“Speaking of engagements, I heard you two were getting married.” Obviously Max would have been one of the first people that gossip managed to get to. He was quite the talent and everyone sucked up to him only a step lower than they did to Owari and Noel. He had already reached high gold rank at 18 which was quite fast.
“Indeed. We already agreed on the date and started planning. Of course you’re invited, as is Gregory.” Noel answered
“Wait, you two are getting married?” Kent asked with surprise.
“Of course, why wouldn’t we?” Owari looked at Kent like a disappointed father.
“Don’t look at me like that, it makes me feel stupid.” Kent sighed. “So am I invited?”
“If you can afford to get here then yes.” Owari answered with a laugh.
“I have a decent amount saved up. It shouldn’t be too hard.” Kent answered back.
“Then of course you can come.” Noel replied.
“Oh look who it is.” Suddenly a voice spoke up from nearby. Looking over there was a girl with long brown hair and a crooked grin. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved shirt looking as casual as if she was going for a walk.
“Hello Octavia.” Max chuckled. “This is my fiancee.” He introduced her. Everyone quickly introduced themselves as well.
“So you’re the newbie.” Octavia looked at Kent with interest.
“You’ve heard of me?” He was shocked.
“Of course, the family recently took in a 16-year-old gold rank. Who hasn’t heard of you?” She laughed at him.
“Oh.” He forgot sometimes that his rank was actually quite impressive for his age. After all it only took him a week to achieve it.
“This is quite the gathering of people. Though I can’t say I know you.” She looked towards Rebecca.
“I’m not anyone particularly important. Just a friend of Noel and Owari.” Rebecca answered.
“That’s plenty enough to be important.” Octavie laughed. “Where’d my brother go?” She suddenly seemed to realize something.
“He bolted as soon as you two arrived.” Max said with a smile.
“What an ungrateful brother. I even finally agreed to come and he ditches me.” She sighed in exasperation.
“He probably wanted you to come in a dress.” Max shook his head.
“Well he can dream on, no way am I wearing anything like that in a million years. Too breezy.” She scoffed.
“Of course not.” Max rolled his eyes. He had gotten used to this willful woman a while ago.
“You got a problem?” She asked with her arms crossed.
“I just think you’d look pretty with a dress.” Max smiled.
“You…” Her mouth twitched as her face went slightly red. “Anyway, don’t ignore your friends here.” She changed the subject.
“I was enjoying the show.” Owari chuckled.
“I as well.” Noel said with an equally amused smile.
“Is that so?” Olivia squinted her eyes at them.
“Of course.” They both answered.
“Have it your way.” She waved her hand. “I have to go meet some old friends. You all have fun. Max, come with me.” She dragged him off as he sighed and said goodbye.
“What an interesting person.” Owari said from the side.
“Indeed.” Noel agreed.
After that they continued to talk for a bit before everyone separated to go talk to other people. They each had to make and keep up connections so it made sense to split up from people they already knew. Owari and Noel tended to old relationships a bit, even meeting Gregory who they had also maintained contact with. They also met Ignatius and even Lee and Lin came to speak to them.
“Please stop whatever it is you’re doing to anger my family, I’m begging you!” Lee asked with some desperation.
“I’m just withholding resources from them. Well really it’s just that it’s more expensive for them to buy them.” He didn’t go overboard with it, after a while he asked for the policy to change. Instead of holding the resources they started overcharging. It was rare for new mines to show up and whenever they are found they inject a large amount of resources into the market. Having those resources out of reach was a really big blow.
“I’m sorry already!” Lin also seemed to be desperate.
“What exactly have they been doing to you guys?” Owari asked curiously.
“They cut back on our salaries. Even though we can still afford to live it really hurts losing all of that extra money. Lin is especially bad with money.” Lee answered.
“Alright, I’ll talk to them about it.” Owari just smiled. Lin seemed to have learned her lesson.
“Thank you!” Lin said sincerely.
“No problem, you learned your lesson after all.” Owari chuckled.
“I did.” She nodded. She had been quite humbled when she realized how much stronger he was than her. Not only him, but after talking around she was surprised by how many were independent hunters. It wasn’t about as much as one or two family’s worth of geniuses.
“Good. How about you two come to our wedding in a few months. You’re welcome to if you want.” Owari held nothing against them so he invited them.
“Is that really okay?” Lee was surprised.
“Of course, now that she’s learned her lesson it’s best that we make up. After all it would be a shame to make enemies because of what happened.” It was after all a minor affair. Now that a year had passed Owari was over it. Lee and Lin but feel different, but if they could befriend Noel and Owari it would help the agency see them in a better light.
