"The RMP huh?", President Rocksmith asked. I'm sure he's used to encountering such people. The Blood and Iron Chancellor. My Father. It makes sense for him to be the first one to react to his presence arriving in this drawing room. Everyone's eyes shifted soon after, allowing them to look at Chancellor Osborne, and that icy blue-haired woman standing beside him who just introduced herself as Claire Rieveldt. I know this definitely won't be the last time we meet. If she's anything like Rufus or Lechter are, I'm sure we'll become GOOD friends, haha!
It's just Father's way of doing things that he's still watching over me, even if it is from afar.
After all, this man stands at the pinnacle of one of the most dominant forces in all of Zemuria, the Erebonian Empire. The only people who could forcibly make Chancellor Osborne bend his knees would be the Imperial Family.
I can't believe so much time has passed since the Hundred Days War began. It's been a full six years since we were last under the same roof like this. I was met with a strange wave of nostalgia. A lot has happened since the time spent in our villa up till now...
And this feeling didn't go unnoticed. Emma, still donned in her Zephyr armor, blinked at me after seeing me suddenly turn quiet.
"Naoto, are you alright? Do you want some room?", Emma asked with a worried look in her eyes. She kept her voice soft, only allowing me to hear it. Thankfully, after that round of introduction, both Chancellor Osborne and Claire were striking up conversations with the other detectives and police officers to talk about supporting matters and how much manpower to lend. Cassius was also added into the mix and every so often, they would clash, just like old times.
I looked over and saw Emma. Smiling at her, I assured her that I was fine.
"It's alright, Emma. You remember him, don't you?", I asked softly, also keeping my voice low. I saw Emma gently nod her head.
"Yes. It is faint, but I still hold those memories dear to my heart. Grandmother brought me to your house a few times to play back then. I remember him being a stern soldier. It's almost like I'm looking at a completely different person now...", Emma uttered, taking a moment to look at Chancellor Osborne from across the room.
Unfortunately, just that alone was enough for Chancellor Osborne to take notice of this. It didn't take long for a smile to bloom on his face after seeing Emma at my side. Claire just stared at us. Bet she didn't expect such a stern man to smile like this now, haha. I bet he hadn't smiled a single time since Claire joined the ranks of the Ironbloods.
The ongoing conversations in the room gradually came to a halt. Chancellor Osborne took this time to approach Emma and I.
"Well now. I was not expecting to see such a person here. I do believe this is the first time we've had a chance to meet like this. You must be Liberl's new Crown Prince. It brings me great joy to see you amongst our ranks ever since you were declared missing six years ago.", Chancellor Osborne said, taking the time to greet me. He glanced at Emma briefly before shifting his eyes back to me.
"Haha, well I can say a lot has happened. It is a relief to be at Grandmother's side again.", I replied, pretending to not know this man. I mean, Cassius might have had his suspicions since he was there back when Father brought me to meet Grandmother for the first time a decade ago. No one else in this room knew that I was related to Chancellor Osborne. Still, that didn't stop the eyes from looking our way.
"Hoho, you are but a child still, Your Highness. Being thrown into such a world in that short amount of time is no easy feat. It truly is a wonder seeing our individual nations band together like this. We all have a common goal now. On that, you would agree, would you, Your Excellency?", President Rocksmith said, and took a moment to approach us as well. Three different influential figures belonging to three different nations, all gathered in close proximity. It created an unreal scene, that was for sure.
"Indeed. In times of peril or strife, many great minds tend to band together to form miracles. One such thought is our meeting now, allowing everyone here to have a chance at conversing with individuals they don't normally encounter. It does wonder how Crossbell City was the chosen site.", Chancellor Osborne said, nodding his head in agreement.
"Well, Crossbell City is a crossroad not only for your Empire, but to that of both Liberl and Calvard. It has many police forces at our disposal. I am sure Crossbell's CPD was quick to agree to let this happen.", Cassius explained.
"Do not forget the CGF too. We are as much in agreement as you detectives and nobles are.", Sonia said, pushing the frames of her glasses upward.
"Well said. It is as you all say.", Arios said, also nodding in agreement. Dudley and Sergei nodded their heads too.
"With that said, it is now 12:00 hours. Senior Detective Sergei, Commander Sonia, take your time to gather any last minute supplies and mobilize your corresponding forces. President Rocksmith, wait for Commander Sonia's signal to launch our strike at the heart of their bases. We will route these bastards until they get wiped off the face of the continent.", Cassius declared, motioning his hand outward as he gave everyone a command in the drawing room.
