Liberl. Rolent. The Bright House.
"So that is what His Royal Highness has been up to since his disappearance at St. Ursula...", Cassius said, still feeling a mixture of emotion after reviewing the newspaper before him. He was seated at the dining table, paper in hand.
Cassius wasn't alone either. A few people could be seen out and about at the Bright House. Estelle continued cooking along, despite it being well past midnight now. They had eaten once, but decided to have another meal to enjoy the new year. That was because Cassius now has a few guests over. He proceeded to place the big newspaper onto the dining table, allowing everyone to see the news flash of the front page. It was the same image of Crown Prince Naoto and Princess Alfin waving to the camera with their group in the background, together with Chancellor Osborne smiling next to His Imperial Majesty and Empress Priscilla. The orbal photo successfully captured the entire scene in one fell swoop.
A few hours had passed since this newspaper was first delivered earlier in the evening. It wasn't without exception that the Bright House was also notified of the major change that was happening inside Erebonia. But to Cassius's surprise, it was enough to warrant the couple of guests who decided to pay the Bright House a visit, on top of celebrating the new year.
WHile it may have looked like Estelle was preparing another meal, that actually wasn't the case. She wasn't chopping any food this time around. Instead, an orbal coffee maker could be seen while it was making a loud whirring noise, signaling that it was in use. Two cups could be seen, ready to pour coffee into them. Despite it being past midnight, someone was going to have a long night.
In particular, those two guests who decided to drop by the Bright House. It did not take long for an aromatic scent wafted around the first floor. Estelle showed a smile on her face, but kept a hint of politeness in her eyes. And for a good reason. Even though Estelle was an airhead at times, she knew she couldn't interrupt Cassius right now. Two rather influential figures of the Royal Army presently sat across from him.
General Morgan, and Colonel Richard!
The moment that news flash dropped, both Colonel Richard and General Morgan immediately went through their respective routes. It did cause some ruckus back in Grancel Castle as well, and even brought some surprise to Her Majesty the Queen, Naoto's Grandmother. But she kept it cool, and remained stern on the matter. That quickly quelled any doubt that sprung up during this. Because of that, it gave enough time for Colonel Richard and General Morgan to make their way here, and pay the Bright House a visit.
By the time that happened, the new year came, and it was now past midnight.
The only thing at the time that the two didn't know was the fact that Cassius was entertaining some guests already who weren't them. Still, Cassius paid them no mind, and instead, he folded his hands, and placed his elbows onto the table, and spoke to Colonel Richard.
"So what do you think of this, Colonel? I fear you coming all the way out here was for naught.", Cassius said. His expression remained neutral. "You very well know I no longer handle matters of the Royal Army. That is your responsibility, not mine. That is why I have trained you before you took it over."
"I know, Cassius. And I am forever grateful that you looked after me for so long. You even taught me your sword techniques.", Colonel Richard said, feeling a hint of embarrassment within that stoic look in his eyes. "I still wanted to hear your opinion of this matter. How could Erebonia propose such a drastic matter without even consulting us first!?", Colonel Richard continued, and slammed his fist down on the table, appearing somewhat angry. His eyes then shifted toward General Morgan. "And you, General. You are just as responsible for this as I am! How could you let the Crown Prince wander into Erebonia again!?"
"I am ashamed to admit, but that fault lies with me. His Royal Highness left no visible trace that we could track.", General Morgan said, and sighed. "I swear, it was akin to trying to chase your own shadow. I've come to terms with what has happened. If it weren't for Captain Cid's report, I fear I would have been doing Aidios knows what.", General Morgan continued, and let out a deeper sigh.
It was then the three heard a giggle reach their ears. The voice sounded very familiar.
"Hehe, that definitely sounds like Naoto.", The familiar voice said, belonging to that of a girl. General Morgan and Colonel Richard shifted their eyes, and saw a girl, who sported very lush and vibrant violet hair, seated beside Cassius. Her hair was very similar to Renne's hair.
This girl had already grown accustomed to Naoto's absence during this period of time. She mostly bid her time away at the upper floors of Grancel City's Bracer Guild Branch. Her studies were well underway, looking to become a Bracer in the following year or two. And yet, an exception was made, just for tonight. It's the new year after all. This business was as much related to her as it was to General Morgan and Colonel Richard.
And next to this violet-haired girl was another girl, a couple years older than her. She was also quite well known at this point. Who else could they be but Angelica Rogner, and Scherazard Harvey?
Colonel Richard raised his eyebrows as he spent a moment to observe Angelica who sat across from him on the table. Angelica had a certain charm to her. She was turning fifteen soon, and here in Liberl, she would be considered a working adult in less than two years' time, as one would need to be at least sixteen to register as a Bracer. A year older than Estelle, and Angelica plans to take the Bracer Exam a year before Estelle and Joshua do. Now that it was S1200, that would make it S1201. It would be in March of S1202 that Estelle and Joshua take their own Bracer Exam with Scherazard.
"I'm pretty sure I've seen you around Grancel Castle before while I've been on duty, and I do apologize for barging in unannounced like this with General Morgan here. I don't think we've had enough time to formally meet. I've seen you walking around the higher floors of the castle. Who did you say you were?", Colonel Richard asked, remaining polite. Angelica took a sip of her brewed tea before answering him.
