Next Destination

It had been a week since the encounter at the defence tower. Jack and David had been chatting on the short-range radio channel, exchanging information. After several attempts to scavenge the arcanite engine from the northern area for David's spacecraft, Jack eventually managed to locate and salvage it from a fallen Armatus suit.

On a bright, sunny day, Jack hauled the arcanite engine to the defence tower. David excitedly got to work, installing it into his vessel with the help of former DebrisX crews. Jack found one of the stone ledges to rest his weary body, watching his large friend work.

Jack casually swept his eyes around the defence tower, examining the area. The atmosphere seemed serene and quiet. A flock of songbirds soared in the distance sky. Nothing had changed much since his last visit, but he noticed crates and boxes scattered around the clearing, as though preparations were being made to move elsewhere.

"Maybe they're routing back to the major city to reinforce the war effort?" Jack mused, recalling snippets of rumours he had heard about the great war in another country. Some was more alarming than the rest as it suggested that the Dunkelheit Empire was planning to strike at Porand, a country situated west of Germund. This would likely grow their territory and power. 

"It's always those who hold power who hunger for it most," Jack thought grimly, his fingers unconsciously caressing the lines on his palm.

Suddenly, a red-haired girl walked over and sat beside him, an arm's length away. Time passed, and she said nothing. The silence between them grew awkward, only interrupted by the occasional noise of the workers. Jack pretended to drink from a bottle of water, quenching his thirst and hoping to ease his nerves.

Eventually, Aurelia spoke up. "Who are you?" Her red eyes narrowed as she studied him.

"What's wrong with her?" Jack thought. After steeling himself, he forced a smile. "Nice to finally introduce myself. I'm Jack Squire, former DebrisX crew."

Aurelia crossed her arms and glanced away at the vessels where the crews were working diligently. "I'm Princess Aurelia Sol Solara," She replied bluntly. There was nothing regal about her as her gesture more boyish, Jack remarked internally. 

"Oh…" He nodded a few times, then returned to minding his own business.

"What?" She snapped, spooking the man.

"What?"

"Aren't you going to ask why the princess of Solis Aeternum is in this rural place?"

"It's clearly your royal expedition, and I shan't pry into such a private matter," Jack replied, trying to sound regal. It was a poor attempt, but at least the message had been conveyed.

Aurelia shook her head. "Well, I might tell you," She said, her expression ambiguous, closing one eye.

"Oh…"

She moved in closer, her excitement growing. "I'm going to tell you," She whispered eagerly.

"We're going to stop the war!" Aurelia's voice was full of overconfidence.

As far as Jack was concerned, Aurelia was a princess of the neural empire, Solis Aeternum. Her political power was unmatched by that of the Dunkelheit or Osten empire, "What an absurd claim…" He thought.

"Good luck with that, princess," Jack replied bluntly, nodding politely. He tried to sound just dismissive enough. Why is she talking to me? I'm just minding my own business, he thought in frustration.

"Ugh… You're not taking me seriously, are you?" Aurelia said bitterly. His voice carried a tone that reminded Aurelia of how her father and even Friederich, her prime guardian, dismissed her in much the same manner.

Changing the subject, Jack asked, "Are you guys moving?" He pointed at the crates and boxes scattered around.

"Oh, that? Yes. Triss and her Novitcius mages will join Porand and station there."

"What about you, princess?" Jack probed further. Their eyes met, and Jack realised her eyes were a vibrant red, much like his own, or more precisely, like his son's in the digital ink photo.

Aurelia seemed dazed for a moment but quickly snapped out of it. "I'm going too. David will give us a lift there, and then, from there, I'll stop the war once and for all…" Her steady voice grew hesitant, and she found herself staring at her fidgeting fingers.

Aurelia struggled to conceal her change in plans. Her innate ability, the grand mana reservoir, had been exposed during the dual Iasis with Triss to dispel the Deadman's Brand. While the chance of being found by enemies was slim, Friederich's analysis suggested that the exposure might invite trouble. As a result, Friederich's overly protective nature forced her to seek asylum in Porand for the time being.

She's so strange... and overshares everything… that trait won't last long in the game of politics, Jack thought to himself.

"What about the guy I saved? His name is Rhok, right?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Ah, yes. Like Triss said, he woke up the next day and has been working at the carrot farm ever since," Jack replied flatly. Rhok Wagner had been released after swearing defection from the Dunkelheit Empire.

Still, Lupus didn't trust him and insisted he had the Slave Circlet on. Initially, Jack didn't agree with using the slave brand, but it was the right call to keep the townspeople safe, just in case Rhok had any malicious intentions. So far, he had proven to be a honorable man with ample knowledge of Armatus tech.

"I'm glad…" Aurelia trailed off, touching her sternum. Jack watched her carefully. Despite her peculiar traits, she was genuinely a nice princess, which was rare among nobles and highborns.

Jack raised up slowly, "Well, I wish you the best of luck, princess." His words were interrupted by another voice.

"Aurelia, have you prepared for departure?" Friederich's voice called from a distance. He strode forward, glaring at Jack for a brief moment before motioning for the princess to follow him.

She shot up on her feet, "I'll visit Hasenwald before we leave, so s~see you later!" Aurelia said, her voice rising an octave higher than intended. With that, she turned and followed Friederich toward the main building.

... Phew… What an exhausting experience. Those royal families are full of weirdos, Jack thought to himself.