God Eater 3: The Twin Devils

by E2Moto

God Eater 3 AU story. Instead of one main protagonist, what will happen if there are two protagonists who are brother and sister instead? How will this twist affect the original story of God Eater 3? Rated 'M' for violence, and possible slight profanity.

37. Chapter 37: Returning to Arrowhead

Disclaimer: I do not own God Eater, and any contents already in the game.

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Chapter 37: Returning to Arrowhead

"Oh, man. Finally some cold water," Jerad doused himself under his shower. "Now, it's…"

"A helicopter is coming for a landing! Woo!"

Turning to the direction of the noise, Jerad froze as soon he saw Zeke spinning his member in a counter clockwise.

"What the fuck, man?!" Jerad glared at him with disgust as Shin laughed. "Quit it. That's disgusting."

And Zeke nonchalantly snickered.

"Idiot! Did you forget that our shower rooms aren't sound insulated?" Jerad continued to grimace.

"And..?" Zeke grinned.

"The fuck you mean "and?"" Jerad glared at him. "Okay, if those girls in the other side heard you, and bring that up to us again, I got nothing to do with this, you got me?"

Then he began lathering his hair with shampoo.

"Why don't you also do it, man?" Zeke flashed his eyebrows. "You got a bigger dong than mine, so it will look better with it."

And Shin laughed again while Hugo made a small chuckle.

"Err!" Jerad shook his head, still disgusted. "Sorry, not sorry, but my cock ain't for showing off..!"

"Ehh, boring," Zeke dismissively waved his hand. "Such a waste of a gift. I wish I had it."

"Not my problem," Jerad began rubbing his chest with soap.

"I have a better idea. How about me, and Keith do a helicopter together?" Zeke dashed to the shower area next to his brother. "Be like that Chinook helo."

"Oh, hell no..," Jerad shut his eyes.

"Sorry, bro. I'm not into that," Keith covered his groin.

"What the hell? Why you covering yourself?" Zeke furrowed his eyes.

"Uh, nothing. I just..!" Keith started resisting his brother's grip.

"The hell you shy about? Come on, I'm your bro here!" Zeke pulled Keith's arm away before pausing. "Oh…"

"Alright, now you know you're not the smallest one anymore," Keith murmured. "You happy now?"

Hearing this, Jerad glanced at Keith before turning back with a small chuckle.

"That's not the point," Zeke shook his head. "Just stop being embarrassed like Levin was. We're all boys here. I can't believe I didn't notice this earlier..!"

Then Jerad chuckled. "Hey, Keith. As one among the gods of manhood here, I'd say don't worry about your size right now."

And he turned to him with a smirk.

"What do you mean..?" Keith furrowed his eyes.

"You're still a kid, plus you've always been a late bloomer," Jerad grinned. "Get it?"

"I..don't think so?" Keith rubbed more soap on his chest.

"Okay, I still remembered how stressed you were about being useless about this, and that back in prison," Jerad smiled. "And then before you knew it, you became a techie, and then everyone just depended on you. That's what I meant."

"Okay, I'm getting your point there," Keith nodded. "So…"

"It means your tech skills probably ain't just the only one that will..," Jerad began motioning his straight hands only a few inches apart top and bottom, and then raising his top hand. "Bloom late."

And Shin laughed again while rinsing.

"So, don't feel down yet," Jerad flashed his eyes. "Maybe once you wake up on your 18th birthday, your underwear is suddenly gonna feel tight, especially if you get a morning woody. Ooh, hell. Your cock might even be bigger than your big bro's."

And all the men including Hugo, and Levin laughed.

"Hey, man," Zeke glared at him.

"Late bloomer, remember," Jerad snickered. "Last at first, first at last."

And he made a short cackle.

"Okay.., thanks for the encouragement," Keith began rinsing. "In all honesty, I'm not really worried about mine at all."

"You don't care about…making Am..ahem, I mean your future woman happy?" Jerad smirked.

"Bro, who was that you're about to say?" Shin grinned. "Amy?"

"Amy, really..?" Hugo turned to them while rinsing.

"Oh great. My mouth slipped too far," Jerad sneered.

"Oh, come on," Zeke whined. "You pickin' on my bro, again."

"Get a clue already, man. She is super nice, so what's your problem?" Jerad grimaced. "Amy is pure. Period."

"You know? I'm honestly surprised she hasn't found a boyfriend yet, and saw a couple of guys try hitting on her in our Port," Shin chuckled as Keith glanced at him. "But she just kinda dismissed them, telling them that she's too busy with work, and all."

"Yeah, her welcoming demeanor during her introduction did give me a good impression that we're in good hands," Hugo smiled. "Maybe she's just looking for the right person?"

"I don't know, but now thinking about it, it's really hard to picture her as anything bad," Shin replied. "She definitely hasn't shown much of her bad side yet, but then..remember what Ricky told us?"

Then he smirked. "About how the nicest girls tend to have the dirtiest minds?"

"Yeahhh..," Jerad smirked. "I should have caught that earlier when he said that, but at the same time…"

He scratched the back of his head. "I still can't see her as being that. That girl is really almost like an angel, you know? She's got a pretty face, and a nice pure skin. She's almost perfect in every way."

"In this world, there is no such thing as pure good, and pure evil," Shin argued. "Everyone has their yins, and yangs, and it's scary that Amy hasn't shown much of her yin yet. She must be hiding a LOOOT of things."

"Oh, man. Keith might be the first one to find out," Jerad snickered. "That well hidden 'side' of her, if what that old man said was really true. I mean, which one of us ever imagined that Friday would try forcing herself on Levin while wasted the other night?"

"Oh, brother," Levin sighed after drying himself.

"Just wait. No ill intent. I'm only using that to support Ricky's claim," Jerad waved his hands. "I was shocked myself, really, and even wondered for a split second if this was Frida I was really looking at. She was just a totally different girl compared to her usual shy attitude kind of thing. If Amy was this same kind of person, then damn Keith, if you decide to hit it off with her, you're gonna be in for a good ride. Amy's gonna be 'treating' you good."

And Shin laughed. "Jeez, thinking of Amy as someone who is actually a closet pervert? I find it hard to swallow it myself even after all I've said."

"I can't think of anything else to find her dark side," Jerad chuckled. "Unless we want to dare piss her off, and find out. Well, definitely not me. It looks so hilarious, though. Imagining Keith getting it on with a girl like that."

Then he chuckled.

"And..is that bad?" Keith closed his eyes.

"Not at all. I think it's wholesome, man," Jerad laughed. "Like Trista once said, you need a girl who is hardworking, and supportive of people like you. Amy checklists all of that. Hardworking, pretty, and charming. You really can't go wrong with her."

'I can't believe you're saying all of this,' Hugo mused. 'But how about yourself..? Is Claire's social standing that scary to you?'

"Not thinking about it right now, seriously," Keith continued rinsing. "Even if I do, I still have a long way to go, anyway. She's been professionally doing her job for god knows how many years already while I have yet to accomplish anything. She's way beyond my league."

'Heh,' Hugo continued watching.

"...OK fine, I'm just gonna leave it at that," Jerad shrugged as Hugo behind him closed his eyes. "But I'll tell you right now, you're doing great."

"If anything, I'd say don't fret about this yet," Levin chuckled. "You're still young, and like Jerad said, you are doing great. In addition, Amy is also older, so of course she will be ahead of you. I do not think that's a fair comparison."

"Ooh, that's another good part," Jerad smirked. "Older girls like your bro's type? Mm."

"Dude, shut up," Zeke spat.

"You still have much time to become a better version of yourself each day, so just keep doing your best," Levin continued. "You will make it there if you stay focused."

Then Keith chuckled. "Thanks, I will." 'But for how long..? Technology is the only thing I'm good at, and yet you. Not only were you so talented in fighting, but you had great knowledge in other things like small arms, God Arcs, and history. Somebody can just outdo you in one of the three, but at least you still have two to keep yourself valuable. If..someone who is more educated and professionally trained than just my self-taught skill comes, then…every effort I had will be all meaningless. I…will just be left behind.'

"So yeah, hope you also bloom down there," Jerad clicked his tongue while glancing down at Keith. "Because girls like Amy…only deserve the best."

Then him, and Shin laughed.

"I almost forgot, but wasn't Amy an artist?" Jerad began smirking. "Imagine her..applying her creativity on you. Creativity, and eroticism? Ooh! I really think you're in for something."

And him, and Shin laughed again.

"Oh, please..," Keith sighed.

"Guys, you know how awkward it has been talking about someone of the opposite sex while we're all here naked?" Hugo awkwardly smiled. "But at the same time, this conversation should stay here, and only here…OK? It's a good thing Ricardo already left in a hurry."

"Heh, I think that perverted old man would have pitched in, anyway," Jerad laughed. "Do you guys know what he told me when we just got Lulu? He said she was gorgeous."

"Are you for real..?" Zeke grimaced.

"I'll pass the lie detector if you test me right now, guaranteed," Jerad smirked.

"Yeah, true but he's also an admin like Amy, and Hilda," Hugo argued. "We can't say it's not a possibility that he will tell Hilda about this."

"Then I'll threaten to rat him out on his comment about Lulu, if he tries to tell the owner," Jerad chuckled. "How about it?"

"Blackmailing, huh? I never thought that could be your thing," Shin smiled.

"It isn't, but what choice do we have to protect ourselves?" Jerad shrugged. "I really doubt he will in this case. I think he likes all our boy talks, anyway."

"Alright, well, let's just all keep this among ourselves," Hugo chuckled. "I think this is a fast burning fuse for a big trouble if this gets out of here. Ready to dry, dress up, and chill in the lobby for a bit?"

"Definitely, and I'm still starving," Jerad held his belly. "Just one more thing. If you're gonna hit it off with her, be good to her. I think the She-Wolf is right."

"Do you really think so..?" Keith murmured.

"Didn't she already start depending on you with her coffee?" Jerad flashed his eyebrows. "You're just getting started, and she probably already likes you. Heh, I once saw her stroke her hair when she greeted you. Hmhmm…"

"Dude, really?" Shin began laughing. "Talk about obvious body communication. Keith, I'm also starting to think she is into you."

"How is merely fixing her hair a form of communication? We all want to make ourselves look good all the time," Keith shrugged.

"Right, but for women to men, that's one of their ways of courtship," Shin explained. "Women always want to look good on guys they're attracted to, and Amy just did that…whether it was intentional, or just an unrealized instinct of hers. Don't matter, but her greeting you while doing that at the same time is what made it more obvious."

"Heh, you heard him," Jerad smirked. "Blow her away later on because coffee and drinks ain't gonna be anything compared to what you could do for her later on."

"Like what?" Keith slightly smiled.

"Remember what you said about Moore's Law this morning?" Jerad smiled. "You think our systems around the ship will work forever?"

"Oh, man. I can't argue with this," Zeke chuckled.

Then Levin laughed as they entered the locker room. "That's right. That will be your opportunity to shine."

"And you're the only one who can fix them," Jerad pointed at him before he began dressing himself. "Time to show off."

"I did occasional comp fixes for Amy before, but I'm gonna leave you at that from now on," Shin smiled. "Time for you to learn a little bit more about computers, anyway. Tinkering with hardware is one thing, but how about software?"

"Yeah, time to shine, Keith," Jerad flashed his eyebrows after wearing his blue shirt. "Get her. You're probably the boyfriend she's looking for."

"Think about it, don't you think Amy is a bit too old for him?" Zeke wore his sleeveless purple shirt.

"We said it before. That's the good part," Jerad, and Shin simultaneously replied before smirking.

"How old is she, anyway?" Zeke began wearing his shoes.

I think she's 17," Hugo wore his black, and orange jacket.

"Pshh, that ain't much. Just three years?" Jerad wore his black scarf. "I mean…isn't that what you, and your bro have been into? Lulu is even noticeably taller than you."

"I'm gonna say this again," Zeke grimaced. "No..!"

"Whatever. It's not bad to have your women take care of you," Jerad chuckled while wearing his boots. "Relationships go both ways, but you two are kinda a bit more special."

"Yeah, it's really not wrong to want women who will take care of you," Shin wore his red head guard. "As long as you take care of them, too."

"Yep, it does go both ways," Hugo finished wearing his boots.

"Still, though. Considering what I said about Ricky, and then Amy's creativity?" Shin began smirking. "Hot damn, Keith! I think you're gonna be in for the jackpot if you win her over. She's gonna give you those 'premium treatments' every night for your hard work."

"You really think so..?" Keith awkwardly chuckled.

"Hell yeah," Jerad chuckled. "Keith gonna be the luckiest Hound here, if we all get married. Woo!"

'If..?' Hugo slowly shook his head with his eyes closed. "Don't say 'if.' It's 'when.'"

"Yeah..," Jerad murmured.

"Be a little more positive, OK?" Hugo smiled. "Give your future a chance."

"You think so..?" Jerad shrugged. "I think about it.., and it's all blank. I tried so many times."

"Like I told you once, my friend. You cannot see the future," Levin placed his hand on Jerad's shoulder. "No amount of thinking, or even resonance can show you that."

Then Hugo chuckled. "I wasn't expecting that, but…good point."

"Your future begins in the present. Your every action, your every mindset decides for it. It begins with those," Levin finished.

"Heh, I'll see," Jerad closed his eyes.

"Fair enough answer," Hugo grinned. 'I'll show you, and you will reopen that chest you locked away a long time ago. I promise you that.'

"Everyone ready?"

"Yeah, got my dirties on a ball here," Jerad replied.

"Ugh..! These blood soaked clothes of mine," Zeke grimaced. "Yeesh..! I can't wait to toss this into my basket."

"I got a canister for sanitizing, if you need one," Keith offered.

"Thanks, lemme spray a bit of them once we're in the cabin," Zeke smiled. "I gotta get one of these."

"No problem, bro," Keith smiled. "I'll help you find one once we're in Arrowhead."

And once they are in the Residential Hall.

"There you boys are," Trista smiled.

"Huh? You finished the same time as us?" Zeke furrowed his eyes. "I thought we took forever."

"Well, yeah. We all need our beauty showers," Trista stroked her bangs. "We're about to go to Arrowhead, aren't we? It's quite a lot of people in there, and we don't want unwanted attention for stinking."

"Yeah..right," Zeke scratched his head.

"And by the way, you boys really need to keep it down," Trista smirked. "What's this helicopter landing thing you're yelling about?"

"Uhh," Zeke froze while Jerad, and Shin dared not react. "It's just me finally coming to the showers..?"

"Even with Jerad saying how disgusting you are..?" Trista raised her eyes with a smile. "What the hell were you doing..?"

And Zeke saw Lulu shake her head.

"That's so terribly immature, Zeke," she commented. "Disgusting…"

"Hey, whatever we do in our showers is none of your business, OK?" Zeke glared at her. "Do we ask what you do?"

"Even if it's about indecency?" Lulu argued back.

"Of course!" Zeke shot back.

"Daddy, what is hel-lee-cop-ter..?" Phym asked.

"It's a vehicle that can fly," Jerad plainly replied. "Uses these…spinning blades to fly up?"

"So, was Zeke flying?!" Phym excitedly asked as Shin, Hugo, and Keith tried not to laugh while Levin simply turned around.

"No..! Zeke was just making a figurative joke," Jerad almost laughed. "They don't exist anymore. Only some Aragami can fly..!"

"Okay..," Phym murmured. "Daddy, you're smiling…"

"I'm just in a good mood, that's all," Jerad kept his smile. "Anyway…let's..stow our clothes away so we could eat. I'm starving, you know? I want some snacks."

"Really, can I eat, too?" Phym beamed.

"Yeah, of course," Jerad kept smiling. "Daddy is so excited to eat right now, so let's put our dirty clothes away, OK?"

"Yeah," Phym excitedly nodded. "Bye, Daddy."

"I'll…see you in less than half an hour," Jerad waved. "Claire, please take care of her."

"Absolutely," Claire smiled back, who seemingly understood what was truly happening. "Come, Phym. Let daddy do his work."

"Yeah," Phym held Claire's hand as the women headed for their cabin, and the men likewise headed for theirs.

Once they were inside, Jerad waited until their cabin door was shut before leaning back, and burst into laughter in only a few seconds, which Shin, Hugo, and Keith followed. Levin simply smiled with a few chuckles.

"That was so fucking hilarious!" Jerad clutched his belly. "Do you know how hard it was for me to try not laughing in front of Phym?!"

"I must say, I was impressed that you can hold it that long," Levin chuckled.

"I nearly lost it, man," Shin continued laughing. "The idea of Zeke flying with his helicopter cock."

And the men laughed again.

"Hey, maybe I'll try doing that next time," Zeke snickered with a smirk.

"No..! Especially after your toilet business before the shower!" Jerad grimaced. "Don't want you splashing your piss all over us! Dammit, I swear. Why do you like flexing your cock? I get it, you have a big one, too."

"Because it's fun," Zeke uncaringly grinned. "Don't you think it's funny, too?"

"You shameless bastard," Jerad grimaced. "Fuck..! Well, whatever. If I feel even a small drop of pee from you while doing that, I'm gonna piss you a fountain."

"Or smack you with his dick like a wrecking ball," Shin, and the others laughed.

"Ooh, definitely," Zeke sarcastically leaned back with his hands up in submission after he threw his dirty clothes into his bin. "Jerad can definitely break through walls with his."

Then the four men laughed again.

"I..hate you guys," Jerad threw his dirty clothes to his bin.

"Are you guys done? I think I'm already hearing the girls walking by outside," Hugo waved his hand at the door.

"Been done," Zeke shrugged.

"Always prepared," Levin smiled.

"I can't wait to eat already," Jerad said. "Faith better have some snacks for me. Chocolate bars, junk food, don't care. My stomach just wants something in it after I shit it all before the shower."

"And damn, I thought you were almost going to destroy the commode," Shin laughed. "I felt sorry for it."

"Heh, like Zeke also almost did, right?" Jerad laughed with him.

"Hey, don't drag me into this!" Zeke cried.

"Alright, let's just..get moving," Hugo held his laugh before they started exiting their cabin.

"I must say now that you AGEs definitely have an immense appetite," Levin chuckled. "I confess that before we met, I had never heard about this."

"Well, your cousin seems to have a problem with it," Jerad made a short laugh as they finally passed through their exit. "Always complaining about me, and Phym being too indulgent. Hah! I don't know about Phym, but for me, that's more out of necessity. I've been telling her this again, and again. I starve almost all the time, especially back in prison."

"Oh yes, I have been observing," Levin laughed. "But even years prior, she has always been conscious of her diet, constantly afraid of gaining weight even after becoming a God Eater herself."

"As if the higher metabolism of being born God Eater wasn't enough," Jerad sighed. "Personally, I have yet to even see a fat reggie, and I've only seen fat normal people, but not a single person with a red armlet or two."

"Yes, I absolutely agree with you based on my experience," Levin chuckled.

"I seriously hope she's NOT having anorexia," Jerad waved his hand. "Or that's a serious problem."

