Chapter 367: Alfin and Tio

Let's go.", I said.

Nothing else held us back inside Heimdallr Airport for the time being. Lechter had already vanished. I am not sure when I will see him again. It will either be during the Vermillion Trials, or when I enroll in Jenis Royal Academy. Hopefully he doesn't get into too much trouble during my absence, haha!

We all departed Heimdallr Airport. Let alone Lechter, I might not see this area again until February comes. I plan to stay in Erebonia until the Vermillion Trials are complete. And even then, if I am lucky enough, I'll ride all the way back on Liberl inside Testa-Rossa! Now won't that be a blast?

Once out on the street, the night lights illuminated the various red buildings that were scattered in all directions. It was a big contrast to the tight-and-compact buildings of Crossbell City. You could immediately tell the difference once you come here. It was red, red and more red, as far as the eye can see. On top of that, the main street was much larger. Two lanes on each side, and a trolley lane in the center of it. No trolleys were in operation at this time. The last one likely ended service for the day. It was after 930PM now. If one wanted to go to another district at this time, they'd need to find their own ride.

And sure enough, we immediately spotted a rather fancy white orbal car parked in the street, as if it were waiting for us. Well, it was waiting for us!

The couple of RMP Officers quickly reached the car before us, and stood on guard next to the doors. Claire personally opened the passenger door.

"I am not sure if you've rode inside an orbal car before Tio, so be careful with your steps.", I said with a hint of worry.

"Mmm. Tio knows the interior designs of these cars, but I have not personally stepped inside one yet. I am quite curious.", Tio nodded, making sure she didn't trip over herself while we stepped inside the orbal car.

Sure enough, the interior wasn't alone. I was immediately greeted with a golden-haired girl, dressed in her vermillion attire. It was one of her formal dresses she wore when she was out and about on business. Her eyes immediately lit up the moment she saw my figure enter.

"You didn't have to go out of your way to greet me like this, Alfin. I was only gone on a business trip.", I said, greeting the golden-blonde haired girl before me. She was poised and graceful, befitting a princess. She was Erebonia's Treasure, Princess Alfin.

I was only gone for a day, but it was good to see Alfin again. After this week is over, I will see less of her. I'm sure she shared a similar sentiment, considering she'll be ending her Winter Vacation, and return to school.

"Teehee, I only felt it was proper to do so. You didn't have a return ride now, did you~?", Princess Alfin teased with a giggle. "Plus I see a new face with you. I think I recall seeing your face before, back on Naoto's laptop inside your room. It's nice to connect voices to faces.", Princess Alfin said, greeting Tio beside me.

We saw the door close after the two of us stepped inside. It was essentially a one car limo. The seats were upholstered and leathery. Even a minibar could be seen closer toward the other end. Non-alcoholic, of course. It was the equivalent of a limousine in my previous life, but just as a one-sized car. Toward the driver's seat had an orbal monitor. Considering it was Princess Alfin's personal car, this allowed her to watch ongoing news that was happening around the city. The Orbal Network was now a thing, and even more connection tests were going to take place. Tio is going to need all the rest she can get.

"Heh. Fair enough. I had my own means of getting to the palace, but Captain Claire went out of her way to give us a ride. It would be improper of me to turn you down.", I replied with a grin.

"It is nice to meet you in person like this too, Your Highness. I will be troubling you for the time being. I am currently on a break from continuing my work at the Foundation.", Tio said, greeting Princess Aflin. Before this, I don't believe they have met in person before this.

"Oh it very is a pleasure to meet you. I've always wanted a little sister.", Princess Alfin happily responded, clapping her hands together.

"Hey, that teasing can come later. We'll figure out Tio's room situation once tonight finishes. You don't mind her staying in one of the rooms besides the one we use, right?", I questioned.

"Not at all! I always enjoy guests at our palace. And it's someone you know as well, Big Brother. Tio, was it? You can stay in one of the rooms beside mine! Big Brother's room is adjacent to mine, so you'd be across from his!", Princess Alfin responded, nodding her head. "Oh, and I'm sure you might know, but a certain someone is very much looking forward to your return, Big Brother.", Princess Alfin replied with a playful smile.

"I think I can fathom a guess as to who that is. You'll enjoy meeting them too, Tio.", I said.

