The announcement that proposed a hand in marriage between Liberl's Crown Prince and Erebonia's Treasure spread like wildfire. Not only to its immediate neighbors Liberl and Crossbell State, but to that of Calvard and eastward. It also went north to countries like North Ambria, Remiferia, Ored, and Leman State. No matter who received the news, all were equally shocked as more and more people began to react to it.
Even the Holy City of Arteria was subjected to this news. As long as the future ceremony was done through the proper channels, the Septian Church would also respond in kind. It is very similar to them recognizing the founding of a nation. Without the blessing of the Septian Church, it would never be official.
Even though the sources mostly came from the LNS and the Imperial Chronicle, it started a chain reaction. It soon reached the CNS, and now, people in Crossbell City are reacting to this breaking news.
The major country to the east of Erebonia and Liberl, Calvard, was quite shocked to see such a sudden arrangement between them. To Calvard, it was akin to that of an alliance. Thankfully, with the assistance of Calvard's own Intelligence Division, the very same one that Kilika Rouran would eventually join, they didn't have a sudden freak accident or anything. Calvard responded in a way, acting as if they had expected this to happen.
Because of that, Calvard didn't press the matter. The Non-Aggression Pact that Chancellor Osborne was currently preparing was already presented to both President Rocksmith, and likewise, Her Majesty the Queen. They're just fine-tuning the details. It is only a matter of time till it is active.
As for the Non-Aggression Pact itself, it is a trifecta agreement shared between all three countries, Erebonia, Liberl, and Calvard respectively, to not display any form of hostility toward one another for the next couple of years. Unfortunately, this Pact won't last long because of the deep-rooted Curse that ails Erebonia, but for the time being, it will usher in a period of peace for the three.
Calvard won't be able to spend much effort with Erebonia and Liberl as they have an impending stock market crash that will cause them to experience widespread poverty until it rebounds when President Gramheart takes over, and an increase in immigration. Calvard will have their own problems to deal with.
In fact, Calvard might even consider this a blessing in disguise, as several influential figures will begin to attempt and corrupt its government from the inside out, and experience some internal strife. Hopefully with Naoto's warning ahead of time about doing some investing, Van and his group won't fall behind in the dust. Not one of war, but of an economical crisis. With his warning, Van began to take more classes geared toward economics and finance once his enrollment at Aramis High School began.
While Van's friend, Rene, was already a first year student, he was quite pleased to see Van's sudden change of heart. Van found a path for himself, so Rene could only push forward, and continue his duties in the Student Council. Rene was Student Council President for a while. It wasn't just Rene either. Elaine was also quite happy to see Van's progress.
To the point that allowed Elaine to confess, and the two began dating. This was revealed in Daybreak quite early on, but Naoto didn't know at the time. He would be in for quite the shock to see Van now dating later!
To say the least, Calvard knows it can promote its strength during the coming years, despite its looming threat. Calvard knew it could promote its strength during the coming years, despite its looming threat. Because of that, it saw this news as a blessing. Calvard was simply surprised that the alliance came in the form of a marriage.
It is sad to say for Calvard, it was no longer a monarchy like it used to be. The whole Calvard Revolution took place with Sheena Dirke spearheading it. After that, it became the Republic of Calvard. Calvard could not send someone to enter an arranged marriage like Erebonia could. Calvard no longer had nobles. The entire noble structure was uprooted from the ground-up. The ruling party at the time, the Eldarion Family, ceased to exist.
At least, on paper. At the time, Naoto doesn't know that Eldarion's line continued in secrecy, and the current generation were a pair of twins, training to become assassins in the Garden of Thorns. All under the guidance of Melchior.
Calvard behaved very similarly to that of the United States in Naoto's past life. They renewed those in office through presidential elections, and also had democrats. The only difference here is that instead of the standard four year term, the acting president could last upward to five to seven years.
And Calvard's current President, President Rocksmith, was someone Naoto had the chance to meet during the Cult Extermination event. That year, President Rocksmith had just entered office.
