We finally reached the bottom, and arrived in Testa-Rossa's innermost chambers. This is the very same site where Duke Cayenne would offer Prince Cedric to activate the Vermillion Apocalypse when the Infernal Castle rose. But right now, this was just another section of Valflame Palace that only the Imperial Family can access. Just like how Grandmother has the key to the treasury back in Grancel Castle that leads down into the Sealed Area for the Aureole.
Keeping one of my hands on Testa-Rossa, we heard him speak, acting as if he had spoken directly into our minds. Not just me. Everyone present here could hear him. That alone caused a wave of surprise, while just smiling.
"D-Did this guy just talk?", Princess Alfin asked. Her eyes were wide-eyed in shock. "And what the heck is an Awakener?"
"It is an honor to meet the descendants of Emperor Dreichels. I welcome you all to this infernal place.", Testa-Rossa said, greeting us. "Unfortunately, my time will be cut short. I have limited Mana supply as it is. It likely won't be much longer until the corruption of the Dark Dragon fully takes over my consciousness."
"So it has gotten that serious.", I said, and frowned. "Nonetheless, I have finally come to meet you, Testa-Rossa. It is good to see you."
"Likewise. It is good to see you in person for the first time, My Awakener. I am looking forward to your completion of the Vermillion Trials.", Testa-Rossa said.
"To think the Divine Knights truly can speak...", Emperor Eugent uttered, feeling amazed. "It is not known to many, since most history books do not detail the matter. The Divine Knights have the ability to speak, and even have their own consciousness. This information is currently locked away in our vault, just like you-know-what."
Emperor Eugent was likely referring to the Black Records here. But seeing as we now have Claire and Emma with us now, he opted not to say the name.
"You are well informed. It brings me joy to see that Emperor Dreichel's will have lived on in all of you. And yet, I fear your nation will experience turmoil once more. It is only a matter of time until the Infernal Castle rises up from its ashes.", Testa-Rossa said. "You have my thanks as well, Miss Witch. I am grateful to see My Awakener's arrival."
"Oh it is no trouble, Sir Knight. I am only here thanks to Naoto bringing me to this place. It is almost as if I was the one being guided, heehee.", Emma giggled, and smiled. "It is nice to meet you nonetheless, Testa-Rossa. Grandmother often spoke of the old tales back in my village when I was younger. And well, I am here to do my part."
"So that is the case. It would seem the Elder of the Kin of Fire has been well during my absence.", Testa-Rossa responded.
I could hear how faint Testa-Rossa's voice was. He truly is standing on his last leg, isn't he? Well, bound is more like it. The curse of the Dark Dragon has been sapping away at Testa-Rossa's vitality throughout the years. He became the Vermillion Apocalypse during the War of the Lions, and Emperor Dreichels had to take him down. That version of Testa-Rossa may very well be the final boss of the Vermillion Trials. I can't wait to see!
Wondering how that would go from here on, we soon heard a voice call out to us. This time, it wasn't Testa-Rossa. And yet, it is a voice I knew all too well...
"Aww, did you miss me that much since Dreichels sealed you away, you big lug?", The voice spoke. Even Emma began to panic a little. It was just as familiar to her as it was to me.
The others became confused, but they didn't know where to look. As for Emma and I, we felt the Mana fluctuate in the air above us, causing us to shift our heads upward. Following that made the rest turn their heads upward as well. The space there began to distort for a brief moment, only to have a flash of white light appear. Then, a figure merged. A person I haven't met since I became Liberl's Crown Prince. We last saw each other back at Nemeth Island!
"Grandmother!?", Emma exclaimed, becoming shocked to see Roselia appear out of thin air. As usual, Roselia's golden-blonde hair flew past her shoulders, looking unruly as ever. She doesn't ever brush it, does she?
Considering Roselia's magical prowess, being able to teleport all the way down beneath Valflame Palace from Eryn Village should be easy for her. But was it alright for her to do that? She's currently preserving that forbidden incantation to potentially save Guy Bannings right now, isn't she?
"I know that look in your eyes, boy. You do not need to worry about me right now. I've come here knowing that I have enough Mana to do so.", Roselia said, looking at me, as she floated downward.
"Haha, was it that obvious?", I laughed. "Still, it is good to see you again, Rose."
"Umu.", Roselia nodded as she landed beside Emma and I. She took a moment to observe Testa-Rossa's present state, then shook her head.
