"Damn, this place is a lot fancier than the place we stayed back in Legram. The difference is night and day.", Fie said, letting out a whistle. Five figures, a silvery-white fox, and a black cat could now be seen standing in front of the Hyarms Estate.
"Hahaha.", I said, standing next to Fie. "There's a very simple reason for that, Fie. What stands before you is the residence of one of the Great Houses. This is as fancy as you can get here in Erebonia. The Great Houses stand at the very top of the circles of Nobles. The only people above them are the Imperial Family."
"You really don't have a filter, do you?", Mueller said, standing to one side with Kurt beside him. "And who did you say you were again?"
"Me? I'm Fie Claussell. Knowing you, you might know my dad. He's quite well known around here. Especially in Western Erebonia. We're practically in his backyard.", Fie said, introducing herself to Mueller and Kurt.
"Your dad?", Mueller asked, raising an eyebrow. "Now that you mention it, the name Claussell does sound familiar...I just can't quite put my finger on it."
"I don't think I recognize the name either.", Kurt responded, shaking his head. "Besides, what's with this getup, Your Royal Highness? The crest on your back, I don't think I recognize it. Are you not going to introduce yourself as an emissary from Liberl?"
"Nah. That'd be too messy. I don't want to attract too many eyes while I'm here in Erebonia.", I said, scratching my cheek. "Besides, I think this is much more appropriate. Lady Arseid came to learn of my background during my stay in Legram, so no doubt will you learn of it too, Kurt."
"It is as His Royal Highness says, Kurt. Though if we're talking of technicalities, then addressing you as Your Excellency would fit better in this situation.", Mueller responded with an agreeing nod.
"Your...Excellency?", Kurt uttered. "You did mention that when you first greeted His Royal Highness, Brother. Does that mean you possess another identity? One more suited for the Nobles here in Erebonia?"
"Heh. You got a keen eye, Kurt.", I said. "Putting Fie's dad aside, I sure do have another identity. In fact, if I really wanted to strut my name around and flaunt it at others, then others would think twice to fight back against me. I hold the highest rank here. If I really wanted to, I could send an order to Marquis Hyarms here, and he wouldn't be able to do anything about it."
"E-Eh?", Kurt replied, becoming shocked. It was then we all heard the sound of clapping reach our ears. A couple of Nobles passing by watched on with interest, wondering who we were. I had changed my attire for this moment, considering we were about to greet one of the Great Houses. I had to dress the part, right? From their point of view, they all saw a violet-haired boy clad in a purple-white dress attire befitting that of a noble. Imagine the outfit Jusis wears once he takes on his identity as an Albarea, but a different color palette. Emma and Fie still wore their military student uniforms.
We all paid the onlookers no mind, as we were here on our own business. We were now at the Hyarms Estate!
I had not met this man in years. He was not present amongst the Generals who were within the orbal car alongside Crown Prince Olivert when Father took me to Emperor Eugent's crowning ceremony. While he was not present inside the car ride back then, he was present at the ceremony. We met briefly, since that was when the Great Houses stopped being the Four Great Houses, only to rise back up as the Five Great Houses. It was when I took up the name "Phoenix", though I haven't used it much then. That's because I decided to take up my other identity instead, "Auslese".
Because of that, I do not have any territory to call my own here in Erebonia. I do have the Lakeside Villa my late mother passed down to me as part of her inheritance, but that is all, as far as territory goes. I don't have much interest in trying to take someone else's land. I'm not Father, haha!
The Sutherland Province is quite large. As I said, the Lord here is with the Great Houses. It stretches all the way south to the border that crosses into Liberl, all the way southwest. Beyond this was the Lamare Province, which was ruled by House Cayenne. As long as one didn't tread into their territory, one would be under the rule of Marquis Hyarms. The Sutherland Province's closest neighbor was the direction that we had just come from, the Arseid Viscounty. Legram.
