So yeah. Didn't think I'd see the day that someone like Angelica Rogner would confess to a boy, let alone me. Saying that her behavior during most of Cold Steel's story is bad is an understatement. Take Olivier Lenheim, then crank that up ten decibels. Seriously, Angelica was that bad.
The two of us first met each other during His Imperial Majesty's coronation ceremony. All of the Great Houses gathered during it. That meant it wasn't only the leaders of said Houses, but also their children. With this event taking place, let alone Angelica Rogner, it allowed me to meet other people super early on, like Rufus Albarea. And ever since, Angelica and I have hit it off quite nicely, as surprisingly as that sounds.
Fast forwarding to today, the Gamer System registered Angelica's confession because I accepted it. You heard that right, I didn't reject Angelica's advance on me.
You might think I'm crazy for doing such a thing, and the reason why I accepted it wasn't what Angelica pointed out. Turning the Great Houses into our favor and all of that. Nope, it wasn't that.
The sole reason I accepted Angelica's feelings was because she said it right in my face that she was willing to forego that bad behavior of hers, and her likes toward girls altogether. She was willing to enter a proper relationship with me. I saw that resolution in her eyes. It doesn't matter whether or not she wants to be part of the Unification Plan, even though I was also grateful that she told me she wanted to be part of it upfront like that.
And so, like I said, Angelica and I have begun a relationship.
I just didn't think, let alone Emma, that the rest of our friends would have the balls to peek at the end of the confession, haha!
Thanks to that, it made the rest of the few hours spent inside the Phoenix Wings time well spent. Many laughs were shared while we enjoyed a hand-prepared lunch by its excellent cooks. From there, the scenery changed. Ymir could no longer be seen. We parted ways from Rean's group for now. Whether or not we'll cross paths again in the coming future will be up to them. They were sad to see us leave, but also hopeful it will happen again. I also notified Elise a second time to continue looking after Princess Alfin in my stead, and she assured me she will.
It was now the afternoon of the same day. Our group of eight split into half. Rean, Shizuna, Anelace, and Elise stayed behind. That meant it was Emma, Angelica, Lechter and I.
We were now on an express line on Ymir's branch, bound for Roer. A sole train steadily passed through rolling hills and tunnel after tunnel. These hills acted as the base of the Eisengard Mountain Range. Like the last time, the four of us could be seen in the first-class cabin.
On the left side of the first row, Emma could be seen at the window, looking out and observing the scenery with a calm look in her eyes. She sat in front of me. I also had a window seat this time. Next to me on my row was Angelica. Contrary to her usual behavior, a loving look could be seen in her eyes. Her head was currently resting in my lap while I gently combed my hands through her hair. It was quite silky and nice to the touch. I never thought I'd see the day where Angelica would do something like this, haha!
Lechter was sitting across from Angelica, next to Emma. Even after a few hours spent like this, his expression remained the same. Wide-eyed, full of shock. He saw the whole thing played out earlier in the day, but refused to accept it. Angelica paid Lechter no mind, and glanced her eyes upward at me.
"This sure is the life, ain't it, Naoto?", Angelica said to me. "It is such a shame we'll be parting soon. I have some personal duties to attend to back home."
Lechter finally found it in him to speak to us, seeing Angelica and I like this.
"You two seriously are an item now, huh? Don't you know how much chaos this is going to cause if word gets out and the other nobles learn of this?", Lechter asked us. He even had a serious look in his eyes, which threw me off guard. It isn't often we see this side of him.
"Oh, I am sure Papa will have a hoot to learn that I've started dating a boy. He's always been concerned about me. He knows about the odd tastes I have.", Angelica happily replied, glancing her eyes at Lechter.
"T-That's not really the issue at hand I'm trying to explain here...", Lechter said, and sighed.
"Haha. Regardless, no lunch is free, Lechter.", I suddenly said, causing him to look at me.
"Pardon?", Lechter asked.
"You know what I mean. Father sent you here to make sure I was escorted back to Liberl safely. I am thankful for your escort, but my words should carry similar weight to Father's, no?", I asked back at Lechter. At the same time, Lechter started to feel a cold drip of sweat trickle down his back. Angelica grew curious as to what I said too.
"Now that I think about it Naoto, you didn't talk much about your family.", Angelica said.
"Hahaha...", I uttered, letting out a dry laugh. "Saying my family is complicated is selling it short. Due to some circumstances, I cannot fully divulge my personal matters. Emma can attest to that. It's not like I can't say anything about it, though. Mother died giving birth to me. I've long since come to terms with that. I now have Grandmother and the others back at Grancel Castle. As for Father...let's just say he's constantly away on business trips that he has little to no time to waste. Since we are in a relationship now Angie, you may meet him eventually.", I said, explaining a little while keeping the truth behind Father still a mystery. I will only tell those who need to know of my relationship with Father, just like I did with Elise. I just don't know if Angelica will learn of this first, or Kloe will.
