Archive of Our Own ^beta

“I see. So it takes four eggs to create the needed viscosity of a perfect crème brûlée.” Mauvier observed.

“Er, that’s not exactly why, but four is ideal.” Bunet answered to the inquisitive knight.

“Does it matter what kind of egg? Chicken, duck, quail, even?”

“I imagine not, although with quail you may have to use much more than 4.” Bunet whisked away at his mix, adding the necessary ingredients - vanilla, sugar, salt - and then bringing out his own personal cream he had made from the Somniel’s pasture.

“And do you typically make the cream beforehand, instead of procuring it from a merchant?” Mauvier asked, ever curious.

“As a renowned chef, I’d be the laugh of the kitchen if I didn’t.” Bunet answered. The constant questions were getting to be a bit much, but given his prior experience with people like a certain knight from Firene, he had grown accustomed to the different folk encountered here. It sparked his desire to taste their variety of culture.

“I see. Forgive me the constant back and forth.” Mauvier closed his eyes in thought. “I’m afraid I wasn’t able to inherit the ability of my parent’s cooking, and had grown quite used to the small meals in the church.”

Bunet smiled, still mixing. “It’s quite alright. Believe it or not, many of even the highest nobles here don’t know what to do with just an egg and a fork.” He put down his bowl, his mixture ready. “Now, see here…”

“AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Mauvier’s eyes opened sharply, his hands separated, his stance ready for battle. Or rather, ready for whatever seemed to possess his partner-in-prayer.

“Pandreo?!”

The Solm priest grinned from ear to ear, his eyes staring deeply into Mauvier’s. The two of them had just been in their daily prayer routine, in complete solitude. However, Mauvier now cursed himself for not bringing his equipment, having met Pandreo in the woods today per his request.

“Mauvier…your past, your influence…I’m afraid it’s been too much on my poor soul.” Pandreo said, still with his movement, sharp with his tongue. “I can feel the Fell Dragon’s power culminating in me…your end is surely near, lest you repent for your treachery.”

“Whatever demon has possessed you, I assure you that I won’t let it win.” Mauvier spoke with brevity, eyeing the priest’s movements.

“Oh yeah?” Pandreo looked away from Mauvier, misguiding the knight’s view toward nothing. Mauvier looked back, but it was too late - Pandreo was now merely a hair’s length away from his face.

“You and what army?”

Mauvier stepped back almost immediately, but it was too late - Pandreo had his hand placed on Mauvier’s chest, and soon the knight was blasted off by a gust of wind magic. A hard impact on a nearby tree caused Mauvier’s back to scream in pain, and there was nothing he could do as his vision blurred and darkened, the once-pure priest slowly trudging his way towards the fallen knight…

“...And that was when I awoke.”

Once Mauvier finished recounting his dream, he found his eyes on a worrisome Pandreo’s face.

“Oh, Mauvier…you mind if I hug you?”

“I would prefer if you d-”

Without waiting, Pandreo embraced Mauvier tightly, and the knight found himself choked up on his own words. For him, a show of tears was a sign of weakness, a failure of repentance for the things he had done. He struggled to keep composure as Pandreo eventually let go.

“No matter what, just know, you can always trust me.” Pandreo assured him. “I have a friend with similar concerns about life. We may come from different backgrounds, different beliefs, different systems of healing, but if you open yourself just like you did right now, to me…I know you will soon be rid of these horrible nightmares. As a comrade of the cloth, and especially as your friend…you are truly loved by us all.”

A nightmare. That’s what it was. Mauvier deemed it as simply punishment for himself, where even rest was never truly rejuvenating, but seeing the priest’s reaction to this…perhaps, there might be a day where he can truly feel rested and at peace, even in sleep. He found solace in Pandreo’s words, a comfort he rarely felt apart from that one time with him…

After a few moments of respite, Pandreo spoke again.

“By the way, you mentioned I howled right before?”

Mauvier nodded.

“Ahaha…that’s so funny. I don’t think I’ve ever even howled around you. I was trying very hard not to embarrass myself further in front of you…” Pandreo scratched his head.

Mauvier merely gave a slight laugh.

