"Is that really you, Sherryl?", Prince Albert asked, still looking like he had seen a ghost before him. He just stared at the lilac-haired girl for a good moment. A tear started to form in one of Sherryl's eyes, but she wiped it away, and nodded.
"It is, Big Brother Bear. I am sure news of my disappearance reached the Bartholomeus House. It's been a couple years, hasn't it? I take it Her Highness's loss has taken a toll on you, but you seem well regardless.", Sherryl said, greeting Prince Albert. Is she referring to Prince Albert's sister? I am not entirely sure how many members there are in the Bartholomeus House, but I'm guessing this person is the one Sherryl's family once served. She really did have connections with them after all.
I doubt Sherryl and her family are nobles, they likely worked for House Bartholomeus for a period of time. I say that, because before the events that transpired, she was living in Crossbell City with her family. No longer in Remiferia. I recall Sherryl mentioned that her family retired from the business, and were just living out their lives until all of that took place.
Prince Albert took a good moment to regain his composure. To my surprise, he actually stood up, and deeply bowed at me. Not just a light greeting. No, Half of his body was now bent downward. You see, in my past life, it was rare for someone to do this in my culture. That's why I was so surprised to see Prince Albert do this.
"I am truly thankful for having you rescue Sherryl, Your Highness. Once we learned that one of the Sky siblings was kidnapped, we scoured the continent, but turned up empty. I didn't think you would wind up inside one of those lodges. Your family has been worried sick. Not once have they given up knowing you were still out there somewhere. They will be ecstatic to learn that you are still alive.", Prince Albert said, smiling back at both of us.
"I assume Sherryl has some connection to House Bartholomeus.", I decided to ask, wanting to make sure.
"You don't know the half of it. The Sky family has been serving House Bartholomeus for the last few generations. It was only up till recently Sherryl's family decided to retire from that line of business, but we will welcome you with warm arms if you ever decide to return, Sherryl. My niece would be most pleased to see you alive and well.", Prince Albert answered, still smiling.
"Your niece huh? May I ask who that is?", I asked, growing curious.
"I don't see a reason to hide it. She's around Sherryl's age. Lifthrasir von Bartholomeus.", Prince Albert said, explaining who his niece was to me. 'Lifthrasir...? Why does that name sound familiar?', I thought to myself, spending a moment trying to recall such a name. Now that I think about it, didn't this person also make an appearance in the same game Sherryl is from? Didn't she also work in Crossbell City for a while? I'm not too sure of the details anymore, I'll need to spend some time going through my memories of that game. I do recall those two becoming close friends, though.
And that does confirm one thing. It isn't just the canonical games that I am seeing play out here. It is also having characters from side games show up. I know there was even an anime in development with even more new characters, which focused on the country south of Remiferia, North Ambria. It's very possible I will come across them too at some point.
"I see. It sounds like you owe Sherryl's family a great deal. It makes me happy to have relayed this news to you then, Your Highness.", I responded, smiling back at him. Hearing that, I heard Sherryl giggle.
"See, Big Brother Naoto? Me requesting to become your own maid wasn't a baseless idea. My family's lineage goes quite a long ways back.", Sherryl spoke.
"...Come again?", Prince Albert suddenly asked, and looked at Sherryl this time. "What did you request of His Highness, Sherryl?"
"You cannot sway me in this matter, Big Brother Bear. I have personally requested to become Big Brother's maid in the coming years. This is the path I want to pursue.", Sherryl said, showing a confident look in her eyes. "It does sadden me that I will not serve Sister Lif, but we can still meet from time to time."
Seeing Sherryl not back down even from her previous employer, Prince Albert sighed, and proceeded to sit back down in his chair. "Well, considering it was His Highness who rescued you, I will not try to persuade you on this matter.", Prince Albert said, only to look at me. "Instead, I will ask you, Your Highness. Please look after Sherryl in our stead, alright?"
"Haha, I will. Sherryl is in good hands. I've already got contacts back inside the castle that can assist her with her request.", I said, and nodded.
"How splendid. I'm already looking forward to it!", Sherryl happily said, clapping her hands together.
"Tch. How dare you decide this on your own without even consulting us, Albert.", A more stern voice called out to us all of a sudden. We saw the image pan out, only to spot another older figure nearby. He seemed to look very similar to Albert, but was much older. I even saw two older people next to the guy, also having similar looks. The woman, however, had platinum-blonde hair. Likely a relative of Lifthrasir. From the looks of it, Lifthrasir's mother had already passed away, but she still might have other relatives. As for the man beside her, he is likely the father of these two siblings. It was clear the person next to Prince Albert was the older sibling.
Which only meant one thing. I made myself prim and proper, and did an equal bow of my own at the man.
"It is an honor to meet you like this, Grand Prince of Remiferia. I am sorry for taking up some of your time to deliver this news to the Second Prince.", I said, keeping my tone polite.
"It is no problem, Liberl's Crown Prince. The feelings are mutual. May our two countries continue its respective prospects. It would seem things have taken a rather interesting development, to which I shall permit. Consider it one of my good graces.", The Grand Prince said, also keeping his tone formal.