From here, we would eventually reach Heimdallr. It only made sense to pay my respects to the Lord of the Sutherland Province, right? And there was no better identity to do so than to don the Phoenix name, and introduce myself as Duke Phoenix. Thankfully, Lady Aurier was gracious enough to pass along a message to Marquis Hyarms ahead of time so we could do this at all. At the same time, it was possible that one of his sons might be present.
He might sound familiar, since he was one of the minor annoyances in Cold Steel's first half of its story before he grew out of his shell and became one of Rean's friends. Patrick Hyarms!
I am not sure if I will meet Patrick today, but it looks like I'll be able to meet the famous butler of the Hyarms Estate. We soon saw him come out from inside the mansion, clapping his hands along the way.
"That was well spoken, Your Excellency. It brings me great tidings and joy to bless us with your presence today. Lord Hyarms has already been notified of your incoming arrival, and I am here to guide you inside, along with your friends.", The light blue-haired butler said, keeping a polite smile on his face. Once he was within distance of us, he greeted us with a bow. "And it is good to see you in good health too, Captain Vander. Please send my regards to Lady Vander."
"Will do. It is likewise nice to see you again, Celestin. We hope we aren't intruding.", Mueller responded. "I have also brought my younger brother along, as it is finally time to let him continue his training at the main branch in Heimdallr. Celestin, this is Kurt."
"It is a pleasure to meet you.", Kurt said. "I'm Kurt Vander. Please send Marquis Hyarms my regards."
"With pleasure.", The butler said. "Oh, and where are my manners?", The butler continued, looking back our way. "You all may call me Celestin. If you haven't decided where to have lunch yet, we all prepared a meal for your enjoyment once His Excellency the Duke has finished speaking with My Lord."
"Sweet. It's just one free meal after another, isn't it? You Nobles sure know how to live life.", Fie responded, acting nonchalant as always.
"F-Fie!", Emma quickly said, appearing apologetic. "I'm sorry about Fie's comment just now. She can be quite blunt at times."
"Haha. It is of no concern. Any friend of Duke Phoenix is a friend of ours.", Celestin replied, shrugging it off.
"I'm...sorry, did you just say "Duke" right now? Who?", Kurt asked, still unsure who it was that Celestin was referring to. Hearing that, a grin appeared on my face as I looked toward Kurt.
"Ding-ding-ding~", I teased. "Oh it's so going to be fun telling you all about this later. The Title I hold just so happens to be Duke Phoenix. Once again, it is a pleasure to meet you, Kurt."
"W-What...?", Kurt replied. This time his eyes turn wide as saucers, becoming even more surprised than what had previously happened in Parm. "And you're telling me you knew all about this, Brother?"
"Unfortunately.", Mueller responded, and sighed. "And well, His Imperial Highness happened to rub off on His Excellency just a tad bit too much. It's a confidential matter, so I cannot reveal too much."
"I see...", Kurt said, taking another glance at me. I could see a mixture of emotion in his eyes. Nothing bad, though. Perhaps he even holds me more in respect?
"It is as Captain Vander says. While I was not present during the signing of His Imperial Majesty, My Lord often spoke of you. You were such a little boy back then, you have grown up splendidly, Your Excellency.", Celestin said, praising me. "I am sure My Lord will be most pleased to see how well you have grown over the years. As I have stated, he is expecting you. Without further delay, let us head inside. I will have the others taken to the reception hall until lunch is ready."
"Works for me. I could use another nap anyways.", Fie said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Fie...", Emma uttered, and sighed. Not like she could do much about it anyway. We were all under Marquis Hyarms care now. At least for the time being, I hope this can bolster a little bit of a relationship with one of the Great Houses. Marquis Hyarms is a nice man to be around. With what Angelica and I have planned in the coming future, it wouldn't sit well if he got swept up in the chaos. I should likely notify him ahead of time, just as I have done with Lord Arseid.
Regardless, we couldn't sit around outside all day. Celestin was always prompt and on time, so he did what he was supposed to do, and began guiding us inside. It was time to meet Marquis Hyarms!