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vilandel · 5 months ago

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Silver Cats & Black Roses

Chapter 22 – Elite

A/N It's been a while since I posted a chapter for this already finished story here, time to continue... A little insight about the world of fashion in Clover, plus our main guys missing their girlfriends so much that they are so bold to sneak into the modiste shop 💙💜

Ao3 link

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“Gosh, isn’t this exciting? The shop isn’t even open yet and so many customers are already waiting!”

“I guess. But I was never in such a luxurious shop before, I can’t really tell or compare.”

“Same here, but I’m still really excited. Well, it’s normal that those dresses are so well-loved. I mean, have you SEEN this emerald silk gown with the cream and golden butterflies? Or the red dress with the little roses that looks like a rose itself? Oh, I bet it looks even more like a rose when you turn around in it. Oh, and that black gown with the pink and teal flowers, such a style!”

Vanessa grabbed Grenadines arm, just to point at more and more dresses she saw in the shop. She already did that with the unfinished ones in the atelier, since the other knights and herself had to take the back entrance of Soie Velours’ shop.

It was the first day of the mission the most renown modiste in the Clover Kingdom gave the Magic Knights and ten knights, two from five different squads, came for the official start. Vanessa herself came along with Noelle for the Black Bulls, although she wasn’t sure if her squadmate was excited or not.

The Silver Eagles were represented by Nebra Silva and Grenadine, the nice newbie Vanessa already have seen several times and who was a bastard from a noble. From the Crimson Lions, two of the rare female knights of this squad, Lital Lys and Meli Ambrosia. The Blue Roses have sent Églantine Roselei and even the captain herself, Charlotte Roselei. As for the Coral Peacocks, they were represented by Kirsch Vermillion and someone called Rick Cornell, the only men in today’s group.

The only ones missing were still the Blue Roses, but it was still some time before the shop was opening. Besides, knowing captain Charlotte, they would still come on time and if not, the captain of the Blue Roses was concerned enough to let the modiste know in time.

The lion ladies were still back in the atelier and on another corner of the mezzanine, Kirsch was posing and doing some… things about beauty, while the knight called Rick seemed like he wanted to be far away from here. Poor guy.

Noelle and Nebra immediately were caught up in a discussion, so Vanessa took Grenadine aside to look over the shop from the mezzanine that leaded to the atelier and also the upper floors.

In fact, Vanessa wanted to get to know more about the Silver Eagles, since they were Nozels knights. There has to be some who were nice, hopefully. Despite everything, Nozel really enjoyed to be a captain and she didn’t want that some corrupt noble knights would took this away from him.

Besides, Grenadine was the first Silver Eagle who wasn’t either a royal or a noble and this was still a fascinating topic for Vanessa.

Grenadine seemed to be a bit shy and definitely overwhelmed by Vanessas complete attitude, but there was also a small, mysterious but encouraging glimmer in her eyes. A reason for Vanessa to not give up on getting along with this sweet girl.

“I don’t know a lot about noble houses, but I’m sure most of today’s customers will be from nobility.”

“Certainly, especially if they’re from high nobility. Like house Évantail… the house of my father. That’s going to be awkward if some of them would be here and I find myself in front of them. But well, I’m here on duty and I asked captain Nozel about this, there is nothing they can do against it.”

Aw, how cute it was of Nozel to reassure his junior knight.

Vanessa wished he could be here with her, right now. But this fashion world wasn’t really something he was the most interested in and besides, with the nobles coming today, it was better he was absent. They would either jump on him with marriage proposals or sneak on him with remarks and comparisons.

Still, Vanessa missed his presence, his arms around her, his lips on her skin or even better, on her own lips, his talks to her, how he cared, how he loved… With this ball full of marital traps around the corner, she felt the anger and the fear of the risk of being separated, mostly by this horrible Lac Silva. And it was in Nozels arms that Vanessa felt herself becoming braver about this.

She looked at Grenadine. House Évantail, huh? One of Nozels problematic knights had that family name as well and if Vanessa remembered correctly, it was also Grenadines older half-brother. And goodness, the Blue Rose accompanying captain Charlotte was an Évantail as well! Hopefully that one would be a nice Évantail, otherwise there’s going to be some tension in today’s group of knights.

Thankfully, it wouldn’t come from the Silva sisters. Vanessa glanced at them. They looked like they were arguing or bickering, but from what Vanessa could hear, it sounded more like a typical sibling argument. And it was about the ball gowns they could wear at the ball.

“No, no, no, Noelle! You CAN’T wear that, especially with that body type of yours!”

“What’s wrong with my body type?”

“Nothing is wrong with your body type, but it’s not the right one for this kind of dress. You’re more on the small side and you’re not chubby. You’re going to be drown in lace and silk if you were this kind of overly puffy dress. And why orange? Orange is not your colour and definitely not a colour Silvas can wear that easily. Especially flashy. Gosh, your taste in fashion is almost as terrible as Solids. Nozel is a bit better, but he’s not interested in fashion enough. If it weren’t for my lessons, he would have appeared on every celebration with his usual clothes and his Silver Eagle robe.”

So, Nebra was the fashion experts of the Silvas? Vanessa couldn’t help but giggle slightly. The typical Silva clothes were difficult to understand, for her and probably in general. Oh, they were looking comfortable and stripping them from Nozel before they slept together was very exciting for Vanessa. But from a fashion sense? So difficult to understand.

Vanessa looked at Nebras typical skirt. Asymmetrical and with some kind of slit on the side, it was actually very stylish.

Noelles Silva clothes didn’t have a piece of clothing in this style. Maybe Nebra asked for this kind of skirt specifically? Anyways, she was definitely the fashion expert of the Silvas and Vanessa was relieved to not be the only one anymore to care about Noelles disastrous fashion sense.

“It wasn’t only orange, it was also pink,” Noelle tried to argue. But of course, it wouldn’t be a strong argument.

“Orange and pink? ORANGE AND PINK? Noelle, this one of the worst colour combinations ever and a very risky one at that! Has anyone ever told you that?”

“Vanessa did, but-“

“See? You should listen to your witch squadmates, she might be the only one of the Black Bulls to have at least some fashion sense.”

“Oh, thank you, sugar!” Vanessa said loudly from where she stood, smiling brightly. She had some concerns at first, but getting along with Nebra Silva came along better than she thought, despite Nebras kinda bitchy attitude. And it was so wonderful to see Noelle getting along better and better with another of her siblings. First Nozel, now Nebra. Solid might come later, but it was hopeful at this point.

“Yeah, you’re welcome,” Nebra replied with a flick on her hand, completely focused on her little sister. “Seriously, Noelle, you can just appear at the ball looking like a too big flashy candy with small arms and small legs. We’re royals, we can’t allow ourselves to be ridiculous.”

“Kirsch is ridiculous.”

“But he made his ridiculous side part of his charm and he’s owns this flashy style to a point it’s not a reason to mock anymore. It’s his personality. But wearing a ridiculous ball dress that’s not even your style? That is just ridiculous and not even your personality. I can’t let you wear an overly puffy dress with such flashy shades and a horrible combination of colours. Because you’re a royal and also… because you’re my little sister. I just can’t.”

Nebra blushed, before slightly looking away. Oh, it might have took her a lot of will power to say this out loud, but Vanessa find it so adorable. Noelle had that side too, and Nozel. Was it a Silva trait, did Solid have it too?

Noelle was blushing too, clearly touched by her sister’s words. But she still worked up the courage to speak up still, “What do you want me to do? Getting lessons about fashion? Or letting you choose the ball gown for me?”

