Resolve, p.18
Resolve, page 18
Saturday the 17th of November saw the group back at the kendo dojo and Saki found herself sparring with Ava and Mia, while Dan and Fred took turns trying to break through Alex’s defense. As a whole, Sensei Sano was pleased with the results and figured that light sparring could start to be worked in, but he still felt that they needed to attend a lesson in the afternoon to learn from more sparring partners. That evening, Nantan took them all out for dinner at a nicer restaurant as he thanked Alex for hosting once again and apologizing for the rocky start to the week. Once dinner was done, Alex breathed out a sigh as he drove back to the apartment as he only had one day left and he could return to normality.
(*****)
Xeal spent his time during each of his logins working to move deeper in the Vault of Ucnuc as he continued to hone his skills by taking on larger and larger groups of foes. He was doing this without relying on the stat boost from his Behemoth Slayer title as it would not be useable during his tier-up challenge this time. With Ceclie acting as backup, Xeal was able to advance smoothly as Gale and Aalin left to do further prep for their tier-up quest that required them to separate ahead of it. The only real breaks from this for Xeal, other than rest during these logins, were his dates with Dyllis, Aalin, Enye and the new year’s gathering in the palace.
Xeal had dressed in his nicest formal wear as he walked with Aalin and Gale to the palace that night around 8:00. The event was set to last until 1:00 in the morning as they welcomed the future and what it held. When they arrived, they quickly found that it was a very small event as only the royal family and a few of their family members were present. As Xeal looked around, he could see several of the auxiliary princes and princesses walking around. Most of them didn’t have much of a public presence due to being King Vincent’s second through sixth wives’ children. Most had also been married off into influential noble families, both within the kingdom and abroad, making this a bit of a family reunion with how many had made the trip. Xeal recognized a few from his last life as they had played various roles during the wars, from generals, diplomats and many more. Several of them would lose their lives during the conflicts that were to come, including Queen Eleanor’s only other son besides Victor. Valentine Vidfamne was Victor’s younger brother and the kingdom’s second prince, who was serving in the kingdom’s military. As such he was rarely around and it was intended for him to be married off to another kingdom once Victor produced an heir. Before Xeal could finish taking in the room, Enye and Dyllis arrived in front of him, wearing simple yet elegant gowns, with radiant smiles as Enye welcomed them.
“It is good that you could make it. As you can see, it is only family here tonight. As such, no titles are necessary. Under normal circumstances you all would not be included as our engagement is still tentative, but I insisted as it will be the only chance you have to meet many of my siblings before we would be wed. Also, it wasn’t hard to convince Father as Victor has shown full confidence in you and Mother has made her will be known in your favor as well.”
“That explains why Xeal has been included, but why Dyllis, Aalin and I?”
“Gale, the three of you intend to marry Xeal as well, so you are considered extended family as well as my personal support. Once we are all married to him, I will be seen as the face for his wives and you will be seen as my direct agents in many things. To exclude you would be the same as excluding my father’s wives who are not my mother.”
Xeal could feel sweat form on his head as he realized that in the whirlwind of events that he called a life, he had failed to actually discuss Gale and Aalin marrying him in ED. He knew that the situation in reality would make it difficult for them to be legally married, but he knew that they could have that here. He knew he needed to act fast as both Aalin and Gale were giving him a look.
“Ah, about that. While it is fair to assume that things are heading that direction, I have neglected to actually sit down and discuss it with either of them.”
Enye looked shocked at Xeal’s confession as Xeal quickly continued to talk, hoping to salvage the situation.
“I feel like right now is not the best time for the conversation, but I promise that before our next teatime I will have cleared the situation up and we will know where everything stands.”
“Xeal, you can really be a fool at times, but I do love that about you. Gale, Aalin, you do intend to marry Xeal, correct?”
Both Aalin and Gale smiled mischievously at the question before Gale responded.
“I don’t know, he has failed to ask me so far.”
“I know, he can be so dense at times, but I think he is a keeper so as long as he is willing to show me just how much he wants to have me. I will gladly accept his proposal when he gives it.”
“Aalin, you are letting him off too easy. I think he is going to have to sweep me off my feet for a second time before I will say yes for sure.”
Xeal smiled as he turned and swept Gale into his arms and spoke so only the four ladies near him could hear.
“Samantha Carter, will you become mine in both body and soul, to be loved and love, for as long as we both shall live?”
Gale was blushing brightly as she looked into Xeal’s eyes as she struggled to get her breath under control, but she managed a single word.
“Yes.”
Xeal gave her a deep kiss and as he set her down. He could see that they had gathered a bit of an audience. Even so, he simply smiled as Gale acted like she was both embarrassed and extremely happy as she held onto Xeal’s arm. After a moment the crowd decided to give them a bit of space as Xeal turned to Aalin who had a conflicted look on her face. Xeal stepped forward to speak in her ear so only she could hear as Gale let them have a moment.
“Nicole, I do intend to marry you as well and will be asking you the same question soon, but doing so right now would be wrong. Both you and Sam deserve your own moment, and for Sam now felt right. I love you more than should be possible. Just know that I am not ignoring you and I see you.”
