"You know, you could have turned down the princess.", Sherryl's voice spoke, appearing nonchalant. Her voice was soft. She could be seen propped up against some pillows colored vermillion and pink inside the private quarters of Erebonia's Royal Family. The sun began to peer into the room, signaling it was now morning.
Further in the back was a rather large and circular bed, a style of beds often seen used by members of royalty. That's because Princess Alfin was royalty! Surrounding the bed were large, hanging and translucent curtains, which shielded the light from coming into the bed.
Off to the side, Sherryl saw me beside her. Princess Alfin was further into the bed opposite to us. Like with Sherryl, I propped my body up against the wall, using the very fluffy pillows scattered around. The large and circular bed was reminiscent of the bed I have back in our private quarters in Grancel Castle. Is this a royalty thing? Probably.
"Yeah well, you could have been more persuasive to make me turn Alfin down.", I said, and chuckled.
"Fair point. I have no rebuttal against that. As your future maid, I apologize, heehee~", Sherryl said, revealing a genuine smile. Boy, she doesn't have those dead, murky eyes anymore. Sherryl has come a long way. I couldn't help but turn quiet seeing Sherryl as she is now. Very glossy lilac-colored hair, and her skin was flawless, likely as a byproduct from Gnosis, which allows her to freely manipulate the flow of her blood. It would seem that the effect alone has many health benefits that could make any girl jealous of her.
"...Are you fine with how things turned out, Sherryl?", I decided to ask, shifting the topic a bit. Hearing that, I saw Sherryl buckle her legs up a bit, allowing her to place her arms over them.
"Yeah. I think this is for the best.", Sherryl said, nodding her head. "If it weren't for you, I can't even begin to fathom what would have happened to me back in the Sun Fort. I even got new friends out of the deal, so that's a win for me. It's almost like you planned the whole thing out. I didn't think it would go that smoothly."
"Hahaha...", I uttered, feeling a cold sweat trickle down my back. Sherryl's perception is really sharp, isn't it? "Would you believe me if I told you I knew what would happen?"
"...What?", Sherryl responded, and paused. "Are you telling me you know what goes on down there!? Or went, considering the Cult is gone at this point?"
"You could say that. Do not forget, I possess the Vermillion Eyes, Sherryl. Their existence alone is a wonder that even I can't take a guess as to what extent their abilities are. I do have some knowledge of future events thanks to that.", I said, telling a white lie. I'm sure those of the fallen Phoenix House knew of this ability, so in a way I am telling the truth. Besides, I know certain plot points the future has in store, even if I did learn of them by playing the games.
"That...", Sherry uttered, her eyes turned wide. "That sounds like complete fantasy to me. Are you really telling me you can peer into the future?"
"To a certain extent. I can see bits and pieces, but nothing concise to the point where it allows me to see the full picture. It was enough to know that I could see you, Ennea, Tio, and Van down in those caves. It even let us meet Renne and Quatre too. Albeit at different periods.", I explained, telling a second white lie. I mean, I haven't used Vermillion Eyes yet to see how effective they are to peer into past or future events, but I also know the plot in general, up until the end of Reverie, anyway. So it's not like I'm wrong, right?
Instead, I explained it in a way that made the Vermillion Eyes seem plausible to another person's perspective. In this case, it is Sherryl.
"That would put in line as to why you wanted to transfer to another lodge, as crazy as that sounds...It was to meet Tio and Van, wasn't it? But to me, it sounds like you didn't know Van at all.", Sherryl questioned.
"I didn't. I didn't know Tio either. And neither you, Sherryl. We all survived down there one way or another. And I made sure we had an escape route. And now, here we are, living the best life we can.", I said, and happily smiled at Sherryl.
"Teehee, that was well said, Naoto. And boy, what a conversation for me to be walking in on. Well, excluding the walking part.", A third voice said from another area of the circular bed. "Can you truly see into the future?"
"I won't sugarcoat it. You, amongst others, know what was discussed last night, Alfin. Part of that includes my heritage. The Vermillion Eyes. I don't need to put two-and-two together to know they were coveted by many back when House Phoenix was flourishing. Even now, I'm only beginning to tap into its powers and what I can and cannot do with them.", I said, seeing a golden, blonde-haired girl who was a couple years younger than Sherryl and I, now propped up against what appeared to be a very fluffy pink pillow. "And good morning to you too, Alfin."
"A very good morning to you, Naoto, Sherryl! Last night really was a blast, wasn't it? It is a shame you couldn't be there after the dance ended, Sherryl. But at the same time, I understand, given the circumstances. Matters of our Imperial Family cannot be disclosed to just anyone. I do apologize you couldn't be there with us, Sherryl.", Princess Alfin said.
