Hello everyone here is the next chapter of the story, I hope you all enjoy it, this one is about Class VII visit to Ymir described in the Drama CD.
Like always some info:
Spoken words are between " "
Thoughts are between ( )
Alisa was enjoying the beams of the light falling on her while slowly waking up, though she wanted to remain in bed for a bit longer. She was feeling far too comfortable to even think about getting up, the archer snuggled even closer the warmth she was currently feeling with one ear right above a steady and soothing heartbeat.
(…..!)
She abruptly opened her eyes just to find her face mere inches away from Rean's face causing her to freeze completely, she didn't know or remembered how this happened but even though her face had to be a deep red one look at his peaceful sleeping face and she didn't care about how embarrassed she was anymore. Instead, she laid her head back to his chest and relaxed however a moment later she raised an eyebrow.
"…. You are awake, aren't you Rean?", no answer came causing her to snort, "Stop pretending, I can literally hear and feel your heart beating far too quickly for you to be sleeping. Care to explain how we ended up like this?"
Despite the scary undertone in her voice, she didn't move away or do anything else, "Sigh, well…...I woke up in the middle of the night and saw you holding my hand while sleeping on that chair over there. I didn't want you to be uncomfortable like that, so I tried to lift you and put you to bed. But you didn't want to let go of my hand and since I didn't want to wake you up, I was at a loss on what to do."
Rean opened one eye to look at her reaction for now but all he saw was Alisa lying on his chest with her eyes closed even so he could still see that she is blushing up a storm, regardless how he was also embarrassed by the situation he couldn't deny the feeling of inner peace he had. He raised his hand to slowly stroke her head, the swordsman could feel her stiffen but it passed quickly, and she leaned into it, "While I was thinking on what I could do, you half awoke, I think? And pushed me down the bed with you on top leaving me no way out of that situation, so I just gave up, covered us with the blanket and went to sleep until now. I am sorry."
"…. No need to apologise, it seems like it was my own fault this happened. (I can' remember the last time I slept this well, but he doesn't need to know that this situation is already mortifying enough. Speaking of mortifying we should get up because if Sharon or the others caught us in this situation…) Just the thought alone caused her to shiver and get out of his embrace even if a small part of her was reluctant to do so.
Rean followed her example both deciding that it was better if they did not get caught like this, the moment he stretched his body, pain spread across it causing him to flinch. That didn't go unnoticed by Alisa who was immediately by his side, "Hey take it easy, you got hit pretty hard yesterday. Luckily you don't have any broken bones or much damage, still you will take it easy for today. Leave the requests to us, ideally you should stay here to recover but I know you well enough to realise that you won't."
"You do know me too well. Anyway, what happened after I fainted the last thing, I remember is the terrorist's airship exploding and the appearance of Prince Oliver, Crow and George."
"You didn't miss much after that, Rudolf and the miners were released, the RMP got to do their investigation after Prince Olivert kicked the provincial army out of the mine. As for us, Elliot checked you for injuries, healed you as best as he could and we brought you here, where we remained for the rest of the day to recover. Looking at the time the rest should still be asleep, I for one will go take a shower now and change my clothes, you should do the same and knowing Sharon by the time we are done she will have already prepared our breakfast."
He nodded at her suggestion, and both went to separate bathrooms to shower, half an hour later Rean walked into the dining room to find that Alisa had been right, both Sharon and food were waiting for him, "Good morning, Master Rean. I am glad to see that you are up, I was quite worried for you after seeing the state you were in the day before."
"Sorry for that, C was stronger than I had anticipated but what is more important is that the miners are safe and sound. Besides that, wasn't the first time I got hurt like that, nothing what some healing arts and rest can't heal." After apologising, he sat at the table to start eating but froze in his motion at the maid's following words, "I guess there is nothing like a good night of peaceful sleep to recover, wouldn't you agree, Master Rean?"
Nothing in her tone or voice indicate that she knew how exactly he and Alisa had the spent the night, but his intuition was screaming at him that something was wrong, out of the corner of his eye he glanced at her but she looked the same as always with her usual smile, (Yet somehow the fact that she doesn't show any emotion at all is scarier than if she was showing her anger. The question now is does she know or not?)
That question lingered in his mind during the entire time he was eating, especially since she remained in the room looking at him, Rean was extremely grateful when the others joined him at the table. They brought him up to speed on the events from yesterday in more details than Alisa had, particularly what happened to Crow after the cave-in and the fact that Angelica had been ordered by her father, the Marquis Rogner to come home immediately.
As for the other second year, he had run into Prince Olivert in the mine shortly before they arrived at the place where Group A was at, along with the news that the RMP had managed to recover bodies from the wreckage of the airship. They were too burned to clearly identify them as the ringleaders of the terrorists, but the few pieces of clothes and armours led them to the conclusion that the ILF was now leaderless.
After they were done with breakfast the students looked at Sharon waiting for her to give them their tasks for the day but to their surprise, the Debaucherous Prince entered the Penthouse at that moment, "I wish you a good morning, Class VII, I hope you had a pleasant rest from the events of yesterday. Ah, looks like Rean is already up, good to see that you have recovered from the fight yesterday. As much as I would love to give you the remainder of the day off, to properly rest, I must regretfully inform that your presence is requested in Heimdallr."
They looked at each other with confusion in having their field study cut short, with Machias raising his hand like they were in class, "Could you please tell us who exactly is requesting our presence, your Highness?"
"It is the Emperor and the Empress themself that want to talk with you all, Group B is will also be present. So please pack your belongings and meet me at the airport in twenty minutes, we are taking the Courageous back to the capital." After Olivert let that bombshell drop, he winked at them before sitting down at the table and started to eat Sharon's cooking, ignoring the wide eyes and slack jacked expression of the students, who took a few more moments to recover, jumped up and started to get their things.
Around two hours later both groups along with their Instructor reunited inside Valflame Palace awaiting their audience with the Imperial Family, "Does anyone have an idea just why we are meeting with the Emperor?" No one had a definitive answer to Emma's question leaving them to speculate, "Perhaps it has to do with what happened this time along with the events from Garrelia? I mean we did stop the terrorists from using the Railway Guns and Group A managed to save the hostages in the Sachsen Mine."
Laura's theory had some merits though it wasn't enough to convince Jusis, "But you are forgetting that the Imperial Army is denying that we had anything to do with that. In addition, this time Group B didn't do anything out of the ordinary thanks to the fact that Rean wasn't with us this time." The swordsman ignored that last part, "However Group B did help the RMP with their investigation in Ordis, if it wasn't for you the military police wouldn't have found that hidden underground warehouse."
