The Problem
The three leaves of a clover represent faith, hope, and love. On the holiday known as Three Leaf day, citizens of the Clover Kingdom prepare a gift for a special someone. The receiver must give one of those three virtues in return. Faith and hope are good and everything, but the reward everyone is really looking for is love.
Well, almost everyone.
"Alright everyone, listen up! You better all be on your best behavior today. And get this damn building cleaned up! If anything goes wrong, I'm skinning all your hides."
Yami had bigger issues on his mind than Love. His squad, the Black Bulls, was notorious for being a group of unproductive ruffians. That was true, sure, but Yami still wanted to improve their reputation. Julius entrusted him with a squad, after all, it was the least he could do. Today might be a good day to achieve that; an official from the Castle was coming by to conduct an evaluation, which could directly affect squad rankings. If there was a time to get serious, it was now.
"Captain, Captain! I have a question!" Magna exclaimed, raising his hand. "Who exactly is it that's coming?"
Yami sighed and took a drag of his cigarette. "Some new official at HQ. I don't know the guy, but they're as green as they could get... probably some prissy noble boy, if I had to guess."
"Ooh, are they cute~?" Vanessa slurred from the couch.
"Probably not... by the way, you better be dressed and sober by the time they get here!"
Luck giggled and punched the air. "Ooh! Ooh! Can I fight them? I bet they'd like that!"
"Absolutely not."
"Maybe it's a girl!" Finral swooned. "If so-"
"Don't even finish that sentence."
Gauche sneered and held up his photo of his little sister. "Captain, there's no reason for me to be here. Can I go-"
"No, you can't go visit your sister."
"Grrrr!"
"That's enough! Everyone get cleaning!" Yami barked. The squad broke off to go do their chores, all anxious about tonight's evaluation. Yami sighed and sat down in his chair, pulling out a newspaper to distract himself. This could go really badly... it doesn't help that we're the last squad to get visited. This evaluator is going to be comparing us to all the other squads...
Meanwhile...
"Captain! I didn't expect you to be so tall! I mean, I've seen you before, from afar, but up close you're like a giant! Does it run in your family?"
Gueldre Poziot had no idea what to do, for the first time in his life. He and his squad were prepared better than anyone for this evaluation. He was well aware of the problems in his squad, and would rather conceal them than have them get fixed. Everything was in place, but he never expected this problem...
No, the problem wasn't the evaluation. It was the Evaluator.
Oh no. She's cute.
He didn't expect this official to be an extremely cute girl, that was for sure. "I- Uh- yes, actually, it runs in the family," he finally replied, trying to keep it together. Gueldre wasn't the type to get flustered like this, but there was something about the way she looked at him with those wide, bright eyes, and how cheerful and genuinely interested she seemed to be in him. He wasn't used to people being... nice to him. His squad obeyed him, sure, but that's as personal as it got. "So... let me give you a tour of our place?"
She closed her eyes as she smiled. "Of course!"
To his delight, she actually took the arm he offered her. Gueldre was practically giddy as he walked.
Look at me... could this be love?
Charlotte Roselei could only bring herself to love one man, Yami, but she was pretty sure she would never have her feelings returned. However, she did develop little crushes on women very easily. This was definitely one of those times.
"Wow, she seems like a cool person," Sol said to her captain. The two of them were watching from afar as the evaluator talked cheerfully with some of the other squad members. "Don't you wish that she would join our squad, sis?"
"It's captain, Sol," Charlotte corrected, a light blush on her cheeks. "And yes... I suppose I do."
Her heart jolted as the girl turned and jogged towards them. That was another cute thing about her... she was always moving, whether it be tapping her foot or pacing around, or fiddling a pen between her fingers. She never walked, she ran from place to place, even if it was just a short distance. She was so full of life and excitement, Charlotte couldn't help but feel drawn to her.
"Captain! What an amazing squad you have!" she burst out as she skidded to a stop. "So many powerful women! I wish I were a magic knight now, haha!"
Charlotte laughed to herself. It was surprising; she usually got so worked up over crushes, but this girl put her at ease. "It's not too late, you're welcome to stay here!"