"I was much more foolhardy back then. My circuitry has cooled down since. It is just a shame my previous pilot did not have much expertise while operating me. That led to his defeat by the Ashen Knight. To you who are the descendants of Dreichels, I do apologize on his behalf. Heimdallr had suffered enough."
"You do not need to apologize, Testa-Rossa, was it? It has been almost two-hundred and fifty years since the War of the Lions took place. If you have any grudges from the past, I am thankful for you telling me, but I do not deserve such thanks. Our past was drenched in blood. Getting a chance to talk to one of the Divine Knights that fought in that ordeal is enough for me. My thoughts on the matter have eased greatly. Our capital has been in a period of peace since then.", Emperor Eugent said. He appeared thankful for what the Divine Knights did back then.
"Umu.", Roselia said, nodding her head in agreement. "I can back the Emperor brat's words on this one, Testa-Rossa. Your sacrifices weren't for nothing."
"E-Emperor brat?", Claire frowned. "You are in the presence of His Imperial Majesty! How did you even find out about this place!?"
"Calm down. It is only natural that I do.", Roselia said, scoffing at Claire. "After all, I am the Elder of the Hexen Clan. I lead the last line of Witches."
"You're the leader of the illusory Hexen Clan?", Emperor Eugent asked, taking another look at Roselia. "You are not exactly the type of person I was expecting. Now that I think about it, you do look familiar. Weren't you with Prince Naoto a decade ago when you came to Heimdallr?"
"That indeed did happen, yes. I was with Naoto to see your inauguration.", Roselia said. "Listen well. Mine name is Roselia Millstein. I am Emma's Grandmother. I am not looking to pick a fight here. I am merely checking up on Testa-Rossa, as Naoto and Emma are currently doing. This is purely happenstance.", Roselia said, only to shift her eyes to Father. "You seem in good health too, Chancellor."
"You know this woman, Chancellor?", Emperor Eugent asked, becoming surprised again.
"You can say that. I did not think we would be graced by your arrival tonight, Miss Millstein. I thank you for coming.", Giliath said, keeping his tone polite. "The person you see before you is indeed the Elder of the Witches. It has been a while."
"Umu.", Roselia said, and returned Father's greeting. That's right. Even before heading to Heimdallr to see Emperor Eugent becoming the Emperor, Roselia visited our villa every now and then. It was how I had playdates with Emma. That was when Roselia peered into my memories too. She knows everything about me, unlike the rest here. It's possible Testa-Rossa does too, considering his consciousness is locked away deep inside mine. To this day, I still don't know anything about why that is a thing.
"I did not think you would be acquainted with such a figure, Chancellor Osborne. The Elder of the Witches...", Emperor Eugent murmured.
"Mostly as an added layer of security, Your Imperial Majesty. His Royal Highness also became acquainted with the Elder during that time.", Father explained while keeping his response short. It was enough for me to nod my head in agreement.
"It is as His Excellency says. It has been a while, Master. It is always a pleasure whenever you make yourself known.", I said, also welcoming Roselia with a smile.
"Master?", Princess Alfin asked, becoming interested.
"That's right. I learned under Rose for a while. She is one of my teachers.", I briefly explained.
"Your connections really are a mystery, Prince Naoto. Just how many people did you become acquainted with over the years?", Emperor Eugent asked with a look of interest in his eyes.
"Too many, if I'm speaking honestly, haha!", I laughed.
I wasn't wrong, was I? I've gotten to know quite an array of the entire character cast spanning across multiple games. I've met most of the protagonists too. The only one who I have yet to meet at this point in time is Lloyd Bannings. But that is only a matter of when. I plan to partake in the Western Zemurian Trade Conference. By then, I'll get to meet all of the SSS, not just Lloyd Bannings!
Besides that, I've already met Estelle Bright and Joshua Bright, Kevin Graham, Rean Schwarzer, and Van Arkride. A lot has happened. I can't believe I've already lived in Zemuria for thirteen whole years. I turn fourteen next month too! I don't think I ever spoke of my birthday, I was born on the last day of January!
"It looks like you did a bit of growing up since I last saw you, brat.", Roselia said, looking at me.
