All Princess Alfin could do was watch on with a surprised Pikachu face, seeing Erebonia's one and only Blood and Iron Chancellor behave like a normal father would do for his son. Father even went as far as to share a hug with me.
Emperor Eugent didn't interrupt the blissful scene. It was a reunion for the ages. The time spent in Crossbell City didn't last long at all. Father and I couldn't reunite then like what we are doing now.
I truly felt at peace here with Father during this moment. Emperor Eugent knew well not to interrupt.
Meanwhile, at the same time the room turned quiet, Claire could be seen, still standing at her post on the right side, silently guarding it. She wasn't alone. Claire felt a hidden pressure remain, and an air of mystery. Emma stood next to her acting as silent as Claire was. Claire's gaze couldn't help but be drawn toward the imposing sniper rifle on Emma's back.
Despite being twelve this year, Emma was carrying it around with ease. Contrary to the life Emma lived in the games, she had experienced the life of the battlefield. It was unsure whether or not this was the same line of causality the games experienced. Many things were happening that didn't take place in the games. Only the Goddess Aidios has the answer to that.
Despite Emma hiding her eyes behind some glasses, they were clear and unclouded. Claire has met Emma on a couple of occasions, and even fought against Jaegers together. Claire knew Emma's strength. To a certain degree, anyway. Claire also knew that wherever Naoto went, she would find this girl walking within his shadow. It was as if Emma was a marionette dancing to the tune of Liberl's Crown Prince.
And yet, that didn't seem to restrict Emma's freedom whatsoever. Quite the opposite. Claire saw that this girl before her had all the freedom in the world to do what she pleased. Was Emma really staying beside Naoto's side by her own choice?
The answer is quite simple. Yes, she is! What Claire didn't know about Emma was the fact that her feelings were beginning to bud. In due time, they'll bloom, and Emma will likely join the Royal Harem later on.
Emma was one of the romantic interests Rean could pursue, even though none of them were considered canon. But this wasn't the games. Emma has feelings for Naoto, and not Rean. But she knew well that it wasn't time yet. It was fine to take things slow for now. Because of that, Emma was currently on this journey to get stronger.
All so Emma could stand beside Naoto in the coming future.
As for Claire, she was at a loss. Her thoughts were turning into a mess. She felt the air stiff around her as the silence stretched on. And on top of everything, Claire knew how powerful the weapon on Emma's back was. It was equivalent to what are called S-Class Weapons. The very same weapons, the dual war axes the Scarlet Ogre wields, the same orbal gun-glaive the Jaeger King Wields, and even the weapon Randy would eventually come to wield, Berserker!
It was powerful in its own right. Not many weapons existed on this level. A single shot of it caused several Jaegers to fall unconscious while Emma attacked them from a long range. Along with the air of mystery currently surrounding Emma, Claire felt that hidden pressure. A pressure Jaegers release on the battlefield. This technically wasn't one, but in a way it was. Chancellor Osborne was beyond the closed door behind her. One wrong move could lead to drastic consequences. An outcome Claire doesn't want.
And yet, Emma remained unfettered. She simply smiled, turning her head toward Claire.
"Is something the matter, Miss Icy Maiden?", Emma asked. Claire's thoughts ended. All she did was reveal a sad smile.
"I'm sorry Emma, was it that obvious?", Claire responded.
"Haha. You were looking like you were in a battlefield of your own just now, deep in thought. I was simply curious as to what you were thinking about. Beyond this door leads to His Excellency's most private room, apart from the office he normally uses. My presence alone must be sounding alarms off inside your head, yes?", Emma said, asking the key question.
"That's the gist of it.", Claire responded, and nodded. "Just seeing you here like this makes no sense from my perspective. A girl at your age should be attending school, whether it be in a generational school like St. Astraia, or closer to home like Sunday School. And you're underway with combat training, and experienced the life of the battlefield. It's the same for that other white-haired girl who came along with you, isn't it?"
Emma nodded, agreeing with Claire's doubt.
"That's right. Fie, on the other hand, has much more experience on the battlefield than I do. And rightfully so. She's the proud daughter of the Jaeger King. The strongest Jaeger on the western half of the continent.", Emma happily replied.
"!?", Claire tried to say. Her usual icy demeanor melted, and genuine shock appeared in her eyes. "So that is what her relationship was with that guy. I had no idea. The two seemed quite close while we were back in North Ambria, but I didn't think they would be father and daughter."
"I know, right? While Fie may hold that title, she is an adoptive daughter. The two aren't actually bound by blood. Despite that, Zephyr raised Fie as one of their own. She's been fighting with her life on the line from an early age. I have nothing but respect for her.", Emma said, praising Fie's efforts until now.
"Nonetheless, that is a rather frightening title to hold. I've always found Fie's movements abnormal to some degree. Even back when we were in North Ambria. Are you fine telling me this, Emma?", Claire asked, unsure. "Aren't Jaegers bound by some code?"
