A smile crept on my lips, remembering what had just happened back out on the deck. So Emma felt that way too, huh? Like I told her earlier about Fie, if Emma still holds those same feelings in the coming years, I too will accept Emma. It looks like she is keen on joining the harem, but she wants to continue on a self-improvement plan before Emma decides to do anything else. I'm all for that. I plan to do the same to let these next couple of years pass by.
With the DG Cult Extermination well underway, I feel I'm about to enter a lull back on the Homefront. A couple events also take place as far as Ouroboros goes. This should be the year Walter kills his Taito master, prompting him to develop his own martial arts. Arianrhod should be creating the Stahlritter around this time too. I wonder, has she gotten in contact with Ennea already, or is Ennea already back at Grancel Castle?
I also need to tackle Quatre's matter too. His situation is a bit special, but one thing is for sure, he identifies himself as a boy, so that is what I will continue to address him as. He and KeA are very much similar, even though the latter is a homunculus. Honestly, it was a surprise to learn that Quatre has both genders after he opened up to me. I do know some matters of Daybreak thanks to a bunch of information being posted about it before the game was going to launch back in my previous life. It gave some insights on who its characters were going to be. It was just surface-level knowledge at most, but it let me grasp a good picture of Daybreak's cast. Any more, I will have to use one of my Vermillion Eyes' Skills to review events that have yet to take place.
Apparently Quatre is supposed to be picked up by a person known as Professor Latoya Hamilton, who becomes a foster parent for him. Should I let that happen as intended, or should I take Quatre back with me back to Grancel Castle to let him live there? I'm not sure. If I do the latter, this Professor may still reach out to me regardless. Not only that, this Latoya Hamilton person is the third, final disciple of the father of the Orbal Revolution, Professor Epstein. I know the first two being Professor Russell and Professor Schmidt, but I'm not really familiar with Professor Hamilton.
(A/N: Sus Grandma)
I could only sit on this thought for now. As for how Renne is doing, she's still on track of becoming Enforcer No. XV, the Angel of Slaughter. I am not sure how much 'slaughtering' she will do this time around, considering our intervention back on Nemeth Island and all of that. We'll see.
It wasn't until I heard Lechter's voice call out to me that my train of thought ended.
"Did something happen between the two of you?", Lechter asked. Looks like Lechter woke up from his nap, and was now looking at the awkward silence that Emma and I were currently sharing. At the very least, Lechter knew how to read rooms well. He definitely knew something happened.
"It's nothing, really.", Emma quickly shot back, being the first to respond. Hearing that, I laughed.
"Haha, I wouldn't call it nothing. Emma here has decided to return to her village. It has been a while. She's feeling homesick.", I said, telling a white lie to Lechter. Lechter tilted his head in confusion. He knew I was telling the truth, but for some reason, he felt something off by what I said.
"I see. I won't ask for the full picture, but it looks like I won't be seeing you two for a while after this.", Lechter replied.
"Mmm.", Emma said with a nod of her head. "Our village doesn't respond to outsiders much. Instead, I have a little proposition for you, Sir Arundel."
"Oh? What's with the formality all of a sudden? You know I hate being addressed by that name. Just call me Lechter.", Lechter replied. His eyebrows raised at Emma's words.
"Just a little tease, that's all. As for what I want to request, let's turn this into a little game. Try finding Eryn Village's location. It is as you say, it is not found on any map. For good reason.", Emma said, grinning this time.
"Oioioi, did I just hear that right?", Lechter retorted. His eyes became wide-eyed. "I know I have plans back in Erebonia to wrap up before I continue my studies at Jenis, but you're askin' the impossible here!"
"Haha! Are you sure that business of yours doesn't involve playing hooky?", I retorted back, also grinning. Hearing that, Lechter sighed.
"You know I can't go against the orders of your old man, Young Master.", Lechter replied,
"That is true, yes. But you should be up for the challenge, no?", I asked. It was Emma who thought of this game, so I'm just following her thoughts.
"Could at least give me a hint? It's even worse than finding a needle in a haystack!", Lechter complained. He already felt defeated, even though the game hadn't started yet. Emma tilted her head a bit, showing some confusion.
"It's always been in Erebonia, though?", Emma replied. Lechter's wide eyes became even wider hearing that.
"You've got to be shittin' me.", Lechter exclaimed in shock. "This village of yours has been in Erebonia this entire time!?"
"I'm afraid Emma is being a hundred-percent honest here. Think of it as a fun challenge for the time you spent escorting me around. I seriously doubt you'll find the village though.", I happily replied.
Once I said that, we became distracted by the sound of the intercom.
"Ding-dong! We will be touching down in Grancel City Landing Port in a short couple moments. Thank you for taking our airliner today. This is our last stop, Grancel City. Our next departing flight leaves in an hour. Please ensure your luggage is secured before departing the aircraft.", The intercom said.
