Valflame Palace.
Later that evening. Saturday. January 1st, S1200.
With the sun setting beyond the horizon, the temperature in the air began to rapidly drop. More snowfall started to pelt Heimdallr, painting it a bloody and crimson red. Horns could be heard honking in the distance of the never-ending traffic. Now that the New Years celebration finished, many families were on their way toward their next destination, or returning home. As for Claire, she successfully brought us back inside the palace, and finished her escort. From there, a few figures soon emerged from the lower levels of the palace, and reached the main hall.
The floors were literally sparkling with a perfect reflection of the roof. One could easily see the hanging chandeliers. A couple maids could presently be seen continuing their cleaning, making sure everything was spotless. And this front hall wasn't the only reception room inside Valflame Palace. Valflame Palace is so large and grandiose that it has several rooms designed to greet different types of guests, depending on the occasion. Directly connected to the front all where we emerged from was the long throne room. At its end sat two thrones, each on the opposing side from one another. Emperor Eugent and Empress Priscilla rarely sat on these thrones, but they're there for a reason. Erebonia is an Empire where both an Emperor and Empress rule the entire land. It's different from Liberl, which is a Monarchy.
I can't believe that it was just a single night ago where everything went down in Esmelas Garden, and now Princess Alfin and I are engaged. Granted, the actual wedding won't take place until several more years. Well into the Cold Steel games. Perhaps even Reverie? At the same time, I wasn't surprised that it got announced this early. Once you realize you're a Noble, most of your life is out of your hands. Regarding your prospective partners, that is. I'm an exception, as I will be ruling Liberl one day once Grandmother deems it fit. All thanks to Father no less.
The Nobles who held me in contempt during the dance could only tuck a tail between their legs, or attempt to form connections with me. Thankfully, I dodged most of them. Emperor Eugent gave them a stern warning. They knew they couldn't go against the Emperor. But one day, I will have to confront these Nobles. I have that plan with Angelica to overthrow the Great Houses as part of the Western Zemuria Unification Plan efforts. Those who don't keep up with this undercurrent will easily get swept away.
For the time being, Princess Alfin, Prince Cedric, Roselia, Aurelia and I could now be seen standing in the main hall. Sherryl, on the other hand, felt a heavy tiredness later on the car ride, and could now be seen sleeping peacefully on my back. I decided to carry her. Claire was also with us, and she gave us a firm salute.
"Welcome back to Valflame Palace, Your Imperial Highnesses.", Claire said, and saluted us. "From the sounds of it, you all wanted to have lunch earlier. I do apologize for how we went about doing that. To make up for it, dinner will be held later, should you desire it. There will be plenty for you all to have your fair share.", Claire continued. "And this is where my escort ends. I will be retiring to my private quarters for some rest."
That's good. Claire needs it. She can be such a busybody. Even if it's just for a single night, hopefully she can get the rest she deserves.
"I do still feel guilty putting you through all of this, Claire. You were meant to support Chancellor Osborne. Besides, aren't most of the RMP celebrating the new years with their families? Now that the Chancellor has departed the capital, I'm sure he doesn't need you to do anything. Why don't you take a few days off for a short respite?", Princess Alfin suggested.
"I am grateful for your concern about my wellbeing, Your Imperial Highness. His Excellency gave me an order to watch over you three during his time of absence. I will be here to support you all from the sidelines.", Claire responded. "Plus, it will not sit well with me to take a few days off. I continued working like this so the rest of our officers can enjoy their peace of mind. My body will get restless if it isn't moving."
"Chancellor Osborne is no longer in Heimdallr?", Prince Cedric inquired.
"That is correct. His Excellency departed very early in the morning after breakfast, and I saw him off. You all came out after, and I am afraid he will be away for quite some time.", Claire explained. "Besides, with the absence of His Excellency, someone needs to look after the paperwork that piles up in his room."
"Let me take a wild guess. You're involved, aren't you?", Prince Cedric asked as his eyes shifted toward me.
"Haha. You know as well as I do that there is a lot that surrounds the capital, Your Imperial Highness. To make sure nothing goes awry, His Excellency will no doubt be visiting the neighboring regions so nothing gets affected.", I said, only telling a half-truth here.
Prince Cedric doesn't need to know the existence of AI KeA yet. Only Claire, Roselia, Emma and Princess Alfin do, apart from others like Laura back in Legram. I do plan to show off my Enigma II now that I have its fourth slot unlocked and a new Quartz to place into it. Just haven't gotten there yet. I removed it during my spar with Sherryl.
"It is definitely a lot to wrap my head around this matter. I cannot believe both His Excellency and Father approved it. I know we cannot go against their wishes, so whatever happens from here on, you best be ready for it, Your Royal Highness.", Prince Cedric warned. "Seriously, just what in Aidios's name do you plan to do? You told us the story, but it shouldn't require such drastic measures."
