"Well isn't this a lovely little gathering you've brought to the Vander Training Hall, Mueller. And here I thought you would have departed with Kurt by now.", The voice of a graceful woman suddenly spoke out, causing our ongoing conversation to come to an end. Kurt couldn't even continue being shocked before his eyes switched toward the entrance of the Vander Training Hall.
Mueller and Kurt saw the large doors open up, revealing a very beautiful, bluish-white haired woman, carrying each step with both grace and power. Her stature didn't falter a single time the closer she got to the center of the room. She presently wore a long, fancy shirt with a layered skirt. A look befitting that of a noble. However, ever since this woman took on the Vander name, she had tossed away her previous identity, thereby becoming a Vander herself.
For this woman was Kurt's mother, and Mueller's mother-in-law, Auerier Vander.
Also known as the Stormwatcher. A proud naginata user. Mueller's mother had unfortunately passed away a long time ago. The Thunder God eventually remarried, and took Aurier as his second wife. From there, Kurt was born, and that was the general dynamic of the Vander family. Even though Mueller and Kurt were half-siblings, they didn't have any animosity between one another. On the contrary, Kurt had a certain level of respect with his older brother. He knew he couldn't learn the domineering arts that the greatsword could carry. Kurt had long come to terms with his stature. Instead, he's been learning the dual-blade style, in hopes to follow in his older brother's footsteps, but also trying to find his own way.
Seeing Aurier Vander arrive at the Vander Training Hall, Mueller did a curt bow, his tone remained polite.
"Lady Vander.", Mueller said, greeting Aurier. He even saluted his arm, and welcomed her inside. To Mueller's surprise, Aurier raised her eyes upward into two crescent moons.
"I know I am not the one who birthed you, Mueller, but I am still married to Lord Matteus. You needn't be so formal with your tone. You are part of my family after all.", Aurier said before letting out a laugh.
"Understood.", Mueller responded. The tension his body had eased. Once that happened, the air around us seemed to get lighter. Kurt's mother couldn't have arrived at a better time. I bet she pays this branch training hall a visit quite often.
It didn't take long for Aurier to spot a violet-haired boy, a plum-haired girl, and a white-haired girl still seated on their knees in front of Mueller.
"So how long are you going to make your guests remain like this, hmm?", Aurier asked, getting right to the point.
"Right...", Mueller responded, and sighed again. "Let's leave it be for now, Your Royal Highness. Just know it's not over."
"That may be for the best.", I said, signaling Emma and Fie that we could stand back up. Taking a moment to do so, we patted our knees. After that, I gave Aurier Vander a formal bow after approaching Mueller's side.
"I do apologize for having you watch that, Lady Vander. It was for a good reason, I assure you.", I said, welcoming Aurier Vander as her sons just did a moment ago. I do apologize for dropping in unannounced like this. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance."
"Likewise. Your arrival at the Vander Training Hall here was not within expectations, Your Royal Highness, but we shall make do with what we have.", Aurier replied, smiling at me. "His Imperial Highness often speaks fond of you. It really is a shame you haven't paid Valflame Palace a visit as of late."
"All in due time. Is it alright if I address you as Lady Vander? Unlike your sons, you must be conscious of the status I hold, yes?", I decided to ask, keeping my tone polite.
"With pleasure. Though it is clear someone like you isn't here without reason, Your Royal Highness. It begs the question why you have come to Parm of all places.", Aurier said, smiling back at me.
"True. It isn't like I am here for no reason. I couldn't even bring out my letter of recommendation before Mueller here started firing one question off after another. Things wouldn't have likely gone this far if you would have just let me present it.", I responded, grinning at Mueller this time.
I saw Mueller raise his eyebrows after I said that.
"Someone referred Your Royal Highness to our dojo? Who?", Mueller asked, becoming interested.
"Have a look.", I said with a nod. I rummaged through my clothes. On the outside, it looked like I was reaching into one of my pockets. But this was when I activated Inventory. Such a handy trick, isn't it?
It didn't take long before I pulled out a sealed letter. The moment Lady Aurier's eyes landed on the sealed letter, she became serious. She recognized the seal at a first glance. She ignored Mueller and Kurt, and directly reached her hand out, only to take the letter. Her movement remained graceful, but acted swiftly enough that even Mueller couldn't react in time. By the time Lady Aurier cracked the seal open and read its contents, Mueller regained his composure, only to see the letter now open.
"So that was the case after all.", Lady Aurier said. A genuine smile appeared on her face this time. "It would seem His Lordship has treated you well these last couple of months."
"Indeed. I am thankful to His Lordship for accepting me as his own student. I have been staying at his residence for the last three months before I made sufficient progress. After that, well, you know the rest.", I explained.
"You aren't referring to who I think you are referring to, are you?", Mueller asked. As each moment passed by, his doubt only grew. Lady Aurier didn't answer his question. Instead, she spoke out. To my surprise, it was with an authoritative tone. One that Lady Aurier doesn't use often.
"Kurt, Mueller, I do apologize in advance, but there is a change of plans. It would seem the Goddess has shined upon our Training Hall today.", Lady Aurier declared.
"Mother?", Kurt asked, not sure what Lady Aurier was going on about by saying that. Instead, he saw his mother turn around, and looked toward one end of the Training Hall. Off to the side were a couple of wooden racks. Once she got closer and closer, Mueller's confusion soon turned to that of seriousness.
Lady Aurier traced her gaze until she met a few spare wooden naginatas. Reaching her hand outward, she effortlessly grabbed one, only to swing it around with ease. Even Kurt became serious seeing his mother grab ahold of a weapon that she had not used in a good while. A smile remained on Lady Aurier's lips as she looked back at us.
