[Ding! You have changed Occupations! True Dhampir -> Crown Prince!]
[Ding! You have deactivated Vermillion Eyes.]
[Ding! Your Quest, Vermillion Trials, has updated its requirements.]
[Ding! Current Task: LV94/100.]
[Ding! YOu have equipped the Enigma II.]
[Ding! Your Stats have been adjusted.]
[Ding! You have removed World Eater.]
[Ding! You have equipped Glistening Moonlight.]
[Status Preview]
Name: Naoto von Auslese
LV: 94 (270,200/892,800)
Total EXP: 28,780,400
Occupation: Crown Prince
Title: Friend of the Vermillion Knight
HP: 87,119/87,119
EP: 70,824/70,824
Attack Damage: 56,274
Incantation/Arts Damage: 37,848
Resistance: 3,081
Arts Resistance: 2,356
Craft Damage: +100%
Craft Rank: +1
Efficacy: -300% Fire, -200% Water
Damage Taken: -30%
Wooosh!
"Oh.", Princess Alfin murmured, seeing my hair suddenly change back to its normal violet sheen. With me turning off my Vermillion Eyes and changing Occupations, my Stats changed once again. I also spent a moment to put the Enigma II back on and store World Eater away. I now had my rapier equipped again. With that and my change in Title, my Status Preview is more well-rounded now. Still, over fifty thousand Attack Damage is insane before everything else is factored in. Unless Monsters have millions and millions of health, I would likely one-shot them all with any of my Crafts, haha!
"Thank you for permitting us to use the dojo today, Lord Vander. I have accomplished one of the tasks I was wanting to do here.", I said, thanking the Thunder God.
"It is no issue at all, Your Royal Highness. You are considered a student of the Vander School now, and we still have some paperwork to finish before your transfer is finalized. While I was hoping to take care of that today, it would seem we have some uninvited guests, even though I had purposely closed the dojo to the public today.", Matteus said, which only made me smile.
"So you could tell that too, eh? I would have taken action earlier, but these folks are friends of ours. You don't mind if Sherryl and I go greet them, do you?", I asked.
"Not at all. My schedule is quite free today. If they are guests of yours, Your Royal Highness, then you can invite them inside.", Matteus said with an agreeing nod.
"There's more people outside the dojo, and they're your friends?", Princess Alfin asked with interest.
"They sure are. And one of them is someone you know well, Sherryl.", I happily replied, looking at Sherryl.
"Someone I know well?", Sherryl responded. "If it is as you say, Naoto, then let us go greet them."
For some reason, Princess Alfin joined us. Aurelia, Roselia, Kurt and Prince Cedric remained where they were. Taking this moment, we approached the large and closed doors. Once I pushed them open, sure enough, we saw several figures standing near the entrance of the Vander Dojo. On one side was Zin, and surprisingly, Kilika and Walter. I knew both Zin and Kilika were amongst those I invited to participate in the Vermillion Trials, but seeing Walter with them was a surprise. Zin and Walter hated each other's guts, but at the same time, two opposites do attract one another. Sometimes where Zin goes, Walter will soon follow, likely from the shadows. And seeing Walter here, it's possible Ouroboros might be lurking around somewhere.
"Well, well, nice of you to drop by Zin.", I said, greeting the muscular man.
"Your Royal Highness?", Zin asked, not expecting to see me being the first one to come out of the Vander Dojo. "With what happened yesterday, I thought you would have flown back to Liberl by now."
"Haha. You would think so, but no. I have plans to stay here for at least two more months. YOu-know-what might happen soon, and with my training finished in Legram, I am here continuing it under the guidance of the Thunder God.", I explained.
"It really is you, Teacher.", Sherryl happily said. "Well, no. That isn't right. Should I call you Zin now?"
"Whatever works for you, Sherryl. I have finished teaching you, so call me Zin if you want.", Zin replied.
"So this is the one you took under your wing, eh?", Walter mused, taking another look at Sherryl. "Now that I get a good look, she does have your movements. Didn't think you'd ever take on a disciple after Master passed."
"The world works in mysterious ways, Walter.", Zin simply replied. "Still, you don't really look alright, Sherryl. Just what in Aidios's name happened behind those closed doors. While it was still distant, I could hear loud noises."
"Oh that's simple. Naoto and I were sparring. I told you that I was creating a technique in secret but didn't tell you what it was, right? I had decided it was about time to see it in action. It turned out surprisingly well."
"Is that so? Is that why your skin is still super pink?", Zin asked, taking a moment to look at Sherryl. While most of the heat and steam had vanished, her body was still recuperating. It was still bright pink in several areas.
