Just like that, Crown Prince Eugent declared himself the next Emperor of Erebonia, Emperor Eugent III. Everything happened so quickly that I remained quiet during the event. I just tried to take in everything that I saw, witnessing history in the making. From here onward, Emperor Eugent will be the one to act upon the throne. You even get to meet him several times during Cold Steel!
But because I was trying to take in the entire event like this, time stopped for no one.
Later, that same evening.
Valflame Palace.
Inside one of the many guest rooms that was connected to the first floor of the palace.
A little violet, short-haired boy with golden eyes could now be seen in one of these rooms, deep within Valflame Palace. He was presently wearing a white-violet fancy robe with the Phoenix crest on its front. A tired look was in his eyes, but unfortunately for him, he could not rest yet. It's not like that was the only thing he was feeling. An equal look of excitement was also present, and for a good reason.
Of course, that boy was me.
"Hah...", I said, letting out a deep sigh. I reflected on today's events. A lot sure happened, huh?
"I didn't think the Crown Prince had the guts to speak in front of such a massive crowd, but color me impressed. Oh wait, he's "His Majesty" now, isn't he?", I questioned with a playful smile.
Erebonia is a very, very old country on the continent. One of the oldest. Emperor Eugent III declared himself the 87th Emperor. Many Emperors came before him, and he won't be the last.
But declaring himself the 87th Emperor wasn't the only thing he did. He abolished the Great Houses right then and there. He no longer addressed the nobles as the Four Great Houses, but now as the Five Great Houses! It brought great shock to everyone present!
And guess who was at the forefront of that?
Yours truly. Me.
Now do you understand why I am so tired now? Hahaha!
I thought there would be an objection to that formation, but surprisingly, there wasn't. That was likely because Duke Albarea gave me approval upfront like that. The other Houses welcomed me, and are looking forward to my debut in what's called 'high society'. My path to become a noble in the future has already begun, and I don't know whether or not I like that. I have to be prim and proper toward others. I just want to live my life here, you know?
And when does one debut in 'high society' to begin with? I was left with more questions than answers. Answers that Father likely has, I'll definitely need to have more chats with him once we return home. Does it happen when one turns five? Or much older? I will need to look into this further.
For now, the banquet was still held as scheduled. The new Emperor invited us in, and the major characters remained behind. Most division commanders returned to their duties while it took place, but it allowed me to interact with all of the other nobles present. They praised me for the polite mannerisms I displayed despite being so young. And Aurelia was there to make sure nothing went sideways. It wasn't hard to see that she was beginning to look at me in a new light. The banquet went off without a hitch, just like His Majesty's speech earlier in the day.
I went into my thoughts again, finally plopping myself near a bedside.
"Still, I wonder how these guys will react once they know I'll be off the radar in two or three years. Should I still enter the DG Cult like this?", I uttered, wondering if what I currently have planned is the right way to go. Just that thought alone is crazy. No one in their right mind would choose to wander into such a place. But I'm different from them, in the aspect of knowing the future. I know who enters that place, so I want a chance to interact with them.
I could only put that thought aside for now, as I heard the door of my guest room knock.
"It's open.", I said.
A sole figure entered upon opening the door, one who sported short golden-blonde hair and violet eyes. He was dressed in his signature red robe. My eyes raised, as I wasn't expecting it would be this person to enter my room. I quickly stood off the bed, and did a polite bow, greeting him.
"Your Highness.", I said, greeting the boy with a playful grin.
"At ease, Naoto. It's still somewhat new being addressed as "Your Highness", but you're in the same boat aren't you now, "Young Duke"? Hahaha!", The boy said, smirking back at me.
"Please don't.", I retorted.
"I am merely jesting, of course. Today was rather packed, wasn't it? I am already looking forward to the day you debut in high society, however long into the future that is.", The boy responded. I can now start addressing him as "Prince Olivert", just like in the games, haha!
"Today was fulfilling, that is for sure. Did you decide to check up on me, Your Highness?", I decided to ask.
"I did. Unlike the rest, you are definitely the youngest here. I did not think General Osborne would take his kin with him to this event, but now, it makes sense as to why. You can be rest assured there is nothing else major. You held your discussion with Lord Grandfather. I take it most of your questions have been satisfied?", Prince Olivert shot back.
"They have, for now. I will be retiring for the night soon, and Father and I will likely depart tomorrow. Based on what you have said, however..."< I began to say, drawing Prince Olivert's interest. I am planning to stay beside him in the future, so I've decided to reveal some of my plans to him.
