Narrator: The Clover Kingdom... In this place where the be all end all is magic, there is one boy who can't use it. His name is Asta. His strength, desire, guts and overwhelming determination to best his childhood friends and rivals helped him become a Magic Knight. And no matter how many times he would wind up injured, Asta's relentless nature and motivation due to being alongside his brother in arms, he continues to aim straight for the top. Rich or poor, royalty or commoner, Asta himself believes anyone in this world can shine so long as they put in the hard work!
An image of Tyrus and Yuno in their Spirit Dives with their backs turned appears.
His mission has been to prove that statement true... AND TO BECOME THE WIZARD KING!
Asta and the others are training hard to prepare for the upcoming battle with Spade Kingdom Devil known as Megicula, who allegedly was behind the curse and subsequent death of Noelle's mother, Acier Silva.
Asta: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Tyrus: DOUBLE ICE-BERG PUNCH!
Noelle: SEA DRAGON'S ROAR!
Leo: MY SPIRAL FLAMES!
Queen Loropechika of the Heart Kingdom, who suffers from Megicula's curse, gave the Magic Knights six months to prepare for the upcoming war that awaits them! In that brief span of time, these young knights must undergo some of the harshest training known to man, surpass their limits and become unstoppable to their foes!
Asta: GAHHHHH! I'm so exhausted!
Tyrus: Lemme join you in groaning! Who would've thought boars in our forest would be twice as hard to freeze over than the ones back in Sosshi Village during our first mission? Not to mention I'm so fucking HUNGRY! Where's Charmy when you truly need her?!
Asta and Tyrus had wrapped up another day of brutal training, with the latter having sparred boars and Asta doing God knows what but he had scratches all over his back.
Finral: Good job in your guys' training, Asta and Tyrus.
Tyrus: Hm.... oh heya Finral. How- How long you have been sitting there?
Finral had been sitting across from the foster brothers, with a look of interest etched into his face, hands intertwined with each other and resting on his chin.
Asta: Is there a problem or something, buddy?
Finral: Sadly yes, you two. It seems...JUST LIKE THE QUEEN OF HEART, I'M CURSED TOO!
Asta: WHAT?!
Tyrus: Where is this all coming from Roulacase?!
Noelle: Being salacious doesn't mean you're cursed, Finral it just means you don't know when to stop flirting with females and you're insufferable!
Tyrus: GAHA!
Tyrus scared by his girlfriend's sudden appearance falls from his seat.
Tyrus: Damn it, Noelle. Give me a heads up when you're gonna drop into the boys' conversation like that, I swear I might've just gained a gray hair in my scalp somewhere!
Finral: HELLO THERE, NOELLE! YOU'RE LOOKING POSITIVELY RADIANT THIS EVENI- NO BAD FINRAL, YOU HAVE TO STOP, YOU SAID YOU WOULD DO BETTER BY LADY FINNES! NOT TO MENTION NOELLE IS OFF THE MARKET!
Noelle: Insect. Do you want some help, Tyrus?
Tyrus: I'm fine now. But thanks though, darling.
Asta: That sounds pretty rough, Finral.
Finral: Wait, no! You guys don't understand, let me explain, okay? It was something Langris told me when we went to visit him and your cousin Mimosa.
Langris: It's just as I suspected. IT'S PLAIN TO SEE YOU'RE CURSED, BROTHER!
Finral: HUHHHHH?!
Langris: You hit on every girl within a fifteen mile radius like a wannabe playboy!
Finral: PLAYBOY?!
Langris: AND ALL THE TIMES YOU SPENT SHIRKING YOUR DUTIES MADE YOU AN EVEN BIGGER FAILURE THAN I COULD'VE THOUGHT!
Finral: F-FAILURE!?
Langris: AND THAT DAMN FREEWHEELING LIFE IN THE BLACK BULLS HAS LEFT YOU WITH BAD HABITS THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY, YOU CAN'T BREAK!
Finral: BAD HABITS!
Langris: THERE'S NO WAY ON THIS GOD FORSAKEN EARTH A SELF-CENTERED DEGENERATE LIKE YOURSELF COULD EVER MAKE FINNES HAPPY!
Finral: That stung, everything he said but it was true. And I have my heart set on a very special lady at the same time. So I have to be free of this curse! If I don't change my ways soon, I'm afraid I'll lose my one shot at making Lady Finnes happy.
Noelle was actually for once..... shocked. Finral was actually being serious this time. She cracks a smile at his pleas knowing just how dead-set he was on improving.
Noelle: That must be the person Captain Yami mentioned once before. It's refreshing seeing Finral actually take something serious for once.
Finral: So Asta... Tyrus... I beg of you two, I need a couple of training partners! Help me please get this terrible curse inflicted upon me and change my lecherous ways once and for all! I BEG YOU BOTH TO HELP MAKE MY HEART STRONGER!