“I assure you, Pandreo, you can never embarrass yourself in front of me. That, and between the numerous parties you’ve had with your prince, I’m sure everyone has heard you more than once…”

“How are you faring Mauvier?!”

Rosado projected his voice towards the wyvern next to his, Mauvier riding atop. While this wasn’t Mauvier’s first time in the air, he still had to steel his nerves, lest the dragon roam wild and drop him like a mouse.

“Well enough!” Mauvier raised his voice, something he usually never does, but in this circumstance as the two Elusian knights flew into the clouds, he had no choice. He wondered if it was normal for people to communicate like this in the sky. Surely there was a better system.

“We’re almost there!” Rosado exclaimed, his wyvern, the adorable Camille, racing ahead to get to their destination. “Follow me!”

Mauvier hastened his steed, the dragon not falling far behind the more experienced rider. As they broke through bundles of white, Mauvier wondered exactly where Rosado was taking him, as suggesting a flight on a cloudy day like today didn’t seem ideal. Nevertheless, the end was in sight as Rosado broke through an opening, a brightness nearly blinding Mauvier as his wyvern came to a slowed halt.

As Mauvier’s vision adapted, he first saw Rosado, idle on Camille, who was bathing in what seemed to be the warmth of light. The self-proclaimed knight of cuteness simply pointed away from himself, and Mauvier soon realized what exactly they were here for.

“This is…”

Mauvier’s gaze was welcomed to a beautiful sky, layered with a cotton ground as the sun shone brightly. With nothing but blue as the eye could see, Mauvier could only stare and take it in, one cold breath at a time, with the light’s embrace warming him in between.

“Isn’t it simply gorgeous?” Rosado said, maneuvering Camille closer, and surprisingly Mauvier heard him almost clearly as if they were on solid ground.

“Yes. Yes, it is.” Mauvier spoke softly.

“Right?” Rosado clapped his hands together in glee. “This is the cuteness I strive for. The happy sun shines on all of us through pockets of clouds, and even on gloomy days where it’s not seen, I know that this scenery is always protecting us with its light.”

“You are right. I have to give you credit, Rosado.” Mauvier said. “For a knight that came right out of the academy, you are much more wise than perhaps even I.”

“Oh, I’m sure you have your own sights you use to help yourself.” Rosado said, smiling at the kind words.

“You are correct.” Mauvier compared the memory of his parents picnicking with him in Firene when he was a boy, the hill they sat on only seen in his closed eyes. Perhaps he should still take the Firenese princess’ offer to find it again someday.

“However.” Mauvier stated. “I would say that this view would qualify more in terms of the word beautiful, rather than cute, no?”

Rosado paused. “...What?”

Mauvier clarified. “You stated it was gorgeous, then stated it was the same kind of cuteness you strove for. Aren’t those contradicting?”

Rosado pouted. “I’m not taking this from a man who still can’t tell cute from pretty. Come on, Camille! Let’s leave him in the dust so he can reflect on his words!”

“Wait, Rosado!” It was too late, and soon Mauvier found himself alone. He gazed upon the skyscape once more, and sighed.

“Perhaps Lady Veyle would like to see this one day…” A glisten of light catches his eye, this time not from the sun. “...and perhaps, even him.” Mauvier found himself warm, but not from the sun - then, he followed Rosado’s path downwards, back to earth.

“Good evening, Sir Mauvier.”

Mauvier smiled at the sound of this voice.

“A pleasant surprise, Princess Ivy. What may I assist you with today?”

“Ahaha…already seeing what request I am to ask of you. Very well.” Ivy spoke gravely, her eyes deadpan as she spoke aloud. “I need you to assassinate someone.”

A silence fell between the two as the wind blew, the moonlight illuminating the two figures as they stood beside the lookout point of the Somniel.

“I see.” Mauvier responded, his voice just as grave.

And then, Ivy cracked.

“You are so serious sometimes, Mauvier.” Ivy laughed. “Sometimes I wonder if something like that conversation could have actually happened had we…”

“Had we stayed in Elusia, fighting against the Divine One?” Mauvier finished her sentence.

“Yes.” Ivy sighed. “May I join you on this moonlit night? I am feeling a sense of melancholy.”

“Of course, Princess Ivy.”

