As always Giliath demands your power stones!
*
Some time had passed since I realized I was reincarnated into a little child. I wasn't just transferred into some random guy's body, or transmigrated and took over a lost soul.
This is what you would call a full-blown reincarnation. My soul nestled into Kasia's body, and presto, I'm now a little child again. I didn't think I'd have Kasia of all people as my mother. She is none other than Rean Schwarzer's mother!
And before I realized it, my first year passed by in a blink of an eye. You didn't miss much. I was a little baby again during that time, being completely reliant on my new mother. They say babies speak their first words anywhere from ten to eighteen months in. I was of the brighter group of kids. I started babbling before I was even one year old.
And my new father, THE Giliath Osborne, took a shine to that. He even started teaching Zemuria's history before my first birthday came around! Talk about doing things out of order!
Perhaps Giliath had wanted to teach his son how the world works, but was unable to in the video games? That could very well be true.
Like I said, the first year came and went. January 31st, S1187 happened. Nothing was celebrated considering you know, I was still a baby. But even more time had passed since then. The months continued.
May of S1187 happened. This month was particularly special.
My new little brother, Rean, was born!
So the attention of raising me slowly shifted to him. Kasia became super busy, and I didn't mind that at all. This isn't my first time being an older brother you know. I was one in my past life. So I know how busy that can get.
If there was one thing to point out, it was how Giliath was reacting to this. He was struggling to find time for both teaching me, and spending time with Rean. Seeing a military man struggle bouncing things back and forth was quite funny to see.
But it was enough to make the months pass by. Before I realized it, Rean was born, making me 16 months older than him. My muscles developed rather quickly. I was already a running machine, bouncing around our house.
And man, our house was massive. It was an entire villa, situated on the outskirts of Trista in the Erebonian Empire.
While my mother Kasia focused on raising Rean, the remainder of the year came. Summer ended, fall came. The autumn leaves were in full bloom. I initially thought nothing much would happen. Beyond our villa was a full forest that was very easy to get lost in. And then, the autumn leaves fell.
Father came one day into our villa with a grim look on his face. Not the typical appearance you would see. Holding a newspaper of all things. Kasia, who was still tending to Rean, saw Giliath's current appearance and a frown appeared on her face. The winter had just begun, but I don't think Giliath returned home with good news in mind.
"Is something wrong, dear?", Kasia questioned. Rean was still only half a year old at most, his eyes were open, but he was tightly wrapped in a blanket, still held in Kasia's arms. He watched on with interest, but Rean couldn't say anything.
"It would depend on how you see this Kasia my dear. A new situation has developed. Naoto, come over here. This story involves you.", Giliath said, beckoning me over to his side. I was near Kasia. After all, how could I not be interested in my new little bro?
"Okay!", I happily replied. Jumping down from a stool, I approached my father. My vocabulary wasn't the level of the adults, but I knew some words here and there. I started greeting father whenever he returned home from business. He would be away for periods of time.
After all, my father was still part of the military. His work resumed after spending some time with mother, me and Rean. It was rare to see him return home like this. But he took chances whenever he could.
Giliath propped himself into a chair at our dining table, and I followed him.
It seemed to be a newspaper off the hot press. Likely even printed today. It had a big [Breaking News] label all over the frontline.
Kasia brewed Giliath a cup of coffee in the meantime while setting Rean down back in his crib. Giliath was a man who really enjoyed his coffee. I personally didn't enjoy it much. I sought alternate ways to get that caffeine boost in my previous life. Puffs of hot air escaped from the mug after it was placed down next to him.
The words soon became visible to me. Giliath wasn't sure if I could understand them or not, but I could see the seriousness in his eyes.
"Dad...", I uttered, seeing this news present before me.
"It is quite unfortunate, don't you agree Naoto?", Giliath asked me.
On the front page were two images. On the left was an upstanding and bright man, dressed in a royal purple garb, sporting short hair. In fact, the color of the man's hair bore a striking resemblance to mine. It was almost scary how close it was in comparison.
