Chapter 10: Encounter (II)

As always Giliath demands your power stones!

*

Having some playmates, huh?

That didn't sound all that bad, in my opinion. I know families who were close to other families often had their kids play around together, in an attempt to have new friendships bud and bloom.

I don't think I really fall in line with that, as our family is quite distant from anyone else, barring one. But that has yet to take place. It would cause Giliath to cut all ties with his closest friend, a guy who went by the name Teo Schwarzer. Once upon a time, Giliath was adopted into Teo's family as his parents suffered an unfortunate avalanche accident while they were travelling. That's as far as I can tell of who his immediate family could be.

But Baron Schwarzer is situated in a little humble town called Ymir, which is way high up in Erebonia's territory in the northeast. Just shy of the Eisengard Mountain Range, which is Erebonia's largest mountain range by far. The only area north of here would either be the country to the north, North Ambria, or a very secluded group of nomads in Nord Highlands. Ymir is to the west of that.

We're going south to Liberl, but it is a similar distance between the two. It's quite far out, and it takes time to get there, even with an airship. Knowing as THAT event hadn't taken place yet, Giliath should be quite friendly with Teo still, so who knows. Something could happen in these next four years or so?

Apart from that, the only other people I could think of would be my father's military buddies. And as of today, I kind of have started to meet them. I've only met two, in which the latter introduced his family to us. General Vandyck, who was Giliath and Kasia's matchmaker, and Craig the Red, one of General Vandyck's best disciples.

Craig the Red was such a hoot. He's a great personality to be around, even if he can act overexaggerated at times. He can get quite emotional when it comes to his children. I also know you can fight Craig the Red during the Cold Steel games. I do not recall the weapon of choice he uses during battle, but he would test old and new Class VII's resolve. But he was a boss nonetheless.

During that time, Craig the Red held the same rank as General Vandyck, the last of the General ranks. I know in military terms, being a General had its own ranks, more so than others. He would earn this rank as a result of a separate event taking place, something that would be known as the October War.

A massive civil war that takes place during the first half of the Cold Steel games, to which Class VII would be thrusted into the mix. Thor's students would become scattered throughout the entire country, and Rean and his classmates would search out every single one of them, in an attempt to turn the tides of war into their favor. Along the way Rean's group would find Craig the Red and bring him to his side. As Craig the Red joined the winning team, he received a promotion because of it. Plain and Simple.

A lot of people within Erebonia's Imperial Army Divisions received promotions that way. Which, by the way, this doesn't happen until seventeen years! Not until S1204. By then, I'd be around eighteen to nineteen years old. Right now, Craig the Red should hold a closer rank to father.

I know my father's rank in the military is one of the highest across the country, but it isn't the highest of them all. He's a Brigadier General right now, which is the lowest of the General ranks. They're separated into stars. Brigadier General is one-star, Major General is two-star, Lieutenant General is three-star, General is four-star and General of the Army is five-star.

We spent a few moments inside their home, and we exchanged introductions. Craig the Red held the two-star rank, Major General, which is one rank above father's. I saw my father's eyes showing respect as we exchanged some small talk with their family. So before the October War takes place, Craig the Red would likely receive one more promotion.

And if I recall, during Operation Jörmungandr, General Vandyck here would rise up into the highest position of them all, the General of the Army, and would lead Erebonia's offensive against the Republic of Calvard.

Their family was nice and lovely, to say the least. I became acquainted with Fiona, his daughter. Their mother was still alive and kicking, quite literally. She was showing early signs of pregnancy, so Elliot will probably be born sometime next year. It truly is a shame what happens to their mother. She becomes terminally ill in a decade or so, and that would cause both Fiona and Elliot to follow in their mother's footsteps. Becoming musicians, and not joining the army. Despite that, Elliot still ends up enrolling in Thors Military Academy and joins up with Rean.

It was nice to meet them and all, but I don't think Fiona will end up becoming a playmate. Besides, she's set to become Instructor Neithardt's fiancé in the future, and I'm not going to butt into that.

After spending ten to fifteen minutes watching Father and General Vandyck enjoy some homebrewed coffee, we departed from their house. Craig the Red came with us, but only for a moment. He would head into another district to do some shopping for the day.. He truly is a family man, haha!

