Chapter 5: Per Aspera Ad Astra
It's been two days since they come back home and everything was problematic, to say the least. The kid was having one nightmare after another and having reactions to weird things. When a maid tried to clean his mouth with a handkerchief after lunch he immediately threw off himself from the chair and started shouting in terror. It only lasted for a second but it was obvious that the kid was traumatized. Every time Heinkel saw a reaction like that he cursed himself even further. At nights Reinhard was sleeping in the kid's room at a chair near the door to make sure the kid was safe. Reinhard also started carrying the Dragon Sword Reid all the time with him. Heinkel was at least comfortable knowing that if someone tries to do something to do kid they will have to go against the mo… Reinhard. He also started to re-organize his staff especially the guard part. He called the old family friends of the Astrea family, namely Carol and Grimm to talk about this. They were more experienced than him so Heinkel considered their advice more valuable than his own experiences. After he repaid the margrave he planned to do a meeting between him, Reinhard, Carol, and Grimm to plan what to do about the house's defenses and the kid. While his original plan was to give the kid to Grimm and Carol after what happened Heinkel didn't want to send the kid away.
Everything he did in the last two days could only be described as a penance for his failure. This all Reinhard would say if someone asked him why he was acting this way. The moment they brought Subaru back it was clear that he was going to have night terrors. Reinhard guessed that Subaru has been kidnapped while he was sleep so his body was trying to keep itself alert at all times to keep him safe.
The moment he saw this Reinhard decided to sleep in Subaru's room. He also kept his sword close to make sure he could easily deal with any kind of attacker … any. While unsheathing the sword would be impossible for most situations Reinhard felt no qualms to hit someone using the sword while its scabbard was on it. He started to loath himself even further each time Subaru showed more signs of his trauma. Subaru would never fall fully asleep and rejected all of his bits of help. He barely convinced him to let him stay in the room while sleeping. He also had trouble convincing Subaru to eat anything. Only food he managed to make Subaru eat so far was mayonnaise with steamed potatoes.
(I would rather shoot Subaru to call potatoes tatoes)
But even while eating his friend seemed horrible. He was pale as chalk and barely talked. While Reinhard checked his body to make sure it was unharmed his mind was an enigma. He could read his emotions and surface thoughts but sadly Od Laguna had no blessings to help him fully understand Subaru's situation. He knew Subaru and the Margrave Roswaal would talk today. He decided to stay alongside Subaru for the duration of the talk to make sure Subaru was safe. He didn't fully trust a foreigner let alone someone as eccentric and mysterious as Margrave Roswaal.
Roswaal was trying to make sure he dressed properly for the occasion. While he would prefer to dress in his normal jester-like clothes he decided to dress in a black robe similar to a wizard. He even removed his makeup to look more approachable to the kid. The kid seemed impressed when he took off after his talk with the patriarch of the Astrea house so he decided to play to the kid's tastes. His current objective was to get into the kid's good graces. He even bought some gifts for the kid. There were still no changes in his teacher's gift so this meeting should go as planned. Roswaal was still thinking about what made the kid appear seven years earlier than expected. While there were slight derivations caused by his actions they were never this big. His teacher's gift would correct itself in seconds but it took five minutes to adapt to the kid's early arrival and even after that it seemed like it couldn't see through the kid's power. After seeing the kid Roswaal was sure the kid could be intimidated but still, he decided to be careful. Kid's ability was something he or even his teacher could ever hope to achieve. It was practically a way to live several lifetimes under few days. Not to mention someone with an indomitable will and intelligence could achieve anything with his powers. Roswaal guessed the kid would use it later in life or at least his achievements were proof that he would use it in the future. He decided to put his thoughts in order. His biggest obstacle was a suspicious sword saint. This is why he decided to take a more slow and methodical approach with the kid. He would enter the kid's good graces and try to be as "honest" as possible while talking to the kid. The moment sword saint detected a lie he knew his life in this body was over. He worked too long to produce a body like "L" so he didn't want to lose it so early.
