As my eyes laid upon the spiky white-green haired boy who seemed to sense my gaze and became equally interested, the first of several figures that came out of the Merkabah started to descend. They continued onward, stepping down on the left side of Dreichels Plaza. It was right in front of us. There was a blast of wind from the descent of the orbal aircraft, but that didn't bother me.
Sure enough, once I began to observe this person arrive, it appeared to be a girl around fifteen years old.
Her hair was longer than before, and more wavy. It sported a greenish-blonde hair color. She was wearing a rather unique version of the Gralsritter attire. A black, long-sleeved top and a long skirt over her front. A couple of leather pouches were attached near her waist. Auburn stockings were around her legs, and to top off her image, a golden medallion of the Septian Church was present around her neck.
No doubt about it. This person is Ein Selnate, the very same girl I met before. She seemed somewhat older than our previous encounter within Grancel Castle's walls. She was sent back then to determine whether or not the Shining Ring was still sealed within the castle. A recent shift in Liberl royalty took place before I came into the picture, so that action was justified. And the girl next to her was also someone I met prior.
She sported the same red-hair as before. She had the appearance of a Knight. She was a couple years older, around thirteen years old now. The Septian Church accepts just about anyone as long as they meet the requirements, don't they? Of course the person I'm referring to here is Rufina Argent. She will end up becoming the last villain of Sky's story when Kevin takes over as its main character. It takes place in the third game. Right now, she is still alive, but her death will be coming soon within the next couple years. Her death will cause Kevin to unleash his Stigma, prompting Kevin to join the Dominions as the Heretic Hunter.
With me in the picture now, I do not know if this will come to take place. It is solely dependent on whoever acquires an artifact called the Recluse Cube. If I let Kevin take it, I'm sure the events of Sky the 3rd will continue to take place. But let's say someone like me takes it, who knows what would happen. This artifact manifests entire worlds based on who initially acquires it. Will it even react to me, knowing I came from a different world?
I couldn't help but wonder whether or not this possibility will happen.
As I wondered about that, I saw more Squires and Knights descend off the Merkabah, arriving beside Ein and Selnate. There was even a Cardinal present, who hailed from another division with the Septian Church, the Congregation of the Sacraments. This Cardinal was likely Ein's direct superior, her boss as one would say. Seeing such a formality arrive, no doubt about it they are here to recognize Crown Prince Eugent's ascension. My attention wasn't solely drawn to the Cardinal either, but to the two smaller kids beside them who were still dressed in a Squire's trainee uniform.
Apart from the boy, the girl next to him sported very similarly colored hair to Rufina, and was much younger than her. I could recognize these two at a glance. One would even be one of Trail's protagonists, albeit only for a short while.
The boy is Kevin Graham and the girl is Rise Argent!
I didn't think I'd get to meet these two so early on. And seeing Kevin here, his own story has already kicked off. I could easily confirm that thanks to the clothes he was presently wearing. He was a street rat before this, and seeing him wearing clothes of the Church, he no longer was. As simple as that.
It looks like his induction into the Septian Church has already taken place. I saw a crossbow hoisted on his back. That was oddly his primary weapon of choice. We're in the age of rapidly developing technology, but there are some out there who still value traditional weapons. Swords are number one, but you'd still come across a user of bows every so often. Kevin is one such person. As for Ries, her weapon was more of a standard issue amongst the Septian Church.
They use what are called Templar Swords. They can detach into segments, extending their reach outward far beyond their average person. Doing so helps fight against monsters at a long range. They can easily slide into mid range or close range, making them flexible within your party. They're even taking in kids into their ranks. Their requirements are far different than your typical organization. Then again, Ries is Rufina's younger sister, so she probably used some connections to join early. Kevin's situation was special, so I'm not entirely sure what their requirements are.
Despite that, the first thing I saw Ein do was smile. At me no less. She took some steps, and did a light bow, placing her arm over her chest.
"It looks like you've been well, Your Highness. You've grown a little taller.", Ein said, greeting me. Those around us raised their eyes. The commanders were expecting the Church to greet Crown Prince Eugent first, but instead, she directed her greeting at me. Even he mused at the sight, raising his eyebrows. Still, I waved Ein off with a laugh.
"Haha, and you've become even prettier during our time apart, Miss Ein. I still have a lot of growing to do myself.", I replied, smiling back. It was then the Cardinal stepped forward, arriving beside Ein. He was dressed like a proper Priest like you'd see inside the churches scattered across the continent. He scoffed after looking at me for a moment.
"Hmph. So this is the boy who was brought to our attention?", The Cardinal questioned, remaining firm. He gave me a glare. This was definitely the Head Priest alright. He seems much more like a boss than Ein is. If I had to relate this person to someone in my past life, it'd be the Pope. He even had a pointy hat!
"Haha, he is the one, Your Eminence. But it looks like we were presented with yet another surprise. I did not expect to see the son of His Imperial Highness arrive beside us today. It is a pleasure.", Ein said, greeting Olivert. He smiled back at her and looked my way.
"So you are acquainted with the Church already, Naoto.", Olivert said, glancing down my way again.
"It was just a chance encounter. Miss Ein and I have met before, and she knows about you-know-what.", I answered him.
"Is that right?", Olivert asked back, curving his lips upward into a grin.
"Well put. This is our first time meeting each other. You may address me as Ein Selnate. I am the one in charge now of leading the Gralsritter, a subdivision of the Congregation of the Sacraments.", Ein said, keeping her tone formal. Giliath chuckled hearing this, causing our eyes to shift toward him.
