as she continued to softly moan.

His own grip upon her remained tight, one hand at her side and one behind her as they rocked against each other with an equal amount of eager passion.

For these two, this was a battle of passion where they fought with, and against each other. 

While she was certainly a commander, a leader, and in most parts of their relationship she assertively took control, this was a battlefield where she quickly and inevitably lost. 

Soon she found herself on her back, crying, squirming and moaning, begging for more as her husband laid atop her, pressed against her, free to do with her as he will.

He continued to kiss her, she continued to hold onto him, eagerly devouring his lips back in turn as the bed creaked beneath them.

“Ah, so still not satisfied?” He asked, teasingly as he licked at the side of her face.

“Ha..hardly.” She wrapped an arm around the back of his head and pulled him in for another kiss. “I want… everything you can give me!”

“Don’t say I didn’t warm you.” He pressed against her again as she let out a sharp cry. Clearly taken to the height of bliss already. One she would not come down from till she fell asleep exhausted, but very very satisfied. 

Chapter Text

A young girl made her way through the halls of the royal palace, she had long midnight black hair, and eyes like ruby gems, matching the one she wore on a ring adorning her right hand. 

As she walked, her every step seemed to radiate a burning presence, every step she took was purposeful and self assured. Upon her face was a cheerful and proud smile, briming with absolute confidence in her own being. 

As maids and knights were passed by her, they halted whatever task they were doing, and bowed their heads. 

Some unsavory sort might even doubt who her father was, based upon her natural grandeur, but none would mistake who the mother of the twelve year old girl may be.

As she made her way through the palace, the young woman paused and noticed a one armed shabby knight-like figure leaning against a nearby wall. 

“Oh, Little Princess. Was wondering where you were today.” Al said.

“Surveying the palace, it shall be mine one day shall it not Uncle Al?” she said, with firm confidence in the outcome and a calm smile on her face.

Al laughed. “I mean, you’ll have to beat out Leo and Cassiopeia, though you got my vote.”

She smiled. “My half-siblings, while indeed excellent and close to my heart, cannot fully match my brilliance.” As she spoke her hands dramatically flourished over her own body. “If even by some impossible stroke of ill fortune I am not given the crown properly, they shall both come to rely upon my sagacious counsel and insight, that is the way of things. In the end I am destined to stand at the apex of this kingdom, no matter the exact outcome, such is the path that the world has laid before me.”

The complete and firm confidence in her voice should have made the one armed knight shudder, but he was used to it by now. Her words were not just a proclamation of the future, like her mother would have, but a true promise of things to come and all she would do to make such a future occur. 

“Ugh, at times I think you are worse than your mother. I mean with the queen when she does something and it just works out that way for her. But you don’t just do that, you actually think the entire thing through to the end.”

“I am my father’s daughter, just as much as I am my mother’s. Please do not forget that Uncle Al, as many foolish people do.” She said, smiling at the one armed man.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Good, otherwise I may have to find myself indulging my mother’s pastime of physical retribution for unsightly behavior.”

“Ugh I hoped that you wouldn’t get that habit.” The one armed man groaned. 

Helena smiled and began to walk past him. “It is a thought that has crossed my mind for certain individuals, such as jester uncles Or I could play and train with you like I did when I was younger, it was such fun throwing you up into the air, punching you into walls, or striking that helmet to test my own strength.”

Al winced. "Yeah I mean, aren't you getting a bit old for that?" He chuckled awkwardly as he remembered all the times he 'played' with the little princess. Truthfully he didn't mind it too much, but sometimes she was far far too intense.

The young girl retained her proud and confident smile. "Whatever I do shall be appropriate for mine own age, such is my will and thus the world."

“Once again, fair enough.” Al let out a laugh and stood himself back upright. “Anyways you and your mother just got back today right? She’s in her office handling some work that piled up while you were gone.”

She sighed. “Such is the work of those who exist at the apex, it is never truly complete. Very well, I shall intrude upon her then.” 

“Good luck, you got some gnats also looking to see her.”

The princess stopped. “Oh? Already?” A curious eyebrow raised, a slight twitch in her smile. “They must be looking for something, my mother and the merchant queen are among the few of this esteemed house that they have not completely destroyed their relationship with.”

She considered her options for a moment. Truthfully she was in no mood to play the game of court today. “Uncle Al, you shall accompany me and then stand guard.”

“Oh? Need my help?” he asked.

Helena began to make her way back down the hall, Al followed.

“Why yes, the nobility awaiting my mother already, who has only just returned with mine self, shall be among the most shameless and pandering sort with no regard for subtlety or proper decorum. They are not worth my time nor my mother’s. However they are the sort of insects attracted to brilliant flames such as mine-self. As such your presence, as uncouth, intimidating, and unwieldy as it is, shall serve as proper repellent for them.” She explained her thought process to her favorite ‘Uncle’ as it were.

“Well that tracks. Sure thing, happy to bat away some pests for ya Little Princess.”

“My thanks for your service.” She said with a satisfied proud smile as she continued along through the halls.

I am also worried Mother may still be annoyed by what she witnessed earlier. Uncle Al’s presence may aid in keeping the peace. 

***

Helena reflected upon her conversation with her mother from early in the morning, when they were returning from a territory that was under the royal family’s rule, somewhat close to the capital.

Priscilla sat across from Helena in the carriage, as the two had their crimson eyes locked onto each other. Each had an intense gaze that would seemingly be primed to burn the other, but instead they were locked in perfect equilibrium, two suns perfectly balanced.

“So then my dear daughter, it seems the territory has done quite well under your guiding hand. Not that I would expect anything less of you. I am most pleased with the results, yes!” Priscilla fanned herself as she spoke.

“Many thanks Mother, I am only too happy to have made the territory delivered unto mineself by you and Father prosper to its fullest potential.” The little sun princess smiled, clearly self satisfied with her work.

Priscilla laughed. “Indeed, to think that many would have dared to doubt your ability in this regard. You possessed more talent to rule at six than they have had in the sum total of their lives. Those fools can only uselessly squawk and bicker.”

“And those that did offer their praise were among the brainless sycophants who only seek to ingratiate themselves by appealing to their perception of our vanity. They do not understand the truth that a sun is still a sun, a star is still a star, even if it is unseen.” Helena added.

“Exactly!” She pointed her fan at her daughter. “The world owes us adoration, it owes us its favor, but we do not require it, you do not require it.” Priscilla smiled, greatly satisfied by her daughter’s understanding.

Helena pondered and considered for a moment. “The question is, will daddy be proud.” her tone breaking into one slightly more appropriate for a girl her age.

Priscilla laughed. “Despite what you and the others may believe your father is quite an easy person to impress and to draw praises from. You know that very well.”

Helena sighed. “True, but my father’s praise and time is still a valuable thing that I must do all I can to earn as much as possible of.” She said with utmost seriousness, remaining in her father’s highest graces was of absolute priority to the young star. 

Priscilla sighed and shook her head, but the smile still remained on her face.

Priscilla began to fan herself again as the royal carriage made its way through the city. “Hmm the paths could still use some work, the mixture of buildings can be rather jarring to the eye.”

“Indeed.” Helena began. “But much of the budget has been focused on reconstruction, and the private residences can be constructed as they please. It would be beneath our station to impose restrictions on housing.”

“True, then perhaps…” The Sun Princess’s fan tightened as her gaze locked onto a nearby building.

Helena’s gaze also turned and a similar fury entered her own eyes.

One of the buildings, seemingly currently abandoned, had several graffiti tags on it.

One of them, half cleaned off but still visible read the words

“HeReTiC KING”

“WitchSPAWN”

“Usurpers of the Dragon”

Mixed in with other unrelated words.

A clear attempt had been made to clean it off, a few locals were doing so but as a few people passed it, there were clear whisperings in the crowd.

Priscilla turned herself towards the front of the carriage. “Driver Sto…”

“Don’t mother, please.” Helena’s voice was low, her default cheerfulness had vanished but her conviction remained.

“We shall not demean ourselves to respond to such accusations.”

Priscilla turned back. “I will tolerate no such talk of your foolish father or of yo…”

“I am aware of my status mother. Despite all the efforts of you, our mothers, and father we are aware. My fellow eldest and mine own self were conscious enough and aware of how others view us as profane.”

Priscilla looked as if she wished to burn not only the carriage they were in, but the entire city down at that instant. As if the entire world deserved to burn for DARING to think that of her daughter. “I see, I imagine you have spoken to Mercurius then. Hoshin’s child seems to have that annoying and useful habit of learning things he should not, from places he should not.”

She nodded her head. “I also spoke with Rigel and Chochorina about the matter.”

“Tsk, the half elf’s daughter?” Her tone, not malicious but rather surprised.

“Mine younger half sister by a few months shines as a star of ice and radiant light, just as I shine as a star of fire and life. I would give her more credit than you do mother.”

Priscilla sighed. “I suppose like her mother, despite her foolishness, the power is to be respected. Seems she is tempered by your father’s existence, unlike her mother.”

Helena smiled. “You still gain enjoyment out of teasing Mother Emilia I see Mother.”

Priscilla scoffed. “I shall continue to treat that woman as the fool, but she is a part of this family and has earned her place within it, as have we all. She is a half-wit and a fool but has fashioned herself from her cursed roots to become something greater.”

“And thus is worthy of your respect.”

“She is worthy enough to be a sister wife to our husband. That should more than explain my position.”

“Indeed mother.” Helena smiled. She was glad to redirect her mother’s rage towards another topic as they returned to the palace.

***

As she reflected upon the events of earlier, the Sun Princess encountered another two figures in the hallway.

Chochorina, happily humming to herself while her younger sister, Adhara, held her by the hand. Adhara was carrying a small black rabbit doll within her hands, made for her by her father.

“Ah big sister Helena! You’re back!” Chochorina raced up to her at high speeds, like a bolt of lightning.

Adhara practically dragged along through the air like a doll herself. 

“Uwah!”

Al chuckled. “Well the energy level in this room just doubled, if not tripled.”

Helena sighed, but then smiled at her younger half sisters. “Greetings Sister Chochorina, Sister Adhara. I trust you are doing well today?”

Chochorina took Helena into a big hug and even spun her around.

Helena reacted with grace and pois, as if such a thing were not unusual. 

“Yup! And you’re back! How was running your own territory, was it super fun? Or was it boring?” She asked excitedly.

“He-hello.” Adhara chimed in. “I’m good.”

Helena smiled at little Adhara and patted her head. She then turned her attention back to the bundle of never ending energy that was Chochorina.

“So what brings you to greet me today sister. Or did you simply wish to bask in my divine presence?”

Chochorina giggled. “I was just done playing with Adhara and I heard you were back so I came rushing over with her!.”

Adhara nodded her head.

“I see, tis a worthy thing to enjoy, and my own radiance is enhanced by thy presence so I'll permit it.” Helena’s cheerful smile remained.

Al shook his head and chuckled, looking down at Adhara he knew that they were both thinking the same thing.

They are just going to keep bouncing off each other.

Helena looked between her two siblings. “I was going to see my mother actually, I wished to discuss something with her. If you two would like, you could accompany me for now. There are likely some nobles also trying to bother her for attention while she deals with her matters.”

“Hmm those guys are normally boring but…” Chochorina seemed to think about it, but then nodded her head. 

“Okay!”

Helena paused. “Oh? Surprised you agreed, something of interest?”

“Well, a bit. Mommy Priscilla has work to do, but they are wanting her to do other things… So!” She slammed her fist into her own hand. “I’ll make sure that they got something important to say!”

Helena smiled. “I see, you are taking it seriously, in that case I shall trust your judgement in that regard. Any you allow in will either have something important to say or at least amusing enough for me and mother to enjoy.”

“Yup! Though” 

Both Chochorina and Helena turned their gazes down to face Adhara, who stared up at them both with her dark amethyst eyes.

“Maybe I should…”

“I can watch her no problem.” Al said.

Chochorina smiled. “Ah thank you Uncle Al!”

Helena nodded along. “Adhara shall accompany us, she shall remain in your protection and in the protection of Uncle Al. Should any find fit to leave with her there, than they were clearly not worth our time!”

“Yup!” Chochorina chirped.

Adhara smiled at both her elder sisters, hugging Helena. Helena hugged the little girl back.

“Just remember to stay within our shadow, little sister. So that our radiant light may shield you from whatever may do you harm.” Helena said, running her hand down the little girl’s face.

“O..okay” Adhara hugged the rabbit in her hands tightly.

Al followed behind the three girls as they made their way towards Priscilla.

While most of his attention was on Helena, his gaze did occasionally drift towards Adhara, and her shadow, which was slightly darker and more opaque than that of her sister’s.

***

Within the room she saw several of the nobility, waiting for an audience with a particular member of the imperial family, her mother. 

The various nobles were busy speaking with each other, gossiping, trying to ensnare each other into their respective schemes.

When they noticed Helena, all the chatter ceased, her presence like a blinding light that for but a moment dazzled them all, before drawing all their attentions.

Smiles, false or otherwise, and practiced expressions soon adorned all their faces.

“Greeting your Highness” 

“We hope you are well today?”

“How are you today, your Royal Highness?

“You look lovely today, your Highness.”

“What brings you here, your Highness Helena?”

As they began prattling off their myriad of greetings and hellos. 

Chochorina, Adhara, and Al entered shortly afterwards, knowing that Helena appearing first would capture their attention.

She had that effect on people.

“Ah, Lady Chochorina your Highness, good to see you are well.”

“Having a pleasant time today lady Chochorina?”

And other similar greetings. They were slightly less formal, slightly more forced, with Chochorina’s greetings

Unlike Helena, Chochorina lacked the bearing of a monarch, but had all the energy one would expect of a hyperactive little girl. She responded better to being treated more as ‘daughter of the king’ rather than ‘royal princess’ in many respects.

For Adhara, most chose to try and simply ignore she was there, some giving generic greetings meant to capture all of them.

A select few offered a simple. “Greetings your highness Adhara.” or such, but little more. 

Many even seem confused by their own reluctance, but as they met Adhara’s gaze most just felt awkward, if not somewhat tense and unwell.

Seeing Adhara begin to get some attention, Helena clapped her hands together once.

“To answer your inquiry, I came to find my mother, since I understood my father was busy with diplomatic matters today.”

“Ah excellent.”

“Well we were waiting for her majesty as well.”

“We would be honored if you…”

Helena shook her head. “There is no need though.” She paused, casting a curious glance over them all. “I suppose that I could inform her that you all are waiting for her.”

“Ah you are too kind.”

“Truly too kind your highness.”

Chochorina giggled and then added. “I could maybe hear you out? I don’t got much to do.”

“Ah many thanks your Highness Chochorina.”

“You are truly as gracious and kind hearted as your mother” another said.

Helena smiled as Chochorina drew the attention of the crowd that pleased her no longer.

Al remained standing nearby the two quarter elves, watching over them silently as Helena entered the room where her mother worked.

**

The room was an office, well lit with a window that had a pristine view of the city.

A handsome butler with a boyish face stood off to the side, smiling warmly at her. “Ah Little Princess, you joined us.”

Helena smiled. “Good afternoon Schult.” She said, before turning her gaze to the woman at the table, her own mother.

She radiated equal presence to the girl, like twin suns whose presence threatened to burn the room with their radiance. 

Seeing Helena enter the room she placed her papers down.

“Helena, how might my beloved daughter be this afternoon? Have you already attended to all the tasks you needed to look to upon our return?”

She smiled, “I am well honored mother, and yes, everything has been brought to satisfactory completion in my eyes.”