"It is quite simple, really.", Lady Aurier began to say. "As of today, His Royal Highness will be accepted into the Vander School. As Lord Husband is not present, I shall personally accept him as my interim disciple. He has been graced by the teachings of the Radiant Blademaster, so it is only right we impart our teachings onto him as well.", Lady Aurier declared.
"W-WHAT!?", Mueller exclaimed, utterly shocked this time. "Just what in Aidios's name was written in that letter!?"
"You...really are going to take Liberl's Crown Prince as your own disciple, Mother?", Kurt asked, also shocked.
"Have a look.", Lady Aurier said, tossing the letter at the Vander siblings. Mueller caught it. Kurt was near him. Unfolding it, the two began to read.
"His Royal Highness has achieved Basic Mastery in my Arseid Style during his stay in Legram. Should he make his way toward the Thunder God's position, I am hereby requesting you to accept him as your disciple. I have been quite busy as of late, so I do not know where he presently is. If the Thunder God cannot accept His Royal highness as his disciple, then he shall continue to learn under the Stormwatcher...", Mueller uttered. His shock and seriousness grew as each word was spoken.
His eyes remained serious as I saw him look back up at me.
"His Lordship really accepted you as his newest disciple? And as his direct disciple? Not under the name of the Arseid School?", Mueller asked.
"His Lordship did. With the Goddess as my witness, I do not speak any lies in what was addressed in that letter. I am here to learn the way of the sword, in hopes to carve out my own path.", I stated.
"I see...", Mueller responded, and didn't retort this time. He saw the determination in my eyes. All he did was step aside, allowing Lady Aurier back toward the training platform.
"You're going to see this through, aren't you, Mother?", Kurt asked.
"I will.", Lady Aurier said, smiling at me. "That was well said, Your Royal Highness. While we serve as the foundation for many, it is up to those who learn the way of the sword to determine their own worth. Considering you have stayed with His Lordship for three months, you shall stay with us for the following three months as well."
"We cannot go against a direct request to Father. Considering His Lordship put this request in, then we shall respond in kind, as Mother has stated.", Mueller said, his eyes remained serious as he did. "As much as it pains me to say this, you shall be under our wing for these next three months, Your Royal Highness."
"Brother...", Kurt uttered as he saw Mueller agree with the letter's request.
"Excellent. I am glad you are in agreement, Mueller.", Lady Aurier said, and smiled again. "And seeing how things have come to this, I shall personally test your mettle, Your Royal Highness. Should you pass this test of mine, I will permit you to travel with Mueller and Kurt to Heimdallr to continue your training at the main branch. His Lordship seems to hold you in high regard, so it is only right I do the same."
After Lady Aurier said that, she arrived on the right side of the training platform. Mueller and Kurt saw their mother tap the ground with the wooden naginata that was gripped in her right hand. She was serious about initiating a combat test against me, so the two could only walk down the training platform, remaining off to the side.
"So you're going to fight this woman? The pressure she's releasing is nuts. Don't underestimate her.", Fie said, her eyes serious for once.
"We shouldn't interrupt Naoto, Fie. What happens now is out of our hands.", Emma said. "We will not get in your way."
"You two are His Royal Highness's travelling companions, yes? I shall extend the invitation to you two, depending on the result of this match.", Lady Aurier said, welcoming Emma and Fie.
"Thank you.", Emma happily replied.
"Yeah. Good luck.", Fie said, wishing me good luck as the two joined up with Mueller and Kurt. Mueller's eyes remained on Fie considering her stature hasn't faltered a single moment since arriving in the Vander Training Hall. He silently wondered what sort of training she had gone through to do that at such a young age. Kurt just looked at the two with a curious gaze.
Kurt shouldn't even be meeting members of old Class VII until long after Cold Steel I and II. Not until both old and new Class VII come together in the latter half of Cold Steel's story. All thanks to me being present here in Parm, so I'm curious to see if this will change anything down the line. My actions have been causing characters to meet when they're not supposed to yet, so I'm not sure if this will have any impact. Seeing Lady Aurier this early too was a pleasant surprise. She's even accepting me as her own disciple until I can learn under the Thunder God!
How cool is that?
Getting up from my seated position, I stretched my body for a little while looking at Lady Aurier. Her stance remained unfaltered, and was now releasing quite the pressure. A pressure of someone who had long been used to battles, likely as a result of being married to the strongest swordsman in the country. From there, I took to the left side of the training platform.
Seeing the ongoing commotion, the few students of the Vander School who were in the midst of their training began to gather around. It was rare to see Lady Aurier fight, so I'm guessing they're using this opportunity to learn. I don't mind that at all, considering why I am here in the first place.
"I passed His Lordship's test with flying colors. I'll do the same with you, Lady Aurier. Besides, I do have plans to visit Heimdallr during my travels here in Erebonia. This works out quite well.", I explained things from my end. "Don't go easy on me, alright? You are carrying the weight of the Vander School by initiating this test with me."
"I very well know the weight of what my words carry right now.", Lady Aurier said, looking back at me. "Draw your blade, Your Royal Highness. As the one they call the Stormwatcher, I shall be the one to test your might."
"Very well.", I said, matching Lady Aurier's resolve. I unsheathed Glistening Moonlight, taking the stance that my first teacher imparted me, the Sword Fox. "Then as the disciple of Liberl's feared Demon Commander and the Radiant Blademaster, I accept your challenge!"
"En garde!", Lady Aurier declared. With that, our duel began!