You know, Father doesn't just bow to anyone. He saves that for those in position who are higher than him, most of the time anyways. Unless there is a special circumstance, or if you're just a noble outright. He's been a commoner since birth, so I'm sure he knows how to pay his respects properly. As for Prince Olivert, I don't know if he's considered to be in such a position right now, as he isn't the active Crown Prince. It's his father who is, not him. Does that truly mean the future Emperor Eugent is in this orbal car? Father said every action I do will now be watched, so that is definitely something I need to keep in mind. I heard a somewhat familiar voice reach my ears, even though I hadn't obviously met the guy yet. You would come across Emperor Eugent several times during the Cold Steel games.
"Granted, General Osborne. Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to head back with us. I do apologize in advance for not notifying you earlier. We aren't exactly looking to cause a ruckus here. We will be heading straight back to Valflame Palace. Have you dealt with your personal matters?", The voice said. Firm, strong and somewhat aged. Yeah, I don't think this is Prince Olivert's voice. But one thing does interest me. Did he say, "we"?
Giliath didn't hesitate the moment he received permission, and stepped inside. I quickly followed behind. Sure enough, I wasn't greeted by just one. Not even two, but several figures all seated around an oval-shaped interior. All high-ranking officials of the Imperial Army. The atmosphere completely changed. It was no longer the peaceful air outside. Everyone had anticipated it would just be Giliath stepping into the car, but everyone's eye suddenly shifted toward me. I don't think I ever had this many eyes pointed my way before. Not even during the banquet at Grancel Castle. We had distanced ourselves quite a bit. But I didn't back down. I held my head up high, stepping into the orbal car.
"Aha, things have taken a rather interesting turn, haven't they?", A different voice said, suddenly calling out to me. It wasn't the same voice from earlier who invited us in, but it still held a formal but familiar tone at the same time. Shifting my head to the left, I saw a figure who was now looking at me. I even looked back, allowing me to get a good look at him. He was a boy, much older than me. Perhaps in his teens already? He seemed around twelve or thirteen years old. He had lush, golden-blonde hair and violet eyes. His hair here wasn't as long as it was during the games. It was quite short. He was wearing a bright red overcoat with the golden stallion crest printed on it. It was similar to my Phoenix Robe. If there was one difference, apart from the crest, it would be the golden tassels on his shoulders. He even completed the noble look with a blazer around his neck.
I didn't immediately respond, as I could see several middle-aged and old-aged men staring daggers into me, quite literally. They all had stern looks, dressed in various military garb that denoted their ranks. Giliath was now added into this mix, also dressed with his General uniform. It just made the scene even more powerful. Still, I didn't back down here either. I couldn't. My own name was on the line. The firstborn son of a General. If these guys saw me cower one bit, I know they'd disapprove of me in a heartbeat. As for who the boy was, it wasn't rocket science to realize who he was.
Olivert Reise Arnor. The firstborn son of Crown Prince Eugent, who is set to ascend the throne this year. Perhaps the reason why we're heading to Valflame Palace right now is even more serious than I thought? Has the current Emperor already passed away? It would make sense to see all these people of the Imperial Army here...
But to think I would meet this guy so early on...! I mean it was bound to happen, since Valflame Palace is his home. He holds a pivotal role amongst many in the Trailsverse. He's also one of your playable characters, who excels at long-range attacks and Arts!
I bowed, seeing Olivert before me. Is he a Prince right now? I'm not sure, but I'll proceed to introduce myself to him with that line of thought.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Highness.", I replied, bowing. If the previous shift in the air wasn't enough, I could feel everyone now having their eyes on me, behaving like they're scrutinizing me from top to bottom. He smiled, seeing me respond like this.
"It is but mine as well, young one. As expected, you are the kin of General Giliath. But there is one mistake you have made, lad. I am not to be addressed as "Your Highness". You may simply call me Olivert. At least, not yet, anyways. That is mainly why we were gathered here today. I am the son of the current Crown Prince, Eugent Reise Arnor.", Oliver stated, shifting his eyes back toward a figure seated in one of the center seats. Sure enough, I saw a much older, more middle-aged man. His hair was identical to Olivert's. He had a much more regal and dignified air about him. I didn't panic, but simply bowed.