Priscilla sat herself upright. “So, what brings you to me while I am amidst my work to order this nation?”

“Can a daughter not wish to see & impose upon her own mother?” Helena asked, maintaining her confident smile.

Priscilla smiled in turn. “So long as she does not waste the time of mine divine self, then she shall gladly welcome the presence of the one who can radiate the same divinity.”

She pushed her chair back.

Helena’s otherwise refined demeanor would crack lightly, revealing herself to still be a young girl as she eagerly sat in her mother’s lap. “Perhaps we radiate the same divinity, but my goal remains to shine as the brightest star in the sky, so that all may recognize mine worth. The world shall deliver unto me this fate.” She said, though unlike with her mother’s younger self, there was a degree of self awareness, a slight humor in her own words.

Priscilla raised an eyebrow. “You seek to surpass and outshine me?”

In the corner of the room Shult tensed. Arguments between the two were rare, but destructive affairs. 

Helena nodded her head. “Of course, is that not the way of parents and children?”

The two stared at each other, before sharing a warm laugh. “I believe that your father would agree with such a statement and outcome, and I would likewise like to see such a reality brought forth by your hands.”
Priscilla patted her lovingly on the cheek. “So do not disappoint, for if you do I shall be most harsh with you.”

“Have I ever? Beloved mother?” Helena asked. 

“No, you have not. Surprising given your father’s nature.”

At that remark the warmth left the room, a colder glare coming from Helena.

“I do hope you do not mean to imply that father is any less impressive than thyself. My father is King and Sage, and a better man than any I have known.”

Priscilla sighed. “A better man than any other, hmmm I suppose such a statement is not one I can disapprove of. He is the man graced to be my husband after all.”

“Also, I was informed before coming here that he would be free of his meetings within the hour.” Helena added on, as an almost casual remark.

Priscilla frowned. “And you did not lead with that?”

“Was it wrong to wish to spend time with my mother first? Before more business could interfere?”

“Hmm no I suppose not, at your age such is acceptable. Thine own wants must forever remain important in your mind, so long as they do not distract from what must be done.”

Helena hopped off her lap. “There are noblemen waiting to be graced by your presence. Though if we amuse them they may prevent us from meeting with father before another claims his time. Chochorina and Adhara are occupying them at the moment."

Priscilla picked up her fan and held it in her hands. “Is that so? Then they shall continue to wait. Time with my husband has my foremost priority. The quarter-wit can provide fools such as that enough amusement, the girl’s energy for such things is impressive, if tiring to personally attend too.” 

Helena smiled and took her mother’s hand. “Then we are in agreement mother, shall we be off?”

“Yes, let’s be off then.”

The two shared a genuine smile, their butler following behind him.

***

Encountering Subaru in the hallway, Helena raced forward, “Daddy!” She said with all the glee a little girl could have for her father.

She hugged him tightly and pressed herself against him as he scooped her up. He sat in a nearby bench positioned in the hall while taking her onto his lap.

“Ah hey there my little Sun. How are you doing today? Sorry I didn’t get a chance to see you when you got back.”

“Its okay, I am aware you are busy daddy. But perhaps…”

“Yup! I’m free the rest of the day!”

She hugged him tightly, his words were cause for celebration in her mind.

Priscilla smiled, satisfied by the display. “So all your own tasks for the day are completed?”

“Yup, somehow.” Subaru responded with a laugh while still hugging the girl. “Though i do have some reports I'll need to handle after dinner.”

Priscilla narrowed her gaze at him. “Then perhaps one should…”

A loud crash in an adjacent room cut her off.

A door swung open and they saw Felt dragging Cassiopeia by the ear.

“Ugh, I swear I don’t know if you get this from me or your father.” Felt muttered as she dragged her daughter along as she wriggled and glared. “I don’t care if they are boring and stupid you NEED to actually stay put for your lessons!”

Cassia whined and groaned. “Why!? Uncle Rein said you never did!”

“Yeah, well I had to sit through them anyway with that blockhead dragging me back each time. So you got to deal with it as well!”

“I know I know.” she sighed and shook her head. “Why do I got to deal with this anyways! I’m not as high strung as Leo or Helena!?”

“No but you and I got some annoying blood that makes nothing but trouble for us, so we gotta deal with it.”

The two paused as they saw Subaru, Helena, and Priscilla in the hallway.

“Oh, hey Pris… sorry about the commotion. Was just dealing with this brat trying to sneak out… AGAIN.”

She yanked her ear harder.

“Agh agh agh enough I get it!”

Helena sighed and shook her head. “Really Cassiopeia, you do have to behave better for your station, especially considering you are one of my rivals to be swept away when the time comes.”

Cassia groaned and scoffed. “Ugh the throne? You can have it…” The adults stared at Cassia for a second, knowing what would come next. “Ugh, then again. That would mean i’d be losing to you. No way can’t have that i’m taking it!” She declared, standing herself upright and pointing dramatically at Helena.

Helena smirked, enjoying her response as she hopped off her father’s laugh. “Then it shall be my privilege to make the golden lion submit before the majesty of the sun.” She also posed dramatically with her arms flourishing out as if to present her whole being.

Priscilla laughed, “See, even your child bends to the wisdom of mine own Felt.”

Felt rolled her eyes. “Sheesh I thought we were past that ya know?” she crossed her arms but smirked. “Still, you two seem to be having fun.”

Subaru shrugged. “I just got done with my work, I was going with Priscilla to see the rest of our kids though, Helena seems a bit distracted now. If you want you could take her place on my lap.” He teased Felt.

Felt smirked. “Tempting as that is, I'm not one to compete with a kid.”

Helena meanwhile pouted, a normally undignified look, but one she had to give her father regularly. “Father, as much as you adore your wives, my mother included, I do not seek to surrender my most cherished place to rest myself to anyone.”

“Ah, guess my hands are tied Felt.” Subaru laughed.

Felt laughed lightly. “Oh yeah, by the way. I need to run some reports by you later, i’ll drop them off at your office when I get the chance.”

Subaru sighed. “Those… right i’ll handle it after dinner.”

“Then I shall aid you with such. It is own own turn tonight and I am not going to forfeit it simply for matters of state.” Priscilla declared.

Felt crossed her arms. “Right you did miss a turn or two away didn’t ya. Shame.”

“Yes a shame indeed.” Priscilla said with all seriousness. 

“And Crusch is away, I may need to negotiate to regain what I have lost.” 

Felt grinned “Well I'm not giving up my spot unless ya give me a good offer.”

“That can be arranged…” Priscilla and Felt shared a look with each other as their two children continued to stare intently at each other.

Subaru laughed. “Okay that’s enough. Priscilla, Helena, I think we had somewhere to be.”

“Yes indeed.” Priscilla remarked. “All other matters can wait for another time.”

“Yeah, see you both around, have fun with your brood.” She chimed as she then went back to dragging Cassia off.

Helena smiled, taking that as a victory as she turned about to walk with her parents, holding each of their hands.

Chapter Text

As Priscilla, Subaru, and Helena made their way to the playroom of the ‘Priscilla’ branch of the royal family, they heard another loud clash and clamor from outside.

“Gah!” A boyish voice cried.

“Idiot.” Another, calmer, but almost identical boyish voice replied to the cry.

Priscilla’s eye twitched lightly, as did Helena’s.

Subaru sighed. “Well, Felt has her hands on Cassia right now so…”

By the time he began to complain, Priscilla and Helena had already turned and made their way outside into the adjacent garden.

Splayed out on the ground there was a young boy of about nine years of age. He had bright orange hair and nearly shining golden eyes. He stared up at the sky as he groaned out. “Agh alright again!”

He shouted, raising his fist to the sky.

“Mhmmmm.” An identical boy sat nearby upon one of the garden benches, watching his twin dispassionate seeming but intense interest.

Subaru sighed. “Ugh what’s Alras up to now?”

Helena and Priscilla walked up to the child that was laying on the ground, he turned his head to face them.

“So… what nonsense are you doing today Alras?” Helena asked, tilting her head and staring critically at her brother.

“Oh! Hey Mom! Hey Sis! Hey Dad!” his every word was a shout as he leapt to his feet and grinned widely and stupidly.

“Trying to see if I can cross the entire garden just swinging from tree to tree.

Priscilla raised an eyebrow. “So you sought to make a monkey of yourself?”

Helena shook her head. “And you didn’t think better of it?”

“No? Why would I! I figure it's good training, especially without magic!” he declared like it was a brilliant idea.

Subaru sat down next to the twin sitting on the bench. “So Akron, how long has he been at this for?”

Akron turned to look up at his father. “”Half an hour.”

“Guessing ya couldn’t talk him out of it.” Subaru chuckled.

Akron blinked, as if his father had said the most ridiculous thing imaginable.

“Yeah that sounds about right. To be fair, besides the three of us, you got the biggest shot of doing that.” He ruffled Akron’s hair.

Akron blushed but smiled and said nothing else, turning his attention back to his brother.

Helena shook her head. “And where, pray tell, did you get such an idea brother?”

“Oh, just came to me since well, I got yelled at last time I tried doing it across the ceiling by Mother Rem and some of the staff. So I figured I'd try it outside with the trees! Good idea right?”

That earned an audible sigh from all those assembled, Priscilla, Helena, Arkon, and Subaru… though Subaru’s sigh was accompanied by a facepalm and chuckle.

“Of course it did.” Helena muttered.

Priscilla looked around. “And who, if yourself and Arkon are here, is watching over your younger siblings?”

“Oh, we left Andromeda with that.”

Priscilla sighed. “Acceptable…” She frowned and then dusted off Alras’ hair of the dirt he had gotten onto himself. “It is more than acceptable for boys your age to engage in such frivolity, stoke your inner fire, however you must always strive to look presentable and not to make yourself look utterly foolish. Do you understand?”

Her tone was demanding and strict, but filled with what one could describe as maternal affection.

“Ah, yes mom of course!” The young boy saluted his own mother with a wide smile on his face.

“Perfect, now come. We are going to see the rest of your siblings and I shall not leave you out here.”

“Hey bro we are leaving!” Alras shouted to Akron.

Akron nodded and stood up, going to join with his brother as they walked side by side.

Helena stood in the lead of them, behind Priscilla, while Subaru brought up the rear.

“So, besides that just now, what have you two been up to today?” Subaru asked the twins with a smile.

Alras spoke first, as always. “Oh! Well we got wrapped up in studying earlier today. After that we played around with our siblings a bit before heading outside.”

“Alras kept trying to challenge the others to an all versus him duel and got kicked out by our sisters.” Akron replied flatly.

Alras winced, “Gah betrayal by my own brother.”

Helena chuckled, retaining her cheerful and proud smile. “And I presume you followed him to keep your eye upon him as always?”

Akron nodded his head. “Someone had too.” His tone remained flat, almost impassive seeming, but none seemed to notice.

That was simply the way Akron spoke.

Helena smiled. “Good. I expect you to be the brain while our brother has none.”

She teased, stabbing a word shiv into Alras.

“Hey! I’m not dumb!”

“Obviously not, you are my brother, but you do fail to think. It's why Akron must do so for you.”

“Well he’s better at it anyways.”

“An assessment none could disagree with.” Helena smiled, as did the two twins. Alras’ smile was bright and beaming while Akron’s was soft and warm.

As the family came to a series of double doors Priscilla threw them open with a single push.

Inside was the remainder of their family in various states of play.

Andromeda, their second daughter and fourth oldest, sat on the couch. She had bright red hair that was currently done up in a long pony tail with a flower shaped ornament in her hair and a single braid in the front. Her dark eyes were currently focused on the young girl sitting in her lap.

Mimosa, the youngest daughter and 2nd youngest, having just recently turned four years old, sat on Andromeda's lap. Her dark hair was currently being brushed by her elder sister, while her crimson eyes remained closed. The little girl happily kicked her feet and hummed to herself while her sister worked.

A haughty looking girl, Polaris, stood off to the side. Her bright orange hair was done up into twintails with red ribbons as she dramatically recited from a book. Her crimson eyes beamed with energy and proud exuberance as she smiled warmly at the one audience member she had. The girl was slightly younger than Andromeda, being only seven years of age. 

The one audience member for Polaris’ one woman show was a young baby, sitting on the ground and clapping. It was a baby boy with bright red eyes and dark short hair. He clapped and smiled at her sister’s bold declarations and dramatic movements. This baby was Orion, the youngest of Priscilla’s children.

The final group of siblings were clustered nearby, all playing a board game designed by their father called “Jumanji.’

One was a girl who was identical to Polaris, being her twin Aurora. Unlike Polaris’ pure haughty demeanor, Aurora wore her features softly and with a gentle, yet playful smile. She also wore her hair in twintails though her ribbons were white and her hair slightly longer. She looked on as she played with two of her brothers.

A turn was being taken by the five year old Fafnir. Like his siblings his black hair was cut short, though his was by far the most neatly done. He shared the crimson eyes of his mother as he carefully surveyed the board before rolling the dice and moving his pieces. The boy’s demeanor was confident, though not quite so energetic as his other siblings, his every move was filled to the brim with self assurance and regal refinement. Truly he was his mother’s son.

The final child playing the board game, and the last over all, was Lucian. The boy wore his soft orange hair longer than his siblings, letting it fall halfway to his shoulders. He was quiet, perhaps the most calm in this room of mostly extroverts. Still, he had a soft and radiant gentle presence that seemed like a warm sunny day. 

Priscilla took a moment to survey the room, a satisfied smile then crossed her face. To Priscilla, all was right and ordered in the world, as it should be.

“Hey guys miss me!” Alras shouted as he barged past Priscilla, Akron following behind him but remaining quiet.

Andromeda. “Not particularly no brother.” Andromeda looked up and smiled widely. “Ah mother you’re back!”

The siblings all stopped what they were doing, seeing that their mother and father had come to see them. They all quickly rushed over and crowded around the two, Orion being scooped up by Aurora and carried over.

“Ah hey all ya little guys and girls. How are you doing today?” Subaru asked with a playful smile.

Andromeda smiled. “Doing well as always father, mother. You’ll both be happy to know my studies are progressing ahead of schedule.”

Priscilla smirked. “Good, see that it remains that way.”

“Father father! I was amusing little Orion by letting him bear witness to my performance. Certainly you would like to see my radiance later as well? I was just about to demonstrate a new song that I had been practicing. I can perform it for you later if you so wish.” Polaris chimed, dramatically pushing past some of her clamouring siblings.

“Of course I'd love to!” Subaru replied.

“It had best be a splendid performance dear.” Priscilla added.

“Obviously! Nothing less could come from me ohohoh!” The young Polaris laughed. 

Aurora giggled, and then looked up to Subaru and Priscilla with pleading eyes. “Mommy, Daddy can one of you read us one of your stories please!” The girl asked with obvious eagerness.

Lucian nodded his head. “We would really love it please.” The boy’s soft and gentle tone was soothing for anyone to hear.

Mimosa giggled and nodded her head. “Please please!” the young girl cried out. 

Priscilla fanned herself. “Very well, I can indulge you all with a tale from my homeland.”

The children then cheered.

Fafnir smiled. “Well then if I may make a request, Father, Mother, I would be happy if you could indulge me later in perhaps the selection of a new tunic? Someone appears to have caused my last one to rip.” 

He threw a glare at Alras.

Alras shrugged and then grinned widely. “Not my fault you need to get stronger Fafnir.”

Fafnir rolled his eyes. “We can’t all be boundless sources of energy and nonsense like you elder brother. Mine own remarkable self has better things to do.”

Akron chuckled.

