Chapter Text
Chapter 12: Exposed
The carriage of the Emilia Camp was moving at a pretty respectable pace. The road was clear and there were no signs of any obstacles in the way.
Garfiel had insisted on running along with the carriage just because he wanted to and also to dispatch any bandits or mabeast foolish enough to come in the way of their carriage.
Though, Garfiel had a rather cloudy expression on his face. The confidence on his face had flattened for some unknown reason. It was strange to see the most energetic of the bunch be so dim suddenly. Even though Garfiel was running along the carriage matching it's pace, he had a stone hard face, no grin whatsoever.
Inside the carriage was one of the five royal candidates: Emilia. Along with her, seating face to face was the external affairs minister of the Emilia Camp and a bum genius of a merchant: Otto Suwen. He had signature green cap on his head as usual.
Otto and Emilia were chatting and discussing about the political situation and also the standing of the candidates. No candidate had fallen from the leaderboard till now.
Emilia had a cheerful and joyful demeanor whereas, the grey haired man had a small fake smile on his face and he had his hands folded on his lap. He was shuffling them in his lap, and being was restless for some unknown reason. But the half elf was too engrossed in the conversation to notice.
The trapdoor slid open revealing two nasty eyes. They belonged to none other than the boy with the best timing- Natsuki Subaru. Subaru was the coachman and was in charge of the reins of the carriage.
The nasty eyed youth joined in the conversation too. The atmosphere in the carriage was fun and easygoing. Except the merchant who felt a little guilty but didn't show it to anyone.
After the carriage reached the city gate and went inside the city, they all let out gasps. The city was unlike anything they had ever seen. It was a marvel of engineering. As Otto said, the city was built on a lake by technology from 400 years ago.
Garfiel had now made himself comfortable on top of the carriage, his worries had subsided a bit after seeing the beautiful city. They were still lingering on the back of his mind.
Then the Great Sport of Yin let out a morbid fact. “This city is more like a trap, you could collect all the water into the middle of the lake.” She said.
Subaru's eyes widened with interest. “Do you think it was to trap a mabeast or was it something.... else?” He said and the spirit just shrugged nonchalantly.
The carriage continued to roll on the roads of Priestella. The Emilia Camp members saw quite a few interesting sights, but the one which interested the nasty eyed boy the most was the boat rides. They reminded him of the gondola rides back in his world.
“The inhabitants of Priestella use Drakes instead of ground dragons like in Lugunica.” Otto said trying his best to be a tour guide. The drake in the waterway next to their carriage roared startling the merchant. The lot laughed at the merchant making him feel embarrassed.
The carriage was parked and everyone dismounted it, leaving the carriage they went to the location that the greedy merchant had provided them.
After arriving at their destination they were faced with a building that did not resemble the architecture of the buildings they were accustomed to. It looked Kararagian to everyone except for Subaru who found it quite nostalgic.
“This is our lodging? It's s a whole Ryokan here.” Subaru said one hand holding Beatrice's hand and other on his hip as he looked at the gable of the inn where the sign was located.
The gang consisting of Otto, Garfiel, Emilia, Subaru and Beatrice was standing outside the building. All had a puzzled look on their faces.
Then the door slid open slowly by a slender light pink sleeved hand. “Look at the surprise on you. Was a good choice I made, hand-picking this hotel.” The sly merchant said with a smile. Her eyes as usual a curtain to the cunningness inside her.
“Been some time since I last seen you. Many thanks to you for coming all the way. Figures to me the journey’s worn you out. How says we spend time relaxing inside, then chat?” Said the greedy merchant.
After a bit of more friendly chit chat between Anastasia and the Emilia Camp the blonde tiger voiced out his hostility and said. “Miss Emilia isn't this lass one of your enemies as I have heard?”
“Garfiel, you’re not wrong, but you’re putting it in a pretty extreme way. After all, weren’t we invited here?” Emilia said trying to reason with the tiger.
