RONDEL

Y/N POV:

After that rather awkward introduction to Lelei's sister Arpeggio. We decided we needed some fresh air. Had to get away form all those dusty ass books. Lelei  brought outside to near a fountain for a better introduction.

Lelei: I would like to introduce her properly. This is Mimoza, she's a wizard and a great sage. She's one of the elders of Rondel.

Mimoza: Nice to meet you.

Y/N: You as well ma'am.

Mimoza: So how long has it been, Rory?

Itami: Huh?

Lelei: I had no idea.

Mimoza: *playful laugh* We traveled together awhile back. About 50 years ago, doesn't that sound right? Rory?

Rory:*holding back laughter* Mimoza...you're so...old.

Mimoza: Oh my, yes I am. I've earned some wrinkles haven't I? Sure you're jealous. So I heard that you went on a little holiday to the other side of the Gate. What was it like over there.

Rory: Hmm...It was just lovely...the streets were nice and impeccably clean.

Y/N: (We also got shot at a hot spring.)

Tuka: Every shop had a wide variety of products. And look liked they were doing well.

Lelei: I especially liked their wonderful bookstores...

Itami: Lelei?

Lelei: They had book from every field you can think of. Sold at affordable prices even for commoners.

Mimoza: The commoners can buy books?

Lelei: In Japan, the ability to publish books is very accessible. There was even a market with books by amateurs for sale.

Mimoza: Oh dear dear. That would be incredible to have books for everyone.

Arpeggio: Oh no no no no! That's one thing that can never happen! Never ever ever ever!...If my magic encyclopedia that I copied by hand nigh after night were to go down in price...

She continues to ramble.

Itami: What is wrong with her?

Lelei: One of Arpeggio's jobs is a scribe writing books. She's upset how cheap they are to make and how easy her job is.

Y/N: Wait till she finds out about the Internet. That would most likely kill her.

Mimoza: Her specialty is in mineral magic, which can be rather pricey in order to maintain.

Y/N: Really?

Arpeggio squats down still rambling Lelei walks up to her to calm her down.

Arpeggio:...AND if if books prices go down on top of that...I don't even know if I can work anymore if book prices go down...Ugh...How will I pay for food and rent? I'll get kicked out if I miss another payment...

Lelei: Now don't you worry. I'm sure the price won't drop right away. That would be far into the future.

Arpeggio: You sure about that?...WELLLL why didn't you say so, you trying to scare me?!...

She once again starts to ramble.

Mimoza: Anyway, like I said...she's a mineral specialist. Which means she could really be of help for your resource survey. 

Itami: That sounds great, would you be up for that?

Y/N: You would be a very valuable asset, and you would be well compensated for it.

Arpeggio: Well sure...I would be happy to help you. *giggles*

I look over at a monument with Rory that's written their language with a sketching of looks like people gathering around some kind of vortex.

Mimoza: Are you curious? You seem to be very interested in that picture.

Rory: Oh no not really.

Mimoza: Glad you came, even if you were just tagging along. I've been wanting to give you an answer to the homework you gave me.

Y/N: Homework?

Rory: That's correct, I gave her a problem to solve before we parted ways. To answer why there are such varied species in this world.

Itami: Is there an answer to that?

Rory: Of course there is.

Mimoza: It is because...Of the Gate. Oh dear.

She take us to a restaurant I sit between Tuka and Yao  across from Itami. As Mimoza begins explaining the findings of her research I get my notebook and pen and start taking notes.

Mimoza: The creation legend for the elves begins with a man and a woman...who were led by a God to the Forest of Origin. Now elves are spread throughout the realm, but every tribe has their own version of the origin story. When you ask the location of the Forest of Origin, the elves in the North point to the South, and the elves of the South point to the North. And it all points to one location.

Y/N: Alnus.

Mimoza: That's correct.

Lelei: So all elves come from Alnus?

