With each day passing by, Erebonia's new Chancellor seemed to get busier and busier...
While Erebonia and Liberl were preoccupied with their respective happenings, the scenery soon shifted to Crossbell State. In particular, Crossbell City.
Thankfully for Crossbell City, the Hundred Days War did not reach their land. That didn't mean its recently-appointed Mayor, Mayor MacDowell, didn't have a full plate of his own. No, in fact, Mayor MacDowell seemed even busier than normal. Perhaps it was due to a decision made by someone Naoto knew very well...
Crossbell City.
The MacDowell Estate, situated southwest of the Residential District.
While not as fancy in comparison to the Osborne Villa, it was still one of the largest estates in the entire Residential District. The only one to compare it to was Calvard's representative, a senator of Calvard's Republic who calls himself Senator Campbell. But this isn't about him right now. It is presently busy inside the MacDowell Estate.
Inside the estate were two floors, separated by two winding staircases on either side of the room. In the leftmost room belonged to someone's particular bedroom. Right now, three figures presently could be seen in this room. An old butler, a maid, and a silver-haired girl who seemed to be around nine years old now. The maid had both worry and excitement in her eyes
"I can't believe the Young Missus is old enough to begin school already. But must you go so far? I thought you would choose to study closer to home. Why must you go all the way to Arteria...?", The maid, who was called Joanna, said, still worried.
"Hoho. It was the Young Missus's decision that led to this after she received that acceptance letter to attend one of the Holy City's boarding schools. It does sadden my heart too, but every bird must leave their nest, as one would say. It is the Young Missus's turn to blossom. Before we realize it, she will come back as a young lady.", The butler replied, who was named Helmer.
"Hehehe. I couldn't have said it better myself. I will miss you two. Helmer. Joanna.", The silver-haired girl said, only to have her maid put the finishing touches of her new appearance. Stepping out of the chair, she spun around. "How do I look?"
The two saw this girl was now wearing a school uniform of sorts. It was similar to the uniform of Calvard's Aramis High School, except it was mostly azure in color. It matched the girl's very lush silvery-white hair. This hair color seemed to be a trait amongst her family members. Adding to the uniform was a gray skirt and a white undershirt. She also had socks that stretched all the way to her knees.
"Oh, and I can't forget this.", The girl said, looking back toward the desk and saw a black beret. Picking it up, she placed it on her head. Now, the image is complete.
"You look perfect, Young Missus.", Joanna said, smiling. Tears started to form in her eyes. It was then they heard a knock at the door, which drew their attention.
"Elie, it is almost time to depart. Did you finish getting dressed?", An older voice said, reaching them. Of course, who else could this girl be but Elie MacDowell?
"I'm ready, Grandpa! You can come in now.", Elie happily chirped.
Elie held back her excitement. She was experiencing several emotions right now, which made her appear tired, but hopeful. She heard the door click open, and was soon greeted by even an older man whose hair was already white from old age. Elie also took this time to double check a couple of suitcases that were all packed and ready on her bed.
The old man who entered the room is Elie's Grandfather, the current Mayor of Crossbell City. He too was experiencing a wave of emotions, but it was worry that remained in his eyes.
Not too long ago, Elie received an official acceptance letter to go study abroad in Arteria, the Holy Capital of the Septian Church.
An entire six years has passed since that fateful night, but not once had Elie given up. She was saddened to see Naoto's departure of his own, but she knew. Deep down, he was still out there somewhere. Elie did sulk for a while, but time still moved on. She could only look toward the future, and not dwell on the past. Before Elie realized it, that acceptance letter came, prompting her decision to accept it.
Elie was going to leave Crossbell City, and go study abroad!
"Are you sure you have everything packed, Elie? You know, once we depart, it will be a while to ship you any remaining items.", Henry asked.
"I've already triple checked everything, Grandpa. I think we are set!", Elie answered, only to realize something. Her eyes turned wide. "Oh no, I can't forget about the photos!", Elie exclaimed, and rushed to her desk one more time.
Upon a closer look it was a framed photo with a custom silver frame to match her hair. The very same photo that Chancellor Osborne has on his desk. It wasn't just the photo either. Elie saw an old-looking pocket watch device of sorts. It has a violet metallic cover with a tough string around it, allowing the device to act as a necklace.
That's right, this was Naoto's [Combat Orbment - Generation III (Custom)] device that his late mother passed down to him before the attack on his villa!
Naoto passed down a secured letter to Elie, which contained this Combat Orbment. His strength was fine as it was on his own, so Naoto left it in Elie's Care for the time being. Naoto could have chosen another person to keep his Combat Orbment safe, but he left it to Elie. She became extremely happy, so her sulking only lasted for a little while. Thanks to that, she could look toward her own future, and as such, it brought the scene to today. Elie's departure.