"Ah-no-rex-eeyah..?" Zeke furrowed his eyes. "Sounds like being sick."

"Not exactly," Levin shook his head. "It's more of a psychological problem. An immense obsession of being thin that you would even starve yourself to death, or in some cases, force self-vomiting."

"What the hell? That's nasty!" Zeke furrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"As Levin said it, an obsession to be thin," Jerad explained. "To the point that any excess of intake you think you'll get while eating will make you think you're gaining a lot of weight, but in all honesty, Claire isn't even close to that, really. I was just saying that I hope she doesn't get that far. I ain't worried about that with mine, and I will keep eating as much as I want. If I find a genie someday, my first of the three wishes is to have infinite food."

Then Shin suddenly laughed as they stood in front of their elevator. "Ooh, you're definitely gonna make Claire more jealous of you for that."

"Don't care until she learns to get over it," Jerad shrugged. "So for now, she can keep watching me, and Phym eat infinite breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

"Good lord, that is terribly harsh," Levin chuckled.

"I can't think of other ways now," Jerad replied. "I've been putting up with her complaints."

"Heh, this is exactly why you guys should try eating at Kobayashi Ramen once we get back," Shin smiled.

"Ko-ba-yashi..?" Hugo murmured.

"Yeah, remember the ramen shop I told you guys about in our Port?" Shin waved his hand. "Old man Jun. His whole name is Junichiro Kobayashi, or we just call him Jun."

"You know? With oden, I'm starting to think Far East people like putting a lot in their soups," Jerad commented. "I still remember eating Lulu's ramen, and that's also a lot."

"Why I want you to try," Shin flashed his eyebrows. "Jun is just the same. Quite generous in his cooking, too."

"Oh yeah, I'm down, then," Jerad smirked. "Gonna be perfect to bring Claire along, too."

Then Shin, and Levin laughed.

"Brutal," Shin commented. "But it gets even better when I tell you that Jun doesn't like seeing his customers not finish his ramen."

"No problem for me, I'm definitely gonna impress whoever that old man is," Jerad grinned as their elevator door finally opened. "I'll slurp my ramen clean like I always did with Lulu's oden, so bring it. Ooh, it's gonna be fun watching Claire being forced to eat all her ramen. I'd even pay for whatever meal she orders to make it happen. Haha!"

"Ohh yeah, it's on," Shin, and Jerad did an armlet bang before entering the elevator.

"Speaking of taking Claire there, don't you think that's what people call..dating?" Hugo smiled before Shin laughed.

"N-not that I'm thinking of," Jerad grimaced. "It's just a normal treat."

"Aww, look at Jerad here. Don't make yourself redder than a devil," Zeke laughed before Levin followed suit.

"Dude, shut up," Jerad spat at him before the elevator finally opened.

As the four men walked past the bridge, Hilda turned to them with a smile. "Hello, everyone. Good job, today."

"Thanks," Hugo smiled. "So…what's been going on?"

"We are currently still on transit to Arrowhead," Hilda turned to their resonance radar. "We analyzed our current situation earlier, and I highly doubt we won't have anymore Aragami encounters…at least I very much hope so."

"Yeah, really hopefully not," Hugo scratched his head. "I'm a little exhausted now."

"I believe you. It was tough out there," Hilda sighed. "That was…really brilliant of you, by the way, Jerad."

"Hm?" Jerad blinked his eyes.

"If it wasn't for you sending Vice Captain Shin to eliminate those two..Mar-duks, I don't know if we could have still made it," Hilda smiled. "A large Aragami that can have its minions to control and fight for it…hard to believe this isn't an Ashborn at all."

"Me, either," Jerad shrugged. "I also thought so, at first."

"So you said there are more kinds out there?" Hilda murmured.

"Yes, ma'am. They can control bias fields, and each species can do it differently," Jerad explained. "But it's been pretty strange that since this huge disaster almost 10 years ago, only Marduks were encountered."

"I see. Regardless, I simply hope we won't encounter too many of them in the future," Hilda murmured. "Especially once we begin the reclamation."

"They weren't much of a threat compared to Ashborns, to be honest," Jerad replied. "At most, just annoying…like deadly annoying. As long as we know specific strategies to deal with them, they shouldn't pose as much."

"Yeah, this is something I have to add to my notes," Hugo added. "It's really a good thing Jerad thought fast, and Shin also acted fast. Me, and Zeke were starting to be overwhelmed."

"I've heard it all on the radio. It must be really grueling for everyone," Hilda murmured. "In some ways, I still can't believe we're all still here, mostly to your credit."

Then she smiled. "Thank you again for fighting for us…I know it's all part of the contract, but…"

And Hugo chuckled. "Don't worry about it. We've been meaning it on a personal level…since you bought us out of Pennywort."

"...I see," Hilda closed her eyes. "Just remember, everyone who is part of Chrysanthemum..is family. I do not want to lose any of you."

"Mm," Hugo nodded.

"I don't want to take any more of your free time, so please relax until we arrive at Arrowhead's gate," Hilda smiled. "Amy, Ricardo, and I will handle the rest, and you won't likely have to worry about security, either. Two more Gleipnir military ash crawlers will be waiting for us at the end of this ravine trip after hearing what recently just happened."

Then Zeke laughed. "They're not messing around, aren't they?"

"Their old man boss is in one of those mil ships," Jerad pointed at one of the Gleipnir dreadnoughts in their resonance radar. "I'm pretty sure losing 'their head' after that big fight would be the last thing they'll want."

And the three chuckled together.

"Jerad, there is something I've been recently noticing about you," Hilda murmured. "Do you…hate the governor-general?"

And everyone fell into silence before Jerad replied, "Yes."

"I see. Understandable, no hard feelings," Hilda murmured again. "It's just that..he was highly influential in Gleipnir, and as I mentioned a while ago..a lot of people owed their lives to him after the disaster."

"I don't think so for us..I'm going to be respectfully honest," Jerad slowly shook his head. "People like me are also in this situation because of him.., and I don't justify his reasons for it, either. Not. Ever."

"I see, also understandable. I do not fully condone his actions, either," Hilda nodded. "I'm sorry for asking an uncomfortable question. I was just really curious."

"It's perfectly fine," Jerad closed his eyes while forcing a smile.

"Please bear with this a bit longer. I doubt we will need to return to Arrowhead after this grand mission," Hilda murmured. "After this.., you can finally fully enjoy living in your new home..our home. You all still have yet to fully bond with our people."

"Heh, I already told them I'll be taking them to Jun's shop after we get back," Shin grinned.

"Jun… Oh, that ramen shop," Hilda smiled. ""Koba..yoshi ramen..right?"

Then Shin chuckled. "Kobayashi Ramen, ma'am."

And Hilda also laughed. "I apologize. Jun is a respectable man, but I tend to have trouble remembering Asian terminologies."

"It's OK, ma'am," Shin shyly smiled. "It's something I've been used to."

"Don't you, and your unit regularly visit there?" Hilda grinned.

"Absolutely, plus he could always use more customers to also be friends with," Shin grinned.

"Oh, my. Playing business for him, are you?" Hilda jokingly smirked. "But yes. Please help him keep his business afloat. It's a small niche restaurant that has yet to pick up recognition."

"I got no problem with it. I like ramen," Jerad smiled. "And if he makes real good ones, consider me his new regular."

"I think that's pretty much a done deal, buddy," Shin laughed. "Jun does make good ones. That's why we wolf boys hang in there a lot, usually at night."

"My, I think I should consider trying his ramen myself," Hilda chuckled.

"Please come join us," Hugo grinned.

"I'll definitely consider it when I have time," Hilda smiled back. "In spite of me wanting you to relax earlier, I think I ended up taking a chunk of your time. I'm sorry."

"Uhh, I think it's a good conversation, anyway," Jerad shrugged with a chuckle.

"Glad to hear that," Hilda chuckled.

"Umm, before you head to the lobby," Amy suddenly spoke. "Could someone please grab me a soda? I'm kinda falling asleep."

"Oh, yes. That previous battle must have worn you," Hilda murmured.

"Get it, boy," Jerad slapped Keith's back with a snicker.

"Ouch! Watch it!" Keith glared at him while rubbing his back. "That kinda hurts..!"

"Jerad, what is this about..?" Hilda grimaced.

"Just encouragement, ma'am," Jerad smirked.

"Heh, you better tough up, lil bro," Zeke grinned.

"Okay, okay, I got it! Sheesh..," Keith sighed while still rubbing his back. "Hang in there. I'll grab you one."

Then he left ahead for the lobby.

"Heh, he didn't even think about asking us to come along," Zeke shrugged.

"Nah, let him," Jerad smiled.

"Please relax for now," Hilda murmured. "We are closer to the end of this ravine, and radio contact might come soon."

"Gotcha. Thanks for the conversation," Hugo smiled.

"Been a brief, but good talk," Hilda chuckled. "Enjoy yourselves."

"See you guys later," Ricardo gave them a casual salute from his console.

"Yep," Hugo nodded at him before they began walking towards the lobby door, and then it opened with Keith leaving with a red can in hand.

"We'll see you in the lobby," Hugo said. "Just finish what you're doing, and catch up."

"Gotcha," Keith nodded as he passed.

"Heh, you finally agree that you want your lil bro to be the luckiest man in the world?" Jerad smirked along with Shin.

"Heh," Zeke paused. "It's not like you'll ever shut up about it, anyway. Screw you."

"You'll probably eat those words if they do fly together," Jerad smirked.

"Whatever," Zeke dismissively waved his hand before Shin chuckled.

They finally entered the lobby, and the girls were already eating their snacks. Sandwiches, junk food, large quantities of them.

"What took you guys?" Trista turned to them.

"We had a conversation with Hilda," Hugo replied.

"Oh.., and Keith," Trista murmured. "He just went in here, took a soda from a fridge, and left without a word with us. What's his rush?"

"He's running an errand for Amy," Jerad smiled.

---

"Here," Keith gave his soda to Amy.

"Thank you," Amy took the can from him with a smile.

"You're welcome," Keith smiled back before he saw her sigh. "Are you OK?"

"Ah..I was just feeling a little tired," Amy sighed.

"Oh, yeah. That battle we had earlier?" Keith murmured. "It was grueling."

Then Amy stared at him before frowning. "I forgot that you were out there. Maybe I shouldn't have said that..."

"Hm?" Keith blinked his eyes.

"You are the ones fighting out there while I stand behind a screen to support you," Amy murmured. "I shouldn't have complained."

"It's fine. We all have our part to play," Keith shook his head. "I'm sure everyone appreciates your back up."

"Thanks," Amy smiled. "Being an operator can be really stressful, sometimes. You have to pay attention to a lot of things, and at the same time, worry about making sure your people don't get hurt, or worse die."

"I don't disagree with it," Keith murmured. "The pressure of making sure everyone in the battlefield stays informed, and then having to be proactive in seeing dangers before warning everyone. That can put a lot of mental strain on anyone."

"True, but.., this still does not justify my complaint," Amy replied. "You are the ones facing Aragami out there, always staring death in the face, and always being one small step away from it."

"If anything, I don't regret it," Keith shook his head. "I've been improving in my fighting abilities ever since my brother started forcing me to fight with him. I was never a warrior to begin with, but I'm also tired of depending on others…"

"Depending..?" Amy paused. "But you're the one who has been repairing our systems alone, especially our two engines a few months ago, and I heard you also work on other people's God Arcs."

"That's true, which is why I pushed myself after finding my skill in technicality," Keith nodded. "I just wanted to finally get on my own two feet. To be finally of use."

"That's great, and your determination finally found your strength, huh?" Amy smiled. "I was naturally good at art, but I also realized that it isn't practical these days. No one is interested in buying art, so I had to search for a new skill, and then I met Mia. You are kinda just the same. You had talent in technical skills, and you're also acquiring another skill in fighting. I'd say keep it up, because I think the reason why your brother has been pushing you is that he has faith in you, plus he's the older one so I believe he also has the sense of responsibility to better you."

Then Keith chuckled. "You're right. A little overbearing, but…I can't hate him for this, either. I just couldn't."

And he heard a growl.

"Oh, dear," Amy blushed while covering her mouth. "That was me, I'm sorry. It's just that…hearing your talk about ramen earlier started making me feel hungry. I wanted to eat one now, too."

"Do you want to join us?" Keith asked.

"That..will be nice," Amy smiled. "Thank you."

"Then I'll tell everyone you want to join us," Keith grinned. "I'm sure Hugo, and…Jerad won't have any problems."

Then Amy's stomach growled again.

"Ehh," Amy paused while they awkwardly stared at each other before laughing together.

"This is so embarrassing, I'm so sorry," Amy curved her lips while staring down.

"Uh, would you want me to fetch you a snack?" Keith murmured in monotone.

"Yes, please," Hilda suddenly replied, and then the two turned to see their owner on her captain's seat resting her face on her clenched hand, smirking. "Also, Amy is currently on critical watch duty, so you cannot hold long casual conversations with her until she is finished. When on watch, it is very important to focus attention on the station."

"Ah..," Keith suddenly felt pale. "I-I'm sorry, ma'am."

"W-wait..! That was my fault for allowing this. Please only hold me accountable for this!" Amy pleaded.

And Keith raised his eyes. "But I was the one who..!"

He was suddenly cut off by Hilda's laugh, and then Ricardo also laughed from the other side of the bridge in his console.

"It's fine. Now you know," Hilda continued smirking. "I like interesting conversations, so please don't get me wrong, but unfortunately not at this time. Outside of critical watch duties, you are free to converse with her all you want, and I would absolutely not object at all."

"U-understood, ma'am," Keith nervously nodded. "But first, may I grab a snack for her?"

"Of course. I genuinely appreciate your consideration," Hilda grinned. "I cannot keep her working with an empty stomach, and you are the only one who can help her, so please do."

"T-thank you," Keith almost bowed. "Once again, I'm sorry."

"No need to further apologize. Please," Hilda chuckled. "I'm not angry at all, and I always appreciated all the work you have been doing for us."

"Thanks again. I'll…grab her a snack right away," Keith began walking cautiously. "I'll be right back."

Then Hilda hummed in acknowledgement before watching the nervous young AGE head for the lobby, and as Keith was about to pass near Ricardo, he saw him flash his eyebrows before giving him a wide grin. Not able to interpret his senior's gesture due to his sense of urgency to help Amy, Keith proceeded to the lobby door before it opened. Once he entered, and the lobby entrance door shut behind him, Hilda laughed again.

"Um, ma'am..?" Amy nervously called to her.

"It's OK, Amy. I just didn't expect a lot of amusement from him," Hilda turned to her. "I just couldn't help it."
And she laughed again for a few more seconds.

"Ma'am, with all due respect, that is just cruel," Amy grimaced as she continued watching her laughing.

"I was serious when I told him I wasn't angry at all. Really," Hilda cleared her throat. "But that shows that he was such a sweet person, isn't he?"

Then she smirked at her operator.

"Yeah..," Amy grudgingly turned back at her console.

---

In the lobby.

"Hey, guys. Amy needs some snacks. Can you guys spare her some?" Keith murmured.

"If it's Amy, why not?" Trista shrugged while chewing a dipped potato chip.

"Thanks," Keith sighed before grabbing one styrofoam plate, and began filling it with chips, and a cheese sandwich.

"You, alright? You seemed a bit down," Trista murmured.

"Yeah.. Just got into a bit of trouble," Keith also murmured before explaining the rest of the situation to them for a few minutes, and everyone laughed.

"Whoa, man. Hitting on her while she's at work?" Jerad continued laughing with his sister.

"I'd say don't worry too much about it," Trista waved her hand. "You didn't know any better, plus I also don't think the owner is that mad. She even said it herself."

"Yeah, but..," Keith frowned.

"Everyone screws up once in a while. Just get over it," Trista made a short laugh. "Shin, and I had it worse when we came home late. You don't wanna see the owner's face that we saw, and that's the line you don't wanna cross."

"Alright," Keith closed his eyes.

"Hey, toughen up, man," Zeke patted his shoulder. "Like Trista said, it's no big deal. Just get that to Amy, and move on, OK?"

"Alright, thanks," Keith finished filling the plate. "I gotta get going. Be right back."

"We got a bit of war stories to talk about from our frontliners earlier," Zeke grinned. "Be back here fast, bro."

And without a reply, Keith hurriedly left the lobby.

"Jeez, this is real," Trista chuckled before popping another potato chip in her mouth. "He actually did it. I remembered kinda calling this earlier for him."

"I never imagined he would like Amy," Misha giggled. "But after thinking about it for a bit, I think it's kinda cute. Still…don't you think Amy is a bit too old for him?"

"As Shin, and I told him earlier," Jerad began smirking. "That's the best part."

Then him, and Shin snickered before Trista laughed.

"Something tells me there's more to this," Misha furrowed her eyes. "What are you two hiding?"

"Things only men can talk about," Jerad grinned.

And Trista chuckled. "I swear. What the hell have you guys been thinking lately?"

"I can't believe you," Claire sighed.

"Huh?" Jerad turned to her.

"In spite of that, I still see nothing wrong with it" Trista smiled. "Who said you can only pair up with someone the same age as you? Even by character, Amy would still be good for him just as he might be."

"And I'm going to admit that I'm not inclined to complain either," Hugo added. "Amy is pretty nice."

"Really..?" Misha glared at him.

"Cool it, sis. He's just making an honest comment," Jerad chuckled. "Still, though. That one part Keith told us."

"Uh, which?" Trista chewed another potato chip.

"When they got in trouble, and how they defended each other," Jerad snickered. "I don't know if Keith should have really told us that, but I thought that was hilarious."

And he exploded laughing.

"I also thought that was funny," Shin also laughed. "I wish I'd seen that, and the owner and Ricky even laughing their asses off from what he said. Oh, god. I think the owner knows now."

"I'm quite curious, but what started this?" Misha furrowed her eyes.

"There wasn't a single one, but a couple of signs put together," Jerad smiled. "There's him taking long to come back from delivering drinks and snacks to her, and then here's the part that made it obvious enough. When I was stopping by her with Keith, I saw her face lit up when she saw him coming, and then she started stroking her hair before greeting him."

"Ooh..!" Trista froze while Jerad laughed. "You can't be serious! I mean…you're sure it wasn't you, right..?"

"Huh?" Jerad furrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"Big Sis, please be careful," Misha smirked at pouting Claire. "You're gonna make Claire mad…"

Then Trista simply laughed.

"Definitely not," Jerad blankly shook his head. "Because her eyes were definitely on him while she was grooming herself. I was sure of it."

"Wow, I kinda wonder if Amy realized what she's doing," Trista chuckled.

"Right? Kinda wondered the same thing when Jerad told us earlier," Shin laughed. "Talk about a show of attraction."

And Trista turned to him. "Somehow, I hate the fact that you know that…"

"Uh, sorry?" Shin smiled back before drinking his soda can. "Am I not allowed to know women instincts..?"

Then the lobby door finally opened, and Keith returned.