"Oh, that's so nice of you! But, I couldn't possibly leave my current job... Marx says that my coffee is the only thing keeping him alive!"
Charlotte frowned. She knew Marx was one of the Wizard King's closest associates. "Coffee? They don't have you acting as a servant, do they?" The thought of a girl like her being reduced to such a role...
Luckily, the girl shook her head adamantly. "Oh, no no! It's not like that at all! I mean, I used to be a servant."
"Oh? So, you're not nobility?" Charlotte asked, wondering how this girl managed to climb so high in the ranks.
"Nope! I was a peasant, but my magic happens to be very convenient," she explained. "So, I worked in the castle as a royal servant. It wasn't great, but it was a job... but then, someone told me that I needed to go, er, spend time with the king... I was so scared! They made me wear a tasteless outfit and everything..." The girl laughed nervously, but Charlotte could tell by the look in her eyes that it was a truly bad memory. The Captain wanted nothing more than to grab her in her arms right then and there, and protect her from this cruel, evil world.
"But!" Her eyes suddenly lit up, and she started to talk so fast that it was a little difficult to tell what she was saying. "I was so scared, I decided to run away! I started using my magic and making a big hole in the wall to jump out because otherwise I would have to go back through all the guards... but then, who should walk by but the Wizard King! I had never seen him before and thought he would be old and ugly like Augustus (Don't tell him I said that please), but he wasn't either of those things! He asked what was going on and I told him, so he took me with him instead! And, ta da! Here I am." She spread her arms out cutely to punctuate her point. "Well, that's all I really have to do here. I have three squads left to check out." She turned and waved goodbye. "See you later, Charlotte!"
Charlotte blinked, then realized that it was too late to ask the girl out. Dammit! I'll have to invite her to tea or something next time.
"Big Sis?"
Sol poked Charlotte in the cheek, the older woman having zoned out watching the Evaluator run off out of sight. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no! Nothing." Charlotte blushed. "And it's Captain, Sol."
"Got it, Sis!"
Despite Sol's antics, Charlotte had a little smile on her face.
Three-leaf day is coming up soon after all...
"Are you sure you want to come? It might be dangerous." Fuegoleon frowned down at the young woman who was sent to evaluate his squad. They were about to leave on a mission to round up some dangerous magical beings out in the strong magic region.
However, the girl wasn't dissuaded. "What better way for me to evaluate you guys than go on a mission! I probably can't stay the whole time, I have one more squad to visit. And also!" She grinned and punched the air, trying to look tough. "I can take care of myself!"
...cute, Fuegoleon thought to himself, but was suddenly drawn from his thoughts as his sister Mereoleona, who was here to visit for a few days, slung her arm around the evaluator's shoulders. "I like you! There's nothing I love more than a tough woman!" the flame-haired woman laughed. "And if you get in trouble, I'll be the one to save you." She sent a playful glare over at Fuegoleon, but her message was clear. Hands off. This one's mine.
Fuegoleon sensed a challenge, and smirked to himself. Over my dead body. "Very well. You may accompany us."
They headed off to the strong magic region. The magic creatures were like large, purple octopuses, flinging rocks around with their tentacles. "Make sure to just knock them out! We've been ordered to relocate them!" Fuegoleon ordered. The Crimson Lions yelled back in response before rushing into battle. Fuegoleon crossed his arms and watched, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the Evaluator, who was entranced. "So? What do you think?"
"They're wonderful!" she exclaimed. "So many powerful knights, and they're all so well coordinated..." She turned to beam up at Fuegoleon. "That's because of your leadership though, right?"
It took everything Fuegoleon had to fight off his blush. "Ah- er- I suppose. The squad all works hard, though."
"Mhmm! And Mereoleona's wonderful!" She pointed at his sister, who was kicking one of the octopus's ass. "I've never seen someone fight like that!"