Mimoza: Oh well not just elves. All sorts of species across the region claim Alnus as their home.

Arpeggio: And what do you think about that, Master?

Mimoza: I've traveled this world my entire life and my research has born much fruit.

Y/N: Indeed it has ma'am.

Rory: And tell me, what is the answer you were finally able to discover?

Mimoza: That there are different kinds of demi-humans throughout this world, and all of them moved here once the Gate opened. The Gate remains dormant for several or even thousands of years at a time. But then it opens. And every time it does, new inhabitants emerge from it. Sometimes they fight each other species who were here first and other times they're able to mix peacefully. They become rooted, and join our existence. Then the Gate goes back into a long slumber. That history has been repeated for as long as time. And we are a part of it. Judging by antiquity and literature, we're most likely the most recent to come through. It makes sense the Empire regard Alnus as holy ground...And why the new foreign visitors have chosen to set up their base there.

Rory: Very well done, Mimoza.

Mimoza: Oh dear! Thank you ma'am! I'm finally free! Oh thank the Gods!

Itami: Did you already know about all that, Rory?

Y/N: She has been around longer than all of us.

Rory: Yes, for the most part. It is but God's will in the end. Demigods like myself only follow their will and do our duty to protect this world. At times we guide those exhibiting high potential, and sometimes we have to eliminate those who venture astray. It's how we maintain harmony for all who live with us in this realm. 

Lelei: I don't think I ever heard that story.

Y/N: Explains why you haven't killed us yet.

Mimoza: That's because it my research that I spent years studying. I don't  think Kato is very interested in much history.

Arpeggio: That's what I've been telling you all along. Instead of learning from one person, staying here allows you to learn from several points of view.  

Lelei: If I stayed here, I couldn't try for the rank of master for a very long time.

Arpeggio: That may be true...but you'd 've learned more.

Mimoza: So then...What is it you're going to be presenting Lily? I'd love to hear what you've been working on.

Lelei puts a laptop on the table and turns it on.

Arpeggio: What is that thing?

Lelei: It's a device from the Japanese.

Arpeggio: Oh God with this no would ever even to buy books anymore!

Mimoza: Look at that, it's even more amazing inside. She's incorporating the knowledge of another world into the framework of magic. This might be able to make even the most stubborn old mages shut up and listen for once.

Arpeggio: My own little sister. She has completely surpassed me. I hate this! I've got no money, and my sister's way ahead of me. I've been working on my research for years and gotten absolutely nowhere. Maybe I just don't have any talent. Wait I know! I'll get married and start a family! What kind of man is Itami?!

Upon hearing that Itami nearly chokes on his drink and spits it out and I laugh at his expense.

Lelei: Yoji Itami. He's an Officer. And he's also a Lord...of Elbe. And an honorary tribal leader of the dark elves, Itami holds many titles.

Tuka: Are you alight, Father?

Y/N: He's also has a large collection of figurines.

Itami: Shut! Up! L/N!

Arpeggio: Hmm. So he's an elite noble with an elf child. How's that possible?

Lelei: Um...Don't worry about it.

Arpeggio: What about his finances? 

Y/N: He's make as much as any officer his grade...Most of it goes to his ex-wife! *laughs*

Itami: Screw you!

Arpeggio: You mean he's single!

Arpeggio & Mimoza: That's perfect!

Mimoza: Oh my! Oh dear!

Lelei: No. He is no longer single. Itami and I completed the Three Night Ceremony.

Y/N: What?

Rory: You'd better explain yourself!

Itami: What are you talking about? What is the Three Night Ceremony?

Mimoza: Our practice proving common-law marriage, if a man and a woman share a bedroom for three nights. In other words, it's a declaration to let everyone that you are betrothed!

Itami: What?! I don't remember doing any of that!

Lelei: We've slept together exactly three time. The first was at the camp. The second time was in Risa's room. And the third was the hotel in Hakone. That makes three.

