I didn't expect to unlock Laura's Favorability so soon. With her added, I've unlocked around half of Class VII's Favorability now. Rean Schwarzer, Alisa Reinford, Laura Arseid, Fie Claussell, Emma Millstein, and if you include the two add-ons, Crow Armbrust. There remains Elliot Craig, Jusis Albarea, Machias Regnitz, Gaius Worzel, and Millium Orion. If I pay General Craig a visit, I could likely visit Elliot. If I decide to meet up with Rufus in Bareahard, Jusis will follow. I've met Machias's dad, so that opens up a lane for Machias. As for Gaius, he's in Nord. That's a place I've yet to visit, but I could in the future. It's a great place. Wide open plains and very fresh air. The odd one here is Millium. She isn't "born", yet. She should still be in her creation phase within the Black Workshop.
Millium Orion, and subsequently Altina Orion, are akin to beings like KeA, artificial creations. Millium, aka the White Rabbit, is set to awaken in S1201 right before Trails in the Sky's events kick off, and Altina, aka the Black Rabbit, wakes up under Rufus's care during Cold Steel in S1204. This happens off screen of course, you don't get to see it. And right after that in August of S1204, Trails to Azure begins.
While it may just be S1199 now, many, many events are about to take place, even with my existence throwing the whole timeline out of whack. I'm very much looking forward to it. And that is exactly why I want to continue strengthening myself!
Feeling excitement and anticipation of what is to come, I saw Tamamo off to the side with AI KeA floating around her, taking in the sights of what was a gigantic mansion before us. I mean talk about grandiose. It is much larger than the villa we used to have on the outskirts of Trista. Even the Viscounty's emblem could be seen on large blue banners on each end.
"Woah, this place is huge!", Tamamo's voice happily said, letting her tails thump the ground behind her.. Hearing this, Laura scratched her cheek.
"Well I do admit, sometimes it's a bit much, even for me. But Father is a Viscount and manages Legram, so having a property like this only benefits Father's stature as a noble. I'm not exactly quite used to it yet.", Laura replied.
"Nonetheless, you are Master's one and only daughter, Young Missus. You have a certain image to maintain.", Klaus said with a smile. After approaching the entranceway, he turned around to look at us, and additionally looked at Toval. "But with that said, we have arrived. Mr. Randonneur, considering you are now an escort of His Excellency, you are welcomed to stay with us during His Excellency's stay here in Legram. Expenses for both room and board will be covered. Lunch will be served at noon sharp while dinner at six. If you wake up early for breakfast, the maids will have it prepared ahead of time and it will be self-serve."
"Damn, you nobles sure are livin' it up, eh?", Toval mused. A smile appeared on his face. "Free lodging AND all meals covered? That's livin' the dream right there. Must be nice not having to worry about a single coin of Mira. Count me in. Much appreciated."
"I try not to rely on having such access. While I am granted an allowance, we don't abuse what we have. Isn't that right, Klaus?", Laura asked.
"It is exactly as you say, Young missus. Many of the townsfolk know you, and you've a good upbringing. It brings me great joy seeing you not be stingy like many other nobles can be at times. It all depends on the circle you are attempting to garner attention with. A circle that you will eventually join, along with His Excellency, I'm sure.", Klaus happily replied.
"You are definitely right about that, Klaus. I am a year ahead, so my debut into high society will be sooner than later. It happens when most nobles turn fifteen or sixteen. I'll be in a rather unique position, taking into consideration my current standing.", I responded.
"Indeed.", Klaus said, proceeding to look at Laura this time. "I've already notified the maids to prepare a bath for you, Young Missus. Your training is done for the day. You best get ready yourself for dinner with Master. It is approaching dinnertime.", Klaus continued, shifting his eyes again to Tamamo and AI KeA. "And I have sent in an additional request to add some fish to tonight's course. As for you...Do you require a meal, little fairy?"
For having been a butler for so long, Klaus is always one to adapt to new scenarios sent his way. He looked at the pixelated fairy floating around Tamamo.
"I do not, but I appreciate your concern.", AI KeA said, then looked at me. "As we have arrived at our destination, I will let Master take over."
Before we could react, AI KeA did a twirl, then vanished from sight, likely heading back into my Enigma II. Laura just looked at the spot where she just was.
"Just a curious little thing. There is still a lot we don't know about the world we live in.", Laura said, then looked at us. "I will heed Klaus's advice, and shall excuse myself temporarily. I look forward to seeing you all at dinner tonight."
Just like that, Laura stepped inside, leaving us to our own devices.
"Guess I'll go scope out the place and see where my room is.", Toval said. "Catch ya at dinner. Do you have a preference of what I should address you as?"
"'Your Excellency' will do just fine, if you had to pick one. It will be the most appropriate later.", I answered. Hearing that, Toval nodded and was guided by a maid inside. Unlike Laura, he's a guest, so he couldn't exactly wander on his own without having some eyes on him. "You said Lord Arseid was waiting for me?"
"Yes. It is shortly after five. There is still time before dinner tonight. Master is presently in his drawing room. Please follow me.", Klaus said, only to see Tamamo approach my side.
"Very well. Lead the way."
