This Is Normal

This Is Normal

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Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "The Beginning After The End", it belongs to its original creator TurtleMe. This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release. Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited. I get much of the text, especially the fight scenes and thought, aside from my oc's, from the original novel, which can be found on Library Novel. Still, support the official release.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out. P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website.

If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me.

I will be writing out scenes even if my Oc isn't in them. As long as she's mentioned, or influencing the characters in some way. Or maybe be because it influences the story. This may seem a bit annoying. But that's just how I write. I like to embed my characters into the story line. Because of this, most of the dialogue/scenes will come from the original work.

Playlist

For the playlist you can go to my YouTube channel, which is under "Anime-lover-forever-1127" and click on the playlist titled "A Woman With Vision {Arthur Laywin}". Or you can use this link watch?v=GYlAaNM7WS8&list=PLVKYkztH1Zd8bdl2_a1C8F6u8gPPwfa6D&ab_channel=7clouds

Warnings: Spoilers for Chapter 23 of the Novel and 40 of the Manga,

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Today's Special

You're safe with me.

I promise.

And when you get scared:

Look me in the eyes, hold me a little tiger and smile.

Because I'm not going anywhere.

~ Unknown

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{Morgana P.O.V.}

After everyone introduced each other, it was decided that the Twin Horns would come with us to the Helstea Auction House for the Tenth Anniversary event. Arthur had chosen to ride with Twin Horns, so I decided to occupy myself with playing games with Lilia and Ellie.

The ride wasn't that long, so Ellie started to pout when she found out we wouldn't get to know who won our game of I spy, but cheered up when I told her we could break the tie on our way back home.

We had to be here early to make sure everything was ready. So the entire auction house was pretty much empty, aside from the guards who were patrolling, and the workers who were bringing some last minute things in.

The Auction House was a magnificent theatre with intricate designs all over. The main doors were over 4 meters in height and were made from petrified wood with carved designs on it. Compared to the naturalistic and elegant designs that I saw in the Elf Kingdom, this was more complicated and grand. It was in the shape of a half-cylinder with detailed stone sculptures of different weapons as supports.

The inside was equally, if not more stunning. The front door opened to a path that stretched out to a stage on the other end. To our left and right, there were rows of escalating seats made from a rather luxurious burgundy leather that could fit over ten thousand people comfortably. Upon looking up, I noticed that there were encased booths at the very top of the rows of seats and even higher, there was a single room attached to the ceiling and back wall with glass surrounding it, giving a clear view of the stage. It was easy to guess that those booths, as well as the single room, was for the VIP.

"Looks like you guys had some help from conjures." Arthur commented.

I nodded, "Yeah. They helped a lot with the large ceilings, and the VIP room as well. That's actually where we will be sitting."

Rey and the twin horns were the first the split from our group, as they began to organise patrol routes. Then my father, who was going into the back to make sure everything was where it needed to be.

Mother led us up the long stairway and into the VIP room, which was meant for the most distinguished and wealthy guests.

"We'll be expecting some very special guests later on, but for now, make yourself comfortable!" My mother cheered like a child, spreading her arms in the air.

There was a wine rack and a few reclining seats and tables with closer seats by the window. Arthur sat down on a seat closest to the window. And I took the seat next to him.

The auction house was soon a panorama of cheerful and excited noise, as more and more people, who were no doubt people of some sort of influence, began filling the lower seats. There were some groups that seemed more distinguished than the rest who were personally escorted by the hosts to their booths. No doubt, they were some of the more affluent nobles in the Kingdom. Looking below, I could recognise people from all sorts of high social circles. From reporters, to weapons masters. They had all chosen to attend. I suppose it's only natural, considering the Helstea house auctions off a large variety of products.

I began pointing out all the guests downstairs, and what I knew about them. Their occupations, roles in society, and history. But we soon grew bored of the hordes of overdressed nobles chatting eagerly amongst themselves. So we shifted our attention to Lilia as she was teaching some sort of clapping game to Ellie. I couldn't help but smile to myself as the both of them broke into a fit of giggles when either of them messed up and were flicked gently in the ear as punishment. "Isn't that just the cutest." I coed.

"Looks like they're all having fun." Arthur smiled.

{Arthur P.O.V.}

Time passed by rather slowly until Vincent came back, leading a group of unfamiliar people inside.

The first to come in behind Vincent was an elderly man with long, deep-red hair that was aged with streaks of grey. His back was ramrod straight with broad shoulders that took off years in his appearance. The man's eyes were stern with harsh, sword-shaped eyebrows, giving him an undeniably eye-catching presence. He was wearing a red robe lined with white fur around the collar and had a cane that shined brighter than any silver I had previously seen.

Trailing closely behind him was a lady that looked a few years older than my mother. While my mother had a lovely, sweet, friendly ambience, this lady's facial features reminded me of an ice sculpture; refined, elegant, noble and of no flaws, but also cold and devoid of emotion. She was wearing a shimmering silvery-white dress that complimented her dark blue hair that draped over her shoulders like a well-kept tapestry.

Behind the lady of whom I assumed was the man's wife were two younger kids that could only be their kin. The older child, a boy that looked to be about the age of thirteen or so, took more after his father. With his serious brown eyes, straight brows, and his short mahogany hair that had a shiny lustre just like his father's, it was apparent as to what he would look like a few decades down the road. Despite his fierce looks, however, there was a sort of unrefined charisma that was different from his father's. It was the sort of charisma that would make him the centre of any group.

The younger one, a girl that looked to be about my age, surveyed the room carefully before locking eyes with me.

