Around the same time Roselia was explaining Erebonia's Curse to the Imperial Family...
Liberl. Rolent. The Bright House.
Noon.
Thick and dark gray clouds hung far above, moving fiercely in an endless loop. Countless snowflakes were flying downward at a rapid pace, swerving diagonally due to the high winds.
Several inches of snow could be seen as an active snowstorm pelted the grass. The once lush green grass could now be seen tucked away, buried by snow. All of the trees surrounding the single open field painted a beautiful, wintry landscape. The sole two-story house continued to stand its ground against the ongoing blizzard. It wasn't the first time it saw such snow, nor would it be its last time.
Even the clean-cut stump in the open field that Cassius often used to chop wood only had the axe's handle still visible. The rest was hidden away by the snow.
Closer to the house on the second floor, one of the rooms currently had its curtains open. An upright, spunky brown-haired girl whose hair was currently tied into twintails could be seen leaning her elbow against the windowsill of her bedroom. A relaxed, mellow look in her eyes as she let out a sigh, watching the snow fall onto the ground before her. If this girl wasn't already dead set on the path she just started to take, she would have enrolled into a nearby high school the following year after she finished Sunday School. Unlike other countries, here in Liberl, one was seen as a working adult the moment they finish Sunday School at the age of sixteen. They had the option of continuing their studies, or immediately begin working, whether that be as a Bracer or through other means.
This girl was, of course, Estelle Bright, one of the two protagonists of Trails in the Sky. She would be turning fourteen this year, the same as Naoto, and that meant she still had two years before she could become a Bracer. Likewise, a black-haired amber-eyed boy could be seen not too far away in her bedroom, currently holding an open book in his hand, reading away as the snow continued to fall. Just like Estelle, this boy was soon to turn fourteen years of age, and was the other protagonist, Joshua Bright. It had just turned S1200, and they would take the Bracer Exam in S1202. By that point, Naoto and Kloe would be at Jenis Royal Academy. Naoto hopes to meet Estelle and Joshua in such fashion when the two help Kloe in the school play.
It was well into the winter now. Not too long ago, both Estelle and Joshua were still at Grancel City, the capital of Liberl. They were undergoing bracer training under the guidance of another senior bracer, who went by the name Scherazard Harvey, or more commonly known as the Silver Streak. They had started to get along with another person aspiring to become a bracer, the sole daughter of one of Erebonia's Great Houses, Angelica Rogner. Unlike Angelica, who decided to remain in the capital with Scherazard, however, Estelle and Joshua returned to Rolent back to their home to continue going about their lives.
Every so often, Estelle and Joshua would pop into Rolent to acquire supplies, but aside from that, Estelle mostly focused on strengthening her skills in using a Pole, just like how her father, Cassius did, while Joshua became more laid back, and pursued studying and reading. That didn't stop Estelle from dragging Joshua to partake in outdoor activities. But currently, she couldn't even do that. The ongoing blizzard prevented Estelle from going outside to play.
"Sheesh. This snowstorm really isn't letting up, huh? I'm glad Dad was able to leave before this thing hit. You think he made it to Leiston safely?", Estelle asked with a hint of worry in her eyes.
"I'm sure he did, Estelle. I didn't think they would take a private airship there. It does make sense considering who was with Dad, though. I didn't think I'd get to see Her Royal Highness again like this.", Joshua said, taking a pause in his reading to look at Estelle.
"Right? It was really nice to see Kloe again! She looked really pretty in that dress of hers. If I didn't see that rapier at her waist I wouldn't think she would have any interest in going to a military facility. It's almost as if Dad is acting as her personal escort, haha.", Estelle said, revealing a playful smile.
"Well, you are right in a way. It is true Dad is retired from the Royal Army, but it's not like his connections up and vanished into thin air. It was enjoyable to spend the coming of the new year with Dad's acquaintances.", Joshua said with a nod of his head.
"Oh yeah, the scruffy General and that pretty blonde. What were their names again?", Estelle wondered, already forgetting who it was that came with Cassius to celebrate the new years at their home. It was only a day, but she had already forgotten them. Joshua couldn't help but smack his head with his hand the moment Estelle asked that.
"And this is why I fear you will fail your Bracer Exam, Estelle. How could you forget someone you just met last night?", Joshua retorted Estelle. Estelle grinned hearing that.
"Oh I'm just kidding, Joshua. Of course I know who they are. I think Dad is training that Colonel to become his successor too.", Estelle responded.
