Chapter 201: Invitation

Who says I can't do other scene changes that isn't focused on Renne or Naoto?

Bit of a smaller one but as always, Giliath demands your power stones! Let's keep trying for over 500!

*

Naoto and his entourage, including the

Vander Brothers, soon bid farewell to the Hyarms Estate, thanking the Lord for a welcoming lunch while talking about current affairs and what was to come. On the way, Naoto unlocked a new favorability meter with Patrick. Patrick was surprised to discover Naoto was indeed a prince. But seeing as he was still humble to his fellow nobles, Patrick couldn't help but feel gratitude for someone of his stature in coming to their estate. He knew well not to go against his father. But now, after bidding farewell to the group, Patrick started to look up at Naoto with respect. As such, a new favorability meter was unlocked.

The group had already booked tickets to their next destination.

The vermillion capital of Erebonia, Heimdallr.

Instead of taking an airship, the group decided to take the train. Considering that the Sutherland Main Line was directly connected to the capital, it only required a couple hours to pass the time, so most travelers opted to use the train over an airship. On top of that, Heimdallr was the central hub that connected the transcontinental railroad to all the regions in Erebonia. But since their destination was Heimdallr, the central hub, it made sense for the group to take the train. Naoto's group did not need to transfer onto a different branch to head to Heimdallr.

Yet, as Naoto's group entered the train station in Saint-Arkh, only to flash their tickets to the worker stationed inside at the gate to board the orbal train further inside where the first class cabin was...

Heimdallr.

Valflame Palace.

Chancellor's Office.

A couple of figures, who were currently dressed in an officer's uniform, could be seen giving a salute to a tall man, who was wearing a large black and stylish robe, calmly observing the outside that that lead to Dreichel's Plaza as several people could be seen going about their daily business on the plaza. The uniforms these officers were wearing belonged to the RMP, which had not been long since it was first formed. But nonetheless, it was formed far earlier, shortly after a certain icy haired beauty was picked up by the Chancellor himself.

And thanks to the spinning threads of fate, this icy haired maiden joined the RMP far earlier than she was anticipated to join it, considering that in the games, she wouldn't join it until she would have graduated from Thors Military Academy. But by now, she had already been in a few years of service inside of the RMP, quickly rising their ranks.

And this same icy haired maiden could now be seen standing in front of the Chancellor once again, only to give him a salute of her arm.

"Your Excellency.", Claire said, seeing Chancellor Osborne standing before her.

"It isn't often you come to me directly like this, Claire. Tell me, how are your studies going at Thors? Your first year just started there, so I figured you wouldn't have enough time to spare to come see me.", Giliath said, cracking a rare smile seeing the icy haired maiden saluting him.

"My studies are going well, Your Excellency. The student board still allows me to conduct my affairs as an RMP Officer outside of Trista from time to time. As to what prompted my visit here today in the palace, we have just received an urgent report. It is best that you hear it directly, Your Excellency.", Claire said,e explaining.

"I see. Yet I fear your worries are for naught, though, Icy Maiden. It is about Liberl's crown prince, is it not?", Chancellor Osborne said, which caused Claire to blink at him, before letting out a laugh herself.

"Haha. So it would appear that nothing truly ever gets by you, does it, Your Excellency? Still, hopefully my actions in coming here do provide you some form of assurance to the report we received.", Claire said, scratching her cheek a bit.

"Indeed they do. Your arrival is quite impeccable, if I am to say. It was a pretty hastened report, but all due for a good reason.", Giliath responded.

"Yes. It would seem Liberl's crown prince is now en route to Heimdallr as we speak. But I am not sure how detailed the report that reached your hands is, Your Excellency. He isn't alone.", Claire politely responded back.

"Oh?", Giliath said, only to rub his chin a bit with his hand with growing interest in his eyes. Giliath then turned around again, only to look back outside the large glass window that gave him a full view of the plaza below.

"It would appear the fated time has yet to come, then. There is still some time left before the trial must be completed. Though intent unclear, why don't you go and receive our new guests?", Giliath continued to say while still looking out the large window.

"If that is what you desire, Your Excellency.", Claire said, giving him another salute to him.

"Oh, but before you go and do that, please do bring our new guests back here to Valflame Palace. Since the crown prince is now en route to Heimdallr, I figure it is now time for a confrontation. I am sure he must have some words at least for His Majesty. It would be a surprise for His Highness Prince Olivert to know that a friend will be coming here as well.", Giliath continues to say with a smile.

"At once.", Claire said, seeing Giliath issue a command to her. One that she couldn't refuse.

Seeing as she made good timing to give a report to the Chancellor, one to which he had just received moments before, Claire momentarily found herself at a loss of what to do next. Thankfully Giliath was able to issue a command to Claire, one that wouldn't make her time spent in coming here seem like a loss, considering she was still an active student at Thors.

Claire's next point of interest was now clear, so she quickly dismissed herself and the couple of RMP officers she brought along with her.

Seeing the Chancellor now alone again inside his office, Giliath continued to observe the people going about their work outside. The air turned a bit solemn around him as he began to speak to himself.

"It has been quite some time after our brief reunion we had back in Crossbell during the time of the cult extermination, Naoto. With the passing of the next century at hand, I can't help but wonder what you look like now. I feel it is only right for you to be invited here, since you are only making yourself at home.", Giliath uttered to himself, only to smile before he proceeded to slowly wander back to where his desk was. Giliath let his eyes glance to a particular area on the desk.

On it, stood a single framed photo, which seemed to depict a certain family and friends, and a younger Giliath, only for them to be sharing a handful of laughs together as the photo was taken.

A small violet haired boy could be seen smiling in part of that photo, standing next to the younger Giliath.