Decided to gift all my loyal readers with a bonus chapter to celebrate the holidays. Admittedly it is a day late, but dealing with family was exhausting, so I hope you all forgive me for being late. As always, I hope you enjoy, and I will see you at the start of 2022 with the next scheduled chapter.
If the students of Class VII had been hoping for a return to normalcy after the events of their field studies, they were to be disappointed. It was during homeroom on their second day back that their self-proclaimed coolest teacher ever decided to spring some big news onto them.
"We're to meet with the Emperor?" Repeated the class president with visible confusion after hearing the news.
"Yup." Instructor Sara happily confirmed. "Seems like your actions these last couple months haven't gone unnoticed by the guys up top. Looks like you've impressed quite a few people."
"I've seen him before a few times with father, but I can't say I have ever spoken with him..."
Jusis nodded in agreement with Machias, as much as it pained him to do so. "Indeed. He often frequents the Albarea estate, but it's always been official business with the Duke."
"Haha, yeah! He's pretty cool for an old dude. He's always hanging out with Gramps so I've met him a few times."
"Well, Millium isn't wrong, but this is an official ceremony, with all the pomp and other boring stuff involved. So I would advise you all to suck it up for a day and be on your best behavior when we arrive. That means you, Fie."
"Rude." The blunt girl wasn't sure why she was being singled out.
Laura couldn't help but laugh slightly at the unamused look on her best friend's face. "I admit my knowledge of court formalities isn't the best, but I would be glad to assist you and anyone else in learning it, if you would like." Her gaze sought out support from the other nobles in the room.
"Sure, I can help. My sister is far better at this stuff than I am, but I know enough."
"Indeed. It would be a shame if Regnitz made the entire class look bad with his general buffoonery."
Outside of a fuming Machias, the rest of the common-born students appeared appreciative of the support offered by their high-born comrades. Their teacher clapped her hands together happily as it seemed that everything had been taken care of. "Good! We will be leaving tomorrow after classes, so make sure you're all ready to go."
With that, class was dismissed for the day. Most of the students had club activities to attend to, especially as it appeared they would be missing club the next day, so the afternoon passed uneventfully for them. As usual, they all returned back to the dorm in the early evening and were treated to a wonderful dinner by the dorm maid.
After dinner came those lessons on court etiquette. Some might have complained that it was cutting into their already limited festival prep time, but considering how nervous the class musician was regarding the upcoming ceremony it was pretty obvious that nothing could be done on that front that evening.
Jusis took charge of the explanation, while Rean and Laura served as assistants. The lessons didn't really consist of much more than learning how to properly bow, kneel, and keep your mouth shut unless spoken to directly, but given how imperative it was that nobody screwed it up, the lessons continued. It soon became obvious that special attention was paid towards the high risk members of the class, and it was especially annoying for Fie when she realized she was being lumped alongside Crow and Millium.
"Seriously you two, I know how to be quiet." The younger girl complained to the two assistants. Most of the rest of the class had already departed to their rooms, and even Crow had left after proving that despite all odds he knew how to conduct himself around high ranking individuals, as if he had prior experience. Jusis meanwhile was focused on the other worrisome member, but his efforts appeared to be for naught as Millium had decided that she would rather play with the blonde noble instead.
"Well, I can't disagree with you there, but you do have a tendency to be rather..."
"Direct?" Rean finished for his blue-haired companion.
"You guys both suck, you know that?" Her unamused look had the opposite effect, causing her two noble companions to start chuckling in amusement. This of course only served to annoy her further.
Rean, not wanting to truly antagonize his dear friend, was quick to apologize. "Sorry, sorry. If it makes you feel better, I personally enjoy your direct nature."
"Indeed." Laura was quick to support him. "I have witnessed father entertaining numerous guests over the years who could speak for hours on end without actually saying anything."
She knew her two friends were honest people, so she didn't doubt the sincerity of their words. "...You still suck." She muttered half-heartedly, but with the ghost of a smile on her face. After assuring them that she wouldn't say anything at all during the ceremony the group of three friends spent the next few minutes enjoying the sight of Millium driving the youngest child of Duke Albarea into an early grave, before retiring to their respective rooms for the night.