Like I said, I was on the cusp of turning fourteen years old. I was well over five feet tall. Approaching six feet, actually. I would be surprised I ended up as tall as Father is, around seven feet. Perhaps even eight? Seriously what is this Gamer body made of? I'll be a giant by the end of it. And I don't need to say what comes with that, right? I'll have quite the package once my growth spurts end~
I'm very much looking forward to the romance life of the Royal Harem later on. I've already...started to get certain urges. Ah, adolescence at its finest. These next four to five years will pass by in a blink of an eye! In retrospect to that, Emma and Princess Alfin are still quite short. I'm much taller than they are. Father is a tall man, so I do not have much worry in that department.
"And you're still the same as ever, Rose. You haven't changed a bit. Now that you're here, you're more than welcome to join us. We won't be staying for long.", I said.
"Umu.", Roselia said. "I did not think you would come back to Heimdallr so soon, Naoto. You finally have interest in taking on the Vermillion Trials?"
"I do. I feel it would be better if I have prepared enough for it. I do not know when it will happen exactly, but the reason why I am here is to train for it.", I answered.
"Hmm, it does not matter either way.", Roselia responded. "Emma will be guiding you during it. I didn't think you would cause such a ruckus already. No doubt you and the little miss princess here will be in the spotlight in the times to come."
"L-Little miss princess...?", Princess Alfin asked. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks. "Are you referring to me?"
"Who else?", Roselia replied, acting nonchalant as always. She then looked at Father. "I did not think you would have the guts to have two countries join hand-in-hand like this, Chancellor."
Sadly, Father couldn't respond in time before we heard Testa-Rossa speak out again.
"It would seem there is still some turmoil to come, then.", Testa-Rossa said. "I wish we could have a longer period to converse like this with you all, but my remaining energy will be depleted soon. I must conserve it. Otherwise, this will be the last time until you take on the Vermillion Trials, My Awakener. Heed my call well. Until the destined time."
"Testa-Rossa...", I uttered, seeing a faint glow appear in his eye sockets for a second time. Did he use a lot of energy to have this conversation with us? "Thank you. You may return to your slumber. Until then."
After saying that, the sound in Testa-Rossa's voice became much more faded now than earlier. His time was running out.
"It looks like Testa-Rossa used up a lot of energy to talk with you like this, Naoto. You should be grateful.", Roselia said. "You best take his heed to heart. The Vermillion Trials await you."
"I know.", I replied with a serious nod. "I do not want any harm to fall onto the people here. We're going to take the necessary precautions to take on the Vermillion Trials."
We just finished our conversation about how His Imperial Majesty will work with Father to evacuate all of Heimdallr. I don't think it needs to be the entire city. Just those who are closest to Dreichel's Plaza and Valflame Palace. I do not want anyone to get harmed in the process. I am not Duke Cayenne. I do not have any interest in causing a civil war or anything. I just want to take on the Vermillion Trials in peace. Hearing me answer like this, Roselia smiled.
"It is as Prince Naoto says, Miss Elder. We will make sure the Vermillion Trials go without a hitch.", Emperor Eugent said. "I would love for us to chat some more, but it is well into the night already. Alfin here is getting pretty tired too. We should retire for the evening soon. You're going to be busy tomorrow.", Emperor Eugent said, drawing our attention to him.
It really has been a long day, hasn't it?
"Yeah. Today was super-duper long!", Princess Alfin said, and did a light yawn. "Besides, I still need to show Naoto to the room he will be using during his stay here in Heimdallr."
The moment Princess Alfin said that, Claire paused in her tracks.
"You're...going to show His Royal Highness to his room once we make it back up? Is it really alright for you to do that, Your Imperial Highness?", Claire asked, wondering if that was a good idea or not.
"I have already given Alfin my blessing to do so. You can be at ease, Captain. Your guard duty will come to an end the moment they retire for the evening. I'm sure it has been a long day for you as well.", Emperor Eugent asked. Hearing that lessened Claire's worry.
"Well, if you already permitted it, Your Imperial Majesty, then I shall not press on the matter. I can agree that it has been a long day for us all.", Claire said.
"Yes. I do not mind us going back up.", Emma said, also feeling tired. "But I can't help but recall what you mentioned earlier, Grandmother. You said seeing Naoto was only partly why you came here? What else are you going to do---?"
Emme tried to finish her sentence, but all heard a voice speak out to us. First it was Roselia, and now this new voice. It also sounded very familiar. The voice interrupted our ongoing conversation.