“Yeah but still, won’tcha hafta stab each other in the back one day? That’s gonna sting after actin’ all buddy-buddy.” The tiger said.
Then the wooden door of the inn flung open and out flew an adorable ginger catgirl who grabbed Garfiel's hand. “Ah! Garf's here, Miss can Mimi take him.” The enthusiastic catgirl asked to which the merchant agreed and the catgirl then took away the tiger who struggled to keep up with her.
“Greetings Miss Emilia.” Another voice came out, it sounded familiar to Subaru. Pristine white and spotless knight uniform, violet eyes and hair, he was Julius Juukulius. His violet eyes locked on Natsuki Subaru and he said with an amused expression. “And I see Sir Natsuki has come too.”
Subaru shivered and gave an disgusted look at the knight. He still couldn't get over that beating in the capital. He barfed a reply. “What's with the sir?” Subaru said looking disdainfully at the knight.
Then the knight in violet's expression turned serious as he looked in Otto's direction. Otto got tensed. ‘Wait does he... Know.’ Otto thought, he clutched his sleeve bracing himself.
Then the knight said carefully. “Wait you must be-” Otto shuddered. “I didn't think someone of such importance would grace us today. Miss great spirit I apologize for my ignorance.” He knelt infront of Beatrice who just gave a smug smile.
Otto let out a sigh he didn't know he was holding. ‘I thought I got busted already....’ He thought.
The rest of the conversation was a blur to the merchant and he didn't process anything. He just nodded and walked along with the rest. He was secretly praying to Od to not get busted.
---X---
The atmosphere in the Felt Camp was quite tense, a stark contrast to the carefree personalities in the Camp. They had been invited to the City of Priestella along with the other camps as well. They couldn't turn down an invitation so they went there.
The journey to Priestella was quite uncomfortable for the Camp members at first but they got used to it at last. The reason for this uncomfortable feeling was the presence of a certain individual- The Sword Saintess.
“WHAT do you mean?!” “Reinhard did what?!” Shouted the duo of Gaston and Lachins in unison. “She looks hot though...” Said Camberly which was rewarded with a slap to the back of his head by Felt.
Reinhard stood in front of them with a semi embarrassed face. She had been training the three of them since they joined the camp. They were good students but lacked manners. It was very embarrassing to reveal the truth about her new transformation to them.
This had happened because Felt urged her to reveal the truth to the camp members. Leaving their comrades in the dark would be a major disadvantage and Felt was not the one who preferred discord among her family. This camp had became her new family after Old Man Rom. But she won't admit it out loud.
Reinhard couldn't argue much to her leige so she played along and here they are. “Such attitude is appreciated Gaston but refrain from violence.” Said Reinhard with approval to Gaston who just returned back to a confused expression.
Lachins raised his hand. “Sensei are you really in love with that brat?” Lachins did not like the Subaru much especially after the meeting in the alleyway.
Reinhard got flustered from the direct question. Felt answered for Reinhard. “Yes she is really in love with Big bro. Honestly speaking I lost my shit too when I learnt of this.” Felt said nonchalantly.
Camberly snapped his fingers and muttered to himself. “I wish I was that nasty brat, lucky bastard.” Gaston heard the midget and lifted him by the collar and tossed him out the room. “Get yo ass outta here!” He yelled.
“So are y'all willing to cooperate with us while also keeping Reinhard's identity a secret until the meeting at Priestella?” Felt questioned the three, two actually. The third was tossed outside.
A few seconds passed. Gaston was the first to accept Reinhard. “Sure I will be with y'all at all moments.” He said with a grin.
Gaston then nudged Lachins who seemed lost in thought. “Ye-yeah me too!” He said. “Don't forget me....” Camberly's groan was heard as he dragged himself back to the room.
