Archive of Our Own

Nozel gently places the bouquet on his mother's grave as hears Solid crying for her. Childbirth. That was what his family was told, but Nozel knew the truth. It was that cursed creature. That devil. Megicula. She gave her life to keep him and Noelle safe. That devil will pay. He will be receiving his grimoire next year, and he will join the Silver Eagles and become captain as his mother before and carry on her wishes of keeping his siblings safe. Someday, he will avenge her. His siblings deserve to know the truth but with how the curse works he holds his tongue refusing to endanger them anymore. He hears the baby's - Noelle's - laughter. He's been avoiding looking at her ever since their mother died. He glances at her. 

She looks just like Mom. 

I can't lose her too. One time was enough. Noelle, I'll protect you at any cost.

Nozel groans as he stuffs his face in his hands. Noelle is three years old and her magic ... to put it lightly ... sucks. How can he protect her when the girl cannot do a single spell? Even Solid showed more talent than her and that was saying something. To be fair, Nozel could dedicate more time to spending with her, but he's busy with the Silver Eagles! Also, he can't stand looking at her; it's like looking at his dead mother.... 

No worries, he will just do the next best thing! Nozel stretches from his seat full of triumph ready to put his genius plan into action.

"Noelle, I hereby will not allow you anywhere near the battlefield! I will not encourage you to get stronger in the slightest! My baby sister, do not fret, is it for your safety!"

He sits back down feeling so proud of himself. Only a royal such as he can come up with a plan so brilliant and perfect. Noelle is so lucky to have a brother like him! He looks over seeing the door opening slightly at this hour. 

"... Nozel?"

Noelle.

" I heard you yelling. Did something happen?" 

Nozel shuts his eyes. He can't stand looking at her and mutters out a single word. 

"... Mom."

Noelle shifts nervously. "Mom, what about her?"

He scowls at the thought. Megicula killed her. It's all my fault. I don't deserve to be near you.

"You killed our mother." 

His eyes snap open. Did he really just say that?

Noelle looks at him, tears threatening to fall. He grips his pants as his knuckles turn white. It's for her protection! This way she won't try to go off on dangerous missions!

"You're a disgrace and a mistake. Why wasn't it you who died instead of our mother?" 

He hears the door shut as Noelle runs away crying. Well, there is no point in turning back now. Noelle, my adorable baby sister, run off and be free of me! Being such a good big brother is so hard. 

Nozel sighs making his way to the kitchen in the middle of the night. His genius plan has been in motion for a whole month, and the results have been questionable to say the least. Noelle has been attempting to get his attention and strike a conversation with him all this time. Does she not understand he's trying to keep his distance from her? Why she doesn't bother Nebra and Solid was beyond him! He just saw her and Solid playing with their water spells two weeks ago. Granted, Noelle did not look like she was having the greatest time, but Solid means no harm!

Hopefully. 

He brushes his hair out of his face not used to his hair not being in his signature braid. The hallways were so empty and quiet. It was ... unnerving, honestly. However, as a royal and Silver Eagles member, he cannot show fear from something as simple as the dark and his estate. He opens the door to the kitchen and shrieks. 

His mother. Back from the graving staring at him.

"GHOST!"

He whips out his grimoire ready to send this being that dares disrespect his mother -

"Nozel! It's just me! Noelle!" 

He grabs on the handle from the door trying to catch his breath. It's only his baby sister. It's just her. His mother is not here anymore. 

"Why the hell are you still awake?" he splutters, reaching for a cup of water to ease his nerves.

Noelle looked up at him with those sad eyes of hers. She's been doing that a lot recently. Why does she have to have those same eyes?

"I had a bad dream. It was of Mom." 

Nozel sighs placing the cup in the sink ready to berate her to go to sleep. However, before he can let a word out she's already asked him a question.

"Can I sleep next to you tonight?" 

He grits his teeth and looks away from those sad eyes of hers. He can't accept. He needs to keep his distance away from her for her own safety, but one glance at her expression has him crumbling. He brushes his hair away giving a deep sigh. 

"Fine! But only because of the ghosts around, and it is dangerous for you to be alone. Understand?" He picks her up, allowing her arms to instinctively wrap around him. "Do not mention this to anyone."

Noelle hugs her eldest brother tightly, nodding. "Thanks, Nozel."

Nozel feels himself getting all warm as those barriers he has been working so hard for the past two weeks just fall. He groans rethinking his plan if it means he can never hold his baby sister like this again. He opens the doors to his room and puts Noelle down on his king sized bed fit for a royal, such as himself. He goes to the other side lying on his side. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse he feels Noelle clinging on his arm, and he bites on his tongue from squealing due to how adorable his sister is. He hears her breathing become more gentle realizing she fell asleep. 

"I'm sorry, Noelle." 

Next morning, he hears his door open and feels something on his legs that wakes him up. Noelle was still clinging to his arm, and the servants didn't have permission to wake him up. He rubs his eyes groggily, finally opening them to see what was going on. His eyes snap open as his stomach turns. Solid was sitting on his legs with Nebra standing by the side of his bed, both of them looking confused as to why he had Noelle sleeping next to him. They weren't supposed to see this.

Solid looks at him pouting glaring at Noelle obviously filled with jealousy. "Why does Noelle get to sleep next to you?"

Nozel cringes as Noelle decides now of all time to wake up. Her hair all messy as she stretches and finally lets go of him.

"Good morning, Nozel."

She looks around not able to tell of the tense atmosphere of Solid and Nebra glaring at her. 

"Good morning, Solid. Good morning, Nebra."

Nebra and Solid snap their necks back to Nozel awaiting for his answer. Now, Nozel was a very intelligent man. He was a member of the Silver Eagles and will soon become their captain! However, he panicked.

"Noelle! What are you doing in my bed? I did not give you permission to sleep here last night. What did you crawl in, while I was asleep?"

Noelle's eyes widen in shock and a pang goes through Nozel his heart tightening. "But you said I could last night -"

"Of course, you're lying!" Solid scoffs pulling on Noelle's hair. "To come running towards Nozel of all things! Maybe, if you weren't so weak, you wouldn't have needed him!"

Nebra smirks. "Running off to Nozel in the middle of the night? I can't believe we're related. You're lucky that I'm always so nice to you. It's more than you deserve."

Shocks courses through Nozel. When did they become like this? He reaches out to lightly slap Solid's hand away from Noelle's hair but, instead, finds his hand stopping

"Stop that," Nozel mutters to himself as he gets dressed for the day leaving Solid and Nebra to mock her endlessly. 

She'll be fine.... Hopefully. It's for her own good! I think?

Nozel is 23 years old when he finally became the Silver Eagles captain. He looks in the mirror one last time making sure his braid looks good and makes his way to the Magic Knight Headquarters. He had to look perfect. Him and Fuegoleon were both promoted to squad captain, and he cannot let his rival show him up. They were competing on who will be a squad captain first, but it was a shared mission that allowed the Wizard King to notice their skills. He was supposed to be earn that title beforehand! And to make matters worse there was this foreigner that made squad captain last year before him. He reaches the door ready to leave the Silva estate until he feels someone tugging on his shirt. He groans. Not again.