Subaru was feeling horrible and scared. Ever since the night bad men kidnapped him he was scared. He was happy that Reinhard was around him all the time to relive Subaru but he was still feeling horrible. He couldn't sleep properly and be scared of someone being close to him without him seeing them first. While he was planning to reject Reinhard sleeping in his room at a chair he had to back down after Reinhard was insistent. At least Reinhard offered to show him his cool sword but sadly that sword couldn't be drawn unless the sword deemed Reinhard's opponent worthy. Subaru also never felt hungry. He wasn't feeling safe enough but after Reinhard offered to cook potato with mayonnaise on the side Subaru accepted to eat. While he was happy that his friend was always by his side Subaru blamed himself because of Reinhard's attitude. Reinhard was always around him to make sure he was safe. Subaru believed that he should act as a man and tell that he wasn't scared but it would be a lie. Heinkel told him that the cool flying magic guy would come to talk with him today. While Subaru felt scared to stay in a room with someone he didn't know, he accepted since Reinhard stated that he would stay with him during the talk. Subaru also wondered what a cool magician like that guy would ever wanna talk with him. He also wondered who was the new two people wrote a letter to. told him that they were a sweet grandma and grandpa but Subaru decided to see for himself first.
Carol was still looking at the letter Heinkel wrote to her and her husband. As a woman in her late fifties with experiences and memories that could rival several lifetime's worths of experiences Carol always thought that she saw everything but as the saying goes "older you got, weirder it gets". She still couldn't believe someone was suicidal enough to assault the Astrea mansion but here they were. She still couldn't understand why someone would go to this great lengths to kidnap a kid. A kid that came to the mansion only two weeks ago if not less. Carol was feeling suspicious towards the circumstances but she also read that Roswaal L Mathers wanted to speak with the kid as well. While she wasn't familiar with the current Roswaal she was a close friend with his grandmother. She decided to be neutral towards the current Roswaal while being observant towards the kid.
Subaru was looking towards the magician with eyes full of admiration. He was wearing a robe like a wizard would do. His hair was an unnatural blue like a wizard would. His eyes were different color like a wizard would. He carried a lot of books as a wizard would. He could also fly like a wizard would do. No, this guy wasn't a wizard, he must be an arch-wizard. While his friend seemed mistrustful towards the magician. Subaru didn't care. He was probably thinking that Subaru found the wizard cooler. While Subaru found the wizard cool Reinhard's sword was waaay cooler. Subaru looked towards the wizard as the man walked towards him with a relaxed attitude. When he came near the guy crouched so he could be eye to eye with Subaru. He then offered his hand towards him. Subaru looked at the hand with a worried look first not knowing what to do. He didn't want to be near someone he didn't know let alone shake hands with them. The guy continued to look at him with rather sad eyes so Subaru relented and shook hands with the magician. After giving a smile to Subaru he got up from his position and spoke;
[Roswaal: My my iiiit's goood to see youu better.]
[Subaru: You look like a cool magician but why are you speaking weirdly?]
While Subaru didn't mean anything bad he immediately realized he accidentally insulted the magician so he tried to apologize;
[Subaru: I'm sorr…]
[Roswaal: No neeeed. I liiiike honest peooople.]
While Subaru looked back to see his friend's reaction and was surprised to see him with an emotionless look. It was almost like Reinhard was trying to assess something about the magician Roswaal. Heinkel on the other hand did not seem to be bothered by the magician.
[Heinkel: Please come in Margrave Roswaal. We would be honored to have you as a guest.]
With that said Subaru and others followed Heinkel towards a lounge. There was another situation while they entered the room. Reinhard always kept his eyes on Roswaal and always waited to enter a room until Roswaal entered. Roswaal on the other hand didn't seem to be bothered by it. After he, Reinhard, and Roswaal sat down they begun their talk.
[Roswaal: I'm glaaad to see youu better.]
[Subaru: I... I'm okaay now.]
[Reinhard: I would like you to refrain from talking about this subject Margrave Roswaal.]
Subaru for a moment thought that his friend might be overreacting but the magician didn't seem to be bothered by it so their talk continued;
[Roswaal: Of couurse I just wanteeeeeed to make sure he was okay.]
There was an awkward silence between the three before the magician continued talking;
[Roswaal: I'm alsooo here to give youu a gift.]
Roswaal picked a book among the other six ones he brought with him.
[Roswaal: Youu know what this iiis.]
Subaru was looking at the magician with eyes filled with wonder. If it was a magician's book could it be …
[Roswaal: It's a magiiic book. I cheeecked your affiniiity when we shoook hands. You are quiteee a lucky kid I must teeel you.]
Reinhard interjected Roswaal who was about to talk about the book.
[Reinhard: May I ask why you brought such an expensive gift Margrave Roswaal. As far as I know, you and Subaru only met two days ago.]
[Roswaal: My, oh my interjecting someone taaalking is ruuuude.]