"Hey, finally back," Jerad smiled as Keith finally sat down, grabbed a soda can on a table, and popped it. "So let's finally get started. Apparently Ein sent his guys to help us. Two squads run by Captain Asher Smith, and the other was..Cayden Rogers, right? Dude with a long blade?"

"Yep, he's the one who stuck by me, and Ricardo with his squad," Shin nodded.

"Alright, glad I got his name right," Jerad smiled. "These guys were no slouch, and Asher even challenged me to a kill game, and I floored him."

Then he laughed. "I bagged two Vajras while he only had one. Something also got my attention, but that big sword of his. It reminded me of someone. Was it…Garret? The red headed serious guy?"

And Trista suddenly paused. "I knew there was something familiar about his sword, but I was too far to see it. That is like Garret's. It would make sense because his sword did come from that same Port."

"Now I get it," Jerad nodded. "It's just kinda too bad that it was too hectic to talk. There were a lot more of Ein's guys, but a couple of Asher's people did fight besides Claire. Two girls."

"That's Elise Bertrand, and Nina..um," Claire paused. "I don't think I ever heard her surname."

"Wait a sec, something got me here," Zeke leaned forward, grabbed a potato chip, and popped it in his mouth before laying back on the couch. "Weren't their last names supposed to be..Dusty Miller since they belonged in that Port? Like us having Pennywort?"

"Huh, good catch," Hugo held a potato chip. "That does look a little off. AGEs are supposed to have last names in affiliation to their Ports."

"Uh, not just AGEs. Even Amy's surname is Chrysanthemum," Trista replied. "And yet Ricardo's last name was registered as Sforza."

"I'm not getting how that works," Zeke scratched his head. "We majority boys here are Pennyworts, you and Shin are Chrysanthemums, and Lulu is Baran."

Then he paused before glancing at her. "Sorry about that."

And Lulu simply chuckled. "It's alright. It's just simply truth."

"So, how does this work?" Zeke finished.

"I have no idea," Hugo shook his head. "I can't see any pattern here at all."

"Perhaps it's completely in the jurisdiction of Port governors," Levin placed his soda on the table. "Or.., I apologize in advance, but it may be a matter of who has family names, and who does not."

"You know? You could be right," Trista tipped her soda can at Levin. "Might be even both."

"So thinking about this now..," Zeke glanced at Jerad, and Misha. "Don't you two have parents?"

"Uh, yeah..?" Jerad raised his eyebrows. "You gonna ask?"

"Ooh, what is it, then?" Trista grinned.

"...Alexander," Jerad murmured.

"So, you're Jerad Alexander, and she's Misha Alexander," Zeke chuckled. "Sounds kinda…plain."

"Shut up," Misha glared at him.

"Uh, thanks?" Jerad sarcastically smiled. "Sadly, that's how most American names are. Pretty short, and simple. John Adams, James Madison, and Patrick Henry, just to name a few."

"And who are those people?" Zeke asked.

"Among my homeland's Founding Fathers," Jerad replied. "There's a couple in history I thought were cool, though. George Washington, Andrew Jackson, and Thomas Jefferson. Now those names were badass."

"I definitely agree," Hugo smiled. "I wish I had that kind of name."

"Ooh, I can help you with that, brother-in-law," Jerad smirked. "If you marry my sister, you can diss that bastard Pennywort name, and become Hugo Alexander, instead. Hm hm…"

"Brother..!" Misha fumed in red before everyone laughed, including Phym who was simply listening and giggling along on Claire's lap.

"I have been meaning to say, but to speak in his defense that their surname is indeed flexible," Levin laughed. "Meaning that any first name would sound well with Alexander…much like ours. I remembered that a few of our family members mentioned naming our new relatives wasn't troublesome at all."

"YES, which is why it's good for Hugo to have our…family name," Jerad widely smirked.

"But wait, isn't it always the wife who inherits the husband's name?" Hugo curved his lips in bewilderment.

"In general yes, but there are few special exceptions," Levin replied. "Sometimes, men who marry into a higher class such as nobility or especially royalty inherit their wives' family names instead in order to preserve the said name, and in some cases, it is at the discretion of the bride, and the groom.

"Bride, and groom..?" Hugo blinked his eyes.

"A more formal synonym for husband, and wife, respectively," Levin explained. "Nevertheless, the inheritor will turn their surname into a middle name."

"So Jerad will become Jerad Alexander Victorious when he marries Claire, right?" Trista puffed a few times into a laugh before Misha followed.

"I..hate you all..," Jerad snorted while turning slightly red as the rest laughed.

"Jumping so ahead, already?" Shin chuckled.

"Wait a sec," Trista cackled. "We got another one with a mom, and dad here!"

She turned to her Asian right hand man. "Shin…What's your last name..?"

"Huh..?" Shin leaned back as his captain flashed her eyebrows.

"Your last name," Trista grinned. "Another ching-chong one, right? Your name sounds too simple, so I wanna hear what your other one is. Something like Koh-bah-yashi, right?"

"Great..," Shin sighed. "How did I get dragged into this..?"

"You're just simply here with us. What else?" Trista furrowed her eyes.

"Shin, if you don't want to say, it's OK," Lulu noted. "I know it can be sensitive."

"It's fine," Shin curved his lips with his eyes closed. "It's just that it's been a while since I've thought of it, but it's Tachibana."

"Huh?" Trista paused. "Could you say that again..? Ta-chee…"

"Tah-chi-ban-ah, yes," Shin closed his eyes with a smile.

"Shin Tachibana..!" Trista grinned. "That sounds oddly nice."

"Huh, interesting," Jerad smiled. "Shin Tah-chee-ban-ah..Not bad at all."

"Tachibana Shin sounds even better," Shin chuckled. "In fact, that's how my people work with names, and for formality, we call each other by family names instead of first. You only address people by their first names if you're close enough."

"That further proves my point," Levin chuckled. "If Jerad lives in Japan, then his surname would still sound appropriate even in western standards."

"And Trista Tachibana here, or Tachibana Trista in the Far East," Jerad began grinning. "Not bad at all for a western and eastern mix of names, either."

"Shut up!" Trista pouted as Misha suddenly burst into a laughter and laid herself back on the crouch while clutching her belly, smirking only after a few seconds.

"H-hey, that was uncalled for!" Shin glared at him. "What did I do to you this time?"

And Jerad uncaringly laughed at the two.

"Furthermore, Alexander has also been used as a first name," Levin continued. "Such as Alexander the Great."

Then Claire suddenly giggled. "I told him a while ago."

"Alexander the Great?" Trista laughed. "That sounds badass!"

"Who the hell is he?" Zeke leaned forward.

"An ancient Macedonian king who reigned from 336-323 BC," Levin explained. "A great ruler who aspired for world conquest."

"Whoa, conquering the world?" Trista paused. "Did he actually do it?"

"Unfortunately, no," Levin shook his head. "However, he liberated most of Greece from Persian occupation a century earlier, and then began extending his influence. He nevertheless accomplished great feats..pun quite intended."

"That's impressive," Hugo commented.

"But, Jerad the Great. That doesn't sound as cool," Trista awkwardly glanced at him.

Then Jerad laughed. "What..? That came out of nowhere."

"You definitely fit the bill as the Devil, but..," Trista paused. "Let me ask you something. If you're to be an owner, would you try conquering others?"

'Interesting,' Hugo furrowed his eyes.

"Weird question, but anyway," Jerad curved his lips. "I just wanted to be left alone. Though like him, I will definitely want to have a strong military so hopefully no bastard will think about conquering me, and if one tries to, he better succeed, or else me and my army will be knocking at his doorstep and conquer him. I'll show him how it's done."

Then Trista laughed. "Scaaary..!"

"Why shouldn't I?" Jerad shrugged. "There's an old saying that if you want peace, then be ready for war,"

"Huh? You ain't making any sense, man" Zeke furrowed his eyes. "You want peace, but also war?"

"I never said I wanted war, but I think you're kinda getting the wrong idea, and I can't blame you since I enjoy killing," Jerad suddenly burst out laughing. "What I meant is if you rule a peaceful country, then be ready for war from conquerors at your doorstep. Think about it, if there's some bastard ruler out there who wants to start spilling blood to expand his empire, and sees a peaceful country near him, what would he think? Take a guess."

"Hm," Levin plainly smiled. "I know the exact answer for that, but I won't say."

"Uh, it's easy..?" Zeke reluctantly replied.

"You got it," Jerad clicked his tongue before sipping his soda, and then placed it on his couch arm rest. "Yeah, he'll think of that country as a sissy, and easy conquest to start on."

"That..kinda makes sense," Hugo murmured.

"Now with what I said about wanting a strong military, I'm gonna start with a well trained army, and then most importantly," Jerad began smiling. "I'm gonna build a lot of dreadnoughts. Remember us talking about this? Gotta flex my firepower on others from time to time to remind them that my Port is not one to mess with."

"It's not a bad deterrent," Levin commented. "Display of firepower has also been used for diplomatic methods besides peace talks, but then, they can sometimes go hand in hand. It's also effective in settling territorial disputes. It happens even now."

"Hm?" Hugo glanced at him.

"A few years ago, Baran, and the now defunct Tigridia almost entered into an armed conflict," Levin explained. "It was a territorial dispute over a mine near Baran's supposed territory in which Tigridia laid claim on it for natural resources, but apparently, Baran has already discovered the area and has yet to begin their mining operations for it. They sent a few verbal warnings to Tigridia's ships to immediately cease their operations, and leave, but they ignored their warnings, and maintained their presence."

"I think I've heard a little bit about this," Lulu murmured. "Though, just the part where Baran sent military ashcrawlers over a tension somewhere. I didn't know it was against another Port."

"Wait, you were in there, so how..?" Zeke paused.

"Well, if you think about it, people like us were locked up all the time," Lulu murmured. "So I was only able to pick up word of mouth from the guards keeping their eyes on us."

"What happened from there before it escalated into a skirmish? Gleipnir intervened, and mediated," Levin continued. "They awarded the mine in question to Baran due to it being closer to their Port, and being the first to discover it. Then they ordered Tigridia's governor to stand down, and leave."

Then Jerad snorted. "That should have been damn obvious. It was already closer to Baran than..Tigeridia? Whatever. They should have at least talked to the Baran owner before setting up shop there. Imagine you planted, and grew strawberries in your backyard, and then some guy you don't know just goes in there without asking you, and starts picking them. Why won't I get pissed off, and load my gun to tell him to get out of my property or else? As much as I don't like that Port, props to them for not taking any crap, because I could have done the same. Tell an intruder to piss off, or be shelled on. I don't care what his reason is."

"Well, speaking of territories," Levin murmured. "Unfortunately, Gleipnir has not established territorial laws yet. We used to have them, but they collapsed after the calamity."

"So you're telling me that without it right now, it's probably fair game for a Port that isn't my friend to do his business just outside my Port's walls?" Jerad grimaced.

"Well, that's quite an extreme scenario, but perhaps," Levin awkwardly chuckled.

"Fine then. I can do whatever I want with my area as much as he does," Jerad grinned. "Meaning I can tell his ass off, and if he doesn't, then my cannons will start firing."

"There must be something about that mine that Tigridia wanted," Hugo murmured. "What would that be?"

"Very likely steel," Levin replied. "They are highly sought after because most of our God Arc's components have been made from them. Though needless to say.., Tigridia was engulfed by an Ash Storm two weeks later."

'Ash Storm..? Two weeks..?' Lulu froze. 'Baran just completed the prototype version of the Ash Storm Generator at that time..!'

"Serves them right," Jerad chuckled.

"OK, I'll stop the celebration of people's deaths right there," Hugo cut him off. "But I have a more interesting question for a change since you seem to be enjoying this, but how would you run your people?"

"Civil affairs..that is quite more compelling," Levin smiled.

"Heh, that can be a bit more complicated," Jerad smiled. "I don't know much about politics yet, but you know what? I'd like to say my people can do whatever they want as long as they don't hurt each other and mind their own businesses, but at the same time, I don't think it's that simple."

"Hm," Hugo raised his eyebrows. "Go on."

"Like I said a while ago, people tend to be assholes as long as they can get away with it," Jerad shrugged. "Which is why everyone has to be held accountable under my laws in my Port. Plus think about what happened to my homeland before their second civil war erupted. Everyone turned to clowns after being given too much freedom, and then squandering them to degeneracy. They can keep telling you to mind your own business whenever you call them out for being degenerates, but history also showed that in the grand scheme of things degeneracy, or hedonism wrecks civilizations. My people learned that lesson after that war, so with that being said, maybe I should have a policy that every child born in my Port will have bare bone human rights, and then have to earn the rest of them. They have to work their way up."

"A meritocracy?" Levin smiled.

"Yeah, that. Couldn't find the right word for it," Jerad smiled.

"When you say bare bone rights, what exactly were those?" Hugo leaned forward.

"Things like freedom of speech? Protection from abuse? Etcetera?" Jerad shrugged. "Haven't thought much of it, but that's what I'm thinking…so far. You see in that history, freedom requires responsibility, and responsibility is for grown ups, definitely not for kids. I mean, you can say whatever you want in my Port as long as it's not about promoting a revolution against me like one of the Constitutional fundamentals of North America, but at the same time, if you don't have enough merit, you should have little to no say. You have to have something at stake to be effectively influential. That will naturally keep them in check. Hah, there's a little checks and balances right there. Already with the people. Your work, and your conduct will affect the credibility of your influence, so for example, if you're a POS, then why should anyone listen to you, let alone allow you to hold an important position in my politics? Because if I let that happen, you'll drag my people to hell with you. That's what happened to my homeland about 50 years ago. In my Port, my job as their ruler will be to protect them, and in return, they share their produce with me and the rest of the people under my roof. Now with that being said, if those working in my influential positions start failing to enforce my policies, and hold others accountable, heads will roll."

Then Claire, and Trista gasped. "Whoa! You can't mean-!"

"As in I'm gonna fire them, and find people who can replace them," Jerad chuckled. "Not literally beheading them. Those are just for ancient times. Though, if I was living in that time…"

"Your ideas seem to line up more with feudalism," Levin chuckled.

"Feudalism..?" Jerad raised his eyebrows.

"An ancient social system here in Europe where the people will share their produce with the ruling class in exchange for providing military protection," Levin explained.

"Ah, that's definitely interesting," Jerad smiled. "I'll definitely look into that."

And Hugo suddenly chuckled. "I'm really impressed with how enthusiastic you were about this, buddy."

"Yeah, right?!" Trista laughed. "You're more than just a governor, more like..a lord."

Then Levin suddenly laughed at this.

"Even a king!" Trista added. "But you're terribly strict, too, which is a little scary. Something tells me you're gonna be a bit iron fisty with your Port."

"If you want quality, you need to be strict," Jerad shrugged. "A ruler who can't enforce his policies is a failed ruler, and I'm not about to fail my people on that. You take care of me, and I take care of you. You have problems with my rules, then my gate is that way. I'm not gonna force anyone to stay in my Port, and in fact, I'd rather you leave so you won't cause trouble to anyone. I hate troublemakers."

"I honestly find your militaristic methods to be a bit on the excessive side," Hugo chuckled.

"Well, I have a solution for that," Misha smirked at her blonde friend. "A queen to keep her majesty in check."

Then everyone laughed as Claire began looking flushed.

"It's a fair point, indeed," Levin chuckled. "It is a queen's duty to assist her king."

"You people try so hard to tease us about everything, don't you?" Claire curved her lips.

"But I'm sure that's something you'd be more happy to do, right?" Misha kept laughing.

"Once again..beauty, and the beast," Zeke snickered before laughing together with Lulu.

"Gosh," Claire snorted.

"You know? I'm trying to picture you right now wearing a nice dress with a crown," Trista grinned. "I think you really look like the type. Nice, gentle, and beautiful."

"Y-you're not helping at all," Claire slowly shook her head.

"Be honest. You like that idea of keeping him tamed," Trista smirked.

Then Jerad quietly sighed at this. "This is so tiring…"

"Think about it now, royalties have to have kids who will succeed them," Trista smirked. "Gotta have your princes, and princesses."

"Baby brother, and baby sister?!" Phym suddenly beamed with sparkles in her eyes. "I want them, Mommy, and Daddy! Please..!"

And everyone laughed.

"I'll say this again, Phym," Jerad embarrassingly closed his eyes. "Not gonna happen…anytime soon, OK?"

"Why..?" Phym whined. "Please tell me how to get baby brother, and sister..!"

"You're too young to know! Just listen to me," Jerad grunted.

"Anytime soon, huh?" Shin smirked. "How soon, hmm?"

"Anyway, you guys ain't serious, right..?" Jerad slightly grimaced, also trying to force a subject change. "I thought I was being pretty reasonable. I just want discipline, order, and security in my Port."

"I agree with you, just letting you know," Levin smiled. "Firm, and fair. That's how I see it." 'I absolutely wished Aunt was here to hear this…'

"Got one more interesting thing to ask you," Hugo leaned forward, and placed his soda can on the table. "What kind of people would you allow in your Port?"

Then Jerad stared at him for a few seconds. "Whoever can abide by my rules. I don't care who you are. If you can live with it, and be helpful, then I see no problem, and I will kick those who can't..without hesitation. I don't want bad apples."

"...That's fair enough," Hugo leaned back. "I mean, you do remember that I want to build a Port where people can achieve their dreams, right?"

"Of course," Jerad sipped his soda. "But that is exactly why. You want people messing with other people's dreams to stay in your Port? Nonsense."

"Alright," Hugo murmured. "Fair enough reason…"

"Wait a sec before we move on," Zeke suddenly spoke. "Bad apples? What do you mean by that?"

"It's a figurative speech," Lulu explained. "Rotten apples are known to quickly infect other apples around it, and it will shorten their lifespan, making them inedible sooner. The best way to deal with them to keep others fresh as long as possible is to immediately get rid of them, or all of them will eventually get spoiled. In this case, I don't see any problem with how Jerad's dealings with such people at all. I believe it can be well justified..depending on the crime committed."

And Jerad chuckled. "Right, and as an owner, I have that authority to banish people as I see fit."

"But wait. Don't you think it's more fair if you give them a second chance? At least even once?" Claire protested as Trista, Misha, Hugo, and even Levin glanced at each other with a smirk.

"I already do," Jerad replied without noticing his friends' reactions. "By letting them in my Port, and having them learn my laws and the consequences of breaking them in the first place. That would be my first warning to them, and I will make sure to be clear with that. I won't mess around with order."

"I understand.., but everyone makes mistakes!" Claire argued. "I highly think you should give all offenders a fair trial, or some sort of correction process."

"Hm," Jerad stared up. "I suppose I should. A disciplinary program or review board of some sort? Punishments if misconduct is found guilty? Owing my people a certain amount of community service hours for a start, maybe? Whatever kind of punishment I can think of later. Probably temporarily revoke whatever freedoms they abused for a certain time until they learn their lesson and repent? Whatever works, but for those who are beyond fixing? I'll have to get rid of them. Will that be fair enough..?"

