Bloom | By : chayron Category: +G to L > Kyou Kara Maou Views: 9093 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I don't own Kyou Kara Maou! It belongs to its respective owners. This fan fiction is not a commercial project, and I'm not making any money from writing it. |
Disclaimer: I don’t own Kyou Kara Maou! – It belongs to its respective owners. This fan fiction is not a commercial project, and I’m not making any money from writing it.
Warnings: yaoi (male x male), violence, swearing, angst, drama. Wolfram-centric, out of character, original character.
Summary: With Yuuri’s upcoming birthday, Wolfram makes his decision. Where will it lead him and what is to become of them? Should eventually be Yuuri x Wolfram.
A/N 1: Yuuri – 18 years old. Wolfram – 21. Eldara – 32. Halea – 20. Athara – 18.
A/N 2: Greta doesn’t exist.
A/N 3: European/American/Japanese standards all at once depending on the plot requirements.
A/N 4: A tendency to ignore the anime/manga and supplement the story with my own imagined facts.
A/N 5: Season III is not taken into consideration, except for the fact that Wolfram’s uncle exists.
A/N 6: The umlaut in Gunter’s name is a bother.
Bloom
by chayron (lttomb@yahoo.com), beta-read by bishie82
Part 32
The duke was watching the door, waiting for Conrart Weller to enter. It was unbelievable that the man had managed to catch a ship at this time of the year. He could think of only one captain who would dare to brave the sea like this. Certain measures had to be taken to make sure Sharp Ronny remembered who held his leash.
In a few minutes, followed by Karela, a man wearing the colors of Shin Makoku’s united army entered the study. The duke couldn’t help grinning. It was indeed Conrart Weller.
“Your Grace,” Weller greeted, bowing.
“Sir Weller,” the duke answered with a nod. He could see that the man could not help staring at his currently much shorter hair. It seemed that everyone found it unusual. He motioned for Weller to come closer to his desk.
“Excuse me for this unannounced visit, Your Grace,” Conrart apologized. “I wanted to send a message beforehand, but the sea…”
Eldara nodded. “I’m surprised you’ve reached us intact, Sir Weller. Is there an urgent matter for you to have been in such a hurry?”
Weller hesitated for a moment before answering then smiled. “Not as such, Your Grace. Oh, yes,” he said as if remembering something. “His Highness Gwendal von Voltaire sends his regards.” He started patting down his pockets and finally produced a letter sealed with a wax seal. Bowing lightly, he held out the letter. “Your Grace.”
Curious, Eldara took it. “Thank you. I’m always interested in Lord von Voltaire’s regards,” he said, grinning. He broke the stamp and started reading.
Several moments later, the duke closed the letter then looked up at Conrart Weller. He wasn’t certain whether he was more amused by the letter or by the sudden arrival of Wolfram’s half-brother. Just to make sure he hadn’t skipped anything, Eldara opened the letter again and reread von Voltaire’s note. There were the usual official greetings and salutations, but the duke was most interested in the last part of the message which said,
<…>It has come to my attention that there are rumors of Your Grace and my dear brother, Wolfram von Bielefeld, having an improper relationship. I request to do everything in Your Grace’s power to cease such a baseless rumor. I express my utmost thanks in advance. It would also be in everyone’s best interests if there were no such misunderstandings in the future.<…>
“Improper relationship,” the duke repeated with satisfaction. “Misunderstanding.” Grinning, he skipped the next paragraph and stopped on the bottom ones:
<…>I humbly ask for Your Grace’s forgiveness for not informing about Conrart Weller’s arrival in advance. His sudden wish to see our dear brother has taken me by surprise, but, seeing how there might not be any other chance for him to reach Kardera but in spring, I gave him permission to depart.
With best wishes and salutations I leave both of my dear brothers in Your Grace’s care.