So now, it was just General Vandyck, father, and me. I returned to taking in the sights again. Before I knew it, we reached the intersection, where one district crossed into another. Alto Street connected to one of the city's main districts, Vainqueur Street. This street granted you access to the rest of the capital, which included a plaza, called Dreichels Plaza. It was here where the residence of the Imperial Family resided, Valflame Palace. It was unfortunate we wouldn't be going here today.

But I still took a mental note of Elliot's house. I'm sure this will not be the last time I visit this place.

As we continued walking toward Heimdallr Airport, I saw General Vandyck's eyes shift, becoming more serious.

"Must you go to Liberl, General Osborne? You should know how precarious our situation here is currently. His Imperial Majesty does not have much left to live, I'm afraid.", General Vandyck said, keeping his voice low. Hearing that, I paused. Something clicked inside my head as he said that.

Emperor Eugent III, Prince Olivert's father, isn't Emperor yet. There was another guy in that spot right now. I don't know if the games ever stated his name.

"I must. You won't be able to stop me from going, General Vandyck. I know His Imperial Majesty doesn't have long to live. The next one in line inside the Imperial Family will do an inauguration and rise up to the throne. I imagine it's going to take place in the next year or two.", Giliath replied.

"I fear the same. It won't be long until His Imperial Majesty steps onto his deathbed, and reaches the ears of us soldiers.", General Vandyck responded.

Sure enough, Prince Olivert's father really isn't the Emperor right now. It should be his grandfather, I guess? He should be the current ruler. I do vaguely recall the time of death and Emperor Eugent's ascension. That much was stated, and it was exactly as father said. This is set to take place in S1189.

I know in a lot of fantasy stories, especially those isekais, cutthroat and sometimes even bloody battles take place inside said families where you can trust no one but yourself. All your siblings turn against you, just for a chance of a seat of power. I do not know if that will take place here, I don't know how many siblings the Imperial Family has. It could just be one for all I know. 

But this is politics we're talking about. It can put just about anyone to sleep if one talks about it too much, haha!

As if responding to my thoughts, I stretched my arms and suddenly let out a yawn. Giliath was quick to see this, and he smiled. I feigned closing my eyes, so we paused our walking. Heimdallr Airport was now within sight. Giliath picked me up into his arms. At the end of the day, I was on the cusp of being a two-year old child again. I could only move so much before this new body of mine started to tire out.

"Haha, I guess our talk in politics is putting Naoto here to sleep. You can enjoy a nap, young one. I will wake you up when we're on the airship.", Giliath said to me with a laugh.

"Okay, dad....", I replied. Listening to my body speaking, I let my thoughts vanish right then and there. No doubt will I be meeting tons of new people, and a lot from the Trailsverse. I just can't wait to meet them!

Yet little did I know at the time, I would receive an unexpected, new playmate. It would be someone I least expected it to be.

Seeing Naoto fall asleep inside Giliath's arms, General Vandyck had a look at the little violet-haired boy.

"It really is a surprise to see your kid speaking already, General Osborne. He's approaching two years old, isn't he?", General Vandyck questioned.

"That he is. Both Naoto and Rean are my pride and joys. Naoto's already been displaying good wits, so I've started teaching our history. Once his body develops more, I will likely start his training then.", Giliath responded.

"So Rean is the name of your other son, I take it. Your child is already taking after you, huh? The only oddity about this is the color of the boy's hair. Is that part of the reason you're going to Liberl?", General Vandyck asked with a grin on his face. Giliath didn't seem disturbed by that comment, though.

"I shall make no comment on that.", Giliath simply replied.

"Fine. I've no business going into your personal affairs, so I won't touch up on the subject. Instead, you really do intend to teach the Hundred-Form Military Combat to Naoto? Are you intending for him to join the Imperial Army as a soldier in the future?", General Vandyck mused.

"I will leave that decision to Naoto. All I intend is to help carve out that path. It will be up to him to decide what he wants to do in the future.", Giliath replied, smiling again. He looked down at his son as he said that. "And that includes whether or not he joins the army."

