Some time later.
Somewhere above the skies in Liberl's airspace.
A large, commercial aircraft could now be seen drifting amongst the clouds. It came to a cruising speed. Flight time didn't last long between Erebonia and Liberl as the two were neighboring countries. But there was enough of a gap to let its passengers out onto the deck to enjoy the sights. Unlike airplanes in Naoto's past life, orbal tech allowed such scenes to take place. Such is the difference in technology and the influence of Septium.
Presently, several figures could be seen out and about on the deck, enjoying the evening breeze. It allowed them to get a good look of Zemuria below them. This orbal aircraft departed from Heimdallr directly, so that meant Lechter's job was almost done. We did cause a bit of a scene during the security checks, but they were quick to realize who I was, and allowed me to board with my party in tow. All Lechter had to do was ensure I was handed off safely to those who were waiting for me.
I am not sure when I will see Lechter again after this, but given his randomness, I won't be surprised if he does crop up again somewhere down the line. After all of us got squared away on the aircraft, Lechter was quick to pass out, and entered dreamland. Seriously, you're supposed to be MY escort, right? How can you doze off while still on the job?
I kept that joke to myself. We were in the first-class seats, obviously. It even let us have a full view outside through a giant glass panel window. We didn't have to wander onto the deck if we didn't need to. As Lechter decided to catch up on his sleep, Emma also began to doze off. I'm sure she too was tired after such a long day. I decided not to bother the two. Seriously, though. Orbal tech is such a wonder. We can lift off vertically, cause almost zero turbulence, and cruise at very high speeds without much issue. It definitely creates a smooth ride, that's for sure. Now that I'm more used to this, I very much prefer this style of travel compared to how I travelled around in my previous life.
It took some time after we departed Heimdallr, but we reached that cruising speed. From there, the intercom told its passengers we were safe to move around for a while. Instead of waking Lechter or Emma up, I stretched my body, and wandered toward the northwest exit.
Now outside, I was greeted with a cold breeze of the n ight air, even though it was currently summertime of S1198. I saw a vast field of white, fluffy clouds before me. The clouds were scattered enough to let me see the land of Liberl beneath me. I could even see lights lighting up the land below, signaling the modern era. A place that I know isn't Planet Earth, but it is something I have now accepted as my home.
"I can't believe I've already spent over a decade here in Zemuria. If this really was a dream, I'd long have woken up...", I began to say, keeping my voice soft and to myself. There was no one around me right now. "And now that it has come to this, I think I've secured my footing here. I've been trying not to be too reliant on the Gamer System, even if it is beneficial for my growth. I've gotten a new family, and more surprisingly, a girlfriend...", I continued to utter.
"Still, who could have thought of all the families I could reincarnate to, it had to be one of Trails' most notorious villains, Giliath Osborne? I know there are far worse people than him out there, and some of them even reside in Ouroboros, but at the end of the day, he is nonetheless the Father I have come to accept and love as my new family, even if he is a scheming bastard. On that note, maybe I am no less than he is. Has he caught a whiff of what I plan to do?", I continued, wondering if Father knew about the Unification Plan. I wouldn't be surprised if he does know about it. His connections and information network is as extensive as the Orbal Net is.
"But unlike what happened with Rean who Father cut all ties with, Father and I are still on speaking terms. He knows my current position, something he cannot so easily meddle with anymore, since I have taken up the banner of my late Mother. There's a very good chance we might become enemies down the line, just in a different fashion to how Rean and Class VII will do in the coming years.", I continued. "It does beg the question, though. How will Father react when he sees Angie and I attempt to sweep the Great Houses into our wing? Heh."
I didn't even want to fathom such a result. It could potentially cause widespread turmoil. One even more tumultuous than the October War that engulfed Heimdallr, which kicked off thanks to Father being shot in the heart and "died". Everyone just didn't know that Father was already an Immortal at the time, so he was already pulling his own strings by then. They even attempted surgery on him and entered a state of recovery and all of that. Father is willing to go to such lengths to achieve what he wants.
As I talked to myself and reminisced of everything that has taken place so far, I realized a few moments have passed by already. Valleria Lake was already in view, and I could see a large castle on its opposite side. Grancel Castle. My home. Return was almost within reach. It was then I felt someone approach me, causing me to turn around.
