Save the world? Fuck that, I want to make money! (RWBY SI) ch 67

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Isabella Asturias. She was born many years after the restoration of the Monarchy. Her court name was Jewel of the Southern Desert. Out of her siblings, the closest in looks to her own mother to the point that if one one put them together, they would look like twins instead. But unlike her mother who was grace and dignity personified, Isabella was different. She was clumsy, shy. She did not have her mother's natural grace. She did not have her mother's confidence. In her own debute, she had tripped and fell that the servants had even called her Isabella the Stumbler. She wasn't like her eldest brother or sister. She was in a whole league of her own. Despite that, despite her awkward clumsiness...her mother was still there for her. 

She was not going to disappoint her. She would rather die than do that. 

The cameras flashed as her heels touched the red carpet. Cinder smiled, the airs of a dignified Queen coming to full force. Beside her, Isabella followed, muted but trying her best to follow her mother's example. Ahead of them, the Museum loomed ominously to Isabella's mind at least. Every single camera out there was on her and she fought the anxiety inside of her body trying to leak out. But her mother was watching. She had to be strong, for her. They walked on as a procession, Cinder taking the lead with Isabella at her side. Behind them, their handmaidens all dressed in finery and silks. Standing at either sides were the uniformed blues of the Valean Police. And not just them. Metal forms stood with them as an honour guard, Clarion rifles resting against their shoulders. 

She gulped, looking ahead as the twin oak doors revealed a wide open space decorated in its finest. The red carpet extended to open space surrounded on all sides by pillars. The exhibition was already set on small platforms. Others had displays of Valean artists. Fine paintings depicting scenes of nature and fine heroic scenes of days past. Statues of famous heroes in armour, even a marble display of the Warrior King looking onward with determined eyes. Then there was their displays. Vacuan art was long and complicated in its history. Their first displays were the works of artists today, Modernism as her mother coined it. Isabella had no idea why her mother approved of something like it what with its paintings that appeared fragmented and abstracted. Compared to the previous centuries, Isabella felt there was a significant downgrade. Then there was those paintings. Post-war, as it was called. To Isabella, they were rather depressing. Then there was a raised platform which sat empty.

But that was for a purpose.

Her thoughts were cut off as the live band began to play, fine string instruments and a piano that filled the reception hall with calming music. To Isabella, that was the cue to go around and mingle. Already, her mother had drifted away to hobnob with the guests there. To get the attention away from Isabella and on to her, most likely. That was fine, thought Isabella, as she quietly slipped past away from them and found solace in a small corner. She breathed out a sigh of relief, thankful at least that she was alone. Her handmaidens had stuck to their Lady dutifully. But it was clear to Isabella that they were terrified of leaving her mother's sight without her say so. 

"Staying in the corner, Princess?" A voice asked. Isabella turned then looked up. Her eyes beheld to her a man with silver hair, kind olive eyes, and a silver tipped-cane. 

"Professor Ozpin," she blurted. The man smiled. 

"The one and only, no substitutions," he smiled gracefully. He was quite literally green, from his waist-coat, pants and suit. 

"I don't usually meet actual Princesses. Do I have to bow?" he asked, tilting his head. Isabella blinked then inwardly balked in horror. 

"N-no, please, you don't have to," Isabella insisted. She already got plenty of that in her home. She did not need that in Vale of all places. "I insist," she spoke up. 

Professor Ozpin hummed. "Of course."

He turned his eyes from her and towards her mother, to Isabella's inner relief. She felt uncomfortable already with eyes and cameras on her. No need for more. 

"You are not with your mother?" He asked. His voice was neutral, as if he was talking about the weather and not the King of Vacuo's consort. Strangely, Isabella felt comforted about someone who did not talk about her and her mother as if they were gods. 

"This is her event, sir. I am more than happy to let her take the spotlight," Isabella spoke up, not hiding her inner feelings about the whole thing. "Growing up, my mother had been a patron of the arts. The Palace was full of such people always vying for her favour." 

"Oh I am sure she's pleased about that," Professor Ozpin commented. Isabella nodded, missing the sarcasm in his voice. 

"Absolutely. My mother is the most refined, graceful, and beautiful woman I know," Isabella smiled. She paused then turned to him. 

"Should you not be talking with her, Professor? I'm not the Consort of Vacuo, you know?" she asked curiously. 

"But you are its Princess." Ozpin pointed. "I do not think I should overlook the next generation."

Isabella laughed, trying her best to hide the sudden burst of anxiety in her voice. "O-oh, I am nothing special. I promise." 

"That is not what my colleague at Shade says. He says you are talented, exceptionally so," Professor Ozpin said, tilting his head.

"I am sure Professor Theodore is just being polite," Isabella coughed, feeling her face flush at the praise. "W-well, since we're here, um, how about I show some art?" she tried awkwardly. 