Ivy stood beside Mauvier, the latter having already been here for a break during the night.

“Do you always come out at night, Mauvier?”

“I do. It helps to get away from the dreams…the nightmares I have every now and then.”

“How horrible.” Ivy said. “Yet another thing we both have in common.”

Mauvier nodded, understanding what haunts Ivy may well be just as horrific, if not worse, than his own past.

“What do you think you’ll do when the war is over, then?” Ivy asked, changing the topic.

“I do not know.” Mauvier stated. “My only purpose I’ve had so far is to serve Lady Veyle. However, as she grows in this army more, I have come to understand she may not need my unwavering attention like before.”

“Which is understandable. I would hate for Kagetsu or Zelkov to be stalking my every move.” Ivy put plainly. “And what about…the Divine One?”

“I…know that my future is unclear, yet with him…I feel a sense of excitement I had never felt before.”

“I know all too well what you mean.” Ivy said. “You are quite the lucky man.”

“Thank you, Princess Ivy.”

“I had hoped to ask, if you had no plans, to see if you’d still serve me when I become Queen.” Ivy said, looking straight up into the moon. “But I know now that future is only a dream.”

“I never said that.” Mauvier responded.

“I know. But it would be selfish of me to ask you to.” Ivy said. “So, my only wish for you now is that you’ll come by every now and then and act as if you were my subordinate. Just for the laugh or two.”

Mauvier smiled. “Of course, Princess Ivy.”

“Thank you. Now, I should take my leave. I wouldn’t want to be found alone with you by the Divine One.” Ivy turned away to walk to her quarters, but not before Mauvier spoke again.

“Rest assured that he trusts me, and everyone, wholeheartedly. He speaks of you fondly, you know. He’s always wanted you to know how grateful he was when you saved him that day…from us.” Mauvier said, his back facing Ivy’s.

Ivy blushed, unnoticed by Mauvier.

“Good night, Mauvier.”

“Good night, Princess Ivy.”

“HAH!”

A clash of lance and sword echoed through the training field. Mauvier’s handle on his spear was strong, and well fortified - and this was without his steed. However, against the first prince of Brodia, he had to admit, he could find no lapse in guard. The parry parted, the two men eyeing each other to see who would make the next move.

“You are certainly a force in combat.” Diamant exclaimed. “I would expect no less from a former knight of Elusia, let alone one of the Four Hounds!”

“My time as a Hound is behind me, and my knighthood is only to serve Lady Veyle.” Mauvier responded. “You would do well to remember this.”

“I mean no disrespect! I simply am proud to have a training partner this strong.”

“Well then.” Mauvier said. “Let us speak less in words, and more in strength.” He jousted his lance, expecting the prince to parry once more. However, an unexpected dodge forced Mauvier to retreat backwards, as Diamant responded with a swing of his blade, narrowly missing the knight by a hair.

“LET’S GO PRINCE DIAMANT!” A cheer roared from the sidelines from a particular alpaca-obsessed individual, a stoic knight by his side observing in opposite silence. “YOU TOO MAUVIER!!” Amber yelled, his voice dying out with a squeal as Jade closed her eyes in second-hand embarrassment.

“I see you’ve made an impression on my retainer.” Diamant said, the two men eyeing each other once more.

“Indeed, I would say he more so made an impression on me.” Mauvier answered. “However, I must say - I would hope that you would refer to your beloved as more than a retainer?”

“Huh?” Diamant’s eyes widened, then immediately realizing his mistake, he took up his stance once more—

But it was too late. Mauvier saw the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it opportunity, and strided forward with a game-ending strike to Diamant’s side. Diamant took it and stood still, the impact of the lance most definitely leaving a mark he will have to ice, but in the end, the prince laughed at his moment of weakness.

“I must say, I did not expect you to resort to such dirty tactics!” Diamant threw down his sword, the spar ending in Mauvier’s favor.

“It was not necessarily my intent to do so, but I feared that we would be here for hours if not.” Mauvier smiled. “I would never insult you so.”

“Perish the thought. You did well against me, and I still have much to learn as a warrior. We will have to spar again - I did enjoy our banter.”

“Prince Diamant!”