"Yeah. Too bad you showed up too late to witness it. Since I'll be around in the capital for a while now that I'm attending St. Astraia, I could show you another time, Zin.", Sherryl answered.
"That works for me. I do recall you practicing something in secret. I'd love to see what it is, given the time.", Zin agreed.
"A special technique? Can't say I'm not familiar with 'em. Your body is currently experiencing something unnatural. Good on you for holding it in. You should take in all the strength you should get a hold of to accomplish what you want to do.", Walter added. "It's what I've been doing compared to this stupid idiot."
"Hey. That was uncalled for. There's a limit to how much you can do on your own. You're going down a path of no return. You know that, right, Walter?", Zin retorted.
"Yeah yeah, no need to tell me twice about it. It was my own desire to go on this path. Kilika is here to keep me in check.", Walter said, simply shrugging his shoulders.
"I did not think the two of you would be dating. It sounds like a mess.", Another voice called out. This person was someone I haven't seen since I've departed North Ambria. Didn't think I'd see Sara again so soon! With her was the hero of the Northern Jaegers in tow. Lavian Winslet. I knew what Sara was trying to do. Show Lavian the ropes so she doesn't become a Jaeger herself.
North Ambria is on the chopping block anyway. It is only a matter of time until the principality is dissolved one way or another, whether it is through my Western Zemurian Unification Plan, or annexed by Father, which is how it goes in the games. Father uses the height of the October War to annex the entire country to serve his own gain. Knowing that I have already received one of its biggest pawns, Jayna Storm, now ex-Vice Commander of the Northern Jaegers, they barely have any backbone to deal with. It is good that Sara and Lavian departed the country. While I did work with the Northern Jaegers for a period of time, I wasn't particularly attached to any of them. It would be up to them how they handle their own matters once they see North Ambria in such a state.
Nonetheless, I was happy to see Sara again. She's much more charming now. And if I'm not wrong, she should be the Purple Lightning by now. Perhaps not A-Rank yet, but by the time I begin my studies in Thors Military Academy, she will be A-Rank by then.
But when Sara said that, I was surprised. Walter and Kilika are actually dating this time around? I do not think this happened in the games, so this is an unexpected development. We'll see how that goes. Walter and Zin need to fight atop one of the towers during the Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon. As long as it doesn't interfere with that, then I am all for it.
"It is nice to see you again, Sara. You too, Kilika. We have not seen each other since our time spent back in Liberl.", I said, greeting the two, before looking at Walter. "And you must be Walter the Direwolf. Has the FOol informed you of my current standing?"
"More or less. I'm presently here as contingency. And do we need to go into my love life? What I do is none of your concern. If you really want the details, you can just ask Kilika here.", Walter shrugged.
"Fair enough.", I agreed with a nod.
"You actually know this guy? I didn't think I'd catch you around here in the capital either, Phoenix. It is good to see you.", Sara happily replied. "I say that, but I only caught wind of who you really were only after you departed North Ambria. By the time I knew, you were already gone. People address you as "Your Royal Highness", don't they?"
"Haha. So you found out.", I laughed. "I am sorry for not telling you about my other self before I departed from North Ambria back then. It is formally nice to meet you, miss rising Bracer, the Purple Lightning. I am Naoto von Auslese. Heir apparent to Liberl's throne. A pleasure."
It was then the rest, including Prince Cedric, Kurt, Aurelia and Roselia, who approached us as I introduced my real identity. Well that of Liberl's Crown Prince. I will not introduce myself as Naoto Osborne anytime soon. Only those who were at the villa during my childhood know of that, and those who went with me to Nemeth Island.
"You really are a member of Liberl's Royal Family...", Sara murmured. "I knew I recognized that hair of yours from somewhere. It just took a while to put two-and-two together. By then, you were gone."
"You really are a prince?", Lavian also asked.
"Not just any prince. Naoto here is Liberl's Crown Prince. Just like how I am the Crown Princess~", Princess Alfin happily said, who could now be seen beside me. "I didn't think you would be acquainted with such two lovely friends, Naoto. Would you care to introduce me?"
"Well aren't you a cutie.", Sara responded with a smile.
"That's Her Imperial Highness, Sara. You know, Erebonia's Treasure? Shouldn't you be more polite?", Lavian retorted. "Even I know that. It is nice to meet you. You may call me Lavian Winslet. This dolt is Sara Valestein."
"Hey!", Sara exclaimed. "I know how to carry myself, thank you very much. I am sorry if my appearance isn't up to par."
"Heehee, it is no issue. Naoto's friends are friends of ours. We will be entering holy matrimony in the far future, but it is nice to meet you people."
