Here's a pic of Delphia just out of bed! NOT MY WORK! I don't know who the original artist is, but I just switched the colour of the eyes and hair to match my character's. 

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Coddiwomple Trivia #11: Vale, Acier, Vandens and Julius are all close friends, and were each respectively nicknamed Jack, Ace, Queen, and King among their group.

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Nozel and Fuegoleon stood at attention, staring at the man in shock.

"Sir," Nozel breathed, "I had not realized you've returned from your travels."

The trio shivered as the man's cyan eyes, eyes identical to his daughter's, narrowed at them. His mana was tightly wound around him as if preparing to attack.

"Hello Nozel," The man tipped his head in greeting, "I cut my travels short when the news had reached me. My nephew was kind enough to inform me through the communication device I had given to my sister in case of any emergencies. Coincidently, a similar device was given to the Silva Castle for the same purpose."

Nozel held back a wince under Vale's meaningful gaze, inwardly cursing himself at his oversight.

"I was fortunate enough to have been nearby a location he's been before for us to rendezvous and return to the Capital."

The group was tense as the man's mana pressed down demandingly on their forms.

"Now tell me, how did my daughter end up in such poor conditions?" At their hesitant silence, he glared, "I want answers, and I want them now."

The captains' eyes met, Nozel's eye twitching revealing the only indication of his distress as he cleared his throat.

"I assume Heir Vaude had informed you of the recent events within the Capital upon your meeting?" Nozel inquired.

"You assume correctly," The older man acknowledged as he turned his gaze to roam the still form of his daughter. His eyes darkened as he took note of the bandages peeking out from beneath her cotton shirt, the blanket having been pulled down to keep Delphia cool in the warm room.

"Delphia had taken point as our strategist as was expected," Nozel began to explain, "During the attack, the Magic Knights she had been directing were divided among the districts to keep back the attackers as we focused on evacuating the citizens."

"It was only in the midst of the battle against one of the main instigators of the attack that we discovered their motive," Fuegoleon's fist clenched, brows furrowing in anger at the memory. Vale's eyebrow quirked, sensing the heat emanating from the Crimson Lion Captain as his mana mirrored his rage.

"And what was their motive?"

"Lord Julius believes the attack was a ruse in order to seize Fuegoleon's pendant," Nozel answered.

"Delphia had used one of her spells to take my place and steal the pendant just as our opponent's spatial user was about to capture me..." Fuegoleon's eyes closed as he retold the story, "When she returned, the pendant was missing, and she was injured. Marx later revealed that the assailant had removed all her memories of the attack, leaving us with no clue except that they were part of the Eye of the Midnight Sun."

The room was silent as they finished recollecting the attack. Asta and Noelle were practically sweating at the tension, eyes flickering back and forth between the three men. Though Asta could not sense the raging mana surrounding the blond man, he knew that he wasn't someone to mess with. It's like facing off against a sleep-deprived vice-captain that was denied her coffee!

"You silly child," Vale sighed as he stared tiredly at his daughter. He could not fault anyone but the assailant for her condition, much less when the outcome was of Delphia's own choosing to protect one of her closest friends.

The other four practically slumped in relief as the overpowering source of mana was withdrawn, though Nozel and Fuegoleon hid it better than the two rookies.

Vale moved to take Fuegoleon's seat, pushing back a few stray curls from his daughter's face and took in the rare serenity of Delphia's expression. She always looked so much lighter when asleep and unburdened by her visions.

Asta marvelled at how open the older man was with his affections for his daughter. It was unlike the nobles he's met in the past who were distant and arrogant.

"I see you've joined Delphia's squad, Noelle," The blond observed.

"A-ah yes, sir!" The young Silva straightened, staring at the older Rotta with respect. Since Delphia's induction into the Magic Knights, he had taken to travelling, only returning to the capital a handful of times a year. It has been a few years since Noelle had been able to meet him properly.

Vale smirked in amusement, eyes soft in longing and sadness as he watched the fidgeting royal. She really did grow to look just like her mother.

"Now now, no need for such formalities," Vale waved off, "Call me Uncle Vale like you used to!"

Noelle blushed, fiddling with the end of her skirt as she gazed off to the side.

