June the 26 of the Septian Year 1204

Rean always enjoyed watching the sun rise, especially if was he surrounded by nature like on this morning where he was jogging outside of Trista. Today he and his group would make their way towards the Nord Highlands, Gaius home and the place where Emperor Dreichels, the Lionheart hard started on his quest to end the civil war ravaging through the Empire at that time.

(Instructor Thomas requested that, if it was possible, that we visit some places where Emperor Dreichels was supposed to have stayed at and make a report on them for some extra credit. Though I don't know if we are going to have the time for that, since Gaius told us how huge the highlands are and that most of those places are near the centre of the highlands. Well, if we can, we will but I doubt it. Still, it would be a good way to cheer up the instructor since our research had hit a dead end. Perhaps I should go alone? Let's put that aside for now and see how things go in the Highlands, if there is an opportunity I would love to go.)

After nearly three months on research concerning the origin of the old schoolhouse, the most they had found out was that the building had been built around the Septian year 350 by some rich merchants of that time, but who they were or why they had built it remains a mystery, putting these thoughts away for now. Rean looked to his side where Alisa was running alongside him while wearing a frown on her face, "Are you still thinking about what happened yesterday? I told you already it isn't a big deal, so please just let it go."

"I still don't know how you can be fine with it; I mean don't these so-called nobles have anything better to than spread stupid rumours?!" The reason why Alisa had was so irritated concerned the nobles of Class I, the day after the four boys had lost against Class VII, some rumours had started circulating at the academy, discrediting some members of Class VII though the ones that were targeted the most by those rumours were Rean and the rest of the boys besides Jusis though compared to the swordman there were far less rumours concerning them.

No one could prove where they came from but to Class VII it was obvious where they originated from, because only Laura and Jusis were spared from any gossip making it obvious that they were targeting the commoners and the so called 'false noble' of their class. But since they were only some rumours the instructors had no reason to intervene in this matter, at least that is what the Vice principal told them when Emma and Machias tried to do something against them, though in the last day, the rumours had gained a far more malicious tone.

For example, like Machias had used his father's position to get second place at the exams, Emma having cheated to achieve the highest score at the entrance exams, Fie and Gaius having threated the instructors with bodily harm to be admitted into Thors, Alisa buying her way into the academy using the money from the Reinford Group and so on. However, the ones circulating around Rean were the worst of them all, since the school body got wind of Reans nickname as 'Abareru Oni', the Rampaging Demon the rumour mill went crazy, saying that he got it by having destroyed an entire town or having murder dozens of people back in the East where he drank their blood after having killed them.

At the beginning they had ignored the rumours about them but when they heard those about Rean, well let's just say that short of having had to physically restrained his classmates (besides a certain archer in particular) the swordsman had tried everything to calm them down, still even Sara had looked a bit cross at those. Rean has just told them that people were just gossiping about him for fun and no real harm was being done, besides after a while those types of rumours would soon disappear the more time passed.

"I swear, if I ever get my hands on whoever started them, I will….." Thinking that perhaps it would better to let Alisa get it out of her system, Rean thought about finding some monsters she could vent her frustrations on but unfortunately, they wouldn't have enough time for that since the journey to the Nord Highlands would take several hours, so they had decided to leave on the first train to Heimdallr.

"Come on, they aren't that bad…" Receiving a glare midsentence made him change tracks, "I mean they are bad, but no real harm is being done here, so I just shrug them off. Besides with a nickname like Rampaging Demon what did you expected? After all I am bad to bone." His attempted at humour just earned him a deadpan look from the archer, "Again, I don't know how you are so calm about this. If it was me, I would most certainly be mad about this whole situation."

"Like I said, there is no real harm being done, so no need to get worked up about, besides I have heard far worse than that." The moment the words left his mouth, Rean realised what he had, once again, said too much, which was quickly proven when Alisa grabbed his arm to stop him from running, "What do you mean you have heard worse?"

Avoiding looking into eyes, Rean tried to come up with something, (I really need to start paying more attention what I am saying to her, though lately when I am with her, I start to slip more and more, if this goes on, I will blab something out that will really get me into trouble.)

The archer was fully focused on him now, making sure not to miss anything, so he schooled his face while wearing an easy-going smile, "I mean, I have travelled through places where people, let's just say, were not really polite to each other. Boy, if there was ever a swearing contest, I am pretty sure that I would win it easily given the numbers of curse words and combinations that I have learned in such places."

"Oh, you meant it like that, I see." Relieved that he had fooled her, Rean was going to start running again until he felt that Alisa was still grabbing his arm while smiling at him, he could feel that she was starting to put too much strength in her grip making it slightly hurt, "Do you really think that I am that easy to fool, Rean?" Her smile was quickly becoming scary, but Rean didn't get any chance to answer that, because at that moment his Arcus rang.

Using this opportunity Rean used his other hand to answer and put the call on speaker, "Hello, Rean Schwarzer, speaking."

"Hello Master Rean, I am sorry to interrupt your alone time with Lady Alisa, but breakfast will be ready in about thirty minutes and since you two are going to need to shower before leaving I would suggest, that you start coming back now."

"Of course, Sharon. Thank you for calling to inform us, it is very much appreciated!"