"That was more coincidence that anything else, we were just chasing after some monster down in the underground passages when it destroyed a wall revealing that warehouse."
"True Gaius, but even if the RMP didn't find anything too incriminating, just the fact that alone such a place exist is enough for Claire to use as a starting point to try to find if there are others." Millium unlike the rest of her classmates didn't look nervous at all to meet the ruler of the Erebonia. Before they could guess any further just why they were here or Jusis to tell her to behave, they were called inside the throne room.
The moment they stepped inside they saw the Emperor Eugen and Empress Priscilla sitting on their thrones with their children standing at their side, Cedric gave them a nod as a greeting, Alfin smiled sweetly at them leaving Olivert to grin at them. The students stopped a few arges away from the imperial rulers and went on one knee and greeted them, "Class VII greets the Emperor and Empress!"
They didn't dare look up before getting permission, "No need for such stiff formalities, especially given what you young lions have accomplished during the last months. You not only stopped them from kidnapping Alfin, misusing the Railways Guns but also helped save the miners during the terrorists' attack and let's not forget helped in stopping war from happening in the Nord Highlands. It looks like this new class of yours is making quite the accomplishments, Olivert."
"Thank you, your Majesty but I can't take any of the credit that belongs to them all. The only thing I did was to create this class, everything that happened after is their own doing, though I admit as the founder of their class I am quite proud of them." The empress laughed softly at that, "As you should be, but I think we are getting sidetracked. The reason why we called you here is because we wanted to thank you all."
Eugene nodded at his wife, "That is true, as thanks for your achievements I have arranged for you along with the second years that have aided you, to stay at the Phoenix Wings Inn in Ymir during the next two days, before you have to return to the academy to resume your preparations for the school festival. It warms my heart to see that you are upholding my ancestor's motto so splendidly, 'Arise, o youth and become the foundation of the world."
Not sooner than had he finished speaking that the next arrivals were announced, to Class VII's shock it turned to be Chancellor Osborne with his close ally, Carls Regnitz and the heads of the Four Great Houses. Both sides were quick to offer them words of praise but just as quickly to criticize each other's role in the crisis, they went on ignoring the students who didn't know how act.
Specially Machias and Jusis whose fathers were the ones yelling and arguing with each other, it reached the point that the Emperor had to intervene and rebuke both sides, clearly disgusted by their behaviours. To Rean however there was something else demanding his attention, namely the scar over his heart, from the moment Osborne walked in both it and his power had reacted. (This is already the third time; I can no longer treat this as a coincidence! Just what is the connection between him and me?)
Prince Olivert along with Princess Alfin escorted Class VII out of the room leaving the Emperor to deal with both factions, "Sorry you had to see that, you would think with all the trouble we have internally and in Crossbell they would behave…. Pah, that isn't something you students have to deal with for now. I already have arranged another airship to take you all to Ymir, along with the Student Council President Towa. Angelica and George were already informed about this short vacation and are on their way to Ymir."
It didn't take long for them to reach once again the airport and depart again, "Anyone else feels like shipping packages? I swear we were just here for not even one hour and now we are being shipped off again. Ouch, what was that for?"
"That was for being rude to the royal family, Crow! They were nice enough to pay for our stay in Ymir, so no badmouthing them!" The first year watched with amusement as Towa reprimanded Crow, the flight to Ymir was without any problems letting Rean see the latest proposals for the costumes, he still found them a bit revealing but it was already miles better than the first ones and these came with Elliot's approval that they would work well together with the songs, they had chosen.
(Looks like we are all set for our concert and without their leaders the ILF shouldn't be any trouble in the short term, if we are lucks perhaps, they will even disband. However, there are still a lot more problems remaining, the two factions, the unrest in Crossbell and whatever is going with my power and the chancellor.) Before the swordsman could think any further, he felt someone poke his cheek, turning his head he saw Alisa with her finger outstretched.
"I may not know just what exactly you are thinking about, but it is making you frown too much. We have two days to relax which is what we are going to do, so no training, no brooding, no overthinking got it?"
"Yes, ma'am!" The others snickered at that but agreed with her that this time was for resting, even Laura agreed that she wouldn't be training during this time. Both groups caught up with each other during the flight, until they finally arrived in the Hot Spring Paradise Ymir where the Schwarzer family, including Elise and for some reason Sharon, was waiting for them.
Alisa initially stunned at the sight, could just sigh at the appearance of her maid but ignored her as she looked at Rean and his family, "Welcome Class VII to Ymir. It is a pleasure to finally meet the classmates my son has been writing me about." The students greeted Baron Schwarzer right back, "No need for any stiff greetings or even following proper protocol, we are just simple people here."
His classmates relaxed as his father assured them that they didn't need to be so polite with him though he could have done without the next part, "So you are the famous Alisa, huh? My wife told me a lot about the fact that you and your classmates are looking out for my son at Thors. Thank you for that, it is always a pleasure to meet people that can put the fear of Aidios into my reckless son."
The archer initially had been a bit nervous facing Rean's father but that melted as soon as she saw the teasing look in his eyes that he threw at Rean, "Well, I do try but I don't think that even the goddess herself would be able to stop him from charging head on into danger." The swordsman noticed quickly where the conversation was going so, he had to step in quickly and stop his father from saying anything else, "Alright, alright that is enough. No need for that, how about we first go put our stuff at the inn? After that I can show you all around town?"
They noticed what he was doing right away, but Alisa wasn't going to let this chance for some teasing slip away though Theo seemed to have other ideas, "Ok then, teasing and embarrassing my son is scheduled for later. The cook at the inn has already started preparing your midday meal but you are all invited for dinner at our place where said teasing will start, so don't miss it." Both the smirk and the light in his father's eyes made him shudder, though he knew that he had no choice but to endure whatever it was Theo Schwarzer had planned for him and the fact that all his classmates and seniors grinned at him, didn't make it any easier.
However, before he followed his classmates who were being led by his little sister to the inn, he quickly hugged his father, "It is good to be back, Dad. I missed you." Theo was surprised at that, but it faded quickly as he hugged his son back, "I missed you too, kiddo. Good to have you back and from the looks of it, your time at Thors has done you good."
Before answering that Rean also hugged his mother who also seemed to have noticed that something had changed within him, "…. I can't deny that, though to be honest it will still take a while before I can truly take a step forward but for now, I am content in taking my time figuring things out. I will tell you about it later but for now just let me say this, thank you both so much for having been so patient with me."