Asta: It sounds like you mean it.
Asta and Tyrus look at each other and after nodding they agree to help the latter's common noblemen.
Asta: SURE!
Tyrus: YOU GOT YOURSELF A FUCKIN' DEAL, ROULACASE! BY THE TIME ASTA AND I DONE ARE DONE WITH YA, YOU'LL BE A NEW MAN!
Asta: WE'LL DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO HELP YOU OUT AND GET READY FOR THAT SPECIAL LADY YOU'VE GOT YOUR HEART SET ON!
Finral: You two are the greatest friends a guy could ask for!
Noelle was skeptical as her smile faltered at the three's resolve.....
(Dreavy Hinker....)
Noelle: If there goal is to help eliminate Finral's old ways..... and to help get his heart stronger.......
She spies on the quartet of Asta, Finral, Luck and her boyfriend across from a familiar redhead and three other women as her fingernails dug into the wood of a door threshold while wearing the maid's costume.
Black Bulls: BOTTOM'S UP!
Noelle: THEN WHY THE HELL ARE THEY AT A MIXER OF ALL PLACES!?
Noelle grits her teeth angrily.... she wasn't so much as mad at her boyfriend since he wouldn't obviously go as far as being unfaithful to her but rather Finral in dragging him to a mixer with the one woman who stole her opportunity in being his first kiss as Secre looked on interested and seeing how long her squadmate would go before leaping off the handle.
Asta: I didn't know goin' to mixers made your heart stronger but hey if this helps Finral, who am I to say no to free food!?
Rebecca: I have to say it's so good seeing you again, Tyrus!
Tyrus: Likewise Rebecca! How're the siblings, they're not giving you too much trouble are they? Remember Tyrus, I don't wanna break Noelle's heart lest she try to drown me after we're done here, we are here to help Finral. She did seem overly calm when we left, hopefully she understands.
Meanwhile Luck.... as you guessed was just there to fill an extra seat since Zora.... well he in his own way politely declined Finral's offer and Magna was off training in his own way.
Luck: OH BOY I HOPE TO GET TO FIGHT SOMEONE.... TYRUS TOLD ME HE TOSSED SOMEONE INTO A TABLE LAST TIME WE HAD A MIXER!
Rebecca: Why would Tyrus invite me to a mixer all of sudden? He just showed up out of the blue, I wonder what he's thinking about right now! I certainly won't complain if he here's though.
Her friend, a girl named Karen Lapis took in the atmosphere between the Senior Magic Knight and Rebecca noticing Rebecca fidgeting with her drink.
Karen: That's strange, when was Rebecca so buddy-buddy with all these Magic Knights? Whatever, I'm just trying to get married. I don't even care who I end up with out of these four.
Another one of the ladies, Eliza Zakkeroni had a much different perception of the night.
Eliza: Meh.... I'm not really into real guys, like that. I just couldn't refuse the invite. Let's hope this ends quickly so I can get back home and finish my story.
Another familiar woman, Erica had also accepted an invite thanks to Finral.... she didn't enjoy how last time worked out but she was willing to give Finral another chance since his disaster class was ruined by a drunkard looking to sexually assault Rebecca. Thankfull Tyrus was there playing Knight in Shining Armor.
Finral: THIS IS THE PERFECT BATTLEFIELD TO TEST MYSELF AND BEGIN MY TRAINING! It would be equally as rude to not sweet-talk any of the lovely ladies and make them feel special tonight, so it goes towards my challenge.
Noelle: Training, really?! I'm going to kill you Finral for dragging Tyrus out here. Asta and Luck would've been fine but why Tyrus of all people?! And to think I almost changed my mind about him... a scumbag will always be a scumbag at the end of the day. I'm just here because I'm worried is all... WAIT A SECOND, WHAT DO I HAVE TO BE WORRIED ABOUT?! THERE'S NO WAY TYRUS WOULD DARE CHEAT ON ME, WOULD HE?! HE'S JUST HERE WITH ASTA TO HELP FINRAL, RIGHT?! BUT REBECCA'S HERE TOO AND THERE'S NO TELLING IF SHE STILL HAS ANY SORT OF FEELINGS FOR HIM!
Rebecca: You've got a little something right here, Tyrus.
Tyrus: Hm? I don't see anything.
Noelle: GAHHHH! I FORGOT REBECCA'S ACTUALLY HERE! THE ONE WHO STOLE TYRUS'S FIRST KISS!
She cracks the wall!
Manager: WHOA EASY THERE, CHAMP! I know it's your first day and all but I don't have money like that!
Noelle: Mind your own business why don't you, beer boy?!