"It is very nice to meet you as well, Your Highness the Crown Prince.", I continued, introducing myself to both Olivert and Crown Prince Eugent.
"Mmm. You needn't stand on ceremony, young one. We invited you without precedence.", Crown Prince Eugent responded, keeping his words short with a curt nod of his head. He then shifted toward Giliath. "Life sure works in ways you don't expect it to, doesn't it, General?"
"Haha! Well put, Your Highness. I have been rather busy, as you can see. But I've already taken up my post again. Seeing all of you here like this, something is definitely happening inside Valflame Palace. Your ascension to the throne is set in stone.", Giliath said, musing to himself before he looked back at me. "Come, Naoto. Let us not keep the Crown Prince waiting."
I wonder if Father initially wanted to have me seated beside Olivert, but looks like that won't be the case. He beckoned me over to be seated beside him. Apart from Olivert, Crown Prince Eugent, and Father, I could see a total of six figures. If you include us, it makes ten total. Most of these men were middle aged, around the same age as Father is. Apart from one, that is. There was a youthful woman, sporting silvery-white hair. She was quite beautiful, and she was wearing a uniform that I recognized all too well. This woman was a current Thors Military Academy student!
"To think we would get to see the phoenix soar into the skies once again...", The brown-haired man said, uttering to himself from where he was seated. I could see a surprised look on his face. Crown Prince Eugent raised his eyes to that comment, but stayed quiet.
"Something indeed has transpired inside our capital, which is what prompted us to gather.", Crown Prince Eugent stated. We were already on the road driving, and it was still silent. How cool is that? "I thank you all for this sudden gathering. It won't be long until we return to Valflame Palace. Let us make haste. Governor Carl, if you would, please."
"Understood, Your Highness. I too will express my gratitude on His Highness' behalf for this gathering today. We will begin this round table shortly. Allow me to begin with a roll call.", A stern-looking man wearing glasses said. I immediately recognized him. Carl Regnitz. He's a top government official in the Imperial Diet, and would often clash ideals against my Father, Giliath Osborne. But he holds a more moderate outlook, and is actually one of Father's few friends. And Carl Regnitz is none other than the Father of Machias Regnitz, who would become one of Thor's Class VII in the future.
"Commander of the Imperial Army First Division. General Matteus Vander.", Governor Carl spoke, calling out the first of the names to come.
"Yes.", The brown-haired man said, just doing a simple nod. So the voice who spoke of the phoenix earlier belongs to this guy, huh? He isn't shown a lot, but he's one, if not the most powerful individual on the entire damn continent right now. Matteus Vander, current strongest swordsman, and headmaster of the Vander School of Swordsmanship. I wouldn't mind learning a thing or two from this guy, should the opportunity ever present itself.
"Commander of the Imperial Army Second Division, Victor Arseid.", Governor Carl said, calling the second name. Shifting my eyes, I saw an azure-colored man who was still in the process of graying. Hearing this name too was a shocker. Matteus might be the strongest right now, but this guy is the second strongest. He's the headmaster of the Arseid School of Swordsmanship, and the two often clash as rivals. On top of that, he's the Father of Laura Arseid, another person who will eventually join Thors Military Class VII.
"Umu.", Victor responded, nodding.
"Commander of the Imperial Army Third Division...?", Governor Carl started, only to shift his eyes to see the beautiful woman seated before him, legs crossed over one another.
"Go on. We don't have all day.", The woman responded, quite rude at that.
"Of course not. I just wasn't expecting General Le Guin to send his daughter in his stead. Please forgive my impertinence. It is great of you to come, Miss Aurelia.", Governor Carl responded. She was quite stunning alright, and she hasn't matured yet either. She stook out like a sore thumb among the rest of these middle-aged men present. Like I said, long silvery-white hair, and purple eyes. She would become the epitome of beauty later on. She should be around...fifteen years old right now?
The girl seated to my right was none other than Aurelia Le Guin, future principal of Thors Military Branch Campus!