Lets party
The North has been annexed by the Empire; thus, it was renamed the province of North Ambria after the Northern War. We already knew how the war started due to deception and accusations by the Erobonia government and how the archaism went maverick, causing untold destruction in Haliask, the capital city of the north.
Then a hero appeared out of nowhere, like in some fairytale story: the Ashen chevalier and his divine knight came to the rescue and defeated the archaism menace, thus bringing hope and peace to the people of North America as they embraced their hero, Rean Schwarzer. That's how the story goes.
With the North finally becoming part of Erobonia Empire, a relief group came, providing the Ambrians with provisions and medicine, making it easy for the North to accept the merger as the country was already in poverty due to the harsh winter and salt Pale incident.
They already said that a new railway would be built connecting to the capital of Haliask, thus making the connection more possible between the two nations. Import and export of goods could be done easily, and transport between citizens could also be easy. It could be said that the North is changing for the better.
With the war over, Emperor Eugent Reise Arnor III held a hero's welcome party, as those who are involved with the north are to attend the social gathering that includes family members and guardians. Of course, it was Osbourne's idea to hold such a glorious party for their heroes.
XXX
Aurelia already looked at the invitation letter with the royal seal. She scowled, knowing it was the councilor's idea. It was probably due to observing Roxas. She knew he would attract attention, but she didn't expect it so soon after the war.
The reason she didn't want to let Roxas get involved in the war is because he was still innocent, as he was still new to the concept of war. The other reason was preparing for him before he involved himself in Zemurian affairs, helping with the Le Guin enterprises during her absence, and travelling around the continent to learn.
Le Guin Enterprise was based on Scrooge Mcduck ideas, who helped her with ideas and guidance to do business. It was challenging, and she accepted the challenge.
As a soldier of Erobonia herself, it is her duty to obey the orders of the Imperial government, which she hates, especially Osborne's orders. She knows her business will be interrupted or suspended by the government if it claims to harbor rebel elements in the future.
Rather frustrated, the richest duck in the world told her two things that no government must touch or it would incur the people's wrath: food and medicine. Hunger is the enemy, and it is true that she has seen her fair share of famine after the devastation of war. So she bought and invested in the Celdic Settlement that was recovering from the Civil War to improve the farming community, increase production, and conduct agriculture research.
With such an opportunity and those I needed, Job took the offer along with others outside the Celdic community who also expressed interest in the offer and wanted a simple life. It didn't take long, as in just a month, the market town flourished, becoming the most important food import and export of the Empire.
Not just that, she even contacted Russell from the Schimidt connection. Seeing the orbital gear prototype in his old documents, she could see potential in both construction and farming equipment. Imagine powered armour with the capability of carrying heavy weights with ease, arms that can use melding steel, harvesting crops, and more.
Through her calculations and a few others helping with the business, she believes it would rival the Reinford Foundation in just a year or two, probably because they didn't have rivals to compete with. For medicine connections, The Seiland Company is a renowned maker of medical equipment and medicine in Remiferia.
Of course, Celdic will be a professional company to provide medicine to anyone in need, establishing smaller branches of pharmacy unlike the General Store.
"So what do we do?" It was a rhetorical question Wallace asked anyway.
"As you already know, we can't back down from this invitation." It was true that it would be nothing more than an insult to royalty if they refused.
"He wanted to observe our new residence, so they invited us to the mad tea party." That was sarcasm in the last part Wallace said.
"Yes, and I would rather fight an entire army of Soldats than let the councilor lay his hands on Roxas." Aurelia was now overprotective.
"Knowing if he knew more about the boy's abilities would be a problem." For the past few months, Wallace has already concluded that Roxas is probably the only person in this world with the ability to use magic without the use of Arcus; he can't create portals to teleport; he can walk on walls; he can jump higher than normal; and he can adapt to any situation as the more Roxas fights, the more he learns new skills and even Wallace's own style.