"Y-Yes, Uncle Vale," She murmured.

Vale smiled before tilting his head as he took in the teen beside the silver-haired girl. His eyes piqued with interest as he sensed no mana coming from the boy despite the dirty grimoire he could see peeking out of his satchel.

"Oh?" Vale bit back a smirk as he glanced at his daughter. Was this what you were waiting for? He wondered before turning back to the teen. "Now, who are you?"

Asta's eyes widened as he straightened, saluting the man, "I-I'M ASTA, SIR!"

Vale winced at the boy's volume but chuckled at his enthusiasm. "Pleasure to meet you, Asta. I'm Delphia's dad, Vale. There's also no need to salute me. I'm no Magic Knight."

Asta tilted his head as he lowered his arm in confusion. "Eh?"

"Asta, Lord Rotta retired from the Magic Knights fifteen years ago," Fuegoleon explained, "He has taken to exploring and being an ambassador for the Clover Kingdom if the occasion arises."

"B-But still!" Asta argued, "Once a Magic Knight always a Magic Knight!" Plus, he was the vice-captain's dad!

"How interesting!" Vale chuckled, smirking in amusement. The boy had quite the character. "I can see why Delphia likes her squad so much."

Noelle blushed as she held her chin up, flipping her hair back while Asta grinned from beside her.

"It's getting late. You four should be heading back to your headquarters."

Nozel and Fuegoleon frowned as they were about to protest, but stopped as Vale rose his hand, his expression once more calculative and composed.

"You two have squads to take care of," He reasoned, "Now go. I'll watch over my daughter."

The captains reluctantly followed the orders as they left, the Black Bulls duo following behind after giving their goodbyes.

Once the door shut behind them, Vale sighed as he slumped over the bed, cradling Delphia's hand in his own. His eyes were closed as he breathed deeply as if praying for his daughter to awaken.

"You selfless fool," He whispered, eyes glazed as they opened to stare at his daughter's face, wishing that he could see her eyes that she had inherited from him. "I don't care that this was the best outcome out of the futures you saw. I don't care that you know you'll come out of this fine. I have lived the past two decades with you at its centre... you are my daughter; my life... do not handle it so carelessly."

Holding her hand with one of his own, he used his free one to caress her cheek, outlining her face as he took in the changes within his daughter that he has missed on his travels.

"Rotta are a possessive lot, Delphia," Vale murmured. He recalled the stories his grandparents have told him of their ancestors going insane at the loss of their people or possessions, "Do not think for a second I will not do the unforgivable to bring you back to me if anything happens."

His cyan eyes were dark in thought for his words were not empty, but filled with a promise so deadly, the world would not be prepared for the outcome if he were to uphold it.

* * * * *

"Erk... the geezer's back, huh?" Yami clicked his tongue as he rubbed his neck in thought. "Should have known he'd come running back for her."

Noelle and Asta balked at their captain's blatant disrespect to the man.

This crazy captain is digging our own graves! Though Noelle had grown up with the man like he was her own father, she still had a healthy dose of fear. Lord Rotta was after all one of the most fearsome men among the nobility with his connections throughout the four Kingdoms. His silver tongue was already enough to bring mages to their knees, not to mention his skill and prowess with his magic.

"Uhh... C-Captain, should you really be calling him that?" Asta laughed nervously, "He's Phia-senpai's dad remember?"

"Eh." Yami shrugged, causing the two to anime fall. Honestly, their captain's own disregard for all things decorum was fearsome in itself. "The geezer won't do anything until Phia drops dead, and that won't be happening anytime soon."

The rookies winced as the dark magic user smacked his hands down on their hands.

"Now get out of here. It's still your day off. I, on the other hand-" Yami bent over, his arm clutching his stomach, "-have some business elsewhere. Finral!"

Seeing the look on his captain's face, Finral jumped, pushing the man through a portal, breathing a sigh of relief as he passed through.

"Hey Finral-senpai, do you think you could drop me off somewhere? I promised to meet with someone today."

The dirty blond blinked before his eyes began to practically sparkle.

"Is it one of the girls from the mixer?" Finral grinned.