"What is the problem now, Noelle? Can't you see I am busy?"

Noelle, now nine years old, fiddles nervously with her fingers. "I'm sorry it's just that it feels like you always purposely ignore me. This was the only way I could have gotten your attention. I overheard you talking to Solid how even though he doesn't have his grimoire, he already has a place on the Silver Eagles. I was wondering what about me?"

Nozel rolls his eyes pinching the bridge of his nose. "Noelle. I have, yet, to see you successfully do a single spell. As royals, it is unbecoming of us to try out in the examinations, and I am still contemplating which squad will be right for you. Now, why don't you run along and go play with your toys?"

Far, far away from the battlefield where you'll be safe. 

"But Solid -"

"Great. He can play with you." He leaves the estate slamming the door right behind him. 

Nailed that. 

He finally reaches the headquarters and makes his way to the conference room puffing out his chest ready to intimidate everyone and show them what a royal is truly like. He reaches the room and walks in ready to make his grand entrance. He throws open the door all dramatically, his braid flying.

"Greetings, everyone. I am -" 

His eyes fell on the completely empty room with only Fuegoleon sitting there. Where the hell is everyone? The meeting begins in only forty - five minutes! Where is the respect for the Wizard King? Of course, only royals, such as him and Fuegoleon understand! His eyes lock on Fuegoleon needing to play it cool. 

"Fuegoleon."

"Nozel. It is a pleasure to see you again."

"I wish I could say likewise," he mumbles. 

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Nozel waves his hand dismissively. "Where is everyone else?"

"It seems we are a bit early. This is a mistake on my part since it was my first day as a squad captain and I did not want to be late," Fuegoleon explains, slightly embarrassed. "Since we're here, we might as well catch up. How is your family? Leo's magic has been growing, and he's training hard even at his young age." 

Nozel rolls his eyes. "Nebra is doing splendidly at the Silver Eagles, and Solid's magic is promising. As for how Noelle, well according to Nebra and Solid, she cannot hit a single spell and spends more of her time crying and looking sad. Whatever that means. I need to find a squad that does no dangerous missions to take her in when she finally gets a grimoire because I doubt she'll be any good at magic by then." 

Fuegoleon's eyes widened in shock. "I beg your pardon? Shouldn't you help her with her training or maybe check on her to know why she is crying?"

"Fuegoleon, I think I know how to deal with my baby sister more than you do. She's not like Leopold. Last time, I held him and he bit me! You could throw him to a pack of wolves, and they'd get along. I don't need advice from the man that grew up with Mereoleona. Don't tell her I said that." He flips his hair back. "Anyways, she seems to be doing fine with Solid! I keep seeing her broken toys on the ground. It must be from how much they're playing with them, obviously."

"I am not trying to intervene with your familial relationships, Nozel, but you are not the most, well, nurturing type. It doesn't help that Nebra and Solid are even worse. Perhaps, you should try spending more time with her?" Fuegoleon offers hoping that Nozel listen. 

Nozel glares at his stupidly handsome face. "I will look over your advice, but I reassure you, Fuegoleon, my siblings and I are fine." 

Thankfully, the rest of the captains began showing up removing Fuegoleon from his family issues. Not that they have any issues! Fuegoleon surely is lying about how he treats Leopold. There is no way siblings are that functional! Nozel and Fuegoleon were introduced to William Vangeance and Yami Sukehiro. William was respectful enough. He's not in favor of how much the Golden Dawn is rising as the Silver Eagles have always been considered the best magic knight squad when it comes to the rankings. To lose their first place to a captain that isn't a royal would be absurd. Actually, what is absurd is where the hell did the Wizard King find this foreigner? So unruly! Does he have no manners? He came in late , then made fun of his hairstyle! He'll have to make sure to stay far away from the Black Bulls. 

Nozel groans as he takes his seat at the bar. Why did he agree to this again? For the past two years as a squad captain, he has always come up with some excuse to refuse the gatherings with the other squad captains. Yet, here he is now after the Star Awards Festival after getting second place losing to the Golden Dawn now having to pretend that he's fine and that he is all good. He glances at the foreigner and the other commoner in some heated argument about who knows what. Jack the Ripper was promoted to the captain of the Green Praying Mantises just last year and every meeting with him and the foreigner has been utter hell . How did it come to this? All he remembered was staring at Fuegoleon's beautiful hair that he so desperately wondered what it would be like to lay his head on his shoulder as Fuegoleon complimented and nodding until his words snapped him out of his fantasy. 

"Excellent. We'll see you at the bar, Nozel." 

Now, he's seated next to the new squad captain of the Coral Peacocks, Dorothy Unsworth, who was just announced to the Clover Kingdom at the festival. She was fast asleep, so he does not know why she even bothers showing up. He grits his teeth as he hears that foreigner drunk out of his mind addresses him. 

"Come on, Stuffy Pants! You haven't even touched your drink! We finally got you to attend here, and you're just brooding! Did you have to wipe your own ass today or something?"

Don't give in. You're too mature for this. He's doing this on purpose.

"Wait. I get it. You can't drink because of your stupid braid. I bet it just falls right in, what do you think, Beanpole?"

Jack the Ripper looks at Nozel's braid. "Mr. Silver Eagles, you should have me slash it for you! I'll do it free of charge."

Wizard King! Where in the hell did you find these miscreants?!

He glares at them pointing at the foreigner. "Now I know why you're always on the toilet! It's because you're always full of shit!"

"What? Hey! Leave my dumps out of this!"

"Next time stuff your whole body in the toilet and flush, doing us a favor!"

"Now Nozel, let's calm down -"

"Shut your pretty face, Fuegoleon. I want this foreigner dead!" 

"Keh keh keh, Suckyhiro isn't that bad. Maybe you're being too harsh on him," Jack attempts to reason.

"I will tear you apart! You -"

"Come on, Nozel, is this how a grown man should behave?" Gueldre Poizot disrespectfully cuts him off. 

"Did I say that a lowborn fool, such as yourself, can interrupt me!? Worry about your illegal business."

William takes a deep breath ready to defend the honor of Yami. He also always felt a connection to the man. He considered Yami his best friend, rival, and at one point he wondered if he had a crush -

"You're not better than me, Vangeance. I don't care that your new squad beat mine in the rankings and that you have more stars than we do!"

Yami whistles patting William on the shoulder. "Damn, touched a nerve there. Goldie didn't even say anything."

"So typical of men to behave like this," Charlotte Roselei scoffs, rolling her eyes as she watches the arguments continue.

By the next hour, the squad captains all left, except for Nozel and Dorothy. Nozel had his face in his hands still cursing Yami Sukehiro as he believed because of him he would never have a chance with Fuegoleon. Not that he wanted it. Dorothy, on the other hand, was still asleep. Suddenly, he hears her shifting in her sleep.

"Well! That was eventful. Wasn't it, Nozel dear?"

He raises an eyebrow confused. "Ah, you are awake. I apologize for my state. I assure you that I usually have better control of myself." 

Dorothy laughs. "No worries! You seem so interesting. Let me buy you a drink as we get to know each other!"

