#wait why did i spelled marx n star like that

[wildcreationmagic]

Nozel x Oc

Chapter 4 Welcome to the Capital 

A/N: This chapter is a little shorter but with the last one being nearly 30 pages I hope that is alright! 

REMINDER: This is now in 3rd person! Eventually I will get around to phasing over the other chapters, but this is to see the response to the change first.

Having her first visit with the Wizard King, Ophelia does her best to meet his expectations after being talked up by the Captains. While meeting with him three familiar visitors show up.

Is this the Wizard King? Are Ophelia’s first thoughts, his outfit is certainly that of higher standing, however she’s given little time to think as he speaks up again. “I’m Marx Francois, one of the Wizard King’s advisors.” Even living in a small out of the way place like Carney people know the Wizard King’s name as things click in place. Giving a timid nod as he gestures for her to follow, approaching a pair of large wooden doors as he knocks, and a voice speaks up from the other side.

“Come in.”

Opening the door Marx steps aside and Ophelia isn’t expecting what she sees. In front of a large window is an elegant wooden desk and cushioned gold rimmed chair behind it, but that isn’t what surprises her. What catches her off guard is the fact next to it is a man in with short blond hair and a red robe kneeling next to an oversized luxury pet pillow with Gustaph laying on top soaking up the attention. Despite traveling a couple days he isn’t thin from losing mana, instead he is filled out as if he was just summoned! Blue eyes slide to a bowl in front of the pillow between Gustaph’s front legs, which is filled with what looks like fish.

Blinking Ophelia gives a glance over to Marx who has a hand over his face distraught as he heaves a sigh. “Sir please, Miss Ophelia is here as you asked.” Turning the man smiles and stands up as Gustaph opens his eyes, blinking, giving a short and deep eagle-like shriek in greeting, but not making a move to get up. Instead he leans down and uses his beak to break off a piece of fish tipping his head back as he swallows before looking back at her smacking his beak content.

As the Wizard King approaches the two to look at Marx hearing him scolding the man. “And Sir, how many times have I told you in the past day- don’t feed that creature in here!” Brow twitching in annoyance it is a little surprising seeing him lose his composure from how easy going he seems.

“Now, now Marx. Don’t make a scene-.” Waving a hand in dismissal his attendant interrupts.

“I’m not making a scene!” Catching himself Marx coughs into his hand and glances at Gustaph sighing. “Julius Sir, please don’t get distracted. You wanted to talk with Miss Ophelia, but also you’ve fallen behind on your paperwork because of… this animal.” Gustaph gives a noise of protest making Marx groan. “Well what do you want me to call you!? I don’t know your name or if you have one!”

Julius laughs a little and she smiles. They are much more easy going than she thought, and she’s grateful for it. “Well why don’t you ask Ophelia here? Would you mind telling us his name? I’ve tried calling him everything I can think of, but he won’t listen too well, and he gets upset if I just call him gryphon.” Green eyes boring into Julius, Gustaph ruffles his feathers in irritation giving an indignant huff. Standing up and strutting over to her tossing his head a bit as he gazes at his maker in a dignified manner. For a brief moment she can’t help but compare the pride and elegance he displayed to Captain Silva. Though that thought is quickly dashed for multiple reasons. One being Gustaph who stomps a foot demanding to be introduced making the Wizard King chuckle. “My he is high spirited.”

Giving a nod she is still nervous and intimidated to even be here, but he was wanting to discuss her magic. Reaching up she strokes Gustaph’s feathered cheek in a form of comfort. “This is Gustaph, and he is the head of his flock.”

“Ohhh, what nice name. It’s nice to meet you Gustaph.” Walking up the Wizard King takes one of his front three taloned toe shaking it as if greeting a human. “And you can summon more than one?” Gazing at Gustaph with stars in his eyes he admires him from beak to tail as Julius is told about the other four gryphons she can summon. “I see, that is amazing! What other creatures can you summon? What else can you do with your magic?!”