"…..Seems like you got yourself into trouble again, Master Rean." The swordsman could practically see the maid smile, as she spoke to him, "Lady Alisa, if you want to scold Master Rean, then there is no need to do it now. Don't forget that you will spend nearly all day on the train, giving you enough time reprimand him however you want. See you later Lady Alisa, Master Rean."

Starring at his Arcus, Rean could just resign himself to his fate, though for some reason Alisa was now looking at him with worry instead of anger. Letting go of his arm Alisa continued looking at him, "You know, every time I think that you can't surprise me anymore, you just shatter that belief. I hope one of these days, you will finally trust me enough to tell me of whatever burdens you carry and let me help you with them."

Now it was his turn to stop her from moving, "Alisa, I do trust you, even with me life if it was needed but…..."

"But you think that these burdens are yours alone to carry and you don't want me or the others to help you with them, am I right?" Sometimes it made her angry that he didn't want any help with his problems when he gave others the same help freely, but mostly she was just sad that whatever happened to him made him reject every help he was offered, "Honestly, from time to time I doubt that you are just a seventeen years old teenager and while I may not be the best example I still think you should just try to enjoy your youth more like your master said you should, because sometimes you look like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Rean was going to say something but was stopped by Alisa raising her hand, "I know, I know. Everything is fine, I don't need to worry about you, yada yada. I think can recite every variation of those excuses you use, after you have used them so often and just to be clear Rean, you aren't fooling me or anyone in our class with those."

Not giving him the chance to try and convince her otherwise, Alisa just pushed him from behind to get him moving towards Trista, "Don't waste your breath on trying to convince me otherwise, let's just go back and get ready to leave for Heimdallr."

Not knowing what he could say against that, Rean just raised his hands in surrender and just started jogging back to their dorm where the two shared breakfast with the rest of their class until the two groups spilt up to either finish or check their preparations for the upcoming journey. Group A found themselves ready to leave in the lounge, "Still, I couldn't believe it when I saw 'Nord Highlands' written right next to our names. Honestly, I wasn't ever expecting our field studies to take us that far out of the Empire."

"Well, it does make sense, since it is an important place in the history of the academy's founder, Emperor Dreichels and given your grades in history that shouldn't come as a surprise at all, Rean." Before the swordsman could deny his accomplishments in that subject, Jusis added his own knowledge on that conversation, "Indeed. The highlands are where he first began to solidify his military power during the War of the Lions, but that and the famous horses that are bred there are the extent of my knowledge of the highlands. We will have to rely on your guidance, Gaius."

"No worries. I will tell you more about Nord on the way there. Anyway, I hope you are all ready for a long trip, the train ride between here and there is easily over eight hours and that is if we are lucky that there are not delays for the trains."

"You are right, you need already over three hours just from the capital to Roer and then even more time from there to Zender Gate, by the time we get there it will be probably evening already meaning that perhaps we should stock up on some drinks and snacks at either Heimdallr or in Roer." Not even a second later after Alisa had made her suggestion, Sharon appeared from the kitchen carrying a basket, "Teehee. There will be no need for that, Lady Alisa. I took the liberty of preparing some sandwiches for you all and Group B, as well a pot of lemon tea. I am afraid that I wasn't able to prepare a proper lunch, so I hope you will enjoy these on the train instead."

Taking the basket form her hands he and the others thanked the maid for her thoughtful gesture, watching this scene Alisa couldn't help but murmur to herself, "Sigh, well, well. Everyone sure loves her, don't they? I guess that I shouldn't be surprised at that all, she was always able to endear herself to everyone she met."

A subtle nudge to her shoulder made her look her up to Rean who looked at with a question in his eyes, rolling her eyes at him, she just shrugged it off, "I am fine, just resigning myself that I will have to live with her again for the next two years. Putting that aside, I think it is time for us to leave for the train station, Group B should already be there waiting for us."

After saying goodbye to Sharon, the students left to join the rest of their class, since they would share the journey from Trista to the capital together before going their separate ways, though the smile on the maid's face made Alisa wonder if she was plotting something, years of living together had made it easier for her to sense if said maid was planning something to either surprise or tease her charge, not coming up with anything that she could do, the archer just made peace with the fact that if she was really plotting something that she couldn't prevent it either way, so she just made sure to not let her guard down at all.

Entering the station Group A saw Group B buying their tickets for the journey, though to no one surprise everyone could see that a certain pair was pointedly ignoring each other, not wanting to draw attention to that fact, Rean made his way towards the person responsible for the tickets and bought them for his group to travel at least to Roer and he was informed that they would need to transfer to a freight line there and that he would have to purchase other tickets for the rest of the journey.

After thanking Matilda for her help, he joined his classmates to wait for the train to arrive. It didn't even take two minutes for the train to arrive on the way to the platform Alisa and Emma tried to break the tension between the two girls, "Huh….. I would say we timed that pretty well."

"Right, that was impeccable timing!"

"…True. / Mhm." Was all they got in return for their attempt, the boys having watched it couldn't help but feel sorry for Machias and Elliot, "It seems there is a two-woman cold front blowing your way." Given Jusis warning at their future, Machias tried to reassure them, "Well, don't worry about us. We will see what we can do to thaw them out."

"Yeah, just….. don't expect them to be weaving each other flower crowns when we get back, okay?"

