Daniel's first thought upon arriving back at the castle hall next to the ballroom was that the atmosphere seemed as though it had hardly changed at all, rather, it almost seemed like nothing really happened.

He supposed this was just the way things are in the high society of nobles, definitely a jarring thing for anyone else, but for nobles, it's rather necessary to be able to keep their composure in any situation they're thrown into. That's how you survive the politics after all.

'Should I wait here?' he asked Fiora, not sure what to do with the girl he was carrying right now.

'I'll be there in a sec. The girl in your arms… tsk, that should have been me first.' he could feel a sigh coming from her, 'Whatever. You said the ones who'd controlled them were from the Red Star right?'

'Yeah, though I admittedly don't know all that much about them either. At the very least, I don't detect any residual dark magic inside them. Can't say much about the mark on their backs, my father didn't tell me much about it, he only said that it was dangerous if left alone.'

'That's rather worrying.'

'Quite.'

"Mr. Daniel Eldegard! Thank goodness, your sister was quite worried—" one of the knights suddenly approached him, before pausing, "Is that Ms. Minerva Sigurd? What happened?"

'Looks like Arin's there. I have an idea, you up for it?' she asked suddenly, and he understood the idea that she had from their connection.

'Yeah, it'll be a little weird, but it should be believable at least. You'll be here soon, right?'

'In a few seconds yes.' so he started.

"Ms. Minerva had been under a slave spell." Daniel replied, muttering as he looked down at the girl, "I'd dealt with the caster, I wanted to meet with Lady Indentia to get her help on this, I'm not versed in light magic after all…"

"Ah! Lady Indentia is—"

"Currently busy." Fiora's voice reached his ears, an odd sensation that felt so much different from how they communicated with each other through their thoughts. He turned towards the voice and saw her coming down the stairs to the mansion itself. Their eyes met, and a strange sensation passed through them both, as his dark purple eyes stared into her own deep blue… it was as if two pieces finally came together. "Mr. Daniel Eldegard…" she muttered, and he could see her in her beautiful azure dress, a unique design which she had thought of herself. It made her stand out, and looking at it now… well, Daniel would be lying if he'd said he wouldn't be distracted by it. She looked beautiful, enough said. At that, Fiora blushed slightly, and so did he, forgetting about their connection momentarily, he could tell her own feelings as she looked at him as well… still, she smiled. "A pleasure to meet you, you said you wanted to speak with my mother?"

"The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Fiora Indentia." Daniel said bowing for a moment, "Yes, I… well, I needed some help with Ms. Minerva here." he said, looking down at the girl in his arms again.

He could feel a slight frown coming onto Fiora's face, an annoyed feeling within her.

'Don't worry, I'll make it up to you.' he reassured her, laughing inwardly as he felt as though she was pouting in her mind.

'She still stole my place. I can't forgive that.'

'Hey I didn't complain about Azeroth now did I?'

'That's because you're too nice. Come on, be more possessive! I should be yours and nobody else's, just as you're mine and nobody else's.'

'Sure. Still, don't complain too much, this girl's had it rough.'

'... You're right.' he could feel a slight shift in her mood through their connection. Right now wasn't the time for jokes. 'Their memories…  you saw it too, didn't you?'

'I did.' he then looked up to Fiora's eyes, and he could see the concerned look on her face. 'It seems like something bigger is at work within the Kingdom and the Empire right now.'

"Ms. Sigurd… what happened?" she asked him, though it was more just for show at this point. 'By the way, I'd seen your sister, she's dealing with the other assassins… wow is she ruthless.'

"She was the one who'd thrown the knife towards you, Ms. Fiora." 'Olivia? Yeah. She's rather sadistic.'

Fiora furrowed her brows, contrary to the conversation they were having in their head. "Slave magic?" she asked, but once again, their internal conversation was much different, 'I'm not really sure what to do with the Sigurd twins. Although, mother seems to have been taking a look at what to do with them.'