And next to him was a beautiful, breathtaking woman. Near them appeared to be a shipwreck in the middle of the sea. This photo was likely taken after the events have already transpired. It was easy to recognize who these two were, especially seeing the severity of the situation. It might not just come as a surprise to us, but perhaps to the entire Empire of Erebonia. And not just them either. Perhaps to the entire continent of Zemuria.
[Breaking News! Crown Prince Judis von Auslese and his wife have suddenly passed away aboard the orbal passenger ship Eterna! It brings us great sadness that we have to announce this news today. No passengers survived the wreck as it sank into Calvardian waters. It has already been determined this to be an unfortunate accident, and not an act of aggression. The Republic of Calvard has already closed the case on the investigation.]
"To think a member of Liberl royalty would succumb like this, and it is their Crown Prince no less. They say Calvard has already closed the books on the investigation, but are they looking to start a war?", Giliath questioned.
"This is quite sad news indeed, dear.", Kasia responded. Her eyes then glanced over to me, which surprised me. "This won't cause any implications, will it?", Kasia asked. A question I didn't expect to hear from my mother. But I remained quiet, not interrupting the two.
"The possibility remains. I made sure to not leave any traces of that incident behind, but this news will affect Naoto whether he likes it or not. Would this be considered a blessing, or a curse?", Giliath responded, only to stand up. My eyes shifted to him.
"Dad?", I questioned, wondering what he meant by that.
"I must go, Kasia.", Giliath declared. Kasia turned wide in shock.
"You can't, dear! Liberl's tensions with our country are high as it is already! Those pro-war Noble fools are looking at any chance to stir the honey pot. You're practically letting them swing the door wide open if you do this. Do not forget, you are a general of the Imperial Army!", Kasia replied, reprimanding him.
"Even so, I must. I will not go as a general of our Empire. It will simply be as father and son. It is his right to be there to bear witness to their passing. And besides, I've already confirmed the intel provided in today's paper. Calvard wasn't responsible for this. It is merely, as they stated, an unfortunate accident. A private funeral will be held for the Crown Prince and his wife.", Giliath answered.
"I shouldn't be surprised that you're already in the know. I bet most of the military is too. And your mind is made up. Still, must Naoto go? Rean wasn't born that long ago...", Kasia replied, still worried.
As if responding to Kasia, Rean cooed from the crib. He wasn't even half a year old yet. He was tightly wrapped in a blanket, wondering what was being said before him. He couldn't understand words yet, unlike me. But I could see the growing hair on his head match Kasia's hair. They resembled each other quite well, unlike Giliath.
'Rean...', I thought, speaking to myself. I'd mention 'Schwarzer', but that hasn't taken place yet. A certain event needs to happen first before Rean gets taken to Ymir to adopt that name. Right now, he's as much an Osborne as I am. Two brothers, born of different mothers, but same father. Right now, we are a family of four.
And with this new news, our little bubble of peace came to an end. I think? Apparently, our neighboring country's Crown Prince, who went by the name Judis von Auslese, passed away in a maritime accident. He was set to take over the throne of Liberl, which would in turn, cause its reigning Queen, who went by the name Alicia von Auslese, or Queen Alicia II for short, to retire. Sadly, that won't be happening now.
Queen Alicia II was a more prominent character in the Trails series. Particularly in the Sky games. And that story should be coming up first, even if it's over a decade away. Man, what a weird time to be born into.
Not even the Hundred Days War has happened yet. Boy, things are going to escalate from here on. And I'm on the other side of things, seeing as Giliath is my new father. Fantastic.
Queen Alicia II was presumed over 60 years old by the time the first Sky game happened.
Going back one and a half decades, this should put her around forty five years old. Still quite old, especially as a member of royalty. Our neighbor, the country of Liberl, was structured in a similar way. Unlike having an Emperor and Empress who overlooked things in a gigantic Empire, Liberl was a monarchy. Queen Alicia II had full rule over her people. She was already 45 but was still going strong. Many of her citizens praise her for how she handles things.
Turns out, I'll be going on a family trip? Just what in Aidios's name is this going to be about? Does father have more family in Liberl? I don't recall this happening in the games...
