"I did not expect the guest you were expecting today Naoto would be none other than the Azure Diva. Haven't you been on tour recently? What brings you so far away from home?", Angelica asked in a teasing tone.
"You...", Vita tried to ask, seeing Angelica all smiles and loving demeanor while she was near me.
"Come now, Angie. At least read the room a little, alright?", I shot back, seeing Angelica do this.
"I am, though?", Angelica responded, looking back at me. She then glanced her eyes at Vita and Crow. "It's not like anyone can just waltz into this place. What you two have done is far more than what any normal person could, unless Her Majesty opens Grancel Castle to the public. There are, at times, where visitation hours become available, but even then, it only really opens up the first floor, and the terrace. You two have earned a special privilege by coming this far in~"
Hearing this, Crow rotated his neck around a bit.
"Sheesh, this girl is even more shameless than His Highness is. Are you sure we're at the right place, Vita?", Crow asked again, still doubtful.
"Hahaha!", I replied, letting out a laugh, and smiled at the two. "On that part, like I said, the two of you have come to the right place. What Angie said isn't wrong, but let's change the scenery, shall we? Thank you for participating in this little play of mine.", I continued, only to look at Julia next. "Julia, please escort our guests to one of the available drawing rooms that's empty. Given the time, we'll make use of the terrace later. It's the least we can do. For now, we can continue our conversation back on the first floor."
"Ha!", Julia said, saluting us, as did the other soldiers who remained lined up on each row inside the hall of the throne room. Quite grandiose, really. Did I perhaps go overboard here? But seeing Vita's awkwardness made it all worthwhile. The only thing I didn't expect to see at this time was someone to be tagging along with her.
Crow Armbrust!
Crow is one of the leading characters in Cold Steel's story. You get to fight him both as enemies and as allies. He maneuvers around the board quite efficiently. I plan to do the same thing, so I see myself in his light. Since I will become Testa-Rossa's pilot in the future, I can see myself clashing against Crow while also working alongside him to challenge Rean and other Awakeners. All of that will come to fruition to what's known as The Rivalries. I can't wait!
Right now, Crow seems to be slightly older than me. He was born in S1184, while I was born in S1186. That means he's two years older. I had turned thirteen earlier this year, so that'd make him fifteen. I think around this time is when he also forms the Imperial Liberation Front to take down Father in secret. But seeing Crow alongside Vita, it's likely he already knows his potential as the Azure Awakener.
Letting that thought sink into my mind, Tamamo wandered off doing Aidios knows what. She's been exploring every nook and cranny of Grancel Castle as of late. Celine isn't here to stop her from doing that. But Tamamo knows when to come back if I need her.
As we wandered the hall and back onto the second floor, Kloe looked at Vita, and giggled.
"Teehee, it looks like the two of you are quite close. Crow, and Vita, was it? Have you known each other long?", Kloe decided to ask.
"Hardly. We're acquaintances at most. I honestly don't know why Vita here is always tagging along with me.", Crow said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Hey! That was uncalled for. You very well know why, Crow.", Vita replied, feeling annoyed. With Queen Alicia now more in front near Julia, the other soldiers began to disperse. It was just the five of us with a couple soldiers behind, still acting as escort. There was enough space to continue this conversation. I decided to not beat around the bush.
"It's because of the Azure Trials, isn't it?", I asked, lowering my voice. It was enough to let Kloe, Angelica, Crow and Vita hear it. Hearing that, Crow's eyes wandered back to me.
"So I really didn't mishear what I heard earlier. Vita speaks the truth.", Crow said, raising his eyebrows at me.
"Of course I do. Why else would I bother tagging along with you, Crow? You have the potential to become the Azure Awakener. What I told you about Naoto wasn't a lie. He's just like you.", Vita responded, letting her previous awkwardness vanish.
"Azure Awakener...?", Kloe uttered, not too familiar with the term. Unlike the Unification Plan, I have not dove too deeply on the Vermillion Trials, apart from those who were invited. Kloe was around back then when we discussed that, but she doesn't know the grand scope of The Rivalries.
"Mmm. You know some of it already, Kloe, but in short, I'm not the only one whose potential can take part in those Trials I've told you about previously. Each one is a set. There's seven in total. They're quite buried inside history books. You won't be able to find them unless you know what you are looking for. I indeed plan to partake in the Vermillion Trials, just like Crow here, who I assume will partake in the Azure Trials.", I explained.
"I see. It sounds like I have new material to study apart from getting ready for our entrance exams.", Kloe said, and smiled.
"You really are another "Awakener".", Crow said, looking back at me again.
"Indeed I am. It's not like we have to be hostile toward each other right now. I take it Vita is currently preparing you to take the Azure Trials. My circumstances are more...specific. I have to meet several conditions to begin mine, but it is as you've assumed, I will be participating in the Vermillion Trials. If you successfully accomplish yours, Crow, and you happen to be free, you are more than welcome to view mine as an invited guest. Same for you, Vita. But just so you two are aware, you will not be able to participate in it. My "Party" has already been decided. You snooze, you lose~", I continued to say, cracking a smile at the two.
