"Dreichels Plaza is now a restricted area! Any trespassers will be arrested on sight. I repeat, any trespassers will be arrested on sight!", One of the several imperial guards yelled out into a mic. A lot of civilians could be seen looking on beyond the barricaded Dreichels Plaza. Most of them were wondering what was going on.
"Is there an event happening?", One of the citizens said, a bit worried. It's not often they see several imperial guards in one place, so the onlookers couldn't help but be worried. Some yet appeared excited.
"Did you not just see that orbal car enter the plaza just now? That was His Highness's crest! The Crown Prince has returned!", A second citizen said in excitement.
"If His Highness has returned, then who were those sitting on top of the car? That silver haired girl looked a bit familiar too...", A third citizen asked.
As questions started rising, a certain figure could be seen approaching Dreichels Plaza along with the other citizens. This figure seemed to have come from Vainqueuer Street. Right now, they appeared to be eighteen years old, sporting green unkempt hair. His hair was mostly spiky as well.
"The hell did I just stumble onto?", The figure said, only to scratch his head at the ongoing crowd. However, his thoughts were interrupted by another male voice, seemingly in a panic. A camera could be seen hanging around their neck.
"Nial, get your ass over here! The Crown Prince just arrived and we are currently waiting to take some photos!", A reporter yelled out to him, causing Nial halt in place, blinking for a good moment.
"The fuck? I seriously picked the wrong time to come abroad to Erebonia, didn't I...", The green haired man, said continuing to curse. That's right, this man was Nial Burns, an aspiring journalist. He was currently abroad in Erebonia, learning how things operated within the Imperial Chronicle. And now, he happened to stumble upon Prince Eugent returning to the Palace.
In the end, he could only shrug his shoulders, and joined up with the other couple of Imperial Chronicle reporters within the large crowd of people. Readying his camera, he waited for door the large orbal car in the middle, which was parked right before the statue of Emperor Dreichels, to open.
As for me, I chuckled a bit seeing the civilians further down respond in excitement after seeing our orbal car arrive. I knew we couldn't stay on the car's roof for forever, so I took this time to jump down, with Roselia following me on the opposite end. Seeing this, Aurelia spoke out to us.
"I will wait for your guidance, Rose, but for now I must return to the side of our division commanders. I am acting as the spearhead for the 3rd Division after all.", Aurelia said, jumping down after us. Roselia nodded hearing her say that.
"Umu, I will not stray you from your duties. Once we have settled down in the evening, I will come seek you out.", Roselia said to Aurelia.
"Understood.", Aurelia responded, acknowledging her. She then shifted her head my way and spoke out to me. "It nice to meet you too, Naoto. Being the son of the fifth commander, I expect great things out of you from a man of his caliber.", Aurelia responded happily. Hearing that caused me to shudder a bit.
"Right...', I responded back. "Well, it was nice to meet you too, Aurelia. Should things go well, I may follow your footsteps in entering Thors Military Academy, just like you.", I continued to say, revealing a smile. Another smile appeared on Aurelia's face after I said that.
"I look forward to that day.", Aurelia said, nodding her head. Roselia and I then saw her slowly walk around to the other side of the car, to which now had its main door open. The couple of secret agents were the ones to open it after getting out first. Before long, Matteus was the first to step out of the car.
Seeing Matteus's giant figure appear first caused several civilians to blink at him in surprise. However it didn't take long for one of them to yell out in excitement.
"T-That's the Thunder God!", One of the civilians yelled out in shock. However, Matteus ignored them and walked off to the side a bit. It didn't take longer for Victor to follow suit, which caused another wave of surprise to the civilians.
"No way...even the Radiant Blademaster is here?", Another one uttered in surprise.
As the crowd continued to watch, Aurelia took this time to approach Matteus and Victor.
"How did your conversation go with the young lad?", Victor decided to ask Aurelia.
