"Before I forget, I wanted to talk about why I am here in Heimdallr to begin with.", I said, causing everyone to look at me again. Those around me have already reached for the five-star dishes to fill their bellies to the brim and began to make some idle chatter. Let me tell you, this meal was delicious as all hell. My compliments to the chefs!
Princess Alfin was still seated next to me. It looks like she managed to get her emotions under control during this little while. Now I could see them with anticipation, likely for what is to come next. The dance!
As I brought that up for discussion, Princess Alfin was the first to speak back to me.
"Now that I think about it, you aren't just here for tonight's events, are you, Naoto?", Princess Alfin asked. "When our two groups met up earlier, I did find it strange that you weren't alone. Even Brother Olivert here was surprised to see Mueller and Kurt tagging along with you. I'm guessing there's a reason for that."
"Indeed there is a reason as to why we came with Mueller and Kurt. You may even like it, Alfin. You see, this isn't just a daily visit, but that of a much longer one. Under the guidance of the Vanders, I shall be learning their swordsmanship for the period of the next three months. It won't just be me either. My friends who came with me will be with us too.", I explained. Hearing that, I saw Princess Alfin's eyes light up.
"So you'll be with us until late February or early March!?", Princess Alfin happily exclaimed.
"It piqued my interest as to why you came with Mueller, Prince Naoto. So that is what is going on behind the picture. Any particular reason why?", Prince Olivert asked me, also interested.
"Yeah. It's not like I need to hide it or anything. I've been learning swordsmanship since I was young. And up till now, I've received the guidance of several teachers, on top of being given a trial to pass back in Legram under the care of the Arseid School. His Lordship has already permitted me to come here to continue training my foundations. That was around three months ago, and now here I am in Heimdallr to continue the next part of my journey. I just did not think I would receive an invitation like this to Valflame Palace, haha!", I laughed, continuing to explain the reason why I came here.
"Relearning the way of the sword to further strengthen your own foundations. It is by no means an easy feat. You also remind me of someone who walked along that same path, learning multiple swordsmanship styles to carve her own identity. We Nobles are not foreign to such a concept. While I am naught but a beginner when it comes to handling a sword and much prefer to attack from a long range, Cedric here has been learning sword arts as of late.", Prince Olivert responded, giving his end of the stick. "And to think you even received acknowledgement from His Lordship in Legram..."
"What you say is true, Brother. I see the sword more as a form of art, rather than it being used in a practical manner. But I know how dangerous holding a sword can be. It is not an easy path to tread. It also offers a means of protection. If you are willing, I would not mind holding a spar or two against you, should time permit.", Prince Cedric's voice finally spoke out after remaining mostly quiet during the banquet. Even Princess Alfin was surprised to hear that.
"A spar or two between Naoto and Brother Cedric? That would definitely be something nice to see. Duels can also be used to strengthen the bond between two people too, regardless if they see each other as rivals. I'd love for you to use this as a chance to get to know Naoto better, Brother.", Princess Alfin said, smiling at Prince Cedric.
"A duel, hmm?", Emperor Eugent responded, raising his eyebrows at the suggestion. "I am not particularly against it. I have not seen many matches our son has held lately, so perhaps it may serve as a guiding light. What do you think, Chancellor? I may be so bold as to say we could finish tonight's dance by having our two Princes hold a battle."
"Now that is a fine suggestion, Your Imperial Majesty.", Chancellor Osborne said. "That very well can be an excellent way to round off the celebration of the next century. It would give the Imperial Chronicle another section to write about too."
"Haha.", Prince Cedric laughed, feeling more at ease. He was even looking at me now. "With that, I can agree with you Father, Chancellor. But some things cannot be rushed. After all, would it not hurt to see my dearest sister's first dance partner injured right after they share their dance?"
It was Prince Cedric's turn to grin. Now there's the snotty attitude I'm used to seeing in the games, but it's not on the level where Prince Cedric is unbearable. He's still a kid after all. He's the same age as Princess Alfin is, being ten years old this year. We were true when we said we shouldn't rush this engagement. Not until the time Cold Steel happens. There's still around five to six years for that to happen. By then, Princess Alfin will mingle with Class VII, and eventually debut in high society. And so will Prince Cedric.
And yet, if Princes Cedric is willing to have some spars with me, I could definitely use this as an opportunity to increase his Favorability. I don't think he particularly hates me or anything.
I didn't hate Prince Cedric for him saying that while having a grin on his face. I could tell he was cracking a joke here. And because of that, we all shared a round of laughter.
"Haha. We'll see if we have enough time to hold that duel later. The dance will still be the limelight tonight.", Emperor Eugent said, before looking back at me. "But seeing you come here with Mueller directly, I take it everything has been settled, Prince Naoto?"
"Yep. Just ask Mueller here.", I said with a nod.
'It is as His Royal Highness says, Your Imperial Majesty. Everything about His Royal Highness's swordsmanship training has been settled as stated. He will be under the care of the Vander Dojo for the next three months. Most of the itinerary has been ironed out, but a place of lodging has not been determined yet.", Mueller explained where our current circumstances are. Mine mostly, but what Mueller says is true. I've a training schedule and everything now.
