It had been a stressful and chaotic couple of days but the crisp mountain air of Ymir had finally welcomed Rean back along with his many friends as they came out of the spirit path, materializing on the same clearing Rean had departed from days ago.

The journey through the spirit path was still disorienting for those who had taken it once and for the ones who had barely any warning before being transported it was a downright earth shaking event. The only ones that were absolutely fine were once again Celine as well as Sharon, who was quick to move to Alisa's side and help the girl keep herself upright.

"Thanks, Sharon. But don't think we won't have much to talk about later," the blonde said with a serious tone to her voice. "Of course, my lady," the maid replied.

Rean came out of Valimar moments later and the effort of going through the spirit path two times in the same day made his legs feel wobbly, making him bend down with both hands on his knees and heave.

"Rean, are you okay?" Laura asked concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fin-" He started to say but the luggage they were keeping inside Valimar's cockpit materialized itself above Rean's head and fell right on top of him, finishing the job at knocking him down with a startled yelp. Everyone laughed at him of course. "Shit! What the hell was that for!?" He turned around to the Divine Knight while rubbing the back of his head.

"The command to retrieve items from my cockpit and the form of its execution are solely your responsibility, Awakener," Valimar flatly replied. "I advise you to be more cautious in the future."

"Whatever," Rean huffed and looked around, searching for the particularly sturdy object that had hit the back of his head, already having a suspicion of what it was, and picked up a duffle bag. Opening it, he found a thick book on socio-economics and with an annoyed groan he tossed the offending piece of luggage at Machias. "Valimar rule number one, no useless crap on the cockpit."

Slightly embarrassed, Machias apologized while Fie called him a nerd.

"Anyway…" Rean rubbed his eyes, feeling some of the fatigue starting to hit him. "I'm fine, just a little tired. I don't think we can do this again anytime soon."

"Correct. My mana reserves are almost depleted. If my services are no longer required, I will go into rest mode," said Valimar.

"Sure, go on ahead," Rean waved dismissively at the giant robot, earning a glare from Emma that he didn't see. He walked and stretched himself before looking back at his group, and with a hand extended towards a path that led to the town and a bow said: "I would like to welcome everyone to Ymir, the hot springs capital of Erebonia. Please, enjoy your stay."

It was corny and silly and served to lighten the mood.

They were quick to grab whatever belongings they had managed to bring over with them, with Rean explaining that whatever they needed they could get in the town's general store and his family would take care of it. It was a generous offer and an especially welcome one for the Roer group, who had to leave whatever little they had behind.

They started on their way and Rean made himself in charge of pushing the orbal bike along the path back to the town, he missed it more than he cared to admit but the smile on his face was obvious.

"You guys can go on ahead, we'll catch up," said Sara with a look pointed at Sharon, the maid standing still in her usual demeanor. The former Bracer waited until they were out of earshot to direct an accusatory finger at the other woman. "I knew it was you two years ago! And don't even think you can talk your way out of this one!"

"I suppose it was merely a matter of time."

Sharon was simply nodding calmly and although she gave no signs of aggression, Sara still had her hand positioned to grab her pistol. "What are your masters planning? What are your orders?"

"My masters are the Reinford family. If you are referring to the society, I unfortunately have no insight on their current plans."

"Do you expect me to buy that?"

An almost imperceptible frustrated sigh escaped her lips. "As you must know, we Enforcers have complete free reign to do as we please, even oppose the society if we so wish, and currently I have no orders or even the desire to assist my former employers. My one mission in life at the moment is to dedicate myself to the safety of the Reinford family and tend to their needs to my full capacity. Currently, Lady Irina is under arrest by the Noble Alliance and I will leave no stone left unturned until she is back to safety. That is the full extent of my motivations but, unfortunately, I fear my words might not be enough to convince you, Lady Sara."

The maid was an impossible to read enigma at most times, even now as she appeared to be fully sincere Sara didn't feel like she couldn't trust her. "Yeah, you got that right."

"It is truly unfortunate that our first encounter had to be the way it was, we work extremely well together, don't you think?" Sharon allowed a small conciliatory smile to form in her lips, an attempt to soothe the other woman. It didn't work.

