As always, Giliath demands your power stones!
*****
The scenery changed once again. Our little group of three suddenly expanded by triple the size. To begin with, it was Tio, Sherryl, Lechter, Roselia, and I. Roselia departed right off the bat, and Lechter soon followed, completing the assignment I had given him.
Our group decreased to three people, but Father Kevin and Sister Elie, I guess I can start addressing her as such now, joined. After that, A few members of the CPD joined our group after Sherryl reunited with her big sister, bringing in Guy, Jillian, and Noel.
What once started as three people was now eight. Me, Tio, Sherryl, Kevin, Elie, Guy, Jillian, and Noel. It would be nine had Lechter returned, but unfortunate for him, he wouldn't be joining us for lunch.
Thankfully Elie sent a notice during the CPD's clean-up. The MacDowell Estate for sure was the biggest house on the block. That didn't mean the rest of the houses didn't pale in comparison. The other houses all had similar decor, they were just more compact in size. There was one particular building that was closed off, which was just as big as MacDowell's Estate, but it had been abandoned for some time.
Or that what it appeared to be like, an abandoned state. It was the complete opposite. The house to the north of the MacDowell Estate was owned by a rather famous politician within the Republic of Calvard, whose last name was Campbell. His daughter often visited this estate, and apparently he had a lot of influence within Calvard's government.
He wasn't brought up much during Zero and Azure, so I wonder if he'd be a character we'd come across during Daybreak. If only I had the knowledge of what would happen Daybreak and beyond. Damn it...
Maybe I'll get that knowledge in a quest reward in the future?
We'll see. But thanks to that notice sent ahead of time, the eight of us were warmly greeted by a butler that manned the estate. He went by the name, Helmer.
"It isn't often the Young Miss brings guests over. Especially someone of your stature, being the crown prince of Liberl. I welcome you to our humble estate in Master's stead.", Helmer said, bowing at us as he glanced his eyes my way.
"It was under the radar so I do apologize if I couldn't send you a warning ahead of time, making you prepare on such short notice.", I apologized.
"You needn't apologize, Your Highness. We already have lunch being prepared, but it will take some time. Your guests are welcome to stay in the dining area. It isn't a traditional banquet hall you might be used to using, as Master often welcomes guests. There will be a couple couches to where you relax until the meal is ready.", Helmer explained.
"This estate has a rather home-y feelin' to it anyways. We can kick back 'n relax.", Kevin responded to Helmer's words.
"You're speaking right up my alley, Father. I'd assume we'd have to be super formal being this is the Mayor's house and all, but color me surprised. I'm sure we can find a good way to pass time here.", Guy also said with a nod.
"Yes. Grandfather built this place with that in mind. It is not too stuffy, and the staff here does frequently clean our home, so I do hope you all make yourselves comfortable here.", Elie happily nodded.
"Well that'll make it easier for us. Do you have some books we can peruse, or maybe we should talk about upcoming events?", Jillian pondered.
"Oh I'm sure preparing lunch won't take too long, but there are some spare bookshelves for you all to read if that is what you want. I just want to borrow a bit of His Highness's time as you all make your way there.", Elie said, glancing her eyes my way.
"Guess I'll be busy for a bit then. You all can have your fun until lunch is ready.", I nodded in response.
Tio remained silent, only to glance her eyes to Elie, then back to me.
"Suspicious.", Tio retorted, slanting her eyes down at us. I couldn't help but scratch my cheek hearing that.
"Will ya cut that out, kiddo? Those eyes of yours are too creepy when ya do that!", Kevin retorted. He wasn't used to Tio's stare, haha!
Sherryl just raised her eyes, as she could probably guess what Elie wanted to converse with me about, at least I'm guessing it's a private talk. After all, we hadn't seen each other in so long. Looks like she does want to meet with me after all?
"We won't wait on you two then, Your Highness. Let's go to the dining area. I'm curious to hear more about your story, squirt!", Guy urged the group to enter the dining hall. Tio simply nodded her head. She did glance my way one last time, but she didn't keep everyone waiting. Tio joined Sherryl's side, and the rest wandered off.
"Shall we?", Elie called out to me. I nodded.
"Then I shall inform you when lunch has been prepared, Young Miss. Your Highness.", Helmer said, bowing to us. walking past the head butler, Elie took the stairs to the left. The second floor was pretty spacious as well. A chandelier rose high up in the air. It was currently off, as it was still daytime.
Elie remained quiet, but she guided me to the room on the left. There were only two rooms on the second floor, so I could only assume one belonged to hers, while the other one belonged to Mayor MacDowell. And seeing how colorful this bedroom was and the large hanging mirror that was built in tandem with its dresser, I could only assume this room belonged to Elie.