It would still be a couple of years until she started maturing, but needless to say, the potential was there. I couldn't help comparing her to Tess. They would both grow to be captivating to the men around them, but in very different ways. Tess was the lovely girl next door, with her comforting almond-shaped eyes that glowed a bright teal. Her peaches and cream complexion and rosy cheeks. Her unique, gunmetal hair complimented her eyes, giving her a mysterious, yet approachable aura.

No, this girl was the complete opposite. Her porcelain white complexion was a canvas for her meticulously carved facial features. Her penetratingly sharp eyes that seemed much too mature for her age was a dark brown shade that appeared larger because of her long, thick lashes. Her hair was a glaring black, which she got from her mother. Compared to her dark hair and eyes, however, her small lips were covered in a soft pink shade that gave life to her doll-like appearance.

It was hard not to wonder how they would grow up to be; whether mother nature would make them bloom or wither.

Either way, I doubt either of them could compare to Morgana. Her moonlight silver hair may have changed into gorgeous golden that shined like the sun, and her fiery amber eyes may have become an unforgettable cool blue that shined like gems. With her ruby lips and bangs that framed her heart shaped face. She would once again, no doubt grow to be a beauty, that would spin heads no matter where she may go. With her soft colouring, but gentle features. She had the potential to become anyone's ideal type. I sighed inwardly, meaning I'll have my hands full in the future. I'll have to become strong enough to keep anyone with ill intentions, away from her.

Peeling my eyes off of the girl in front of me, I focused on the three guards that followed after the picturesque family.

"I didn't know we would be in here with guests, Vincent," the man said, neither harshly nor kindly.

"I apologise, Your Majesty! I assumed you wouldn't mind having a few other people with you. You remember my wife, Tabitha, and my daughters, Lilia and Morgana, right? Well, these are our close family friends, and their children Arthur and Eleanor Leywin." he introduced, waving his arm in our direction.

After regarding us for a moment, his lips curled up into a smile. "If they are your friends, Vincent, then they are mine as well. Now, please stand. After all, we're here to congratulate the Helsteas on the 10th anniversary of this wondrous place and to enjoy the event."

"Yes, no need to remain so formal, let us enjoy 's a pleasure to meet you. At least we'll have some company besides these guards," the lady giggled.

I raised an eyebrow in surprise at the sharp contrast in the woman's personality to her appearance. She seemed much more welcoming, despite her intimidating looks, than her husband.

"Everyone, as you all may know, I'd like you all to meet the King and Queen of Sapin. Introduce yourselves to King Blaine Glayder and Queen Priscilla Glayder and their children, Curtis and Kathyln."

At this, my mother—who was holding my sister—Tabitha, and even Lilia, dropped down, genuflecting. I caught on, as Morgana gently put a hand on my lower back, and lowered myself a moment later as well onto my knee.

Giving us a nod, the King gestured for us to stand. "No more of this, now. No need to be stiff, we're just here for the auction, after all."

As I got back up, Sylvie peeked her head out from under my robe where she was sleeping, surveying curiously the new faces.

"Kuu?" she chirped, tilting her head.

I thought I heard a gasp from one of the guards in the rear, but I wasn't able to tell since their faces were covered.

"Oh my! What a cute little mana beast!" Queen Priscilla's face brightened up at the sight as she made her way towards me.

The King and the two children's eyes looked towards our direction as well.

"She seems quite fond of your friend here." The queen smiled, though it suggested that she clearly knew something we didn't.

The guards took a step forward as well, making sure they were close enough to react in case something happened to the Queen.

"She just hatched a few months ago. Her name is Sylvie. Come out and say hello," I responded.

"Kyu~!" she cooed while hopping out of my robe and stretching her body like a cat. She then jumped into Morgana's arms.

"I assume this little mana beast is your bond, young man?" The King came closer, kneeling down to get a closer view of Sylvie.

I just gave a wordless nod. It should be fine with Sylv's appearance the way it is. "How fortunate you are to have a mana beast. Even infant ones are not easy to tame, yet she looks to be very obedient."

"Well we're able to communicate mentally, so it's more like a mutual agreement rather than obedience," I simply shrugged.

"What? You mean to say that you are under an Equals Contract?"

We all turned our heads to face the source of the voice. It was one of the hooded guards behind the children.

Damn, did I say something I wasn't supposed to? I looked to Morgan, but she also had a confused expression on her face, and shrugged her shoulders gently.

"Umm, I'm not sure what that is, but she was the one that initiated the contract, so I think so?" I shrugged, hoping to switch topic.

Was it that big of a deal who formed the contract?

"Let me take a closer look at your bond!" the hooded guard exclaimed, creeping closer to us.

I step in front of Morgana, who's cradling Sylvie in her arms, but before I could decline, the King stepped in.

"This isn't the time nor place to study someone else's pet. You're being rude, Sebastian." His gaze turned harsh as he rebuked him.

"My apologies..." he said, hoping I'd complete the sentence.

"Arthur. Arthur Leywin," I finished, giving a curt bow. As he and his wife gave me a small smile, we took our seats in time to hear the clear voice declaring that the auction would start soon.

A cold shiver made me turn back just to see Sebastian, who had taken off his hood, staring intently at Sylvie, who was curled up against Morgana.

I could feel my wife's nails unintentionally dig into my hand, as she squeezed my hand tight. "I really don't like the look of the guy." She whispers to me.

I nod in agreement. "The fact that he has the natural born face of a pervert is just a bonus." I joke, trying to ease her worries. I'm rewarded with a small smile, before she turns to face the front again.

{Third P.O.V.}

Arthur frowns and wraps his arm around Morgana's shoulder, pulling her close.

The royal King and Queen seeing this off behaviour, turn to the other adults in the room. The two couples share a look before sending them a weary smile.

Vincent waves his hand through the air, despite being the father of the girl whose reputation could be at risk. With his wife smiling at mouthing at them, 'This is normal.'

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