Suddenly Rory had Halberd in hand and in murder mode. And for some reason my pistol is in my hand cocked and pointed at Itami's head and he quivers in fear.

Rory: Unbelievable. All this time and not once did you try to take advantage of me. Guess you were busy getting frisky with Lelei here. Care to enlighten me Lover Boy.

Y/N: Itami, you better explain yourself! Because in my country that's called "Statutory Rape!"

Itami: Wait! No I didn't do any of that! I didn't know about the Ceremony! So will the two of you just calm down!

I  calm down a put my weapon away and so does Rory and I see Arpeggio staring at me and blushing.

Arpeggio: Amazing. L/N was it? Tell me about him!

Y/N: Excuse me?

Lelei: F/N L/N is an American officer. An accomplished Marine, a lord of Elbe, an also honorary leader of the dark elf tribe, and also holds many titles.

Y/N: (Some of which don't mean shit back home.)

Arpeggio: A noble elite seaborne warrior. And another foreigner! What about his finances?

Yao: He currently posses a large rare diamond. It was given to him by the people of my tribe. About this big. *shows diamonds length with hands* 

Arpeggio: Oh! Is he married?!

Lelei: I believe he is currently single.

Y/N: Uhhh?

Arpeggio: That's perfect! What do you say L/N, would you marry me?!

Y/N: (Well, I guess it's as good as time as any.) Miss Arpeggio I'm flattered, but I'm sorry to say to say this... But I'm spoken for..

Before I could finish Tuka hugs my arms and holds me really close to her.

Tuka: That's right! He belongs to me!

Y/N: What?! Tuka what are you talking about?!

Tuka: Seriously! You don't remember? We've slept together three times as well.

Hearing that made me remember that she slept over a few times while I was recovering...Oh dear God! What have I done?!

Lelei: Didn't you also sleep with Itami?

Tuka: Yes well...but I was insane and I consider him my father. L/N...He and I, we're so much alike! 

Yao hugs my other arm.

Yao: What do mean he "belongs" to you?! I also have completed Three Night Ceremony with him!

Mimoza: Oh my bigamy!

Hearing that I remembered Yao sneaked into my quarters three times...I think I just lost control of my life. 

Tuka: What's that supposed to mean?! You trying to steal him from me?! You sneaky Dark Elf!

Yao: He didn't like me calling him Master! Plus he was already mine to begin with High Elven rat!

The two continue to argue with each other and Rory has a devilish on her face and Itami has a smirk on his.

Rory: L/N, you stud.

Y/N: Rory, please...No.

Itami: *chuckles* Well then L/N, since I'm Tuka's father...I guess that make me your Father-in-law doesn't it?

I grab Itami's tie and pull him close to me.

Y/N: *low talk*Do not encourage this! Have you forgotten who my girlfriend is?!

Itami: *low talk* Well...Why don't you just talk to Kuribayashi and maybe come to some sort of arrangement.

Y/N: *low talk* This isn't one of your stupid fucking animes! Women! Can't ! Share! Anything! Especially men! And she is! Going! To kill me! I didn't know about this Ceremony!

Itami: *low talk* Well, welcome to the club!

Y/N: *low talk* Fuck! You!

Arpeggio slams both her hands onto the table catching all of our attention. She stands up carrying a bowl of soup.

Lelei: Arpeggio?

Arpeggio: Defeated yet again. My sister has bested me academically, financially, and romantically. It's almost as if I have no dignity as an older sister. And the man I do want has not one but two elven wives. There's only one thing left to do. Do not hesitate. This is necessary for the future of our sisterhood.      

She spills the contents of the bowl onto Lelei's head much to everyone's surprise.

Arpeggio: Now! Do you admit defeat?!

Mimoza: Oh my, oh dear!

This unexpected turn of events brought us outside apparently that was the initiation of a duel between the the sisters. Rory make herself the announcer and a crowd is drawn toward the fight.