"The two of you really did get engaged yesterday...?", Sara murmured, taking a moment to glance between us. "Man, I really was plastered, wasn't I? I don't even remember last night."
"You reap what you sow, but yes, Her Imperial Highness and His Royal Highness are set to marry. This is now Nobles live, and we have no say in the matter. All we can offer is our congratulations.", Lavian said
"Thank you very much~", Princess Alfin happily said. I'll just heed that no mind. What happens from here on out is still far into the future, anyway. I don't see the actual ceremony taking place for another six to eight years. But what Lavian said is true. If you're high up on the Noble ladder, a lot of your life is arranged by others. I'm just glad Grandmother permitted me to have a Royal Harem. In that regard, I have more freedom than others. "But with that said, most of us have finished our business here at the Vander Dojo. Naoto here has some paperwork to fill out, but we can take a break and have some lunch back at the palace. You all are more than welcome to join us."
"Even me---?", Walter tried to say, but Kilika reacted swiftly enough and sidejabbed him with her elbow.
"Just ignore this guy.", Kilika replied before Walter could finish his sentence. "We would be honored to have lunch with Erebonia's Treasure. It isn't everyday you can wander into Valflame Palace."
"I know, right?", Princess Alfin happily replied. "You don't mind, do you, Naoto?"
"Nah. We're at a good pause now. I can always come back later to finish the rest of my work here.", I responded. "Does that work for you all?"
Hearing that, everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Even the Thunder God spoke out and said he would be waiting for me, before closing the doors to the dojo. We were now fully outside again. I will return here later in the day. And yet, I saw that Lavian didn't reply. Instead, she looked back at Sara.
"You sure have some competition now, don't you, Sara? Didn't think the guy we fought alongside with would turn out to be a prince.", Lavian said. "The guild branches are still talking about what happened yesterday."
"Is that right?", I replied. "And well, I am only here in Erebonia for a little while longer. A month or two at most. After that, I will return to Liberl and head back home."
"If that is the case, then I likely won't see you for a while...", Sara murmured. I saw Sara enter her own thoughts for a moment.
"Most likely. You would need to visit Liberl if you want to pay us a visit.", I said. I would more than welcome Sara in Grancel should that happen.
"I see.", Sara replied. It was then I saw determination appear in her eyes, for some reason. "It does sound like you'll be busy from now on, and I am not exactly sure when that will happen. You see, there is one thing that I have to do now that you're here, Naoto."
"Oh?", I asked. "And what would that be?"
Hearing that, the others were also interested in what Sara wanted to do. But I didn't expect her to suddenly approach me, let alone what would happen next. Before I could react, I saw Sara's beautiful figure now within reach. She reached her hands out, and cusped my head. Turning it slightly, I felt something warm plant against the side of my cheeks. My eyes turned wide, seeing Sara suddenly kiss them. It wasn't on the lips, but I was still taken aback.
It only lasted for a brief moment before Sara quickly retracted her head. This time, I could see a blush on her cheeks.
"You...", I tried to say, not expecting to see a kiss like that. Instead, Sara grinned at me.
"Call that an advanced payment, Phoenix. I know you will be busy, but if you decide to make some time, I'll be doing Bracer requests here and there in the capital alongside Zin here. I do appreciate the invitation. You can take the rest, but if you'll excuse me."
Right then and there, Sara turned tail and ran, feeling embarrassment as she did. But she also felt proud for having done such a thing. Even Princess Alfin was surprised by that.
"...Did that really just happen?", Princess Alfin asked.
"It sure did.", Aurelia mused. "You sure are a lucky guy, aren't you? You even made the Purple Lightning's heart aflutter."
"Hahaha...", I said. I mean, yes, we spent some time together in North Ambria in a four-way war, and I saved her adoptive father. I didn't think that would be enough to get Sara to like me, but who knew. Honestly, I like Sara's character as a whole. She is more than welcomed to join the Royal Harem. And if she does, she would be the third after Angelica and Ennea.
At the same time, an unexpected Gamer Notification came through, which distracted me.
[Ding! After realizing who Gamer Naoto truly is and from the actions Gamer Naoto has performed back in North Ambria, Sara has resolved herself, wanting to stay by Gamer Naoto's side. Despite being part of two different worlds, Sara is determined to fight through, and hopefully claim a spot.]
[Ding! Sara Valestein's Favorability has reached 100%!]
[Ding! Sara is aware of your Royal Harem and is willing to join it.]
[Ding! Sara's Blessing has been rewarded to Gamer Naoto.]
...Sara is really willing to join it!?
[Ding! You can now use Thunder Magic.]
Wow!
Thunder Magic!