"...Yes, just enough," Claire murmured.

"Damn, it's kinda like you're treating your people like kids," Trista chuckled.

"I said a while ago that freedom requires responsibility," Jerad shrugged. "Act like a kid, then be treated like one. If you can't be responsible with more power, then you shouldn't have it. It's that simple."

Then they felt a slight rumble in the lobby.

"Attention all hands. We are now approaching Port Arrowhead entrance. I repeat. We are now approaching Port Arrowhead entrance."

"So, we're finally here," Hugo sat up. "Should we start cleaning up, and see Hilda?"

"Sure," Trista also sat up. "I don't think she expects us to do anything considering that Amy never said something, but it can't hurt to be there."

"Alright, let's do it," Hugo nodded. "Gather all leftover snacks, and store them in our fridge.

"We're finally back home, huh?" Frida began gathering the snacks, and rolling the wrappers into a seal.

"Excited?" Levin smiled before following suit.

"Certainly," Frida smiled back.

"Feel free to be at ease for the time being," Levin turned back to his work.

"Phym, Phym, wake up," Claire nudged the little girl sleeping on her chest. "We're finally coming back home."

"Hm..?" Phym rubbed her eyes.

"Heh, I didn't even know you fell asleep," Jerad smiled while placing leftover junk food back in its wrapper. "Food coma got you?"

"Food co-mah..?" Phym murmured.

"Falling asleep after filling your stomach," Jerad chuckled.

"Mm..," Phym stretched her arms. "Taste so good…"

"They're junk foods, so be careful not to eat too much of them, OK?" Jerad murmured.

"Why..?" Phym muttered.

"Most are not good for you," Jerad replied. "Even sodas are bad for you, if you drink them too much."

"Okay," Phym began stretching her arms with a yawn.

---

On the bridge.

"Hi. You guys need something..?" Hilda blinked her eyes.

Then Hugo chuckled. "Nothing. We're just here to stand by, and watch the resonance radar…in case you need us."

"Ah, I see. Please feel free," Hilda chuckled.

"And we promise we won't bother you," Hugo smiled. "I know you're on critical watch right now."

"That's correct," Hilda smiled. "You're free to have conversations, but avoid speaking too loud until we are successfully docked in one of the hangars. We have to stay focused until we're completely safe, and right now, we are still outside the gate for AIS verification before we can begin our entry."

"Gotcha," Hugo nodded before he made a quiet gesture for everyone to walk downstairs near the resonance radar. Paying heed to the situation, none of the Hounds gave Amy, and Ricardo an audible greeting, but rather a quiet wave.

"AIS checks are complete," The crew heard from their general speakers.

"Arrowhead 1, and 2, commence entry."

"Our escorts," Ricardo noted as they saw the two dreadnoughts begin entering in a single file line.

"Arrowhead 3, you may enter. Welcome back, Governor-General."

"Self-explanatory," Ricardo murmured while operating his console.

"Ashcrawler Baran, you may enter."

"Really..?" Jerad chuckled as he watched the dark ship cruise past them before entering through the gate in their resonance radar. "The hell did they do to deserve being in before us..?"

"I guess it is what it is," Hugo shrugged.

"Oh, well," Jerad shrugged back.

"Dusty Miller, you may enter."

"So much for the hero treatment, huh?" Zeke cynically chuckled as Dusty Miller cruised past them in their resonance radar.

"It's whatever," Jerad shrugged for the third time. "Why did I expect anything from them in the first place, anyway?"

"Relax now. At least we're finally back safely," Hugo held his friend's shoulder.

"Ooh, I can't wait to try the next shampoo," Misha beamed.

"Try not to have too much fun," Jerad waved his hand. "At least don't make it too obvious."

"Huh?" Hugo furrowed his eyes.

"Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum, you may enter."

"I'm serious," Jerad turned to his friend. "People seem to not like us being happy, and I won't be saying this if we're going back to Chrysanthemum unless you want someone to pick a fight with us again."

"I see.., yeah," Misha frowned.

"Please worry not, my friend," Levin smiled. "With me, Claire, and even Frida around, we will make sure no trouble will come our way this time."

"Heh, all you have to do is say you're from House Victorious, and the punks will turn tail and run?" Zeke grinned.

"Putting it that way, precisely yes," Levin chuckled. "Many people in our Port, including those from Gleipnir, wouldn't dare cross us. Most of the time, even the color theme of our uniforms was enough for them to know. They should keep away from us as long as we maintain our presence."

"Now I find this a bit more assuring," Hugo sighed. "Thanks for looking out for us. We owe you."

"Not at all," Levin shook his head. "You are all my friends, and I have become better by fighting alongside you. I have much more to repay."

"I don't think you owe us that much," Jerad closed his eyes. "But thanks, anyway."

"Attention all crew. We are preparing to dock. I repeat. We are preparing to dock. Stand by."

As per ship's protocol, Amy made her announcement in their general speakers.

"Finally home," Levin sighed. "Now we can finally relax..even for a bit."

"Yeah! I can't wait to shop again," Zeke cheered. "Need some more clothes, soap, and shampoo."

And Lulu quietly glanced at him.

"Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum is docked. All crew remain inside your vessel until Hangar 10 is secured."

"Secure..?" Zeke blinked his eyes.

"It means Gleipnir will begin shutting our hangar door," Levin explained. "They will also purge all of the ash that entered our compartment."

"Ah, OK," Zeke nodded.

"I think I know what will happen next," Keith murmured. "Guys, I think I have to go for a bit."

"Where?" Zeke turned to him.

"To the engine room. I have to make sure nothing bad happens like fire," Keith explained. "I have to grab a nearby fire extinguisher, too. See you in a few."

"Keith, wait!" Amy suddenly called him.

"Huh?" Keith stopped.

"Here's a radio," Amy grabbed one under her console. "In case of emergency contact, and you might as well visually verify that the engines are shut down without mishaps."

"Ah, I see," Keith took her radio. "Thanks. I will report everything important."

"That's an excellent idea, you two," Hilda smiled. "Please look after our engines, and report anything that might concern us."

"Gotcha, ma'am," Keith nodded.

"You're in business right now, Keith," Jerad chuckled. "Yes, ma'am, or no ma'am. Brevity, clarity, and simplicity in comms. Keep that in mind."

"Understood," Keith shyly chuckled.

"Ooh, Keith's ballin' right now," Jerad chuckled. "Go for it. Get out of here."

"Alright, see you guys later," Keith finally ran to the elevator.

"Be careful in there," Amy said.

"I will," Keith finally entered the elevator.

And in only a few minutes.

"Hangar 10 is secured, and commencing air purification. All vessels begin shutdown procedures."

"Commence ship's engine shutdown," Hilda commanded.

"Roger, ma'am," Amy nodded before turning back to her console. "All engine 1 indicators are green. Commencing shut down."

"All anti-ash bulkheads are unsealed. Commencing surface ventilation," Ricardo reported.

"Very well," Hilda acknowledged.

"Bridge to engine room, engine 1 is shut down," Keith reported on Amy's radio. "No mishaps."

"Ma'am, engine room reported engine 1 has been shut down. No mishaps," Amy reported. "All indications remained green. Securing power from engine 1."

"Very good. Commence shut down on engine 2," Hilda instructed.

"Roger. All engine 2 systems green, commencing shut down," Amy pressed a few buttons.

And after a few moments.

"Bridge to engine room, engine 2 has been shut down," Keith reported. "No mishaps."

"Roger. Ma'am, engine room reported engine 2 has been shut down. No mishaps," Amy reported to Hilda.

"Excellent. So glad that went without a hitch," Hilda murmured. "Amy, inform Keith that he is relieved from his watch."

"Roger, ma'am," Amy nodded. "Engine room, this is the bridge. Engine room watch is secured, and return to the bridge. Ensure the engine room hatch is fully secured."

"Roger, securing the hatch now," Keith acknowledged before Amy heard a door shut followed by a few metallic cranks. "Engine room hatch is fully shut."

"Acknowledged. Please return to the bridge," Amy responded. "Bridge out."

Then Jerad suddenly chuckled. "You two seem to work well together."

"Uh..excuse me?" Amy almost stuttered.

"You two work well together," Jerad smiled. "It's a compliment. Keith is a dependable kid, too."

"Oh, um..," Amy paused. "Thank you."

Then Misha simply glanced at her brother.

"Arrowhead to Ashcrawler Chrysanthemum, all ship's engines are shutdown," Hilda spoke to her radio.

"Hangar 10 is secured, ash purification complete, ash level read 0.00 ppm. All crew, you may disembark."

"Ah, finally back," Zeke stretched his arms. "Really can't wait to start shopping."

"So, what do you plan on buying?" Claire smiled.

"I don't know. Probably just hygienic stuff," Jerad shrugged. "Got all the new clothes I needed during our last stop here, so I can't think of anything else."

"Candies, Daddy?" Phym suddenly beamed while Claire giggled behind her.

"Maybe," Jerad smiled.

"You boys, and girls ready for some big shopping?" Ricardo stretched his arms before standing up from his console.

"Hell yeah, I am!" Zeke grinned.

"Well..let's get going," Hilda smiled. "Just make sure you don't accidentally dip your bank accounts, and note that Gleipnir won't be able to make their transactions to you until tonight. There is a penalty for that."

"Wait, you mean that pay we're getting for our Aragami kills?" Jerad chuckled.

"Absolutely," Hilda answered.

"Oh, what a bummer," Zeke slouched.

"Good for you to practice not to squander your FCs," Lulu murmured.

"Are you serious?" Zeke spat at her. "MY money, you know? And you're not my mummy!"

"WHAT was that..?" Lulu began glaring at him.

"Ooh, what is this? We havin' a lover's quarrel here?" Ricardo smirked. "Not a time for this, or otherwise, you might as well book a room together."

Then Jerad, Misha, Trista, and Shin laughed.

"In the Ashlands, right?" Jerad flashed his eyebrows.

"Hot..," Trista murmured between her chuckles.

"Ricardo..," Hilda gave him a playful glare before slowly shaking her head which he only responded with a shrug, and a chuckle.

"Anyway, let's get moving now," Hilda turned back to her crew. "We can't waste whatever time we have until we begin the real operation. I want all of us to make the most of it."

"Yeah," Hugo chuckled before they headed for the elevator.

"After you, my heroes," Hilda smiled.

Then Hugo chuckled. "Uh..yeah. Thanks."

And the first half of the crew entered.

"Good work, today," Amy murmured. "I appreciate the extra work you did to look after us for the ship shutdown."

"Nah, it was nothing," Keith scratched the back of his head with a chuckle. "All I did was observe, and report."

"Yes, but in spite of that, start ups, and shutdowns are the most critical moments," Hilda explained. "You are right in believing that a mishap could happen. It's when it has the most probability, actually."

"I see. Then I'll do that from now on," Keith chuckled.

"Thank you," Hilda also chuckled. "But please don't be too modest. We really do appreciate your work for us."

"Now you're making me blush more," Keith winced before Amy giggled.

"It's good that you're finally getting that true acknowledgement, huh?" Jerad smiled. "Unlike the fake ones in Pennywort?"

"Huh..?" Keith turned to him as the elevator opened before the second half of the crew entered.

"When they told you that you're "smart for a dog," and they'll give you your own room for it?" Jerad chuckled. "It was funny how they made that sound like it's a good thing, but now if you look back on it, it's a room where they slaved you even more. Even to the point that you lost track of time. No sunlight, no ventilation. Just one dreary room for them to abuse your expertise."

"Is that true?" Amy gasped. "That's horrible."

"No lies at all. Keith himself said it about losing track of time part just a few days before you picked us up," Jerad chuckled. "Talk about doublespeak, huh? In the end, no one in Pennywort cared about you."

"It was fine. At least I found a way to be useful," Keith murmured.

"Just don't be a useful idiot. Gets you nowhere. Slaves don't gain anything by working harder since if they don't, whips only get cracked," Jerad laughed. "Just remember how Lulu once roasted Claire about being careful on who to show your kindness to. There are indeed people out there who will take advantage of your selflessness, and there are those who will genuinely appreciate your work. That's the bottom line."

"I definitely will not tolerate the first one you mentioned," Hilda turned to him. "I don't believe in unsung heroes. Whatever thankless treatments Pennywort has done to you ends with me. In fact, it has already ended since our successful negotiations with them to keep you. I will stay true to my word that I will reward Keith with a position of authority in his field once he earns it."

"T-thank you very much, ma'am," Keith scratched his head.

"I will look forward to it," Amy giggled as Jerad glanced at her.

"And Jerad, have you begun thinking about leadership?" Hilda turned to him.

"Wait, me?" Jerad pointed at himself in shock.

"Yes, I believe you have potential to lead a small unit so far," Hilda turned back to their elevator door before it opened. "I heard you have built Frida into something much better than she was with your grueling regimen, and I believe your leadership could prove very beneficial for Chrysanthemum's military. I am loath to say, I still struggle to improve it, and I would need people such as yourself and as well as Hugo to help with that. What do you think?"

"I-I'm not sure if I could do that," Jerad frowned. "She's just one person, but leading more at the same time is something else."

"You also spent time training Claire before Frida, weren't you?" Hilda began walking into the Laboratory Block. "And you definitely produced positive results with her as well. I believe it may be time for you to up your ante a bit, plus you never know until you try. Please start thinking about it, and as an incentive for a start, I will raise your pay, if you volunteer. Also…"

She frowned. "It is true that we have a new wave of teenagers in our Port who want to become God Eaters to protect us, and I'm afraid Captain Daris, and Trista already have their hands full running their own units. Those children will need guidance from you, a senior God Eater with many combat experiences in your belt alone, to lead them. They will look up to you once they learn more about your reputation after you spend more time in our home. I guarantee you it would only be a matter of time until your reputation reaches their ears."

"I see," Jerad murmured.

"Do not overthink this, Jerad. I believe you can definitely do it," Hilda turned to him with a smile. "I can't wait to see you share your skills with those young people. Most of them are orphans, and they need someone like you to guide them. You have time to think about it, but please consider it."

"Alright," Jerad murmured as they finally reached the rest of the crew waiting for them in the exit.

"Hello, Hilda," Hugo waved. "Ready to roll here…"

Then he turned to his friend. "Something the matter? You look in deep thought."

"Oh, nothing," Jerad murmured before Hilda laughed.

"I just spoke to him about considering a new leadership position in our military," Hilda explained. "Just giving him an idea."

"Oh.., is that so?" Hugo turned back to his friend. "Have you decided?"

"Not really?" Jerad scratched his head with a chuckle.

"Wait, you're gonna try making Jerad a unit captain?" Trista started grinning.

"You as a captain, huh?" Shin also started grinning. "I see nothing wrong with it."

"Imagine how thrilled Captain Edwards would be," Trista laughed.

And Hilda also laughed. "Not exactly..maybe yet, but rather..as an instructor. You guys are already a group as the Hounds, so I'm not about to split you up."

"Oh..I see now," Hugo chuckled at his friend. "That's definitely your forte. I'd say take it, buddy!"

"Yeah, seeing the way you grilled Frida?" Zeke laughed. "I'd say..you had no reason to say no."

"I'll think about this, OK?" Jerad argued. "Give me some time."

"Did you seriously need to?" Zeke furrowed his eyes. "If I were you, I'd take it in a flash. Someone who has been doing it to Claire and then Frida? How stupid can you be to say no?"

"You're training a whole group, Zeke!" Jerad spat. "That's a totally different thing."

"Now you mention it, just so you know, it doesn't have to be you alone against a group of trainees," Hilda smiled. "Remember that I also mentioned Hugo earlier, but I can accept a few more volunteers."

"Wait, really..?" Hugo blinked his eyes.

"I planned to ask you after Jerad," Hilda chuckled. "What do you think? I will raise your pay if you accept, and produce results. Same for those who will volunteer after you. I need about…maybe four instructors for now."

"Then that's an offer I cannot refuse," Hugo grinned. "I'll gladly accept."

"Then mind if you count me in..?" Zeke shyly raised his hand with a grin. "After watching Jerad..kinda wanna try my hand in it."

"Then that's two," Hilda chuckled. "I believe your tough personality could bode well with your discipline as an instructor. Two more."

"Ma'am, please wait," Jerad turned to her. "Are you adding pay as splitting among us, or adding pay for each of us?"

"Individually, of course," Hilda made a short laugh. "Or it won't be fair to decrease your salary for having more help."

"If you're worried about the owner's money, no need to," Ricardo snickered. "Because we gonna strike it rich once we succeed in this reclamation. Gleipnir's gonna pay us good. You get your huge cuts, I get my cut, Amy will get her cut, everyone here will, and even after that, the owner would still be sleeping in a mountain of money."

"Ricardo, please do not put it that way..!" Hilda pouted as he laughed. "But nevertheless, thanks for speaking that out for me, and no, I don't intend to squander our reward for that. In fact, I will aim most of our financial gains to improve the orphanage block, and the school district so children will get better care and education. Oh, and also…"

She turned to them. "If you need further accommodation for this training program, anything to improve it such as more training equipment, please feel free to talk to me. I will do my best to make it happen."

"Hm, can't say until I see the training ground..if we have one," Jerad held his chin. "All I've seen was the gym. Do we have a field?"

"Yes we do," Hilda nodded.

"Anything for obstacle courses like say…rope climbing, pull up bars, high wooden walls, things like that?" Jerad murmured.

"Unfortunately..we do not have those yet," Hilda shook her head. "But if you deem those as necessary, I can hire contractors to build and install them there however you see fit."

"Alright. Those kids have to learn how to climb on top of being worked out," Jerad chuckled. "Because there are no ladders outside for them."

Then everyone chuckled.

"Then I shall consider that," Hilda turned to Amy. "Amy, whenever you can, please start jotting those notes…"

"I already began, ma'am," Amy smiled while holding her tablet.

"Wow, you're amazingly proactive," Keith commented. "I didn't even notice."

"All part of the job," Amy giggled before staring back at her tablet. "So far, I had Hugo, and Zeke listed into what I will tentatively call The Hound Sergeants. There are still two more to be listed, and I have already noted rope climbing, pull up bars, and high surface wooden walls, all will be placed in the direction of Jerad, and the other instructors with approval of the governor."

"Wait, me, and other instructors..?" Jerad paused.

"Come on, man. Sign up for this!" Zeke cried. "I got no experience myself, and still into it, but you ain't?! I'm already planning to watch some military videos to get some more ideas for this!"

"...I think I'm going to volunteer," Lulu slowly raised her hand.

"Wha..?" Zeke turned to her.

"I also don't have prior experience in training people," Lulu murmured. "But I have been through a lot of grueling training myself, and I think recalling those..times now, I think I can apply them. Perhaps I could teach them martial arts as well, if it applies. Would you mind that?"

"Of course not," Hilda shook her head. "Then I will gladly list you as my 3rd."

"Then Lulu is added," Amy tapped her screen a few times.