Noelle gaped from her spot on the sofa nearby, having decided to spend her free day relaxing, but it seems a change of plans was to be made. I-It c-can't be! Could he be talking about her?! She thought, recalling the red-haired woman from the blind date.

Asta grinned and nodded, "Yeah! She's really nice, and she wanted me to meet her family!"

It was Finral's turn to gape, tears streaming down his face as he bit his knuckle, jealousy rearing its head within him. "Meeting the family, already?! How unfair, Asta! You're moving so fast!" He cried.

Asta blinked, staring at the spatial user in confusion. "Uh yeah. She lives in Nean. If you could open a portal, it'd be a big help."

Sighing heavily at his single state compared to Asta's soon-to-be relationship, Finral nodded and quickly summoned a portal.

"Just call when you're done. I'll come over to pick you up," Finral promised as he handed Asta an ornate container, "It's a communicator connected to the one here at the base and headquarters. We don't really use them unless we're on long-term missions, but since you can't fly a broom..."

Asta nodded in understanding as Finral trailed off. Grinning, he waved and stepped through the portal after pocketing the communicator.

With her face flushed red, whether it was from anger or embarrassment remained unclear, Noelle hopped through the portal when Finral turned his back, following after the muscle-head.

* * * * *

"Langris-chan, you're home!" Liliane beamed, pressing kisses against her son's cheeks, "You've been staying at your headquarters for too long! You should visit more often!"

The teen internally rolled his eyes but gave his mother a closed-eyed smile as he allowed her to smother him with her affections.

"Apologies, Mother. I am rather busy with my position as vice-captain," He reasoned.

The woman was practically pouting but beamed with pride for her son. "Of course, of course. With your talents, it is no wonder you're so busy," She praised, "Will you be staying long? I'll have the cooks make your favourites for tonight's dinner!"

Langris nodded absentmindedly as he moved past his mother to his quarters. "Only for tonight. I must return to my squad tomorrow." Pausing in his steps as he climbed the grand staircase, he looked over his shoulder in faux remembrance, "Oh yes, Uncle Vale has returned from his travels. I came across him on my way home."

"Lysander?" Liliane's eyes widened in surprise. She hasn't seen her brother in years after all, and his correspondences were rare and few in between. Grabbing her skirts, she made a quick exit, yelling for one of the staff to have a carriage ready. If she left now, she should be able to catch him in the manor before his wandering habits kicked in again. She was forever thankful that that particular quirk never manifested in her as strongly as it did with her brother and niece.

Langris watched his mother rush off with a smirk before continuing on his way. Stripping off his cloak, he threw it lazily across his bed as he threw himself across the chaise lounge, all sense of propriety lost in the privacy of his rooms. Rocking a pawn back and forth in its place on the chessboard, already set and ready on his coffee table, he lost himself in thought of a time years before in this very room.

"Langris-chan, we'll be meeting someone very important to me, so you must be on your very best behaviour."

The young Vaude, only five, stared up at his mother in confusion but acquiesced to her request. He stood stiffly in front of his mother as she held him in place by his shoulders. His father stood beside them and his brother not far, but still apart from the rest of them, shifted uneasily to his left.

It wasn't long until the sound of hooves reached their ears, and a carriage was pulled in front of their manor. Langris watched curiously as the footman was quick to jump off and open the carriage doors, bowing as the occupant exited.

His breath hitched, eyes wide in fear and awe at the man who stepped out. His hair was a similar shade to his mother's, but the aura surrounding him was unlike anyone he's met before. It was powerful and domineering, commanding respect from all those around him. Langris gulped, as he held back the urge to push back in his mother's embrace.

The man's cyan eyes stared piercingly at them. From the corner of his eye, Langris could see Finral shiver as he quickly avoided eye contact, staring at the ground. When those eyes met his, Langris flinched, but unlike his brother, he held his chin up, facing the stare head-on. Something in the man's eyes flickered, a smirk gracing his lips before he broke eye contact to return his attention to the carriage.

Langris watched the man move aside, holding a hand out. Seeing a tiny hand reach out to grasp the man's, he tilted his head, trying to get a better look, eyes curious as a young girl around his age stepped out.