Unfortunate doesn't even begin to describe the fact you robbed me of the chance to meet with one of the hottest older men in the continent! That had been a truly heinous crime towards Sara, but that wasn't the main cause for her resentment towards the maid. "People died back then. Bracers, receptionists, civilians. You didn't blow up any buildings but you were involved with the rest of the plans to force Cassius Bright out of Liberl, although I am flattered I had my own personal Enforcer assigned just to keep lil' old me from interfering."

Poison dripped from Sara's words, bringing down the smile on Sharon's face and forcing her to divert her gaze from the former Bracer but Sara was having none of that and got right into the maid's face.

"I don't know what your deal is but I know you're no Joshua Bright, so know I'll keep an eye on you. And if you really devote yourself to the Reinfords the way you say you do and Alisa comes knocking with questions, which she will, you can tell her whatever you want to but I'd advise against mentioning Jester and the Bracer Guild bombings."

"I am aware of Lady Laura's history with the events."

"We don't need Laura trying to cut you in half and make Alisa torn between you and her friend while we're trying to survive a war. So watch your step because I'm not taking your side if it comes down to it."

It had been a while since Sara had done her intimidating Purple Lightning routine at someone. She had always had an inkling of the maid's true identity but the sheer notion of an Ouroboros Enforcer working as a maid for the Reinford family was absurd, so at best she was simply wary of her, and back when she assisted her during the attack on Trista she didn't even have the time to process the information. If it was up to Sara, Sharon should've been left behind but it wasn't the best time to create tension with one of her students. Besides, how did that saying go? Keep your friends close and your friends closer.

Sara started to make her way to join the rest of the group but Sharon had other ideas. "The message has been received and properly understood. If I may advise you as well, Lady Sara. You should also think of your previous filiation before joining the Bracer Guild and how that affects your relationship with your students, especially Master Rean."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Sharon ignored the question, simply covering her mouth to stifle a giggle. "You'll find your answer soon enough."

With a self satisfied smile, Sharon walked past Sara looking at her with a glare that she hoped would set the odious woman on fire. Bitch.

"We're being watched," Fie astutely pointed out, noticing it before anyone else aside from Sara and Sharon. "Just one though."

"Mabe it's one of the RMP officers that came ahead of us?" Asked Elliot.

"I hope so, let's get going," said Rean.

It was the later half of the afternoon but there was still plenty of daylight as the group made their own through the snowy path down to Ymir. Rean thought how long that day had been, they started in Legram, walked to Bareahard where they snuck around the city then fought the Kreuzen army and the Phantom Thief and the hooded girl, then traveled to the Sachsen Mines where they had to run past magic knights and fought other two of Ouroboros agents. And now they were back to his hometown. It was enough to make his head spin but the sight of Laura walking next to him grounded him.

Everyone is okay. I did it. Now we have to get Elise and everything will be alright.

Soon they arrived at the entrance to the town, where Captain Claire of the RMP awaited them alongside a man with short dirty blond hair. Despite both being dressed in civilian clothes, it was easy to surmise the man was also an RMP officer as well judging by his stance. The sight made Sara wince. What wasshe doing there , the instructor thought.

"Greetings, Rean, Class VII and guests. You've arrived sooner than expected," the captain said warmly. "It seems you have been busy."

"Thanks, captain. If you're here to greet us I guess things are fine over here."

"Indeed. We've only arrived recently but I've got some of my men patrolling the outskirts and this morning we were able to establish an orbal communications relay somewhere safe and away from town, it'll allow us to better communicate with other RMP units without putting a target on Ymir. I was about to gather with some of the townsfolk to instruct them on proper evacuation proceedings when Lieutenant Engels here informed me of your arrival," Claire extended a hand towards the man next to her.

"That's good to hear. Do you have any news on my dad?"

A pang tugged into Rean's chest as he feared the worst but the gentle smile on the RMP officer calmed him. "I believe your mother will be glad to share some good news with you, Rean."

His shoulders loosened and air escaped his lips and Laura put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Everything is okay", she said without needing any words.

"I won't keep you here any longer, it's your hometown after all and I am sure you are all exhausted," Claire stepped aside and allowed the group to pass while lieutenant Engels saluted and went back to his patrol.