“Well guess I'm guilty there.” Alras also laughed.

“Da Da! Ma Ma!” the young Orion reached out from Andromeda’s grasp to try and tug at Priscilla’s dress.

Priscilla smiled warmly and picked Orion up, holding him tenderly against herself. “Very well then, Andromeda, be a good girl and grab me a book from the shelf.”

Andromeda nodded her head and smiled. “Of course mother.” She walked over to the shelf, carefully looking through the books as she picked out one.

Helena then clapped her hands together. “Now then, those of you who wish to listen do so. The rest of you do not disturb Mother’s story.”

At Helena’s command the siblings nodded their heads, even little Orion had learned to heed the command of the eldest among them, and Alras fell silent.

Priscilla smiled, seeing Helena’s unquestioned command over the rest of their family, as all took to their proper places.

Priscilla sat down on the couch, Orion on her lap with most of the others gathered around her.

Subaru sat on a nearby couch, Polaris claiming a seat upon his lap, to the slight dismay of some of her other sisters.

Aurora called out her small fire spirit, taking the form of a small red lizard, as it sat on her lap to listen to the story. 

Mimosa eagerly clapped her hands together and sat down near Aurora, bouncing herself lightly up and down. 

Akron and Alras sat next to Subaru, Alras leaning back and stretching his arms while Akron took out his own book. Akron angled himself in such a way to make sure he could survey his entire family.

And so Priscilla began her tale, her entire family in her thrall, following her direction. But they were not drones for herself to command but rather stars arrayed in her orbit. Each one bright and shining like the rest.

Thus the Sun Queen found herself very pleased.

***

Later that day Subaru was relaxing with Akron, Alras, and Andromeda.

Alras had persuaded Subaru into a practice duel, so with wooden swords in hand the two of them clashed. 

Subaru and Alras fairly evenly traded blow for blow, though Subaru had to keep a keener focus. “Agh don’t understand why you want to train with me? Literally almost any of the knights are better at this.”

Subaru laughed a bit as he parried one of Alras’ relentless blows.

“Yeah well, they don’t go all out on me. You basically have too dad.”

“Ugh are you saying I'm that weak?” Subaru comically bemoaned his pitiful state in the eyes of his son.

“Yup! Especially compared to mom.” Alras laughed as he swung again, but Subaru sidestepped his attack and gave Alras a quick thwack across the back of the head with a wooden sword. 

“Ow!”

Alras fell forward onto his face.

Andromeda laughed. “Ahaha well that serves you right for mocking father, there IS a reason he is king after all. Then again, being on the ground like an animal suits you, Elder Brother.” Andromeda’s tone was harsh, mocking, and slightly venomous. For those who knew the younger Priscilla, they would see which child clearly inherited her venomous tongue. 

Akron just sighed silently, rolling his eyes at his brother. 

“Ugh, reminder taken.” Alras rubbed the back of his head.

“Alright I think that’s enough of you and me.” Subaru said.

“Huh but I can keep going!” Alras shouted, waving his arms about.

“You can always keep going brother.” Akron flipped through another page in his book.

“Yeah, well I'm tapping out, consider it your endurance victory.” Subaru remarked.

“Oh?” Andromeda tilted her head. “Well I can’t have my jar headed elder brother think he was actually successful. I believe I will take my turn with him then, remind him of his proper place in things.” Her smile was calm, confident, and cold as she picked up her own practice sword.

“Huh, yeah?! Alright bring it on little sister!” Akron shouted as he pointed his wooden sword right at her.

Subaru rolled his eyes, knowing there would be no stopping these two. Helena would simply disarm the situation with her grace, or quickly bring them under submission. But neither of these two quite had her same level of tact in this regard.

“Ugh just don’t take it too far this time.” He muttered to the two of them.

“Such a thing will not be required father, I can tame this beast.” 

“I’m not an animal sister!” Alras shouted.

“Then act like a proper man with grace and dignity. Or you’ll end up with your face on the ground again.”

Both assumed a fighting stance, raising their blades.

Alras’ eyes were fierce and fiery with a ferocious smile on his face.

Andromeda’s eyes were cold and sharp, as she licked her lip once in anticipation.

“Let’s begin”

And the two rushed at each other, their wooden swords clashing.

Subaru made his way over to Akron and sighed, sitting down next to him.

Subaru looked Akron over, Akron shifted his gaze up towards his father, before looking back down. Akron spent half his attention on the book, and half of his attention on his siblings. 

“So what’s on your mind today?” Subaru asked.

Akron paused and slowly put the book down on his lap.

“That much huh?” Subaru leaned back. 

Akron looked at Alras, rather intently.

Subaru smiled. “You don’t have to be like him you know? Or like either of us. You are your own person.”

Akron nodded his head. “I know.”

Subaru smiled and looked back at the fight. Alras was swinging relentlessly at Andromeda who parried and deflected his blows with careful and precise motions. For now, both were evenly matched, though Andromeda remained on the defensive.

“Brother is strong.” Akron commented.

“So are a lot of your siblings, so is your mom” Subaru questioned.

“Not that he… isn’t afraid of the world at all.”

Subaru paused, and chuckled. “Yeah, that describes your brother well.”

Akron smiled at Subaru’s comment. “It does.”

Akron continued to stare at the exchange, though occasionally he let his gaze drift towards his father.

“What else is there?”

Akron sighed. “Shortly before Mother left on her trip with Helena… I heard about her argument.”

Subaru blinked and sighed. “Figured you would hear about that. I wasn’t there for that but I heard it wasn’t pretty.”

Akron sighed.

***
It was a few weeks prior, shortly before Priscilla and Helena left for Helena’s territory when…

A nobleman received a swift kick across his face, sending him flying across the royal hall. A few of the other knights and noblemen winced as they saw this display.

The noblemen skidded across the floor, before landing in front of a group of his fellows.

The Queen Consort, Priscilla, stepped forward, glaring at them with crimson rage. “I have already given my answer and yet you worms dare to persist and presume?!”

One of the others helped their fallen comrade up.

Another nobleman stepped forward. “Your, your Majesty. All we insisted upon is that you take up the Barielle name once again. After all those lands are…”

“Still under my dominion and shall remain under the dominion of my children. The fact that they do not bear the name Barielle makes no difference.” Her voice was firm and laced with fire.

“Ah but still, the Barielle family have a long history in Lugunica, surely you understand why.”

“Enough!” Priscilla’s voice was like a roar, forcing silence on all others in the room as she stepped forward.

“I care not for whatever value and history you place upon the name Barielle, it served its purpose for me and I require it no longer. For me it is nothing but the name of a worthless man who accomplished nothing of worth so best to let it die or to be taken up by whatever lesser relatives he has remaining. I shall have no part of it.”

She declared.

“My name is Priscilla Natsuki, and it is the one name I have born in my life that I value above all others.”

She took another step, her fingers coiled as if she was about to conjure forth her Yang Sword. 

“So if any of you DARE to insinuate that my name as Priscilla Natsuki, is not ‘befitting’ of my royal status, I shall remove your head from your worthless bodies myself.”

Her eyes gleamed with a ferocious bloodlust that quickly forced them to back away.

Commander Marcos, who had been standing off to the side, slowly stepped forward. He interposed himself between Priscilla and the noblemen.

“Your Majesty, I believe that you have made your point today.” His tone remained respectful, but resolute.

She huffed. “So you’ll continue to defend these certains captain?” 

Her fiery gaze locked with his stony one.

“It is my duty to protect the officials of this kingdom and the royal court.”

“Yes yes you and your knights have done a ‘fine’ job of that have they not?” Her tone was mocking as she stared back at him with a spiteful glare in her eyes.

“Fine, continue to play your part commander, but I wish for them out of my sight this instant.” She scoffed.

“Very well your majesty.” He bowed and escorted the noblemen away.

***

Subaru shook his head and rubbed his temples. “That… happens once in a while. Don’t know why she gets so worked up about a name.”

Akron stared at him.

“No, that’s not true. I get it. For her it really means the whole world.” Subaru turned back to Akron. “Don’t worry about it, it's more of a long standing annoyance that gets under your mother’s skin every so often. We’ll work everything out, trust us.” he smiled brightly at him.

Akron nodded his head, and smiled back at his father, before returning to his book.

Andromeda and Alras continued to duel, trading blows and trading aggression as Alras’ powerful strikes met Andromeda's precise and energetic swordplay. She danced around his blows while he continued to unleash a ferocious storm of them, neither giving an inch.

Helena then walked into the yard and clapped her hands. “Beloved father, younger siblings. Mother has sent me to inform you that dinner is about to be served. She expects you all there promptly.” Helena’s tone was formal, but the command was absolute. Akron stood up while Andromeda and Alras concluded their duel.

“Agh alright that is a draw then.” Alras said through heavy breaths. 

Andromeda smiled. “If that is what you wish to believe brother.”

Helena stared at the two. “I trust neither of you will sully dinner with your continued prattling.

“Ah no sister.” Andromeda replied.

“Wouldn’t dream of it!” Alras said.

Helena smiled. “Excellent, now let's be on our way.” 

Helena turned about, leading her siblings and father back to the rest of the family.

Chapter Text

Subaru sat at his desk and let out a long groan as he threw the papers down on his desk. Leaning back he rubbed his forehead.
“Ugh this stuff is killing me.” He let out an almost childish whine

Ram stood off to the sigh and sighed. “To think you are so pathetic as to be slain by paper after all you’ve been through.”

Subaru grumbled. “Wouldn’t even be the most pathetic thing to do me in.” He muttered in a low hum.

“Most likely.” Ram said, clearly not understanding the full context that Subaru meant.

Priscilla then walked on in, throwing her own papers down. “It is done.” She said with a haughty and confident smile.

“Wha already!?” Subaru asked in shock.

“Why of course!” She smirked and let out a laugh. “After all the world itself bends to my favor, so trivial paperwork of state is of no challenge to me.”

She motioned to herself with that satisfied smile across her face.

Subaru shook his head and sighed, his shoulders slumping. 

“Well I still need to finish this and…”

Priscilla looked down at the table, paying the briefest of glances at it.

“It can wait.”

“Huh what but they need it by…”

“The afternoon” She walked around the table and sat herself on his lap.

He tried to rise but she just pressed him down.

“He-hey we”

“Enough, I have made by declaration, we shall handle it together in the morning.” She pressed a hand on his chest.

“For the rest of the evening you are at my disposal. I do hope you keep me satisfied.”

Ram clears her throat. “Your Majesty, I don’t think the king needs any more excuse to be more slothful. He is barely functional as a human being as is.” 

Her deadpan reaction and lack of embarrassment made it clear such scenes were not uncommon, her presence routinely ignored.

“Oh? The maid wishes to object. Well you can either make yourself scarce and depart for your other duties, or you can remain and also indulge in the body of the goddess. The choice is yours.”

Subaru blushed. “Hey hey Ram isn’t” Priscilla pressed a finger to his lips to silence him.

Ram blushed bright red at that. “I will not take part in any of his majesty Barusu’s degeneracy. I shall take my leave.”

She quickly turned about and left the room. Priscilla sighed.

“A pity” She then turned her attention back to Subaru. 

“Hey shouldn’t we.”

“Here is sufficient.” She planted a kiss right on his lips, pressing herself against him. He quickly surrendered and leaned into it, pulling his arm around her and quickly working off her dress.

He continued to kiss and make out with her, the two lost in the fires of their passion. 

Subaru broke his kiss. “Ya know the kids are still up and they sometimes come in here, agh Helena does handle court stuff now ya know?” Subaru commented, though he kept his hands on her.

Priscilla paused, but then huffed. “I suppose I should have ordered the maid to stand guard. But what is done is done, if such an idea occurred to you it must be the correct choice.” She sighed and shook her head.

“Now then, come.” She pulled him up, clearly intent to take him to their bed.

***

The two were later within their bed, Priscilla had her voluptuous body pressed up against him.

She was continuing to make out with him when she paused, and pressed a finger to his chest.

“Speak now, what is on your mind this time?”
She asked as her eyes narrowed at him.

He paused, staring at her as he sighed. “Was it that obvious?”

She rolled her eyes. “You mask your emotions well, for one of commoner origin. But mine own divine eyes are not like the rest. I can tell when weight is upon your head… I do hope you have not had too…”

His eyes widened. “Ah no no nothing like that.” he quickly shook his head. “S-sorry if I worried you.”

She sighed. “It is fine, then speak on what ails you currently, so I may remind you how foolish you are to worry.” 

He leaned back, though she remained pressed against him. “One thing is our more… tense relationship with Vollachia now.”

She sighed. “Vollachia owed you a great debt, that stays them for now, but that was also paid already in the aftermath of the Royal Selection’s end and in our final battles with the Witch Cult. Couple that with factions within both nations who would see this relationship undone…”

“Yeah I'm aware of what I am dealing with there. That bastard Vincent is just being stubborn about negotiations for renewing the peace treaty.”

Subaru let out a groan.

“Yes I suppose things between you and my brother have deteriorated, and there are many in the halls of power, in this nation and others, who would see you removed from your throne and from existence. Though I feel like they may find it very difficult in the latter case.”

Subaru rolled his eyes. “Yeah, fun for me.” he grumbled.

Priscilla frowned, seeing that she had struck a slight nerve there. She sighed.
“Is it just the politics that troubles you?! Vanish such concerns from your mind, we are in bed as husband and wife.”

“Ah no, there was actually something else. Part of why I sent Shaula out actually along with a few of the knights.”

“Oh? I did wonder where that noisy scorpion was. I doubt she is there for any mission of a subtle sort.”

He laughed. “She’s there as firepower, I sent some people a bit more… capable of investigating things along with her, some of the knights and court mages.”

“And what matter would this be?”

“The increase in Mabeast nests.”

Priscilla frowned. “More so than I'd imagine?”

“Yeah. And in inconvenient spots too. I am just making sure that it's not something that the Witch Cult is up to, or what’s left of them.”

She sighed. “Well that is enough for now!”
She then climbed atop him.

“I demand your full attention on my body for the rest of the night. This is NOT a request you can refuse, but a command from your wife and goddess.” She declared as she slipped the rest of her clothes off, sitting rather commandingly atop him.

He laughed and grabbed a hold of her hips, running hands along her body.

“Be careful what you wish for. Even the goddess can be sent to heaven ya know.”

She chuckled and licked her lip, a clear and obvious hunger in her. “If you believe yourself capable of such then prove it.”

He then yanked her down into a kiss, his hands now freely roaminging her body, as hers ran over his. Her moans and his quickly joined together as they embraced, their kissing more passionate, forceful, and fierce, almost like a struggle for control. She had the superior strength, obviously, but his hands, his lips, his everything, struck and grabbed her in just the right ways to elevate her fire, her passion, but also being bent to his will.

Going through position after position, behind her, atop her, beneath her, with her having to brace herself and cling against the bed before long as she gasped and rocked
The royal bed, used to enduring such harsh treatment, groaning under the strain as they went back and forth into the night.

In the end the Sun Princess was quite exhausted and satisfied, even if her legs no longer totally obeyed her in the morning.

Chapter Text

The eldest child of Subaru Natsuki, Rigel Natsuki, strolled throughout the palace complex. Today he was wearing a Karagari style Kimono sort of outfit, he always found this sort of attire more fitting for him than the usual attire around Lugunica, and most agreed it seemed to suite him well. 

“Hello Sir Rigel.”

“Good Day Rigel.”

“Greetings.”

He received the attention from the various people, palace staff, officials, knights and such who passed him by. He waved at them, shrugged, smiled, but mostly ignored them.