"I am so very glad you were able to answer my call. Thank you for stopping by. Miss Ein, was it?", Giliath responded, and reached his hand out to initiate a handshake. Ein accepted, and Giliath continued to speak. "I did not think the leader of the Gralsritter would be someone so young, yet so capable at the same time.", Giliath continued, and winked at her. Of course Father knew about Ein already. He was there with me inside the castle back then and yet, he's playing it off as if he's meeting her for the first time. Likely to keep up appearances here since there's a big gathering of people. At this point, does it even matter that Father previously met Ein?
And yet, it didn't take long for the crowd of people to burst out in shock once again. Excitement quickly spread amongst them.
"L-Look, that's the Wolf Slayer standing next to the members of the Church! I can't believe he took down such a ferocious beast single handedly!", One of the onlook
Seeing Giliath addressed like that, even I raised my eyes. Looks like I went ahead and earned himself another moniker to call him by, eh? The Wolf Slayer. A bit cringe, but that will soon be replaced by the Blood and Iron Chancellor in the coming years. I saw Ein giggle in response.
"Hehe, is that what the public is calling you now, Mister Wolf Slayer? I feel General Osborne is more appropriate, especially with what is to take place here.", Ein replied while chuckling.
"I will admit the name is a tad embarrassing. I only did what I had to do to protect Roer.", Giliath responded, keeping his response short.
"Is that right? Well, it looks like we've successfully arrived on time from the looks of it. His Imperial Highness's preparations are still underway, yes?", Ein asked.
"Indeed they are. All that is left is for the rest of the nobles to arrive. Then we can get started with our rite of passage and share this moment of history together.", Giliath answered. "We do not need to wait two more days for this. The sooner it happens, the better."
Sure enough, Father's true intentions are to speed this ascension ceremony up. I thought it was going to happen on Tuesday, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. It's going to happen today on Sunday, here and now. Boy am I glad that I finished my Daily Mission already. If we conclude our business with a banquet after this, we might be home tomorrow for me to continue my training!
"So this is what you wanted, General. The pieces are falling into place. True, the sooner this ceremony takes place, the better we will be overall. I will run this by Lord Father later. I take it you've finished the rest of our preparations already.", Crown Prince Eugent suddenly said, drawing the commanders to him with nods of acknowledgement.
"Haha! You know me so well, Your Imperial Highness. Why don't we all have a look toward the barricade? They should be arriving at any moment now.", Giliath said, drawing his arm outward toward where the citizens were. All of our eyes shifted, theirs included.
Father's words held true after all. Further in the distance, we all heard the low hums of several orbal cars roaring along Vainqueur Street. People began to part ways seeing their arrival. They looked very similar to Crown Prince Eugent's personal car, each sporting different colors. One was purple, one green, one black, and as expected, the last one red. There were more after that, but they were more normal looking, likely as added security.
Just seeing these colors alone, no doubt these orbal cars belong to the Four Great Houses. Or is it Five Great Houses now that I'm included here?
Either way, the cameras didn't stop flashing.
They soon rolled in, stopping within the barricade. Lots of people could be seen on each side of the street now. One by one, figures began to disembark from their orbal cars. Immediately at the forefront, I saw someone with olive-colored green hair, to my surprise. It wasn't the person I was expecting to appear here, someone who would become the focal point of Cold Steel II with his flamboyant outfit and all. No, this person was actually the acting Duke Cayenne of the Cayenne House. He seemed to be a very stern noble, dressed in a green-white robe. Later on, he would be the father of a certain girl who would appear at Thors Military Academy's branch campus...
I guess that particular maritime accident hasn't taken place yet.
"Sir Duke Alfred de Cayenne has arrived.", One of the Imperial Guardsmen announced through the same microphone that was used earlier.
No doubt about it, this guy is Musse's father. He remained calm, and steadily approached Crown Prince Eugent. Arriving at his side, he didn't say a single word. One nod was all that it took. Time stopped for no one, and figures continued to appear. The Imperial Guardsmen continued announcing their arrivals.
"Marquis Gerhart Rogner and Missus Angelica Rogner have arrived."
Oy, did he just say Angelica Rogner? That girl?
(A/N: This is a rewrite, so for those who know...hehehe. I do not regret this decision one bit.)
I didn't think this guy would bring along his sole daughter with him. She's a character and a half alright. She seemed around one year older than me, being four. Eyes full of curiosity. She too had violet hair, but mine was much more vibrant. Perhaps it was because of that she quickly spotted me amongst the commanders. She looked at me from afar with that curious gaze. Still the Imperial Guardsmen continued, and they took to their spot.
"Marquis Fernand Hyarms and Lord Ryan Hyarms have arrived.", The Imperial Guardsmen continued. A thick, golden-brown haired man stepped out of the red car, alongside a similar-looking young adult next to him. Now this man I was familiar with. You'd speak with him on several occasions while playing as Rean. Especially during the latter half of Cold Steel. As for Ryan, not so much. He is a minor character, but is still one of Patrick Hyarm's older brothers. Amongst the Great Houses, this family holds the most siblings. I don't think I'll be seeing Patrick for a while. Just like with the other two Houses, they too found their place.
That only meant there was one House remaining. Seeing these three arrive, they saved the most important one for last, eh? I saw the Imperial Guardsmen announce the last House.
"Sir Duke Helmut Albarea and Lord Rufus Albarea have arrived."