It was almost as if time itself had come to a standstill the moment Chancellor Osborne declared his intent of an engagement between two neighboring nations. The Erebonian Empire and the Liberl Kingdom. Enemies they once were through the Hundred Days War, but perhaps with this, they might turn out as unexpected allies? Only the Goddess Aidios holds the answer to that.
Around the same time, a different scene could be seen taking place outside of Valflame Palace. One after another, fancy orbal cars began to drive into Dreichel's Plaza. The entire plaza was cordoned off, likely due to the event that was about to take place. That's right, it wasn't just a private ball to just Naoto's group. Chancellor Osborne took it upon himself to send out invitations ahead of time! And thanks to the rapidly-progressing orbal technology, the entire plaza was lit up, despite it being nighttime.
On top of Dreichel's Plaza being barricaded to the public eye, several RMP Officers could be seen patrolling about to keep the peace. Many onlookers were gazing from afar with interested looks in their eyes. There was even a headliner article in the Imperial Article detailing about it in the news!
As the rest of the people couldn't exactly wander into Dreichel's Plaza at the moment, they still saw the arrival of the orbal cars. It was clear to them an event was about to be held. For those in the know, it is none other than the ball. One after another, the orbal cars began to park while being guided by the RMP Officers. From there, their respective doors opened up. Nobles dressed in formal attire stepped out. While it may just be considered practice toward Erebonia's Crown Princess, Princess Alfin, and Liberl's Crown Prince, Naoto von Auslese, it was in agreement that it would be a real ball for the rest of the Nobles. That is why they have come to tonight's event. Seeing real Nobles dance with one another should help ease the tension for Princess Alfin's practice dance. She likely hasn't even held her first one yet.
Disregarding the sudden announcement of the engagement that was proposed by Chancellor Osborne, Emperor Eugent was thankful after seeing Naoto accept the invitation to be Princess Alfin's first dance partner. Emperor Eugent knew Naoto was someone Alfin knew well. He was there at Chancellor Osborne's house before it went up in flames, after all. He knew of the secret he held. Because of that, he couldn't help but be grateful that it was Naoto, and not some other Noble.
A good amount of Nobles and their respective sons or daughters fanned out like a wild yet organized flame. They were all wearing fancy suits and dresses. They didn't have to hide their faces either, like the masquerade Kevin would attend on that airliner at the start of Trails the 3rd.
After the first wave of Nobles began to make their way inside Valflame Palace, some RMP Officers began to move. They created some space, which allowed a much more fancy green orbal car to make its way inside the plaza. It didn't reach the cars of the other Nobles. It found its own designated parking spot. This one arrived closer to Valflame Palace itself. If one had a close look, it had the crest of one of the Great Houses. The crest of the Unicorn.
Once the green orbal car came to a stop, two figures soon stepped out. One was a blonde-haired man dressed in a long, silky-green robe with a sword at his waist. His hair was tied into a single ponytail. He even had a long, blue cape fluttering behind his back. This man used this appearance during the first half of Cold Steel's story. He was Rufus Albarea, one of Trailsverse's most interesting characters. He's quite a notorious villain at first. Not on the level of Chancellor Osborne, but he goes through his own redemption, and even becomes designated as a "protagonist" later on!
As for the boy with Rufus, he was Rufus's spitting image, but with much shorter blonde-hair. He didn't wear any robe either. It was more of a jacket with the same color scheme, while wearing a violet undershirt. Likewise, he too, had a sword held at his waist. His eyes appeared sharp. The boy was just about the same age as Naoto too, and would eventually enroll at Thors Military Academy and become a member of Class VII. He is Jusis Albarea, the second son of House Albarea. A decade ago, Jusis was too young to be there for Emperor Eugent's coronation. Instead, Rufus was there and met Naoto. These two siblings hailed from the same family. House Albarea of the Great Houses.
As Jusis stepped out, he couldn't help but marvel at the grandiose sight of the large vermillion-colored palace standing before him. It was practically a gigantic castle. At the same time, his eyes glanced downward, seeing his own breath. Then, his head shifted toward the sky. It was no longer a starry night. Thick gray clouds had suddenly gathered not only above Valflame Palace, but over all of Heimdallr and its surroundings. Spending a moment in silence, the first snowflake began to fall down. Then another, and another.