He was treated a bit different from his half siblings on account of a few things. For starters he was the oldest of his siblings by a good few months. Secondly he wasn’t a Prince technically, due to his mom not being a Queen.

“Course dad’s title is worthless without his women.” He muttered to himself, not exactly bitter about it but it was certainly meant to disparage his father.

He would be given the title of ‘duke’ officially when he turned 15, when he became a full adult by the standards of the kingdom. Enough to pursue knighthood without issue, since Lugunica doesn’t have ninja he figures something like that is the next best thing.

Sighing a bit he rubbed his forehead, looking outside he saw some of his half siblings playing in a courtyard.

He saw Chochorina, having created another impromptu snowfield, in the midst of a snowball fight with several of the other siblings.

Among them were Tonnura and Adhara.

He was glad to see Adhara happily playing among the rest of his siblings, among them she was safe.

Cassiopeia was on the opposing side, being helped by Maia and Altair.

Mercurius was reading to himself off to the side of the snowfield.

And several of Priscilla’s children were on either side. It was likely some of Crusch’s children would be there too if they were not away. 

Rigel sighed as he looked at the display for a moment. They were his siblings, half siblings sure but they were still his family.

He obviously favored his own full little sisters.

And he obviously favored his little sisters over his little brothers.

But still, they were all his siblings.

Looking down from the upper window, he was noticed by Chochorina who waved at him.

“Hey! Big Brother Rigel! Join us!” She shouted back with a gleeful smile.

“Yeah, get down here ya horned idiot!” Maia shouted.

“Before we drag ya down!” Cassia added, half as a threat, half as an expression of her sibling affection. 

“I demand your presence, eldest of my brothers, if you would be so kind as to oblige!” Helena demanded with all the courtesy due the eldest of her siblings. 

A few others turned to face him, staring down from a few floors up.

“Huh! Oh yeah alright! Be right down!”

He sighed a little bit but then quickly took off to race downstairs, darting past the other palace staff before.

“Hey, Rigel, come here.”

The young half-oni heard a voice that didn’t sound like it was greeting him. Rigel stopped upon hearing that familiar tone and quickly turned around.

Standing behind him, amidst the royal palace, was a tall wolfman in a black kimono. 

“Oh! Uncle Halibel!” Rigel said excitedly.

“Ohohoh well then, if it isn’t little Rigel. Then again, you are getting pretty tall now.” Halibel playfully put his hand up to Rigel’s height, still a fair bit shorter than Halibel himself.

“So how ya been doing? Keeping up with all your training?”

“Ah obviously! Can’t wait for ya to show me more!” he grinned eagerly. He took what training he could from the Wolfman, during the times he visited.

Halibel laughed lightly. “For what little training I give you’re a natural. Maybe you’ll follow in my footsteps one day after you go off and get some full time training. Sure I can persuade your parents to let you tag along with me for a bit when you’re older.”

“Follow in your footsteps and be a playboy? No way, I'm using everything I learn to support my mom and sisters!”

“And not your dad?”

Rigel shrugged. “My old man’s got the rest of the kingdom and all his other women, he’s a grown guy, he can handle wiping his own ass.”

Halibel laughed while covering his face. “Ahaha still no respect for your old man, he really can’t catch a break with you. Well that sounds like you. We’ll talk later then. I got some business with Su-san.”

Rigel tilted his head. “Dad’s hiring you again?”

The implications were not lost on the young oni. Knowing what Halibel did, and the level of money and need that would be required for him to hire the Admirer.

Halibel shrugged. “Nothing ya need to worry about yet. Your dad just asked me to look into a few suspicious looking things and people abroad.”

Rigel’s frown deepened. “Dad isn’t telling us things again, is he.”

Halibel shrugged as he began to walk off. “It's how it goes when you are in charge Rigel, you’ll probably learn about it someday.” The Wolfman then vanished down the hallway.

Rigel watched him go, wearing a pensive expression as the Wolfman turned a corner.

Sighing, Rigel continued his way downstairs, when he came across another figure in the hallway.

It was a young girl, about 8 years old, with fair pale skin, blue eyes, and short black hair.

It was his younger sister, Spica.

“Ah Little Sister!”

Rigel rushed up to her and gave her a great big hug.

The younger half oni was licking at a sampling of the new ‘ice cream’ product that Anastasia and Subaru had been selling when she was suddenly taken into the embrace of her elder brother, who held her tightly.

“Agh ah big bro ah let go!” She let out an awkward whine as she giggled.

He paused and then let her go. “Ah sorry, Just always good to see you little sister!”

She pouted, “You saw me just a few hours ago”

“I mean, yeah but still.” He shrugged. “So… huh, that’s dad’s new treat right?”

“Yup!” she smiled and licked it. “I saw daddy and he wanted me to try this flavor, he said it was Strawberry I think?” 

She licked again at the pinkish ice cream.

Rigel stared at it for a moment, before he decided he had no interest in it beyond…

“Do you like it?” he asked her.

She nodded her head and smiled. “Yup! It's pretty good! I think I like vanilla a bit better though. Dad said he was going to try and make a flavor called ‘chocolate’ but said he didn't have the right ‘ingredients’ for it. 

Rigel shrugged. “The old man can figure out something.”

“Yup, daddy always does.” Spica said, clearly having far more reverence and belief in their father than her older brother had.

“Anyways, that’s not important.” he grabbed her hand excitedly. “A lot of the others are playing outside, Chochorina made a snowfield. We should get going out there, I mean, unless you wanted to do something else? I’ll join you!”

Spica giggled at her elder brother’s excitable tone. He was always like this about her, and she was aware enough by now to understand this was a special attitude reserved for her and her little sister. “Well… sounds like fun! Chochorina makes great snow!”

“Ah then I'll take you there.” He held her by the hand to lead her out.

Looked down at her hand as Rigel walked with her. “I’m old enough to walk without my big brother holding my hand you know?”

He paused and blushed. “Oh, well I…”

“It's fine, I like being with you too brother.” She leaned in and hugged him.

Rigel blinked but then hugged her back, smiling before they continued outside, hand in hand.

***
(Snowball fight)

Once outside, Rigel and Spica were quickly drawn onto teams among the children.

Cassiopeia grabbed Rigel and was already dragging them to her side. “Wha wait wait! I wanted to be on Spica’s team!.”

“No way Rigel, we’re already even up so you’re joining our side and Spica their side.”

“Ugh!” Rigel groaned but allowed his younger half sister to drag her along, stopping her would have been futile anyway.

Chochorina grabbed Spica by the hand. “Little sister Spica how are you!?”

“I’m doing good Big Sister Choco!” She said, smiling and happy to be with one of her favorite elder half sisters.

Despite Chochorina being almost twice her age, the two were nearly the same height with Chochorina only being slightly taller by a head.

“Let’s make sure to burry your brother in snow? Sound good?” Chochorina leaned in and whispered.

Spica giggled and nodded her head eagerly. “Sounds good!”

And so, with Rigel reluctantly on the opposing side of his sister, the snowball fight began.

It was an epic battle, no magic being used for the sake of fair play, but the ferocity was still quite the spectacle.

Snowballs hurled back and forth back and forth, pelting the children as they laughed and played.

Though a concentrated effort was made by Chochorina’s team not to win, but to instead try and burry the hotheads of the other side, Cassia and Rigel, beneath a pile of snow.

And while Chochorina’s team lost, they succeeded in their goal as by the time the game ended, Cassia and Rigel were quite literally buried beneath the snow.

Tonnura stared at the piles of snow. “How… did we manage that even.”

“Huh… i’m not sure” Chocorina put her hands on her hips and looked questioningly at the snow pile she herself created.

Maia laughed, “Ahahah so that’s what you were up to, got to say was worth it for you guys to throw the match for that.”

Helena chuckled. “Well I must say we made quite the fool and spectacle of the Beast and Demon.”

Andromeda smirked. “Yes, but my side still won big sister.”

“Yet the world has conjured forth this for my amusement, I'll say that I am pleased.” Helena remarked, motioning to the pile.

“Grraaah!”

“And she’s angry.” Mercurius remarked, flipping a page of his book before closing it as he stared up at the imminent explosion of rage from Cassia.

“Get this stuff off of me!” She snarled and burst out from the snowpile, snarling a bit as she looked around and huffed. 

Her other siblings began to laugh, seeing her glaring at them with a rage.

“Ugh have half a mind to knock ya all into the ground ya hear me!” She flailed her arms around.

As she did so Rigel poked his head out and then unburied himself from the snow. “Gah you dammed assholes, all of you.” He grumbled and glared.

Of course the other siblings, even those on their own side, continued to laugh at their expense.

“That was funny, big brother, big sister Cassia.” Spica chimed with a bright smile on her face

Adhara giggled and called out. “It was fun!” she shouted.

The eyes of the others shifted to Adhara, all glad to see the normally quiet and gloomy child having a good time was a treat for all of them.

Rigel smiled, seeing Spica and Adhara having fun. These were the moments the half oni truly cherished.

He walked up to them, smiled, and hugged them both. “Glad you are both having a good time.”

Adhara softly smiled and leaned into her elder brother.

Spica giggled and warmly hugged him.

These were the people, all of them here and elsewhere, that Rigel was determined to be strong for.

***

Later that day, Rigel continued to walk with Spica through the halls of the palace.

“Anyways, mom was expecting us back before sundown, we should probably head over there.”

“Sounds good big brother!” Spica declared happily, the girl joyfully moving along with a sweet smile on her face.

They continued to walk together through the palace, before stopping as they came across two individuals.

The first was a young girl with dark blue short hair and a contented smile on her face. She had heterochromatic dark and blue eyes and smiled shyly upon seeing them “Big brother big sister!”

Leading her along was a taller woman, who held her by the hand. Wearing an elegant dark blue dress, with azure eyes and short blue hair. It was their mother Rem.

“Ah Rigel, Spica. Seems you two are doing well today, I'm glad.” She said with a sweet smile to them both.

“Mommy!” Spica ran up to her and hugged her tightly.

Rigel followed his sister and smile. “Hello mom, how was your day.”

“Ah it was fine Rigel, I was just busy making sure the palace was in order, after the mess you and your half siblings always make.”

“A lot of it has to do with big bro and sister Cassia.” Spica nudged Rigel in the side.

“Wha! I’m not that bad!” Rigel protested, acting shocked that his beloved precious little sister would say such a thing about him.

“Rigel’s messy!” the three year old blue haired half oni cried.

Rigel pouted in a grumpy fashion. “Not you too Electra.” he sighed and softly rubbed at her head.

She giggled lightly. “You are you are!”

“Yup he is!” Spica added.

Rem giggled. “Come now Rigel, you can handle your little sisters teasing you a bit right? You are the biggest handful among my children.

Rigel blushed brightly with embarrassment, the three most important people in the world to him were mocking him relentlessly.

Grr this is dad’s fault! He’s got them into the habit of making fun of me!

He grumpily stewed in his own thoughts. 

“Ehem” There was the sound of a throat being cleared.

Turning to face the source they saw it was the other Oni Sister, Ram, walking down the hallway, still in her maid uniform.

At her side was a young girl, younger than Rigel but older than Spica.

“Sister sister, we need to discuss some of the plans for the banquet tomorrow. Priscilla and Anastasia left that to us to plan.”

Rem paused. “Ah yes, I was going to see you later about that Sissy, sorry I am late.”

She then turned to the figure at Ram’s side.

She was another half-oni. She had short dark hair, red eyes, and a cold expression, despite the smile on her face.

“And how are you doing today Vega?” Rem smiled and patted her on the head.

Vega blushed but smiled. “Just fine Aunt Rem. Mother here was simply complaining about ‘him’ again.”

“Oh you mean your father?” Rem giggled. “Yes she does that a lot you know.”

“True but it gets tiring since I know she…”

Ram shot what could only be described as a death glare at Vega, who quickly shut her mouth. Still, Vega smiled as if she had proven victorious.

“Vega’s father is a worthless man who she needs to know nothing about.”

“Until you make another ‘mistake’ again mother?” Vega asked, needling her lightly.

Ram frowned. “A mistake that won't be repeated.”

Spica and Electra looked confused.

Rigel blushed and looked away. “Stupid old man.”

Rem sighed and shook her head. “That is true…”

***

(Ram & Subaru Drunken Flashback)

Over Ten Years Ago

Ram was in one of the dining rooms of the royal castle, out of her maid uniform and in a casual white and pink kimono style outfit. Whenever Subaru brought Kararagi attire for his wives he made sure to get gifts for Ram and a few others as well.

Ram sat with a full wine glass in front of her, and several empty bottles of white and other assorted alcoholic beverages, some being types that Subaru had helped ‘bring over’ from the other side such as vodka.

Sitting with her were two odd figures, Al and Beatrice. 

Al shrugged and sipped his own wine, lifting his helmet lightly to drink. “She’s really packing it away huh.” He had a magical prosthetic arm attached to him, slightly more sluggish in motion than his normal arm, but it was something.

He mentioned, as Ram chugged down another drink.

Beatrice sighed as she sipped a glass. “She has been like this every year since brother’s passing when it was his birthday.”

Al sighed. “Still not sure what he saw in the clown dude I mean.”

Ram threw a glass at him that he quickly ducked. “Ah hey!”

“Shut up! Master Roswaal was a great man and far better than you. What do you know.”

“Well we both had to deal with the same crazy Witch, different is I agree with ya that Echidna was a bitch.” Al shrugged.

Beatrice sighed. “Mother did have quite the habit of ruining the men around her I suppose.” 

Ram grumbled. “Stupid stupid witch.” She poured another glass and drank. “If only she went away and never crawled up from under a stupid rock again then maybe master Roswaal would still be here.” She then took another drink.

Al sighed. “She does have an annoying habit of staying alive.” he sipped his own drink.

Beatrice nodded her head. “Mother is also quite stubborn, in fact.”

Ram shook her head. “He was getting better! He was learning! The witch even told him that she didn't love him like he wanted! That she ughghghgh!” she took another huge drink.

“And he stupidly and foolishly disappeared! I don’t even know if he’s dead or had another body!” She sighed and sobbed.

Beatrice shook her head. “Betty checked both viable candidates for soul transcription, Roswaal kept his word and did not move to possess any of his descendants.”

Ram hung her head and continued to sob.

Subaru then walked in, wearing a kimono from Karagari, one of his casual outfits.

“Hey Pal, care to join us for a bit?” Al asked.

Ram groaned. “What do you want stupid Barusu!” she glared at him.

“Geeze Ram, I came to check on you. I know today always hits you rough.” He sat down next to her. 

Ram grumbled. “No one asked you too, stupid Barusu.” She muttered and sipped her drink. 

Subaru sighed, “Alright Al, pour me one.” He took a glass for himself.

Al shrugged. “Sure sure, which do you want?”

Subaru thought about it. “How about that one?”

Al whistled. “One of the ones from the back, I got ya. Glad ya supplied this place with a few of the things you haven’t released to the public yet.”

Beatrice muttered. “With good reason, if the state of you and the other fools when you first sampled it was anything to go off I suppose.”

She stood herself up.

“Since Betty’s contractor is here to comfort the Oni, and my respects have been paid, I shall retire to my library in fact.”

Beatrice then slowly walked out of the room.

“I’ll hold down the fort Beako.” Al waved.

Beatrice shrugged. “You may do as you wish, in fact.”

Al finished pouring Subaru the drink as Beatrice walked out of the tavern, Subaru sipping his own drink.

Subaru took a drink and looked back at Ram. “So, still thinking about Roswaal huh. I mean the guy made his choices.”

