Honestly speaking, I was surprised about the fact it was Prince Cedric of all people who asked that with a hint of worry in his eyes. Then again, Prince Cedric is Princess Alfin's twin brother. They were likely on some special wavelength that normal siblings didn't possess. That's how I see twins anyway. Contrary to how Prince Cedric behaves in the games, I could see he was being genuine here. I am not sure if Erebonia's Curse had taken a grasp of Prince Cedric yet, considering the fact that I will wipe away the role he plays, and become Testa-Rossa's pilot myself, the Vermillion Awakener.
Prince Cedric's blood is quite strong, and is much more potent than the blood that I possess of the Arnor family, which has thinned out through the generations. House Phoenix were distant cousins at best, and at this point, I wouldn't even be considered cousins to the Imperial Family. I have no worry in that regard. And with that, I haven't felt any implication of the Erebonia's Curse to date. Perhaps the Gamer System has some play to that, I do not know.
To say the least, Prince Cedric was behaving as normal as any boy would right now. The only responsibilities he presently holds are that of being a prince of the Imperial Family. Much like the position I currently hold, except he isn't a Crown Prince. I say that, but within that worry, I saw a hint of annoyance. Perhaps he felt that way due to what happened outside earlier. I saw what went down, and he retreated back into Valflame Palace, appearing annoyed after that exchange with the Jaegers.
Considering the fact those girls turned down Princess Alfin's invitation, I bet that shattered Prince Cedric's pride, haha! To say the least, Prince Cedric was in his own right to feel this way.
I say that, but in front of me was an entire different story currently playing out. The first thing to pop into view was Mueller's forehead. A visible mark of anger could be seen on it, and for a good reason. Despite donning his vermillion attire, Crown Prince Olivert currently had his arms wrapped over his head. His head was pounding. As Princess Alfin remained dazed, Mueller spoke out.
"This is why I had advised against you drinking that much wine last night, Your Imperial Highness. Hangover medicine often takes a while to kick in.", Mueller said, berating Olivert. What Mueller said is true. Crown Prince Olivert is experiencing a massive hangover right now.
"Ugh...", Crown Prince Olivert groaned. It was as if a fist was pounding against his head. Despite feeling like that, he found enough energy to answer. "This pain is a reward, Mueller my boy. I managed to catch glimpses of Alfin's first dance, even if it wasn't the real thing. It pains me to say I am feeling the grasp of Gehenna right now..."
Even Crown Prince Olivert was struggling to eat the breakfast prepared for him. Is it bad to say that what is playing out is hilarious? I think the saying goes, you reap what you sow. Right? Every single time Crown Prince Olivert would try to drink with Scherazard during his time spent in Liberl while partying with Estelle's group, well, let's just say it never ends well. Oftentimes he would find himself passed out or slumped over some random chair, or worse, stripped of his clothing. Thankfully the latter didn't happen, but Crown Prince Olivert is definitely regretting how much he drank last night.
While Crown Prince Olivert was questioning his life choices, I saw both Aurelia and Roselia silently enjoy some aromatic tea they currently had placed in front of them. They knew not to interrupt the Imperial Family as they conversed with one another. Besides them sat Sherryl. I could see a hint of embarrassment in her eyes, though she wasn't as much in a daze as Princess Alfin was.
Something did happen back in Princess Alfin's room, but it wasn't anything extreme. You see, while Tamamo had a little bout with Roselia trying to claim my several balls of Mana as her prize, well, it got a little rowdy. Enough to knock back Princess Alfin and Sherryl several feet. But before they could hit the wall near the bathroom, I acted swiftly enough, and played the role of the hero. Even if it was for a couple seconds at most. They both fell into my embrace, safe from harm.
A/N: This scene was also changed. For obvious reasons.
And while I do not know whether or not Prince Cedric has been affected by the Erebonia Curse yet, what I do know is that he is not foolish. Before long, he will be leading Thors Military Academy in the coming years after Rean finishes his courses. He had a good head on him. Knowing that, I saw Prince Cedric turn toward me, and spoke out.
"Olivert's present predicament I understand, but Alfin rarely becomes distracted like this. She was completely fine during the dance, so something must have happened this morning before you all came here. What exactly did you do, Your Royal Highness?", Prince Cedric asked me, turning more serious as he squinted his eyes partway down. And yet, I couldn't even answer him before I saw Empress Priscilla speak out.
"Now Cedric, isn't it rude to intrude upon our guests? Do not forget the position His Royal Highness is in. He is in a foreign country, ours. An emissary. If at any time he looks at us in a bad light, it could lead to something worse. Are you prepared for that?", Empress Priscilla asked, also looking serious. It was rare for her to berate Prince Cedric so he could only silently nod his head, and not talk back at her. "Still, I say that, but I am curious as to what happened to Alfin. At the very least, this breakfast was prepared for us to enjoy it. Thank you for looking after Olivert, Sir Vander."
"Oh it is not a problem, Your Imperial Majesty. I am much used to handling this. Thankfully, this ba---, I mean, His Imperial Highness, managed to wake up and get out of bed by some miracle. We are just waiting for the medicine to kick in.", Mueller responded. It was then Princess Alfin finally snapped out of it. Her eyes gained color, and that alone made her embarrassed. Her gaze remained on Empress Priscilla.