Right in her face as his eyes gleam in wonder while Marx thankfully tugs Julius away and reminds him to act accordingly for his position. “Apologies Miss Ophelia please continue.”

Smiling gently she reassured Marx that it was fine the Wizard King sits behind his desk as he folds his hands in front of him eagerly. “I’m not sure how much the Captain’s told you about my magic but it’s called Wild Magic, more or less I can create and turn into different creatures. A couple more I can create are wolves and an alligator. With my creatures the amount of mana used to make them decides how long they last. For example my butterflies are smaller so they take less mana and only last a few hours at most, while Gustaph can last a two or three days. So I was also surprised to see him in such good condition, because as they use mana it is like a living creature using energy. I expected him to be much thinner.”

“Ah, about that!” Gesturing towards the accommodations he had readied for Gustaph, Julius seems quite proud of himself. “I fed him some fresh salmon. I hope that is alright?” Well that explains it.

“Well that is actually partly why he looks so good. Since you fed him that can temporarily sustain him. Though since he can’t supply mana of his own he will eventually dispel when that runs out.”

“Ah, so it extended his duration that is fascinating! So if I hadn’t then he would be weaker and not as durable as well?!” He receives a nod and Wizard King ponders to himself.

“Another thing with my creatures is that I can’t just dispel them like everyone else can with their spells. Since they are another being I have to use an equal amount of mana used to create them- even if they aren’t at their best.”

The whole time she’s explaining the Wizard King is starry eyed soaking in every word, and he has the same child-like awe about her magic as from the letter. Just as he is about to ask another question several taps on the window catch the attention of all three plus Gustaph. Eyes wide she is shocked seeing an all too familiar and well-fed crow pecking at the window. “Kurko?”

Intrigued that this animal was familiar Julius shines while speaking. “Do you know this bird?”

Ophelia slowly nods while keeping her eyes on the bright-eyed bird. “Yes, I do. I saved him as a hatchling shortly after getting my grimoire. His name is Kurko.”

“Marx let him in will you?” The Wizard King’s smile is all too childlike, making Marx sigh, but he goes to open the window and Kurko flies in landing on Julius’s desk who marvels at him. “Well aren’t you a pretty bird with how shiny your feathers are.” Compliment ignored Kurko is focusing on something much more important to him right now. Hopping around from corner to corner on the desk it is clear to her that he is looking for something to take, but finds nothing of interest. Until he finally eyes the Wizard King’s adornments on his robe and one can practically hear the gears turning in that little bird brain of his. Reaching forward with his beak and grabbing onto some of the pins seeing if any are loose makes Julius chuckle. “Now you can’t have those.”

As if in disgust Kurko caws and gives up on the pins turning towards Ophelia. “Book! Book!” Hearing his mimicking earns an ‘oh’ from Julius.

“Now what would he want your grimoire for?” With him eyeing the satchel containing said grimoire and Kurko’s demand for it she removes it. Julius does want to see more of her magic after all.

“I’ll show you.” Taking a breath she closes her eyes as Kurko fluffs his feathers in excitement  while flicking his tail feathers up and down. “Wild Communication Magic: Creature Connection.”

Letting her magic wash over the three of them Kurko gives an exaggerated cough making her eyes roll as he speaks. “Oh, man. I thought you would never use that spell Ophelia! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you? When you first sent Gustaph out with those letters I knew something was up from those Captains. So I decided to follow him, and am I glad I did or I'd never have found you unless you came back to Carney! So who’s this?” Bobbing his head and perching himself on the back of Julius’s gold rimmed chair.

Baffled Marx stares and Julius smiles in delight. “So this is the communication magic the Captains were talking about, I also heard that you were very helpful during the mission!”

“Well I happened to be in the area, and overheard the Funny Man Number Three fluffing his feathers at Ophelia so I had to help.” Brushing it off as nothing, Kurko brandishes his side profile turning his beak up. “Though I still am waiting on my compensation, and might I add this is a mighty fine looking nest.”

