18: Trust

As we landed in front of the Magic Knight headquarters, an escort was already standing outside waiting for us.

We followed him to the grand foyer. "Y/n, come with me. The rest of you may stay here."

I looked back at Asta and Yuno while trailing behind the small, nameless man. Asta gave me a huge smile and thumbs up while Yuno offered a small nod.

I sighed, redirecting my focus to what was in front of me. I'm really not in the right mindset to make any major decisions.

"Right this way," the man ushered while opening a door for me.

I bowed my head slightly, "Thank you, sir."

His eyes widened in shock, unused to that kind of kindness and respect.

The doors closed loudly behind me, and I looked at the familiar faces sitting around a conference table.

"No need to be so polite to the help," Nozel scoffed.

Why are all the Captains here?! Am I getting fired or something... Do people even get fired from the Knights?!

I stood there frozen, staring at the powerful legends before me. I caught Yami's attention and his face was stone-cold, but as I looked into his eyes, I saw a small flicker of concern.

Yami... I'm sorry.

"Please, come take a seat," Fuegoleon gestured to an empty chair at the end of the table. It was directly across from the large throne-like chair at the other table head.

I nodded and approached carefully, for some reason I was in defense mode and ready to attack at any moment.

Nozel, Fuegoleon, and William all stood as I took my seat.

"Thank you," I mumbled with a soft smile.

Yami scoffed at the gesture, "You don't need to stand for an Intermediate 5th Class."

"A true gentleman always stands for a lady such as Y/n," Nozel commented before sitting back down.

Yami chuckled before taking a long drag of his cigarette, never removing his eyes from mine.

"What's this about?" I asked trying to sound confident, but failing miserably.

I am so out of my league right now. What the fuck...

"We ought to wait for Julius before we begin," William explained.

"Y/n! I don't believe we've met before! I'm Rill!"

I stared at the young Captain with a smile, "Hi, Rill. It's nice to meet you."

"I heard you're really powerful! Yami told me you even bested Charlotte when she attacked you!"

My eyes widened with horror as I looked around at the shocked faces of the Captains.

Why would Yami tell him that!!?!

"What the hell, kid. I told you that in confidence," Yami groaned.

I watched Charlotte's face grow red with anger and embarrassment.

Nozel smirked, "Now this is a story I'd like to hear."

Jack the Ripper licked his lips, "Please, Y/n. Enlighten us."

I bowed my head slightly, "That is not a moment I'm

proud of. I wish to show nothing but respect to all Magic Knight Captains."

Yami laughed heartily, "Yea right! Since when!?"

I looked at him with surprise. Come on! You could at least pretend to have my back on this!!

"The peasant girl fights dirty," Charlotte remarked with a pompous tone.

You're the one that attacked me without warning, but ok.

"Apparently!" Rill started off in an excited voice. "Y/n wasn't listening to Yami, so Charlotte lunged at her to attack!"

My face turned bright red as he told the story. Please make this stop.

"But then! Y/n, instantly made a blood dagger and grabbed Charlotte. She put her in a headlock and had the dagger to her throat!!"

Oh, fuck.

A few of the Captains tried to hide their soft laughs.

"Ok, girl!" Jack yelled excitedly. "How about you take me on!!"

"L-like Charlotte said... Had it been a fair fight, I don't think I would've won," I mumbled trying to make sure I didn't leave this meeting with any more enemies.

I really wasn't a huge fan of hierarchies, and I didn't see the point in bowing down to royals and nobles.

But I wanted to be a Magic Knight, maybe even a Captain someday, so I couldn't afford to have a target on my back.

"It sounds like Charlotte was the one playing dirty. You should've been the one caught off guard," he responded viciously.

"And that kind of battle skill is exactly why we called you here!" Julius announced while walking through the door.

I immediately stood and bowed as the Wizard King approached the table.

"Please, Y/n. Sit."

I nodded and took my seat, now directly facing the Wizard King who was on the opposite end of the table.

"You know, Y/n. I love that story. It's one of my favorites," he smiled at me.

I was too shocked to even nod my head.

"I think it taught everyone involved a valuable lesson! Don't you agree?"

I looked around at the various Captains who all awaited my response. I am so confused right now.

"Uh... Well, sir... I'm not sure what I learned that day other than Yami and Charlotte like to hook up," I blurted out, my nervous getting the best of me.

Could I be any more fucking embarrassing?! I just decided I didn't want to make enemies!!

The table laughed at my response, Charlotte included. She must be proud of it. I even got a small smile from Yami, who was watching me intensely.

Julius offered me a small smile, "Well, I'm sure that has changed since then."

Shit, I forgot he knew about me and Yami...

The tone of the Captains changed to an overall sense of confusion.

Yea, because no one else knows about me and Yami.

"The valuable lesson I think you should've learned is that you have the potential to become a Magic Knight Captain," he added.

I couldn't help myself as a wide smile stretched across my face, "Thank you, sir."

"Is that something you want?" he asked.

I answered without hesitation. I didn't know this was something I wanted, but ever since my little field trip to Saussy, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

"Yes. It absolutely is a goal of mine."

Yami's eyes squinted slightly after hearing my response. Seeing as I just realized this myself, of course he wouldn't know about it.

William interjected, "Y/n. We all believe you are more than capable."

"Agreed," Fuegoleon smiled.

"As much as I don't want to admit it, it would be nice to have another woman represented in the Magic Knight Captains," Charlotte added with a small smile.