"In the end, the choice is the boy's to make. I thought you'd be more strict on your children's upbringing. But then again, being a family man can change your perspective on life. I've grandchildren myself. I might take some time off to go see them again.", General Vandyck replied with a smile of his own.

"Hahaha! You better think to do so before it's too late. I fear we may be busy in the coming one to two years with all that is going to transpire inside Valflame Palace.", Giliath said. That time is going to come quickly before everyone knows it. Giliath will only be able to spend so much time with his sons.

As General Vandyck said that, the two quickly realized where they were. They had arrived at Heimdallr Airport. There was still twenty minutes or so before Giliath's airship departed.

"You know you could have taken one of our private military airships instead of taking public transportation like this, General Osborne. But then again, you stated you're going to Liberl as a father with their son. If you don't take the matters of the army with you, I do not see a problem with you going.", General Vandyck said, returning to his normal demeanor.

"Indeed. It is more of a personal matter, anyways. I'll be back before you know it. it should just be two days.", Giliath replied.

"Very well. Off you go then, General. I'll opt to not send a report to His Imperial Majesty. He has enough on his plate as it stands. This matter isn't worth considering.", General Vandyck said.

"Thank you. I'll treat you to a meal. Kasia's cooking is quite good, I'll have you know.", Giliath replied with a grin.

"Haha! I might take you up on that offer. You need all the rest you can get too. Enjoy spending time with your family while it lasts.", General Vandyck said, laughing.

"Very true. It is good that His Imperial Majesty doesn't have many heirs. It should allow Crown Prince Eugent to ascend without much bloodshed. I should be available during the inauguration, whenever that takes place. In fact, I may even bring Naoto with me to witness the ascension of Erebonia's next Emperor.", Giliath said, looking back down at his child.

"Now that's a good idea. A lot of nobles will bear witness to it, so it'll be a good opportunity to form connections.", General Vandyck said, nodding his head. At this time, they heard a ding echo around the airport lobby. A few lanes could be seen with travelers going in and out. As the two were not in uniform, other people didn't pay much attention.

"Ding-dong! The next flight bound for Liberl with a connecting flight in Crossbell City will be departing in fifteen minutes. Please make sure you have your passports and luggage ready for inspection. I repeat, the next flight bound for Liberl...", A voice said, spoken through an intercom. Hearing that, several passengers started to scramble toward the side, where the docking stations were.

"It would seem it is time. Thank you for escorting us, General Vandyck. I shall leave matters of the palace to you for the time being. Unless His Imperial Majesty personally seeks an audience with me, I will focus on my duties as a Brigadier General, and spend time with my family, given time constraints of course.", Giliath said.

"Very well. I look forward to you bringing your young ones over again. Hopefully with your second son next time.", General Vandyck replied.

"We shall see. I must go.", Giliath said. With a simple gesture of his arm, Giliath bid farewell to General Vandyck. He wasn't sure when the next time would be to see General Vandyck again. He might cross paths with him during work, but the next major event may not be until the declaration of the next Emperor. Once that takes place, all eyes will be on Erebonia. It's an Empire, unlike other countries. Declaring the next Emperor is a huge event.

General Vandyck retreated back into the crowd of people going in and out of the Heimdallr Airport lobby. It was just him and Naoto now. He had no business with anyone else, so he entered the VIP lane, and quickly approached the clerk. The clerk saw the sleeping child in Giliath's arm, and smiled.

"Oh my, what a lovely child---?", The clerk said, taking a moment to admire Naoto. She then saw a large shadow cast over her, and her mind fizzled out. She was quick to see who it was before her. "G-General Giliath!?", The clerk exclaimed while keeping her voice down.

Giliath smiled and simply motioned his hand toward his lips, in an attempt to shush the clerk.

"The child is asleep. Do not wake him now. Two tickets please on the next flight bound for Liberl.", Giliath requested.

"Y-Yes, of course. Right away...", The clerk responded immediately, still in a daze. Doing her magic, Giliath quickly received two passes. Giliath took them into his hand, and just vanished into the group of people heading toward the next flight. The clerk just stood there, still dazed, contemplating whether or not her encounter just now was a dream.