“I love you too, Alex, and thank you for knowing me well enough to know what I need.”
Xeal and Aalin enjoyed a chaste kiss before separating and turning back to Enye and Dyllis.
“Honestly, I was simply looking for an affirmative on the matter, yet you just went ahead and made it official in such a dramatic fashion. I must say that I hope the moment you ask me you can make sure it lives up to that.”
Xeal simply smiled at Enye and responded.
“Enye, I will do what I feel is right when it comes time to ask you and Dyllis to officially be my wives. I make no promises on the how or when, other than that.”
“Very well. Now let’s enjoy the gathering.”
Enye took Xeal’s right arm as Dyllis, Aalin, and a blushing Gale fell in behind them as Enye guided them around to meet several of her siblings. Unlike Enye, Victor and Valentine, all of the other siblings present held their mothers’ house names as they didn’t have inheritance rights to the throne. It was still possible that if something happened to Victor and Valentine before an heir was produced by either, that one of them could be given the Vidfamne name and become the crown prince, but it was unlikely. As Xeal was being introduced to Enye’s older sister Rosalind, who had been married off to another kingdom, Prince Valentine approached them on his own.
“Ah, little sister, I take it this is Xeal. It is a pleasure to meet a man of action such as you.”
Xeal took a second to take in Prince Valentine who had the same green eyes of his brother and could pass as his twin, if not for the black hair that matched Enye’s. As Xeal measured up Prince Valentine, Enye responded
“Ah, brother, you startled me. Yes, this is Xeal.”
“Prince Valentine, it is good to make your acquaintance.”
“Ah, you know my name. Very good. Now I take it the rest of these lovely ladies are the reason that my little sister will have to share your affection.”
“Ah, yes, this is Dyllis, Gale and Aalin. We are all good friends.”
Xeal could tell that Enye was flustered and worried about something. Prince Valentine had died in an early conflict with the kingdom of Habia in Xeal’s last life, and other than his wake, Xeal could not remember anything about him. The read Xeal was getting right now was of an older brother who was coming over to intimidate his sister’s boyfriend, but with how Enye was acting, Xeal felt there was more. Before he could complete his read of Prince Valentine, Victor arrived.
“Ah, Xeal, it is good to see you and these lovely ladies, though I should be careful, or Mother will try and convince me to settle down.”
“Brother, how nice of you to join us. Now all of us are together. So please tell me why you found Xeal here worthy of our little sister, again.”
“Valentine, honestly, do you even read the updates I know Mother has sent you? Xeal here represents the future of our kingdom. Honestly, I would have thought the fact that Mother approves of him to the point that she will force his promotion to earl, regardless of whether he earns it or not, simply to ensure their union, would be enough.”
“Mother can be a bit soft when it comes to her little girl, and I know that he has performed some impressive feats, though when you have no fear of death, they become far less impressive in my mind.”
“Have I died once yet? To say I have no reservations about dying would misrepresent me greatly. Yes, I will rise again, but it will come at a great cost, the details of which Prince Victor is aware of I am sure, but if he has not shared them yet, I assume he intends not to. As to my worth, my actions will do all my talking as words are worthless without results.”
Xeal had been quickly getting annoyed as his worth was being questioned openly in front of him.
“Oh, and what do your actions say?” prodded Valentine.
“If I have to explain them, there is no point. Victor, it is good to see you as well, and Valentine, it is good to meet my future brother as well.”
Xeal held back a smile at the obvious displeasure that Prince Valentine showed as Xeal addressed him casually as his future brother. Victor smiled at Xeal, and gave Enye a reassuring look as she looked worried about how things would progress.
“Xeal, do not misunderstand, I have no intention of accepting you as Enye’s husband until I believe you are worthy of her. That said, I do need to thank you for taking care of that Mercer brat. He had been a thorn in our family’s side for far too long. So, for the time being, I am just going to watch you, though if you think the royal court is ready to accept you, you are a fool.”
“Valentine, I am well aware that at least half of the royal court stands in opposition to our union. I am also aware that I have 330 days to change that. By the time Enye and I are joined, I will make it clear that I am worthy beyond a doubt.”
Prince Valentine just gave Xeal a look before bidding the group farewell as Enye let out a breath that she had been holding and Victor chuckled.
“I must say, you don’t back down when challenged. I do apologize for my brother’s brashness. He spends his time with the military and as such has lost a bit of his decorum.”
“It is fine, Victor. I can respect a brother’s desire to make sure that their little sister isn’t being taken advantage of.”
“Ha, taking advantage of Enye, ha, that is a good one. The only one being taken advantage of in your relationship is you, my friend. Believe me, if she didn’t see all of your other ladies as friends, she would have run the moment Hugo was taken care of. Isn’t that right, beloved sister?”