Ram sighed. “I know, and he even was willing to die for us in the end. He actually gave up everything for us.”

She muttered and sipped her drink.

Subaru shook his head. “I had issues with the guy, massive issues with the guy.”

“That is because stupid Barusu cannot recognize taste and class, when it is so anathema to what you are.” 

“Well back to the insults, guess ya are still feeling somewhat okay.” Subaru sipped his drink. “Do you want me to stay with ya for a bit then, otherwise I'll go back to the palace to relax for a bit.”

Ram sighed. “If a fool like you Barusu can even think you deserve to relax then you should just go nap in the dirt with the worms. You are king so you must work yourself to the bone controlling this nation and making sure maidens like me are taken care of, surely you can do something as brainless as that.” A slight drunkenness entered her voice. 

Subaru laughed. “Guess i’m staying then, here let me get this for ya.” he poured her and himself another drink as they both drank together.

“Ugh, not nearly enough for it to stop hurting.”

Subaru sighed. “Same.”

“What do you possibly have to worry about when you have six wives, including my own sister, to slate your perverted lusts upon.”

“Where to even begin there.” He chuckled and chugged.

“Don’t, Ram does not wish to hear it.”

“Fair enough!” Subaru declared.

Both chugged down another drink.

The two continued to drink, Subaru and Ram getting progressively more and more drunk as time went on.

Al stretched himself and stood up. “Well i’m tapped out. Need to go handle some stuff so i’ll see you two later if ya are still here. Later Pal, Ram.” Al waved and walked off

Subaru waved him off while Ram ignored the jester knight.

The drinking continued on…

“Ya know, Roswaal made his choices. Both to be scum and to actually be a decent guy for once at the end.” Subaru remarked in a dazed way.

“And they were good choices! He finally made good choices! He finally was willing to maybe even understand that the Witch could not give him what he needed.” She sipped. “Then he had to make the choice to just go and…” She hitched her breath and sighed, taking another drink.

Subaru sighed. “I know.” he sipped his drink. “Sorry.”

Ram stared at him. “Sorry! How does sorry cover the pain that Ram feels from losing her beloved that she devoted herself too!” Clearly the Oni was starting to get properly drunk now.

The drinking continued on…

“I wish I could see his eyes again.” Ram sighed and lamented into her cup.

Subaru smiled. “Ah I got ya!” He poked his eyes to adjust the color. “There, done!” He proclaimed with triumph.

Ram shook her head. “Ugh such beautiful eyes are waisted on you.”

Subaru laughed. “Can do the hair too!” He ran his fingers through the hair and changed its color as he grinned stupidly. “See, easy as that! Same with this!”

He rubbed his hand over his face as the skin paled a bit.

“Ugh its only a pale imitation! Mockery even! Do you want to die?” Ram shouted and pointed.

“Ah alright alright I'll change it back!”

“Hmm no, even a fool like you can at least bring some small comfort with that eyes, hair, and skin as a reminder. Consider it your lucky day, for as hopeless a man you are, by emulating the features of one far greater you have finally proven yourself to be a somewhat appealing man Barusu!” She declared, as if divine… or rather demonic… decree and then quickly chugged another drink.

Subaru sighed and chuckled. “Really no winning with this demon girl, seriously.” And he chugged down his own drink

The drinking continued on…

“The guy broke half my ribs!”

“If Master Roswaal saw fit to deliver such a punishment upon you, i’m sure you deserved it.

The drinking continued on…

“Can we at least admit the clown makeup was creepy?”

“I found it charming.” Ram replied curtly.

“So if another guy wore it.’

“They would be a clown and a fool.”

“...”

The drinking continued on…

“Yes he manipulated me, my sister, Emilia, you, and everyone for his own gain.”

“Yeah…”

“Yes he even nearly killed us, perhaps more than once even!”

“and?”

“But he was still an amazing man i was proud to serve under and in the bed of!”

“Ugh. You are messed up in the head you know?”

“If a maiden like myself is delusional than you must be outright deranged!”

“Fair enough, got me there.” Subaru laughed.

The two continued to drink, Subaru having left his face with the modifications as they both started to slur their speech.

Al returned later, alongside Rem, and whistled. “It's been over an hour, you guys are still here.” Al asked.

“Shut up!” Both Ram and Subaru shouted, groaning as they could barely hold themselves up on the table.

“Sissy, Subaru-kun.” Rem sighed and shook her head. “Ugh its my night and you are like this.” She let out an almost whine

Al sighed. “Ugh alright well let’s get you back upstairs. Ugh seriously you don’t drink often but when ya do you get yourself into a wreck Pal. How do you of all people have low alcohol tolerance.”

“Ugh, no insulting the king, That’s a royal proclamation!” Subaru groaned as Al helped him up.

Rem shook her head. “I can take it from here Al, I know lady Priscilla asked you to watch little Helena.”

“Ah thanks Rem.” Al said before walking off.

Rem helped Ram and Subaru upstairs, though Ram had regained the ability to properly walk as they traveled.

“Truly worthless Barusu.” Ram remarked as Rem poured the drunken Subaru into his bed.

“When he drinks, perhaps a little bit. And he’s so impressionable in such a state” Rem sighed and bit her lip.

Even if me and the others have used that once or twice.
She blushed a little bit.

Rem began to help Ram back to her room when a maid rushed up to Rem. “Ah, lady Rem, sir Rigel is running a slight fever it seems. Its nothing serious but…”

For Rem however, she heard her son’s name and ‘fever’ in the same sentence.

“Ah Rem understands I shall go right away.” She looked to Ram, who was currently standing upright and ‘mostly normal, if a bit shaky.

“Sissy can you get to your room alright?”

“Of course sissy, my room is right down the hall. It is no problem.”

Rem smiled softly. “Sorry sissy, and thank you!” Rem quickly rushed off with the maid.

Ram stood there for a moment to try and clear her head, to little avail. 

Ram rubbed her head. “Where was I going again? My room, yes I need to sleep. Stupid Barusu, letting a maiden like me get drunk. What was he thinking? I should… ah maybe tomorrow.”

However Ram managed to get herself turned around, and unknowingly stumbled back towards Subaru’s bedroom and went inside, practically tripping into it.

The next morning Rem stood, staring in absolute shock. Having gone to check on Subaru she found both Subaru and Ram, naked together with Ram cuddled up against him.

Rem trembled, unsure of who she was more angry at as her horn began to manifest.

Subaru and Ram both barely survived that day.

Subaru barely survived again when Ram discovered she was pregnant some time later.

***

Ram blushed and groaned as she shook her head.

Truly an unspeakable disaster of unparalleled magnitude. Damm that Barusu for letting me get drunk, and damm him for getting just as drunk and using me in that state.

She sighed and looked at Vega.

But I suppose there is one good thing about it. In the end…

Vega cleared her throat. “Thinking about father?” She asked with a smile.

“N-No of course not!” Ram blushed and huffed.

Rem stared at her warily. “Sissy…”

Ram flinched. “Si-sissy, you know that when if sound mind and body, your Ram would never do such a thing!”

Rem sighed and smiled. “Its okay sissy. I understand.”

Ram shook her head. “I can take my nephews and my daughter to dinner, you can get started on planning and preparing for the banquet tomorrow.”

Rem smiled. “Thank you again sissy.”

Ram took the half oni children and walked them towards dinner.

Rigel looked over Vega. “still don’t get how ‘you’ even happened.”

Vega shrugged. “Mother simply has to admit father means more to him that she admits, and likewise.”

Rigel raised an eyebrow. “I normally agree with Aunt Ram about the old man being a worthless king. I mean he’s basically nothing without his wives.”

“And yes they all believe fully in him.” She smirked. “Maybe you are just the one lacking sense here cousin, half brother? Hmm” She teased a bit more, her ‘attacks’ sharp and to the point.

Rigel shrugged. “Ugh I think he’s lucky mostly, or they pity him, maybe both.” Rigel laughed.

“Seems my mother is not the only one who has to admit how she thinks.”

“Shut up you brat.” Rigel grumbled.

Electra and Spica both chuckled, watching the exchange between the two as the half-oni family walked on.

***
(Rem Reflection)

Rem had taken a break from the hustle and bustle of the day to calm herself. 

She had secluded herself in a small but comfortable lounge room. It had books that interested her, small dolls and things made by Subaru or her children.

It was a room for her to relax in, to clear her mind in.

She was currently sitting down, fingering through a cookbook.

She didn’t used to be the type of person that needed this sort of space. Her bedroom would be sufficient or wherever else she found the time…

But things had been different for over a decade now, and a space like this helped Rem center herself, let her fully breath again.

She had painstakingly had Beatrice help her ward the room appropriately, all to keep it clean, to keep it pure.

It was the one room she never wanted Subaru to step inside, and even thinking that made her feel awful.

Not that she had anything to hide in here. He knew why this room existed, as did her sister-wives.

She flipped a page and sighed, leaning back and sitting up, staring at the ceiling. “I guess this sort of thing is irony, or maybe a punishment for my own failures.”

When she had gotten pregnant first, somehow before anyone else, any of his other wives or consorts, she was happy.

Of course that was because she had been perhaps the quickest, the most eager to offer up her body. She didn’t even wait for them to get married, she couldn’t.

Her hero needed a reward so she sought to provide it.

But then, as her pregnancy progressed, she felt sick.

She expected nausea, but she had not expected it to be as extreme as it sometimes felt.

She felt that every breath she took consisted of maggots and bile.

It came and went, though it always seemed to linger around her while she carried Rigel inside of her.

She didn’t understand it at first, or recognize it for the longest time.

But when Rigel was born she understood why…

It was somewhat faint, but it was there, obvious now to her like a fiery beacon set off in the distance amidst the darkness of the night.

As she held that baby in her arms, as she held it close, feeling all the emotions a mother should, feeling the total and complete love.

There was a fly in the ointment, not one that could in any way suppress or interfere with her love.

But that would remain as a buzzing around her ear, a stench in her nose.

That her young precious baby Rigel, was born with the miasma. The very same miasma that lingered around the Witch Cult and their Archbishops, the very same that pervaded her beloved husband.

It was faint to a degree, but it was obviously there, something obvious to her senses. 

She lightly caressed the face of the baby, staring at him with adoring eyes. He stared back, reaching out for her, gripping her fingers, loving her.

Rem dismissed the fault, the flaw, it did not matter to her, not now.

But it could not be something she could ignore forever, at least as a concern.

She saw Beatrice staring at the baby and her, obviously sharing similar thoughts.

Explaining it to Subaru some time later, the two of them asked him about it, Rem still softly cradling Rigel.

That moment hurt Rem, but she understood why. Subaru looked at Rem for an instant, not with the same tenderness and joy, but out of a slight concern, a worried look.

Worried for her.

Worried for their child.

Worried about her, and her ‘instincts’ as an Oni.

And she understood why, not fully but she understood she had committed a great sin against him once. One she did not know the specifics of, one she could not remember.

She did not, and could not know more than that.

Her beloved Subaru held her, held their child, and whispered that everything would be okay to her.

And she believed him, because he was correct.

Rigel grew up to be strong and healthy, perfectly normal for the most part, aside from being exceptional in many ways. All of his children did so…

Ram put down the cookbook and dismissed the anxiousness born of the past. “Well, I should be getting back to work now.” She muttered to herself, taking one last breath in her sanctuary, before she exited the room and returned to the kitchen. 

Most of the staff had gone asleep, but she resolved to get some of the baking done. She knew Subaru was working late tonight so she would meet with him later.

It was her turn after all.

That was very important to the oni.

As she worked on preparing the batter for a cake, her mind drifted back to the concerns that were born alongside Rigel.

Concerns that continued to still exist to some extent.

She thought about earlier today, when she walked with Electra through the halls. She spied the royal children in one of the courtyards, engaged in a Chochorina created snowball fight.

She had opinions about all of Subaru’s children, but she adored them all, she even took care of them all, in some capacity.

Domestically among the wives, her authority was the highest. This gave her no small amount of satisfaction.

It didn’t even phase her now, the miasma that clung to the air.

That radiated like a sickly smoke off every single one of Subaru’s children.

If anything it was the least intense on her children.

For the others, they carried it a fair bit more distinctly. If her own children radiated miasma like smoke from a torch, then the others radiated it like from a full campfire.

If one could see the miasma they would see it emanate off all of them like a smoke, pervading and profaning everywhere they went.

And all this was fine for Rem.

It had to be.

This was the reality she lived in, and the reality she chose.

She would not trade it for everything, she had long since grown to ignore her instincts.

The children loved her.

And she loved them. 

So Rem could only watch on, smiling warmly at them all. Content in their happiness, the scent that would emanate from them did not even register as a thought in her mind at the time.

It has become too fundamental a part of her reality.

With… one exception.

As she was baking, a feeling churned her stomach.

Like rotten meat and waste had been suddenly poured down her throat.

Like a host of maggots had been dumped upon her head and crawled over her skin.

Her oni instincts flared back to life, telling her that there was danger.

That the Witch Cult was here.

She almost threw up upon the very batter she was working with.

The oni spun around to see a single little girl standing there with a black rabbit doll in her hand.

The girl stared at her with dark amethyst eyes.

“Mommy Rem?” Adhara tilted her head, innocently to stare at her.

Her amethyst eyes met Rem’s blue eyes.

Rem’s expression calmed and softened as quickly as it had hardened.

Rem smiled, relaxing her shoulders. “Ah, little Adhara.” she smiled at the girl. “Sorry, you scared Mommy Rem.” She slowly walked over to the girl.

She softly patted the girl’s cheek, Adhara softly smiled.

“What are you doing up so late?”

“I was hungry, I wanted a snack mommy Rem.”

“Oh?” Rem tilted her head. “Well that’s what happens when you don’t finish your dinner.”

Adhara sighed and hung her head. “I’m sorry Mommy Rem.”

Rem smiled. “I can get you something small okay? Maybe some milk, would that be okay?”

Adhara slowly nodded, still smiling at the oni who she adored.

Rem smiled at her. She loved the girl, she did, she had too.

She would not permit herself to do anything else.

She had to ignore it all, everything her oni senses and instincts screamed at her.

She had to ignore the scent of Adhara, whose Witch’s Sent was greater than any of the Archbishops of the Witch Cult.

Whose scent maybe even surpassed almost all but the Witches of old.

If her children’s miasma was like a torch.

If the other children’s miasma was like a campfire.

Then Adhara’s miasma was an entire castle set blaze, burning brightly into the night as a pillar of fire and smoke.

Rem could feel it on her, the swirling sickness, the pressure, the wrongness, that this girl was profane to the very world she resided in.

But Rem did not care for the world’s opinion.

Adhara was Subaru’s daughter, her own step-daughter. She deserved all of Rem’s love.

Rem kicked herself for being careless and not mentally preparing herself properly again.

Subaru would forgive her, he understood her struggle, and Rem did nothing wrong.

But Rem felt the need not to forgive herself, for daring to show her own anxious face to this child.

This was a child she loved.

This child that all of her own children & step children loved.

This child that the world would never love.

Chapter Text

Over Ten Years Ago

Ram stumbled into the royal bedroom, as she did so she began to pull off her kimono and let it fall to the ground, soon stripping off the rest of her clothes as she fell into the bed with a still semi-conscious Subaru.

“Ugh” Subaru groaned and turned.

“Rem?” Subaru muttered in the dark room as she

“Ugh don't be silly, this is.. ah.” She stared, in the dark only being able to see the eyes.

She blushed and crawled atop him.