There was one unfortunate scenario that took place during this passage of time, which prompted a second photo next to the one with Naoto. It was Elie's own family. To keep it simple, Elie's family split apart. Her mother returned to Erebonia to the small town of Milsante. Her father returned to Calvard to join the Republic. Elie's Grandfather remained here in Crossbell City, considering he is now its latest Mayor. Despite the separation, all four of them appeared happy in the photo.
Taking Naoto's Combat Orbment and placing it around her neck, Elie then grabbed the two photos and added them into one of her suitcases.
As she closed her suitcase, Elie's thoughts stirred. Her eyes looked at the Combat Orbment.
"Naoto...You're out there somewhere, aren't you?", Elie uttered to herself. Thinking that, she quickly shook her head, and slapped her cheeks. Looking at her suitcases, Elie saw she was all packed now.
"There. This should be everything.", Elie stated. Hearing that, Joanna walked to the bedside, and grabbed one of the suitcases. Helmer grabbed the other one, and assisted Elie. Seeing Elie approach Henry, he sighed.
"Are you really going to leave like this, Elie? You know how important that orbment device is.", Henry said, looking at what was now around her neck.
"I know, Grandpa. It isn't like this is the first time I'm leaving the house while wearing it, alright? I know to keep it safe!", Elie happily replied.
"I know, I know. You'll be flying on a commuter airliner, so you won't be alone. The tickets have already been bought, so we just need to head on down to the airport---?", Henry tried to respond, only to get interrupted by a voice calling out to him.
"Haha, if that was your worry sir Mayor, then you can leave the Young Missus in our care and rest easy.", A calm voice said, reaching their ears. After that was said, someone else greeted him, keeping respect in their tone. It looks like this second voice came from another one of the MacDowell servants.
"Master, I hate to disturb you, but some important guests have arrived. They are here to pick up the Young Missus. I have already initiated the process of refunding the tickets you bought earlier. They are from the Septian Church.", Another servant said, greeting the Mayor with a formal bow.
"From the Septian Church...?", Henry asked, only to see a couple figures arrive at the doorside. His eyes were immediately drawn to the emblem of the Septian Church on their robes.
One seemed to be an older woman with greenish-blonde hair. Someone who Naoto had met very well. It has been several years since they've last met, she is much older now, and looks more like her counterpart in the games. Next to this woman was someone a couple years younger, who also looks like her counterpart. Next to these two women was a boy with green hair with white strands in it.
The first woman glanced at Elie for a moment. In particular, the combat orbment that was around her necklace, before giving a salute to Mayor MacDowell.
"It is an honor to meet you like this, Mayor MacDowell. Do not worry, we are not here to disturb your governmental affairs, as that is out of reach from the Septian Church. We did get permission to head inside Crossbell City beforehand. All we are here to do is pick up the Young Missus.", The woman said while bowing. "I am Ein Selnate. The Young Missus will be attending one of the boarding schools that is under the Congregation of the Sacraments. We run...a rather particular division within it. I am afraid I cannot say any more."
"It really is the Septian Church...", Henry uttered to himself, greeting the three people. "I would ask why you are here as an escort, but that matter cannot be discussed either, I take it?"
"I'm afraid so.", Ein said, nodding her head. "I've brought two of my Squires with me. This is Rufina, and over there is Kevin."
"It is nice to meet you, Mayor.", Rufina said, bowing.
"Nice to meet'cha, mister Mayor!", Kevin said, smiling.
Seeing this happen before her eyes, Elie looked at her grandfather.
"Isn't this fine, Grandpa? You need to remember your standing. It's not like we can just walk out of Crossbell City without some level of security. The Septian Church is kind to give me a personal ride. I'm sure you can leave it to them!", Elie said, assuring Mayor MacDowell that she was fine.
"I can't help but agree with the Young Missus's words here, Master. We can leave it to the Church.", Helmer said, looking at him.
"For once, I agree with Helmer.", Joanna also said in agreement.
"I'm afraid you all are right.", Henry said, only to look at the members of the Church once more. "Very well. I shall leave Elie's departure to the Septian Church. Please look after my granddaughter.", Henry continued. He looked at Elie. "Be sure to write on occasion, alright, Elie?"
"I will. Don't worry, Grandpa!", Elie happily said, and started to approach the three. Hearing that, Kevin simply smiled.
"Ya can leave the Young Missus in our hands!", Kevin stated.
Just like that, Elie began the next chapter in her life, and soon left with the members of the Septian Church. Her servants waved her goodbye, and Mayor MacDowell simply watched on as she left the MacDowell Estate...