"It does appear to be that way. Colonel Alan Richard. Also a practitioner of the Eight Leaves One Blade School of swordsmanship. I recall that school has eight forms one could practice. Colonel Richard practices the Fifth Form, Morning Moon.", Joshua explained.
"The fifth form huh? I know Dad used that school to create his own pole arts, since he mostly attacks with a pole like I do. I think he called his style Void.", Estelle said.
"I remember him saying that. I don't know if Dad is personally training Colonel Richard but I do know he is now training Her Highness, as well as one of her personal bodyguards, Julia. As to whether they are practicing the Eight Leaves One Blade, I don't know. I'm surprised you didn't go with them.", Joshua said as he raised his eyebrows.
"I initially had interest since Dad could watch over me as he trained with Kloe, but Kloe had such a serious look in her eyes. If I went, I probably would have only distracted her. Seems there was a bit of a scuffle back at the castle thanks to that prince.", Estelle responded, looking back at Joshua.
"Oh yeah, there was that, wasn't there? It hasn't reached public news yet but Dad really shouldn't go spouting military secrets. Something about His Royal Highness disappearing after receiving a large sword wound on his chest. I'm sure the Royal Family was freaking out about it.", Joshua replied with a worried look in his eyes.
"I mean, what's the point of worrying about it? He turned out fine didn't he? After all, I haven't seen Dad's eyes turn that wide since that boy was declared the Crown Prince some years back. It's almost every person's dream, isn't it? A prince and a princess being able to marry.", Estelle responded back with a smile.
"That's just fantasy talk---is what I would say, but you don't know how many implications are currently being caused by what was announced by that news, Estelle. It could very well tip the balance we currently share among the three leading countries. I wouldn't be surprised if Calvard declared war in the coming years.", Joshua said with a stern look in his eyes. Seeing that caught Estelle off guard.
"It's...not that bad, is it?", Estelle asked with worry.
"Chances are high, unfortunately. It's even possible Dad might return to the military because of His Highness's actions. It does wonder if there is a hidden implication as to why Her Highness is training with him. I don't think it's just because she wants to protect herself.", Joshua wondered to himself why Kloe went to Leiston with Cassius. What he didn't know was that Kloe started her training the moment Naoto "vanished" from the public eye again. It's not like those who were in the castle at the time remained oblivious to it. Kloe and the others were notified of Naoto's plan, so instead of lazing around in the castle, Kloe took it upon herself to train alongside Julia until the two enrolled in Jenis next May.
So far, Kloe's training has been progressing well.
"I think you're worrying too much, Joshua. Still, it does make things a bit lonely with Dad mostly out of the picture. And besides, I want to try playing with that violet-haired cutie again! She was such a blast to hang around. I know she said she was currently staying at the castle, but Kloe said she currently isn't there. I wonder where she is?", Estelle said, wondering to herself. Back during the martial arts tournament and when Naoto was making his Enigma II, Estelle, Kloe and the violet-haired girl did tag along and play for a little bit, even though the time spent was short. Back then, a fourth girl was with them, who went by the name Tita Russell.
Joshua suddenly came to a halt the moment Estelle brought that girl up.
"You aren't referring to who I think you're referring to, are you, Estelle?", Joshua asked Estelle.
"Hehe, you're sounding as if you know the person who I'm referring to. I think she introduced herself as Renne?", Estelle said, trying to recall the short time spent with the violet-haired girl back at the capital.
"It is her...", Joshua uttered, recalling the same violet-haired girl aboard the large red airship the two used to be a part of until Joshua came to the Bright House. Estelle wasn't expecting Joshua to react like this. While the Faceless might currently have his spell on Joshua active, since he had already met Renne once before, it triggered some behavior that made Joshua recall some bits and pieces, even if he can't piece the full picture together.
"You know her, don't you?", Estelle decided to ask. "Now that I think about it, I never did ask you how you got to Dad's place in the first place. You reacted the moment I mentioned Renne's name. I know we met back in the capital, but your eyes are saying something else.", Estelle said, squinting her eyes at Joshua.
"You never bothered to ask about it, so I never brought it up. Considering we have some free time on our hands until our bracer exam in two years time, I could tell you, but it's not something I'd consider worth talking about...", Joshua said with an indifferent tone. What he was referring to was the tragedy that befell Hamel. He was a part of it, and was picked up by Ouroboros after the events took place. It wasn't until Cassius got into a skirmish with Joshusa did he find his new place here, at the Bright House. Joshua had only asked for his own death then, but instead, Cassius went another direction, and directly adopted Joshua into the family.
"Is it sensitive or something?", Estelle wondered why Joshua never wanted to talk about his upbringing.