The duo of fighters turned towards the approaching Amber, who jumped to embrace Diamant in a tight hug.

“I hope you aren’t hurt! Mauvier! You didn’t hurt him too badly, did you?!”

“He did not.” Diamant assured Amber. “Thank you for setting this up, Amber. I had no idea you and Mauvier were as close as you said.”

“Oh, he wouldn’t stop going on and on about it.” Jade said, who wasn’t too far behind Amber. “Ever since Mauvier had called him a friend, he had daydreams of this exact scenario daily. He wanted me to even write it, but I told him to just make it happen himself.”

Mauvier gave a rare chuckle. “Amber is quite the man. You are lucky to have each other, and I’m sure Jade agrees.”

Diamant blushed, and Amber merely grinned. “Next time, we will have to spar as well, Mauvier! Horse versus horsie! Then it’ll be Jade’s turn too!”

“Don’t rope me up in your games.” Jade said. “I’ll challenge Mauvier myself. He stands no chance against the Iron Wall, anyway.”

“You would do well to visit Brodia sometime, Mauvier.” Diamant said, his hand outreached for a shake. “Our castle grounds are fit for hard-fought warriors such as yourself.”

Mauvier met the prince’s hand with his own. “I would be very happy to come by. Not as a warrior or knight, but as a friend.” Smiling, Mauvier watched as the three Brodians walked away, Amber peeking back at him with a wave, and sure enough, the Elusian knight found himself waving back.

“Hey there, Mauvier!”

Mauvier turned to meet the starry-eyed prince himself, Fogado of Solm.

“What can I do for you, Prince Fogado?”

“Woah, can’t I simply say hi without asking for a request?”

“You can.” Mauvier said. “But I know it is never just hi with you.”

“Haha, you got that right.” Fogado said. “I just came to ask you some questions, if you’re open to speaking.”

“Depends on the topic.” Mauvier said bluntly.

“Is it true that you hail originally from Firene?” Fogado inquired.

“Yes.” Mauvier responded. “My family consisted of only my parents and I, and I was still a young boy when we eventually moved to Elusia and I took up the church of the Fell Dragon.”

“Woah, didn’t expect you to answer my next questions without asking!” Fogado said. “Do you happen to know why you moved?”

“My father had passed, and my mother was left distraught. Her beliefs were founded more upon the church in Elusia than others.” Mauvier said solemnly. “She had felt abandoned by the Divine One, and thus I was dragged with her to the coldness of the Fell Dragon.” Mauvier finished, then spoke again. “However, I expect you knew all this anyway, and are only asking me to confirm my side of the story.”

Fogado scoffed. “Whaaat? I would…you see…” The prince sighed. “Yeah, you got me. Forgive my prudence, I’ll let you be and take my leave.”

“Wait.” Mauvier stopped him mid-departure, the prince’s back not facing towards him. “I expect you knew I would stop you anyway, but you must know - I do not feel disrespected by your actions.”

Fogado turned and merely listened.

“I am a former Hound, and knight to Lady Veyle, who was your former enemy. As the prince of Solm, I am understanding that you would ask about these facts of my life. I do not expect to be trusted by everyone, even despite the blessings of the Divine One.”

“..I’m glad you understand. But that isn’t the only reason why I asked those questions, Mauvier.” Fogado explained.

“Oh?”

“You see…Solm has a sort of frail relationship with the other three countries in Elyos.” Fogado continued. “Soon enough, I’ll be serving under my sister, who has since said she would rather I go out and keep doing my own thing, as her only brother. So, I decided that I wanted to become more acquainted with different people, and seeing as I heard about you coming from a more complex background, I wanted to see what you thought of the places you’ve lived in.”

“I see. Forgive my misjudgement, Prince Fogado.” Mauvier bowed.

“No no, you were not far off the mark. However, seeing as though you already gained more than trust with the Divine One, let alone are friends with both my best friends, well, I just had to come and see for myself what you were like.” Fogado smiled. “So tell me, what was life in Firene and Elusia like? How would you…compare them?”

Mauvier nodded. “I would say that the warmness of Firene contrasted heavily with the harsh winter of Elusia. However, that isn’t to say I hated everything about Elusia. Despite the strictness of the church I was put in, several of my peers found themselves determined to have the most fun they could behind the leaders' backs.”

