Giliath demands your power stones, let's try to get over 500!
*****
Ignoring the onlookers who had looks of interest in their eyes while a different scene played out inside the fancy white car, Claire ignored everything that happened, staying silent as she had her two hands on the steering wheel, making their way to the main street that connected all of Heimdallr to the other districts, which was Vainqueur Street. In a way, Vainqueur Street acted very similarly to Crossbell City. It was the central hub of Erebonia's capital, which brought in many sorts of traditions and cultures, also sporting the Plaza Bifrost. This street also served as the headquarters to the Imperial Chronicle, much like the LNS in Liberl, and CNS in Crossbell City.
From here, the fancy white car entered the main road of traffic. The escort stopped there, but other drivers kept their pace, making sure to follow the traffic rules set in place, which basically mirrored Naoto's past life. If there was one difference here though, there were no traffic signs or stop lights in any form or fashion whatsoever. One would think problems arose from this, but traffic was kept in a very fluid motion. Keeping their distance from other cars to avoid a crash, Claire found herself turning left on the main street. As for Naoto, he continued to enjoy the warm feeling Aurelia's legs were providing him, and looked onward outside, with the group either making idle chatter or staying silent.
Naoto saw Plaza Bifrost exiting his view, as well as the Le Sage Boutique garment store, Lumiere Orbal Factory, and the local weapon and armor shop.
From there, the car found itself arriving in another district as several moments soon passed, marking it 10AM.
Leica District. 10AM.
Home of the Imperial Museum.
Arriving in the Leica District, the white car definitely brought more attention from those going out and about doing their typical lives. Down all the way at the end of this street was a dead end, marking Leica District one of the west-most districts in Heimdallr. It was the home of the Imperial Museum, which houses deactivated artifacts that no longer serve any use, making them dead to the Septian Church. It also housed various technological advancements of humans as well, especially after the Orbal Revolution struck. Eventually, even one of the three bells of Crossbell would find its way here, courtesy of Ouroboros. Rean and the future Class VII would often pay a visit here doing quests on behalf of the Imperial Diet.
Yet the Imperial Museum wasn't the destination of Naoto's group today, and henceforth. The car drove along the main street, making its way about halfway down. Despite it being the west-most district, it did now allow one to traverse outside the large city, as it overhung the other district that eventually connected the Port City, Ordis. Once at the museum, it was a dead end for most.
As this district overlooked the rest of the west-side, it provided a smaller street, which allowed people to walk on it. It still let cars ride through it should one need to, so seeing this white orbal car appear caused a wave of surprise to the locals.
During this drive, we drove by one very particular building. Letting Aurelia and Princess Alfin chat away, I observed Claire for a moment, seeing her turn her head toward the building and looked at it in silence for a good moment as we drove past it.
Time seemed to have slowed down at that point. From the doors, they slowly opened, revealing a man sporting a long, stylish and buttoned green and gray coat. A military cap could be seen on his head. He appeared rather young, perhaps a couple years younger than Claire. Despite having a different surname now, this man actually looked very similar to Claire, despite the clear difference in hair color.
"The Princess's private car...?", The man couldn't help but raise his eyebrows seeing the fancy white car drive into view. It didn't take long to see the icy-blue haired maiden sitting in the driver's seat, causing him to look that way for a moment.
"Claire...", The man continued to utter. As he did, the old man, who appeared to be a butler of sorts, stood beside him with a hint of worry in his eyes.
"Is something the matter, Young Master?", The butler said, who was also the one currently in charge of this particular building. On its placard, it read, "Rieveldt Co.".
Putting two and two in place, this was and used to be Claire's home, once upon a time. But thanks to a certain car accident, she lost sight of what used to be hers, only to have the Chancellor pick her up, becoming one of the Ironbloods.
Yet this man standing before the car was a blood relative of Claire's, her cousin, to be exact. His name went by Michael Irving.
Like Claire, thanks to the Blood and Iron Chancellor forming the RMP earlier than what it was set to become, Michael too had been scouted early on. It didn't take long for the Chancellor to realize the connection he shared with Claire, but in return, he did not place her directly under Claire's command, but of a separate squad. Right now, unlike Claire, Michael was on holiday leave like the rest of the RMP Officers.
But he was spending most of his time inside the Rieveldt Co. building. Seeing his relative still on official business, Miachael was quick to shake his head, easing the worry of the one in charge of the store.
"It's nothing. I was planning to step outside to get some fresh air anyways, if you'll excuse me.", Michael simply responded, bidding farewell to the old butler. His worried look only increased, as he too spotted the icy-blue haired woman in the white car.
Michael's figure departed into the ongoing traffic of people, leaving Claire and the rest of us behind. It wasn't hard to realize something was going on in that head of hers, but it was unexpected to see Michael here. He would eventually become a Teacher at Thors Military School Branch Campus, alongside Rean.