Just like all of the others, this news quickly reached the ears of President Rocksmith. Knowing that he had met Naoto before, he was secretly happy for him. It wasn't just the result of what Erebonia and Liberl displayed just now. His recent guilt was the fact the previous president couldn't send out any soldiers to assist in the Hundred Days War apart from the secret ops unit that the future-president Gramheart was a part of to help Cassius Bright's operation. It was only a few years ago President Rocksmith saw that Erebonia and Liberl were at each other's throats while he was still a government official. President Rocksmith was truly happy for Naoto.
And the fact that Erebonia and Liberl were able to make amends.
President Rocksmith could only watch on, letting the news flash play out on this auspicious night, just like many others around the continent. During that, while still in his Presidential Office, his gaze shifted outward toward the dark grey rolling clouds, signaling another round of snow, and the coming of the new year.
As the news continued to spread, back toward one of the districts within the vermillion capital, a medium-sized casino could be seen. Within it sat a black-haired, beautiful woman on a stool, enjoying a drink. Directly behind her was a rather large arrangement of machines and slots where one could play all sorts of games at one's choosing.
Off to one side where the woman sat was a bar with quite a variety of drinks one could choose from, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. A couple of casino-goers could be seen sharing a couple drinks with one another. The current barkeep, keeping his expression calm as this was just another day to him, spoke out to the woman. The atmosphere seemed rather festive and merry.
"So what can I get for you tonight?", The bartender asked. The woman didn't appear to be alone either. A tall, muscular man sat beside her. It hadn't been long since he arrived.
"I'm already enjoying my first drink after walking into this place, but can you prepare one of your best, aged red wines, please? Money is not an issue. Tonight is a cause for celebration. Prepare two glasses. One for my friend here.", The woman said, as she downed the rest of her first drink, only to pass it to the bartender.
"With pleasure. Two glasses coming right up.", The bartender said, nodding his head at the woman's order. As he got busy, the man beside her spoke out.
"Oh come on Kilika, you don't need to open your wallet for me.", The man said, who was of course, Zin. The woman was Kilika!
To Kilika's surprise, Zin ended up following her after she chased Walter into a casino. After a heepful of sighs, Zin spotted Kilika happily drinking away at the bar further inside. Presently, Zin saw Walter, and three other particular individuals, currently seated at what appeared to be a poker table in the middle of a heated match. And yet, Kilika didn't seem bothered by that, even though the four were releasing quite the pressure and intense stares at the cards in their hands.
"I did not think you would be one to enjoy some festivities, let alone coming to a place like this, Zin. Was it a sudden change of heart?", Kilika teased. "And we're not worrying about Mira tonight. If you want something, it's my treat."
"Was it that obvious?", Zin replied, feeling embarrassed. "I figured since it was that bastard of all people, he'd make it to a place like this to cool some steam off. I'm not particularly against gambling or anything. If you all are having fun enjoying the festivities, then who says I can't? I will say, "I am quite picky with my drinks."
"Oh I think you'll like whatever it is I pick out for you. I've known you for a long time, Zin. I think I know your quirks by now.", Kilika said, and smiled. "Besides, I hardly see you drink anything outside of what you store inside that gourd of yours. This is a nice change of pace, don't you think? It is just a shame Eina isn't here to experience this. I'd love to see you two having a bout of drinks."
"Anything but that. You looking to kill me?", Zin said, and frowned. "That Eina is a monster in disguise. She has a bottomless stomach! I can't tell who is worse, Eina, or that protégé of hers, Silver Streak. I should probably pay them a visit once I'm done here in Heimdallr. I have not visited Liberl since that weird dungeon happened. Still mind-blowing."
"A dungeon, is it?", Kilika asked, becoming interested. "I did get the reports from the Bracer Guild, but it looks like Grancel is trying to keep that under wraps. It didn't affect its people, so no use prying into it right now. You can tell me about it another time. For now, just enjoy a drink with me. Or two. Whatever suits you better."
"Haha.", Zin laughed, and took a spot next to Kilika. The bartender continued preparing the two drinks. "I think I'll take you up on that offer. I wouldn't turn down a drink from a pretty lady."
"Now we're talking.", Kilika said, and smiled. "You won't immediately leave the capital, right? Walter and I will be staying for a little while. At least until we get to see what that strange circle in the plaza is all about. Though I am not sure if we'll get to see some action just yet.", Kilika said. After she said that, the bartender readied their drinks, and then thanked him.
