Chapter 11: Mitsugoshi visit
It was a chilling night in the capital of the Midgar Kingdom. Even though the sun has already set and the sky turned into pitch black with some clouds above, there was still enough light emitting from the buildings and street laterns.
Civilians were walking on the streets, aiming for their respective homes after a long day of work or taking a stroll with a person close to them. All kinds of people could be seen, enjoying their simple life as the day neared it's end.
Carriages were quickly transporting their goods to make it in time for their deadline.
Shops were still open, ready to welcome any customer. Restaurants were filled and workers coming from a shift who couldn't hold it any longer and bought a quick meal from a newly opened food store. Although it was already this late, the capital of Midgar didn't seem like it would rest any time soon.
But behind these very bright colors, there are still shadows lurking. So, behind everyone's eyes, where nobody would see them, two figures were running in an alleyway. The person in front was trying to escape from the sillhouette following him.
Unfortunately, in his attempt to reach the light of the streets, he fell down the stairs and injured himself to the point where he couldn't run anymore. He was already injured by the cuts of his pursuer and could only look back in fear as a shadow loomed over him and stood infront.
The person was dressed in black clothing and a hood over his head. A facemask only let his eyes and hair be seen but that wouldn't matter in the slightest as everyone who encountered him wouldn't be able to tell the Knight Order about this information.
Because nobody came back alive.
The chaser held up his sword to the point of the civilian's face who could only entreat in fear before the deadly weapon. The figure above only looked with a indifferent expression at the poor man and only told him this:
"We are Shadow Garden."
Of course, the civilian didn't understand anything and was more preoccupied thinking about how to get out of this situation. But as the person standing only got closer and closer, the civilian couldn't see any way how to escape.
"Pl-please, don't kill me!"
In a last attempt, he tried begging for his life. But that plead would fall on deaf ears as the person infront of him slowly raised his sword up in the air.
"We are Shadow Garden."
Those were the last words the completely innocent civilian heard before the sword strike decapitated him. Blood splashed on the wall and left a very remarkable stain on it. The murderer only turned around and left the dead body where it lied. He was slumping, going up the stairs, only repeating these following words:
"We are Shadow Garden."
Midgar Spellsword Academy, science faulty wing:
Alexia POV:
I'm currently sitting sitting next to Iris, facing two people infront of us. Today, we're here for an important artifact to be investigated. That's why I came up with the idea with asking one the science students who is very immersed in researching different artifacts.
Sherry Barnett, a girl with pink hair and a huge cowlick on her head that makes it almost too easy to spot from any distance. Next to the student is the vice principal Lutheran Barnett, Sherry's adoptive father with a history of being a former Bushin Festival champion.
But he had to retire because of an illness and was now researching magic here in the academy.
Iris opens the case that was carefully transported on the way here and reveals the newly found artifact where they found it at the location where I was kindapped. It had some similarities to a flower if I look at it now. No doubt, it's a very sacre artifact but at the moment deemed as dangerous because we don't know the purpose of it.
Sherry leans forward to get a better look at the artifact and examines it carefully.
"Is that an artifact? And it looks like it's in usable condition."
"After the incident the other day, we confiscated it from a facility belonging to an organization that calls themselves the Cult of Diablos. But we don't know anything about it. And so, Sherry Barnett, we would like to ask you, the most brilliant mind in the kingdom, to decipher this artifact."
"B-but I'm only a student..."
Sherry looks suprised at the request posed from my sister. She seems to lack in self confidence but it could also be simple modesty infront of two royalties.
"No researcher in this field is better than you."
Iris tries to reassure her.
"The rumors have spread to neighboring schools. I've heard of you at the Academy for Dark Knights."
I also try with my own attempt to give this girl some confidence but she still looks very doubtful about this whole situation. She looks down, hiding her face in an attempt of not letting us see the chance of her rejecting a royal request.
"It's a good oppurtunity. You should take it."
Suddenly, the old vice principal chimes in and also tries to convince her.
"Father?"
"One day, you will travel the world with your research. Speaking as Assistant Principal of the Midgar Academy of Science, I think it's a good idea."
"But..."
He pats her head.
"Have faith in yourself. If anyone can do this, you can."
He smiles at his step daughter in a fond way.
But something feels wrong... I just don't know or see what it is.
That was to be expected. Sherry seems close to her father and probably just needed his approval and support making this decision. It's nervewracking to talk to a royalty personally, from what I've heard around me.
Though, there are two people I have in mind that literally don't care who you are and just behave like always.
Flashback, Midgar Academy, rooftop, some days prior:
I can't believe it. I'm standing here like a complete idiot, asking Poochie to stay for a little longer just because I'm unable to convey my thoughts and feelings out loud.
At the moment, I'm averting my eyes from him but I can feel his slightly curious gaze on me, waiting for me to continue. Playing with my fingers for a bit, I finally gather my courage to ask him the question that bothered me after I got a hold of everything after my kidnapping.
"I was thinking about maybe we could try keep this relationship going a little longer."
He stares blankly at me before sighing and smiling.
That's a positive sign, right? Also, it's in his favor so that he can earn a little more pocket money. Though, if it gets more serious, I'll stop giving him money.
Poochie shows me his hand, before giving me a thumbs down with the most pure smile I have ever received from him. Just behind him, Amelia Hikari appeared out of nowhere and also gives me a thumbs with the exact same expression Poochie gives me.
"I'm gonna have to say no."
"He's gonna have to say no."
And they even give me the exact same answer.
Are they for real? Not only Poochie but also Amelia? That's like the worst combo I've ever gotten. But now that I've gone that far, there's only one option left now that Poochie rejected the offer, right?
Murder.
I couldn't hold my suprise back on my face but quickly form it into a smile.
"Amelia?! What are you doing here?"
"I saw you going to the rooftop with Princess Alexia, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to look after you. But what about you? Didn't you two already break up?"
"Don't you have a restraining order?"
"My love for you is stronger than some restraining order!"
Geh, stop being so lovey dovey infront of me. Especially when you just rejected my offer.
I show my royal smile that I always use before I quickly pull out my sword and slash at Poochie while he's still busy handling Amelia on his own.
"AAAAARGH!"
"Cid!"
Poochie lies down on the floor with a lot of blood coming out of him. The wall next to us is also stained with his blood and looks pretty grotesque in my opinion. Amelia looks shocked at me but that's obvious. Of course, I could only slash Poochie as challenging Amelia to a sword fight is suicide if you're not my sister.
"How could you do this?!"
"Nobody would believe you even if you tell anyone."
I look down to them, Poochie lying on the floor with only minimal movement from his side and Amelia kneeling down to help in any way possible.
My job here is done.
"Cid! Cid! Stay with me! Don't close your eyes! Don't follow your grandma across the river who's calling you!"
"I... don't... even... know... my... grandma..."
As I begin to walk away, I only hear the despairing screams of Amelia, trying to keep Poochie alive. Obviously, I didn't give him a deep cut so I'm pretty sure he'll survive. If he could handle the interrogation from the Knight Order for more than a week, then he'll definetely survive this.
Later, I was very suprised to hear that another school legend came to life. The 'Bodiless Murder'. A massive amount of blood was found on the rooftop of the academy. Suprisingly though, no body or person was delivered or reported to be injured to such an extend.