“Honestly, Victor, you must think of me as a cold-hearted monster. Valentine is just as bad, just in a different way. Dyllis, Aalin and Gale all snagged Xeal before I did, so it was only right I give them a chance. Besides, I know full well that as much as Xeal may develop feelings for me, Gale and Aalin had his heart before I even laid eyes on him. If you must know why I am so sure about having Xeal as my husband, it was the fact that he would have walked away from everything that marrying me would bring him. He has no lust for the power, or status, if it costs him what he holds dear and he sees me as a woman, not a tool.”
Victor simply laughed at that as he left to mingle with the others. The rest of the evening passed peacefully as Enye finished introducing Xeal, Dyllis, Aalin and Gale to the remaining members of her family. By the time she had finished, it was already after 11:00 when Xeal found himself alone with Queen Eleanor after she had asked Enye for some time with Xeal.
“So, Xeal, what do you think of the family that you will be marrying into?”
“It is definitely a large one, though I could do without the power struggles that are simmering below the surface. On that note, I am unsure how to address you as everyone else refers to you as Mother, or stepmother.”
“Ah, yes, and that is one of the things I love about you, you have no desire for the things normal nobles would fight over. If given the option between a lush field or a crypt full of monsters to rule over, you will take the crypt every time. Also, Mother is fine for you and those you are currently courting. I already see you all as my children. It is just a few technicalities that need to be taken care of.”
“I see. Now, Mother, was there anything in particular you were after, or did you simply wish to see how I was doing?”
Xeal watched as Queen Eleanor smiled brightly at him calling her mother and couldn’t help but smile himself.
“You never do miss the point of things. Also a reason I feel safe in entrusting my daughter to you. Xeal, are you ready for what this next year will thrust you into?”
“If you are referring to the entirety of the kingdom’s nobles looking for an opening to gain a hold over myself or Victor as we become the center of the kingdom’s power, then yes.”
“Good. Now I’ll let you enjoy the rest of the party as I am sure my daughter is missing you already.”
Xeal bid Queen Eleanor farewell as he stood and found Enye and the others as they enjoyed some of the refreshments as they awaited the signal that the new year was here. Xeal rejoined them as they chatted with the occasional sibling or in-law that wandered over until the new year hit, and much like it would be in reality, Enye made sure to enjoy a kiss just after the new year arrived, before allowing the others to do the same. An hour later, Xeal was in his own bed as he lay down to get a bit of rest before the system forced his logout at 6:00 in the morning ED time.
When Xeal returned to ED at noon on the first day of the new year, he met up with Dyllis for a simple picnic date in his gardens. It was a nice relaxing date and when they finished their meals, Dyllis sang for him as they enjoyed the moment for a bit before Xeal had to return to his grind.
“I really need to take the time to help you become stronger soon.”
“Xeal, I am fine being as I am. I have long accepted that my role is to be a wife, not a warrior. I will likely reach level 79 and remain there for the rest of my life as the risk of death to go beyond that is not worth it.”
“Dyllis, I know that you and most noble ladies normally would do just that, but with what is to come in a few years, you and Enye both need to step into tier 6 at the very least.”
“Do you really believe that our lives will be in greater danger than what the two trials will put us through?”
“Yes, as I will be ensuring that you both are more than ready to easily succeed in both of those trials. Dyllis, you and Enye are not like normal noble ladies whose entire value is the children they bear. While many nobles have yet to realize it, you and Enye are my greatest weaknesses, as if you are to die, I will lose you. If you don’t think that I am going to do whatever I can to mitigate that, you are mistaken.”
“So, you wish us to become warriors instead of gentle ladies?”
“No, I want you to be able to take care of yourselves and our children when I am unable to be here and others come to cause problems.”
“Isn’t that the purpose of guards?”
Xeal gave Dyllis a hard look conveying how serious he was with his next words.
“Dyllis, guards are motivated by money and power like most others. In times of peace it is fine to rely on them, for the most part. However, when chaos reigns they can be no better than bandits.”
“The royal guards would never betray the royal family. To say otherwise is almost treason.”
“Dyllis, what happens if Victor dies in battle? What happens if an assassin is successful in removing the line of succession and an unknown force takes the throne? When a full-out war rages, anything can happen. You and Enye will be tied to myself and if another power wishes to get me to act as they wish, holding the two of you hostage would be the easiest way to do so.”
“As you say, hostage, not kill. We will be just fine.”
Xeal was starting to grow frustrated at how unwilling Dyllis was to see what he was saying.
“Alright, they hold you and Enye along with any kids we have hostage and I fail to do something that they want. They don’t believe that I did my best and decide I need more motivation, so they decided to show me that they are serious. How will they do that?”
“Can we please drop this subject?”
“Dyllis, love is the best and worst thing in the world. The strongest warrior can find themselves as helpless as a newborn before it. Know that I will never place your life at risk, but I will push you and Enye in ways that may even cause Queen Eleanor to be displeased with me.”
“Xeal, I am a bard. Even if I reach tier 7, what could I do against an assailant that was able to get past our guards?”
Xeal gave Dyllis a beautiful smile as he responded to her doubt, knowing full well what a tier 7 bard was capable of.
“Dyllis, if you reach tier 7, I promise you that you will be able to achieve much more than you believe possible. Have you ever met a tier 6 or higher bard?”