"I would be happy to learn," Ozpin smiled. Isabella inwardly sighed in relief. That she could do alright in. It was not like she was being asked to take her oaths in front of a thousand people. She walked ahead, the Professor following her. She stopped before a painting then quickly regretted it. Of all the paintings she could have chosen, why was it the first one she saw?

"Um...let's skip that," Isabella blinked. 

"Of course," The Professor smiled graciously. 

Said painting depicted terrified Vacuans with arms raised, Mantlese soldiers facing them with weapons drawn. Third of May, the display said. Isabella screamed inwardly. Why the hell did her mother agree to bringing that? Did she want to cause controversy and terror? 

"Um...I promise I didn't mean anything by that," Isabella blurted. 

"It is a cultural treasure of your Kingdom, Princess. This is what this whole celebration is for. Vytal is not just a festival of martial prowess but also that of our other achievements." 

​It was then, a new voice joined in. "Professor Ozpin. What a joy to have you!" came her mother's voice, pleased and honoured. Isabella froze in place as the Professor smiled, tilting his head slightly. 

"And it is an honour to have you, Consort." the Professor deftly replied. Cinder's pleased smile never left. 

"Now, you aren't trying to steal my precious daughter away for Beacon, are you?" Cinder asked sweetly. 

"I would never dream of it, Consort. I am sure Professor Theodore would be upset if I took away a prospective student," Professor Ozpin replied. "Examinations are over, I am afraid as well." 

"Oh? And might I ask how these tears students are like?" Cinder asked, eyes glittering with interest. 

"The finest I have ever seen. I have utter confidence that the Grimm will rue the day it will face this generation of budding warriors," Ozpin smiled simply. 

​"Oh, I am sure the Grimm are just trembling in terror!" Cinder shivered. "I can already feel their fear!" 

"But mother, Grimm don't feel terror," Isabella blurted. 

"That is correct, my dear," Cinder nodded then turned to Ozpin, still smiling. "But people do. Isn't that right, Professor?" 

"Quite," Ozpin said, his lips turning thin. "But we go forward regardless despite our fear. That is why humanity continues to live despite everything the Grimm tosses at us." 

"Poetic," Cinder sighed, her shoulder slacking. Then, she grinned. "But some would say that is pointless. Do you think so, Professor?" 

"Never," he replied, firmly and with narrowed eyes. Isabella watched awkwardly. 

"Um, so about the art," she coughed. "Mother, when are we bringing in the piece de resistance?" she asked. 

​"Oh, I almost forgot!" Cinder clapped her hands. She smiled awkwardly to the Professor. "Excuse me, professor. I must continue on with the event." 

"Of course, Consort." Ozpin bowed slightly. Cinder smiled once more before turning away, her handmaidens following her. Isabella watched her mother walk away, her heels echoing against the marbled floor. 

"Your mother is a interesting character, Princess," Ozpin remarked simply.

"She...she is," Isabella coughed awkwardly. That was one way of saying it, clearly. She couldn't help but agree. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Cinder cried out, her voice carrying over the din. The music stopped and conversation died down as all eyes turned to Cinder who preened visibly at the attention. "It is my deepest pleasure to see you all enjoying yourselves. Truly, I am honored that the best and brightest of Vale is here. It has been exhausting work to get these treasures to your halls. Thank you, for coming." 

A polite round of applause followed. Cinder basked in it, then continued. "However, these are nothing compared to what I am about to unveil!" 

At that, the lights to the hall dimmed. Isabella glanced around and noticed movement. The windows were slowly shuttered, the oak doors that led them in locked. In another corner, a door opened as men moved in pushing something on wheels. It was a box with a ribbon wrapped around it. Cinder continued. 

"Here, I am proud to present the crown jewels. The piece de resistance!" Cinder said excitingly as the men stopped. She walked forward, hands reaching for the ribbon then with a flourish, pulled it to reveal...

A red-haired man in a bowler hat slowly rising, a grin on his face, and a cane in his hand. He was not alone however as shadows moved with him. Faunus and humans in suits carrying heavy bags behind them and rifles in their hands. Murmurs went around as Cinder's eyes widened in shock. 

"W-what? Who?" 

"I haven't been called crown jewels before," the bowler hat man grinned. Shocked cries went up as he lifted his cane and pointed it directly on Cinder's face. Isabella felt her heart pound. 

"But I think I will settle into that name," Roman Torchwick proclaimed. "And oh, your majesty. This is a stick-up. I think you should put your hands up."

Behind him, his men spread out, rifles raised. 

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A/N: Brain far yesterday. Will put up next update by my tomorrow.

I have been settling well to this pace. Ngl, I feel embarrassed I am doing this with 1 k words each day instead of juicy ones. I feel like I am not giving you guys the quality you deserve. I am no Couer, to be frank, but I feel I can write better with this.

To put it into a methaphor, I feel I can push out updates faster by moderately putting smaller chapters each day than going all out each time. I would not be wasting your time and support and I wouldn't waste time trying to perfect a chapter.

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