Eryn Village remained in seclusion for a good reason. It was entirely hidden, and housed the witches of the Hexen Clan. The witch trio that assisted Giliath in slaying Agnagarn on Saturday the day prior hailed from this very same village. On top of that, it held a special rule. No ins or outs, unless permitted by Crimson Roselia herself. Both Vita and Isola received her permission to become what are called "Wandering Witches". Isola is one by now, but at this point in time, I don't think Vita is. But the Crimson Roselia permitted Vita's exit either way, likely as part of training.
It's not like a Wandering Witch couldn't re-enter Eryn Village. They had all the freedom a normal Witch had, as long as they abided by the village's rules. That was key. Everything passed through the girl I saw looking nonchalantly at the secret agent, held point blank at gunpoint. She probably didn't even need to exert any energy to dodge, I'm sure it'd phase right through her, haha! Magic is seriously overpowered here in Trails, but there's also many out there who fail to realize that Magic even exists.
But I received the opportunity to learn Magic thanks to this girl~
That's why I am addressing her as Master!
As this scene happened a little while ago, the Crimson Roselia could be seen inside her rather spacious Atelier. This same Atelier raised Witch after Witch after Witch for the last millennium. Vita Clotilde was its most recent resident. Well, perhaps not anymore?
A little figure could presently be seen happily running toward Roselia.
"Grandma, let's go play!", The small child said, urging Roselia to end her current business inside the Atelier.
The girl was quite young, and appeared quite energetic. Her gaze was drawn toward a rather strange device that could be seen in the middle of the first floor. From afar, it looked similar to a well, but up close, it was actually a map of sorts. It was composed mostly of Mana, but with the recent development of Orbal Technology, it was successfully integrated into this device. This same spiritual map would assist Rean to pinpoint the location of his allies during the latter half of Cold Steel where they all get separated from the October War.
"Is that you, Emma?", Roselia questioned, turning away from what could be seen as a virtual holographic panel of sorts, created purely out of Mana. It was presently floating above her, and it was quite large. On it showed a rather peculiar vermillion-colored vehicle currently heading toward a large city...
"Uh-huh. Mama said you returned, Grandma.", The girl responded, rushing into the first floor. She seemed to be no more than two years old, turning three soon. She's a year younger than Naoto. Her plum-colored hair was fluttering behind her, and she wore a tiny pink robe, acting as if she was a real Witch. And of course, she wasn't alone. A much taller figure could be seen in the near distance, making sure that her child didn't tumble over from excitement. She was Isola of course.
"Haha, it looks like I'll be here for the time being, my dear Emma. Remember what I said to you last time?", Roselia asked, causing the girl named Emma to come to a sudden halt. She arrived right before Roselia, who gave her a rare hug. Tilting her head a bit, she looked confused for a moment. This little girl was none other than Emma Millstein, the very same Emma who would join Rean's Class VII in the future. But right now, she happily resided here in Eryn Village alongside her mother, Isola Millstein. Unlike Vita who acted like an older sister, this duo held true to their name. She was Isola's child through and through.
It was then Emma's mouth turned agape, realizing Roselia's intent. That shock quickly turned into excitement as literal stars appeared in her eyes. "Don't tell me, did you find a little brother, Grandma!?"
"Why yes I did.", Roselia simply answered, patting Emma's head for a little bit to calm her excitement. And yet, it was Isola's turn who showed even more shock. These weren't just empty words to her.
"You really did find an outsider, Mother? One proficient enough to learn Magic?", Isola asked, still shocked. "To think there would be people like that still out there..."
"The world just doesn't revolve around us, Isola. There are still many mysteries out there that even I haven't solved yet. For the time being, a new path has been etched for me. One that I will take seriously. The next Awakener has been found. One whose fate will be bound by blood and iron, and likely political uprisings.", Roselia declared.
"...!", Isola tried to say, but found no words to Roselia's declaration.
"And it shall fall onto us to bear this responsibility. Emma here will be instructed on being a Guide for these Trials, and we will assist her in doing so.", Roselia continued. "Only then, will the next Divine Knight reveal itself."
"I understand, Mother.", Isola responded, eyes full of determination. She didn't know what was in store for her, which would be the fight for her life. The very same one to claim it. All she did was look at her daughter, Emma Millstein who showed a confused look in her eyes.
"Mama, what's a Divine Knight?", Emma questioned, still confused. She tried following along, but didn't understand what was being exchanged between Roselia and Isola. Seeing this, Isola smiled, and proceeded to lift Emma back up into her arms.
"You see, Emma...", Isola began to say, only for the memory to suddenly turn blurry.
That was what Roselia recalled before arriving here on top of the Crown Prince's car, still ignoring the fact that a gun was pointed at her. Seeing her arrive, I couldn't help but sigh.
"How nice of you to pay me a visit, my dear apprentice.", Roselia playfully responded, ignoring the ongoing scene altogether. A look of annoyance appeared in my eyes hearing that.
"Aren't I the one who is supposed to say that!?", I retorted, speaking back at her. "You do realize what is going on right now, don't you, Master? You are a few seconds away from being shot at."
"Oh that reminds me. Hold that thought.", Roselia suddenly said. I did grow interested in this, wondering what Roselia was going to do. I saw her move her giant crimson staff slightly. Turning around while still seated in the car, the secret agent was about to open fire. But he couldn't do anything as Roselia revealed a quick chant.
"Lacero.", Roselia chanted, causing confusion to appear in the secret agent's eyes.
"What the...", The secret agent tried to respond, only to feel his hands feel lighter all of a sudden. Clank. Clank!
Before we realized it, the secret agent saw his orbal pistol shred into tiny bits and pieces of metal dust, quite literally. As the name implies, it lacerated the orbal pistol into smithereens. The dust couldn't even make it down onto the pavement beneath us before it completely vanished from sight. It was then I heard a sigh coming from inside the orbal car.
"Stand down, agent. Don't be rude to our guest now.", Crown Prince Eugent said, calling out to him.
"B-But Your Highness, this person is clearly an intruder!"
"This woman is no intruder. I can guarantee you that on behalf of the royal family. You are to treat her with the utmost respect. You know this well, don't you, Giliath?", Crown Prince Eugent said back inside the orbal car. Giliath simply smiled hearing that.
"Haha, you know me too well, Your Highness. Though if I'm speaking honestly here, I've only come to learn of this result several moments ago. I can say this person has a rather peculiar bond with my son.", Giliath explained while remaining vague on the topic of Witches.
It was then Victor raised his voice. "Why am I suddenly getting this strange feeling...It's almost like I've felt this before."
"Umu. 'Tis a good feeling this way, brat. Your familial ties are being kept in check, Arseid.", Roselia stated, which drew even more curiosity from not only me, but from everyone else inside the orbal car.
"Just who in Aidios's name are you?", Victor questioned, wondering who exactly Roselia was. That was of course, she's a Witch. But not just any Witch. She's the leader of the Hexen Clan. And on top of that, she is my new Master who will instruct me with the ways of Magic in these coming few years before my own plan starts taking shape!