As Giliath started to become busier and busier, it wasn't one without saying others were becoming more busy as well.
In fact, while Erebonia and Liberl were keeping themselves occupied, Crossbell City was doing business as usual. Thankfully the war three years ago did not reach their land. But that didn't mean it's recently appointed mayor, Mayor MacDowell didn't have a full plate on his hands.
No, in fact, it looked like he was even busier than usual. Perhaps it was due to a decision made by someone he knew very well...
Crossbell City
Residential District, MacDowell Estate.
While not as fancy in comparison to the Osborne Estate, the MacDowell Estate was one of the biggest villas in Crossbell to date. And for a good reason, it housed the current Mayor and his family,.
It composed of two main floors and had two staircases that lead into the second floor. The MacDowell Estate was currently occupied and seemed livelier than usual.
Several figures could currently be seen cleaning the Estate while three figures could be seen in the leftmost room, which was one of the bedrooms.
One of the three figures appeared to be the maid of the estate and she had a look of both worry and excitement in her eyes.
"I can't believe the Young Missus is already old enough to start Middle School. But must she go that far away? I thought she'd attend a school more close to home...", the maid, who was named Joanna, said with a hint of worry.
"Umu, it was Elie's decision after she received that acceptance letter to attend one of Arteria's famous boarding schools. It does sadden my heart knowing Elie won't be here for a period of time, but it is for the best. Their schools offer a huge variety of benefits. It's hard to turn down that, especially considering Arteria is the home of the Septian Church.", A second voice said, which belonged to a much older voice.
This second figure was a very aged old man. But the thing that kept him apart from others was the silver-white hair of his. It seemed to match the third figure's hair, who was moving about around the bed right now, but his hair was aged.
The third figure was younger than the first two. She seemed to be around a nine year old girl with very lush silver-white hair. This seemed to be a trait among this particular family.
Besides that, this girl was now wearing a school uniform of sorts. Her uniform was similar to that of Calvard's Aramis High School, except it was mostly azure blue. It still had the same gray skirt and white undershirt. To add to that this girl wore along socks that stretched to her knees.
The one thing that made this girl appear very cute was a black beret, similar to the one that Altina wears, which was currently on her head. It had a stark contrast against her silvery-white hair.
This girl was of course none other than Elie MacDowell, who was currently nine years old now. A happy yet somewhat exhausted look could currently be seen in her eyes as she double checked over a few closed suitcases that were currently on her bed.
Not long ago, Elie received an official acceptance letter to go study abroad in Arteria, the Holy Capital of the Septian Church.
Even though six years had passed since that fateful night, not once had Elie given up. Even though she was still sad Naoto was taken away like that, she knew somehow deep down he was still alive and well. Elie did sulk for a period of time, but she quickly got back on her feet, becoming productive again by helping out in the City Hall.
And that had finally born fruit with the form of a school acceptance letter to go study abroad in Arteria.
"Are you sure that's everything, Elie? You know once we depart it will take a good while to send you something should you have forgotten it."
"I've already triple checked, Grandpa. I think we are set...?", Elie started to say only to see her eyes turn wide a bit.
"Ahhh! How could I forget about that!?", Elie said with a startled voice. She quickly rushed toward her desk to see two framed photographs.
It wasn't just those two photos. In front of of the two photos seemed to be a custom watch of sorts on the outside. But it was actually an old-looking specialized combat orbment with a violet metallic cover. It also had a tought string around it which allowed the device to act as a necklace.
This combat orbment device was the same one Naoto's mother Aurora had passed down to him, while Naoto made the decision to temporarily leave it in Elie's care.
Elie was extremely happy when this decision was made. Naoto could have chosen another person to safekeep his memento, but he let Elie have it. It was as if Naoto declared he would return to pick it up again. This was partly why Elie only sulked back then for a little bit.
And as for the two photos, one was a picture of Elie's family in front of the MacDowell Estate. Elie MacDowell, Diana MacDowell, Ryan MacDowell and Henry MacDowell. Despite the threat of the parents filing a divorce, they still appeared very happy when this photo was taken.