"Mmm. If you say so, Naoto.", Tio nodded, returning to her usual deadpan look. Princess Alfin just looked at Tio, not expecting her to show this deadpan look in her eyes.

"Does Tio usually behave like this, Big Brother? I've heard...some stories back during the new years dance. Some not really that pleasant. But Renne and Sherryl confided in me. The entire story wasn't painted that night, but it wasn't difficult to start connecting the dots. They also referred to a black and blue-haired boy and a blue-haired girl. And this blue-haired girl is fitting that description down to a tee.", Princess Alfin suddenly said, drawing my attention. I could see both worry and seriousness in her eyes. Something I wasn't expecting to come out of her mouth.

"So that's what happened when you girls entered the changing room that night, huh? I figured it was going to shed some light eventually. I am not sure how much was given to you then, but I'd rather not go into the details. If you are trying to connect the dots, however, Tio is indeed one of the persons who was with me then. That black and blue-haired boy you mentioned goes by the name Van. He's a resident of Calvard. I have interest in catching up with him sometime, but I know Calvard isn't in the best light right now. Especially with what I have learned of my business trip. I am not sure if I'll be able to get in touch with Van anytime soon.", I responded.

It would seem Princess Alfin came to learn of what happened with the DG Cult. I am curious to know how much Renne and Sherryl brought up with Alfin, but Sherryl didn't bring up the matter at all. Until she is comfortable in doing so, I won't press the matter. She's now reuniting with her long-lost sister, so that'd be the least of her worry right now.

"Van, is it? If it's someone you know, Big Brother, then I'd sure love to meet him sometime too! It's a shame he's in Calvard presently. There's been growing concerns as of late. It's like something is trying to tip the present balance we have off the scales.", Princess Alfin responded, still showing a worried look. Despite being a young girl like Tio is, she had the entire nation riding on her shoulders. She was part of the Erebonian Royal Family, and was their Crown Princess no less.

Sure, it was the Emperor who oversaw everything, but the Empress held equal status when it came to passing down laws, within reason of course. They had an entire Imperial Government at their whim. Erebonia wasn't like Liberl, which was a monarch state. Princess Alfin's words had just as much weight as mine did when it came to our respective countries. I nodded my head at her words.

"That is a pretty good way of describing it, actually. I met with a certain group not too long ago and they gave me their perspective on the matter you just brought up. I'm just hoping the Non-Aggression Pact Grandmother is currently preparing will hold its weight down.", I replied.

"Your Grandmother...You must be referring to Her Majesty Queen Alicia II.", Princess Alfin mused.

"That's right. It might be a while out, but I'll take you to see Grancel Castle sometime. Likely when the signing of the pact draws nearer. That'll be a good time to invite you to my home.", I happily responded.

"Hehe, now that is a promise I expect you to follow through on!", Princess Alfin happily responded back.

"Mmm. The castle Naoto resides in is quite spacious. I was lucky to visit it during a business trip.", Tio nodded, chiming in. Princess Alfin's eyes lit up hearing that.

"I expect full details once you're settled in!", Princess Alfin responded, clapping her hands together again.

"Heh. Take it easy on Tio, will you, Alfin? Still, it's nice to see you becoming fast friends. You don't mind her being with us while we enjoy these last few days being in the capital, will you?", I asked.

"Not at all! More the merrier as they say. Though I do feel a hint of greed not being able to keep you for myself~", Princess Alfin teased me with a playful smile.

"...You probably shouldn't tell Her Highness what happened back in Crossbell City, Naoto.", Tio retorted, slanting her eyes halfway down as she stared at me.

"Hahaha...", I replied with a dry laugh. Tio was right on the dot. Bringing up a new girlfriend with Alfin is going to be an entire thing. I can just feel it.

"Oh my. Now I'm even more curious.", Princess Alfin said.

"Eh, if it crosses that boat, we'll talk about it. You'll find out sooner or later anyways. For now, let's just enjoy the ride. It's been a long day.", I replied, trying to dodge the subject of me entering a relationship with Elie for now.

"True. You two must be tuckered out. We'll be back inside the palace in no time!", Princess Alfin happily said to the two of us.

And sure enough, the ride was as smooth as butter. There were barely any cars on the big streets. Most shops were closing up for the night, or already closed already. We simply crossed over a couple districts, eventually arriving at Dreichels Plaza. It didn't take long before the grandiose vermillion palace, Valflame Palace, came into view!