Classes still continued as usual for the students the next day, although a few teachers did seem especially interested in the upcoming events. Instructor Thomas went on an impromptu lesson about Valflame Palace and the Arnor bloodline, which wasn't awful, all things considered. The Vice-Principal, however, spent the entire class ranting about their many faults and how they had to be absolutely perfect during the trip. His lecture was so long and droning that even the most studious members of the class started tuning him out, which only infuriated the Baron further. He made it quite clear that if any of the members of Class VII did something to bring shame upon the academy that he would personally ensure their remaining time at the school would be a living hell.
With classes over the students were directly ushered to the train station by their instructor, and before long the brief ride came to an end. Once at Heimdallr they were escorted to Valflame Palace by members of the RMP. After a thoroughly exhausting search by the security detail they were finally allowed to pass, and a butler was there to escort them into a waiting room where they would stay until the Emperor was ready to meet with them.
The wait wasn't long, but it was enough to cause some of the more nervous members to start getting antsy. Luckily it ended before Elliot could really freak out, and the students were led to a large door, and soon ushered through. With Instructor Sara leading them they came face to face with the Emperor, the Empress, and their three children.
Luckily, all the members of Class VII remembered their previous training, and made a passable effort at following the lead of Jusis and their teacher when they kneeled before the royal family. For their part, the Emperor's family seemed impressed enough. Olivert waved happily, Alfin winked at Rean, Crown Prince Cedric appeared curious at seeing them again after only a couple months. The Empress just looked at them with a warm smile. The Emperor himself didn't give anything away with his facial expression, but there appeared to be the tiniest hint of pride in those eyes as he gazed upon the group of eleven students and their teacher.
The ceremony itself was nothing special, just them kneeling there as the Emperor lauded them for their efforts and presented the class with a medal for their hard work. Of course it was still a great honor, but Rean knew he wasn't the only one more focused on their surroundings. Or more specifically, the people surrounding them.
It wasn't hard to notice the leaders of the four Great Houses in attendance, none looking like they wanted to be there. Although Rean had only seen two of them in person, it wasn't hard to surmise that the other two gaudily attired men were Marquis Hyarms and Marquis Rogners, the fathers of Patrick and Angelica respectively. Alongside them was Jusis's father, Duke Albarea, and the leader of the noble faction, Duke Cayenne.
If the four nobles were merely easy to spot, it was safe to say the man on the other side of the room was actually impossible to miss. Although he had greeted Class VII before, there was something about the Blood and Iron Chancellor that drew all attention to him. Unlike the nobles, the intimidating Giliath Osborne actually seemed to be quite interested in the proceedings. Alongside him stood a proud looking Governor Regnitz.
Rean's eyes widened as the Chancellor appeared to make eye contact with him. It was only for a fraction of a second, but he almost thought he saw the older man's smile widened just a fraction. One blink later and it was gone as the intimidating man's gaze moved to his classmates. Had he just imagined it? He couldn't imagine why a man of that stature would have any interest in him.
Eventually, the ceremony ended, but before they could leave the real fireworks began. It started when the Chancellor and Governor both joined the class to offer their own congratulations for their hard work. This in turn prompted the four nobles to do the same, but Duke Cayenne couldn't help but add a scathing retort against the imperial government in his own praise. This of course prompted a response from the two senior members of the government, and eventually all six men started bickering with each other in the middle of the throne room.
It was an ugly sight, and for the members of Class VII their position standing directly between both squabbling groups suddenly felt a whole lot more important. The arguing continued for a few minutes, until the Emperor, disgusted almost beyond words, harshly chastised the two groups before exiting the throne room, Empress and Crown Prince in tow. Although the argument had been diffused, it was obvious to all that it wasn't over, and both nobles and government officials left their own separate ways, but not before Osborne sent the students one final nod of acknowledgment.
"Well that sure was a spectacle." Came the cheerful voice of Prince Olivert as he approached the group, Princess Alfin in tow. Although his words and smile were light, it was clear from his eyes that the debacle weighed heavily on him.
Alfin too, but the young princess did her best to ignore the events that had transpired in favor of greeting her newest friends. "I see you guys have been busy." She teased.
"Indeed they have, which is why I'm here to give you a special reward." The prince paused for dramatic effect as he let curiosity build among the students. "With father's approval, and using my authority as Chairman of Thor's board of directors, allow me to extend to you all an invitation to the Phoenix Wings resort and hot springs."