Manager: NO, NO! IT CAN'T BE, NOT YOU AGAIN! AND THIS IS MY BUSINESS- AH, WHATEVER BUT MY EYES ARE ON YOU! DESTROY SOMETHING ELSE AND IT'S COMING OUT OF YOUR PAY!
Suddenly she feels a warmth where her hands are just as a soothing voice registers into her ears.
Secre: You should really have more faith in Tyrus, Noelle.
Noelle: Nero? When and why'd you get a job here?
Secre: Just because?
Noelle: This isn't something you should be doing for fun. You could be out shopping, making pottery or something. This is a very serious place and profession-
She blushes when she takes a look at Secre in her full waitress garb....
Noelle: OH NO, SHE'S TOO ADORABLE! IF TYRUS SEES LIKE HER THIS WHAT'S TO STOP HIM FROM FALLING IN YOU KNOW-!
Secre: I know that look and you should know.... I don't see Tyrus in that way, Noelle. He only has eyes for you, he's just here to help Finral.
Noelle: I- I'm just going to check on Asta and Tyrus's table, you can do whatever, Nero! Just leave them to me! Wait why am I trying to keep her away from Tyrus, she clearly just said she doesn't see him that way! It's like I know he wouldn't dare cheat on me but I can't help but be worried about him playing the field, you know?!
Man: EXCUSE ME, SWEETHEART! I'LL TAKE ANOTHER, IF YOU DON'T MIND!
Noelle: Get it yourself, cretin.
Man: Hang on, haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Clang!
Secre: Here you go, Sir. It's on the house.
The customer takes in the sight and Noelle's rudeness is suddenly replaced by Secre's shining aura.
Man: It's like a angel from heaven!
Tyrus: Yo Fin, my guy why are you staring off into space, man? We've already done so, it's your turn to introduce yourself to the group!
Finral: Come on you know me, buddy. I'd rather dine without all the socializing.
Tyrus: What was the point?!
Finral: You see, all I wanted to do was to relax alone back at the hideout.... but it was you and Asta's idea to drag me out to this mixer.
Asta: HUH?!
Tyrus: I Know..... you're fucking lying, Finral.
The girls.... were less than enthused by Finral's non interest in them, let's just say.
Karen: Why is it every mixer I go to, there's always that one jerk that thinks he's too cool to socialize or even attempt to interact with a lady?
Rebecca: The guy changed his hair color but this is still the same arrogant jerk from last time.
Karen: Well. Nothing we can do to change that and we're here now so how about we all enjoy our dinner right here in this moment? Finral, I'd love to hear all about your adventures as a member of the Black Bulls!
Finral: Nah... that's not really my thing, I'll pass!
Tyrus: What the hell is he doing?!
Rebecca and Karen: What isn't your thing?!
Meanwhile it was killing Finral he had to act all cocky and macho in front of the ladies....
Finral: GAH, WHY, WHY?! SHE'S ACTUALLY INTERESTED AND THE ONE TIME I'M TRYING TO BE EXCLUSIVE FOR SOMEONE! SHE ACTUALLY IS TRYING HER BEST TO HOLD A CONVERSATION WITH ME AND I'M INTENTIONALLY BLOWIN' IT! TRY TO STAY STRONG, FINRAL.... ALL PART OF YOUR TRAINING TO LIFT THIS GOD FORSAKEN CURSE PLACE ON YOU! NO NO!
Meanwhile involuntarily, his arm..... had created a portal..
Finral: NO, MY MUSCLE MEMORY IS FORCING ME TO GRAB A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS! Take it easy, right hand, will ya?! Man asking me not to flirt with girls is like asking snake not to squeeze or a fish to climb a tree!
Karen: I seriously do not understand this guy!
Asta began to pick up what Finral was throwing down and immediately got into restraint mode.
Asta: Oh, now I get it! Finral's doing everything he can to fight against this curse of his! This is why he brought Ty and I along so that we'd make sure he doesn't go off the deep end! He's so tough!
Luck: Oh man, I'm just wondering when the fighting's gonna start!
Noelle looks at her boyfriend but before he could immediately see her, she turns her head around so that he couldn't make her out in her waitress get up.
Noelle: Maybe I have nothing to worry about here?
Sekke: I HAVE FINALLY MADE IT TO THE BAR, HA-HA! Sorry it took me so long, ladies! I hope my friends didn't bore you too much. I've been really busy protecting the kingdom as of late. And from certain destruction at that, you know how it goes!
Ah yes, Sekke Bronzazza, the punching bag of the Green Praying Mantises and personal lapdog to the king, Augustus Kira Clover the Thirteenth had slithered his way into the bar, positioning himself in between Aphro and Phati, his two unwilling accomplices and began as usual, to blow hot steam.
Sekke: You see, I can't share any of the details since they're classified but something truly a-ha-wful occurred and I'm the hero who saved the day!
