Even Ines was shocked to see the silvery-white fox hidden beneath the drapes of the circular bed suddenly speak the human tongue. Granted, I did give freedom to let Tama do what she wants as long as she strives to improve herself. I didn't think she'd come this far to be able to speak to us like this already. I could only imagine it was because of Celine, haha!
As interesting as this direction is going, learning the fact that Tamamo could speak the human language now wasn't the only thing that was happening inside Grancel City today. It was still midday, and approaching lunchtime. Many people were out and about, moving to wherever their destination laid. Many were currently enjoying lunchtime right now.
In one particular direction of Grancel City, a large passenger airship could be seen descending onto its docks vertically. It arrived at the closest landing pad inside Grancel City Airport. It didn't take long for a voice to speak to its passengers, signaling that it had arrived safely into the city.
"Ding-dong. We have successfully landed in Grancel City, the terminus for today. Please keep your identification papers on hand so you can make it past inspection before heading into the city. Please secure all luggage before disembarking. I repeat...", The intercom's voice said, echoing throughout the cabin. Shortly after, many passengers began to move around the airship, grabbing their belongings. At the same time, a metal bridge that connected itself to the Port engaged with a hissing noise, then extended outward. One after another, the passengers began to leave.
Amongst the crowd of passengers, two people could be seen amongst them. It was a mother and daughter pair. Excitement could be seen in the girl's eyes. She was quite young. More closer to Renne's age, and had blonde hair. But the weird thing was, this girl was dressed like a mechanic, and even had a pair of goggles around her head.
"Wow! So this is Grancel City! It's nothing like Zeiss is, Mom. It's huge!", The girl said in excitement, running off on her own to see the sights.
"Settle down, Tita. The city isn't going anywhere. Even from a scientific standpoint, it'd be nigh impossible to physically relocate one city to another place.", A woman who had the spitting image of the girl said, just much older. Despite being middle-aged, this woman seemed quite healthy. She also had a lab coat on, appearing to be a scientist, or a researcher.
"Hahaha...", The girl responded, realizing that she had stepped out of line, both figuratively, and literally. Other passengers were walking up the stairs to go about their own destinations. The blonde-haired girl simply looked behind, and saw a gigantic white castle in the near distance. Grancel Castle. "You're right, Mom. I might have gotten a little carried away there. I'm just happy we got a chance to visit Grancel!"
"Just a little is an understatement.", The woman said, carrying a suitcase with her. She was traveling light, probably not staying in Grancel City for long. The younger girl was her daughter, and the two arrived here just a moment ago from the airship. "I know you've been wanting to explore the capital as of late Tita, but why bother with the common stuff? Don't forget we have that super-duper awesome invitation sent by His Royal Highness. We can explore areas where it's usually prohibited!"
"Oh, right! I completely forgot about the reason why we even came here to begin with!", The girl said, still excited. "Something about old acquaintances, right mom?"
"Yeah. About that...", The woman said, trailing off with a sigh. 'To think that old bastard actually reached out to ME of all people. Guess he still hates Papa's guts. Those two never get along, even when they're old fogeys', The woman continued, thinking that.
Seeing the woman go silent, the girl turned around and looked back at her mother.
"Remember no cursing, right mom?", The girl called. Apparently, her name is Tita.
"Right, right. You're such a little helper, Tita. I'd be long lost without you~", The woman happily replied, and ruffled Tita's hair. She kept her internal screaming at herself. She was a literal die-hard fan of her own daughter. The woman loved to flaunt Tita to just about anyone she met without remorse.
"Heehee.", Tita said, squinting one of her eyes. "I'm old enough where you don't have to baby me all day, mom. Cut that out."
"GASP", The woman said, looking appalled by what Tita just said to her, acting as if her very heart was torn in two. Seeing this visible "shock", Tita sighed.
"F-Fine. Just a little...", Tita said, causing the exaggerated shock to be replaced with glee.