The group entering the town was a distinctive sight for the people of Ymir. A bunch of teens, an older woman, a cat, an elderly man and a maid. Those who saw them waved and welcomed Rean back and extended their greetings towards the new arrivals, although they were courteous enough to not stop them in their way, knowing Rean would be anxious to see his parents.

The town was still reeling from the effects of the jaeger attack, scorch marks were visible on the buildings and a pile of debris had been formed in the center of town, pieces of wood, glass and masonry neatly arranged to be disposed of later. But even in that state, the climate in Ymir was nothing short of comforting, with the sound of crunching snow under their feet, the blue skies above and the smell of freshly baked bread coming from a nearby bakery. Ymir was beautiful, they all stated in their own manner.

"The people of Ymir are resilient if nothing else," Jusis commented on their good spirits despite the recent attack by his father's jaegers. "I'm relieved that at least it seems most of the damage to the town was superficial."

"What happened here anyway? I feel completely out of the loop," said Alisa. A sentiment that was reflected by the rest of her group's members, aside from Sharon. The answer came from Laura, who gave a brief summary of what happened and saved Rean from having to repeat himself again.

Alisa and the rest expressed sentiments and offered him their support and Sara held on making a remark in regards to what Sharon had told her. If the maid thought jaegers attacking Rean's home and shooting his father was enough to catch her off guard and feel guilty, that woman was completely off her mark.

Coming up on the slope that led to the Schwarzer manor, Lucia Schwarzer was just about to leave through the front door while carrying a cardboard box but the sudden appearance of her son froze her on the spot with her jaw hanging open.

"Hey, mom."

Lucia shook her head to free herself from her stupor and quickly regained her composure. "Oh, you returned much faster than I expected. Let me put this down first…" Unceremoniously, she dropped the box filled with seemingly breakable items on the ground with a loud crash before wiping her hands on her apron and rushing to hug her son. "I'll say, if I knew you'd be back this soon I'd have spared you of that awful speech and prepared something better to say right now"

"It's fine, mom," he laughed and hugged her back. "What about dad, is he okay?"

"The doctor gave the go ahead to move him back to the house and he's asleep right now, but he was up for a little while in the morning. Badeux is keeping him company."

With that weight off his back, Rean allowed himself to relax and hugged his mother tighter while offering a thanks to Aidios. After a moment, he let go of her and turned to his friends, formally introducing his mother to them.

With a welcoming smile, Lucia curtisied and greeted her son's many, many friends, who responded in kind.

Unsurprisingly, Jusis stepped up and took a deep, apologetic bow towards the lady of the house. "As the son of Duke Albarea may I offer my deepest apologies for my father's actions and the grief they have caused you and the people of Ymir. Rest assured I shall do whatever is within my power to correct this."

Lucia listened to the Jusis' words, paying close attention to the sincerity and regret he imparted on them. Gently, she placed her hands on his shoulder and straightened the young noble, not unlike how Rean had done earlier that day. "Your words are appreciated, Lord Jusis. I know how complicated families can get, so you don't have to worry about apologizing and I'm sure Rean has told you as much already."

Jusis felt completely disarmed by the woman's gentle and calm smile. Not only that, but the way she was dressed wasn't unlike a commoner, with a dusty apron over her clothes and rolled up sleeves, one could easily mistake her as one of the house's servants. A far cry from his father's wife or any other older, highborn woman he has ever met. In fact, she reminded him of his own mother.

"I… thank you, Lady Schwarzer. And please, just Jusis is fine."

"Of course, dear. Now, if you really want to help, why don't you and Rean and the rest of the boys help me with the house cleaning?"

"House cleaning? Is that what you're doing?" Rean looked at the cardboard box she was carrying and noticed that there were actually many of them in the front yard. Curious, he opened up the one his mother had just taken out of the house to see exactly what she was parting away with.

"The doctor also said I couldn't stay the whole day sitting beside your father worrying myself sick, so I decided to keep myself busy and throw some garbage out. Purple and Maple are helping."

Rifling through the box's contents, Rean discovered that some of the so-called garbage consisted of old dinner plates he remembered to be already cracked and chipped even before the rough landing his mother gave them just now, old newspapers and…

"Is that Nights of Azure Dreams!?" Machias startled everyone with a yell and lunged for the item Rean had removed from the box and was currently holding up, a casing with art of a beautiful blue bird surrounded by stars with a vinyl disc inside it.