Hearing that was enough to distract us from our current conversation.
"I guess that wraps things up then. We will soon be parting ways in more way than one. Once you are all done in Erebonia Lechter, you will be returning to Jenis as you stated, correct?", I asked.
"That's right. I actually haven't received much from your old man as of late. It seems he is keen on letting me finish my studies. I may just be a first year student, but with any luck, you'll be able to catch me in my final year of studies, Young Master. That is, if I can last all four years, haha!", Lechter said with a grin.
"We'll see about that. Sounds like a plan.", I said, confirming what Lechter is going to do after this.
With our conversation wrapped up, we let the aircraft do its thing. I shifted my eyes toward the glass-pane window. The entire Landing Port came into view. It's quite big, and took up quite a lot of space. It was situated Northeast in Grancel City, which connected to East Block. Half a year ago, we partook in Instance Dungeon IV, which gave us a glimpse of what lies beneath this city. I don't know if or when the next Instance Dungeon will appear, but I'll be ready. I'm guessing at least one or two more will arrive to test my progress, considering I still have around thirty levels to go until the Vermillion Trials.
The landing happened without much issue. Two big platforms started to extend outward as we docked. This would allow the passengers to de-board the aircraft. It offered two areas, one for the first-class, and one for the normal passengers. We received one final ding, signaling that we could now leave. Swarms of people began to get off, luggage in tow. Thankfully there weren't many people in the area where we were, allowing for a smooth arrival.
Still, the passengers who exited the aircraft couldn't help but watch on with growing interest. They saw two rows of soldiers clad in green enter single file lines along the passageway. Members of the Royal Army. At its forefront stood a graceful, calm, green-haired woman whose uniform was blue. A sign of a higher-ranked soldier inside the Royal Army. A rapier presently equipped at her waist. Army-issued, so it wasn't as fancy as Glistening Moonlight was.
During the de-boarding, Emma grabbed hold of the tightly-wrapped cloth I had offered to carry earlier back to her back. She carried it around with ease. But the soldiers couldn't help but stare at such a sight. It was taller than her. It was always nice to see such a reaction. I laugh every single time.
The green-haired woman disregarded the soldiers, and gave me a salute the moment she spotted us. Or me, in particular.
"Welcome home, Your Highness. Did your trip go as planned?", Julia asked, welcoming us.
"It did. You didn't need to bring in an entire entourage to welcome us, Julia. A few soldiers would have been far more than enough.", I replied, and scratched my cheek seeing two dozen soldiers welcoming us in a single-file line.
"How preposterous. Rules exist for a reason, Your Highness.", Julia said, only to shift her eyes toward Lechter. "I've met Emma before, but who is this guy?"
"Haha. I'm just a friend. I'll catch ya and your friends around, Young Master. Gotta jet!", Lechter answered, only to place his hands behind his head. He had a flight bound back to Heimdallr to finish his business before returning, but the way he left so casually made me want to facepalm. But I resisted, and just sighed. Julia just stared at the sight of a scarlet-haired boy retreating into the distance.
"...Did that guy just call you Young Master?", Julia asked after she regained her composure.
"Let's just leave it at that, Julia. He's a friend, no more, no less. Instead, why don't you get me up to speed with what has changed while I was gone?", I decided to ask, quickly switching the topic. Julia nodded her head in response. Emma also followed along, and with Lechter out of sight for the time being, we got squared away, and joined up with the Royal Army. They started walking behind us and kept their silence. It was then Julia began to speak.
"With that out of the way, I will give you a rundown of things, Your Highness. Since you've left, we have managed to route most of the Cult lodges with a collaborative effort. There aren't many left, and it is likely the attacks will end by the start of next year. We have not had any luck finding any survivors. It was a miracle that you and those few individuals with you managed to flee.", Julia said, feeling amazed.
"Is that right? For the time being, peace has returned to Crossbell State, I take it?", I asked.
"Very much so. Even we have entered a period of peace here back in Liberl. That freak explosion at the Guild was quickly extinguished. The Guild then issued an internal notice that it was part of a combat drill that got out of hand, and with the funds you provided them, the building was reconstructed in no time flat. It was as if nothing had happened. The panic it caused was only momentary. Now, it is the height of summer, and many travelers are happily going on spending sprees in the market. Business is booming.", Julia continued.
As Julia said that, we left the boarding dock, and found ourselves in East Block. We saw the market bustling with activity, despite it being evening now. Onlookers watched on in surprise, just like the passengers from the rest of the aircraft. Being someone of status, this was something you'd have to get used to. I've long gotten used to these curious stares. Their Crown Prince returned. But before anyone could react, they saw us leave, arriving at North Block.
"That's good to hear. Has the military been doing well since Sir Cassius's departure?", I asked. The hint of sadness that appeared in her eyes didn't go unnoticed. She then answered.
