The Viscountess led the Black Eagles through the halls of the manor, occasionally stopping to point out something of interest. Eventually the Black Eagles and the Viscountess arrived at a sitting room of sorts. Three sofas surrounded a coffee table. Two armchairs placed opposite of the middle sofa. The Viscountess moved to her desk. A servant handed her a set of files.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable."
"Viscountess, perhaps we should deal with the Demonic Beasts."
"You may, but you will be waiting for awhile."
"I'm sorry what?"
"The Demonic Beasts' attacks are a pattern. They attack at night on a full moon. That will be tomorrow, so feel free to wait for them but you may be waiting for awhile."
"I see."
"Why don't we introduce ourselves?"
"I'll go first, I am Ferdinand von Aegir, future Prime Minister of the Adrestian Empire."
"Do calm yourself Ferdinand, must you flaunt your useless status."
"Use-useless! Hubert! Do you not know the power of House Aegir?!"
"Oh hush, Ferdie, go on Hubie."
"Very well, I am Hubert von Vestra, a humble servant of Lady Edelgard."
"Linhardt von Hevring."
"I'm Caspar von Bergliez, the second son of Count Bergliez."
"I am called Petra."
"Petra is heir to the throne of Brigid."
"Oh, I did not know that, my apologies."
"I am taking no offense from it."
"I'm Dorothea, and this is Bernadetta, she doesn't like strangers."
"I am Edelgard von Hresvelg, heir apparent to the Adrestian Empire."
"I suppose I should introduce myself, I am Illyasviel Alexandra Alena von Aylor."
"To think, the Duchess gave you a title, made you heiress, and gave you a rather long noble name, how incredible."
"If I may,"
"What is it Richards?"
"I was present when the Duchess met Lady Illyasviel, at only the age of seven, Lady Illyasviel had the air of a Queen, even the Duchess could not deny it."
"Please Richards, I have faint memories of my life before the Duchess adopted me."
"Very well, but the Duchess has always thought that you were worthy of everything that she has given you, even that long noble name."
"My name is rather self-explanatory, Alena is the Duchess's given name, Alexandra is that name of the Duchess's late daughter, and von Aylor is the house name of course. I do not know where Illyasviel came from though."
"Viscountess, have you always been called Illyasviel, even before you were adopted?"
"Well, most people who call me by my given name call me Illya rather than Illyasviel, I have no memory of being called anything else so I suppose yes, I have always been called Illyasviel Why do you ask?."
"I recognize the name Illyasviel, it was the name of the last female emperor of the Adrestian Empire."
"I see, I was not aware."
"Your grace!"
"I told you Simon, there is no need to yell."
"Sorry, Richards."
"What is Simon?"
"Marquis Gerth sent another gift."
"What is this time?"
"I don't know your grace."
"Very well."
Illya walked over to the table where Simon had placed the gift. A small golden chest. Illya opened the chest. The chest was full of jewelry. Some of them were more remarkable than others.
"Your grace."
"Yes?"
"The Duchess has arrived."
"I was not informed of her visit, is her visit planned or spontaneous?"
"Spontaneous your grace."
"Ah, that sounds like her. I'm sorry, the Duchess has a tendency to arrive whenever she wishes."
"It's alright, your grace? Is that correct?"
"You can just call me Illya, I am not that fond of such formality anyway."
"A-are you sure?"
"Do I sound unsure?"
Suddenly the doors to the living room opened. An elderly woman stepped lively through the doors. Illya stood and approached the woman. The woman gave Illya a rather tight hug.
"Grandmother, I was unaware of your visit."
"As was your staff. I see you have guests."
"Yes, the Black Eagles House of the Officer's Academy."
"Is that the Imperial Princess?"
"No, it's another princess named Edelgard, yes it is."
"I see, so you are the daughter of that shell of weak man."
"Grandmother! Do not talk ill of the Emperor especially in front of his daughter."
"I speak the truth and besides he is not the only weak noble in charge."
"I can assure, Duchess, my father, the Prime Minister, is not one of the weak nobles."
"You are correct, but your father is a man so wretched that one feels they are being slowly tortured in his presence."
"Wha-what?"
Author's Note: Should I include the Ashen Wolves in this story? R&R