“Oh?” Fogado said. “We talking parties? Now I’m definitely listening.”

“I knew you would.” Mauvier said, and continued his story.

As Mauvier took his midnight stroll through the Somniel, he was not ignorant to the fact that someone, or thing, was following him. The light of the moon reflected on the pond in front of him, and he stopped in his tracks, hearing the footsteps following him also cease.

“You are a poor tracker.” Mauvier spoke boldly. “You would do well to reveal yourself now, lest you find yourself in a predicament later.” His voice was well heard, and the individual in question found themselves shivering as they came out of the bush…

“...Oh dear.” Mauvier said.

It was the keeper of the Somniel, Sommie. The pitiful creature looked downwards, awaiting its punishment as the fear of Mauvier’s threat loomed in his rather big head.

“Oh, Sommie. I apologize. I had no idea it was you.” Mauvier walked towards him and placed a hand softly on the dog’s head, petting him gently. “I apologize profusely for my brashness. You are always welcome to join me on my nighttime walks.”

Sommie perked up at this, barking and licking Mauvier’s hand. Mauvier smiled, and continued on his walk, Sommie following at his side gleefully.

“Thank you for joining me again, Mauvier. Shall we resume?” Céline said, sipping from her cup of her favorite tea.

“Of course, Princess Céline. I believe we left off here…”

As they scoured more maps of Firene’s landscape, a question came to Mauvier’s mind.

“Princess Céline, may I ask you a question?”

Céline paused her examination of viewpoints in Firene, and looked to Mauvier.

“You may.”

“Why, exactly, are you so keen on helping me find this hill? Surely there must be something else to do for a royal like yourself.”

“Nonsense, Mauvier.” Céline said. “You hail from Firene. As I’ve said before, it is my duty as your princess that I help you with any worry or concern you may have.”

“I understand that, Princess Céline, but I just was more so wondering why you wouldn’t have just asked someone else, like your retainers, to help with this request.” Mauvier said.

“Ah, that’s…” Céline paused, and Mauvier perked up at this moment of guardedness from the princess.

“I apologize. I misspoke—”

“It is for practice.”

Mauvier was interrupted by the princess.

“Practice?”

“Yes. As a royal of Firene, I have very little time to do actual research of the country, especially with its land. Yes, this may be a job best suited for a topographer or even one of my scouts, but I choose to help you not only as a princess and future ruler, but also your friend, Mauvier.”

Mauvier heard a certain word in that spiel but didn’t dare question it - ‘ruler’. He felt a certain energy coming from Céline’s guarded words, and he feared he may learn too much if he pushed. Nevertheless, he continued the conversation.

“I see. So as a royal, you do not have much experience yourself with the landscape…I know what we must do, then, Princess Céline.”

“Oh? What is that?” Céline asked.

“Recently, I have taken up wyvern riding, and I assume you know how to ride a pegasus, given their association with your knights. I say we take an up-front approach to this matter, and see what other views we can find, for both our sakes.” Mauvier suggested.

“I think that is a splendid idea!” Céline exclaimed. “Let us set out at once. I will call upon Chloé to aid us as well.”

“Very well, let us proceed.” Mauvier said. “I apologize if I provoked you to overshare today.”

“Oh, nonsense, Mauvier! We may be allies in name, but I truly consider you a friend. After all, the Divine One is also one of my most precious friends. I would be remiss to not consider you one as well.”

“Thank you, Céline.”

“Oh no, am I lost again?” Boucheron exclaimed. “I swear, this was where the hot spring was on the map…”

As the knight of Firene trudged forward, a familiar voice called out towards him.

“Boucheron? Is that you?”

“Hello? Who’s there?” Boucheron questioned the deep voice coming from a wash of noise in the distance. As he followed the voice, he found his mark, as well the source of the voice.

“Mauvier?”

Mauvier was alone, soaking himself in the aforementioned hot spring Boucheron was in search of. His clothes nearby, Mauvier felt Boucheron’s stare boring into him as he called out to the knight.

“What are you doing here, Boucheron?” Mauvier inquired.