Knowing the boy may be able to fight against the radiant blade master and others, obtaining the title of strongest, Wallace kept that to himself, as being the strongest also means inviting trouble.
"We already have problems. My spies have already contacted me about Scarecrow coming and asking questions at the bistro, like "How did I acquire the wooden warship ship and know how I do business?" Aurelia would sometimes call Scrooge McDuck for advice, and the so-called Richest Duck in the world saw her as a potential apprentice, unlike his other nephew Louie, who preferred scheming to get rich faster.
For Aurelia, he was like a grumpy uncle and mentor at the same time, as Scrooge was something close to an uncle to her.
"But I'm well prepared, and it's probably the perfect test for Roxas mingling with the upper class and meeting the Ashen Chevalier. I believe their encounter would shake either for good or bad. I called it a feeling, Aurelia thought.
"Like rivals that battle each other or don't understand each other," Wallace said.
"Probably, I think" Aurelia said.
"I was joking. Still, are you prepared to answer a few questions, especially from Osborne?"
"Who do you think I am?" I'm Aurelia Le Guin, the Golden Rakshasa, who faces worse than just a few questions that I can handle. Besides the party, we were going to meet with another benefactor." The countess pulled out another letter, only this time it had the Cayenne seal on it.
Valflame Palace is the imperial palace located in the capital city of Heimdallr in Erobonia, where Dreichels Reise Arnor fought during the war of the lions and crowned himself king. During his rule, he built Thor's academy so the best and brightest would learn, and it didn't matter what background, commoner or noble. Probably, he wanted to bridge the gap between the status quo.
The city was the crown jewel of the Empire and the starting point for how it caught in the civil war; its capital became a battlefield when the Palace turned into a demon-king fortress of doom. It was Class VII that put an end to Duke Cayenne tyranny and restored peace to the capital.
The party was held in Esmelas Garden, an open garden where anyone could mingle with others while enjoying the party.
Olivert Reise Arnor, or Oliver, as known by his friends, also attended the party. In truth, he had no reason to attend, but his father insisted that an important guest would come, and it's not the Ashen Chevalier.
Roxas was wearing a student Thor's military uniform as his formal wear, and it suits him as he is in the presence of the Emperor. The three are down on their knees, bowing to his majesty. Eugent Reise Arnor III is at his side, his Empress Priscilla Reise Arnor, and one of her children, the princess Alfin Reise Arnor, as it's curtsey, "Welcome back, General Le Guin, and Brigadier General Wallace Bardias.
"It was a successful campaign, your majesty. The war with the north is over and without any casualties on our sides, including the enemy." "With the both the civil war and Northern War over it's time we focus on our nation future" the emperor announce.
"I couldn't agree more your majesty "
"I have a question if it's alright" The Emperor asked.
"If your majesty asked I would gladly answer to the best of my abilities".
"I heard the countess took a person to be your apprentice and rumors that he defeated you in a duel " The Emperor boldly asked.
"Yes, it's true" She had nothing to hide.
Everything from the Emperor Ear voice went quite as hearing a terrible joke.
The countess presented her golden boy "This is Roxas whom I took to be my apprentice " As the countess confess but not lovers not yet as it be complicated to explained and worst if Osborn use her as leverage. Just because the councilor look weak doesn't mean his hiding his true strength.
Roxas approaches and bows gracefully, as he learns about etiquette and manners in front of royalty. They are impressed by his showing proper body language and mannerisms, including those around him. In truth, it's similar to fighting, as you need to maintain a steady stance.
"I am Roxas, your majesty," as nobody introduced himself in front of royalty.
"Roxas, do you not have any last names?" the Emperor asked.
"Forgive me, your Majesty, for I do not have a last name nor was I given one; I'm just a simple nobody."
Eugent didn't expect that answer: "That is very humble of you, Roxas, but a person like you who managed to defeat the golden Rakshasa in a duel should be given an honourable title."