"Oh...", Princess Alfin uttered, before she lightly shook her head. "I do apologize for my earlier behavior, Mother. It's nothing. Really."
Even though I had "saved" both Princess Alfin and Sherryl from harm, it was enough to have her cheeks a little rosy.
"Are you really alright, Alfin?", Prince Cedric asked, still looking worried. He was persistent, wasn't he? I won't give him a clear answer. I'll leave it to him to figure out. Thankfully, it looks like Princess Alfin has calmed down a good margin after that little shenanigan. I was honestly expecting it would have gone worse, but she just turned meek and remained dazed. Perhaps a slap in the face, or something? Then again, this is Princess Alfin. She isn't one to do that.
We didn't pursue what happened further. We still came down for breakfast, even if it turned out a little atypical. With each passing moment, Princess Alfin's composure became more and more normal. She even smiled, showing that she was fine now.
"Yes. I am sorry if I caused you all some worry. There was just a little scuffle, and Naoto ended up saving me.", Princess Alfin said, only to glance my way. Hearing that, Crown Prince Olivert's eyes shot up, immediately gaining interest.
"Oh my. Just a little scuffle, you say? Did you become Alfin's knight in shining armor~?", Crown Prince Olivert said, only to do that classic smug grin of his. Just that alone was enough to make that anger mark appear again on Mueller's forehead. WHACK!
"Don't start now, Your Imperial Highness. We are here to enjoy a breakfast together. Nothing more, nothing less.", Mueller reprimanded. And yet, that was enough to ease whatever tension was around us. We all laughed. I even saw Sherryl's composure return to normal.
"Haha. Well, it would seem it isn't anything too important. Still, I wouldn't mind hearing the details later, Alfin.", Empress Priscilla said, looking at Princess Alfin. Princess Alfin nodded her head, agreeing with her. Guess they'll have something to talk about later. It isn't my position to step into that. From there, Empress Priscilla looked at me. "And besides, you have a busy schedule today. You intend to visit the Vander School, right, Your Royal Highness?"
"Yes. I plan to commute from Valflame Palace to the Vander School for these next three months. His Imperial Majesty was kind enough to offer me a room to stay here. I do apologize in advance that I will be intruding upon your family during this.", I politely said, and smiled.
"So what Father said really is true. You haven't forgotten what we previously talked about, have you, Your Royal Highness? If you are going to stay here for three months, then I would still like to request that duel. It does not have to happen immediately. It would serve a good chance to see how far your swordsmanship has progressed. I myself have been learning it as of late.", Prince Cedric requested. Even Aurelia looked at us with interest in her eyes.
"So you are following the path I once took, huh? I am not sure if my teacher is in the capital or whether he is at his post in Nord. If he is, I would love to pay my respects.", Aurelia said, only to look at Mueller. "And if you are interested, I would not mind holding a spar against you, Sir Vander."
"I've heard stories about you, Lady Le Guin. That you once studied both under the Radiant Blademaster and my uncle, One-Eyed Zechs. It is unfortunate, but he is presently not in the capital. You are more than welcomed to pay our dojo a visit, however. Father just so happens to be in the city on this rare occasion.", Mueller suddenly said, immediately drawing everyone's attention to him.
"Father truly is in Heimdallr, Brother?", Kurt asked, raising his eyes. I bet he wasn't expecting Mueller to say that. I was even surprised to hear that the Thunder God is here in Heimdallr. He is away a lot of the time, continuously improving his swordsmanship to maintain that number one position of his.
"Yes. Father will be receiving His Royal Highness later. If possible, today. Will that suffice?", Mueller asked, only to look at me this time.
"I know how busy a man he is. The fact he is considering welcoming me at all is kind of as it is. I will be there.", I responded with a nod.
"Good. More than likely, Father will test your aptitude, as you have once done with the Radiant Blademaster. He is quite strict, so I will wish you the best of luck.", Mueller said with a serious look in his eyes.
"Understood.", I said, nodding again. Looks like the Thunder God will test me, eh? Wonderful. I know I have my spar set against Sherryl later as well, so hopefully this will kill two birds with one stone. I had one more look at her, and just like Princess Alfin, Sherryl had calmed down now. She's presently enjoying her breakfast, as everyone else is. I'm glad.
Thankfully, we were able to keep this cheery atmosphere. Princess Alfin became more talkative, allowing this hour to pass by swiftly. I did not forget about Claire either. It wasn't just Aurelia and Roselia who dropped by. By the way Roselia harrumphed once or twice, but didn't cause a scene. As for Claire, she remained mostly silent, acting like a ghost. I left her be. She was here to keep the peace and order around Valflame Palace while Father was away.
I'm sure I'll be working alongside Claire some more for the time being, amongst the Ironbloods. Rufus is back home in Bareahard within the Kreuzen Province. Lechter is back in Liberl, properly attending his studies at Jenis Royal Academy for once. With how things are lining up, I will see Lechter next year once my own studies begin. We'll spend one year together. At the time, I did not know it wouldn't just be Kloe and I who had interest in attending Jenis.
For now, let's see where the rest of the day takes us, shall we? It won't be long until we make our way to the Vander Dojo!