After their chat was complete, Nanoha and Fate simply set about doing some of the household chores. While they were far from obliged to do it, both of them considered it the least they could do considering how much more luxurious the accommodations of their current host were compared to what they'd had at the hotel, and the fact that they were being fed out of Naruko's pocket, as well.
There didn't seem to be a staff of maids, unlike Alisa or Suzuka's houses.
It actually made Nanoha wonder if the Wolkenritter doubled as servants as well as knights. Signum on a maid costume was already quite shaking on their image of the knights, but the idea of all of them wearing such clothing was plain hilarious. It actually made both of them lift their spirits, knowing that despite their image as bloodthirsty knights hell bent on filling the book, they could still be a… somewhat normal family… Okay, they were a pretty weird family, but they were happy, and that was what was important, right?
Eventually, the Wolkenritter came out of the bath. For some reason, all four of them were extremely flushed and looking down on the ground. When prompted, all they said was that they'd never talk about that again, and Naruko was pouting because they'd made her promise never to talk about what had happened there. A bummer, really, since anything that left the knights THAT embarrassed had to be truly hilarious.
What came next, however, was kind of a shocker. "We've got work," Vita said. It was something they hadn't really considered.
Intellectually, Nanoha and Fate somewhat knew that the Wolkenritter collaborated with Konoha, but the idea of beings like the Wolkenritter actually doing something as mundane as holding a job… Well, it was somewhat jarring considering that they were, well, computer programs given flesh.
"We're… bounty hunters, of a sort," well, that made a lot more sense. "We hunt down people with Linker Cores, but since doing that would be problematic, what we do is hunt down criminals and absorb their Linker Cores. Technically, we are acting fully within the law of this planet."
Nanoha nodded. "By the TSAB's directives, nothing you have done… in this incarnation at least… is a crime. However, I have to ask you to hold off on collecting pages… at least until we can present our evidence. I can promise you that if you can prove that we're wrong, I will give you guys my linker core of my own free will."
"Mine, as well," Fate said. "But until then…"
"There is no pressing need to complete the book as of this moment," Signum said, her eyes closed. "I can't believe I'm trusting you…"
"Nanoha and Fate wouldn't lie like that, they're not that kind of people," Naruko said, finally. "Besides, I told you. They're friends now, and friends don't betray each other! Friends who betray each other aren't even friends," Naruko said, shaking her head.
"Nonetheless, I still feel… wary," Signum said. "Regardless, I have training today, and I have already been skimping on it as is…"
"As do I," Shamal said, nodding. "I will also spend some time at the hospital, there are some things I need to speak about with the lab staff, and some patients I have to check up on."
"Gai-san has been… insistent on challenging me lately. I fear that if I don't respond to his challenges, he may explode," Zafira noted, frowning.
"I'm free," Vita said, "I'll go," she said, shrugging.
"I'm going with you," Naruko said, pointing at Vita. "I want to see how you guys fight!"
"…What?" Vita asked, "no, Mistress, my work is dangerou—"
"I can fly now," Naruko said, waving her hand. "I can just fly and observe from above! I'll be totally out of danger!"
"But… It's violent, and I might need to kill whoever's my target—" Vita protested.
Nanoha and Fate wondered if she was simply trying to keep her mistress away from combat, or if she genuinely planned on killing whatever criminal she happened upon. Both looked slightly green at the idea of killing a human being.
Zafira put a hand on Nanoha and Fate's shoulders, causing them to turn around. "Most criminals are worth more alive than dead. Our magic has a non-lethal setting, it's very easy to capture them alive so we only kill particularly… bad criminals," he explained. "Mistress frowns upon killing in general."
"It doesn't matter. I… want to make sure you're safe, Vita," Naruko said, placing her hands on Vita's shoulders. "Just… just this once, okay?"
Vita sighed. "Okay, Mistress…"
"Fate-san… would you like to accompany me in training?" Signum asked, turning to Fate. "You have much talent, but training could do you a world of good. I take it you can't find very many close quarters combat instructors in the TSAB, am I right?"
"It's… a bit more rare than long and mid range magic training," Fate agreed.
"The Belkan style focuses a lot more on close combat. This world has mastered the art, as well," Signum said, closing her eyes. "This is not the kind of opportunity that comes very often."
"Yes, you are right. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to accompany you," Fate said, smiling. "I've seen a few ninja training, but I don't think it compares to real training…"
"You saw those at the commercial district, right? It's common to see people showing off, there, but they can't really show their real ability," Signum said, evenly.
"Then Fate-chan will be going out… I'm gonna be left all alone," Nanoha said, pouting herself.
"Not really, you're free to do whatever you wish. I extended an invitation, but you may come, as well," Signum said, evenly. "You are focused on artillery, however, and that is quite a bit harder to come across on this planet. Most people here are focused on melee combat."
"Training up your ability to fight in melee wouldn't hurt," Vita commented. "The only reason you lasted as long as you did with me was because I wasn't trying to kill you. Just knock you out," she explained, shaking her head. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, but you need to train to be good enough in melee that you can at least defend yourself."
"Wait, wait, I know a guy who fights with a staff! He's kinda old, but he knows his stuff pretty well! I'm sure he'll help you if I ask him to!" Naruko said, "he can teach you how to fight!"
"You would do that for me?" Nanoha asked, tilting her head. Asking a favor like that in a warrior culture couldn't be such a little deal.
"You're my friend, right?" Naruko asked in return, looking confused. "Why wouldn't I do that? Besides, the old man is always complaining that none of his sons or his grandson ever take up the staff, so…"
"Thank you!" Nanoha said, bowing at Naruko. "To be honest, I felt pretty bad after the beating Vita-chan gave me. I was totally helpless in melee, so—"
"Don't worry, I'm sure the old guy can help you! And he's on the way to the mission office, so you can come with me and Vita-chan while we go pick up a mission!"
"But, I don't pick up missions, Mistress, I—" Vita protested.
"Well you're gonna do a mission now," Naruko said. "Actually, Nanoha-chan, would you like to come on a mission with us? It could be fun! We could feel like real ninja!" Naruko said, giggling.
"That sounds really fun!" Nanoha admitted. "Okay, I'm in!"
Vita groaned. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"
"Very well, then, our plans for the day are finalized," Signum said.