Now both parents were truly shocked at that before both hugged him once again, "It looks like you have truly come far, Rean. Do we have a certain someone to thank for that?" He knew immediately who Lucia was referring to, causing to blush a fact that wasn't lost on the adults though they didn't get to tease him about it, "…I can't deny that she helped me the most, but the rest of my friends also deserve the credit for having stood by me and force me to accept that some things aren't just my fault."
"Then I guess I will have to do my best with my cooking tonight to thank them. It is a good thing then that your father managed to get some prime pheasant meat this morning." The three remained in a hug for little while longer meanwhile the rest of the students plus their Instructor and Maid arrived at the Phoenix Wing Inn, "Don't you have to help Mother clean up that mess back in Roer?", the blonde directed that question at Sharon while Sara was repeatedly nodding in the background, the maid just gave her usual smile for answer but that enough for the archer, "Sigh, you have got to be kidding me. Knowing her she is most likely to use this as an opportunity to get the upper hand in the coming negotiations, isn't she?"
"It gladdens me that you know her so well, Lady Alisa. The groundwork is already done as such Lady Irina allowed me to return to your side and after hearing that you and your classmates were coming here, I contacted Lady Lucia to make some arrangements for me too."
"I swear one of these days. Sorry for all this Elise, if you don't mind me asking shouldn't you be in school?" The youngest Schwarzer took her eyes of her family to respond, "It isn't any trouble at all Alisa, you all did the same for me last time I was in Trista, this time it is my turn to play the hostess for you all. As for school, Princess Alfin told me last night what happened in Roer along with the fact that the Emperor would send Class VII here to rest, so I took the first airship in the morning back home."
"Is that so, then thanks for all your work. I have to say it, Ymir hasn't changed much since I was here last time."
"Oh? I wasn't aware that you had already visited us once."
"It was a long time ago; I think I was seven at that time? I was here with my family for a short vacation, anyway after hearing Rean tell us so much about the hot springs, I can't wait to try them out. Something I didn't get to do last time I was here." The others nodded in agreement with her and went to their rooms before assembling once again to eat, they all praised the chef skills before Elliot took control of the situation, "The first order of business is the distribution of the roles we all are going to play in the concert this here is a list of them, please take a look."
The red head waited for them to read the list, just as he had predicted a certain duo and class president were against theirs, "Wait just a damn minute!" though their voice overshadowed hers, Elliot didn't even flinch as he starred right back at them, "You two were pretty in sync just now which proves my point that you sing the first song together is going to be a hit. Emma, Jusis and Machias singing the first song will lay the foundation for you to truly awe the audience, add that together with Fie and Millium as your backup dancer and the costumes, then there is no way we won't defeat Class I or are we going to let them get another 'nominal' win?"
Both of the boys couldn't truly refute it when Elliot put things like that, however Emma did try to wiggle her way out of it, "Ehm, I don't think I have what it takes for that." He didn't buy that for a second, he gave Alisa a look who understood what he wanted since he talked about this part with her beforehand. The blonde quietly approached her friend without being noticed, just to take her glasses and upbraiding her hair, "A-Alisa?! What are you doing?!"
"Please hold still for a minute while I straighten your hair …and voila. What do you all think?" The rest were amazed at what some simple changes could do for their class president who was tomato red in her face, especially after she saw the starstruck look on Machias face as he looked at her. Sensing that her refusal was weakening the redhead quickly moved in to convince her of her part, "Is it just to me or does Elliot appear somewhat scary to you too, Fie?"
Rean whispered his question to the young girl standing beside him, "Just a bit, yeah." They watched as Emma succumbed to the musicians' persuasions to agree with her part, with that settled he turned to the rest, "Rean will be the lead guitarist along with Alisa as the rhythm guitarist, Gaius will play as the bassist, Laura will be the drummer, and I will play both the piano and the violin."
The ones playing the instruments tried to say something, but an aura of intimidation appeared around Elliot, "Don't worry, guys. By the time I am done training you all, you will play like you have been doing it for years, because anything else below that level won't be allowed even if it kills you." For the first time since they had met him, Class VII took a step back out of fear for the normally sweet musician, (Yikes, woe to anyone who doesn't give music 120 percent of their efforts in his presence, now if we could find some way from him to harness that confidence into his battle mode forget defeating Instructor Sara, I would think we would have a true chance at taking on the Radiant Blademaster.)
A look at his classmates showed that they shared the same thoughts as Rean, but before General Elliot could lay down their training regime for the next weeks, the swordsman coughed loudly to get their attention, "I guess we have got the concert details all squared away. Clearly, we are in for a ton of practice (Aidios help us with that one) if we want to pull this off and walk away proud. So, we are going to need to get started on that as soon as we get back to the academy...buuut that is back at the academy. For now, I want everyone to make the most of the next two days and rest as much as possible. We can worry about all the tough stuff later, there is nothing particular planned until we have dinner with my parents, so everyone is welcomed to go and do whatever they want until then."
He gave them some tips on what they could do to enjoy Ymir, along with a reminder that the open bath is accessible for male and females at different times, while also pointing out that after eight in the evening it becomes a mixed bath. To avoid any accidents, he proposed that they talk with each other about perhaps the girls having the bath for themselves today and the boys tomorrow.
"Enjoying the hot spring at night lets you all to watch the stars in the sky, with the mountains as background and the warm water is an experience without equal. If you are staying here in Ymir that is something you all should experience once." He knew that they were tempted now to appreciate that for themselves though Angelica took it a steep too far.
"Now you are talking my language Rean, having all these beauties naked with me while enjoying both the scenery in and out of the bath, is surely going to be amazing." He could see that a bit of drool was escaping from her mouth as she fantasied about that, he like the rest choose to ignore her but not without asking Towa to keep her on a tight leash during the day and later in the bath.
The rest of the day was spent with them enjoying everything the town had to offer them, along with the footbath, playing billiards, darts, the shops along with also a short hiking trip to the surroundings to see the mountain nature first hand.
Any thoughts about the ILF, the two factions, the school festival were put out of their minds letting the teenagers enjoy simply being teenagers until it was time for dinner at the Schwarzer Mansion, Towa, Angelica and George declined the invitation, stating that they would let Class VII enjoy the dinner this time without them. Lucia however insisted that they attended at least the dinner tomorrow evening to which they agreed, the others enjoyed a quiet evening with all the delicious food the Lady Schwarzer with Sharon's help had cooked while at the same time they talked about their days at Thors teasing Rean with some stories his family wasn't aware of much to his chagrin.
All in all, it was a pleasant evening till Theo took out some snacks for himself, the students and made himself comfortable, "Since you all have told us stories about Rean perhaps, we should return the favour. Now which one should we tell?" The swordsman could only endure this, knowing that there was no way out of this, his friends were also excited at what they could learn about him.
