Chapter 242: Bright House
Giliath demands your power stones!
*
S1200. Shortly after midnight.
Liberl. Rolent. The Bright House.
"So that's what His Highness has been up to since his little act at St. Ursula...", Cassius's voice echoed inside the still well lit Bright House. Cassius could currently be seen in one of the occupied chairs at the dining table. To his side stood a cup of tea which was still warm, signaling it was not made long ago. He wasn't alone either, a few people could be seen out and about in the Bright House. A big newspaper currently stood before him. The page displayed was currently the headliner of the various articles that was issued in the emergency print. It wasn't without exception that the Bright House was also notified of what was declared back in Erebonia, but it was enough to warrant having a couple special guests over, on top of celebrating the new year.
As for Estelle, she could be seen humming with a cooking apron over her front. She wasn't chopping any food this time. Instead she was at a coffee maker, and a loud whirring noise could currently be heard nearby. Two empty cups could be seen ready to pour some coffee into them.
It didn't take long before another aromatic scent wafted around in the room, since it was mostly open floor. Most of the walls were placed where it led to the second floor onward. Estelle's face sported a smile but a hint of politeness could currently be seen in her eyes. And for a good reason. Across from Cassius sat two rather influential figures of the Royal Army.
Right in front of Cassius directly across the table sat a blonde haired man with short hair that swerved backwards, appearing slick and properly maintained. Like Erebonia, Liberl also has its own military academies and this man stood at the top, garnering attention from the ex-Colonel, Cassius, at the time of his enrollment. Quite a few years have passed since this man took an active role in Liberl's military, and rose in the ranks from helping out Liberl as a whole. Even Her Majesty Queen Alicia II relies on this man quite a bit, considering this man had just recently replaced Colonel Cassius as a new Colonel in the military. Only Generals were above him in terms of rank.
This man not only stood high in the ranks of Liberl's Royal Army, he was also a practitioner of the Eight Leaves One Blade School. However, this man didn't consider himself to be a direct disciple under Yun Ka-Fai, as he was mostly taught by Cassius instead.
This man was Alan Richard, the current Colonel of Liberl's Royal Army. A serious look remained in his eyes, but a respectful one. Respect not only directed to Cassius, but to the man seated to the right of him. This second man hadn't changed much in the last decade, but he is sporting more gray hair than he did in the past. He was quite old now, approaching Her Majesty's age even, if not even higher now. He was likely the oldest standing General in Liberl's Royal Army, still active in his duties. He was General Morgen.
Both Richard and General Morgan immediately went their respective routes after reading through this emergency print. It did cause a bit of ruckus in Grancel Castle as well, but Her Majesty remained stern and quelled any doubts that sprung up. That gave enough time for both Richard and General Morgan to make their way to Rolent, deciding to pay the Bright House a visit.
The only thing the two weren't aware of, was that Cassius was already receiving a couple guests before they arrived here.
Still, Cassius had a look of interest after learning of the news that was declared by Erebonia. His eyes wandered toward Richard.
"What do you think about this, Richard? I fear you coming all the way out here was for naught. You know I don't dive into matters of the military or Liberl's royals any longer. That position falls onto you now.", Cassius said. He still showed a relaxed expression, despite showing interest in his eyes.
"I know...I still wanted to hear your opinion on this matter, Cassius. I fear he played us for a fiddle. Weren't you tasked in trying to find His Highness as well, General?", Richard asked, looking to his right.
"Yes. More than once might I add. I swear it's like trying to chase your own shadow. I've already come to terms with it, especially with that latest stunt His Highness did. If it weren't for Captain Cid's report, I fear I would have been somewhere doing Aidios knows what.", General Morgan said, letting out a relieved sigh. Hearing that, the three of them heard a giggle from another person who was seated with them.
"Hehe, that sure sounds like Naoto alright.", A familiar voice reached out to the three. General Morgan and Colonel Richard shifted their heads and saw a girl shorting very lush violet hair, very similar to Renne's in fact, but it was a tone or two darker than hers. She is soon to turn fifteen and trumped Naoto in terms of age, being just a bit older than a year old to him. She had grown accustomed to Naoto's absence during this last period of time, mostly spending her time away at the desk in Grancel City's Bracer Guild.