"Oh..."
Alfin giggled as she noticed Rean's reaction. "We would tell you more, but why bother when you have the expert in your midst?" That earned her numerous confused reactions, although Instructor Sara's amused eyes made it clear that she knew the connection.
After a second, Rean regained his composure. "Of course. The Phoenix Wings are located in Ymir. My home."
With all the events at the capital to an end Class VII returned to Trista for the evening. They needed to prepare for the unexpected trip, and the train ride was so long that they would need to pull another early morning. Fortunately, that wasn't much work, and with little in the way of homework the three festival ringleaders were able to finish their planning for the upcoming concert.
To say Rean was conflicted as they boarded the train next morning would be an understatement. Still, while he had left home in search of answers, and hadn't fully found them yet, he couldn't help but feel happy enough with the progress he had recently made that a break didn't sound bad. It had been half a year since he last saw his parents, after all. Of course before he got to see them...
"I can't believe we are taking this same stupid trip again." Fie groused from her seat next to him.
That comment caused the former members of Group B to blink in realization. "Right, you guys came this way during the field study."
"Laura, can't you get your dad to pick us up again? Pleeeeease?" Millium pleaded to the older girl, not wanting to be subjected to an even longer train ride. Although the suggestion had been done in jest, the Arseid practitioner couldn't help but sweatdrop at seeing hopeful looks from some of the other members.
"I... don't believe father would want to do that for us, even if he could. I am afraid we will just have to endure the trip normally." Her well-reasoned answer was met with moans of dismay and she couldn't help but feel like she had just let her comrades down.
"I wasn't planning on riding my bike, but I might be willing to if one of you lovely ladies would join me...?" And that was one of the bigger surprises of the trip. Besides Class VII and their instructor, the offer had also been extended to the second years who assisted them. Although George had declined, both Towa and Angelica had gladly accepted the offer and were now with them for the next two days.
Machias shook his head in dismay. "It still boggles my mind that she is the daughter of Marquis Rogner. If nothing else my time in Class VII has shown me that not all nobles are the same, but I am still on the fence if that is a good thing or not."
"It is not, I assure you." It might not have been the nicest thing to say about the nobility, but even Jusis was terrified about a potential future where Angelica Rogner held sway over Nortia province. At least she could be somewhat easy to work with when her libido wasn't in the way?
"It's a long trip, true," the tall Nord admitted as he allowed himself to relax into his seat, "but I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end. And I'm sure it will be nice for Rean to return home for a bit."
"That is true. Seems like we're always visiting people's homes. All that's left would be Emma and Fi- Uh, just Emma." Elliot winced at his slip of the tongue knowing about the former jaeger's past..
Fie just shrugged. "It's fine. Thors is my home now."
"Ahah... I don't think we'll be visiting my home any time soon. It's a bit... out of the way." Emma admitted with a sheepish laugh, which managed to dispel any awkwardness lingering from the moment.
That was the moment when the train started up, marking the beginning of their long trip across northern Erebonia. With no last-minute alternatives provided, the students grudgingly allowed themselves to relax for the day long ride.
Despite their numerous complaints, six months into the year and all of the members of Class VII had become experts at killing time. Small-talk was made, Blade decks were drawn, and a certain ex-jaeger turned Laura's lap into a pillow, not that the older girl minded at all. There was some excitement when Rean announced they had finished planning for their concert, but that excitement rapidly turned to annoyance when he cheekily informed them that he wasn't actually going to tell them anything until after they reached Ymir.
Although Sharon wasn't with them, the maid had dutifully prepared them all packed lunches and the group of fourteen ate well. Of course after eating other members of the class followed Fie's example and took naps of their own. Towa, being Towa, had brought paperwork from the school and took the time to get started on it, much to Angelica's annoyance. Rean, being Rean, left his seat to assist her, much to his classmate's annoyance.
It was early in the afternoon when they once again arrived at Roer, but that wasn't the end of their trip. After transferring trains it was another hour before they reached the end of the line, but some few members of their party grumbled in annoyance at the realization they still had more to travel. That grumbling died quickly, however, as only a few people had ever used an orbal cable car before, and of those few only Rean had done so enough to not be awed at the sights provided.