Gwendal von Voltaire
The Supreme Commander of Allied Forces
Smiling, the duke folded the letter. This time von Voltaire had skipped out on at least three titles that he carried: The Supreme General to Shin Makoku’s Army, The Royal Military Advisor, and both The Lord of the Voltaire Land and House. He must have been in a hurry. Eldara looked at Weller standing in front of him, waiting for some kind of a sign or affirmation. The man was of mixed blood, which used to be considered a disgrace in Shin Makoku. He had a gentle face and warm eyes, but the duke knew they were deceiving. Conrart Weller was an experienced soldier, one of the best of Shin Makoku’s swordsmen. He was indeed death itself on the battlefield. And now he had been sent by von Voltaire to watch over Wolfram.
The duke chuckled. He lowered the letter onto the desk. “I guess you would like to see your brother.”
Conrart nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. I’d be grateful.”
Eldara turned to the guard at the door. “Karela, could you ask von Bielefeld to come here? Tell him his brother w-”
“Ah, Your Grace,” Conrart interrupted him. “Could I make a request?”
“Yes?”
“Could we not tell him I’m here? I’d like to surprise him.”
The duke nodded. “Alright.” In fact, he was no less interested in Wolfram’s reaction to the arrival of his half-Human brother. There was something peculiar about their relationship. He turned to the captain, who was standing at the door. “Karela?”
The captain gave the duke a reproachful look.
“It’s fine, go and get him,” Eldara told him. “I don’t think von Voltaire would stoop as low as to send his own brother to assassinate me,” he added in Razgadian jokingly. Karela’s face acquired a severely disturbed expression, and the duke realized that he had made a mistake.
“He just might,” Conrart said in one of Karderian dialects. “Depends on how much Your Grace has angered him.”
Turning to him, the duke chuckled. “Hopefully, his anger hasn’t reached that stage yet.” Weller’s face told Eldara that he was wrong and he chuckled again. Weller appeared to be quite as easily read as Wolfram.
“I didn’t know you are fluent in Razgadian,” the duke said when Karela left. “Do you have any relatives here? Maybe friends?”
“Yes, Your Grace, I have a few acquaintances who speak it.”
Eldara nodded. “Gurrier, is it?”
Conrart suppressed his frown. “Your Grace is well-informed.”
“Hm. Well, yes, I must admit that I took some interest in Gurrier’s personal and professional life,” Eldara confessed with a soft smile. “I, however, did that with only best intentions.”
Conrart nodded lightly. He had always felt uncomfortable around people like the duke but it was the first time he had found himself rushing head first into things. <i>‘That scheming son of a bitch’</i> – that was what Gwendal had called von Ashira. Before coming here, Conrart had prepared to meet a stubborn and intractable nobleman. Von Ashira, though, appeared to be much more than that. He was hard to stomach with all of his subtleties and insinuations. That soft pretentious smile on his face… It seemed like if you pour a slop-pail of accusations and charges onto him, he would still walk away unscathed, with that grin of his gleaming from afar.
Both men turned when there was a knock on the door. Wolfram noticed his brother as soon as he entered the study. Surprised, he stopped with his hand on the doorknob. After successfully scooping his surprised expression, he fully entered the room. He then, not noticing Karela behind him, closed the door behind him against the captain’s perplexed face.
“Hello,” Wolfram said, advancing further into the room. “It’s…been a long time. Nice to see you.” The blond was suddenly struck by that familiar, soft smile on his brother’s face and the warmth in his hazel eyes. “Um…” Uncertain and discouraged by Conrart’s silence, he stopped a few steps away from his brother.
Conrart was astonished – during all those talks about how Wolfram was unsafe in von Ashira’s clutches, no one had mentioned how much Wolfram had changed. He had turned into a fine man. He was taller, his body had filled out, his previously lanky limbs now were much more muscular and proportional to the rest of his body. Even his somewhat shorter hair completed the new picture.
“Err, yes, likewise,” Conrart said finally with a nod.
Wolfram had expected that Conrart might come to visit him but he had thought it would happen in a few months, in spring specifically. Such a quick arrival threw him off balance. He had thought a little about what he would say to Conrart when they met, but now his brain didn’t seem to remember anything.
Seeing how the brothers just stood quietly, Eldara motioned at the chairs in front of his desk. The awkward tension between the brothers was nearly tangible. The duke took the letter off his table and leaned forward.