Elliot was quick to follow his friend's actions and stared at the disc with bright eyes. "This is a live recording of one of Vita Clotilde's first performances, in fact, the one that put her on the map of the opera scene! It's one of the rarest and-" The musician stopped himself and looked around, realizing everyone was staring at them. "I… I mean…"

"Oh, you're fans of… her, I gather," Lucia simply said, coldly, leaving off the many more colorful words she had to describe the opera singer and witch. Whatever magic she had done had undoubtedly saved Teo's life as the doctor said his recovery was nothing short of a miracle but she would still strangle the woman if she ever got within 100 selge of her home ever again.

Elliot swallowed dry, only now realizing the faux pas. Right, Vita Clotilde, evil, attacked Rean's home and kidnapped his sister. Crap. "Uh, I mean, we are opera appreciators and well, this is a very rare item."

"Oh I am well aware of that, it used to be one of my favorites. It's funny, you think you can separate the art from the artists but sometimes it can be basically impossible. So it's garbage now, haha," Lady Schwarzer's cold laugh and polite tone were terrifying, they found. "Do you want it?"

"M-ma'am. We can't- I mean, Mrs. Schwarzer…"

"I-it's not that big of a deal. The recording is probably not that great."

"Just take the damn record," Rean muttered to them.

"R-right! Okay, thank you, Lady Schwarzer!" Both replied.

Rean's friends seemed really fun, Lucia thought, and looking back at the rest of the group she found exactly who she was searching for: the tall and elegant blue haired girl with a massive sword strapped to her back, a perfect feminine doppelganger of the viscount that had so graciously visited them months ago. Laura instantly felt the attention being directed at her and was about to greet the older woman with a simple and formal greeting when Lucia closed in on her and took a hold of her hands. "And you must be Laura Arseid, I have been looking forward to meeting you."

"O-oh, greetings, Lady Schwarzer," the gesture caught Laura completely off guard but she quickly composed herself, or at least did her best to as that woman positively beaming at her. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Am I to assume you're already aware that-"

"That you're Rean's girlfriend? Of course," she giggled, noticing how nervous the girl looked. "Rean didn't say anything, he wanted to surprise us but Elise let it slip. I would love to get to know you so why don't you and the rest of the girls help me get the table set for some tea, coffee and snacks while the boys work?"

That set of words made Rean's eyes dart across the girls in his class and a shiver ran down his spine. Laura wasn't a problem, neither was Emma. Alisa? There was no way she'd bring up the schoolhouse incident. But Fie and Millium were unpredictable and did Instructor Sara qualify as a girl? And what about Sharon? What would they talk about, what embarrassing thing would they tell his mother or vice-versa?

Please, Aidios, I won't ask for anything else ever again, just please, stop this.

"Ah mom, we're all pretty tired right now, we just had to fight a bunch of people and-"

"Everyone can leave their baggage at the hall and our maids will take everything to the Phoenix Wings, everyone is staying there free of charge," Lucia immediately cut off her son, directing her words to the guests in general before turning back to the boys. "I've already separated the things I want to throw away so just take these boxes to the communal garbage bin, but if anything catches your eyes you boys are free to take it. Now chop chop, the sooner you're done with it the sooner you can join us and rest."

"Okay, mom," Rean resigned his fate to the mercy of She Who Dwells Above, hoping nothing too bad would come out of whatever conversation would sprout between his classmates and his mother.

Lucia watched with wry amusement as her son moved towards the piles of trash along with his friends, barely containing a panicked look on his face. She knew exactly what she was doing.

Looking over Rean's male friends, she used what he had said about them in his letters to identify them: the blond one was Jusis Albarea, even if he hadn't introduced himself it was easy to pick that one out. It was safe to assume that the shorter, redheaded one was the musician, Elliot, and the other opera enthusiast was Machias Regnitz (the spitting image of Heimdallr's governor, she thought), and the taller one with a darker complexion she could surmise was Gaius, the Nord. But where was the second year that joined Rean's class later into the year? Crow was his name. Maybe he had gotten separated from everyone else and they couldn't find him? Maybe she would ask Rean about it later.

"Now if you girls could get inside, I will join you in just a moment," Lucia said, extending a hand towards the manor and guiding Laura with the other slightly pushing at her back.

