Unbeknownst to Naoto that a conversation was being held around the same time that he had met Tio again, at the same time, Renne took a flustered Tita who couldn't even recover from her shock away from Grancel Castle, under Erika's supervision of course. Things went as she planned, she took Renne and Tita out into the capital to have some fun. Business with the Enigma II would continue later in the day. For now, the three began to have fun sightseeing, going wherever their interest was. Erika was full of bliss seeing her daughter's excitement.
While they went into the capital, things got busy back at the castle. I wanted to enjoy a nice afternoon while going through some rewards and attempting to install my current Quartz into the Enigma II, but it isn't quite ready yet. Thanks to that, I came to a standstill, figuring out what to do for the day. I didn't have to wait for long. A familiar face came knocking, and I couldn't even sit up from my chair before I saw a blue-haired girl suddenly hug me. Now that I think about it, this is her first time visiting Grancel City in person like this since I was dropped off here by Ouroboros, isn't it? When we had last spoken to each other, it was over the Orbal Network to do its connection test.
It was Tio Plato of course. It's been a couple years since she has joined up with the Epstein Foundation ahead of the original timeline. Seeing a genuine smile on her face, it looks like her complexion is getting better and better. She isn't the same person I first met inside the Altair Lodge.
I smiled, and reached my hand out. I bet Tio didn't expect me to suddenly pat her head now, did she? She just looked at me with that expressionless look. But it wasn't that dead stare like I'd see her back inside the lodge. It had a hint of surprise.
"It is nice to see you again too, Tio. I'd love to inquire about the reason for what's bringing you to Grancel City today, but I think that already answered itself. Right, Professor?", I asked. As I spent a moment patting Tio's head, my voice carried far enough to let the person who let himself into our dining hall. Even the guard who came rushing in was still shocked by his sudden appearance.
What we did here in the castle was enough for one of the forefathers of the entire Orbal Revolution to make a personal appearance here. He acted like he owned the entire place. I'll let his attitude slide, for now. We are cooperating with one another after all. I could have the guards throw Professor Schmidt out onto the streets, but doesn't he have diplomatic immunity or something for being a head figure within the Epstein Foundation? I don't want to bring unnecessary trouble my way.
On the contrary. This should actually be my first time meeting one of Professor Epstein's three disciples, in person that is. I was wondering who the first of the three was going to be. Professor Russell, and I'm speaking of Tita's Grandfather in this case, is quite literally my neighbor. He resides in Zeiss to the west of Grancel City. I personally thought it would have been Professor Hamilton, but we didn't meet face-to-face. Around the time Renne became Enforcer No. XV, Ouroboros dropped Quatre off in Calvard, and quickly settled down at Basel, just like how it went in Daybreak. Or at least, I think that's how it turned out. It was a shame but Professor Hamilton didn't seek me out, so we haven't yet met. Likely in due time.
In the end, the first of Professor Epstein's three disciples that I have the pleasure of meeting in person like this, is Professor Schmidt. The most hardheaded of the three. Just seeing this interaction alone confirms he's as much of an ass as he was in the games. Don't let that fool you, though. He's competent in the fields of research he studies. He's quite well known in the development of orbal machinery often seen in warfare. I can't underestimate him. If there is one downside, he prioritizes his research above everything else, much like a certain Professor within Ouroboros.
At least, for that part, I think it has changed to a noticeable degree. Even if it is just slightly. After all, I had introduced Tio to the Epstein Foundation much earlier in the timeline. Even now, Tio was supposed to be at her home in Remiferia. She shouldn't have fled until two more years into the future in S1201. But thanks to me, the Epstein Foundation scouted Tio much, much earlier, and had already gotten herself acquainted with figures like Jona Sacred, Chief Engineer Roberts, and the leading Chief of Staff, Professor Schmidt. And that confirmed one thing for me too. Professor Schmidt already opened up to Tio, and even went as far as seeing Tio becoming one of his own candidates to become a second generation disciple to the Epstein Foundation.