I wonder what Amelia did to Poochie after that...
Oh yeah, that totally happened. Almost forgot.
This is the second Princess of Midgar.
"All right, I will!"
Sherry smiles at her father with newfound resolve.
"I doubt this will be necessary, but just in case, I will assign the Crimson Order to keep a close watch over you."
"Crimson?"
Sherry seems confused at the new name. Normally, it would be the Knight Order just like always. But after the past incident with Zenon, Iris decided to establish her own Order with knights she handpicked herself.
"Is that the new order of knights you recently established, Iris?"
Wow, thanks for putting my thoughts out loud, Mr. Barnett. Literally.
"They are a small order as of yet, but they're knights I can trust. I have asked another person to join me but they're still thinking about it."
"You can count on us."
Glen, the older and more experienced knight, gives his word while Marco, the younger and fresher knight, nods alongside him. But there's one thing that slightly bothers me. Iris just said that she already requested another person to join the order which is basically working under a princess itself.
But the fact that this particular person isn't here right now means that they haven't joined yet. Rejecting my sister's invitation is impossible to think about here in Midgar.
Speaking of the Crimson Order...
"Iris... I want to help."
"Alexia? But..."
Iris looks at me in a curious way. But I just can't help myself. Shadow, the Cult of Diablos, secret organizations and so on. I want to know everything about it. Especially when they're having a war behind the scenes in our kingdom.
She looks unsure if letting me join is more of a demerit or a chance for real life experience. But just like with Sherry, some persuasion on my side should be enough to convince her.
"I have to know. What do they want? Who are they really?"
Iris recognizes my resolve and in similar fashion, also looks serious, contemplating whether I should be dragged into this or not. She hesitates for a bit and sighs before ultimately coming to a decision.
"Very well. But promise me you'll stay out of danger."
Yes!
"Thank you so much, Iris!"
Obviously, Iris gives me that condition because I was kidnapped not too long ago. I know she means well but if I'm in this order, it's only natural to be in danger sometimes. Otherwise, I won't find anything in this mess.
Let's hope for the best.
Midgar Academy, cafeteria:
Cid POV:
Students around me are buzzing around. Some try to find a seat because they're too late. Others are having the time of their life by just talking to their friends during lunch time. While there are few who try to gather the courage to ask a friend group whether it's okay to join or not.
Couples are also flinging everywhere but they're more moderate in numbers. The cafeteria isn't really the most romantic spot for two people so they're probably in a hidden spot.
Amongst all of these unnamed students and friend groups chatting with each other, I, Cid Kagenou, am also no exception. No, rather the exception, I'm more of a minor part of everything. It doesn't get any boring than looking at me right now.
That's it, I'm fully a mob.
Well, all of these thoughts were just some trash that I had in my mind while I was slurping the noodles from my bowl. Skel and Po are currently sitting right in front of me and are looking very curious right now.
They have already eaten their share of food just because they wanted to talk as soon as possible. I can already guess what it is.
"So? How did things go with Princess Alexia?"
I knew it.
Skel was asking me that while leaning on the table and moves closer to me. Po nods alongside him with a closed eyes and a smile on his face. I swallow the food first before talking.
"I told you, we broke up and that was that."
Like an average mob, I give them a exasperated response almost as if I was annoyed thinking about Alexia in the first place. Our 'break up' ended with me being cut open and 'nursed' by Amelia for two days straight.
That woman wouldn't let me leave even if I said that I was alright. I have seen some chains peeking out of her closet and knew that it would be fatal to stay there any longer. But that's a story for another time.
"You didn't even smooch?!"
Po asks me that in a very exaggerated tone before pretending to almost kiss me with Skel by forming their faces into a duck face. I know that I spent over half a year with these two but I'm always reminded why they have no girlfriends and are perceived like air. I mean, nobody would want that face near you if you're about to kiss.
But that's exactly the reason why I became friends with them.
"Nope, not once."
My answer disappoints them as they retreat back from their joke.
"What a waste-"
"And what exactly do you mean by 'what a waste'?"
"Hiiii!"
And once again, Amelia appeared out of nowhere and spooked Skel and Po with her sudden presence again. It's almost incredible to see the same reaction over and over again even though it's just Amelia. If the two of them knew her real personality, they wouldn't be nervous like that.
But wait a minute. Amelia is still the daughter of a duke and top scorer in everything this academy has to offer...
Maybe they still would be nervous.
"Hello, Cid. Did you enjoy your weekend (without me)? I was really suprised to see you go so quickly (out of my dorm)."
Amelia, Skel and Po might not see your hidden messages but they're very clear to me if you emitting such a murderous intent.
"My weekend was okay. Did some assignments and ate some tuna burgers."
Amelia looks at me with a very deep frown. She seems to be mad at me because I escaped from her grasp but I can't really relate in any way. I mean, we're still talking about my freedom here. But before I know it, Amelia grabs my head with the usual force of a grip she has usually on my hands.
Deadly.
"Oh my? Why are you lying to me again? You didn't have your assignment on today's lesson, remember?"
How does she even know that?! We didn't even have a same class together today!
I look over to Skel and Po for a last attempt for help to save my life. But the only thing I see are lifeless bodies of my mob friends with their soul about to leave their body from their mouths. The whole situation seems familiar.
It gives the same vibes of when Amelia and Alexia were talking (threatening) each other in the cafeteria. Speaking of the cafeteria, pretty much everyone is looking at us right now. I can feel their stares on me, jealous about the fact that I got to date Princess Alexia and being the center of attention of Amelia.
I bet they think that I'm such a lucky guy for someone so average but they couldn't be more wrong!
I don't to stand out! Can someone please switch with me, please? Maybe that will change Amelia's mind!
"Look at him, being so giddy and happy of getting Miss Hikari's attention."
"Man, what I would do to be in his shoes."
See!?
"Well.... there were some other assignments that were more important than today's one."
"And they were so important that you had to ditch your childhood friend instead of asking her to help you?"
"You can't expect me to rely on you for everything. I'll also someday graduate here and will find a job for myself."
"But I want you to rely on me for everything. I see."
Amelia seems to calm down from her bad mood. It has been always like that with her. She would get angry at me, beat me up, calm down before apologizing and dragging me somewhere to have fun.
Yup, just the standard procedure.
"Just sit down and eat with us. Don't make such a fuss in broad daylight."
"So you mean that I can do anything I want as long nobody sees us?"
This girl...
I tap the seat next to me, signaling that Amelia should sit down next to me. Not even before I could make the second tap, Amelia is already sitting like a noble lady she always presents herself in public. If it just weren't for that damn smile on her face that gives me creeps.
Because of that, I'm getting more jealous stares flung at my direction.
"Nevermind that. Since you're such a wimp, I know a place of business that can help with that."
Skel seems to have been resurrected from the dead and made an offer while coming closer to my face. But I didn't miss his fearful gaze to the side when he was looking at Amelia. I don't get it. They're always boasting about wanting to get girls but when someone of the female gender even comes near them, they get cold feet.
Though, it could also be just Amelia's presence that brings irrational fear.
"A place of business?!"
Po doesn't waste a second to do the same as Skel but his face is flushed. He seems to have misunderstood Skel's intentions and is likely excited that his friend knows entry to such a place.
