Little did I know at the time that both Renne and Sherryl suddenly decided to enroll at St. Astraia.
As for us, we all had a nice lunch at the Hyarms Estate, and had gotten acquainted with Fernand Hyarms, Patrick Hyarms, and Celestin. To my surprise, Favorability unlocked for both Patrick and Celestin, since they were present with us during most of lunch. Lord Hyarms paid us a visit during the latter half of it, but that wasn't enough to unlock Favorability. Perhaps another day. During this, Patrick was surprised to discover that not only was I Liberl's Crown Prince, but also a Duke within Erebonia. I could see a hint of gratitude in his eyes while we happily conversed with one another to talk about the current state of affairs.
With lunchtime ending, our next destination was set in stone.
The vermillion capital of Erebonia, Heimdallr!
Ever wonder why Cold Steel is named Cold Steel? At first glance it would be because its protagonist, Rean Schwarzer, uses a long metal blade called a tachi, or the fact Divine Knights are used, which are giant mechanoid sentient dolls. But nope, that isn't where the name Cold Steel comes from.
It comes from the many train tracks crisscrossing throughout Erebonia. Liberl is known for its airships, while Calvard will eventually be known for its orbal cars. In Erebonia, it's all about trains, and the cold, metal tracks underneath them!
Which in turn, is the most popular and most common way to travel in Erebonia. Yes, we could have taken an airship from Saint-Arkh to Heimdallr, but where's the fun in that? We stopped using the orbal car Mueller drove us in, and in return, we all bought first-class tickets on the next train bound for the capital. It only requires a couple hours. There are a couple of checkpoints along the way which allow people to further transfer if they want to, but we don't need to do that. Of course, Patrick and Celestin didn't go with us. They bid us farewell when we left the Estate.
Now, it was Emma, Fie, Mueller, Kurt and I. Our two familiars went out back on the highway to go exploring again. I don't need to worry about them. Plus, I decided to send AI KeA out in secret so she can continue recording data. Maybe one day I will introduce her to Emma and Fie, given the time. Considering it was a couple hour train ride, we enjoyed its first class service, and had an afternoon snack. The cold, metal tracks let out a constant clatter as we continued toward Heimdallr...
As we approached the capital, a different scene could be seen taking place from within it.
Heimdallr.
Valflame Palace.
The Chancellor's Office.
Presently, a couple of figures, dressed in the RMP's military uniform, could be seen giving a salute to what appeared to be a tall man dressed in a large black and stylish robe. Right now, he was calmly observing the outside that gave the man a full view of Dreichel's Plaza below. It has not been long since the RMP, or the Railway Military Police, was formed, but they've been in full force ever since. Their primary task is to secure the safety of Erebonia's railways, making sure the transcontinental railroad delivers its passengers without issue.
Before long, an icy, blue-haired woman knocked on the door.
"Come in.", The man responded.
"Thank you, Your Excellency.", The woman responded. In the games, this woman shouldn't be in the RMP right now, as she wouldn't join it until after graduating Thors Military Academy. But with the spinning threads of fate, she joined the RMP ahead of time, and in return, went on escort missions to ensure Naoto's safety. She was Captain Claire Rieveldt, who was now studying at Thors Military Academy as she continues her work as an officer.
Claire gave the man a salute. Nothing but respect could be seen in her eyes.
"Welcome, Claire. Thank you for making sure no harm came to my son during his adventure in North Ambria.", The man said, and turned around, only to greet Claire with a smile.
"It was of no issue, Your Excellency. That venture definitely opened my eyes to the bigger world. I did not think His Royal Highness would actively partake in the duties of a Jaeger. But it is one of the quickest ways to gain practical combat experience. I'm sure you've had your fair share too, since you were once General Osborne."
"Hahaha. Indeed, I was once feared throughout the entire Imperial Army. But a General I am no more", The man said, letting the icy, blue-haired woman remain in his gaze. The man's eyes were extremely sharp, acting as if he held countless years of experience underneath his belt. "Thank you for coming today, Claire. I take it your studies at Thors have been progressing well? Your first year has started, I believe? And here I thought you wouldn't have enough time in your schedule to pay me a visit."
"While I won't lie to say I've been busy, I can always make some time in my schedule to pay you a visit. My studies have been going well, so thank you for asking, Your Excellency. Me coming here isn't out of place. We've received an urgent report. One that warrants your attention. I figured it would be best that you hear it directly.", Claire explained.
