Woohoo, Chapter 300!
We're around 150 chapters or so left until I am caught up with this rewrite!
*
Meanwhile, around the same time Sherryl let out all her emotions and cried herself a river, a different scene could be seen further beyond the hallway that eventually led to the one we were currently standing in.
Around the corner, a sole figure rested her back up against the wall. A smile bloomed on her face, observing the scene taking place before her. She knew that I knew that I spotted her, but I let the girl be. Like Sherryl, this girl also changed back into her typical clothes. Not the uniform of St. Astraia, but the frilly purple dress she typically wears. The exact opposite of what Fie normally wears. Who else could this be but Renne? A smile remained on her face as she listened to the ongoing conversation.
I had easily picked up on Renne's trail once she approached the hallway that connected to this one. Seeing Renne remain back and keep herself at a distance, I figured she was just here to check up on how Sherryl was doing. It was as big a surprise to see Renne decide to enroll at St. Astraia, just like Sherryl. It is nice to see Renne being able to move on, finding her next place in life, even if I had her become Enforcer No. XV still. Renne never attended St. Astraia in the games, so I am quite curious how this will turn into.
From Renne's point of view, a smile remained on her face as she uttered something.
"So you decided to let it all go. Good for you, Sherryl.", Renne uttered, and smiled. She found it ironic, considering she found herself in a similar position not too long ago. Renne even came to her own resolution, resulting in Renne's Blessing. Naoto was confused that it happened at such a random time since it took place after Renne beat one of the trials of the Tetracyclic Towers. Renne grew quite a bit afterward.
Enough to the point of deciding to stay at Naoto's side, in her own way. Similar to Ennea, Renne decided it would be best to protect Naoto from the shadows. Not unless he faced something truly life-threatening. Renne didn't even step in during Naoto's fight with the One of Swords. She likely knew he could tackle it without issue. Renne won't even assist with the Vermillion Trials, but one never knows until it happens.
Whether it be the good or bad times, Renne knew that if she were to interrupt this moment, it would ruin the present atmosphere. Knowing that, Renne positioned herself so she wouldn't butt into it. And yet, just as Renne saw Naoto help wipe away Sherryl's tears, Naoto glanced toward the same area where Renne was standing.
Their eyes met. Even Renne felt her body shiver. Naoto's pupils were now clad in a vermillion hue, making his golden eyes even more fierce.
"I haven't seen those eyes in quite some time...", Renne murmured, keeping her voice to herself. To Renne's surprise she saw Naoto activate Vermillion Eyes, as an added layer of security so this moment wouldn't get interrupted. Now, she knew why Naoto was so quick to act.
Renne hadn't seen these eyes used a single time until what took place on Nemeth Island. It really has been quite some time. She wasn't present when Naoto showed them to His Imperial Majesty to confirm their existence. The Vermillion Eyes. He rarely used them, even back at Grancel Castle.
After a moment of Renne and Naoto looking at each other passing by in what seemed to be an eternity, Renne saw Naoto swiftly move his head back toward the other end where the room was. The Vermillion Eyes soon vanished after. He had only used them for a brief moment.
"It looks like I am not needed after all.", Renne said. "It would be such a shame to enjoy a blissful moment like this. I should head back."
Renne then smiled again after uttering that. To not disturb them, Renne decided it was time to step away from the corner she had her back against, and began walking toward the opposite direction. Back toward where she was staying with the rest of the girls. It was pretty far, but Renne knew the way to get there, thanks to Sherryl giving Renne the directions.
And yet, as Renne walked the other way, a rather open view came into place. Fireworks were still sounding off in the distance around Valflame Palace to celebrate the New Year. Seeing this happen, Renne's smile remained. Muffled bangs of the fireworks fired off continuously. And yet, at the same time, Renne saw a swift shadow reach her view from another direction after she walked for a bit.
"So you really were here, Renne. I knew I saw a shadow leave earlier. My eyes didn't play tricks on me.", A voice of another girl spoke out, swooping down to greet Renne. It was as if this girl arrived from the shadows themselves.
"Well look at who finally decided to show up. I was wondering when you were going to try to sneak back into this place, Sylphid. Just where did you wander off too after refusing to dance a single dance after the opening act? Are you really against wearing a dress? Heehee.", Renne said, greeting a white-haired girl before her. She was now in her usual attire. A dress was nowhere to be seen.
The girl ditched it the moment she escaped the ball. She was, of course, Fie. She arrived not too far away from Renne.
"I just can't get used to those frilly things. I'm surprised you wear one practically twenty-four seven, Renne. They restrict my movement too much.", Fie said, greeting Renne. As she said that, a deadpan look remained in her eyes. Renne simply shrugged her shoulders, ignoring Fie's remark.
"I'm not against what you should or shouldn't wear, Sylphid. That's completely up to you to decide. I couldn't care less.", Renne responded, and sighed. "And well, I've long since been used to wearing one. It's simply natural wearing this dress. Besides, Naoto let you to your own devices. He didn't chase after you. Are you curious as to how things ended up since the dance ended?"