Nozel gulps. He's a lightweight. But, a drink sounds amazing, especially after dealing with the rest of the squad captains. He, begrudgingly, nods. Just one drink to forget about those brutes. 

"So, Nozel, dear, tell me a little about yourself."

A few drinks later, Nozel, clearly drunk, is showing photos of his siblings to Dorothy. 

"This is Nebra. She's kind of an asshole and keeps using her magic to mess with her enemies, but I know she means well, truly. She helps do my braid when I'm running late, and the servants are all busy."

"It's great you two are so close."

"This is Solid. He has some middle child syndrome going on with him. He's getting his grimoire next year and will be joining us at the Silver Eagles. His manners need major work."

"Well, he's still young. You still have time to teach him better."

"This is my sweet, Noelle! The cutest little sister in the world! Her magic control is not the best, but it's okay just look at her! You know she looks just like our mother."

Dorothy's eyes light up. "Aww, I can tell that you just adore her!"

Nozel nods. "Of course I do! It's so difficult having to keep my distance from here, so she can stay safe. Solid and Nebra keep bullying her, and I really want to stop them and step in. However, then that will get me too close to her, and she deserves way better. I must let her be belittled and mocked for her own safety."

"I'm sorry, you do WHAT?"

"It is not as bad as it sounds. Is it?"

Dorothy squeezes his face. "Nozel dear, what is going on in your mind? You do know our emotions are connected with magic. Have you ever considered why her magic isn't progressing as much as you'd like?"

Nozel's heart sinks in realization, and he grabs Dorothy tearing up. "Oh dear. I'm a terrible brother! She's going to die because of me!"

"I didn't say that exactly."

Nozel bangs his hand on the bar chugging down another drink. "I am truly the worst! My baby sister is in danger because of me! Dorothy, my closest friend - "

"Closest friend? We just met, Nozel dear."

"Dorothy, my only friend."

"That's better."

"Only you understand me more than anyone, so you must help me!"

Dorothy sighs. "What would you like for me to help you with?"

Nozel hugs her tightly causing Dorothy to let out a tiny squeak. "I need to apologize to Noelle. I need to tell Nebra and Solid to stop mistreating her. I will train her and spend more time with my family."

"Those are amazing goals to set for yourself -"

"And! Fuegoleon's oh so perfect self is going to fall in love with me begging me to marry him. Can you believe he's trying to lie to me saying him and Leopold have a healthy relationship? Fake news, honestly. I am not gullible enough to believe that."

Dorothy's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my."

By next morning, instead of working on himself, Dorothy had to take care of Nozel as he had the worst hangover in the world. 

"I'm so awful, Dorothy. Noelle deserves better. Solid deserves better. Nebra deserves better."

"Don't say that, Nozel dear."

"Fuegoleon will never marry me. I'll have to settle for the foreigner or Jack."

Dorothy pauses contemplating on breaking the truth to him.

"Nozel dear, I don't think Yami or Jack under any circumstances will want to marry you."

Nozel grips his hair. "Nobody wants me. I'm going to die alone like Solid."

"Noelle, from the deepest of my heart, I apologize. It was just that you look so much like our mother. I was afraid of losing her a second time. I should not have let Nebra and Solid treat you like this for years. It was not your fault that our mother died."

Noelle lets out a surprised gasp. Her eyes start trickling with tears until she wipes them away and looks up at her oldest sibling in adoration as she then runs to him, capturing him in a tight embrace.

"Big Brother! You had no choice! Don't blame yourself for what you had to do. It was the best course of action given your circumstances following Mom's death. I love you so much!"

Suddenly, Fuegoleon lets out a slow clap taking Nozel's hand. "Oh, Nozel. You are truly the more impressive one of the two of us. The better mage, the better royal, the better captain, and, most importantly, the better older brother. You are the future Wizard King." Fuegoleon takes out a small, black box as he opens it to reveal a silver ring with a ruby. "And, hopefully, my husband?"

"Nozel dear, I don't think these are accurate." 

With a wave of her hand, Dorothy throws away the script Nozel wrote for her and removes the made up Noelle that was clinging to her brother as he pats her head fondly and the made up Fuegoleon that was placing the ring on Nozel. 

Nozel scoffs looking at his hand disappointed that the ring disappeared. "What are you talking about? They were so accurate."

"I was so excited to hear that you needed my help in apologizing to Noelle, but I am curious why now?"

Nozel flushed looking down guiltily.

Dorothy sighs. "What did you do now?"

" Nothing - "

Dorothy gave him the look, causing him to wince.

"The problem is nothing! I saw Solid using his magic on her, and I couldn't even tell him to stop . Noelle has no control on her magic, so she's no match for him. She doesn't even have a grimoire, while he's a second year Magic Knight! I don't understand how he's growing up like this...."

"He has such a good role model of a brother that you'd think his manners would be better."

"Exactly! Wait, are you being sarcastic?"

Dorothy sets her teacup down. "Nozel dear, you need to make more time for them. Two years ago, while you were drunk, you had all those ambitions and promises that you'd work on your family, yet you didn't go through with any of them. And that's not even getting into the Fuegoleon thing. Noelle will be getting her grimoire in two years. You're running out of time and need to choose a Magic Knight squad for her." 

"I already picked one," Nozel muttered, his cheeks flushing red as he attempts to avoid Dorothy's eyes.

Dorothy narrows her eyes taking in account for the embarrassed look on Nozel's face. "You mean the Black Bulls led by Yami right?"

"What other choice do I have?! I love her more than anything, and I don't know what to do with myself, if she were to get hurt. Only that foreigner truly has nothing better to do with his lowly squad that is tasked with running errands can keep Noelle safe from harm's way," Nozel groans than waves his hand. "Please, do the thing, Dorothy."

Dorothy chuckles and conjures up a Yami complete with a cowboy hat and a clover coming out of his mouth. 

"Howdy, partner! It's nice to see ya again!" He speaks with a deep southern accent.

"Oh, and since we're already here can you conjure a Fuegoleon in his formal wear, so we can duel and trip each other over. That way we can be on the ground together, and I'll have my Mercury Magic out creating spear near his throat, while his hand grips my neck whispering - "

"No, I cannot."

"Am I a good big brother -"

"No."

Yami clutches his ass cheeks. Damn it, where is Finral when you need him? He really needs to take a dump right now. He frantically looks around for his wheels. The Magic Knight Exams took forever, and he wasn't allowed to use the bathroom once!

"Foreigner!"

What the hell does Sir Stuffy Pants want?!

He snaps his neck back seeing the captain of the Silver Eagles walking towards him along with the captain of the Coral Peacocks.

Nozel scoffs, flipping his braid back as he sees Yami scowling at him for some reason acting like he has anything important to do. "Hello, Foreigner. Dorothy, tell him."

"Nuh uh, Nozel dear, this should be all you! Come on, it's just like you practiced in the dream world."

Nozel grits his teeth. "I need you to take in my ba - ahem youngest sister, Noelle. She lacks any control in magic and since your squad does not do much this will be a perfect fit."

Yami freezes forgetting about his need to take a dump for a moment. "Sister? You want me to take in your sister? That's a weird ass request. I'm surprised you even trust me this much."