"No need to worry about such matters for now, Prince. Naoto here has to carry most of the weight and do the hardest part, mastering the Incantation that I will be teaching him.", Roselia explained. "But before that, I need to get in touch with my other foolish granddaughter to see how she is going."
Vita huh? I bet Roselia was wanting to know how the Azure Trials are going, even if she already joined up with Ouroboros. Vita is still her granddaughter. I wonder, have they completed it by now? And when Roselia tried to ease Prince Cedric's worry just now, I think I know her intent is. The rise of the Infernal Castle is set to happen, and it is only a matter of time. Why bother explaining all of this now when it will just be easier to give everybody a show later~?
I couldn't help but crack a smile as I wondered that myself. I saw Claire nod her head to our words as well.
"No doubt it will turn busy for you all in the coming months. Being an officer myself, I would suggest you all get your affairs in order so there are no loose ends. If you have anything you want to complete, now would be the time to do so.", Claire suggested.
"That's the plan. Since you were not inside the Vander Hall earlier Claire, Lord Matteus will be devising a training program for me, which will begin in a week's time. I will head back there after dinner to finish up some paperwork, but that will give us a week's time. I'm sure the training will go on for at least a month, and it's possible we may or may not head out of the capital. Should that be the case, I want you to prioritize Alfin's and His Imperial Highness's safety over mine, Claire.", I said, looking at Claire with a serious look in my eyes.
"Naoto...", Princess Alfin uttered, secretly happy to hear that.
"True. It is not like you can be in two places at once. You were given an order by His Excellency to assure our safety, were you not? Besides, His Royal Highness will be with the Thunder God, our country's foremost swordsman. His safety is practically secured if he happens to depart the capital.", Prince Cedric responded.
"Moreover, since I plan to head to Crossbell City in the morning, surely you must have thought about this already, haven't you, Claire?", I decided to ask with a smile.
"Well, you are not wrong. I will remain in the capital for the time being. I have already taken the necessary precautions to assure your safety, Your Royal Highness. You are free to leave the city as you see fit.", Claire suddenly said. "And by the by, I have, in fact, already arranged your flight itinerary, and purchased your tickets. The one who will be joining you should have just returned not too long ago."
"Eh?", I replied, becoming surprised. Someone else is going to accompany me while Claire stays in Heimdallr?
"Yo. You haven't missed me, have you, Your Royal Highness?", A voice called out to us, appearing rather familiar...
We all saw, from another corridor, a sole figure approach us. A long, thin hilt could be seen held at his waist. He was wearing a rather flashy purple tuxedo and black pants. A pale purple cravat rested inside his neck, which had a fancy-designed turquoise brooch. I could recognize the man's scarlet hair any day.
"I had a feeling it would be you, Lechter.", I said, greeting the man with a grin. "Did you have fun trying to find that village I told you about?"
It has been quite some time since I've last seen Lechter.
"Wow, you really told him to find it?", Roselia asked, raising her eyebrows with interest.
"You really were relentless, Your Royal Highness. You could have at least given me something to work on. I searched a whole damn forest and came out with nothing!", The man said, who was of course, Lechter Arundel. Another Ironblood and one of Father's goons, just like Claire here. The only one missing right now would be Rufus Albarea, but quickly returned to his household after last night was over. In the coming year or two, I do believe Father will awaken the White Rabbit and Black Rabbit, or Millium Orion and Altina Orion.
"Haha.", I laughed, seeing Lechter have no luck in trying to find Eryn Village. Unless one was sensitive to Magic or knew where to look, they would find nothing. It looks like it was the case here.
"And you would be?", Princess Alfin asked, becoming interested. Right now, Lechter should be seventeen this year, and should be well into his studies at Jenis Royal Academy. By the time Kloe and I begin ours, Lechter should be in his final year. He's around four to five years older than me.
Hearing Princess Alfin say that, I took a moment to walk up to Lechter. We really haven't seen each other in a while, haven't we? I reached my hand out, as did he, and we went for a firm shake.
"This is Lechter, Alfin. He too serves His Excellency. It is great to see you again.", I said, happily greeting Lechter.
"Haha. I could say the same thing to you, Your Royal Highness. Man, you sure aren't the kid I once knew. Look at you. You even got yourself a pretty little princess here as a partner!", Lechter continued as a grin appeared on his face. "Trouble really does follow you one way or another, doesn't it? Sounds like you're heading to Crossbell City in the morning, yeah? Well don't look any further, your one and only Lechter here decided to make an appearance and support you!"
Sheesh. Lechter really is spunky and playful at heart, isn't he? If I had to compare this guy to another person, no doubt would it be Olivier. Nonetheless, Lechter decided to show up out of the blue. That's just what he does.
And it looks like Lechter is going to accompany me to Crossbell City with Sherryl and I. Surely he won't try to wander to its casinos to play some slots, or whip out his vacation gear and go fishing in the middle of winter, would he?