Now for the part where the Summer Festival arrives, but it may as well be the calm before the storm...
Shall We Dance?
Dateline, July 17th, 1206.
We were at the Heimdallr racecourse the next morning and both the main and branch campuses of students were on the field grounds along with the instructors as well as Aurelia, Olivert and Elliot's Dad, as we listened to Carl who had an announcement to make.
"I'm happy to have the opportunity to address you all here on this wonderful first day of the Summer Festival." He spoke. "Just yesterday, foreign spies were identified and determined to be a danger to the public. However, they have since been apprehended. I thank the Heimdallr Military Police, the Railway Military Police, and the Imperial Army for thier work containing the threat. I'd also like to thank the Courageous for detaining a suspicious ship and the Bracer Guild for thier assistance. But most importantly, I'd like to commend these people here before me for their direct and substantial aid in resolving this incident. The students and instructors of Thors Military Academy's main and branch campuses!"
The audience applauded and photos were taken. Carl stood aside and Elliot's dad took the stage.
"I am Olaf Craig, commander of the Imperial Army's 4th Armored Division." He greeted. "As of today, the total number of arrests stands at 94. We believe it's now safe to say this crises has been averted."
'94? But is that really all of them?' I thought.
"Now, we shall begin the award ceremony on behalf of the Imperial Household Agency." Carl said. "Will the representative from each school, step forward, please?"
Cedric and Kurt walked forward and they were awarded huge certificates for thier respected campuses, they even shook hands which was a surprise. Reporters came on by and Rean was being swarmed in seconds. Rean then shook hands with Cedric and the award ceremony came to an end.
The main campus students and Neithardt left the field.
"I am sure we each had our own strategies, but we're all from Thors." Olivert said. "I believe that you being appointed the principal of the branch campus was thanks to the guidance of Aidios."
"Haha, I'm thankful for the honor." Aurelia replied.
"You did well too, Major Irving. You handled a difficult situation with ease. I'm sure the field exercises went so smoothly thanks to you."
Michael nodded. "Yes, I am honored by your praise."
"And Randy, I don't think I can ever thank you enough."
"Haha, I get paid, so please don't sweat it." Randolph replied.
"I'm sure you have already heard, but I would love for all of you to attend the parties being hosted by the Imperial Household Agency and the Imperial Family tonight."
"Until then, we will suspend the field exercises and switch to free time." Aurelia declared. "Spread your wings wide! Venture forth to Heimdallr's Summer Festival."
The other classes left with Michael, Randolph and Aurelia.
"Alexander, I have a feeling to what you're going to say, but it's as I explained before." Olivert said. "We have the republic spies taken care of."
"Yes. Some of them are very weak, so they will be monitored closely." Claire added.
"But at least we did all that before the Summer Festival came around." I said. "Even though we still haven't heard anything from Angelica and George."
"Yes, I understand your concerns." Olivert replied. "But we are doing we can to search for them. So please be patient."
"All right." Towa said.
Rean nodded. "Thank you."
"Then let's enjoy the festival." I looked at Emma. "And make up for lost time."
"Hehe, you're right." Emma replied. "But we'll be talking alone later."
Celine sighed. "Sorry, Alex. Emma was bugging me and I had no choice."
"By the way. Tita, Agate, are you two on a date?" Olivert winked.
Tita blushed. "O-Olivier!"
"Ah jeez, shut up." Agate responded. "Don't you need to meet up with her, too?"
Olivert laughed. "That's a secret..."
We all broke off to enjoy the summer Festival. When Towa gave us a few tickets, Emma held my hand and with Celine, we left to go to Vesta Street and into the bracer guild building which Fie kept unlocked after giving Emma the key to it.
"Alright, Alex. We can talk here." Emma said. "How do you feel today?"
"A lot better than yesterday." I replied. "No headaches today since that presence is gone. But I feel that Roselia has a point and that something else is going on."
"Hmm, you may be right." Celine said. "As ever, she gives vague answers, but we did learn one thing about her recently."
"Did she give you any training?" Emma asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, it was over a week ago. She gave me something called 'Special Weapons Training' where I had to learn and use not just my gauntlets, but several other weapon types as well."
"But why would she do that for you and to Rean?" Celine asked.