"Only when a contract is active.", Emma answered. "Neither of us have one right now. We're following Naoto as his friends. Don't think too much of it, alright? Our interests just happen to align right now. Naoto is training, and so am I. Fie is too, in a way. Instead, why don't I tell you a little bit about her? Boss found Fie orphaned when she was really young. Much, much earlier by the time I joined up with them alongside Naoto. And well, as for me, I have a place where I belong now."
"Let me take a guess. It is to be at His Royal Highness's side. You are aware of what he has done as of late, yes?", Claire said.
"I am very much well aware of the fact that Naoto has created a Royal Harem. That does not change my viewpoint on this. I am where I belong.", Emma said. It was rare for Claire to see such a resolute look in Emma's eyes.
"I see. Then I will not press on the matter further. It is quite rare to have such a follower like you, Emma. I will give you the best of luck", Claire said, and smiled.
"Thank you very much. It means a lot to hear you say that, Claire.", Emma happily replied. "I could say the same thing to you. You wouldn't be where you are if it weren't for His Excellency. Isn't that right? Miss Ironblood?"
"...!?", Claire's demeanor changed entirely. She even backed away from Emma. All Emma did was keep her ground, and grinned. Claire then waved her hand to the side. "Okay. Really. Who in Aidios's name are you!? You say you follow the prince, but that's enough of a joke!", Claire exclaimed.
Claire's usual icy demeanor was nowhere to be found. She's been thrown a bunch of surprises today, but it looks like this one took the cake.
"Oh did I speak out of turn there? If I have offended you Miss Icy Maiden, then I do apologize. Things will get revealed in due time. I may have overstepped some boundaries.", Emma said, suddenly apologizing to Claire.
"Overstepped some boundaries...?", Claire responded. "What kind of boundaries are we speaking of here?'
"It will be said in due time, like I have said. I am not sure how much information your intelligence network currently possesses, but the vermillion capital will undergo a drastic change.", Emma began to explain. Hearing that, Claire frowned.
"A change that is going to strike our capital? Is that what is being discussed behind these doors?", Claire asked, wondering if that was the case.
"I can only assume as such. His Excellency requested both Naoto and the presence of the Imperial Family. I am not sure if it is a bad change, but it will be a change nonetheless. Before long, an evacuation order will be issued. We are planning this ahead of time so the capital isn't too chaotic by the time it happens.", Emma said, continuing to explain.
"A change so widespread that it requires the entire capital to be evacuated...", Claire murmured, sucking in a cold breath of air. Her gaze turned serious, only to look straight at Emma. "So then, out with it. You are no mere follower. Who are you, exactly?"
"Heehee.", Emma said, giggling. "I am my own person. That fact has not changed. But it is nice to formally introduce myself to you, Claire. Naoto should be bringing this up soon with His Excellency. We're currently the best time to carry this out. Planning this ahead is much better than waiting till the day to do it. I'd rather not cause such widespread panic, and Naoto has the same opinion.", Emma continued, before smiling at Claire. "As for who I am, I am Emma Millstein. Witch apprentice to a fallen Wandering Witch. My home is the illusory Hexen Clan that resides in Eryn Village. I am in both service as a guide, and as a partner to Naoto, Liberl's Crown Prince. It is an honor to meet an Ironblood. In a way, we are one of the same, despite having different backgrounds."
"In service as a guide, and as a partner to His Royal Highness?", Claire responded, still looking confused. "What exactly do you mean by that? The name Hexen Clan sounds familiar too..."
Claire used this moment to cross-reference some records that began to surface in her mind. Particular pieces of information that were sealed away and restricted by the Imperial Government from over two centuries ago. She had access to this information by being part of the Intelligence Division. Her mind began to paint the bigger picture as the pieces began to fall into places.
"You...aren't referring to what took place in the War of the Lions that happened over two-hundred years ago, are you, Emma?", Claire said, letting it dawn on her.
"Who is to say?", Emma replied. "They say the Infernal Castle's internal structure changes and takes the form of whoever causes it to rise from its ashes. I do not know what will happen this time around. We are treading unknown waters. But I am true to my word. You protect Naoto by order of His Excellency, and I protect Naoto in my own way. Should it really come as a surprise that I know that you are an Ironblood?"
"I suppose you do make a point.", Claire said, letting these thoughts settle for the moment. She found it a surprise Emma is a Witch, but she's been carrying herself well as Emma revealed this information to her. "But how exactly did you figure it out?"
"Oh that's simple really. I happen to be one of Naoto's childhood friends. I know His Excellency is Naoto's Father. I'm sure you do too. It is a heavily guarded secret.", Emma said, only to drop a huge piece of information that shocked Claire to her core.
"You...You know about that!?", Claire exclaimed. "And what do you mean you're Naoto's childhood friend!? If that really were the case, then..."
"Yes. I was at the Osborne Villa before it was raided by the Red Constellation. I may not have been there at the time of the attack, but I am aware that it took place. Naoto had his own plans after that happened, and well, here we are now.", Emma said.
All Emma did was smile at Claire while saying that as Claire's entire world seemed it was about to shatter into pieces with this revelation. Claire didn't know whether she should laugh or cry here!