“Alright, we’ll come. Just tell us the date.” Lee accepted for them.
“Alright. We’ll send a letter when we figure it all out.” Of course they already planned the date, but they didn’t want to get ahead of themselves.
“Perfect.” Lee nodded. After that they chatted a bit and separated.
It took another hour for anything interesting to happen. A guy around 20 or so started to walk towards them. Owari could sense that he was a platinum rank even though he tried to hide it. It was easy for someone like senses like Owari. He also sensed a lot of hostility from the guy. Owari whispered to Noel and the two looked at him with a smile as he approached.
He came over at a pace quicker than a walk followed by an entourage and when he arrived he merely stood there as if waiting for something. “So?” He asked after some time.
“So what? You came here.” Owari chuckled.
“When are you going to speak up? I was waiting.” He said with his chin up as though he was above them.
“We’re the ones who were approached. Get your nose out of the sky and maybe you’ll learn to see clearly.” Owari insulted him directly.
“What did you say to me?” He glared at Owari. “Well whatever, I’m above this kind of petty thing. Now then, cancel your wedding.” He demanded.
Owari and Noel looked at one another and started laughing. For a little while every time he tried to speak up as they quieted down they would laugh again as if he had told a great joke. Except in this case he was the joke. “So what gives you the right to demand we do anything you say?” Owari suddenly grew serious.
“Her mother has already made a deal with my family. She is to be my wife.” He smirked.
“Her mother? Did the head of the family agree?” Owari smiled calmly.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Does that matter? Her parents make the decisions of who she marries.” He scoffed.
“It’s true, her mother already signed a contract.” Another person who looked similar to him spoke up. They both had cream-colored skin and dust-colored hair, with amber eyes.
“And what family are you from?” Owari asked with a smile.
“The Osiris family.” The same one responded as though the other was too important to answer.
“Unfortunately for you my mother does not own me. Her contract means nothing.” Noel laughed.
“Well too bad for you, if you don’t follow the contract your mother will take your place and be married into my family.” He smirked as though he won.
“Go ahead, it’ll be wonderful to have that dreadful woman out of my life forever.” Noel said happily.
“Don’t toy with me.” He reached out to grab her only to find his arm stop dead and a massive force holding him still.
Suddenly everyone at the venue was struck by the force of two platinum ranks auras. Both Owari and Noel unleashed their full aura freely for anyone to sense. Even some of the platinum ranks felt the weight of their aura let alone the gold ranks. Everyone looked to the source to see Owari and Noel standing next to one another. Owari was holding the man’s arm in place like a vice grip. He was trying to yank his arm back but only found that he was hurting himself. Everyone who saw this were shocked. Even though they were both low platinum ranks that meant little. The gap between low and mid was large. Two people or beasts in low won’t always be equals.
“You’re quite bold to try and touch a lady.” Owari clenched his fist causing the man to fall to the ground sweating. He was currently on his knees trying to pull his arm out of Owari’s grip.
“My family won’t stand for this! I’ll have you in court soon enough.” He spat venomously.
“For what? Nothing is happening here after all.” Owari looked at all the people in the venue with a smile. “Aren’t I right?” OF course nobody refuted him. Not to mention how terrifying his aura was, with his age and strength nobody here was willing to cross him. After all they were each talents of various families and agencies, they knew which side to take.
“You!” He looked around glaring at everyone. He was supposed to be the superior one, at least in his mind. So why did they choose Owari over him?
“Check your privilege.” Owari mocked him before tossing him like a ragdoll across the floor causing him to roll across the ground.
“I’ll kill you!” The man declared before tucking his tail between his legs and running away.
Before the other family member could run Owari put his hand on his shoulder and asked a question. “Was your whole family involved in this scheme?”
“Y- yes.” He dared not lie.
“Go, and if you’re smart you’ll ditch such a stupid family asap.” Owari let go of him.
“So what now?” Noel asked curiously.
“Now? I guess it’s about time to tear down a tamer family.” Owari chuckled lightheartedly.
“Only you would say such a thing so casually and mean it.” Noel wrapped her arm in his and hugged him close. “He annoyed me. I don’t feel like staying much longer. Should we go?”
“Just a bit longer.” Owari looked over the people who were ducking their eyes away from him and saw Max, Kent, Gregory, Ignatius, Lee, and Lin looking his way. He smiled and waved them over.
Soon the three had reached him and Max couldn’t help but ask. “What do you want us for?”
“It’s your lucky day. I need your help.” Owari chuckled.
“Why does that make us lucky?” Ignatius was confused.
“Because it means he will give you something in return.” Noel answered.