"It must be because of the time when I fought and won against McBurn when it was during the civil war. Roselia theorizes that when it all becomes a situation where the world is in jeopardy, I may be the only living soul who can stand up to McBurn's powers, perhaps even against his truest form, and so, she wishes for me to have an edge in calling for these weapons when I'm in my demon form."
"So she's been teaching you to call forth various weapons whilst in demon form? Hmm, could that be related to the multiplication spell from the Hexen Clan?"
"Those are the kind of spells that haven't been used for centuries." Emma said. "But if Grandmother is doing this now, she must know even more on what is going on. Why didn't you tell me this, sooner, Alex?"
"Sorry, Emma, but it was the principal's orders. Your grandmother was one of the anonymous clients that she was contacted by and I couldn't say no to her. Despite what she said yesterday, she is very powerful."
Celine nodded. "True, you shouldn't underestimate Roselia's abilities."
"I see. Well, I feel better now. But I still worry for you." Emma then hugged me. "For now, I hope we can enjoy this moment together."
I hugged her back, holding her close to me. "Me too. I wanna enjoy the Summer Festival before tonight's party at the palace."
"Well, if you're gonna do that, I have better things to do than be a third wheel." Celine remarked. "You two have fun, you hear?"
"Okay, Celine." Emma replied.
Celine tapped on the door and it slowly opened before she went out. Emma and I looked at each other and as much as we wanted to make the most of the opportunity, it wouldn't leave us with much time for the festival itself. So we agreed to share a moment by going into one of the bedrooms lay down together before we made out with a close embrace and exchange deep romantic kisses.
*Time Skip*
After several minutes passed, Emma and I left the guild and she locked the door.
"So then, where should we go first?" I asked.
"The Lafite Bakery has an event for customers today." Emma replied as she grabbed my hand. "Come on, this way."
"Woah!"
We made our way to the bakery and went inside to greet with one of the employees.
"Hello there, welcome to Lafite!" She greeted. "We're holding a creative, all-out baking competition called the Purebread Contest. But you need a special ticket in order to participate. We have the ingredients ready, so your job is to pick the fillings and mold it into shape."
"So it's like a catering session." I replied.
"Yes, you could call it that. It's a good chance for a fresh, tasty baking experience. Would you like to join us?"
I looked at Emma. "What do you think?"
"Absolutely, I'd love to." She answered with a big smile.
I handed a ticket to the girl and the event began where Emma and I worked together to use the ingredients to make the bread and gave it to the girl who baked it and when it was finished, we had a look at the final product and I was impressed.
"We somehow ended up making a freshly made baguette." I said. "This would go well with some hot food."
"Yes. If it had some garlic added to it, it would taste even better." Emma added.
"Wow, you two made a really good baguette there." The girl praised. "Lets get a picture of it and you two close by."
Emma and I nodded and with the baguette dish on the plate, we held it up and with our arms around each other.
"Awww, that's a wonderful photo. You two make a beautiful couple."
Emma and I blushed at the same time, but it was true. We then feasted on the bread with a hot meal that was made as a compliment for the two of us. We left the bakery and chose to go to the Leica District cause she wanted to see Dorothee now that things had settled down.
We sat by at a near cafe and one with an umbrella to cover us in the shade. The two of us held hands and then, Dorothee turned up.
"How amazing to see you again, Emma." She said. "And hello to you as well, Alex. I see the both of you are loved up as always."
"Hi, Dorothee." Emma replied. "It's actually good to see you now that things have calmed down."
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure it is."
"So, how is the romance? Are the two of you keeping it lit under the flames of passion?" Dorothee asked.
"D-Dorothee." Emma blushed.
'I see she hasn't changed...' I thought.
"Well, here's an interesting trio." Celine turned up and got on the table.
"Oooh, there you are, Celine." Dorothee replied. "I bought some of this very rich milk for you. Please give it a try in this bowl."
She then brought out a carton and poured some into a small blue bowl and placed it near Celine.
"Well, I wasn't expecting this." She said before licking it. "Hmm, very well made. You have my thanks."
"Hehe, it's my pleasure, really." Dorothee replied. "I've been waiting for this special, extra-rich milk to go up for sale, just so I could give it to you."
"It's the perfect temperature too."
"Oh, you know about Celine already?" I asked.
