After the Four Great Houses finished their arrival, a short, blonde-haired boy who seemed around twelve years old began to look around. It was as if he was wearing his attire in Cold Steel, but at a much younger age. In a way, he was just like me. But I could easily tell who this boy was. Someone to watch out for, and not because he's a goody two-shoes. No, Far from it. This man is a snake through and through. He'd do anything to achieve his goals, reminding me of a very special someone. Father. After all, Rufus would become the first Ironblood. Perhaps he already is by this point? I do not recall exactly.
Only until Reverie does he grow as a character, and becomes quite enjoyable after that. It would do me well if I can get connected with him this early on, amongst the other houses. He starts a journey of his own with his new friends after Reverie concludes, so I wouldn't be surprised if later games in Trails would prompt him to become a "main character".
I saw Rufus continue to observe the ongoing scene around him, his lips curved upward into a smile.
"Well now, isn't this an interesting gathering of people? Even the Septian Church arrived. Lord Father, it would seem something even grander is happening compared to the report we received.", Rufus said to Duke Albarea, gaining interest on the matter.
"And that is why I will not have you do anything stupid here on this day, Rufus. The next Emperor of our proud nation will be recognized soon. Just follow my lead...?", Duke Albarea said, only to not finish his sentence before his eyes started to shift toward a particular area. His eyes landed upon the division commanders standing next to Crown Prince Eugent on the left side of the plaza where the Septian Church members stood nearby.
As for me, I felt a strong pressure strike against my entire pressure. It was clear this pressure was aimed right at me. I had a feeling this would happen. My encounter with the Four Great Houses...
Curiosity got the better of me. How many of them know of House Phoenix, actually? This pressure wasn't antagonistic by any means. It was just extremely heavy, one with a lot of 'oomph' to it. From some who had built up their identity from years upon years of experience. And honestly, I was a bit jealous of this pressure. How long would it take for me to develop something like this of my own? I wanted to take a few steps back, but I held my ground. I did not flinch.
As for Rufus, it was rare to see his own father smile. He couldn't help but raise his eyes the moment he saw the lips of Duke Albarea move upward.
'It is rare that Lord Father cracks a smile like this, even at home...Just who in the world?', Rufus asked himself, only to follow his father's gaze. He saw the division commanders too, but Duke Albarea's gaze was looking elsewhere. It took a moment, but Rufus soon spotted a violet-haired boy standing near Giliath's leg next to him. And yet, Rufus saw the boy was staring right back at him. He was looking at Rufus, not Duke Albarea. He even had a little smile on lips. 'How intriguing, this little boy spotted me of all people. And that crest on his robe...', Rufus continued to think. Sadly, his thoughts ended as the Imperial Guardsmen continued to speak, calling out to them.
"S-Sir Duke, please make your way to His Imperial Highness!", One of the guardsmen spoke. Duke Albarea ignored him outright, and continued walking toward me. Thankfully, Crown Prince Eugent was quick to react, and calmed the Imperial Guardsmen down.
"At ease my soldiers. Let Duke Albarea through.", Crown Prince Eugent stated. After hearing that the Imperial Guardsmen parted ways, no longer persisting. It allowed Duke Albarea to walk all the way toward me. I still didn't back down, making his smile remain. He observed a small, violet-haired boy who was no more than a couple feet tall looking right back at him. He also took note of the Phoenix crest stitched on my robe.
"Good. Good. That is a look one should have. Your blood has persevered, boy.", Duke Albarea said, remaining cryptic to those around him.
"Pardon?", I tried to ask, feigning ignorance. And yet, before I could even do anything else, I was met with another question.
"May I see that blade of yours?", Duke Albarea suddenly asked, causing me to pause. Even Rufus looked onward, trying to find something.
'A blade? Now that you mention it...', Rufus thought, seeing a thin hilt equipped at my side. It was clumsy, as I still was a little boy myself. I didn't feel any bad intent from Duke Albarea. Perhaps he too knows something of this blade, just like the Thunder God.
"Of course.", I nodded, staying my ground. I reached toward my side, and presented Glistening Moonlight to Duke Albarea. He kept his hands steady, and accepted it with grace. Shnggg!
I didn't know the implications that would be caused by me doing this, but I felt even more cameras flashing in our direction. This is probably headliner material for them. Especially with Duke Albarea unsheathing my rapier.
"So this blade wound up into the right hands once again. I take it you know the significance of that crest of yours too, boy.", Duke Albarea said, asking me. I nodded my head.
"I do."