"Not that kind of place! I'm talking about Mitsugoshi! The one everyone's talking about! They sell all kinds of no one's ever seen before! They have this thing called chocolate, and it's tasty as hell!"
However, Skel destroys Po's dreams of a chance but instead talks about something more interesting.
Chocolate, huh? I didn't know someone invented that yet.
"Oh, I get it! You're saying we use that to get girls to..."
"I was already there sometimes before. They're right, Cid. Mitsugoshi has all kinds of products that will seem like something from another world. I don't even know how they come up with so many new ideas that are so marketable."
Amelia next to me also seems excited talking about this certain store. Everyone around me has heard of this Mitsugoshi while I'm the only one living under a rock. But that doesn't really matter as the money given to me is used for more important things than some chocolate.
"Miss Hikari is always right in her angelic voice. If I may be so bold myself, but may I, a humble lowly noble, ask Miss Hikari to accompany me to Mitsugoshi? I promise you that you will have tons of fun with me."
Where did he even come from? Is he like Amelia who appears out of nowhere to butt in someone's business? This table is getting more and more crowded .
While Amelia is busy dealing with some boy who heard our conversation, Skel and Po hush me over to them and whisper in a hurried tone:
"Cid! Let's go!"
"Come on, Cid! Please, let's go!"
I look at them both in a deadpan way before finally giving in. I would be lying if I said that I'm not curious about the rumors about this particular store. As far as I know, chocolate shouldn't have been invented at this point of time in history if we compare humanity here with my old world.
"Okay, we'll go."
"Yess-!"
"Sorry, but I'll decline. After all, I already have someone to come with and he's sitting right here."
I'm suddenly grabbed to my side and are forcibly made to face the boy from before. He looks really confused about the situation like me and raises his left eyebrow. I turn my head to the demon who grabbed my like that only to find her smiling like the sun in her uniform.
There's not a shred of doubt in her face. Only happiness for some reason.
"Surely, you must be joking. This guy is your escort?"
"I agree with him. Also, I already have plans to go with my friends to Mitsugoshi so I'm not able to go with you."
We both come to a silent agreement that it shouldn't be me who accompanies her but someone, for example: him, instead. Suddenly, a menacing aura surrounds the table as we all feel that Amelia isn't joking at all and won't take a no for an answer.
"I'm very serious."
The boy who got cold feet only looked with jealousy at me before running away as fast as he could.
Don't look at me like that. I don't want to be here either.
But I'm not so weak willed to yield here! After all, I already have more than seven years of experience of dealing with Amelia. What makes a moment where she's angry more special than the other one before? Nothing.
"Like I said before, I plan to go with my friends to Mitsugoshi already. And you know better out of all people how impolite it is to reject the offer when you already agreed on showing up."
Amelia only glances at me for a moment before sighing in defeat. She slumps her shoulders and lets me go so that I can back to sitting like before. Skel and Po stare at me like I was an alien coming out of outer space. I shrug my shoulders in their silent confusion.
"Hey, do you mind if I tag along with you guys?"
Amelia casually asks us as if that situation from before just didn't happen.
"Yes, I would mind-"
"N-n-no, no-not a-a-a-at all!"
"W-w-we a-are al-always h-happy t-t-to ha-have y-y-you!"
Sometimes, I curse at the spinelessness of my mob friends. But that's the very reason why I befriended them in the first place.
"Thanks!"
I see Amelia smile and her smile rays shining so brightly that the bodies of Skel and Po are disintegrated into dust like Zenon when I hit him with my 'I am atomic' move. Well, in case of Skel and Po it's only metaphorically.
Looking at this situation, I could only sigh as my free time is already taken from me by this very blonde young lady.
Afternoon, Mitsogoshi department store:
We agreed to meet up after school as nobody of us could afford to skip classes whenever they wanted. Skel and Po are skipping so much that the teachers are always having an eye on them while Amelia is the honor student in our grade and upholds such title with grace.
Meanwhile, there's little old me who gets unnoticed by the teachers to the extend that they forget my existence when grouping me for some work project. Not that I mind, though.
The sun was already setting and the sky slowly turned orange. We, as a group of four, are currently standing in front of the imposing building with big red logo at the front. The entrance was crowded with many nobles of different status.
The queque was so long that the street crowded to the point where it was difficult to walk with another person to your side. Not to mention, the line took a turn at a corner.
"Wow, these crowds."
Yes, Po, these crowds are honestly impressive and stupid for lining up at something like that. I don't even want to know how long I'm supposed to wait in there.
"Current wait time to get inside is 80 minutes."
Thank you, brown haired lady with a sign in your hand.
"She said it's 80 minutes."
Po looks concerned at Skel after hearing the news. I can almost guess what his concerns are from his face. Amelia only looks mildly intrigued at the queque and puts her hand on her chin, signalising that she's thinking about something hard.
"So what do we do? I think we can make it back to the dorms before curfew, but there are those rumors about a killer going around after dark."
Hm?
"Killer-?"
"That's stupid! Po, you're stupid. We have three Dark Knights on our team, and not to mention, Miss Hikari to protect us when danger arises, right?"
Skel turns to look at Amelia only to find her still pondering about something in her head and not listening to him at all. Not really suprising as Skel and Po have built up a passive ability of girls ignoring their words if my mob friends talk to them.
A very useful skill that I should also aquire. Maybe I should investigate Skel and Po a little more.
"G-good point."
Po only seemed slightly convinced by Skel's explanation and followed him to the end of the queque. But Po dropped some very important info there without even elaborating on it.
"So what's this about a killer?"
I could use them to play the role of an Eminence in Shadow and abush them when they're about to kill someone. Something like "The souls of the dead have reached me and you'll now know the wrath of them." No, too cheesy. How about "Your killing ends here!" No, too hero like.
Meh, I'll come up with something later.
Amelia silently follows us to the end of the line without even looking up one time to see any people she could potentially bump in with. I'm getting bad vibes from her. The only times when she's thinking so hard like that is when I'm abducted by her again or if she can't choose between food or makeup.
Even though, I always suggest food, Amelia still takes like at least half an hour before deciding. This time will be no different, probably.
"First, I'll protect Cid should danger arise somewhere. You two are on your own. Second, don't worry about the killer, Cid. I'll always be here to protect you."
After giving up on her short silent phase, Amelia retorts back to Skel, implying that she infact did hear him talking. But the information that she gave them wasn't calming at all. Amelia just casually implied that she would let them die if I was in danger near them.
Scary image if you think about it.
"Now then."
Amelia grabs my hand in a tight grip like usual and drags me towards the entrance of Mitsugoshi. The people and nobles all look dispeased at the blatant skipping of line of Amelia without any shame at all. But the silent stare from her is enough to make them revert back to normal.
Skel and Po followed us in curiosity to see what we're doing. Skipping in line is a no go for a mob like me as that attracts unnecessary attention on me.
Amelia puts her hand in her bag and pulls out two tickets that I've never seen before. On them was the printed logo of Mitsugoshi while the backside read something like 'Special entry'. The people directly behind us gasped loudly after they saw the two tickets in Amelia's hands.