Daniel nodded, "Yes." 'We'll have to wait and see, my father should arrive here in a bit.'

Fiora was silent for a few seconds, before she nodded, "I see. Arin, inform his sister of his arrival, I shall lead him to where my mother is at."

The knight stared for a moment before bowing, "Of course, Ms. Fiora." then he left.

As the two of them were left alone together they looked at each other, "Now, Mr. Daniel Eldegard, please, call me Fiora."

"And call me Daniel." he said, smiling. "Though the circumstances are rather odd…"

"Yes, it's quite odd, but I'm glad to have finally met you." she said, 'I always wanted to say that.' her thoughts carried over to him,

"I'm glad as well." Daniel smiled, 'Same for me.' he thought.

"Well then, Daniel. Please follow me." Fiora turned around and he followed her lead, going up the stairs and into a different corridor, one which he knew was going towards the inner castle. The whole situation they were in right now was certainly odd, but it wasn't entirely unwelcome either.

It was just that the circumstances around their meeting are rather unfortunate overall. "Fiora… have you ever thought about going to the Academy?" Daniel asked, mostly for show, but also because he felt that being silent all the way would have looked rather awkward if someone else was watching them.

And he was quite sure that someone was watching them, even if he didn't necessarily completely detect it right now.

Fiora made a show of humming before she answered, "I have, though to be honest, I don't find much of a need for it."

Daniel chuckled at that, "I understand." he said this naturally, mostly because at this point they were just actually talking about whatever came to mind for them. "Our positions are rather unfair, aren't they?"

"Quite so." Fiora said, a smile on her face, "Though, I wouldn't mind going there to meet other people… certain people, maybe." he could see a blush on her face. 'Ah yes, the obligatory blush. We shall make the greatest love story of all time! Come on Daniel, you know what to do next!' he laughed internally alongside her as he mimicked her expression.

The fact that they can control their bodies this well is just unfair, to think she'd learned that all from his memories.

"Y-Yeah…" Daniel said bashfully, glancing downwards, being careful not to look towards Minerva as he did so, knowing just what Fiora felt about that. "I-I'd like that too—I-I mean, I agree! Yeah… um." he mumbled quietly, pausing as he saw Fiora stop in her tracks suddenly. He looked up at her, "Uh… did I say something wrong?" 'This is the hardest part, but I think I'm ready.'

'Alright. Let's finish this first meeting scene with a bang.' Fiora's thoughts were a contrast to how she looked at him right now.

It was a mix of nervousness and excitement within her face, something that heavily misaligned with her thoughts.

Not that it was any different for him.

"Daniel… um, I know it might be early to say this… but will you be my partner? F-For the Academy, I mean. I… I'd like to—" before she could finish her words, the doors beside them suddenly opened, making them both freeze up and go red in embarrassment.

"Oh so there you two were…" the voice of Sylvia Indentia reached their ears, making them both turn towards her. "Ah. I seemed to have intruded upon something. Please ignore me." she apologized with a smile, closing the door again.

Neither Daniel nor Fiora moved, feeling embarrassed for everything that they'd just done…

But what they really felt was…

'We succeeded right?' Fiora asked,

'Yes. That should be the first flag. Now… we should break this up somehow with something even more awkward. It would only be natural, right?' Daniel confirmed,

'It should be. And… that's where they come in.'

They turned to each other again and suddenly someone groaned, Daniel looked down and saw Minerva groaning in his arms, turning in his arms to get herself in a more comfortable position as she hummed in contentment.

Fiora looked at her with a glare, not even hiding it this time physically, 'She's getting real chummy with you for a first meeting…'

'Aren't you the same?'

'Shut up.' Fiora's thoughts matched as she cleared her throat, "Right… Perhaps we should take this to a more appropriate place."

"Yes." Daniel agreed with an embarrassed smile. At least, it looked to be that way. "Perhaps we should…?"

"Yes. Let's go in."

With that the two of them went in the room the Sage Sylvia Indentia had appeared and disappeared into lately.

