Did someone ask for a mass release? Enjoy!
*
Mueller aside, I was able to recognize all three who were now standing in the front door. Lavian opened up enough to us where she said we could call her by her nickname she likes to use, Lavi. Lavi was to the left of me while Emma and Claire were to my right. Sara was still standing near the kitchen, and watched over the meal that was still being prepared.
The woman was definitely the oldest of the three. She already had aged white hair, just like Mr. Valestein here. All three were dressed in military uniforms similar to each other.
The brown-haired man, Mueller, was someone who I was already acquainted with. His Favorability was approaching fifty to seventy-five percent, so perhaps this event tonight will increase that a bit more. I already have Prince Olivert's Blessing, so likely won't take much more until I acquire Mueller's Blessing.
As for the woman, like I said, she is Instructor Beatrix. The blonde-haired man beside her is currently Major Neithardt. I am not sure if he has begun his instructing career with Thors Military Academy or if that only picks up until after Rean enrolls there. He seemed to be in his twenties now. From the way he's dressed, he's likely still part of the Imperial Army.
It was distinct, but I could see respect in Neithardt's eyes whenever he looked at Beatrix. It looks like he holds her in high regard. Not many knew, but once upon a time, Instructor Beatrix once held one of the highest positions in the Imperial Army. Not as high as Father as a Brigadier General or to the other Generals of the Armored Divisions, but of similar rank to Cassius Bright. A Colonel. That was likely why I didn't see Beatrix back when those Generals and I drove inside His Imperial Majesty's car to the capital back then.
As far as Mueller went, we met half a year ago at Grandmother's birthday bash together with Kloe and I. Back then, we were in Liberl. But now, we're all the way out here in North Ambria. He wound up here together with these two. I am not sure if they are on orders on the behalf of a certain someone, but Prince Olivert was nowhere in sight. Perhaps it was more of a casual gathering? I'm not sure.
It didn't help that everyone's eyes were now glued on us. Mueller and I shared a similar reaction, considering we didn't expect to find each other here all the way out in North Ambria. I guess he, along with Beatrix and Neithardt beside him, are acquainted with Mr. Valestein in some way. From his military days, no doubt. Maybe they partook in missions or combat drills in the past. While the games do give us lots of lore, they still leave a lot of holes, waiting for its players to figure out the gaps. That's likely what's going on here.
To our surprise, it was none other than Lavi who broke this moment of silence.
"You some kind of noble or somethin'?", Lavi asked, keeping her eyes on me with a nonchalant look. Hearing that, I laughed.
"Hahaha! Why don't we pretend that Mueller here didn't say that just now? For obvious reasons, there are particular matters I cannot divulge. That does not change my current standing as Phoenix. I'd appreciate it if questions weren't asked as to why I'm here.", I said to everyone.
Despite saying that, I saw a mark of anger appear on Mueller's face.
"Or so you say. I don't know what this Phoenix business is, but can you come with me for a moment?", Mueller asked, disregarding Beatrix and Neithardt next to him. It wasn't often Mueller behaved like this even in front of Prince Olivert. I nodded at his request, and the two of us wandered toward a corner of the house. Seeing the two of us do this caused Beatrix to chuckle. Neithardt just watched on. His eyes remained on me. He felt a wave of nostalgia hit him, and wondered why he was feeling that way.
Seeing me do this, Emma decided to speak out. Mueller and I had some items to discuss. Nice pass.
"Is anyone interested in seeing a magic trick?", Emma asked, drawing some of the attention away from the two of us back to her.
"A magic trick?", Lavi responded. Emma simply smiled, and ignored her question. Instead, Emma channeled some of her Mana inside her body. Mr. Valestein was quick to notice a subtle change in the air around the plum-haired girl. Emma soon diverted her mana toward her finger. Those present didn't expect anything to happen. But something did. Emma's index finger began to light up in a calm, bluish aura. Pure, concentrated Mana.
Lavi's eyes squinted seeing this sudden aura wrap around Emma's finger. Sara just stared at it with a surprised look in her eyes.
"That's the same aura you showed off previously...", Sara uttered. Even Beatrix's and Neithardt's eyes remained serious looking at it.
"Is this Battle Qi? At such a young age? But it has a different feeling to it...", Neithardt uttered as he watched on.
"Not quite. IT is too calming to be Battle Qi. Such is the mystery of our world. There are many things we have not come to an understanding with.", Beatrix surmised, wondering if that was the case here. Still, Emma ignored the two. Instead, she let out a single incantation from her mouth.
At the same time, Emma's finger took aim. It didn't aim at Mr. Valestein or his guests. Instead, Emma's finger aimed at us.
"Confucto.", Emma chanted. The way she said this incantation sounded foreign to those who heard it. Wooosh!