All the while, I'm still trying to adapt to Giliath being my new father. A private funeral, huh? Trying to put two and two together, Giliath didn't attempt something I think he ended up doing, did he? Am I related to the Auslese royal family in some way? That'd be a twist and a half.
Still, it's going to be a funeral that father and I will be going to. Quite unexpected. It's not like I can deny it either. Giliath will take me either way, so that means I'll be going to Liberl. How awesome is that?
Besides that, not many knew that Crown Prince Judis and his wife had a daughter before they passed away. Their deaths were documented in the games, but it was vague as to how it happened. Their daughter wasn't with them at the time, but she'll become Liberl's Crown Princess in due time because of that. She remained inside Grancel Castle.
I might have a very good chance of meeting her. She should be around the same age I am, not even two years old yet. She was born the same age as both Estelle and I. Oh the irony.
Thinking about this person, Giliath's eyes wandered my way and saw my gaining interest. I was seated near his lap, but he grabbed me, and placed me on one of his legs.
"I do not know if this will be the right choice or not Kasia, but if Her Majesty learns that they have more surviving blood, the tension between our two countries might ease a bit. But at the same time, I understand your worries. The Nobles just need a single push, and war is bound to break out.", Giliath explained.
"It's not like I can persuade you, dear. You seem dead set on going. So instead, I will say this. Do not let Naoto out of your sight. He must be in viewing distance at all times. Do you understand me? I will pray to Aidios for your safety.", Kasia replied. She knew she couldn't persuade Giliath.
Giliath nodded his head at her words. As if on cue, a faint roar of a car engine approached our door.
We weren't alone here in the villa. Recall my new father's current position? He's a damn brigadier general. One of the highest military ranks you can achieve. His protection is paramount to the security of our Empire. That meant His Imperial Majesty assigned some of his personal guards to safeguard this place. I've interacted with them a couple of times.
They're your so-called secret service. You know those guys dressed in black tuxes and hide their faces behind those black shades? I'm talking about those guys. Seeing a car pull up into the driveway, I'm guessing the driver is likely one of them. Not that I mind. I've gotten used to them being around. It was just Giliath I'm still adapting to as my new father.
"Naoto, this will be your first time travelling. When we brought you back here over a year and a half ago, you were just a little baby then. The Orbal Revolution will be another topic entirely that we will cover at a later time. We can't spend a single day going over it. At the very least, are you interested in seeing an orbal car?", Giliath asked me.
"Yeah!", I responded, obviously excited. Unlike other fantasy stories, Zemuria is very, very similar to my previous life. Cars exist. There's this thing that father just said, called the Orbal Revolution. With it came technology that is very, very similar to my previous Planet Earth.
We call them orbal cars.
Kasia looked at Giliath in surprise.
"I didn't think you'd prepare a private orbal car for this trip. Then again, it isn't out of the question. I take it your route is secure with this?", Kasia questioned.
"Indeed. We'll be back before you know it, Kasia.", Giliath answered. "We don't have time to waste. Let us depart, Naoto.", Giliath continued to say, calling for me.
"Okay!",, I replied. I quickly chased after my father who retreated toward the door after waving mother goodbye. She still had a worried look in her eyes, but she couldn't go against Giliath. He's bound to become Erebonia's Chancellor. Barely anyone could go against him.
Giliath stopped by the door, seeing me arrive beside him. He then leaned downward, and picked me up into his arms. I could feel his warmth. I know that he will undergo changes later, but right now this man is General Osborne. Not Chancellor Osborne. Right now he was as much a father as any other man would be when starting a family. I'm responding in kind. Being his son.
My past life was no more. I know I'll miss my previous family, but I need to accept this new one. And this new life. Including that, I was given the Gamer System. I've used this last year-and-a-half to explore its contents. I can start testing things out soon enough.
Closing the door and leaving behind Kasia and Rean, mother waved her hands until the door was shut. We soon arrived in front of a pitch black orbal car. Unlike emissions in my previous life, orbal energy was different. It was clean. I mean VERY clean. The cleanest source of energy you can get your hands on. It didn't not emit any foul odors like gasoline did. Because of that, it allowed this car ride to be smooth, and more importantly, silent. There were no roars of engines or anything.