"I don't require a title, your majesty. I'm just a nobody. Maybe in the future, when I'm ready to receive an honourable title." For Roxas, it's a bit complicated.
"I understand that when the time is right, I will bestow such a title."
"Thank you for your kindness."
"Without further ado, we continue our celebration and enjoy the dinner party," the Emperor announces for the guests to hear.
"Thank you, your majesty," the three of them said.
The party was ongoing as everyone mingled with others, talking about politics and the economy. Even though the situation in North America is that it's going to become part of the Empire, just like Crossbell and Jurai, Rean Schawzer also attended the party, as he had to.
While Roxas was leaning somewhere, he was not used to mingling with strangers. Sure, some did come to him and ask for any questions, but he only answered what he could. And he started to know why Aura never liked attending such events.
"Excuse me, who are you?" someone called Roxas, a short girl with hoods that looked like rabbit ears.
"Oh, I'm Roxas, and who might you be?"
"Called me a black rabbit; that's what I'm called."
"Ok, nice to meet you, black rabbit, so what can I do to help you?" Roxas knew who she was, as Aurelia told him to be careful of her being part of the Iron Blood.
"Who are you really? Major Lecter tried to find whatever information but couldn't."
"I'm just a nobody," Roxas simply answered.
"Knowing she wouldn't get any information, Altina left; for other reasons, she wasn't good at talking.
Roxas is then approached by a familiar face: Oliver, the travelling musician, or actually Oliver, the debauchery prince. "Roxas, I fancy seeing you here."
"Nice to see you again. Oliver, or should I say Prince Olivert?"
"So you know how?" The prince asked curiously.
"During our first meeting, for starters, it was your shoes; they're very high quality and less dirt, which only someone of nobility could wear, and the other one was hearing rumours about the debauchery, who disguised himself as a musician and travelled the continent."
"I'm surprised that you search for such rumours."
"One thing I learned is that there's a bit of truth in rumours; we just had to find the right one." Nobody said.
"Impressive. It seems I underestimated you, Roxas."
If you're wondering how Roxas met Oliver, it was during his time in Libra as he met the prince, who was singing out in the open, and out of curiosity, asked what he was doing. Oliver just proclaimed dramatically his reason and passion. But Roxas was a bit suspicious, as Oliver was hiding something as he saw an orbital gun in his clothes, as no musician would carry a weapon.
Someone then said, "So it's Roxas' pleasure to finally meet you."
"Councillor Osborne" Olivert was surprised to see him.
"No need to be on guard, I just wanted to hear about young Roxas opinion with his majesty after the party. I mean I have some questions to ask if it's alright."
"None at all, Councillor. I answer the best I can." Roxas looked weary at the councillor, knowing this man was giving him a bad vibe—a manipulator like Xemnas.
XXX
The party ended as only those important stay Aurelia had a meeting with someone so she left Wallace to look after Roxas.
Within the private part of the garden are the councillor, the emperor, the empress, the princess, the debauchery prince, the Governor General, and the Ashen chevalier.
Osbourne wanted to ask Roxas a question about how he thinks of class VII and its contribution during the civil war, as he wanted to evaluate the boy who was under the guidance of the Golden Rakshasa.
"I believe that the Prince Olivert sugar coat class VII is weak in a sense."
"What?" Rean shouted
Rean wanted to argue, but the councillor held his hand and shut him up. Everything was already awkward knowing who the councillor was.
"Could you tell me why?" Osbourne asked.
"I read and thought hard during the civil war that class VII did help with the war, but all those times wasn't their own strength and power; some of it only got sure luck and connections as the courageous were provided by the prince along with the creation of class VII. And every time they are in a dire situation, they are helped by someone; I know they already received help, but their times when help might not come, as miracles don't come twice or cheaply".
Rean heard this and didn't like it knowing it was true, as everything they got was handled on a silver platter and every battle was intervened by someone else.