"Well? What is your answer?" Nozel glares. 

"Hold on! I want to meet the girl first. I didn't even know you had another sister. Does she have a stupid ass hairstyle like you and the rest of your siblings? I don't know if I could take her seriously, if she did! Also, what makes you think we're close enough to be asking for favors like this?"

Plan B, Nozel.

He leans in whispering to Dorothy. "He doesn't know that I know this hack."

"What are you doing, Nozel -"

"If you don't take her, I'm killing myself."

Yami and Dorothy stare at him in complete shock.

"What the fuck?"

"Oh my."

Nozel looks at him dead serious. "Mark. My. Words. Foreigner. You do not want to reject me."

"Reject you? It's not like you're asking me out or anything! Are you?"

"How dare you even insinuate that. My heart already belongs to Fu- the battlefield."

"You and the Prickly Princess have that in common. Maybe you two should get together." 

"I hope you die alone."

Yami groans defeated. "Whatever, I'll do it! Just let me take my dump! I can feel my ass exploding. Finral, goddamn it, there you are! We're leaving. It's an emergency," Yami runs to his subordinate, grabbing him and then shoots Nozel a smile. "Don't worry, I'll be back for what's her name." 

Nozel watches Yami and the spatial mage leave with utter disgust.

"That brute! To use such foul language in my presence! Dorothy, this was a mistake. He's going to be such a terrible influence and ruin my baby sister! I need to put an end to this."

Dorothy smiles. "Well!" She clasps her hands together. "If someone actually spent time with her and trained her while encouraging her to use her magic with positivity, then she could have joined the Silver Eagles! But that didn't happen. Right, Nozel?"

"Am I a good brother, Dorothy?"

"No," Dorothy simply stated pulling out her Communication Magic Tool to tell Kirsch that she's going to be too busy with Nozel for the rest of the night. "Was telling Noelle today that her very existence was pointless truly necessary?"

"I panicked." 

Nozel could not believe his eyes when he saw Noelle walk in during the Distinguished Service Ceremony with the Wizard King himself. This was not how his day should have been going! He hasn't seen her since he told her she would be joining the Black Bulls (followed by Solid and Nebra mocking her and as usual he did nothing to stop them because it's just what Dorothy says about him). He was only here because it is proper to attend as there were Silver Eagles members being awarded medals, especially since these are his other siblings he had to come because which brother and captain wouldn't (now that he's mentioned it where is Vangeance?). Mimosa was with her and some other Golden Dawn but that was not what worried him.

What are those two commoner boys her age doing with her?

Surely, they're trying to make a move and flirt with her! All teenage boys are the same and only have one thing on their mind! Noelle is getting to that age when romance is going to be on her mind. Nozel had his first crush at sixteen, and, unfortunately, it is still going on. Nebra began dating at fifteen and has had quite a few relationships. It's just Solid that has never been interested. Nozel prayed with all his might that she would be like Solid, but it's the way she looks at that short one! He's a Black Bull too, so they are living together now! What has he been doing now that she's not living in their manor anymore?

Foreigner, I know this is all your fault, and you will pay!

He glares at the boy but quickly looks away when Noelle notices him. This ceremony needs to end as quickly as possible, and, hopefully, the Wizard King will send them away. Nozel lets his eyes wander a bit back to Noelle noticing how cute she looks in the Magic Knight robes. The Silver Eagles robe would have looked better on her, but, alas, he had to make sacrifices for her own good.

Unfortunately, the Wizard King let the extras ( special guests is what the Wizard King called them like they could be special ), Mimosa, and his sweet baby sister stay for the banquet as the Wizard King just left for some reason? Nozel, of course, did what any good brother would do and kept his eye focused on the Black Bull boy without him noticing. 

"What is this? I've never had anything like this!" the boy yells without any sense of indoor voices as he stuffs his face . 

Nozel almost leaps with joy when he sees Mimosa blushing trying to get closer to him, hoping they are what Nebra calls "a thing". That's it you hooligan. Stay with Mimosa and away from Noelle. While Mimosa is also royalty and should not be fraternizing with him, sacrifices must be made to protect his sister. It's for her own good. 

"I can't sense any magic power from him. If he did clear that dungeon, I'm sure it was purely by luck," Nebra coolly states.

"It's much like having a rat in the throne room. His presence here is unnatural," Solid smirks smugly.

Some magicless commoner thinks he has a chance with my sister! I bet he left the dungeon for Noelle to do it for him when he knows Noelle cannot control her magic, yet! Oh, sweet Noelle, don't worry your big brother will come save you from the Black Bulls!

Nozel sees Alecdora Sandler reprimanding Mimosa and the other Golden Dawn members that came with Noelle mostly tuning it out. He doesn't care whatever drama happens with the Golden Dawn as long as it prevents them from winning the rankings. If he was honest, he didn't really care about these "special guests" ; he just wants the Black Bull boy to learn some manners and stay away from Noelle. If he didn't know any better, he'd think he was the foreigner's secret love child. Like anyone would want to date him. His muscles aren't that impressive. He prefers Fuegoleon's muscles more. Not too big while being very intelligent as well as elegant. His long luscious hair looked especially nice today. How he would have loved to flirt exchange banters with him during this banquet, but he had to keep focus on the extra and Noelle. 

"Come, Alecdora. We all know who the most inept person here is."

Oh, no. 

"And it's not poor, little Mimosa. Right, Noelle?"

Nozel snaps out of his fantasy seeing Solid hold his drink over Noelle.

”Don’t,” he mutters to himself quietly as he watches the drink drench Noelle. 

"Why, Solid? Why would you do that?"

Her voice sounds so hurt. He can't say anything. He'll have to play along.

"You can't even control your magic properly. Could there be any greater disgrace than you?" Solid continues. 

"You were as good as banished from House Silva for being an abject failure. How dare you calm waltzing back into the Noble Realm as if you belong?"  

"Nebra, please, stop this," Noelle implores. 

Shit, it's my turn. Just go easy on her but enough to discourage her into going into another dungeon with that magicless boy. 

"You let a single success go to your head, and now, you've come here to sully the Silva name with your presence."

Noelle turns to him. "But we were invited."

To be fair, she does have a point as they were invited. Maybe, bringing up their dead mother would distract her from his point?

"This is no place for a pathetic creature like you. Now leave. Wasn't killing our mother enough?" 

Perhaps, he went a little bit far, but this was the perfect discouragement she needed to stay away from the battlefield and stay safe. When she grows up, she'll understand that it was for her own good. WHY DID THE BLACK BULL BOY GRAB HIS BABY SISTER'S ARM?  

"You don't need to run away from people like this, Noelle," the boy grits his teeth then jumps on the table. 

The nerve! The lack of manners! Where are his parents? He's definitely the Black Bulls' captain's blood child. It's the only explanation. 

The boy then proceeds to insult them. Is he unaware that he's in the presence of royalty? Now, he's claiming to become the Wizard King? He was not aware Noelle liked boys that were funny. He hated the mere idea of that. If he was going to date someone that made him laugh, he might as well date a fool or a jester. Worst of all, the boy is definitely serious. How dare he even consider stealing that role of those more deserving (he's talking about himself of course). Someone needs to humble this spoiled brat as quickly as possible! God, he hates kids besides Noelle and Solid! 