"My my, it is true we haven't formally met one another, have you, Colonel?", Angelica said, and smiled. "You've been working too hard in the Royal Army to even greet me, heehee. But I jest. I know not everyone can just make their way inside Grancel Castle's upper floors. That's specifically reserved for the Royal Family. Instead, I will ask this of you, Colonel. You are aware of the recent developments of His Royal Highness, yes?", Angelica continued, beginning to introduce herself. "I'm Angelica. Angelica Rogner. A pleasure."
While Angelica acted playful on the outside, she kept her tone polite. She was in the presence of two outstanding members of the Royal Army, after all. She knew she couldn't go too out of hand here.
"Angelica Rogner...", Colonel Richard murmured. "I could have sworn I've heard that name before when certain matters regarding His Royal Highness were brought up. You even made an appearance at our yearly round table once or twice too..."
"Maybe you really should take a rest after this, Colonel. You have been working pretty hard as of late. Matters of the castle have slipped your grasp. Even I know that His Royal Highness recently got approval from Her Majesty to create a Royal Harem, as crazy as that sounds.", General Morgan said. His eyes remained serious. It was then the wheels inside Colonel Richard's head began to crank.
It did not take long for surprise to reach Colonel Richard's eyes, quickly putting the pieces together.
"Are you suggesting you are part of His Royal Highness's Royal Harem?", Colonel Richard said, shooting his eyes upward in surprise. "You look quite young too."
"Haha! I'm not just part of Naoto's harem. I'm his leading gal. Catch my drift, Colonel?", Angelica said, and grinned.
"His Royal Highness's leading girl...", Colonel Richard uttered, only to frown shortly after. "Then that would mean..."
"Ding-ding-ding, I manage the harem on Naoto's behalf. That was Naoto''s terms for me to even consider joining it in the first place. All matters of the harem pass through me. And trust me, he's been rejecting advances left and right. We've already a few interests in mind, and until that happens, we likely won't let anyone enter without reason."
"Is that right?", Colonel Richard said, becoming surprised yet again. "You manage the entire thing?"
"I can't believe a person like Naoto has such intentions. Don't you normally fall in love with a single person?", Estelle called out as she finished brewing coffee for Colonel Richard and General Morgan. Being careful, Estelle brought the cups over, placing them on the table.
"Thank you, Miss bright.", Colonel Richard said, thanking Estelle. "And while that be the case for most people in Liberl, do keep in mind His Royal Highness leads a different life than what we do. He has his whole lineage to consider. Only two people can currently vie for the throne, but what comes after that? We have no one.", Colonel Richard said, and sighed. "We don't exactly want the Auslese Family to run dry with His Royal Highness or Her Royal Highness to be its last members. Perhaps I'm just saying empty words to you. This might completely go over your head."
Hearing that, Estelle shook her head.
"No, Colonel. I think I understand where you are getting at.", Estelle answered. "The matter of Her Majesty is a complex one, isn't it? That sounds way above what I already know. It's a matter we, as the common people, shouldn't matter with, right?"
"Well well, I didn't think you'd actually say something so concrete like that, Estelle. Perhaps you may pass the Bracer Exam after all.", Scherazard said with a playful smile on her face.
"It is exactly as you pointed out, Estelle . The matter of His Royal Highness creating a harem is of no concern to us. Not unless you express interest in joining it yourself. You are, at the end of the day, a girl. Who knows, His Royal Highness might take a fancy to you one day. You've met him on multiple occasions by now.", Cassius said, adding a comment of his own. That caught Estelle off-guard.
"Pfft. As if!", Estelle immediately shot back, and even laughed. "There's no way I like that guy. That's never going to happen."
"Ouch. But I'll pass along your remark to Naoto. I can assure you that, Estelle.", Angelica responded with a teasing voice. Estelle shot down Naoto right then and there without him knowing it.
"Haha.", Cassius laughed, only to look at his daughter again. "Why don't you head along upstairs and go join Joshua, Estelle? We won't be long."
"What Cassius said. It was nice to see you again, Estelle.", Angelica happily said. "I'm glad I decided to accompany the Silver Streak here. It was worth it."
"Heehee.", Scherazard giggled. "Didn't I tell you already, Angelica? You can call me Schera, just like how everyone else does."
"Yeah! And I'll call you Angie. You said you prefer that over Angelica, right?", Estelle said.
"Yeah. You can go ahead and keep calling me Angie.", Angelica said, nodding her head. "And a very happy new year to you, Estelle."
"Same to you. Happy new year everyone. I'll go upstairs and get ready for bed.", Estelle said, quickly retreating toward the second floor, and headed upward, vanishing from sight.
"Such a precious girl that one is...", Cassius uttered, shaking his head as he saw Estelle so carefree.
"She bears a striking resemblance to Lena.", General Morgan uttered. He took a sip of his coffee, and the atmosphere turned festive. It was time to celebrate the new year!
And yet, as Estelle wandered upward becoming alone, she suddenly paused.
"Yeah. There's no way I like that guy. I only met him a couple times.", Estelle uttered to herself. And yet, contrary to what she had just said, she felt her heart begin to flutter. Her cheeks flushed a bit as the image of the violet-haired boy dressed in that crimson tuxedo appeared in her mind from the newspaper from earlier. "Strange, why am I feeling like this?"
A/N: >:D (It's unsure at this point in time, but this way, Estelle joining the harem remains on the table)
Quickly shrugging that feeling off, Estelle sped along to where her room was, and decided to wrap up for the evening, and head to bed.
Cassius, Angelica, Scherazard, Colonel Richard, and General Morgan, likewise, continued talking with one another and celebrated the new year!