Evening was already settling in as they stepped off the cable car and were introduced to Ymir proper. Rean's description of his home had painted it as a rather rural place nestled away in the mountains... and they soon discovered that he was completely right. Still, it didn't detract from the beauty of the place at all, and he assured them that it was even more beautiful in the winter.
The first real surprise of the trip came shortly after, when they were greeted by Rean's sister, Elise. "Princess Alfin told me about what you guys did and suggested I take a couple days off from class to come here." Her tone made it obvious that the suggestion was almost certainly an order and probably an abuse of Imperial authority, but nobody was willing to bring that up. "So allow me to serve as your guide for the duration of your stay here in Ymir."
Rean grumbled that he was more than sufficient to serve as the guide, but he didn't let it bother him... much. He was mostly just happy to see his sister again, even if it had only been a couple months since their last reunion. With his authority thoroughly usurped he allowed his little sister to guide them to the resort where they would all be staying, while promising to give them a full tour later once all their stuff was dropped off.
Which was exactly what they did. They couldn't help but be impressed at the elegance of the Phoenix Wings, which the Schwarzer siblings were happy to inform was once a gift given to the family by a previous Emperor. Once they dropped everything off in their rooms the students of Class VII made their way back to the ground floor for the big festival announcements while Elise returned home and the second year students left to do a little private exploring.
Once everyone was assembled Rean allowed Elliot to make the announcement. The others were shocked when he told them that they needed musicians, vocalists from both genders, and backup dancers. It was only at that point when it started to dawn on the members of Class VII what they had gotten themselves into when they agreed to Rean's suggestion.
After that Elliot unveiled the roles that everyone would be playing. Rean, Laura, Gaius, Alisa, and Elliot would be playing instruments, and Fie and Millium were the backup dancers. Some were nervous as they had little experience with those instruments, but all vowed to do their best to learn it in time, especially as Elliot made it clear that failure was not an option with a smile that put them all on edge. The only ones who did raise issue...
Jusis, Machias, and Emma as the vocalists, with the first two to perform a duet together. Needless to say none of the three were happy. Jusis and Machias, of course, protested the idea of working together, but grudgingly accepted it once the point was made that it would be a good representation of Class VII and their ideals if the sons of a duke and the imperial governor performed together, especially with the chaos currently gripping the Empire. Although they did accept the idea, accepting it and being happy with it were two entirely different matters and it was obvious the grumbling and complaining from the two dignified males wouldn't be ending any time soon.
Emma meanwhile just didn't like the idea of being at the center of attention. It was an understandable sentiment, but they assured her she had nothing to worry about. This was proven especially true when Alisa stole the girl's glasses off her face, despite her protests, and combed the class president's hair. That simple change was enough to cause the guys, and even some of the girls, to gawk at the transformation.
Next came the unveiling of the costume designs. On paper they looked pretty good and all the members seemed agreeable to it. While the female outfit especially was a bit more intense than what they were used to, they generally agreed that it was tasteful and were glad that Rean managed to prevent Crow from going with his original ideas.
After going over some of the smaller details and making sure they would be ready to start practicing as soon as the instruments arrived, the group split up and went their separate ways before dinner. For Rean this meant a long-awaited trip back to his home. Although a part of him was uncomfortable doing so, there was no denying that he truly loved his family and was grateful for the chance to see them again after half a year.
It was a strange feeling being back in Ymir again, and it seemed that the presence of him and his classmates had become known, as it appeared that half of the town was conveniently out and about on business. While he certainly didn't mind having his old friends and neighbors coming over to greet him as he passed by, it made the short walk to the Schwarzer mansion into a surprisingly long trip.
Eventually, mercifully, he arrived at his home to find his parents waiting for him. Any reservations he had about visiting dissipated as soon as he found himself trapped in the warm embrace of his adoptive family. That commotion cause Elise to show up, and she wasted no time in properly greeting her brother now that the Schwarzers were finally alone.
After making small talk for a few minutes, Rean's mother left to make some tea while the other members of the Schwarzer family reconvened in their living room to continue the chat. Eventually the topic switched to that of his master, Yun Ka-fai, and the Baron surprised his son by handing him a letter from the Eight Leaves founder.