Her clothing was foreign to him, unlike any garment he's seen in Clover, and her violet hair tied up in an elaborate style. It was long. Much longer than any girl's hair he's seen before. If it were down, he would think it would drag along behind her. Despite her fine clothing and hair, she didn't present herself much like any other noble girl. From her lidded eyes and how she was almost dragging her feet, he thought she'd rather be somewhere sleeping.

"Lysander! Oh, how wonderful to see you, brother dear!"

Langris' eyes were wide in shock as his mother moved around him to engulf the man in a hug.

Brother? He thought.

The man winced but chuckled. "How many times have I told you, I go by Vale, Lils."

Liliane sniffed in distaste. "How unseemly. You are Lord of the House, Lysander. You must act the part. Just as you should address me as Liliane and not that horrid nickname." She smiled happily as she turned to introduce the family, unknowing to the rolled eyes directed at her from her older brother.

Langris met the man's eyes once more as he smirked, winking as if sharing a secret.

"Lysander, this is my husband Ledior, the Lord of House Vaude."

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Rotta." Ledior bowed.

"Please, enough of that. You're family now." Lysander —or Vale as he preferred— waved his hand lazily, dismissing the formalities as he glanced down at him and his brother. "And these two are?"

Liliane beamed as she rested her hands on his shoulders once more, reaching up to caress his head affectionately.

"This is my Langris-chan! You're nephew!"

Langris stared as Vale fell gracefully onto one knee to be eye level with him. He met his gaze impassively much to the older man's amusement.

"Oh, so you're my nephew, hm?" Vale smirked, "Have you gotten the hang of your magic yet?"

Langris' eyes sparkled. He loved using his magic. Holding a hand out, his brows furrowed in concentration as his magic surrounded his hand. Looking around, he flung a ball of his mana at one of the bushes, feeling a sense of satisfaction as a hole appeared.

"Spatial magic, huh? Quite powerful and destructive as well," Vale admired. "You'll be a dangerous one in the future."

Rising to his feet, Vale tilted his head as he glanced toward the final member he had yet to be introduced. "And this is?" Peeking at his sister from the corner of his eye, Vale held back a frown, seeing how she stared at the boy in contempt.

Ledior coughed as he stepped forward, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, pushing him forward gently.

"Apologies, Lord- Uh... Vale," He corrected seeing the look his brother-in-law sent him, "This is my firstborn, Finral. He's from my first marriage."

Vale frowned at the hesitance in the other man's voice as if expecting the worse from him. Biting back a curse at his sister's foolishness, he nodded in acknowledgment at the boy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Finral. How old are you?" He wondered.

Langris saw how his brother flinched at the attention. Finral gulped as he met cyan eyes, his own flickering to the side to show his unease, "U-Uh... um... S-Six, Lord- er- sir?"

Vale chuckled at the boy's confusion on how to address him. "You may call me Vale." Patting the quiet girl by his side, he pushed her gently in front of him. "I hope you get along with my daughter. She's the same age as you."

The older Rotta watched in pride as his heiress curtsied politely, keeping her face void of emotion as she greeted them.

"Pleasure to meet you."

"Finral, Langris, meet my daughter. Delphia."

When his eyes met with cyan, orbs identical to her father's, Langris couldn't help but frown as she gave him the barest amount of attention before she regarded Finral. He scowled at the way his brother blushed under her gaze.

Why is it Finral again? His eyes darkened. She's my cousin, isn't she?

Being so young, he has yet to control his impulsiveness, so in his fit of anger he grabbed his cousin's hand, dragging her into the mansion.

He ignored the startled shouts of his mother and the others' surprised exclamations as he pulled her towards his rooms. Glancing behind him, his anger only worsened when he saw her watching Finral before he escaped her sight

Slamming the doors shut behind him. The two children panted.

"Why?"

Langris stiffened as he turned to his newly introduced relative. He winced at the knowing look in her eyes as he quickly surveyed his room for an excuse.

"Let's play?"

Delphia frowned as she followed his line of sight to find a chessboard set up on the table.

"You know how?" She quirked a brow.

Langris flushed, the question sounding more condescending in his ears than it really was. He scowled at the, unfortunately, taller girl.