"Yes. I told her about it once and she didn't faint." Emma answered. "In fact, she picked up Celine and cuddled her, calling her sweet and-"
"Wait, Emma!" Celine whined. "Now isn't the time!"
Emma giggled. "Whoops..."
"Don't you 'whoops' me...ugh."
"Hehe, she hasn't changed one bit." Dorothee said.
"So will you be here for long, Emma?" I asked.
"Oh yes. I kinda wish to talk more to her." She replied. "Don't worry, we'll meet up again tonight."
"Yeah, we will." I got up. "Take care, Dorothee. See you later tonight, Emma."
I shared a kiss with Emma and then left the cafe part before going to the Racecourse, they were having customers taking part a single lap race. I gave it a go and I rode my way around the course in a single lap, I finished it over 34 seconds which was just under the standard time limit.
Next was the Sankt District where Elise and Princess Alfin were working on a bazaar stall as part of their girls school voluntary work. Now that I think about it, I haven't spoken to these two for a long time. Maybe now would be a good chance to talk to them.
"Hey there, Elise and Alfin." I greeted.
"Oh, Alex. How wonderful to see you." Alfin responded.
"Yeah, we haven't spoken when you and Rean moved to Leeves." Elise said.
"Speaking of Rean, could it be that Elise's sweet dear brother asked you to check up on her?" Alfin teased.
Elise frowned. "Please, you're highness, not now."
'I see that Alfin hasn't changed much either...' I thought.
"But anyways, do you have anything you'd like to donate to the bazaar?" Elise asked.
"We're serving authentic St. Astraia iced tea and sweets to our donors." Alfin said. "Items are accepted at any time, so feel free to let us know if you want to."
"Will do." I replied. "I don't have anything that would be of interest right now, but I'm sure you'll find some good trading deals soon. Have fun."
"Of course. You enjoy today's festivities too." Alfin said.
"Take care, Alex." Elise added.
I left the Sankt District and went over to Vainqueur Street since there would be a Mishy performance at one of the corner streets. I then saw it and nearby were Randolph and Tio who looked very happy to see the Mishy performance.
"Hey there, you both." I greeted. "So this is where you were."
"Hey Alex, you enjoying yourself?" Randolph asked.
"Good to see you again." Tio added. "Has anyone found out about what you did in June?"
"Nope, but I guess that's not true anymore, is it?" I responded.
"Not really, I just found out about it today." Randolph replied. "You're very lucky to be in contact with the likes of us. But you did do your part in saving Crossbell, so I guess it's okay to return a favor by letting you be in touch with us."
"We were hoping to have you meet each of them, but we can't right now." Tio said.
"Cause of the Summer Festival, right?" I asked.
"Exactly. But when it's the next month, maybe we'll find a way."
Randolph chuckled. "And we don't make promises we can't keep."
"Just make sure you keep this a secret for now."
I nodded. "Sure I will...oh, looks like it's starting."
The Hostess came around and asked for those who are watching to hand over a ticket. Tio then got excited as it began and suffice to say, it was...confusing, but I suppose it had a charm that only kids could understand.
"Th-that was...amazing!" Tio said happily. "I thought it was just an urban legend, but there's a new face hitting stage, too?! Randy! We're in trouble!"
"Take it easy, Tio Tot." Randolph sighed. "Sorry about this, Ales. She gets really excited when it comes to that."
"Yeah, I can see that." I replied. "Anyways, take care, you two."
"Sure, you too."
"The Mishy show is starting gain?" Tio asked, completely focused on the show.
"Uhhh, Tio Tot?"
"It's okay, we'll talk another time." I replied as I left the street.
That was my last ticket and the late afternoon was settling in, I had to get ready for tonight.
The nighttime arrived and I along with the others invited, were on our way to the Valflame Palace. We were the last groups to arrive and I could see the view of the palace under the night sky, what a glorious view, even the moon was very bright tonight. We walked inside to the palace entrance and I remembered this place, we were here at the end of the Summer Festival two years ago.
"It's way too big." Juna said.
"Well, it is the center of the largest country on the continent." Altina added
"I bet you've been here before, yeah?" Ash asked.
Kurt nodded. "Yes. But it's been some time."
"When I attended St. Astraia, the princess would invite me over occasionally." Musse said.