“Von Voltaire sends his regards,” he said, passing Wolfram the letter after they had sat down. With satisfaction, he noted how wide Weller’s eyes became.
It was silent while Wolfram was reading the letter. Conrart was watching him apprehensively. He knew what the letter entailed and he had never expected the duke to pass it to Wolfram.
“Well,” Wolfram said awkwardly after he had finished reading the letter, “it seems like he has received all the detailed information.” With a glance at his brother, he folded the letter. His cheeks turned pink. “I will deal with this,” he said. He saw the duke’s eyebrows rise sarcastically.
“Don’t worry about it,” Eldara said, extending his arm to take the letter.
The three of them knew that Wolfram didn’t have much chance of “dealing” with Gwendal. If anything, Wolfram was going to be the one “dealt” with. Wolfram’s cheeks became even redder. He glanced at Conrart again – his brother had come here just before the sea started freezing over. He was going to stay here until spring. Wolfram wasn’t able to tell whether he was glad or upset about this arrangement.
Conrart was in some kind of stupor. Seeing that neither of the two was bothered by the letter, at least not in the way he had expected them to be, he realized that it was just as Gunter had said. Stunned, Conrart raised his eyes to stare at the duke. Was this man Wolfram’s…partner? Lover? He had not wanted to believe Gunter, thought that he had exaggerated a great deal. Wolfram had always attracted all types of perverts and busybodies but this was the worst.
“I’ll let you catch up,” Eldara said. He stood up and went for the door.
Wolfram felt a pang of panic shoot up his spine but requesting him to stay would have been ridiculous. “Ahh… Thank you,” Wolfram said, not meaning it. He was apprehensive since he was at a loss as to what say or even how to start a conversation with Conrart.
For the next several seconds ringing silence enveloped the study. Then, both brothers shifted awkwardly and cleared their throats but, still, nothing came out.
“Errm…” Wolfram hummed quietly. “So what’s new at home?”
“Oh,” Conrart remembered. He started patting his chest pockets. He opened the one on the left and took out two envelopes. He held them out for Wolfram.
The blond took them and read the names on the top of them. One was from Gwendal, another from Yuuri. Wolfram looked at Conrart. “Mind if I…?”
“No, no, please, go ahead and read them.”
Gwendal’s letter was quite different than the one he sent to the duke. There was not a word about any rumors or reprimands for their relationship. Absolutely nothing, just a line, warning him to be skeptical and wary of everything von Ashira said or would say to him. The sentence that Wolfram reread a few times was about Gwendal saying he was proud of him finally taking a step forward in his and Conrart’s relationship. Gwendal did realize that Conrart might have been too hasty to jump into the first best ship and head for Kardera, but it was because Conrart was afraid that if he didn’t use this opportunity, it might never appear again. Wolfram realized that too. It was exactly because of this reason that it felt so awkward. He also felt somewhat guilty since Conrart had probably come here with much bigger expectations than to just sit in this sensitive and unbearable atmosphere.
Yuuri’s letter was permeated with confusion and regret. Recently, all of them were. The careful, considerate lines hoped that Wolfram really liked his present and that everything was going well for him. He was glad that Wolfram had decided to make up with Conrart and wished they would become as close as he and Gwendal were.
Wolfram folded the letter and pushed it back into the envelope. “How is Mother doing?”
“She’s great. She’s getting ready for another trip of hers.”
“Isn’t it cold already?” Wolfram wondered. He sighed at the look that his brother gave him. Certainly, cold wasn’t going to bother her as long as the other party kept her warm. “Who is it this time?”
Conrart just waved off helplessly. “Some baron from Big Cimaron.” Wolfram was shuffling through the envelopes as if they were cards, and Conrart resigned himself to the inevitable. “She told me to tell you that she wishes you all the best with your beloved.”
Wolfram cleared his throat awkwardly. “Thanks, I suppose.” He put the letters down. This was certainly not the topic he wanted to pursue with Conrart. “Which room did you settle in?” he asked.