Having been in their shoes just last month, Rean tried to show them that he believed in their success, "All right, we leave them to you, then." The journey on the train was awkward for Group B since the boys tried to, as they said, to thaw them out but every attempt was shoot down and even with Alisa and Emma trying to help they hadn't managed to server the tension.

Arriving at Heimdallr Station was a relief if the looks on the Elliot and Machias faces were anything to go by, Rean tried to divert attention to something besides the rest of their journey with the two girls, "It never ceases to amaze me just how big this station is, compared to the ones in the East this here chould be the biggest one on the continent."

"When I first transferred lines here on the way to Trista, the amount of people I saw really threw me for a loop. But it is not surprising that there aren't as many folks around this early in the morning." Even Gaius sunny nature couldn't prevent the pair from descending in despair, "…Sorry….. I don't think we are going to be able to do this."

"H-hang on! You can't give up already! We still have three more days to through with them. So please Machias, you can't give up!" Even Jusis snide remark at him wasn't enough to get Machias spirit back up, so Rean tried another way, "W-Well, don't worry about it too much, the most important thing is that we all come back safe and sound, if you two can make them work together, then that will a bonus if not, we will try something else after coming back and since we have some time until our trains are leaving. How about I buy you all some snacks as dessert for the journey perhaps some treats will perk you all up."

Not waiting for an answer, Rean made his way towards a stand on the opposite site of the station leaving his classmates looking at his retreating back, "I swear, that guy…" Already feeling a bit better Machias could just shake his head fondly at his friend actions while the others wore the nearly the same expressions even the two girls who were standing a bit away from the group. In his haste to quickly buy something for his friends, the swordman didn't notice the black-haired girl who appeared right after he passed by a corridor.

Said girl had just caught a glimpse of his back but the familiarity of it caused her to stop and try to look for him but he was quickly out her view, she continued starring after him until a lovely voice snapped her out of it, "Is something on your mind, Elise? Has some rugged, handsome young man caught your eye, like your brother, perhaps?"

Already used to her blonde friend teasing, Elise Schwarzer just ignored it while answering the question, "Please your Highness, I just thought I saw someone I recognized. But it couldn't possibly have been him. I can't imagine what would bring him to the capital this early in the morning."

Someone you recognized…? Heehee, but I knew you wouldn't deny it. That you brother is handsome, I mean." The teasing light in the blonde's eyes was shining brightly at having caught her friend in her little trap, which shone a bit brighter when she saw the lightly blushing cheeks of Elise, "Please, stop! Sigh, I knew that I shouldn't have told you about him…"

"Oh, come, now. I am only teasing, there is no need to sulk. I will give you a little something from Mariage Cross to make up for it." This made the red on her face explode since the young girl knew exactly what kind of brand Mariage Cross was but before she could formulate an answer to that, she heard someone call her name. "Elise, is that you? Wow, it has been over a year since I last saw you."

Turning around Elise saw another blond girl wearing a bright red uniform approaching them while being followed by a group of teenagers wearing the same uniform something about the girl was familiar to her though it took her a moment to pin down a name to the gentle smiling face, "Miss Alisa?! What are you doing here?! I mean it has been a long time indeed since we last saw each other in Roer. How have you been?"

Alisa had first noticed the two girls when they stepped outside of the corridor and one had looked in the direction where Rean had disappeared to, there had been a hint of familiarity when she saw them but putting it aside just as a coincidence, though their conversation had carried over where she had been standing with the others and the name Elise managed to make her remember where she had seen the black-haired girl before. Looking at her managed to reaffirm the notion that the girl was indeed Rean's little sister, so she made her way towards them while the others had followed her out of curiosity.

"Like I told you back then, no need for Miss, just Alisa is fine. I have been doing alright I think, what about you? How are things at St. Astraia?" Not having expected that the girl she had just meet once a year ago would know about which school, she was attending made her somewhat wary, which the archer had noticed by looking at her, "Rean told me about it last week when your letter arrived at the dormitory."

That explanation seemed to confuse her even more, "I have been doing fine in my studies in school but if you don't mind me asking what exactly do you mean when you say that Rean told you about it?" Raising an eyebrow at the question, Alisa quickly arrived at the reason why she was asking, "I take it he didn't mention that we are both in the same class at Thors in his letters to you?"

"Since he started attending Thors I have just received one letter from him, telling me about some his classes, the academy and the town but nothing about his classmates besides that they seemed like good people, now that I think about it." Remembering their conversation on why he hadn't mention to his mother that that they were in the same class, Alisa concluded that it was the same reason he didn't mention it to his sister either which she couldn't actually fault for him to be honest, banishing the memories of that day away from her mind before the blush could be miss interpreted and Fie certainly wouldn't miss the opportunity to tease her about said memory, Alisa focused on the girls in front of her, "Perhaps he will tell about his classmates, in his next letter to you, which should arrive shortly since he just sent it yesterday and if not well, let me introduce you to the rest of his classmates."

Alisa introduced the rest of Class VII to Reans little sister one by one, when they were done her eyes fell on the quiet blonde girl that had been standing behind Elise, feeling eyes on her the younger girl gave her a cheeky wink before stepping from behind her friend to introduce herself, "Well, since we are doing introductions it would only be proper for me to do the same even if I can already see that two of you already caught on who I am. Now, now you two, let me please present myself to the rest of you all."

