Meanwhile, as a certain craftsman renowned in all of Zemuria began to reflect on the events that have recently transpired within his workshop, a different scene could be seen taking place the following morning. In another part of Zemuria, it could be seen as rather busy right now.
Arteria, the holy capital of the Septian Church...
It was pretty lively within the capital city. It had a huge main street that led all the way to the High Seat of the Septian Church. It looked quite similar to a governmental building, but served a different purpose. Each region surrounding the holy city managed different administrative affairs. While it looks comparable to Erebonia's Heimdallr in terms of size, Arteria doesn't actually have a lot of people to call home. Many people made pilgrimages, and were actually registered citizens with other countries. The holy city was in a unique situation, to say the least.
The end of summer was fast approaching. A beautiful girl who seemed to be around thirteen years old could be seen. She let out a sigh as a passing wind fluttered her uniform. It wasn't a school uniform that she had previously worn to attend school here. All that was left from it was a black beret that the girl still likes to wear on her head. This beret looked very similar to the ones girls wore at St. Astraia back in Erebonia.
Apart from the beret, the girl, who sported glossy, silver hair, could be seen wearing a nun's uniform that belonged to the Septian Church over a white skirt. She currently has the emblem of the Septian Church around her neck as a necklace. On top of that, a sheathed templar sword and an orbal pistol could be seen around the girl's waist. While she might have the welcoming appearance of a new church nun, one shouldn't underestimate them. After all, a certain someone had reached out to this girl, and offered a rather...particular invitation.
To join the Congregation of the Sacraments.
And not just any general position.
One particular division within it. One that is tasked to retrieve Artifacts that have been bestowed by the Goddess Aidios herself.
The Gralsritter.
Apart from finishing her school studies here in Arteria, this silver-haired girl had undergone combat training as a newly enrolled Squire. One couldn't easily join this division of the Septian Church as one could join the Papal Guard, or the Congregation of the Divine Worship. Divine Worship held authority to the many churches built across Zemuria. They were the ones who managed Sunday School, and all that. Not tasked with retrieving Artifacts.
This girl was now part of the Sacraments. The Gralsritter, to be specific. All thanks to getting to know a particular person during her stay here in Arteria, Ries Argent. Ries recommended this girl to join, and well, she did! Who else could this girl be but Elie MacDowell?
Elie could be seen at a certain location within Arteria. A landing port. She had her suitcase that she brought along with her, and was waiting for her airship to depart.
Before long, Elie saw a green and white-haired man whose hair looked just like a green onion approach her from afar. A crossbow could be seen equipped on his back. He didn't seem to be alone either. A red-haired sister who was dressed in similar clothing to what Elie was wearing arrived beside him. Besides the three were other passengers who were beginning to board the airship.
"Has it really been four years already since ya came here, Madamoiselie?", The man asked. "Time really sure flies eh?"
"Geez, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that, Kevin?", Elie asked, smiling at him and welcoming the man. He was, of course, Kevin Graham. Another member of the Gralsritter. "Still, it sure has. I learned many new things during my stay here, and made some new friends. I'm going to miss you, Ries."
Elie's eyes shifted toward the girl beside Kevin, and smiled.
"Aw man, you aren't goin' to miss little ol' me? My heart is shattered.", Kevin replied.
"And tell me Kevin, what is it you've done for Elie during these last four years, hmm?", The girl beside Kevin remarked, who was none other than Ries Argent. She squinted her eyes, causing the blood on Kevin's back to run cold. He knew that stare very well.
"I mean, I did help Elie move in and did all the heavy labor! That ought to count for somethin' right?", Kevin shot back. "Come on now Elie, back me up here."
"Hehehe.", Elie responded, giggling. "I mean, I spend more time with Ries on the average day than I do with you, Father Kevin. It's just the way things work."