"I may, how about one from his time in the East?" Nods of support came from the rest at the archer's suggestion, letting Rean shudder at the prospect how much trouble the wrong story could give him. Noticing that his father took pity on him, "Not a bad choice, but I will refrain from telling one about his usual recklessness, he already got enough throughout scoldings because of those."
Rean released a sigh in relief at that, he gave his father a smile before taking a long sip of his tea, though he spit it all out when he heard Theo's next words, "How about the times he got several marriage proposals from the Lords in the East?" The others had to digest that for several moments while Rean tried to get his coughing fit under control, "Cough, how do you cough know about that?!"
"It's true?!"
The shouts of surprise from his classmates caused him to remember that they were still here, he looked at their expressions stunned surprise, teasing looks and so on until he reached Alisa who at first looked stunned at that reveal before he saw a hint of jealousy until she hid her emotions so well, he could have sworn she was using his 'Frozen Heart' technique. Any attempts to explain himself was stopped as his mother added to the fire, "Dear, there weren't only marriage proposals but also proposal for some to become his concubines or mistresses as they are called in this part of the continent."
He banged his head at the table at that follow up, ignoring the following shouts of surprise along with the gloating/teasing ones (Fie's and Crow's), "Oh my, looks like Master Rean was truly popular back there wouldn't you say so my lady?"
"Seems like it." There were no emotions in Alisa's voice, causing him to stop banging his head at the table to look at her just to find two emotionless eyes staring at him, demanding an explanation for this, "(I am so getting back at you for this Master!) It isn't like what you are thinking! There is a perfectly reasonable explanation for that."
"Oh, really? Can't wait to hear it then." The Schwarzer family along with his classmates watched with interest, though Elise was quite displeased, despite having heard about those proposals years back she still didn't like the sound of them, along with what she was seeing but after a moment she resigned herself to help her brother out, "(I somehow knew that this day would come after seeing them like that back in Roer.) My brother for all his faults didn't do anything wrong back then, those 'suggestions' were made without any consideration to him."
Now the entire table focused her attention on the youngest Schwarzer, who looked at her mother to let her explain, having had enough fun for now, Lucia absolved her son, "Elise is right, despite Rean generally denseness he truly had nothing to do with them. The Lords were just after a connection with Master Ka-Fai, they were hoping by marrying their daughters to my twelve-year-old son they could have the so-called honour of having the Sword Hermit help them in case they needed it. I think, Jusis and Laura can understand the principle of that."
Both grimaced at that as they did understand the motif behind that, "Looks like the nobility to the East isn't that different compared to Erebonian nobility. They still think that only by marrying into a house or giving their sons and daughters away can an alliance truly be forged. That is one part of nobility that I could do without."
Laura was beside him nodding in support, "Does that mean your old man is trying to do the same to you, Jusis? How come the Intelligence Division doesn't have that information?" The last part was murmured softly by Millium though it was still heard by everyone at the table causing the blonde noble to roll his eyes, "Duke Albarea hasn't done anything of the sort….yet. I am sure that somewhere in the future he will try to do so, however. Since you apparently have a lot of experience in that regard, got any advice for me Rean?"
He wasn't fooled by Jusis attempt to gloss over the fact that he had let that last part slip, though he was worried for his friend he didn't know what advice to give since what he did back then couldn't be used here in the Empire. "My brother just used his silver tongue to get out of some situation like that, why do you think he was able to shut down Princess Alfin's requests so easily? Because he had lots of practice doing so."
"Come now Elise, he didn't just talk his way out of them sometimes he literally ran away from them. I have heard that people run away from marriage, but I think my son is the only one in the continent who must jump out of a window and knock out a unit of guards to get away from one."
With his family explanations Alisa regained some of her composure, but he still could tell that she was a bit miffed at him, he however would take that anytime over the emotionless eyes she had moments before. Rean did give her a look that asked for some time later to talk, she didn't do anything to acknowledge that request for a while till she gave him the barest of nods.
The rest of the evening was spent teasing the swordsman after some more stories about him were revealed though luckily for him there were no more bombshells like the first one. He was glad that the evening was over though before he could leave with his classmates he and Alisa were called by both Lucia and Sharon to another room. Leaving the rest to go on ahead, they shared a look that showed their confusion just why they were being called, both felt that something wasn't right the moment they entered the room.
"Rean, Alisa if could please take a seat." Lucia invited them to sit down, wearing a serious look on her face, a look that was mirrored by Sharon who for once wasn't standing but sitting down in the opposite sofa, (This looks serious, just what happened?). For a while no one said anything, the adults just looked at them without saying anything, not wanting to endure this any longer Alisa was going to say something but was cut off by Lucia.
"I know that both of you are very responsible for your age, including the fact that you Rean will be twenty years old in one and half year making you an adult however until then you are teenagers. As such it our duty as adults to watch over you to make sure that you are aware of the consequence certain actions could have."
If the two were confused before then now they were baffled, having no idea what just prompted this to happen, undeterred by the looks she was getting Lucia went on, "I also know what is like to be an teenager at your age, sometimes your hormones take over or you don't know what is happening with your bodies….."
Listening to his mother talking, a truly horrifying idea started to sprout in his head, the longer she went the surer he became to just what was going on here, "By Aidios, mom are you trying to…give us…. 'The Talk'?" At his side Alisa's face was alternating between red and white having come to the same conclusion as him, taking a deep breath his mother inclined her head as an answer causing the air to instantly become far more awkward than before, despite having been through so much since a young age Rean couldn't come up with anything that would explain what had prompted this on or even out of this.
"W-w-w-w-why are you….? I mean, just what…..? S-Sharon what?" The archer had difficulties forming complete sentences as her brain had shut down, the maid in front of her wordlessly took out a photo from her breast pocket and showed it to them. Both exploded with red in their faces, Rean was sure that their faces alone generated more heat than an orbal stove ever could, the photo showed the two together in bed this morning, (I don't know what I can say to that, besides just WHY AIDIOS?! I knew that something was off about Sharon this morning, but I had hoped that she hadn't seen us and to make matters worse she even told Rean's mother about it! What is she going to think about me now?!)
Regardless of how embarrassed he was with the situation, the moment he saw Alisa's panicking face he calmed down, "Ok, I can understand how this situation to have 'The Talk' came about but it isn't what you two think! Let me explain, you probably heard that I was injured yesterday, Mom, that lead to….."
