A/N: As I have changed Aurelia to learning the Vander-Style from One-Eyed Zechs, which now matches the canon story, Aurelia never studied under the Thunder God. Because of that, I have taken some context out of this ongoing scene.
Happy Trails and Happy Reading!
*
The Leica District.
It was 10:30 AM now on Saturday. January 1st of the Septian Calendar.
As we headed inside, an apologetic look appeared in Princess Alfin's eyes.
"I do apologize for intruding on you like this, Lord Vander. While the stars will be heading onto the stage soon, they have come with an audience. It was at my Brother's behest.", Princess Alfin said, appearing apologetic. She took a glance at Prince Cedric. It didn't take him long to see her intentions.
"Yes. We are sorry for intruding on you like this, Lord Vander.", Prince Cedric also said with a curt nod. No pun intended. "We should be able to wrap our business up here within the day."
While the two remained polite, they knew very well where they were currently at. The Imperial Family has close ties with the Vander Family. After all, the Vanders have been protecting the Imperial Family for generations, as their personal bodyguards. Once upon a time, Lord Vander was once in service of Emperor Eugent back during his prime. Now, Mueller Vander is in service of Crown Prince Olivert while Kurt would have become the bodyguard of future Crown Prince Cedric. But then the events of the games took place, and a rift was formed between the two. It all spiraled out of control, only to have him leave the Imperial Family altogether, and join up with Ouroboros. Prince Cedric eventually becomes Enforcer No. XIX. His official name was never revealed, sadly.
As to what major arcana Prince Cedric represented, it was the Sun, which signifies clarity and personal growth. He acted like he had finally come out of a dark shadow that gripped onto him, realizing where his true path lays. Pretty ironic, don't you think? It does make sense, though. The Curse's influence was strong on Prince Cedric during the games, and he successfully broke free from it, despite being a major pain in the ass to Class VII during most of it. His character growth remains questionable, but I personally enjoyed what Prince Cedric became. He even works alongside Shirley, future Enforcer No. XVII, the Sanguine Ogre!
And it was subtle during Prince Cedric's Daydream episode in Reverie, but Shirley began to like the guy. As in, a romantic interest. Pretty crazy if you ask me. I wasn't sure if Prince Cedric was ignorant enough to not notice it. Too bad we didn't get to see more of that. You really get to see this flourish during Cold Steel IV when you fight against Prince Cedric.
Sadly, I don't think this is going to happen this time around. I'm in the timeline now, and my existence alone practically kicked Prince Cedric's opportunity to join Ouroboros before it even happened. By taking hisd spot as the Vermillion Awakener, and even claiming the Enforcer No. IV - The Emperor position. From my perspective, I'm a walking Singularity, being able to affect the real world wherever I go. All thanks to possessing the Gamer System. Too bad it happens mostly at random, apart from improving my own Stats and such. Imagine if I could control all of that...
The possibilities could be endless, haha!
Nonetheless, I said nothing during this exchange between the Imperial Family and the Vanders. This was a conversation between them, and I had no reason to interrupt. Instead, I saw a calm look remain in Matteus's eyes.
"It is always a welcome for Erebonia's Treasure and Your Imperial Highness to pay a visit to my dojo. Both of you are welcome here anytime.", Matteus said, greeting us. "As long as I am within the capital to welcome you. And it is unexpected, but it is nice to see a disciple of our school return. I extend my welcome to you as well, Lady Le Guin. These years have serviced you well."
"Thank you, Lord Vander.", Princess Alfin responded. She proceeded to do a curtsy of her St. Astraia uniform.
"It is an honor to receive such praise from the Thunder God.", Aurelia said, remaining polite. "Disciple Aurelia has returned to pay her respects to the Vander Dojo. It is a shame I could not learn under you. But I settled for the next best person, Lieutenant General Zechs."
"Mmm. And he taught you well. Your stature is firm and resolute.", Matteus said, agreeing with Aurelia's words. "You have a strong aura about you. If matters were not already arranged today, I would have liked to see how far you have come. Another day."
"Thank you for the kind words, Lord Vander.", Aurelia replied, smiling. "I will remain in the capital for a while. Perhaps a couple months before I return to Juno Naval Fortress and continue training. It has not been long since I joined the Imperial Army, but I do enjoy my assigned station at Juno Naval Fortress."
Ever since Aurelia departed Grancel City when Grandmother's birthday celebration ended, she began the next stretch of her life. Part of that included her progression in Magic. Like I said, her primary element is Lightning, and dabbles in Wind and Fire. Apart from training her Magic, it looks like she joined up with the Imperial Army, and is actively stationed at Juno Naval Fortress. That much played out just like it did in the games. After all, in Cold Steel III I believe, you route the entire place while it is under siege by Ouroboros and Jaegers. You get to see Aurelia's personal office at the very top floor.
I am not sure if Aurelia has risen all the way to General Le Guin yet. I wouldn't be surprised she did already. She's known as the Golden Rakshasa by now. And by the time she reveals she can use Magic to the public, I wonder, will that title change? And to see the Golden Rakshasa versus the Thunder God...That would be a sight to behold, and I would definitely get front row seats to that. As for Princess Alfin, she raised her eyes.