“Oh,” Conrart said, brightening, “it’s…” he trailed off not certain how to describe.
Wolfram chuckled. “You’ll just have to show me.”
The older man nodded. “If I don’t get lost on my way.”
“How many of you have arrived?”
“Just me and two more men.”
They left the study and turned towards the guest rooms that Wolfram knew were usually given to temporarily residing people. They met Yozak and Karela heading the opposite way, probably to the duke’s study on some kind of business. At the sight of Conrart, Yozak stopped in surprise. He smiled brightly, but, at the same time, gave Karela an awkward look.
“I didn’t know you had plans visiting Kardera,” Yozak said when they approached each other. “When did you get here?”
Wolfram guessed that any other time Yozak would have been much more enthusiastic, maybe would have hugged Conrart since normally he was more a touchy-feely kind of person.
“I just acted on the spur of the moment and here I am,” Conrart said. He looked at Karela at Yozak’s side.
“Ah,” Yozak stirred, “this is Karela Ine, the captain of the duke’s guards.” He motioned at Conrart. “That’s my old friend and von Bielefeld’s brother, Conrart Weller.”
“Yes, we’ve met recently,” Karela said.
Wolfram didn’t know what relationship exactly Yozak and Conrart shared but this spelled trouble. Not wishing to be a part of this, he excused himself and, saying that there would be another opportunity to see the room, disappeared from the corridor as fast as he could.
- - -
After lunch, the duke invited everyone for an outing to the town. He warned them in advance that he would not be able to join their company since an urgent business had come up. He, however, wished for them to enjoy the trip and promised to compensate his absence in other ways.
Conrart watched Wolfram, whose disappointed eyes followed the duke’s back until it disappeared in the corridor. Weller was glad about this chance to spend some time in Wolfram’s company without the duke. Another one who was glad about this arrangement was Reikia. Conrart would have been either amused or annoyed by the immediate grin that had spread over von Estram’s face after the duke’s announcement if he was aware of Reikia’s intentions.
The day was cold but sunny and many joined the trip just to loosen up. The men were quickly saddling their horses. The sword fastened at his brother’s side drew Conrart’s attention. It was not the time to ask Wolfram about it, but there was probably never going to be the time to start this kind of a conversation.
“Umm…” Weller started uncertainly. “I was told that you didn’t like the sword.”
Wolfram gave him a surprised look. “Hm? Who told you that? I like it. It’s a good sword. I thought I specifically told Gunter to express my thanks to you?”
“Ah, that. Well, yes, he did but…”
“What I was disgruntled about was His Majesty’s gift, not your pick,” Wolfram explained offhandedly. “I like the sword.”
Conrart grimaced. “His Majesty was so excited about it. He really wanted you to like it.”
“Yes, of course, that’s why he told you to get something I would like.”
Conrart shook his head. “Swords and war go against His Majesty’s principles. Yet he sent you one because he really wanted to please you. He didn’t deserve such a curt reply.”
Wolfram was quiet for a few moments, thinking. He had been angry about the gift. Yet, Conrart was probably right. The sword had been Yuuri’s attempt to reconcile. For once Yuuri gave something that he knew would really be appreciated instead of forcing his pacific beliefs.
“Wolfram, His Majesty…”
“Let’s not talk about him,” Wolfram said, urging his horse and turning away. He knew what Conrart was trying to do and it felt rather awkward. It also made him feel guilty.
Conrart’s eyes left the sight of the shiny scabbard and just stared blankly at his brother’s back.
“You should try and stay friends with him.”
“I can’t,” Wolfram said softly. “It seems I’m not the type to stay friends with people who reject me. It pains me too much. I would like him to disappear from my sight, but, since this is impossible, I’ll remove myself from his.”
“It’s unwise,” Conrart said softly. “You’re one of the heirs to the noble families of Shin Makoku.”
“Ah, yes, Eldara would call me apolitical again.”
Conrart blanched at the familiarity with which his brother addressed the duke. He still couldn’t accept the fact of the two sharing a bed. He still hoped that this was some sort of a misinterpretation.