Reinhard got a genuine smile on her face. A happy and proud smile. She bowed down gracefully and thanked them. “Thank you so much Gaston, Lachins and Camberly. I'm forever grateful for your aid.” She said.
The three just flailed their arms around wildly saying that there is no need to thank them. Then Camberly said. “Maybe you could thank me in a different w-” Gaston put his hand on the midget's mouth and threw him inside a large vase. “Stay there!” He yelled. Lachins and Felt stifled a laugh.
Reinhard just smiled warmly. She didn't think her students would support her so much.
Back to the present. The ride to Priestella was pretty tense and uncomfortable for the Felt Camp at first. But they adapted to Reinhard being a woman in no time. Reinhard felt refreshed now that she could express this new her to other members of her Camp as well.
The atmosphere had turned quite jolly and comfy after a few hours in the carriage. Everyone was chatting and having a great time. The three ex muggers were telling the tale of how they met the nasty eyed boy or the eye candy for the Sword Saintess.
“So we three were on our daily mugging session- little did we know a foreigner looking brat was alone in our alley.” Said Lachins moving his hands animatedly. The people in the carriage were listening to him with great interest.
Felt was seated next to Reinhard. Camberly insisted on sitting next to Reinhard for safety purposes but was dragged out and made to handle the reins of the carriage. Gaston joked about him getting his hands on at least one kind of 'Rein'. Felt almost kicked the bucket while laughing at that. Lachins was seated next to Gaston and telling the tale with Gaston adding the parts which he forgot.
“We three approached the brat and tried to intimidate him.” Continued Lachins. “But the guy looked mildly irritated at the most- he acted as if we were old acquaintances.” Added Gaston.
“Well y'all probably earned a bit of fame as the only muggers in the whole capital. That's the reason he acted as if he knew your lousy asses....” Felt said with an amused expression but her face soon turned into a frown. “But if I recall, he was absolutely stupid and lacked even basic knowledge when I met him in the loothouse.” She said quietly.
Reinhard nodded her head. “I agree with you Lady Felt. It's very unlikely that Subaru would know about the muggers considering his condition back then.” Reinhard suggested her opinion.
Lachins scratched his head. “I don't know what happened to that brat but I find him quite strange...” Lachin's voice trailed off.
“Whatever let's go back to the story.” Gaston clapped his hands to get their attention back to the story. “Oi! Camberly you listening too?” Lachins shouted.
The trapdoor window slid open revealing two big eyes. “Yeah it's all clear, I've got quite good ears ya'know. And also quite the eyes for beautiful women.” His eyes turned to Reinhard. Gaston closed the trapdoor. “Idiot shut up!” He yelled at Camberly.
Reinhard and Felt just laughed at the duo's antics. While Lachins sighed from disappointment at the two ex muggers.
After Gaston returned to his seat, LachinLachins continued the story. “So we tried to stare down the brat but he muttered something stupid inside his mouth and smiled.” Lachins said.
“Yeah absolute idiot behavior. We almost thought that the guy was from the witch cult. To be honest he kinda gives off the creepy vibes as those fre-” Gaston stopped mid sentence from the glare by Reinhard.
Lachins noticed the situation and continued. “Then the brat did something completely out of pocket- he called for help....” “it was in a womanly voice!” Added Gaston with an amused tone.
“I remember what happened after that vividly as if it happened a few moments ago.” Said Reinhard with a small amused smile. Lachins sighed with relief noticing the hostility vanishing from the air.
Felt was shaking in her seat from laughter. She couldn't control her laughter after imagining her big bro shouting in a womanly voice. Then she looked at Reinhard and her laughter died down. “Better not imagine such things.... Who knows maybe he will turn into a woman too.” Felt muttered under her breath as she got the horrifying thought of Subaru doing the same as her stupid knight.
“I heard that Lady Felt.” Reinhard said with a teasing smile making Felt feel flustered.
“Shut up don't tell me you are actually thinking of that! I hope you don't have another stupid Divine blessing or some crap.” Felt said with horror in her eyes.