LIE.
Noelle: Is this idiot trying to steal all of the hard work Asta and Tyrus did during the elf attacks?
Sekke: Some Magic Knights lost the ma-HA-rbles but I was there to knock some sense into them!
ANOTHER LIE!
Sekke: It's only a matter of time before I get promoted to Captain! Ha, ha! It's true, as true can be. My life has suddenly turned awesome out of no-ha-where! AND THE KING?! He loves me, I mean what can a guy do?
TRUE! Well sort of!
Sekke: Sorry about that! Did I div-ha-ulge too much secret info?
The women look uninterested at the two guys and by association, this helpless ego-driven worm in their presence.... they just came hoping to land a boyfriend.... but alas they unfortunately had the scraps if anything.
Sekke: Well.... at least I haven't been reading dirty magazines like my friend here.
Phati: What the? I don't do anything like that! And you're lying to them plain as day!
Aphro: Ladies, like it when the guy has mystery to them.
Noelle: Apparently this is a hot spot for weirdos to have their mixers at. What was that loudmouthed insect's name again
Sekke: I don't mean to brag but apparently the guys that visited the Heart Kingdom, there's some sort of amazing magic behind my Bronze Magic. Protecting the world is a dangerous and very risk-laden job but there's no need to worry whenever I am around! So thanks are necessary, unless you wish to praise me!
Noelle: HE'S TOTALLY RIPPING OFF WHAT ASTA, TYRUS AND I HAVE BEEN THROUGH! Oh right his name was Sekke or something like that... didn't Asta call him "Ha-Ha" or something along those lines?
He then singles out Noelle Silva and apparently the Praying Mantis hadn't learned his lesson before....
Sekke: DAR-Ha-ling! Be so kind as to bring us another round for the table, please and make it snappy!
Noelle: Here's snappy for you! Only Tyrus gets to call me that and live long enough, insect.
She douses him and his friends with a giant waterball, making sure not to hit her fellow females. At this point, Rebecca had asked Asta about the article that painted him as a villain.
Rebecca: I have to say, when I read that article about you Asta, I knew there was some sort of confusion. You, a criminal? I don't simply buy it, not after everything you went through to help Nean.
Asta: Thanks but it's not totally wrong. They're actually planning to execute me for treason real soon.
Tyrus: I don't think that's supposed to be mixer talk, Asta.
But it was too late...
Rebecca: HANG ON, IS THAT TRUE?! HE WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH?
Tyrus: Unfortunately.... Magic Parliament tried their damndest with far-fetched stories but that's his future if we don't scramble to prove his innocence.
Asta: Aw come it's not that big of a deal!
Tyrus: Your life is on the line, that's a really big fucking deal, dude.
Luck asks Karen a very important question.. his eyes now looked on the dark blondette.
Luck: So you.... came here to get stronger too, yeah? How about you fight me?!
You thought he was gonna propose to her? GOTCHA BITCH!
Karen: Is he using fight as some sort of code to get out of here?
Oh honey, if only you knew how deadly serious Luck Voltia was.... you'd be out of there quicker.
Karen: I think it's a bit too early to try and get physical, don't you think so, Luck?
Finral: We're striking out bad?! How is it that I'm only one here lacking any flirtatious banter!? Hang on, am I looking at this all wrong! If I made it this long without flirting or hitting on anyone... maybe my training is WORKING! Then again, I really regret wasting these ladies' evening like this! I should probably apologize and explain later.
But before he could make with the rapid fire apologies towards the four ladies, Eliza ruined that chance as she got all goo-goo eyed towards Finral!
Eliza: IT'S YOU! MY DREAM MAN DOES EXIST AND HE'S SITTING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, PLAIN AS DAY!
Finral: AHHHHHHHHHH!
Manager: If you don't mind, I'd appreciate if you take all these beers to table three!
Secre: Sure thing.
Manager: Whoa, easy! Sure you can handle all of that?
Secre doesn't say a word but it was her mastery that brought rogue tears to his eyes.
Manager: She's the model employee! The best waitress I've had in well forever! More than makes up for the hostile one that's for certain.
Noelle: Ah-chew!
Secre makes her way to table three handing a water off to someone.... this is soon revealed to be Langris in a disguise wearing private investigator's clothing.......
Secre: Isn't that the Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn? What could have brought him here?
Finnes: I thank you so much.
Secre: You're welcome.... still what is he doing here is the bigger question?
Finral: Hey, easy there!
Secre makes her way up to the top of the bar where two Blue Rose Knights, Selena and Galgaria look through a peephole with garnered interest before re-assuming their stances....
Secre: Interesting... these two are with the Blue Rose Knights. Pardon me, oh?