“Erm.” Boucheron’s gaze broke from the sight of Mauvier in the pool. “I was on my way to this very hot spring, as I had heard from the Divine One that it was a very nice way to spend his time relaxing. But then I found myself lost on the way here, until I heard your voice.”

“I see.” Mauvier said. The hot spring was noisy, but not loud enough to drown out conversation. “Well, do not let my presence stop you from relaxing. I will take my leave.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that! I can easily leave and come back…”

“And find yourself lost again on the way home?” Mauvier said. “I will leave.”

“No no! I would feel really bad to make you leave.” Boucheron said, tense. “What if…we just both shared the spring today?”

“I would not be opposed to that idea.”

“Great!” Boucheron put down his things, and started to strip. Mauvier was not so disrespectful as to stare at the fighter, but he could not ignore the impressive physique Boucheron had. His muscles shone in the dim light of the surrounding forest, and soon enough, he found himself accompanied by the man in the water, the two facing each other merely a few feet away.

“So, how goes your day?” Boucheron broke the silence between them.

“Fine.” Mauvier said. “I imagine small talk is not your forte?”

“Ahaha, how did you guess?” Boucheron said. He watched as Mauvier closed his eyes, his arms up on the sides of the spring, the hot water and steam enrapturing the Elusian’s body as sweat dripped off his muscles. “You know, you have a very impressive build. Prince Alfred and Etie would probably attack you with questions daily if they knew what was hiding under all that armor on the battlefield.”

“Oh?” Mauvier said. “That is quite the compliment coming from someone like yourself. I get enough attention as is from the Divine One…” Mauvier spoke softly.

“What was that?”

“Nothing too important.” Mauvier said. “But you are doubly impressive. No doubt you grew up with some rather fierce conditions.”

“I get that more often than I’d like to admit, but honestly, this is just my natural body. I do some training here and there to keep fit, but there’s no grand story of training for this hard-fought battle of some kind. It’s like people think I’m a character in some coming-of-age story of growth and war, haha.” Boucheron said.

Mauvier’s eyes opened slightly at this sudden exposé from the man across from him.

“Boucheron…I apologize for misjudging you.” Mauvier shifted, the water following. “I can understand, however, how people can see you as someone you are not. Often, people are cautious of me as a former Hound, and in turn I feel to be a ghost of the knight that Lady Veyle expects me to be.”

“Mauvier…” Boucheron said.

“However, I am not so pessimistic these days that I let these thoughts of despair drown out my true potential. When I met the Divine One, for instance, and spoke with him more, I found my walls crashing down so suddenly that I had a break from the usual quell of fear and repentance.” Mauvier continued. “What I mean to say is…you are not just someone in some story, Boucheron. You are you, and whatever other people might assume of you, you yourself know your own truth. That is what I learned from him.”

“That is so…sniff…so heartwarming, Mauvier.” Boucheron found himself in tears at Mauvier’s kind words. “May I hug you?”

“Oh, that isn’t…well, why not.”

The two naked men embraced each other in the steamy hot spring, Boucheron’s tears mixing in with the water as Mauvier reassured him that everything was going to be alright.

“Thanks, Mauvier.” Boucheron sniffed, letting go.

“It is no problem, Boucheron.” Mauvier said. “However, one question - you mentioned the Divine One told you to visit this hot spring? When did he say that?”

“sniff…Just this morning, after breakfast.” Boucheron answered.

“Interesting.” Mauvier said. He had told him to come visit this same spring today as well for some ‘deserved relaxation’. Mauvier would have some questions coming back home…

“Lady Veyle. I have seen your request fulfilled.”

Veyle turned to see her knight, Mauvier, back with what she asked for.

“Very good, Mauvier. Very good…very soon I will possess everything I will want. And then, Lythos will surely be mine...and of course, father’s.”

“Of course, Lady Veyle. Please do not hesitate to ask for any more. I will see to it that your every request for spicy food is always fulfilled.”

“Yes. The more spicy, the better. You are always so subservient, Mauvier…”

“As you wish, Lady Veyle.” Mauvier bowed, and proceeded to exit…

“Wait, Mauvier. Take this.”

Mauvier paused and glanced at Veyle, seeing an orange in her hand.

