As always, Giliath demands your power stones!
*****
Presently, this man is next in line to ascend and become Erebonia's next Emperor. On paper at least. In reality, he has zero interest in it, much like Lifthrasir here. Compared to Lifthrasir, though, he has to keep his image. Over here in Erebonia where he doesn't parade as a wandering bard, he is actually the Crown Prince, just like me. Even if it is just temporary.
Then again, I am robbing his younger brother's so-called "duties", becoming the Vermillion Knight's pilot in Prince Cedric's stead. We'll see how impactful that becomes later. That whole ordeal during Cold Steel II is basically happening now, at least the Infernal Castle part of it. I'm still expecting the noble uprising to happen, but they'd have to find a different target.
Hell, that pompous noble who orchestrated everything might even come after me out of respite. He wished to lay claim to Testa-Rossa so he could allow the nobles spread throughout Erebonia to rise up once again and rule over the country, instead of the Imperial Diet and Chancellor Osborne. He is not much of a fighter himself, but he has an array of connections and wealth to his beck and call. Enough to stir a civil war inside one of the largest countries in Zemuria. A villian in every shape and form.
I will not stop Duke Cayenne's actions for the time being, because he is still crucial to the story. It was through him the Pantagruel came to existence, an airship that rivals Ouroboros's flagship, the Glorious. Considering its debut in four years or so, it is likely in its construction phase. It is a very gigantic airship. If I can successfully claim Testa-Rossa as my own, I might not even stop there. Imagine stealing the Pantagruel out right under Rean's nose while he deals with the civil war, haha!
Like I've mentioned before, I ain't no hero. I'm just living my life here, trying to enjoy it to its fullest.
It was always a pleasure to see this man standing before me. Prince Olivert always seems to know how to read rooms, providing his own remarks, just like this situation. Whether or not he's joking most of the time. I quite enjoy being beside him.
I did say that, but it looks like the other figure beside Prince Olivert had another story to tell. A look of defeat appeared in his eyes while an anger mark was visible on his forehead. He's used to Prince Olivert's antics by now. I know he feels annoyed by it, but it's still funny to see this person react this way each time Prince Olivert behaves like this.
"Can we like, not do this first thing in the morning, Your Highness? You need to remember who exactly your guest is. His Highness is an emissary from the Liberl Kingdom. What you say and do to His Highness can implicate things, unlike our other guest here. No offense.", Mueller complained, looking at the platinum-blonde haired girl beside Alfin and I.
"None taken. I don't see myself as a princess while I'm here. It is a very different situation for you three, though. You can only go so far with that bantering.", Lifthrasir replied, gently shaking her head.
"Alas, but I'm afraid that is where the line is drawn. For now, anyway. I am not against you heading to our imperial villa later. It is quite luxurious. It even has indoor swimming with heated water, if it gets chilly. It's basically a gigantic jacuzzi. I've used it plenty myself during my breaks.", Prince Olivert said to us. I sucked in a cold breath of air.
I mean, this is THE Erebonian Royal Family we're talking about here. They own all of Valflame Palace, and Karel Imperial Villa. They have millions upon millions of mira they can spend, I'm sure.
"Now that does sound quite lovely. I know it is still winter, but I wouldn't mind taking a dip. We even have an observation deck outside which gives us a great view. Oh I know what! Why don't you join us for some fun, Lif?", Princess Alfin suggested, causing Lifthrasir to suddenly pause.
"Pardon? I was under the impression that place was solely for the Royal Family and any dignitaries they invite. I don't fall under that, do I?", Lifthrasir questioned.
"How can you not!? You're one of my closest friends, Lif. It would be rude of me if I didn't extend an invitation to you. I know we do have our own boundaries, but you don't need to worry about such pleasantries.", Princess Alfin immediately responded, denying Lifthrasir's doubt.
"I will agree with Alfin on this. Once you step foot into this palace, that is our hand being extended out to you. You can rest assured you will be treated well.", Prince Olivert said while nodding his head.
"Well, at least you know how to use your head when you need to, Your Highness.", Mueller retorted, sighing again.
"Hahaha! It will be a blast, so I'm down. The more the merrier, as they say. I'll bring my friend along too.", I said.
"Right. She still must be sleeping in the room beside ours. You guys did stay up pretty late so I'm not surprised. I'm curious as to who your friend is.", Lifthrasir questioned, growing interested in who Tio was.
"You'll be able to meet Tio at breakfast. I really should go get cleaned up. I'll head to the dining hall in a while.", I said. I wasn't ready to start the day yet, unlike everyone present in the hallway we were in. I saw Prince Olivert nod his head. But as he did, a playful smile appeared on his face.
"It is true you aren't ready for the day, Your Highness. Seeing as you are going to take a bath, how about I wash your back for you~?", Prince Olivert asked while cracking a grin.