Tio isn't the only one who will be under such a light as far as Professor Schmidt goes. Once Thors Military Academy Branch Campus opens up around S1205-S1206, Tita Russell will move abroad, and begin her studies there as a foreign exchange student. Thanks to her efforts, she will collaborate with Professor Schmidt, and also become a disciple candidate. There's still a while till that happens though.
During this moment, time seemed to have slowed down. Apart from the initial surprise of the head pat, I saw a genuine smile appear on Tio's face. It didn't last long, but it was genuine. Her health has vastly improved during these couple of years, and I'm glad to see it happen. Her working at the Epstein Foundation as a genius student likely did wonders for her rehab. She probably still does her regular check-in at St. Ursula, as in the games, you'd learn that Tio becomes quite well-acquainted with one of the nurses there due to how often she visits the place. I should probably inform Tio of my intent of visiting the hospital too. I wonder, how will she react once she sees the sword mark on my chest?
I'd love to ask right away, but I could see a certain amount of impatience from Professor Schmidt. Did he meet Erika before this? I could only shrug his behavior off for the time being. I'm glad Renne made friends with Tita already. This shouldn't impact much, apart from realizing who Renne is once Tita joins Estelle and Joshua's party during the Sky games. Renne will have someone to accompany her to explore the capital. Because of that, I could shift my thoughts to what is happening before me.
It was short, but Tio parted her hug.
"Mmm., Tio replied with a nod, keeping her words short. Now this is the Tio I'm used to. I could see that she was happy to see me. The girls still seated at the table had amused looks in their eyes. Especially Angelica.
"Now who is this cutie? I see a familiar face, but I don't think we've had the pleasure to meet.", Angelica said.
"Tio Plato. I'm currently a student learning Orbal Engineering at the Epstein Foundation. I recall seeing you on my end.", Tio said, introducing herself. She then glanced at Ennea. "But you, I do not remember seeing you."
Hearing that, Ennea frowned.
"Oh dear oh dear, surely you haven't forgotten about me during these few years, have you, Lady Plato?", Ennea asked, feeling disappointed. I mean, is Tio in the wrong, though? Amongst everyone who fled with me from the DG Cult, Ennea was the one who experienced the biggest growth. Gnosis is somewhat inhibiting Tio still, while Van is Van. There's Sherryl too. I saw how she was back at the martial arts tournament, but we haven't really checked in lately to see how she's doing. Right now, the one who couldn't be recognized was Ennea.
It took a good moment for a thought to register in Tio's head. Was this the first time I could see her expression change to a surprised Pikachu face? It was quite funny, I'll admit that.
"...Ennea? Is that you?", Tio asked, full of shock.
"Heehee, why but of course it is", Ennea replied with a smile. She stood up from her chair and wandered over to our side. Ennea opened her arms wide. "Come come, give your big sister a hug"
Tio hesitated. Instead she just looked back up my way. Her eyes were full of confusion, acting like she didn't know this person. Seeing Tio's reaction caused me to laugh.
"Hahaha!", I said with a loud laugh. "This is Ennea alright, Tio. She looks quite different now huh?"
As I said that, a grin appeared on my face. Ennea has developed...quite a certain amount of assets, to which I've the pleasure of personally experiencing them a couple times by now. She hardly looked the part when Tio saw Ennea last. Tio's eyes then began to dart back and between Ennea and I. During this, Professor Schmidt spoke out, and called out to Tio.
"Is this someone you know, disciple candidate?", Professor Schmidt asked.
"I'm...not sure. I think it is?", Tio asked, still confused. She just stared at Ennea's transformation. No longer was she that hampered, malnourished assassin who only knew how to take orders, considering she was once part of the Order of the Moonlight Horse. The same home that the Oathbreaker, the Golden Butterfly, the Severing Chains, and Melchior came from.