The shop clerk approaches us with a smile on her face. She's an elf, seen from her pointy ears and good looks. I could practically hear the Heartbeat from Skel and Po skip when she began talking to us.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?"
Amelia puts the two tickets in the clerks' hand.
"I have received these some weeks ago to always get in no matter the time. I want to use them now for the two of us."
"Did she just say "for the two of us"?
" And what about us?"
Skel and Po are whispering about the absurd scenario that Amelia will just leave them alone while she'll have the greatest fun of her life going to this store.
"Ah, Miss Hikari, we have awaited you. Of course, please come in."
Amelia who still hasn't let go of my hand, drags me inside the store, leaving Skel and Po behind. They just lost their place in line and have to queque up again. I can feel and see the realization appearing on their faces of having to line up again before the doors close.
She has trapped me once again. Surely, I should be able to see the hints of that happening, right?
"So, Cid, what do you want to do first?"
Leave.
And so began the time of my mob life of having to work like a slave. Escorting her everywhere, stopping at every store to window shop for at least an hour, ultimately not buying anything at all and going to another store department. But if she did find anything in a store she liked, Amelia would rob it of it's contents.
So here I am, walking with more shopping bags around than a normal human is supposed to carry. Alexia was also like that. Forcing me to go shopping with her so it would make us look more like a couple. But she paid me at least while Amelia just likes to see me suffering.
It was an endless circle that I couldn't escape from. Though, I got a good look at the products while Amelia was busy looking at everything.
It's just like a department store from my old life. Chocolate, coffee... I've never seen any of this in this world before. What is the deal here?
"Cid, what are you waiting for? Come on, let's go to another store!"
Amelia was waving at me from a distance away. Next to her were more bags piled up for me to carry for her. Also, Amelia had put on different clothes after finding something that pleased her eyes. Now, she didn't look like a noble lady but more like an average girl. She was wearing a summer dress that just stopped below her knees.
Men around us were looking her way even though they already have a partner on their arms. I'm once again reminded of the main character vibes Amelia radiates.
"Yes, yes. I'm coming."
We make our way to the next clothing store. This one seems to focus on swimsuits and swimming equipment. As far as I know, swimming isn't too popular in this day and age as people can enhance their feet with magic to walk on water.
So swimming wasn't really that important to learn. Of course, if your magic depletes, you'd drown.
"Oh, Cid! Let's go and see what they have to offer!"
Aren't you too excited being here, Amelia? I thought you're a regular because of those tickets at the entrance.
Without waiting for my response, Amelia drags me once again into another store. She has very bright stars in her eyes, sparkling everyone that is in her line of sight. Like headlights.
Although I'm being dragged inside, I don't really do anything to influence the things she chooses. I'm like a silent observer that is forced to attend a party where everyone has to show up. I only see Amelia going through various swimsuits, piling up more and more on her arm.
After a while, she looks satisfied with herself before looking at my direction. Amelia waves her hand to me signalising for me to come over. With a sigh, I follow her silent command and make my way over to her.
"There you are, Cid! Follow me."
I silently walk behind her without really looking where we're going. Suddenly, Amelia stops after walking for a short time and reveals where she lead me.
It was the changing rooms.
"I can't really evaluate the swimsuits without even trying them on. So I need your help deciding on one or more."
"What?"
"Thanks!"
And in a blink of an eye, Amelia disappeared behind the curtains, leaving me all alone, dumbfounded by what she just said. I could only facepalm at this situation. That's not mob like at all!
Shopping with a beautiful girl, carrying her bags and giving her feedback on outfits... What am I? A badly written Light Novel of a romcom?
"Okay, I'm coming out!"
Announcing her time to show, Amelia wastes no time in shoving the curtains away to reveal one of the swimsuits she's wearing. It was a red one with strings holding everything up. Her hourglass figure is more emphasized than normal.
I think any normal man would be having the time of his life looking at her like that. I can imagine Skel and Po's reaction to this.
"What do you think?"
Amelia asks me that with a slightly red face while looking down on the floor as if she was embarrassed. In true mob fashion, I just put my thumbs up and give her my honest feedback. I mean, someone like Amelia is probably allergic against looking bad in any clothing.
"Not even a reaction..."
Amelia doesn't look satisfied from my feedback and just goes back inside to change her outfit again. I don't really know what she didn't like with my feedback but I don't really care either.
The next time, Amelia just comes from the changing room with a black swimsuit that covered less than before. Her breast is spilling out a little and looks like a fat clump to the side. Probably erotic for some while useless in my eyes.
And that's exactly what I said to her. Her face became red like a tomato with tears forming in the corners of her eyes before she hurriedly disappeared back inside.
To see Amelia embarrassed by something... Thought I'd never see the day.
Amelia POV:
This one didn't work either. I have a buttload of swimsuits at my disposal here and at my dorms so I don't really need another one. But the problem is the fact that I have no idea if any of them are tasteful in Cid's eyes.
My mother has told me some tips when seducing a man. One of them was showing of my body in a modest way that was allowed publicy like a swimsuit. It would make the man crave for more and then I can go for the honey trap and make him my husband.
When I heard this for the first time, I was ecstatic about this idea. Cid craving my body because of a swimsuit? That sounds ridiculous before I thought about it more. If we do get the chance to go to the beach or something or an opportunity for me to show of my body, there's a 100% chance that I will get multiple stares from men around me.
Even now, as I'm wearing a simple summerdress, men of all class turn my way when they think that I can't see them.
But that exact reaction could make Cid realize something. For example, I'm relaxing at the beach while reading some book when suddenly I'm being hit on by multiple boys trying to win me over. That would be the perfect scenario to make Cid jealous and to protect me with a line like:
"Hands off my girlfriend!"
Kyaaaaaa!
Or maybe...
"Let me put some sunscreen on you."
Hehehehhehehehe...
I think I would die if he did that. We would run away (or beat them up) and then make out with each other as we stare deep into our eyes and can't hold the feelings of so many years back.
I mean, he basically did take the full hit last time when Princess Alexia was kidnapped. Although both of us were supposed to be arrested, I've heard from Princess Iris that Cid took the whole blame on himself for some reason.
Cid isn't someone to do something like this. Especially if the Knight Order was 'interrogating' him. But after all that torture, he still decided to protect me with everthing he had left.
How could someone not love Cid after that?
Because of that, I decided to take matters in my hands once again and took a step further by having a date with Cid in Mitsugoshi. Yes, while some of our trips back at the barony and the town could be counted as dates, this is really a special moment.
So far it was going well. Cid was interested in Mitsugoshi judging by his curious looks inside of some stores while I was too busy with choosing some clothes. Not to mention, I was basically on cloud nine the whole time. Cid didn't complain as much as he usually does and just silently follows me around.
Also, I didn't only buy clothes for me to wear but also some stylish clothes for him as well. Newly invented suits with shirts and ties that would make Cid look sharp. I don't want him to wear something that would make him seem like any other noble boy that I've met before.
Well, he'll hear the news about that later when we'll attend a party in the future. Now it's time for me to get some feedback! Though, now that we're here in changing rooms, I sometimes see some women who glance at Cid for no reason.
Back down, women! That's my man!
"And how about that?"
