December S1199.
The Hyarms Estate. The Lord's study.
Shortly before noon.
A golden, brown-haired man dressed in regal attire calmly observed a violet-haired boy who he hasn't seen in several years.
"You really are the boy General Osborne brought with him ten years ago during the signing of His Imperial Majesty...", Lord Hyarms voice spoke, appearing firm. At the same time, he sloshed around his wine glass, twirling it back and forth for a good moment. That didn't bother me one bit. A smile remained on my lips, waiting for Lord Hyarms to continue. He did so after pausing his wine glass. "And after a certain amount of undisclosed series of events, you made your return, only to assume your identity as heir apparent to Liberl's Throne? Did I hear that right?"
"That pretty much sums up my life's story, yeah.", I answered, remaining honest. I'm in front of one of the Lords of the Great Houses. It would not serve me well if I were to lie about what happened to me. I'm just leaving out the parts of what happened during the DG Cult. The man before me was a bonafide Noble, and his image certainly played the part. Hair thick and golden-brown. He was wearing a stylish jacket with dark green trousers. He even had one of those corsages accompanied by a white shirt.
For the man before me was none other than the Lord who ruled over the Sutherland Province. Fernand Hyarms, father of Patrick Hyarms. Amongst the Great Houses, in my opinion, Fernand has the most easygoing and enjoyable personality to be around. But he knows how to be stern when he needs to be. After all, he's a father of four. He's quite strict with his four sons. It isn't just Patrick who is a Hyarms. He's almost the exact opposite to someone like Duke Cayenne, one of the most pompous Nobles in all of Erebonia. I think I can get along quite well with this guy due to his easy going attitude.
I say that, but the look of disbelief remained in Fernand's eyes. He came to stop drinking the wine in his glass altogether. He just looked back at me. I could even smell roasted meat wafting from the entrance to The Lord's study. It was almost time to have lunch with the rest.
"You really expect me to believe such an incredulous story?", Lord Hyarms asked me, still doubtful.
"Believe what you will, Lord Hyarms. Having Captain Vander at my side should be proof enough. He was also present alongside His Imperial Highness during His Majesty's coronation. Isn't that right, Mueller?", I asked as a smile remained on my face while Fernand showed the opposite, a frown. That's right, it wasn't just Lord Hyarms and I in this room.
Mueller could be seen right beside me. He simply shook his head. Not in denial, but that of an exasperated look, as if he too was coming to terms with everything that has happened thus far.
"Trust me Lord Hyarms, even I am still having a hard time accepting what had taken place since His Imperial Majesty took the throne. Prince Olivert does exchange letters with His Excellency here quite frequently. It matters little to him what identity he holds. I think I understand most of it, but it is still quite unbelievable.", Mueller responded, shaking his head.
"I guess that is where we will start with.", Lord Hyarms said. "Due to the rank I presently hold as Lord of the Sutherland Province, I am privy to some information that is inaccessible to the rest of our people. That includes the status of the then General Osborne, who has recently resigned from his position, only to take up the seat of the Imperial Chancellor in Valflame Palace. I do recall times where His Excellency fancied a woman outside of his home in Trista, but to think it would involve Liberl's Royal Family. I am not one to judge, but the outcome is clear as day. From there, you came into the picture."
"You've painted the picture well, Lord Hyarms. I am not one to take sides either. I have long since accepted the position I am now in. In the future, I will ascend Liberl's throne. But for the time being I am here as Duke Phoenix, heir to the long-lost Phoenix House. I also will not question why Father fancied Mother, considering Mother passed away during childbirth. At the very least, it sounds like you've come to terms with it.", I said, explaining my end.
"I mean, is there much else we can do at this point? His Imperial Majesty already gave you his blessing by reforming the Great Houses. Though, it's been swept under the rug as of late. I think you not taking an interest in our country's territories is playing a major factor into that. I am pretty sure the rest of the Great Houses know of your existence, at least. Considering you were present at His Imperial Majesty's coronation and all. I still can't believe you're that little boy from back then...", Lord Hyarms responded, and took a moment to reminisce the memories of what took place a decade ago.