As we left, there was at least one thing I could test out with my new system. It was the only thing granted to me. Everything else was a blank slate. I developed no new life skills or anything for that matter. There might be certain conditions to unlocking them. But this one Skill I was given was enough for the time being.
Turns out the strange eyes I've always had actually meant something. Shinggg!
A low-pitched echo sounded near my eyes, and I activated my one Active Skill. It didn't count as a Craft, or an Art. Turns out this panel offered four types of categories. Crafts. Arts. Active Skills. Passive Skills.
Active Skills were something I could turn off and on that didn't directly correlate to battling. They were used outside of battle.
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has activated Active Skill, Vermillion Eyes.]
After activating my one and only Active Skill, Vermillion Eyes, my eyes shone a bright golden hue. But it went undetected, and before anything else happened, it caused an invisible force to spread out in all directions, and quite rapidly. It kept expanding until my eyes detected two figures standing off in the far, far distance. As this happened, the color of my irises turned vermillion. Hence the name, Vermillion Eyes.
An overpowered detection ability that allowed me to perceive all of my surroundings, up to a certain point. I am not sure the exact range yet, but it was a surprise to see the Vermillion Eyes pick up two warning notices.
It prompted my head to turn toward the forest beyond our villa. A distant hill could be seen inside it. And on the hill stood two figures.
One of the two figures seemed to phase in and out of existence, while the other was dressed in a full-plated knight armor. Letting their long, golden-blonde hair flow down from the back, it was as if this figure was a Valkyrie. It was clear both of these figures were women.
I squirmed around a bit in Giliath's arms to attract his attention. Seeing me do this, Giliath glanced down, and stopped walking toward the car. As he did, Giliath saw my head turn toward the hill.
"Has something caught your interest, Naoto?", Giliath mused, not expecting me to get distracted like this. The direction I was looking was opposite to where the capital of our Empire stood, Heimdallr City.
"There's a weird knight lady standing atop a hill in the distance...", I uttered, answering Giliath. I saw his eyes turn serious.
"A weird knight lady...?, Giliath responded, unsure of what he heard. "It couldn't be..."
Seeing just how serious he was, he didn't mistake my words. I saw Giliath turn his head toward the same direction. His pupils began to focus, and a glint of light streaked across his eyes. Sure enough, he spotted something. But at the same time, I felt a cold chill go down the back of my spine. He turned silent.
Near the same time the two of us left the villa...
Atop the hill where our eyes wandered to, a portal suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It cleaved into existence, and from there, two figures popped out. It was the same two figures Naoto had spotted with his Vermillion Eyes.
There were no monsters nearby, causing the atmosphere to be peaceful and quiet. It was serene. The first woman appeared otherworldly, as her mere existence behaved as if it was flickering in and out of reality. As for the armored knight, they didn't seem to be bothered by this person.
The Valkyrie stood there, remaining silent. She watched the villa from afar. After a while, she spotted a figure leaving the main doors, who was happily chatting away with a woman beside him. A little violet-haired child was nestled in his arms.
In the end, the Valkyrie sighed.
"So this is what you've become, Giliath. Are you happy?", The lady questioned. Her voice remained calm.
"You expected this outcome, didn't you, Lianne?", The otherworldly figure questioned. The lady didn't immediately respond to her.
But she didn't immediately deny the otherworldly figure's words. Instead, a moment passed in silence.
As if the otherworldly figure expected this result, the Valkyrie suddenly turned around, and knelt down before her. She no longer quivered, her voice remained resolute.
"The name Lianne Sandlot is no more. It is a dead name, and has found its resting place. I pledge my loyalty to you, My Meister.", The Valkyrie announced.
"Then I shall welcome you into our ranks, Lianne. No...", The otherworldly figure responded, cracking a rare smile. "You have tossed aside this name. You shall receive a new one.", The otherworldly figure continued to say.
"I shall accept any name you bestow upon me, Meister.", The Valkyrie simply answered. She remained knelt down, expecting an answer.
"Very well. From henceforth, you shall be addressed as Arianrhod, the Steel Maiden."