"I see. Yet I fear your worries are for naught. It is about Liberl's Crown Prince, yes?", The man replied. He was, of course, Chancellor Osborne. The one and only Blood and Iron Chancellor.
And Naoto's Father.
"Haha.", Claire laughed. "Nothing ever gets by you now does it, Your Excellency? Hopefully by me coming here directly should ease your worries due to the the urgency of this report."
"I must say, your timing is impeccable. All within reason, of course.", Giliath responded with a nod.
"Yes. As you have likely anticipated, Liberl's Crown Prince is now en route to Heimdallr as we speak. I am not sure if you had a chance to read the report yet.", Claire responded. "And what's more, His Royal Highness is not alone."
"Oh?", Giliath asked, rubbing his chin a little with his hand, becoming more and more interested with each passing moment. He didn't immediately reply. Instead, he turned back around, and saw the full view of Dreichel's Plaza below him. "It would appear the fated time has not yet arrived. There is still time before the Trials are to be completed. Intent I do not know, at the very least, why don't you go and receive our guests?"
"Trials, Your Excellency?", Claire inquired.
"Yes. Before long, our capital will drown in vermillion splendor. The Infernal Castle is set to rise up once more for its bounty to be claimed.", Giliath explained while remaining cryptic.
"The Infernal Castle...", Claire murmured, unfamiliar with the term. "Though from the sounds of it, it looks like we won't be seeing war. At least not anytime soon.", Claire continued, quickly putting two-and-two together. She has enhanced cognition, very similar to Renne. Though Claire's was natural. It wasn't through external means like Gnosis. This allows her to see the bigger picture much easier than a normal person. Seeing Claire answer like this, Giliath smiled.
"Haha!", Giliath laughed. "We are in an undercurrent that cannot be stopped. I am quite curious where it will flow to."
Hearing that, Claire looked at Giliath's back.
"And you are suggesting His Royal Highness is at the center of this undercurrent?", Claire decided to ask.
"Mmm.", Giliath simply nodded. "Oh, and please do bring our guests directly here to Valflame Palace. It is time for a confrontation, even if it is not the destined time yet. I am sure His Royal Highness should have some words for His Imperial Majesty. I am sure Prince Olivert will be pleased to know that a friend is soon to arrive as well."
"I shall do so at once, Your Excellency. Shall I remain at his side once again, as I have done so in the past? Winter Break is soon to begin at Thors, so I will have some free time on my hands.", Claire suggested.
"We shall see. It all depends on my son's agenda. I do not know how long he will stay in the capital for.", Giliath responded.
"Understood. I will go to receive our guests when the time comes.", Claire said. "By your leave."
Giliath nodded at Claire's word, giving her a command to retrieve Naoto's group upon his arrival into Heimdallr. That way, with Claire coming all the way here, it wouldn't be considered a loss, since she's actively studying at Thors Military Academy. Sure, it wasn't a long distance away since Trista is literally Heimdallr's neighbor to the east. It was the first destination to head eastward. But she's still taking the time out of her busy schedule to come here.
Claire also found herself temporarily at a loss of what to do next seeing the report already fall into Giliath's hands. Thankfully Giliath issued a new command to her. It served both as an invitation and an escort to bring Naoto's group here to Valflame Palace! Seeing what she had to do next, Claire dismissed herself, and the couple of silent RMP officers beside her followed along, not daring to say a single word.
Just being in the presence of the one and only Blood and Iron Chancellor was enough for them. They didn't want to act out of turn.
Before long, Giliath found himself alone in his study once again. He spent a moment observing the people going about their daily routines outside in the plaza. The air turned solemn around him. It was then he started to speak.
"We may have had a brief union back in Crossbell City during the cult extermination, Naoto. With the passing of the next century at hand, and the inevitable rise of the Infernal Castle, I can't help but wonder what you look like now. It sounds like you are in the middle of training. Tell me, are you ready, my son?", Giliath pondered. His lips curved upward into a smile. "I feel it is only right for you to be invited here, since you will be making yourself at home, haha!"
After Giliath spent a moment laughing, he soon turned around, slowly wandering back where his desk was. Soon, Giliath let his eyes land on a particular area on it.
It was a single, framed photo. On it depicted a happy family and friends, and a much younger Giliath. Everyone was sharing a handful of laughs with one another as the photo was taken. It was the very same photo that Naoto holds dear before their villa got burned down.
Giliath eyes remained on a small violet-haired boy, standing next to him with a wide smile on his face...