"Right? I've come quite far, don't you think, Lord Hyarms? As to why I'm here, it is to extend my greetings and hopefully to foster friendly relations with a like minded individual, and as a fellow member of the lustrous Great Houses.", I began to say. "And well, there's a little plan I've been formulating. I am quite curious to see how Erebonia's two Dukedoms will react to it. As long as you don't directly interfere as House Hyarms, it should be relatively safe."
"That...doesn't sound good.", Lord Hyarms said, only to take a sip of his wine. Even Mueller raised his eyebrows. I bet he didn't expect me to say that either.
"You really are going to attempt something, Your Excellency? Coming from you, and knowing your connection with Prince Olivert, I don't think I can turn a blind eye to this. Just you being here in Erebonia is pushing it.", Mueller responded.
"Hahaha.", I replied, laughing. "Don't be like that, Mueller. I'll properly explain it, alright?"
"Well, I would be lying to say I wasn't interested in the matter. There's still a few minutes till lunch so let's hear it. What do you intend to do, Your Excellency?", Lord Hyarms asked, becoming interested.
"Then I will be blunt. It is only a couple years out until the two of us debut in high society. It's going to cause a ripple that cannot be stopped.", I explained. "You know the sole daughter of Marquis Rogner, correct?"
"Of course I know of Lady Rogner. She is quite notorious within the circle of the Great Houses. There isn't anyone who doesn't know of...the personality she has. Even those outside the Great Houses don't dare approach her. She has ruined quite a number of relationships from what I've heard.", Lord Hyarms answered. A cold drip of sweat dripped down his back. "Don't tell me, do you have some grudge against Lady Rogner too?"
"Hahaha.", I laughed, causing Lord Hyarms to raise his eyebrows at me. I bet he expected a different answer. "While I won't deny what has happened in the past, on the contrary. It looks like you haven't caught wind of Lady Rogner's recent developments."
"Recent developments?", Lord Hyarms questioned. "Well, apart from knowing that Lady Rogner is currently exploring Liberl to her hearts' content, and that she somehow has the blessing of that hard-headed father of his, Marquis Rogner, not much has been said as of late...", Lord Hyarms continued, before letting it dawn on him. I saw his pupils focus on me. "Don't tell me, you had some play in that?"
"You could say that. Perhaps you've received a message of what has taken place back at Grancel Castle. The rumor of me creating a Royal Harem is no mere rumor. It is very real.", I began to explain. "And Lady Rogner just so happens to be in a relationship with me. Only a select few individuals know of our status. Many don't know she's in the Royal Harem."
"W-WHAT!?", Mueller exclaimed, becoming shocked once again. "Even I know of Lady Rogner. Is what you say really true?"
"Likewise. This is truly hard to believe, Your Excellency. Has that unruly child finally come to her senses? She really is seeing a boy? Not a girl?", Lord Hyarms asked, also shocked to his core.
"It's the truth. Lady Rogner and I are currently seeing each other. And therein lies the current. I don't need to put two-and-two together to know what is going to happen from this, right?", I asked. My eyes turned serious. After Lord Hyarms' shock subsided, it didn't take long to understand what I was referring to.
"You plan to merge the Great Houses?", Lord Hyarms asked me.
"We're only setting the scene with what Lady Rogner and I want to do. If it ends up doing that, then so be it. You're amongst the more respected of the Great Houses, so I am taking this moment to inform you that a wave will soon strike the country. We do not know when.", I said, gently shaking my head.
"I see...", Lord Hyarms uttered. "At the very least, thank you for informing me of this matter, Your Excellency. The last time the Great Houses came together was when Emperor Dreichels rallied them to his side to take the throne during the War of the Lions. I fear we may be in for some turbulence in the time to come. The curse that rests beneath this land is far too great for it to be suddenly wiped away."
"Mmm.", I happily said. "As long as you are in agreement, then I have nothing else to say on the matter."
"Very well.", Lord Hyarms replied, nodding at my words. "Then let us put this matter aside for the time being. Once again, I am grateful for having you notify me ahead of time for the current to come."
"You are most certainly welcome."
"Haha.", Lord Hyarms laughed. "Still, it is hard to believe you are that same boy from His Imperial Majesty's coronation. You've grown up splendidly, Your Excellency. Is it alright if I continue addressing you as such? I feel it is fitting, considering our current positions."