"Ah, there you all are. I've been waiting for you." Elise showed up.
"Oh Elise, are you here to escort us?" Rean asked.
"Yes, I thought I might show you around. Please follow me, I'll guide you to Valflame Palace's Esmelas Garden."
We followed Elise down the hallway and then reached a massive indoor garden area that was incredibly grand.
"Wow, now this is the life!" I commented.
"This is way over the top." Juna said. "There's even a waterfall."
"They've got butterflies." Altina added.
Musse giggled. "They even let out a number of different birds during the day."
"All the walls are just huge windows. Damn, how much mira did they sink into this place?" Ash asked.
"It's evident this place has been hosting important events for years." Kurt said.
"It would appear that all of our guests have arrived." A voice boomed.
We looked up at the middle top floor and there was the royal family with Chancellor Osborne.
"We owe our thanks to Aidios and the Lionhart Emperor for seeing our nation through to this day." The Emperor spoke. "However, tonight we must also honor those who have put in exceptional effort into ensuring the continuing peace and safety of Heimdallr. The students of Thors main campus and branch campus. Together, they halted a threat to our nation, all in time for the Summer Festival. I'm told many instructors, former students and bracers assisted them in this monumental task. All of these brave people have already been recognize by the Imperial Household Agency, but let us give them yet another round of applause!"
We were applauded by the noble guests and other faces.
"Now, ladies and gentleman. Let us feast, talks and drain our glasses." Cedric said. "We should all enjoy ourselves tonight. However, there will be a dance later, so make sure you don't drain too many glasses. Of course, it goes without saying that the students, including myself, will be prohibited from having any alcohol."
Some of the guests laughed.
"Now then, everyone. Please raise your glasses." The Empress said.
"Let us have a toast!" Alfin added. "To this wonderful evening and the beginning of our festivities."
"Cheers!" The Emperor said.
We all responded in unison and both Class I and VII broke off to mingle with the others. I then remembered that I need to go and speak with Ash, he's still gotta be carrying that gun around. But I would need a chance for that to happen. I kept that in the back of my head as I went to find Emma first who was with Fie, Altina and Elise.
"Evening, ladies." I greeted as I held Emma's hand. "Don't mind me."
"Oh right, you two are in a relationship, yes?" Elise asked.
"Yes, and we're still very much in love." Emma replied, blushing a little.
"But it wouldn't have happened if I didn't give them both a push." Fie said.
"That's new information." Altina replied.
"So what's the topic?" I asked.
"We were talking about the hot springs back in Ymir." Emma answered. "We were thinking that one day, we should all go together again."
"Well, if we achieve everlasting peace, that'll be a great option."
"It would be my first time for me." Altina said.
"Oh that's right, you were there last time because you were on a mission. But things are so different now, so I think you should do something fun, to be honest."
"Hmm, but I often don't go anywhere unless it's to do with a mission."
"So that means you've never gone to Ymir's hot springs, then?" Fie asked.
"No. But I admit that I am very curious."
As the continued talking I whispered into Emma's ear. "I hope we get to dance together."
"Me too...why don't you go and mingle with the others?" She whispered back.
"Sure thing..." I kissed her on the cheek and went around to see if there others I could speak to.
"Ah, Alexander Lionheart. I'm glad to finally speak to you in person."
I was then starstruck as the Empress herself was speaking to me.
"Good evening, Empress." I replied, taking a bow. "It's an honor to be speaking with you."
"In all honesty, I should feel honored for the same reason."
Okay, that was a surprise. "And why may that be?"
"I have heard about you from Instructor Schwarzer. That you and Juna Crawford are from Crossbell. I cannot imagine what it was like for you to go through that moment."
"You're right, it wasn't a good moment, especially for Juna."
"I also know that you are the son of Major Walter Lionheart. He was a fine major of the Imperial Army and it may be far too late, but you have my sympathy."
I nodded. "Thank you, your Empress."
"As for the power my daughter heard during the civil war." Her smile faded for a moment. "I would like to speak with you about it in private, after the dance show. Would that be possible for you?"
'She was told about it?' I thought in surprise. "Sure, I'll remember to speak with you later."
"Wonderful, now I shouldn't take up too much of your time. Please continue to fight on for this country and continue to be a good friend to my daughter."