"Good. Then I expect great things from you, young noble. For that, I will give you my approval.", Duke Albarea said, giving me a rare praise. He sheathed Glistening Moonlight, and placed it back in my hands. I put it back at my side. He uttered softly so the crowd wouldn't hear, but the cameras were still taking pictures. That was all he spoke about from the looks of it. He turned quiet, and joined up with the other Great Houses.
As for Rufus, he simply followed Duke Albarea behind him. He continued looking at me with interest in his eyes. He soon stopped beside him.
"Lord Father, just who in Aidios's name is that boy? I do not recognize that crest, but he is wearing clothing very similar to our own. Is he another noble?", Rufus questioned.
"You will know soon enough. There will be change here today.", Duke Albarea answered, only to cause more confusion at Rufus. Seeing his father not answer him directly, he couldn't press the matter further, and became quiet.
And well, as for me, that pressure I felt earlier vanished entirely. I regained my composure, and sucked in a large breath of air. No doubt Duke Albarea is a powerful man. Perhaps not the strongest in terms of strength, but is one of the most influential figures amongst the entire noble faction. Seeing Rufus come with him was a surprise.
He's a dick of a character like I said, and many people, myself included, didn't like him as a villain during Cold Steel. He literally cucked Rean everywhere he went, whether it was directly or through the shadows. He shoots pretty high up in the character books after Reverie.
But I saw Rufus remain quiet. I definitely am meeting a lot of new people here. It's likely we'll have some opportunities to exchange words later, but we all heard the crowd quiet down. The Four Great Houses arrived. Well, the Five Great Houses if you include me. Father did his magic to arrange all of this beforehand from the looks of it, and this will allow Crown Prince Eugent to do what he wanted to do much earlier than what he had planned for.
If there was one presence we lacked, it was Bracers. Unfortunately, their influence here in Erebonia compared to other nations. Perhaps they do have some people mixed in the crowd of people, but they weren't on the stage like we were. And during the Hundred Days War, their Guilds would succumb to an attack by Jaegers. The very same attack that would distract Cassius Bright to leave Liberl so the Imperial Army can invade.
That silence didn't go undisturbed. A glint of light streaked across Ein's eyes as she observed what happened before her. 'Now that's something you didn't have when we met prior, boy. Just who are you?', Ein thought to herself. Sadly, she could only shake that thought away for now, and took this time to approach Crown Prince Eugent.
"I do apologize if this was dropped on you so suddenly, Your Imperial Highness. But as you can see, the pieces have already fallen into place. Everyone has gathered by your will. We do not need to stand on ceremony, and delay this proceeding from taking place later in the week. The stage is ready.", Ein said, doing another curt bow at Crown Prince Eugent.
"I understand. It has come to that.", Crown Prince Eugent responded, nodding his head.
Now that I thought about it, there was even a stage equipped with a podium that was prepared for him. It was slightly elevated from the rest of us, allowing all present to see. He approached the stand located in the center of Dreichels Plaza, equipped with an orbal mic. Before I realized it, Vainqueur Street was littered with people. It stretched in all four directions, which even surprised me. There's thousands and thousands of people here now!
"Look, His Imperial Highness is taking the stand! Something is about to happen after all!", One of the onlookers shouted.
"What could be? For even all of the nobility to be present, something must be going on.", A second one said, still doubtful. Growing concern started to rise between his people, and he couldn't help but chuckle. It didn't take long before all of Heimdallr began to hear Crown Prince Eugent speak. He sounded confident, and didn't back away.
"Now let's settle down, everyone. I deeply thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend today's conference. To begin with, we will be announcing a few items delivered not only to you, but it will be addressed to the entirety of our proud nation. The country of Erebonia.", Crown Prince Eugent said, beginning his speech. It was then his eyes lit up brightly with one flash after another. The reporters weren't taking their chances here. I even saw Nial again with such a serious look in his eyes, haha!
"And here I stand before you all as Erebonia's Crown Prince. Today, I bear unfortunate news. As a result of a recent tragedy, my first wife will not be here with us. The boy you see before me is my son. I hereby declare him the new Crown Prince. Due to certain circumstances, he was living outside Valflame Palace until now. But he has returned home. To where he belongs.", Crown Prince Eugent continued.
"And for me to announce my son as the next Crown Prince, all of you might be wondering where I presently stand. Fret not. From today onward, with the Septian Church as witness, I will be taking my spot as Erebonia's next Emperor! From here on, I will be called Emperor Eugent III!", Crown Prince Eugent declared, letting his speech go off without a witch. He raised his arm upward, letting his voice carry throughout the entire plaza.
Everyone stood there dazed, not expecting this bombshell of news to be dropped here today in Heimdallr. But that silence didn't last long. One after another, the crowd erupted into cheer.
""Long live His Majesty Emperor Eugent III!""