“And what would that be?” He asked back curiously.
“How would you all like to reach platinum rank?” Owari asked with a smile. Kent who was curious what he would be getting suddenly got really frightened and tried to turn and run. Owari reached out and grabbed his shoulder. “You aren’t being given the option.” He declared much to Kent’s dismay.
“I have to go back home and train.” Kent tried to get out of it.
“Tell them I’m going to train you. They should have learned by now that we’re the reason you reached your current level.” Owari replied indifferently.
“Fine.” Kent could only complain in his heart. He really did want to grow stronger.
“I don’t get it. Can you really train us to be so strong?” Lin asked with some apprehension.
“We’ll be using the same method Noel and I used. Except it will be accelerated somewhat. So?” Owari asked, rushing them a bit.
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt.” Max shrugged. He was actually quite free and was curious.
“Perfect, tell Ophelia she’s invited too.” Owari responded immediately.
“Can you really teach so many people at once?” Ignatius asked.
“We can try. Shouldn’t be too hard as long as we find the right place to train.” Owari shrugged.
“Count me in.” Lee spoke up.
“If she’s coming then so am I.” Lin responded right after.
“It wouldn’t hurt to check it out I guess. Especially if my sister might go.” Gregory also agreed.
“Well I can’t be the only one left out. Count me in.” Ignatius was the last to agree.
“Great. Noel go ask Rebecca while I talk to them about the details.” Owari looked over at Noel who easily agreed and left to make get Rebecca.
After hearing some of the details from Owari everyone realized why Kent was so scared. They all wanted to back down but were too proud to do so until someone else did. They hoped Kent would try again but to their shock he was determined to go through with it. Noel brought Rebecca over and Owari filled her in before making plans with everyone.
They decided they’d meet up in a month at Silverblood city. Owari and Noel were going to take a trip there after this party was over anyway so it was a good location. Plus with all the dragons there it would make for the perfect hunting ground. After getting that sorted out Owari went off to find someone specifically.
He quickly found her and went over to speak to her seeing as how she was relatively free. “Hello Merrily, Zacharias.” Owari nodded to the two of them. They seemed to be as inseparable as Owari and Noel.
“Did you need something?” Merrily asked sharply getting straight to the point.
“Yes and No. We’re here to ask for something, but also to offer something in return.” Owari spoke for them as Noel was unsure what he was doing.
“What is it?” She asked curiously, she wasn’t sure what she could offer.
“Specifically we need something from your family. You see, we’re looking for a place to hold our wedding, and this place seems to be quite nice.” He looked over at Noel to make sure and she nodded to him.
“You want to borrow our reception hall?” She asked in surprised.
“That’s one part of it. But let’s talk about our offer first. I know you’re all interested in having yourselves recognized as a true tamer family. We could put in a good word to the Silverblood head to back you up.” Owari offered.
“That would certainly help. But I have a feeling the other condition is much less simple than a wedding.” She smiled wryly.
“Indeed, though you can see the wedding as a chance for your family too. It’ll give you all a second chance to interact with a number of geniuses as we intend to invite a number of people here.” Owari didn’t deny it.
“So what’s the other condition?” She asked hesitantly.
“When you become recognized as a true tamer family I want your help suppressing the Osiris family.” Owari laid it out on the table.
Merrily’s eyes shook when she heard that. “You want us to go against another tamer family after just being recognized?”
“Not alone. We have other routes we’re working on. This is just one. We don’t need to talk details yet. Just let your family know.” Owari reassured her.
“I’ll do my best.” She smiled awkwardly. How was she supposed to tell her family something so important.
“Well we’ll leave it to you then. We don’t really want to stay any longer after what just happened.” Owari chuckled. Merrily could only smile wryly. She wasn’t sure how all this would affect her family’s chances of being recognized.
The two of them left with a smile on their faces. The two of them had some amount of fun even if they had their night interrupted. “What do you say to an impromptu date?” Noel asked as they left. “We could go home and get changed first of course.”
“Sure, why not? It would be a shame to end the day on that. Plus we’ll be busy soon enough.” Owari accepted.
The two went home and got changed into more comfortable clothing before making their way out to walk around town. It was nearly dinner time and they had agreed to go to the usual restaurant for dinner. As they walked along Owari couldn’t help but smile. He enjoyed the simplicity of a date with Noel. It didn’t require much thought and he could simply enjoy himself. Noel of course felt the same.
“It’s always nice to go out like this.” Owari said.
“Of course it is, you’re spending time with me after all.” Noel said shamelessly.
“When haven’t I spent time with you lately? It’s been a while since we each went off on our own.” Owari replied.