“I understand. I understand it all, Conrart,” Wolfram was saying, “but… I just want some distance.”
“His Majesty is afraid of this distance,” Weller protested. “He doesn’t want to lose a friend. Neither do you, in fact.”
Wolfram shook his head. “It’s too late already.” He urged his horse away from his brother so as to stop this meaningless conversation.
They set out in a trot. Halea was declared the guide of their large group and she immediately announced that their main attraction was going to be the temple of Odule and children home. Inconspicuously, everyone checked their purses.
Despite everyone had departed from the castle with expectant mood, it was mostly silent. Only the talks from the carriage could be heard – Halea had taken two of her maids with her. This time, Fredrick had left her side and joined the other men.
Wolfram found himself getting bored quickly. Just a few days ago he had taken the same route. Since it seemed that he had completely recovered, he urged his horse forward, to the front of their group.
“I announce the race to the temple of Odule started,” he shouted loudly for everyone to hear. “Those who lose, will pay one peace of gold to the winner. No elements allowed.”
Men in the party met each other’s eyes uncertainly. Grinning, Athara sided to Wolfram and cupped his hands in front of his mouth, repeating the blond’s challenge in Karderian.
“Hyah! Hyah!” Yozak shouted suddenly, urging his horse. It sprung forward, the snow spilling from under the hooves.
“C’mon! Hyah! Hyah!” Reikia shouted, trying to catch up with other men who suddenly burst after the captain. Reikia couldn’t exactly remember where the temple was but that didn’t bother him in the slightest.
Ten horsemen were approaching the town at full gallop. They flew past the first houses and into the main street, shouting for people to get out of their way. Yozak was at the front of the group, Wolfram not far behind him with two of the duke’s men breathing down his back. They were nearing the temple quickly, Rendar’s competitive spirit flaring up, Wolfram quickly gaining ground.
A dog ran out in front of Yozak and he urged his horse to jump, which it did. While landing, though, it slipped on the ice-covered puddle. The horse lurched and Yozak suddenly faced the dilemma of either jumping off or holding for all that’s worth.
The horse didn’t manage to right itself up but instead of crashing into a nearby fence, the horse and Yozak rose into the air. The whoosh of the wind could be heard while they were suspended above the ground. Men, who had stopped their horses after seeing Yozak’s trouble, urged their horses forward again.
“Captain! Captain! Captain! Onwards! Captain!”
The town started ringing with the chant while Yozak soared through the air effortlessly on his panicking horse.
“Captain! Captain! Captain!” joined the duke’s men laughing at the sight of Gurrier flying on a horse, overtaking the other racers.
“Yes, Captain! Yes, he won!” someone shouted when Yozak nearly flew into the one of the temple’s walls.
Laughter filled the air, the rest of the group catching up. Wolfram had to raise his hands to cease the guffaws. “Now, now,” he said, still short of breath. The matter was even more complicated by the irresistible urge to join in the laughter. “Gurrier is disqualified. I did not permit the elements.”
“But I didn’t use it!” Yozak exclaimed. “It’s not my fault!”
Wolfram rolled his head up to stare at Yozak, who was still floating above their heads. “Enough, Morgan,” the blond ordered, bursting out in laughter, “get him down.” Still chuckling, he turned to the men. “Alright, let’s vote.” He waited for Athara to translate then raised his hand. “Who votes for Gurrier?”
Yozak was proclaimed victorious unanimously. A bout of clapping and cheers arose, to which Gurrier bowed theatrically. The joyful hubbub diminished considerably when everyone was reminded that they owed Yozak one piece of gold. It was a big amount of money that Wolfram had unwittingly announced before starting the race. Now, watching the gold exchange hands, he felt uncomfortable. The men were still laughing, the mood good, but the sum was big and the race hadn’t exactly been fair and later this might cause a few discontent murmurs.
The problem, however, was solved nearly as soon as it arose. When the carriage with Halea and her maids caught up, she saw gold exchange hands and asked what was going on. Athara rode up to the window and quickly filled her in with the details. Halea quickly caught on with the problem and her eyes sparkled. She climbed out of the carriage.