"Why hello there, Grandmother dearest. How nice of you to drop by.", A female's voice spoke out, acting as if it was directly speaking to us, just like how Testa-Rossa did a few moments ago.
Before we could do anything, a phantom image soon distorted into the space above where Roselia once appeared. It revealed a breathtakingly beautiful woman with sandstone-colored hair. Her body was phasing in and out of existence, appearing illusory. Just like how Campanella does his illusion arts.
"Vita!?", Emma exclaimed, only to rush forward to approach Vita.
"Aren't you that famous opera singer who has been gaining traction lately that everyone heads over heels for?", Emperor Eugent mused, not expecting to see someone else come here.
"I am indeed her. It is nice to meet you, Your Imperial Majesty.", Vita said, keeping her tone polite. "And it is good to see you in good health, my cute little sister~"
"Just what in Aidios's name have you been doing lately, Vita!?", Emma asked, still shocked to see Vita down here with us.
"Oh I can assure you I have not been skimping out on my assigned duties, Emma. In fact, I am assisting the Azure Awakener attempt his trials in these coming days.", Vita said, and sighed. "It has been quite busy for me, you know."
"Hmph. Do you need another spanking, brat?", Roselia said with a scoff. The moment she said that, Vita shuddered a bit. Roselia actually did pull Vita back to Eryn Village during our stay at Nemeth Island. I can only guess Roselia really did spank Vita. I couldn't help but picture such a thing. I dared not to speak of it aloud though, I kept the scene to myself.
"Hehe.", Vita giggled, returning to her usual self. "Surely you jest, Grandmother. You being here is because of me, isn't it? I figured it would be best to give you all a warning, instead of letting Grandmother do it."
"A warning?", Emperor Eugent asked.
"Hmm. Another Witch, I presume?", Giliath asked.
"Oh, you're here.", Vita said, only to spot Father amongst our crowd. "You best prepare yourself, Your Excellency. Like I said, the Azure Awakener is currently preparing to take on the Azure Trials. It will not be long now."
"Is that a challenge?", Giliath said, revealing a playful smile.
"Take it as you will. You best be ready for what is to come. I am currently guiding the Azure Awakener as we speak. That is all I have come to say to you all.", Vita said, and declared her intentions.
"Vita...", Emma said, and sighed. Sadly, Emma could even say anything before Vita did a motion of her Azure Staff, and vanished as quickly as she came here. Her phantom image was gone now. Seeing her gone, we turned toward Roselia again.
"At least that stupid disciple of mine is doing her job for once. Perhaps I will forgo another round of spanking this time.", Roselia said. "Vita is right on one thing though. The Azure Trials will be going through its process, while the Vermillion Trials will soon be going through theirs. I have places to be, so I leave Naoto in your care, Emma."
"I-I understand!", Emma said, quickly gaining her composure. "Take care of yourself, Grandmother."
"Umu.", Roselia said. With her Crimson Staff, she tapped the ground, and teleported out of this place. We were soon left alone.
As for Princess Alfin, any tiredness she felt earlier was now gone. She was over the moon in excitement. She had literal stars in her eyes.
"Magic really does exist, so cool!", Princess Alfin happily shouted.
At the same time, we didn't get another single response from Testa-Rossa. He had returned to his deep slumber to fight what little he had remaining against the corruption of the Dark Dragon.
All Emperor Eugent could do was shake his head at Princess Alfin's excitement. Still, I think it has been a long day for all of us.
Why don't we make it back up into Valflame Palace for now? The next stretch of my stay here in Heimdallr was about to begin now that S1200 is here.
And yet, as I thought that, we all heard the sound of a bell sound off, as faint as it was. Ding...Ding...Ding...
It wasn't one of those ominous bell noises this time. Taking a look at my Enigma II, I saw the time.
It was 12:00 AM. Midnight.
"Would you look at that? Happy new year everyone!", I happily said.
"To think we can hear the plaza from all the way down here.", Emperor Eugent said, and chuckled.
"It really is midnight already?", Claire said. "We should retire for the evening, Your Excellency."
"Yes. Let us do that. We've all had a long day. Let us rest.", Giliath said, nodding his head.
We all nodded, agreeing with Father. During this time, we did a little celebration of the new year. We were all tired by now, Father included. Emma and I looked at each other for a moment, before we all went back to the platform that took us here.
It was time to end the day!