"Then we of the Septian Church and Bracer Guild will await for the signal to strike, Commander Bright.", A woman's voice called out, belonging to Ein Selnate. That's right, I've come across Ein yet again. Even the Septian Church is participating in the DG Cult Extermination where it's widely-known that the Septian Church doesn't take sides. That's how downright bad these cultists are. Along those lines, I even saw Zin here. It's been around half a year since we last met, so it's good to see him in good health. Sherryl has still been with him since Grandmother's birthday celebration ended, so I will need to follow-up with him to see how that is going. Last time, Zin said he had nothing else to teach, so I'll see if that's still true.
"Understood.", Cassius said, nodding his head. The members of the Septian Church and the Bracer Guild promptly retreated from the drawing room with their respective members in tow. Seeing Arios remain, that confirmed he was still with the CPD. His prompt to leave it won't happen for a good while. I think that happens after he clashes against Guy Bannings, which causes the latter to lose his life.
I then saw Arios leave with Guy while Dudley left with Sergei and Sonia. President Rocksmith left the room shortly after, seeing our conversation was now over. Once most folks vacated the room, I looked back at Emma.
"Do not forget to answer President Rocksmith's signal too, Emma. I am sure we have a bit of time before we launch our attack.", I said, looking at Emma.
"Understood.", Emma replied with a fast nod. It was then Chancellor Osborne glanced his eyes toward Cassius.
"It looks like Operation Pest Control is now underway, Commander. I will do my part, and assist the Guild and our fellow police officers. Would it be alright if I take a moment of His Highness's time?", Chancellor Osborne asked. He's seriously going that route?
"His Highness is not planning on entering the frontlines, as am I, so I do not see a problem there. Is that alright with you, Your Highness?", Cassius asked, looking back my way.
"Yes. We should have some time available. I do not mind if we use a separate room either..", I answered, nodding my head.
"Are you sure? Do you need me to assign a couple guards at your post?", Cassius asked with a hint of worry in his eyes.
"Nah. You should know these circumstances as much as I do, Commander. Chancellor Osborne here simply wants to borrow a bit of my time, to which I will comply. We are all gathered here for a reason. If trouble were to befall me, then it would be a blatant declaration of war on Crossbell State.", I said, revealing a light small.
"Fair enough.", Cassius replied, and shrugged his shoulders. In response, Chancellor Osborne laughed.
"Haha! Well said, Your Highness. We can move into the room to the left of this one. You can bring your little friend with you. You come too, Claire. We are not strangers here.", Chancellor Osborne said, glancing his eyes around us. Surprise appeared in Claire's eyes. Bet she didn't expect to hear that, haha!
"You want me to come with you, Your Excellency?", Claire asked, still doubtful.
"Of course. You're as involved as His Highness is at this point. Both Rufus and Lechter have come to an understanding, only you remain now.", Chancellor Osborne said. Claire still found it weird to suddenly bring up both her predecessors, Rufus Albarea and Lechter Arundel. But it was clear that the prince before her had some relationship. She just couldn't pinpoint what exactly.
"Understood.", Claire responded. She could only nod her head in response. Both of them accompanied me back to Nemeth Island. I bet he is already anticipating me to head off elsewhere while the DG Cult happens too.
It isn't like Father is wrong or anything. I'm guessing he is going to make Claire tag alongside Emma whenever I do leave Crossbell City, which very well could be before the day is over. Claire is quite the sharpshooter with her orbal pistol. Not only that, she has developed a special ability, similar to Lechter's trusty gut who always knows how to make the right call. You see, Claire can easily see the bigger picture, and easily connect the dots without all of them being present. So it was very possible Claire was already beginning to understand just what kind of relationship I share with Chancellor Osborne.
It isn't the level of clairvoyance, but it isn't pretty far off either. Such a powerful deduction ability is what any detective aspires to obtain. Not many know how strong Claire truly is. Father was lucky to find her before anyone else could. The only bad part is that she had suffered her own tragedy to acquire this ability. The loss of her family in a freak car accident. After having nowhere else to turn to, Father found her at her lowest point, and recruited Claire into the Ironbloods. It looks like this event transpired already, seeing Claire now beside Father.
"Please be careful, Your Highness. If a problem arises until the operation begins, I will be sure to notify you.", Cassius said, giving me a reminder.
"Of course. If you'll excuse us.", I said, and proceeded to stand up from the large table. We left Cassius to his own devices, making him alone in the drawing room. He saw three figures depart from his gaze. A violet-haired boy, a plum-haired girl, and an icy blue-haired woman.
"...Just where did you pick this boy up, Your Excellency? I still clearly recall what happened eleven years ago. Is he truly your kin? Every time I try to ask Her Majesty, she won't say much...", Cassius uttered, followed with a sigh. Chancellor Osborne was the last to leave. The four soon retreated into the main hallway of the CPD's first division headquarters.