Lucia looked sharply at him, "No, I wasn't aware of that! What happened?!", not having expected that he briefly explained what the events that led to him getting knocked out, his mother wasn't pleased but let him continue, "As I was saying Alisa took care of me as I was sleeping, I can only assume that she also fell asleep while watching me. I must have felt her warmth sometime during the night and subconsciously must have drawn her closer to me leading to the event displayed in that photo. Nothing like what you imagined happened, I repeat nothing at all!"
Rean may have changed some facts to avoid embarrassing Alisa further but in the end, what was most important was to make them understand that nothing happened between them in that bed. The archer had recovered enough of her wits to have heard what he had said, she was going to clarify that it had been her that had pushed him down the bed no matter how embarrassing that was for her. She couldn't let him shoulder the blame, without the two adults noticing he found her hand and squeezed it to stop her from saying anything, though she wasn't deterred, she did still stick to his story.
"I could also have been the one that was drawn by his warmth and climbed into his bed, the fault doesn't lie with him…." She stopped as Lucia raised her hand, the Lady Schwarzer looked deeply into their eyes and found nothing besides embarrassment, "Very well, I will believe you. Like I said I was also young once, I know what it is like and the last thing I want is to embarrass you with this kind of talk. I will leave it at this, but I will also say that you can call me anytime you want Rean if you want to talk. I know that you have Sharon at the academy with you Alisa but if Sharon doesn't mind you can also call me anytime you need to."
"I don't mind it at all Lady Lucia, if Lady Alisa came to me to talk about that, of course I would do my best to help her, but I also know that I am more of an older sister to her than a mother. As such I really appreciate you offering her the possibility to talk with you about such things." Both seemed to have forgotten the two students in the room, fearing that she would explode if she remained her any longer, Alisa abruptly stood up and dragged Sharon out with her, "Thank you very much, Lady Lucia, for your kind offer. Sharon I would like a word with you in private, please?" Near the end she growled the last word, unfazed the maid bowed to the Schwarzer's and let herself be dragged out of the room.
At first Rean found it awkward to say anything but without the mortification overwhelming him, the more he thought about it the more he found somethings suspicious, "You knew that nothing like what you insinuated happened, didn't you?" She simply nods at him, "So why in Aidioses name would do something like that?! Do you have any idea how embarrassed Alisa must felt right now?!" Since waking up in this house over thirteen years ago, this was perhaps the first time that he felt a bit of annoyance towards his mother.
"I can imagine and as much I would like to hold my grandchildren someday, I still think that you are too young for that responsibility as such a bit of self-consciousness to defend against teenage hormones isn't a bad idea."
He didn't know what to say to that or even if he did where to start, "Alisa and I it's….", before he could explain any further, he was interrupted by Lucia, "Rean, you are my son, and I love you with all my heart, but you are also extremely dense in romantic matters! I won't say anything about her feelings towards you, but you need to really start to understand your own feelings for her!"
He blinked at her once not knowing what to say this was quickly turning out to be the motto of the evening it seemed, "Mom, I know exactly what my feelings for Alisa are! She is important to me and what exactly that entails and how much, is something that she deserves to hear from me first."
Now it was Lucia turn to look at him with her mouth opened, she blinked once, twice before she could speak again, "Oh?...OH! I wasn't expecting that, I was sure I would have to force you to face your feelings for her, but it looks like you have also grown in that department." After she had recovered from her shock, she started giggling at him causing his face to heat up again, "Seems like I won't have to worry about you then, though if you don't mind me asking. What exactly is the situation between you two?"
"More than friends but less than a couple…. for now, at least. At the moment we are just enjoying spending more time with each other, we both know how the other feels even though we haven't put it into words. We are just enjoying this closeness we have right now, and that is all I am saying to this."
Lucia couldn't help but feel happiness at his admission, stood up from her to seat to hug him, "I see, then I wish you the best, Rean. Just remember that if you want to talk, it doesn't matter about what me and your father are just one call away."
As if on cue, Theo opened the door at the end of Lucia speech, "I don't know what led to your mother saying that, but she is absolutely right, day or night Rean we are here for you. Though perhaps it is better if you go look after your Alisa, I mean your friend she looked quite red in the face. In the meantime, your lovely mother can perhaps explain to me just what she did here that would cause that reaction." The smirk on his face made it clear that his slip up was intentional, but Rean just ignored it and bade his parent a good night, leaving the mansion.
"What makes you think that I did something to Alisa?"
"My dear beautiful Lucia, how many years have been we married now? I know you even better than I know myself. From the moment you asked these two to follow you, I already knew you were up to something."
Outside his home, Rean found Alisa pacing around muttering something too quietly for him to pick up, but he would bet his tachi that it has something with Sharon, speaking of her since she was nowhere to see, he assumed that she must have gone ahead to the inn. He approached her slowly while making some noise to alert her to his presence, causing her to stop moving to look at him, "…..So that just happened. I shudder to think what your mother must think about me now."
"Only the best, I assure you. Come here, how about a hug after all that?" She only hesitated for a short second before stepping forward to hug with him, placing her head on his chest which was quickly turning out to be her favourite place to be, he calmly explained to her that his mother knew that nothing had happened but thought that a scare would perhaps be a good idea. He wisely kept rest of that conversation to himself including the bit of what Lucia said about grandchildren.
"I see, still that was really embarrassing Sharon should have come to me first before getting your mother involved in this. I could have really done without that." He just holds her tighter, "Tell me about it, that part and the part at the dinner too. I will have to think about a way to pay Master Ka-Fai back, no matter what, he promised me to keep that to himself."
The way Alisa suddenly froze told him that she had apparently forgotten about it, "Yeah, the part where you received several marriages proposals or proposals for accepting them as your mistresses. Is that why some Lords are angry at you?"
"That is a big part of it the other is because I may or may not have fought my way out of their castle when they didn't understand the meaning of the word no. Are you angry at me?" She looked directly into his eyes for a while without saying anything else making him feel extremely nervous, until she took pity on him, "No, I am not angry at you, I am however feeling a little jealous. First, we have Captain Claire invite you to a night out in town and then I learn that you already got multiple marriages proposals. You don't have to say anything, I know that you didn't ask for any of that, besides I still remember what you said to me two nights ago."
Both remembered what he had said, still he couldn't help but try to even the field so to speak, "I am not saying that you shouldn't feel jealous, Aidios knows that I was the same every time Charles Noir managed to get you to meet him alone. I just want you to understand that I am here for you no matter, if you are angry, sad or jealous it doesn't matter I will always try to make you feel better."
"And here we go again, you can possibly be pulling all that out of nowhere, admit it you have a book somewhere written with all the corniest speeches known to mankind…Wait did you just say that you were jealous about me meeting that bastard alone?" He freed one of his hands to scratch the back of his head while avoiding eye contact with the stunned archer, "Yes, though at that time I didn't realise that I was feeling jealousy, sorry."