With her second glass in hand, Kilika took a moment to enjoy it.
"Yeah. I won't depart right away. I'm pretty much in the same boat you are.", Zin said. "His Royal Highness invited the both of us. According to him, he plans to tackle it either in a couple months' time, or around the start of S1201. I have no idea what the whole ordeal is, though. It remains a mystery."
"So you don't know either.", Kilika said with a sigh. "Perhaps I'll hit up some local records. This is more in the lines of it being a fairy tale, if anything. If His Royal Highness does plan to activate it around February, there's enough time to burn."
"If that is your next course of action, then I might stick to the Bracer Guild here in Heimdallr. I hear they recently got some new hands, but were immediately transferred to Edith's branch in Calvard. She might make her way back here in due time.", Zin responded.
"Or so I've heard. This woman is already making quite the name for herself. You're talking about the Purple Lightning, yes?", Kilika asked. "It looks like she is just as big of a powerhouse as the Silver Streak is. I would not be surprised if she went straight for that A-Rank. I also hear someone's been chasing her shadow as well, and is looking to join the Bracer Guild in Edith. Have you heard of Beauty's Blade?"
"Ahh, that up-and-coming newbie. Yeah, I know of Beauty's Blade. We crossed paths once or twice when I took Sherryl around Edith. She was just a brat then. Can't believe she's come a long way already.", Zin nodded, and began drinking his red wine. "Apparently she met up with that childhood friend of hers recently, and is now enrolled at Aramis High School. Hopefully she won't lose sight of her goals."
"Is that right?", Kilika responded. "That disciple of yours is attending St. Astraia now, so perhaps I should spend some time introducing myself to her. Sherryl's her name, right?"
"Yeah. She goes by Sherryl Sky. Apparently, her family used to be in service of House Bartholomeus a while back before they moved to Crossbell City. I can't say much, but she was amongst the kidnapped children. Sherryl's already looking to make her own amends, and is currently underway to make that happen. She's on her own now.", Zin said, nodding his head. "I say that, but Sherryl is looking to get more friends. That normalcy is part of why she decided to attend St. Astraia."
"I can see that. Being normal can do one good.", Kilika responded. "And seeing there is some free time in this next month or two, I'll go see how things are. But that's for the future.", Kilika said, before looking at the four rowdy individuals still engrossed in their game of poker. "Are you not going to join them?"
Hearing that, Zin traced Kilika's gaze. He soon spotted Walter the Direwolf, the Jaeger King, Trap Master Xeno and the Behemoth duking it out in a game of cards. Zin frowned seeing this.
"You expect me to walk into that deathtrap!?", Zin's voice raised, letting it be loud enough for the men to hear it. Walter even raised his shades upward, seeing Zin's towering figure still at the bar.
"Well now. Ain't this a surprise.", Walter said, taking a moment to grin at Zin. "Didn't think ya would be one to come to a place like this."
"I told Zin the same thing.", Kilika said, and took another sip. "Suit yourself. I'm going to join the guys."
Taking a moment to get off the stool, Kilika landed on her feet, and headed on toward where the poker table was. That left Zin alone, still at the bar with the bartender. Zin just stared on, wondering whether he should laugh or cry at what is being played out before him.
"Must be tough letting such an alluring woman walk away like that. You sure you aren't going to follow her?", The bartender asked, keeping a calm look in his eyes. He soon found an empty wine glass, and began to clean it with a piece of cloth.
"Sheesh, tell me about it. Kilika's taken already. And by that bastard.", Zin said, only to turn back toward the bar. Seeing his wine glass still half full, he went for it, and gulped the rest down in one fell swoop. "Mind if I have another?"
"Of course sir. It'd be my pleasure.", The bartender responded, nodding his head. He saw a hint of longing in Zin's eyes, but mixed with that was disapproval. Not for Kilika, but for Walter. Seeing Zin remain silent, the bartender simply returned to his work, and prepared another drink for Zin.
Going back to Zin's words, he saw the poker table was now filled. Going left to right, it was the Jaeger King, then Trap Master Xeno, Behemoth, Walter the Direwolf, and finally the Flying Swallow, Kilika Rouran.
To say the least, it was quite a deadly assortment of individuals. One wrong move and all Gehenna could break out.