As for us, it didn't take long to arrive at the room beside the one we were previously in. Sliding the door closed, it was now just four. All of its windows were still closed on its opposite side, allowing no one to see what could be happening inside the room.
I decided to walk toward one of the windows, and open one of its drapes. Sunlight began to peer into it, allowing us to se Crossbell's Harbor District. It was bustling with people going about their daily business, and many seafarers boarded orbal boats to travel along the Mishelam waters. Unfortunately, Mishelam Resort did not exist at this time, nor did its renown mascot, Mishy.
It was then I turned around, and had a direct look at Chancellor Osborne.
My Father.
"It really has been six years now, hasn't it?", I asked, not dropping the ball right away. His face bloomed into another smile. One that was rarely seen, even at all. But Claire saw him do this twice now.
"Indeed it has. You have grown up splendidly. My son.", Giliath said, smiling back at me. Taking a moment, he approached me, and gave me a big bear hug. "Her Majesty was ever so bold to declare you Liberl's next Crown Prince, haha!"
I truly missed this feeling. Fatherly warmth. But the moment Father hugged me, Claire's eyes turned wide in shock.
"I guess some things don't change after all. It is good to see you in good health, Father.", I said, letting out a sigh while I attempted to shrug my shoulders. Claire's mind began to stir a mile a minute, and almost short-circuited.
"This...what?", Claire tried to ask, unable to find any words to see this sudden hug. Giliath then turned around and looked at her.
"What? Didn't Rufus and Lechter mention this to you, Claire?", Giliath asked and retorted.
"No, they didn't!", Claire shot back. "Are you telling me Liberl's new Crown Prince is none other than your son, Your Excellency!? Just how in Aidios's name...", Claire continued, still obviously shocked at this revelation.
I don't blame Claire.
Father was enamored by Mother. So much that it created me. They transcended bloodlines. Quite literally. I'm a bastard amongst bastards.
"In the flesh. Due to various...circumstances, this is the first time Naoto and I have been able to reunite like this, even if it was through unconventional means.", Giliath explained. "Alas, I wish this could have happened back at home, but unfortunately, it is no longer present.", Giliath continued, and shook his head.
"Truly a shame it is. But from that event, I have come across many new friends and family. Emma here being one of them.", I said, glancing my eyes at Emma. She smiled in response.
"That is indeed the case here. Thank you for looking after my son. You can send that Witch my regards.", Giliath said, smiling at Emma too.
"It is no problem, Your Excellency. I enjoy being beside Naoto, and I hope to do so in the coming future.", Emma happily replied.
"Haha. You must have many stories to tell. Sadly, we do not have much time on our hands to go into that.", Giliath said. "I hope given another opportunity, you can relay what has happened thus far."
"Of course, Father. I'd be glad to.", I responded.
"Now that you've mentioned it, you do appear to be a Jaeger. Emma, was it? That isn't all to it now, is it?", Claire asked. Being a Jaeger was but one identity Emma now had. She was a Witch at her core.
"Hehe, I suppose a greeting is in place then. It is nice to meet you, Claire. I am currently supporting His Highness in replacement of Grandmother and will act as his Guide in the upcoming Vermillion Trials. You may call me Emma Millstein, a Witch-in-Training.", Emma said, formally introducing herself.
Now that was the missing piece to the puzzle Claire was trying to figure out.
"Come again?", Claire asked, behaving like she didn't hear that right. "Did you just call yourself a Witch?"
"She sure did. The concept of Magic is shrouded in mystery, and couldn't be farther from the truth. But it exists all around us. It is so perceivable, yet not many can see its form. Quite perplexing if I do say so myself.", Giliath said with a nod. "Even I still have a hard time trying to perceive the concept of Magic."
"What you say is true, Chancellor. Magic is all around us. One needs both insight and training in order to tap into it. From there, they can adapt, and create spells or incantations of their own. Our village is one, if not the only one remaining who specializes in casting Magic.", Emma happily responded after hearing Giliath say that.
"This is all hard to believe. You expect me to understand this nonsense, Your Excellency? You just dropped the ball on me, bringing it up that you have a son out of nowhere. Let alone him being Liberl's Crown Prince!", Claire exclaimed. She felt a wave of exhaustion strike against her body, and a headache starting to form.
"It is as the Witch says, Claire. Spend this time to learn, and absorb. After all, you'll be supporting these two for the time being, just as Rufus and Lechter did. How can I leave you out on experiencing such a thing? Haha!", Giliath suddenly said.
It took a moment for even someone of Claire's caliber to register what had just been requested of her.
Even Emma and I were surprised to hear Giliath suddenly say that. He wants Claire...to party up with us?
"Eh?", Claire asked, unsure of whether she heard that right. She felt an urge of wanting to cry!