As for the second photo, it showed off Elie while at Naoto's villa. Within the picture was Giliath, Kasia, Rean, Naoto, and Elie. It wasn't just them either. In that photo also stood a trio of blonde haired siblings, with one of them being about ten years older than the other two siblings, who also appeared to be twins. They were of course a fifteen year old Prince Olivert, and a three year old Princess Alfin and Prince Cedric.
Elie was placed in between Naoto and Rean with Giliath and Kasia behind them. When this photo was taken, Elie and Naoto were both six years old while Rean was still five. As for the three siblings, Princess Alfin was closest on Naoto's right side with Prince Olivert standing behind her. Prince Cedric was off to Princess Alfin's right. Prince Olivert could be seen draping one of his arms over Naoto's shoulder. To end the photo off was the Sword Fox being next to Prince Cedric with his hands placed behind his back.
This photo was taken right as the Sword Fox finished training Naoto, which was also the last time Elie could go over to play before the Red Constellation raided his villa.
Seeing this photo, Elie's feet came to a quick halt. She stared at the in silence for a moment. Her eyes glanced at the figures in the photo before shifting her gaze to the violet haired boy next to Elie.
"Naoto...You are out there somewhere, right?", Elie uttered to herself.
Thinking that, Elie quickly shook her head and slapped her cheeks a bit. She then reached out her hand to grab the two photos and the combat orbment. After that, she wore the combat orbment over her neck as if it was a necklace.
Elie switched back to the bed and stored the photos in one of her suitcases. Seeing she was all packed now, she and Joanna grabbed them, and approached Henry. Henry saw this, only to see what Elie was now wearing around her neck.
"Are you really going to leave like this while wearing that, Elie? You should know the importance of this orbment device.", Henry said with a worried look in his eyes.
"I know, Grandpa. It's not like this is the first time doing this, right?", Elie responded, revealing a smile.
"I know, but you'll be flying on an orbal commuter ship this time. What if the wind knocks it loose?", Henry asked, a bit worried.
"Hahaha, if that was your worry sir Mayor, then you needn't worry. Your daughter can rest easy in our hands.", A sudden yet calm voice said which reached their ears
"Who?", Henry tried to ask, only to see his butler bring in three guests who have just arrived.
"Master, I hate to disturb you but some important guests have arrived. Please do forgive me for bringing them in without your consent.", the butler said.
"Important guests, huh? It is fine.", Henry said not to worry his butler. He then saw three figures behind the butler, only to have Henry raise his eyebrows. His eyes were immediately drawn to the emblem of the Septian Church on their clothing.
"Members of the Septian Church? What brings you here?", Henry asked curiously. As he did, Elie also gazed at these three figures.
One seemed to be a twenty one year old girl with greenish blonde wavy hair. The second figure seemed to be another girl who was nineteen years old with pretty red hair that was currently tied into a ponytail. As for the third figure, it was a green haired boy with white strands who seemed to be around fourteen years old.
The greenish-blonde haired girl smiled seeing Henry and Elie look at them before she started to speak. Her eyes were particularly drawn to the orbment device around Elie's necklace.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, sir Mayor. As you have guessed we have come from the Septian Church to ensure your daughter has safe travels to Arteria. And by the way, that combat orbment the young miss has far more important than you guys may realize.", the girl said.
"So that was the case after all. But the Septian Church really sent us an escort?", Henry asked, still doubtful.
"Don't see it as such. The three of us are just an extra security measure. Treat us as we don't exist.", The girl answered.
"Isn't that fine then, Grandpa? If we don't leave soon we'll miss my flight!", Elie said also worried.
"That is true. Thank you for coming all this way here to ensure safe passage. I too can't help be worried since Elie here will be alone for the first time.", Henry said, scratching his head a bit. Hearing this, Elie pouted.
"You know I can take care of myself Grandpa!", Elie retorted.
"I know, but you are still just nine years old, Elie...", Henry uttered, which caused the greenish-blonde haired girl to laugh.
"Haha, the young miss is right though. We should head out soon. They call me Ein Selnate, by the way. A pleasure.", The girl said, introducing herself as Ein to Henry and Elie.
"Rufina Argent. It is a pleasure to meet you guys.", The ref haired girl said, showing a smile.
"Kevin Graham. Nice to meet'cha!", The boy said, winking one of his eyes as he smiled.
*
Giliath demands your power stones!