Subaru perhaps on instinct, after feeling over her face, pulled her against himself.

Shuddering a bit she kissed him, and he kissed back. Both sloppily pulling at each other's clothes till they were bare in bed, still making out and not saying a single word that might dispel the alcohol induced illusion they were both under.

Subaru's hand worked down Ram's body as she began to shudder and trembled. Her breathing quickened as she gasped and shuddered. “Agh Ugh Ah oh its”

As she felt herself entered, she found herself brought into the heights of ecstasy, her body shuddering and desperate with need as she rocked against him.

He stifled her words with another kiss as he rolled them both over. Her on top of him now as she gasped louder, she let out a sharp moan as she felt him against her, her own body slowly moving itself in synch

Both their dull moans joined together as they ended up trading positions back and forth through the night.
Ram’s cries only continued to grow louder as her body shuddered with delight.

Ram. “Agh Ugh yes, needed, Ah this!” Her voice a soft whimper and whine as she embraced the pleasure.

Though… as they both truly fell asleep, pressed against each other with Subaru in Ram's embrace, neither realized what had been wrong that night.

At least until they woke up…

And after a few minutes of screaming, begging, pleading and disgust…

It ended up with the King of Lugunica in a precarious situation.

He was bowing before six of his wives. Emilia, Crusch, Priscilla, Anastasia, Felt, and Rem.

Rem's glare drifted between him and Ram, who was throwing up in the corner.

“S-sorry I umm”

Priscilla kicked him across the face.

None of the wives stopped him.

“Do not raise your head, you are not fit to stare upon my visage again yet.”

“Mind explaining to us what happened” Anastasia's glare was accompanied by a forced and cold smile. 

“Yes, I believe we are owed that.” Crusch commented curtly.

“Subaru you dunderhead! Explain now!” Emilia asked, the temperature declining rapidly in the room even as her face turned red

“Ah I'd love too but I'm going to be honest I barely remember.” He winced, knowing this would end very very badly.

That answer did nothing to calm the various wives.

“Sissy Ram?” Rem turned coldly to her sister.

Ram shuddered. “Sorry sissy, Ram is considering removing all of her own internal organs.”

Rem sighed. “We are talking later Ram.”

Ram shuddered, knowing that this would be a VERY bad day for her, and it already felt like one of the worst in her life

Subaru winced as he prepared to be hit again.

Beatrice sighed. “Its true” 

She was sitting off to the side reading, having mostly stood by silently. But now that it seemed her contractor might actually be at risk of dying or his relationships breaking down, she had to act.

For the sake of his current and future children after all.

Beatrice huffs. “The Oni was mourning the dead clown. Subaru joined her to keep her company and it appears he followed her in drinking themselves under a table, off a cliff, and into bed I suppose.”

Rem sighed, rubbing her own head. “I knew I should have gone back to check on them after I left.” She grumbled to herself.

“Ye...yeah was just a big mistake soo…Ugh!”

And Priscilla kicked him across the face again, hard enough that he lost a tooth. “You are not permitted to speak.”

Subaru let out a slight groan as the missing tooth slowly began to regrow, as the fallen one decayed.

The girls frowned and closed in on them, purifying their lustful and occasionally worthless husband with slaps, kicks, punches, and several broken bones.

For once no one protested this abuse inflicted upon the King of Lugunica. 

By the end of it all he was groaning on his back, bruised and battered before his body put itself back together.

“Sorry.” He grumbled and groaned.

The girls all sighed and Emilia then stepped forward, pointing at him.

“Are you bringing Ram in as another wife!?” She asked, her tone harsh and accusatory. 

“What huh no! I'd never! I thought I was with Rem! Seriously!” He muttered out in a panic.

All the girls let out a sigh.

“Dunderhead”

“Subaru-kun…”

“Fool…”

“Idiot!”

“Moron.”

“How annoying.’

The girls shook their heads and groaned, exasperated by their lustful husband.

“Ugh, Ram is going to be sick.” Ram muttered as she threw up into the trash again.

The King of Lugunica was severely and drastically punished that night, and for several nights after. Only forgiven through several acts and concessions in favor of his wives.

He had grown very good at pathetically worming back into their good graces.

***

The Present Day

Later that night Subaru was in his bedroom, wearing a tunic and trousers suitable for bed, looking out over the balcony as he suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around him and drag him back inside.

“Your Rem wishes for your attention Subaru-kun.”

She smiled warmly, wearing nothing at all on herself as she slowly guided him inside from the outside air.

“Ah sorry Rem, was just thinking about a lot.”
He smiled and grabbed at her hips.

“Anything you need to share with Rem?” She tilted her head. Her sensual style of speech faded for a moment, just to make sure her beloved husband was alright.

“Yeah just all the politics and stuff, and a bit worried about the kids and stuff, you know, the usual. Thought Spica again, the original, you know… Rui”

Rem sighed, leaning herself against him. “I miss her too, but she’s always with you and us in some way isn’t she?”

Subaru nodded. “Yeah, even if she did lose her body again, she’s been asleep for a long time now though. She used to wake up more.”

Rem smiled. “I’m sure just like Shaula, she’ll find a way back, you’ll find a way to bring her back though… she may have to understand that she now shares a name.” She leaned in and kissed him.

Subaru chuckled. “Yeah, maybe naming our first daughter after her was a bit of a move setting us up for confusion later but… it is what it is.”

Rem giggled and held him close. “You’ve done everything you could now Subaru. I never want you to ever give up, but you do need to worry yourself less.”

He sighed, meeting her gaze. “I know I need to worry less.”

She smiled and kissed his cheek. “Indeed, Rem’s hero has done more than enough for this kingdom, and for all of us. So right now he just needs to relax and take care of his children, and help Rem make new ones.”

“Still on that?” he laughed as he stood inside the room with her.

She nodded her head and giggled. “It’s critically important after all. And it should be the main thing you worry about. It's the only thing I want you to worry about right now.”

“If only.” he shrugged and laughed. “But I can’t say I don’t enjoy the reward.” His hands gripped at her hips.

“Indeed, Subaru-kin deserves all the rewards in the world. So let your Rem help you with that.”
She smiled, and dragged him into the bed, pulling him atop herself. “Right now, Rem’s hero should only worry about enjoying himself with his Rem.”

Subaru laughed. “You're always eager when we spend the night together.”

Rem pouted and pulled him closer to her, grabbing his hand and rubbing it over her own body with a certain need. “Despite Rem’s effort you have less children with Rem than almost any other wife, save for Shaula, Felt, Emilia, and..”

“Ah is that’s what this is about!” Subaru laughed, cutting her off. “I mean you yourself said Oni were…”

She patted him on the cheek. “Rem’s hero is quite capable. Very VERY capable in bed in fact, I'm certain he can help Rem climb the ranks to the top?”

“The top? You do realize that...”

“Rem is aware of Priscilla and Crusch’s position, and their unfair advantages in this regard” She smiled coyly. “That’s why she must take EVERY opportunity to make our time together ‘productive’ for our family.”

He sighed and laughed, before cutting off any more conversation with a kiss.

**

“Well I don’t suppose I can refuse my reward.”

“No you can’t.” She leaned in closely, burying herself against him, taking in his smell, his feeling. Her hands roamed over his back and stripped what clothing that remained. “Your Rem, wants you, and needs you now.”

Subaru nibbled at her neck as Rem let out another sharp cry, being close to him, touched by him, with him, already brought her to the height of ecstasy as she quivered and moaned.

“Oh oh yes Subaru-kun, please use your Rem in any way you want. Everything, anything please!” She let out her desperate plea.

And her beloved husband obliged, quickly keeping her in that state of perpetual bliss.

He would push against her again and again as their eyes and lips remained locked.

Her hands would continue to rub over him, her legs even hook around him to keep him inside her, with her.

She wanted to be one with him, to remain one with him.

This was her heaven and utter bliss that was proclaimed with every loud and almost intelligible cry.

And while this passion would calm, it would not fade with the two remaining locked together through the night, Rem letting herself be used, wanting to be used in every way from her head to her toes.

Chapter Text

2 Years after the Royal Selection

The Peledias Watchtower

The air was thick with a dense miasma, it had pervaded this entire place, and the surrounding desert, ever since the end of the Royal Selection.

So thick was the miasma that the Mabeasts themselves stayed away from the tower, a natural instinct driving them beyond aggression, and into the realm of terror.

The remains of the dragon still guarded the tower, but even such a thing was no longer an insurmountable task.

And within the depths of the tower, within the Taygeta Library, several figures had taken up residence. They were adorned in black pointed hoods and carried their weapons at the ready, they were agents of the witch cult.

Within this assembly, several among them stood out, but none more so than six individuals.

The first was a man, clad in a dark coat with robes of dark violet and a black mask. He leaned against a wall, overseeing affairs as cultists surveyed the library, carefully looking over the titles of the books as they passed.

The second figure was more dramatic looking, a young woman with dark red hair and crimson etched form fitting white robes, a perky smile on her face as she surveyed the books herself. “Hmm No, no, no, nope, nothing, dud, ugh this will take forever.” She muttered to herself as her crimson eyes surveyed the books. “This is going to take a while.” she muttered. She was Eris, the self proclaimed Witch of Dreams. 

The third through fifth figures were seemingly identical at a glance. Spectral figures clad in shadows of miasma who slowly worked their way through the library, silently surveying the books.

The final figure was by far the most striking though. A beautiful figure of abject purity, clad in a simple one piece white robe, standing shortly and radiantly with her pale hair falling gently from her head. “Patience Witch Eris. Our use of this library requires a methodical approach, least the sage or his wives catch wind of our presence.” 

Her tone was light, divine almost, as she slowly walked by book after book.

“Yes yes I’m aware.” Eris sighed and shook her head. 

Pandora continued to look through the books, her gaze drifted down to one of the cultists assigned to search through the books, as he had just removed one from its place. “Bishop Roman, have you found one of the books we are looking for?”

Roman looked up at her and bowed his head. “Yes mistress, we should have only a few more to go.”

“I have also found one” A dignified voice rang out, coming from another area of the library, he was flanked by two witch cultists. Despite his other titles long since being discarded, he held himself with a noble’s dignity.

“Ah Lukas, making yourself useful.” Eris teased.

“About time.” The masked figure remarked as he continued to slowly survey the books. 

“Bishop Maldor, which book did you find?”

Maldor bowed before the Witch of Vainglory and held the book up.

She teleported over to where he was and surveyed the book. “Ah yes, this is also one we required. Now please hand the book to the archbishop.”

“Yes your radiance.” he replied as he then walked over to the masked man and handed him the book. “This is yours sir.” his tone respectful and servile, but not as reverent as it was for the Vainglorious One.

The apparent archbishop took the book, looking it over critically. “Fitting a man like you found this book.” The archbishop’s tone was distorted by his mask, creating a dark echo with his speech.

“You are familiar with it Lord Envy?” he asked.

“I am familiar with most of the books we are searching for. This is one of the few I am not though.” He tucked the book into his robe.

“I see, that would make sense, the seat was vacant even by the time I joined the cult.” Lukas remarked.

The Archbishop of Envy sighed. “Now, get back to searching. We should be almost done here.”

“Finally!” Eris declared with a playful sigh. 

A cultist rushed into the room and whispered into the ear of Bishop Roman.

“What’s going on now?” The Archbishop of Envy asked.

Roman turned to the group. “It appears that one of the defenses has been triggered. A phantom of Reid Astrea has appeared in the upper floor.”

“The first sword saint?” Lukas’ eyes widened before he cleared his mind, becoming as impassive as the rest of the rank and file.

The spectral figures turned to each other, before looking towards the two witches.

“Hmm bad idea.” Eris remarked to them. “Even in your state, even if its just a phantom, there is a good chance he can do real lasting damage to you three in your forms. We need to finish getting you proper bodies.”

Pandora smiled. “My archbishop.” She looked down at the masked man.

“Would you accompany me perhaps to offer our greetings towards the sword saint?”

The masked man sighed. “We can’t beat him.”

“Perhaps, but neither can he kill us. Even if he cut us both to pieces and tore us asunder, especially in his reduced state.”

“... Fine let’s go, we’ll play the bait.”

“You have my every confidence.”

“Tsk.”

And the two departed, leaving the rest of the cultists behind but not before…

“Roman” the Archbishop of Envy began. “You are in charge of operations here while we wrap up, you and Eris both have the complete list.”

Roman nodded his head. “Understood Lord Envy.” he bowed his head.

Eris vanished in a swirl of color, before appearing behind the Archbishop of Envy and leaning on his back.

“Hey why not me!? After all you are mine.~” 

“Tsk, because you annoy me.” The Archbishop remarked.

“Ah so cruel! You owe everything to me.” Eris stepped back, gasping as she held her hands over her heart.

Pandora stared at her apparent fellow witch. “Witch of Dreams, as delightful as your projects and demeanor is, we must attend to the shadow of the sword saint.”

“Fine fine, have fun you two!” She waved them off as they walked away.

Eris sighed and rubbed her forehead. “So then, everyone ready to get back to work then?”

Eris chuckled and turned back to Roman. “So they left you in charge huh. Well that’s fine, I'm used to supporting you.” She remarked, her tone playful towards him.

“Sister, I found it.” a new voice rang out. 

A woman, in similar robes to Eris, appeared out of the hallway. She was adorned in similar white attire to Eris, they were more proper, making her seem like a priestess of sort. Unlike Eris, her robes were etched with gold rather than crimson. Her hood obscured her features, though one could make out her pale hair and skin. In her arms she held two books of the library. 

“Persephone! You really found them both!?”

She nodded her head, her tone soft. “Indeed.” She smiled and placed them down on the table.

Roman walked over and bowed. “Lady Desire.”

“Bishop Roman.” She paused, seeing the pile of books collected. “It appears that the search is nearly completed. Thank you for indulging this... personal project of mine by allowing me to search for these books.”

He kept his head bowed. “I would not dream of interfering with your desires.”

She chuckled, keeping a composed tone. “You have already come to know me quite well then.” 

“So… are you going to read them now sister?” Eris asked.

“Hmm.” She brought a finger to her lip to ponder. “It is as good a time as any I would imagine? I have already obtained the required qualifications thanks to the aid of yourself, The Archbishop of Envy, and Pandora.”

Eris laughed and sat up on the table. “Well then, if it scrambles your brain too much I'll be sure to make all those bad nasty memories of the mean old crows go away.” Eris gripped her face playfully.

“My thanks.” Persephone smiled. “I shall prepare myself then, affirm my own mental status.”

As they spoke Lukas was off to the side, fingering through books with Roman. 

“Roman, do we have time to indulge their personal desires?” he asked.

Roman nodded. “There is risk to it, but if it is what the Witch of Desire wants, we are not ones to question it. And her desires tend to be most fortuitous."

Lukas then cast a gaze outward. “And what of the Witch of Vainglory and The Archbishop of Envy? Even they said they cannot best the sword saint.”

Roman shook his head. “The First Sword Saint can cut, what cannot be cut, severing things at the conceptual level. As such no shield may bar his blade, even as a phantom in a reduced capacity, one cannot expect to be able to offer up defense in such a matter. They shall not rely on such a thing.”

Lukas sighed. “So they will simply avoid being hit or simply endure it until we have the opportunity to escape.”

“That is what one can imagine the plan is, yes.” Roman’s tone remained melancholic, grim, slow, almost bored seeming. “You have become rather opinionated as of late. Has your promotion to bishop restored some of your shattered pride?”

“In a sense, though it would appear unlike our prior masters, our new mistresses seem content to favor such an approach.” He remarked, a bit of wariness creeping into his voice.