She doesn't hate my guts!!?! I let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you everyone," I bowed my head slightly.

"Which brings me to the point of this meeting," Julius continued. "Y/n, we have a special assignment for you."

I cocked my head to the side in confusion, "Hmm?"

"Adorable," Nozel smirked. "Someone like you..Are you sure you're happy with your decision of the Black Bulls?"

"Shut it, Braid Boy," Yami snapped, still smoking on his cigarette.

I swallowed nervously as Nozel's words triggered thoughts of Yuno's discussion with me earlier.

Focus, Y/n. It doesn't matter right now. You're getting a special assignment.

"So, uh, the mission?" I asked, trying to get back on topic, but I think everyone noticed my hesitation.

I noticed a small expression of sadness cross Yami's face.

"Y/n, I'd like to hear your answer. If you're not feeling connected to the Black Bulls, we ought to reassign you," William interjected.

Suddenly, all eyes were glued to me. Waiting for my response. Even Julius was staring at me with intensity.

"I love my squad mates," I squeaked out, barely above a whisper.

"That wasn't the question," Nozel added.

Fuegoleon started in, "Y/n, we cannot afford to waste your talents. We need you to be where you feel supported in your growth."

As I opened my mouth to respond, Julius cut me off. "I think this is a conversation we can have at a later date, seeing as it won't matter much when she starts her new assignment."

"Y/n, you know about the Spade Kingdom spies since you captured one on your dungeon assignment."

I nodded.

"Not captured, killed," Yami grumbled, clearly still on edge from the previous conversation.

"Right." Julius agreed before continuing. "We have received intel that they are planning an invasion of some sort. Maybe just against the Clover Kingdom, maybe against all the other kingdoms."

"Well, there seems to be more spies in the Clover Kingdom, so we think it's time to send over one of our own. We'd like that to be you."

My heart started racing a bit, "Me?... A spy?"

"We're still recovering from the many battles against the Eye of the Midnight Sun. We don't have the resources to go to war, especially if there were to be a surprise attack."

"We'd like to send you to gather information. This is vital for the safety and protection of the kingdom and all its citizens. I know this is a huge assignment, but you have the skills."

"H-how do I have the skills?" I stuttered. "I don't know that I can do this..protect all these people."

A small, empathetic smile curled up on his face, "Y/n. You're a powerful attack mage. You can hide your mana. You have healing powers. You're honestly perfect for this mission."

"Plus, there's no record of you here in the Clover Kingdom," Nozel stated bluntly.

Wait, how did he know that? Now they all know that!?

Only the poorest and most pathetic of peasants were unidentified, so it's not exactly something I was eager for everyone to know.

"Honestly, you could be an assassin if you wanted to," Jack smirked.

"We will not use her in such a way," Julius stated definitively. "I want you to help protect the kingdom, Y/n, because I trust you. But the choice is yours."

The Wizard King trusts me?

I bowed my head slightly, "It would be an honor to be of service to you and the Kingdom."

"You would be gone for several months with this assignment," Julius added.

I quickly looked over at Yami, who was avoiding eye contact. Months? Away from Yami? Is he ok with that?

Julius noticed and interjected, "Your Captain has approved and encouraged your referral for this mission."

Well, I guess that answers that.

Yami spoke but still avoiding my eyes, "It's only because I believe in you."

"When do I leave?" My tone becoming more firm. More confident.

"Immediately. Your job will be to infiltrate their ranks. No other kingdoms are aware we have a Blood Magic user, so it won't be suspicious."

"Other than my grimoire..."

"Fight without it. And if you have to, create a backstory," Yami interjected.

I nodded and Julius continued, "Seeing your power, I'm sure you'll move up quickly. As often as possible, you'll report back to us with information."

"Wouldn't it be better for her to keep a low profile? Do more silent digging around?" Jack asked.

"Y/n?" Julius asked. "What are your thoughts?"

"I'll spend the first week or so seeing what information I can gather without presenting myself to them. I'll decide how to proceed from there."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Julius stood, "Thank you for help with this, Y/n. We are all counting on you. The staff will prepare you for departure, and you'll leave as soon as possible."

I nodded, and we all stood as Julius exited.

As the Captains began to walk out, William approached me. "I believe you will have great success. Focus on your mission, but when you return, I'd like to talk to you about the Golden Dawn."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

He left the room and then it was just me and Yami.

"Yami, I'm sorry," I said in a soft voice.

He got up from his seat and put out his cigarette before walking towards me. He slowly wrapped me in his arms, resting his chin on the top of my head.

"I'm so sorry too... I'm going to miss you so much. Whatever happens, just know my feelings for you will never change."

I hugged him tightly, feeling the warm sensation of tears starting to trickle down my face.

I didn't know if we were going to stay together, or if he was going to move on while I was away. I didn't know at all where his head was at.

And I didn't have time to find out. I had something more important to focus on, now. Something other than myself.

So many things would be left unspoken, and I had to accept that.

He lifted my head up to look at him. "I love you, Y/n," he whispered. "Stay safe."

"I love you too..."

He brought his lips to mine and kissed me gently. As we pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine and slightly caressed my face.

He kissed my forehead softly before letting me go and walking to the door.

"Tell the others I'm sorry!" I called out. "And that I'll miss them."

He smiled back at me, "You got it. Now go change the world or somethin."