I saw Van try to exclaim something in shock, but Rufus quickly shut him up. Something about 'Not disturbing talks between two nations', and after that, Van turned absolutely still. I could still see the surprise in his eyes, haha!
I'm sure people like Van aren't used to standing atop such a platform, being a figurehead for the country you are responsible for. I am sure I will get connected with Zemuria's various rulers in due time. And honestly, I can't wait for that to happen! I even saw the Grand Prince smile seeing me stand my ground.
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness. I shall pass along any information that I have obtained from the DG Cult to further benefit our fellow countries to take action against these cultists.", I said.
"Excellent. I will personally see to it that these lodges are wiped off the face of the continent. I hope this starts a collaboration that will bring in even more countries. I am sure we all share a similar hatred to the expanding DG Cult.", The Grand Prince said, nodding his head in agreement.
The Grand Prince isn't wrong by any means. This will actually lead to a collaborative effort by most of western Zemuria. An event that I like to call the DG Cult Extermination. Various groups rise up to lead a multi-front operation to take out the DG Cult once and for all. This won't take place for another three years in S1198, but hopefully this will shine light on the matter sooner than later. Hell, even Ouroboros partakes in the event on their own accord, and completely decimates Paradise. That is partly why I am heading to Paradise now and not then. By that point, it will be too late.
"I couldn't have said those words better myself, Brother. Once things have settled down, you are more than welcome to bring Sherryl and Jillian to Remiferia. We will all wait for the good news.", Prince Albert said, nodding his head to the Grand Prince's words.
"Thank you.", I said, thanking them a second time. I finally decided to have a look at Vita again. "It looks like you've gotten rather acquainted with the Bartholomeus House, haven't you, Vita?"
"Hmph. Now you remember I'm still here, Naoto. Who was it that helped establish this connection again?", Vita retorted, obviously angry.
"Ouch.", Lechter responded in a low voice, causing me to glare at him.
"I don't need to hear that from you, Lechter.", I retorted. It was then we heard the Grand Prince laugh.
"Haha. After learning Vita here was your messenger Your Highness, it would have been rude to refuse her. But that does beg the question. It sounds like business is mostly wrapped up on your end, so what will you do from here, Vita?", The Grand Prince asked. "Will you remain in Remiferia, or wander elsewhere?"
"That...", Vita began to say, but didn't immediately find an answer. "Last time I checked with Grandmother, she said she was planning something big, and is keeping to herself for the time being. I might stay here for a little while before finding a new place to train. There's still a few items on Tama's list."
"Kyuu~", Tamamo happily replied as if she was adding to Vita's answer.
"Hmm. If that's the case, why not join us then? At our current rate, we'll be busy for the next half a year at the very least. I'm sure Tama wants to return to my side. Isn't that right, Tama?", I asked the silver fox who now had two tails. Her tails started to thump on Vita's legs.
"Kyuuu!", Tamamo excitedly responded.
"Hey now, enough with those tails, Tama.", Vita retorted. "But to head where you are at...That's such a long distance. Will it even work?"
"You've done long distance travel, haven't you, Vita? This should be easy for you. Even more so after that boon you received a while ago.", I answered, wanting to clear Vita's doubt. I was referring to her big boost in Mana. She quite benefited from clearing Instance Dungeon II.
"I suppose you are right...", Vita replied. Holding onto Tamamo, she turned around, and bowed at the members of House Bartholomeus. "Thank you for looking after me during my stay here, Your Highnesses. It looks like I will be taking my leave after all.", Vita said, suddenly saying her goodbyes.
Hearing that, they became confused.
"So you say. But isn't His highness currently treading Calvardian waters...?", Prince Albert asked, still doubtful.
"How would you all like to see a magic trick?", Vita asked them. Hearing that, Tio did her usual stare at me.
"So that is where you picked up that line.", Tio retorted.
"Guilty as charged.", I replied, smiling at Tio. Still, we decided to see this play out. With Vita's
Still, we all saw Vita pull out her azure staff. She wanted to bring Tamamo with her, so she held onto Tamamo while doing a swing of her staff. Before those back in Remiferia realized it, space began to distort into an illusion before their very eyes.
"Thank you.", Vita said. Or more specifically, her voice. Prince Albert soon saw Vita warp out of their home, causing him shock once more.
"We'll stay in touch.", I said, making sure this wouldn't be the last time I speak with Prince Albert. Hearing that Prince Albert nodded his head, I ended Phantasmagoria. The window closed up.
Little did the Grand Prince know at the time, however, in the next few years, Remiferia will experience its own turmoil, to which would cause his own life to be forfeited during the chaos. Prince Albert would then take the throne for himself, and become Grand Prince Albert...
Around us, the atmosphere returned to normal. Back on the cruiser, an azure magic circle appeared not too far away from us. Sure enough, Vita's teleportation incantation worked, and she soon saw all of us, only to greet us with a smile.
"Hey there guys. Man, this sure is a party, isn't it?", Vita said, taking a moment to observe each and every one of us. My solo party didn't remain solo for very long. Before I realized it, I now had six people around me. With Vita included now, that makes it eight people, including me. Nine if you count Tamamo.