"It went well. I may even be able to surpass my limits even more after tonight is over. I still have hopes to learn under you though as well, Master Arseid.", Aurelia responded politely.
"Sounds like you had a positive encounter then. As for your current proposal, I might not be able to fulfill that for a good while. You see, I have a rather lovely daughter at home, so me being away from her is already enough as it is.", Victor said to Aurelia.
"You have a daughter?", Aurelia asked.
"Indeed I do. Right now she just turned two years old. Her name is Laura S. Arseid.", Victor replied with a smile.
"...You really are an overprotective father, aren't you?", Matteus retorted with a grumble.
"Haha.", Victor responded with a laugh hearing Matteus say that.
After he did, another figure emerged from the car, and it was Olaf Craig, the fourth division commander.
"Looks like my fellow commanders have successfully gathered. Welcome back, Miss Aurelia.", Olaf said, seeing Aurelia with them again. Aurelia nodded hearing them.
"Isn't that the fourth division commander?", Another civilian exclaimed.
"Wow, it looks like a crowd has already formed.", Olaf said, seeing the giant crowd of people beyond the barricade. These division commanders were already used to situations like these, and didn't bother replying to the civilians' surprise. Even flashes of light could be seen from orbal cameras the reporters had.
"Just let them be and let the imperial guard do their duty.", Matteus responded, causing the others to nod. "Still, I haven't seen the fifth commander step out yet. Did General Giliath still have something to discuss with His Highness?", Matteus decided to ask Olaf.
"That seems to be the case.", Olaf said, nodding his head in acknowledgement.
Meanwhile, still inside the orbal car...
Now, it was just Diet Speaker Carl, the Fifth Division Commander, Giliath, the crown prince Prince Eugent, his son, Prince Olivert, and his bodyguard, Mueller Vander. Giliath took this time to ask Prince Eugent another question.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Your Highness? This could still be kept under wraps, at least to where the original declaration is to take place in two months' time.", Giliath asked Prince Eugent.
"No.", Prince Eugent said, shaking his head. "Our people must know. I do not want to hide any longer. If I am to become the next Emperor of Erebonia, time is of the essence. I cannot wait for father's passing. I do not want any more attacks like the last one.", Prince Eugent answered Giliath.
"Would that not just cause more danger to fall upon yourself, Your Highness?", Giliath asked.
"Perhaps as the Crown Prince, but knowing my family is now here within our castle walls, who would dare attack the next Emperor?"
"Only a fool would. If this really is your will, Your Highness, I will humbly accept it and follow.", Carl said, giving a light bow.
"Hmm...if that is such the case, I do not object either.", Giliath said, also giving a bow. Prince Eugent smiled seeing this.
"Excellent.", Prince Eugent responded. He then moved his head toward Prince Olivert and spoke out to him.
"My son.", Prince Eugent began to say. Prince Olivert quickly nodded his head seriously.
"Yes, Lord Father.", he responded.
"I will apologize to you now for placing this burden onto you. Once I declare my ascension to the throne to our people, I will announce you as the next Crown Prince. Lord Father already knows I am set to receive the crown at the end of the week.", Prince Eugent said to Prince Olivert.
"I had been anticipating for this to happen, Lord Father, and I have no objection. It will only be for a short while, right?", Prince Olivert asked.
"Yes. Once things are settled, I will formally declare Cedric as my rightful heir to the throne.", Prince Eugent explained.
"Cedric...so you do have new children, Your Highness.", Giliath responded with a smile. Prince Eugent happily nodded hearing Giliath say that.
"I was blessed enough to have twins be born earlier this year. I wish no trouble to befall them as they grow up in Heimdallr.", Prince Eugent responded with a smile.
"I see. So it is a boy and a girl. What are their names?", Giliath asked with interest.
"Cedric Reise Arnor and Alfin Reise Arnor.".
*
o.o
Baby Alfin
Don't forget to drop those power stones!