Author's Notes: Chapter edited and corrected by Vongrak.
Ignis Ford Dustiness POV.
My eyes were glued to the screen. I didn't know how I'd gotten there; I think one of the mansion's employees had panicked and insisted on watching the news, but the moment I started watching, it all vanished from my mind.
The Kamino incident in Japan. The kidnapping of a UA student. The raid to save him. All Might and Ryuma. The villain known as All For One. Broken gates over Japan. Everything.
I watched the whole incident unfold with great attention, but the moment my dear Lalatina appeared on screen, everything was immediately forgotten and I began to turn pale.
I wanted to scream in panic, but I knew it was useless; I was on the other side of the world, there was nothing I could do. So I could only stare at the screen while clenching my teeth so hard I could hear them grind and making fists so tight my nails dug into my palms.
I saw everything… and I saw her.
Fighting on the front lines of the incident, she was just a student, supposed to be a freshman. She'd run away to join UA and only contacted me after she'd been accepted. I had no choice but to accept that fact, and for the most part, I had. But now she was there… fighting in front of hundreds of monsters.
And she looked magnificent. Lalatina's face was hardened, yes, but it overflowed with determination; she was an impenetrable defense placed before the civilians. Stopping every blow without even flinching, without hesitating, without wavering for a moment, without taking a single step back.
I could feel my chest swell with pride at seeing Lalatina in such a state. This is who she was, this is who she wanted to be: a heroine, defending others with her shield, and she was succeeding.
Even the dungeon boss was nothing to her. She was able to hold the dungeon boss off with such ease for as long as it took for the others to kill him, defending herself against all his attacks, until they finally killed him.
"Miss Lalatina is amazing!" "You can do it, Miss Lalatina!"
I smiled slightly at the shouts of the mansion's employees; they had all gathered to watch the incident. They had all worked in this house for many years, and they had all known Lalatina since she was a child.
My gaze finally focused on the final fight, finally, the fight, truly impressive between two nation ranks, an S-rank boy against a villain who could stand up to her at the same time, I had never seen a demonstration of so much power as that fight.
But I momentarily ignored her, focusing instead on the young man involved. Izumi Miyamura … Lalatina's boyfriend.
He was strong, ridiculously strong, and handsome, because he was so handsome?! I could easily see why my dear Lalatina would be mesmerized by his charms! Damned Japanese bastard!
But putting aside my discontent, he made Lalatina happy. I had never spoken to the boy, but Lalatina spoke effusively about him every time we talked. The smile and joy she put on every time she spoke about him was real.
I might not have liked it, but it made Lalatina happy… and that was all I needed to know. Even if Lalatina ended up moving to Japan full-time after her service, as long as she was happy, it would be okay.
But now there was a huge problem… the boy was Ryuma's grandson, and that would have repercussions for everything. I had to prepare myself. I stood up and clapped loudly.
"Alright everyone! We'll be receiving important visitors in a few hours, so get everything ready!" I said loudly, surprising all the employees.
"Right away, Lord Dustiness!" they exclaimed immediately, and everyone left the room at once. I sat down again and looked at the screen. I grabbed my phone and texted Lalatina; she replied instantly.
"I'm fine, I can't talk right now, we'll talk later, sorry." I sighed with relief when the message arrived quickly and I could feel the tension leave my body. I hadn't seen Lalatina hurt during the fight. But she took all of them, hundreds, thousands of monster blows, even with her defense, it's possible it took its toll.
The hours passed quickly, and in addition to continuing to watch the news, I began searching for all the information I could on the internet. As expected, all the relevant information was beginning to surface, and finally one of the employees quickly panicked.
"L-Lord Dustiness! T-there are visitors at the door! " the woman stammered, I just nodded.
"Very well, I'll go and greet them." I said without hesitation as I stood up. I walked quickly while the maid followed me. I stopped when I approached the main entrance and saw the guests at the port.
…this was worse than I expected.
Iris Belzerg, the Princess of Germany, was here, and she wasn't alone. By her side was Lenna Niermann, the strongest Huntress in Germany. Behind them were the Princess's companions, Claire Field Symphonia and Skyrain Koorusurou, if I remembered correctly, were both A-Rank fighters who acted as bodyguards and companions to the Princess.