"Oh you needn't apologize to me, Alfin. I knew I couldn't head inside that place. His Excellency is not someone to be trifled with. ", Sherryl said, and shook her head. "Though I would be lying to say that I wasn't interested in what was talked about."
"Well now, look at you two. Calling each other by first names already. This is a development I wasn't expecting to see.", I said, and grinned.
"I-It is only when we're alone like this. Don't think too deeply of it.", Sherryl immediately shot back. Her cheeks turned slightly rosy. Cute. "Still, putting aside those eyes of yours, Naoto, it really does make me realize just how much time had passed since he brought me to explore the continent. Being with you all like this is a nice change of pace."
Sherryl was close by to me, so she took a moment to snuggle up against my shoulder.
"Oh my, aren't you two just cute?", Princess Alfin said, and smiled at us. "Do you have any immediate plans today, Naoto? It looks like it's past seven in the morning. We could stretch back and continue relaxing like this."
"Well, apart from checking out the Vander Dojo this week, I don't have much to do. We did a lot yesterday, so having some downtime will do us well.", I said, and shook my head. "But speaking of plans, you now know I plan to stay here at Heimdallr for the next three months. That means I won't be leaving anytime soon. Since it is January now, I will head out around March and return to Liberl then. I do not know if the Vermillion Trials will take place during that time, or further into the future. If I don't, you'll continue to study at St. Astraia, right, Sherryl?"
"Yeah. That's the plan for now.", Sherryl said, nodding her head. "I do not plan to back down with what I said to you in those caves. My family comes from a long line of service maids. Serving others is what the Sky Family is known for, even though most of them lived in Remiferia before we moved to Crossbell. I've mostly calmed down with everything that has happened until now, and it has given me much to think about. It led me to enroll at St. Astraia alongside Renne. You're beginning your studies at Jenis next year in May, right? I should have everything settled by then."
"Yep. School life for me will begin halfway through next year. I can see it clear as day that your determination hasn't faltered a single bit since we've parted ways from the Glorious, Sherryl. I know we brushed up on the idea of sparring against one another. I would love to see how far you've gotten since then. Considering it is the last day of the weekend, the Vander Dojo should be closed. Once the week starts, we can see about that then.", I happily said. "And by then, I hope you'll still stand by my side."
"I wouldn't have it any other way.", Sherryl happily replied. "I think I am ready for whatever will be thrown at us next. Whether it be a couple months out, or further into the future. These Vermillion Trials you plan to tackle may interrupt your school life though, wouldn't it? It would be best to make sure you have nothing on your plate by the time that happens.", Sherryl continued. "I say that, but I think there is a more pressing matter to attend to."
"Oh? And what would that be?", I decided to ask, becoming interested. Princess Alfin also watched on with a look of interest in her eyes.
"Do I really need to spell it out?", Sherryl asked, and sighed. "It is clear that multiple girls like you. I heard from Emma that you're seeing two of them now. I am not that obvious to the fact you now have a Royal Harem. If you and Alfin really do get together in the future, she'll be the one to manage it all. Aren't you such a lucky guy?"
"Haha.", I laughed. "Well, I only went for it after proposing the idea to Grandmother. I wasn't expecting her to actually agree with me making a harem.", I continued. "Once things have settled and my business has finished here in Erebonia, I do not mind taking you back to the castle to meet the rest of the girls. You'll have much more time to use compared to Alfin, I'm afraid."
"I know. It was already enough to request that visit alone when we celebrated your Grandmother's birthday. I still need to give my regards to Her Majesty. That birthday bash was such a blast.", Princess Alfin said. "I know very well where I presently stand. Though if I ask hard, I am sure His Excellency will turn the other way once or twice, so don't act surprised if you suddenly see me again in Grancel, Naoto~"
"You...", I said, looking at Princess Alfin. She had that playful smile on her face that spelled trouble. But I didn't deny her. Princess Alfin goes through the proper channels and pays a visit to Grancel, I would not be opposed to that.
"Just accept your new reality, Naoto. You and Alfin are engaged now, so it is only right that you two will see each other more in the future.", Sherryl said, and giggled. "I cannot wait to return with you. It is only a matter of time."
Hearing that, I looked at Sherryl. She had such a happy look in her eyes now. I'm really glad we were able to have a lighthearted conversation like this. Reaching my hand out, she let me ruffle her hair for a moment in silence.
"Aww.", Princess Alfin said, and happily clapped her hands together.
Sherryl and I then looked at each other, and we all shared a laugh. Retreating my hand, I saw an unexpected Gamer Notification come through. I became distracted, and had a look at it.
[Ding! Sherryl's resolution to stand by Gamer Naoto has reached its peak. While she does not know what the future will have in store for the both of them, she wants to be beside you, and tread the path to the future together. Eventually she will become Gamer Naoto's Head Maid.]
[Ding! You have received a unique Accessory, Sherryl's Adoration!]