Near the same time Naoto's group entered a private orbal car that Captain Claire brought along to Central Station so they could be guided to Valflame Palace, some activity could be seen elsewhere in Heimdallr.
Presently, a couple of figures stood in what appeared to be a long, golden bridge that led to a very large and breathtaking crimson castle that overlooked the rest of the capital. The castle was, of course, Valflame Palace, standing proudly as the decades and centuries of years have passed. It was erected after the destruction of the Dark Dragon during the Dark Ages. It is one of the capital's oldest buildings not only in Heimdallr, but in all of Erebonia. Its current occupants are none other than Erebonia's Imperial Family, the Arnor Family. It is also used by the Imperial Diet to carry out their governmental duties.
As for the bridge itself, it was surrounded by crystal clear water that was obviously being maintained. A couple of palace guards stood beyond the bridge closer toward the palace. Right now, they had a dazed look in their eyes. They couldn't believe what was being played out in front of their own eyes. The figures standing before them appeared somewhat illusory. Their entire person was bending in and out of existence against the reflection of the sun. That was because of the second person's ability. During this, the first person couldn't help but look at the second person as they were getting a good look at Valflame Palace.
"I think I'm getting a little bit of deja vu. Tell me why you're here of all places after we sent off Sherryl and Renne?", The first person spoke, who was a tall man. He looked down at the green-haired boy
"I could say the same thing to you, Immovable. Pray tell me, why did you come here?", The green-haired boy said with a playful smirk on his face.
"You told me to follow you, you bastard!", The man exclaimed, looking annoyed now.
"You could have turned me down, you know. I guess this is where we say curiosity killed the cat, hmm?", The boy replied, still grinning. Of course, he was Campanella, and the other man was Zin.
"Oh sure, any sane person would just happen to walk up and head on inside Valflame Palace without a care in the world doing Aidios knows what. You gave me little room to refuse such an offer.", Zin said. "While you did say you were up to no funny business, I can't trust any of you snakes. You're definitely up to no good by coming here."
"Oh dear, you really have that little trust in a backstage performer like me? Granted, I am far from being called normal, but if you want assurance, I really am not here on this "funny" business, as you have stated, Immovable.", Campanella explained. "After all, I was the one who received an invitation. Not the other way around."
"...Oi, seriously?", Zin replied, becoming surprised to hear that. "Someone actually invited you here?"
"Indeed he was.", A powerful voice spoke out from within the halls of Valflame Palace. It didn't take long for its giant doors to open. "And I do appreciate you responding to the invitation I have sent out."
It was then Zin and Campanella saw a tall man approach the two from inside Valflame Palace. He was fully dressed in a sleek, long black formal robe. A single strand of aged, white hair streaked down the left side of his face, showing just how old this man had become. He was approaching fifty years of age. Despite that, he was walking down this bridge, eyes full of confidence, and experience. Each step he took carried weight to this. This man was, of course, the Blood and iron Chancellor, Giliath Osborne. He had stepped down from his study after commanding Captain Claire to pick up Naoto, only to retrieve some guests of his own.
Zin's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as he attempted to remain calm. His eyes glanced back at Campanella, who remained courteous. He even did what he usually does. Campanella greeted Chancellor Osborne with a bow.
"The Chancellor actually invited you?", Zin asked, still in disbelief.
"You got that right. It is an invitation I can't really refuse now, can I?", Campanella grinned while remaining polite. "Though pray tell, Your Excellency, this exactly isn't our first time meeting now, is it?"
"You may have misremembered the past, my dear guest. I do believe this is our first time meeting each other.", Chancellor Osborne said, dodging Campanella's question. "Still, I did not think you would bring a second guest with you. And a Bracer no less.", Giliath continued, becoming interested as he took a moment to observe Zin. "Either way, I welcome you nonetheless, Mr. A-Rank Bracer, Zin the Immovable."
"You know of me?", Zin replied. "And like I was telling this guy, this was practically forced on me. If he's in town, I'm making sure things don't go sideways.", Zin continued, shrugging his shoulders. His initial shock vanished, and he soon sighed after.
"Haha.", Campanella laughed. "To that point, it would seem we have had some common ground as of late. Business mostly. And that is mostly wrapped up by this point, apart from checking one single matter inside the palace. I dare say you might have some involvement in that, Your Excellency.", Campanella explained. Chancellor Osborne nodded his head.
