Chapter 88: Arrival

Giliath demands your power stones!

*

Seeing Cassius and Arios arrive, Teo's eyes were wide in shock.

"So it really is the Divine Blade and the Divine Blade of Wind...", Teo said in amazement as he looked at Cassius and Arios. Seeing Teo among the people, Cassius looked back at him.'

"Aren't you the current lord ruling over the Ymir territory?", Cassius asked, looking at Teo.

"I am. It's an honor to meet you, Divine Blade Cassius. You as well, Divine Blade of Wind Arios.", Teo said with respect.

Hearing that caused Arios to lightly chuckle.

"Haha, that is but a name to which I have recently earned. I still have a lot to learn by myself.", Arios replied in a humble manner.

"Don't sell yourself short, Arios. You passed my trial fair and square. And I'll say the same thing to you as well, Cassius.", Yun said seeing the two arrive.

This caused Anelace to let out another giggle.

"I know, right, Grandpa? Both Mister Cassius and Mister Arios are super duper strong!", Anelace said with a smile.

'Hoho, you are definitely right, Anelace. Why don't you get acquainted with Rean while I go talk with Teo, Cassius and Arios?", Yun said, looking at Anelace.

"Okay.", Anelace responded with a nod. She then walked up to Rean, Elise and Shizuna and quickly brought them to the break room. As those four started to get acquainted with each other, Yun slowly walked up to the remaining three.

"Now while those kids have fun, I actually have something for you, Cassius. Perhaps something for you as well, Arios.", Yun started to say, before he started to walk back toward his meditation/study room.

"You do?", Cassius asked, showing interest in his eyes.

"Are you sure I'm allowed to join?", Teo asked, unsure.

"Master invited you as he did us, so I don't see a problem.", Arios said, causing Teo to nod his head.

Rean and the others saw their master slide the door of his study closed, wondering what the four had to talk about. Unfortunately that lasted only for a moment as Anelace started to talk up a storm while getting friendly with him, Elise and Shizuna. Shizuna took this time to brew some tea and before long, a calming scent began to waft in the dojo.

As for Yun, he approached his desk, only to see a photograph of sorts currently faced down. This drew the three's eyes when Yun arrived at his desk.

"Is that a photo?", Cassius asked.

"It is. I believe it has a person of interest related to you, Cassius. One of my disciples happened to take a picture by chance while they were in Calvard.", Yun said, explaining a bit.

After saying that, Yun grabbed the photo, and walked up to Cassius to hand it over. Cassius took it and saw it was taken in a public pub of sorts, with a bunch of water in the background. He could tell it was in a marine town next to the ocean. Seeing several people drinking, eating and being cheerful, his eyes were drawn to one group who were feasting on seafood on one of the tables. For once, Arios actually saw Cassius lose his composure the moment his eyes landed on a violet haired boy, wearing a rather fancy robe, having laughs together with a group of people around the table with him while they ate.

Enough to where he dropped the photo, letting it slowly fall onto the ground.

"Is everything alright, Cassius? You suddenly went pale there.", Arios said while confused. As for Cassius, his face became serious as he looked at Yun.

"Is this photo real, Master?", Cassius said in a serious tone.

"So this boy does have relations with you.", Yun said, calmly picking up the photo again, sending it Cassius's way. It was then Arios took a good look at this photograph, only to become more confused.

"Who is this?", Arios asked, as he had never seen these people before. But he could tell the photo was centered on the violet haired boy.

Hearing Arios ask that, Teo took a look at the photograph, and was confused as well. But for some reason, he felt a familiar feeling. 'Strange, why do I feel like I've seen this person before?', Teo inwardly said, wondering to himself.

Ignoring Arios, Yun nodded his head at Cassius.

"It is. I can verify this photo is the real thing.", Yun said with a nod of his head.

"It really is His Highness then...", Cassius uttered softly, calming himself down. "Thank you for providing this information, Master."

"His Highness? Is this someone you know, Cassius?", Arios asked.

Cassius nodded his head at Arios before continuing to speak.

"It is. This boy is heir apparent to the Liberlian throne. Crown Prince Naoto von Auslese of Liberl. Or at least he was until he was reported missing three years ago.", Cassius said to Arios, which caused his face to become serious.

"A missing Crown Prince...the CPD in Crossbell has also been receiving more cases about missing children as well. Would you think the two are connected, somehow?", Arios asked in wonder.

"I am not sure. Do you recognize anyone with him, Arios?", Cassius asked, allowing Arios to get another good look.

"A lilac haired girl, a blue haired girl, a bluish indigo haired girl and a dark blue haired boy...Among the cases we have received, those do fit some of the bills. But from what I last read, these children should still be missing.", Arios continued to say in wonder.

Hearing that, Cassius slowly shook his head, and even let out a chuckle.

"Haha, I bet that stone faced general would get an earful after seeing this photo. Just knowing His Highness is still alive will bring a peace of mind to Her Majesty. And with His Highness being in Calvard for the moment, Liberl won't be able to authorize use of the military to go retrieve him. But the least I can do is bring this to Her Majesty. But knowing her, I bet she knows His Highness is still alive...", Cassius explained.

"Somehow, I feel as though I shouldn't be hearing this.", Teo retorted. This caused Yun to chuckle.

"Hoho, don't be like that, Teo. I'm just glad this little thing was able to bring some closure to you, Cassius. You aren't going to leave immediately, are you?", Yun asked.

"Not for the moment. Master graciously invited all of us out here to get ourselves familiar with your last disciple, so I will stay until it is time to leave. That I can promise you.", Cassius said, revealing a smile. He then took this photograph and stored it away.

"That's what I like to hear. You don't have plans either, right, Arios?"

"No. I did have a child that was just born earlier this year but Saya is currently looking after her. We had a lull between that and the police department, so I had some time on my hands to accept your invitation, Master.", Arios answered.

Hearing that, Cassius's eyes became surprised again.

"Eh? You went and did the deed, Arios? I'm sure Saya is happy.", Cassius retorted, which had Arios remain silent.

"I have no further comment on that.", Arios simply explained, dodging Cassius. This earned another laugh from Yun.

"Hoho, why don't we go join the others and have a relaxing day? You're welcome to stay too, Teo.", Yun said.

"Thank you, Master Yun.", Teo replied with a smile.

With that, the three joined up with Rean and the others now that their discussion was over and happily enjoyed the day as fellow disciples of the Eight Leaves One Blade school of swordsmanship.

Meanwhile, back on the cruise ship...

A full three days had passed since I and the others got on this ship. We mostly chatted away and bonded, enjoyed fishing or enjoyed the ride on the waves until a singular string of islands connected to each other came into view. And while on the sidelines, Tio was showing more and more interest in magic, so I ended up teaching her a thing or two on how it worked, together with Vita of course.

"So that's Nemeth Island...", I said, seeing this island appear.

However, at the time, I had no clue that a certain group of Jaegers was strutting about, having fun of their own here while we were arriving to have some fun on this island resort ourselves...