Upon returning to Tristain, a great banquet and ball was held at the Academy in honor of the returning heroes. Saito smiled as Headmaster Osmond kicked it off with a speech praising their efforts. The students burst into cheering, and the boy humbly accepted his status as the center of attention, at least for the moment. Guiche and Malicone were loving it, of course. Apparently the other Undine Knights had helped to defend the city against Joseph's attacks and were being celebrated for their accomplishments as well.
Saito and Louise walked over to a table with Guiche, Kirche and Tiffa. Guiche was a bit put off by the fact that they hadn't received any official reward from the Crown. "If anything, you deserve one, Saito," he said. "After all, you are the Hero who saved Romalia." "I don't really need anything," Saito insisted. He was well aware the kingdom was in debt and he wasn't about to let Henrietta sell off any more of her belongings.
"I'm serious! I wouldn't be surprised if you were apportioned some territory!" "Ah, what would I do with all that space?" Saito laughed. "This world has enough rulers as it is, and I'm not looking to be one of them!" "I doubt it'd be enough to put you on that level of power," Louise giggled. She stopped abruptly as she saw a large salamander approaching. "Looks like someone's come to say hello," she said, stepping aside.
Flame trotted over to the boy, happy to see his old friend and more than likely hoping to get some snacks it had been missing. Saito obliged it with a few crackers, making Kirche smile as her salamander caught them in midair. "He missed you," she said, giving it a pat. "Yeah, too bad Sylphid isn't here," Saito replied. "Could've had the three of us together again. But now she has to stay with Tabitha. I can only imagine what she's dealing with now that her Uncle's gone."
"Speaking of," Kirche said. "Did you hear about what happened to her?" The boy paused, "What's up?" "Tabitha got a hold of some magic potion, and she was able to cure her mother's ailments!" Saito broke into a big smile, "That's fantastic! I wish I could congratulate her on the great news." "Thank you," said a small, familiar voice. Everyone turned in shock to see Tabitha! Staff in hand, she was smiling gently up at Saito.
"W-where'd you come from?" He asked, confused. "I thought you'd be in Gallia!" "I never miss a party," she joked, equally throwing the boy off. This was not usual behavior in the girl. "Big Brother!!!" Illococoo rushed over, catching Saito in a big hug. "Hey there!" He replied, happy to see her. "You keeping an eye on your 'Big Sis'?" She nodded proudly, "Yep! There's a lot of important stuff going on now that Mother's all better! I'm gonna stick close and make sure nothing happens to her!"
She looked down at the salamander, who sniffed her and let out a noise of recognition. "Flame! Oh, I missed you too!" She bent down and stroked his head, much to its delight. "Well, the party's starting," Louise put in. "What's say we enjoy it a bit?" Saito looked at her and smiled. "Sure, let's go sit down." Illococoo was playing with Flame as Tabitha spoke intently with Kirche. Saito couldn't hear what she was saying, but he could tell the matter was very serious given the expression on her friend's face.
Some time later, Saito went outside to get some fresh air. He ended up by his old tree where he used to hang out with the other Familiars. A slight wave of nostalgia hit as he leaned back against it, a gentle breeze making the leaves move. Things were a lot simpler then, he thought. Dealing with Louise was no picnic, but at least that's changed. He heard a familiar cooing noise and Saito turned to see Sylphid and Tabitha standing nearby, watching him curiously. Kirche and Flame had tagged along as well.
"Oh, hey guys," said Saito. "Something up?" Kirche shook her head, "I was just saying 'goodbye' to Tabitha." "Goodbye?" Saito asked, a bit puzzled. "You're leaving already?" Tabitha nodded, "There's much to prepare in Gallia." She didn't offer much else, so Kirche elaborated. "Even though her mother has been cured of her ailments, she's still in no condition to run the country. As such, the governing Lords have asked Tabitha to take her Uncle's place as Queen."
Saito's eyes widened in shock, "Queen!? Well I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, but still..." Tabitha looked a bit unsure of herself, "I'm not sure I'm right for the position. It's a lot of responsibility and I wouldn't be able to have the same freedoms I once enjoyed..." So that's why she came to the banquet, Saito realized. You wanted one last normal day before you take the throne, didn't you Tabitha?
"I think you'd make the perfect Queen. How often must I say it before you believe it?" Asked Kirche, putting her hand reassuringly on Tabitha's shoulder, who looked up to her friend. "I'm with Kirche on this one," said Saito. Tabitha turned to him questioningly. "Just look at everything you've accomplished up to now, not just for your mother, but for your people. And besides, it's not like you're on your own this time around." He nodded past her and Tabitha turned. The other Undine Knights, Mon-Mon, Tiffa and Louise had come to see Tabitha off. "And hey, forget the whole 'Siblings in Arms' stuff. As far as I'm concerned, you're family," Saito continued with a smile. "If you're ever in a bind, we'll be there." The others smiled in affirmation.
Tabitha's eyes started to tear up, and she bowed in thanks to the group. "Please come visit someday. You will all be made welcome in Gallia." "But of course! And don't think for a second we'd miss your coronation!" Said Guiche with a wave of his rose. Kirche hugged her best friend, "I'm definitely moving to Gallia once I graduate, I'll even convince Jean to go with me!" Tabitha gave a small smile, some things never change with Kirche. "I'll look forward to it."
Saito stroked Sylphid's head, the dragon seemed a bit sad to be leaving. "Don't worry girl, we'll see each other again soon. We can go flying when I visit! Just keep taking care of Tabitha until then." Sylphid gave a cooing noise, then licked Saito on the cheek. "Hey, cut that out!" The boy laughed, wiping himself off. Finally, Tabitha walked over to him. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. I'll be seeing you," he said, extending his fist.
The group looked a bit confused by the gesture, but Tabitha smiled and returned it in kind, their own secret bond was as strong as ever. Saito assumed that would be it, but the blue haired girl rushed forward and hugged him, catching the boy briefly off guard. "Thank you," she said, quiet enough for only him to hear it. Saito then smiled and hugged her back, "Don't mention it."
A moment later, Tabitha climbed up onto Sylphid and Saito backed away. "Have a safe trip!" He said, the girl smiling in response. She leaned in close to her dragon and Sylphid crouched slightly, then shot up into the air like a rocket. "Good luck, Your Majesty!" Called up Kirche, waving goodbye. The rest of the group yelled out their own farewells until Tabitha and Sylphid were far out of sight.