Despite the revelation Claire just went through right now, a sole thought remained in her mind, causing it to be stirred once again. During that, Claire just looked at Emma.
"Wait, what do you mean by "one" of His Royal Highness's childhood friends?", Claire asked, almost "Are you telling me you aren't the only one who knows of this? There's another person out there who does!?"
"That is exactly what I am saying. She just so happens to be a year older than me. I am not sure how much she can recall from back then, considering it took place a decade ago. We didn't exactly have many chances to meet one another. I came along for the ride toward the latter end. She might not even remember me.", Emma said, and pondered. "But I clearly remember her. She's on a journey of her own right now as well. It wouldn't hurt to reach out to her.", Emma continued. "But I do apologize for rambling on like that, Miss Icy Maiden. The person I am referring to happens to be the granddaughter of the Mayor of Crossbell City. Elie MacDowell."
"W-WHAT!?", Claire exclaimed. "His Royal Highness is in contact with her of all people?"
"Is something wrong?", Emma asked, not expecting to hear Claire respond like that.
"About that...", Claire began to say, deciding whether or not she should talk about it. "I'm sure you know, knowing that you know that I'm part of the Intelligence Division and all, that we are privy to bits and pieces of information that the public doesn't have access to, right?"
"I am aware of that, yes. Did something happen with Elie?", Emma asked with a hint of worry in her eyes.
"I feel it is only right to tell you, since you revealed who you are to me. I'm sure what's happening in Crossbell City is more up to date regarding Miss MacDowell, but it would seem she has become a Squire in a hidden part of the Septian Church who call themselves the Gralsritter.", Claire declared.
"...!", Emma tried to say. It was her turn to be surprised this time. What Emma doesn't know was the fact that Naoto and Elie had briefly crossed paths shortly before his arrival at Nemeth Island. Emma arrived on the island itself with Roselia. By the time that happened, Elie was already gone. She didn't know Elie was heading to Arteria then to study abroad. "Thank you for telling me this. I'm sure Naoto would love to hear how Elie has been doing. And likewise, it is good to see her doing well."
"You are most certainly welcome. Still, I did not expect the three of you to be acquainted with one another. And more, childhood friends no less. The world really is a strange one.", Claire said, wondering how things were a decade ago.
As for Emma, she simply smiled at Claire.
"I would not be surprised if Elie ends up liking Naoto like I do either...", Emma uttered softly.
"Did you say something just now, Emma?", Claire asked, seeing Emma speak too quietly for her to hear it.
"It's nothing.", Emma said, quickly shaking those thoughts away. She knew about Naoto's harem and all. And the fact he likes multiple girls. She wasn't one to drive a wedge into that. She just wasn't sure whether Naoto had enough room in his heart for her. 'I'll definitely need to time this right. I don't want it to be too late...'
Seeing Emma spend a moment in her own thoughts, Claire decided to change the subject. She learned a lot tonight, but most of her surprise had subsided by now. "It looks like His Excellency won't be done for a while chatting with His Royal Highness. You seem to know about what took place during the War of the Lions. Why don't you tell me more about this Infernal Castle business to pass the time?"
"With pleasure.", Emma happily answered. She quickly shook those thoughts away. 'I can't let my emotions take hold of me. Perhaps in the future, but not now. We have to focus on the Vermillion Trials.', Emma continued. A smile appeared on her face, and she began to talk about the history of the vermillion capital.
Before the two knew it , time began to pass...
During this time, Emma formally introduced herself to Claire. Not that of a Jaeger of Zephyr, but that of a Witch who came from Eryn Village. As Emma continued to explain the history behind the Infernal Castle, things have started to click inside Claire's head.
And yet, one thing stood out that Claire pondered over.
Why exactly is a Witch doing in Heimdallr?
'What took place over two-hundred years ago...and those legends of old...Just why is it being brought up again? Does it have anything to do with what appeared in Dreichel's Plaza a decade ago? It's been inactive, but I have a feeling that is the key to everything...', Claire thought.
More questions began to surface one after another while the pieces fell into place.
As that happened, back inside the closed meeting room behind the two, the fleeting moment of Father giving me a hug had passed. Princess Alfin's shock of finding out Chancellor Osborne is my blood-related Father also began to subside.
Just knowing that alone will not change things. Chancellor Osborne is still Erebonia's Chancellor, while I am still Liberl's Crown Prince. I took a firm grip of my other identity as an Auslese, despite this familial bond we share. It didn't go unnoticed that Emperor Eugent had a hint of worry in his eyes while this happened.
Likely about me potentially using the Osborne name, but both Father and I decided that it was just not worth it. If the public learned there was another Osborne out there, it could cause an entire structural collapse of the Nobles. While Angelica and I do have a plan in motion, we do not want the collapse of the Great Houses. More toward that of a consolidation.
I will challenge the Great Houses head on, but not to such a degree. That would change how Erebonia is viewed by other nations entirely. Father is pretty well hated by most Nobles. Imagine placing a second Osborne into the mix?
I won't go into such detail, but it is clear as day Erebonia's Nobles have come to hate Father with all the laws he has been passing recently, and the installation of those railway cannons at the eastern border. They can't challenge Father directly either. It would have to go through the court system that was backed by the Imperial Diet, and Father sits at the very top of that alongside the Imperial Family.