After I said that, Tamamo followed along, and we were guided into the mansion. I could see some maids working about with their dusters, constantly cleaning. A faint sound of running water reached my ears from further into the house. It looks like Klaus really did give an advance notice ahead of time. The maids bowed at my arrival, remaining polite. I've gotten used to all of this back at Grancel Castle. I just kept a firm gaze. I just won't be using my Crown Prince moniker here. But that of Duke Phoenix. Before long, Klaus brought me to the left side of the building.
Along the way was a flight of stairs that led to the second floor. There were two big doors between that, which likely led to the main dining room where we will have our meal later. Unlike other nobles, Victor Arseid does head of Legram quite frequently, so it was quite lucky being to catch him here. We soon arrived at a hallway on the left side. It seemed to be a large room. Klaus raised his hand, and knocked on the door.
"Master, I have brought His Excellency, as you have requested."
"Good. You may enter.", A firm voice spoke. Sure enough, that was definitely Victor's voice. One that I haven't heard in almost a decade. Klaus remained at the door, waiting for me to enter. I had one more look at him before I stepped inside.
What appeared before me was a middle-aged, blue-haired man, presently donning the Arseid attire. Considering Cold Steel has yet to take place, Victor Arseid still has his arm. That's right, he loses his arm in a fight against McBurn. It was one of the most memorable fights in all of Cold Steel. And his opponent just so happens to be McBurn. And not just McBurn's normal appearance. No. By the time this fight happens, McBurn unleashes his true appearance. Someone who came into Zemuria from the beyond. In a way, McBurn is just like me, even though he didn't reincarnate. The Blazing Demon.
And he saw a violet-haired boy step into his drawing room, Victor smiled. What interested me were the several maps scattered around, but they didn't seem to be in use right now.
"I still had my doubts after Klaus informed me, but I truly did not think you would show up out of the blue in Legram no less. It has been quite some time, Your Excellency. Nine, or ten years, give or take?", Victor asked, greeting me with a smile. "You have grown splendidly. I hear even Princess Alfin has been in your care on multiple occasions."
Oi. What is that supposed to mean?
"Thank you, Sir Victor. And I really do apologize for not sending a message ahead of time. It truly has been a while, hasn't it? Let alone catching you, it was nice meeting Laura too. We already got acquainted.", I said, keeping my tone polite.
"I see, so that took place already. Thank you for looking after my daughter. We haven't seen each other in years, but it feels as if you never left. Even if you took on another identity, you are still you. I am not that impervious as others might be with the happenings of the world. Life has been treating you well in Liberl. I am sure His Excellency would be most pleased. And seeing you here back in Erebonia, do you perhaps have an interest in paying the Imperial Diet a visit? I am sure if you send an advanced notice, you will be welcomed. He is your father, after all.", Victor said.
Man, Victor really doesn't beat around the bush now, does he? Only a select few know who I truly am, and he is one of them. Pretty much anyone who was present in the orbal car back then who escorted Father and I from the Osborne Villa to witness Emperor Eugent III ascend the throne several years back. Hearing that caused me to laugh.
"Haha. I appreciate the gesture Sir Victor, but at the end of the day, what Father does and what I do are two separate matters. He has his life to live, while I have mine. And trust me, they are two VERY different backgrounds. I appreciate all Father has done for me since that event took place. He still has his own way of protecting me...even if it may be outlandish at times.", I responded, smiling back at him.
"Is that right?", Victor responded, seeing the determined look in my eyes. "I take it you'd rather not be addressed as 'Your Highness' during your stay here in Legram."
"I'd rather avoid it, if possible. While you may not be the only one who knows of the bastard blood that runs in my veins, there aren't many who do. At the very least, it sounds like Father has been trying to keep things in check. Through his own ways.", I said.
"Indeed. His Excellency, the recently-appointed Blood and Iron Chancellor, has been keeping it under wraps for the most part. Apart from those who were with you, only Duke Albarea is aware of the matter.", Victor explained, giving me the run down from his angle. That's good to hear at least.
"Yeah. Let's just say things have been rather hectic since I made my appearance back in Liberl. Only now has it started to settle down. Enough to make my family and friends aware of where I'm heading next. For the time being, I'll be staying here in Legram, and that is only one stop I plan to make.", I happily said.
"If that really is the case, you are more than welcome to stay here at my home. Why don't we drop the titles? Likewise, I do not know how much you have said to my daughter, but it would probably be easier on her if we all call each other by name. And who knows, perhaps the two of you can become even better acquainted with one another.", Victor said, revealing a playful grin.
"Don't tempt me, old man. Even I know that you're not oblivious to what's happening back at home.", I retorted.
"Hahaha!", Victor bellowed. "It will be up to Laura to decide on the path she wants to tread. Her training in the Arseid Style is doing well to develop her character. At least, you can continue getting acquainted with her. Perhaps even have a sparring match or two. I take it that's the reason why you're dropping by my place on your journey.", Victor continued.
"Quick on the uptake I see, and to that, I can agree with. While I'll agree getting to know Laura better will be nice during my stay here, my primary objective in coming to Legram is to accept the offer that you once gave me.", I explained.
"That...", Victor didn't immediately reply. Some memories began to surface. "You want me to train you?"
"If you are willing, Master.", I responded, and gracefully bowed.