Compensation…? Oh, Captain Silva’s hair clip. “Kurko, you agreed to help if I gave you food and you took it. So you’re paid.” Head shaking Ophelia places her hands on her hips as if scolding a child

“That ain’t the problem here! The problem is that they wanted the help so they didn’t pay me! Hey aren’t you the big shot, their boss? There must be something you can do.”  This bird is a swindler through and through she muses to herself in dismay.  

Thinking Julius holds up a finger. “I think I got something that you’ll like.” Standing and stepping over to a drawer the Wizard King opens it despite Marx demanding to know what he was going to give ‘the bird’ which Kurko doesn’t take too well.

“Hey, you.” Hopping on the back of the chair yet Kurko points a wing towards the blue haired man once he gains Marx’s attention.

“I have a name, it's Marx!” Hopefully no one decides to walk in, otherwise Marx would look ridiculous.

“Yeah, yeah. You look like a blue toadstool to me. Better yet, your head looks like a mushroom. I’ll call you Mushroom Head. I would call you Funny Man Number Four, but there are enough of those around Ophelia.”

“M-mushroom Head!?” Insulted Marx seems like he may pop a vein if this keeps up, and thankfully Julius gets everyone’s attention.

“This should be something you’d enjoy I believe.” Fishing out of a brown bag the Wizard King pulls out a gold coin setting it on the desk, and Kurko’s eyes look like they will pop from his skull.

Fluttering down he picks up a coin with his beak flashing it in the light before setting it down and standing it up using his three clawed toes to stand it up so he can admire the coin for all it’s worth. “Oh, this is nice. Very nice and shiny…”

Cooing over it Kurko isn’t bothered in the least as Marx blows up. “Julius Sir just where did you get that coin from, and why are you giving it to a thieving bird!?”

“I just took it from one of the Captain’s salaries, I don’t think they will miss one coin too much.”  Sighing Marx lowers a hand from his face finally, but doesn’t argue. “Now where were we- oh yes! What kind of creatures can you turn into? Can you show me?!”

Beside him Marx shakes his head, eyes closed in dismay as Julius’s eyes sparkle. “Sir, you can ask her that later. There is the matter of what squad she will be joining. You didn’t just ask her to leave her family to show you new magic.”

Straightening up and coughing into his hand Julius nods. “Ahem, right. Sorry I got a little excited there, but yes there will be plenty of time later. I got ahead of myself. I'm sorry, I’m Julius Novachrono the 28th Wizard King. It’s a pleasure to meet you Ophelia.” Taking her hand he gently shakes it and she gives a light squeeze back affirming the importance this meeting holds for her.

Even with introductions happening a bit out of order, and she smiles softly at him. “Thank you for having me Wizard King. I know the Captain’s mentioned to me about joining their squads when they were in Carney, but it is still a lot to wrap my head around.” Indeed it is since she’s hardly gotten time to adjust to another fact in her ever changing life.

With a smile Julius nods going to sit at his desk hands folded in front of him. “Don’t worry, I’m sure the Captain’s will give you plenty of time to choose.” As if on cue a knock comes from the door. “Come in.” Without pause the door swings open revealing Captain Vermillion and Captain Silva. The latter striding ahead of his rival leaving Fuegoleon to shut the door before joining.

Eyes sweeping the room Nozel’s gaze lands on Ophelia for a few moments until he turns it to the Wizard King who merely smiles. “Well hello Captains! Nozel, Fuegoleon it’s good to see you both. Maybe you can help us out. I was just discussing with Ophelia here about your squads.”

Sharp eyes boring into her yet, Nozel turns back to the Wizard King before speaking. “So you wrote to her as well, that would explain why I never got a response.” Watching the Captain out of the corner of her eye slightly annoyed, did he think she’d lie about such a thing or was he just that arrogant in expecting her to drop everything!?

“Yes, sorry about that! I figured it would be easier to tell you all at once.”

Listening to the Wizard King, Nozel gives a ‘hmph’ in response. It appears she wasn’t lying after all about having business in the Capital. Mauve eyes watching the smaller woman as they then slide towards Fuegoleon who is beside him, but also right behind her much to the eldest Silva's annoyance.