“Why not both? You definitely needs some lessons in fashion, at least for the basics. And please, don’t say that you don’t need those or you might end up like Solid and going to the ball in chequered flannel pyjamas.”

That seems like a very strong argument, Noelle didn’t say anything against it.

“As for deciding what you should wear for the ball… why not? I have enough trust in my fashion sense to actually find a dress for you that will suit you perfectly. Let’s see… You’re a water mage, so something in any shade of blue and anything that would remind of water. There are so many possibilities with that. Also, you told me once that you like green. Well, that’s a colour that works very well with our silver hair, especially darker shades. But brighter shades of green would suit you as well. Not to mention that both of us can easily wear pink, it matches our eyes. Purple too, especially if the garments are silver. In fact, we Silvas should rather use silver garments than golden ones, it’s more our brand. You can wear yellow too if you want, Noelle, but I would rather suggest you pastel shades in this case. As for the shape of the dress… You can wear puffy sleeves if you want, especially if it leaves your shoulder free, but I wouldn’t suggest it for the skirt if you don’t want to look like a fat pudding. I think you would look rather amazing in dresses with either flowy skirts, that turns around you like water or dresses that are closer to your body. There’s a shape that is called mermaid and you have a form like that with your magic, right? It would fit you perfectly in many ways. Of course, it is difficult to sit casually with that kind of dress, but you’ll still look fabulous.”

Nebra knew a lot indeed and looked totally in her element. Vanessa was impressed, maybe she would ask her some tricks and such for her own ball dress.

Noelle seemed like she came to that conclusion as well, only that she put it on a different level. “You know what, Nebra? Since you’re so confident on this topic, how about I let you decide for my ball gown?”

“Really? You would… let me?”

“Yes, it’s a deal.”

“Deal. I’ll make sure you will be the most beautiful lady in the ballroom. Or at least one of the most beautiful, I need to look fabulous too, after all.”

“Nebra!”

Just in this moment, the two Blue Roses came on the mezzanine. Captain Charlotte said immediately, “I’m sorry we couldn’t come before. There had been a… matter back at the base.”

Was it just Vanessa or did the captain of the Blue Roses just slightly blushed for a second?

The knight that was with Charlotte, a pretty young girl with beautiful azure corkscrew curls and turquoise eyes, snickered smugly. Oh, was it an embarassing matter or a spicy one? Vanessa wanted to know more.

But before she could even ask, she felt Grenadine tense beside her.

Oh. She almost forgot. Both Grenadine and the Blue Rose had the same eye colour. A shining turquoise. But Grenadine was a bastard daughter of the Évantails, while this Blue Rose was legitimate.

Said Blue Rose must have felt the tension as well, as she turned around to them. Her eyes widened when she saw Grenadine.

Captain Charlotte would certainly scold her subordinate deeply if she would say anything snarky towards the bastard daughter of her family. But Vanessa was ready to take the defence of Grenadine as well. She still wanted to make a friend out of her. And she was one of Nozels knights, she had every reason to defend Grenadine.

But to her biggest surprise, the Blue Rose let out a happy squeal and immediately run towards Grenadine to pull her in a tight hug.

“Oh, you must be my lost half-sister? I’m so glad to meet you finally! My family would never allow it, but that’s just not fair! You didn’t choose to be a bastard! But I would love to know you more! I’m so grateful to captain Nozel that he gave you a chance, the Silver Eagles are lucky to have you! I would have loved to have you as a Blue Rose like me, but we can still hang out and meet more if you want. Oh, please tell me you want! Pleeeeaaaase? I have little brother who would love to meet you as well and a great-aunt, who is pretty modern for her age. By the way, my name is Églantine.”

“Um… I’m Grenadine.”

“I know that already, sweet pie! We both have names that end in -ine, isn’t that great!”

Well, that was surprising. But also beautiful. At least, there was one Évantail accepting of the bastard. It reminded Vanessa a bit on how lady Orchidea – or auntie Dea, like the Black Bulls called her – immediately put Luck in her heart as if he was her own son.

It was reassuring to know that not every noble was an asshole.

“Églantine always wanted to meet her half-sister the moment she learned about her,” captain Charlotte said as she joined Vanessa at the balustrade of the mezzanine.

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. Églantine is just like that. I wanted to bring Grenadine into the Blue Roses at the Entrance Exam, but she chose the Silver Eagles instead.”

“It’s still not a bad choice, still.”

“Indeed. And if the Silver Eagles can take a bastard girl in, it’s the proof that it’s not status that should be important by being a knight, but the skills, the dedication and loyalty. Among other things.”

Vanessa couldn’t agree more. If only nobility could understand this as well.

“Oh, how wonderful, all the knights are here.”

Each one of the Magic Knights turned around, to see the modiste in person appear from the first floor.

Vanessa never had saw Soie Velours before and she had admittedly been curious about this most renown modiste. Well, she couldn’t say that she was disappointed. Soie Velours was one of the most elegant woman she ever saw, who seemed like to make her flaws into fashionable accessories. There were strands of grey hair in her red curls, but instead of hiding them like most woman would do, she was practically showing them of.

That was actually impressive, Vanessa hoped to be able to act the same once it would be her turn to have grey hair. Hopefully not so soon, though.

Soie Velours hold the hand of such an adorable little boy, who looked timidly at all the knights, especially Nebra and Noelle, but his smile was genuinely welcoming.

“My nephew, Lin Velours, and also my successor. Trust me, as a modiste, he is already on the way to surpass me one day.”

Soie Velours might be a firm business woman and probably very direct, but in this very moment, no auntie could have sounded more proud.

“You all know where the bathrooms are in case of a little toilet break? Good. You also know any place where you can eat your lunch? Very good. You also know where you can go if you want to spent your break with others? And where you can go if you want to be alone for your break? Very, very good. Well, I guess that those questions are all answered then. So, your job is to guard and watch that the customers don’t get overwhelmed, especially the most arrogant ones. Make sure that my workers can work in peace and that the customers don’t make them lose their times with flimsy things, like Ah, but this embroidery is not matching with the rest or Are you SURE it won’t make me look fat, you know, stupid stuff like that.”

Vanessa couldn’t help but giggle. Damn, this modiste really had a sense of humour. Even better, she knew how nobility could act and wasn’t even impressed by it.

“You might also need to help my dear workers with some tasks. Oh, not to make dresses for them, they have a reputation to lose and myself as well. Now, just bring any tools like needles or scissors or anything they need to sew. On the occasion, you might also need to bring them some samples of fabrics or dresses to show them to the customers, maybe you would need to show them yourselves. And also, most of customers will be nobles, especially from high nobility. You already saw the many doors on the first floor. One of them is my office, others belong to my workers, be it other offices or smaller ateliers. But most of those doors lead to private salons. Some families of high nobility book their own private salons, for anything they can also do in the shops. It’s just that some nobles prefer to have their deals and orders made the most privately as possible. There’s going to be some nobles who would use their private salon today and then, your job would be mostly to guard the door until there is satisfaction with the deal, clear so far? Very good. Also, I know that some nobles might don’t want to talk to some of you, due to reasons. If they complain, all you need to say is that you’re on duty on my behalf, nothing else, and if they’re not happy, they’re free to engage another modiste, but also that it’s almost impossible to find another one who will gave them complete satisfaction like me.”

Vanessa giggled again. Gosh, Soie Velours was very self-confident, but also knew how to handle nobles. Guess that she needed to, since nobility gave her most of her customers. But she seemed like a more than decent woman, so Vanessa decided to like her.