Rory: As of now, the 13th Battle of the Lalena Sisters is approved. In the name of me! The rules are simple: You are not allowed to kill your opponent. That's very important. There are to be no unsightly marks to the face. Or you shall answer to me, understand?...

Itami: What is going on here?

Mimoza: These two still like to fight each other, whoo! A bit differently from before, but I'll take what I can get.

Itami: Heh. This isn't good.

Y/N: Anyone wanna get any action on this? My money's on Lelei.

Rory: *raises halberd* Are you ready?

The sisters glow a green aura around them and Arpeggio starts spinning a chain and Leiel readies her staff

Rory: Begin!

Arpeggio fires from the first shots Lelei deflects and dodges them and the strays  hit a magic barrier protecting the crowd.

Itami: What is that?

Mimoza: You like it? Arpeggio uses minerals as a catalyst, so she skips the laws of science and interfere with the principles.

Itami: I don't know what that means, but I do know that this isn't any normal sibling rivalry. 

Mimoza: It is a normal wizard fight, though.

After dodging many of Arpeggio shots, Lelei returns fire with a charged shot of her own sending Arpeggio through a building.

Y/N: *impressed whistle* Damn!

Itami: Holy crap!

Mimoza: What an exquisite show of magic. Oh my!

Arpeggio recovers while Lelei charges another shot, Arpeggio avoids the shots and comes around the corner of the and fires a rapid volley at Lelei scoring direct hits on her with that aura from before changing from green to yellow.

Itami: What's that surrounding them?

Mimoza: It's a barrier of magical protection. Protecting one's self is the first thing the wizards of the Lyndon Faction learn when they are new to the craft. This battle is about who can break the opponent's barrier first.

Y/N: So they can go all out with out killing each other...I wonder if we could use that with War Games?

Lelei continues to avoid Arpeggio fire as is it reigns down from above. Lelei jumps onto a nearby gazebo, puts an enchantment on her staff and takes to the sky riding her staff like a witch's broom. Lelei fires another charged shot  down at Arpeggio 

Y/N: Wow! She can do that? All she needs to do now is cackle a whole bunch with a legion of flying monkeys around her.

Itami: Hello, 'scuse me, Rory....Don't you think this has gone a bit too far?

Rory: If we stop them now, they'll never reach reconciliation.

Itami: Maybe, but I don't want anybody to get hurt.

Rory: Just shut up and watch them do their thing.

Y/N: Yeah, quit killing the fun.

Arpeggio spins her chains and  charges several shots while turning the chain and her body like she's dancing and locks on to Lelei.

Arpeggio: My special attack! Big Sister's Dignity!

Her shots follow Lelei like SAM Missiles on a Fighter plane. Lelei evades the shots as best she can, then goes into a steep climb and all of the shots connect. A big explosion occurs and the sky and Lelei appears to be falling. Before she hits the ground she recovers and Arpeggio powers up a gold coin and flicks it at her Lelei evades but it still skids her as he hangs on to her staff one handed, skids on her feet, and dashes by Arpeggio and fires another charged shot sending her sister into a house. The sisters are both down and their barrier shatter. 

Itami: What's happening now?

Rory: Oh, a tie breaker.

Y/N: Well, I guess all bets are off. I'll go check on Lelei.

I walk toward Lelei at a quicken pace I ask if she's okay and she look at me. Then a man in a hood walks up to her crossbow in hand and points it at her. I quickly draw my pistol at take and take aim at the assassin.

Y/N: Drop it!

He ignores me and is about to fire his weapon but I fire mine first and he falls to the ground I run up to his body to confirm his death and I look back over at Lelei.

Y/N: Lelei, are you alright?!

Lelei: L/N, watch out!

I look back in front to see another assassin has me dead to rights with his crossbow...Shit...But then an armored knight stabs him from behind with his sword. I recognize him it's Grey, one of Pina's knights for Italica.