---

It wasn't often when Dahlia found her young mistress showing interest in other people of her age. Much less acting like her own age.

She didn't mean it in a bad way, in fact, she admired the young mistress Fiora for being so mature and composed in many situations she'd been pushed into so far. So it came as a huge surprise to her, if not jarring, to see her young mistress act in the manner of an innocent maiden towards a boy of her age. Even more surprising was who the boy was.

Daniel Eldegard, the son of Duke Xavier Eldegard. She supposed it wasn't much of a surprise considering the recent popularity of that boy amongst other young noble girls as well, but the manner in which she acted around him was as though she'd known him for a long while already—or rather, as though she'd been following him for a long time.

Now, she wasn't one to suspect her young mistress, even less to underestimate the strength of the Eldegard House, but… she had a feeling that Fiora had been watching—or perhaps following the young boy for a while now.

Dahlia knew firsthand how powerful Fiora's magic was, so she didn't think it would be all that impossible for her to reach the Eldegard house with her magic. They had been there before after all, when Fiora was at a much younger age.

She could remember how the young Fiora had acted towards the young Daniel at the time, she was curious, and he was friendly, it led to them going to many places around their region near the castle. That thought made her frown though, she was rather sure that Fiora's memories would have been hazy with what the Duchess Sylvia had done, but perhaps she'd managed to overcome it after a while.

She couldn't be sure, but the extension of partnership to any person, regardless of who they may be, was a special one. Unexpected, even. So for her to offer that towards Daniel… it meant that she had an idea of his abilities at least.

Dahlia knew Fiora enough to know that she was not one to simply partner with someone who wouldn't be a match to her. She would have had a reason at least, something more than just because she had fallen for him at first sight.

… Right?

She looked closely at the interaction between the two young nobles from the side, watching as they seemed to fidget and blush around each other.

… It really didn't look right to her. But, then again, it seems that Daniel had also somewhat fallen for Fiora as well from what she can see, so she supposed that was good. It didn't alleviate her worries much though. It just didn't feel quite right. Perhaps a little unnatural? No… they're genuine, so she can't really say.

"Daniel… a-about the offer I asked of you lately—"

"Ah, about that," Daniel paused, frowning as he furrowed his brows, "I want to ask, why me?"

Oh, it seems like he's rather intelligent as well. Perhaps he's a lot more than meets the eye… right, he's the son of that master assassin after all.

It would only make sense.

"Oh. It's quite simple, really." Fiora laughed, a beautiful melody to her ears. It was definitely different from how she treated most people. Interesting… "Daniel, you're an assassin right?"

Daniel's frown deepened at that, making Dahlia realize that perhaps her young mistress might have truly been following the Eldegard heir for a while now without him noticing, "Yes… I'm surprised you know."

"I have eyes and ears everywhere, you know?" Fiora chuckled, saying a line incongruent to how she looked on the outside. "You've felt it too, haven't you?"

Daniel looked confused for a moment, before a look of understanding came upon him, "Oh. That was you, huh?"

"As expected of the son of a master assassin." Fiora smirked, "You never once contacted me back, you know?"

"Oh?" Daniel raised a brow, "Was this… ah, this was related to what happened years ago huh?"

"Indeed, I'm glad you remember as well." Fiora nodded, and Dahlia couldn't help but frown, it seems they remembered it.

Still… there was something she wasn't sure of, what exactly would Fiora's purpose be on partnering with Daniel? Wait, no, perhaps…

"For every good, there is an evil, for every light, there is darkness, and in order, there is chaos… the world operates under this balance, it has been this way for centuries." Fiora started, letting out a slow breath as she picked up her cup of tea and sipped it. "For all that magic and mental strength has been proven to be quite effective and proceeded to advance in many ways over time, raw physical strength has also advanced greatly as well. I am aiming to be a sage—rather, I already am a sage, I simply want to surpass that."