“What is…?”

“It must’ve gotten mixed up in the bag. I’ll ask you to keep an eye on what you hand me, lest you mix things up.”

Mauvier was sure he didn’t bring that orange, being a knight proud of his due diligence. Something was off…

“...Of course, Lady Veyle. As you wish.”

…But he took it anyway.

“Mauvier!”

Mauvier turned to see his lady, Veyle, with a bag in tow.

“Lady Veyle? Is something the matter?”

“No no, I have a gift for you!” Veyle presented the bag, tied neatly with a bow, to her knight, Mauvier blinked, then took the bag from her hands. Opening it, he found…and a bundle of oranges, along with a note.

“Don’t read it!” Veyle said. “That’s for your eyes and ears only. It’d be…embarrassing to hear it aloud right now, so you should read it in private.”

“As you wish, Lady Veyle.” Mauvier bowed, then turned to leave.

“Wait! You didn’t even ask what it was for!” Veyle exclaimed.

“Oh.” Mauvier turned. “I assumed you wanted me to read it right now in privacy.”

“Oh, Mauvier…” Veyle smiled. “You were always so loyal to me, even when I was under Zephia’s influence. I just wanted to show you my thanks. I know we share similar taste in foods, but I also knew that you had a secret affection for sweet things, so I procured these oranges with help from Céline, since you were originally from Firene.”

“Ah…I didn’t know you knew that about me.” Mauvier said.

“Of course I do, silly!” Veyle said. “What kind of master would I be if I didn’t know what my knight liked? Even when I was evil, I’m sure I knew what you liked.”

Mauvier suddenly remembered one of his exchanges with the other Lady Veyle. So was that..?

“Mauvier? Earth to Mauvier?”

“Ah, my apologies. Was there something else, Lady Veyle?”

“No, there’s…” Veyle sighed. “I just wanted to say…and you know this already, but I truly am happy for you. My brother tells me so much about you, it’s kind of surprising. He seems to know stuff I don’t, so I figured I’d do something like this and not lose my footing in the race for your importance!”

Mauvier smiled. “You would never lose that place in my heart, Lady Veyle. It is you that I serve, after all.”

“That’s right!” Veyle said. “Even if my big brother has your heart, I have your soul! Er, in a good way. Maybe that’s not the right phrasing…”

Mauvier simply smiled as his lady claimed her place in his life, and although she had no need to, he felt…truly appreciated. In fact, he felt appreciated by quite a lot of people the past few days, so much that his heart has felt rather full.

He had to tell him of everything that’s happened, soon, Mauvier thought.

“Mauvier! Vander! Welcome back!”

“Ah, Divine One. I didn’t expect you to be here.”

Mauvier had just returned from a mission with Vander, where the two had been helping rebuild a small village in Elusia. The steward took his leave as the Divine One greeted them both.

“Ah…I wonder why Vander left so soon. I was hoping to hear what you both experienced.”

“It was nothing unusual. The villagers are sure to be up and running with business soon. We built a shop today, and Lady Anna appeared later to help with its stock.”

“Ahaha, that Anna is always so sly with her sudden appearances.” The Divine Dragon took Mauvier’s hand, and placed a kiss on the knight’s cheek. “You don’t have to call me Divine One in public. I’ve missed you, you know?”

The pact ring on Mauvier’s hand glistened brightly in the sunlight of the Somniel’s land as Mauvier blushed at his love’s words. “I know. It is merely force of habit. I missed you too.” Mauvier’s hand tightened, feeling warm around the Divine One’s. “You know, quite a lot has happened these past few days, if you want to talk more about them.”

“I would love that very much, Mauvier.” The dragon led him back to the center of the Somniel, where his quarters were, and where Mauvier would spend hours detailing his adventures of cooking, flying, sparring, dreaming, crying, and even relaxing. However, before the two entered the Divine One’s bedroom, Mauvier remembered his question from before.

“Oh. One question. Did you knowingly send Boucheron to the same hot spring that I was at on the same day the other day?” He asked unassumingly.

The Divine Dragon blushed, facing the door. “I, uhm…let’s go inside, and I’ll tell you the answer to that.”

Mauvier smiled. “As you wish, my love.”