"There's only one more open slot, man!" Zeke tugged his friend. "You in it, or not?"

And Jerad winced while groaning.

"You can do it," Claire suddenly spoke. "You've spent time training me, and then Frida, and I couldn't imagine both of us making it this far without your guidance. Please consider it…"

Then Jerad groaned again before making a sigh. "Alright…fine. I'm in."

"Hell yeah!" Zeke cried. "The big Hounds up together to woop some kids into shape!"

"Are you sure..?" Hilda furrowed her eyes. "Will you commit once Amy finalizes her list?"

"Well, I already started, anyway," Jerad turned away. "I am seriously concerned about equipment, and the obstacle courses thing. It's also kinda weird for me to suggest these things, but not to be an instructor for them..yeah, once those things are there, I want the four of us to go through them really good so we can show them. Put me in, if you're cool with it now."

And Hilda finally chuckled while tipping her monocle. "Very good. Amy, add Jerad into the list, and forward it to me later for review. Keep it in the records in case of updates later."

"Yes, ma'am," Amy began tapping her screen. "Updaaate…complete, and saved. I will forward it to you by the end of tonight."

"Thank you," Hilda turned to their exit door. "Now, shall we have our shopping, and decompression? I'm sure we could all use it now."

"Let's do this," Hugo smiled.

"Shampoos, I can't wait," Misha clenched her hands. "Gotta try new ones..."

"Ooh, I'm with ya on that," Trista placed her hands around her blue haired friend. "Besides Iris, I..have a good taste in that, too."

And after Hilda pressed the OPEN button, the door began opening down and the wind blew past them as the door cracked open, the atmosphere eager to equalize the pressure between the exterior, and interior of their ship. Once the wind settled, and the door completely down, they walked out of their vessel, and not being able to see the sunlight for one week, the white lights of their hangar bay blinded Hilda and Amy as their eyes began adjusting.

"Oh, my. What a nice breathe of fresh air," Hilda kept shading her eyes with her right hand for a few more seconds before they finally adjusted, lowering her hand. "It's finally time to have a sense of peace."

"Yeah, I didn't realize that my adrenaline was still pumping a bit from that last battle until now," Hugo chuckled. "I've been tense this whole time."

Hilda giggled. "I understand, but please try to relax at this point. We don't have much time until our next mission begins."

"Yeah," Hugo nodded.

Then as they proceeded towards the hangar exit.

"Hilda, it is very nice seeing you back."

The crew turned to see Sofia with two other God Eaters with her, both wearing open white trench coats with blue shirts inside them, whom Jerad would initially believe are her escorts. He quietly observed that one was a male of tall stature around his mid 20s with brown hair, and the other, a somewhat muscular woman with short orange hair who is likely also in her mid 20s. She is only an inch or two shorter than her other escort, and unlike him, she is in a less formal composure, bearing a warm yet confident smile that made Jerad believe she is eager to greet and have a conversation with them while her fellow escort maintained a professional posture.

"Oh, my," Hilda smiled back. "Glad to see you again, likewise."

"Grand auntie!" Phym instantly ran towards her with her hands raised, and Sofia quickly lifted her in her arms, also surprising the two God Eaters with her.

"Phym, how have you been?" Sofia excitedly giggled.

"I missed you..," Phym murmured while shyly placing her finger on her lips.

"I'm very sorry, but we will always meet from time to time, right?" Sofia kept her gentle smile. "Have you been good to your mommy and daddy?"

"Yeah," Phym giggled.

Then Sofia turned to her orange haired escort. "It is fine. We have met last week, and she is a good child."

"I see..," The orange haired woman murmured before clearing her throat. "P-please belay my last. Understood, Your Grace..!"

And Phym hugged her grand aunt tighter after seeing a stranger, which made Sofia giggle. "It's fine, Phym. She's a friend."

"Um..hello," Phym timidly waved. "I'm..Phym."

"Aww, you're so adorable..!" The orange haired female God Eater cooed. "I'm…"

"Sofia! You're also behind this?!"

Hearing that familiar abhorrent voice, Jerad felt his blood instantly boil before turning to its direction, and saw a middle aged man in white suit with his hands bound behind him. Anticipating trouble for their duchess, her two escorts stood in front of her, and Lulu noticed the orange haired woman slip her hand on her rear waist inside her coat, suspecting that she may have carried a small concealed weapon with her.

"And you! You bastard!" Inukai broke free before running towards him, and due to the lack of balance from his struggle against restraint, and then the abrupt movement of breaking free, he stumbled before falling face first on the floor.

Jerad gritted his teeth in rage with a low growl, but paused for a few moments before taking a deep breath.

"You alright..?" As if having a split personality, Jerad's expression quickly shifted into a wide spiteful grin as he bent down, and lifted him up by the collar with both hands. "Careful now. Running around recklessly can get you hurt. Should I take you to lost and found?"

"Don't you dare mock me, you filthy dog!" Inukai bravely spat at the unfazed AGE who kept his sadistic grin. "I swear one day, I'll-!"

Then Jerad abruptly lifted him higher close to his face, deathly staring at him with a grin. "Even with your hands tied up..? What are you gonna do? Chew me to death?"

He snickered. "But go ahead. FINISH that sentence! I can't WAIT..!"

His grin widened with a snicker before noticing Inukai pause as if he was seeing a ghost.

"Wha..? What are you?!" Inukai began shivering, seeing something in this spiteful AGE's green irises...

"Hah?! What was that?" Jerad threateningly shook him with a snicker. "Don't tell me you're about to have a stroke..!"

And he cackled. "You're saying you're gonna get me later on, right? Then jailbreak, and have at me. I'll be waiti..!"

Then Inukai was suddenly snatched out of his hands by an enraged blonde man much older than him, likely in his late 20s.

"You will not dare disrespect Her Grace in such a manner again!" The blonde man pulled Inukai close to his face, much to Frida, Claire, and Levin's shock.

Hearing Claire's gasp, and then seeing her cover her mouth, Hugo turned to the two. "Hm..?"

"That's..," Levin paused.

"Lieutenant Sebastian..?!" Frida covered her mouth with one hand. "But why was he wearing Gleipnir's..?"

"You will address Her Grace properly at all times, and I care not even for you as a criminal stripped of your position, do you understand?!" The angry blonde God Eater continued thundering at the former scientist who continued shivering. "And I will repeat this to you for the last time that you have a right to remain silent until your legal proceedings, and anything you say since your apprehension can and will be used against you in court! Is that clear, Inukai?!"

Then Inukai slowly nodded with a whimper.

"Take him away," Abraham gently waved his hand in the direction of the hangar exit. "And place him in higher security."

"Yes, sir!" Another Gleipnir soldier wrapped his arm around Inukai's arm as the blonde man also followed in kind, and began pulling him away.

"I greatly apologize for this," Abraham nodded at the group with his eyes closed, and with a sense of urgency, quickly turned and followed the pair dragging their prisoner away.

"He'll just have to put a foul mood on us for the last time, did he?" Hilda held her forehead with a sigh.

"I sincerely hope you will never encounter him again," Sofia murmured.

"Sheesh, I honestly thought you were going to kill him!" Hugo almost snapped at his friend.

Then Zeke suddenly cracked a short laugh. "I was also scared, man. I thought you're about to beat him into a pulp!"

"Oh, you have no idea..," Jerad slowly shook his head with a faint smile as Claire from behind him saw his shuddering clenched right hand on the side of his waist, which he was likely hiding from view. "I just decided to have a little more fun with him. He did try to give us a foul mood in the end, but I made him eat it, instead."

"And the good part was making him almost piss his pants," Zeke laughed.

"That was a nice cherry on top of my cake," Jerad snickered. "I wished he actually did, but seeing his face was priceless, anyway."

"I nevertheless appreciated how you handled it with some restraint," Sofia gave him a faint smile. "I take it that you are already aware of this whole scheme?"

"Yes, I told the rest of the crew after Inukai was finally apprehended," Hilda murmured. "And Jerad, in spite of how you handled that situation, I do not think it was a wise idea to provoke him any further, and I greatly understood how much you despised him…He's gone. Please leave him, and move on..okay?"

"Yes, it is likely that Inukai has underground connections which Gleipnir and us already suspected," Sofia added. "He was capable of secretly connecting with the Crimson Queen, and there will be no doubt that he may have others as well. An eventual escape from his prison is not to be dismissed as a possibility."

"I honestly think he will come after me, if he wants me badly enough, anyway..with all due respect," Jerad murmured. "It probably won't matter if I pissed him off or not because I've already become a thorn on his side since I almost murdered him once. His bloated ego ain't gonna have it."

"Murder..?" The orange haired woman raised her eyes. "How did someone like you even become close enough to..?"

"It's..quite a long story," Hugo rubbed his backhead with a chuckle.

"Ah, I heavily apologize for forgetting the introductions," Sofia suddenly said. "These two are my fine officers, this is Lieutenant Beatrice O'Brien, and this is Lieutenant Isaac Gunther."

"Pleased to meet you all," Beatrice waved with a grin. "Her Grace told me a bit about you. You all seemed pretty cool."

"I'm Hilda Henriquez, governor of Port Chrysanthemum," Hilda offered for a handshake. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, ma'am," Beatrice shook the governor's hands.

"I'm Hugo Pennywort," Hugo offered for a handshake.

"Just call me Isaac," Isaac smiled. "I heard you're the first who can slay Ashborns. I'm honored to be acquainted with such people."

Then Hugo chuckled. "It's..nothing. We're just doing what we can to survive."

"That's nevertheless no small feat, my friend," Isaac smiled.

---

"Miss Claire, I am truly glad to see you fine, and well!" Beatrice greeted her. "When I heard about what happened in your last mission, and then fighting Ashborns, I got worried sick!"

"I'm glad to have survived to have it become a great experience," Claire giggled. "It made me much better than what I used to."

"And this is the one whom I heard trained you, right?" Beatrice turned to the man beside Claire.

"Yes," Claire giggled.

"Uh, name's Jerad..Pennywort?" Jerad hesitantly offered his hand.

"Hey, no need to be shy," Beatrice clapped his hand into a sincere hold. "Name's Beatrice, and you're the Devil of the Chrysanthemum, aren't you?"

"Uh, I guess?" Jerad shyly chuckled.

"To think that crooked bastard earlier would have snarky beef with you?!" Beatrice began chuckling. "He either has balls, or just an idiot, but the latter was obvious. I was getting ready to zap him, if he tried laying his hands on Her Grace, but I'm kinda glad you stopped him in his tracks."

'I see..,' Lulu mused. 'A taser.'

"Either way, it was a great honor to meet you, Jared," Beatrice grinned.

"It's..Jeh-rad," Jerad curved his lips as Levin, Claire, and Frida behind him chuckled.

"I..see. I'm greatly sorry, but I sincerely thought I heard your name wrong..!" Beatrice politely laughed. "Jerad, huh? It's..quite a strange switch of letters in Jared, but I like it. It has a somewhat more masculine tone to it compared to the original."

"Uh, thank you..," Jerad kept curving his lips as his friends behind him laughed. "I think my sister wants to introduce herself, also…"

"Huh?" Beatrice blinked her eyes before scanning around, also her eyes passing two blue haired women. "Sister? Who?"

"I'm..Misha Pennywort," Misha stepped forward, and slowly reached her hand with an awkward smile. "I am his sister."

"Whoa! You really are?" Beatrice squinted at both of them.

"They're fraternal twins," Claire giggled.

"Ah..OK," Beatrice leaned back. "I'll just simply take it as fact. I've heard of fraternal twins before, but I didn't expect they could be really that far different from each other."

"Well..I can't say much of that," Jerad hesitantly chuckled.

"Shin, and Trista, please introduce yourselves," Claire smiled.

"Alright, I'll start first," Shin stepped forward. "I'm Shin Chrysanthemum, vice captain of Chysanthemum's elite 2nd unit, nice to meet you."

"Ohh, a vice captain," Beatrice paused for a split second before shaking his hand. "Honored to meet a fellow officer. As a matter of fact, this is the first time I've met an AGE who holds an administrative position, more so being so young. Also..are you from the Far East?"

"Uh, yes, and.., no," Shin chuckled. "I was born in these lands, but my late father was from the Far East Branch."

"Ah, I'm sorry," Beatrice murmured. "I know how it feels to lose parents. I was an orphaned teenager before being recruited into House Victorious."

"Huh, a long time member of the family," Shin smiled. "I was conscripted into Pennywort after losing my parents to the calamity, and then eventually ending up in Chrysanthemum."

"That cruel Port," Beatrice furrowed her eyes. "There must be quite a story in how you got out of that, but I won't ask. I'm just simply glad you're in better hands now, and more so, being awarded a leadership position. Thinking about it now, but as you know it, AGEs have been mostly considered second class in these places, but here in Gleipnir, they have a bit more freedom than those in privately owned Ports..partly thanks to House Victorious. So should you happen to interact with the AGEs here, I'm not entirely sure if it's a good idea for you to tell them about your position. I would like to say that your merit should be an inspiration to them, but to be on your safe side, I would rather advise you to keep it a secret to avoid unwanted attention from anyone..hopefully just for now. For me, though, I already respect you for your merit, vice captain."

"I'm very honored, and will keep that in mind. Thank you," Shin made a slight bow.

"My, that Asian courtesy bow. I like it," Beatrice chuckled.

"I'm Trista Chrysanthemum," Trista reached for a handshake. "I'm the captain of Chrysanthemum's elite 2nd unit, and Shin's captain."

"I see. So you're the captain," Beatrice held Trista's hand, and then felt her hand squeeze a bit tighter. "And an elite unit at that. I'm the supply officer of House Victorious, in charge of allocating supply and equipment based on demand, and ensuring that our armed forces will have everything they need to maintain our mission readiness at all times. Not an easy job, but I'm proud of it."

And she began squeezing her hand tighter…

"I see. Glad to…meet another female officer," Trista smirked.

"Likewise..captain," Beatrice smirked back. "It seems that you like exercising as well? You've got a strong grip."

"Right," Trista kept her smirk. "You definitely have good guts, too."

"Oh, yes. I wield a buster blade, and am curious about yours," Beatrice kept her smile. "A boost hammer, perhaps? Or a huge sword like mine?"

"A heavy moon," Trista chuckled.

"The most difficult God Arc to wield. Interesting," Beatrice furrowed her eyes as she continued smirking. "I look forward to seeing your skill with it..by any chance. I also like your name, and I'll remember it."

Then Jerad began feeling a dark, yet uplifting aura emanating from the two, and turned to people near him before staring at Lulu.

Glancing back at Jerad, Lulu stepped forward. "I'm Lulu Baran, a pleasure to meet you."

She reached her hand.

"Oh..I'm Lieutenant Beatrice O'Brien," Beatrice shook her hand. "A pleasure to meet you. You said you're from Baran..?"

"Yes, formerly," Lulu closed her eyes.

"I've noticed a pattern now. Most, if not all of you, came from the three most cruel Ports," Beatrice murmured.

"Three most cruel Ports..?" Lulu blinked her eyes. "I thought the majority of them were like that."

"That is true.., but they are not equal," Beatrice replied. "But the worst were those three. Pennywort, Baran, and formerly Tigridia, which..no longer exist."

'Tigridia, again..,' Jerad mused. 'What's the big deal about that damn Port..? That's about the second or third time I've heard of it, and for some reason, I'm starting to get both hate and creep vibes from it..even if it's none of my business…'

"I see. The first time I've heard about it was Baran having a territorial conflict with it during my time there," Lulu explained. "But granted, also at that time I had no idea what was exactly happening with only hearing a few things from the guards talking to each other, and the Port increasing its alert level. It was from Levin that I finally understood the whole picture."

"Yes, and I'm personally glad Gleipnir mediated for it," Beatrice sighed. "We cannot afford people fighting each other when we have greater threats like the Ash Aragami to worry about, and we need as much manpower as we could to resist them. Ironically as you may also know.., Port Tigridia was wiped off the map by an Ash Storm only a few weeks later, and regardless of the amount of lives lost, it was still a tragedy."

"I have to sadly agree," Lulu nodded.

"I can see in your eyes that you have been through a lot," Beatrice murmured. "But at the same time, I see a lot of strength in you. You seemed stoically resolute."

Then Lulu giggled. "Thank you. I have been indeed using my past to keep pushing forward. I cannot afford to let it hold me back."

"I can understand that it can be difficult, but admirable," Beatrice smiled. "Hopefully, we'll work with each other in the future."

"Likewise, now you mention it," Lulu giggled again. "An officer of one of the most powerful families in these lands. I would definitely be honored, and make sure not to let you down. I will show you what I'm capable of."

"It's a done deal," Beatrice grinned. "Maybe you'll one day become a military officer of Chrysanthemum like Vice Captain Shin, and Captain Trista."

"I recently volunteered to become a combat instructor, actually," Lulu shyly stroked her bangs. "It was even just this morning."

And Beatrice laughed. "That's quite a blessing coincidence! I had experience in being a combat instructor myself when I volunteered to train Gleipnir's AGEs as one of the ways to up my eval, and I can definitely tell you it's the first step to reaching officer ranks."

"Well, I wasn't particularly thinking about being one when I did, but rather, I just wanted to help the owner as much as I could. I owed her very much," Lulu chuckled. "She told us there will be a new wave of recruits wanting to join Chrysanthemum's military very soon, and I thought I should volunteer. Also on top of that with a personal reason, but I'm also interested in passing my martial arts to them."

"You're a martial artist?" Beatrice blinked her eyes.

"Yes, I was trained in karate," Lulu smiled. "And I don't mean to brag, but I also wear a black belt."

"Woo..! I definitely would be careful sparing hand to hand combat with you, even if I was highly trained in the western style of CQC," Beatrice commented. "I was mainly a bodyguard during my junior years, guarding the former duke wherever he goes along with..one of my partners over there."

She pointed at Isaac's location who was conversing with Hugo, Keith, and Zeke. "That's Lt. Isaac Gunther, a man of few words, and my other one isn't…here at the moment, but there were three of us who made sure no one could harm the former head of the House, mostly from Aragami."

"I see. It must be a bit tough guarding the top member of the family," Lulu commented.

Then Beatrice laughed. "Not at all, but typically yes, it could have. But he was also a very kind man, and none of us could complain, really. We were such goofballs as God Eater kids that we're called the Three Stooges of House Victorious."

"I see," Lulu laughed.

"Lulu, please. My..late father wasn't bad at all," Claire giggled. "He treated everyone kindly and with respect regardless of social status."

"Yes, and if anything, we three even took it upon ourselves to guard him and the late duchess with our lives as soon as we had our God Arcs," Beatrice murmured. "We owed them very much, until…"

She shut her eyes for a brief moment. "Anyway, we decided to commit to working with House Victorious our whole lives. It's all we have. I couldn't imagine what would have happened had the late duke never adopted us."

"Adopted..?" Lulu blinked her eyes.