To say the least, Father is practically untouchable. If I joined in, it would be adding oil to a well-lit fire. Once poured onto it, it wouldn't stop. I bet even riots would happen. The Provincial Armies would raise their banners and rebel against the Imperial Army. Essentially what took place in the October War, but it would happen a lot sooner.
I do not want that to happen, so I will not be using the Osborne name for the time being.
If I really did choose to do such a thing, it would be foolish of me to do so. It would become much more drastic than what took place in Cold Steel II. Duke Cayenne used that hatred to get what he wanted. But if there were two...that hatred would increase several fold. Hell, I might even get targeted by the Imperial Liberation Front once that gets formed by Crow and his motley crew. I know he's been training in Ordis under Vita's guidance, but it won't be long until he claims Ordine as his own and passes the Azure Trials.
I'm curious to know how Crow is doing regarding that. Is he well?
Like I have brought up before, the best time for me to announce that I am an Osborne is when Rean learns that Giliath is his father. Until then, I'll put it out of my mind. I just need to figure out a good time to do so, since I'm taking Cold Steel II out of its spot in the timeline. I won't ramble much more about this matter for the time being.
Apart from that, I am grateful to Father for taking some time out of his always-busy schedule to have this conversation with us tonight.
The initial plan is to take the Vermillion Trials in two months' time, but we will see how this next year goes. I want to finish it before I begin my studies at Jenis the following year.
Regardless, the atmosphere around us eased greatly. Princess Alfin is a smart gir. Seeing us not press the matter, she didn't do so either. Instead, she just sees me as Naoto, just like the other girls do. The fact I am her fiancé doesn't change that.
Overall, this was just part of why Father brought us here. Our positions changed with the passing of time. Princess Alfin and I moved toward one side of the low-rise table, while His Imperial Majesty and Chancellor Osborne sat on the other end. Tea was prepared, and we were currently enjoying it to our heart's content.
Any nervousness both from the dance earlier than the newfound nerves earlier when we came here were no longer present.
"I always knew something was amiss with Your Excellency, but I truly am grateful for you shedding some light on this matter. I could say the same thing to you, Prince Naoto. Even knowing the Chancellor is your father, you haven't changed. I say that, but I know why not a single word should leave this room.", Emperor Eugent said, feeling more calm now.
"Yeah!", Princess Alfin happily replied while she took a sip of tea. "To me, Naoto is Naoto. You are to be my husband in the future too, heehee."
"I am grateful for you being so considerate, Your Imperial Majesty. It is a very sensitive topic. One that cannot be so easily brought up. After we leave this room, Father will continue to see me as a stranger. Isn't that right, Father?", I asked, looking at Giliath. I saw him nod his head.
"Yes. While the truth is right before our eyes and I do not deny the fact that you are my son, I can't help but feel this burden which has been placed on you. I know it must have been hard. Several plans may be in motion, and until those come to fruition, only then may I think of stepping down as Chancellor to elect another individual from inside the Imperial government.", Giliath said, causing Emperor Eugent some surprise.
"You really are looking to step down? This is quite sudden.", Emperor Eugent asked, surprised to hear that.
"It has been a fleeting thought, yes. Even if my absence were to be realized, it is not like these plans will change.", Giliath explained. "What is set in stone is set in stone. All that is left is to watch the rest of it play out. And that includes you, my son. Do not neglect those trials placed right underneath our very eyes."
"I understand, Father. It is a duty I will uphold myself. I will not neglect them.", I answered, nodding at Father.
"Trials? You must be referring to that strange circle appearing beneath Emperor Dreichel's statue. It's been over a decade since it has appeared, I almost forgot about it.", Emperor Eugent responded.
"Yeah. What is this trial business, Naoto?", Princess Alfin also asked, confused.
While the Rivalries won't take place for another five to seven years, people can attempt the trials of a Divine Knight at any point in time, should they know the location of them.
Going in order, Lianne Sandlot, or Arianrhod the Steel Maiden, has the Argent Knight, Agreion. She claimed it over two-hundred years ago.
Father should have the Ebon Knight by now, Ishmelga. It doesn't exactly state when he gets it, but Ishmelga shows up around the time Father offers himself as a sacrifice in an attempt to save Rean after our villa was raided. He should have Ishmelga by now.
Then you have Crow attempting the Azure Trials to obtain Ordine. And likewise me, who is going to attempt the Vermillion Trials in this next year or so to obtain the Vermillion Knight, Testa-Rossa.
Following those three are the Palatinate Knight Zector, Auric Knight El-Prado, and Ashen Knight Valimar. These three won't be acquired by Rutger Claussell, Rufus Albarea, and Rean Schwarzer respectively until Cold Steel is underway. This means I'm the last one up for the time being.
I feel it is time to inform His Imperial Majesty what exactly I plan to do regarding the Vermillion Trials. Unlike the other trials, it can potentially cause widespread panic with the rise of the Infernal Castle. We need to prepare a lot to ensure that does not happen.
The first order of business is to evacuate all of Heimdallr. That's right, I'm talking about every single person. The capital has over five-hundred thousand people!