“Well, it’s now opening time. At first, I’ll ask you all to stay on this mezzanine for the first twenty, thirty minutes to observe everything. You’ll be surprised what can possibly happen during the first minutes. Then, you can start with your tasks. Also, don’t hesitate to make rounds in the atelier, in case there are some problems. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to come to me or even my nephew.”

One last cheeky smile and the modiste left the mezzanine to greet the first customers in person.

So, it started. The first fashion related mission Vanessa ever got as a Magic Knight. She couldn’t say that she wasn’t excited. Because she was.

Even when she was first just watching over from the mezzanine with her companions, the minutes and then the hours were flying by, she never got bored even for one second. Helping the workers, especially the seamstresses, talking with some customers, bringing samples of fabrics or dresses… The dress samples were just the miniature versions of the gowns, put on tiny dolls, something Vanessa found quite fascinating. One of the workers told her that Soie Velours often used leftovers from fabrics to make those miniature dresses. Not before long, the shop even started to use those fabric leftovers to make some little gowns and other little clothes for toy dolls, a little extra that was already very popular.

“Soie Velours is a true business woman,” Vanessa commented hours later, early in the afternoon.

“She is indeed. And she needs to, given how she created her shop and her ateliers from nothing and how she imposed herself in the world of fashion,” Lital Lys replied, leaning on the balustrade just next to Vanessa.

The two of them just had lunch, bonded over their meal and decided to take a short breather on the mezzanine before going back to work.

Vanessa liked Lital. She was someone very nice, not judging at all, maybe a tiny bit timid at first, but once she opened up, they could talk for hours and hours. Lital was also very pretty with her curly, purple mane she tamed by braiding some fangs out of her face and those really fascinating nacreous eyes.

Somehow, Vanessa had the feeling she had seen Lital before, but she couldn’t remember when.

Lital hummed happily, pointing at Églantine and Grenadine, who were fussing on the table where fans were exposed. “It is very nice to see how accepting those two sisters are. It’s not always the case for bastard situations.”

Vanessa nodded, thinking how auntie Dea practically adopted Luck immediately, contrasting her husband’s behaviour, who chased his son and the mother away.

“You told me that you were a bastard, Lital. So, you’re talking from experience.”

“You can say that. And I was only legitimized due to a circle of circumstances.”

“How so?”

“Imagine a noble couple, who can’t have children at all, but doesn’t know who’s sterile out of the two. So, the husband engages a prostitute, one from the slums at that, and pays her a big amount to see if he could make her pregnant. It’s not uncommon for nobility, even though it’s not so often either… and not quite legal. Now, imagine that the prostitute gets pregnant, the husband is so happy that he’s not sterile he forgets to pay the prostitute for the abortion. So, she returns to the slums, with a work accident in her womb. She doesn’t like her child at all and said child hat to spend the first ten years of her life surviving and taking care of herself. In the meantime, the noble couple still don’t have any children at all, the wife being sterile, the husband being too lazy to do something about it. Now, imagine that the wife isn’t quite an arrogant noble and has her heart at the right place. She wanted a child despite her sterility and even more, she wanted to make up for the mistake of her husband and help someone in need. So, the wife went to the slums, find the bastard daughter of her husband, took her with her and since then, raised like her own and loved her like her own.”

Vanessa took in a breath. This story was actually pretty dark, but Lital spoke about it like it was nothing, which was kinda impressive. She must have come to terms with her past. And given that she lived in the slums for years, Lital might be able to take a lot.

Lital just smiled at Vanessa. “I was hurt for long and I needed time to come to terms with it. First thanks to my mother, lady Corazòn. We’re not blood related, but she is my mother in every way. Then the Crimson Lions, who took me in like a second family, not caring for the rumours of my past. And also… Fuegoleon.”

Lital blushed immediately and Vanessa couldn’t help but tease. “It’s really serious between the both of you. When is the wedding? Can I be a bridesmaid? Please!”

“Well, how can I say no to those kitten eyes? Once we can organize everything, I will come to you. But it shouldn’t be for too long, we were dating for ten years after all.”

“Ten… ten years!”

“No need to be so shocked, it’s not like Fuegoleon and I are old like grandparents already.”

Vanessa nodded, but still… ten years before deciding to get married? She couldn’t believe that it was uncertainty, Lital looks perfectly certain in her love and captain Fuegoleon wasn’t known to be unsure.

Lital and Fuegoleon had, in some ways, a different kind of relationship than Vanessa and Nozel. Similar still, but not quite the same. Vanessa was patient, but she doubted she would be able to wait a decade before marrying Nozel.

Wait… had she just thought about that for REAL?

“Is something wrong, Vanessa?”

“What? Oh, no, nothing at all. I just… Now I remember where I saw you already. Finrals wedding with Finesse and you were dancing with captain Fuegoleon that day.”

“Finally, I was wondering when you would remember. And I saw you dance with captain Nozel that day.”

“Oh? Yes, he’s quite the dancer, I must say.”

Hopefully she wasn’t blushing too much. After all, her own romance with Nozel was still a secret and she wasn’t quite ready yet to spill the beans to the whole world.

“Oh, seems our help is needed,” Lital suddenly said, pointing towards to shop beneath them and towards the first floor where some words of an argument were heard.

“You better go down there, you said that you know this lady pretty well,” Vanessa casually commented, looking down at the ginger haired noble girl who discussed something with one of the cashier girls.

“I’m not friends with Rubinia Châteaubriand, but yes, I know her quite enough,” Lital sighed and by the tone of her voice, Vanessa assumed that this Rubinia wasn’t someone she would like to spend time with. “Look what’s the matter in the first floor, I’ll go defend that poor girl against the ruby monster.”

Ruby monster! Vanessa hold back her laugh while Lital went downstairs as quick as a shooting star. Well, Lital had star magic.

“Ah, Lital, good you’re here,” a pompous voice yelled, that could only belong to the ruby monster. “Could you please tell this bitch here to not insult me? I want my gown and she refuse to give it to me!”

“Dear Rubinia, I understand that you’re upset, but please, watch your language. You belong to the elite of nobility. Which dress are you talking about?”

“One of the collection Glory Sunrise, lady Lital. The golden version.”

Vanessa giggled. It was quite funny that Soie Velours gave each of her creations a name, but will, captain Rill gave each of his paintings a name too, so why not doing the same with dresses?

“Yes, and I want my dress, I haven’t ordered it just for the sake of it!”

“Of course not, but Rubinia, you will get that dress. The golden Glory Sunrise is just very popular and they need to sew more, since they’re already gone. You’re going to have it later today, trust me.”

“But I want it NOW!”

“If you will let the seamstresses work on your dress now, you might going to have it in less than two hours. Haven’t you told me that Patience is your second name?”

Lital was doing great. No wonder captain Fuegoleon was in love with her.

Vanessa sighed and made her way to the first floor. There were only two people in the hallway, noble ladies given the luxury of their afternoon dresses. One had blonde wavy curls and royal blue eyes, the other had straight pale pink hair and turquoise coloured eyes, exactly like Églantine and Grenadine.

Another Évantail, Vanessa assumed.

Both of them were holding three sample dolls each, while looking at each other with hate and disgust.

Vanessa frowned. Hopefully those two weren’t fighting over the dresses. This was one of the most ridiculous fights Vanessa knew. She looked quickly at the dolls. During the morning, Vanessa had a lot of fun learning the names of each dresses.

