A few days ago…
"Hey Felix, what do you think Sebastian is up to?" [Adam]
"Huh?" [Felix]
"Hey! No chit chatting!" [Mr. Frank]
In the midst of their training, Adam and Felix whispered to each other.
"I mean… does he always leave abruptly like that?" [Adam]
"Yeah, I thought I told you this already." [Felix]
Surprisingly, the two have already gotten adjusted to the cursed assistant. They were operating smoothly, but the others seemed to be struggling.
"Ugh… What are you two whispering about?" [Orion]
"Nothing." [Felix]
"Anyways, what do you think Sebastian is up to?" [Adam]
Suddenly, Felix stopped speaking. He began to ponder in his mind as he continued to do push ups without much effort.
"Fishing? No… Last time he came back with some Tepacs…" [Felix]
As he thought aloud, Felix became curious.
("...What IS Sebastian doing right now?") [Felix]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
A few weeks prior…
"Hey Sebastian!" [???]
Knocking on the front door, a familiar voice called out. A few moments later, Sebastian opened it with his eyes closed as usual.
"What?" [Sebastian]
He was greeted with a smile, by the one and only mischievous Roy. After taking a glance at Sebastian, Roy tried to look through the hallway of the house.
"Hm? Are the kids not here today?" [Roy]
"They're at school. What are you here for?" [Sebastian]
"Nothing much. It's just that time of the year again." [Roy]
Reaching into his back pocket, Roy took out a letter sealed with wax.
"An invitation to the Iroe Regale. It's your turn to appear as the honorary guest." [Roy]
"..." [Sebastian]
He took the letter in hand and opened it. After reading it, the letter burst into flames, leaving only ashes.
"...You didn't have to burn it." [Roy]
"...Just make the portal damn it." [Sebastian]
"Hm. If you say so." [Roy]
Extending a hand forward, Roy spoke aloud.
"Open your reflections, Diplo!" [Roy]
Suddenly, the air before him fractured. It was like glass shards reflecting through the air, revealing a dagger within. Roy took the dagger in hand and slashed the air, opening the black gate known as the void.
"You should get changed before you go." [Roy]
"No need. I'll meet up with one of my vassals to dress me there." [Sebastian]
Roy began to follow Sebastian as he entered the void, but was stopped almost immediately.
"No, you're staying here." [Sebastian]
"...Why?" [Roy]
"I need you to watch the kids." [Sebastian]
After giving Roy his order, Sebastian entered the void.
("Am I a babysitter now?") [Roy]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Upon exiting the void, Sebastian met a row of people standing before him. Each and every one of them wore a matching outfit, something that could be referred to as a uniform. Behind them loomed a large mansion, lined with banners of a white wolf. Just from its height, one could guess it held at least four floors.
"You have returned, my liege." [???]
The row of people made a large divide, allowing for a uniformed man to come forward. Though he wore the same outfit as the others, he had an air about him.
"Va'al, it's been a while. How long was it since I returned?" [Sebastian]
Turning his eyes upwards for a moment, the uniformed man before him answered.
"Two years, 5 months, and 13 days." [Va'al]
"...I see." [Sebastian]
("The time difference between this world and earth is fluctuating strangely as usual.") [Sebastian]
"I've received an invitation for the Iroe Regale. Take me to my room so I can get dressed." [Sebastian]
Heeding his command, Va'al tilted his head slightly in acknowledgement.
"As you wish." [Va'al]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Entering the mansion, Sebastian was led to the third floor. Va'al opened the doors of a room labeled "Off Limits" and made way for Sebastian.
"Pick an outfit that suits me. The Iroe Regale starts in 3 clicks." [Sebastian]
He stood in the middle of an empty room, arms raised for Va'al to get to work.
"Yes, my lord." [Va'al]
Closing the door behind him, Va'al began with his preparations. With a snap of his fingers, the once empty room was now filled with racks of clothing. He scoured each and every one of them until he picked out a suitable attire.
"Is it to your liking?" [Va'al]
After he had dressed Sebastian, Va'al took the liberty of bringing out a full body mirror.
"...This will do. Prepare a carriage at the front, I'll be down in a moment." [Sebastian]
"Yes, my lord." [Va'al]
As soon as Va'al exited the room, it returned to being empty.
("I should've asked for something more comfortable.") [Sebastian]
He wore a white buttoned shirt inside, along with a black vest on top. His pants and shoes were black, and the entire set was finished off with a black cloak over his shoulders. After confirming whether or not he liked the clothing, he left the mansion.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Outside the mansion awaited a carriage donning the image of a wolf. It seemed that the carriage was completely black and the inside was completely red. Strangely enough, there were no horses at the front. In fact, there was nothing there to pull it at all.
"Va'al. Are there no horses?" [Sebastian]
"My lord, the horses have been taken by another Arcana." [Va'al]
Sebastian was at a loss for words, but simply sighed after collecting himself.
"...Is it him?" [Sebastian]
"Indeed. He said he wanted to… "go for a round". I do believe they will be returned after two months." [Va'al]
"Do we have any substitutes?" [Sebastian]
"If you will allow it, I can go to the southern forest and subdue an Earth Drake." [Va'al]
"How long will it take?" [Sebastian]
"Only half a click." [Va'al]
"I'll allow it. I expect you to keep your word." [Sebastian]
"By your will." [Va'al]
With a small nod, Va'al equipped himself with knuckled gloves and vanished.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
After thirty minutes had passed, Va'al returned. His figure was small in the distance, but the creature in tow was most definitely eye catching. Behind Va'al was a lizard-like creature the size of a small truck, but it seemed to be tamed since Va'al had it by the reins. It had razor-sharp claws and dagger-like teeth, along with brown scales as hard as rock covering it. The creature had gleaming eyes of green, silently assessing whether or not the people around it was prey.
"As promised, I have subdued this Earth Drake." [Va'al]
Bringing the Earth Drake closer, it towered over Sebastian with a menacing glare.
"Hm…" [Sebastian]
Seeing as how the creature didn't fear him, Sebastian opened his eyes ever so slightly.
"I will begin preparations to- Hm?!" [Va'al]
The Earth Drake reared backwards. It was in a panic stricken state, forcing Va'al to hold on to it's reins tightly.
"...It has good judgement." [Sebastian]
He closed his eyes, and the Earth Drake immediately calmed down. Strangely enough, it no longer stood straight when near Sebastian. As Va'al drew it closer to Sebastian, it lowered itself as if to show subservience.
"Looks like my presence is disturbing it. I'll be inside the carriage." [Sebastian]
Upon entering, Va'al began preparations. Tying the carriage to the Earth Drake's back, he sat in the front as the coachman.
"Now, to the Iroe Regale." [Sebastian]