Very quickly, the blue light rushed forth. She took aim right at us. Nothing malicious by any means. It didn't hit the two of us directly. Instead, at the corners of the living room Mueller and I were now in, the blue light struck, moving very swiftly. Then, the blue light began to change. Hummm!
A very thin white barrier that was almost invisible to the naked eye formed once the blue Mana vanished. After this barrier surrounded the two of us, they could no longer hear our voices. Mueller stared onward, seeing Emma do this. He could no longer hear a single sound coming from the rest of the living room. We were now in complete silence. And it was of course Mueller who broke it first.
"The hell did Emma just do?", Mueller said, seeing this thin white barrier before us. He even moved his hand in and out of it to see if it did anything, and it didn't. It wasn't meant to hold something back. Instead, it held a different purpose.
"It's a noise-cancellation barrier. The only sounds we can now hear come from you and I. So if you have the beans, it's time to spill them.", I said with a smile.
And as the two of us said that, a wry smile appeared on Mr. Valestein's face. He heard no sound coming from our lips while he looked at us.
"It would seem our couple of guests have some business with each other.", Mr. Valestein said. He then turned toward Sara. "Sara, you can continue your cooking. We'll be serving lots of food tonight. After all, this little event is meant to be a party. We're celebrating, haha! And I'll help serve the drinks. To those who can, obviously. The young ones will receive non-alcoholic beverages.", Mr. Valestein continued as he swept his eyes toward Emma and Lavian.
"Thank you for the warm welcome.", Emma happily replied.
"Whatever. Just don't expect me to clean up your mess.", Lavi said, and shrugged her shoulders.
"Seriously?", Sara retorted seeing her old man behave like this.
"Of course, my dear daughter. Our house, our rules. If you all don't get drunk tonight, then it'll be considered that I'm not a good host, gahaha!", Mr. Valestein bellowed, feeling proud.
"But I turn twenty next year...", Sara sighed, and slumped her shoulders downward. Hearing that, Beatrix laughed.
"Hoho, I think we can turn a blind eye just for a single night. You should join us, Sara. Next year will come before you realize it. Take it as a chance to cool off. You're looking to find out where you belong, right?", Beatrix asked while letting out a laugh.
"I mean you aren't wrong. Out here, the rules are far more relaxed than they are in the capital. You don't have the police hounding you.", Neithardt said, and shifted his eyes back to Mr. Valestein. "And I take it you won't say no for an answer."
"Nope. You'll join us whether you like it or not. And I wouldn't mind if a certain someone decides to have a bit of fun as well, if we are turning a blind eye.", Mr. Valestein said, and looked my way. Seeing his smile, I wondered what he was saying here. Sadly, the barrier worked both ways, so I couldn't hear him. Instead, Emma giggled.
"Hehe. I do appreciate the invitation and all. Do keep in mind I only turned eleven this year. Claire's more than welcome, but I think I will pass on that.", Emma said with a smile.
"I get it that tonight is a cause for celebration, but at the end of the day, I'm an officer of the law. It hasn't been long since I joined the Railway Police. Leaning the other way is enough for a single night. Plus I need to ensure Naoto's safety later. He'll need an escort to his next destination.", Claire said, denying Mr. Valestein's request.
"So you really are with them...", Neithardt uttered. A glint of light streaked across his eyes, acting as if he had come to an understanding.
"Is that right? And you do look young, but I didn't think you would be around the same as Sylphid is.", Mr. Valestein mused. Hearing that, Neithardt raised his eyes after keeping his comment to himself.
"You're telling me you're working as a Jaeger at such a young age?", Neithardt asked.
"That is quite a surprise, but it isn't unheard of. Jaegers often train the young to join their corp later to assist them in battle. Since we aren't going to question what is going to happen tonight, then let's just enjoy the celebration at hand.", Beatrix happily said.
"Fair enough. I'll go and prepare our dinner tonight. If you feel like drinking, then I will not stop you.", Sara said, and quickly scurried off to the kitchen.
After everyone got settled into the Valestein Home situated in Misusk, Sara didn't go against her Father's wishes. Before long, the smell of a home-cooked meal wafted around the living room, becoming ready for tonight's meal. It didn't take long for everyone to seat themselves at the dining table, enjoying drinks in one way or another. Of course, Emma stuck with her non-alcoholic beverages, as she requested.
As everyone started to enjoy to their heart's content, Emma continued the conversation from earlier, and looked at Neithardt.
"And it is as you said, Mr. Neithardt. I support and provide backup from the rear. Each mission I've partaken in has been pretty fulfilling.", Emma happily said to him while enjoying some food.
"Is that right? It's not like I'm foreign to this as Beatrix said earlier. It's still such a surprise to see someone so young as you gaining practical combat experience.", Claire also chimed in, revealing a rare smile underneath her icy demeanor.
