No changes to current upload schedule, just in my busiest five days of my work year. It will become more frequent once it's over!
*
Even in the games, there were only a handful of opportunities to explore this place, let alone do it free-roam style. Heading here this early on is a plus in my books.
"This might just be my second time coming into the city like this, but no matter how many times I observe it, it's really pretty.", I said, speaking up to the two. Aurelia cracked a rare smile hearing me speak this.
"But of course it is. Heimdallr is the pride of us Erebonians. It's been standing for several centuries. Even I am but an ant compared to its grandeur.", Aurelia responded, acting a little more humble now after her initial shock of our meditate session ended.
"Umu. It is still as flashy as ever. It almost hurts my eyes seeing Heimdallr again. It is way too red for my liking.", Roselia replied, chuckling. Aurelia raised her eyebrows at Roselia's words.
"...Who exactly are you? You're talking as if you're returning home after a long visit away, and yet your appearance is that of a little girl.", Aurelia questioned, still doubtful about how Roselia currently looks. I mean, anyone would at this point. But let me tell you, Roselia is no mere child. She has lived far much longer on this land than I have.
"Now you're getting more interested, eh? I can humor you, for now. It looks like you gained something from our session. You see, I've been around even before your anc---", Roselia began to say. My eyes turned serious seeing Roselia actually trying to give Aurelia her answer. I quickly placed my nearest hand over her lips, shushing her.
"Now now, Master. Let's just say you're old enough to be Aurelia's grandmother, alright?", I quickly retorted. She snorted as I released my hand, but didn't didn't fight back on it. She nodded her head.
"Fine. That's how Emma and the others call back at home anyways.", Roselia answered. Still, that caused Aurelia's eyes to turn wide in shock regardless.
"You're seriously that old!? You're retaining both your youth and vigor!", Aurelia exclaimed in shock.
"Umu. Magic works wonders, little girl.", Aurelia simply said.
"Magic really is real? It's still so mind boggling to me...I may have to rework my entire training regime. Hell, is it even possible for me to even learn it?", Aurelia said, beginning to ponder. Roselia grinned hearing that.
"Magic resides in all things around us. Everyone is capable of learning it. People nowadays have strayed too far from the truth to even know it still lingers. There are some who even deny its very existence, but where would Orbal Energy be today if it weren't for magic? All answers lies within the Spirit Veins beneath us.", Roselia said, giving Aurelia a little bit of insight as to what Magic really was. Her initial shock began to shift to that of anticipation.
"Spirit Veins...", Aurelia responded, reveling in that information that was just given to her.
"And you have a lot of potential yourself, girly. Enough to the point where even vessels would run from fear. This talent of yours shouldn't go to waste. Learning the way of the sword is fine and all, but we are approaching an opportunity after we enter the Palace, to which I have reached a decision on.", Roselia suddenly declared, drawing our eyes to her.
"Master, you don't mean...", I tried to say, surprised to hear Roselia say this.
"Oh?", Aurelia asked, gaining interest.
"I shall give you a single chance to grasp onto it. I will not teach you anything. It will be up to you and you alone as to whether or not you can benefit with what I will provide you. How does that sound?", Roselia questioned. Aurelia could tell Roselia was being earnest here. If Magic truly did exist from her eyes, there's no way she wouldn't let this escape from her grasp.
"I am grateful for giving me such an opportunity, to which I am fine with. I love pursuing both knowledge and strength. I will attempt to live up to your expectations. And if I can get a grasp of whatever it is that you will show me, I shall acknowledge you as a Master.", Aurelia happily replied before I could even finish saying what I wanted to say.
Oy!
I couldn't help but shudder at the fact of Aurelia possibly learning Magic out of this. If she truly achieves that, she will be a force to be reckoned with. She already was. Imagine another layer of power added to that...
"Umu. It will solely be up to you, girly.", Roselia responded, smiling back at her. "For now, you are permitted to call me Rose.", Roselia continued to say.
"Master...", I finally spoke out, and sighed. At this time, I heard another connection establish, despite our meditation session ending already, which surprised me. She looked my way.
'I know what I am doing, Naoto. You can ease your worry. After expecting this Aurelia girl in person, she is indeed a monster in her own right. I doubt there are many out there who can best her, even at her current age.', Roselia's voice echoed, speaking to me directly.
'She truly is that strong? Maybe the games don't do her justice. I wouldn't mind if I accepted her as a rival~', I responded, wondering if I should go that route. Aurelia as a rival, eh? I'm far too young right now, but after a part of my plan is complete, it could become possible. It really depends where I end up.
'That matters not to me. All I will plan to do is unlock Aurelia's Mana Core together with yours. I will not teach her anything beyond that.', Roselia explained.
'So you've decided on that after all.', I replied again, inwardly nodding my head to her decision. I'm not against it. And if Aurelia does learn Magic after this, I wonder what her elements would become. Perhaps Lightning?
But there is one thing I can say comfortably. Aurelia's strength will soar to greater heights. I could totally imagine her as one of those magic knights you'd come across in fantasy stories.
My conversation with Roselia ended there for now, and I continued wondering how Aurelia will grow from here. The three of us became quiet since there wasn't much else to say on the matter. We enjoyed the sight of the bustling Vainqueur street before us. Before long, we arrived at another district.
Dreichels Plaza.
It was completely sectioned off, not allowing any travelers to enter. Likely because Crown Prince Eugent was in transit toward the palace. The gigantic vermillion palace looked even more imposing the closer we got to here.
It's name is Valflame Palace, the home to the Imperial Family that rules over all of Erebonia.