She sees Sol, Puli and Charlotte across from her Captain, Yami in addition to Magna and Gordon
Secre: That's the Blue Rose captain.... and Captain Yami too. They must be discussing the devils.
Unfortunately for human of ancient times, she was way off the mark as the Black Bulls were mashing down on the food presented to them with Gordon being the lone representative of tea drinking. Charlotte had a pained look on her face, while Sol gave her Captain, the woman that had saved her life so very long ago, a most pitying look.
Charlotte: It was nice of my subordinates to throw this dinner party for me but.
Yami: Knowin you Blue Roses are the ones pickin' up this bill, lemme thank you for inviting us. Makes the food so much more delectable, doesn't it, boys?
Magna: Yeah, that's for sure Captain! Just knew where Asta and Tyrus ran off to, they're missing out some on good eats! Though none of this stacks up to Charmy's cooking.
Charlotte: So they ARE here just for the free food! Nevermind Yami being here but he couldn't have invited two other Black Bulls, seriously?!
Gordon: I honestly thought it was going to be a dinner amongst friends, but judging off of Captain Charlotte's attire, it doesn't give off that vibe. Is this..... a mixer?
Puli Angel, one of the more senior members from the Blue Rose platoon, gives Gordon a flirtatious wink which causes him to pale but in a good way, toasting that hopefully a friendship would emerge out of the night.
Sol: On one end, I want Char to be happy but on the other end, it would end me knowing a man stole her away from me! AUGH STUPID FEELINGS, I'M JUST GONNA EAT THEM AWAY!
Magna: Word to the wise, but eating like that is a sure fire way to get a stomach-ache if you're not careful.
Sol: Eat it and mind your own business, DumGlasPunk!
Magna: I know you actually didn't try combining Dumb, Glasses and Punk into one word in an bid to insult me faster? Good grief, lady you really do have a death wish!
Sol: As if you have any clue as to what I'm goin' through!
Magna: I- uh.... sorry?
She bursts from her seat, vigor and life restored in the Captain-obsessed Sol.
Sol: THAT'S IT, I CHALLENGE YOU TO A EATING CONTEST, YOU HEATHEN!
Magna: HAH! PIECE OF CAKE, I CHALLENGE OUR RESIDENT GLUTTON ALMOST EVERYDAY TO ONE! YOU'RE SO ON!
Charlotte on the other hand....
Charlotte: I don't know about this dress.... I mean Wainsley and Selene picked it out for me... is it too revealing? No, I must trust Puli's advice.
Puli Angel of the Blue Rose Knights.... this vibrant plus-sized Fourth Class Junior Magic Knight has a rare side to her personality that most would not have associated with her previously. Most of her fellow Blue Rose Knights have often come to her, seeking advice in the ways of luring potential romantic options! Puli, let's say often act as the unofficial cupid for her squad or an angel of as her name playfully suggests. Doing her damndest to bring lovers together wherever she travels!
Puli: You're more beautiful than you could ever know my darling Captain Charlotte. The Black Bulls captain stands no chance against your natural charms! Work it, girl!
Charlotte: If she's confident in my abilities, then I should be too! My knights are out here pulling all the stops for me, I shall not let their efforts go to waste!
She gets snapped from her thoughts almost immediately when she heard Yami's voice echoing to her.
Yami: Oi, Prickly Princess. I know you must be freezing in that skimpy ass dress you're wearing.
Charlotte: S-S-SKIMPY?! Wait, I don't need judgement from a man, least of all the likes from a brute such as yourself, Yami. You don't even bother wearing real clothes and when you do, you just slap on a tanktop, pants and your cape!
Yami takes offense to this and reacted only as he could when it came to his nicknamed "Prickly Princess"
Yami: How dare you, I'll have you know this is by far my nicest undershirt!
Charlotte: This is always the type of man Yami has been, too dense and oblivious for his own damn good! I was such an idiot to expect anything less than his authentic self!
Puli: I often heard he was on the stupid side, but seeing it up close and personal, even I'm shocked at his denseness. No choice but to call for an emergency meeting!
She looks up to find several Blue Rose Knights in the ceiling above her and Charlotte and being on the same wavelength.
Charlotte: I'm sorry that your captain is an utter coward.
Selene: No, no, Captain Charlotte! You're doing everything you can. It's our fault for not realizing just how much of a dunce my twin brother's captain can be.
Puli: And it's too early to be talking like that, the fight isn't over in the slightest!
Galgaria and Selena appear behind Tyrus's twin sister with abundance full of dresses.
Galgaria: We believe in you Captain Charlotte.
Charlotte: What? Where did you two come from?!
Puli: The Captain of the Black Bulls seems to like those of the prim and proper trope. Have no worries Captain, we'll get you fixed up in no time!
Charlotte: Hang on, hang on! I was perfectly fine before, what needs changing now?!