"Princess Iris, Huntress Niermann, welcome to my home, please be welcome." I said respectfully as I bowed.
"Lord Dustiness, formalities are unnecessary. Please excuse my unexpected and unannounced visit at this hour, but it is an emergency," the Princess said with an apologetic smile. I nodded. The incident had occurred at noon, at least here, so it was now almost nightfall.
"I suppose it's about the incident in Japan," I said without hesitation. The Princess nodded. "Very well, please let's talk in the living room," I said simply as I invited them in. Then I turned to one of the maids. "Prepare some tea," I instructed her. She nodded, bowed, and left quickly. "Please, follow me."
Then I began to guide them toward the living room. I was sitting on one of the armchairs, and opposite me were two more sofas facing each other. Princess Iris was on one with her guards behind her, and Huntress Niermann was on the other. The servants quickly entered and prepared everything before withdrawing.
"Well, before we get straight to the point, I'm genuinely surprised that you both arrived together." I said, glancing between the Princess and the Huntress.
"Oh no, no, on the contrary, we met at the entrance." said the hunter Niermann with a smile, although somewhat tense.
"It was just a coincidence." Princess Iris agreed, and I nodded.
"Okay, then, next, I will not force my daughter, Lalatina, to do anything, no matter what you say." I said firmly, looking steadily at both of them. Both Princess Iris and Huntress Niermann seemed surprised.
"Huh?" Princess Iris tilted her head before letting out a giggle. "I think you're mistaking the visitor, Lord Dustiness." Princess Iris laughed, and my expression faltered for a second.
"What?" I asked foolishly. Princess Iris smiled slightly.
"I'm not here to force Lalatina to do anything she doesn't want to do. The only reason for the visit is because I was forced to pretend to do something. My mother, the Queen, was too busy to come, as usual, so she was going to send a representative."
"But I got there first. And I assure you, Lord Dustiness, I don't want to force you or Lalatina to do anything, no matter what Chief of Staff Ludwig and her aides, Zettour and Rudersdorf, say." Princess Iris said amusedly. I blinked for a few seconds.
"B-but-" I tried to say awkwardly, feeling my cheeks flush slightly. "...I had already prepared a speech and everything," I muttered to myself, but not quietly enough, as Princess Iris laughed.
"If you want, you can recite it, we have time," Princess Iris said playfully. I cleared my throat and looked away, embarrassed.
"N-no need, Princess Iris," I stammered before taking a deep breath. " And I suppose I should thank you for your discretion; I really didn't want to be on bad terms with the Royal Family," I said honestly, and Princess Iris nodded.
"And you were right to prepare yourself. It wasn't just the General Staff that insisted; there were several others who were really pushing to use Lalatina's relationship with Ryuma's grandson to bring him back somehow, or even force Lalatina to have a child and bring her back and chain her to the country."
"My mother and several other people are trying very hard to get them to abandon that idea, but as you know, it's truly a Herculean task to fight against Parliament. When I left, they were still arguing," Princess Iris said exasperatedly. I grimaced. Yes, it sounded exactly like Parliament.
"If Parliament is still debating... how do I know I won't receive a... visit from them?" I asked slowly, frowning. The Princess nodded.
"Don't worry, we'll make it clear that any attempt to coerce or threaten you will result in our immediate exile from Germany to keep them at bay. It's not ideal, but that way you'll both be safe. Lalatina is a dear friend; she... seems to be thriving in Japan for the time being, so I'm doing everything I can to protect her." Princess Iris said with an apologetic smile. I nodded.
"Very well, I was already prepared to force Lalatina to stay in Japan if she were forced to continue with the parliamentary games when she is definitely against it; there's a reason she left the country," I said honestly. At this point, there was nothing left to hide; the Princess was on my side.
"Very well, with all that settled, I have nothing more to say." Princess Iris said as she clapped lightly before looking at Huntress Niermann, who simply nodded.