"Big bro! Can I get a little help?" Fuegoleon looked over to see his brother Leopold struggling with one of the beasts. He let out a deep sigh. "Sure." He ran off to help, and the two of them quickly dispatched the enemy. Haha, look at that! That must have impressed her... Fuegoleon turned around to see that she was, indeed, shocked at the power he just gave off. But what really got his attention was what was coming up behind her.
"Oh no! Look out!"
The evaluator turned around just in time to see one of the Octopuses barreling towards her. Both Mereoleona and Fuegoleon sprang into action, sprinting towards her as fast as they could. Shit! I'm not going to get there in time! Fuegoleon's eyes widened as the beast prepared to crush the small girl with its tentacles. It's going to kill her! FUCK-
The Evaluator raised her hand, her Grimoire already open in front of her. "Dehydration Magic: Vanishing Vapor!"
As soon as the spell was cast, the beast suddenly started to wilt up as all of the water vapor in its body was squeezed out. It let out a squeal of confusion as it shriveled up, shrinking down rapidly. A moment later, the once-fearsome animal plopped on the ground at her feet, the size of a normal octopus.
Fuegoleon and Mereoleona skidded to a stop, their jaws hanging open. The girl giggled and picked up the octopus in her hands, as it squirmed around helplessly. "I told you I could take care of myself, right?" They had no words. "Here." She handed the creature to Fuegoleon. "You two are impressive, and so is this squad! Unfortunately, I really need to get going, but this was fun!" They both waved goodbye weakly as she turned, grabbed her broom, and flew off into the north. The sun was setting.
"...Damn." was all Mereoleona could say. "She was... interesting."
Fuegoleon nodded, smiling to himself a little. That was... kind of hot. There was a strange feeling in his chest, something he hadn't felt for a long time. "I hope we can see her again soon."
"Hmm." Mereoleona hummed in agreement. "After all... Three Leaf day is coming up soon."
"Hi everyone! Sorry I'm so late, I got caught up in a mission with the Crimson Lions! How are you doing tonight?"
Yami and the other Black Bulls stared at the girl in front of them. This was the evaluator the Wizard King sent them? Slowly, Yami looked her up and down, then smiled to himself. Julius... thank you for making my day. No, for making my week. He cleared his throat. "It's fine. Come on in."
The others watched in silence as Yami and her walked around the base, discussing the latest missions and squad performances. "Wow... she really is a cutie," Finral said, hearts in his eyes. "Do you think she would talk to me?"
"Probably, but just to be nice," Charmy responded, breaking the man's heart.
"And besides, I think Yami would kill you if you did," Magna commented. "I mean, look at him."
"What about him?"
"Use your eyes," Gauche grunted, Gordon peering over his shoulder at the scene. "He's going to try and hit that by the time she leave."
"Hit that? What do you mean-"
"By the way, where is Vanessa?"
Speak of the Devil. Vanessa came staggering around the corner, still in her underwear, and spotted the Evaluator. "Oh! They're here! And they're a girl!" She giggled and slung an arm around the girl's shoulder.
Yami glared at her. "Vanessa! I told you to get dressed! Are you still drunk?" Not only could this ruin their evaluation, but it might ruin his chances with this pretty girl.
"Yami, she's just comfortable in her own skin, that's all!" The evaluator giggled and let Vanessa lean on her. "And besides, everyone enjoys a drink now and then! Even me."
"Yeah, but Vanessa here enjoys like 30 drinks," Yami commented, a little nervous about it.
"Awww, not only are you cute, but you're also kind~" Vanessa tapped the girl on the nose.
"Cute? Ahah," the girl laughed nervously and blushed. "Well, thank you."
"Now! Come have a drink with me," Vanessa coaxed. "it's Squad tradition."
"Vanessa-"
"Sure! I love traditions!" Everyone cheered and started pulling the girl off toward the dining room. Yami let out a frustrated breath. This wasn't going to end well.
And end well, it did not. Charmy made a feast as the others poured their drinks, and tried to feed it to the Evaluator. "Try this! It's one of my favorite recipes!"
"Thank you!" The girl took a bite, and stars were instantly in her eyes. "So good!"
"Here, a toast!" Vanessa handed her a glass of wine then raised her own. "To... tradition!"