'Claire...I wonder if her mindset is still in turmoil whenever she sees Michael? After all, Michael's father was Claire's brother, who was the main cause of her family's death. Claire sought justice and put him down and there wasn't any animosity shared afterward, but Claire and Michael went their separate ways, despite still being family. Quite a bitter topic really...', I couldn't help but utter as my head rested above Aurelia's legs. Despite my head being horizontal, it still allowed me to see clearly outside.
I knew to ignore the onlookers' gazes. I knew Claire could keep her working demeanor up so I didn't feel too worried about her getting distracted by her driving. We were nearing our destination anyways, which was halfway down Leica District. To my surprise, however, before we could even park our car off to the side, in the distance a house or two away, I saw a family, to where a twelve year old girl stood beside them, sporting short red hair and lavender eyes, looking at the approaching car with her eyes big with interest.
If I recalled correctly, this girl would eventually join the Imperial Air Force alongside some other students of Thors Military Academy. That wasn't where my main interest lay, however. Before this house stood a rather well-known cafe across Heimdallr.
Outside on one of their dining tables, I saw four very familiar girls, currently eating away to their hearts' content. And if I had a close look, I saw a black cat and a silvery-white fox together with them. Yet my gaze seemed to have been picked up by one of the girls, who looked right into the driver's windshield.
It was Renne no less, who sported a playful smile, as if she had seen right through the window, looking right at me. It seemed Aurelia was quick to sense this gaze as well.
"Someone you know, Naoto? I saw her strolling about the palace with that group of friends of yours earlier. She was beside you too at the dance last night too.", Aurelia asked with an interested look in her eyes, causing me to glance upward at her.
Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to do that...
Even Princess Alfin blinked her eyes seeing where my eyes were now. Aurelia's bountiful chest was now in full bloom with her head peering over them, clothed of course. But her chest was quite large.
Still, I remained calm and answered Aurelia.
"Yes. I'll introduce the two of you sometime. You'll be seeing more of her in the coming future.", I said with a smile, acknowledging Aurelia's doubt.
"I see. They wouldn't be just a nobody if it's a person related to you. But if it's as you say, there will be more chances to meet each other. I do say we have arrived at our destination. This was a new experience for me, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.", Aurelia said, cracking a rare smile as she looked down my way.
Her words were true. I was very much enjoying the eye-candy, as well as feeling the softness of her legs. Aurelia was a top-tier beauty, anyone would get jealous to know if she was going to enter a relationship with someone.
But that signaled it was my time to get up, exiting that soft sensation. Prince Cedric and Kurt still looked our way, still showing disbelief in their eyes.
"I still don't know what to say...just how did you entice THAT Demon of Thors?", Prince Cedric said, revealing a small frown.
"Apparently it happened way before I expressed my interest, Brother. It isn't a lie that it happened though.", Princess Alfin responded, clapping her hands together as I proceeded to sat upward. Hearing Princess Alfin respond with that, Kurt only shook his head, placing his hand on Prince Cedric's shoulder.
"Perhaps there's just some things we are simply not meant to know, Your Highness.", Kurt said, shaking his head.
"Fair enough. It is as Countess Le Guin has said, Your Highness. Welcome to the Vander Dojo. I am very much looking forward to the spar you are going to have with the Taito practitioner here.", Prince Cedric said, looking toward the lilac-haired girl who was sitting calmly beside Princess Alfin. She simply smiled as a kind gesture.
"Then if you would all please exit the vehicle. As you all have set aside most of the day to spend here in Leica District, I will drive back to the palace. I bid you all a good day, Your Highnesses.", Claire's voice said, drawing our attention to the driver's seat. I nodded my head at her.
We didn't have to wait on anyone, and the door opened up. Roselia was the first to step out, followed by Prince Cedric and Kurt. Aurelia stepped out next, following me, Princess Alfin and finally Sherryl. To the left, Emma's body suddenly tensed up seeing the long golden-haired girl stepping out of the car, while she was momentarily distracted by Celine sighing. Thankfully Celine did brief Emma on what had happened moments before, and didn't immediately rush out. I also saw Musse with the girls and she watched on with interest in her eyes.
The girls seemed to have entered some more private chatter as we stepped out, proceeding along the side street that led to a giant building in the distance.
Standing in front of the large dojo, I saw a towering figure, imposing with a stern look in their eyes. A few Vander-style disciples could be seen standing beside him.
I had met this person once before, back during my first visit here in Heimdallr back when I was just a little kid. This man who was now approaching our view was the Thunder God.
Active father of both Mueller and Kurt Vander.
And the one who currently claims the title of strongest swordsman not only in Erebonia, but in all of Zemuria.
His demeanor remained stoic and serious, despite seeing the arrival of Erebonia's royalty.
Back then, he had a dominating presence, and after a decade has passed since my last encounter with him, he only seemed to appear more domineering than the last time.