Reinhard continued to look at Roswaal waiting for an answer from Roswaal. Roswaal answered after a while looking disappointed.
[Roswaal: I wanteeeed to cheer Subaruuuu-kun up. I even bouuught a watch metia for him.]
Subaru saw his friends widen a bit with surprise. It must be quite expensive if his friend reacted like that.
[Subaru: Thank you Magician Roswaal but I can't accept your cool gifts.]
Roswaal looked at him with a sad from.
[Roswaal: But I must insiiist.]
[Subaru: Ok-kay then.]
Well, Subaru rejected once so it would be poor manners to reject it again. When he took the book in his hand's magician spoke;
[Roswaal: Your affiiinity is Yin. I must saay it's extremely rare. Your mana reserves are just above average so pleasee be careful to not useee Al- with the spells. Within twoo yearss you might do -el types. Maybe with enouuugh work even -ul.]
[Subaru: -al, - el, -ul … what are these and what does it mean that I have yin … is it a disease?]
Roswaal chuckled before answering.
[Roswaal: Its shadow magiiic. You can learn abouuut it from the book I gaveeee you, sadly you can't find a teacher since your affinity is rare.]
The magician looked at him with an understanding smile, it was a lot for Subaru to take in but before Subaru could his thoughts in the order the magician continued;
[Roswaal: Youuu can cast basiiic, first and secoond levels of spells but saadly yin affinity is knooown for usiiing too muuuch mana so you can't cast the third levels. Even I haveee trouble with some of them.]
Subaru was thrilled. He didn't know what that magic was but the yin thing sounded cool like yin and yang but Subaru had one problem He had no idea what was going on. Why was the magician so nice to him. He felt paranoid but he also remembered that the magician helped with his rescue so he decided to trust the cool-looking magician. Roswaal also took something out of his pocket. It was something akin a to pocket watch with crystal on its one side. He then gave it to Subaru with a smile on his face.
[Roswaal: It's a waaatch. It woorks with a mana crystal so you couuld charge it however you liike. Saadly that one has a yang mana crystal soo you miiight need to buy a yin mana crystal to charge iiiit yourself.]
Subaru was looking towards the magician with confused eyes. What did he mean by charging "yourself". Subaru can't produce electricity but the magician also told him this was a mana crystal and Subaru had above average mana. What did he mean by that? Before he could ask Roswaal answered;
[Roswaal: Mana is something withiiin you.]
He pointed at the book he gave and continued
[Roswaal: You can leeearn abouut it from theree.]
With that said Roswaal got up from where he sit and picked up the remaining five books.
[Roswaal: I must leavee noooow. I also have anotheeer meeting. It's been pleasure]
[Reinhard: It's been our pleasure Margrave Roswaal.]
[Subaru: I hope we meet again cool magician Roswaal.]
Roswaal gave a wink and smile with that all three of them started to walk towards the manor's entrance. When they left the building before Roswaal left Reinhard asked one final question.
[Reinhard: Sorry for asking this just now Margrave Roswaal but why were your soldiers at the Flanders?]
Roswaal looked at Reinhard with a confident smile.
[Roswaal: We wereeee also after them.]
With that said Roswaal flown away leaving an amazed Subaru and a neutral Reinhard. Subaru decided to check what was in his magic book only to be disappointing after.
[Subaru: Nooo … not these weird runes again.]
Subaru decided to wait for this new grandma and grandpa to arrive. After that, he would ask Reinhard to teach him how to read these weird runes.
Grimm was not a man that talked much. Well, he used to be before his throat wound at the demi-human war. Still, he was happy with his life with Carol on his side. His wife was looking towards the Astrea mansion with an uncomfortable look. He knew Carol's this side very well. She would try to put a rough interior towards the kid only for it to shatter because of her motherly instincts. These were his thoughts before getting off the carriage. He knew his wife's attempt wouldn't hold long but he didn't expect it to shatter the moment she saw the child. Carol immediately walked in front of the kid, crouched, and attempted to squeeze his cheek. She seemed sad when the boy jumped backward to avoid her but quickly get up. After exchanging greetings they immediately got into the business. Their meeting was taking place in Heinkel's office with him, his wife, Heinkel, and his son. They all agreed to left the kid out of this talk so the kid was resting in his room reading a weird book. What Grimm found interesting however was Reinhard's current position. He stayed just near the door and stared towards the kid's room all the time. Grimm kinda guessed that Reinhard was feeling responsible because of what happened. He decided to tell Reinhard that this wasn't his fault. After everyone took their place their talk started.