"That is true. I believe they couldn't defeat Ouroboros top agent and needed someone to save them, am I right, Schwarzer?" It was like the councilor pointed out their flaws just to spite class VII.
"That is not true. I believe that class VII contributed so much during the Civil War." Olivert is trying to defend class VII.
"Then would you claim that class VII ever defeated their foe without any outside interference, their own true strength, or even managed?" Rufus decided to add more insults.
The prince tried to say something, but as it was all true, it can be said that Class VII got lucky.
"What does it mean for you to claim such a notion?" the princess said, not liking what she heard.
"Because I knew what it's like to fight alone without anyone to help as you had to rely on your own strength to survive, tell me, Ashen chevalier, did you ever defeat a formidable without your strength and skills or that saying to protect others with your own strength is all bark and no bite?" All the memories of how Roxas had to fight alone, facing Xion and Riku.
Rean can't take such insults. " I will prove it by challenging you to a duel. I'll show you my strength in class VII."
"I accept knowing this conversation would go nowhere," knowing action speaks louder than words.
XXX
The two duelists were somewhere further from the crowd for safety reasons. As everyone was watching the duel, some believed Rean could win and prove the strength of Class VII, while others wanted to see the strength of Aurelia Golden.
Both sides were preparing for the duel, with Roxas holding his keyblade with one hand and being handicapped while Rean was using his Eight Leaves, One Blade, only this time in a perfect stance. Those who saw Roxas weapon found it to be funny, while others were curious about it.
Wallace was the referee, knowing this was an inevitable clash of ideals. " Begin!"
"7th Slash: Fallen Leaves!" As Rean moved so fast that no one could see his move, with a loud klang, the Ashen chevalier blade was on the floor. Roxas countered it as a member of Organisation XIII. His element was light, and as such, he could move fast at the speed of light, making Rean's Fallen Leaves look slower in comparison.
Everyone who saw this was surprised, especially those who were close to thinking he might win but didn't. Osborne was smiling, knowing someone had managed to defeat the Ashen Chevalier. Altina was also surprised to see her guardian defeated.
XXX
Rean lost the duel, knowing the boy he had just met had beaten him. He wanted to scream and cry, but he still had his pride. The only thing he could do was leave with his dignity intact. The part continues as Roxas is invited to join again in the royal chamber. To ask more questions.
"Tell me, Roxas, what do you think the annex to North Ambria?" Osborne asked
"I think it's a mistake to use force."
"Do tell me if there's another way." Osborne decided to test the boy.
"I believe the Erobians could help north Ambria, as they aren't that far from the borders, and we could allow a railway to be built within the country, especially in the capital of Ambria, Haliask.
"That would be impossible; the northern government won't allow such a thing, especially Jaeger; they have too much pride," Osbourne said.
"There is no nation without its citizens, just as a king is not a nation without his people. No nation is a state without its people, just as a nation is no state without its people". Roxas explained with conviction that the government of Ambria could not silence its citizens' wishes for a simpler life.
As a result, those who hear this are in agreement that a king without his subjects is no king at all. Someone so young has such wisdom to share. All royalties have been agreed upon, including Prince Oliver's. The princess hadn't even considered the implications. There was something intriguing about it for Rufus.
"Tell me, young Roxas, where did you learn such wisdom?" Osborne asked, knowing it wasn't the Golden Rakshata that thought of him. The women knew the art of war.
"I learned it from a Grand Admiral whose name is Thrawn."
"Grand Admiral Thrawn I never heard of such a name. Is he from Calvard?"
"No, he is somewhere very far, but he studied the art of war and perfected it. As he quotes, "To defeat an enemy, you must know them. Not simply their battle tactics, but their history, philosophy, and art."
Osbourne heard him laugh out loud, while others found it disturbing that even the prince was sweating. Even Rufus found it amusing.
"Tell me, how does art allow you to defeat your enemy?" Rufus asked.
