With our group having left Infernal Castle, it was now a dormant state once more. Thirty minutes passed by. It really was a long day. It was already 12:30AM by the time we arrived back inside Valflame Palace. It wasn't like Grancel Castle where the Sealed Area connected to the Vault. To my surprise, it was connected to Esmelas Garden, tucked away in another area that only the Imperial Family could use.
After exiting Esmelas Garden, Father was the first to excuse himself. He did his iconic bow with one of his hands over his chest, only to retreat to his private quarters afterward. Despite it being past midnight, Claire remained on duty, and wouldn't get a chance to sleep until we made our separate ways. She's really a hard worker, isn't she? I know she likes to pull all-nighters, so take care of your health, Claire!
And who knows, I might add you into the harem later on too.
Just kidding~
Or am I?
I won't lie, Claire is an exceedingly beautiful woman who treats her workplace as her number one priority. She may not have a thing for romance right now, but it's never too late. Besides, she counts as one of my protectors, since Father watches over me in the shadows. Even if Claire is attending Thors Military Academy this year, I'm sure I'll have more chances to meet her.
Claire was here tonight as an acting escort, making sure the ball went off without a hitch. Now that it's over, she'll finish her escort, and only then will she excuse herself. She still had a little bit to go, so good luck, Claire!
Once we were back inside Esmelas Garden, it was just Emperor Eugent, Princess Alfin, Emma, Princess Alfin, and me. We felt the cool air drift around and the constant pitter-patter of water hitting the waterways. The ambiance never left. This place ran twenty-four seven. It gave a similar soothing feeling when one would visit Japanese Gardens in my past life.
The tolling of the midnight bell had already ended. That meant it was S1200 now. January 1st, 12:30 AM, S1200!
Seeing us like this, Emperor Eugent laughed.
"Haha. We really did stay up late, didn't we? I know the bell tolled when we were riding up the elevator, but happy new year, everyone. May Aidios watch over us all in the times to come.", Emperor Eugent said, and smiled.
"What Papa said. I wish you all a very happy new year!", Princess Alfin happily said.
"Likewise. Happy new year, Your Imperial Majesty. Your Imperial Highness. You too, Naoto.", Emma said, keeping her tone polite.
"I know I said it already, but happy new year. I wish you all the best. I share the same sentiments as His Imperial Majesty."
"Say Naoto, could you lean toward me for a little bit?", Princess Alfin suddenly asked.
"Sure?", I responded, deciding to play along. I saw Emperor Eugent raise his eyes the moment Princess Alfin dashed forward, and gave me a big hug from behind. Nothing fancy, but I didn't think she'd hug me out of the blue like this. Time seemed to have slowed down, just for this moment.
Once the hug ended, a blush appeared on Princess Alfin's cheeks. She then parted ways, and before we could process what just happened, Princess Alfin took off. She darted across Esmelas Garden, and vanished from sight. Oi, you have a room to show me, don't you!?
The three of us were left behind in silence. I turned toward Emma, and she shrugged her shoulders. I say that, but she was quick to notice the seriousness in my eyes. Emma is here to protect me, but Princess Alfin holds as equal of a status to what I do. Emma quickly put two-and-two together, and nodded her head.
Emma quickly followed after Princess Alfin, making sure she wouldn't get hurt as she sped off like that. Now, it was just Emperor Eugent and I. I saw him sigh while shrugging his shoulders.
"That Alfin...", Emperor Eugent said, and sighed. "She might be my daughter, but she is quite precocious. It does bring me great joy to see Alfin this happy. As her Father, I couldn't be any happier. She is due to spread her wings. She brings smiles to everyone, no matter who meets her. That smile alone has earned her the title, "Erebonia's Treasure". You should know where I'm going with this, yes?"
"I do, Your Imperial Majesty. That is why I sent Emma after her just now. Alfin's safety is of utmost importance.", I said with a serious nod of my head.
"Good. As long as you understand that, I do not mind leaving Alfin in your care. And besides, when we're alone like this, I do not mind you calling me Eugent, as I will do the same for you, Naoto.", Emperor Eugent said, and smiled.
"I'd...like that, Eugent.", I said, and smiled back. I didn't back down from this moment. I could see the firmness in Emperor Eugent's eyes.
It was a firm look that befitted that of both being a Father, and an Emperor. Among the long lineage of the Arnor Family, I feel Emperor Eugent is quite high up there, even if he is still in the shadows of one of Erebonia's greatest Emperors to ever live.
Emperor Dreichels.
Just as Magic is very real here in Zemuria, so is the concept of Reincarnation. And I'm not just saying this for myself. It is true that I reincarnated from the outside, but reincarnating from the inside also happens. An example of this is Emperor Dreichels being reincarnated as Giliath Osborne. I am sure Lianne would have reincarnated too or at least have her soul pass on to the Goddess Aidios if she didn't choose to become an Immortal and pilot a Divine Knight. That is why Lianne remains alive to this day.
Excluding Magic and Reincarnation, even concepts like Resurrection are real here. It was mostly known to the Hexen Clan and the Gnomes. The Gnomes even had the tech to create homunculi, allowing one to place a soul directly into said body. That's why I've kept Kasia's soul and Isola's soul in a state of suspended animation. I don't have this technology yet. In due time.
As far as Roselia goes, she said the forbidden incantation is ready to activate whenever I feel the time is right. My next interest is Guy Bannings, but he plays a pivotal role in the World of Zero so Lloyd can bring KeA back. Perhaps that will be the key moment to bring Guy back into the realm of the living. We'll see.