"You do know that you don't have anything to worry about where that bastard is concerned, him or anyone else for that matter…..and I do too, huh. I guess, this situation here is something that we both have to get used to." He started stroking her head at that, "True but the most important thing is that we talk with each other, if we aren't comfortable with something ok?" She whispered an, "Ok.", back before hugging him once again while appreciating this moment, they stayed together for a while longer before Alisa started feeling cold.
A fact that wasn't lost on him, so he led her quickly back to the inn, just to find Angelica sitting in the lobby looking a little lost, they were noticed by her almost immediately, "Hey you two, how was dinner?" Alisa having known her even longer than the other second years noticed that something was off, "It was, let's just say, something. What brings you here?"
"Eh, not much. I was just on my way back from a dip in the springs when I thought it might be nice to stop here and think for a bit. Care to join me? I will treat you two to a drink if you want." Even Rean noticed now that something was wrong here, a look was all he needed to see that Alisa was of the same opinion, "Sure, but nothing with alcohol or Towa will have your head."
The second year just laughed while making her way to the bar where she got three orange juices, "No need to worry about little old me. I will be fine." Alisa took the offered can before fixing her old friend with her eyes, "Angelica what happened? Does it have something to do with the fact your father called you home yesterday?"
She froze at that before snickering, "You were always a straight shooter, ma cherie but you somehow you got even more straightforward after meeting Rean and the rest of Class VII which I assure you makes you even more charming. A fact that Rean here can surely testify or am I wrong?" She saw him hesitated and the archer wasn't going to let her change the conversation like that but stopped at her next words, "I mean, you already know that she found you cute when you gave her those books years ago. It is only fair that you praise her too, no?"
"Let me guess, Elise spilled the beans?" Rean could only sigh when he got the confirmation, "What is it with today? Is it Embarrass Rean and Alisa Day? I wasn't aware that such a day existed."
"No need to be upset, your darling sister didn't know that you wanted to keep that fact hidden, Alisa here however will probably have to deal with a lot of teasing from her classmates." Said girl could only groan out load at that prospect but soldiered on, "I will deal with that in the morning but please Angelica how can we help you?"
"…..Not so easily deceived are you ma cherie? Oh well, how can you help me? That is an easy one, would you be willing to take my bike off my hands, Rean? I am sure you both understand what me asking that means."
"Marquis Rogner is making you drop out of Thors?! How dare he! He has no right do that!" Rean felt the same anger as Alisa but remained silent as he knew that neither he, Alisa or anyone else could intervene in this matter.
"Pretty much. As soon as I return home after this trip, that will be it, I think. The little stunt I pulled at the mine didn't go down very well with that hardheaded old man of mine, you see. That is why he went ahead and told the academy that I will be dropping out. Without my permission, of course. I am going to be grounded at home for a while. Not even the academy can go against a noble as prestigious as Father, not unless they are willing to face repercussions on its administration. Principal Vandyck's put me down as 'on leave' rather than actually 'dropped out,' but there's no real difference when you get down to it. At first, he didn't even want me coming here, but his Majesty the Emperor told him that I deserved a rest after all I did to save the miners."
"I would be honoured to take care of your bike, Angelica. Anything else we can help you with, say the word and we are busting you out of that place." At his side Alisa was nodding her head in support, leaving the violet haired girl stunned before she burst out laughing, "Oh man, I am going to miss these little chats, but I will remember that offer, and thanks for taking care of my bike. For now, I am going to enjoy tomorrow with Towa and the other two, after that I will do what I can. Good night, you two don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Both ignored her parting shot, saddened by the fact that she wouldn't be returning with them to Thors, they stayed in the lobby trying to come up with anything that could help Angelica. Unfortunately, besides Rean idea of busting her out of the Rogner mansion, there wasn't anything they could do. Looking at the time they decided to go to bed since they still had a day to rest before going back, they planned to make most of the next day to fully enjoy this rare chance to rest.
However, the sight that greeted Rean and the others in the morning indicated that there wouldn't be much time to rest. The entire town was blanketed in snow while the others enjoyed the sight of white in front of them, the swordsman seemed to be worried, "If it keeps going how it is, we are going to have a serious problem on our hands by the afternoon. I wouldn't be surprised if the cable car's operation would have to be suspended, even. We wouldn't even be able leave the village..."
"We are at that point already, I am afraid. I have been around the village to assess the situation, and the snow buildup on the slope the cable car uses is far too significant. We don't have a choice but to suspend its operation for the time being." Theo and Elise walked into the inn, one looking quite grime while the others seemed to be distraught, her brother knew just what was on her mind causing him to step closer to pat her head to calm her down.
"Rean, this is the same as that time, isn't it?" He didn't have it in him to lie to her so he just nodded to confirm it, that drew the attention of everyone besides Theo but before they could ask anything the baron explained what his daughter meant, "Nearly a decade ago something similar to this happened. The snow lasted for roughly three days, then it simply stopped. We never could figure out why, anyway. I will be sure to inform you once the cable car is up and running again. Oh, and before I go, I was given this by an employee of the inn on the way here. It is addressed to you Class VII."
He was holding a familiar envelope in his hand, causing his son to narrow his eyes as he seemed to pick up on something, stepping forward he took it, opened it and read it to everyone else, "Ladies and gentlemen of Class VII: I write this in the hopes of entrusting you with an additional field study task. Journey along the Ymir Valley, and may you bring an end to this extraordinary snowfall. The only ones permitted to attempt this are the students of Class VII which must include Rean Schwarzer, neither the second years, the Purple Lighting or the maid are allowed to intervene in this matter. Unless of course they don't mind if this town is forever engulfed by snow."
Everyone was stunned at the content of that letter, "As much as I would like to say that it is impossible for someone to make it snow like this, I think we all can agree that this wouldn't be the weirdest thing we have seen during the last six months."
"Jusis, is right but why are they asking for us especially Rean?" Laura agreed with her fellow noble but was puzzled why Rean was asked by name to do this, as one they looked at him, who was grimacing as read the letter again. It looked like he was going to say something, but they were already familiar enough with him to recognise that look, "No, you aren't going alone!"
The swordsman blinked at his friends who had said that at the same time, "I haven't even said anything yet." Snorting Fie looked at him with her arms crossed, "You don't have to, we already knew what you were going to say."