"The Vermillion Trials. I really am not the only one who will do it. But wait, did I hear that right, Your Highness? Are ya suggesting that we can actually take people into these Trials?", Crow asked.
"In theory it's possible. There aren't explicit rules against taking multiple people inside. Ignoring Naoto's circumstances, few attempt to do so. I wouldn't put it off the table though. More people raises the chance of success. But at the same time, it poses a higher risk. One failure, and it won't just be you who gets affected by it.", Vita explained.
"So that really was the case. I may have an inklin' of what to do now. Thanks for giving me this idea, Your Highness. And if I am successful in mine before yours begin, I'll definitely be there.", Crow responded.
I mean, the entire world will be available to see what will take place during the Vermillion Trials. We have to resurrect the Infernal Castle, after all. I laughed seeing Crow's positive response.
"Haha! Just keep things on the down low for now, will you? There are...certain nobles who would love to get their hands on this information. Let's just say I'm in a particular spot where some of those nobles don't really like me.", I said, revealing a playful grin.
"Hehe, it's their loss for not being in the know. You already have a solid plan to tackle it and you just need to meet its requirements. I'm sure you'll get there. All we need is time.", Angelica happily responded.
"It's as you say, Angie. Well put.", I happily replied.
"Got it. We'll turn on deaf ears to this. Didn't think I'd have so much in common with someone of royalty. You put me in a rather weird spot, Vita.", Crow said, glancing back at Vita.
"Can you really blame me, though?", Vita replied, feeling embarrassed again. Still, her eyes wandered around a bit. "Still, with all of that said, I can't help but notice a lack of a certain someone. I thought she'd be at your side, Naoto. My dear little sister isn't hiding from us now, is she?", Vita asked, wondering.
"Unfortunately, Emma isn't present at the moment. I know it's been some time since you've last met with Naoto, and while this might be our first time meeting each other, you definitely give me a sense of familiarity.", Kloe said, and shook her head.
"That's a bummer. This is a different change of pace, so I'll see about inquiring about that later. Apart from that, it took me a moment, but this girl beside you, you're from House Rogner, aren't you?", Vita asked again.
"You shittin' me?", Crow exclaimed, also surprised to hear that.
"I am indeed a member of House Rogner. Angelica Rogner, to be exact. And I don't know if you're sweeping it under the rug on purpose, but I hold the first spot in Naoto's Royal Harem. While that may be the case, there is another member of it, but you may or may not get a chance to meet her.", Angelica replied, and grinned.
"Right...Her.", I uttered, and sighed. Angelica here is referring to Ennea. Some time ago after leaving the DG Cult for good, Ennea swore fealty to me. From there, she's been cooperating with Ouroboros in the shadows, but after some time had passed, and with this period of peace and my announcement of the Royal Harem, Ennea didn't hesitate. She joined it shortly after Angelica did.
Hearing that, a light blush appeared on Vita's cheeks, letting the Royal Harem truly dawn on her.
"T-This...Royal Harem, really is a thing?", Vita uttered back. The faint blush didn't go unnoticed. I saw it, and smiled again.
"I mean, why not? The guy's a prince, let alone the Crown Prince. An only one at that too. Liberl's a monarchy, so little miss princess here won't be vying for the throne. Much harder to give offsprings like that for future generations. I don't see a problem with it.", Crow said, shrugging his shoulders.
"H-How can you say that so easily!?", Vita exclaimed, feeling even more embarrassed now.
"L-Little miss princess...?", Kloe uttered, also not expecting to hear such a thing. I chuckled hearing that. Nice going, Crow!
"It is pretty much as Crow said, Vita. And just so you know, Kloe and I may look like close siblings, but the truth is, we aren't. We're cousins at best. Kloe has every right to join like the others do, should she so desire.", I replied, grinning again.
"Oi, seriously?", Crow immediately said, only to do another take at the two of us side-by-side. "I'd even label ya as twins. I really find this hard to believe."
"Hehe.", Kloe said. "We get that a lot. But it is true. The two of us are part of different families. I'm not saying it won't happen, but...", Kloe trailed, only to become embarrassed.
I mean, Kloe can do whatever she wants. If she really does want to get together later...I won't necessarily stop her. My mother and her mother are two very different people. Plus I lived in Japan after moving there permanently right after high school and college. I had gotten used to that lifestyle. I know it is scrutinized in other countries, but it was a legal system in Japan. And the Trailsverse is based on Japan's lore, not other countries. So who knows, something could happen in the coming future, but it was way too early to decide that.
But what Angelica said earlier was true though. The Royal Harem presently has two members. Angelica, and Ennea. We'll see if these two meet Ennea, but I doubt it.