"It sounds like a mess, that's for sure. I won't press on the matter until you're ready.", Angelica said, enjoying another moment of me coursing my fingers through her hair.
"Trust me. You really don't want to know---?", Lechter tried to say. I saw Emma's eyes curve upward into two crescent moons, and she did a hard jab of her elbow, striking against Lechter's right side.
"Some words are just not meant to be spoken, Lechter.", Emma said. Even I felt a little nervous seeing Emma do this. But I must say, Emma is taking this development quite well. I thought she would have a bigger reaction to what she saw earlier, but she knows about the Unification Plan more in depth, compared to Angelica. I'm not sure what all Kloe told her yet. It does outline the formation of the harem I want to create. And since Emma knows I'm keen on creating a harem, she isn't feeling as jealous as I thought she would be? We'll see.
"Hey now, I'm just trying to be honest here. While we're on that topic, where do you fit into all of this? You were also there when that crazy shit happened back on the island we were at in Calvard. Even I can tell you're far from just being some normal girl.", Lechter asked, looking at Emma this time. Did Claire not tell Lechter the full picture yet? He also gulped at the large, tightly-wrapped object standing tall beside Emma. "And what in Aidios's name is that supposed to be anyway?"
Emma didn't answer Lechter right away. Sure enough, it sounds like he doesn't know anything about Emma or I becoming temp Jaegers with Zephyr. I say that, because I don't see myself as a full-time Jaeger in the coming future, unlike someone like Fie. I did that just for the sake of gaining practical combat experience. It was the fastest way to do so.
"Hehe, so you've finally taken an interest in wondering who I am exactly, huh?", Emma began to say, only to keep her eyes on me. "How much do you think we should say, Naoto?"
"True. I can't help but grow curious as to who you are too, Emma dearest. We saw each other back in Grancel City while we enjoyed that tournament, but I too feel that you have some sort of mystery flare you have yet to show us.", Angelica also said.
"Hmm, before we start explaining, I was thinking of calling those two here, but it probably isn't the best place to do so. We're riding on a train right now, so it could become messy if I do that. Instead, I will start by saying I went to Emma's village for a little while around eight or nine years ago. Ever since then, Emma and I have become friends, and we try to meet up with each other, regardless of our social standing. With her present position, social standing means little to Emma.", I said, beginning to explain the situation to the two.
"A place where social status holds little meaning...", Lechter uttered. "You've brought up the place before, haven't you, Young Master? Eryn Village, as I recall. I've tried searching for it on the maps. Even old ones that the Intelligence Division has access to. NO matter which one I looked at, this village of yours isn't there. Period."
Hearing that, Emma giggled.
"Hehe, the village we're speaking of is quite secluded. It has been lost in recent history, but that is only a forefront. It is very much real. Most humans will never be able to find it in their lifetime. Not only does it have a protective barrier in place, unless one has a...unique aptitude, I'm afraid you simply will not be able to find it no matter how hard you search.", Emma said, continuing the explanation.
"Most humans...?", Angelica murmured. It only left her more confused after she heard Emma answer like that. Even though Angelica remained confused, I let go of my hand, and proceeded to clap three times. This distracted the two's train of thoughts.
"Sadly, I am afraid we will have to conclude there for now, Angie, Lechter.", I said to the two. Instead, I had something else to bring up, causing me to shift my eyes back to Lechter. "With that said, I will leave it to you to keep those rotten nobles in check. Angie and I dating must be kept secret, alright~?", I continued with a playful tease.
"Ugh, you just had to return to that topic...", Lechter said, and shrugged. "It's not like I can go against your words. It is as you said earlier, Young Master. You hold as much weight as the old man does. Still, isn't this more up Lord Rufus's alley? He has many more connections at his side than I do."
"You guys know Sir Rufus?", Angelica mused, not expecting to hear that.
"Indeed we do. We're acquaintances at best, but we have met before. We cannot explain as to how, but Lechter, I trust you more than I do Lord Rufus---?", I tried to say. I couldn't even finish speaking before we all heard the sound of the intercom begin to play.
"Ding-dong. We will soon be approaching our first stop on this express line, Roer, in less than ten minutes. Please be ready with your luggage for departure once we have reached the station. For those who have a connecting ride with our next destination afterward, Heimdallr, we will be taking a ten minute rest before our next departure. If you are arriving at Heimdallr, please have your identification papers ready for inspection. I repeat...", The intercom's voice spoke out, causing our current conversation to come to a halt.