Puli: Absolutely not true, Captain! The dress is only one part of the gig, you must work on your appeal if you ever hope to steal Yami's heart!
Charlotte: A-Appeal?!
Selene: You mean she has to play like she knows Captain Yami down to the tee?
Puli: Precisely and we start by Captain Charlotte getting him some food so that shows how considerate she is! Whenever out waitress comes back to our table with a plate full of food, grab it and serve him a platter! This shows to him that he's obviously on your mind! At the end of the day there's nothing sexier than a partner who actually anticipates your needs above all else, right?
Charlotte: I-I I guess?
Selene: The next step, you must be good listener? Right, Puli?
A segway of Sekke talking off the girls ears he had been engaged in a mixer with shows up as Puli gives her Captain the run-down.
Puli: Very good, darling! Selene hit it right on the head. Everyone wants to be able to talk about themselves but at the same time they rarely if ever want to listen someone else do the same. Let Yami ramble to his heart's content but do as greatly as you can to portray yourself as a great listener and no doubt, he'll be that much closer to falling in love with you. And you don't need to be worried about your responses at all. "WOW", "That's Crazy!" "I had no idea!", anything that comes to your mind at all!
Charlotte: Is that what people truly desire to hear? I truly didn't realize it earlier.
Puli: Now, it's time for your final lesson, boss! And this one, it carries more weight than all the other ones!
Charlotte: TELL ME EVERYTHING YOU KNOW, PULI! NOW!
Puli gives her a devious but knowing look, hoping Charlotte Roselei would not back down from this challenge.
Puli: We call this one... the CASUAL... Touch!
Charlotte: C-C-C-Casual... Touch!?
She breaks down as if Yami were right in front of her when Puli reminded her.
Puli: I hate to break it to you, Captain but being considerate and listening hard enough are only about ten percent of the actual attraction of any man. The other ninety percent goes into touching him.
Charlotte: That doesn't seem fair at all! How am I actually supposed to touch Yami?! It's no use, I might as well fail this lesson. I don't have the guts or what it takes!
Selena: We believe in you, Ma'am!
Galgaria: You can't just let your love rival defeat you like this. You are the mighty Charlotte Roselei!
Charlotte doubles back and remembers the Star Festival and her fated encounter with Vanessa who actually put out her feelings to Captain Yami as well, albeit she was drunk as a damn skunk the whole time.
Charlotte: I- don't know-
Puli: You don't worry Captain, we'll be right behind you!
Selene: Now go knock the socks off of Captain Yami!
She looks at her four subordinates as a smile creeps onto her face....
Charlotte: Thank you ladies... all of you. I'm ready now. I now understand what has to be done now. At some point, I will touch Yami Sukehiro.
Meanwhile with our own Black Bulls, things had relatively started to calm down for the quartet of Asta, Finral, Luck and Tyrus..... well at least for three of them. Finral was fighting his own demons, so to speak.
Eliza: Finral, I just love how cool and aloof you are! You're just like the Magic Knight Fiorel from the novel I'm reading currently. Fiorel is the ultimate hero simply because he can harness the powers Light, Dark, Flame, Wind, Water....
Finral: No, that's just shitty writing, my friend!
Karen: So Luck, it turns out you might be an incredible fighter!
Luck: Yeah! You want me to show you?
Karen: Oh wow! This kid is super forward, I wasn't expecting that!
The fourth girl of the mixer, a ghost of mixer's pasts in Erica along with Rebecca asked about Asta and Tyrus's little mission in the Heart Kingdom.
Rebecca: From what I heard about the Heart Kingdom, it has to be a beautiful place. I wouldn't mind seeing it someday.
Tyrus: It definitely is worth the trip. They blend country, water and forest altogether into one massive living realm. I'd be happy to take you over there. Hell we can take your siblings there, too, Rebecca. Hopefully once we prove Asta's innocence once and for all.
Noelle: She's got a lot of nerve asking Tyrus of that! AND HE'S JUST GOING ALONG WITH IT! Why won't he tell her that he has someone special in his life!?
Owner: Why in God's Green Earth did I hire this girl to begin with again?
Rebecca takes a moment and actually recognizes-
Rebecca: Wait a second.... Noelle? What is she doing here.... Did Tyrus know she was coming?
While Magna and Sol continued to pig out during their eating competition, Gordon had actually continued to strike up a conversation with Puli.
Gordon: So listen... I actually don't have any friends at the moment outside of the Black Bulls. So I wouldn't mind getting acquainted with you at all, Ms. Puli. And I also have this hobby of making dolls so I hope it wouldn't bother you if I made one in your likeness!
Puli: Not at all, darling! I'd be happy to be a part of your doll collection, Gordon! I'll even give you my exact measurements so it could be an even more accurate depiction of me!