Quickly waving her finger at both Jusis and Laura, who seemed shocked to see who was standing in front of them, to keep them from calling out her name, gripping the hems of her long skirt like Elise had just done, "Hello, estimated members of Thors newly established Class VII, my name is Alfin Reise Arnor, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintances."

Even a foreigner like Gaius and Fie had heard the name of the princess of Erebonia, though no one had been prepared to actually meet her, especially at Heimdallr station this morning, "There is no need for formalities, just treat like I am just a normal classmate of Elise here. Though I have to ask since you all are here does that mean that the rugged, handsome young man Elise had spotted just minutes ago was indeed her beloved big brother?"

"Your highness, please stop!" Trying to recover from the surprise of meeting a member of the royal family here, Jusis took upon himself to answer, "That was indeed Rean who passed by you, your Highness."

"Come now, Jusis. I did say to forgo the formalities here, didn't I?"

"I am sorry, Princess Alfin but while this may not be…." Shaking her head at him the young Albarea didn't know what to do now, "Since I can see that my appearance seems to stop you all from speaking freely, then as Princess of the Empire I order you all to just ignore my presence and continuing talking with Elise here, since I think that she has some question about her big brother am I right?"

Winking at the now blushing girl, Alfin took a step back just to watch better, already used to her friends' teasing tricks, Elise tried to push it away from her mind, "Anyway, perhaps you can tell me how Rean is doing at the academy, Alisa?"

Chuckling at the question, Alisa tried to honour the princess 'order', "I think you know him well enough to know exactly how he is doing but let me confirm it for you. He trains and studies all the time while also helping the Student Council and the townspeople as their personal gopher."

Smiling at her description of her brother, Elise quipped back, "Like I thought, but knowing him, I am sure that he would prefer the term helper instead gopher." That brought smiles and chuckling to the members of Class VII since that has been a regular discussion between the archer and the swordsman, which broke the tension that the appearance of the princess had brought out, for the next minutes Class VII told Elise and Alfin about some of Reans days, of course leaving some of his more dangerous stunts out of it but seeing the knowing look on Elise's eyes there were sure that she knew exactly what they weren't telling her.

"Seems like he has been doing well, despite him pulling his usual reckless stunts that I am sure that you aren't telling me just to not worry me."

"Well, as much as I would like to say that Rean has been behaving himself, you know him far too well for me to try otherwise, though if you don't mind me asking there is something that I have been rather curious about." Titling her head, the younger girl gave her the go head for her question, "This has been bothering since last week, but what exactly is Reans 'Spirit Control'? I mean I get it that it is supposed to be some kind of strengthening technique but…." Alisa didn't get to finish her sentence since Elise interrupted her with a near growl, "What did you just say?!"

To the astonishment of everyone else including the princess who had never seen her friend act like that, the seemingly demure girl stepped forward until she was mere inches away and glared straight at Alisa, "He used Spirit Control?! Why would he?! No, that isn't important right now! What did you do to my brother afterwards?! I swear if you or anyone else did something to hurt him, I…"

Taking a step back from the glaring Schwarzer, Alisa tried to defend herself, "Whoa, easy there Elise! I and the others just took him to the infirmary, to let the nurse examine him since we didn't trust him saying that everything was fine, and I would never hurt him willingly neither would the others! Geez, what brought this on?"

Trying to calm herself down, Elise took a deep breath and thought, "(Settle down Elise, think about it. If Rean had truly showed them what he looks like when he uses Spirit Control, they wouldn't have told me about what his days at the academy are like, perhaps he was able to move fast enough so that they couldn't see him? Nonetheless, I must make sure of that, I don't want him getting hurt because of something he can't help, ever again!) I am sorry for my outburst just now, please forgive me."

Bowing her head to Class VII as an apology, the others looked in confusion at her but before anyone could say anything else, Elise them to the punch, "I know that after reacting like that, I have no right to ask you for anything, but please can you tell where and why my brother used that technique?"

The suspicion that Alisa that Rean hadn't told her everything regarding that craft of his was now confirmed after having watched Elise reaction to him using it, (What did she exactly mean if we had hurt him? Why would we hurt him just for using a craft? I mean the thought of hitting him because of him acting reckless did cross my mind several times, to be honest but I don't think she meant the physically kind of hurt but that would leave just the emotional kind…)

Alisa didn't like the direction her thoughts were leading her to at all, though it would explain some of Rean behaviours, for now the archer would try to assure the younger girl that everything was fine with them and her brother. So, she with the occasional input from the others, barring the existence of the old schoolhouse, of course, told her everything regarding that fight and she noticed that Elise was searching for something in their expressions when she arrived at the part where Rean had saved Laura and Fie and killed the Ice Wolf while using Spirit Control.

Finished with the retelling the younger Schwarzer found that no one seemed to have seen Reans appearance when using Spirit Control which caused her to release a relieved sigh inside, but now she was not sure how to behave after they had seen how she had acted just moments before, especially with Alisa who seemed now more suspicion about Spirit Control than before, luckily for her the princess had watched everything from the side lines, so she immediately noticed how her friend was feeling and decided to help her out.

