𝕳𝖔𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖘𝖘 - (Ranboo)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐

Their visits continued, Hertha took in every moment she had with him over the next year or so. Every time, he'd give the cloak and she'd wear it mindlessly. That was until their final visit. Hertha knew things were only going to get worse with Venus. The castle had never been so tense.

Ever since Cecilla found out, her heartbroken, enraged highness was out to get Venus. The other night, Hertha overheard Cecilla's infuriated muttering and mumbling as she walked past. The pit in her stomach only grew when she heard it suddenly stop, then light, sinister giggles emerged from the woman. That never ended well. All Hertha knew was that, no matter what happened, she would be with Venus, join her side no matter what. After everything the princess had done for her, it was the least she could do.

She spent her day with Ranboo inside of a restaurant, staying warm while the chef spoke to her friend. The chef was a dark-skinned man with an afro. He looked muscular but also had a slight facial chub, which Hertha found cute. As the man left, Ranboo turned to the maid with a warm smile, "we should start letting you leave..." Ranboo sighed and stood up.

"Hey, do you... think I could... take this?" Hertha asked. She saw Ranboo's face light up, then flicker off, then pale entirely. "N-Nothing against you! I-I just thought... I wanted a special keepsake from you a-and I felt that since we shared this cloak a lot... I could... I could take it to think about you." She quickly explained and shook her hands in front of her to wave off the idea, "I-I don't need to take it! I can- I can just- yeah you're right it's pretty dumb," she laughed nervously while feeling her face darken with pinkish-red, "you can keep it!" She added and took it off.

"No! No! It's fine! Sorry I was just... jeez did I make a face? I'm so sorry. I got excited, I was surprised as well! You can... are you sure you want that?" He asked quietly after trying to explain himself.

"Wait, I can? I don't have to! I- we have the rings!" She excused while holding it out for him.

"No... those rings are for our first meeting. This cloak... it's just... please don't be surprised b-by the uh... I guess the... reaction?" He asked and muttered about how it could be pretty bad for the both of them. She tilted her head.

"I'm sure it's fine... I get it's expensive stuff... I'll take care of it. I promise! Oh~ thank you Ranboo." She cheered and hugged him, feeling him hug back slowly. Ranboo couldn't think of how she didn't fathom the sheer reputation she'd gain showing that off. But it was worth it. Ranboo heard the boys in Hertha's village. They were annoying for one, and Ranboo felt that Hertha didn't deserve a life as a village girl. Maybe he was selfish for that, but he was a prince with plenty of sisters - he didn't usually get what he wanted.

Both of them walked back to the docks where Technoblade tried talking to Venus, who was warming up ever so slightly, but still very cold. The only change over time was that before, Venus wouldn't even look at Technoblade as he spoke, when she did, it was often with a scowl. However, since her sister pulled herself into the picture, Venus was somewhat nicer, she could look at Technoblade, sometimes, she would even respond and have worthwhile discussions. But when the younger couple arrived, Hertha saw both adults (though used lightly, Hertha was 19 and she was turning 20 within the next two months) look at her and morph from calm and conversed to surprised and somewhat impressed.

"Well, thank God that Phil isn't here." Technoblade chuckled. Ranboo also chuckled nervously as Venus stared at Hertha, looking her up and down.

"Well, fair enough." She shrugged and turned away, Technoblade, who was laughing to himself lightly, stopped and looked at Venus. So did Ranboo.

"You aren't mad?" Both of them said at the same time, leaving Venus to crack a small smile she wouldn't show anyone.

"What? She isn't my child. And she's nearly 20, she has every right to do what she wants. I'd recommend you don't wear that around Orphi, however. That woman would exile me if she found out." Venus joked and got onto the ship. Hertha listened to what was told and took off the cloak, climbing onto the ship.