I step outside the changing room and quickly look at Cid who looks as disinterested like always. This was the eighth one I've tried and I got the same reaction again and again. Just a thumbs up from Cid while giving me a smile in addition.
I dramatically fall to the ground and support me on all fours. My hair hangs down, hiding my face and some parts of my body. Cid slowly approaches me and leaves the bags behind at the spot where he just sat.
"*sigh* What's wrong? Did you just suddenly lose all of your strength in your legs?"
Don't think I didn't hear that sigh from you, Cid!
"No, it's nothing. Just the slight inconvenience of my dear childhood (boy-)friend accompanying me but not giving me any advice or any useful feedback for my outfits. We've been going around for more than two hours now and all you showed to me was a thumbs up!"
"We're two hours here already?!"
Not the point, Cid!
Cid just looks as bored as ever, even after blantantly hearing my complains about him. But, well, he always has been like that. Nothing new for me and him. It still irritates me though. I want to wear my clothes to his preferences so that it'll be easier to seduce him in the future.
Also, what kind of wife (imaginary) doesn't want to look good in her husbands eyes? If we want to have a family of eleven kids (completely imaginary) then it wouldn't be bad if Cid was already eager to go. I already have found his way to his stomach with my cooking so the only thing left is to please his eyes.
But Cid has always been a tough nut to crack. I still remember the first time we met when he protected me from a flying sword. Before that, Cid didn't treat me more than a normal house guest instead of the usual mistress and young lady attitude everyone had in front of me.
The Kagenou family was the exception. Maybe it's because of the history between our families that make the Kagenou's immune to our charms but neither Claire or Cid are attracted to Adam and me.
"Can I get your honest feedback for once? From all the swimsuits you just have seen on my body, which one looks the best?"
As much as I'd like to continue our date, we still have a curfew to get back to the dorms in time. Wasting time would be bad on everyone's behalf so I decided to fasten things up.
"The white one. I like that one the best."
Wait...what? Did Cid just...give his honest thoughts after I asked him...?
Cid didn't think too long about this and just said one color and pointed at the swimsuit hanging from my arm. If it were anyone else, I would be angry at the lack of interest of the person even after asking them for their opinion. But we're talking about Cid here.
Mr. Cid "Doing whatever I want, whenever I want no matter the consequences" Kagenou.
Words cannot describe how happy I'm feeling right now. That right now was the first step in our relationship to become the perfect married couple in the future. The stone has been knocked over and I'll be the one to keep it alive be rolling it further.
I can't even supress the huge smile on my face. So to hide my embarrassment from Cid, I quickly make my way to the checkout and buy the swimsuit he recommended. But before I can even put my item on the register, I can feel the ominous smile of the cashier on me. As if she's supressing her anger about something but I don't even know this person.
I'll ignore that for now.
"This one, please."
"That will be 40 gold coins."
Huh? The price tag said that it's only 20 gold coins?
"I think there's a misunderstanding. The swimsuit costs only 20 gold coins according to the price tag? Why am I charged double the price?"
I quickly catch myself from my suprise and confusion and ask the cashier. But her customer smile doesn't drop like a true professional and just nods in understanding. The cashier bows down and I think for a moment that she'll apologize for that confusion but she just takes something out of the drawer of her desk.
It's a confetti cannon.
She pops upwards and rings a bell as if to alert other customers and employees that something important is happening here. It would be an understatement to say that I'm pretty shocked about this all and that I don't have any words to say.
The cashier waits until a crowd is forming around us before she congratulates me.
"Congratulations! You are our millionth customer buying our products at Mitsugoshi! For that feat, we'll give you a special discount and a selection of items that only few get to see! Please follow me."
Huh? What? What did she just say? What about the 40 gold coins? Don't think I forgot about it!
The employee leads the way by pushing me towards the exit. The people around us are clapping while also being jealous at me for being that millionth customer. Normally, I would be over the moon ot receive such special treatment from a store like this.
But I was already over the moon because of Cid and now I'm being pushed away to get something special? Also, speaking of Cid, he's getting left behind between this mess!
"Stop! Stop it! Let me go on my own! I came with a friend! They're getting.... lost!"
The employee doesn't listen to me and just continues to push me away like it's nothing. The fact that this person can push me even though I push against her with all my might shows me that I still have ways to go.
Scratch that! How is one emplpyee from Mitsugoshi so strong!? I literally can't remove myself from her grasp!
"Cid! Cid! Help me! I'm here! Let me go! Ahhhh!"
Cid POV:
There she goes.... well, I guess that's what happens when you're a main character.
I just watch Amelia getting dragged away like the way she just dragged me into this store. Though, I'm suprised that this person could hold Amelia off without breaking a sweat. Amelia isn't someone who could be stopped in such an easy way but here we are.
From a distance, I hear Amelia screaming my name and her attempt to break free from her fate of being a protagonist receiving her credit. After all, I've heard that she fought with Princess Iris some monster and was victorious.
Whatever. I'll just go and see if I find any chocolate and then dip.
"Hello, sir? Excuse me but may I have a moment of your time? I was hoping you would be interested in taking a survey."
All of the sudden, an employee talks to me out of nowhere asking me if I wanted to fill out a survey. It was a brown haired woman with maid like dress and a smile on her face faker than the one Alexia has in public.
I look around to make really sure that it's me who she's talking to and not somebody next to me. After all, I'm just a mob character, blending in with the background of everyone's memories.
But nobody was there.
"Me?"
"Yes! We'd really appreciate your feedback!"
I want to say no but I can feel the pressure of her smile on me. It gives me the vibes of feeling bad afterwards for no reason. So I just nod and follow her.
On our way, I get a better look at everything Mitsugoshi has to offer. Although I've already seen enough from walking around with Amelia, it's still baffles me how most if not everything here is from my old world.
Chocolate, coffee.... Really, what is the deal here? Who invented all of this stuff?
The woman leads me on and on as if there was no end in sight. For the sake of my time (eminence planning) and because time equals money, I try to ask if she's bringing me to the right destination.
"Hey, I thought there was a survey?"
But the brown haired woman doesn't answer me and instead continues walking upstairs. As we approach a door after walking through a small hallway I begin to sense something familiar.
Hm? This amount of magic... the wavelength of this magic... this could only mean....
The doors are opened like I'm some sort of royalty. This is how Alexia must feel all the time but I'm currently just a mob character so this pattern must mean that I'm greeted as Shadow or I'm just the 1mioth and one customer.
I look up the sky and see how we're currently standing in the court of Mitsugoshi. Around us are the high buildings of the store with carriages being pulled beyond these walls. It was truly the busy season and the most busiest time of the day.
Nonetheless, every employee has a look of professionalism on their face without showing any signs of fatigue or complaint. It's no wonder how society sees this store as one of the best on the market.
As I walk on after being lead by the brown haired woman behind me, we halt before another door which is also opened by maids from the inside.
The sight that greets me are mutliple elf girls bowing down to the sideline while a big red carpet is laid out, leading to a throne. The sun was already setting so the whole building with it's windows was painted in a bright orange. Next to the throne is a familiar figure and elf that I haven't seen in a long time.
"We have long awaited your arrival at out establishment."
"Gamma? So this is your store?"