"If it pleases you, then you may continue doing so. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to entertain us, even if it is just for a day. Hopefully the friends I've brought along aren't giving you too much of a hassle.", I said, smiling.
"Nonsense. Any friend of Your Excellency's is a friend of ours. Today is a free day I have to spend, haha!", Lord Hyarms laughed. "Now that we're speaking of friends, shall I introduce you to my son?", Lord Hyarms said, clapping his hands. That gave a signal to a maid beyond the closed door. After some sounds of shuffling feet, we heard the door crack open.
"Did you call for me, father?", A voice spoke out, revealing what appeared to be a thirteen year old boy with orange-blonde hair. The same age as me. A look of respect could be seen in his eyes. This was Patrick Hyarms, the youngest son of House Hyarms.
"I was informed of your meeting with Father before this. I find it hard to believe you are Liberl's Crown Prince.", Patrick said, greeting me. But his tone remained polite. "Nonetheless it is a pleasure to meet you, Your Royal Highness. I am Patrick Hyarms."
"A pleasure, Patrick. But we aren't using my title of Crown Prince here. If you desire so, you may address me as "Your Excellency". Lord Hyarms has already agreed to this.", I explained.
"Eh?", Patrick responded, becoming surprised. "Your Excellency...but that is..."
"It's as His Excellency says, Patrick. Our rank is beneath him. Do your best to keep that in check, alright?", Lord Hyarms asked. "Who you see before you is Duke Phoenix. While he may not have any territory to call his own, he is of the same rank as Duke Albarea and Duke Cayenne are. We chatted for a bit to talk about some current events. You can rest assured he's in good hands.", Lord Hyarms continued. "In fact, with the unique situation His Excellency is placed in, he's the same age you are. Why don't you use this time to become better acquainted?"
"Are you sure that is a good idea, My Lord?", Mueller asked.
"I don't see a problem with it. It's always good to foster a collaborative relationship between two Great Houses. If what you really say is true Your Excellency, then this is just the beginning. Even I don't know what is to come next.", Lord Hyarms said, smiling back at me. Such an agreeable man. This is exactly why I don't mind becoming more friendly with him, among the other Great Houses.
"Well, if you think it is fine Father, then I do not see a reason to deny such a request.", Patrick said. "It sounds like you are staying for lunch today, Your Excellency. It is almost time for the meal to be served. If there isn't anything else, why don't we make our way to the dining room? It sounds like you've brought some friends along too."
"I did.", I replied with a nod. "But before that, you needn't address me so formally, Patrick. Just call me Naoto."
"That...", Patrick didn't immediately reply.
"Do it as he requests, Patrick. His Excellency has little interest in how he is addressed. I am doing so as the Lord of the Sutherland Province.", Lord Hyarms responded before I could. Way to go~
"Well...alright. Shall we head to the dining room then, Naoto?", Patrick asked me.
"Yeah. Let's go. You too Mueller.", I said, grinning at Mueller.
"It's not like I have a choice in the matter, do I?", Mueller responded, and sighed.
"Nope~", I said.
"Haha. Don't push my son too hard now. Off you go. If you have anything else to talk about, we can do so later. I still have a little business to wrap up, so it'll be a bit before I can join you all for lunch.", Lord Hyarms said.
Hearing that, we nodded our heads, then left The Lord's study. Lord Hyarms was left alone. He soon entered his thoughts.
"Duke Phoenix...A long-lost family who holds the unique Skill, Vermillion Eyes. This can't be a coincidence...Is war on the horizon?", Lord Hyarms uttered. He wondered how the future will hold up from here on. He then looked down at the stack of papers still on his desk, and sighed.
A long day still remained before him.
As Lord Hyarms remained in his study, we all wandered toward the dining room. Patrick took this time to introduce himself to Emma and Fie. Perhaps it was because Emma and Fie were still wearing the white-styled uniform that he didn't have any scorn in his eyes whatsoever. Instead, he was actually happy becoming friends with us, even if it was just for a day. We all passed the time, having a nice lunch. Thankfully Emma reminded Fie that we were within one of the Great Houses, and showed enough etiquette where it wasn't questionable.
It's not like we were in a rush or anything either. We all enjoyed a nice lunch at the Hyarms Estate!