"Yes, on legal paper, we were as part of the family even if not in blood," Beatrice explained. "That fateful day when him, and the last duchess found us three just practicing with our sticks outside an orphanage while touring together. We already planned to join Fenrir together in a few years once we all grow old enough, and then he found us. He said we have a lot of potential, and asked us if we want to work in his family's military in exchange for a better life. I was confused at first since I thought Fenrir was the only military this world had, and then he told us he is actually an aristocrat who had his own, and was looking for more people to join. We were all reluctant to accept since Fenrir was our direction, but we did without thinking much, anyway. We were too shocked to refuse, and when we did, he just laughed and simply said, "Good answer," before he went into the orphanage and even the late duchess..Miss Claire's mother, was shocked. He bought all three of us the same day, and it was really hectic. He never told us to hustle on packing the few things we had and even patiently waited for us, but we did, anyway. This was an aristocrat we're talking about, and we didn't know what would happen, if we ever pissed him off. Well, fast forward to entering their manor for the first time, we spent the first few days working as security guards, and then he started training us. Isaac, and Elias, our missing member here right now, were old enough to become God Eaters while I spent a few more years being trained by House Victorious' instructors, and sometimes with the duke himself. We were still trained at the same time, but Elias and Isaac launched their God Eater careers off right away. I was the youngest of the three by two years, so I had more training as a 12 before I finally got my God Arc."

"I see, so Claire's father is also like yours, right?" Lulu smiled.

"Not at all. Just three of us simply written on paper as adopted," Beatrice made a short laugh. "But nevertheless..he was so nice to us, and even let our kiddy behaviors slide too many times, in my opinion now as an adult, so we ended up looking at him as if he was our dad anyway, and that's also why we swore an oath on ourselves to defend him, and the late duchess with our lives. Even now, I don't think any of us have ever looked back. We originally had a dream together to join Fenrir, but we ended up somewhere else. You know? Sometimes, your dreams can change by life's circumstances, and you might have to accept that because that change..can be a blessing to you. We were actually better off with House Victorious in the long run not only because of the situation we're in, but rather…"

She frowned. "I learned later on that Fenrir was picky in which people to help..mainly those who can be God Eaters, and then their families. That's a bit understandable because of scarce resources at that time..but it's also just wrong. I haven't told you yet why we three wanted to be GEs in the first place which is to fight for humanity as our principle. Fenrir only helped those they had use for while House Victorious helped everyone they could, and even offered them shelter and employment in the family. Sixty percent of our servants, and soldiers..were the people they saved. There is no disloyalty in House Victorious ever, and everyone genuinely wanted to work for them. Elias, Isaac, and I were no different. We are their knights. Also..you already heard that the late duke was the founder of Gleipnir, right..?

"Hm," Jerad nodded with his eyes closed.

"Gleipnir existed prior to this global disaster as an elite division of Fenrir before they became the governing body now," Beatrice continued. "You know what he told us once after one of our training sessions..? He said he founded Gleipnir to become the better version of Fenrir, and he needed our help to make that happen. I didn't get this at first, and then after a few years, we finally understood why. We wanted to help everyone, not just people we can have use for, and even after the calamity, we still did. We continued sending our ships left, and right to save people we could find."

"You are great people," Lulu smiled with her eyes closed.

"We'll continue to do as we do," Beatrice replied. "That is the direction from Her Grace herself, and this is why we never complained no matter how hard our jobs have been. Elias, me, and Isaac, our beliefs are what drove us forward, and to continue the legacy of this great man, Randall Victorious."

'Legacy, huh..?' Jerad frowned. 'Dad…I.'

Then he shook his head. "You know this Elias guy? I've already heard about him. Who is he..?"

"Yes, wasn't that him earlier?" Levin suddenly spoke. "I am not sure if I was seeing him correctly!"

"Oh..," Beatrice turned to him before laughing. "That is indeed him, Sir Levin."

"Huh?" Levin, Claire, and Frida froze.

"I don't understand, ma'am," Frida almost exclaimed. "Why was he wearing a Gleipnir uniform?"

"That..will be a story I'll leave him to tell you about later," Beatrice chuckled. "Needless to say, though. I highly bet he got his kicks tearing that Inukai scumbag in front of us for not addressing Her Grace properly, anyway. When was the last time I've seen Eli get so pissed off?"

She laughed. "Anyway..Frida! I heard from Her Grace you did great out there!"

"Um, yeah..?" Frida murmured.

"You're telling me you killed at Vajra at 17?" Beatrice squinted at her. "I had a hard time seeing that picture with you in it!"

"Levin, and I were there as witnesses," Jerad grinned. "And I was also the one who had him forward the pics to Sofia."

"Wait, did you just..?" Beatrice froze.

"S-she told us to..!" Jerad quickly replied.

"OK…wow, Her Grace must have really liked you guys a lot," Beatrice murmured before leaning towards Jerad for a whisper. "Just between us, but we're the same along with Elias and Isaac..only out of the line of duty, OK?"

"Got it," Jerad slowly nodded.

"Anyway..," Beatrice leaned back with a smile, and turned back to her pupil. "I killed my first when I was 21 with a Chiyou at 16 prior, and I've never seen a God Eater level up that fast. Who whooped you into shape?"

Jerad remained silent while Levin glanced at him.

"You?" Beatrice now squinted at him. "You didn't traumatize my little girl, right?"

"I tried not to," Jerad murmured. "But I was hard on her, and grilled her on every mistake she made. Hesitate for more than ten seconds while sparring with my sister, and she's hitting the deck with hundreds of push ups that I add more each time while I chew her up. That's all I mostly did."

"Hesitation, huh..?" Beatrice furrowed her eyes. "That was one of my pet peeves about training her, a bit slow to gather the courage, but that still doesn't add up. It would take a few months with that kind of training alone to be that good, and it took me even years to be able to slay a Vajra. You said, "mostly," so what other things did you do? What's your secret?"

"Secret..?" Jerad curved his lips. "I don't know if you'll get this, but I had her Engage with me before she fought that Vajra, and killed it."

"Engage..?" Beatrice paused. "You mean..?"

"No, not that kind of thing," Jerad groaned.

"Haha, I was just kidding, Frida," Beatrice smirked at her. "I know your heart goes to someone else."

"Ma'am, please," Frida murmured as Trista glanced at Levin who glanced back at her, and with that suggestive smile she was making, Levin believed she was likely referring to that incident a few nights back.

"An AGE thing…Have you heard about it?" Jerad pushed on.

"Kinda.., something that looks like a psychic power..?" Beatrice murmured. "I heard Gleipnir AGEs talking about it, but I don't think they've ever used it."

"Alright, it's an ability to share minds with each other while fighting," Jerad explained. "It's kinda like having two brains combined into a single one, and then having two people involved acting from it. I heard it's kinda like a telepath thing."

"It's..quite difficult to explain, Lieutenant," Levin waved his hand. "I have experienced it myself, and in some ways, it's incredible, and then in the other, it feels completely strange."

"I think I do understand the basics of it," Beatrice replied. "So…you had Frida copy your fighting experiences, tactics, and strategy into her head, and then sent her to that big cat?"

"Yeah," Jerad nodded. "On top of that, she fought and killed that thing by herself. Levin, and I simply just watched."

"You know how dangerous that was, right..?" Beatrice grimaced. "What if she gets killed? She's only been fighting for two years with only little experience on her belt."

"That is exactly why I grilled her when she asked me to help her up her game. I didn't want her to die maybe as much you would," Jerad shrugged. "And we got her back at that time, and Levin and I agreed on that. We could jump in at just about any time if she couldn't hack it."

"My poor little Frida..," Beatrice suddenly pulled her into a comfort hug.

"H-hey..!" Frida blushed at her senior's tight hug.

"You're able to sleep well, right..?" Beatrice continued. "Did you ever wake up screaming..?"

"Not at all, ma'am," Frida continued wincing.

"I will confirm that," Claire giggled.

"She even slept like a rock," Trista chuckled. "And yet she was also insistent in working out every morning, but I told her to rest her guts for a bit since Jerad totally ran her to the ground, and her muscles will grow, anyway since well..letting your muscles heal is also part of it."

"I wholeheartedly agree with that," Beatrice released Frida. "I don't work out everyday, either. Three to four times a week with some protein shakes."

Then Trista laughed. "I don't do any of those. All raw workout."

"I think you should give it a try," Beatrice advised her. "It definitely helps."

"I'll have a look at it, then," Trista smiled.

"And with that, congratulations, Staff Sergeant Sinclair," Beatrice smiled.

"H-huh?" Frida almost gasped. "Um…"

"Yes, you have been promoted. Already effective as per Her Grace's order," Beatrice laughed. "I'm so proud of you…So close to becoming a senior NCO already, and closer to probably becoming a commissioned officer someday. Due to time, however, we can't hold a formal recognition ceremony since you'll be leaving for the Reclamation likely tomorrow, and I'm sure you're personally better off, anyway. You hate getting a lot of attention."

She giggled. "And on top of that, Lord Dimitri will be arriving back pretty soon."

"Uncle?" Levin murmured. "When?"

"In about an hour, or probably a little so, sir," Beatrice smiled. "Also I am not sure of this, but I think I heard Her Grace will invite you all for dinner tonight, for your uncle's safe return, for a well done mission, and her friendship with the Chrysanthemum governor after a long time. It might be the perfect moment for us to start knowing each other."

"Ah, I see," Jerad nodded. "Well..should we give Friday the recognition here, at least?"

"Friday..? So, you guys start name calling her, too?" Beatrice sighed.

And Jerad chuckled. "Better than calling her Little Reaper a while back."

"What? What kind of a name is that?!" Beatrice grimaced. "Seriously?"

"I see no harm in it, anyway," Jerad shrugged with a snicker.

"Ah, whatever. Let's give Staff Sergeant Sinclair a round of applause, anyway," Beatrice began clapping her hands.

"Yay, congratulations, Frida," Misha also began clapping before the rest followed.

"Happy for you," Lulu clapped with a smile.

"Um, you guys..," Frida bashfully looked away as Levin continued clapping with a smile.

"Aww, look at her. Her face is turning as red as my hair," Trista laughed before everyone followed.

---

"Oh, my. Beatrice already told her?" Sofia turned to the direction of the people clapping before chuckling.

"Hm?" Hilda blinked her eyes.

"I promoted Frida two days ago for her work. Effective since," Sofia giggled.

"I see," Hilda smiled. "Definitely a well deserved one. Just as helpful as your nephew, and then surviving Jerad's ruthless training regimen."

"I see. My nephew noted that he mainly had a part in it," Sofia murmured. "I would like to personally thank him tonight for building her."

"Hm?" Hilda turned back to her.

"Yes, I have already considered inviting you again for another dinner night. I already spoke to our chefs for preparation," Sofia smiled. "In addition, one of my cousins, Dimitri, is returning from his patrol voyage very soon, and it would be the perfect time for you and your crew to know our family more. Would you accept?"

Then Hilda chuckled. "I absolutely won't refuse that offer. Thank you, and I believe our crew would need a bit more decompression. They're all tired."

And in turn, Sofia giggled. "I figured as much. Thank you for accepting again, but considering that it is still early afternoon, what do you plan to do in the meantime, if I may ask?"

"I'm taking my people to the shopping district, partly to restock on their supplies before we leave for our real mission," Hilda replied.

"I see. Then once I finish overseeing Lord Dimitri's docking, then I shall find you.., or perhaps we," Sofia giggled.

"Well..he might need rest, right?" Hilda paused.

"For his age, he is a man full of energy," Sofia chuckled. "He is 38 years old, married to my cousin-in-law who is a former God Eater with a son only 1 year younger than Levin, and roughly ten years my senior. I do not expect him to retire from combat anytime soon, and somehow, he always reminded me of the governor-general."

"Ah, I still remember," Hilda murmured. "Even now, he was still the oldest God Eater I have known to fight as a battalion commander before becoming the governor-general..after he lost his leg in combat."

"That was a tragic day at that time," Sofia frowned. "He was close to my late brother. Commanding our still small forces together with him at that time, and I believed he planned to keep fighting until he was no longer able, but it was still unfortunately cut short."

"Everyone will have their stop, someday," Hilda murmured. "It was that time for him, and now he's running the whole governing body of perhaps all the humanity we have left here. Who knows if there are more surviving outside of Finland..if our place could still be called that."

"Hopefully one day, we could eventually reach out to them," Sofia replied. "Humanity would need to help each other as much as they can in this desperate situation."

"I truly wish," Hilda sighed. "Yet here we are..betraying our children by sending them to their deaths instead of nourishing and protecting them so we could keep living our lavish lifestyles. It's why I made my home independent. I want nothing to do with this status quo that is just plain as day immoral..evil. The best I can do is not be like most people, but I wish I could do more."

"Hopefully one day we will," Sofia turned to Jerad's direction. "I have high hopes that the success of this reclamation will put AGEs in a better light..even by a little. To put it more simply…they needed a hero to make that difference."

Taken by surprise, Hilda suddenly turned to her friend. "Sofia…is there something you are planning in regards to this outcome..?"

"Hm," Sofia stared at her for a few seconds before turning forward. "I do not have specifics as I have yet to begin a thorough thinking of this, but overall, I want to politicize the success of your Hounds in order to convince society to see AGEs in a better light, and to begin fighting for their rights to become as equal as anyone else. Of course, I will ask you for your consent as their governor for my sponsorship for them beforehand. More specifically by hiring their services to support my family's humanitarian missions as the start, but I may think of more ways in the future. I also promise to pay you, and your crew well to financially help you improve your Port."

"I see. A pragmatic plan," Hilda resolutely narrowed her eyes. "Then you have my answer. I agree with your proposition..even without the business aspect, I still would..!"

"Thank you," Sofia closed her eyes with a smile. "But there is another step, the reclamation must first succeed."

"To use it as leverage for your goal, right?" Hilda murmured. "The most powerful, and influential family supporting the heroes of humanity..to act as an example for others to eventually follow as you begin fighting to undo the status quo. A political strategy."

"Yes, but first, your Hounds need enough credibility before pushing for this cause," Sofia murmured back. "This is why it is imperative that your mission succeeds. I know this plan sounds..quite unseemly for a lack of better word considering that I am personally growing more fond of your crew, but this is simply the way things are. We require solid proof as leverage that AGEs can be as important, and deserving of equal rights as everyone else by demonstrating their merit, their worth that would demand more respect for them. It must begin with the heroism, and accomplishment of your crew because that could begin as an undeniable proof that AGEs must be nourished to further the survival of humanity instead of needlessly sacrificing them. My plan is dependent on your success, and without it, I do not know other ways to resist this status quo. This is an opportunity I strongly believe we cannot miss."

"Then leave this part to me for now," Hilda turned to her friend. "I will make sure this reclamation succeeds…no matter what."

"Thank you, once again," Sofia smiled. "Then let's set our plan in motion starting tomorrow, but for now, please keep this between us, as I still do not have a solid outline for this yet. Though, I may also discuss this with Dimitri as he is also one of the key members of the family. He may be able to help."

Then Hilda chuckled. "It is perfectly fine, and I believe you solidly had the first part down. I would suggest arranging a meeting with you, and perhaps your cousin to discuss our next plan after the success of the reclamation."

"Indeed, a sound plan," Sofia smiled. "I will look forward to it."

---

A few minutes earlier.

"Never would I imagine someone would be able to slay Ashborns, someday," Isaac murmured. "I would have had a hard time believing you since not even a battalion in Gleipnir could take on one itself, let alone a whole unit of their elites. They have lost a few ships in the past years with no survivors. Every encounter with them has always been a certain death like a Grim Reaper coming to claim you."

"Grim Reaper..," Zeke suddenly laughed.

"Hm?" Isaac awkwardly smiled, completely perplexed.

"Uh, well. We do also have a Grim Reaper with us," Hugo chuckled. "Our blue haired friend there."

"Staff Sergeant Sinclair..? I understand she wields a variant scythe, but..," Isaac paused.

"Uh, no. The..other one," Hugo subtly pointed to make sure Misha would not notice. "That's Misha Pennywort, the sister of my white haired friend beside her."

"Wow..," Isaac blinked his eyes. "They don't look that much alike. Fraternal twins, I assume?"

"You got it," Hugo chuckled again. "As to why she had Death's reputation? It started in Chrysanthemum where their God Eaters noticed her leaving corpses of Aragami around her with her scythe, and more interestingly before that apparently, Claire saw it as a coincidental pun of her skull hairpin which..is similar to Frida's. It was a pin her brother gave her when we happened to find one laying around in one of the wrecked buildings in Pennywort."

Then Isaac suddenly burst into a short, but loud laugh. "I see. Now that's an even funnier coincidence."

And he mused for a split second. "We had a similar one for Staff Sgt. Sinclair shortly after she became a recruit. As a congratulatory event for her enlisting and having her first God Arc, Lt. O'Brien, and I took her around for a shopping trip, and Lt. O'Brien found a cheap pin displayed in a store. She bought it for her as a present, and had her wear it. Staff Sgt. Sinclair always wore it since, and I'm lowkey glad House Victorious isn't very regulatory with our military uniforms."

"Ah, you three are pretty close," Hugo commented.

"She's like a little sister for the three of us including Lt. Elias Sebastian," Isaac added.

"Elias…I've heard Levin talk about him a few times," Hugo mused. "Yeah, the first I've heard was he's the one who taught him swordsmanship techniques."

"Yes, exactly," Isaac almost exclaimed. "Lt. Sebastian…But just a sec. You don't mind me just referring to them by first names right?"

"Hm?" Hugo blinked his eyes.

"We tend to do these things as part of professionalism..especially among officers. It gets kinda..hassly for conversations for a lack of better word, plus I don't like working too hard on talking," Isaac chuckled.

"I didn't even know that's a standard formality in the military," Hugo paused. "I'm liking the sound of that, but yes, please. Feel comfortable being casual with us. I'd also prefer it."

"Thanks. So to continue on, the three of us, me, Beatrice, and Elias have been close friends since we're kids in an orphanage before being taken in together by House Victorious," Isaac continued. "We call each other by names when we're off duty, and then act casually with each other like usual, but once we're back on duty, it's back to professionalism until then. We also eventually let Frida into this because as I said earlier, she's like our little sister…"

Then he frowned. "I'm not sure if you already know, but she lost her parents a few years ago, and worse…the only survivor of a group of refugees we tried to save. Our weakness caused her loss of them, and then not having her parents to turn to, she clung to us. We couldn't say no after all that, but none of us wanted to complain either. She eventually started feeling a huge sense of debt for the family that saved her, and then we encouraged her to enlist if she had nothing else in mind. She made her decision, and then was eventually assigned to look after Levin whenever he leaves the manor. We trained her from time to time, and she was thrown into a few missions with him as part of it. Well, the rest was history until she met you when Balmung attacked. Beatrice, and I were deployed somewhere else at that time, supporting Gleipnir's operations. We came back, and heard that Frida and Levin were deployed with you in your training operations for the reclamation..part of it was to also make sure Claire was kept safe."