Gamma, the third of the shades because I found her after Beta. The one I had in memory was a petite girl with her long hair which reached down to the middle of her back. But now that two years have passed, she's grown considerably in height. Though, she's wearing heels right now so I don't know if that counts.
"Yes, my lord. I took it upon myself to recreate, in what meager way I could, part of your wisdom that you have shared with me."
"Oh, I see."
Now that she mentions it, I think I did used to tell them random things from my old life that I called the wisdom of the shadows.
I remember back to the times when Gamma was despairing because she failed to do the same things the other shades could do easily. To help her out, I gave her some of my "wisdom" dubbing it as more power to have at her disposal.
But it was just little things. Like, for chocolate, I'd say "If you take bitter beans and throw a ton of sugar at them, it's delicous once hardened."
The once very curious young Gamma I have in memory is replaced by the matured Gamma with a look of experience on her face and in her eyes. The fact that she owns this store while also selling chocolate with the shitty desciption I gave her back then...
Is it out brains? Is it the difference in our intellect?
"It's good to finally see you again, my lord."
But Gamma here is pretty smart. I would even say she's the smartest of the Seven Shadows. but...
"Argh?!"
While I'm thinking that, Gamma starts going down the stairs to approach me but trips on literally nothing and falls down the rest of the stairs. She makes some funny noises as usual when tripping and ultimately ends on her stomach with her head down and her heels still on the stairs.
...she's has absolutely no athletic ability.
"Pl-please, come sit."
"You got blood on your face."
With a last attempt of her dignity, Gamma invites me to sit on the throne while lying head down on the floor. Of course, I waste no time in doing so and go up the few steps of the stairs while the women in the building go on the red carpet to bow down before me on one knee.
There are two maids helping Gamma wiping the blood on her face away without even opening her eyes. Such professionalism or just the usual day with Gamma? Maybe a mix of both.
As I look down on my "subordinates" bowing down before me, something swells up in my heart. This setting, this timing, the amount of actors helping Gamma just to please me.
Yes... Yes, I love it. I feel like a king, like I've truly become the Eminence in Shadow. How did Gamma manage to build this expensive set? I should reward them.
"Your reward. Take it."
I channel some of my magic into my hand with the attributes of healing any fatigue, sleep deprivation and muscle soreness and shot it up in the air so it could spread itself. Though, it's mostly the same magic when I heal someone possessed but without the whole "controlling the wavelength of magic inside the body".
The women look dazed by my reward as if they can't believe it or are just stunned by something. Even Gamma just looks upwards with bright eyes while everything around her is purple because of my magic. Tears are swelling up from the corners of her eyes.
"It reminds me... of the beautiful light of life that saved me from the pain and despair. I'm not worthy of this honor. I'll remember this day for the rest of my life."
Wow, tone down with the ass kissing, Gamma. You're almost as bad as Beta when she's holding back.
"So, would you say this shop of yours is turning a decent profit?"
"Yes! We currently have franchises in the major cities in and outside of the kingdom. And we are using a mail system to expand our influence to more remote regions. For the organization, we have approximately one billion Zeni at our immediate disposal."
WHAT?!
"A bil-!"
Out of nowhere, Gamma drops the bomb of being filthy rich alongside the Shades. A billion Zeni at their immediate disposal while expanding even further? They pratically are swimming in money while I was working my ass off by earning my money by picking up gold coins that were thrown by a tsundere princess with my mouth.
That has to be intentional. They knew how I threw my pride away for money while having this much cash lying around here. All of my work and money that I put into my little Eminence in Shadow collection that I showed Beta the other day seems pointless now.
Not that I'm ashamed of it but rather a little angry about the money they have. Yes, I'm envious for a good reason!
"Is that not enough, my lord?"
"No, uh..."
She used my knowledge to build all this without me, and made a crapton of... No, calm down. She did build this giant set for me. I should be happy with that. But I mean, if she's made that much money, I mean...!
I can't hold myself back from staring intensely at the mountain of gold coins that were brought to me. A massive flex from Gamma's side, showcasing me how poor I am.
"And I believe I know why you have honored us with your presence. This is about the incident."
Eh? A sudden lore dump after such a massive mental attack on me, Gamma? Very well, even though I'm still deeply hurt, I'll always have the energy to LARP.
"Yes..."
"The killer who has appeared in the Royal Capital, the fools who don darkest black and claim to be Shadow Garden. We are currently investigating the situation, but we have yet to apprehend the perpetrators. But I swear to you, we will put an end to their misdeeds."
Oh yeah, Po and Skel were saying something about a killer. A killer?
School rooftop:
"AAAAARGH!"
Did she just slash me for no reason?
I was standing with Amelia before Alexia, bickering about something mundane again when Alexia suddenly pulled out her sword to slice me up. Of course, it was only aimed at me because Alexia isn't dumb enough to challenge Amelia to a sword fight.
Fortunately, the cut wasn't very deep but just at the spot where a lot of blood would come gushing out if opened for no reason. Any normal student or civilian would have died of shock and the amount of blood they'd lose after recovering from their shock.
Luckily for me, I can just regulate my blood pressure with magic. But I have to make it seem realistic as both Amelia and Alexia can see me bleeding. Time for another Mob Technique: No. 28 Exaggerated blood loss!
"Cid! How could you do this?!"
Amelia immediately bows down to catch me before my bleeding body can even touch the ground. Afterwards she asked Alexia why she sliced me up before Alexia just casually mentions that nobody would believe Amelia if she told anyone of this incident.
After that, Alexia just left me alone with Amelia. In hindsight, maybe that also wasn't a good option either to take as Amelia dragged me away to her dorm to nurse me up. But she didn't clean up the rooftop full of my blood and when students came up and saw the mess, another school legend came to life.
Ah, I see.
"I have an idea who it is. I'll look into it."
"Incredible! You've already arrived at the answer? No, with your wisdom, my lord, I should have expected it."
I stand up and walk towards the door where I came in and pass by Gamma who is still kneeling down.
"Step forward. This girl is Nu, the newest member of the Numbers. She hasn't been with us long, but even Alpha-sama acknowledges her skill. Please use her as you see fit."
"It is an honor to serve you."
My attention is shifted to the brown haired woman standing beside the door who walked me to this place. I can feel the fint of nervousness in her voice. That just shows me how much money Gamma must have wasted for this set for me to rent out such amazing actors.
"I'll call if I need you."
As I begin to walk away, Gamma suddenly calls me from behind.
"Please wait a minute, my lord. I have something I, Gamma, would like to ask you."
Oh? That's rare. Gamma is usually the kind of person who would ask questions after hearing something first.
"Let's see what you have to say."
"Of course, I'll make it short. I just wanted to know what your plans are with Amelia Hikari? Alpha-sama and Beta have informed us about your situation of the political marriage between you two when you turn 18 in three years. We'll always be at your side when you call, of course."
Oh, it was just about Amelia again. First Alpha, then Beta and now Gamma. What is the deal with them and my relationship with Amelia? If someone would look at us more than two seconds then everyone would see how I'm being mistreated by her in every way possible.
Gamma has a very serious face expression as if she's talking about something business related but I can't take her seriously. I mean, we're still talking about Amelia after all, the girl who knows me longer than the Shades have.
Maybe they're jealous because I spend more time with Amelia than with them role playing? Nah, just look at the amount of money they have. No wonder they were able to hire so many actors last time.