Initially the letter focused on the mundane, stuff about his travels and experiences, but inevitably the topic shifted to that of his training. "Remember: form is emptiness, and emptiness is form." He muttered to himself as he read the words. It certainly wasn't the first time his master had uttered that phrase to him, but now that he thought about it...
Memories of recent events came surging forth. The fight against the Radiant Blademaster. Vowing to find the answers he needed. Receiving offers of help from two very unlikely sources. And with that help finding that inner peace he had so desperately been searching for.
His eyes widened in realization. In learning to stop fearing his inner power and seeking to control it for himself, Rean had achieved a level of inner calm he didn't realize was possible. An emptiness. Perhaps it wasn't what the message originally meant, but he realized in that moment that he had found exactly what his master had wanted him to seek. That revelation caused him to laugh happily, surprising the rest of his family.
Seeing their confused looks, the grinning swordsman elaborated. "I haven't found all the answers I seek yet, but I think I finally understand what master has been saying. All this time I've been running from myself, and never looking forward..."
Elise gasped in shock. "You've... changed since I last saw you, haven't you?"
"Let's just say I have really good friends."
"Hmm..." His father hummed to himself as he looked proudly at his son. "I see letting you attend Thors was the right choice after all. In that case, I have something else for you." The older man rose from his seat and went to his office, before returning with an intricate scroll in his hands.
Rean's eyes widened as he recognized the scroll, causing Teo Schwarzer to nod in understanding. "Indeed. Master Ka-fai left this intermediate scroll to be delivered to you once I thought you were ready for it. And I am comfortable in saying that that time is now, so take it."
Which Rean did, holding the scroll in somewhat shaky hands as he looked upon it reverently. He knew he wouldn't have time to even open it until he was back in Trista, and with the festival looming probably wouldn't be able to train in it much, but just holding it was a whirlwind of emotions for the boy who had spent so long considering himself a failure in his training.
After that, his mom returned with the tea, but shot her son a warm smile as she had almost certainly overheard the conversation that had transpired. With that, the full member of the Schwarzer family sat down together for the first time in half a year. Of course the parents were interested in Rean's time at Thors, so he spent much of the time talking about his classes, field studies, and especially his friends.
Eventually, Rean made to exit the mansion. Although somewhat disappointed with his decision to leave so early, they all understood that his visit to Ymir was technically part of a class trip and respected his decision to be a good student. He did promise them that he would find time to return for a real visit as soon as possible, before exiting the door.
He was still holding the door open after exiting when he noticed something unusual. "Um..."
That something unusual, or in this case, two something unusual, happened to be a certain pair of his classmates standing by his mother's garden. "Oh... hello Rean." Laura greeted awkwardly, which only increased when the commotion drew the attention of his family, who came to check out what the noise was all about.
"What are you doing here?" The confused boy asked.
"You said I could check out your garden if I ever was in Ymir." A blunt answer, but it was the best Fie could give as even she knew that being caught snooping around on the Schwarzer estate was a bad look. "Laura was just keeping me company." At the very least she could make sure her friend didn't take the fall with her.
Fortunately for the two girls, the Schwarzers were not like most nobles, and appeared more amused than anything. "Did he now?" Lucia asked in interest. "I take it you like gardening?"
"Yup. Part of the Gardening Club back at Thors. Rean's been helping me with my flowers."
"Well isn't that lovely? In that case I'd be glad to show you what I have growing right now." The older woman happily led the youngest student towards her garden and began pointing out the different things growing there.
As that was happening, Teo turned to Rean's other classmate. "You're Victor's daughter, I presume?"
"Yes sir. My name is Laura S. Arseid. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Do you know my father well?"
"Indeed I do. Victor and I have been friends for many years. He actually visited here just last month to talk about ongoing events."
That caused Laura to blink, although she did recall her father mentioning something along those effects in Legram. "I see..."
"It's good to know that someone so skilled is in my son's class. Do continue to look out for him in my stead, will you? He can be a bit reckless... and stubborn."
Laura couldn't help but giggle slightly at Rean's embarrassed protest. "True, but he looks out for us too. I am grateful to have another follower of the sword as a dear friend to fight and grow alongside."
Rean clapped his hands together to gain the attention of everyone. "Well, it's been wonderful to see you again, but we really should get going if we don't want dinner to go cold." And totally not because he was afraid his parents would continue to say embarrassing things, not at all. He didn't even want to think about the fact that he was unable to hear whatever it was his mom was saying to Fie over at the garden.