The Évantail girl was holding a green sample dress called Lovesick Frog, a white and silver one with green and pink patterns of leaves and flowers with the poetic name of Summer Snow, as well as a moiré burgundy gown, Wine Mirror. A favourite name for Vanessa.

The blonde girl hold a bright blue dress called Sunny Sky, a purple gown with bright pink embroideries named Heartbroken Plums and a puffy, shiny brown dress with the funny name of Treasure Hidden In Chocolate Cream.

“Who do you think you are, Athénaïs Vitrail?”

“No, who do you think you are, Prudence ��vantail?”

Athénaïs Vitrail and Prudence Évantail, good to know.

Prudence snorted, “Don’t you think that you have any chance against me on this race, Athénaïs. I’m not scared to use boldness to get what I want.”

Athénaïs didn’t seemed impressed. “Oh, I know that, Prudence. It is a strategy of the desperate ones, after all.”

“Why, you-“

“Unlike you, I know which words and which weaknesses to use to get what I want. Why do you chase after Nozel Silva anyway? We both know that you’re only the second daughter out of your siblings and your older sister married into nobility, NOT royalty. What are your chances to catch a royal?”

“I’m not as stupid as my older sister and don’t forget that Ursula married into YOUR house. Which ones of your cousins is she married again?”

“I think you’re just as stupid as Ursula, just unnecessary more stubborn.”

“Do you really think you have more chances than me to marry lord Nozel? It’s actually the other way around. Unlike what everyone believes, you’re not the perfect match for a royal. The perfect one is me.”

The moment Nozels name fell, Vanessa froze and fight the urge to either puke or to slap both Prudence and Athénaïs.

The latter just sighed dramatically. “We both know that out of all the potential betrothed for Nozel Silva, you and I are considered the top two candidates. But you’re only second place, compared to me. Unlike you, I have power already, you would need to marry into royalty to finally gain that.”

“Does your power even mean anything, since you still need to get married? Unlike you, I’m patient for getting power. Once I’m married, I’ll be someone to not mess with.”

“You’re pathetic, Prudence. You won’t be a female Lac Silva, you might only end up like the late Eislyn Silva, lord Nozels grandmother. You’re going to be in the shadows of the Silvas and end up absent and longing for a life you’ll never get.”

“You’re wrong, you’re going to end up like the late lady Eislyn. And unlike you, I won’t stay in the shadow of my pathetic husband. I’m going to be someone! How about you catch lord Fuegoleon instead? He also matches your standard.”

“But he’s not the head of house Vermillion. And house Vermillion is in perfect shape, unlike house Silva. Which means that I’m going to be the one saving house Silva from falling apart. The heroine putting the Silvas into a perfect shape.”

“Oh no, Athénaïs. This is going to be me. Nothing would change that, even though you’re my rival.”

That was not a good rivalry. It wasn’t like with Asta and Yuno, Nozel and captain Fuegoleon or captain Yami and captain William. It was a straight-up fight and not even for Nozels heart, but for his position, to become a royal through marrying him. And this was the kind of women Lac Silva wanted to marry his son to?

Vanessa clenched her fists. She hated Prudence and Athénaïs already. She hated how they talked about Nozel like he was a prize or someone they could so easily manipulate. Saving house Silva? More like form it in a way it suited them. They would look down on Noelle, making Nebra and Solid stand in their shadows and try manipulate or even threaten Nozel if he doesn’t act like they want.

Prudence and Athénaïs might be considered the top candidates to marry the head of house Silva. But Nozel would never choose any of them. Those two would never get along with his siblings and more importantly, none of them would get into his heart. That was Vanessas place.

But both Athénaïs and Prudence have clearly no interest to win over Nozels heart. They wanted to become royals and as much as Vanessa hated to admit it, they didn’t seem stupid. Surely Prudence and Athénaïs would use the ball to try and trap Nozel into an engagement. Not on Vanessas watch! She needed to protect him, to be there for him! She would never let them get their filthy clutches on the man she loved.

But just as she took a step towards them, a door of a private salon opened and another young lady look outside. Vanessa was taken aback of how thin and fragile she looked like, not to mention pale with the white-blonde hair and the pale grey eyes. And still, her attitude seemed subtly determined in a way.

The pale girl looked around, as if she was analysing the situation, before she actually called in a soft voice, “Athénaïs, can you please come back? I have no idea which fabric I should choose for my dress.”

Athénaïs turned around and suddenly had the brightest smile on her face. “Of course, Rosette. It would be a shame if I let my little sister alone when she obviously needs my counsel.”

Was it just Vanessa or did Rosette slightly rolled her eyes?

Prudence began to smile brightly as well. “I won’t hold you back longer, my dearest friend. I’ll go back to my families private salon as well. My cousin Blanche and my aunt Clémentine might need my counsel for their dresses as well.”

Both so-called rivals gave each other a poisoned glance while smiling brightly, before leaving for their respective private salons. Rosette didn’t disappear immediately, though. Instead, she looked at Vanessa, being the only one to have seen her.

Vanessa was surprised by the genuine kindness in her grey eyes.

“They’re not worth it, don’t worry,” Rosette whispered before closing the door behind her.

Those words let Vanessa stunned. What was that supposed to mean?

“Lady Rosette is right, you know.”

Vanessa turned around immediately, only to fall upon Lin Velours.

“Oh, you heard them as well, little one?”

“Yes. But don’t worry, lady Vanessa. Lord Nozel won’t choose any of them. He already chose you, otherwise he wouldn’t have created an account in this shop for you.”

“He… did what?”

Did Lin actually realized what a bomb he just dropped? Nozel created an account for her? In this shop?

“Yesterday,” Lin replied, as if it was perfectly normal. “He was very determined that it was on your name and that you could choose yourself what kind of dresses you want, but that the bills should be sent to him. That shows that he cares a lot about you.”

Yes, that sounded so much like Nozel. In so many ways. Vanessa had no idea what to say.

“He’s here to see you.”

“Huh?”

“Lord Nozel. At the back door. That’s why I’m here, to tell you he’s waiting for you.”

“Oh, thank you cutie pie. I better not letting him wait.”

Indeed, Nozel was outside, alone in the backyard, arms crossed. It wasn’t a place where people came during working hours, as she learned, so the risk of getting spotted wasn’t big at all.

Vanessa immediately pulled him in a deep kiss. Of course Nozel gave in immediately, placing his arms firmly on her hips.

“What was that for?” he still asked as they break the kiss, but not letting go of each other.

“For the account you created for me, silly eagle,” Vanessa laughed, pecking his chin. “I would ask why haven’t told me about it yesterday night, but given what we did so passionately, I don’t blame you that you had something else on your mind.”

Nozel blushed, making Vanessa giggle. He was so handsome when he was blushing.

“I… I wanted to tell you… sooner, but…”

“Come on, there’s no need to be stuttering. Besides, Lin told me.”

“Lin? Ah, you mean Lin Velours, the nephew of Soie Velours. He was there when I discussed the details with his aunt.”

“He’s such a cute boy. But as much as I love having you here, why did you came? Did you missed me that much, my sweet eagle?”

She poked his cheek, making him blush.

“Well, that too, but… Maybe I shouldn’t have, but… I was worried about you. I heard that… Prudence Évantail and Athénaïs Vitrail would come here and-“

“And those two are considered the top candidates as your future wife within nobility, I know. I learned about it like not even five minutes ago. I saw them fighting, not really over you, but over the position of being your wife. Don’t look so scared, honey, they haven’t seen me, too focused over their stupid rivalry over you. But I was really close to slap them.”