"Oof.", Ennea replied, becoming downcast. "I mean, I get it. The previous image of me is long gone. I look quite nice, don't I~?", Ennea continued with a teasing tone. She even did a twirl, seeing Tio's flustered and confused look. And buried within all of that, Tio felt a sense of familiarity. It made Tio look at Ennea again.
"Is that really you, Ennea?", Tio asked, letting it dawn on her that the girl before her really was Ennea.
"Who else would it be? It truly has been a while, Lady Plato.", Ennea said. I mean, it probably didn't help that Ennea was dressed in her servant outfit, a full-blown maid uniform. Our Emergency Quest finished and since we had free time now, I let Ennea do her thing. This is probably going to be something I have to get used to now too. I could see the stiffness appear in Tio's expression. She's even more not used to this than I am, haha!
"I...am not used to being addressed like that.", Tio retorted.
"Haha.", I replied with another laugh. "As long as you stay here Tio, there is an order for everything. Isn't that right, Grandmother?", I asked, and shifted my head toward the head of the table. Her Majesty the Queen was currently seated at it with Kloe next to her. Tio's mind just turned blank the moment she realized she was in the presence of Liberl's Royal Family.
"Indeed. Ennea here has volunteered to work under Hilda for the time being. So at its core, she is now considered a maid here in the castle. You must be Miss Plato, who has been assisting Naoto with the installation of the Orbal Network. It is an honor to meet you.", Queen Alicia said, keeping a polite smile on her lips as she spoke out. Her eyes then landed on Professor Schmidt. "And it has been a while, Professor. Not since the last conference we held."
"Hmph. This place hasn't changed one bit. Still, it looks like you haven't kicked the bucket yet, Your Majesty.", Professor Schmidt said, calmly approaching us without a care in the world. He spoke as if he had been here previously. Was that the case?
"Hmm. Considering it is you, Professor, it wouldn't be out of the question to pay a visit to Grancel at least once or twice, considering you're part of the Epstein Foundation.", I mused after seeing Professor Schmidt behave like this.
"I have only visited this place a couple of times, to which I had been invited into Grancel Castle. Only before that boorish war that took place. My visits were mostly because of the business I proposed, but that isn't everything. I also have interest with what lies beneath this building.", Professor Schmidt explained. After Professor Schmidt said that, I didn't immediately answer. I instead glanced at Grandmother. She gave me a nod, and that was all that was needed for me to make a decision.
"I take it you are referring to the Shining Ring. The treasure that was bestowed to the Auslese Family by the Goddess.", I explained, which caused some surprise to spread around the room. I know it's supposed to be a secret stored amongst the Auslese, but it's not like it's completely non-existent to those outside of it. Professor Schmidt's been alive for a long time. No doubt would Grandmother confide in someone like him. Besides that, most people don't know what lies beneath this castle.
It's a gigantic, underground ruin that has sunk from the sky since ages past. The Liber Ark. Or what remains of it, anyway. Its actual existence is presently sealed away in another dimension, and what rests underneath is just the outer layer of it. The Sealed Area. This is the place Ouroboros is trying to release to snag the Shining Ring for themselves.
Professor Schmidt didn't act surprised one bit. He simply pushed up his monocle a bit before he answered.
"Of course I know of its existence. I am not referring to something else. It is thanks to the Shining Ring that Liberl still stands today, thanks to it being one of the remaining Sept-Terrions that have not yet perished amongst our land.", Professor Schmidt responded.
"The Shining Ring, the treasure bestowed to our family...", Kloe uttered. "Is it alright for us to be discussing such a topic here in the dining room?"
Kloe here also had come to learn of the Shining Ring's existence. She too is an Auslese, even if we have different birth mothers. All we have in common is a shared ancestor. But that connection alone allows us to both know about the Shining Ring. I do not know if it was proper to talk about it seeing Ennea, Tio and Angelica in the room, but I'll let it slide. Grandmother permitted it.
The Shining Ring also has another name, to which others may know of it better.
It is called the Aureole. The Sept-Terrion of Space.
Such irony, seeing its existence sealed within another dimension.