"Oh, what ever will I do without you, Tita? You're just the cutest in the world.", The woman said, and ruffled Tita's hair some more.
"Ahem.", A sudden voice said, cutting through the two's current conversation.
"Who would dare disturb this moment of a mother-daughter bonding!?", The woman exclaimed, realizing someone was trying to ruin her moment. Seeing a line of figures arrive at the dock, the woman paused. They were all soldiers called in green, except for the woman in front, who wore a blue-clad uniform.
"That would be me. It looks like you managed to arrive. Welcome to Grancel City, Professor Russell.", The woman soldier said, keeping her tone polite, and even gave a salute at the woman beside Tita. That seemed to give the woman a reality check, and parted ways from Tita. She then raised her hand, and coughed.
"T-Thank you for the warm welcome. I know we cannot wait for long.", The woman replied, returning to her usual self. She looked down at Tita. "Come along Tita. Stay right beside me. I've been given a particular task by Grancel's Crown Prince, courtesy of that old bastard. It piqued my interest at least, seeing as it is Orbment-related."
"Orbments!?", Tita's face lit up, becoming excited again.
"Indeed. I...did not think you would bring your daughter along, Professor Russell, so I do apologize for coming out to get you like this. We've prepared lunch at the castle. His Royal Highness has plans to depart in the evening, so you are free to work with him until then.", The soldier woman said. Who else could it be but Second Lieutenant Julia Schwarz?
After Julia said that, the woman named Professor Russell nodded. She looked quite interested in meeting Naoto. Recently, Naoto gained the favor of another like-minded individual for doing that connection test with the Epstein Foundation, Professor Schmidt. Through the channels, Professor Schmidt reached out to Professor Russell, Erika Russell. Not the actual Professor Russell, Erika's Father and likewise, another disciple of Professor Epstein. Erika Russell is still in the same profession, though, so she holds the same title. Professor Schmidt refuses to speak with the old man on a normal basis. It's not like it's a severed connection, he just hates working with him. Each to their own.
But that didn't stop Erika Russell bringing her daughter, Tita Russell to Grancel City to meet with Naoto.
With their baggage in hand, Tita stuck her mother, making sure she wouldn't get lost while being guided by the Royal Army, steadily making their way to Grancel Castle.
However, it would seem that wasn't the only thing that was taking place within the city. While this happened on the northern side, a different scene could be seen happening on the southern side in South Block. A steady stream of passengers rolled into the gate one by one until two men arrived, passing their identification papers toward the guards who were on duty.
One of the two figures was a brown-haired man with quite the mustache. A wood pole staff could be seen on his back. Once the soldiers realized who he was, they quickly saluted the man, allowing him to enter. The man wasn't alone, though.
"At least the people around here still treat you with respect, old man.", The second figure said, appearing to be a fiery red-haired man. A giant sword could be seen strapped on his back, looking both powerful and domineering. He seemed to be around twenty-one years old. If one looked closely he had the emblem of the Bracer Guild on his clothes.
"Yeah, I kind of wish they'd stop doing that already. But I've long since made a name for myself while I was still in the army. If we exclude you coming here to make your rounds as a Junior Bracer and doing your promotion exam, this is your first time being able to see the big city like this, isn't it, Agate?", The man responded, looking back at the red-haired man who was apparently called Agate.
"It sure is. The previous time I was here I couldn't do much. It was just going in and out of the Bracer Guild. Never got a chance to explore the city like this.', Agate said, looking at the Bracer Guild from afar, which was situated on the right side of the street. The building itself had a scare a while ago when Naoto triggered an Instance Dungeon inside the city and tore the building's rooftop clean off. Thankfully, the reconstruction period for that had long since been completed, and it was fully compensated by the Royal Family, at Naoto's behest.