Vanessa sighed and snuggled against his chest. “I hate how they talk about you. As if you were a prize or someone they could easily manipulate for their own schemes. As if you weren’t a person at all.”

“A lot of nobles think like that about me.”

“That’s not an excuse. Both Prudence and Athénaïs don’t know you. They have an image of you in their mind they believe to be real and they refuse to see the truth about you. I really can’t take it. I love you, that’s why I hate so much how they view you.”

Nozel didn’t answered immediately. He just sighed, holding her closer to him, running his fingers through her hair.

All those gestures were so comforting, Vanessa swore she melted. How amazing it was that being in Nozels arms, being hold by him, suddenly transformed every problem into something unimportant.

Simple and precious.

“You know that I’ll chose none of those two…” Nozel whispered after a while.

“Even before me?”

“Even before you.”

Vanessa smiled. She suspected that already, but it was nice to have Nozel confirmed that Prudence and Athénaïs never would have been an option during the period he would have sacrificed himself for his siblings.

Unlike those stupid noble ladies, he always had a heart and he still had sense of honour.

“It’s you I want to spend the rest of my life with,” Nozel whispered again, pushing the fabric of her robe aside, planting a kiss on her shoulder.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Vanessa chuckled, planting a peck on his neck.

They started making out, holding each other, letting their lips and their tongues dance together. It was enough to lit a fire within them and Vanessa couldn’t wait for tonight, for coming in his room again, to spend the night with him.

They haven’t talked about marriage, of course not. It was still too soon. Vanessa wasn’t sure if she would even get used to the life of royalty, to fit in completely. It was a scary and a complicated world.

But Vanessa also won’t let her fears be stronger than her love for Nozel. If he would ever propose to her one day, she knew already that she’ll say yes, no matter what.

♣♣♣

There was a huge lack of customers between four and five o’clock, which had surprised Charlotte. But as she asked Soie Velours about this, the modiste just shrugged and told her that it was completely normal. Most of nobility had their afternoon tea around this time and so, it was like a break for the shop, with some occasional customers.

Charlotte was also told that after that afternoon-tea-break, a high amount of customers will come, more than during the day. Apparently, it was pretty normal that the evening was the time during which the best sell was made.

In the meantime, Soie Velours, invited the knights to some tea, cakes and cocoa, a little break before the bit storm. And Charlotte had to admit that she loved this interlude.

“Where are lord Kirsch and his squadmate?” Lital asked, while eating a slice of lemon cheesecake.

“My dear cousin wanted to have a closer look to the beauty of the newest creations, as he said,” Nebra replied casually. “And the Coral Peacock with him went with him to hold him back if necessary. Trust me, knowing Kirsch, doing this is vital.”

Given the reputation of Kirsch Vermillion, Nebra might be right. Even though Charlotte had to say that despite his extravagance, Kirsch was still a very capable vice-captain for Dorothy and the Coral Peacocks.

It reminded her a bit of her own vice-captain, Risacca. Without the extravagance.

Charlotte took another sip from her tea.

All things concluded, it hadn’t been such a bad day. Of course, most nobles had been arrogant and some had made not so subtle hints about potential bachelors within their families. But thankfully, none from the Roseleis had shown up yet. Charlotte would have had no idea how to deal with them. Especially Rosamund.

If her aunt would have seen Charlotte eyeing more than she should in the corner of Soie Velours’ wedding dresses, Rosamund would have never let her hear the end of it. Probably she would have even prepared the engagement with Reginald Évantail even before the ball.

Charlotte hold back a sigh. Why had she been so specifically interested in those wedding gowns in the first place? Imagining herself wearing one of those dresses, with a veil and a bouquet, and Yami…

Of course. Because she wanted to spent the rest of her life with Yami and even though she learned how to be calmer around him since they were in a relationship, it still didn’t make her wildest dreams and fantasies less. In fact, it was almost like she had them more often since their first kiss and their first night.

But it was way too early to even think about wedding and children and… Wait, did she just thought about children?

Now Charlotte hold back a groan. It was worse than when she was just longing for Yami, now she was thinking about having children with him! Not that she was against it, she would love it. Yami maybe too, Luck was already eager to be an uncle and her mother would surely be happy to become a grandmother.

But it was too soon, way too soon.

Not only that, but their situation was still secret and given how things were in the kingdom, not that ideal. Especially with most family member trying to find a so-called perfect match for her and marry her of.

Charlotte forced herself to stop overthinking. Once she started just that, she would be unable to stop. They would see what the future had in store for them. In the meantime, it was the presence and each minute spend with Yami was a gift.

Oh, Yami…

How she wished he could be here with her right now. He declined being a part of this mission for Soie Velours, as fashion wasn’t his world. Knowing him, he might be on the toilet for hours now. Which was kinda disgusting in a way, but Charlotte didn’t mind… that much. It was just so typical of Yami and she would be damned if she didn’t embrace each and every one of his flaws, even that one.

Maybe it was good that he wasn’t here today. This so-called elite of nobility would have get on his nerves very fast.

They were getting on her nerves as well. Telling Prudence Évantail to leave a cashier girl alone, supporting the endless rant of Athénaïs Vitrail about incapable maids these days, just because her own almost fell while carrying a bunch of packages, and this and that…

Not to mention those little six or eight years old brats, spoiled and already snobs, who somehow believed that paying was only for peasants and commoners. Charlotte didn’t know exactly where the education went wrong exactly. But it went wrong, that was a fact.

She would NEVER teach her own children such a bad behaviour.

And now she was thinking about her potential future offspring again. Was she that desperate to marry Yami?

Well, being not desperate would be a lie, Charlotte would admit that. But still, she couldn’t be THAT desperate!

Should she talk with her mother about this? Or directly with Yami? Probably not her girls, they would get terribly excited if she says wedding and Yami in the same sentence.

Charlotte looked discreetly at Lital Lys. At this point, it was practically an open secret that she and Fuegoleon were dating, it was only a matter of time before they would announce their betrothal.

Apparently, they have dated for ten years now.

Ten years…

The same amount of time she had been in love with Yami, longing for him.

Was she able to wait ten more years before getting married to him? Or after all those long years of hesitation, didn’t she had the patience anymore? Wasn’t it possible to have something in between?

She clearly wouldn’t say no if Yami would propose to her. In fact, she would say yes before he could even finish his question. But given who Yami Sukehiro, he certainly won’t go the traditional of proposing. Charlotte couldn’t even imagine what he would do.

And now her thoughts drifted again! She was so hopeless.

Charlotte needed a distraction from this overthinking and so, she decided to listen very closely what the sever other women were saying.

“Mrs. Velours really comes with the most original names for her dresses,” Meli Ambrosia said, the young Crimson Lion, a nice girl with golden eyes and black, braided hair. “I mean, Lovesick Frog or Heartbroken Plums are already very original. And this one,” she pointed at one of the dolls standing on their table, a dark blue gown covered with a lot of lace, “is called Snow And Light In The Night. She clearly has so much imagination not only to create dresses, but also to name them.”

“My personal favourite is Treasure Hidden In Chocolate Cream,” Vanessa added with a laugh. “It’s certainly not my type of dress, but I would buy it still just for the sake of this funny name.”

“I really wonder how Soie Velours can come up with this kind of names.”

“You could ask her, lady Noelle,” Églantine replied, her nose stuck in a book. This sight made Charlotte frown. Since when was Églantine such a bookworm?

“I did, but all she said was that it was her artist secret. What is that even for a reason?”

“Probably a common reason artists have. Fuegoleon told me that captain Rill uses the same excuse about the names he gives his painting.”