"Example would be the Crossbell central bell, as it's a symbol of the nation's pride as a nation's connection to others; as such, they hold their pride high even if under the Empire's occupation, and they also believe in their heroes, the SSS."
"I agree." Rufus knows already how the people of Crossbell have so much faith in the SSS.
"I also know that Princess Alfin didn't contribute much during the Civil War," Roxas said.
"What did you say? I was there."
"No offence, princess. A sheltered girl like you only sees things like others on the surface."
"That's not true; I was there during the time Celdic was attacked," the princess said, trying to justify her action.
"Then have you seen how the people of North Ambria survived during the Salt Pale incident, have you seen how Crossbell is during the occupation, or have you ever even set foot in Calvard just once, but without an escort to cuddle you, and have you walked on a battle field to mourn the loss of your soldiers and those caught?"
Alfin couldn't say anything, knowing it was true. Even during the Civil War, it was class VII that helped her, but the thought of how she could contribute was very little. And here someone was speaking, which was part of an insecure heart. Even Olivert couldn't argue, as it was all true, as he had seen so much during his travels.
"I'm not saying you are wrong, princess; you have the potential to do more, but that is limited to a confined space. If you are interested in knowing more about the world, you know where to find me, Councillor Osborne, and your majesty. It's time I excuse myself; it's getting late."
"You may find it intriguing to know about you, Roxas. I hope we can have another conversation," Eugent said.
"Thank you, our majesty," Roxas said, then left, followed by Wallace, "leaving." So what do you think of Osbourne?" Wallace asked.
"He gave me a bad vibe that reminds me of someone that I don't like."
"That we can agree, as both nobody and Nord left the chamber.
"What do you think of the boy?" Eugent asked Osborne.
" The councillor is rubbing his chin, smiling. "He's an interesting individual. I like how he thinks, and with a strength that could surpass the eight leaves, he would have made fine iron blood."
"I agree that this feeling wanted to mentor the boy; he may look fragile, but my instincts were on high alert when he was battle-ready." Even Rufus was on edge.
"Could you defeat Roxas?" Osborne asked his second.
"That I don't know, as even the Governor General also left knowing he had so many things to do.
"His very humble self called himself a nobody," the Emperor said.
"Or maybe a significant meaning." Rufus could tell there was something more.
"It's more frightening that he knows the art of war, which surpasses anyone I meet." Olivert said
"Yes, I would have liked to meet Grand Admiral Thrawn as a potential commander for our project," Osborne thought.
"That I can agree with.". Rufus could imagine himself as an admiral and an Iron Blood member.
Alfin was quite quiet, as nobody had the heart to say anything after the enlightening conversation. Everyone went their separate ways.
A few days later, rumours had already spread about the Roxas, the nobody who fought the Golden Rakshasa, and the Ashen Chevalier winning the duel. As the rumours started to spread beyond Erobonia, they knew change was coming.
Somewhere secluded
" "Father, where are you taking me?" Prince Olivert asked, as this was the first time the Emperor would bring him somewhere private at midnight when the party was over.
"Olivert, listen, what I'm about to show you is a crisis that would change Erobonia and the entire continent of Zemuria."
"What could that be? Is it what Osborne is planning?"
"More than that, you already know about Dreichels and his companion Roland, the warriors of Nord, and the iron maiden that fought during the war of the Lions."
"Everyone knows the story."
"But did you know he had another friend, a third companion?"
"What?" Oliver didn't expect such a revelation.
Eugent continues, "That friend he made was not from this world; he was someone from beyond." The Emperor recognised Roxas weapon but maintained his façade, knowing a huge secret was out.
"Beyond, as in another world?"
"His more than that, he's a key bearer, a person chosen to wield the keyblade to bring light to other worlds and fight the darkness that thrashed other worlds. In simple terms, he's a world traveller who travels to other worlds.
"….."