"I suppose it's my turn," said Huntress Niermann with a slight smile. I straightened up slightly, but the huntress only smiled kindly. "Don't worry, Lord Dustiness, I'm not here for any of that either. Well, partly. I'm sure every guild in Germany and Hero Agency will be trying to recruit her, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity."
"I would like to offer your daughter a place in the Richter Guild, with no expiration date. She can stay in Japan as long as necessary to complete her studies and her service. If she decides to return to Germany, she is more than welcome to seek us out; there will always be a place for her," said Huntress Niermann with a smile.
"That's... more generous than I expected," I said honestly. Huntress Niermann laughed slightly.
"I admire your daughter, sir. I firmly believe that the strong must protect the weak; it is our responsibility. And your daughter proved that beyond a doubt during the incident in Japan. There could not be a better representative of our nation on a national level," said Huntress Niermann.
"You're absolutely right, Huntress Niermann! Lalatina made us all proud," the Princess said cheerfully. I straightened up proudly and smiled. "Definitely better than the image we always get from the Gesellschaft," Princess Iris scoffed.
Hunter Niermann and I made a deep face. Yes… the Gesellschaft was a neo-Nazi organization that operated throughout Europe; they had only a small presence in East Germany, but even so, everyone blamed and pointed the finger at Germany when those idiots did anything.
"Anyone is better than Gesellschaft." One of the princess's bodyguards sneered in a low voice, which the princess heard and chuckled slightly.
"Yes, my Lalatina is amazing, but I understand she's not the only representative; the Serebryakov sisters are also in her class," I said, trying to sound modest.
"Hmm, I must admit I don't recognize the name Serebryakov." Huntress Niermann said humbly, and Princess Iris nodded.
"The Serebryakovs are adoptive sisters. Viktoriya Serebryakov, whose biological parents are immigrants from Russia, adopted Tanya Degurechaff about… 15 years ago if I remember the report correctly? They allowed Miss Tanya to keep her name, but officially she has both, Serebryakov and Degurechaff."
"Both excelled in their studies, especially Miss Tanya. Both applied to UA through official channels, so technically, they are the official 'representatives,'" Princess Iris explained, and I nodded.
"Yes, as Lalatina explained to me, she had to take many more entrance exams than someone with the country's recommendation would, yet she passed them all," I said proudly. "She hangs out with Miyamura's group, but they're in different classes. I think they've been hanging out with the sisters lately too; something about Degurechaff and Serebryakov starting to date Miyamura a few weeks ago," I said distractedly.
Princess Iris froze, as did everyone else. I blinked in her direction.
"It's best if... that information stays between us for now. If Parliament finds out that they don't just have Lalatina to 'use' against Ryuma's grandson, then it will be a problem." The Princess said tensely, and I winced in pain.
"Understood, Princess." We all said at the same time. I was about to open my mouth, but my phone started ringing, interrupting me. Without hesitation, I pulled it out immediately and gasped when I saw the caller ID.
"It's Lalatina," I said immediately, glancing at the others as they looked slightly surprised.
"Should we leave?" the Princess asked gently, I shook my head.
"It's not necessary," I said immediately before answering the video call. Lalatina's face, tired but completely healthy, appeared on the screen.
"Father!" Lalatina said, and I felt all the weight on my shoulders dissipate.
"Lalatina." I smiled gently. "I'm glad you're okay," I said affectionately. I could see Lalatina smile apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Father, I wanted to call you earlier, but it was a very busy night, I suppose... you saw the Kamino incident?" Lalatina asked gently, I nodded.
"Yes, it was broadcast worldwide." I said honestly, Lalatina sighed wearily.
"Yes... it was... difficult. It's the first time I've been involved in something like this. It was... tough, and very hectic. Especially since Izumi was involved in everything." Lalatina sighed wearily. "Luckily, Professor All Might and Ryuma-sensei were there, but still..."
"It's good that it's all over... sort of. Once we got back to UA, we were running around like crazy. We were with Principal Nezu and Professor Aizawa, we also spent time with Iori, Izumi's mom, and we were waiting for Izumi to wake up."