Kurko, who until now was forgotten about, is looking up at Nozel with his coin completely forgotten. “Oh you’re back eh? Funny man you wouldn’t happen to consider handing that clip over would you?” Clearly eyeing the end of the braid falling over his nose Nozel catches on quickly what the bird is after and scowls.

Hearing the annoying jabber Nozel glances down at Kurko trying to chat him up. “What is this pest doing in here?” Clearly not understanding what the bird is saying.

Offended and retorting back to the Silva all he hears is nonsense which makes Ophelia sigh softly undoing the spell so none of them can understand the crow. Seeming to realize this, Kurko caws loudly and ‘speaks’ directing his attention towards her. “Fawk you!”

Face going red she gasps and grabs Kurko tucking him under her arm like a parent scolding a misbehaving child. “That’s it you’re out.” Glancing at the Wizard King, Marx, Fuegoleon and Nozel she hurries to the window tossing him out as he protests with several loud squawks. Angrily pecking at the window as she manages to shut it just in time. Still embarrassed, her head turns away sighing slightly. “I apologize for that…”

Chuckling Julius waves a hand, Marx seems startled and still angry with being called ‘Mushroom Head’, Nozel seems disgusted with Kurko as he was before, meanwhile Feugeoleon seems in good spirits about the whole thing yet.

“Tch, that vermin shouldn’t have been let inside in the first place.”

Now that everything is a little less chaotic with Kurko sulking angrily outside the window pane Julius glances at Ophelia, Nozel and Fuegoelon. “Now, why don’t we discuss the matter of who’s squad she will be on shall we?” In response Nozel straightens up a little more while tipping up his chin and Fuegoleon nods with his arms crossed seeming confident. “Good, now then.” Shifting in his chair violet eyes shine with an air of mischievousness. “Ophelia, you received offers from all four Captains who went to Carney. Is there one squad among those four you take a liking to?”

Hearing this Nozel glances over with a narrowed gaze almost able to tell who she would say based on previous experience as he can also see Fuegoleon smile in pride. All eyes on her as she speaks nervously, able to feel the intensity from Captain Silva’s cold glare. “Well…” glancing to the side she flinches wishing she didn’t, feeling the full force of Nozel’s judgement and quickly glancing to the floor. “... Captain Vermillion offered to me first and I do agree with his beliefs.”

Ophelia can swear she hears a ‘tch’, but doesn’t dare glance over again. Luckily for her the silver haired Captain turns his head away seeming indifferent. Nodding Julius hums placing a hand on his chin glancing between the two royal captains. “Well, so long as you two are here, and you wish to both have her on your squad why don’t you show Ophelia around the Capital? As a Magic Knight she will have to know her way around after all.”

“Of course sir, patrolling and protecting the citizens within the Capital is part of our duty.” Firmly echoing his approval to the Wizard King, Fuegoleon gets a chuckle.

“Well I’m glad to see you’re fired up as ever for this Fuegoleon!” Eyes drifting over to Nozel who still has his head turned away a bit Julius speaks up. “Oh, so I take it you’re not interested in having her join your squad anymore Nozel? If anything I thought this would give the two of you an advantage over Yami and William by spending more time with her.”

Shoulders square and chin up Captain Silva’s eyes meet the Wizard King’s. “No, it isn’t that Sir. Of course I’d be glad to.” His eyes close as Julius and Fuegoleon share a knowing glance.

“Then it’s settled. So while you three do that I’ll inform the other Captain’s about your arrival Ophelia, and come up with a fair way to let you know about each of the squads before joining one.”  The three of them are seen off by Marx as Julius places a hand on his chin talking to himself once the door shut. Now just how to make this so all four squads are able to have a fair shot at Ophelia joining? Most Magic Knights have an idea since they join through the Magic Knight’s exam, but out in Carney each of the squad’s wouldn’t be very well known.