"Surpass the boundaries of magic, isn't it?" Daniel muttered, looking interested as he leaned forward with a smile on his face. "An interesting idea, and so you asked for my help because—"

"You're an assassin." Fiora finished for him with a nod. "Assassins are the natural enemy for sages, even now, it is quite tragic how the peak of a master assassin would be able to defeat the peak of a master sage."

"And you wish to change that?" Daniel looked amused, "Through me?"

"Yes, rather… I think it would be best if it were you. You're the son of the greatest master assassin to have ever lived, you know?"

"You exaggerate our achievements," Daniel laughed, leaning back on his seat with his arms and legs crossed, "Still, the idea you're thinking of… a sage and an assassin working together… sounds like quite the nightmare to see what would be created, no?"

"Indeed. Though—and perhaps I don't have to say this to you—both of us will gain something from this in the end, you know?" Fiora had an especially devious smile on her face, it was almost sinister—and if it was to others, it might have looked alluring.

To Dahlia's surprise, however, Daniel laughed, a truly sinister grin appearing on his face—one that would make him more befitting of being a demon than an assassin.

… Was this their true form? Dahlia had to admit, these two young nobles were quite scary. Especially considering how powerful her mistress is, and how Daniel was practically a Master Assassin already as far as the rumours went.

"Interesting. Truly interesting." Daniel let out a laugh, leaning forward towards Fiora this time as he supported his chin with his arm on top of his leg this time, "Fiora Indentia… you make a rather compelling offer."

"I am the daughter of the Duchess Sylvia Indentia, this is only to be expected." Fiora chuckled, leaning forward as well, their faces close to each other, "What do you say, Daniel, would you like to make the ultimate job class?" she whispered, with almost half-lidded eyes, "If it's us…"

Dahlia couldn't help but stand shocked still at this turn of events, she knew that both of them would be aware of her presence right now, Fiora had reached an unimaginable level with her magic, and she was able to perceive Dahlia's movements already, even more so Daniel who would have been much more adept at it than Fiora. If so… then there was a reason for her to be hearing this.

Or perhaps…

'They couldn't be that focused on each other… right?' she asked herself, never really considering that until she saw the scene playing out before her, with the two noble children's faces getting dangerously close to each other. Their eyes as well…

They looked like they were intoxicated. Perhaps by each other, or perhaps she herself was just hallucinating with the insanity of the situation unfolding around her right now.

Regardless of any of that, she moved towards them and cleared her throat loudly.

When the two suddenly stiffened in shock, she knew it now.

These two were hopeless.

No, rather, perhaps her young mistress was the one who was hopeless.

From what Dahlia could see, it seemed that she had a slightly annoyed look on her face while Daniel sat straight on his seat again with a blush on his face.

These two…

"Miss Fiora, Mister Daniel, the Duchess Sylvia has instructed me to pick the two of you up. The dinner will begin soon."

Fiora didn't even hide her displeasure at her words, clicking her tongue with a sigh as she stood up. "Very well then, Daniel, perhaps we can continue this later."

"Ah, yes, we should go now." Daniel nodded, regaining his composure as he stood up. "Lead the way, Miss Dahlia."

"Please just call me Dahlia, Mister Daniel." Dahlia respectfully bowed, at the very least, it seems that Daniel would be able to handle Fiora's true nature. It seems that he'd be a perfect match for her indeed. It just worried her how he seemed to let Fiora do as she pleased. "If you'll excuse me." She then turned around and led the way for the two of them.

"Hmph, this maid…" Fiora huffed, and Dahlia couldn't help but feel worried for Daniel.

Rather, perhaps, all this time she should have been worried for him. Fiora seemed dangerously obsessive towards him. She could only pray for his safety.

"It's fine. Let's go Fiora." Daniel said, and Dahlia could glance him taking Fiora's hand in his, making her impressed.

It seemed like he knew how to deal with her young mistress already. Hmm… perhaps it really would be best if the two were to be together after all.

Though, as she thought of that, she managed to remember about that incident years ago, the one with Daniel and Fiora being involved…

As expected, maybe fate had already been sealed at that point on. These two, they were bound to be together.