"You have my sincere thanks for the hospitality, Lady Schwarzer. Please, excuse us," Laura said with a polite nod of her head, the rest of the girls following her.

So formal! But with a father like hers it shouldn't be surprising. Lucia watched as the other girls followed the swordswoman. The blonde would be Alisa Reinford, the girl who hid her family name for a while, and the one with the glasses gave off the air of being the studious class president, Emma. The youngest one of all was Millium, who got in the class later into the year as well, and she looked absolutely adorable. Lastly was the silver haired one, Fie, the girl who seemed to be able to nap everywhere and what in Aidios name was she wearing? That girl must be freezing. Something would have to be done about that.

While the girls stepped out, Lucia turned to the adults of the group. Now those were a surprise, she expected Rean's instructor but the woman dressed as a maid and the elderly gentleman stuck out. Well, first things first, she extended her hand towards Sara for a handshake. "You must be Rean's homeroom teacher, Sara Valestein, am I correct?"

"I sure am. Thank you for the hospitality, ma'am," Sara said politely. That woman was so sweet and sincere, it was a breath of fresh air from her immature students and the multitude of weirdos she normally came across.

"Oh please, no ma'am, just Lucia is fine, dear. I must say, at first seeing you surprised me."

"Uh, why?"

"You're just so young, for a moment I thought Rean had a secret classmate he hadn't written about in his letters."

"O-oh, please, flattery isn't necessary," But please continue, this is very nice.

"You know, most people think teachers should be old and grouchy but I think a young and vibrant person like you that the students can relate to is much more preferable. And I hear you used to be a Bracer? I have so much respect for that profession, it's such an honor to have someone brave and heroic like you tutoring my son."

"Oh thank you, Lucia. That is so nice of you." This woman is a saint, an angel, finally someone who recognizes how awesome I am. I love her.

"Please, come on in and make yourself comfortable. I would love to hear all about how Rean's behaving at school."

"Mom!" The subject of the conversation cried out as he carried the packages down the slope, just to be completely ignored.

With a merry spring on her step, Sara joined the girls on the way to the Schwarzer manor, but it seemed that the job of a good host wasn't over just yet. Lucia turned to the elderly man with the dutiful maid by his side and extended her hand. "And would you happen to be one of Rean's teachers as well, Mr…?"

"Gywn Reinford, my lady," the older man said warmly and took her hand for a kiss on the knuckles. "And I suppose the name speaks for itself. I've been accompanying my granddaughter, that bouncy blonde that just passed by, since this whole mess started. I have been to Ymir on more than one occasion years ago, although I don't expect my family's visit to have been noteworthy to you, and it looks lovely as always. This here is Sharon, the family's maid."

"A pleasure, my lady," Sharon curtisied. "While I am here, allow me to assist in whatever manner you require. I am at your service."

"Oh my, that is surprising. Well, we've dallied here far too long, please, come on in."

At the invitation, Gwyn shook his head and politely declined it. "I appreciate it but I'll let you and the kids catch up. I will make myself comfortable at the inn if that is alright with you," patting his back pocket he let out a sigh of relief that his wallet was still with him. Taking a step back, the former CEO gave a bow and turned away in the direction of the Phoenix Wings.

Well, Rean certainly had a colorful cast of friends and acquaintances. It brought peace to her heart that he had so many people supporting him and it helped that having so many guests over would keep her own mind occupied. Speaking of which, she had to do away with that dusty apron and look presentable, so she made her way to the manor, Sharon in tow.

It hadn't escaped her attention that Rean mentioned they had been fighting someone and she believed him, not only they looked pretty ragged but the shirt he wore under his jacket was damaged from a blow, a punch perhaps. She shuddered to think of her son getting hurt, but knew better than to fuss over him in front of his friends. A little teasing was fine sometimes but he was a grown martial artist, it was just how things were and she had to accept it. Accept, not like it.

Inside the manor, she pointed the Reinford maid towards the kitchen while she went up to her bedroom for a quick change of clothes. She knew they wouldn't stay long, soon they would go out there again, towards some sort of peril or another, to rescue Elise and the princess. So Lucia would be a good host and entertain them and help them unwind during their stay. Besides, she was truly excited to get to know Rean's friends and especially Laura.

Well, let's get started then.