She then snapped out of her daze, realizing what just happened. "...Should I report this to the manager?", The clerk wondered, only to see Giliath's figure long gone. She debated whether or not to take action during these next fifteen minutes while everyone boarded the airship.

Before long, Giliath found his seats in first class, separated from the rest of the airship. Barely anyone was seated here. With the subtle shaking of the airship, it took off before I realized it. But it was enough to stir my mind awake again. Well, I say that, but I woke up while my father was getting tickets with the clerk. I inwardly laughed since I peaked at the scene.

That's pretty much how it goes for just about anyone who encounters my new father. Giliath has that much of a presence over others. And his fame will only rise from here. He doesn't even have his famous moniker yet. The "Blood and Iron Chancellor". Right now, he's just General Osborne.

The liftoff was smooth. The airship ascended into the skies vertically. There was a runway of sorts, but it wasn't anything like my previous life, where planes had to be stationary until they gained enough momentum. The airship here was already airborne as it departed the runway. That was the beauty of orbal energy.

I always enjoyed map transitions during the games where it showed you crossing regions. During that, it played very specific songs too, depending on the game. I imagined such a song in my head while mid-flight. It would seem this flight has a connection, something I didn't expect to hear.

It was none other than Crossbell City. One of the fewest nations to declare its autonomy as a self-governed nation. It was surrounded by two powerhouses. My newest home, Erebonia, and its neighbor the Republic of Calvard. I couldn't help but grow excited, though. This was Crossbell City we're talking about here! It was home to a future team of selective policemen and detectives. I didn't think I'd get a chance to head there this early on! I doubt I'll get to meet any of them, however. I'm speaking of the SSS here. The Special Support Section. Most of them are either extremely young right now, like I am, or haven't even been born yet. Another perk of being reincarnated.

Contrary to my initial thought however, I didn't imagine I'd meet one of them so soon!

A couple hours later, a sole, gigantic city soon came into view. The airship began its descent at Crossbell Airport, which was situated near the entrance to the south gate. To the far left of the city were rolling hills, and to the north, large plateaus, along with a mountain range. To the east was a large river which eventually connected to a large body of water. Beyond that would be a resort where a certain theme park would be constructed.

Mishelam Wonderland didn't exist yet, unfortunately. Not for several more years at least. As we descended, I heard the intercom speaker sound off around us.

"Ding-dong! We will soon be arriving in Crossbell City in a couple moments. This is not the terminus for today's flight, so please be warned to return on time before we take off again. There will be a short layover before we depart. Please have your passports ready. I repeat...", The voice said, warning everyone that there will be a little break before the next flight begins.

"Mmm...", I uttered in a low voice, becoming more awake now. Stretching my arms, I felt my father's coat. Giliath saw this, and he patted me on the head. So he succumbs to head pats too, huh?

"Did you enjoy your nap?"

"Yeah! Did they just say we're in Crossbell City?", I asked.

"Indeed. There's about a twenty minute layover. I'd show you around Crossbell City due to the number of cultures it influences, but we've only so much time to spare. We'll have to save that for another day. Stay around the cabin, alright?", Giliath asked.

"Okay!", I happily answered, and got off my seat. A cool thing about these airships, especially if you're in first class, is that it gives you a good view of the outside. A huge window screen went from left to right on the second floor. It gave an entire view of Crossbell City. I could see the famous bell in the distance, and even the nearest entrance to the Geofront!

More and more passengers began to board our airship that was bound for Liberl. It was then we heard an unexpected voice reach out to us, appearing quite elderly. Perhaps even older than my father. Maybe closer to General Vandyck's age? I saw two people arrive near us, taking their respective first class seats.

"Hoho, this is a rather unusual face. Now it makes sense as to why there would be another in this reserved area. Come now Elie, don't be shy. We should go greet our new neighbors for the time being."

"Yes, Grandpa.", The little child next to the old man said, before climbing onto the seat next to mine. As she did, my mind just fizzled for a good moment. She appeared near, if not the same age as me. Approaching two-years old. She already had silvery-white hair.

Isn't this Elie MacDowell, one of the future members of the SSS!?