"Do you have something you wish to discuss?"
"Sort of. I have some plans of my own that will be in motion soon. I cannot say much now, but it will make me go off-grid in a couple years' time.", I said, remaining vague on the matter.
"Off-grid, you say? Is it possibly related to that staff wielder, perhaps?", Prince Olivert questioned.
"You can say that. Her name is Roselia, and she is my Master. I'll be training under her for a period of time. I will be unavailable during it, most likely. That won't mean I'll be completely out of the picture after that is over.", I happily replied.
"That is rather unfortunate, but it looks like this can't be stopped. You know the twins took a rather good liking to you, right? Hahaha!", Prince Olivert said, smirking again at me.
"You aren't immediately opposed to this?", I questioned back.
"Nah. With how things will proceed in the future, the nobles might suspect something. I'll ensure Lord Father will keep them in check.", Prince Olivert responded, reassuring me.
"Thank you. After tonight has passed, I suspect Father will take me home in the morning. Honestly, I was expecting to be here for a couple more days. It's a shame we won't be able to hang out more like this.", I replied, shaking my head with a sigh.
"Then this will likely be our last day we will see each other for a while. How about I give you something in return to look forward to after you are back?", Prince Olivert asked me, drawing my interest.
"Oh? Pray tell."
"Haha! Little Alfin wouldn't keep your eyes off you, you know? My heart is crushed. I'm her bigger brother, but she didn't even bat an eye at me. Why don't we set up some play dates with my younger siblings?", Prince Oliver asked.
"Is that really alright?"
"Of course it is! That is, unless another particular Princess has already caught your fancy~", Prince Olivert said with a smug grin this time.
"...You aren't referring to Princess Klaudia, are you?", I questioned him.
"Hmm, I wonder~? Only a select few know where you hail from. I really am grateful that you confided one of your secrets with me. it is only right that I act as your supporter.", Prince Olivert said, showing an honest look in his eyes this time. His earlier demeanor vanished entirely.
"Heh. True. At this rate with how things go, I wouldn't be surprised if I end up being with either one of them. Nobility sure has it tough, doesn't it?", I replied. Nobility really is different from the society I was used to in my previous life. A lot of events are preordained for you, and family ties means everything. I know Father will survive the whole ordeal that will be thrown our way soon, and it is very possible he might try to set something up for me. But only time will tell for that.
"Regardless, if that is truly your ambition in the future, it will be a high hurdle to jump. I have more sway in things now that I'm Crown Prince, I'm sure I will receive many marriage proposals. It isn't as strict as it used to be, so I very well could end up marrying someone of my choosing.", Prince Olivert said, nodding in agreement.
After we both said that, we shared a laugh.
"Well, to the future, I guess.", I happily replied.
"Hear-hear!", Prince Olivert responded.
Sadly, our laughter ended as quickly as it began. We heard more footsteps approach the door. Prince Olivert had shut it prior, but it opened again. I saw Roselia and Aurelia now in the doorway.
"Oya, I did not think you would have someone visiting you already, Naoto.", Roselia said. Her eyes shifted toward Prince Olivert.
"We were just wrapping up actually, Master."
"Master huh...So this is the one.", Prince Olivert mused, taking a moment to observe Roselia. She ignored that comment, and approached him. The two exchanged a mutual glance.
"Indeed 'tis I. Aren't you the most peculiar one. I hardly think you are even a prince at all, boy. How about this? Why don't you stay? That is, if you are up for watching something interesting.", Roselia suddenly proposed.
"Master?", I asked.
"Very well. If that is the case, then I will happily oblige. And worry not, I shan't get in the way of you three.", Prince Olivert said, grinning again. He scurried off toward one of the free corners of the room and started to watch from afar, acting as if a movie was about to play. I shook my head seeing this, and sighed.
"Master...", I uttered, sighing.
"Umu. Pay the prince no mind, Naoto. This process may take a while, and will likely cause pain. I hope you are prepared. The same goes for you, girly.", Roselia said, looking at Aurelia.
"I am.", I answered, nodding.
"As am I.", Aurelia replied, taking this time to approach my side.
"Good. Then let us begin the creation of the Mana Core.", Roselia declared.
"The what now?", Prince Olivert questioned, only to be completely ignored. Our attention remained on the Hexen Clan leader in front of us. It was time to truly learn Magic, even if it was going to be painful in the process!