"Fair enough.", Kevin said, and shrugged his shoulders. "Still, be careful not to lose that emblem, ya hear me? That badge acts both right to bear arms in an open space, as well as serves as yer identification to our affiliation. Yer goin' back to a civilian zone, and well, we're not exactly welcome in Crossbell City. Ya best hide that appearance while yer there. Otherwise, ya may receive some unwanted trouble. If ya do need to don our wear, do it at the cathedral. Ya will be safe there.", Kevin continued, warning Elie of how things operated outside of Arteria. He had a rare, serious look in his eyes that he didn't show too often. Ries nodded along.
"Kevin's right, Elie. Crossbell State is in a unique position. Apart from what's been built on its outskirts, the Septian Church doesn't have jurisdiction inside the city. If you get injured, you won't be able to call for backup.", Ries said, further explaining.
"I'll take this matter to heart. Thank you again, Kevin, Ries, for all that you've done for me for these last four years. I'll find a way to treat you somehow. And I know how important this emblem is to the Gralsritter. I will be sure not to lose it.", Elie responded. "I can't wait to see the look on Grandfather's face seeing me become a Squire."
"Heh. Just what I like to hear. It ain't every day that someone amongst your circle offers us a treat. I expect a full, out-of-proportion banquet, filled with all sorts of delicacies!", Kevin said with a grin. "And don't ya forget, Elie. Yer part of the Gralsritter now. Ya will definitely be seein' more of us in the comin' future. Ya do yer best to get acquainted with the rest of the Dominions, aight?"
"I'll try. Sounds like most of you are scattered around the continent right now, so we'll see about crossing paths.", Elie responded with a nod. She can't believe an entire four years had passed since she arrived here in Arteria to study. Back then, Elie caught a glimpse of Naoto sailing Calvardian waters. It was but a brief moment in time. The two hadn't met each other since. And with that passage of time, Elie successfully graduated from one of Arteria's most famous boarding schools. And from there, she became resolved to join the Septian Church, and began her training as a Squire. All thanks to a push she received from Ries and Kevin.
It was also during this time that Elie saw Kevin unlock his own Stigma, and join the seats of the Dominion. She knew that not everyone can acquire one, and hadn't thought much of what Stigmas could do. It was a weird power.
"Anyway, I can't talk for much longer. My parents have already finished filing their divorce, so it will just be Grandfather and I residing in Crossbell City for the time being. I plan to help Grandfather with some administrative duties for a year before heading to Liberl.", Elie continued to say, explaining her present situation. Kevin nodded his head.
"It was a bit surprisin' the Dean at Jenis gave you an exception to continue yer studies there. It's goin' to what, be in three years? What're ya gonna do until then? Ya still got a couple years between jobs.", Kevin asked.
"That is true. And no doubt Naoto will be happy to see me arrive in Liberl. It's been far too long. I caught wind of his enrollment status and it looks like he is set to begin his studies the same time frame I plan to. I am interested in going abroad once more to Erebonia, so we'll see where the winds take me.", Elie answered.
"Heh. I couldn't have said it better myself. No doubt that guy will be happy too.", Kevin said with a nod of his head. "Are ya sure ya want to go that route, though? Surely ya know what's been happenin' lately. That whole shindig was approved by Her Majesty no less.", Kevin said with a serious look. Elie met his gaze and nodded.
"Trust me. I am very well informed of the matter. Thank you for your concern, Father Kevin. I am quite curious to meet like-minded individuals when the time comes.", Elie responded with a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
"Haha. Just don't be a sourpuss, ya hear me? The Septian Church will continue its way of doing things regardless of such a situation bein' present.", Kevin said, and shrugged his shoulders.
"Sure. Like you know the way the heart works, Kevin. This is exactly why you haven't gotten a single girlfriend.", Ries retorted.
"L-Like I need you to tell me how my love life is!", Kevin immediately shot back. And yet, that banter earned another giggle from Elie. Kevin sighed. "Sheesh. I know ya missed breakfast and all to see Elie off, but I promise we'll get a bite to eat soon. Ya can gnaw at my ear then."
"Fine. I get it. We can't stay much longer anyway. Are you sure you have all your things, Elie?", Ries asked.