"Nah. I ain't big on that sort of thing. If you need me to hunt a Monster, that's way more up my alley. Naoto can have his fun talking with all of those Nobles.", Fie said, and nonchalantly placed her hands behind her head just like how Lechter does it. "Besides, I caught Xeno lurkin' around the palace exterior, and informed me the Boss is in the city. I went to go hang out with 'em. I thought you all would be asleep by now."
"Is that right?", Renne said with an amused look in her eyes. "It would seem the Direwolf's report holds true then. Zephyr really is out and about here in the capital. I did not think he would be one to shoot the breeze with them, but it's not like I'm tracking him. He can have his fun on his own."
Renne did wonder what Fie was up to after she left the ball. Turns out Fie went to hang out with Zephyr inside the casino. Fie didn't play of course, considering she is still a minor. She just went there to have some fun.
"The Direwolf? He definitely introduced himself as such. Didn't think he'd know you, Renne. But then again, dad picked up a random girl like me who used to be a street rat. He told me a bit about you as the rest drank until their cups were empty.", Fie said, and smiled.
"Really now?", Renne said, still looking amused. "It is only right for you to eventually come to learn of our situation. It was previously shown to you back in the changing room. Still, my connection with the Direwolf is acquaintance at best. We merely work in the same profession. Nothing more, nothing less. Where he goes, my presence isn't as needed now. I've already finished what I was assigned to do before turmoil descends into Liberl in the coming days."
When Renne said that, only confusion appeared in Fie's eyes.
"Is something going to happen in Liberl soon?", Fie tried to ask. She didn't know what Renne was referring to. A hint of worry appeared in her eyes.
"Eh, it is nothing a Jaeger like you should be concerned about, Sylphid. Everything is out of your scope to handle. Just a small twig, waiting to be stepped on while walking a dirt road.", Renne said, and shrugged her shoulders. "I am quite curious how Naoto will react to this and see if he decides to take what is rightfully his, right underneath The Faceless's nose, heehee.", Renne continued, and giggled.
Hearing this only made Fie even more confused. Fie wasn't around for the interactions Naoto had with Ouroboros and Renne. She came along after. While Fie did meet the Direwolf inside that casino earlier in the evening, Fie didn't know that the Direwolf was part of Ouroboros. He only told Fie of his connections to Renne.
As for Renne, she wondered what her current role in all of this was. Renne already completed the trial of the Tetracyclic Towers alongside Loewe. In reality, all she really needs to do now was be present when Estelle and Joshua take the towers on themselves. Not during the first chapter of Sky, but in the second chapter where the four towers activate. For now, Renne simply shrugged that off, and enjoyed the fireworks instead.
"Why don't we head back for the night, Sylphid? We should let Naoto have his moment with the princess and Sherryl. It is late as it is. I say that, but color me interested. I am curious as to what you will do from here on, knowing Naoto will be staying here in Heimdallr for a couple months."
"Yep. That's the word of the night. My own training should be reaching a good stopping point soon, so I am not sure what Emma is going to do, seeing that she's expressing interest in staying in the capital. Thankfully, I came by the boss. Said something about securing a new contract. Funnily enough, they happen to reside here in Heimdallr. Can't wait to meet 'em. Because of that, I may not be around much. Might part ways with Emma soon.", Fie explained from her end.
"So Zephyr acquired a new contract. Guess that will make us both busy in the times to come then. There might be more opportunities for us to cross paths like this, seeing as I'm now studying at St. Astraia. I will not be leaving anytime soon.", Renne said.
"Ah, right. There was that, wasn't there? I hope that goes well for you, Renne.", Fie said, nodding her head. "And I'll agree with you there. I'm beat. We should head back for the night. I'm guessin' Naoto is goin' to stay with the princess, seeing you not interrupt them."
"Pretty much. It is not our business to step into that. Let's head back.", Renne responded, and walked up beside Fie.
"'Kay.", Fie replied, and did a big stretch of her arms, only to yawn after. Just like that, the two left the hallway that connected where Naoto, Princess Alfin, and Sherryl were.
And well, as for me, I was quite interested in seeing Renne beyond the corner. It wasn't just her. Fie came along. I used Vermillion Eyes, wondering who it was, but seeing it was those two, I quickly deactivated them. I let them be, likely knowing they came to check up on us. I'm thankful they had that concern. Renne and Fie departed from the hallway. They didn't interrupt us. And well, some time had passed since then.
I could only blink my eyes as Princess Alfin literally pushed me into her room. Sherryl laughed along the way, and for whatever reason, Princess Alfin invited her too. It was late already, so I just went along with it. I already agreed with it, and besides it's just for a single night.
Sure enough, Princess Alfin's room was very frilly, and matched her tastes. Stuffed animals were everywhere. And yet, an icon of the Trailsverse was absent. Mishy didn't exist yet, but Mishy would soon make waves across the entire continent. ALL HAIL MISHY!
I mean...Yeah. Just ignore that, alright?
I don't know what came over me there, haha!
We all quickly got ready for bed, and I made sure to keep my distance, considering this was Princess Alfin's room and all.
Before we knew it, the next morning came!