Enough time had passed since then, allowing Bracers, like these two men here, to resume business inside Grancel City. After Agate said that, he had a good look at the Bracer Guild in silence, before continuing to speak. "Been wantin' to see what all the fuss is about inside the capital as of late. I want to see whether it's good or not bringin' Mischa here. She did say to go on without her, and is still holed up in Ruan. Knowin' them, I can rest easy and focus on work while scopin' the city out."
"Heh. You've changed quite a bit since I first met when you were such a rambunctious brat. I thought being near thugs would have steered you the wrong way, but that sister of yours was your guiding light through those times. And now look at you, a Senior Bracer with someone to protect. Everyone at headquarters back at Leman were surprised to see you advance so quickly.", The man replied, praising Agate's progress as a Bracer.
"Yeah, yeah. I hear you. Somethin' about doing something for the betterment of the body, or some crazy shit like that. I can't stay mopin' around forever. It's been over half a decade since that damn war happened.", Agate responded.
"Even still, the work you do is fine. While that may be the case, you're still like an uncut Septium. You may still want to brush up on your foundations. You've come this far with your own efforts, but are you sure you don't want a sword instructor? All it takes is one word. Hell, even I can take you in as an official student of the Eight Leaves One Blade.", The man suggested.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm just goin' to continue doing my thing. I trust my gut the most when it comes to tearin' my enemies apart. It's simple, effective, and clean. Been like that ever since I formed the Ravens back in Ruan. I don't want to stop now.", Agate responded, rejecting the man.
"Fine then. It's your loss. I didn't think there would be someone out there brazen enough to turn down an offer from an S-Rank Bracer. If it was someone else besides you, they'd accept it in a heartbeat, haha!", The man laughed.
"Yeah well, I ain't "them", you damn old man. I'm me. It don't matter if you're S-Rank or not.", Agate shot back. The man's laugh only grew louder after that was said.
"Hahaha.", The man said, continuing to laugh. "Well, unlike last time where you had to focus on your work and couldn't create many connections, you don't have to deal with that now. This will be your first time being able to fully explore Grancel City like this, and see what it has to offer. In the meantime, I'll have you get reacquainted with Elnan."
"Fine by me."
It was then the two realized they arrived in front of the Bracer Guild's doorstep. "Anywho, here we are. After we get you settled in and transferred, you'll be able to start taking work here at Grancel's branch. Just a formality, but you know how branches can be. Can't have your name in two places at once."
"I know how the whole thing operates. I'm a Senior Bracer now for crying out loud. And I could say the same thing to you, Cassius. I'm surprised you ain't runnin' the place.", Agate said, calling the man beside him "Cassius". That's right, this man is none other than THE Cassius Bright, one of the few S-Rank Bracers on the entire continent!
Cassius Bright rose to S-Rank thanks to the secretive mission that he spearheaded, which cooperated with most of Western Zemuria to eradicate the DG Cult. He led the attacks, which took care of most, if not all of its remaining cultists, barring one or two particular individuals, such as Joachim Guenter. Since then, many people look up to him, and his name spread even more. He'd gotten used to this fame by now.
Cassius stopped in his tracks, pausing his arm before opening the door. He looked back at Agate. "What can I say? I'd love to keep everything afloat, but I had enough of that back in the Royal Army. And speaking of which, I ought to introduce you to my children sometime soon.", Cassius said, rubbing his mustache with his finger.
"Hmm, now that you mention it, you did say you have a daughter, and a son. Aren't they also here in Grancel with the silver Streak?", Agate asked.
"Last I heard from Scherazard that should be the case---?", Cassius started to say while opening the door. This allowed them to enter, but Cassius couldn't finish his speaking before their attention was drawn toward a group of people off to the tables on the first floor, happily chatting away with each other.
Their heads shifted toward the door seeing Cassius stepped in.
"You're back, dad!", A voice happily called out, welcoming Cassius into the Bracer Guild.
"Last I heard from Scherazard that should be the case---?", Cassius started to say, opening the door. The two stepped inside. Cassius and Agate saw Estelle, Joshua, and Scherazard sitting at one end of the table. On the other end was Zin, and Kilika. Accompanying those two was a lilac-haired girl, who appeared to be around Emma's age. She was wearing a martial arts gi, just like Zin's, and actually had a black belt around her waist.