With a subtle movement, Alfin summoned one of the Imperial guards that had been assigned to protect her from her hiding spot and with just one look the female guard understood what the princess wanted her to do, "Your Highness, please forgive me but it is time for us to leave now, since we don't want to be late for your classes this morning."

"Such a shame, I was having so much fun talking with Class VII, alas school calls. Everyone it was a pleasure to meet you all and to see the two of you again, Laura and Jusis. I hope that we will have another opportunity soon for a true get-together until then. Ahh, I nearly forget could you all please be so kind and don't tell Rean that I am friends with Elise here, I want to see his face and reaction when I introduced myself to him." With that remark and a bow, the two girls left the older students alone to think about the encounter they just had, though it didn't take long for the silence that had fallen to be broken by the arrival of Rean carrying two bags of what appeared to be an assortment of different snacks and drinks.

"Sorry for the wait, guys it took a while because there was a line at the store but now I got something for you all…..Is something wrong?" Noticing the atmosphere surrounding his classmates, Rean couldn't be but wonder what had happened in the few minutes that he had been away, deciding that now wasn't a good time to interrogate him, Alisa just told him who they had run into, "It is a shame, if you had been just a bit faster, you would have been able to meet Elise."

"Wait, what?" That was the last thing Rean had expected to hear this morning, so Alisa once again explained who they had been talking with while hiding that Elise was friends with the princess though the archer put heavy emphasis on how worried Elise seemed to be after hearing that he had used Spirit Control, "Oh boy, I better write her and Mom that everything is fine, perhaps when we are back from the Highlands I can sent the letters from Roer and Heimdallr respectively so that they can arrive faster."

It didn't escape anyone's notice that Rean was not explaining why his sister had been so worried about him using that craft, already having expected this Alisa didn't try to get to the bottom of it even though she really, really wanted to shake him until he confessed what exactly he had been hiding from her. "By the way, Rean. Apparently, your sister is interested in clothes from Mariage Cross perhaps you should help her buy some." Seeing an opportunity to tease the straightlaced swordman, Fie didn't waste any time to grab it.

"Fie! /Fie! /Fie!" Three different shouts responded at the silver haired girl suggestion, though she couldn't help but notice with some slight disappointment that the rest of the boys looked at the girls reactions with confusion on their faces, until she noticed an even bigger opportunity for some fun, Fie nearly couldn't surpress a smirk from showing on her face. Adopting a similar confused expression as the boys, she asked them, "What? Did I say something wrong? If he wants to make up for worrying her isn't a gift a good idea for it, I mean there are probably just some fancy clothes for nobles, right?"

Blushing slightly the older girls avoided her eyes that seemed to question what was wrong with her suggestion, (Could it be that Fie doesn't know what kind of brand Mariage Cross? In that case we were in the wrong for shouting at her, perhaps we should apologize and take a moment to explain to her what that label represents.)

Those thoughts went inside Alisa's and the other two heads but to their horror she just redirected her question to the boys, who thank Aidios also didn't seem to know what it was either and just looked at the older girls with confused looks, not knowing how to get out of this situation without being terribly embarrassed the girls exchanged glances with each other to see if someone had an idea.

"Say, if those clothes are good enough as a gift, perhaps you should buy some for Alisa as well and give to her the next time you want to avoid a scolding. What do you think, Rean?" Not knowing why Alisa's face seemed to explode in red at that seemingly harmless suggestion, Rean took a moment to think about it, "That seems like a good idea, though we are obligated to wear our uniform at the Academy, there shouldn't be any harm in having some more clothes, besides I am sure that Alisa would look good whatever clothes that Mariage Cross has to offer and if it gets me out of an scolding ,I wouldn't don't mind paying for them at all."

Giving the archer a harmless smile, Rean didn't know why but for a short moment time seemed to freeze when Alisa looked at him like a deer caught in headlights, before every instinct inside him seemed to scream for him to run away quickly when Alisa face exploded with even more red, the swordsman was sure that steam would soon be coming out of her ears at how red she was. Faster than he had ever seeing her move, the archer quickly approached him and aimed a straight at his stomach, reacting on pure reflex Rean sidestepped her attack at the last moment and raised his hands in surrender while steeping away from the seething girl.

"Alisa?! What is wrong?! What did I do?!" Ignoring his questions, the blonde was gearing for another attack when Machias tried to help his friend out, "Whoa, there Alisa! Rean didn't do anything wrong, why are you attacking him?"

"Machias, please stay out of it." Emma may have been smiling at him but behind that smile was something that promised him a lot of pain if he didn't do as she said, somehow knowing on an instinctual level that he was in danger, Machias stepped back with just an, "Yes, ma'am!" Causing Fie to snicker behind her hand, "He is so whipped." While immensely enjoying the scene she had just caused.

Back to Rean and Alisa, the swordsman was really confused what he had done to warrant such a reaction out of her but recognizing that he put his foot in his mouth again, he tried to apologize, "I don't know what I said or did this time, Alisa. But I am really sorry for whatever it is and if can explain it to me I will give you a proper apology, can you please forgive me?"

After taking a moment to think Alisa knew that she had overreacted, since it was easy to see that Rean didn't know that he had just offered to buy her some lingerie and that she would look good in them but the embarrassment from that imagined scenario had rushed to her head faster than she could think, still that didn't mean that he was off the hook that easily though perhaps for the sake of avoiding further embarrassment she should just let it go this time.

