Chapter 109: Finals

"Oya? I recognize that voice from anywhere.", The shorter man of the two said, raising his eyes into two crescent moons as he spoke out to us.

"It has been a while, Your Highness.", The Behemoth said, folding his hands in front of him as he greeted us.

"It really is you two, Xeno, Leo. What in Aidios's name are you two doing in Grancel City?", I said, approaching the two. I then looked around to see if there were any others, but unfortunately, there wasn't. "It doesn't look like Fie or the Boss is with you guys this time.", I continued to say.

"So quick to spot that, eh? We were just havin' a bit of fun seeing the Queen is celebrating her birthday and all. Every so often we like to watch the martial arts tournaments that happen here. Sadly for you though Your Highness, Fie is back at base with the Boss and if furiously training with him so she can become an official member of the corp.", The first man said.

This man was the one and only Trap Master Xeno. He too belonged to a league of assassins, but the group he belonged to ended up getting fully wiped out by Rutger himself. Rutger saw talent in Xeno for a failed assassination attempt, and instead, he took in Xeno as part of a family, much like he did with Fie. Between our time spent after Nemeth Island to now, I have come across Xeno a few times. It didn't take long for Fie to open up to Xeno as well, much like she did with the other Captains.

But it seems these two were just goofing around, having fun on their own off time, away from Zephyr.

"Is that so? That is a bit sad to hear, but when you return, tell them I said hi. To add to that, I am now pretty tied down here, so I may not be able to meet the Boss as much, but if you want me for a session or two, I don't mind.", I said to Xeno and Leo.

"We'll make sure to pass along your message to the Boss, Your Highness.", The Behemoth said, nodding his head.

"We're about to go hit the pub up for some grub before we catch a flight back to Raquel. I'd invite you and your gang Your Highness, but it looks like you have interest in goin' inside the Grand Arena. If you make it now, you'll be able to catch the next match. Self proclaimed student of The Immovable is partaking in the battles.", Xeno said, putting his hands behind his head in a casual manner.

"Self proclaimed student of The Immovable...", I said, turning a bit serious. "No way, it can't be her....can it?", I continued to utter softly.

"Naoto?", Estelle suddenly called out to me as she saw me become quiet for a moment. I quickly shook my head a bit.

"Nevermind. Let's go in. I'll catch you around, Xeno, Leo.", I responded with a smile.

"Catch ya later, Your Highness.", Xeno responded to me, before letting out another whistle. Leo also bid us farewell, and didn't take long to depart from the Grand Arena, disappearing into the crowd of people. After they left, we proceeded to quickly enter the Grand Arena. The clerk was stunned seeing our group appear, but quickly realized that I had already paid for the VIP section.

Quickly moving our way to the stands, we made our way through the roaring crowd. Sure enough, with my eyes, I was able to quickly spot a bulky figure of a middle aged man sporting loose brown trousers and a purple sleeveless tabard placed over a white collared shirt. Most of his arm muscles were visible to the eye, as he wasn't wearing his gauntlets right now.

"I knew it. It really is you, Zin.", I said, distracting Zin from watching what appeared to be the final match of the junior division, which was about to begin. Hearing me suddenly call out, Zin turned his head, only to see our group sitting down beside him. Zin raised his eyes seeing me now sitting beside him as well.

"Well if it isn't Naoto. I thought you guys would be too busy back in the palace, but you were able to spare some free time today, haha. I see a couple of new faces too.", Zin said, revealing a smile as he greeted us.

"Oh my. I wasn't expecting people you know to show up right at the finals, Zin. You know these kids?", A second voice suddenly called out to us. It took a second but I quickly realized Zin wasn't actually alone. A second figure could be seen sitting in the seats next to Zin. I couldn't help but blink my eyes at this person for a good moment.

This second figure appeared to be a very beautiful and tall woman, who seemed to be around twenty one years old. She had very straight and long black hair, coupled with aquamarine eyes. She was currently wearing a pretty one piece skirt, with long black leggings.

"I wasn't expecting it but yeah I know these kids. In fact, Naoto here was the one who introduced her to us you know.", Zin said, folding his arms.

"So it was you after all. That child you sent to our Taito school really is a monster in disguise, fufu.", the woman said, revealing a grin. "But where are my manners. Since you are already acquainted with Zin here, it's only proper I introduce myself as well. Name's Kilika Rouran. I also practice Taito like Zin here.", Kilika said, introducing herself to us.

Sure enough it was her. A secret agent to the Calvardian Intelligence Agency, much like how Lechter is a part of Erebonia's Intelligence Division...

And most of the time where Zin goes, Kilika is bound to show up at some point.

"It's nice to meet you, Kilika. I'm just glad we could make it in time before the final match begins.", I said as our group greeted Zin and Kilika. We took this time to get ourselves comfortable.

However, at this time, we heard a different voice reach out to us, signaling that there was a third person that was with Zin and Kilika.

"Oh dear me, Naoto. Here I am right beside this pretty lady that you had just met, already to feign my being. My heart is wounded by that you know. I see some lovely kittens are beside you as well.", Another voice of a woman suddenly said, reaching our ears. After this voice said that, we saw a third figure sitting to the left of Kilika lean forward a bit, which caused my eyes to turn wide.

I know that voice from anywhere. The moment I saw this woman lean forward, I got a good look at her. She seemed to be about twelve years old, only one year older than me. And sported similar violet hair matching to mine and Kloe's. She was wearing a pink and purple shirt along with some black pants, making her appearance rather casual compared to what she would dress as back at her estate. However, the moment I heard her voice, my eyes twitched for a brief moment.

"I-I wasn't expecting you to be here, Angie..", I said, greeting this woman. That's right, the girl sitting next to Kilika was Angelica Rogner, the marquis's daughter of House Rogner back in Erebonia, one of the Five Great Houses. Since declaring the rebirth of the Phoenix House, I had gotten acquainted with the other Houses.

And that includes this pervert of a girl. I had hoped with her being twelve she wasn't leaning toward her preferences so soon, but it seems I was wrong. I did have it mind to try and put Angelica on a different path, hopefully that thought can still be realized...

Seeing Angelica and I greet each other like that, Kilika blinked at us in surprise for a bit.

"You know this kid, Angelica?", Kilika asked with interest.

"Sure do.", Angelica responded happily, putting her hands behind her behind in a casual manner.

*

[Insert picture of Kilika Rouran here.]

[Insert picture of Angelica Rogner here.]

Giliath demands your power stones!