"Phooie. I wanted us to continue having this nice chat. I know it's only been a few hours, but I'm going to miss you, Naoto. I'll try to wrap up my business I have with Papa. If, by some miracle he gives us our blessing, then I'll head down back to Grancel City posthaste!", Angelica said, letting a smile bloom on her face while looking up at me again. I didn't say anything. Instead I leaned my head down, and did a quick peck on her lips. Angelica raised her eyes at me while I gestured for her to lean her head back upward.
"You...", Lechter uttered, and sighed seeing this.
"Hehe. I guess our life back at the castle will get even busier before long.", Emma replied, smiling at me. Maybe she was actually happy?
"Wait, what?", Lechter suddenly exclaimed, looking back at Emma. "Don't tell me, you've been staying with Young Master back at Grancel this entire time!?"
"Oops. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that part.", Emma said with a playful smile.
"Guess you're the only one left out eh, Lechter? I won't deny, Emma one-upped me on this matter. But before long, we'll all be having a blast back inside the castle. I'm already looking forward to it~", Angelica happily said. She didn't reject the sudden kiss I gave her, I even saw a faint blush on her cheeks. Cute. She took a moment to calm down, then positioned herself upright again.
"I digress.", I said, simply shrugging my shoulders at the matter. "Instead, Elise happened to give us a parting gift in the form of strawberries. They say Ymir is quite known for them. It's one of their staple crops. How about we all have some before Angie leaves the train?", I continued, suggesting we eat what Elise gave to me. Apparently she said it was a congratulatory gift from the Schwarzer Mansion. Guess Lord Teo found out too. Man, word travels quick. I'm sure Elise knows what she's doing. Her mind is sound. I doubt word will spread out of Ymir.
Once I suggested that, their eyes lit up. Even Lechter.
"Now you're talking.", Angelica happily said as she saw me bring out a woven basket full of ripe, red strawberries.
"That does sound nice.", Emma said with a nod.
"I'm in the same boat. Time to dig in!", Lechter said, letting his earlier demeanor completely vanish. He really does go with the flow, huh?
Either way, we were all in agreement. There was only ten minutes left of this first stop. We spent the remaining time eating these delicious strawberries.
Before we knew it, the train sped through its last tunnel. Roer in its entirety came into view. One of these days, I'll pay the Reinford Group a visit. Probably as a foreign dignitary, and once that happens, it'll let me see how Alisa Reinford is doing. She was one of the primary love interests for Rean during Cold Steel's story. If the two happen to get hitched later on, I have a duty as his older brother to see how Alisa is doing, haha!
Jokes aside, the time passed before we knew it. The train arrived inside Roer's station. We have another ten minute window before it departs again for Heimdallr. Emma and Lechter decided to stay inside the cabin, while I could now be seen off to the side, with Angelica in front of me.
"You'll stay in touch, right?"
"Of course I will. Please give Her Highness my regards. This entire trip has been quite enlightening, with everything you have planned and all. I hope to remain a part of that.", Angelica said with a nod of her head.
"Heh, that will depend on your efforts. We'll both see how things progress from here, if you're willing that is.", I responded.
"I couldn't have said it better myself. I truly had a lot of fun, even if it was just for a short while.", Angelica happily said.
"Oh, and there was one more thing I wanted to point out. You recall Zin, right? He's been looking after another confidant I have who goes by the name Sherryl. He plans to continue his travels here in Erebonia while bringing her with him. It likely won't be long, but please look after Sherryl for the time being, alright?", I asked.
"It will be a little while till they arrive but I'll make sure they're well taken care of. As the daughter of House Rogner, you have my full support.", Angelica replied with a firm nod.
"Thank you.", I said. It was then we waved at each other. In the station's entrance, I saw a couple maids, and a butler who seemed to be waiting for Angelica's arrival. We had already shared another kiss goodbye on the train. They respectfully bowed at us while the four departed from the station.
Angelica and I decided to keep our relationship secret for now. It will only be revealed to close friends and family, like back at Grancel Castle once she wraps her business here in Roer. I wonder, how will Kloe react, knowing I accepted Angelica's confession? She was the one who spurred her on, so that will be an interesting conversation to have. As to why we're doing this, it can be a hidden card against the other nobles.
There is also Musse who is amongst the Great Houses, but she's another whole can of worms I don't ever want to open. Her pervertedness in the latter half of Cold Steel's story is much worse than Angelica's in my opinion...
I shoved that thought in the back of my head for now. The intercom sounded off again, signaling our departure for Heimdallr. Getting back in the cabin, I already saw Lechter snoozing without a care in the world. A wry smile appeared on Emma's face as she saw me head inside the cabin. The orbal train powered on again, and with a gentle push, it soon departed Roer.
It was finally time to return home to Grancel Castle again. Where my other friends and family await. What will await me now since I still have three to four years before Sky's story begins?
I'm not sure, but I'll continue at my own pace, and prepare myself for the inevitable Vermillion Trials! [Vermillion Trials Phase 1: Lv69/100].
*Nice