"You know it.", Lechter said, still acting lazy on his beach chair. Of course he'd be the first one to respond to that comment. Still, I ignored him. My eyes were immediately drawn to the silver fox in Vita's embrace. Tamamo was thumping her two tails happily.
"Kyuuu!", Tamamo happily said, spotting me. Jumping out of Vita's embrace, she lunged directly at me. I caught her, and saw Tamamo start nestling her head against me. Such a cute fox.
"It really has been a while, Tama. Vita. Three long years.", I said, greeting the two with a smile as I let Tamamo do her thing. "Thank you for looking after her."
"Oh it wasn't a problem, really. I enjoyed Tama's company. Grianos did too. It really has been a good minute since we've seen each other in person. I almost hardly recognized you.", Vita said, smiling back at me. I definitely have grown a good couple of feet since then, haha! I've got Father's genes alright. My growing might not even end until I'm seven or eight feet tall. I'm nine now. As for the girl in front of me, she turned fifteen. Vita was still taller than me though.
"Haha. And you're even more beautiful than before. Looks like the incantation was a success.", I replied, smiling back at her.
"Flattery will get you nowhere. I appreciate the compliment, though.", Vita retorted, smiling back at me." Guess I'll be with you guys for the time being. I'm Vita. Naoto and I studied under the same teacher for a period of time prior to these events transpiring. A pleasure.", Vita said, introducing herself to us.
"Kyuu.", Tamamo also said, trying to introduce herself too. I couldn't help but chuckle seeing this, and ruffled her fur. Her race really is unique alright. She's a nine-tailed demon fox, so it is very likely she will grow even more tails with more training. I'll need to see if she had any changes with the second tail. Something I'll have to check later.
Van looked at Rufus again, who simply nodded his head. He let out a drawn out sigh, like he was holding his breath.
"I still can't believe what I've been witnessing here.", Van said, still in shock.
"True. It is only right to be shocked like this. Not many believe in the concept of 'Magic'. Or to be more precise, it has simply been forgotten.", Tio replied, causing me surprise to hear that. Vita smiled at Tio.
"Well aren't you a smart cookie? Now that I'm looking at you all, each one of you is quite exceptional. I can feel some bloodlust too.", Vita said, looking at Ennea. Sure enough, Ennea was leaking bloodlust again.
"Sorry...", Ennea said, and retracted it. As much as I wanted to smack her head a second time, I held back. She's still struggling. I'm sure it will take her a while. She used to be an assassin after all.
"Hehe. No harm no foul as they say. So what's the game plan now, Naoto?", Vita asked.
"It is two-and-a-half days until we arrive at Nemeth Island. It will be late morning by the time we arrive there on the third day. Until then, go crazy. We're all responsible kids here.", I replied, puffing my chest out.
"Uh-huh.", Vita said, slanting her eyes down at me. Hearing that, we all laughed.
"You really do plan to spend half a year on Nemeth Island, Big Brother? I know it will take time to find Paradise. But with your methods, it should not take that long to find it.", Sherryl asked.
"It's just a rough estimate. We are not in a rush so we can definitely enjoy some quality time at the resort itself.", I answered.
"Music to my ears~", Lechter happily replied.
"I don't see a reason why we can't so I'm game. To that bastard, I'm considered dead. In due time I'll come knocking on his doorstep. I can't wait to see the shock on that guy's face, haha!", Van said, letting out a laugh of his own.
"Hmm. Does this plan of yours have a name, Naoto?", Rufus asked. I quickly nodded.
"It does. Quite an original name if I do say so myself. It's an extension to what took place back in Altair. I like to call it, Operation: Party Crash. And we're the Party Crashers~", I said, half-teasingly.
Hearing that, Vita almost stumbled over. "That's such a bad name."
Yet before anyone else could react further, I saw Tamamo's ears twitch.
"Kyuu?", Tamamo suddenly said, causing both Vita and I to pause in our tracks.
"Huh? What do you mean, 'look up', Tama?", I decided to ask.
"Kyuu kyuu!", Tamamo said. For some reason, she became happy, and suddenly hopped on my shoulder. She shifted her eyes upward, so I decided to trace her gaze.
Before long, we soon heard a faint sound of an engine tearing through the sky. It wasn't noisy by any means, but it was still enough to attract our gazes.
"Well would you look at that. Looks like a ship is passing by us. Quite rare in these parts. There's only one or two pieces of land beyond this sea...", Rufus mused, seeing a quickly-approaching orbal airship.
It was then time began to slow down. The black dot grew bigger and bigger, and it seemed to be a small airship. But I could immediately recognize it. Isn't this a...Merkabah!?
On the deck, I saw a few people casually looking out at the sea, likely enjoying some sights, or enjoying the breeze. It seemed to be a group of four people. Most were dressed in priestly robes. But one stood out in particular. They had a school uniform on with a black beret placed atop her head. She appeared quite cute.
But I could immediately recognize the girl. We haven't seen each other in three whole years. Not since I first fled into the shadows and entered the DG Cult.
"E-Elie!?", I exclaimed, observing the girl's shock in her eyes the moment we locked gazes...