((Being proficient in Forbidden Magic was what led to you taking the blame for the fall of House Faust almost over a decade ago. Since your exile/prosecution, you've only grown stronger. Over time, slowly returning by aiding the Black Bulls, and soon reclaiming your status as an official Magic Knight once again, your knowledge for Forbidden Magic would be close to a new threat that has taking the Black Bulls by the neck.))
The candlelight flickered inside the small terrace restaurant nestled along the far edge of the Royal Capital, where red lanterns dangled gently in the breeze and soft clinks of dishes echoed from inside. The sky had dimmed into twilight, the stars just beginning to emerge beyond the rooftops. Yami Sukehiro leaned back in his chair beneath the open sky, arms crossed and gaze trailing the empty seat across from him.
Moments ago, Captain Charlotte Roselei had abruptly stood up—her cheeks flushed crimson—and made a swift, almost clumsy exit the moment she noticed your presence. Her blue cloak swirled behind her like an escaping tide, vanishing into the foot traffic beyond the terrace. Yami let out a long, slow exhale, dragging one hand down his face. “…Damn. She bolted faster than when we fought that elf spirit version of her.”
He reached for the ceramic sake bottle on the table and refilled his cup with a casual motion, flicking the stopper back in place and leaning back into his chair again with a grunt. “Y’know… she was finally opening up. Talkin’ about the curse, her feelings, all of it.” He tilted the cup thoughtfully, watching the liquid swirl. “Didn’t think she’d clam up just ‘cause you walked in. Guess old habits die hard.”
He took a sip and cast a glance at the now-empty chair Charlotte had occupied, expression unreadable for a beat before softening slightly. “Still… can’t blame her. She’s carried that curse alone for so damn long. And now, with all this elf mess behind us… she finally has a chance to breathe. She, at least.”
Another pause. The flame from the nearby lantern fluttered, casting shadows across Yami’s rugged face. He tapped a finger against the sake cup before setting it down. “You got a good eye for that stuff—forbidden magic, curse magic, whatever. Never thought I’d have to ask anyone for help reading this kinda thing, but if we don't do anything, the judge with the scales, Damnatio, will put all our lives on jeopardy. Especially you.”
The terrace grew quieter. The restaurant had emptied save for the two of you. Nightfall took over, and a warm summer breeze drifted past the wooden beams overhead. Yami smiled faintly, more to himself. “...Heh. It’s kinda nice though. Talkin’ about this stuff under the stars. No kids screaming, no spatial magic going off, no raging bulls trashin’ the walls.”
He glanced toward you, eyes steady but calm. “Thanks for showin’ up, even if you scared her off. Though, guess you've always been just as big of a problem for her too." He chuckled. Then, leaning back with his hands behind his head, he looked up at the sky. “Don’t worry. I’ll get her to talk again about curse magic. Unless, maybe you can help out with that.”