Magna: There's no way I'll lose after the expert coaching of Charmy and Vanessa on how to binge eat and drink every so often!
Charlotte: I can't exactly just reach out and grab Yami's hand, out of nowhere no less! Like Puli said, let's start by serving him some food.
Yami, however beats her to the punch... handing her a plate of Sailsbury steaks.
Yami: Here... have some, Prickly Princess.
Charlotte: Oh, I- thank you, Yami. Damn it, he beat me to the punch! What do I do now?!
Yami: You sure were taking a long time getting that dump out there, Charlotte. Oh shit, where are my manners. I mean "powdering your nose"
Charlotte: H-How crude! I needed a few minutes with my subordinates, that's all. Nothing more and nothing less. Not that it's any of your business at that.
Yami: Yeah... is that why I kept seeing your Blue Rose girlies sneaking looks in here every so often?
Charlotte: So you noticed then?
Yami: Well yeah, I'm not some idiot. Why else would they be here? They're probably just worried 'bout you is all. We all know you're a lightweight when it comes to holding your liquor. The Star Festival was a big reminder.
Charlotte: You! That's not- Well I mean you got me there, I can't outright dispute that fact. Whether we're on a mission or not, I do know the Blue Rose Knights are always going to have their captain's best interests at heart. They arranged this little dinner party, all for me in fact. I'm always so focused on fighting and being strong for them, that I never find myself with time to relax or even decompress. So yes, I often find comfort in relying on them. WHAT AM I DOING?! I'M TALKING UP A STORM RATHER THAN LISTENING TO YAMI!
Yami: I get it. Sometimes you gotta learn to lean on your people a lot more. HA! I depend on my squad too, why do you think I haven't died yet, Prickly Princess? I depend on them for dumps, OOPS. I mean powdering my nose! I have one of them whose specialty is making me a portal so I can get to the bathroom a lot quicker so I can-
Charlotte: Shouldn't you do that for yourself?
Yami: You know that meat's pretty good, you should grab yourself a bite. Try it with some pepper.
Charlotte: I don't see why not, sure.
They get up at the same time and before either one could grab the pepper shaker, music almost plays in their minds.... if only for a couple seconds. As their hands come into contact with each other.
Charlotte: ....... I-I-I-I.
Puli: OHHH?!
Sol: Char?!
Charlotte: Yami's hand actually touched mine at the same time! Is this the casual touch that Puli was referring to in our timeout?
She quickly kicks her chair back and like a woman possessed moves like a zebra avoiding the death grip of a lion's jaws before she suddenly flies out of the window of the second story restaurant!
Sol: CHAR, ARE YOU INSANE?!
Puli: Captain?!
Yami: Oh for crying out loud, you don't gotta get so bent out of shape over a damn pepper shaker. Actin' like you got infected with the damn plague or something, I keep my hands clean.
Gordon: I don't think that's her problem, Captain.
Eliza: I just wish you understood how great Fiorel is, Finral! We should definitely have a reading party at some point. Just you and me, a few candles and my room all alone.
Eliza had been squeezing on Finral like a boa constrictor.
Finral: I appreciate the offer but that isn't my type of thing if I'm being honest Eliza! WHY FATE, JUST WHY FUCK WITH ME IN SUCH A CRUEL ASS WAY! THE ONE TIME A GIRL ACTUALLY LOOKS MY WAY, A PRETTY GIRL AT THAT, I HAVE TO PRETEND TO NOT HAVE ANY INTEREST IN HER! DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT TOUCHING HER FINRAL, YOU BETTER NOT! THE SECOND YOU TOUCH ELIZA, YOU'RE GONNA GO BACK TO FLIRTING LADIES MAN MODE!
Asta and Tyrus look on with bated interest.
Asta: Just a little bit longer, Finral. We're in the homestretch!
Tyrus: You've done a great job buddy, we only need ten maybe twelve more minutes out of you, dude!
Luck: Hey, looks like Finral is already in a desperate battle of his own, I kinda want to admit it makes me jealous! You and I should fight Karen. Right here, right now!
Karen: You're actually being serious?! You wanna fight me in front of all these people, what kind of floozy do you take me for exactly, Mister!?
Finral: YOU CAN DO IT, DON'T GRAB AT HER! PULL YOURSELF AWAY, ONE MUSCLE AT A TIME, YOU HEAR ME ROULACASE!?
Finnes: Poor Finral... he looks like he's going to explode at any second the way he's fighting whatever demon he's got going on.
Charlotte: WHOAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH NOOOOOOOOOO!
Everyone on the lower floor hears Charlotte's scream just before the main door becomes undone and splintered at the hinges!
Finral: Hang on Captain, I'll save you!
He summons a portal, releasing her from her manic state before she winds up in his arms in a salsa-like fashion.
