Giliath demands your power stones, let's try to get over 500!
*****************
Outside of Valflame Palace.
January 1st. 9:30AM.
A tall and grandiose palace full of vermillion splendor soon panned into view, showing off its might to the rest of the city. Two large adorned crests of the Arnor Family could be seen on each door that led into the giant palace. Before long, these two large doors slowly opened on their own. A couple hours ago, a few figures exited from here, but this time, no figures could be seen. Instead it was a very fancy white orbal vehicle that appeared out of thee door. If one had a close look, a few officers of the RMP could be seen aligned on each side of the bridge, giving a salute to the white orbal car that appeared out of the palace.
This was the private car of Princess Alfin. Every member of the Imperial Family was designated with such a vehicle. Prince Olivert had his own orbal car, as did Prince Cedric. Since it was Princess Alfin who wanted to leave with Naoto and Sherryl, the group designated her car to be used. These vehicles would often be used for special occasions or for official traveling of the Imperial Family, whether it was within city limits or to other cities in Erebonia.
Thankfully it wasn't seen in everyday use, considering St. Astraia had dorms that most of its students could reside in. Even the Princess wasn't excluded from that.
As the orbal car began to depart the bridge, the RMP officers remained still, saluting the people inside off. After all, they knew well who was inside, as did the several onlookers. The people going about their work saw the Chancellor leave earlier in the morning, and now they are witnessing someone of the Imperial Family depart from Valflame Palace. Their curiosity couldn't help but grow as the white orbal car departed from the bridge, going around to the right of the statue that was composed of Emperor Dreichels. Making its round, the group saw an intricate yet inactive ancient magic circle at the statue's feet.
Along with the officers at the bridge, two more officers could be seen standing still, acting as if they were empty air. This particular position would swap out old for new officers at designated shifts to make sure it didn't go unattended. After all, the Chancellor and the Imperial Family knew what this magic circle did.
And the person to trigger it was currently only a few feet away from this magic circle, but now was not the time. Naoto felt prepared, but to not harm anyone in the process, he would cooperate with the Imperial Family, issuing a site-wide evacuation of the whole city.
Unless the entirety of the Hexen Clan were involved, such a spell could simply not be casted by a mere two or three rages, even if one was the leader themselves. That would likely require intricate spellcasting, weaving magic circles within magic circles. Moving over five hundred fifty thousand people in one go was not an easy feat. So, Naoto opted for plan b, which would require him getting in contact with his blood-related father again, which the only time he had encountered briefly was in Crossbell during the cult extermination. Minus that, the two went their separate ways after the Red Constellation raided their villa.
But a firm time frame was now set in place, and Naoto and his current group would see the Infernal Castle rise again from its ashes in two months' time.
A little bird even told Naoto that the Chancellor even hired Zephyr to ensure the evacuation of Heimdallr's citizens would go on without a hitch. He did have curiosity seeing Rutger meet up with the four girls earlier in the morning, but turns out they had a reason to be in the capital.
On top of all of that, Naoto still had his personal invitations out to his designated party that he had requested during the queen's birthday celebration back in Grancel.
According to Sherryl, both Zin and Kilika were now in Heimdallr, spending time at the Bracer Guild branch. The Bracer Guild had several branches throughout Erebonia, and it had not reached the period to where they would be forced to shut down in the coming year or two. Aurelia was also present with Naoto, so that meant the remaining two were Emma and Kevin. Thankfully Emma was already present and seemed to be finished with most of her training. She had kept in touch with Naoto this last year, and to his surprise, she was under the care of the Steel Maiden, training alongside her present disciple, if one were to call it, who would eventually come to be known as Duvalie the Swift.
But now Emma is currently alongside Fie, and with Renne added into the mix, things were already starting to shape up for the party that will eventually tackle the Vermillion Trials.
It had been brought up during the event last night. Naoto did express his disapproval of having Renne participating in the Vermillion Trials alongside him and the rest, but he quickly put it under his feet. Renne was by far not a normal child, considering she was one of the cult victims, and is currently piloting one of the most technologically advanced weaponized systems to date, in the form of what's called a Gordias-Class mecha. To be honest, Naoto was interested to see if Pater-Mater could even partake in the trials.