I could only store that thought away for now. Guy's fight with Arios should happen in this coming year or two. Until then, I don't need to think too much about it. With that being said, Emperor Eugent saw me turn quiet for a moment, so he spoke out again.
"What is it exactly that you are in such deep thought, Naoto? Sometimes I forget you are a young boy, only three years older than Alfin is. At times, you act like a child, but on others, you appear to be an adult to the rest of those around us. Is it because you are Giliath's son? You do have a lot riding on your shoulders. It is not an easy task to rule a country.", Emperor Eugent said with wondering eyes. "Such stress placed on your body could cause complications down the line if you aren't being too careful."
"Thank you for your warning, Eugent. I know that very well.", I happily replied. Guess he was looking out for me. I appreciate that. "Grandmother gets whiplash every round table discussion we have each year with the rest of the mayors. We may not have fierce retaliations that Nobles have like you do, but each city always voices their concerns over our growth as a whole. I'm surprised Grandmother handles it each year with such confidence. In that regard, I still have a long way to go."
"Her Majesty the Queen has many, many years under her belt compared to you, Naoto. Living life comes with experience.", Emperor Eugent said, and smiled again. "Still, Her Majesty handles the stress of ruling a country rather well. I am sure there are many expecting eyes of who is next to take Liberl's Throne. I'm not one to be coy either. I've caught wind of you forming a Royal Harem back in Liberl. Knowing that, I still chose to leave Alfin in your care. Do not let any harm befall Alfin. Otherwise, I will march straight into Grancel Castle, and pull her out myself. Do I make myself clear?"
"Loud and clear, Your Imperial Majesty. No harm will come of Alfin as long as I am around.", I said, meeting Emperor Eugent's gaze. We both turned silent for a moment, acting as if a thunderous clap boomed through Esmelas Garden.
Seeing me not back down, Emperor Eugent placed one of his hands against my shoulders, and smiled again.
"Good. Good! You hold yourself well. As expected, you really are Giliath's son, haha!", Emperor Eugent laughed, immediately easing the atmosphere around us. "This was a pleasant chat I was able to have with you, Naoto. I am very much looking forward to what you will accomplish. The Vermillion Trials, and your attendance at Thors Military Academy. A little birdie just so happened to inform me you want to enroll in the coming three or four years. I'll personally take care of any enrollment paperwork you still have remaining."
"Why am I not surprised to hear that...", I uttered, and sighed. Kloe really loves using Sieg for situations like this, doesn't she? "Still, I understand. Thank you."
"It is no problem. Once you get a good night's rest, you are welcome to stay with us for lunch. You can bring your friends too.", Emperor Eugent said.
"Understood. Take care, Eugent.", I said, keeping my tone respectful. He may allow me to address him as such in moments like this, but Emperor Eugent is still an Emperor at the end of the day.
Nothing else kept me, so I saw it in his eyes it was time for me to leave Esmelas Garden. I sped off where Princess Alfin and Emma ran off to, only to meet up with them again in one of the nearby hallways. One of these would eventually bring us to some private quarters. Seeing me join up with them again, Princess Alfin guided me. It was during this moment Emma expressed her desire to return to the rest of our group, so she bid us farewell. That left Princess Alfin and I alone.
Princess Alfin surprisingly didn't say anything to me as she guided me throughout the hallways. Valflame Palace is seriously massive. You could easily get lost here. It was a little awkward seeing Princess Alfin like this, but I didn't press it.
And yet, once we arrived at the end of one particular hallway, we saw a figure unexpectedly waiting for us. A girl with lilac-colored hair. Someone I knew well. I saw an expected look in her eyes as she waited for us to arrive. Sherryl Sky. I almost forgot she wanted to talk with me for a little while, so I guess the evening isn't quite over yet...
At the same time, back inside Esmelas Garden, Emperor Eugent was now alone, but he spoke out, acting as though he wasn't.
"I know you are there, dearest. My age might be catching up to me, but I know it when I see it.", Emperor Eugent said, turning his head toward a particular direction. Empress Priscilla came out from the shadows, and greeted her husband with a smile.
"Haha, but you still let me watch this play out without any interruption. Lord Husband.", Empress Priscilla said, and smiled. "It seems you have placed many expectations on that boy. I did not expect him to be Giliath's son of all people. I do not recall Kasia giving birth to two sons."
"That is because Kasia did not. Naoto is the son of another woman who Giliath took a fancy to. The blood that runs through the boy's veins is anything but cursed. And yet a miracle happened, and he was born. I am quite looking forward to how his life will go from here on. I did not think you would catch that part. I trust you will keep it under wraps, yes?"
"Of course, my dear. To where this boy comes from matters not. I have not seen Alfin this happy in quite some time.", Empress Priscilla said, only to reveal a hint of worry in her eyes. "I can't help but fear for the future though. I am wondering how our neighboring countries will react to Erebonia and Liberl joining hands. You will likely be holding more meanings to quell this uneasiness."
"We can only wait and see. Who knows what will happen from here on.", Emperor Eugent said. "You are aware that the boy has a Royal Harem too, right?"
"Oh, yes. There have been quite a few girls who have proposed to Prince Naoto. I might even give Alfin a tip or two to stay on top of that. Her position is different. She will become Prince Naoto's wife in the future, haha!"
"You...", Emperor Eugent said, and sighed. "Still, it matters not. Let us retreat for the evening. Before we do, happy new year, dearest."
"Happy new year to you too.", Empress Priscilla said. The two enjoyed a rare hug in a fleeting moment, and enjoyed the celebration of the new year, as many others were currently doing.
It was only then from a long distance away from Esmelas Garden that they heard the faint sounds of orbal fireworks firing off into the night sky!