"Of course, I do! Do you?!"

The violet-haired girl shrugged lazily. Rubbing at her eye, she strode slowly to the table, plopping herself on the chair. Covering her mouth as she yawned, she tilted her head, lidded eyes gazing heavily at him, almost glowing.

"Well? Are we playing?"

Langris glared as he stomped up, choosing his first piece and nearly slamming it back on the board, much to the girl's hidden amusement.

"Your move."

Langris didn't know why or how it began. The tension between the cousins seemed to have always been there. Violence and bloodlust were held back by chess games, other strategic competitions held between them, or a battle of wits between silver tongues.

Sometimes though, he felt as if this whole thing was one-sided. Delphia never seemed to show anything but annoyance or exasperation on her side whenever he appeared before her. It made him wonder if she even knew how much of a menace she was to him.

She was annoying. A bother. A know-it-all with no sense of self-preservation.

Scowling, his magic surrounded his hand as he destroyed the pawn. He laid back, biting his lip as he covered his eyes with his forearm, hiding, even momentarily, from the world.

Stupid cousin.

* * * * *

"Lord Vangeance!"

The captain paused in his steps, smiling kindly as he looked back and greeted the two mages of the royal advisors.

"Are you here to visit Lady Delphia?"

The masked man nodded his agreement as he held up a few journals and a bouquet of flowers.

"I haven't gotten the chance to come around. I brought along a few gifts to keep Delphia occupied when she awakens. No doubt Healer Owen will keep her here until he's sure of her recovery."

The mages chuckled, knowing that such actions would indeed vex the violet-haired mage. As members of the Wizard King's advisors, they had worked with Delphia on many occasions. Though they were not as close as she was to Marx, they certainly knew that one way to placate her wandering habits was to give her some history books.

"Let us guide you, Lord Vangeance. We will be taking over the next guard shift for Lady Rotta."

The captain gave his assent and followed the two mages.

"Has there been any changes?" He wondered.

The advisors shared a look and sighed, "Unfortunately not. Despite her numerous visitors, none have noted any changes in Lady Rotta. We have heard from the other guards that Lord Rotta had returned from his travels once he heard the news."

Purple eyes blinked in surprise. "Lord Rotta?"

"Yes, sir. Apparently, his nephew, Heir Vaude, contacted him. He is quite... intimidating." One advisor shivered.

The other sweatdropped, recalling their colleagues' ashen appearances when they reported back to the Wizard King, "We can't really blame him. This is his daughter, after all."

The Golden Dawn's Captain kept silent, falling deep in thought at the news. Watching as the guards relieved their colleagues from their shift, he nodded his thanks as he entered the room.

He was surprised the room was empty of visitors, having expected at least one member of her squad to be there or maybe even the Silver Eagle's Captain or the Crimson Lion's.

Placing the journals by Delphia's beside and the flowers by her head, the masked man stood in silent before taking a seat. Supporting his weight with one hand by her waist, he moved to lean over her. He tilted his head as he gazed down at the sleeping Magic Knight, his smile now gone as his eyes became lidded and sighed.

"So benevolent yet so careless to your own life and wellbeing," He mused, "So much like her."

His free hand trailed to her loose hair, curling the strands around his forefinger.

"It was those traits that led to her downfall..." He stared blankly at the vice-captain as he allowed violet locks to slip through his grasp, "They'll lead to yours as well."

Rising from his place, he grabbed the bouquet, arranging them quietly around the moon blossoms that have yet to wilt. His fingers brushed over the hyacinth flowers thoughtfully. With a heavy sigh, he took his leave.

Unnoticed by him, lithe fingers twitched just as the door closed shut. 

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Here's the official chapter! Kind of boring in my opinion but it's full of hidden meanings. Don't take anything in this chapter at face value. It just not be what it seems. I wonder if anyone will catch the hidden meanings I've added into this chapter. 

Thanks for all the ideas in the author's note! I'm also glad y'all like the Special. If ya have any ideas don't be afraid to share! 

Question: Where y'all from country wise. State or province too if you're willing to share. I'm curious where my readers are from. As for me, I'm from Ontario, Canada ;)

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UPDATED: 25/08/20