They had three topics to speak about;
1)What to do with the kid?
2)What to do about Astrea manor's safety?
3)Would Grimm and Carol move in with them?
They all agreed on the first one. The kid should stay with Heinkel and Reinhard. The second subject however started a heated debate between his wife, Heinkel, and surprisingly Reinhard. His wife's suggestion was to simply hire more and proper guards. Heinkel on the other was considering building a freaking palisade and thirty guards. Their starting to turn into a shouting match before Reinhard interjected their talk to ask for permission to speak. Carol was looking at Reinhard expecting him to be the voice of reason but Grimm knew better. Reinhard was blaming himself for what happened so he would probably support his father. What Grimm didn't know however was Reinhard's proposal was even more excessive than his father's.
[Reinhard: I believe we should hire forty guards. I could check for each of them personally. After that, I think we should build stone fortifications with a moat. I could dig the moat myself so we could gain some time with the construction.]
[Grimm:... what?]
He already had trouble speaking but after what Reinhard said he barely managed to make a sound. A moat? Stone fortifications? Did Reinhard lose his mind? Thankfully his wife decided to give both of these men a piece of reason;
[Carol: Not in a million years. Just because you two are blaming yourself for what happened I won't let my old friend Theresia's house turn into an OD DAMMED FORT!]
Both men immediately shut up and looked down. Grimm knew it was for a good reason but using Theresia's name seemed a bit too much to him. Well, it was for the betterment of these two fools so their old friend wouldn't mind it. Thankfully the third subject was also decided by his wife's word. She pointed her thumb towards herself and spoke;
[Carol: This old hag still has some fight in her. Grimm could take care of himself too. Not to mention It would be best for us to take care of the kid while staying with you two.]
[Heinkel: What about your home?]
[Carol: Eeh… My kid is already grown up. Do you think I gave that oath of loyalty to Theresia as a joke? I will take care of the idiot Astrea's until I die. Any more stupid questions?]
A smile formed on Grimm's face. He had the same oath as his wife but he would've stated it more seriously. Well, his wife's version seemed to be more effective since both Heinkel and Reinhard agreed while murmuring. With that, all of their points were decided.
It's been two days since she with her husband talked with the idiot Astrea's. Carol was happy that they arrived as soon as they can. If they didn't, she could've found a fort construction when she arrived. Carol also wanted to see meet Roswaal L Mather's but sadly they were too late for that.
[Reinhard: Focus on your target Subaru. First, let's practice doing a proper strike.]
[Subaru: Got it. Got it. I know swords are cool but when are you going to show me those cool moves?]
[Reinhard: One day I will. But first, let's master the basics.]
Carol continued watching these two kids. It's seemed to be that Reinhard had decided to educate Subaru on swordsmanship. The kid found it fun so he didn't resist Reinhard's mandatory training. The kid's attitude reminded her of someone. The kid always acted a bit lonely. Like he was there but also he was living in his head as well. He was also a bit cold sometimes but it was probably because of what happened to him. He was also a bit brash and short-tempered at times. While listing some of the kid's personality traits Carol realized who did kid reminded her of… It was Wilhelm. She prayed for Od Lagna that she wouldn't have to deal with another Wilhelm case. There is a limited number of Theresia's to leash man like that.
With this, our first Arc is concluded. I must say this entire arc's purpose was for me to practice writing before the more juicy parts of the story. I believe with this chapter my writing skills become more presentable than my first attempt with the prologue. I must thank all of you for your suggestions. With that said I still have a long way to go.
This time I decided to shorten the chapter a bit (3.5k) since it was the conclusion and everything I deleted only seemed to me as some extra words. As always please feel free to point out mistakes or your storytelling objections. I must add that I will not change the story itself based on comments since I already planned it until halfway through Cannon Arc 3. I will also start to refer to my Arc count as (AI-Arc 1 or 2) or something like that.
I will also start to name the final chapters of each arc with a Latin phrase.
Why?
Because I have a dead language fetish, that's why.
Per Aspera, Ad Astrea translates to Trough Hardships to the Stars
or something like that I kinda translated it at the top of my head but it's a famous phare so you could easily find the proper meaning on the internet.
I think it's a fitting phrase for this arc
Anyway, thanks for reading this Arc
I will write 2 or 3 interludes then we will start the AI-Arc 2
As always see you next time
Or read you ... I don't know it feels like I'm talking to myself while writing.