"Snow...", Jusis uttered. His cheeks turned rosy from the cold "It sure is a chilly evening, isn't it Brother? Valflame Palace is quite grand up close like this. To think this is my first visit here. Will the Imperial Family really make an appearance at tonight's dance?"
"That's the agenda for tonight. It was already detailed in the news. Apparently this dance serves as Her Imperial Highness's first dance, albeit not in official capacity. She is still young, and it will be a while until our Crown Princess debuts in high society. Your debut will come sooner than that, Jusis. Take tonight as a good learning opportunity. Don't get sick on me now.", Rufus responded.
"This much I can handle. It seems our arrival has garnered quite a crowd.", Jusis mused, looking at the people with surprised expressions in their eyes. "I don't think I'm quite used to dancing, however. I've just begun learning how to do it. I'm sure you're more familiar, since you're older than me."
"Haha.", Rufus laughed. "I won't deny that. We Nobles use events like these to help find prospective marriage partners. And considering we are part of the Great Houses, we cannot marry just anyone. We have a reputation to uphold. Don't take this chance for granted, alright? If you see a potential partner, don't hesitate. Leave a good, first impression. Maintaining one's image is one of our duties, after all."
"I haven't even entered high society though...", Jusis sighed. "I feel it's still too early for that."
"It is up to you. And I am in the same boat, I do not plan to dance tonight, unless I receive an invitation.", Rufus said, chuckling. "This should be quite the gathering, to say the least. The dawn of the next century is at hand. This will be a nice way to celebrate the new year.", Rufus continued. "And word has it that tonight's event has a foreign emissary in attendance."
"A foreign emissary is attending tonight's dance? Who?", Jusis asked, becoming interested.
"An acquaintance with whom I have personally met in the distant past. He is a rather interesting fellow. Given the opportunity, I will introduce you to him.", Rufus said.
"This emissary is someone you have personally gotten acquainted with already? Now that can't be right. You never spoke of this person back at the house.", Jusis said, frowning.
"Hahaha.", Rufus laughed. "It is quite simple really. I just didn't have a need to bring this matter up, prior to tonight's event. Come on now, we cannot keep His Imperial Majesty waiting, can we?"
"Of course...", Jusis responded, and sighed. He simply resigned to his fate. He was brought along by his older brother. And that's right, these two belong to House Albarea, as previously stated. They were Rufus Albarea and Jusis Albarea! Unlike Jusis, however, Rufus appeared to be in his early twenties now. He was more around Prince Olivert's age.
Regarding Rufus, he had not encountered Naoto since the events of Nemeth Island transpired, but he chose to keep that a secret from his younger brother. Jusis doesn't know that Rufus is an Ironblood, so technically speaking, Rufus hasn't seen Naoto since a decade ago. If we take all that has transpired since then out of context. Right now, he is just "Rufus Albarea".
It looks like amongst the invitations Chancellor Osborne sent out, the Albarea Dukedom was one of its guests to receive them! They could only respond in kind. It's not like Nobles could turn down a direct invitation from Valflame Palace.
And it was as Rufus said. Tonight's event is considered a social gathering for Nobles. Many aspiring ones to become the heads of their respective households may find a suitable marriage partner tonight. The chance was unlikely for Rufus, but he too, could potentially receive one!
Seeing the snow continue to fall, a determined look appeared in Jusis's eyes. "You're right, Brother. Let's head inside---?"
Jusis had one more look at the gray clouds above him. The couple of scattered snowflakes suddenly condensed, and now, it was lightly snowing. "It really is coming down now..."
"Haha.", Rufus laughed, seeing the snow begin to dampen the ground around them. Before long, a little thin sheet of snow would pile on top. "It is not uncommon to see snow here in Heimdallr. I'd love to admire the sights, but we've got a dance to get to. You coming?"
Rufus was already several steps ahead by the time Jusis saw he was behind him.
"Don't head on in without me! We need to send our regards to His Imperial Majesty!", Jusis exclaimed, and scurried off after his brother.
As for Rufus, he kept a calm demeanor as he headed inside. To his surprise, he saw Captain Claire at the helm, waiting to greet his arrival. With a bow, she guided the Albarea brothers to where the venue was going to be...