Roman let out a faint chuckle. “You have been permitted to remain who you are because they find it amusing Lukas Maldor. Just remember, the Witch Cult, more than ever, must act with a unified purpose.”

Lukas turned and saw one of the spectral figures staring at him, he felt a glare upon him. “I shall remember that advice, Bishop Roman.”

“See that you do, Bishop Lukas.”

The three spectral figures moved to approach the two witches.

The two witches looked up at them, acknowledging their presence. The Witch of Desire then sighed. 

“I believe I am as prepared as I ever may be.’ She then looked down at the books, her fingers caressing the cover.

The books bore two names.

Sphinx

Echidna

“I shall start, with perhaps the easier of the two books to process. Wish me luck.” Her tone was light, almost playful.

She took a breath as she lifted Sphinx’s book, and opened it up.

Chapter Text

Petra often wondered to herself about how funny life could be, how certain things and certain people could just change the entire course of it so unexpectedly.

She was currently getting ready for the day, inside one of the apartments of the royal palace. She had adorned herself in a simple but elegant white dress, that she sewed herself with the help of a certain someone dear to her. Her now long orange hair was adorned with a single red ribbon as she smiled at herself in the mirror.

“Alright, time to start the day!” She proclaimed to herself as she brought her hands together.

As she left her room she reflected on the path that brought her here into the palace.

The path of her life first made a change when she encountered a certain someone when she was young, an older boy named Subaru Natsuki.

He was strange to her, so very strange. She didn't trust him when they first met. Everything about him just seemed so weird, unnatural, unusual.

She later realized that was due to him being a unique type of person, a truly good person. 

When he first saved her, when she cried seeing the state he had been reduced to because of her own carelessness, when she cried to her parents, when she cried to him for forgiveness.

She did not receive condemnation or punishment. She found acceptance and kindness from him.

That was when a certain feeling within her was born. A girlish crush, but she was never one to back away from her own emotions.

And so the course of her life changed, her dream of becoming a seamstress was replaced with the goal of becoming a maid, so she could be closer to him.

Her parents encouraged this, partly because they always supported her dreams but also because they probably saw the advantage of having their daughter work for the lord of their land. 

She quickly secured herself a job at the mansion, just to be close to him.

She began to study politics and magic, just to be useful to him.

She took every chance she could to grow closer to him, to be around him.

And she had competition! Her fellow maid, Rem, and her Lady, Emilia. Both of them cared greatly for Subaru, both of them were objects of his affection.

And her?

He cared about her but was blissfully unaware of her true emotions, her true feelings.

And it was frustrating for the maid.

She knew she was too young, she knew that if she spoke up her feelings would be rejected as the delusions of a child.

So she kept them to herself, she couldn't outright say what she felt.

So she would make herself into someone he would notice.

That he had to notice.

She just wanted to support him.

She didn't consider that her feelings might wane over time, and the more time she spent in the mansion, she found her feelings only grew alongside the tenuous nature of her own position.

Simply put, compared to everyone else around Subaru, she was unremarkable.

Compared to Subaru, she found herself unremarkable.

Back at her home village she was the cutest and most skilled among her fellow children, but now she was woefully inept compared to the other girls around Subaru.

But that would not dissuade her, it did not dissuade her!

She stopped in her path as she continued down the palace halls. Looking outside she saw several of Subaru’s children playing.

Chochorina had gathered an assembly of her siblings alongside Helena, both of them dictating to the rest what sort of antics and games they would be playing on this day.

Petra giggled at the sight of the scene, it warmed her heart.

Subaru’s children were truly exceptional, they all were, at least in her eyes. 

The orange haired maiden let out a sigh as her mind drifted further back still.

As Subaru fought the Witch Cult, fought to put Emilia on the throne, she found herself growing more and more worried for her sake.

He always pushed himself, he never took a break, and always wore that same loveable silly stupid smile she had grown to adore.

Subaru was incredible, but she made her worry for his sake.

And any time he promised he would rest, that he would take a break, that he would spend some time with her, something would happen.

A new disaster that demanded his attention, a crisis that forcibly dragged him perhaps across the entire world, a new enemy threatening his life.

It all just became so frustrating to her, but she could not blame him, not really. Maybe give him a forcible childish headbutt or two.

She giggled, reflecting upon those worrying but ultimately happy times.

Happy because he always came back.

He always kept smiling.

He always did whatever he could for everyone else, herself included.

He wanted everyone to be safe and happy, over the years she understood this was the core of the man who was Subaru Natsuki.

And it's traveling this path that he somehow became king.

As she thought about it, she laughed. Laughed in a perhaps undignified way as she clutched her own stomach.

It was really a silly and almost preposterous thing if one really thought about it.

The chain of events that led to that quintuple wedding between him and the five dragon candidates was borderline ludicrous, but it did stabilize the nation when it needed it the most.

And even then he refused to leave people unhappy, and married Rem as his first ‘consort’ right afterwards.

Petra did slap him once, only once, for being a pervert who planned not only to marry five, but six girls.

It wasn't a very hard slap, he even laughed it off when Petra declared him such.

He didn’t notice the slight sorrow in her own voice that day, a lingering venom in the back of her mind, even when she was still young.

A thought that echoed in her head.

‘Why can’t I be happy with you as well.’

That thought lingered in her head for many years, especially as she was ‘left behind’ by everyone else.

It's not that they abandoned her in any way really. 

She was still there, she was still with them.

But everyone had moved on in some way, everyone had grown…

But she was still in practically the same place for years. By the time she was the age Subaru was when they had first met, these were her feelings. 

He was married to Lady Emilia, Lady Crusch, Lady Priscilla, Lady Anastasia, Lady Felt, and even Lady Rem.

So she asked herself…

Why not me?

That thought began to creep into her mind. That his heart didn’t have room for her, that he would never see her for how she truly felt.

She would always just be Petra, that village girl he saved, someone he cared for but not in the way her heart longed for.

He would always treat her kindly, treat her nicely, consider her a friend, maybe even in some ways like family…

But she realized he may never love her the way she wanted.

So a choice was laid before her.

To approach him, approach the Subaru who was now the king of the nation, and scream out the feelings that had blossomed within her ever since that day now years and years ago. And to risk losing everything, risk losing the place she did have, to change things forever. 

Or to keep her feelings hidden to burry them within her heart and try to move on with her life like everyone else had.

Her heart screamed at her to take the former option, to bear out her heart but…

For the first time in her life, a fear took the young girl, one that overpowered her pride, her bravery. 

And so she chose the later option.

As Subaru and his family settled into the royal capital, she opted to leave her post. Her salary had afforded her quite the amount of money thus far, and she set up herself a home in the royal capital. She would pursue her dream of being a seamstress in the capital.

And she hit the ground running. For years Petra Leyte had remade herself into one of the beast seamstresses of the royal capital, she had a thriving business, regular orders from the royal palace itself, and was able to use her yang magic to enhance her own skills even further.

She thought about those times, it was simple, she convinced herself that she had followed the road to her original dream, that perhaps while the road was winding that she managed to somehow end up where she belonged.

But it didn’t feel quite right.

She visited and was visited by her friends, and even Subaru regularly, but something still felt wrong to her, like she was no longer a part of what she should be.

She even went on dates, Anastasia even helped set her up some, as did a few of the others.

She met several boys, some her age, some slightly older.  

But all of them were lacking in some way in the girl’s eyes. She couldn’t open her heart to them.

Some were cheerful, some were polite, others were quite silly.

She knew she was looking for men with the traits of a certain person, that much was obvious.

But none could make her dreams come true, none could silence the whispers in her heart.

None of them were him.

Maybe if he had chosen one girl, had he just been with Emilia or Rem, or maybe just them both, she could understand.

She would be able to understand that the door to receiving that love would have been locked away forever.

But that wasn’t the world they lived in.

He has seven wives now, adding a certain shameless scorpion to the mixture. 

She knew, in theory, there was a place for her if she pushed hard enough, if he let her.

It seemed absurd to her that he never noticed, that he could never notice how she really felt. Maybe it was her age at the time, he simply treated her as a child that did not know her own emotions.

Maybe that was true, maybe that was correct but as time went on. As she saw him face trial after trial, as she saw what type of person she was. Those feelings would not fade, they grew, they evolved.

That lingering dream in her head was the anchor that prevented her heart from escaping, from letting the dream of the little girl that was Petra Leyte die. 

Memories of his face, his smile, his hand, his warm gentle hug.

She could not expel them from her system.

No matter how hard she tried.

She was twenty when things changed for a third time. 

It was when she was emotionally at her lowest.

She had broken up the night prior with her last boyfriend, a boy who should have been perfect. He was cheerful, silly, a young and brave and somewhat foolish knight. He did everything right but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

He didn’t even hold it against her, her emotions so apparent to him that he simply gave her a parting hug and wished her all the best.

So Petra Leyte, a girl from Arlam village, former maid of the Roswaal estate, seamstress of the royal capital, broke down in silence.

In the back of her well maintained, perfectly looking shop, she curled herself up. She couldn't bring herself to open for that day.

She had huddled herself in the corner and cried, cried like she hadn’t in a long time.

“Why… it's just one thing… it's just one person… we’re not even… why can’t I just let go. I have everything I wanted, everything but just…”

She sobbed silently to herself in that corner.

And if she had been left there for some time, maybe she would accept that wound in her heart that might never go away, resolve herself to perhaps just start again elsewhere. The resolve to begin a new life where she wouldn't be constantly reminded of the thing she could not have.

She didn’t expect to be found or interrupted, she forgot that two people would be visiting her today.

“Hellooo! Petra are you in here?” It was Melli’s voice, now elevated to status of Honorary Elder Princess, since Subaru took her in ‘officially’ as a little sister before his ascension to the throne, fulfilling an old promise to the MaBeast user. 

“Petra?” Another voice called out, it was Rem, visiting from the palace.

In her sorrow, Petra forgot that they would be visiting to place orders today.

She just wanted them to leave.

“Huh Petra? What are you doing back here?” Melli asked when the two stumbled across her huddled in the corner of her workshop.

“Are… you okay?” Melli asked, her speech pattern still made her act like everything was a game to her, but Petra know Melli well enough to understand when she was actually concerned.

“Petra? What’s wrong?” Rem asked, slowly sitting down next to the sobbing woman.

Petra had her knees huddled against her body. She sobbed and shook her head as tears streamed from her face.

Melli pouted. “Is something wrong, did you have ANOTHER breakup? Do I need to send a few Mabeasts to go eat him?”

Rem shout Melli a look for suggesting to use Mabeasts on the populace.

“Whaaat?” Melli asked with a smile. “It was a joke. Unless he did something reaaally bad to Petra, then it wouldn’t be.”

“N-no.” Petra muttered. “I broke up with him.”

Rem sighed. 

Melli tilted her head. “He do something wrong?”

Petra shook her head. “N-no… he did it right, he did everything right I just couldn’t…” Petra’s choked voice was silenced by her further sobs as she couldn’t even raise her head. “Why can’t I just be happy?” She muttered to herself.

Rem stared down at Petra. “Petra… you know you can tell us what’s going on. We are your friends, we can help you.” She brought the twenty year old girl into her embrace, holding her warmly as she continued to cry.

“You… but you have ‘him’ I can’t ever…” through her sobs, the bitterness in her tone came out.

Rem stared down at her, confused for a moment before Melli laughed.

“OH! This is about that! Melli” Melli’s voice was incredulous, like this was an unbelievably funny joke. “I see I see.” She nodded her head, as if pleased with herself for understanding the situation.

Rem looked between the two. “Could you… explain Melli?” Rem asked, her tone confused as she continued to hold Petra in her comforting embrace.

Petra just sobbed into Rem’s clothes, staining them with her tears.

“It's EASY Oni sister, Petra still loves big brother Subaru! Surprised that you didn’t pick up that was the problem, she’s practically like you in that regard. Well, maybe a bit nicer.” Melli teased the oni.

Rem blinked a few times and then looked back at Petra, actually shocked. “Still, I thought it was just, but you were.”

Petra shook her head. “I thought it was too, I thought I was just a stupid little girl. I thought maybe if I just went off on my own it would go away… but it isn't! It isn't!” She gripped her own hair, almost like she was going to tear it out.

“I did it all for him, I became a maid, learned politics, learned magic just for him. To support him, to help make him happy, to be with him!”

She screamed and wailed, Rem looking at her with surprise, blinking a few times as the girl clung to her.

Melli frowned but had no hint of surprise or confusion on her face, she already knew Petra's heart.

“He saved me, he made me happy, and he never asked for anything, ANYTHING from me!”

She continued to sob. “He noticed all of you, he loved all of you, he saved all of you, he did everything to make you happy. He tried to make me happy too but he didn’t notice, he didn't notice what would have made me happy!”

She cried, she screamed, she wailed.

She knew that she looked like a pathetic child but she didn't care at the moment. 

All these feelings that had plagued her heart for nearly a decade burst forth in a truly shameless display before one who had what she desired, and one who knew what she desired. 

“I tried to move on, I tried to live my own life, tried to follow my own dreams but it didn’t work. It won’t go away, he won't go away! He never noticed me! But he won’t leave!”

She screamed out, it was a childish whine, truly unbefitting of her.

“Petra, I'm sure you’ll…” Rem paused and softly patted her head, letting the girl sob into her embrace.

“Why why… can everyone else have him, but I can’t… I…”

“So… when did you become a scaredy cat?” Melli asked, stepping closer to Petra, leaning in with a playful smile on her face.

“Melli!” Rem glared at her.

“W-what?” Petra sputtered out, staring up at the Mabeast user princess.

“You heard me! Why didn’t you just tell him?” Melli giggled. “Bit silly if you ask me. You know how dense Brother Subaru is.”

Rem pouted. “Melli what are you…”

“Nope! Oni sister.” Melli giggled. “Isn’t that a bit selfish of you?” she stared mockingly at the oni. “After all you should know exactly how she feels. Riiiiiight?” 

Rem paused, looking down for a bit and then at Petra, the blue haired oni thinking about it. “Petra… all this time have you…”

Petra let out another choked sob as she nodded her head. “I… I just want him, I don’t care if I have to share. If there is a piece of his heart left for me, I want it for myself. I want to be with him.”

Melli giggled again and sat down next to Petra. “Well you got to actually ‘fight’ for him if you want a piece of him. Can’t expect a stubborn dense idiot like his majesty to notice how a girl feels all on his own can you?”

Rem sighed and then slowly nodded her head. “Petra… you should tell Subaru-kun how you feel.”

Petra’s eyes widened a bit. “But… But Ram!”

Ram shook her head. “No, Petra listen I… I understand, I do. And I know I don’t want to have even more competition for my Subaru but.” She smiled softly. “He wouldn’t want you to be so unhappy. And he can’t help you, and you can’t help yourself, unless you give yourself a chance.”

“Yeah, so try it! Big brother can’t be that hard to seduce considering. He is the harem king.” Meilli teasingly pushed her.

Rem sighed and shook her head.

“But Rem you…” Petra.

“We’re your friend’s Petra, we want you to be happy.”

Petra stopped in the hallway again. Standing outside a door that led to a room that was very precious to her.

That day was the second to last day that changed everything for her.

She found her resolve, Melli and Rem talking her to talk with Subaru later that evening, after she cleaned herself up.

It was the day that began the hardest battle of her life, where she declared her open intent to fight that battle, much to the surprise of many, but not all that knew her.

Much to the surprise of the foolish king for whom the war was being waged for.