"You probably already know who is behind this but want to keep us out of this but no dice, Rean. Besides this looks like to be fun!" They looked at Millium who seemed excited about all this but ignored her for the moment. Seeing this Sara took a seat, grinning at the frowning swordsman, "They got your number, kid. You of all the people should know that there is no talking them out of this, so just accept your fate and tell us which idiot is behind this." The smug look on Sara's face soured pretty quickly after hearing his answer, "I am ninety percent sure that Phantom Thief B is behind this. Still want them to come with me?"
"As if we wouldn't come with you no matter who is behind this! Why are we even standing around discussing this? We should get ready for this request or is there something that we need to do before?" Rean looked at Alisa and the rest of his classmates determined faces and just shrugged, "Oh well, at least I tried. Guys we have fifteen minutes to check on our equipment, items and quartzes, after that we are leaving. I have an idea just where this snow could have come from, normally it is a trip that we can do in less than an hour but with this weather we can count on monsters interfering with us along with snow hindering our path, so take your warmest clothes with you."
Class VII sprang right into action but stopped when Elise shouted her objection, "I-It's too dangerous! You c-can't go! You don't even know what you are going to be up against! You would be putting yourselves in danger and…and…and what if this will be a repeat of last time?" Chuckling her brother patted her on the head again, "I know you are nervous because of what happened last time, but unlike then, I have them with me. This isn't going to end the same way, just trust me, okay?"
"But what if you use your…..power?"
"Then they will probably carry me down the valley no matter how much I insist that I am fine." The confused looks on his sister and father made him chuckle, "If yesterday you all hadn't spent telling so many embarrassing stories about me perhaps, I would have had the opportunity to tell you that my classmates are a bunch of gold hearted fools."
He ignored the shouts of protest coming from behind him, "I mean, everyone with half a brain would have run in the opposite direction after finding out about my power but not these fools. No, instead they stayed right beside me making me realise that I am the biggest fool out of them all."
He looked at his shocked family as they digested what he had just told them, that his classmates had seen his ogre power but didn't run away or even hurt him. "This power of mine is part of me, no matter what I say. Instead of denying that one simple truth, I will accept it or at least I am trying to. Let me tell you it isn't easy trying to change something that I believed in for a decade, but slowly I am getting to that point."
It took a while before Theo could regain the use of his voice but when he did, he clapped his son's shoulder and bowed to the others, "Looks like you have some truly good friends, son. As his father I am truly grateful for all you have done for my son and for staying by his side, so thank you."
The students could tell how emotional the man was that at the end but instead of them all answering they looked towards a certain person to be their representee in this matter, "No need for any thanks, Mister Theo. We are his friends and as such we will always stand with him no matter what happens, though I would prefer if he stopped being so hard on himself and being a reckless fool."
Alisa looked at straight at Rean who for his turn just whistled while looking away. The baron straightened himself while still thanking them, meanwhile Elise seemed to recover from the shock of her brother's revelation, Rean patted her head again before joining his classmates in their preparation.
Sometime later they were making their way through the valley while fighting against the monster that barred their path, "And there goes the last day of our vacation, make me wish that I could get my hands on Phantom Thief B and throw him into a jail he couldn't escape from."
"Tell me about it, anyway if you don't mind me asking Rean. This has happened before, right? Can you tell us about it if you don't mind of course, your sister looked pretty worried about this." Crow was the first one to ask what was on everyone's mind, but the swordsman didn't mind at all, "No, it's okay. I was planning to tell you all about it anyway but then there was the matter at Garrelia, then the school festival, our field studies. Now is as good a chance as any, though I wished that we weren't traveling through the snow to the place where it all began."
He took a deep breath before telling them of the first time his ogre power appeared, "Like I said, it was nine years ago. I was nine, so that would have made Elise seven. The two of us went to play up on the stream along the valley, but while we were out, snow started falling heavily just as suddenly as this time. We panicked and tried to hurry back to the village...but on the way, we ran into this huge, bear-like creature."
He stopped there still vividly recalling those memories, "We were kids, so we didn't stand a chance of trying to seriously fight it. All I could do was try desperately to keep it from harming Elise, even if it meant getting hurt in the process. In hindsight that seemed to scare Elise even more than the monster seeing me covered in my own blood. Iwas starting to lose consciousness, and all I could hear was the sound of the monster's footsteps drawing gradually closer. I knew in my mind that for every step it took, Elise was in more and more danger...and that's when it happened."
Not caring about the others right now, Alisa was at his side to squeeze his hand in support, he smiled at her for that, "The scar on my chest and my heart started to ache like they were set on fire, and my vision was dyed completely red. When I finally returned to my senses, I was standing in the middle of a sea of blood, the small hatchet I had brought to cut through tree branches in my hand, left with the realization that a kid like me had just hacked a giant monster into several pieces with such an insignificant weapon."
"At least Elise was safe, but had fainted when I looked around for her, the sight of me slashing a monster apart must have scared her so much that she fainted. Not caring about anything else at that moment, I took her and ran towards to Ymir, to make sure that she was alright. Luckily, she didn't have a single scratch as for me, well I spent the next few weeks with nightmares about that fight and it made me fear the power that I had discovered that day sleeping within me. I couldn't help but always fear losing control again. Who would be next? Elise? Someone else I cared about? How badly would I hurt them...or would it be worse?"
Rean had stopped moving while telling his story, he looked at his friends who didn't even have a bit of fear in their eyes, "...Well, that is it. That is the childhood trauma I have spent almost my whole life recovering from. You guys already know about the other one, but that was the origin of everything for me. Seeking training under Master Ka-Fai to control my power, travelling the continent with him and so on. I feel somewhat obligated to ask you all if you are now afraid of me but even, I know that the moment I ask such a stupid question you all will beat me up."
The somewhat offended looks on them proved that he was right in his assumption, "Damn right we will do that and don't you ever forget it, mister!" The archer pinched his waist to drive her point in, chuckling he tried to appease her, but his senses picked something moving towards them at highspeed. "Guys get ready! We are about to have company!" A huge ice bear shoot out from the path ahead slashing at the swordsman with its claws, he managed to block it with his tachi though he was thrown back.
He caught Alisa who had been by his side by her waist and the moment they landed he pushed her towards the backline, despite the speed of the attack Alisa had managed to draw her bow and fire an arrow at the bear. The rest of Class VII sprang immediately into action with Fie, Laura, Gaius and Rean taking the front line, leaving the middle to Jusis and Millium and the backline to the rest.
Despite its size it proved to be quite nimble added together with its ability to create ice around itself as defence it proved to be quite the challenge to the students. However, they had faced much stronger monsters in the old schoolhouse, Fie and Laura unleashed their combination on it causing several slashes to appear on it forcing the monster to stand up. Acting quickly the other two front fighters attacked its two legs causing it to fall forward where several orbal arts where waiting for it.