Nozel notices that Solid and Nebra have begun attacking the boy with their magic. He scoffs seeing that the rumors of the boy having anti - magic were true as he nullifies Nebra's attack. Alecdora joins their attacks, finally restraining him. Not to anyone's surprise Solid was not satisfied with this rather merciful punishment and desires to take further steps ready to launch an attack on him, which Nozel has no problems with. He has a problem with Noelle defending the boy! Unfortunately, his brother really only excels at embarrassing himself and gets brought down to his knees. 

Fine, I'll do it myself.

"Nozel. What are you doing?" his brother asks. 

"Enough, Solid. You shouldn't be so quick to use your magic against a mere commoner." 

"He deserved it, though!" he replies, trying to argue with him like the child that he is. 

"I said, enough. Do you wish to sully the name of House Silva with your antics?"

Nozel turns to the boy coming face to face with everything that he can't stand in a person. Nozel has not felt this much disdain for anyone since meeting that foreigner. He does not care that his boy is fifteen years old. Being a child has never protected anyone from his anger. 

"A commoner who dares to defy royalty. I wonder how I should punish you." As well as dares to get close to his baby sister. 

" This has gone far enough."

Nozel groans. Of course, Fuegoleon has to try and be all righteous. He's so lucky that he's gorgeous because his actions are so questionable. 

"What are you thinking, ganging up on a lone youth like this?" Fuegoleon says not mad, just disappointed. 

What are you talking about? Ganging up on a lone youth is my favorite pastime. 

"Where is your sense of honor?" 

Nozel can feel a vein twitching. Fuegoleon always acts like he is better than him all because he's so forgiving and merciful and kind and actually has a good relationship with his baby sibling and is pretty. Oh, how he wished Fuegoleon would use those pretty lips of his to kiss him instead of defending children. Wait, what just happened that now Leopold and the Black Bull boy are acting so friendly and saying they are rivals? He got distracted by Fuegoleon's beautiful lips for too long and missed some progression. This cannot be happening. The world is going to end. He's calling it.

"A royal has recognized a commoner as his rival. Truly?" Nozel scoffs making sure to sound superior. 

"Remember, Nozel. The Wizard King himself invited this young man to attend the ceremony. He is a commoner, but we can still extend him a measure of acceptance." Fuegoleon responds always the voice of reason. 

That's just further proof that the Wizard King is out to make his life miserable, which he has always believed due to appointing Yami Sukehiro, Jack the Ripper, Gueldre Poizot, and Rill Boismortier as captains forcing him to actually spend time with them. Fuegoleon can be so disappointing at times. Is this really the man he's been in love with for years? It hurts him, truly. This day has been a terrible all because of that Black Bulls boy ruining both his and Noelle's chance at romance. If only Dorothy was here, she'd know what to do! Thinking about it actually, there is a good chance that she would tell him he's in the wrong. 

"I would never have expected to hear such nonsense being spouted by a royal. I'm sorry to see how soft House Vermillion has grown. You're a disgrace to the family, Fuegoleon." 

As one can tell, Nozel is amazing at flirting. 

" What did you say?" Fuegoleon angrily retaliates causing Nozel's heart to skip a beat giving him the immense desire to one up him. 

"As an eagle soaring the skies, how can I ever accept an insect who crawls upon the ground?"

Nailed that. 

Unfortunately, the universe hates him, and he could not have his rivals to lovers moment where they passionately fight and end up close to each other because of some attack on the royal capitol. The Black Bull boy along with Leopold ran off with no plan to attack. Hopefully, the boy embarrasses himself enough to give Noelle what Nebra calls "the ick". At least, he got to see Fuegoleon take initiative being a leader. He even took in Noelle, which is great because they will be in laws in the future.  Clearly, all things were going to work out perfectly, and he and Fuegoleon could resume their conversation. 

Things did not work out perfectly. 

A spatial mage made a fool out of him by taking them away from the royal capitol to the middle of nowhere. He cannot believe he fell for this trickery. They had to resort to teamwork to make it back. If working together is the only way to protect the kingdom, then so be it. Just for him to return to seeing Fuegoleon knocked out on the ground without his arm. He had to push down all the fear and concern that he felt for the first time since his mother's death during the continued battle. To make matters worse during the enemy's retreat, Noelle attempted to go after them, which he had no idea who put these ideas into her head that she should be anywhere near the battlefield, so he made sure to shut those down immediately telling her to focus on defense. Everything continues to get worse as Mimosa tells him that her healing magic will not be enough, so Fuegoleon needs to be taken to the medical ward and that time is running out. 

"A one - armed squad captain. Is there any sight more pitiful?" Solid scoffs as Nebra laughs . "This is what House Vermillion has become? It almost makes me ashamed to be a royal." 

Nozel decides to ignore his brother's weak attempt to make himself seem more important and more powerful. No matter how much he hates admitting it, Fuegoleon did fail. 

"How could you say that? The captain fought bravely," Noelle innocently defends him. 

Her heart truly is just like their mother's.

"Because we are Magic Knights. If we do not win, we may as well not exist," Nozel explains to her devoid of any emotion. 

"Trying counts for nothing?"

"Less than nothing!" Solid continues. "The Crimson Lion Kings are ruined -"

"Enough, Solid," Nozel finally puts an end to him. "We weren't here to fight, and that makes us even less than him. Now, see to the town's defenses. This is no time for your adolescent posturing."

Nozel would always tell Dorothy about Solid's behavioral issues as he attempts to overcompensate for the lack of attention he received. He thought this middle child nonsense ended years ago. He sighs knowing that Solid never had a positive male role model due to both him and their father's absence. However, this is no excuse for these childish tantrums and attitude. Perhaps, he should attempt spending more time with him? He needs a good role model to help him grow up and become responsible, and it is never too late to step up. 

Inexcusable. What a spectacular failure. I can never allow that to happen again. Fuegoleon, I swear. I will find the people who did this to you. I will hunt them down, and I will bury them. 

"Solid," he speaks up. "Come with me to the bar. I will give you the attention you desperately need, so you can start behaving right. Just remember that this is a privilege and that you will only have one drink since you are not of age yet."

Nozel speeds up his strut letting his other siblings lag behind him as he makes his way to his favorite bar that he always attends with the other captains.

"He is aware that I am eighteen, right?" Solid turns to Nebra causing her to snicker. 

At the bar, Nozel orders two glasses for them. He needs to keep his cool in front of his little brother and make sure not to order anything too strong, especially for his underage brother. He notices Solid sipping his drink awkwardly causing him to scoff. Why is he acting like he's so unapproachable? 

"This is your first time at a bar, correct?" Nozel eyes him. "It is not against the law since you have me with you. Do not worry."

"Nozel. You are aware that I am of age, right?"

Nozel chokes on his drink. "You're not fifteen?"

"I've been in the Silver Eagles for three years! How old do you think Noelle is?"

Nozel looks at him confused. "Twelve?"