The moment Lital said Fuegoleons name, her eyes began to uniquely shine and a smile appeared on her lips. Charlotte wondered if she would do the same while mentioning Yami.

“All artists are like that,” Nebra said with a flick of her hand. “It’s not only the privilege of painters. Besides, the names Soie Velours gives her creations are often a good description of the dress itself.”

“Not directly, you have to admit,” Vanessa smiled. She looked extremely happy since lunch. “I’m still trying to figure what Candy Beach is supposed to look like, both shape and colours. I have honestly no idea. At least, Pearl Mermaid is pretty straight forward. Ocean blue dress in mermaid shape with pearls all over it.”

Églantine nodded, “That’s a very beautiful dress. I also saw a version in white instead of blue, really stylish as well. That would be a good dress for the ball, don’t you think?”

“Isn’t the white version a wedding gown, though?”

“Not specifically, Meli. Not every wedding dress has to be white and ball gowns can be white as well. Speaking of white, I saw a really beautiful dress in white and gold called River Of Milk And Honey.”

“I… I honestly haven’t thought about that yet. And besides, just because I have honey magic doesn’t immediately mean that I will wear something in that shade.”

“Honey magic?” Grenadine immediately asked, looking up from her cocoa. “Are you related to granny… I mean, to Julia Ambrosia?”

“She’s one of my great-aunts! Oh my, you and lady Nebra must know her, since she is in the Silver Eagles! Oh, Julia and another great-aunt, Ophelia, were one of the reasons why I wanted to become a Magic Knight.”

Charlotte smiled. She actually knew Ophelia Ambrosia. She had been the captain of the Blue Roses before Charlotte took over. Ophelia was now retired, enjoying her old life observing her flowers and grandchildren grow.

“You’re actually lucky, little honeybun,” Vanessa smiled towards Meli. “With your black hair, you can practically wear any colour.”

“The witch is right, black hair goes with almost everything,” Nebra said. “For my part, I want to try something new. Black, with maybe a bit of red. Or blue.”

Was it just Charlotte or did Nebra Silva suddenly blushed for a second?”

“You, black?”

“Yes, Noelle. Me, black.”

“Oh, black would suit you so well, Nebbie,” Vanessa said with a wink. “As for me, I don’t have such a specific idea, but I certainly would love purple. A colder shade, maybe metallic. It has such an elegance.”

For some reason, Charlotte had the feeling that Vanessa wasn’t really talking about the colour of her dress…

How strange was it? That ball was a serious issue and her companions still were talking about the dresses they might wear that day.

“I haven’t thought about it either. The only ball dresses I wore belonged to my mother. Old-fashioned, but comfortable. This will be the first I’ll ever wear a new dress just for me. And don’t forget that this shouldn’t be our priority for the ball, given what kind of ball it is and all the thievery in the Common Realm.”

Lital was really spending a lot of time with Fuegoleon. He would have said something like that as well.

At least, the other girls nodded without pouting too much. Charlotte smiled. All of them haven’t forgotten their primary mission concerning the ball. They just also didn’t forget to relax and have some fun.

Should she do this as well? Thinking about a new dress for the ball, thanks to the offer of Soie Velours? Honestly, Charlotte hadn’t wasted any thought so far about her gown. She vaguely planned to wear for a third time the blue dress her knights gifted her.

But what if she tried something new like Nebra Silva? For Yami? Okay, he wasn’t interested in fashion at all and he probably wouldn’t care at all about what she would wear. But still…

Maybe instead of going for blue, she should choose another colour. Maybe black with a bit of gold…

But before Charlotte could think further or rather scold herself for such a stupid way of thoughts, she heard a new customer entering the shop.

“Is someone here? I need an extraordinary dress for the upcoming ball!”

Oh no! Please, not her aunt Rosamund!

“Can I leave you girls for now before we’re going back to work? I need some fresh air before that.”

She mostly needed to avoid Rosamund as much as she could.

But before Charlotte could reach the back door, Églantine stopped her with a tiny smug smile. Not good.

“How about you start reading this before we’re back on duty? It’s a little something from Puli and me, just to give you some more ideas with captain Yami. Don’t worry, it’s not those stupid soulless romance novels you despise so much.”

And Églantine run back to the table with a satisfied laugh after putting two books in her hands. Charlotte looked at those, confused? What did Puli and Églantine imagined again? Oh, all of her girls always meant well and were so supportive, but there were times Charlotte was either overwhelmed or didn’t know what to think about their ideas.

“What kind of books did she gave you?”

Charlotte yelped at the sudden voice. But thankfully, it was just Vanessa.

“Oh, sorry love, did I scare you?”

“Nothing, don’t worry. Églantine just gave me two books, but I don’t know why exactly. My knights have sometimes the weirdest ideas when it comes to get me out of work. Or to help me out with personal matters.”

“Sounds to me that the Blue Roses would get along very well with us Black Bulls.”

Probably. They were already getting along with Finral, Gordon and of course Luck.

The title of the novels were Rose & Sword and The Prince & The Witch. What did Puli and Églantine had in mind with those kind of stories? At least, it seemed promising and didn’t look like it was only romance.

“Oh, can I borrow that one?”

Vanessa immediately took one of the books before Charlotte could even answer. The Prince & The Witch. She looked at the cover like it was the most wonderful thing she ever saw. Charlotte frowned again as she saw the same glimmer Vanessa had when she talked about the possible colour for her ball dress.

Charlotte had the feeling she was missing some clue…

“Um, sure. You can even keep it if you like it.”

“You sure? It’s a present from your knights, after all.”

“Well… then keep it as long as you want. If you like the story, I’ll give you another exemplary of this book.”

“Aw, thank you. I’ll owe you one if I love it. And I definitely will.”

Vanessa smiled at her before turning around, almost dancing away.

Charlotte sighed. Well, at least she made someone happy. Maybe Vanessa would indeed love The Prince & The Witch. As for herself, she would find out if Rose & Sword was something for her.

But when she stepped out the back door, she wasn’t alone.

“Yami?”

“Hi there, Prickly Queen. I missed ya.”

“We last saw each other this morning.”

And that was also the reason why she and Églantine had come later than planned to Soie Velours’ shop. Just because Yami needed another round of beddancing, as he called it, before her departure.

Charlotte sighed. He was impossible, but damn, she loved that side of him. So, still with the clear intention of scolding him, she pulled him in a tight hug.

“Didn’t I told you to wait until my shift for today is over?”

“Yeah, you did… But I just happened to be nearby, so I sneaked here, hoping to catch a few minutes with my Prickly Queen. Oh, and I saw your bitch aunt enter the shop, so I better checked out if you’re fine.”

“I’m fine. In fact, I… practically fled when I heard Rosamunds voice. She certainly not only came for a ball gown, but also to talk to me. It’s so frustrating how bolder and bolder she becomes, wanting me to marry Reginald Évantail.”

“Sounds fishy to me.”

“I know.”

“Let’s not talk about Rosabitch, you’re already too tense for your own good. Too bad I can’t take you in this place.”

“Yami!”

He just laughed, pretty much satisfied with his teasing. And honestly, it made Charlotte wanna laugh as well. After all, she would have loved him to take her, but this really wasn’t the place. And now, because of this new fire, she couldn’t wait until they could meet in her room again this evening.

But now, she has his presence, she has his comfort, that was more than she could ask from him. Except maybe a kiss.

As if he heard her thoughts, Yami practically crashed his lips on hers, pulling her into a passionate kiss. Charlotte immediately gave in, as if she needed it to live. Well, it was vital to her. She needed this for the rest of her life.