Noticing that things were coming to an end and saying that it was nearly time for Group B to leave or they would miss their train Fie didn't mind throwing some more oil into the flames just to watch it burn brighter before making her escape, "By the way, shouldn't boys your age with all those hormones running amok in your body, know that Mariage Cross is a brand that focuses on sexy lingerie?"

That seemingly innocent remark from Fie struck the others like a bomb proving two types of reaction form the group, "You knew?!" from the girls and an "What?!" from the boys who now were also blushing though not as much as Rean as he finally understood what he had just said sunk in, "Oh Aidios, please have mercy and release me from my suffering."

No one said anything further, but it didn't take long before Alisa and Rean glared at the youngest member of their class who had the audacity to smirk at them, while pointing at a nearby clock, "Would you lock at the time? We should leave now we don't want to miss our train to Ordis, now do we?" Knowing that Fie had timed the entire thing perfectly the two had no choice but to let it go for now but resolved to have an 'nice and long talk' with her, when they returned from their field studies, giving Machias the bag containing the snacks Rean had brought for them and said their goodbyes for now and went their separate ways.

Alisa and Rean had decided without speaking that the last minutes hadn't just happened and went into their own train with the other three following them, they decided that now would be a good time to eat the sandwiches Sharon had provided for them, "Wow, these sandwiches really hit the spot. Ham, lettuce and cheese….. and if am not mistaken, I can taste a hint of pickle in there too."

"I think you are right, Rean. The ingredients themselves are simple enough, but the way they come together is something special. Even the butter tastes different from what I am used to, and the tea is simply perfect. The sweetness of the lemon compliments the taste of the sandwiches perfectly." The others were in agreements with both Reans and Emma's statement, "She is a talented maid, I won't deny it. She handles the typical housework and greeting guests, as you would expect, but she also manages Mother's schedule."

The others were impressed with Sharon's abilities, "Managing the company chairman's schedule doesn't really sound like part of the typical maid's job description."

"She really is that talented, though. Which is why I can't work out why, my mother sent her to look after me….. Those two are up to something, I just know it!" Taking another bite of his sandwich, Gaius enjoyed it before giving his own option on the matter, "Regardless, there definitely perks to having her around. I think you should accept your mother's kindness and Sharon's too. She must have started working before sunrise to prepare all this for us."

"I know, I know. It is just that I don't really understand why she is here and…." Seeing that she was a bit uncomfortable, Rean shared a look with Gaius who understood what he was asking, "All right, I think it is time I tell a bit about the Nord Highlands. They are a mountainous region to the northeast of Erebonia, to get there we will need to cross the Eisengard Range which is situated north of Roer. Which means that will have to pass through a lot of tunnels to reach the other side and the Highland are surrounded on every side by mountains. Other than the Imperial Army's bases, the only place you will find people is in nomadic settlements like the one I am from, I think we have more sheep than people there."

"Can't wait to see it after hearing you describing the place. The plains must be really beautiful, and they are untouched by modern cities or the modern conveniences at all, feels like we are travelling to another time period instead of a country."

"In addition to the scenery, the Nord Highlands are also well known for their breeding and raising of horses. Most of the war horses used by the Imperial Army are descended from highland stock." Giving both his friends a smile for praising his homeland, Gaius continued with his explanation, "That is true, Jusis. Horses are essential to the livelihoods of the folks in my village. Raising horses to be used by the Erebonians is one of my people's primary sources of income." The rest of the journey was spent with learning some more of the Highlands, playing some Blade and enjoying the snacks Rean had brought for them, times passed quickly, and they arrived at Roer Station.

Getting out of the train they stretched out their limbs from having been forced to sit for nearly four hours, looking around Jusis, Gaius and Emma seemed interested in getting a look around the town, "This is my first visit to the Empire's industrial metropolis, I am actually curious about it. Shame that we don't have enough time for a proper visit."

"Actually, it is my first time too. I would also love to visit the town, perhaps in the future Alisa can give us a proper tour of it."

"I wouldn't say no to it. The first time I was here I didn't leave the station and went right into the train for Heimdallr since I was somewhat pressed for the time, and I didn't want to get lost in a city that I wasn't familiar with." Looking at the three Rean nudged Alisa with elbow, "I am sure she wouldn't mind, and she did do an excellent job of it the last time I was Roer with my family, though perhaps time we should avoid getting interrogated by the provincial army."

"That actually would depend if you can stay out of trouble long enough, Rean. Don't think I forgot what you had planned on doing against that man wielding a gun." Knowing that perhaps now wasn't a good time to get into it, Rean changed tracks, "We will need to transfer to a freight line to reach Nord from here, if I remember it correctly. Think you can point us in the direction of that line, Gaius?"

Amused at his diversion, Gaius nodded, "The freight train leaves from Platform four, which is up the staircase there and to the left. Follow me, I still remember the way there." Following Gaius, Group A passed by the main entrance to the station which made Emma remember something, "Perhaps we should purchase some drinks, we have already eaten and drunk everything that Sharon gave us, I don't think it would be a bad to have at least something to drink for the journey. What do you all think?"