Solid sighs. "She is fifteen. You were the one that assigned her to a Magic Knight Squad, and you do in fact need to be at least fifteen years of age for that and to have a grimoire."

Nozel stares at him then finally replies with a deadpan tone. "Do you see me as your male role model?"

"Uh... sure?" Solid sighs realizing Nozel is already drunk. "This will not be a common occurrence, right?"

"Oh, Dorothy, it is terrible. Solid does not want to spend time with me. I am losing my baby brother just like I am losing my baby sister!" Nozel whines into his Magic Communication Tool. "You really think he will grow out of it?"

"Baby?! I am eighteen, yet you want to treat me as a child? And when did you find time to call her?!" 

"Solid dear, if you want to be treated as an adult, then you must act like one," Dorothy calls out from the device. "Now, apologize to your brother. You hurt his feelings."

" Does Nozel even have feelings?"

"Nozel dear, why are you decorating in the color of the Silver Eagles when Noelle is a Black Bull?"

Nozel was obligated to watch the Royal Knight Selection Exam as he and Mereoleona were leading and choosing the squad. Ever since the Black Bulls ranked second in the Star Festival, he had to see Noelle and the annoying Black Bull boy in combat. And to his pleasure, Noelle was perfect . He knows he should not be celebrating due to Solid's defeat, and he believes he loves all his siblings equally. However, he was bursting with pride seeing Noelle. He still wanted her nowhere near the attack against the Eye of the Midnight Sun, but he would be a fool to argue against Mereoleona. To his disgust, the Black Bull boy has also been impressing him. Dare he say that the boy was a bit comical? His skill was also extraordinary that the boy without a doubt earned a place. He would still rather have him as Noelle's knight or jester, not a boyfriend, though!

He waves his hand for the servants to continue decorating. "The foreigner and his pathetic excuse for a squad do not deserve her. She should have been a Silver Eagle alongside her family. Honestly, who even gave that brute permission to be her captain? Her performance at the Royal Knight Selection Exam was remarkable and clearly due to me being such an inspiring brother and role model for her. Dorothy, why are you looking at me like that?"

Dorothy is smiling but her usually vibrant eyes have a dark look upon them. "Well! Where to start? Noelle is a Black Bull because you appointed Yami as her captain after you refused to give her a place in the Silver Eagles."

First strike.

"Must I remind you that the Black Bulls have more stars than the Silver Eagles?"

Second strike.

"Finally, Noelle's performance was definitely thanks to the influence of the Black Bulls. She has only gotten stronger and was able to overcome the hindrance on her magic ability that you, Solid, and Nebra caused thanks to them."

Three strikes. Nozel is out. 

He looks at her with an empty expression. "Do you think this party is enough for her to forgive me? Look, I baked her a cake."

Dorothy looks at Nozel's sorry for an excuse of cake with pity then looks back at him. "I think you need to use your words and give her a real apology." 

At that moment, Nebra walks in with tears in her eyes from laughing too hard. She gets ready to make her way to the bedrooms but notices the decorated estate and freezes in confusion. She looks at Nozel hoping for an explanation, but her brother continues acting like everything is normal, unaware of his sister's bewilderment. Dorothy shrugs going back to sleep letting the siblings handle this.

"Nozel," Nebra says. "What is the occasion?"

"You must keep this a secret, but Mereoleona has informed me that Noelle earned a place on the Royal Knight squad," Nozel explains like this was the most obvious answer in the world. "I believe we should celebrate." 

Nebra hesitates but continues speaking up. "Nozel, did you forget that Noelle no longer lives in the estate and believes she is disowned?"

He did forget, actually. In his defense, he was so excited and proud of his baby sister that he could not help but start. 

Nozel sighs. "That does explain why Dorothy was laughing the whole time she was here. When does Solid arrive?"

"He's just outside."

"If anyone asks, this party is for him to uplift his spirits after his pathetic display at the exam being eliminated at just the first round. I will comfort him." 

"Are you sure? You're not really a very comforting person," she asks dumbfounded. 

They were about to find out because Solid walks in with a servant supporting him. His eyes were red and puffy clearly due to him crying like a little bitch because he humiliated himself for all Magic Knights to see. He wants nothing more than to just go to his room and rest. Away from Nebra's teasing remarks and away from Nozel. He's terrified to see how Nozel will react to his defeat. When he walks further in, he notices the decorated estate and looks at Nebra and Nozel for an explanation completely lost. 

Nozel walks up to the fear stricken Solid motioning Nebra to change the name on the cake. "I am aware that you are a pitiable excuse for a royal and a Magic Knight. However, that is no reason for you to feel defeated after this loss. After all, unlike me, losing and defeat comes natural for you, and, preferably, you should become accustomed to them. Now, use this party to uplift your spirits."

"Actually, Nozel, if you don't mind, I rather be alone -"

"Are you rejecting the party that your brother worked so hard to plan? I even baked you a cake."

Solid looks at the pathetic cake that was definitely inedible. The frosting was smeared, and his name was written incorrectly in very messy handwriting. Coincidentally, Nebra's fingers were covered in frosting. He sighs knowing the only way to please Nozel is for him to accept the party.

"Thank you, Nozel."

Nozel's cold eyes keep staring at him expecting more. 

"I am so lucky to have you as a brother and role model."

Nozel nudges Dorothy awake, whispering to her. "Did you hear that, Dorothy?"

"My hometown is part of this kingdom!"

Nozel sighs. He will allow it. To his disgust, he is becoming rather fond of the Black Bull boy. He has proved himself to be an excellent Magic Knight and his insults towards the king during the Star Festival softened his cold, small heart. The other one was not too bad either and was a talented Knight as well. For some reason, Nozel feels as if he could have been a royal. He understands their desire to protect their families. 

"You two may do as you see fit, but we press on. That said, you're both crucial to our fighting strength. Finish quickly and meet us in the capitol." 

"Right!"

"Let me go with them!" Noelle interjects.

Scratch that. He needs the Black Bull boy away from him as much as possible!

"You'll remain with us, Noelle."

"You're forcing me?" she turns to him. 

Of course, I am. Look at who you are talking to. She will stay with me away where I can keep her safe and away from boys her age. He will abuse his authority as a captain, if necessary!

"You are royalty. I order you to accompany me to safeguard the castle."

"You want my help? Really?" she gasps. 

During the attack on House Silva, it was Noelle's idea that resulted in a victory and kept them safe. A very unorthodox idea unbefitting of royalty but one that he trusted in. She learned so much with the Black Bulls. He is very proud of her but cannot take away the guilt of the fact that because of him she could not not even rely and trust her own family. Megicula killed his relationship with his mother, but he ruined his bond with Noelle all on his own. Suddenly, the words he practiced with Dorothy came out so easily.

"I had feared, because you look so much like our late mother, that I might lose her a second time. I didn't expect you would ever become a strong person, so I decided that I had to protect  you at any cost. I tried to keep you from the battlefield. But you proved me wrong, Noelle. You're more capable now that I ever could have predicted you'd be. What I mean is ...." He looks away. "I ... I apologize, Noelle." 