“Noted, I won't do it then. If it displeases you then I won't. Fret not Lady Felt.” Reinhard said with an amused expression.
Felt's expression turned into absolute panic. “WHAT! You mean to say you would've done that? You... You are joking right?” Felt said with wide eyes, she hoped that the redhead was joking.
Lachins and Gaston sat there uncomfortably questioning their life choices and what led to this. Camberly sitting outside had removed Reinhard from his checklist of woman to get eloped with. “Never again....” He muttered to himself.
“Uh can I continue the story?” Asked Lachins. Reinhard and Felt stopped their antics.
“Alright so after that none other than the Sword Saint came to the rescue. We three ran away with our feet in our hands. It wasn't what we expected in our wildest dreams.” Said Lachins his eyes widening.
“Yes that's what happened. After you all scurried away, Subaru told me something very strange.” Reinhard said pressing one finger on her lower lip, recalling her memories.
“What'd big bro say?” Felt asked leaning towards Reinhard. Lachins and Gaston were interested too.
“Subaru told me about Miss Emilia's description and it made me lose my bearings for a moment. Then he abruptly ran away to the loothouse in the slums.” Reinhard said her eyes filled with mirth.
Lachins and Gaston laughed after they put the pieces together. Emilia was a spitting image of Satella, of course Reinhard would get confused.
Felt sighed and dragged her hand over her face slowly. “How clueless was he back then... How did he even manage to save me and everyone from that bowel fetishist.” She said to herself incredulously.
The rest of the ride was very jolly as well. Gaston took the reins after Camberly kept complaining about how his palms are sweaty and the reins are slipping away. Gaston saw through his facade and Camberly was seated next to Lachins instead of Reinhard.
Soon their carriage had reached it's destination. Felt looked out of the window as they entered through the gates and rode into the cramped walls of Priestella.
“Lady Felt.” Reinhard whispered to Felt.
Felt refocused her attention to the Sword Saintess and raised an eye brow. “Hmm?” She hummed.
“My divine protection is indicating that Subaru has already arrived in Priestella before us.” She informed with caution.
Felt nodded. “I hope that bum of a merchant did his job accordingly. If he didn't then it will be a tough afternoon.” Felt said in a low voice her face serious.
“Yes I hope Sir Otto succeeded in his duty.” Reinhard said and closed her eyes.
Then after her eyes opened they landed on Lachins. “Lachins would you be able to go to the inn Lady Anastasia has booked for us, while we park the carriage?” Reinhard requested politely.
Lachins nodded and gave a toothy grin. “Of course Sense consider it a piece o' cake for me!” Reinhard smiled at the reply.
“Also I wish to avoid confrontation as much as possible before the meeting. So would you take this letter from me, in case they ask for proof of any kind.” Reinhard stretched out her white sleeved arm and handed the letter to Lachins.
“Oh, that's quite thoughtful of ya... thanks Sensei.” Said Lachins as his fingers brushed against the creamy colored letter.
“There is no need to thank me Lachins I'm doing this for my own selfish self.” Reinhard smiled bitterly.
---X---
“Are you sure this is signed by Reinhard Van Astrea.” Said the violet haired youngster with a judgemental eye roll.
“Yes it is, now shut yer trap punk and show me to my room!” Lachins scoffed at the violet haired youngster who sighed and muttered something.
“Did you say something?” Lachins said in a threatening voice.
“No it's just the wind, you are hearing things. Considering getting your ears cleaned... But I suggest a bath while you're at it too.” Joshua said and continued walking nonchalantly.
“Son of a...” Lachins cursed under his breath and followed the annoying boy who got on his nerves.
“Here this is the room alloted to your group.” Joshua looked at his clipboard and halted infront of said room.