"I see now, but this Elias guy..where is he right now?" Hugo murmured.

"Uh, you saw him already, actually..," Isaac's smile began growing. "He was the one who tore Inukai a new one after snatching him from your friend."

And he laughed.

"Wha..?" Zeke murmured. "That pissed off blonde dude?"

"That..totally explained why those three were shocked," Hugo glanced at Zeke.

"Who?" Zeke leaned forward.

"Levin, Frida, and Claire, I saw them," Hugo replied.

"Heh, those three know him pretty well," Isaac chuckled. "Outside of the family, Elias was the most influential of us, and indeed was the one who taught Levin how to fight with a sword after he lost his parents to the calamity."

"He's got some serious skills, I'll give him that," Hugo scratched the back of his head. "He almost got me a few times. Quick, and technical. It was the first time I've fought a swordsman martial artist, and if I had been less experienced, he would have floored me."

"Right, that may be the only advantage you had," Isaac replied. "I know you AGEs fight everyday in your Ports, being run to the ground all the time, but Levin fights far less than that. Though he does nevertheless spend a lot of time sparring with Elias, and then him being with you would definitely be a good experience for him. I could say the same for Frida."

"Yeah," Hugo nodded. "Levin can already hold his own out there, but we'll continue to look after them. It's what we do."

"Please," Isaac also nodded. "We've had our own experience being bodyguards in our beginnings, but Levin has yet to have a lot of his own. At least not enough yet."

"Bodyguards..?" Hugo paused. "You guys are..?"

"That we were, and continue to be as needed even if we had bigger responsibilities now," Isaac explained. "Before Her Grace, we used to guard her older brother, the late Duke Randall, and his wife and Her Grace's sister-in-law, Duchess Ellen whenever they left the manor. Those two were Claire's parents."

"I see," Hugo murmured. "You know..? Claire almost never talked to us about herself. She always came off to us as quite mysterious."

"I'm sure she had her reasons," Isaac closed his eyes.

"Good thing we didn't pry," Hugo murmured. "We didn't know who she really was until the governor-general mentioned her father's name, and how important he was."

"Mysterious, huh?" Zeke grinned. "I feel really sorry for Jerad."

"Zeke..!" Hugo glared at him. "Be quiet." 'And you had no idea how serious this has been for him..!'

"Hm..?" Isaac blinked his eyes. "Oh..is there something going on between them?"

"Uh..well," Hugo scratched his head. "Kinda..?"

Then Isaac laughed. "I'll go ahead and confess that at first I thought it might have been you since you seemed to have a lot of leadership air until we introduced each other, but it's actually your white haired ace."

"Uh, please. I never looked at Claire like that. I'm just generally curious," Hugo chuckled.

"Or Misha will kill you, right?" Zeke laughed.

"Zeke! For the last time I will tell you," Hugo slightly growled. "Can it..!"

"I see now. Noted," Isaac smiled.

"Why is that..?" Hugo hesitantly asked.

"Because frankly, I might have to address him as His Grace one day, if they fly," Isaac chuckled. "And serve under him. Her Grace already spoke to me and Beatrice quite fondly of him..just to let you in on that."

"Uh, okay..," Hugo chuckled while scratching his head. "Yeah, I'll tell you what. Even Jerad has leadership qualities, and Hilda even wanted him to become a military instructor for her God Eater recruits."

"Oh..interesting," Isaac smiled. "Beatrice does the same thing to Gleipnir's AGEs, and I heard that he was responsible for whipping Frida into shape..at least that's what Her Grace told us yesterday when she showed us a picture of a dead Vajra in front of her. Beatrice, and I had a hard time believing this even as we held that picture ourselves. How was he as an instructor?"

"He was ruthless," Hugo sighed. "I even got worried about Frida, and told him to make sure he doesn't break her. I'm just glad he took it to heart."

"Can you share me the details..?" Isaac furrowed his eyes.

"He made her, and Misha spar together while watching, and then punished her severely for every mistake she made, usually for holding back too long," Hugo explained. "He definitely put a lot of pressure on her by screaming at her face, and then at times, making her do a lot of grueling exercises like push ups. Sometimes it would last even almost half an hour, just screaming at her while Frida would drip a lot of her sweat on the deck."

"Huh, that was definitely old school," Isaac commented.

"Exactly," Hugo replied. "He also claimed that he learned this from the old US military way of training their recruits. It's about inducing stress on them so they won't break down in the face of the enemy since before that, Frida broke down in front of a Marduk…"

"Marduk..?" Isaac raised his eyes. "That's a Psion, just below Ashborns."

"Jerad became concerned about this, so he did what he had to do to mentally steel her until she passed. That Vajra kill was just one of them," Hugo continued. "And then his final test was dueling her after she managed to wear Misha out. She didn't win against him, but he nevertheless passed her as he claimed that it wasn't about winning or losing but rather..a test to show him if she has gotten good enough for his standards. Frida wasn't the same again after that. Still a good person, but no longer had those soft eyes she had when she met us, and furthermore, she became more like a killing machine in the field..killing any Aragami who crossed her or Levin in cold blood when before that she was a bit too cautious. It was scary watching her at first because part of me thinks she became as cold as Jerad in fighting, but that eventually just grew on me. At least..I can still see her as the same person. Just more steeled up, if that explains."

"I see. I felt bad for what she had to go through, but that's also for the best," Isaac closed his eyes before turning away with his arms crossed. "People will always change once they become warriors. Beatrice, Elias, and I were also different during our youth, and before we knew it, we've already changed, too. Frida just got past hers, and in some ways, I'm thankful for what your friend did. We don't have to worry about her as much anymore, and she finally learned to fully fly as a God Eater. Once a warrior, always a warrior."

Then he turned back to Hugo. "How long did she have to endure this?"

"One day..," Hugo hesitantly replied.

"One day..?" Isaac almost gasped before glancing at Frida.

"Jerad thought of a clever way to boost her before having her kill that Vajra," Hugo explained. "He had her Engage with him.., and had her sic that big cat."

"Engage..?" Isaac raised his eyes. "I heard that's one of the unique things you AGEs can do, but I have yet to personally see it."

"When we Engage, we share our minds with each other," Hugo explained. "You can even get that other person's memories, which you can consequently also inherit that person's experiences, abilities, and instincts from all the battles he'd fought. This was exactly what Jerad wanted for Frida to happen, to have her copy his experiences and mindset and make it part of herself, and while it put some strain on her, she managed to take it all in before she fought that Vajra alone…"

And he groaned. "I hate to sell my own friend short to you, but to make you understand this better, Jerad..was notorious for torturing Aragami from time to time. All to satisfy his bloodlust, hate.., and pleasure. You saw a bit of this with him and Inukai. He holds grudges, and has a knack for revenge. From what I picked up from Levin, Frida's parents were killed by a Vajra before you found her being chased by one, right?"

"Yeah.., she told us herself, actually," Isaac furrowed his eyes. "And I think I know where this is going..!"

"She tortured that thing without mercy as if she was Jerad herself," Hugo murmured. "Even him, and Levin tried to stop her, but she told them off until Levin made a..heartfelt talk with her..that indulging herself in her lust for revenge for her parents would never bring them back."

"That poor girl..," Isaac frowned. "That time..was still fresh in her."

"Then in that final test with him that night," Hugo continued. "I can already see in her eyes she was completely resolute in winning at any cost, managing to outlast even a seasoned veteran like Misha to exhaustion before fighting him. After a lot of clashes, Jerad decided to call the match off saying that she passed, but Frida was totally unhinged, and challenged him to keep fighting her until only one of them is still standing. Now he wanted her to prove her loyalty to House Victorious by fighting him to the very end. I was their referee at that time when Frida was so beaten down that I felt sorry for her, and already started thinking about stopping the fight, but held back because somehow..I felt that nothing good will come out of it as much as I still hated how Jerad has been handling his training on her at that time. I thought that enough was enough, but in the end..I just let it keep going until Jerad softly KO'ed her. I was so relieved he didn't hurt her that much to end their fight."

"Mm, you did the right thing," Isaac nodded. "Never interfere with a warrior's convictions while fighting, and Frida finally understood what it meant to be one. Heh, she probably would have tried swiping you out of her way, if you did. It was clear with how she responded with your friend, and Levin trying to hold her back from torturing that Vajra."

"Now you mention it, yeah," Hugo chuckled. "She also got those scary death eyes that Jerad always had when pushed to the brink. I definitely wouldn't want to get in her way like that when it was already scary enough seeing my friend's."

"Her regrets for her past weaknesses, all her training and lessons from us, and remembering the reason why she enlisted in House Victorious, she used it all to push herself forward," Isaac also chuckled. "She also learned something very important."

And he turned away. "Engage, huh? That's an amazing gift you AGEs have, if that transformed her in a single day."

"I have never seen it done so much like that, either," Hugo murmured. "But my friend pushed its abilities to the limit.., or maybe not so far since we're still trying to explore what Engage could really do, and as far as he was concerned, he just wanted Frida to get up to speed as fast as possible before nature kills her. He was aiming for three days, but he got her done in a single day. He doesn't come off as that, but he becomes frighteningly smart sometimes, just suddenly thinking outside the box. He also claimed he spends his off time reading random stuff."

"Guns, and God Arcs, too," Zeke cackled.

"Oh?" Isaac turned to him. "I'm a weapons officer myself, and in charge of maintaining and making sure our God Arcs are always battle ready. Her Grace also has extensive knowledge about God Arc technology, and learned all I know directly from her."

"Oh, I was amazed, myself," Zeke sighed. "We never knew how much he knew about guns, and God Arcs until he decided to teach us. He even knows about reme..remedi-y'all actions if our guns jammed in the field. How much does this guy know?"

"Heh, your friend seemed to be a smart lad, indeed," Isaac turned to Jerad's direction. "In that case, then I'll be happy to know that House Victorious will be in good hands after he relieves Her Grace of her duty, and she retires, and I'll also be more than happy to serve under a wise new head of the House, if I haven't retired yet..not that I'm planning to as long as my body is able. I wanted to honor the late duke's hopes for us until the end."

Then he saw his three friends laugh.

"We've been teasing them about that, actually," Zeke explained. "Calling him a lord or something once he marries Claire."

And Isaac laughed in response. "Really? Well..to correct you on that, it's a common misconception that all nobles were addressed as lords, but in actuality, that's for the lower ranking noble titles starting from lowest to highest: barons, viscounts, earls, and marquesses. Above the marquess is the duke, and dukes are properly addressed as Your Grace, or His or Her Grace for the dukes and duchesses, respectively."

"Really..? So, Claire's dad was the highest of the nobles?" Hugo murmured.

"Correct, and after the duke is the royal family…which we doesn't apply, but we have the Governor-General of Gleipnir instead," Isaac smiled. "Though, sometimes the lower ranking members of the duchy or royal families were addressed as lords like Lord Dimitri, one of the key members of House Victorious, and then Levin once he becomes old enough."

"Lord Levin..huh?" Zeke curved his lips as Hugo and Keith stared at him, thinking of the time Frida addressed Levin as such the other night. "I'd like to hear Frida call him that…"

Then the three laughed.

"Oh..," Isaac paused before smiling. "So..that girl couldn't hide it even from you."

"You knew?" Hugo chuckled.

"We've known for a few years since she came to House Victorious," Isaac made a short laugh. "Levin was the one who personally saved her from the Vajra that almost ate her alive before the rest of us came to slay it, and that made him her prince charming. It already made sense to me why his..heartfelt talk drove her back to her senses. That girl is just all over him."

"Heh, Jerad totally nailed it," Zeke laughed. "He likes calling Levin prince charming in front of her, and she always gets really pouty."

And Isaac chuckled.

"So, about Claire," Hugo scratched the back of his head. "Being the heiress of the family. Now I can really see why she's been quiet about herself…" 'Something seems to be a bit off about this, but I won't pry further. Claire must have been really small when her dad died, which was why Sofia had to fill in her brother's position after his death until Claire grows old enough. Did Claire's dad just marry and have her late, or..?'

"Yeah, but please don't blame her," Isaac shook his head. "Losing her mother to the calamity, and then her father only a few years later were hard for her tender age at that time. I hope she knows that she wasn't alone, because it was hard for us, too. We swore our loyalty to the late duke and duchess to the end, and yet, we still lost both of them while we lived. Now we look after Her Grace who filled both of their positions with Elias being the lead of that. Though, one of the ways to quickly anger him..is to disrespect Her Grace in front of him. You saw this done to that crooked scientist firsthand."

"He seemed very diligent," Hugo commented.

"That, he is. Though, he had another reason on top of that as our intelligence officer, and one of Her Grace's bodyguards," Isaac smirked. "I'll just say, he was also her trusted confidant."

"Oh.., I see," Hugo chuckled.

"Just keep this between us," Isaac smiled. "By the way.., you mentioned earlier that your friend had some serious beef with Inukai."

"Ohh, man..!" Zeke leaned back before shaking his head.

"Yeah, something that happened to us about a week and a half ago," Hugo murmured. "It was mostly about Phym, the little girl Sofia is carrying right now. She is his daughter..in name, and Inukai pried her out of his hands. It's a bit more complicated than that, and it also involves Claire."

"Hm", Isaac furrowed his eyes. "That's really interesting."

"Right, remember how I said earlier that Jerad is vengeful? Inukai crossed him, and now..he's on his kill list," Hugo crossed his arms. "This is how it started…"

And after spending a few minutes telling their story.

"God..," Isaac grimaced. "To make you guys go so far for that. Inukai just can't get enough of grating other people, does he?"

Then Hugo turned to him.

"You're not the only ones who hate his guts," Isaac shook his head. "Most of House Victorious family members, and us also despised him. Heh, I definitely bet Elias finally had his fun tearing his ass a new one for the last time, hopefully."

Then he turned back to Hugo. "Of us three, Elias was the one who shooed him away the most, always nagging Her Grace to fund his research "for the benefit of humanity," he says while we knew he treated his AGE subjects like his guinea pigs. Of course Her Grace would never buy into that snake's bullshit..! What did he seriously take her for? A fool?"

"Heh, he even complained that Gleipnir's funding was 'meager' after he trapped us in Ash Storms to force us to hand Phym back," Hugo smiled.

"The audacity of that ungrateful bastard..," Isaac grimaced. "Who did he think funded the construction of his lab in the first place? Gleipnir. And then he even asked Her Grace to fund his sick experiments before Elias told him to piss off once, and now he doubled down by having an underhanded business with the Crimson Queen?"

He sighed. "Nevertheless, his over the top arrogance finally caught up to him, and I am just simply glad he's finally been ridden off so Her Grace can finally have more peace. She is too busy to deal with the likes of him..."

"Yeah, hopefully for us, too," Hugo chuckled. "I don't wanna have to deal with him again, but I'm also concerned about Jerad provoking him, and don't think he's done with him yet. In some ways, I think he was serious about wanting Inukai to come after him so he can have another chance to have his way with him. I've always known him for holding grudges for years, and not long ago, I learned he can be quite cunning. He did manipulate Inukai into giving away his position by taking advantage of his cocky attitude and pretending that he was going to hand Phym over to him so he could find him, and blow his ship up with custom bullets. After this whole thing was over, Claire secretly told me that beforehand, he was preparing for this behind our backs until she caught him."

"Huh, he's definitely someone you might have to keep an eye on," Isaac murmured. "And thank God Gleipnir got to him before he did. Elias, and a handful of elite Gleipnir agents were aboard his ship as undercovers..until the time was right."

Then Hugo turned to him.

"I know some things don't line up right now, but you saw him restraining Inukai in front of him," Isaac explained. "He'll probably tell us the whole story later, and about the custom bullet part as a weapons officer myself, that's definitely possible. A well built custom round can nuke a wide area, and he seemed pretty knowledgeable about them."

"Yeah, and I'm scared to think he's not above killing others, either," Hugo closed his eyes. "He had a history of it. He almost murdered a fellow AGE prison mate for trying to..hurt his sister in the middle of a night."

"Man..that time still gives me shivers," Zeke shook his head.

"Oh..," Isaac blinked his eyes. "And another AGE at that..?"

"He was like a demon..!" Zeke glanced at Jerad's direction to make sure he would not hear him. "Not even Keith, and I together were enough to pin him down. Can you imagine trying to stop a huge rabid dog from mauling someone to death? That perverted bastard was already almost dead, but Jerad was seriously gonna kill him..! He dragged us until Hugo finally came to help us!"

"He's not a bad person, I'm really telling you that," Hugo shook his head. "But I think he needs to stop holding grudges, and stop hating people more. I one-hundred percent agreed with Hilda, and Sofia on telling him to stop having beef with Inukai. He's done, but Jerad just can't seem to have enough of him yet..especially after Gleipnir got to him first, and then he threw a huge fit after."

"Considering how the world has been unfair to people like you, I can't completely fault him," Isaac also shook his head. "Unjust cruelty of the oppressors, and then resentment from the oppressed, it's all cause, and effect. You've also been in the same boat as him since you were kids, so I'm sure you, and his sister understood him better than anyone."

"I know.., but," Hugo scratched his head. "Our old lives in Pennywort don't matter anymore, and never will be…again, hopefully. Can't he at least start looking ahead instead of looking back? I've been trying to convince him to become more optimistic, but he's been very stubborn."

"It's logical, but not as easy as it sounds," Isaac shook his head. "Those are scars of the past that still needed healing. It takes time, and he seemed pretty young. How old is he?"

"I think he's 19," Zeke replied.

"Then that's perfect. He still has a lot of time to change. He's still growing up," Isaac smiled. "Hatred is also exhausting, a fire that will have to burn out, someday. You said you've been trying to convince him, so keep going."

"Yeah, if I can add to it, he's been much a bigger joker than he was in Pennywort," Keith rubbed the back of his head. "I just remembered how grating he was back in prison. Brutally harsh at times, but also pretty down to earth."

"Admirable honesty on his part, and I like honest people. Then on top of that, there is progress," Isaac smiled again. "There is still hope, so don't give up on him. He's your ace, so just as he was fighting to protect you, protect him from his inner demons that were still likely trying to conquer him. I'm sure he's still fighting alone inside, and my advice for you that the late duke once told me is, "your worst enemies are the ones inside you, not the outside.""

"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks," Hugo smiled.

"Not a problem at all. I like helping the youth," Isaac smiled. "The young need more guidance from their seniors in this despair-filled world more than ever. If you need help in anything about life, just talk to me, Beatrice, or Elias whenever you can. We grew up being taught values by the family, and that kept our heads up. Just remember that no man can do it alone, and you have to learn to rely on each other to get through the toughest times. I just noticed something about his stubbornness against optimism, but I think I'm starting to see where he is coming from, and I'm about to warn you about something dangerous about him..mentally speaking. If you let yourself sink into negativity too deep, too long, then hope also becomes more terrifying to accept, and yet, that's still the only way you can climb out of that misery pit: Hope."

"Eh, what?" Zeke scratched his head. "Can you get scared of hope?"