"Not a bad idea, since I doubt that the freight train will have vending machines. There is a shop in the main part of the station that sells everything that we could need for the rest of the journey and since Rean already paid for the snacks this one will be my treat." Before Rean or the others could protest a lovely voice called to them, "Oh, there won't any need for that, Lady Alisa."

The five students looked where the voice came from just to see, Sharon walking towards them carrying yet another basked and wearing a simple smile though they could see the teasing edge to it, which set Alisa off after recovering from the surprise, "How did you get here BEFORE us?!"

"Ah! The power of my love for you allows me to do the impossible, my lady. And, as you will see, I have prepared some treats and drinks for you all, that will surpass anything that you could have bought at the station. I do hope you will enjoy them." Ignoring the glares coming from her charge, Sharon gave Rean the basket who accepted it still somewhat stunned that the maid had arrived before them, "Um… We really appreciate you going to all the trouble to make these for us…That said I am really curious how you got here before us, I am sure that you weren't on the train with us and that leaves only….oh!"

Having also caught on, how the maid had done it Jusis explained it to the rest of the group, "It seems that Reinford family's maid enjoys a little amusement at the expense of her employer. I imagine that you transferred to an airship in the capital, which should have cut the time travelling from Heimdallr to Roer in half at the very least."

"Teehee. You got me, Master Rean, Lord Jusis! I also took advantage of the opportunity to borrow the airship's kitchen so I could make your treats as well. For drinks I choose both Oolong and Black tea, they are both freshly made, so when you have the chance, you should take a moment to savour their taste."

Resigning herself that Sharon had just managed again to surprise, Alisa just shook her head, "Honestly, I knew you had to be up to something, just to be sure you aren't planning on coming all the way to the Nord Highlands with us now, are you?"

"I would love to, but unfortunately, I have some other business that I must attend to. I won't be able to return to Trista for a while either, but I should be just done when you should be on your way back, Lady Alisa. So, you can look forward to a delicious dinner to cure your fatigue from this field study." Before Alisa could ask what other business she meant, the answer provided itself by walking right into the station and making her way towards them, "Sharon will be assisting me with my work, during your time away."

An older blond woman dressed like a businesswoman was walking towards them, if you looked closely, she had a light resemblance with Alisa, "M-M-M-Mother?!" Not believing her eyes Alisa looked at her with her mouth open, just to get a short greeting in return to her surprise, "Hello, Alisa and to you as well members of Class VII! I am Alisa's mother; Irina Reinford and I also occupy the position of chairman of the Reinford Group. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Standing straighter than necessary even though he didn't know why, Rean introduced himself, "T-The pleasure is ours. I am Rean. Rean Schwarzer, Ma'am!" The rest followed his example though no one seemed as nervous as he was which caused some smirks to appear briefly before disappearing, "I am glad you are all managing to get along with my obstinate daughter, I wish I could stay a while to talk, especially with you Mister Schwarzer, but unfortunately, I have work that can't wait. Perhaps we can talk some more after your return, I am especially interested in your connections in the eastern parts of the continent, there are a lot of resources over there that I would love to get a contract for."

Flabbergasted at the direction the conversation had turned, Rean could just nod and try to explain, "I am honoured that you think that I have that kind of connections, but I am not really acquainted with any large companies over there."

"I wasn't expecting that either, but I was rather referring to your connections regarding the Lords governing certain lands over there but that is a conversation for another time. Come along, Sharon." Bowing to them the maid followed the chairman, but they didn't make it two arge before Alisa called out to her mother, "SERIUOSLY?! You show up like this and that is all you have to say?! It is always work with you, isn't it?! You probably didn't even notice I left until Sharon had to inform you that I was already gone. Now it is just, 'Hello, Alisa' and that's it?!"

Rean looked at her with worry in his eyes, (I did get the impression that her relationship with her mother wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but I wasn't expecting this kind of friction between them.) Taking a moment Irina turned around to look directly at her daughter, "You can live your life however you see fit; I have no intention of forcing the Reinford Group on you. Even if you decide to follow a ... certain someone's path and cast aside all sense of responsibility, it is your choice to make."

Ignoring the sharpened glare being sent her way, the chairman went on, "Besides, I still manage to keep myself informed of the general goings-on with your academic life in the monthly reports I receive from the academy." That seemed to snap Alisa out of glaring, "What?! I knew that Sharon would relay back information about me but that the academy itself would also do that?"

"Oh, you must not have known, then. In addition to my other duties, I also serve as a member of the board of directors at Thors Military Academy." That also threw the others for a loop, since that would mean that she holds the same position as Jusis older brother, Rufus Albarea.

"This shouldn't come as a surprise, the Reinford Group is heavily involved in the development of the orbal staff, as well as your Arcus Units. I must say, I am quite pleased with the reports I have received on your usage of both, in particular your and Mister Schwarzer Links Level and the level of his Master Quartz, do keep up the good work. I am also looking forward to seeing the results of this months filed study as well, please do give me some good reading." Done speaking Irina turned around and left the station with Sharon following right behind her, leaving a shocked Alisa behind.

Inside the freight train to Roer, Alisa was gloomily looking out of the windows, the others also hadn't said a word to her leaving her alone with her thoughts until she was ready to talk to them, "Damn it, I thought I finally had her out of my hair, but it looks like she was one step ahead of me this whole time." Seeing this as an opening the others looked at Rean to get him to speak, "I take it you and your mother aren't on good terms, then?"