I nodded. "It would be a pleasure to keep doing my best."
When she walked off, I had a moment to think. Why did she ask me about it? Could she know something that I don't?
I went around and talked with the others and I could see that Rean was doing the same. I then walked up near the middle top floor where the Emperor and the Chancellor were busy speaking with a few other guests.
A bit of time passed and many of us gathered in the centre.
"Ladies and gentleman, thank you for your patience." Cedric announced. "To start us off, my sister Alfin, should have the first dance. The way I hear it, people all across the empire have been awaiting this moment for years! Like me, she is now 17 years old, and this dance will serve as her debut into high society. As for her dance partner, we had a difficult decision to make."
Her dance partner? I bet it's gonna be Rean and I'm sure Alisa will understand since it's a huge honor and all, but she'll at least be slightly miffed for a bit.
"In the end, we agreed on a certain person who had guided a certain class when at times, the Ashen Chevalier could not. The assistant of Class VII, Alexander Lionheart!"
"Wha?!" I gasped. "Did I just hear that right?"
"Hmhm, go on, Alex." Emma whispered to me. "I trust the princess."
"Alright..." I gulped and walked up to Alfin and she gave me a wink.
She took my hand, but not in a firm hold. "To tell the truth, I'm already acquainted with Mr. Alexander Lionheart. However, I know him well enough to understand that his heart belongs to his one and only. So, as a special occasion for this night only, I would ask for his true love to be given the honor to have the first dance. Emma Millstein, please come forward."
Emma blushed, but she smiled and came forward to us.
"Thanks, Princess Alfin, you're a lifesaver." I said quietly.
"It's the least I can do for you both." She replied. "Now then, are you two ready?"
Emma nodded with a smile. "Yes."
"Very well, enjoy yourselves for this one moment."
Alfin stood back and when Emma and I got into a dance hold, the music began and we danced and swayed across the middle of the floor with smiles and the memories of when we danced for the first time at the School Festival came back, reminding us of how we made our love official.
"Now, all you young people here with us! Follow thier lead and enjoy yourselves!" The Emperor said. "The Summer Festival's blue moon shines on us this night. I am certain the spirits are officially riled, so let us give them a shout!"
The others then joined in, Rean and Alisa were happy with Rean looking relived that he wasn't picked. Jusis and Millium danced together too and I thought I saw Jusis smiling happily at her. There was also Kurt and Juna who were dancing together and I wondered if there was something going on. Next was Ash and Musse which I didn't expect and Ash was trying so hard not to enjoy it, but he failed. Lastly, there was Patrick who finally got to dance with Elise while Rean wasn't looking.
After the dancing was over, Rufus then showed up by surprise.
"The night is yet young, and the party has only just begun!" Osborne said. "Bring out more food and drinks! Please, continue to enjoy yourselves, by all means!"
I then saw Ash sneak off to one of the stairways when no one was looking. Looks like it's time for me to catch up to him and-
"Alex?"
My thought was interrupted when Claire and Rean came up to me.
"Oh, what's up, Claire?" I asked. "And Rean?"
"Her Majesty is asking for you, I'll lead you to the room she's waiting in." She replied. "Rean will be visiting with someone else after you."
"Okay, lead the way."
Rean and I followed Claire through a hallway...dammit, my chance to get to Ash and it was taken away from me, I hoped I wouldn't come to regret it. We left the garden and through a hallway before turning left to a pair of doors at the end.
"Go right in, Alex." Claire said. "Rean and I need to carry on."
"Sure." I replied. "Take care."
Rean nodded and they went on ahead.
I knocked on the door and opened it to see the Empress who was sitting down, but also Princess Alfin.
"We meet again." She said.
"Thank you for coming to see me." The Empress added. "I hope you don't mind, but my daughter wishes to hear it as well."
"It's alright, I appreciate this being kept private." I replied. "And thanks again, I'm not sure what I would've done."
"Hmhm, well, it was going to be Rean first, but then the rumors would fly around and I would have to bail him out by bringing his sister involved." Alfin winked. "But do be honest, you would've been honored to dance with me, wouldn't you?"
"That is true, but it's like you said, my heart belongs to Emma." I then sighed. "I suppose I don't mind letting you know about this too. What do you wish to know about, your majesty?"
