"Well, well. This is not a sight I was expecting to see here tonight.", A woman's voice echoed through a rather breathtaking chamber. As the woman observed the chamber before her, she was swept with a sense of serenity. Any lingering doubt or uneasiness was washed away, making her quite calm. It was as if she had entered a meditation room, but one that was filled with water.
Right now, a constant sound of water splashed back and forth from high above. Large streams of water poured down into several waterways that spread throughout the entire chamber. If one had to compare this room to what Naoto had seen in his previous life, it would be akin to that of a hanging harden. On top of the many waterways, several plants, shrubs and trees could be seen planted, which strengthened the ambiance.
Thanks to the room's design and the water's reflection, the chamber casted an aquatic, blue aura around the several elevated platforms.
This was the Esmelas Garden!
This place was one of the most, if not the most enchanting room that Valflame Palace has to offer. It cost millions upon millions of Mira to construct it and the end result is phenomenal. It also serves as the primary gathering spot when the Imperial Family decides to host events, such as tonight's ball, for all Nobles alike. To the Imperial Family, this was just another day for them. But from an outsider's perspective, this was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
And to make it even more monumental, it was not only the coming of the new year, but the coming of the next century. The start of S1200 is where the Trails plot really begins to pick up. To top Esmelas Garden off was a wide-panel window stretching across one side of it, allowing one to view the outside. As it was presently snowing, it steadily fell down, making it overall a serene view.
The woman didn't appear to be alone. A man soon approached her, and called out.
"I could say the same thing to you. I did not think the Demon of Thors would be in attendance for tonight's dance, let alone be here in such a grandiose event. I thought you were gone for good. They say you just up and vanished these last couple of years, I can't help but wonder what you've been up to. Even the Imperial Army hasn't been able to track your movements as of late before you resurfaced.", The man said, only to approach her afterward.
"Likewise. I am not surprised to see you here tonight, knowing you, Sir Rufus. But are you fine being here tonight? I thought House Albarea was currently experiencing some infighting amongst yourselves, enough to not give a damn as to what happens elsewhere.", The woman said, who was, of course, Aurelia Le Guin. As for the man who approached her, he is Rufus Albarea!
"Oh that?", Rufus said, and chuckled. "That is merely some petty squabble. Nothing more than an idiotic father trying to discipline his child. It is nothing new. It is not like he is denying us entry if we want to socialize with other Nobles, or that we are under house arrest or anything. I am here to celebrate the new year, as everyone else is."
Rufus didn't appear alone either. A much younger version of Rufus could be seen with him, which made Aurelia even more curious. The boy just watched on with a mixture of emotion in his eyes.
"...You truly are the Demon of Thors?", The boy asked, taking a moment to observe the calm and collected silver-haired woman in front of him. Who else could he be but Jusis Albarea? "I heard that name in passing back at our home. Is she someone you know, Brother?"
"I do believe this is our first time meeting each other in person, is it not?", Rufus asked.
"You would be correct on that, Sir Rufus. While we are part of two different Provinces, your standing is still higher than mine. I do apologize if my words just now have offended you in some way.", Aurelia responded, and smiled.
"Haha.", Rufus laughed. "Your personality is as they say it is. Direct to the point. I like that. I personally have not paid a visit to the Le Guin Estate yet. Perhaps I should put it on my itinerary. Your family has been mostly quiet in the bigger picture of things as of late.", Rufus mused.
Rufus was quite keen with the flow of information, considering he's part of the secret Intelligence Division and is one of the Ironbloods and all. Ever since Aurelia parted from Grancel City after Queen Alicia's birthday celebration ended, Aurelia, she hasn't been seen since. Just like how Rufus put it, it was as if she vanished off the face of the continent.
Hearing Rufus say that, Aurelia's smile remained on her face. In one of her hands was a wine glass that still had some aged red wine in it. She took a moment to take a sip of it before responding.
"It is nothing super important. I've just been in a rather secluded village as of late. You'd be surprised with how much our own country has to offer, Sir Rufus.", Aurelia explained as she enjoyed some wine. "I doubt even someone of your caliber will be unable to find it."
"Oh?", Rufus replied, becoming interested. "A village of mysterious origin? Was it so far out of place where even our means of communication can't reach it?"
"Haha.", Aurelia laughed. "That is a simple way of putting it, yes. Only certain means of communication are allowed in the village I stayed in. Because of that, I've been out of sight. Key word, 'was'. My business there has concluded for the time being, and now I found some free time on my hands. I'm here to celebrate the coming of the next century, just like everyone else is."
As for the village in reference, it was none other than Eryn Village. She has been training there in secret while both Vita and Emma are out and about going about their own business. When Aurelia was there, it was just with Roselia. Even the Familiars weren't present. As to whether Roselia made a Familiar for Aurelia during this time, that remains to be seen. She had to conserve her Mana to ready the forbidden incantation in case Naoto wants to rescue Guy Bannings in the coming year or two, so she did not have a lot on hand to use.
Thanks to that, it allowed Aurelia to study and improve her Magic for a period of time. She was with Naoto back at Valflame Palace a decade ago when Roselia created the two's Mana Cores. Not only did Naoto succeed, so did Aurelia! It's unknown as to how powerful she has become since.