"I do. I triple checked everything. Thank you for coming all the way to the landing port to see me off. It means a lot, Kevin, Ries.", Elie said, and smiled.
"Aww shucks. Now that's a smile worth a thousand mira. Anyway, before we go and return to our duties, ya heard about what happened to the Crown Prince lately?", Kevin decided to ask.
"You mean the matter of Naoto going to St. Ursula?", Elie asked. "I heard it made quite the headline."
"Boy ya can say that again. Seems him goin' there caused a pretty big ruckus to the doctors. Somethin' about receivign a giant wound. But to me, that ain't the interestin' part. Fights break out all the time, regardless of where yer at. Therein lies the problem. after the check-in, His Royal Highness just went poof. Ringin' any bells?", Kevin asked, looking at Elie.
"They...didn't mention Naoto having gone missing...", Elie murmured, and frowned.
"It's being kept secret for now. If the public learned that Liberl's Crown Prince has vanished without a trace like that, it would definitely stir some chaos, both internally and externally.", Ries responded, and sighed. "That's why it might not be a good time for you to go to Liberl, Elie."
"Yeah yeah. The folks back inside Grancel must be flippin' tables right about now tryin' to find him. From what I could tell, His Royal Highness didn't want anyone to follow him. I'd take Ries's suggestion to heart, Elie. Might wanna hold off on that plan to go to Liberl. At least until the dust settles.", Kevin added.
"I see. I do have multiple things I want to do from here on, so perhaps that will get pushed down on my schedule.", Elie responded with a nod. Sure enough, it looks like Liberl's Crown Prince had vanished from sight.
Again.
But this time, it was not out of violence. This was something Naoto wanted to do after he sent Ace to the Royal Army. He just didn't know he would receive a new subordinate at the same time. Because of how things have progressed this far, Naoto resolved to leave in the middle of the night, and set forth on another journey. He wanted to not only strengthen his foundations further without the implications of his Stats, but also combat whatever that may get thrown at him in the upcoming Vermillion Trials. He wanted to be ready for any situation. Considering it was a magic circle that appeared in Dreichel's Plaza, it might not be as easy as Crow's or Rean's trials were. He doesn't have a clue what will happen.
Thankfully, there are enough people around where this matter is being kept under wraps, including the Septian Church.
'Naoto...', Elie thought for a moment. Maybe it really was a bad time to visit Liberl right now?
Unfortunately that thought came to an end. The three suddenly heard a voice sound of, which reached their ears.
"Ding-Dong! The next passenger airliner bound for Crossbell State will be departing in five minutes. Please make sure you have all of your belongings and your identification papers on hand. I repeat...", The voice spoke out, signaling that it was time to depart.
Hearing this, Kevin laughed, which eased the ongoing atmosphere.
"Heh. Well no use cryin' over spilt milk now. Ya go wherever ya want. Be sure to check in every now and again. Oh and drop by the cathedral once yer in Crossbell. Ya know, considerin' yer one of us now.", Kevin said with a laugh.
"I will. Take care, you two.", Elie said, and grabbed her luggage. Kevin and Ries saw Elie off, and saw her board the airship. Before long, the bridge unlatched itself, and the airship began to lift off into the air. Elie waved at the two, saying her goodbyes.
Kevin looked upward, seeing the airship quickly depart from Arteria.
"And off she goes. May Aidios be your guiding light wherever you end up next.", Kevin uttered and said a prayer. Ries raised her eyebrows at him.
"Now that's something you don't do so often. Are you that doubtful?", Ries asked.
"Just a little extra insurance. Now why don't we go find some place to eat? My treat.", Kevin said, and smiled back at Ries. As if on cue, Ries's stomach suddenly growled, causing Kevin to laugh.
"Hmph. It's only natural that it's your treat. Let's go.", Ries said, and suddenly turned around.
"Yeah yeah I'm comin' I'm comin'.", Kevin said, and quickly chased after Ries. For the time being, Kevin had a certain stomach to satisfy. He already felt like his wallet was beginning to cry tears just thinking of how much he's about to spend...