"You really are with the Imperial Army, Lady Le Guin?", Princess Alfin asked, showing interest.
"I am. I am presently stationed at Juno Naval Fortress. I work alongside Brigadier General Bardias, and we secure the safety of Western Erebonia.", Aurelia said, nodding her head. "Albeit, I am presently on leave. I have been using this time to progress my own training."
"You have been utilizing your time well.", Matteus said, agreeing with Aurelia again.
By now, the doors to the dojo have been firmly shut. We could no longer see the outside. Matteus didn't say anything immediately after that. Before long, his gaze shifted from Aurelia, and spent a moment to approach Sherryl. Seeing the Thunder God approach her, Sherryl's body tensed up, but remained strong and steady. The difference in their stature was strikingly different. Her couple years of Taito experience came out in full force. A clash ensued during this moment of silence. A resolute look appeared in Sherryl's eyes, and didn't back down.
It was then the Thunder God revealed a rare smile. One that he rarely did. Even Kurt was surprised to see him behave this way. And yet, we all became shocked the moment we heard what he said next.
"Good. Good. You are still so young, but already experienced many hardships. You possess such strong vitality, Lass.", Matteus said, offering rare praise that wasn't something to expect when it comes to someone like Aurelia. And yet, it was that moment when he surprised all of us. "Tell me, would you like to learn the way of the sword, and join our Vander School?"
A wave of surprise reached all of our eyes seeing the Thunder God send out an invitation to become a student of the Vander School to learn the way of the sword. Sherryl was equally surprised, and so were the present disciples. This man was the number-one swordsman throughout not only Erebonia, but the entire continent. And he just requested Sherryl to become his very own personal disciple? A position that even Aurelia couldn't claim? You can't just hand this out randomly. The Thunder God likely put some thought behind this. Sherryl has already developed a firm foundation with Zin, so I am not extremely surprised by this offer.
I say that, but apart from us, there was one person in particular who might have been the most shocked out of us all.
"Father...", Kurt uttered silently, keeping his voice to himself. I could see a mixture of emotion in his eyes. A boy who is no older than Princess Alfin's age shouldn't have to go through such a display this early. I can only let it be. Like I said, it's a family matter. Kurt needs to get his affairs in order, and he needs to be the one to do it.
All I could do right now was wait patiently, to see whether Sherryl accepts this offer to become the direct disciple to the Thunder God.
"...", Prince Cedric tried to say, but couldn't find a response to this sudden proposal. He just witnessed one of the strongest beings on the continent extend their hand out and bring a person who he had just recently gotten acquainted with under his wing. If the doors weren't already closed, this would have definitely become big news throughout the entire capital.
To our surprise yet again, Sherryl quickly recovered. The resolute look remained in her eyes, and she gently smiled at the Thunder God.
"I do apologize very much, Lord Vander. I have already found my place.", Sherryl replied, rejecting the Thunder God's offer. "Learning how to wield a sword and use it now would only be a waste of time. I am not suited for that fighting style."
Even with such a difference, Sherryl rejected the Thunder God right then and there. And she didn't back down. We didn't see a single change in his current expression. All he did was nod his head.
"It would seem I was too late. A shame.", Matteus replied, shaking his head. "A steadfast will like yours at this age isn't easy to achieve. I will not persuade you. Perhaps I have The Immovable to thank for this."
"I shall pass your kind words to Teacher.", Sherryl happily said, not expecting to hear that. "And just so we are clear, I can already use Battle Aura."
The moment Sherryl declared that, everyone around us finally lost their composure.
"W-What!?", One of the Vander Disciples exclaimed. Pure shock appeared in his eyes.
"Y-You really mean that...?", Kurt responded. His eyes were as wide as saucers now.
"I mean every word.", Sherryl said, staying calm. We all saw her go onto the fighting platform, arriving at the right side. "My words do not lie. This is the very reason why I am here. I want to test how far I have gotten. Haaah!"
Just like how you would see someone in DBZ suddenly unleash their Ki and let an aura surround their body, an earthen glow wrapped around Sherryl's figure. It was instant, and even the ground around us subtly quaked. My eyes turned serious, seeing Sherryl do this.
"Or are you afraid, Naoto?", Sherryl said, only to point one of her fists at me. Her body was now fierce with that earthen glow around her. It was clear what her primary element was, and it only suited her Taito-style even more.
"Me? Afraid? I am on the path to stand on my own two feet on this continent, and I do not want to be swept up by the waves.", I said, and gripped onto Glistening Moonlight. "I will accept your request, Sherryl."
As I accepted Sherryl's request, I was greeted with a new Gamer Notification.
[Ding! A new Quest has been issued to you.]
I was beginning when another one of these was going to show up.
"We should give these two some space.", Matteus declared, and quickly brought the rest to the sidelines.
All I could do was go to my designated spot, the left side of the fighting platform. As I did, I decided to look at the Quest details. It has been a while since the last one arrived, so I was curious to see what rewards it will give me.