"Haha.", Cassius laughed, greeting his daughter. "I'm only around for a brief time. Looks like you're still under Scherazard's care. I see some familiar faces too.", Cassius continued, not expecting the Bracer Guild to be this full.
"We also happened to drop by, so I didn't think we'd catch you today, Cassius. It looks like the Heavy Blade is accompanying you.", Zin said, welcoming Cassius.
"I take it you are done with your training spree then.", Cassius responded, wondering if that was the case.
"Training eh? With this little squirt?", Agate asked, shifting his eyes toward the lilac-haired girl, who sat beside Zin.
"That's right.", Zin said, nodding his head. "Sherryl here is mostly done with her training. Figured it'd be easy to kill two birds with one stone and take the aspiring Bracers and Sherryl out for some monster hunting to gain some practical experience. Even Kilika has given her a pointer or two. Your kids will still need Schera's supervision though, considering they aren't actual Bracers yet.", Zin continued, explaining the situation.
"It sounds like we caught you all at a good time in-between jobs.", Cassius responded, only to look at Sherryl. She was still quite small compared to Zin's stature, so it was a sight to behold. Such a difference didn't deter Sherryl one bit. She smiled back at Cassius with confidence. "You're the winner of the previous martial arts tournament, aren't you?"
"I am. It is nice to meet you like this, Sir Cassius.", Sherryl said, keeping her tone polite. "I know what you went through last time you were here. I was around, even though I didn't directly participate in the "fun".", Sherryl answered.
Cassius immediately guessed what Sherryl was referring to. "Is that right? Well, seeing you here with Zin and the rest, perhaps this means you have interest in becoming a Bracer too?"
Hearing that, Sherryl scratched her cheek, feeling embarrassed.
"About that, actually...", Sherryl began to say. "I wish I could, but I already have prior arrangements once this last round of training is complete. Maybe some other time, I might consider it."
"Haha.", Zin laughed. "Believe it or not, Sherryl here works for the Royal Family back in the castle. She's just on loan right now to me. But even with that, she absorbed everything I sent her way. I've not much left to teach. Joshua and Estelle here can attest to that."
"Zin speaks the truth, dad. I know how busy your schedule is about to become, Sherryl, but hopefully you'll have enough time to consider taking the Bracer Test along with us in the next two or three years.", Joshua said with an understanding nod.
"Yeah. We can't become Bracers until we turn sixteen. We're three years away from that. There should be plenty of time between now and then to let you take the exam, Sherryl. It's been a blast hanging out with you!", Estelle happily said.
"Joshua. Estelle...", Sherryl uttered, smiling at the two. It hadn't been for long, but enough time had passed where Sherryl could call these two her friends. As for Agate, he just observed the group for a moment before taking a couple steps further inside. His eyes landed on Sherryl.
"A little squirt like you actually works in the castle?", Agate retorted. "You know, I've been gettin' this weird feeling ever since I stepped foot into the building. You're more than you look.", Agate continued, which drew all eyes to him.
"So you could tell. You must be Sir Heavy Blade that Teacher often remarks as of late.", Sherryl said, greeting Agate while remaining polite.
"I'd cool it if I were you, Agate. Before you go jumping the gun, Sherryl here has pushed both Kilika and I back during our spars. More than once might I add.", Zin said, grinning at Agate.
"You shittin' me?", Agate cursed, sucking in a cold breath of air as he heard that.
"Would you like to give it a try, Sir Heavy Blade?", Sherryl suddenly offered. A hidden streak of lightning streaked across Agate's and Sherryl's eyes, acting as if the two had come to a hidden understanding.
As for Estelle, she panicked for a moment, quickly glancing her eyes back and forth between the two.
"We're really going to do this?", Estelle blurted, looking shocked.