It took her years after that, it wasn't until her mid twenties that she won that battle, that she could say she declared victory. And the prize, the proof of her victory, was right through that door.

Stepping inside she came to a baby’s room, it was finely decorated, fit for nobility. A large crib in the center in which laid a baby girl with dark hair.

Petra picked up the girl and held her in her arms, looking down at her smiling. 

“Hello little Deneb, mommy is here to see you.”

The baby flashed her a smile, it was a silly smile, that reminded her so much of her father.

Petra Leyte had been many things in her life, in her two and a half decades on this world.

Maybe she could have been many more things, but she was happy with what her life had given her, what she had fought for and won.

She was Petra Leyte, Royal Seamstress, Mother to Deneb, Consort to her Husband.

She was Petra Leyte, and in this world, all her dreams had come true.

Chapter Text

“Master! Your Shaula has returned!”

The doors to the palace swung open as a beautiful girl stepped inside.

She has green eyes, a near perfect figure, and her brown hair was tied up into what she described as a ‘scorpion's tail’ that flowed behind her. She wore a bikini top, cloak, and hotpants with a black and orange color scheme.

Her proclamation echoed through the palace, but was for the most part ignored.

A few servants and couriers in the entry hall paid her a glance before moving on, the guards remained unmoving, and the world continued on as if she wasn't there. 

The antics of the sage's apprentice, the crimson scorpion,  the false sage, the idiot beast girl, had been one of the many many things that those who lived in the palace had grown used to.

And quite honestly she was less destructive than many of the queens, and not as smart as many of the royal children.

Shaula smirked, satisfied with her own entrance as she quickly made her way through the palace, happily humming to herself.

“Hmm Hmummm Hmm Hmummm master master going to see the master, master master I'm going to see the master. Shaula the body pillow sex slave is going to see the master.”

She giggled as she walked along, a happy spring in her step as she navigated the royal halls.

As she traveled along she paused, letting out an excited gasp. “Ah! Chochorina! Adhara!” Shaula rushed up to them both and leaned down, smiling at both of the quarter elf girls who were together in the halls.

“Scorpion Mommy! Your back!” Chochorina declared, happily with wide eyes.

“Mhm! Your father's number one servant is back!”

“Hi mommy Shaula” Adhara muttered with a warm smile.

Shaula giggled and patted Adhara on the head, picking her up and holding the dark haired girl.

“Hiya Ahdara! How are you? Bet you are doing super as always?”

Adhara nodded and happily hugged the girl.

Shaula adored her master's children, all of them! They all clearly had a bit of him.

But Ahdara seemed to have even more, her scent was even more intense than her master's and it was the most alike.

She didn't get why people treated Ahdara weirdly, even master's other wives were slightly wary around Adhara.

But Shaula saw no problem at all! So she gave the little girl extra attention.

Shaula gave the girl a kiss on the head. “I'm going to go see the master, okay?”

Chochorina giggled. “Say hi to daddy for us then okay scorpion mommy?”

Adhara added, “please…” 

Shaula giggled and quickly proceeded on her way. 

She remembered one of the first times she played alone with little Adhara, she found the little girl wandering alone in the palace hall, silent as usual

Shaula found that it was totally unacceptable for one of the master's daughters to be unhappy and alone. So she scooped her up and played with her for the entire day after that. 

She didn't fully grasp why, when Emilia found them later that day she was hugged by the crying half-elf who kept muttering ‘thank you’ over and over again. 

Still, Shaula was happy that it seems Emilia let her play with little Adhara even more!

***

Shaula eventually found her way to the throne room, bowing before her enthroned master as she smiled. “Master master! Your ever reliable, dependable, amazing sex slave apprentice is back!”

Subaru blinked, sighed, and chuckled.

Priscilla was with him as well as Felt, both staring at the scorpion girl.

“Ah, the perverted Scorpion has returned. Surprised she could even find her way.”

Felt chuckled. “Hey Shaula, you got back quickly.”

She nods “Yes! I came back as soon as I was done! I had to get back to master as quickly as possible after all!”

Subaru sighed and shook his head while smiling.

Priscilla fanned herself. “And the knights who were to accompany you as your handlers?”

“OH I went on ahead and they wrote a message for me to give you master!”

Priscilla chuckled, Subaru looked to Felt who went down to take the message from Shaula.

Felt grabbed the paper and then handed it to Subaru.

Subaru read it over as he frowned. “Felt, Priscilla, you two mind taking care of this?”

He handed it off to them, a frown crossing both their faces.

Priscilla sighed. “Yes I shall rally what resources are needed, maybe send my jester to follow up on it.”

Felt sighed and groaned. “Maybe I'll see who else I can have looking into this stuff then. Get some of the knights moving.”  

Subaru shook his head and rubbed his temples. “Maybe send Julius to look into it. I don’t want to take chances.”

Both the girls nod and take their leave, Subaru slumping a bit back on his throne as he leans his head back.

Shaula stared at him for a few moments, before quickly scurrying up to him and sitting down on his lap. “Master, are you okay? Do you need to use your sex slave?” she asked, completely genuinely and honestly.

The knights who remained in the room did what they could to stifle their chuckles, it was hard to keep properly composed around the antics of the crimson scorpion.

Subaru sighed and leaned back, chuckling a bit. “Well not right now.” 

He joked with her.

“Ah but later! I’ve been away for over two weeks on a mission for the master!” She rocked back and forth, kicking her feet while remaining on his lap and grinding herself against it.

He hooked an arm around her waist and chuckled. “We’ll talk, anyways since you are back, I imagine you are back to following me around all day.”

She smiled brightly. “Yup! I will serve the master in mind and body and stay by his side all day and night!” 

Subaru chuckled a little bit. “Well one of those things is useful.”

She smiled, “Shaula is grateful she can be useful in any and every way!”

He sighed and pat her once on the ass. “How about you hop up so we can get going.”

She smiled brightly and hopped off his lap. They then proceeded through the palace together, Subaru smiling and listening as Shaula began to tell her all about the week in exacting, if inaccurate details.

He smiled along, listening to her. He used to find her annoying, they didn’t exactly meet under exactly ideal circumstances but…

She never really did anything wrong, or rather I can’t blame her for anything she did wrong.

He felt bad for her, when she lost her form once, becoming just a scorpion, having only begun to understood what type of life he had been subjected to out of necessity.

What type of life… the sage… had subjected her too out of necessity.

And what bothered him, what really bothered him, is that she seemed fine with everything that happened to her. That she seemed just as devoted, just as caring, just as loyal as she always was.

But he also realized that, like him in many ways, she didn’t express it, how sad she really was. The type of life that she really had to live.

So that’s why he promised he’d do what it took to make her happy. And despite many MANY protests and attempts, what made her happy was being with him.

So he happily listened to her, even if half of what she said was stupid silly degenerate utter nonsense.

Because it made her happy.

If Shaula’s dedication is what made her happy…

Then Subaru Natsuki would do what he could to make her happy.

Stopping in the garden he pulled her in close and hugged her. “I did actually miss you, ya know.”

Shaula paused, and blinked for a few seconds before eagerly hugging him back. “Master master! I missed you too!.”
She smiled brightly and happy, it was a pure and contented smile.

Because Subaru knew she was not talking about the two weeks of absence, but rather than four hundred years that she was alone, years she counted to the last second.

Like he was with all those close to him, Subaru Natsuki, as the King of Lugunica, was dedicated to her happiness.

“Mom Mom you’re back!”

A girl darted into the garden, looking to be about ten or so years old herself.

She had eyes like Shaula’s with long dark brown hair that she let flow freely. Currently she wore an orange scarf along with clothes much like her father, save for a longer version of her mother’s shorts.

She smiled bright and cheerfully at Shaula, who squealed and took her into her embrace.

“How is my super amazing mega awesome daughter doing today!” Shaula eagerly grabbed her and spun her around at high speeds.

Were the girl normal, it may even be dangerous but, the little girl just smiled and hugged Shaula back with equal intensity.

“Ah can we spend the day together then! Since Mom is back daddy?”

The little girl turned to him with a bright smile, she clearly knew what she was doing.

“Well…” Subaru scratched his head.

“If I'm around mom won’t try anything too weird right?” She added.

Subaru blinked and then smiled back. “When you are right you are right Graffias!”

The little girl smiled triumphantly while Shaula smiled.

Subaru wasn’t sure why, maybe being a MaBeast Shaula’s senses were perhaps a bit more in tune than her proper mind but she never said anything really perverted around Graffias, or the little kids in general.

Subaru smiled and offered a hand to Shaula and Graffias, the three walking hand and hand.

Subaru had a soft smile on his face while Shaula seemed happy as can be, humming to herself. Graffias giggled lightly. “Mom is always a bit silly isn’t she?”

“Well, it's a part of her charm.” Subaru shrugged.

“That's true. Guess I'm the one who has to keep mom under control.” she teased.

Shaula huffs. “Hey! I’m the mom so you listen to me right!” she pointed with accusation at her daughter.

Graffias giggled. “Of course I listen mom.~”

Shaula smiled and seemed content with that answer.

Subaru shook his head and wondered to himself.

Seriously, how is she more mature than her at eleven than Shaula is at. Ugh guess it's hard to compare. Graffias is half human while Shaula’s a full MaBeast technically.

To say that having Graffias was difficult was an understatement. Rather than being able to be ‘born’ naturally Subaru had to use the authority of Gluttony to modify Shaula, which only worked because she was willing and even willing to give up a piece of her own already diminished power to carry Graffias.

And the result was Graffias. A human MaBeast hybrid who inherited most of Shaula’s physical traits. How strong she would be is something both Shaula and Subaru were interested to discover as time went on in the future.

But for now, he was content, giving Shaula a somewhat normal life as a wife and mother, and letting Graffias grow up as a normal girl.

And indeed, even as she walked with her family, thoughts did drift through the mind of the Crimson Scorpion.

She thought about how her four hundred years of waiting were worth it.

How her ‘master’ had returned and given her a life and value she had never dreamed of before.

How he was happy, how he made her happy, how they both made their daughter happy.

Shaula didn’t care that she had to share him. 

She didn’t care about the nation he ruled.

She cared about him, she cared about their daughter.

She cared about their extended family, loving the master’s children and getting along well enough with his other wives.

She didn’t even mind the harem, less than anyone else, master deserved it after all.

And so the Crimson Scorpion continued to serve the man she called master.

As he showed her more of the world, as he encouraged her to be her own person, and take time to herself.

Even though she could understand why, he didn’t want her to be fully defined by him, fully enthralled to him.

But she loved him, she loved Subaru Natsuki who did everything to make her happy.

And, in a fact that shocked even her, she loved her daughter Graffias even more than she loved her master.

And thus the dreams of the Crimson Scorpion became reality.

Chapter Text

By the day's end Subaru fell into his bed, letting out a yawn and feeling fairly tired already.

Of course the day was not done yet, or rather, the night was not done yet.

“Ah Master master!” Shaula rushed in with a grin. “Do you have a need for your exclusive body pillow sex slave now?!”
She asked with an eager and hungry smile on her face, practically bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet.

Subaru sighed and let out a chuckle as he stared back at the eager, and admittedly sexy, girl. 

“Well I guess it has been a few weeks, and I do owe you a knight or two.” 

She gasped and smiled. “Ah master master please order me to do anything! Order me to do everything!”
She rushed up to him and landed on his lap, straddling him as she bounced up and down.

“Please please order me around! What do you want from your slave.”

He laughed. “As fun as the topic can be sometimes you aren’t a slave ya know?” He gripped at her hips as she continued to wobble and bounce herself.

“Oh? But you gave me everything master! Even when I was turned back into that little scorpion you used your authorities to make me all better! Maybe I can’t be as strong as I was, but I still have the body master gave me! So I’ll make up for my reduced strength by being the most amazing eager super sex slave in bed for you! And that’s a promise!” She poked at his chest.

Subaru laughed and shook his head. “Well guess there is no getting through that thick skull of yours huh?”

She giggled, grinning widely as she continued to bounce herself up and down.

“ So master, what do you want from me? Order me to do anything and I'll do it!”

He sighed and leaned his head back. “For a start…” he paused and chuckled. “Well you need to get those clothes off, unless you want to start on your knees.”

She giggled “oh options! But I better take these off first.” She quickly stripped herself down, in the blink of an eye in fact and even did a spin.

“So master, what next I could…”

And she spent the next several minutes listing off obscene and depraved acts, albeit mostly within ‘reason’ for the lustful king of Lugunica, but some were a bit beyond even him and others downright weird.

Subaru asked Shaula, who had taken a place straddling him again. “So umm, where did you even learn like… half that stuff!”

“You obviously taught me master!”

“Umm… did I really that’s um…”

“Well, I asked some, you got annoyed one day and started giving me the answers, and a bunch of made up on my own, or talked to some of the others about what things they thought about.”

Subaru let out a gulp, he hoped and prayed that some of those stranger options were not ideas some of his wives gave her.

He could perhaps see it from Rem, Priscilla…. Maybe Emilia if she got a weird idea in her head. Which does happen.

He sighed “maybe… just normal for tonight.”

Shaula licked her lips. “Okay master! I’ll be the best hentai dream girl you could ask for.”

Subaru groaned, he wanted to kick the ‘previous sage’ right in the face.

Chapter Text

Meili had slipped out of the bed, the twenty something year old ‘honorary elder princess’ stretching her body out as she resolved to start the day.

She quickly got herself dressed, wearing a blue dress very much akin to her late elder sister, albeit with a few modifications. One, the central “cut” of the dress was not nearly as long, and she incorporated blue rather than purple into her dress.

Spinning herself around, she smirked. “Ill have to thank Petra later for sewing this for me just right.”

A few small Mabeasts were perched nearby. A big wolfgarm, a big winged mouse, and a few others assorted small Mabeasts.

She proceeded to a room adjacent to her own, it contained a few other beasts but included a large comfortable pen that held only one animal. A white rabbit with golden horns and golden eyes.

“Hello little Spica.~” she smiled and leaned into the pen. She quickly served some food to the mabeast who hopped over and ate.

Melli tilted her head. “Wonder how long it will take you to wake up hmm. Sister Shaula took about a year to wake up the first time, but it's been longer with you huh?” She looked down at the rabbit who stared up at her, eyes seeming to communicate an understanding.

Melli smiled and sighed, feeding the rest of her stored beasts here, only the small ones, before she stepped out of the room and continued with her day, keeping one winged mouse and one wolfgarm by her side as she proceeded through the castle.

The former assassin still found it… funny… how she got to be like this, how her life became like this. One could be forgiven for thinking of it like a storybook, a little girl who was raised originally by Mabeasts eventually becoming princess of a nation.

It would be right out of a storybook, if one ignored the years of assassinations, blood, and guts that pervaded the middle of her path.

But… details, this was her life now.

Walking down the hallway she saw her ‘big brother’ walking by himself through the upper levels of the royal palace. “Ah big brother.” Melli rushed up to him with a smile, leaning in.

“How are youuu today?~” She asked playfully with a smile on her face.

Subaru laughed and pat her once on the head. “Doing good honestly, how about you Meili?

Meili giggled. “Not playing around with any of your wives today?” She tilted her head.

Subaru shrugged. “Not yet not yet, everyone’s busy with their own stuff right now. Besides, I'm visiting the Astrea Estate later today.”

“Oh can I come? If none of your wives are free I'm sure you got room for one more.” The Mabeast user stood upright and walked side by side with her adoptive elder brother.

As they walked together, the wolfgarm with her nuzzled the side of Subaru’s leg as he absentmindedly pet it.