Lachins slid the door open and peeked inside. It was really spacious and quite beautiful. Looked Kararagian just like the rest of the inn. “Fine good enough I'll go to inform Felt-Sama and the rest.” Saying that the ex mugger walked away.
“Huh, it's still better than your rundown houses you barbarian.” Joshua said to himself as he watched Lachins leave.
A few moments the Felt Camp arrived at the inn. Joshua was stunned to see the punk actually be affiliated with the Felt Camp. “Wh-what! You're actually from the Felt Camp?” He said shocked. Lachins just shrugged and gave a smug smile.
“Ah, I must apologize for my rude remarks. Welcome Lady Felt and everybody else.” He gave a small bow and welcomed the group.
“Yeah yeah enough buttering Julius's little brother, now be useful and stop blocking the way.” Felt said. “Move aside.” Joshua moved away from the hallway letting the group enter their room.
“Huh? I don't mean to probe but I don't see the Sword Saint here.” Joshua asked to Felt.
Felt's face scrunched up in irritation. “Uhh he is outside getting something, and none of yer business fuck off.” Felt scoffed and slid the door close on Joshua's face making him retreat.
“He noticed your absence immediately.” Felt said to Reinhard who had hidden herself using her divine protections.
“Well it's just a matter of time until the truth reveals itself to the whole entire world.” Reinhard said with a melancholic look in her blue eyes.
“Tchh, whatever Crusch's absence would surely overshadow your absence for the time being.” Felt said with a bored expression.
And she was right because everyone started wondering if the Crusch Camp even show up at this hour considering every camp had arrived early in the morning. Felt camp being the lastest one to enter. The absence of the Crusch Camp helped the Sword Saintess a lot because Wilhelm would either not attend or just be too late to attend and she would easily be able to avoid him for the rest of the time in Priestella.
Everything was going according to plan up until now. But the hardest stage was still waiting. She had to confront everyone else now from Subaru to Julius- everybody. She had just lightened her load by removing Wilhelm from the gathering.
‘All that is left to do now is face everybody and reveal everything. And at last bravely declare my love for Subaru.’ Reinhard thought.
‘But will he like me? He just saw me a as a friend before this... What will he even feel- disgust?’ She clenched her fist as the thoughts came.
‘Will he just renounce his love for Lady Emilia? That's impossible... to be honest.’ Reinhard thought.
’Oh and the others... What will they think of me. I'm just a selfish monster trying to steal their beloved friend, lover, contractor, and her-’ Reinhard snapped out of her thoughts as Felt hit her on the head lightly.
“Ay! You there or ain't?” Felt asked as she saw Reinhard's darkened face and trembling blue eyes.
“Oh, I must apologize for my tardiness. I wasn't in the right headspace.” Reinhard apologized.
“Whatever don't apologize to me I told you before you stupid knight.” Felt said feeling irritated at the apology. Then she got up from the tatami mats. “Also let's go the sneaky fox has called everyone... Him included. So be prepared to face him and get your words ready.” Felt said with a determined look.
Reinhard stood up as well. “I hope so. Even if it doesn't work out, I'll absolutely not let your prestige be stained.” She sincerely stated.
Felt sighed. “Be a lil' more confident in yourself dumbass.” She scoffed. “I believe you have the guts to do it! You will surely come out victorious, and not even holy coins can change my mind, got it.” Felt offered words of encouragement and then walked out of the room, gesturing Reinhard to follow along.
Reinhard was left there speechless for a moment or so. But then she smiled and followed her outside. “Yes I will Lady Felt...” She promised to herself.
They both stood outside the sliding door. On the other side of this thin door was a tiny spark waiting for the right opportunity to ignite into a firestorm. The fuel for it was the Sword Saintess and the boy they referred to as the Lolimancer.
---X---
“Oh Felt! It's been so long, wait not that long just a few days. I don't see Reinhard here, oh and Adelhard-San is here as well?”
“Betty does not recall there existing two legendary dragon swords, I suppose.”
To be continued....