~

Nozel is the first to leave the Wizard King’s office as he mentally scorns the common girl. She may have a unique magic, but the fact she has distracted him for these past two weeks and now nearly embarrassed him in front of the Wizard King is inexcusable. Confident that the only reason he is so bothered is because of that lion’s persistence in having her join his squad, the Silver Eagle’s Captain glances back calmly to his rival and the Wild Magic user.

Being shown through the capital with the two Captains, Ophelia hears the calls of numerous girls calling to each of the Captains. Cries of ‘Lord Nozel’ or ‘Lord Fuegoleon’ being the most common, but she can’t help to overhear not so quiet whispers.

“Is that a girl Captain Fuegoleon and Captain Silva?”

“Whoever she is she’s so lucky, both Captains are so handsome!”

“She’s probably a commoner from nowhere, look at her clothes.”

Doing her best to block out the rest of the hateful comments Nozel and Fuegoleon don’t seem bothered in the least. At least with them flanking each side, even if Nozel is slightly ahead, she is able to hide from view. Just a small perk of being so short. As the two show her around they also explain more on what is to be expected of her as a Magic Knight, or at least Fuegoleon does.

Nozel mainly only interjects when ‘correcting’ about a fact or if his opinion differs from the Crimson Lion Captain’s. As they walk Ophelia finds herself being trapped between the two of them when disputing about a topic. The silver haired Captain glowering silently at the other. Being so close she feels nearly suffocated along with being able to take in their individual scents without trying. Nozel is cool with a hint of mint and Fuegoleon is warm spices by a fire. All the while their proximity makes a blush rise to color her cheeks.

Thankfully one of their disputes is interrupted when Marx appears in front of the trio using his communication spell startling Ophelia. Fuegoleon lifting his head asking what Marx needs and Nozel acts like he wasn’t just arguing with his fellow Captain.

“The Wizard King believes he has come up with something and would like to see you all in his office please.” Without another word the image blips into a thin line disappearing.

Both Captains glancing at one another and then the woman each wanted to join their squad. Getting the message she follows them as once more Nozel is in the lead leaving Ophelia to fall beside Fuegoleon.

~

“I hope the tour around the Capital was pleasant Ophelia, with Nozel and Fuegoleon showing you around there is probably little they couldn’t tell you.” Chipper about everything Julius gives a closed eye smile while sitting behind his desk.

“Yes, Sir. Captain Silva and Captain Vermillion were quite helpful.” Speaking softly she glances at the Captains with a grateful expression.

Hearing Ophelia, Nozel is reminded more and more of the position he was in until she decides on a squad . Simply a tour guide, and a royal, two of them in fact, showing around a commoner who knew nothing of the Capital or the inner workings of their squads. The whole idea is simply laughable. But he wouldn’t be bested by that lion or let this nonsense be for nothing with her just slipping through his fingers.

Continuing Julius’s voice snaps Nozel from his thoughts. “Well, while you were out I thought of the perfect way for you to understand each of the squads. Starting tomorrow you’ll be spending a day with each of them, if the said Captain approves of course. I already got permission from Yami and William in fact. Fuegoleon. Nozel. Would that work for you?”

Firm voice resonating in the air Captain Vermillion nods. “Of course.”

Julius slides his eyes to Nozel who tips his chin up in acknowledgement. “It won’t be an issue.” Briefly glancing to his side to take in Fuegoleon’s demeanor as he shows he can match his rival equally in every way, if not better.

Smiling the Crimson Lion’s Captain isn’t surprised with Nozel’s actions instead he grins, and in doing so makes the other royal scowl momentarily before resuming his impassive expression. At least until Julius speaks up.

“So who will be having Ophelia with them first? Unless you would like me to send you to the Golden Dawn or Black Bulls first Ophelia.” Speaking to her now she glances away for a moment.

Piping up before either Captain can while clearing her throat softly. “Actually Wizard King, Sir. I don’t think I want to see the Black Bulls.” Glancing at him swiftly in nervousness she continues so no questions are asked. “I have a friend in that squad, and well… frankly I don’t think I’d be able to keep my sanity if I did. From her letters they can be quite… wild.”