"Luckily, he just used up too much Aura during the fight, so he'll be resting for a few days, but he's completely healthy. And then we had an even longer conversation with the teachers, and I'm terribly tired." Lalatina groaned quickly; I blinked a couple of times.
"I'm... glad your... boyfriend is okay, but meeting with the director? Is everything alright? " I asked immediately, Lalatina just smiled weakly.
"Yes, there's no problem. We were acting on the instructions of the teachers and the heroes present, so there's no problem for us. And the other thing, well, it was just a long talk because, well... it seems we're dating Ryuma's grandson, and there are... several sensitive points to discuss." Lalatina groaned.
"Yes... Ryuma's grandson... I suppose you weren't aware of that fact, were you? " I asked carefully. Lalatina just smiled slightly.
"Of course not, it was something like a national secret and all that, but... it doesn't matter, it's... Izumi, Izumi is Izumi, it doesn't matter whose grandson he is." Lalatina said while smiling brightly.
I saw that happy smile and smiled slightly. Yes… she was happy in Japan.
"Oh, I guess what happened at the Sports Festival during the second test has nothing to do with it." I said playfully, and Lalatina blushed deeply.
"Father! I thought we said we wouldn't mention that again! " Lalatina squealed, embarrassed. I smiled slightly.
"Yes ? I mean, I already told you that you have nothing to be ashamed of, dear, I support all your decisions, you're still a young woman in your adolescence, it's normal to explore certain-"
"We also said you wouldn't try to give me the 'talk' again!" Lalatina exclaimed even louder, her blush spreading to her ears, and I burst out laughing.
"Okay, okay, I'm glad you're doing well, and I won't mention again that Miyamura is 'more' than your boyfriend and all that." I continued to tease her.
"Dad!" Lalatina moaned as she covered her face in embarrassment.
"'More' than a boyfriend?" Princess Iris asked, confused. I froze. Lalatina froze. Huntress Niermann froze. The princess's bodyguards froze.
"...Father... you have company?" Lalatina asked slowly, mortified. I smiled awkwardly and turned the phone around so the guests appeared on camera. "P-Princess Iris?!" Lalatina squealed in surprise. "H-Huntress N-Niermann?! I-it's a pleasure to meet you! " Lalatina stammered.
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Dustiness," said the huntress with a kind smile.
"Mou, why does she have a more energetic greeting?" the Princess asked jealously.
"I-I'm sorry, Princess Iris." Lalatina squealed before calming down. "Besides... we've met many times before," Lalatina said shyly.
"Fine, I'll accept your apology if you answer my question: what is 'more' than a boyfriend?" Princess Iris asked curiously. Everyone present looked away; none of us felt inclined to answer the 14-year-old princess's question.
"P-Princess Iris! I-I-" Lalatina stammered. "I-Izumi is my fiancé!?!?" Lalatina shrieked. My body froze and I almost dropped the phone.
My daughter… engaged?
"That's wonderful, Lalatina! Congratulations! " exclaimed Princess Iris as she applauded. Engagement.
"Congratulations, Miss Dustiness." The hunter Niermann congratulated her.
"T-thank you! I'm sorry, I have to go!" I have—I have important things to do, I'm sorry! Princess Iris, it's a pleasure to see you again! Huntress Niermann, I don't know what's going on, but it's a pleasure to meet you. Father! " We'll talk later !! " Lalatina hung up without hesitation. I lowered my phone and looked down at my spilled water.
"Lord Dustiness? Is everything alright? " asked Huntress Niermann awkwardly.
I just looked down.
"M-my daughter is engaged!" and I finally started crying tears of joy.
"Lord Dustiness?!"
"Ah! Please don't cry, Lord Dustiness!"
"Claire! Do something! " "Something like what?!" "I don't know! But he won't stop crying! " "And you think I know what to do?!"
Ignore the following screams. I had a wedding to plan.
Author's Notes: After the previous chapters, I wanted something more lighthearted. Darkness is now German, which means her entire family is too, and by extension, the entire kingdom of Belzerg and its nobility. And on top of all that, there are a large number of Youjo characters. Senki, we'll see what comes of all this.