“Congratulations, sir,” she said, smiling. “You were certainly lucky today.”
“Thank You, Lady von Ashira,” Yozak said, bowing. His face shone with ecstasy while he was pouring the gold into his bag.
“Not everyone is as lucky as you, sir, though,” Halea continued. She saw the captain give her a suspicious look, his grin fading. She nodded. “I’m certain that such a gallant and generous man as yourself will not mind sharing some of your luck with those who need it most.”
Yozak thought that he was neither gallant nor generous but it was best to keep that to himself. He already knew what Halea was walking about. “Of course, milady,” he said, bowing respectfully. Silently, he weighed the bag with coins then Wolfram kicked his leg. Yozak forced a smile. “I’ll be glad to share my luck.”
Suppressed laughter echoed around him while Conrart patted him on his back. Wolfram watched Halea climb back into the carriage. She had certainly picked up a trick or two from her big brother. This way, the situation had been defused and, at the same time, everyone had already donated the money for the children home just as Halea had planned. The amount had clearly exceeded her expectations, though.
While looking around the town, Athara told the guests its history and pointed out the key buildings and attractions. Amused, Wolfram noticed that Athara had tactfully left out his favorite place.
The children home wasn’t as run down as the party had expected it to be. Wolfram had already seen it during the autumn festival and knew that it was because Halea took care of it personally. He wondered what was going to become of it when she moved to von Sarda’s home. Eldara had neither time nor wish to deal with similar matters. Athara… Wolfram imagined him in Halea’s place with great difficulty.
“His Majesty has built a children’s home in Taured,” Conrart said softly while they were looking around in the yard, waiting for Yozak and Halea to return from the meeting with the home’s head. The windows were swarmed with children’s faces. It was not every day that so many moneybags appeared. Conrart guessed that most of them earnestly prayed and hoped that now one or two of them would be adopted.
“Oh, yes,” Wolfram said, waving back at a little girl who was enthusiastically waving through the window at their group. “He had been talking about this idea of his just before I left.”
Conrart nodded. “It’s opened its doors just a few weeks ago. Not a moment too soon.”
“Yes,” Wolfram agreed, “it’s probably even colder in Shin Makoku.”
“I think His Majesty has decided to stay in Shin Makoku permanently,” Conrart said softly. “He hasn’t left for His world for half a year now.”
“Oh?” Wolfram gave him a surprised look. Yuuri had told him once that he wanted to go to university. Had he changed his mind? Normally, Yuuri appeared and disappeared within intervals of a few months. “That’s good, isn’t it?” he said uncertainly.
“I think His Majesty is waiting for you to return,” Conrart said. “He probably wants to apologize, to settle it somehow.”
Wolfram shook his head. “There’s nothing to apologize for. It can’t be settled. I… I really don’t think I can interact with him as if nothing has ever happened.” Wolfram pursed his lips in distaste. “I just can’t stand that foolish me who…” He shook his head again, not finishing.
“But…”
The blond motioned for his brother to be quiet. “Enough. It’s pointless to talk about it.”
“That’s not so. His Majesty… He…”
Conrart was suddenly taken aback by the anger in Wolfram’s emerald eyes.
“It’s over!” Wolfram hissed at him. “There’s nothing to fix and nothing to talk about! Stop bringing it up! Do you even imagine how long it took me to… Shit!” he spat, enraged and urged on his horse sideways, away from Conrart.
The older man grimaced at the display. He knew it wasn’t his business, but Wolfram was making a mistake by trying to cut all the connections with Shibuya.
Everyone turned to the door which opened to reveal Halea, Yozak and a few other people. They stopped at the top of the stairs.
“This is Drovan Evaen, the head of this establishment,” Halea introduced the lanky, big-eyed man standing next to her. “He wanted to personally thank you all.”
“Hello, gentlemen,” the head said, smiling. “Just as milady said, I want to express our utmost gratitude on behalf of the children and personnel. Thank you for your generosity. May the Gods be with you,” he finished, bowing.
TBC
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