Princess Connie has been waking up at dawn each day since she escaped from the tragedy in Cardinal Peaks. Her personality has matured and her focus has sharpened since Babah, the Soul Traveler, took up residence within her. Babah's soul effortlessly intertwined with Princess Connie's, in contrast to Zanno's, leaving him to ponder the difference between the two.
Though the current vessel was not obligated, as the soul of a 45-year-old, Babah still felt the responsibility to perform his Fajr prayer every day as usual. The routine has captured the attention of her parents, yet they have chosen to leave it be, as Princess Connie appears to be growing more mature and responsible.
After breakfast, she would head straight for the Royal Garden, hyped up after putting on her Battle Regalia and picking up her training rapier, ready for her training. But today was different. Today was the day that Princess Connie's resolve was tested, rigorously.
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「 General Martel (expected) 」
"You are early as usual..."
"My Princess."
General Martel, a seasoned warrior with a commanding presence, strode towards the Royal Garden with purpose. Tall and imposing, he possessed a strong, muscular physique, reflecting years of combat experience and disciplined training. His silver-gray hair and beard, neatly trimmed, hinted at the wisdom and maturity that came with age.
Clad in his training attire, General Martel exuded authority and confidence with his piercing auburn eyes. The lines etched on his face spoke of countless battles fought and hardships endured, evidence of his dedication and unwavering commitment to his duty for the Tremaux Dynasty.
As he approached Princess Connie, his expression softened, revealing a glimpse of warmth beneath his stern exterior. General Martel had been entrusted with the responsibility of training the princess in the art of fencing, and he took his role seriously. His loyalty to the royal family and his dedication to honing Princess Connie's skills were evident in his every action.
With a nod of acknowledgment, General Martel stood tall before the princess, radiating an air of authority and respect.
「 General Martel 」
"You continue to impress me with your commitment and dedication."
"Are you ready to push your limits, my Princess?"
Princess Connie met his gaze, her eyes filled with determination and a hunger for knowledge and growth.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Yes, General Martel."
"Kejora and I are ready as always."
"Teach me, and I will give my all."
Princess Connie's motivation was always high, regardless of the day or the task at hand. Her unwavering determination often left the people in the castle wondering what drove her to be so focused and dedicated.
As she stepped onto the training ring in the Royal Garden, she reached for her training rapier and assumed her fencing stance - a position that she had practiced to perfection. Her eyes were fixed on General Martel, and her movements were precise and calculated, leaving no room for error. It was evident that she was determined to give it her all and hone her skills with every move she made.
「 General Martel 」
"You have mastered your stance, my Princess."
"I can see no openings..."
"Hahaha."
「 Princess Connie (intrigued) 」
"Why are you laughing, General?"
「 General Martel 」
"Forgive me Princess, but..."
"Before we start, I was told to give you this."
General Martel walked over toward Princess Connie while pulling out something from the back of his gauntlet.
「 Princess Connie 」
"What is it?"
「 General Martel 」
"Your Ki card."
Princess Connie was overjoyed to receive her Ki card from General Martel, as it proved that she had earned the trust and authorization to activate her Battle Regalia.
"Oh..."
"And one more thing, Princess"
「 Princess Connie 」
"Yes, General?"
「 General Martel 」
"I won't be your sparring partner for today."
「 Princess Connie (shocked) 」
"Then who will be my..."
Before Princess Connie could finish her sentence, a sudden, loud thump echoed through the tranquil atmosphere of the Royal Garden, interrupting her words. She turned in the direction of the sound to discover a figure in the distance, slowly making its way toward her.
The mysterious figure was adorned in an ivory-white armor that glistened in the sunlight. His movements were steady and measured as if he was on a mission that required the utmost focus and determination.
「 General Martel 」
"Your Excellency..."
General Martel bowed as the figure approached him.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"I will take it from here, General."
「 General Martel 」
"Understood..."
Upon hearing Emperor Alardus's words, General Martel left the Royal Garden by utilizing his advanced skills in the art of movement and vanished into thin air without leaving a trace.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Father?"
Emperor Alardus, tall and regal, stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and anticipation as he locked gazes with his daughter. His presence commanded respect, and the weight of his responsibilities as the Emperor of the Tremaux Dynasty was evident.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Connie, it is time for you to face a new challenge."
"Today, you will spar with me."
Princess Connie was taken aback by her father's unexpected announcement. She had never sparred with him before, and the prospect both excited and intimidated her. She knew that her father was a skilled warrior, renowned for his mastery of various combat techniques.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Father, are you sure?"
"I mean, I would be honored to spar with you, but..."
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"I understand your concerns, my dear daughter."
"But as the future queen and leader of our kingdom, it is essential for you to test your skills against formidable opponents."