Breaking away from gazing out of the windows Alisa faced her classmates, "Yeah, I think that much was abundantly clear. Things have been rather rocky between us for a long time now, once I left home, that was the first step that led to me enrolling in the academy. But how was I supposed to know I had gone and signed up for the school she sits on the boards of directors for?!"

Letting her head fall in her hands, Alisa vented out her feelings, "How could I have been so stupid?! Why didn't I conduct a more thorough investigation before I made my choice?! I can already see what is going to happen, first she will seem only interested in her work, but then suddenly she will meddle in my life. Argh, why me?!" The others let her vent until she was finished, which caused her to apologize to them for her outburst, the others told her she didn't have to, but she insisted that she did, for a while no one said anything just enjoying the silence until Alisa remembered a certain piece of what her mother had said.

"Rean, what exactly did my mother mean, when she said that she was interested in your connections?" This got the others attention since besides some safe and general knowledge Rean hadn't really told them about his travels when he was younger, "Well, I am as baffled as you what she meant by that. I mean I know some Lords back there but that is thanks to me being Master Ka-Fai disciple and not from anything that I did, besides there are some Lords that wouldn't do any business with her if they knew that she knows me, I am pretty sure that it would result in the opposite actually."

"Ohh? Now that is interesting. What did you do to earn such scorn from them?" Avoiding Jusis and the others curious eyes, Rean tried to think of an answer that would both satisfy them and end that line of questioning, "Let's just say that they wanted me to do something for them, that I wasn't willing to do and leave it at that, please?" Groans could be heard from them at his vague answer, even good-natured Gaius was giving him a half serious glare for his answer.

"I swear Schwarzer, I have never seen someone as vague as you when it concerns your time in the East and I had to deal for years with the nobles from Bareahard who are masters at saying one thing and meaning something completely different."

"Jusis is right, Rean. Besides some of the general details of the lands, landmarks and people, you saw, you haven't really told us about anything you did there, if you don't count the types of trainings you did." Shrugging off both accusations from Jusis and Emma, Rean just smiled but it didn't last long with what Alisa said next, "Perhaps I also should really write a letter to you mother to ask for some stories, if you aren't willing to share soon. I am sure that Sharon wouldn't mind giving me your home address in Ymir."

Rean could see that they were just joking with him, mostly, though he would certainly get into trouble if Alisa really went through with her threat, but in the end, he wasn't that worried since even his mother didn't know some of the really dangerous stunts he had pulled back then, the evidence for that was that his Master still dared to appear in Ymir and wasn't dead from his mother hunting him down and the fact that Rean wasn't grounded until the end of time. The rest of the journey was spent with the four friends joking around with each while trying to get Rean to slip up on what he had done to piss some Lords off to the point that they would refuse to do business with the largest heavy industry corporation in the continent.

After travelling through several tunnels, Group A finally reached Zender Gate where they were greeted by two solders, one seemed to have the rank of Captain and the other was a Lieutenant General if his badges were anything to by, though it didn't take long before Gaius confirmed it, "It is a pleasure to see you again, Lieutenant General."

"Likewise, it has been months since I last saw you, seems almost surreal to see you standing there in a military academy uniform. Though, this is the first time I have seen the Thors ensemble in red."

"This is the colour they use for my class, Class VII and these are about half of my classmates from said class." With that they presented themselves to the older man, "Haha. Seems like your classmates are as interesting a bunch as I had heard. I am Zechs Vander, commanding officer of the Imperial Army's 3rd Armoured Division. Pleased to finally meet you."

Seeing the eyepatch and hearing the name made both Rean and Jusis realize who was standing before them, "One-Eyed Zechs, you, Sir, are one the guardians of the Arnor family and a Master of the Vander School."

"Oh. It seems some of you already know of me?" Seeing the question in Alisa, Emma and Gaius faces, Jusis explained it to them, "The Vanders are a celebrated military family responsible for the protection of the Imperial Family and One-Eyed Zechs is said to be one of the Imperial Army's finest generals. They say that the Vander and Arseid schools of swordsmanship are the two most renowned styles in the Empire, I can imagine that Laura will be quite jealous of us meeting such a figure when she reads our reports."

"Haha. I am just a military man. Hardly worthy deserving of quite that level of praise. I would love to hear everything about you and your experiences after leaving home Gaius. Unfortunately, duty calls but don't worry I have already prepared the horses you asked for, they are just outside of the entrance, I hope you and your classmates enjoy your time here in Nord." Saluting them goodbyes Zechs left followed by his captain, while the others followed Gaius who clearly seemed to know his way around the military base, just to arrive outside to see the full majestic scenery the Nord Highlands had to offer for the first time.

It was a breath-taking scene, wide green plains as far the eye could see that were being bathed in the lights of the setting sun while a refreshing breeze was blowing their way as if to welcome them. Gaius laughed out loud at being back home, with a wide grin on his face he looked at his classmates who were clearly enjoying the beauty of his homeland filling him with pride. Stretching his arms wide Gaius welcomed Class VII to his homeland, "Welcome my friends, to my home the Nord Highlands, in all her beauty. I hope you all will have a good staying here."