Finral: And a good evening to you, Captain Roselei. You look positively ravishing and radiant this evening. YEEEEEEH! I MEAN, I KNOW I JUST SWOOPED IN AND SAVED YOUR LIFE LIKE SOME PRINCE CHARMING, CAPTAIN, BUT I DIDN'T HAVE A SINGLE ULTERIOR MOTIVE WITH THESE ACTIONS! MY HEART ALREADY BELONGS TO SOMEONE, YOU SEE AND IT ALWAYS WILL!
Finnes: Finral!
Langris: You've gotta be kidding me!
Tyrus: Hey uh, not to interrupt this little confession of yours buddy.... but Captain Charlotte is payin' no mind to you, Finral. Matter of fact.... I think she's brimming with rage.
Yami: Whoa... didn't know it was that type of party.
Charlotte looks up and sees not Yami but rather Finral holding her and her expression goes from shock to anger in the span of thirty seconds....
Charlotte: You.... GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME, RIGHT NOW, MISCREANT!
She tossed him overhead throwing him into a nearby table, a dust cloud forming under and around broken bones and shattered pride.
Eliza: I was kidding myself. I know now my ideal man only exists in fairytale and long winding novels, not in real-life, especially as seedy as a mixer.
Karen: Your aggressive behavior made me realize something tonight, Luck... If I'm too focused on landing a husband, I'll never enjoy life for what it gives me and then I'll end up with a brute like you, and then I'll wind up hating myself for the rest of my life. Goodbye, Luck.
Luck: Hahahaha! See you around, bye!
Langris: I brought us here in disguise to see if Finral was actually being serious in winning you over and breaking his curse.... but apparently he was just being his usual stupid normal self. And that there was nothing to see. I apologize, Finnes.
Finnes: No, don't apologize. I'm actually really thankful I was able to be here for all of this, Langris... while it is true Finral has a strong appetite for women, he's also very kind and I think that's going to serve him very well since it's one of the ways he expresses himself.
Langris: Ha. You can call him fine. I'll stick to calling him a girl-fiending loser.
Finnes: Come on, let's head on home.
It was then after everything had calmed down, the Blue Rose Knights and Black Bulls decided to combine their mixers with Tyrus grilling Noelle.
Tyrus: So.... when were ya gonna tell me you worked here, Noelle and Nero? I didn't know you guys had jobs where I've caused so much mayhem the first time around.
Noelle: Yeah... I- uh what're the odds, right?
Secre: Super small world.
Rebecca pokes Noelle, gaining her attention, a cheeky smile painted on her face.
Rebecca: You and Tyrus, huh? It's a total coincidence you were here of all places, Noelle.
Noelle: What're you talking about, a girl can't have an honest living despite being royalty!?
Tyrus: Yeah I was going tell you, Rebecca. Never did I want to decieve or lie to you, but I was here hoping to cure Finral's "curse" as he calls it. I'm sorry if you felt lied to.
Rebecca waves him off, accepting the new reality of his relationship and being spoken for.
Rebecca: It's all right, in fact I couldn't be happier for the two of you. I'm still open to being very good friends.
She offers her hand which he quickly accepts.
Tyrus: I won't say no to that, Rebecca.
Finral: I'm sorry, Asta and Tyrus. I dragged you both out here to help train and get rid of my curse and it completely backfired. I just kept screwing things up. Just forget about me, I'll never be good enough.
Asta: Come on you can't throw in the towel yet, Finral! This is only the beginning of your training, you hear me?
Tyrus: Yeah, you blew it towards the end but you made some great strides throughout the night, hang your head high, dude!
Finral: Thanks, you guys!
Yami, meanwhile had finally stopped laughing as he looked at his fellow Captain.
Yami: Won't lie, I don't think I ever seen you in a situation like that before. So Finral, he the type of guy you like after all? Dashing, young hero, Prickly Princess?
Charlotte: Don't be an idiot, Yami. A clown like that could never obtain my love. My heart is spoken for and their name is secret.
Yami: Come on, you don't gotta tell me that. Your heart belongs to your squad right, you've said it damn near a million times, Charlotte.
She bangs her on the table sneaking a glance at the only actual couple amongst the group.
Yami: Oi, you all right?
Puli: Hahahaha! It seems you still need a little bit of help from your angel of love, Captain!
Charlotte: What the, what're you doing Puli?!
Some magic rains down on her, forcing her chair upwards and before she knew it, she was planted firmly right next to Yami.
Charlotte: S-So CLOSE!
Yami: Well, let's do our best to get along for six months, what do you say?
Charlotte: Yes. To the next six months.
They clink mugs and glasses together, ready to lead their respective squads into the most difficult fight any of them would experience for a long time......
F.W.C. 6,972 Words!
End of Chapter One Hundred and Ten!