"No need to worry about her. I have my own plans how her fate changes according to the circumstances. Like I said before, I'll call you if needed."
Gamma doesn't look entirely convinced by my bullshit with Amelia. Obviously, I have no idea what to do with her after we become adults. I just sincerely hope that she'll fall in love with some handsome dude or a protagonist that should have appeared seven months ago at the entrance ceremony.
Though, it's never too late for him to show up. The trope of the transfer student is still open after all.
"So that's why you haven't rejected her when she confessed to you at the marriage interview. Amelia Hikari has immense potential that even my lord has an eye on her since their younger days, as expected of you."
Yeah...., that's too much asskissing Gamma. Almost as bad as Beta, you know?
I resume my walk to the door without answering before I remember the actual reason why I came here in the first place.
"Oh yeah! I would like to buy some chocolate. Give me four of your cheapest packages."
"Chocolate? I shall procure you some of our highest quality. At a 100% discount!"
"A hundred percent? That's, like, free! Sweet!"
While I laugh with Gamma about the massive discount she just gave me, I secretly use some of my slime of my shoe to grab one of the gold coins from the mountain behind her without anyone noticing. The chocolate was basically the distraction while also giving me the product I came here for and making some pocket money.
Literally killing two birds with one stone.
Gamma POV:
There he goes again, his lonely back being the only thing in sight when we see him.
Shadow Garden has developed immensely ever since the foundation of Mitsugoshi. We have more money to use for missions or investing in newer ideas invented by Eta. She's really dependant to her funds for experimenting but we're equally dependant on her for engineering and planning many products.
All in all, Mitsugoshi is blooming and I'm sure that we haven't reached the peak yet. I was fairely certain that this would be enough to please our lord but he just looked at us with his usual wise eyes. Mitsugoshi and its whole was originally planned to be a suprise to him and our way to show our gratitude.
But as expected, he already knew of our plans and was just pleasantly suprised at our little wealth.
I informed him about the recent news of imposters claiming our precious name of the organization that our lord has given us. Unforgivable, but after dispaching so many units, we weren't able to find a single clue on those perpetrators.
But my lord didn't even have to think for more than one second before he arrived at a conclusion. Once again, he's showing how far above he is compared to everyone else, though he plays the average student at daylight. His wisdom is off the charts and there's no doubt that nobody is near his level.
Our lord doesn't brag about his power or wisdom but rather uses it in such a way to be inconspicuous and then strike in the shadows. He doesn't want any fame nor recognition and just does the things he deems as correct.
And we will follow him even if the world turns against him.
But lately, there has been a thorn in our eyes. Amelia Hikari, the girl who has been with Lord Shadow for more than 9 years and is slowly growing up to be a danger to us. Our lord is busy enough with purging the world from the cult and Amelia is no help in that important mission.
Even Lady Alpha has no idea for now how to handle such an anomaly and asked me for some insight. Unfortunately, I couldn't help her and asked my lord what his plans for her are. But his only response was that his plans for her are beyond our comprehension again.
"Amelia Hikari, don't think that you'll be able to hog the attention of our lord all to yourself. Shadow Garden will always be at his side and if you think that you'll be able to disrupt his connection with us, you're about to learn a harsh reality. Nu, don't forget to charge her more for her products."
"Yes, of course."
Luckily, I'm not the only one against Amelia. Shadow Garden is on our side against Amelia. Not to mention, our lord has asked us for four chocolate boxes instead of three. One must be for...
Royal capital, Midgar, streets:
Cid POV:
After my successful Mitsugoshi visit, I gave some chocolate to Skel and Po who thanked me in tears. Later I learned that they weren't even allowed to enter the building due to some unknown reasons (they're seen as a danger to the female customers).
Amelia looked both annoyed and happy at the same time. Happy because she got some free items from Mistugoshi which weren't out yet and annoyed because I got some chocolate for Skel, Po and me. Though, she calmed a bit down after I give her a box of the ones Gamma gave me.
"Come on! We're not gonna make curfew!"
"It's all Cid's fault! Flirting with the survey lady!"
We're currently running back to our dorms after spending too much time here at the store. For some reason, Amelia is running with us even though her curfew is stricter than ours and her dorm is in the opposite way we're running right now.
"I'm sorry, okay? And I gave you some chocolate!"
"What do they mean by 'flirting with the survey lady', Cid? I thought you said a male employee gave you that?"
Of course, Amelia is the first one to react to that. Sometimes, I ask myself if she just hears the things she wants to hear.
Amelia isn't giving me the kindest stare right now as we're running. Her eyes have somehow lost their light and now seem like a deep black abyss. If it was anyone else, they definetely would have shit themselves out of fear or run away with their whole might.
Once again, it's up to me to calm this calamity down.
"They're just kidding, Amelia. You don't have to believe everything they say, you know? Or are you still angry about the fact that they charged you more for some reason?"
Her lifeless stare ends and is replaced by a look of realization and understandment. She seems to realise that her judgement has been clouded by some words of the background characters. Very unusual of her.
"Yeah, you're right, Cid. Thanks for reminding me. And also yes, I'm still angry about the price. Why do I have to pay more..."
Phew, crisis averted. But man, I can't believe Alexia would go around killing people indiscriminately. I guess she finally lost it. She never made sense before. But she's a princess; she has it all. What would make her do these things?
*Sword clash* *Sword clash*
Hm?
I abruptly halt while the others are still sprinting away from me. It only takes them a minute before they realise that their other friend hasn't been running with them for some reason.
"Hey, hurry it up!"
"We're gonna miss curfew!"
Skel and Po, just like always, ask me to continue our way to the dorms as nobody of them wants to get scolded later when we do arrive late. Though, it doesn't really matter to me as I can easily fly to my room through the window and just fall asleep immediately.
Even Amelia is looking weirdly at me. No wonder as I'm supposed to be in a hurry but just stood still like a log all of the sudden.
"Cid? What's wrong, honey? Come on, we're almost there."
Amelia comes over to me and pads me on the shoulder as if I'm some lost little boy. Her annoyed tone ealier shifted into a mature person that I wasn't familiar with.
Amelia, since when did I give you the permission to call me 'honey'?
*Sword clash* *Sword clash*
Nevermind that. These sounds.... they're close. Now, I have an idea how to get away from here without acting too suspicous.
I dramatically fall down on my knees while holding the chocolate box in my left hand. With my right hand, I point towards a dark and empty narrow way and mutter the words that no man wants to say in public. Well, except for me of course, this is only actor training for me.
"Poop... I gotta poop... I can't hold it anymore. If I don't go right now, it's gonna come down my pants while I'm running."
Skel and Po only look astonished at my excuse for staying down. I can see pity but also a look of understandment that I have no other choice.
"That is pretty serious."
"A choice between honoring the rules and his personal honor."
Amelia looking at me as if I grew horns out of my head. Her eyes have widened so much that I honestly think that they could fall out any moment now. Suddenly, she takes out her bag and searches fanatically for something inside.
"Cid! Don't worry about pooping outside! I'm sure I have some medicine with me or some tissues for you to use."
I don't even want to know why she has medicine for a situation like that.