One exception was made for tonight, seeing as this girl wasn't alone. Across from this violet haired girl sat a dark skinned beauty with silver hair. Her hair defined the name she received as she rose in the ranks as a Bracer. The violet haired girl had yet to take the Bracer Exam, but she felt a lot more confidence in taking it now than she did to begin with. The violet haired girl was Angelica Rogner, and the silver haired girl who seemed a tad older than Angelica was Scherazard Harvey, or commonly known as the Silver Streak in the Bracer Guild.
Richard raised his eyebrows seeing the violet haired girl before him. She still seemed quite young, but already had a charm to her, making her appear more than that of an adult.
"I'm sorry but I don't think we've met before. I do apologize for barging into this place unannounced. It was all for a good reason you see. I vaguely remember seeing you strut about the higher floors in Grancel Castle from time to time, though we haven't had a time to talk like this? Who might you be?", Richard asked, looking at the upright violet haired girl before him. Angelica took a moment to sip a bit of her tea before answering Richard.
"My, you really haven't been caught up in a spell, have you, mister Colonel? Has working too hard in the Royal Army managed to rot your brain? Hehe, I jest. I know not everyone can just strut about in Grancel Castle like that. You can call me Angelica. I threw out my last name the moment I decided to stay here in Liberl. You are aware of at least His Highness's matters, right mister Colonel?", Angelica said, introducing herself to Colonel Richard. She had a playful tone but remained polite. She was in the face of two outstanding individuals of Liberl's current military after all.
"Angelica...I swear I've heard that name before when matters concerning His Highness were brought up. I think I've seen you attend our yearly round circle meeting once or twice too...", Colonel Richard responded, still in doubt of who the girl was before him.
"Maybe you really ought to take a break this time around Colonel, to even have matters of the castle evade your grasp. You are at least aware His Highness is forming a royal harem, yes?", General Morgan asked, causing Colonel Richard to look at him.
"A royal harem, that was it, wasn't it? You look so young too. I guess anything can happen nowadays.", Colonel Richard frowned as he said that. Yet Angelica smiled and even gave a victory sign at him.
"Haha, what the General says is true. I'm even the first to be part of the royal harem Naoto is currently making.", Angelica responded with a smile as she motioned her hand.
"I can't believe a person like Naoto has such intentions. Shouldn't you only fall in love with one person?", Estelle's voice said, distracting the people at the table. The scent of coffee was much stronger now, and she placed the two cups in front of Colonel Richard and General Morgan.
"Thanks, Miss Bright. I hate to disturb you guys during the festive mood like this with this sudden news. Normally that would be the case, but I cannot fully give an opinion on the matter. Her Majesty is supporting His Highness in this formation, and the life of royalty is foreign in our eyes. Having one or two partners to keep their bloodline going isn't out of the question.", Colonel Richard said, trying to erase Estelle's doubt on the matter. Hearing that caused Estelle to turn silent, going into her own thoughts for the present.
At the same time, Cassius saw Estelle start to yawn. It was just the four of them outside of Estelle presently on the first floor. Joshua had already retreated for the night shortly after the coming of the new year.
"Why don't you go join Joshua for the night, Estelle? We still have a bit to chat about but I promise we won't be long.", Cassius suggested, seeing his daughter yawn. Angelica also smiled.
"It was nice to see you again too, Estelle. I'm glad I decided to accompany the Silver Streak to this place. It was worth it.", Angelica responded since she was able to see Estelle again.
"Haha, you don't need me to address you like that, you know. You can call me Schera just like Estelle does.", Scherazard responded with a smile of her own.
"Yeah! But I'll do as you say dad. Happy new year everyone. I'll go upstairs and get ready for bed.", Estelle said, quickly retreating onto the second floor after letting out another yawn, leaving behind Cassius, Colonel Richard, General Morgan, Scherazard and Angelica still on the first floor...