The assassin looses his arrow at me as he dies barley missing me. Grey pulls his sword out of the assassin and his body collapses to the ground I keep my pistol ready Itami draws his as well.

Rory: Grey Co Aldo. This is my holy battlefield and you have just brazenly soiled it. You'd better have some justification.  

Grey: I suggest you and your people leave this place as soon as possible. I killed one assassin, but there will be others on the way.

Itami: Assassins?

Y/N: I got one myself, but he's right we need to get out of the open before more show up.

TIME SKIP Hotel

Y/N POV:

We made our way back to our hotel room, Grey and the girl she brought with him Shandy the explain current situation.

Grey: I received an order from Princess Pina. I'm to invite Lelei and L/N to the Imperial Capital, so I came to Rondel to find them.

Lelei and I look at each other in confusion.

Shandy: But while we were on the way here, we received information that there  are assassins after them.

Itami: You have any idea who might've hired them?

Grey: It's only a speculation on my part. So I should probably avoid saying who I think it is. To be fair.

Shandy: Ever since the head of the flame dragon was hung for all to see, Lelei's fame has been growing in the Imperial Capital. Whoever it is...they don't like sharing the spot light with others.

Arpeggio: What do you mean, the head of the flame dragon? What the heck does that have to do with my stupid jerk sister?

Grey: You mean she didn't tell you? Your little sister joined arms with the people here. Together they attacked and defeated the flame dragon.

Arpeggio: Oh yeah right that's good. Come on, you're messing with me. I know she's all smart and everything, But she wouldn't be able to kill a flame dragon. Could she...IS IT TRUE?!

Y/N: Yep.

Itami: The dark elves told us that they would show the Empire the head of the dragon, and let everyone know that it's dead.

Grey: Their presentation was effective.

Itami: But why is that only Lelei and L/N becoming famous for it?

Shandy: That probably has something to do with the fact that Lelei is the only one one who is a citizen of human decent from the Empire. 

Lelei: I am a member of Lourdo. I don't ever remember becoming a citizen of the Empire.

Grey: The people care not about such things. You are under no one's submission and yet still did something so great. That is the reason people have been praising you. 

Y/N: Okay, so what do you want me for?

Grey: The Emperor would like to form official relations between the Empire and the "United States" right? And requested you personally.

Y/N: There far more qualified people than me to do that.

Shandy: Well you left quite an impression on the Emperor from the last time you were at the Capitol. Killing the flame dragon also left an impression on him and the court.

Y/N: Really?

Itami: Okay so it's safe to say, whoever's hiring the assassin is jealous of them.

I can only think of on person who would be that petty but I don't say it out-loud. Grey tells us about one the assassins know as "The Piper."

Itami: The Piper?

Grey: Yes, he's one of the assassins most recently hired. He's extremely deadly, the two of us would be no match for him.

Rory: Given their achievement of killing a flame dragon, it is no surprise.

Shandy: If you please, we will need your assistance with this Itami, L/N.

Itami: No one needs to beg me. I'll protect Lelei any day.

Y/N: Count me in too, they want Lelei they'll have go over my dead body.

We both get from our chairs and walk towards Grey and he meet us in the middle.

Itami: L/N, you're a target as well.

Y/N: This assassin wants me. He can come get me and I'll send 'em back to his employer in a box.

Grey: You're the men in green I've been hearing about. Why don't the three of us join forces and take out these cowardly assassins. *presents hands*

Y/N: *shakes hand* Hell yeah Old Man! Let's do this!

Itami: I don't think so...

Grey: Huh?

Itami: I've a better idea...Run away.

Y/N: What?!

A/N: Hey, everyone I apologize for being so dark. IRL stuff is just not leaving any energy to work on this throughout most of the week doing little tidbits here and there but I am not abandoning this until it's complete. So you know the drill vote, share, follow me if you want to! Have a great day or night and I will see you next time! LATER!!