It's just deciding where I will live next. For some reason, Musse grinned hearing that.
"Teehee, so you don't really know where to stay huh?", Musse teased. "You two are already addressing each other by first name, so why not just move into Valflame Palace~?"
"M-Move into the palace?", Princess Alfin responded. Her eyes turned wide as saucers.
"Musse...", Elise's voice from behind Musse spoke out, letting out a sigh. She then shook her head. I know Elise has been friends with Musse for a couple years now, but it looks like Musse already likes to pry into other people's love affairs. That was one of her defining characteristics in Cold Steel's story, despite the fact that Musse can play 4D Chess in her head. Seriously, I bet Musse is just as smart as Father is. She hides who she truly is. A freakish monster of a genius on the inside and a playful tease on the outside. You learn quite clearly that Musse wants to pursue Rean, but that love never reciprocates, unless you enjoy her bonding event. And even then, that isn't canon.
Rean doesn't actually end up with anyone, but now with me added into the picture, I may change that for the better. Imagine if Rean develops a harem of his own, just as I am right now? Haha! I don't mind Rean getting to know people like Alisa and Towa better, but Emma's taken. Sorry kid. It's quite clear that Emma likes me. It is only a matter of time till she joins the Royal Harem.
Musse does prove a point here though, even though she was teasing us. I do need to settle my housing situation. I do have the funds to live in a luxurious hotel during these three months, but would Princess Alfin like that?
"Would it be alright if Naoto stays with us during these three months, Lord Father?", Princess Alfin asked. Her initial surprise vanished, and now she had an expectant look in her eyes.
"Haha.", Emperor Eugent laughed. "With how things are now, it'd be rude to turn down such a request from my darling daughter. You are more than welcome to stay with us, Prince Naoto. I am sure Olivert would love the company as well."
"Oh what a blissful day it is. It is as though two long lost brothers who tread the path of romance have been reunited at last. How about I take you into my own private quarters later to have a heart-to-heart discussion~?", Prince Olivert teased with that smug grin on his face. Oh how I missed seeing that in the games. It doesn't help that he has been guzzling wine down his throat. How many glasses has he had so far?
"Hell to the no. Hard pass.", I immediately shot back. And yet, that earned another laugh from Prince Olivert.
"Well, we do have a lot of rooms available since we often host multiple guests when they come here. The palace is huge!", Princess Alfin happily said. "I can take you to a room that's ready and near mine."
"As much as I would like us to talk about His Royal Highness's living situation, we still have a dance to get to tonight, do we not?", Chancellor Osborne said, changing the topic back to the ball. His voice was deep, so that allowed us to hear him, despite all this ongoing chatter. That seemed to have doused it for the time being.
Hearing that, we all saw our eyes shift back to Emperor Eugent III. He then nodded his head.
"Indeed. As much as it is necessary to talk about these details, we still have the dance tonight. The banquet was quite fulfilling. Most of the Nobles should have finished arriving by now. In return for enjoying the dance tonight, we all have prepared some outfits for you all to enjoy.", Emperor Eugent said with all eyes on him now. "And the invitation is extended to your friends too, Prince Naoto. No matter what you all want to wear tonight, consider it a parting gift from us of the Imperial Family."
This time around, It was Fie who immediately frowned.
"...Are you telling me I have to wear a dress tonight?", Fie responded, frowning. Emma chuckled hearing that.
"Hehe, oh come on now. We cannot turn down the grace of His Imperial Majesty. We do not get many chances to attend a ball with Nobles. I'll help you get fitted into it.", Emma happily said.
"If you say so...", Fie said, sighing. It looks like she had already accepted her fate, haha! She's a Jaeger who is used to moving quickly around the battlefield, and wearing clothes like dresses only hinders her movement. Now this will be a sight to behold later. I can't wait!
"This is going to be fun.", A familiar voice spoke out, causing me to pause my train of thought.
Right...
There were these two, weren't there? They were all the way back in the banquet hall that I almost forgot about them. These two girls also arrived alongside Princess Alfin's group, and boy was it a shocker to see them dressed in St. Astraia's uniforms.
"Yeah...", A second familiar voice said, feeling slightly embarrassed by the thought of putting on a dress. She had stayed quiet during tonight's dinner. Every so often she would glance my way. Just like how it happened back in Grancel City when we took on that fourth Instance Dungeon, we are merely crossing paths again.
I do not know if this girl is ready to return at my side, or if she is still training alongside Zin. But seeing her in St. Astraia's uniform now, I'm under the impression her training has finished. Does she want to see what it's like to be a schoolgirl, now that she has a chance to do so? I'm all for it.
That's right, these two just so happen to be Renne and Sherryl!
Quite the unexpected encounter seeing these two hang out together of all people. Sherryl wasn't part of the canon storyline, she came from the gacha game that housed the Trailsverse, to which mostly explored Remiferia. While that may not be considered canon, I somehow encountered the Sky family. This is my life, so I'm bound to see some changes.
It looks like these two will get to enjoy the dance along with everyone else!