"Ding-Dong! We will soon be approaching our terminus for today's ride, Heimdallr. Please make sure your belongings are secure before departing the cabin. I repeat...", The voice of an intercom spoke in each cabin of the train we were currently riding on. The constant thud of the tracks beneath us echoed, but I could tell our speed was slowing down at a considerable pace.
Shortly after, the orbal train arrived at Central Station, at Platform Four. Once it came to a full stop, the doors of the several cabins automatically opened. During this, several travelers began getting off the train. From there, they would either take the local tram to go where they wanted to go, or to another platform to meet their connection.
From there, toward the front of the train where the first-class cabin resided, began to open. A few Nobles apart from Naoto's group exited, going about their daily lives. As they left, they became stunned seeing RMP officers neatly lined up, acting as if they were waiting for someone. That's because they were!
And amongst the officers just so happened to be Captain Claire, who was now dressed in the gray uniform of the RMP. She even had her cap on, appearing formal. The moment Claire spotted a violet-haired boy dressed in regal attire, his Phoenix Robe, she immediately saluted him. Not even a minute passed by.
"Welcome to Heimdallr, Your Royal Highness.", Claire said, greeting me. "It looks like you had a safe journey here."
Seeing a familiar face greet us, I couldn't help but grin.
"So they sent you to me after all. It is nice to see you again, Captain Claire.", I said, greeting Claire. "It looks like you have a lull in your studies to personally greet me like this."
"Yes. It has been over a year since we've last seen each other. It does me well to see you in good health.", Claire replied. She then spotted Emma and Fie. "It is nice to see you two again too. So you were the guests that were travelling with His Royal Highness."
"It's Claire.", Fie said. "'Sup?"
"Fie...", Emma sighed after seeing Fie so casually. "I'm sorry, Captain. Fie can be blunt at times, I'm sure you know that by now. It is nice to see you again. For the time being, we're all traveling with each other."
"Haha, it is no problem.", Claire responded. Her eyes then landed on the Vander siblings who were also with us. "Still, I did not think I would see you like this, Captain Vander. Let alone be with you."
"Well, some things have taken a turn. His Royal Highness is now under the care of the Vander School for these next three months. I took a temporary leave from the Imperial Army to bring my younger brother here, but Lady Aurier permitted entry for His Royal Highness as well.", Mueller explained. He didn't go into full detail, but he provided enough to Claire to paint a good picture of what went down back in Parm.
"So that was the reason for your visit to Heimdallr then.", Claire said. "You intend to improve your swordsmanship at the Vander School. You even heard the grace of Lady Vander."
"Yeah. For the time being, I will be staying in Heimdallr. For the next three months at least.", I said, assuring Claire's words with a nod of my head.
"Perhaps that will be for the best.", Claire nodded.
"Heh.", I chuckled. "Though I think you coming here yourself wasn't just out of goodwill now, was it? Captain Vander here should be more than enough of an escort, no?", I asked.
"Quick-witted as ever, Your Royal Highness. You would assume correctly. We have come here for a reason. Your friends who are with you are welcome to join us as well.", Claire began to say. "His Excellency has invited you all to Valflame Palace. If your belongings are secure we will immediately head to the palace and depart at once."
"P-Pardon?", I responded, becoming surprised by a sudden invitation. And by Father no less. That means he is here in the capital, and not on one of his excursions...
"So we're heading inside that giant crimson castle, huh? Neat?', Fie said, becoming interested. She said that, but her eyes remained mostly deadpan.
"Fie...", Emma uttered, and sighed again. She shook her head. Surely you must be used to Fie's antics by now, right, Emma? I inwardly laughed at this but didn't say anything.
Still, it is not like this is the first time Claire is meeting the two girls. It shouldn't even be time yet, but thanks to my existence the three have accompanied me back in North Ambria during that mission Rutger gave me. She was there to safeguard me, and also make sure Sara's adoptive father wouldn't perish to a stupid ploy at the hand of his own organization. During this, both Zephyr and the Red Constellation caught wind of this, making the battle even more spectacular than what it should have been. Plus, Colonel Valestein even walked away with his life still in-tact. He was supposed to die there. I didn't have to prepare any fancy resurrection incantation or anything either. It was the right place at the right time.
I also gained a new subordinate out of that event, Jayna Storm, who is now learning the ropes to eventually become my personal secretary. At the same time, I didn't know that Colonel Valestein managed to persuade Sara to fly the coop and go on the path that she eventually would walk on. The path of a Bracer. She even brought Lavian Winslet with her, in hopes to become a Bracer over a Jaeger as well. At this point, I don't even know if the Northern War will take place, the anime-exclusive story where the Northern Jaegers attempt to take control of North Ambria, only to have it annexed by Father. The latter is what ends up happening, and now that their military strength is reduced, he may even have an easier time to achieve that.
I have little interest in North Ambria. So sorry!
Instead, I am interested to see if I can meet up with Sara before Class VII is formed in four to five years' time. Things are going to catch up to me before I know it, so I have to make the best use of this remaining time to the fullest extent possible!
Wondering how things will go from here, Claire took a moment to observe Emma and Fie. We had changed out of our previous clothes. They were no longer in the white-style uniforms of Thors. They were wearing skirts now. Something which was a sight to behold. Fie was already uncomfortable wearing that stiff school uniform, and now seeing her uncomfortable wearing a skirt, it was quite funny to watch!
And yet, it was then Claire spotted the two smaller figures standing next to Emma and I. Claire raised her eyebrows.
"Meow.", Celine meowed.
"Kyuu~", Tamamo yipped, remaining ignorant.
"...Is that a cat and a fox?", Claire asked. I was even surprised, since these two went to go out and play along the highway as the train sped into Heimdallr. Guess they got bored and decided to meet back up with us, eh?
And now that I think about it, this is their first time meeting Claire, isn't it? They weren't with us when Claire backed us up in North Ambria. I couldn't help but laugh seeing Claire react like this.
"Haha.", I laughed. "The fox is Tama, and the cat is Celine. You can see them as our pets. They'll be joining us.", I continued, explaining. "Thankfully we don't have to head anywhere immediately. Considering His Excellency graciously invited us to Valflame Palace, would you care to join, Captain, Kurt?"
"That shouldn't be an issue. Father knows we will be arriving at the main branch, but we do not have a set time frame to do so. There is no reason to hurry.", Mueller responded. "Besides, it would not sit well if we reject a personal invitation from His Excellency. We should head there right away."
"I do not have one either. Brother has taken me inside of Valflame Palace on occasion, which allowed me to meet His Imperial Highness and his younger siblings. But this will be my first time visiting the palace in a while. I am curious to see what has changed.", Kurt nodded, becoming interested.
"Very well.", Claire nodded. "It sounds like there are no pressing matters. His Excellency is rather a busy man, and with the deployment of the railway cannons at Garrelia Fortress, he can only spare so much time right now. If you all have nothing else, then let us make haste. A ride has been prepared."
With that said, the officers with Claire saluted us, and we were soon guided out of central Station. Valflame Palace, here we come!
It has been over a decade since I was last invited to this place. Let's see what all has changed, shall we?