During this, she professed herself as student to both the Arseid School and Vander School of swordsmanship, and attended Thors Military Academy, further progressing her studies. Aurelia has many facets she now has access to, to say the least. Aurelia's studies at Thors Military Academy happened much before her progress in the way of the sword, as it happened during the Hundred Days War. Tragedy struck her family with the fall of her father, and because of that, Thors made an exception that allowed Aurelia to graduate within a single year.
Now, Aurelia is part of the Imperial Army, training her swordsmanship as she goes. Just like how it is in the games, but with that is the use of Magic!
Naoto followed a similar path to Aurelia during that time, but he did it differently. He studied Magic alongside Emma when he stayed in Eryn, then he learned the way of the sword under the guidance of Giliath Osborne and the Sword Fox before his home got raided by the Red Constellation. And by the conclusion of the Hundred Days War and graduating from Thors Military Academy, Aurelia was already roaming the continent.
Aurelia reunited once with Naoto during this a couple years back in Grancel City, and ever since, she has been growing and growing stronger. Proficient enough where she eventually found herself stagnant. Because of that, she wandered back to Eryn Village where it all began, and continued her training there under Roselia's help. She even tackled the Saint-Gral, taking it on with ease! Even though Roselia had to prepare that forbidden incantation, she still had enough time to supervise Aurelia while she stayed inside Eryn Village, without the use of Mana.
After progressing enough, Aurelia returned to the great barrier that surrounded Great Isthmia Forest. The very same one that obstructs a normal person's perspective, making them unable to find it. But Aurelia spotted it with ease thanks to how much Mana she had received over the years. She took it up as a trial to shatter the barrier. And she succeeded in doing so!
To the point where Roselia had to personally step in and repair it at a moment's notice. That's how powerful Aurelia had gotten over the years. To say the least, her strength now is not to be underestimated.
One might wonder what element, or elements Aurelia possesses to bolster her combat strength. Aurelia quickly learned earlier on that the element she holds is primarily Wind. It isn't just that. Albeit not part of the overall seven elements, she can use Lightning! It's a subclass of Wind, just like how anyone would see it in a normal RPG. Just like how Naoto has access to Ice Magic, which is a subclass of Water.
Apart from testing her Magic out Monsters, Aurelia hasn't been able to do so against other people at this time. She was currently interested in paying the two respective dojos a visit to duel both the Radiant Blademaster, and the Thunder god. Given the time.
The one thing Aurelia did not know at this time was Naoto was in fact, currently attending the Vander Dojo, while having completed his training at the Arseid Dojo!
When Emma was training with Fie and Duvalie, Aurelia had already departed Eryn Village, so they did not end up crossing paths with each other.
That about sums up what Aurelia has done over these last several years. Now, she's relaxing and enjoying some quality time to celebrate the next century at hand. Many people forget Aurelia is a Noble as she rarely behaves like one. So this event suits someone like her!
Amongst the Nobles Aurelia was expecting to come across, it definitely wasn't the two Albarea brothers. With them being here, Aurelia remained courteous, and took it upon herself to make an introduction.
"It sounds like you've been busy. I am quite curious as to what you have been doing, but that is a topic that should be saved for a later date. Right now is a time of celebration, so let us play our part and enjoy tonight's event to our fullest.", Rufus said, acknowledging Aurelia's introduction. "And may I be so bold to request of you to be your first dance partner tonight?"
"Haha, now isn't that out of character, knowing you, Sir Rufus?", Aurelia mused, not expecting to receive such a sudden invitation to dance. "Before I give you my answer, you do know that I am currently engaged, yes?"
"Oh?", Rufus responded. "This is news to me. I did not see you one to be taken already, Lady Le Guin.", Rufus responded. While he may have the Intelligence Division at his beck and call, Naoto had kept this particular arrangement under wraps that barely anyone knows about it. Chancellor Osborne knows, but he had never told Rufus. "May I ask, to whom?"
"Why, it just so happens to be to none other than that boy over there.", Aurelia happily said. She raised her wine glass upward, and pointed it to another area in Esmelas Garden where more Nobles could be seen. In particular, the entrance. Many sounds of shuffling feet echoed inside Esmelas Garden as both Emperor Eugent and Chancellor Osborne observed from further within. Seeing this group of people arrive, a smile appeared on Emperor Eugent's face.
The moment the first person appeared, the Nobles immediately began clamoring.
"Look, Erebonia's Treasure has arrived!", One of the Nobles shouted excitedly. A golden, blonde-haired girl dressed in a very fancy crimson dance steadily walked inside Esmelas Garden. She was wearing heels too. Clack. Clack. Clack.
"I've heard the rumors, but that title of Her Imperial Highness really does her justice. Is she truly just ten years old this year?", Another Noble asked, still remaining calm.
"I know, right?", A third Noble said, watching on with great interest. "But who are those besides Her Imperial Highness? It's clear they're guests for tonight's ball, but I can't help but be curious as to who that violet-haired boy dressed in the vermillion tuxedo is next to her. Who does he think he is?"
In response to that, a group of seven girls and five boys arrived with both Princess Alfin and I taking the lead. How could we not?
And yet to my surprise, I frowned. On one of the elevated platforms, I saw none other than Aurelia Le Guin pointing her raised wine glass in my direction. On top of that, she's currently standing beside Rufus Albarea.
Why the heck are those two together!? Hell, even Jusis is with them!
All I could see was an amused grin on Rufus's face as I saw him speak to Aurelia. I was too far away to hear what he said, but it was enough to make Aurelia smile while her eyes landed on me.
"So that's how it is, eh?", Rufus said, amused.