"I have heard little of the powers you used when the Infernal Castle was in place." The Empress answered. "Would you be willing to share what you know with me?"
She wants to know about Revelio's demon powers...well, I guess there's no harm in sharing this with the Empress if she's aware of it already. I took a deep breath and explained the story about Revelio and how I got the demon powers, remembering every detail from the past and all the way to the present.
"Revelio the Tyrant. A demon lord whose reign of terror was not recorded in history by those who witnessed it?" She asked.
"Yes, that would be the way to sum it up in one sentence." I replied. "Since then, my powers have been very quiet, but I have been suffering from headaches lately. I believe they're warning signs that something is about to happen, but I have no idea what it is."
"If it is a warning, we must consider many possibilities." Alfin said. "With how many important guests there are in this palace, there may be a secret plan in place."
"Yeah, I was thinking along those lines. Cause after all, I don't believe every single agent has been captured, there may still be a few missing."
The Empress nodded. "In all honesty, I've had my worries for some time as well. My husband and the Chancellor have been close friends for years, but whenever I see the Chancellor alone, I always find myself nervous."
"That's the first time I'm hearing this, mother." Alfin said. "But if what you say is true, then I know we can count on you, Alex."
"Yes. I'm sure that you will find a way to pull through, and if you must use those powers to protect our nation and our world's future, then please do so. Now, do you have a question for me?"
"Well, I hope this doesn't come across as pointless." I replied. "But isn't it strange that my family name shares a slightly similar name as Emperor Dreichels the Lionheart?"
"It does sound unusual." Alfin answered. "Maybe if there were history books on family names, we could find one and see if there are any answers for you."
"Hmm...that sounds a little tempting. But it might be wishful thinking as well. However, if there is a slight possibility, then please do let me know, but only when you're able to tell me."
"Of course, we will let you know." The Empress said. "Thank you for coming to speak with us. I believe our family understands you much more. Do have a wonderful evening."
"Thanks, Alex. Do take care." Alfin added.
"Yeah." I nodded and stood up, bowing. "Please excuse me, Princess, Your Majesty."
They nodded and I left the room. In the right corner of my eye, I spotted someone turning a corner. There was no one around, I walked over to the corner and saw a door being opened. I snuck over to the side and I heard someone get knocked out, I turned to look inside to see...Ash changing his clothes into a butler outfit.
"Stop right there, Ash!" I said as I closed the door behind me.
"Ah shit!" He muttered. "So you found me, huh?"
"It was a lucky glance, but now that I've got you here, I can finally speak my mind. What are you planning to do with that gun you picked up yesterday?"
He sighed. "So you saw that, did ya? Why didn't ya blow the whistle back then?"
"Cause everyone else was going over who and what Siegfried is. But not me, you should know by now that nothing gets past my eye."
"Well then, have you ever heard of an eye for an eye?" He then grunted and covered his left eye which gave out a dark glow. "Because I've...been living with this for 14 freaking years!"
"What the heck is that?!" I exclaimed. "Wait, is it similar to Rean?"
"Argh!" He then pulled out the gun. "Unless you wanna get shot, stay the hell outta my way!"
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you go through with what you're going to do."
I then used my demon power to zoom at him and knock the gun off his hand. But then we got into a brawl and he was a lot stronger than I thought, cause I was then knocked down by one of the stool chairs and my left arm was in pain.
"Owww...ngh...gh..."
"Hah...hah...I'm sorry, man." Ash said as he picked up the gun. "But I...I've gotta end this pain...but not with you!"
He then left the room whilst I tried to get up, but I couldn't stand properly, he twisted my left leg badly during the brawl.
Someone then came in and gasped. "Goodness, what's happened?!" It was one of the maids whop came by. "What happened to you, mister?"
"Got attacked...by someone who knocked out that butler...stole thier clothes, I tried to stop them...but I failed...ngh!" I replied. 'Mentioning Ash's name wouldn't change anything.'
She ran off to get help whilst I slowly got up, but then I suffered another headache, but the pain was so great, that my brain couldn't handle it and my mind fell into unconsciousness.
A few twists there and Alex tried, but he failed...
Next time! Thomas and Roselia explain the meaning of the Great Twilight as darkness falls onto Heimdallr.