"Haha! Talent like yours can't go unchecked. Emma, was it? Ever consider giving the military a go?", Neithardt asked, containing a hint of persuasion in his tone. Hearing that, everyone saw Neithardt take a sip of his drink. As he enjoyed a sip, more and more meat was being taken out from the kitchen, courtesy of Sara. This signaled dinner was soon ready.
Even Emma blinked her eyes at Neithardt for receiving such a sudden proposal. He belonged to one of the largest armies in all of Zemuria. Did he seriously just invite Emma to become a soldier?
It was then they heard me speak out to them. I had finished my talk with Mueller. His eyes still showed another story. He was finding it hard to believe my current situation. But it is what it is, and he had to accept that fact.
"Hahaha! You aren't seriously trying to poach my partner now, are you, Major?", I suddenly asked, revealing a playful smile on my lips. It took a second to register, but the sound-nullification barrier dissipated.
"Welcome back. I take it things smoothed over with Mueller?", Beatrix asked, seeing her companion join them.
"...For now. I fear my stacks of paperwork once I'm back at my desk. This is turning into such a mess.", Mueller replied, and sighed.
"Don't sweat the small stuff. Like I said to the rest, to those who want to, everyone's getting drunk tonight.", Mr. Valestein said, and also glanced my way. Seriously? I mean the rules are much more relaxed here, yeah. I saw Emma, Lavi and Claire not drinking so maybe it will just be for the adults. But his eyes landed on me.
"You'll join me, right, Phoenix~?", Sara happily requested only to bring out several plates of cooked meat. She asked that in a teasing tone.
I felt the weight in my stomach drop, and shuddered. I'll probably just go with the flow here. I am curious to see if my body can handle it knowing that I have the Gamer System and all, but we'll see.
Still, the house-warming party went without a hitch. These guys are Jaegers and Soldiers, but they know how to have a fun time. Overall, it was a nice dinner at the Valestein Home. Many laughs were shared, regardless of someone's rank. Sara also became acquainted with Mr. Valestein's guests. In the coming future, they would all be instructors at Thors Military Academy, minus Mueller.
Despite the offer Neithardt gave Emma, she denied him outright. She wanted to stay beside me, and I'm grateful for her. I can trust her with watching my back. And honestly, I'm surprised Emma's Favorability hasn't reached 100% by now. We've been by each other's side for some years now. Perhaps all that's left is one final push, but I'm not sure exactly what that entails.
In the end after the night ended, Sara was sad to see Mr. Valestein's guests depart. But at the same time, her will was renewed. From that night onward, Sara would submit a request to leave from the Northern Jaegers. Sara had her eyes set on a new path. The path of becoming a Bracer, just like in the games.
Mr. Valestein's three guests didn't immediately depart, however. We all stayed the night, Emma, Claire, Lavi and I included. It was nice to meet Lavian Winslet and all, and this probably won't be the last time I meet her. Especially if she decides to hang around Sara. We all hitched a ride with Mueller and the rest, as we all had the same destination.
Erebonia.
This marked a turning point in Sara's life in more ways than one. Mr. Valestein still lives, and I'm curious to see how his life will play out from here. If North Ambria entered another bout of turmoil, would he sit back and do nothing, or take action again? I could only speculate for the time being. If push comes to shove, I may even reach out to Mr. Valestein, should I require his assistance.
As for Claire, she found her assignment to me quite beneficial. She had come to learn a great deal of things, outside the life of being an officer working for the government. She now had different aspects to help her clairvoyance powers grow. They had likely taken root, but hadn't gotten used to them fully.
But with that comes a farewell. Claire finished her assigned mission with us. Before she parted ways from us though, she expressed her interest in enrolling at Thors Military Academy. She would likely spend one year there before graduating. It was already approved and everything. Thanks to that, we may not see each other for a while. And we won't cross paths either. I will be enrolling at Jenis in three years time when I turn fifteen, and by then Claire's studies would likely already finish.
Mueller was the first to leave while Beatrix and Neithardt remained behind to chat with Mr. Valestein. We made sure to properly bid our farewells. Should our paths cross again, only fate will tell. If it goes as the way it should, Sara will likely visit Liberl while she works as a Bracer. If that plays out, we may be able to meet each other again then.
Claire, Mueller, Emma and I departed together. Claire had a one way stop to Heimdallr, and so did Mueller.
But Emma and I didn't have plans to immediately head back to Grancel City. Not quite yet.
After all, the two of us received an invitation from another friend who has been out and about travelling around Liberl. We last met her back at Grandmother's birthday celebration at the start of the year. Angelica Rogner!
Our next destination just so happens to be House Rogner, situated in the city of Roer. While I may have gotten close to the city when I was with Father, this will be my first time going inside it!