"It was during the war of the lions that Dreichel found and met this key bearer, who came to our world by accident. It was either fate or accident; nobody knows. His name was erased, but his respect and friendship were well earned by Dreichel, who said that both the steel maiden and Roland were jealous of the key bearer for being too friendly with Dreichel."
"That I like to see."
"He fought together with Dreichel during the War of the Lions, as what the false emperor was doing could summon beings of darkness; that's why the key bearer joined the war. The details were vague, but it was written that its power could rival that of a divine knight."
There's no way that's possible. Are you telling me keyblade wielders can defeat divine knights without using a divine knight?" Olivert knew that Zemuria had many strong warriors, but it was suicide to fight a divine knight alone.
"Exactly Olivert, their powers surpass those of divine knights; they could use magic without the need to chant and conjure elements without the need for Arcuss; they could even summon a powerful familiar like a mystical beast to aid them in a battle like a dragon."
Olivert was sweating to hear that Keybearer might even be stronger than anyone he knew, like the Devine Blades, Radiant Blade, and Thunder God.
"But sadly, after the war was over, he left our world as he had his duties, including Dreichel, as he was crowned Emperor, but that wasn't the real reason at all."
"What do you mean?"
As they arrived in a certain room, what made it different was a piece of glowing rock that was glowing like a flaming fire, and behind it was a picture of the titan, whom the prince recognised as the stone statue. From Bryonia Island
"What is this room?" He has never been to this room before, let alone knew.
"A room that only royalty like myself knew and my father before him, as only those who can keep secrets and are trusted, are allowed to be here." Eugene explained.
"Why did you bring me here?"
"Tell me, do you know what that is?" Eugene pointed to the glowing rock that was put on the stand.
"It's a septium fire, nothing unusual," as it was obvious.
"It's not septium; it's a piece of the titan from Bryonia Island."
:What! That can't be; it's impossible. I was told that the stone statue had no divine powers at all."
"The keyblade has the ability to lock and unlock things. Dreichel asked his friend to use the keyblade on the Titan as a joke; it gave the Ark Rouge life. They quickly stopped before the awakening was complete. It was then that they knew how terrifying the keyblade could be.
"Are you telling me that the Keyblade could bring Sept-Terion earth and fire to life?" This wasn't a problem; this was a crisis.
Yes, Dreichel wrote about how the keyblade powers surpass anything he has ever seen, but they cannot comprehend the revival of the titans from their slumber. Dreichel took that piece so as to remind us and his descendants that if we ever meet a key bearer again, threat them well and don't ever tell them about the titans or anything related". Eugene warned.
"Roxas would be in danger not only with Ouroboros but with the Cult and others." Olivert is already looking at the worst-case scenario. He knows the cult was still active in Calvard from the rumours he heard, as well as their interest in the beyond.
"Yes, that is why you cannot intervene with the boy, as that is not your destiny."
"But should we do something?"
"If we intervene, more terrible things will happen. The only thing you can do is guide him. Dreichel has warned us not to interfere; only the Key Bearer is allowed to intervene."
"I understand, but for you to trust me with this, why not Alfin or Cedric?"
"Like Roxas said, Alfin is still naïve to the world, while Cedric is traumatized and sick. Whatever happens here, do not let anyone know about it. "Not ever your lover; do you understand Oliver?".
"I understand. I keep it a secret."
While Olivert was pondering, Eugene knew that Dreichel had erased his own memory about the keybearer to prevent anyone from using him, especially the curse.
So a key bearer once came to Zemuria by accident, and as such, his existence isn't well known because his existence was erased, and only the royal family knows of his existence. As you know, Alfin reminds me too much of Euphemia; the only difference is that she didn't have a strict big sister to teach her. The princess has potential; the problem is that she's being too cuddly by everyone as needed. Osbourne is strategizing to get interested in Roxas.
Roxas called himself a nobody because he didn't want to forget his origin and wasn't ready to move on with a new title.