To himself Nozel smirks as his eyes close in contentment, at least it was one less thing to worry about. Even if she did see them Yami and his riff raff wouldn’t be able to compete with the splendor of the Silver Eagles.

Blinking Julius chuckles and gives a nod. “Of course, we’ll respect your wishes. Marx get a letter to Yami will you? Oh, and while you’re at it make a note to him that his pay is docked slightly this time.”

“Sir, don’t tell me I have to deliver that in person?” Dreading the thought Marx seems horrified by the prospect of approaching Yami with not only one, but two pieces of ‘bad news’.

Seeing the Wizard King shake his head Marx is more than relieved. “Alright, so Yami is out then! I guess since you two are here we may as well go with one of you, and now I think about it William did have to leave for a mission.”

Without warning Nozel speaks up surprising everyone in the room, even Gustaph raises his head from the luxury pillow he was lounging on once more to listen.

“With the interest she shows in joining the Crimson Lions it would be best to have her view his squad last. Otherwise there may be a bias in who’s squad she will be joining.” Arms crossed Nozel is firm as his gaze steady on the Wizard King, only flickering towards Ophelia for a brief moment..

What did he just say? He sounded nearly like a jealous boy, this is ridiculous, and the sooner it’s over the better. Once she is on his squad he won’t be making a fool of himself anymore, her magic is the only reason he is even considering offering a spot on his squad to a commoner.

“Well Nozel, I take it you would like to have Ophelia first then?” Smiling Julius watches the Silver Eagle’s Captain as his sharp eyes seem the slightest bit shaken at the notion, closing them to compose himself at the sudden question.

“It would be best to consider all possibilities to prevent the result from being swayed  Sir. She has shown favor towards the Crimson Lions, if that’s how it is then this would simply be a waste of time for everyone involved.”

Hands folded in front of himself the Wizard King thinks for a moment glancing over the three of them. “Well it is her choice, but what do you think Ophelia?”

With the focus being on her again she freezes and speaks carefully as not to cause any tension from one Captain in particular. “I’d like to think that even if I do show interest in Captain Vermillion’s squad I wouldn’t be biased and choose the squad I honestly think would be the best fit for me.”

Appearing happy with the answer Julius nods in agreement much to Nozel’s displeasure. “It’s settled then. Starting tomorrow Ophelia will be with one of your squads.” Gazing at the Captains the Wizard King’s eyes twinkle. “Now, who will be taking her first?”

Straightening up Fuegoleon salutes the man in front of him with his voice resonating firmness. “My offer still stands Sir. I would be more than happy to show Miss Ophelia the Crimson Lions and the basics of being a Magic Knight.”

“An excellent idea, and afterwards since your bases are so close Nozel you could show her the Silver Eagles.” Glancing to observe the silver royal’s reaction it seems his composure is back in full as if he hadn’t just been trying to hinder Fuegoleon’s chances.

“Very well.” Nozel doesn’t say a word more as this discussion is closed with Julius giving the final word.

“Then starting tomorrow Ophelia you will be with the Crimson Lions for a day! Until then I can have a room ready for you.” At the mention of her having a place to stay Nozel’s eyes stare down in disapproval, she is a mere commoner yet getting this kind of treatment? He doesn’t dwell on the thought, it is no concern of his. Right now his only concern is how to get her on his squad, then he would deal with her need be. Thoughts interrupted by the sound of her voice, at least she has discipline when speaking to superiors.

“Oh, Sir. I’ve been meaning to ask, would you like me to dispel Gustaph?” Hearing this Marx seems somewhat hopeful, but those hopes are quickly dashed.

“No need, it’s quite enjoyable having Gustaph around!” Standing up the Wizard King goes to pat Gustaph on the head earning a happy trill from the gryphon. Seeing them content she nods a little giving a wry smile.

“Alright, but he may dispel by the end of the day or tomorrow.” Blinking hearing her Julius hugs Gustaph teary eyed as the gryphon gives a sad shriek both of them gazing at the woman pitifully.