"Hmm..." The Baron mused as he watched the three students descend down the hill towards the resort.
"You think so too?" A nod was the only reply Lucia received.
This interaction confused Elise. "What are you talking about?"
It was her father who answered. "Well it wasn't hard to notice that when Rean was talking about his classmates there were two in particular he seemed most happy when talking about. Given what we just saw, it seems safe to say the feelings are mutual, at least on some level..."
"Sorry, Elise."
The younger girl just waved her mother off. "N-Not at all. I've always just wanted Rean to be happy. I don't mind if it's one of them who pulls it off. As long as he's happy..."
There was something quite enjoyable about watching his dearest friends enjoy the meal that came from his father's successful hunt and mother's garden. They all realized that this might be the last peaceful day they would have until after the festival and were thus resolved to make the best of it.
After dinner came general relaxation and other simple activities. Between games of billiards the members of Class VII and their closest friends took the time to enjoy the hot springs, with the designated time for the boys coming first and girls second. Ever sound of hearing, Fie perked up when she heard Rean tell Jusis and Gaius that they should go on ahead and that he had stuff on his mind and was planning on bathing later that night, during mixed hours. Curious, and potentially an opportunity to be exploited.
The group celebrated the end of the day... with a pillow fight. It was silly, and immature, but after all the stuff they had been through silly and immature sounded perfect, with even Jusis showing a tiny smile as he retaliated against Millium's assault. After thoroughly exhausting themselves in that battle for the ages, almost everyone chose to retire to their rooms for the rest of the night. One of the exceptions being Rean himself.
Although happy to receive it, he couldn't help but be nervous about the intermediate scroll now sitting in his room. It was a huge step in his training and he regretted the fact that he wouldn't have much time to train in it with everything coming up soon. Still, he was at least prepared to memorize its contents and study the stances once he got back to his room in Trista.
Of greater concern, however, was the form his master thought he was finally ready for: The Seventh. By all accounts, it was the most difficult of the styles to master, by far, but it was the one that he was supposed to commit to. He had no reason to doubt the words of the Eight Leaves founder, of course, but it was still a daunting prospect nonetheless. Although he felt he had something of an understanding of the meaning of the words, he instinctively knew that the mantra 'form is emptiness, and emptiness is form' would be a mantra that defines his training in the next few years.
So caught up in his inner musings, he almost didn't realize that his legs had carried him into the hot springs lobby and that there was already someone there. If his thoughts had caused him to almost not notice Angelica, she must have been even deeper in thought as she didn't react to his presence at all until he called out to her.
After treating her junior to a drink, the second-year student inquired as to what was bothering him. After briefly explaining his promotion to intermediate level the older girl raised her brows in surprise.
"Huh... I assumed you were just worried about your powers or something."
"Actually, that reminds me. I was surprised when you weren't... surprised about seeing it in Roer."
Angelica shrugged. "Well, Crow did mention it a bit before, but I was still pretty surprised. I was led to believe you couldn't control it, but clearly that has changed. Back on topic, I understand what you're saying. I remember having butterflies in my stomach when my master announced that she was advancing me to the intermediate level with my Taito training. Still, it's like they always say: Your master knows when you are ready. Just gotta roll with the blows and keep going on, although I think you already knew that."
"I did," He agreed with a nod. "but it's still reassuring to hear it. So what's up with you?"
To his surprise, she wanted to give him her orbal bike, which in his mind meant only one thing. Which she confirmed by admitting that she was being forced to leave the academy. Apparently that was a decision that the marquis had made entirely on his own, thanks to her actions in the mine.
It was a sobering reminder that tensions were still extremely high in the empire, and that their actions, despite how positive the outcome was, weren't without repercussions. A part of him wanted to decline outright, as if not accepting the bike would be enough to keep her at Thors, but the rational part of his brain knew that to be a lie. So with great reluctance, he nodded his head and became the owner of an orbal bike, much to the older girl's relief.
After that Angelica left leaving the boy alone to his thoughts. At least here in Ymir there was one thing he could do to relax his body and calm his mind after such an exhausting day, so without any hesitation he made his way towards the outdoor springs, unknowing of the fact that one more major event awaited him out there in the warm water...