Rather, it seemed that nothing good would happen if these two were to be kept apart.

… right then. She really should prepare herself for Fiora later on.

She had a feeling her young mistress would repeatedly use the gateway after this.

A maiden in love… that might be the scariest existence to ever exist. Even more so considering it was her young mistress.

---

'I really wanted my first kiss to have happened there you know?' Fiora sent her thoughts over to Daniel as she held his hand, squeezing tightly. 'But holding our hands like this… ah, it feels so divine. No, rather, as I feel your hand in mine and my hand in yours all at the same time I can't help but feel intoxicated…!'

'Hmm… you really do worry me sometimes.' Daniel's thoughts came to her, and she could see and feel a small frown on his face, 'Don't get too carried away now. Rather, it might be troublesome if we move this relationship at an extremely fast pace.'

'Does it matter? My mother knows already, and I plan to show it off to your father as well, so this much shouldn't be surprising. Rather, I'm definitely planning to be your fiancee—no, your wife—from this point on. I'll tell them later, so it shouldn't be all that surprising, right?'

'I guess so…' Daniel sighed internally, something which she felt while he seemed to squeeze her hand back as well. That action sent shivers down her spine and she had to suppress a blissful smile. 'Fiora, was that really fine? For Dahlia to get involved and all that.'

'It's Dahlia. Rather, it would have been better to alleviate her worries now rather than later. She's one to needlessly worry for me after all.'

'But the misunderstanding we're causing… hm. Speaking of which, are we really going forward with that plan?'

At that question Fiora couldn't help but smile, imagining the future of them working together, 'But of course. If we're going to be together, then we'll have to achieve something beyond the current realm of understanding. Rather, I'm quite excited, I've always wanted to learn swordsmanship after all.'

'Perhaps… it'll be odd, wouldn't it?'

'Yes, but with our aptitude it shouldn't be impossible. Also, don't you know some excellent blacksmiths? This much shouldn't be much of a challenge for us. Being a Sage limits me to magic, and that's not really all that fun, rather, I wish to use a sword in the Academy when the time comes.'

'I understand. Though now I'm excited, all we need now, however, is the equipment for it… What will it be called again? Magic Swordsman?'

'Yes. A fitting name right? We'll be the first two Magic Swordsmen in the world, and I intend for us to become the greatest ones to ever live.'

'Interesting… The theory is there, we'll just have to put in some work, huh? I'm worried though, I'm not a natural sage so I'm not quite attuned with all the affinities.'

'Not yet at least. Our time in the Academy should lessen the need for the two of us to borrow each other's powers. That's my goal for us to be able to reach the pinnacle of human strength.'

'Now you sound like a martial artist…'

They continued chatting with each other mentally as they followed Dahlia towards the dining hall.

"We have arrived. Then, please excuse me." Dahlia informed them as they stood before the large doors to the dining hall before she opened it and the large dining hall was presented before them.

"Oh, impressive." Daniel commented, and Fiora smiled, 'Ah, right, the dining hall… I still can't get over how bright everything here is.'

"Of course, this is to be expected of our castle after all." Fiora proudly said, 'Really though, your dining hall at your home is too bland and gloomy, you should tell your father to change that.'

'What will I say? I kind of like it honestly, the atmosphere is perfect for an assassin household.'

'Mm, true enough.' Fiora conceded, spotting their parents on the large table. "Ah, forgive us, we must have kept you waiting." she curtsied slightly towards them,

"Hmm, I wonder what the two of you had been talking about to end up in such a situation…" her mother, Sylvia, had a slightly amused look on her face as she eyed their conjoined hands, "It seems you'd really set your sights on someone after all, Fiora?"

'Rather, I believe your daughter is quite obsessive for her age and stature.'

"Of course mother. I do not like to waste time." Fiora smiled, ignoring Daniel's thoughts as she put some strength into squeezing his hand, "I hope I'm not being too forward." she said, looking towards Daniel's parents.