"So you were out on the deck after all, Naoto.", A familiar voice called out. Following that, I saw a plum-haired girl arrive. It was Emma.
"Haha, I wanted to enjoy the evening air. You...didn't catch any of what I just said now, did you?", I asked, welcoming Emma.
"Only the last portion about you potentially becoming enemies with your Father. Chancellor Osborne...I fear he is not someone to be trifled with. Even I know that much. He is the type of guy who is ten steps ahead on a chessboard.", Emma uttered, also keeping her voice soft. She took a moment to arrive beside me, allowing her to get a look at Liberl beneath us.
"Try a hundred steps. I seriously can't think of what goes on inside that man's head. He very well could already know what we're planning. He might already know about the harem too.", I said with a serious look in my eyes.
"Y-You really are serious about creating one?", Emma asked with a faint blush on her cheeks.
"I am. What I said back inside Grancel Castle are my honest feelings. You know how many people I have become connected with. You are no less to that, Emma. I've enjoyed your company throughout this trip.", I happily said to Emma.
"Hehe, thank you for allowing me to accompany you, Naoto. This last year really was worthwhile, wasn't it?", Emma asked.
"Indeed it was. While the Mira was nice and all, I mostly wanted to see how North Ambria was faring. Those Northern Jaegers sure are a close-knit group. Such a shame the country's politics are in such shambles. It is only a matter of time before someone like Father starts eyeing the place. Hopefully Sara knows what to do and starts her next stretch on her journey.", I said, and continued to reminisce about all that happened last year. A lot of the time was spent in North Ambria, and I very much enjoyed the experience. The Gamer System also responded in kind. I'll need to see how I look after once I have some spare time in Grancel Castle.
"Something about becoming a Bracer, right? I hope that goes well for Sara.", Emma replied with a nod. "Zephyr too was kind enough to let us operate amongst their corps. You're much more a permanent member amongst them than I am. I am not that oblivious either. Fie got quite close to you. She's still in her growing period, but I would not be surprised if she ends up responding to you the way you did with Angie.", Emma said, curving her lips upward into a grin.
Hearing that, I shrugged my shoulders.
"Only time will tell. I am not one to force things, Emma. If this harem does come to fruition, it will be cooperative, and harmonious. I do not like infighting.", I responded. "Fie will be busy for these next few years as she continues her training inside Zephyr. We might not see each other for a while. If she does indeed hold such feelings after such a long time, I won't turn her down."
I don't want to be such a distraction. Fie needs to join Class VII, and there's still six years before that takes place. Plenty of time to let Fie focus on what she wants to do.
"Good. I hope you still hold onto that feeling if or when the time comes. Don't forget there's Elie too. I'm surprised you got together with Angie first. Amongst those who have connected with you, I figured it would have been Elie. She's known you the longest.", Emma replied with an amused look in her eyes.
Hearing that, I just looked at Emma. Why is she bringing up one person after another and placing them before herself? My eyes couldn't help but grow serious.
"Well you aren't wrong, Emma. Elie's situation is out of reach at the moment due to her studies. Otherwise, I'm sure a similar scene would have taken place. But that's beside the point. Why do I get the feeling that you're about to go to some faraway place?", I asked with a serious look in my eyes.
I saw Emma's eyes turn solemn. She didn't answer right away. Instead, the breezy wind passed through her plum-colored hair, and she gazed downward at Liberl again.
"...That's because I am going to, Naoto. I plan to return to Eryn alongside Grandmother for quite some time.", Emma stated, causing me to raise my eyebrows.
"I see.", I replied, now looking at Emma. "It sounds like you have reached a decision."
"I have. Don't get the wrong idea, or anything. You have the Vermillion Trials coming up. You have about a third left to complete before you reach its requirements. I will be there to support you. This excursion in the outside world did wonders on my personal growth. But I fear my magic is now lacking. Eryn's Mana is much more concentrated than it is over here. I feel this is the best path for me to tread on next, even if it means not being by your side.", Emma responded, explaining her situation to me.
It was sound. Emma focused on her fundamentals, and her stamina increased leaps and bounds. She is no longer the frail girl I once saw back at the Osborne Villa. She knows how to stand up on her own two feet now. And since she has this experience, she wants to solely focus on training her Magic. Eryn is by far the best place to do so.