Meanwhile both Captains are taken aback with how attached Julius is, almost like he is a boy getting a new pet. Nozel however is much more restrained in his disbelief as Fuegoleon shakes his head, but neither are overly surprised either.

Somehow she is unable to stand seeing them like that and she sighs softly. “I can dispel and resummon him if you like Sir.”

Marx blanches as that will meen two or three more days of little to no work getting done! But before he can voice his displeasure both Julius and Gustaph perk up with stars in their eyes at Ophelia. “Really!? That would be wonderful, thank you so much!”

Giving an unsure smile she takes out her grimoire and dispels Gustaph only to summon him back in full glory seconds later. Giving a loving nudge to his creator as she chuckles, sometimes he was almost worse than Kurko. Snuggling back up to Julius on his pillow it is clear why he wanted back with how much attention was being given.

Clearing his throat Marx thankfully gets Julius back on track. “Oh- right! Fuegoleon, Nozel you’re dismissed. I will be looking forward to hearing about Ophelia’s time with your squads over the next few days as well.”

With the Captain’s exiting the Wizard King’s office she can’t help but watch them. Fuegoleon gives a grin making her smile back softly a little more at ease of what’s to come, but Nozel simply glances over silently and it is impossible to tell what he is thinking or feeling.

Since Julius is busy coddling up to the renewed Gustaph, Marx takes it upon himself to show Ophelia to her room. Not that he would expect the Wizard King to, but he did expect him to say she could go there! Unfortunately this is just what he has to deal with when Sir finds a new magic. “I will show Ophelia to her room Sir, and you better be at your desk working by the time I get back!” Gesturing calmly when speaking with her Marx shows their guest where she will be staying tonight.

~

Even with the silken sheets and plush mattress at her back sleep is near impossible to find. The past two weeks have happened so fast she hasn’t had time to stop and think about it, and now starting tomorrow she will be spending time with a Magic Knight squad? Sleep refuses to come, her body awake and anxious at what the next few days will bring. Eventually exhaustion wins as her muscles relax and breathing evens out giving in to a restless slumber.

~

Waking bright and early for a moment Ophelia panics realizing this isn’t her house, her bed or room. Then it all comes flooding back. The Wizard King, Cob, Marx, Captain Silva and Vermillion. Right she is in the Capital.

Shortly after waking and getting dressed Marx knocks on the door informing her that Julius has in fact invited her to have breakfast with him before heading off to the Crimson Lions. It is awkward to say the least as she isn’t used to how extravagant every portion is. Thankfully the Wizard King supplies most of the conversation as Ophelia picks at her food trying to eat without being too self conscious, but it is difficult not to be when feeling so out of place. The elegance of the castle and it’s residence is a far cry from the simple pleasures of home. Eventually she does finish eating and thanks Julius who smiles happily.

“Of course, enjoy your time with the Crimson Lions today! I look forward to seeing how you feel about each squad and your final choice!” Waving her off with Gustaph she smiles as Marx once more is helpful and guides her to the main door out of the castle.

“To your left is the Vermillion residence, and where the Crimson Lion Kings base is located as well- ah here comes Captain Vermillion now.” Turning her attention in the direction Marx is looking, and  sure enough there is Fuegoleon Vermillion is striding forward with long powerful steps. I should be getting back to the Wizard King and make sure he is getting along on his paperwork. Take care Miss Ophelia.”  Bidding her farewell she is l left alone except for Fuegoleon who is approaching ever closer as she meets his gaze stepping forward as well.

His eyes are like that of a lion’s and they are fixed solely on Ophelia. Under that gaze a sense of unease washes over her remembering something Miranda had written to her when she first joined the Magic Knights, about the Crimson Lion Kings and their Captain. Their training is not only relentless, but fierce, and she is about to walk right into the lion’s den. 

#black clover oc #Black clover Nozel #Black Clover Julius Novachrono #Black Clover nozelxOC #oc Ophelia #oc x canon #oc x Nozel