Emperor Alardus's words resonated with Princess Connie. She knew that this spar would not only test her physical abilities but also serve as a symbolic moment of her growth and readiness to shoulder the responsibilities that awaited her.
With a deep breath, Princess Connie readied herself, her grip tightening around her training rapier. She focused her gaze on her father, determination burning in her eyes.
「 Princess Connie 」
"I am ready, Father."
"Show me what you've got, hehe."
Emperor Alardus nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The bond between father and daughter was strong, and he had faith in Princess Connie's potential.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"It is time..."
"Lord Kejora, please look after my daughter."
"I won't be pulling my punches."
Even though Emperor Alardus was serious, the safety of his daughter was still his utmost concern.
"Connie..."
"Initiate your Battle Regalia!"
「 Princess Connie (playful) 」
"Okay, Kejora."
"Let's see what my Battle Regalia can do."
"It's time to gear up."
"Henshin..."
"Hehe..."
Princess Connie took a deep breath, centering herself and channeling her energy. With the Ki card in her hand, she activated her Battle Regalia by placing it into the activation slot on her chest, unleashing the power within the armor made from white and yellow æsther.
Her armor began to shift and change as gleams of light escaped fine lines between the armor parts. The once regal-looking armor now took on the appearance of a magnificent rabbit-like figure, with sleek and agile features from top to bottom. The armor retained its protective qualities, but now it exuded an air of grace and agility, befitting Princess Connie's spirit and her bond with the Eidolon, Kejora Bersatu.
The helm resembled a rabbit's head, with gleaming, expressive eyes that seemed to convey both gentleness and fierceness. The ears of the helmet stood tall and alert, while the armor itself took on a white and silver color scheme, with yellow lines decorating its surface, accentuating its elegance and purity.
The armor's chest piece brimmed with energy, with detailed engravings that showcased its strength and resilience while maintaining a sense of lightness. A pair of angel-like wings materialized pair by pair, to a total of three.
The gauntlets and boots followed suit, elongated slowly, mirroring a rabbit's foot. It gave the Princess reach while maintaining her flexibility. Her training weapon dispersed into thin air abruptly, before reforming again into a majestic æsther-fused rapier.
After the activation was completed, Princess Connie stood as tall as her father, radiating a newfound confidence and power. The armor perfectly embodied her spirit, representing her determination and agility while her rapier, the unwavering strength of her resolve.
Emperor Alardus looked upon his daughter, awe and pride filling his eyes. He had witnessed her growth firsthand, from a curious and playful child to a young woman ready to embrace her destiny. The sight of her Battle Regalia resonated deeply with him, a testament to her dedication and the potential she possessed.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Connie, you look magnificent..."
"May your Battle Regalia protect you."
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you, Father."
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Now..."
"En garde!"
With the transformation complete, Princess Connie and Emperor Alardus faced each other within the training ring, ready to engage in a spar that would test their skills, bond, and mutual understanding. The atmosphere brimmed with anticipation as the clash of steel and the exchange of powerful strikes echoed through the Royal Garden.
Emperor Alardus showcased his years of experience and mastery, his movements precise and calculated, barely breaking a sweat. His strikes were swift and powerful, demonstrating the strength of his position as the Emperor. Yet, Princess Connie, empowered by her Battle Regalia and guided by her training with Kejora Bersatu, met his attacks with agility and finesse, countering with skilled parries and swift ripostes.
Their weapons danced in the air, a symphony of clashing metal and sparks, as they tested each other's mettle. Princess Connie's determination and growth shone through her every move, impressing even Emperor Alardus with her progress.
As the spar continued, Princess Connie's confidence grew, and she began to anticipate her father's moves, responding with remarkable speed and precision. The bond between them, forged through their shared bloodline, began to manifest in their synchronized movements as if they could anticipate each other's thoughts.
The spar lasted for what seemed like an eternity, with neither side willing to yield. However, as the sun reached noon, casting a scorching heat upon the training ring, Emperor Alardus halted their clash, a smile tugging at his lips.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Enough, my daughter."
"You have proven yourself today."
"I am proud of the warrior you have become."
Princess Connie, breathless yet elated, lowered her rapier, her eyes sparkling with a mix of exhaustion and triumph.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you, Father."
"I couldn't have reached this point without your guidance and support."
Emperor Alardus walked towards his daughter, his steps filled with a sense of pride and love. He extended a hand to her, and Princess Connie, still in her Battle Regalia, reached out to grasp it. The armor shimmered momentarily, reverting to its original form, leaving behind a sense of warmth and protection.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"You have grown, my daughter."
"And I have no doubt that you will lead our kingdom with wisdom and compassion, one day."
Princess Connie smiled, filled with gratitude in her heart. She knew that her journey was far from over, but with her father's blessings and the support of her loved ones, she was ready to face the challenges that awaited her in Cardinal Peaks.