Still, I could see a resolute look in Emma's eyes. She did not waver one bit. Just this alone caused me to smile.
"I'll miss you, you know?", I said, and reached out my hand. Patting her head, Emma closed her eyes and enjoyed it. I'm...not going to turn into a serial headpatter like Rean, will I? Haha!
"I know you will. I will inform Kloe and the others before my leave. Ennea should be back by now. Don't you dare forget her either.", Emma said, and looked back at me.
"I know, I know. Ennea's just as serious as you all are. Her...attitude aside, I really don't know how to approach it right now. I'll think of something. If she wants to join the harem, I'm all ears.", I replied, and sighed.
"Hehehe.", Emma said, and giggled. "Oh, and I'll be taking Celine with me. Make sure Tama doesn't become too unruly in our absence, alright?"
"Got it. On that note, you can send Rose my regards. You won't know what I'm talking about, but tell her the next target has been identified. She'll know what to do.", I said to Emma. I wanted to make sure Roselia had the forbidden incantation ready. I do believe it will be for Guy Bannings, but you never know. Someone else could make an appearance before his event takes place.
"Understood. I may not have grasped the full picture yet between what you and Grandmother have shared, but I want you to know this Naoto. I saw what happened back on Nemeth Island. I know that other side of you. Grandmother stated it may very well become my duty to attend to it. I have already steeled my heart.", Emma happily said to me.
'She must be referring to that True Dhampir class. She's already ready to take on that much, eh?', I thought. I smiled back at her. "Then we will be parting ways for now, Emma. I do not plan on doing much for the time being once we're back at Grancel Castle. I will either focus on my sword training, or continue my studies for Jenis's entrance exam, even though the two of us have already been accepted. I still want to see what that test looks like.", I continued.
"Mmm.", Emma replied, and nodded again. "I expect to hear good things during my absence. If you grow stronger enough to tackle the Vermillion Trials, please notify me through Tama."
"That much I can do. It will be quite hard to attempt a trial of a Divine Knight without his Supporter, haha!", I replied, letting out a laugh. That caused Emma to giggle.
"Hehehe.", Emma giggled. "I will relax for a day or two before I travel using Grancel's spirit path. I will head to Eryn directly from there. I may need your assistance to reach the village, seeing it is quite far.", Emma explained.
"I was wondering how you were going to return to the village.", I said.
"Yup! But for right now, can I be a little selfish and ask one more thing of you, Naoto?", Emma suddenly asked.
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"Please turn around.", Emma requested. Wondering what she was going to do, I nodded, then turned around. She now looked at my back. Before I knew it, I felt two warm hands wrap around my chest, and felt something soft press against my back. This...
As Emma hugged me, a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. I just stood there dazed, not expecting her to do this.
"I may be gone for a while, but I will not just sit by idly. I won't hold back against the others whom you have connected with, Naoto. Just be sure to keep some room in your heart for me too, alright?", Emma asked.
Before I could do anything, Emma ended her hug, and quickly scurried off back inside the aircraft. I couldn't even speak to her, even if I wanted to. She was gone. Not gone gone, as she said she would stay inside Grancel Castle for a day or two, but that still left me dazed.
To my surprise, I saw a Gamer Notification arrive, which caused me to look at it.
[Ding! Emma has sensed Gamer Naoto's determination to strive for the future. Not wanting to fall behind, Emma resolved herself to stay by Gamer Naoto's side. To do that, Emma now has a newfound path laid out before her. Emma's Favorability has reached its maximum.]
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has received [Emma's Blessing]. Your Status has been updated.]
[Ding! Due to reaching 100% Favorability, a new Parameter has been unlocked for Emma. Its criteria has not yet been met to be strengthened further.]
'So Emma's Favorability has reached its peak. Two Blessings obtained in a short amount of time. But unlike Angelica's, there's still a condition for me to continue Emma's?', I thought to myself as I tried to regain my composure from Emma's sudden action.
Taking a few moments, I became calm again. The intercom soon dinged, notifying its passengers that we were about to land at Grancel City Landing Port and advised us to return to our seats.
By the time I arrived at mine, Emma acted like nothing had happened, and was calmly looking out the glass window in front of her. Lechter still dozed away without a care in the world, so I just took to my seat, and the three of us got ready for landing.
We're back at Grancel City, baby!