7 notes · View notes

vilandel · 7 months ago

Text

You're My North

Summary “Your mother was right, it’s okay to feel lost, you can always find north again,” Vanessa whispered, putting the necklace around her neck. “Although, I don’t think that I risk to feel lost anymore. You’re my north, after all.”

A/N Today is Vanessas birthday and it's still Fluffmay, so this is the perfect opportunity to also post this little oneshot I wrote exactly two years ago... And it is a Surfer AU, just because I think that Nozel would be an excellent surfer 💘

Ao3 link

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

“You’re going to throw a party.”

It wasn’t a question and she got confirmation as she saw her best friend looking at her in surprise before looking away.

“Come on, Vanessa. How did you find out?”

“Oh, I don’t know. You all just weren’t as subtle as you wanted to be. Especially Yami, he didn’t even try and I just played dumb.”

“I’m going to kill him,” Finral sighed, as he was turning the wedding band on his finger.

“You can’t, he’s your boss. Not to mention that it would be a crime, my dear.”

“I know.”

Finral looked over at his boss, the owner of the Black Bulls Motorcycles, who was sitting at the bar, drinking his third or fourth beer and complaining that he couldn’t smoke because the smoking area of the beach restaurant was still under renovation.

“Kaiser seems so unfaced. I know many people who would have lost after just five minutes of Yami complaining,” Vanessa giggled, as she saw the owner of the Purple Orca just listening to Yami while cleaning some glasses.

“He just has the patience of a saint. Well, it was needed to transform this place from a crime’s nest into a little paradise,” Finral just said, taking a sip from his pineapple juice.

Vanessa couldn’t agree more. She liked Kaiser. He was one of the chilliest persons she ever met and since he took over this restaurant, the Purple Orca transformed from a shady bar with hidden criminal activities and the reputation that went with it to a nice place, favourite spot of Raque for inhabitants and tourists, surfers and swimmers. A place where you can having a party or enjoy your evening after a day of work. Or both.

“So, um, Vanessa…”

“Yes?”

“Could you please do as if you don’t know? We booked the entire place, Kaiser and his wife helped to prepare everything, Morgen finally managed to catch Nacht so he can be here for the evening, Dorothy has prepared something as well and there will be a lot of people, for a big and nice party, just so as you like them. And Noelle especially seems very excited, so…”

Vanessa hide her smirk. She knew exactly why Noelle was excited.

“Don’t stress, Fin, I will play the surprised birthday girl like it’s expected on me. I’m happy that Nacht will come too and I’m curious what surprise my boss will do.”

Dorothy came from the same place as her. Witchtown looked like a lovely town in the middle of the Forest, but it wasn’t that nice once you knew the background and Vanessa had been at a good place to know that, as daughter of the mayor.

But she chased those memories away. She was already visiting therapy for her past trauma and her birthday wasn’t the day to remember something unhappy.

At that moment, she saw Noelle enter the restaurant, her surfboard under her arm. Vanessa made a sign and the young princess just waved back, before sitting alone at some table near the terrasse. Rebecca, a friend and a teenage girl who worked at the Purple Orca during some of her free time, immediately went to take her command and probably for some girl talk.

“What’s up with Noelle?”

“Oh, she went surfing and hoped to see Asta, but he went to the train station. Yuno is back from Spade, apparently and you know Asta, he won’t miss an occasion to spend time with his adoptive brother.”

“Ah, I understand. Poor sweetie. She still won’t admit her feelings and Asta is so oblivious.”

“Not to mention that she’s royalty. Dating someone out of your circle is difficult when you’re royalty, even in those modern times.”

Oh, Vanessa knew that. Probably better than Finral knew. But that was still her secret.

“Noelle even learned to surf to impress Asta, even though she would never admit it,” Finral continued. “I still wonder who taught her though. She never accepted help from anyone, of course. But someone had to teach her how to surf.”

Vanessa giggled. Oh, she knew exactly who taught Noelle how to surf.

“Don’t worry about Noelle, I’m sure she will gain her good mood again this evening for the party. Speaking of royalty, do you think the prince will come?”

“Yes, he will. Lumière finally found some free time. But you know, he will mostly spend his precious moments with Secre.”

“Ah, young love. They’re so cute together.”

“Yes, but the king won’t accept their relationship so easily. He might be an idiot, but you know that king Augustus is very peculiar on this topic. For anyone in the three royal families.”

“Won’t stop his son to date Secre.”

“No, it won’t. You’re right about that.”

Vanessa finished her drink and let her pay on the table. There was a place she wanted to go and someone she wanted to see.

“I see you this evening, Fin. Greet Finesse for me.”

“Will do. Where are you going, anyway? How many bars you want to drunk run before coming back?”

“None. There’s someone I want to see.”

“Ah, that secret boyfriend of yours…”

Usually Finral wasn’t that cheeky. Only when the topic was about the mysterious man who she was dating for months now. But unlike most of her friends, Finral actually believed that it was real and not some fantasy.

“Yes, that secret boyfriend of mine. I will eventually bring him to the party this evening.”

“Oh, we finally going to met him? Well, that means I won my bet.”

“You did have bets about my significant other?”

“Yep. But mostly if that person was real or not. Only Noelle and I did bet that he was real. Yami and those who made bets were sure it was just a fantasy of yours.”

“Going to prove them wrong, then. It’s not because that I didn’t have the best experience with dating that I’m desperate to invent someone.”

“I know that. Whoever that guy is, he makes you happy and that’s the most important. I’m really curious to finally meet him.”

“You’ll meet him this evening. See you later, Fin. And greet Finesse for me.”

Vanessa waved and practically run out of the restaurant. She was impatient to see Nozel.

♣♣♣

Raque was a vacation paradise for bathing and surfers. Even most members of the three royal families preferred to live here rather than in the capital. Well, the Kiras, Vermillions and Silvas had each their own estates in Raque, while they shared one big palace back in the capital of Clover.

Vanessa was happy to live in Raque. But even though she loved the beaches and the noise and everything that could happened on the beaches, often she preferred the hidden, secret creeks and beaches, when she wanted time for herself.

Or spend time with her boyfriend. It was on a secret beach she properly met him after all.

It was their place. Hidden between trees and some flat, round rocks was a little, beautiful white shore, with often the perfect waves for a surfer. Today, on the late afternoon, this little paradise seemed to shine in a pale golden glow. The sun was sometimes hidden by a few passing clouds, but Vanessa didn’t care. A pure blue sky could get boring over time and clouds at least were always changing their shape, telling a new story with each new form.

And there he was. Her silver surfer.

Full of glee, Vanessa dropped her beach bag on the sand just next to his, took her burgundy towel out and sat on it, admiring the talent of her boyfriend.

Nozel was an amazing surfer. It was fascinating to see how each way, each art of riding waves had no secret for him. And almost no one knew about his talent. It was one of his secrets and Vanessa only found out about it when she searched a new secret beach to have some time for herself. By coincidence – or was it Fate? – she chose exactly the hidden shore Nozel used for his surf training.

Like her, Nozel didn’t have an easy past. An absent father who were always harsh once he came home and the terrible accident of his beloved mother, who had been in comatose for years and who was today too weak to take care again, left him basically alone in charge of his three younger siblings. He had his aunt from the Vermillions to help him, of course, but the pression that was always present for royalty even today and other things had make things overly difficult for him, to a point that it gave him a cold mask despite himself. It was only recently that he began to allow to give himself more freedom.