"Perhaps not, rather, your daughter seems to have inherited an interesting trait from you, Venn." Daniel's father, Xavier, looked towards her father, Venn, with a smirk.

Venn just laughed awkwardly, "Ahah… you exaggerate…"

"Hmm, that is true, this is definitely two years too early compared to you…" Marisa muttered, putting a finger to her chin, "In that sense, I see that your daughter has good eyes."

Fiora smiled with a nod, accepting the compliment, "Thank you very much."

Olivia blinked at her, "Huh. This is Adrian's little sister? I like her. Daniel you should marry her, I'll need to put that little punk in his place as her sister-in-law after all." she said with a grin.

Daniel just laughed, "Yes… I suppose so…" he muttered awkwardly, 'Hey, you should let go of me now. We need to eat.' Daniel looked her way, but Fiora just smiled as she turned towards him.

'No. You'll feed me, I'll feed you. This is how it'll go.'

'Isn't that moving too fast?!'

"Oh my, it seems they're already at the stage where they only need to talk with their eyes. Perhaps we really should consider this engagement."

"Yes please—!"

"Wait, isn't that too fast—?!"

Their voices overlapped with each other, making their parents laugh.

Well, except for her father, he just seemed to look embarrassed. 'Sorry father, but this daughter of yours will shamelessly show the world her love.'

'Again, Fiora, aren't we going too fast?!'

'Isn't it better this way? It feels good to go fast after all, just like when you're doing—'

'Don't you dare make an innuendo right now!'

'Sorry, I just love teasing you, hehe.'

After a while, they calmed down.

"Ha… Oh dear. Daniel, you'll have to forgive me and my daughter, but I sincerely think marrying my daughter would be the best course of action right now." her mother, Sylvia said, and she couldn't help but nod vigorously as well,

"Yes. If we're married we won't have to worry about anyone else coming between us, rather, it gives us an excuse to destroy anyone who dares to come between us."

"I'm sure that's just you who'd want to destroy them, Fiora. Also, when did the engagement suddenly turn into full-blown marriage?"

"It can't be helped, you're too beautiful for this world. I have to take you now rather than later."

"W-Wha—?!"

Xavier just shook his head with a sigh, "Give up Daniel. Rather, you want this too don't you? Besides, it'll be easier to satisfy your desires with a girl as eager as her."

Marisa nodded as well, "My son has to grow up eventually, and if she's your wife, you won't have to worry about anything with her."

"I'll be an aunt too?" Olivia's eyes were wide as she looked at the pair with an almost predatory smile, "Yes… this will be fantastic."

After a while, Daniel finally gave up, rolling his eyes, "Alright, fine… Rather, I'm just worried about how it might affect how other people will see us later on in the academy." he sighed, "A married couple at the academy seems rather unorthodox compared to just two engaged nobles."

"You're both children of a ducal lineage, are you seriously thinking people would worry about that? Rather, both of you are quite literally just one step below royalty, there's honestly nothing to stop you." Venn pointed out, and at that, Fiora couldn't help but nod.

"Indeed, what are you worried about if not that?" she asked, turning towards him.

"Won't we stand out?" Daniel furrowed his brows, "I'm not sure if that would be wise."

"The two of you are stronger than anyone else that isn't above the 3rd rank. The better question would be why are you two even going to the Academy? I doubt either of you have much to gain from there." Olivia pointed out, making them frown.

Daniel and Fiora looked at each other.

'I guess it's time, then.' Fiora thought,

'It can't be helped, we should talk to them about it now. Our plans.'

'Yes… I'll—'

'No, I'll do it. You've done enough already.' Daniel declared, before turning back to them, now they let go of each other's hand.

"Right… there's something we're planning to do. We've talked about it just now, and I think it's going to be best for us to be in the Academy for it." Daniel started, both of them heading towards their respective seats, "First… we should eat."

Fiora's eyes met with Daniel's again.

Right.

They were going to change history.

"We're going to create a new class."

---