Chapter 42: Declaration (III)
The first of several figures started to descend from the Merkabah which descended on the left side of Dreichels Plaza, right in front of me might I had. Its descent blasted some wind our way, but that didn't bother me.
Sure enough...
The first one appeared to be a girl, who appeared to be of fifteen years of age now. Her hair was longer than before, and more wavy, sporting a greenish-blonde color. She was currently wearing a rather unique version of the Gralsritter uniform. A black long sleeve top and a long skirt going over her front, and a couple leather pouches attached to it. She was wearing auburn stockings to go along with it, and a red cloak around her neck. To top it off, a golden medallion with the church's insignia was worn around her neck as well.
Without a doubt, this person was Ein Selnate. No doubt seeing her appearance now, she was definitely the head of the Dominions, despite seemingly fifteen years of age.
Next to this person was a lovely long red haired girl with the appearance of a church knight, who had just turned thirteen. She was Ein's personal squire, Rufina Argent. Rufina would end up becoming the main villian in sky the third, or at least a former shadow of hers as portrayed by the Aureole. I do not know if that will still happen here, as it will mostly depend on who acquires the Recluse Cube. The Recluse Cube reacted to Kevin, but what if it reacted to me? I couldn't help but wonder of the possibility. (A/N: Who would be interested in seeing a shadow earth?)
Thinking that, I saw the other few squires and knights beside Ein and Rufina. I even saw a Cardinal, which were the leaders of the Congregations for the Sacraments, aka Ein's boss. As to whether this person was Ein's direct boss, I did not know. But seeing a Cardinal arrive, they are definitely here so they can recognize Prince Eugent as the next Emperor of Erebonia. It wasn't just the Cardinal that drew my interest, it was the two smaller kids dressed in a squire's trainee uniform.
One was a similarly red haired color girl to Rufina, while the other was a green spiky haired boy white accents in his hair. I could immediately recognize who they were, for they were one of the Trailsverse protagonists, albeit only for a short while.
Kevin Graham and Rise Argent.
To think I would end up meeting another protagonist so soon...
It looks like he is currently in the process of getting inducted into the Septian Church as well. I could already see a crossbow hoisted on his back. As for Ein and Rufina, they already had Templar Swords. Ries didn't have a weapon yet though and just appeared to be your standard nun. Kevin appeared to be an eight year old boy, while Ries was still a little four year old girl. I didn't think they would take in kids in so early, but Ries is Rufina's younger sister, so she probably has connections.
Still, I saw Ein smile at me, only to step my way. Not only that, she greeted me with a light bow with her arm over her chest.
"You look like you've been well, Your Highness. You've grown taller.", Ein said, greeting me with a light bow.
"Haha, and you've become even prettier, Miss Ein. As for me, I still have a lot of growing.", I replied with a smile.
"Hmph, so this is the boy who was brought to our attention?", A firmer voice said, only to give me a glare. This was definitely a head priest alright, he was even dressed similarly to the pope, with that pointy cap of his.
"Haha, he is the one. But this is another surprise. To think the Crown Prince would bring home a son.", Ein said, smiling at Prince Olivert.
"It is an honor for the Septian Church to bless us with a visit.", Prince Olivert responded back, giving the Septian Church a greeting. He then looked my way before continuing to speak. "So you are acquainted with them after all.", Prince Olivert said, looking at me.
"It was but a chance encounter, but yes, Miss Ein and I have met before.", I answered Prince Olivert.
"Well said. You can call me Ein Selnate. I am currently in charge of leading the Gralsritter. We hail from the Congregations of the Sacraments.", Ein said, formally giving a bow to us. Giliath saw this and let out a chuckle.
"So you were able to answer my call.", Giliath also spoke out, approaching my side. He ended up reaching out his hand, extending it for the handshake. "But to think the leader of the Gralsritter would be so young, yet so capable.", Giliath continued to say. Ein smiled hearing that, and reached out her hand, greeting his.
The moment Ein and Giliath shook hands, the crowd of civilians burst into an uproar once again.
"Look, that's the Wolf Slayer! Even he is extending his greetings to the Septian Church!", One of the civilians burst out excitedly, only to cause several others to nod.
Hearing them address Giliath like that, Ein chuckled again.
"Hehe, is that what the public is calling now, Mister Wolf Slayer? I still feel General Osborne is better.", Ein retorted with a chuckle.
"I do admit, it is rather an embarrassing name. I only did what I had to do to protect Roer.", Giliath responded.
"Is that so? Well, we were able to successfully arrive in time, from the looks of it. Is His Highness still preparing?", Ein asked.
"His Highness is indeed. All that is left for the nobles to arrive. Then we can get started with our rite of passage, and share this moment of history together. ", Giliath explained to Ein.
"And would you look at that? Nobles tend to be on time, don't they?", Ein suddenly called out, which drew our attention.
Further in the distance we heard several orbal cars' engines roaring along the streets, coming from Vainqueur Street. The crowds saw this and parted ways, letting the cars. Among those cars were bigger ones, in the shape of a limo, similar to Prince Eugent's personal car. One was colored purple, one green, one black, and one red. The rest were just for added security. Seeing these cars arrive, cameras didn't stop flashing.
It didn't take these cars to arrive within the barricade and have their side doors open. One by one, figures started appearing. The first one came from the purple car, which I could only assume was the Cayenne House. However, I expected that unruly pepper to show up wearing a flamboyant outfit for today's event, but surprisingly he did not show up at all. In his place was a stern noble wearing a green-white roble, sporting the same green-lime colored hair as a certain girl who would appear later on at Thor's branch campus...
"Sir Duke Alfred de Cayenne has arrived.", One of the guards announced, causing excitement to reach everyone's eyes. That definitely is Musse's father no doubt. Guess he hasn't died yet, which was good. His death probably wouldn't happen until six more years or so? As for Musse, she won't be born for another year. Duke Alfred saw what was going on but remained calm, and approached Prince Eugent's side and didn't say anything.
"Marquis Gerhart Rogner and Missus Angelica Rogner has arrived.", A second guard said, only to reveal figures of the second car, which was black. He hadn't changed a bit from the last time I saw him, standing atop the gate watching father fight that wolf back then. But I didn't think he would bring his daughter along with him. She appeared to be a four year old girl sporting violet hair, but compared to mine, mine was more vibrant. Marquis Rogner gave a formal greeting to Prince Eugent, only to stand by him waiting for the other two houses to appear. As for Angelica, she ended up giving me a curious look.
"Marquis Fernand Hyarms and Lord Ryan Hyarms has arrived.", A third guard announced. Before long a thick golden brown haired man stepped out of the red car, along with a similarly looking young adult next to him. Now that was a face I was familiar with, even though I haven't personally met Marquis Hyarms yet, but it looks like he decided to bring along his firstborn son as well. They swiftly arrived next to Marquis Rogner's side, waiting for the last house.
And seeing these three come out first, no doubt it is that house for the last one. The most important one...
"Sir Duke Helmut Albarea and Lord Rufus Albarea has arrived.", the fourth guard announced.
*
After Naoto encountered Ein and Rufina in Liberl, I had Giliath meet the two off screen afterward.
Next chapter will be the last part of the declaration.
Don't forget to drop those power stones!