"So what was it that you wanted to talk about, Sister Elie---?", I tried to ask as Elie suddenly closed the door behind her. Before I could react further, Elie entered a dash, and I felt two large mounds press against my body. Two warm hands wrapped around my back, and I saw Elie lean her head to the side of my head, giving me a hug.
"I always believed you would return, Naoto.", Elie's voice started to crack a bit as a tear appeared in her eyes.
"Elie...", I uttered, raising my hand to ruffle her hair. "I'm finally back...", I continued. Elie's tears didn't halt, and she soon started crying over my shoulder as she enjoyed a very long, long awaited hug.
"Welcome back.", Elie responded in kind. I let Elie weep for a good moment in silence. My shoulder did get somewhat damp thanks to her tears, but she took this moment to take away my sunglasses. She placed them onto a nearby drawer.
"I could never forget these eyes. I see some part of you hasn't changed.", Elie giggled, seeing the golden hues around my irises. I just stared at Elie. She had grown a lot prettier. But to my surprise, Elie was a few inches taller than I was. Her head could be seen pointed down my way.
"But you sure have, Elie. You are much more beautiful now. We'll both be turning fourteen this year, right?", I wondered.
"Uhuh. I do recall we shared the same year of being born. You might be a little older than me though?", Elie pondered for a moment, taking another chance to wipe away her remaining tears.
"Haha. I do hope you'll forgive me. I could have seen you sooner, but it wasn't easy. I have many friends now as you can see.", I said, nodding my head. I truly felt happy seeing Elie again. As expected, she really does remember the time we have spent back in Trista.
"So you say, mister crown prince. It really was a shock once you declared you were a member of the Auslese family. You were almost a fleeting dream, I knew I couldn't approach you so easily at that point onward.", Elie explained her side of how things went.
"So you wound up focusing on your studies then, I take it? I could say the same thing to you. You weren't supposed to join the Septian Church. I thought you were going full-on politician mode, and work alongside your Grandfather.", I doubted.
Yet instead, I see Elie in a squire's outfit. She had placed her sheathed templar sword onto her bed, but it still showed that she was part of the Septian Church now.
"This is your fault, you know, Naoto. I felt weak seeing how your home was destroyed by those nasty Jaegers. I do intend to work beside Grandfather and assist him with his mayoral duties, but I now have my own work lined out for me. Father Kevin was true when he explained it, he reached his hand out, and gave me a guiding hand when I needed it.", Elie answered, feeling downcast.
Taking another moment, Elie went in for another hug.
"Elie...", I uttered, enjoying the moment. "I wouldn't say this was a bad thing. I'm sure you've had some practical experience, right? You'll definitely grow stronger at this rate. I don't need to interfere.", I happily responded. My left hand was over Elie's back as we enjoyed this embrace, and my spare hand ruffled her hair again.
"Yes. I have already grown stronger. I could even help you out?", Elie asked me, ending this second hug.
"Help me out, huh? I think I've most things covered for what I have planned in the coming month. I will be forming a party, and it's likely around ten people already. Father Kevin will be overseeing it from the Septian Church's viewpoint. I'm sure he will have his squire with him, so a third member of the Septian Church likely won't be needed.", I explained.
"But I was one of the first to know of the plan you'll be doing...", Elie retorted, puffing her cheeks out, appearing cute. Seeing Elie behave like this, I chuckled.
"There'll be another time, alright? Moreover that in itself will have a fair level of risk. It just turned out like this.", I sighed.
"Fine. I know you're worried about me and my current situation now, Naoto. It really is nice to see you again...", Elie smiled, her heart became warm.
"It really is nice to see you again too, Elie. Just like how Sheryl has time catching up with her big sister, we'll have all the time to do some catching up ourselves.", I replied with my own smile.
"I'd like that.", Elie nodded. "And don't just say that because you have that harem of yours forming, mister. You already have a few girls swooning over you, right? Even Erebonia's Treasure was announced to be wed to you in the coming future...", Elie frowned.
"Oh...", I replied. "So you know about that, huh? I won't lie, each girl that likes me, I do really like them back. Everything is mutual, and there isn't any favorability shared between them.", I nodded.
"Well, that's good to hear. One less burden off my shoulders.", Elie answered.
"Hmm? Care to elaborate on that?", I asked, not understanding what Elie fully meant there.
"Is it that oblivious to you? You may like those girls, but I can't lose out either, you know? I have my precious childhood friend status to consider here. I can be selfish, even just for a moment, right?", Elie tried to explain.
"Eh?", I tried to respond, wanting to inquire more of what Elie said there. But before I could do anything, a blush appeared on Elie's cheeks, and her arms went in for a full swing behind my back. She rushed forward, and turned her head. I could see her lips open up, only to see them suddenly plant them against mine.
"Mmm....", I uttered, feeling my lips now sealed. My eyes raised up in surprise, as I couldn't immediately reject Elie from initiating a kiss...