"We've had ongoing internal restructuring. It's been tough, but it's going well. Several promotions have been handed out, as you have seen. Our newest Colonel is Colonel Richard, and he displayed his Skills well during that "Instance Dungeon" of yours. I'm still trying to wrap that around my head as to how such a thing can exist. As for the rest of our soldiers, they've been cooperating with the Bracer Guild in hunting down excess monsters, or patrolling our major cities to ensure the public is kept safe. We've even received blueprints from ZCF for a new, high-speed cruiser. Its specs are like none other.", Julia said. Her earlier sadness was now replaced with both excitement and anticipation.
That's right. This is around the time THAT starts its construction, huh? The Arseille! One of the most high-tech, high-speed cruisers that has no match! The best part? It's an airship!
Even though I felt the excitement, I remained calm.
"An advanced, high-speed cruiser. This must be one of HIS works.", I said, looking at Julia. Before we knew it, we could now be seen standing in front of the large, double-gated pearly-white castle. I saw the sole tower in the distance where my private quarters rested.
Once we arrived, we stopped walking. Julia then turned her head my way, and nodded.
"I mean, who else could it be? Professor Russell is the topmost leading expert in engineering. We're truly grateful to have him. Our military is already looking forward to its development. A prototype is expected to hit production early next year.", Julia responded.
"Hahaha.", I replied, letting out a laugh. Julia couldn't contain her excitement. I get it. "I might have to visit Zeiss and meet Professor Russell myself, if it is as important as you say it is. Nonetheless, it is good to hear nothing major has taken place. I hope my dearest cousin hasn't been slacking off."
Seeing me bring up Kloe, Julia looked at me again, and shook her head.
"Her Highness hasn't. I've been overseeing her swordsmanship for the time being. Her progress has been quite good, and that's coming from someone who also has been learning the way of the sword. We are still far from someone of Cassius's level.", Julia explained. "In fact, Her Highness might even be able to hold a spar with you, Your Highness."
Hearing that, I raised my eyebrows.
"Kloe has progressed so far already?", I asked with interest.
"Hehe, why don't you find that out yourself?", A familiar voice called out to us. Before we knew it, the castle doors opened up, and soon revealed two figures. Princess Klaudia, and Grandmother. The moment they appeared, the soldiers clad in green who were stationed here saluted them.
"So you were around, Kloe.", I happily said, greeting her. "And it is nice to see you again too, Grandmother."
Once the two arrived, Kloe's walking came to a pause. Confusion appeared in her eyes as she looked at me.
"...Why do I smell a hint of lavender on you, Naoto?", Kloe asked. Did...she always have such a good nose?
"Haha. Worry not, Klaudia. It would seem some interesting developments have taken place during your absence, Naoto.", Queen Alicia said, revealing a wry smile on her lips.
"Hahaha...", Emma tried to respond, letting out a dry laugh. Her glasses fogged up a bit. Grandmother's grin turned into a smile, acting as if she had come to an understanding as to what happened. Still, Queen Alicia greeted us.
"Still, Welcome home, Naoto. Emma. I will not press you for now, we will have to talk about this later. For now, why don't you two get situated? I'm sure the return trip was long.", Queen Alicia said.
"I'd like that. Today was a long day. I wouldn't mind if we all sat down for a meal. It's around dinner time now. We have plenty of things to discuss, Grandmother.", I said, nodding my head.
"Very well. We shall prepare a meal for tonight.", Queen Alicia responded. She looked at Julia next. "Thank you for escorting the Crown Prince and his partner back to the castle, Julia."
"It is no problem, Your Majesty. We are merely doing our duty.", Julia said, and gave us all a salute. Queen Alicia then dismissed her and the soldiers that arrived with her. They wandered back into Grancel Castle, likely continuing their patrols.
Before the four of us headed on inside, I saw Grandmother shift her eyes to look at Emma.
"Oh, and Emma?"
"Yes, Your Majesty?", Emma asked, growing curious.
"No matter where you find yourself, you may treat this place as your second home.", Queen Alicia said, and smiled at Emma.
"Your Majesty...", Emma replied, feeling a wave of emotion sweep her body. She smiled back at Queen Alicia. "Thank you. It truly means a lot to hear that from someone of your stature."
"Haha! It is no problem. I've caused enough time to be wasted here. Let us all head inside and enjoy a meal. You are more than welcomed to bring up any stories you may have. I'm sure you've got quite a tale to tell, hmm?", Queen Alicia said, looking back at me. I couldn't help but feel a cold drop of sweat trickle down my back. Does she know about Angelica?
Either way, we all enjoyed the fact we were now home again. Enjoying the nice breeze one more time, we all wandered inside Grancel Castle, and retired for the evening.
Following Grandmother's request, we began to relay what transpired since I visited North Ambria. The night passed by, and before I knew it, the first day after I returned to Liberl came to an end.
During this, Emma declared her newfound intent, looking to leave Grancel for the time being, and return to her village...