Panic forms on her face as she can't find the promised medicine that's supposed to help me. Though, it wouldn't have mattered either way because Skel and Po want to get away as fast as possible now. Jealousy and hatred is very clear in their eyes because I'm receiving the attention of our school idol.
"Leave, go on without me. I don't want anyone to see this."
Fake tears swell up in the corners of my eyes. I make the skin under my eyes darker to look tired from holding it back for too long. Their previous look of jealousy is replaced by pity again.
"B-but, Cid..."
"We understand. We'll never tell anyone you took a dump outdoors! Man to man, you have my word!"
"I don't care what anyone says, you made the right choice! I'll always believe that!"
Skel and Po give me their approval and promise to keep this between us. Truly a mob character to react to the woes of their friend who has to shit outside. Though, I can see them telling everyone at school about this moment for a short moment of fame.
But that's just life.
"I can't hold it any longer! Please, just go!"
"We'll never forget you, Cid!"
"Even if you poop outside, we'll always be your friends!"
I inhale, taking a deep breath to finish this scene off in the most mob way possible and scream from the bottom of my lungs:
"Go! Just go!"
Skel and Po don't hesitate for a millisecond and run away, crying for their fallen comrade who has to sacrifice himself because of his pride of not shitting his pants. It was truly a heartwarming moment, the mob friends accepting that there's no other choice but are still prepared to stay friends after that.
"What just happened? Did you all intentionally ignore me or something?"
Next to me stands Amelia who watched the whole interaction back and forth with a flabbergasted face the whole time. She couldn't even intercept in because she had to process everything what was just said in the most unbelievable way.
"Well, it doesn't matter. Come on, let's get this over with and go back to the dorms."
Amelia still stands next to me as if she didn't hear my plead that I don't want anyone to see this side of me. I only turn towards her and raise my eyebrow on the left side to signal my confusion at her presence.
She understands it immediately and just casually explains:
"We have bathed together when we were kids. Does it really matter if I see you take a dump in the streets now? No, so carry on and hurry up."
Damn it! That's totally a childhood friend excuse! And that sounded way too protagonisty to be thrown at me!
"Okay."
I silently make my way towards the dark alley and take a right turn and disappear behind some building where Amelia couldn't see me anymore. The sword clashes came from the left so it won't be any problem to just sneak away.
Now then. Alexia, it doesn't really bother me if you want to be a homicidial maniac. If that's how you want it, you do you. But if you're going to claim to be from Shadow Garden, that's a different story. Sorry, but I don't plan on letting that go unpunished.
I jump upwards and transform into my Shadow disguise and look down at the Sword fight from above while crossing my arms. The swords clash again and again, exhibiting some sparks in the process. Alexia is fighting alone against a hooded person while another black hooded guy is lying on the ground defeated with his blood dirtying the ground.
"Enough! Give it up!"
"We are Shadow Garden."
"That's all you ever say. Is this really what the so-called Shadow wants?"
Wait, what?
Amelia POV:
He's sure taking his time... even though I generously waiting for him... Really, find yourself someone who'd wait for you after you poop in public, Cid.
As I waiting for Cid to finish his business behind closed doors, or rather between some walls, I hear distinct noises in the background. It's sounds like steel clashing against each other in a rather short amount of time.
It's probably a sword fight but at this time? Especially here in these alleys where there's a good chance to get lost or kidnapped in the worst case scenario. But wait, maybe this sword fight is from the slasher who attacked the capital at night and someone is just defending themselves.
I'd like to help but Cid is doing his big business right now and I can't afford to leave him now. If I suddenly disappeared even though I said that it doesn't matter where he shits, then I would seem like a hypocrite.
But wait again, there's a good chance that these slashers are nearby right now. Worst case scenario again, they find Cid and attack him while he's undefended. Right, I have to eliminate the threats as fast as possible! For Cid and our future!
Resolving myself, I run along the alleyway and turn left towards the source of the sounds of a sword fight. Arriving at the scene, I find Princess Alexia fighting against black hooded people. She had already defeated one who's lying on the ground with his blood around him.
Alexia had just punched the sword of the second one out of his hand and is taking a stance just like we learned in the Bushin lessons.
"Time to end this."
Oh, she's already done with them. Then, there was no need to worry...
*Step* *Step*
Hm?
All of the sudden, two more black hooded people appeared from the other side of the alley. All of their faces were behind masks so it wasn't possible to see any distinct features of the person.
"Oh, I see your friends have arrived."
They take a fast but sloppy stance and attack immediately without responding. Deeming the situation as unfair as it's a three to one, I decide to interfere and fight along. One of the hooded people charges straight at Alexia and tries to stab her with his sword. She dodges such an easy attack but is overwhelmed by the second attack following instantly after by his partner.
I take out my sword and stop the attack coming from behind aimed at Alexia by clashing my sword against his.
"Didn't you learn to never leave your back open to the enemy? I thought that was just common sense."
"Spare me your comment."
Even though I blocked his attack, he doesn't stumble back in suprise because of a new enemy he has to face. Rather, he jumps back and gives the sword from his dead comrade the one who Alexia was about to finish off.
Strange, the slash had enough energy and power to cut through a person instantly but was blocked by me. Normally, he would have been knocked back and lose a part of his balance which would have been enough time for me to strike.
But they all seem so calm. As if their emotions are turned off or something.
"You take care of the one facing you right now while I'm busy with these two."
"Sounds like a plan. But try to leave them alive please. I need to interrogate them."
The injured one nods at the one who just helped him and runs towards me with the sword in his hands. But he doesn't take a swing with his sword or any motion to attack me. Seizing the oppurtunity, I slash at him vertically which he dodges by a marrow to the side and runs past me.
His aim was at Alexia all along and is charging at full speed at her. I turn around and trip him in the last second with a kick to the legs so that he doesn't hit any vitals. But the moment I turn, I hear the sound of someone pushing against the ground behind me and only have the time to block the attack coming at me with just one arm.
The slash this time was particulary heavy but more fast. A calculated attack to give his partner time to slash Alexia while I'm busy. These guys aren't strong but are using the environment and their numbers as an advantage to fight us.
Alexia realizes a bit too late that someone is coming from behind and instinctively blocks with her arm in an attempt to save herself. Because of that, she was cut towards her left arm and sustained an injury already.
"You would do this to a delicate maiden? That's not very nice!"
Alexia punches the guy who slashed her in the face, making him stumble back for a bit. But she's now surrounded by the slashers while I'm busy handling the guy off infront of me. He only tries to stall time by attempting jabs and feints at me and tries to push me further within the alley.
The injured Alexia can't properly fight anymore as her arms is bleeding intensly and is now backed into a corner. The hooded people stand before Alexia and mutter something before attacking her.
Shit! I'm too late!
"We are Shadow Garden."
What? Shadow Garden? Just like...
All of the sudden, someone drops down from somewhere and splits the guy appart who was about to attack Alexia. The hooded people take a step back in fear and caution. Even my opponent retreats back to his comrades.
"You're..."
"Fools who assume the name of Shadow Garden, you will pay for your crime with your life."
This appearance... the black hood.... the mask of his eyes.... a man shrouded in complete black.... with an authority which feels mightier than all of the kings themselves.... the only person I know who hit all of these is...
""Shadow!""