"I just realized that it can happen. Let me ask you a simple yet important question," Isaac forced a smile at Hugo. "Do you like being bamboozled?"

Then Hugo began staring blankly, remembering the time of Owl, and Dean's deaths, and Jerad's first rampage. "Definitely not…"

"Yep. Nobody does," Isaac chuckled. "And the fact that he's also a smart fellow, that is a very volatile mix. Intelligence, and pessimism? That is dangerous. It's like mixing two bad chemicals together in a single container that will eventually explode."

"Uh, I'm not getting this chemical thing," Zeke sighed while scratching his head. "Sorry."

"I believe I do," Keith raised his hand. "Roughly, but it has to do with..I'll just say mixing two chemicals that are highly incompatible with each other that their reactions would be so fast and so intense that it becomes like an explosion. I think there are many factors, but that's the best way I can easily explain it."

And Isaac chuckled. "Good enough. I don't blame you guys for missing out on your childhoods, but it was a common comedy thing for kids' cartoon shows we used to watch in our old orphanage. Some guy pours two chemicals together in a container, and then blows his face black."

He laughed. "Ah, that comedy never too gets old for me... But now you get my point about how volatile that combination of his negative mindset, and gifted trait is. There's also a saying that hardships will make you a philosopher. Is he into this..?"

"Oh, god..," Hugo sighed in defeat. "I think so.., he's an avid social critic. Hard to argue against, too."

"I figured.., he's keenly observant," Isaac murmured. "And that makes it even worse…Misanthropy? It's only a good thing he's surrounded by people like you, and you probably have no idea how important it has been for you guys to keep him in check. This dirtbag dominated society have been poisoning him, and I'm kinda surprised he was still sane. He must be really..resilient."

"Yeah..," Hugo murmured. "This is also why I believe he'll get above that, someday. He is a tough guy."

"Keep taking advantage of the fact that he's in good company with you," Isaac advised. "You've been on the right track with the way you've been doing. Stubborn? He'll likely eventually fold because I'm sure he cares about you guys, so he will eventually start listening. I think he has everything he needs to rise above himself, but he also needs to stop being like an elephant scared of a mouse."

Then Hugo laughed at this. "Thanks for the meaningful advice, and I'll definitely remember this."

"You're a smart guy, too, Hugo," Isaac complimented. "And in some ways, smarter than your friend. He's a fool for letting all this negativity control him, and yet you.., you're headstrong. You don't dwell too much in the past, and you know where to turn. It takes a strong person different from your friend to do that. Just remember though, that all men fall time to time. It happened to him, and it can also still happen to you, which is why it's so important to depend on each other. We are all unique, and your different strengths and weaknesses is what will make you whole together. A friend, and former student of the late duke once told me that."

"I see. Thanks again," Hugo closed his eyes. "Up until now..I thought I was hopeless in arguing against him."

"I don't blame you for feeling like that at all. He's a fullblown realist," Isaac shook his head. "Reality is dark, but he failed miserably in seeing also the light in them..being scared that his hopes will betray him. Reality is one thing, but romanticim still has a place in this world. Traditionalism was made by romanticism because those values were meant to resist our naturally self-destructive nature. We humans are sinful, which is why philosophers created those values. Without them, we would have stopped existing long ago."

'I just remembered something..,' Hugo mused. 'Jerad..what he wanted if he were to have his own Port...'

"Heh, I just wanna ask, but did you change your mind about wanting to work under Jerad as your duke?" Zeke chuckled while holding his backhead.

In response, Isaac laughed at this. "Frankly only a little, but nobody is perfect, and as a matter of fact, a lot of things checked in my list. Smart, cunning, powerful, honest, good potential leadership qualities considering how he whooped Frida into shape, and he seems to have his own set of good values..another saving grace I forgot to mention for the rut he's in. I think he just needs to have more self-control in his temperament, and he'll be a good candidate..in my honest opinion, anyway, because I'm not the one who will decide for that."

"Sofia..," Hugo murmured.

"Exactly, I do not know exactly how she thinks of him so far, nor I'm in a position to speculate," Isaac crossed his arms. "But I do pray for him that he will pass."

"He seemed good with the books, too. Just to remind you," Hugo chuckled. "He knew a lot of history, particularly about North America."

Then Isaac laughed again. "Just like Miss Claire, huh? Wait…"

He paused. "Did you also say North America?"

"Yeah," Hugo nodded. "In blood, too."

"I see how that lines up now," Isaac glanced at Jerad's direction. "I've known God Eaters from the Fenrir North American Branch for being well disciplined, and orderly during my youth. They're also quite notorious for being almost fearless. Reckless at times, too, but they surely get a lot of things done."

And Zeke cackled. "You already know he's like that, too. Killing Aragami for fun..!"

"Yeah," Isaac glanced at Zeke, and then back at Jerad's direction. 'I knew there's someone he reminded me of even after a few rough glances..especially that white hair…Commander Emilio..the Deathscythe..? That can't be..! I wonder if Elias would see the same for him later…"

"It's just the way he is," Hugo chuckled.

"Heh, your friend is really something," Isaac smiled. "It's rare for God Eaters to face Aragami with a grin. He is either crazy, or brave."

"I'd say he's both," Hugo smiled back.

Then Isaac turned to the young blue jacketed boy. "Oh yeah. You're Keith, right?"

"Right," Keith scratched his backhead. "Unlike these two, I'm not much of a warrior, but…"

"He's a tech genius," Zeke grinned. "He used to keep our radios working back in prison."

"Aw, shucks. That isn't much," Keith sighed. "I'm just simply glad I could help others."

"That's not little at all," Isaac shook his head. "You are underestimating the value of your skill. Maintaining communication is very important in missions, and that could easily decide between life and death."

"I suppose you're right," Keith murmured. "I'm just happy to be finally of use to somebody when I found it."

"Absolutely, keep working on it. It was your calling when you did," Isaac implored. "It was also rare for AGEs to achieve that level of technicality. Some older than you couldn't even read or write yet."

"Really, huh..?" Hugo paused.

"Oh yeah. You'd be a bit surprised," Isaac shook his head. "With the way the world is, we can't afford letting a lot of children growing up without education, but sadly, society couldn't see it that way because right now..they only see you as disposable tools..No offense."

"I get you," Hugo closed his eyes. "It's the way things have been for us…"

"Gah, I'm guilty of that, I hate to admit," Zeke winced. "Can't read as much. Can't also write, and then that bastard Jerad making me write Lulu's name five times each day…"

And Isaac suddenly exploded with laughter. "There's no shame in that. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it is never too late for self-improvement. In House Victorious, every child who comes into our care undergoes education assessments, and then brought into education system levels based on their aptitude, particularly reading, writing. Making people write words five times each day was also one of our training lessons, and there is a great reason why we make them do so. Repetition leads to mastery. It may be boring at first, but with enough practice, you'll actually learn to appreciate it because by then, you'll be confident that repetition will eventually become mastery. There is no other path to mastery other than repetition.., and in addition, discipline to push yourself to do better. I would highly advise you to take his word for it."

"I see..fine. I'll go for it," Zeke slouched. "But where do I start..? I don't have a paper or pencil."

"You can buy them in this Port's shopping district," Isaac advised. "They're not expensive, either. Start with a pack of pens and/or pencils, whichever you prefer, but I recommend pencils first so you can always undo them whenever you mess up, and then several notebooks. Practice writing whenever you can, especially when you get bored."

"Alright, thanks," Zeke grinned. "But I swear, I ain't starting with Lulu's name for that!"

Then Isaac chuckled. "To be fair, it's an easy name to start on, so your Jerad friend picked a good choice for that, but start on a different easy word if you want. By the way, who is this Lulu lady? Yours..?"

"No..!" Zeke glared at him while Hugo chuckled. "Don't get started on that..!"

"It's that long black haired lady over there," Hugo made a small point at her. "The one talking to..Beatrice, was she?"

"That's correct," Isaac glanced at his friend's direction before making a small whistle. "She looks so damn gorgeous. Are you sure she isn't yours?"

He turned to Zeke with a teasing smirk.

"I said..no!" Zeke glared at him.

"That would be a shame. That fine woman looks like she's got the good genes..I mean figures," Isaac suggestively grinned. "If only I was young enough…That Jerad fellow picked a good one for you, and an oriental one at that? I urge you to reconsider."

"Man, come on! Not you, too," Zeke whined. "How the hell did you even know Jerad has been ragging on me about her?!"

"I don't," Isaac shook his head with a snicker. "You just told me. I was just suspicious since he picked her name for you to practice your literature on. I just connected the dots."

"You got played, bro," Keith cracked a laugh.

"But wait, you said oriental?" Hugo murmured. "What does that mean..?"

"An East Asian, or what we now called the Far East," Isaac explained. "But it's been almost a decade since we last made contact with them. They're just as good as the old Fenrir NAB, but also unique in their own ways. They also wielded a mysterious power."

"I see. I already started hearing good stuff about them," Hugo commented. "I heard they fought the toughest Aragami in their time."

"Oh, definitely. They're no slouch," Isaac nodded. "Also the first to encounter Psions, and mostly contained them, too."

"Wow," Hugo paused. "Kinda wonder if they're still around, but I guess for now, only time will tell."

Then he saw a familiar figure pass them who was heading for the hangar exit, and then suddenly paused before turning to them.

"Oh..Hugo," Ein murmured. "It's nice to see you again."

"Hello, Ein," Hugo awkwardly greeted him due to a surprise encounter. "How you doing?"

"Doing great as always," Ein smiled before glancing at Isaac. "And hello, Isaac. It's been a while."

"Definitely, sir," Isaac shook hands with him. "Just so you know, Her Grace is over there speaking with Ms. Henriquez of Port Chrysanthemum."

"Ah, perfect timing," Ein smiled. "Thank you, and take care."

"Will do, sir," Isaac nodded with a smile before Ein headed for Hilda, and Sofia.

"Huh, you actually know him?" Hugo smiled.

"We met a few times. He occasionally does business with Her Grace," Isaac chuckled. "I think we're starting to run out of time, and I'd like to meet the rest of your team, if you don't mind."

"No worries," Hugo shook his head with a smile. "I'll be more than happy to have you meet the rest of our team. Let's do this."

"After you," Isaac smiled again. "Wait..one more thing about your friend."

"Hm?" Hugo turned back.

"Since he likes reading, try to get him into philosophy. I was kinda into that a few years ago when Her Grace told us to read them," Isaac murmured. "I think it could help him see life better."

"Alright," Hugo nodded.

---

"Then one time, I…"

Beatrice was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of her coworker, and three other people.

"Sorry, did I interrupt?" Isaac waved his hand.

"It's fine. We're talking all casual now, anyway," Beatrice waved her hand back. "This is my coworker, and childhood friend, Lieutenant Isaac Gunther."

"Hello, everyone," Isaac waved at them. "Pleased to make your acquaintances. How have you been?"

"Uh, good?" Jerad awkwardly murmured.

"Ah, you're Jerad, right?" Isaac reached his hand before pausing for a split second. "The crew's ace. Your friend told me quite a lot about you."

"Uh, yeah. I guess," Jerad shook his hand with a chuckle.

"And I'm Misha, his brother," Misha reached her hand.

"Ah, I heard Jerad has a pretty sister," Isaac reached his hand with a smile. 'This young woman, too..! Was it.. Lieutenant Commander Cathe..?" "Ugh..!"

He turned to his coworker. "Beatrice..! What was that for?"

"I know it's unprofessional.., but please stop having eyes with ladies," Beatrice pouted. "You barely speak, and yet, you could sweet talk them even in introductions. Seriously..?"

"I was just making an honest compliment, jeez," Isaac stroked his side before everyone chuckled.

---

"Oh, my. Your people surely get along well with my crew," Hilda chuckled.

"I am happy about that. I actually wanted them to start becoming more acquainted," Sofia smiled. "So, Ein. We will have a large dinner tonight, so would you like to come?"

"I certainly would," Ein nodded with a smile. "It would definitely also be perfect in discussing our next mission. Thanks for the invitation."

"Then we are settled," Sofia smiled. "How about 4:00 PM?"

"Hm," Hilda mused. "It's a bit too short for us, but we'll try to make it work."

"Ah, I'm sorry. I should have been more considerate of your crew's needs, but then, our chefs will not be ready for dinner until around 6:00 PM, and I figured I should give you time to relax in our manor," Sofia explained. "Oh..excuse me but I have forgotten that I was actually planning to meet you after my cousin's arrival."

Then Hilda chuckled. "It's fine. You must have been very busy."

"Yes, life of a duchess has never been easy," Sofia sighed. "It is only 30 minutes until his arrival. I must leave for now, and call my escorts back."

"Then for now, I may take my leave. I have a few businesses to take care of," Ein waved.

"Businesses?" Hilda blinked her eyes. "Was it with Gleipnir? I don't recall being summoned by them yet."

Then Ein chuckled. "No, just running errands for my crew…I'll explain later."

"I see. Then please take care, Ein," Sofia smiled.

"You, too," Ein nodded. "I will see you at 4 PM."

Then he turned away to head for the hangar exit.

"I must call Isaac, and Beatrice. We have to attend to Lord Dimitri's safe arrival," Sofia turned to her friend

"Grand auntie, will I see you again..?" Phym murmured.

"Of course. We will have a dinner night together," Sofia caressed her cheek. "You will have as much food as you want this time."

"Yay!" Phym cheered.

---

"Wow, a captain, and a vice captain at such young ages," Isaac commented. "That is very impressive."

"Just doing the best we can to keep Chrysanthemum protected," Trista grinned.

"And I heard you're a specialized cook," Isaac turned to Lulu.

"It's not much, but Far East food is my specialty," Lulu smiled.

"Your crew is very lucky to have you," Isaac chuckled. "Good soldiers always need good food. It does more good for morale than many people think."

"Thank you. I'll keep doing my best," Lulu smiled again.

"And congratulations, Staff Sergeant Sinclair," Isaac turned to her.

"Um, thank you, sir," Frida curved her lips.

"From now on, you'll have to put more..front as part of your leadership practice. You're a non-commissioned officer now," Isaac smiled. "Gotta start acting more like it."

"Right, and I'm already thinking about assigning a few of my people to work under her soon," Beatrice added. "She's been working on our supplies for a while now, and it's time for her experience to lord it to our juniors."

"I-I'll do my best," Frida resolutely replied.

"You can do it. Don't be nervous," Beatrice grinned. "Plus, I'll make sure to tell them firsthand that if they dare disrespect you, I'll stick my boots on their asses."

"P-please don't worry about it, ma'am," Frida waved her hands. "I'll deal with that myself to live up to my new rank."

"I like that answer, Friday," Jerad flashed his eyebrows with a smirk. "I also think you can do it. If any of them were fools enough to defy you, be their devil sergeant, and put them in their places. You'd best deal with those before it gets to the higher ups, either."

"Right, always deal with problems at the lowest level possible. It's also their best interest," Beatrice then turned to Jerad. "You seemed to have some knowledge about how military structures work."

Then Jerad chuckled. "I've been doing my homework before I even started grilling her. I just like military stuff…mainly watching boot camp videos."

"Oh.., interesting," Beatrice smiled. "You do know House Victorious is a military family, right?"

"I heard," Jerad made a quick glance at Claire.

"We also look for officer materials all the time, and I think you're one," Beatrice murmured.

"Uh, okay..?" Jerad leaned back.

"Wanna join us..?" Beatrice smirked. "I'm sure you're gonna rise through the ranks fast, and if you do prove yourself worthy, I will write a recommendation letter to Her Grace for you."

"Looking at your face right now, you're definitely just bluffing," Jerad curved his lips before Levin behind him chuckled.

And Beatrice finally burst into laughter. "Yes, I was just kidding. Just wanted to see how you'll react, plus you're with Chrysanthemum, BUT.., I'm serious about telling you that you're officer material, though."

"Thanks," Jerad hesitantly smiled.

"If only we met under different circumstances, I will definitely want to recruit you," Beatrice smirked again. "House Victorious loves strong, honorable God Eaters."

"Thanks again, but I'm already working for someone," Jerad chuckled.

Beatrice laughed again. "So polite, so modest, and now so loyal..! Miss Claire, I think you found yourself a good man. He even whooped you into shape before Frida, right? I think you should marry him, and not let him go..!"

Then Hugo glanced at her.., and then to his friend.

"L-lieutenant!" Claire pouted as everyone laughed. "Please stop this at once..!"

"Acknowledged, Miss Claire," Beatrice giggled. "But somehow, I got the feeling we'll be working closely with each other in the near future, anyway. It's all just a hunch."

"Hopefully perhaps, and I am so glad to see you all bonding so well quickly," Sofia suddenly spoke behind them with Phym in her arms, and Hilda, and her two administrators behind her. "We must take our leave, unfortunately. Lord Dimitri will arrive in 25 minutes, and we must attend to his safe return."

"Acknowledged, Your Grace," Both Beatrice, and Isaac made a formal nod.

"And I will look forward to meeting you tonight again," Sofia smiled.

"Hm..?" Jerad blinked.

"I invited your governor to have another dinner with us," Sofia smirked. "And congratulations for a job well done, Frida. You have absolutely earned it."

"T-thank you, Your Grace..!" Frida made a solid bow as Beatrice proudly smiled at her.

"And I'm also proud of both of you," Sofia smiled at her nephew and niece. "Please keep up the good work. You made our family proud."

"Yes, aunt. I will," Levin nodded.

"I shall keep my due diligence," Claire resolutely held her chest.

"Take care until then. Enjoy yourselves," Sofia turned to Phym. "Be with your mommy, and daddy for now."

"Yeah," Phym beamed before Sofia placed her down.

"Mommy, and daddy..?" Beatrice murmured before covering her mouth.

"Mommy..!" Phym clung to Claire's arms. "We going to eat with grand auntie tonight. I'm so happy!"

Then Claire giggled. "Yeah. Looking forward to it."

"Daddy, are you also excited?" Phym turned to him next.

"Of course," Jerad chuckled. "We'll be with your mommy's family tonight. Mind your manners again, OK?"

"Yeah," Phym nodded.

"Oh, my..," Beatrice still watched them in shock.

And Isaac leaned closer to her. "I'm just as surprised as you are…"

"I will explain to you shortly..," Sofia whispered with a smile. "Let's take our leave, and Hilda, I will see you later."

"Yes, please contact me if you might have trouble finding us," Hilda smiled.

"I will," Sofia nodded. "Please enjoy yourselves."

Then before heading for the exit, Isaac and Beatrice waved at them before the Chrysanthemum crew waved back.

"Alright," Hilda turned to her crew. "Ready to go shopping?"

"Yep," Hugo nodded. "My FC card is ready."

"Me, too," Zeke grinned. "Ready for some shopping."

"Then let's hit it," Ricardo cheerfully yet also calmly raised his hands. "I'm so dying to go shopping myself. Let's go boys, and girls. Let our hard earned cash fly."

And Hilda chuckled. "Indeed. Time is of the essence. Let's get everything we need."