As I thought that, Vita took another glance at me.
"...If this really is the case, Emma's going to have some competition. She might need to take action before it's too late...", Vita uttered quietly to herself.
"Did you say something just now, Vita?", Crow asked, making a playful whistle.
"N-Nothing. Nothing at all!", Vita quickly retorted. Seeing Vita behave like this again, we all shared a round of laughter. By the way, Julia had long since guided us to a nearby empty drawing room where we all sat down to have that conversation. Grandmother had also excused herself, so it was just us five in the room. With security outside the door, obviously.
"Anyway, we've spoken for a while, haven't we? It's nice to get acquainted with new friends, or catching up, in some instances. You two came all the way here to Grancel Castle. Why don't you two get comfy for the day and stay the night? It's the least we can do to show our hospitality. If you don't have to head out immediately, we can give you a full tour of the castle, and book flights the next day, wherever your next destination is.", Kloe suggested.
"A free tour and a free night to stay inside Grancel Castle? Count me in!", Crow replied.
"Crow...", Vita uttered, and sighed again. "Well, if you're the one offering, it'd be rude to turn down someone of royalty. Plus we...don't exactly want to cause an international incident. Why don't I put on a little flare? It's still early in the day. Spread the word that the Azure Diva decided to pay a visit to Grancel City. I'll hold an impromptu performance. You're all invited, of course.", Vita continued, and smiled.
"Wait, really? A live concert, here? Is that even allowed?", Angelica responded. I saw her eyes light up right away in excitement.
"I don't see why we can't. We'll need to run it by Grandmother first. It might be a little tight squeeze if we do it tonight, but if you two aren't in a rush tomorrow, we can hold a little concert in the morning. Maybe one or two songs at most.", I said, nodding my head in agreement.
"Then it's settled. It ain't every day we get to see THE Azure Diva perform so far away from home. And if His Highness is the one sponsorin' it, it'll definitely gather attention.", Crow said.
"Crow...", Vita uttered, and sighed again. "Why do I get the feeling you're the one most looking forward to this?"
"Those tickets don't run cheap, Vita. You perform in those fancy opera houses. This won't be the same, but it'll count in my books.", Crow replied.
"Hahaha.", I laughed. "Why don't we leave it at that? I'm sure Grandmother won't mind. We still have some items on our plate to work on before we can enjoy such a thing, though. We have something pre-planned for the rest of this afternoon. It might even carry into the night, which is why I suggested we hold this event tomorrow morning.", I suddenly said, drawing eyes to myself.
"Aha, there was that, wasn't there?", Angelica responded, acting as if she recalled what I was planning to do.
"Oh? Will we be a bother if you have something to do already?", Vita asked, also interested.
"Hardly. You two are more than welcome to watch. Vita knows this well, but I'm acquainted with quite a few...let's say talents. This allows me to stay in touch with the broader portion of Zemuria, including the Epstein Foundation. It's been a give-and-take kind of thing, but courtesy of their latest progress, we'll be holding a connection test of sorts. Here at Grancel Castle. It hasn't been long since the Epstein Foundation has begun its installment of the Orbal Network around condensed areas. Mostly focused in Crossbell City for the time being, but we're starting to branch out. It's being spearheaded by someone you know well, Vita.", I said, explaining the situation.
"Someone I know, huh? Now I'm even more interested.", Vita said, wondering who it was.
"The Orbal Network, huh? It's been quite the hot topic in recent years, but mostly out of theoretical application. You tellin' me the Foundation has developed a way forward to make it legit?", Crow questioned with interest.
"They sure did. If you thought the Orbal Revolution was enough to cause our technology to advance at a rapid pace, then the Orbal Network will throw that out the window.", I said.
Just like that, all five of us were in agreement. I didn't think I'd meet Vita like this so randomly, let alone bringing anyone in tow alongside her. It was all the way here at Grancel too. She's now in her prime, acting as the Azure Diva.
Unlike other fantasy stories, Zemuria mimics my previous life in many ways and forms. Stardom was one of them. This world has opera singers, and down the line, even idols and performers. Stage enthusiasts, you name it. Arc En Ciel is a very popular troupe that will earn its fame in the next couple of years. I hear even orbal movies and theaters are in development right now.
I'll need to look into that more. Vita isn't the only star out there. I know another well-known figure out there by newspaper alone. They call that person Dominique Lanster, and her daughter, Chloe Lanster, is a well-known stage actress as well. She's been gaining quite the attraction in Calvard. Maybe I'll try to see one of her tours if I visit the country again. When I have more free time.
I didn't think Vita and Crow would make their way here toward Grancel Castle, it was an unexpected visit, to say the least. We decided to give a tour to the two, showing the ins and outs of the castle, which made the day go by pretty quickly.
The day couldn't end yet, as we still had something to do. We soon found ourselves in one particular area of the open terrace further inside Grancel Castle...