"I do. You are here to check the current progress of the Vermillion Trials. Thankfully, there is still some time for its proving grounds to be challenged, so you came at a good time. It's time draws near. And this should include you as well, Zin. You were extended an olive branch, correct?", Chancellor Osborne asked.
"Why am I not surprised you know about that?", Zin sighed. "I was, yes. As unfortunate as it is to be in the same group as this clown, I will be participating in these so-called Vermillion Trials, even though I don't exactly know what it all entails. Sounds like it has quite the history to this place. I am quite curious.", Zin continued, nodding in agreement.
"Oh?", Campanella responded, becoming interested. "Now this is something I wasn't expecting to hear. I was not aware an entire group could participate in these Trials. If that really is the case, this changes things."
"Haha.", Chancellor Osborne said, looking at Campanella. "I am sorry to burst your bubble, but I am afraid every slot has been filled. It sounds like we have a lot to address. Still, I did not think an A-Rank Bracer such as yourself would be so versed in olden folklore."
Hearing that, Zin realized he was being played.
"Me and my big fat mouth...", Zin uttered, and sighed.
"Haha!", Chancellor Osborne laughed a second time, even louder. "Don't be like that. I do not have anything against you. Should you want to inquire about what lurks beneath this place, then you are more than welcome to join the two of us, as I have stated. Let's not tarry any longer. It won't just be us tonight. It'll be a feast for all to enjoy!"
"A feast...?", Zin uttered again, only to glance back at Campanella. "With this clown?"
"Sure. Why not?", Campanella agreed, deciding to go with the flow.
At this time, Ouroboros and Chancellor Osborne were not quite yet cooperating with one another. They would by the time Sky the 3rd takes place where players get to see Chancellor Osborne appear for the first time. In the shadows, he reaches out to Ouroboros, in an attempt to work with each other, only for Chancellor Osborne to play 4d chess, and steal the Phantasmal Blaze Plan from right underneath their noses. One would see this to fruition at the height of Cold Steel III when Chancellor Osborne reveals himself as Ishmelga's very own pilot, becoming one of the pieces of the to-be Rivalries.
Besides that, unbeknownst to many, a single, deep secret was held within Valflame Palace, spanning hundreds of meters into the ground. This place wouldn't shed any light until Cold Steel II with Duke Cayenne making it his home base to resurrect the Infernal Castle. It was kept secret to only the top brass of the Imperial Diet, the Great Houses, and the Imperial Family. In fact, the body of the Divine Knight, Testa-Rossa, was actively being held here in the depths of Valflame Palace! His true body!
But now with Naoto's existence, this adds another variable. He intends to take Testa-Rossa for himself and leave Duke Cayenne in the dust!
Naoto has every right to do so as well. He holds both Arnor blood, and Auslese blood. Only with the Arnor blood could one pilot Testa-Rossa. Most members of House Phoenix perished during the War of the Lions, but this bloodline was carried on in complete secrecy, and this allows Naoto to take on the Vermillion Trials. He isn't some half-wit like Duke Cayenne is, who constantly blabbers on about a false reality. Duke Cayenne thinks Testa-Rossa rightly belongs to him, even though he is not of Arnor blood. That's why he forces Prince Cedric to awaken him during the finale of Cold Steel II.
Now, though...
It wouldn't be until Naoto is ready to take on the Vermillion Trials, resting right beneath the statue of Emperor Dreichel's in Dreichel's Plaza. In likely a couple years time, the capital is going to get chaotic! Many preparations are still to be had.
Hence why Chancellor Osborne is here, sending out invitations to several, particular individuals. Just to make sure the Vermillion Trials are still on track.
It was then Zin caught on to what Chancellor Osborne just said a moment ago. His eyes turned serious.
"Wait, now that I think about it, what is this about "other guests"?", Zin asked.
"You will meet them soon enough.", Chancellor Osborne answered. "Come along now, it would seem we have MUCH to discuss."
"After you.", Campanella teased, looking at Zin again.
Zin simply sighed seeing Campanella do this, only to start walking behind Chancellor Osborne, and was soon guided into Valflame Palace while disregarding the stunned looks of the couple of palace soldiers. At the same time, they felt cold sweat drip down their backs. If they dared talk back now, they would be in a world of hurt tomorrow...
The Blood and Iron Chancellor is not a man to be underestimated by any means.