“Maybe we just enjoy one another’s presence that much?” Noel suggested.
“Perhaps. Or maybe we just can’t get enough of one another.” Owari bent over and kissed her head.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, why do you always kiss my head?” Although she asked this she wasn’t complaining.
“You’re short so it’s easier than bending all the way down to kiss. Plus it gets the message across well enough.” When she heard this Noel couldn’t help but pout.
“Don’t call me short.” She glared at him.
“Compared to me you are.” As he said, over the last year Owari had grown a lot and was now above average for his age unlike Noel who was below average.
“This isn’t fair. How come I can be so strong but so short?” Noel said indignantly.
“Because it makes you cuter to be shorter. The universe is helping me out.” Owari commented.
“At the cost of hurting me.” Noel huffed.
“Fair enough.” Owari didn’t push the topic seeing it was a sore spot for her. Instead he just turned her towards him and gave her a real kiss surprising her. She didn’t refuse him however despite being in the middle of their walk.
“I bet we drive the pedestrians crazy.” Noel laughed.
“Maybe they shouldn’t watch us so much whenever we go out then. Even though we’ve lived here so long they still stare.” Owari shrugged.
“True.” Noel didn’t mind their stares, they had always lived in their own little world when together. There was no room for other people there when they were together unless they wanted them to.
The two continued their walk until diner came when they walked to the restaurant. When they arrived the girl behind the counter was surprised. They hadn’t been by in so long that she had almost forgotten about them. “It’s good to see you again.” She smiled.
“Same here.” Owari responded.
“It’s good to see you too.” Noel replied.
“It’s been a while since you stopped by.” She said with curiosity, clearly she was interested in why.
“We were on vacation for a while. After we got back we’ve just been busy so we couldn’t stop by. A shame really since we’ll be leaving again soon. So expect us to indulge a bit.” Noel explained a bit.
“How was the vacation?” She rarely had much to do while working so she was willing to talk if they were.
“It was good. We met some people and had a lot of fun.” Owari didn’t explain. Most normal people wouldn’t agree with their idea of fun.
After that they went and sat down after making a rather large order. “So what really made you decided to take down the Osiris family? It couldn’t have been something as petty as demanding us to cancel our marriage, especially when they have no ability to force it.” Noel knew Owari could be petty when he wanted, but he never took it too far.
“They’re arrogant and are even worse than Howling Wulf in most cases. Not only do they act without caring about how morally wrong their actions are. I think it’s about time people like that learn their lesson. Nobody is invincible, and I want to make it known. Plus I want people to learn once and for all that I’m not to be messed with. I’m sick of people talking down to me, I can only imagine how it would have been had I not done everything I have so far.” Owari answered her. It was true that the Osiris family was known to blackmail people into the family. They would use whatever means necessary to get what they wanted, it was just that nobody could prove any of the illegal actions they did.
“Well destroying a family would certainly send a message.” Noel chuckled, Owari always thought of the bigger picture when he wasn’t acting simple-minded. However his ideas were always calculated so there shouldn’t be a need to worry.
“Now enough about that, let’s enjoy our date and then go home. I’m tired.” Owari said as he stretched with a yawn.
“It’s rare to see you tired.” Noel smiled at his display.
“It’s been a long day.” Owari sighed.
The two continued to talk until they finished eating their massive meals and then went back to Noel’s place. Since they would be heading out soon they were hoping to be back around the time that their home was finished. But before they left Owari went to visit Lance the next day. When he arrived he was easily able to get a meeting right away.
“So what is it you need?” Lance asked as soon as Owari walked in. He could tell this wasn’t just an ordinary meeting.
“I was wondering if you would like to join a group Noel and I are planning to train. We’re hoping to get everyone to platinum rank within a few months.” Owari said casually.
“I would love to, but I’m too busy to take such a long vacation.” Lance smiled awkwardly.
“Tell the people in charge you’ll be spending the vacation at the Silverblood estate in Silverblood city.” Owari chuckled.
“That would help, but it’s not enough.” Lance shook his head.
“Tell them you’ll be spending the time with a group of this generation's geniuses and it will be a perfect opportunity to grow closer to them since you’ll all be experiencing the same thing.” Owari suggested.
“That would also help. It should be enough with this, I hope.” Lance sighed. He would also probably use the vacation time he had built up during the last year and a half.
“Good, we’re meeting in a month at Silverblood city in the Dragon territory. I hope you make it.” Owari stood up to leave. “Unfortunately we have to take a rain check on that outing we were planning.” Owari sighed.
“Indeed, what a shame.” Lance also sighed. But if things went well it wouldn’t matter much since they would be hanging out anyway.