"If it is a worry you have, Your Highness, then you can be at ease. I have no desire to hold the power of what lies beneath this land. Should there ever come a time where it can be observed, that is all I request of you. Observing what a Sept-Terrion can do will greatly benefit the development of Orbments that we have been researching.", Professor Schmidt explained. "And that goes the same for that project you requested of me."
"Haha. Note taken.", I replied with a nod. I doubt he knows of the events that will plague this land in the couple years to come. The outcome will see it to fruition, and unbreak its seal. Thus is the whole Orbal Shutdown Phenomenon ordeal. All Professor Schmidt wants to do is see how it works. If that chance does happen, then I'll let him do his thing. He's great at researching, after all.
And I ain't no researcher, haha!
"Anyway, that's enough about our legacy. You've come here with purpose in mind, right, Professor? You must be interested in how I managed to acquire a Master Quartz.", I asked, deciding to change the topic. "But before I talk about it, I want another favor from you, Professor."
"I'm glad we're on the same page. That is exactly what I want to discuss, but you know I don't give out favors so easily, Your Royal Highness. I gave you one already. They do not grow on trees.", Professor Schmidt said, squinting his eyes.
"I know. Which is why once I get my hands on another one, I will be sure to send one your way. This will allow you to analyze it as much as you want.", I answered.
"Hmm. A favor in exchange for a chance to let me completely analyze a Master Quartz of unknown origin? Accepted.", Professor Schmidt said, answering without hesitation. Just what I'd like to hear. Since I received my first Master Quartz box from my latest Quest, I'm sure I'll get more in due time.
"I knew that would be up your alley. And because of that, I will overlook the behavior you displayed earlier at my guards. Once the Master Quartz is ready, I will be sure to send it to you.", I said with a nod. I then looked back at Tio. "You'll be in the capital for a while, right?"
"Mmm. The Professor wants to make sure the Enigma II is completed without issue.", Tio explained. "We will stay for a while."
"It is as my disciple candidate says. But nonetheless, time is of the essence. As much as I loathe it, I will go see how much that damned Russell has left to finish it.", Professor Schmidt said, and looked at Tio. "If you want to remain here, then be my guest."
We couldn't even react before we all saw Professor Schmidt leave the dining room. The guard panicked and attempted to speak out while fleeing after him.
"A-At least let me escort you out of the castle, Professor!", The guard exclaimed, only to quickly vanish from sight. Seeing this, a wry smile appeared on my face.
Just like that, Professor Schmidt left Tio to us.
"Well, it looks like a certain someone decided to drop in and ruin the parade. At least with this, we are able to get some things on track. Hopefully they'll finish the Enigma II model soon. Then, we can proceed with combat tests after that.", I said. "And well, while we wait for the good news, why don't we catch up, Tio?"
Hearing that, Ennea's lit up.
"My, wouldn't that be lovely? I have all the time in the world to speak with my dearest little sister!", Ennea happily said. "It's been far too long."
"You are not my sister.", Tio immediately retorted, returning to her usual deadpan stare.
"Gah...", Ennea responded. Her head tilted down, feeling dejected.
"Hehe, I did not think you would know such a cutie, Naoto. I take it this girl is someone you and Ennea both know, but we haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet. I'm Angie. Nice to meet'cha. We are not wrong to say we have a lot of free time to chat. You're more than welcomed to stay with us for the time being.", Angelica said, introducing herself.
"Likewise. Please do not feel like our identity has some special meaning. If you are a friend of Naoto's, then you are a friend of mine. You can call me Kloe.", Kloe happily said.
Hearing that, Tio saw the girls before her, doing a quick round of introduction. In the end, she smiled again. "Mmm, I'd like that."
Maybe we should head back up into our room for the time being? We do need to wait for Professor Schmidt and Professor Russell to finish their business, and now that our meal is over, there's no point waiting around anymore. Grandmother saw this and she bid us farewell, under Hilda's guidance. Now then, what should we do for some fun?