"TO TRADITION!"
15 minutes later, everything was in chaos. Luck and Magna were fighting. Guache was yelling at Charmy and Gordon, Grey was squatting in the corner, and Vanessa as forcing another glass into the poor Evaluator's hands. "Here! One more couldn't hurt!"
"Vanessa, that's enough," Yami was trying to stay calm for the sake of appearances but it was getting hard to do. "Look at her, she's at her limit."
Indeed. The evaluator was flushed pink, her eyes glassy. However, she snapped out of it at Yami's words. "No way! I can handle more!" She grabbed the glass. "I need to surpass my limits! Watch me!"
The words were like the arrow of cupid, which sailed right into Yami's heart. He could do nothing but stare in awe as the girl chugged her glass before letting out a laugh. "See! I did... I..."
Uh oh. Her eyes suddenly went dark.
"I..."
She couldn't say another word. The evaluator passed out right there on the couch, slumping down like a deflated balloon.
"...look what you've done!" Everyone suddenly paused, terrified at the sight of the unconscious woman. Yami checked her pulse and breathing. "She's alright, but she could be sleeping for a while. We really messed this up..." He clenched his jaw. Not only did I let everyone get wild, but I couldn't be in control of the situation... I really am a shitty captain sometimes.
"W-what are we going to do with her?" Magna stuttered, pointing. "Isn't she supposed to work in the castle? They might think we've kidnapped her!"
"No... I doubt it'll be that serious," Yami said, grabbing a blanket and pillow and tucking the girl in. She made a soft sound and buried her face in the pillow. "We'll watch her carefully tonight."
"And I'll make her breakfast in the morning!" Charmy piped up.
I have a feeling she's going to be more interested in purging her stomach than filling it, Yami said, staring down at the sleeping woman. However... she is really, really cute when she sleeps...
Suddenly, he tensed up. He could feel something rocketing towards the base, a magical signature so powerful that it could only belong to one man.
"...uh oh."
Something made impact with the ground outside, and a moment later there was a knock on the door. Yami steeled himself for what was inevitably to come. "Everyone. Stand up straight. Don't act up for once in your pathetic lives."
Everyone was confused for a couple minutes, until Yami opened the door to reveal none other than Julius Novachrono, the Wizard King himself, standing there. "Good evening, Yami! It's good to see you... say, have you happened to see-"
Yami got straight to the point. "You're looking for her, right?" He stepped out of the way to point at the sleeping lump on the couch.
"Ah! You killed her?!" Julius rushed by in a panic, stopping next to the couch with a distraught look on his face. "No, not killed... but Yami!" He frowned and crossed his arms. "What on earth happened here? Why is the evaluator I sent you asleep on the couch?"
"She got... uh..." Yami kicked his toe into the ground sheepishly. "She's drunk."
"Yami! People die of alcohol poisoning all the time, you know," Julius scolded. Yami expected this, but it hurt all the same. "She's a lightweight, too. Honestly..." Julius let out a sigh and turned back to the couch.
Yami felt the disappointment radiating off of the older man, making his heart clench more. "...I'm sorry."
Julius raised an eyebrow, surprised that Yami actually apologized for once. "It's alright... at least she had fun." He smiled a little. "Anyway, thanks for making her comfortable." He said nothing else before leaning down, carefully picking her up in his arms as if she were some glass thing he was afraid would break. Julius let out another sigh through his nose, but this time it felt more like relief. "You'll hear back about the evaluation in a couple days. Have a good night!" Despite the tension, Julius smiled at them warmly before turning around. With a flash of light, the two of them disappeared.
"... great. Of course he had to show up and see everything for himself," Yami grumbled, pulling out another cigarette.
"Captain... we're all very sorry, we shouldn't have-"
"No. Just... go to bed. I'm not mad," Yami cut Magna off before walking off to his room. Right now, he needed a good shit and a good sleep. However, despite this debacle, Yami felt a pit of warmth in his chest.
Even after everything that happened... I'm glad I got to meet her. He smiled to himself. And, after all...
Three Leaf day is coming up.