Still, despite her being a young girl who was approaching nine years of age firmly put her foot down, stating her desire to join Naoto in the Vermillion Trials. Naoto wasn't cheap and would gladly accept any help he could get after all. He could probably send out more invitations, but the party was already starting to take form rather nicely, so he didn't think he had a need to.
But if there was one person to reach out to, that would definitely be Ouroboros. No doubt the Infernal Castle was part of Ouroboros's Phantasmal Blaze Plan. Even if Naoto is wanting to trigger it early, he bet it would be within distance of bringing someone from there. Perhaps not an Anguis, but another Enforcer. Renne was an Enforcer herself, but she was still young inside the organization. Right now, Naoto was considering reaching to The Fool or the Blazing Demon, and it will most likely be the latter.
With the Vermillion Trials now on the horizon, further looks of anticipation appeared not only in Naoto's eyes, but to that of Aurelia's and Roselia's as well. No doubt will Roselia watch the trial happen from afar to make sure it goes without a hitch.
And well, knowing that was fun and all, but right now, a rather different story could be seen playing out inside of the orbal car we were driving in. I couldn't even properly think about the Vermillion Trials as we passed by the inactive magic circle. Inside the fancy car we were in were upholstered seats, mostly black in color, and even a table could be seen off to the side, allowing one to partake in drinks should one desire to do so. But right now, it was silent yet again. But it wasn't awkwardness that was present inside the car. Not like breakfast.
I could only watch those seated across from me, which were Roselia, Prince Cedric, and Kurt, with Claire taking the driver's seat. What I was feeling right now wasn't awkwardness, but the sensation of being stared down like daggers shooting into one's back.
If one were to look at this situation from a third person's view, it would make sense. Aurelia currently sat on my left, while Princess Alfin sat on my right.
Ever since we reached the garage room inside the palace, the two turned quiet soon after stepping into the car. And going back to the present, they entered a staring contest of sorts. One that would only arise confusion from the likes of Prince Cedric, but if one was in my shoes, they would feel something else entirely. It created a rather tense atmosphere to those who were aware of it. Not in a bad way though.
It seemed that tense-like atmosphere just lasted for another moment or two, before I heard Princess Alfin speak from my right, letting out a sigh, almost acting as if she had been defeated.
"Alright, it's my loss this time, Lady Aurelia. Next time I'll get you though.", Princess Alfin said, returning to her happy demeanor.
"I knew you'd see it my way. You'll definitely have another chance, Your Highness.", Aurelia also responded, cracking her lips into a smile. Hearing these two say this exchange only caused me to look at them.
"Just what in Aidios's name are you two going on about this time?", I couldn't help but ask, having curiosity get the better of me. Princess Alfin turned her head my way.
"Oh and here I thought you would have understood our intention, Big Brother. We were currently deciding who you would like to have rest in one's lap until we arrive at the Vander Dojo. Each district does take a while to traverse, so we have a few moments to enjoy ourselves.", Princess Alfin happily responded as she clapped her hands.
"Pardon?", I blurted out, blinking my eyes at the two in surprise.
"Just go along with it. It has been a couple years since we've met last, so it's only right I do this.", Aurelia responded. Before I could do anything, I saw Aurelia reach out her hands, wrapping her arms around my shoulders in a gentle manner. My head twisted a bit, and was starting to look up toward the ceiling of the car, only to follow the soft sensation being pressed against my neck and upper shoulders...
It was indeed the so-called lap pillow. Not that I was against it by any means. If anything, I was surprised to see Aurelia do this over Princess Alfin, but I guess they had a battle of some sorts during that silence?
Seeing them do this, Prince Cedric and Kurt only looked on with an incredulous look in their eyes.
"...It would seem the two of you have already been acquainted with each other, Your Highness. Just what status is it that you two exactly share?", Prince Cedric decided to ask as he looked our way.
"Oh I forgot to mention that part. It isn't official yet like it is with Her Highness, but I too have been engaged to Naoto here. On a lesser scale of course.", Aurelia answered Prince Cedric's doubt, causing him to look at her as if he was in disbelief.
"Come again?", Kurt couldn't help but blurt out as well. All the while Roselia just kept her smirk on her face seeing this play out.