What had been helping him all those years were his secret hobbies. Nozel called them his sanctuaries. Reading books and poetry, history and of course surfing. Vanessa had been ready to keep his secret, if she was allowed to share hislittle beach.

They bonded over time, get to know each other and opened up to their hidden wounds. From friendship something more deep grew between them. Something that over time unmasked itself as love.

It was almost a year since they were secretly dating, with only a few people being aware on this new royal relationship. Secre found out first and soon prince Lumiere too, who was gladly helping his distant cousin with his own romance. Noelle found out by accident and after some shock, she became basically their number 1 fan. Dorothy knew it too and Vanessa suspected Fuegoleon Vermillion, Nozels rival in… a lot of things, to have some suspicion.

It was nice to have a secret like that and Vanessa enjoyed the sweet calm it gave them. Because she knew that once a royal relationship was out in the open, there will be a storm coming from them. She remembered well how the whole country reacted to Lumière and Secre. Paparazzies would find their way to get the best scoop with no respect for privacy, the social media would comment and assume the craziest things and a good bunch of royalty would make faces at a match rather unfit for royalty. Which was a stupid argument, they weren’t living in medieval times.

But Vanessa was ready. She wanted to grow old with Nozel, to share his happiness and burden. They couldn’t hide forever. And most importantly, what was between them was worth those hardships. She saw how it made Lumière and Secre stronger with their bond. Vanessa was certain that it will be the same for Nozel and herself.

The coming out at the party would be the start of it. It was something Nozel and Vanessa decided a while ago.

Also, it was her birthday and unhappy thoughts were forbidden today.

She waited for Nozel to finish his rides and come out of the water. How long before he’ll realize that he wasn’t alone anymore?

Not long for once, he saw her the moment he went out of the water, his surfboard under his arm. And still Nozel took his sweet time to come at her. To prolong the joy, maybe? Or was it because he was in awe seeing her like this, in her new burgundy bikini? For some reason, he was always seemed in a loss or words when he saw her in a new outfit, even if it was just her in some unappealing comfy clothes.

When he was finally at her spot and put his board down, Vanessa couldn’t wait anymore. She jumped up and right into his arms.

“Hello there, handsome. Missed me?”

“Happy Birthday, Vanessa.”

He didn’t answer for her question, nor did he wait for her thanks. Nozel went straight to her lips, giving her a soft kiss, but still passionately.

Nozel didn’t let her go as they parted. Vanessa even had the feeling was holding her tighter. She couldn’t help but smirk a bit.

“Do not worry, stud. We still have hours before the party and after that, we have the entire night. Alone together,” she whispered in his ear and couldn’t help to feel triumphant as her boyfriend blushed slightly.

“Your place or mine?” he still asked, with a glimmer in his eyes that made her heart beating faster.

“Mine, it’s my birthday after all. Don’t worry, I tidied… a bit.”

“Hm.”

“And you can be at ease, I haven’t touched the clothes you left in my appartement last time, you’ll be fine.”

“Speaking of, you let your pink hairbrush in my room three days ago.”

“Oh, it was there? That’s why I couldn’t find it, despite knowing my mess by heart.”

Vanessa giggled and Nozel allowed himself to smile.

As they sat down on their towels, Nozel began to search for something in his bag.

“I’ve got something for you.”

“Oh, is it you?”

Nozel stopped searching to look at her, puzzled. “Why would you think that?”

“Well, you’re my boyfriend and the greatest gift I had in years. A gift that I’m going to fully enjoy tonight.”

She winked and laughed as Nozel looked away, blushing again. “Well, thank you… but it’s… something else.”

“You could give it to me at surprise party, like everyone else.”

“I could, but… I prefer to offer you my gift now, while we’re alone. It’s… well… Let’s just say I don’t want Yami to tease me. More than he would, after we’ll announce our relationship.”

Vanessa could understand that. She was sure that Yami wouldn’t let an occasion slip to tease Nozel. He’ll already tease her boyfriend endlessly when they’ll come out of secrecy and to be honest, she didn’t want to give Yami anymore reason to tease Nozel today. Not on her birthday.

Nozel finally gave her gift. It was wrapped nicely in some silver paper, with an elegant marine ribbon. It was almost a waste to destroy it, but Vanessas curiosity won over her admiration.

Still, she carefully pull the ribbon away and gently teared the paper away, only to reveal a simple black box. She looked at her boyfriend, but he simply nodded his head, a small smile on his lips.

As Vanessa opened the box, a strange and beautiful necklace appeared. It was a round silver pendant, decorated with arabesques and holes in form of stars. It looked old and not at the same time.

Vanessa took the pendant in her hands to observe it better, only to realize that she could actually opened it, so she did.

Inside was a compass. Old-looking and elegant, like the ones maybe corsairs used centuries ago. Vanessa was actually in awe, because it was really nice handwork. She never thought much about compasses before, but this one was very much for her liking.

“Nozel… it’s beautiful. Thank you.”

She wished she could say more, but she couldn’t find any fitting words to express her gratitude. Nozel only smiled as he tugged one of her locks behind her ear.

“You’re welcome. I’m happy you love it.”

“I still do wonder… why a compass? Does it have some deeper meaning?”

“It does.”

His eyes went towards the sea, where the waves crashed beautifully on the sand. He looked like he was lost in some past memories. Vanessa wondered which ones. Recent ones, like the hours he spent here with Noelle to teach her how to surf? Or older ones, when it was his mother who helped him learning the art of riding waves.

He took his time to answer, but Vanessa didn’t pushed. The moment they shared right now seemed too precious to be distraught.

“When I was little, I had a huge fight with my father. Well, it wasn’t really a fight, but we had some heavy disagreement. I don’t remember what it was about, just that in the end, I was sad and angry. Both at my father, because he was never proud of me, and at myself, because I still longed for his attention, despite knowing better.”

Nozel sighed deeply before continuing, “My mother came to comfort me. That day, she gifted me a compass, similar to the one I gave you. She told me that it was okay to be lost from time to time. All I needed to do was to find north again. My own north, as she said. I just… well… I wanted to give you something similar.”

He looked away, clearly embarrassed. It was so adorable.

Vanessa smiled as she looked back at the compass. It was a beautiful story, like every one which include his mother. She wished that she could one day finally meet Acier Silva, once she would feel a bit better.

“Your mother was right, it’s okay to feel lost, you can always find north again,” Vanessa whispered, putting the necklace around her neck. “Although, I don’t think that I risk to feel lost anymore. You’re my north, after all.”

Nozel looked at her, puzzled but smiling. Vanessa didn’t let him say something though, as she went straight to his lips to pull him into a soft, passionate kiss. Which he returned immediately.

As she lied in his arms, enjoying his company, Vanessa felt that it was a perfect birthday indeed. She would spent the rest of the afternoon with Nozel, cuddling, kissing, maybe they might even go to swim or he would surf with her. Once they got a call from Noelle, they would leave their beach and quickly make a stop at her appartement to make themselves fresh, before finally going to her surprise (not so anymore) surprise party at the Purple Orca. And after that, they would have the entire night for them.

Vanessa smiled happily. This plan sounded perfect, just as it should be for her birthday. Looking at Nozel, she couldn’t help but think that her own north was not only good-looking, but also the sweetest boyfriend someone could ask for.

#Black Clover #Black Clover Fanfiction #Happy Birthday Vanessa #My Writing ☘️♣️#Vanessa Enoteca #Nozel Silva #And others...#Nozessa #Nozel x Vanessa #Fluffmay

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