Such a beautiful happy moment. He should have done this way sooner. 

"Nozel apologized?" Nebra finally says on the brink of death.

"That's impossible!" Solid continues. 

Of course, his fake ass siblings are acting like him apologizing is such a big deal and that it is so surprising. God, it was so hard making no mistakes and being perfect, so when you do apologize everyone is astounded by it.

After Noelle's victory using their mother's fighting style, the Magic Knights were able to regroup, and he finally saw him. Fuegoleon was finally awakened and had earned Salamander as well as a new arm. No matter what, he still will not be able to outdo him. Fuegoleon flashed him a smile, and he almost proposed to him on the spot due to the sheer beauty he saw. His apology to Noelle has put him in a very vulnerable and emotional spot. He is not a fan of this state. Then, the Magic Knights needed to decide who would accompany the storm to Shadow Palace. Of course, the captains will go as well as Mimosa and the Black Bull boy -

"Noelle! You go, too! I hate to say this, but for right now, you're stronger than me! So enjoy it while you can because I will surpass you again! I'm your older brother! I have to! Now, hurry, and make certain you come back! Remember. Our family's pride is at stake!" Solid yells from the estate to Noelle. 

His little siblings are getting along. His cold heart is melting again. Once Dorothy gets better, she needs to hear everything at once! 

Due to his immense good mood, he will let the Black Bull boy Asta come along his eagle, even though that will place him in the proximity of Noelle. One move, however, he will throw him to Salamander. 

Nozel sips his morning tea at the Silva Estate. Nebra and Solid for some reason were still in bed, probably slacking off on their training. Under normal circumstances, he would use his magic to force them out of their rooms, but he's choosing peace for today. Noelle's relationship with Asta was growing on him, even though he was a fugitive at this point, as he already agreed to being his rival as he calls it. Alas, he has not been receiving his usual entertainment from being a hater but that is what the foreigner is there for. He continues sipping his tea until he hears the door opening. 

"Finally awake, Nebra -" 

That is not Nebra. 

It was a tall, young woman around his sister's age with wavy, pink hair and purple eyes. She was rather beautiful, however that was not the point. The woman was in her undergarments exposing her shoulders where a cat made of thread was perched on. Nozel turns away attempting to give the woman any sort of privacy, even though this was his home. 

"Oh, good morning, Captain," the woman smiled. "Mind if I join you?"

Nozel refuses to look at her exposed shoulders. "My apologies, but who are you?"

At that moment, his sister comes running in carrying a Black Bulls robe forcing the woman to finally cover those dastardly shoulders. To his surprise, the woman just laughs leaning into Nebra's touch. 

"Vanessa! I told you, if you were to stay the night, then you must cover up or make sure Nozel does not see you!" 

"Nebra, darling, do not worry, your brother did not mind. Now, can you get me a drink, my dear?" 

Nozel turns back looking at them confused wondering if it is like that . "Are you two close?"

Nebra blushes looking away as Vanessa plays with his sister's hair. "She's just helping me be a better sister to Noelle. I feel guilty for how I treated her, and Vanessa has been there for Noelle when we were not able to."

"Is that all the two of you were doing?" they hear a mocking male voice.

Solid comes to the dining hall dressed and smirks at the sight of Vanessa playing with Nebra's hair as Nozel attempts to keep his eyes away from Vanessa's shoulders. He laughs seeing Nebra's glare knowing she would not dare start anything with him around Vanessa. 

Vanessa winks at him. "You got us. So you're Solid? I have heard so much about you from Noelle. From what I can say, I am not a fan."

"Pity, but I am not interested either."

"Lady Nebra, we packaged the cheese and wine for your ... guest," a servant comes in carrying a bag for Vanessa to take home.

"Well, that is my cue to leave. I promised Finral that I would help him with his curse." Vanessa takes the bag and kisses Nebra on the cheek. "You all take care of yourselves. Oh, and Captain, I'll keep you up to date with any dangers concerning Noelle." 

Vanessa flashes the Silva siblings a charming smile as she laughs at Nozel still refusing to look at her. Solid mockingly waves goodbye as Nebra looks at her with longing. Once Vanessa leaves, Solid can no longer hold it any longer and bursts laughing as Nebra tries to look as if nothing was affecting her.

Nozel nods. "I approve."

"You are so desperate for her aren't you? You want her so bad!" Solid mocks her.

"Enough," Nebra rolls her eyes. "I am just getting to know her. There is nothing wrong with that."

"The look on your face when she was leaving! Come on, Nebra, we all know when it comes to relationships you always get desperate. You already got her gifts. How cute!"

"I was just showing my appreciation for her help. We have plenty of cheese and drinks anyways, so we were not losing much."

"If you are lucky, maybe she'll kiss you on the lips next time. I know that even in all your relationships, you still have not had your first kiss, yet."

"At least, I'm not a water magic user that can make anything, except for women, wet!"

Nozel chokes on his tea as Solid sputters out trying to defend himself looking completely mortified as his face keeps becoming a brighter shade of red due to the situation.  

"How dare you! I do not even like women -"

The siblings go quiet as Nozel stands up to full height glaring at Solid. Nebra and Solid look at each other terrified of the lecture they will surely receive.

"You dislike women? Solid, did I raise you to be a misogynist?"

Solid stares dumbfounded as Nebra slaps her hand on her mouth trying to contain her snickers. 

"What would our mother say to the fact that you dislike women? You have two sisters, and you are behaving like this?"

Solid stutters. "Nozel, that was not what -"

"Silence. I do not want to hear your excuses," Nozel waves his hand dismissively. "I will be out today following the Black Bulls on their mission for Noelle's protection."

Nebra and Solid glance at each other wondering where he was going with this and nod at him. 

"When I arrive, I expect to see an essay written on why misogyny is wrong as well as you apologizing to all women."

"But Nozel -"

"If not, then I will bring in Mereoleona."

Solid whimpers then reluctantly nods accepting his fate.

"Good. Nebra, you are in charge," Nozel grabs his coat and leaves the manor to the mission. 

Once he is gone, Nebra can no longer hold in her giggles and erupts into fits of laughter. Her face becomes red from lack of breathing as she pounds her hand on the ground. 

"It is not funny!" Solid scowls. 

"So funny!" Nebra pauses for a breath relaxing herself. "I wonder what kind of cats Vanessa likes? Is it weird to buy a cat for the woman you met just yesterday? I have a good feeling about us." 

True to her word, Vanessa did keep Nozel up to date with the issues surrounding the Black Bulls and Noelle. The Wizard King contacted him stating that Asta had been kidnapped by some organization calling themselves the Devil Banishers and a quick call to her from his sister's phone filled in the missing pieces. Unfortunately this meant he was flying on his silver eagle to Tiulyn Town with the foreigner and some weird Black Bulls members since it would be inappropriate to only take his sister.

"Why are you taking the time to help us out when your squad's so busy with training?" Noelle asks him. 

"We need every Magic Knight in the kingdom to help defeat the evil, and I don't want to lose between now and then. No more, no less."

"Come on, we all know you're just worried about your sister. Stop trying to act like Mr. Badass. It's gettin' old," Yami scoffs.