The explosions from those knocked it right back into the air leaving it defenceless, not willing to miss this chance Rean used his power along with it came the usual changes to his appearance. He used the sixth form to create an energy slash composed of pure fire energy to fire at the bear. Though sensing the danger, it was in made it unleash all its power creating a shield of ice in front of that attack. The slash managed to cut the shield in two however it had brought the bear a few precious seconds to twist its body away making the slash miss and landing on the ground.
It was going to roar in anger at the students but stopped mid roar as it realised it was surrounded by them, Class VII unleashed two Burst one after another nearly cutting the monster into pieces. Despite its many wounds it still wasn't dead but soon it would be since now it was facing Rean and Alisa who used up to the last of the link energy to attack with their strengthened Rush Ability. The archer's arrows found their target in the monsters' eyes while Rean still using his power attacked with a simple slash that was strong enough to bisect their opponent.
The moment it disappeared; the snow also stopped falling making the students feel relieved that defeating the bear was enough for that. However, they still remained on guard with their combat links on, they knew that Rean had noticed something, "How about you stop watching us from the shadows and show yourself, Phantom Thief B!"
Clapping sounds were heard before the enforcer appeared on a cliff some distance away from them, "Haha! That was quite the spectacle...and how astute you are to realize that I was present to witness it! You have my genuine respect, Rean Schwarzer and Class VII!" He ignored the glares sent his way from the others to focus on the white-haired swordsman, "How fascinating! That aura that screams carnage and destruction, those burning red eyes and that white hair, hearing rumours is nothing like seeing the real deal. That form is truly deserving of the name of Rampaging Demon!"
"Just answer me this Bleublanc. Why did you do this?!"
"Tsk, tsk, Rean! Is that really the question you should be asking? I think not. What you shouldbe asking is this: 'Why have you taken such an interest in me?' But before answering that much more appropriate query, I would like to introduce myself again. To the one that haven't had the pleasure of meeting me, I am Phantom Thief B, also known as Enforcer Number X of Ouroboros and I imagine you will be meeting me plenty more in that capacity, Class VII."
Warning bells were going off in Rean's head since he truly didn't want to deal with society in any capacity especially if it involved his classmates, "Oh hell no! How about you leave us alone or at least leave them out of whatever it is you snakes are planning!"
"Now why would I do that? Besides I am not here on business for the Society. You may be the most fascinating one out of them, but each of your classmates has their own fascinating histories and circumstances; you were brought together by the guiding hand of fate and my very own rival in beauty, Prince Olivert. As a phantom thief who thirsts for hidden beauty in all its forms, how could I not be allured by such splendour?"
Bleublanc leaned on his staff as he starred at Rean, "Other than you supposedly being found in a blizzard by Theo Schwarzer twelve years ago, all else about your past is shrouded in a veil of mystery. Are you a commoner? A Noble? Erebonian? Foreigner? No one knows, there is nothing that links to your past and believe me if there was, I would have found it. Your time in the eastern part of the continent is the opposite, by Aidios it has been a long time since I was so spellbound by a person's life."
He laughed out loud as he remembered everything he had learned about Rean since the capital, "You should put your adventures into books, I can assure you that it would right up there with series like Red Moon Rose or Carnelia. But one of your most fascinating aspect is this power of yours, you wielded it the first time to protect your sister but lost control of it making you fear it, then you relinquished control of it to save a town just to have its habitants turn on you and now you are slowly making it your own, but where does it come from and where do you come from? All that warped up with your class is such a delightful mystery, how could I possibly stay away from it?!"
His friends were getting angry at the way Bleublanc was describing him, like he was a puzzle to piece together, a riddle to solve and not a person, sighing he released his transformation and turned towards them, "We have accomplished our goal, let's just go back to Ymir. I think we all earned a good meal along with a soak in the hot springs."
Even Bleublanc seemed flabbergasted at Rean ignoring him, "Oh, where is this sudden disinterest coming from?" The swordsman simply glanced at him, "That is easy, you want to find everything about me? Then go right head, perhaps you will be lucky enough to find who I am or where my power comes from but in the end, it doesn't matter, and do you want to know why?"
"I am listening."
"Because if you are the one to find those answers, then they will be your answers and not mine. This is my life, my past, my power and only if I am the one to arrive at those answers will they have meaning. People on the continent struggle every day to find the answers they are looking for and only when they themselves find them do they have meaning, only then are they their own answers. The same person doesn't exist twice, each one is unique as are their answers, but you want to arrive at mine yourself? Are they then worth it? Or are you telling me the hunter of beauty is satisfied with that?"
Rather than being dismayed by Rean's words or angry, Phantom Thief B was in high spirit, "I see... I suppose when you put it that way, your words make perfect sense. Such truths are purely personal, and the one I would acquire would be much different from your own. A fine answer indeed! But bear in mind that no one can hide from their own destiny...and I look forward to finding out what truths you all discover when the fateful moment comes."
Petals started to appear around Bleublanc covering him until he disappeared, but his final words echoed through the valley, "I earnestly await what the future holds in store for your class and you! Until we meet again."
"Good riddance, I say! Heavens above I have never met a more obnoxious man than him and I have dealt with the nobles in Bareahard all my life!" Machias and the others agreed with Jusis remark toward the enforcer, "As annoying as he is, he is still a very dangerous enemy. How are we going to deal with this Rean?"
"By doing nothing Gaius. We are maybe able to defeat him in combat but putting him away forever is not possible if everything Anelace has told me is true. For now, he is not a problem after all that I am sure that he will leave us alone to watch on how we arrive at our own answers. If we are luckily, he will perhaps lose interest in us in the future if not, then we will deal with him the best we can."
They understood that for now there wasn't anything they could though they were a bit worried about the Enforcer, Rean soon redirected their focus towards something else, "I don't know about you guys but I am getting hungry and nothing against the showers in our dormitory but I want to make the most out of the hot springs here so how about we go back, make our report and take it easy for the rest of the day? After all we are going to be pretty busy as soon as we are back at the academy."
"Wow! Never thought I would hear you say that you want to take it easy and meant it! Are we sure that the monster was responsible for the snow and not the fact that Rean wants to rest?" The others laughed at Alisa astute observation along with teasing the swordsman though a shiver ran through their bodies when Elliot smiled at them, "But he is right that we are going to be busy for the next month after all we have to practice for our concert, and I meant it when I said that you all have to reach a certain level before the school festival or else….." The musician didn't even finish speaking but the aura he was emitting was scary enough to make everyone swear to themselves that they would give their all or at least escape the country if the red head wasn't satisfied with their performance.