"Rot. In. Gehenna.", I immediately retorted, slanting my eyelids halfway down at the golden-blonde haired man before me.
"Teehee.", Princess Alfin responded, giggling at her brother's remark. "Oh dearest brother. You ought to know that role falls onto me now. It is my duty as Big Brother's future wife~", Princess Alfin retorted, playing along with her brother.
"Oh dear Aidios...", Mueller sighed again, shaking his head. It was already bad enough that Prince Olivert was being this playful so early in the morning, but it was already starting to spur Princess Alfin on. I wasn't sure who was worse in this regard, Prince Olivert or Princess Alfin? Both of them were very playful in nature.
Yet that seemed to be the tipping point, as the anger mark on Mueller's forehead only grew louder.
"We are so not dealing with this. To the dining hall. NOW.", Mueller exclaimed. Prince Olivert couldn't even react properly before he saw Mueller latch onto one of his earlobes, unleashing a mighty grip. Giving a big yoink, Mueller started dragging Prince Olivert away.
"It seems my time has come, for now. I shall welcome you into the dining hall in due time, Your Highness. Till we meet again~", Prince Olivert said, teasing one last time before he left it up to his fate, to be dragged away by Mueller. Seeing the duo quickly vanish from the hallway, I sighed again.
"That brother of yours is a real one sometimes, you know?", I said to Alfin. Her playful demeanor ended, and a heartfelt smile appeared on her lips.
"Oh I know. That's just his way of showing his trust. He trusts you a great deal, Big Brother. I do hope you can continue being good to Brother like you are now.", Princess Alfin responded.
"Heh. I'll have to live up to that trust. I know our wedding is still far off, but it's nice already feeling welcome like this.", I happily replied. I meant those words. As I said that, Lifthrasir paused, only to look back our way.
"It's still something to get used to. You know, that you're engaged now, Your Highness. Nobles sure have it tough, huh?", Lifthrasir asked, looking at Alfin with a hint of worry in her eyes.
"We don't need to rush it. Why don't you go join Brother to the dining hall?", Princess Alfin asked the girl beside us.
"I probably should. I will see you guys soon. Let's continue our conversation then.", Lifthrasir responded. Shortly after the duo left, Lifthrasir took after them.
Now, it was just Alfin and I. Oh, and of course, Tamamo. She isn't as used to speaking to other people outside from what likely happened when she transformed. Alfin did tell me that both Alfin and Lif were present during that moment. I couldn't help but get another sense of familiarity after Lif ventured off into the hallway.
"So, what do you think of Lif? She's cute, right?", Princess Alfin questioned.
"Uhh...", I started to respond, only to hesitate. "You can't just ask that out of the blue.", I retorted, dodging the question. Well, it was enough to prompt Lifthrasir's Favorability in becoming unlocked, so it wasn't out of the question that I wouldn't say I wasn't interested.
"Boo. You're no fun.", Princess Alfin retorted back. Still, she wore a happy smile on her face, and clapped her hands. "But it's not like we have to immediately head to the dining hall. How about I wash your back~?", Princess Alfin teased again. Hearing that, Tamamo's eyes lit up.
"Is it bath time now?", Tamamo questioned with growing anticipation in her eyes.
"Please don't spur on Tama, Alfin. We will head into the bath, but I'll be fine. You go head on after the rest.", I responded with a serious look now.
"Fine. Fine. We all can enjoy a nice breakfast. Once you're ready to head to the villa, we can leave then.", Princess Alfin responded, before she vanished from the hallway. I was now left alone with Tamamo, who was thumping her tails against my back.
"Pervert.", A voice called out to me, only to see the door crack open in front of me.
"Oh.", I said, seeing Tio poking her head out of the room. Her blue hair was pretty messy, and she was still rubbing her eyes. Doing a yawn, she looked at me with her deadpan eyes. "I'm sorry, you probably heard all that, didn't you? Did we wake you up?", I questioned.
"No. I was already awake. I almost forgot where I was for a moment. This really is Valflame Palace, isn't it?", Tio questioned.
"It sure is. We're presently guests to the Royal Family here. At least for the remainder of this week before my training begins. I'll see about the room situation, considering if you decide to stay here.", I answered.
"Mmm.", Tio nodded. "I will freshen up. We shouldn't keep them waiting for too long. We're already troubling them as it is.", Tio responded.
"Yeah let's go do that.", I said.
We didn't have anything else on our plates, and I still wasn't ready. I didn't have to wake up super early like yesterday to catch a flight or anything, so I could kick back and relax, enjoying a good soak. Tio closed the door, as did I. Each room was equipped with a private bath, which was already luxurious as it is. Starting the water running, Tamamo took a plunge into the bath, still in her Fox Form. I haven't enjoyed a nice soak like this in a while.
And as far as Celine went, she peacefully snoozed away, curled up into a little black ball of fur on my pillow. It was unknown how long she was going to sleep for.