This damn miscreant! How dare he be absolutely correct and call me out in front of her? Who does he think he is? A brute, such as himself, would not understand how it feels to be an eldest sibling protecting his dear baby sister. Whatever, he just needs to play it cool and respond to him. 

"If you say one more word, then I won't hesitate to send you plummeting to your death, foreigner."

"So much for that fancy speech about not wantin' to lose anyone," Yami replies nonchalantly. 

Nozel grits his teeth, immediately turning on his Magic Communication Tool to the one person who would know what to do. 

"Dorothy, everything is a mess. The foreigner is terrible and awful. I cannot stand to be with him for even a second. Who made him Noelle's captain?"

Yami scowls at him hearing Dorothy's laughter. "Hey! You were the one that came beggin' me to take her in. And what do you mean I'm the one that's terrible?"

"Excuse me, foreigner, but I am having a private conversation. Please, learn your manners," Nozel glares at him then rolls his eyes turning back to the device in his hand noticing he is receiving another call. "Hold on Dorothy, I will contact you later. Nebra is calling."

"Nozel! Is Vanessa with you?" 

Nozel sighs. "No. Vanessa is not here."

"She has you wrapped around her finger! Some royal you are," they hear Solid's mocking laughter and a yelp as Nebra puts him in a headlock. 

"This seems like a very private conversation," Finral mutters to Yami. 

Nozel glares at him as a warning to mind his own business causing Finral to look away then goes back to Nebra. "Nebra, Solid is correct. You are a royal. It is unbecoming of you to behave like this - wait. Fuegoleon is calling me! I have to go!" 

Yami raises an eyebrow judging him as he watches Nozel ask Noelle for reassurance on how he looks. He takes a long drag of his cigarette. 

"What's got you all nervous? It's just Fuegoleon...." 

Noelle sits in Nebra's room standing perfectly still as she and Vanessa apply makeup on her and do her hair. Solid was standing to the side sipping his drinking adding a sarcastic remark every once in a while. Surprisingly, Noelle did not feel stressed by her siblings. The problem was a different matter entirely. 

"Noelle, don't be so nervous," Vanessa smiles. "It's your first date. You should be excited!"

Nebra begins adding the hairclips of the Silva emblems. "I met the boy. His name was Asta, right? He's impressed by everything. Come on, Noelle, don't tell me he makes you nervous. We're royals after all." 

"Yet, some of us are not acting like it," Solid mutters in his drink, snickering at his sister. 

Noelle takes a deep breath. "Right! It's just Asta. We've been alone before. Not a big deal."

Her siblings and Vanessa stare at her.

"It's such a big deal! Nebra, Vanessa, you two make this look so easy! I'm going to end up like Solid and Nozel. Alone and miserable." 

"Miserable? I told you both that I'm just not interested in dating!"

Nebra tries giving her a comforting smile and due to her not being used to the motion it comes out malicious and mocking causing Noelle to frown. Vanessa giggles and continues applying makeup to Noelle. 

"So, which one of you asked the other one out?" Nebra pipes up trying to change the mood.

Noelle blushes. "I did. I accidentally blurted it out."

Nebra covers her mouth to hold in her laughter at her sister's embarrassed look, however Solid is not as merciful and tries to speak up. Fortunately, Vanessa shoves the drink in his mouth immediately. 

"It's great you made the first move, Noelle!" Vanessa lifts her head. "Asta is so oblivious that it would have taken him ages. Remember, he accepted, so he wants to go out with you."

Vanessa stares at Nebra causing her to realize that she wants her to speak up as well. 

"If he breaks up with you, just date his brother, instead. Do not be any man's peace."

Solid chokes on his drink bursting out laughing. "You're so wise, Nebra!"

Vanessa looks at Nebra concerned but with slight fondness. "Well that is one way to be memorable."

Suddenly, they hear the door open as Nozel walks in, shocked by his siblings all being in the same room as well as Vanessa. He is about to speak up but then his eyes widen when he sees Noelle dressed up. Noelle blushes, turning away from him and that is all he needed for confirmation that his baby sister was getting ready for her first date as his traitorous siblings were keeping it a secret from him and even assisting her.

"Noelle.... Are you going on a date?"

Noelle looks at Nozel with a guilty and worried expression. Her cheeks were turning bright red as she attempted to answer him. 

"Well, Nozel, it's not what it looks like!"

"Ooo... Nozel's mad," Solid snickers. "Looks like you're not going to be his favorite anymore."

Noelle snaps her head looking back at Solid with slight fear in her eyes causing Solid to let out a laugh.

"Then I'll be his favorite -" 

Noelle's panic dies as she watches Nebra grab Solid in a headlock, scolding him as he apologizes profoundly and Vanessa cheers her on. 

"Stop this middle child nonsense, Solid! We all know you're just desperate for attention!"

"Hey! Ow, stop that! Fine, I was just teasing! She should know she'll always be his favorite!"

Nozel coughs causing Nebra and Solid to freeze as they stop their childish fighting and try to pretend nothing happened. Nozel sighs then looks at the only other mature adult in the room. 

"Noelle is going on a date with Asta, Captain," Vanessa answers as Noelle looks away embarrassed. 

"I see." Nozel places a hand on his sister's shoulder. "If he hurts you in any way, shape, or form, contact me immediately, and I will get rid of him myself." 

Noelle nods nervously then grabs her remaining items, however right before she can wave goodbye she hears Solid speaking up.

"Stay calm," he blushes, turning away. "He'd be a fool to not like you." 

Noelle smiles at him. "Thanks, Solid. Oh, Vanessa and Nebra, I cannot thank the two of you enough. Bye!" 

Noelle walks out ready on her date. Nozel watches her with sadness still cursing Asta's name. He turns back to Nebra's room and sees that Nebra has left as well with Vanessa leaving him and Solid alone. Of course, his siblings are growing up and leaving him. They're already keeping secrets from him. Noelle is becoming unavailable because of Asta. Nebra has Vanessa. That leaves ....

"Meet me at the bar, Solid. We can discuss what it is expected of us as being a part of House Silva as well as your misogyny," Nozel stares at him empty and makes his way out of the estate. 

Solid sighs. He loves and cares for his brother but being at the bar with him sounds hellish. Ever since that one outing, Nozel drags him along what he claims to be "brotherly bonding". Nozel drones on and on about their duties as he stares at him with his cold, terrifying eyes. Then he attempts to converse and lighten the mood with jokes, which ends up being just sad . Finally, Nozel always gets drunk after one drink and gets all vulnerable and emotional. Solid is not a fan of sharing his emotions, and from these "bonding opportunities" he knows more about Nozel than he wants to. Solid immediately takes out Nozel's Communication Tool knowing just the way to get out of this since he will never resort to faking a relationship or friendship to pretend he is too busy. 

"Yes, Nozel?" the device answers.

"Captain Fuegoleon, it's me, Solid Silva. Can you meet my brother at that bar the captains always go to you? He said he wants your company."

"He desires my company? How kind of him. I'll be on my way."

Solid shuts the device relieved that all his siblings act like fools when it comes to romance no matter how much they claim to be royals.