A Gamer Into Trails

Vita's Phantasmal Mirror dissipated into thin air, leaving us to our own devices. Roselia also took this time to grab her staff, and directly teleported out of the Heiyue Branch Office, causing the Heiyue members shock. A smug grin remained on my face while Tio remained her usual deadpan look. She has already been exposed to magic, so she no longer found it surprising. Lechter kept doing what Lechter likes to do, either be silent, or be annoying to others. He was just talking up a storm with some random Heiyue guards.

"I did not expect to encounter one of the tales of old that has ridden Erebonia for decades, or perhaps centuries here in my office. I have heard rumors about the Crimson Roselia and her prowess. She's just a tad...smaller than the figurehead I was originally thinking of.", Cao Lee mused, recalling the golden-blonde haired girl who was just here a moment ago.

"Heh. If Master heard that, she would have wrung you dry.", I replied. I, for one, rarely questioned Roselia's stature. She does have that incantation to turn herself back to her original appearance. When she's shrunken into that form she often moves around during the games, that's signaling she's in a state of recovery. I don't blame her. We have two souls still sealed up back in Roselia's house. Plus she's going to be teaching Emma and I the Lucifen Lied Incantation. She's likely keeping her mana at an all time low until these two are ready.

I do feel guilty because of that, but the plan to shed light on those two souls will come into play soon. The Black Workshop's homunculus technology needs to come into play first. After that, I will take action. Once Emma and I are squared away for the Vermillion Trials, Roselia can take it easy from there. It won't be long now, but she still has to put up with my shenanigans for one more month.

With that in mind, the interruptions were no longer there, and it was just Cao Lee seated before me. We had conversed about some matters before Vita dropped in, but I wanted to continue this conversation. I know I'm walking into a lion's den here, but Heiyue is just as expansive as the Intelligence Divisions operate. Perhaps even larger, and they know their stuff. It sounds like the Republic of Calvard is entering a recession. I did advise Van to take Economic-related courses during his stay at Aramis High. I knew Calvard was going to get it rough soon. Crime rate will soar, and mafia-like groups will wreak havoc. It was a prime time for Jaegers to try and form contracts with wealthy individuals too.

Crossbell City was known as the City of Sin, but Calvard didn't have it much better from the looks of it. I'm sort of glad I did not wind up there when I was brought into this world. Just being born in Erebonia was a blessing.

Cao Lee grinned back, hearing me say that.

"I wouldn't doubt you, Your Highness. While I do not particularly enjoy conversations being interrupted, you like to cut to the chase, don't you? I mostly wanted to invite you here as thanks. We of Heiyue were able to solidify our footing here in Crossbell City. We've taken control of most of the trade routes. Our competitor, Revache, has not engaged with us as of late.", Cao Lee explained.

"So you've said. You found an opportunity to do so while the press was busy writing stories of what was declared a couple days ago. While it is not as imposing as declaring martial law is, just seeing a connection form between two of our three great powers is teetering on a thin, gray line. Do you know if Calvard has responded to this?", I questioned Cao.

"From what I could dig up, President Rocksmith is looking to start a forum with the rest of the western countries of Zemuria. Likely to discuss the implications of a possible alliance because of the actions that took place between Liberl and Erebonia. Calvard's financial situation isn't the greatest right now, and he's got most of his hands covered dealing with increased immigrants coming into his country. I have not checked what is presently happening in the far east, but I can send some Heiyue members out to investigate. If we continue our partnership, we can provide you with the results of what we find out.", Cao Lee suggested.

"I think that would be beneficial for both of us. I am not sure by doing this, it will proceed to tip this balance. But if we know what is going on beyond that, I think it will help quell any chance of aggression that may arise from this. I know Grandmother is busy preparing to sign the Non-Aggression Pact. If President Rocksmith is seeking to host a forum for our delegates, it will likely take place within the next one or two years.", I responded, wondering exactly when that will be hosted.

I'm guessing it will be a smaller version of what is eventually to take place, the Western Zemurian Trade Conference. This was a big focal point of Azure, before all hell broke loose. This was the first time that all countries on the western half of the continent congregated into one place, that being the newly unveiled Orchis Tower. Orchis Tower isn't set to be built for another three to four years at the latest. It was S1200 now, and the events of Azure didn't happen until S1204. This takes place at the same time as Cold Steel's first half. It was awesome to see characters responding in Cold Steel to the events of Azure. The Trade Conference, and the eventual Azure Tree. I recall even a scene where Rean and Class VII get a good look at the Azure Tree from a far distance!

This forum likely won't be on such a scale, but it is good to hear that President Rocksmith is wanting to initiate a discussion of what took place a couple days ago, instead of choosing to remain silent. I should definitely bring this up with Grandmother once the Vermillion Trials finish. If there's a chance to prevent a potential war from breaking out and avoid any rise in tensions, then I'm all for it. That Non-Aggression Pact needs to be signed by all three parties like it did in the games. I don't know what will happen if that does not take place.

And hearing that from Heiyue, it was definitely right for me to come here.

"That does likely seem to be the case here. It will do all three countries good if that Non-Aggression Pact is signed. Liberl and Calvard are already on friendly terms, but with such a strong connection that is going to be formed between Erebonia and Liberl, that Pact may very well become the cornerstone to prevent something bigger from happening. I am in favor of that, but unfortunately, we of Heiyue cannot divulge in matters of political affairs. Instead, what we can offer is if movements of the underworld shift in a particular direction from this.", Cao Lee responded.

"That would be appreciated. In particular, I want to see if you can get any movement on a Jaeger corp. known as the Red Constellation.", I requested.

"The Red Constellation. They're known for their brutal nature. Their boss even likes to clash against the strongest Jaeger who declares himself the Jaeger King. I could see that they'd want to form some type of contract amidst this chaos. Very well. I'll try to monitor Red Constellation's movements.", Cao answered, acknowledging my request.

"I appreciate it. And in response, I can offer you a good view of what is to come. It's already in motion and cannot be stopped. Head to the top of the Moon temple on February 1st, and you should witness it, even if it's from Crossbell City.", I replied.

"A good view, is it? Knowing what was discussed prior, both the Azure Trials and the Vermillion Trials were mentioned. I'd have to do some digging to where the Divine Knight trials were referenced in those tales. As far as I'm aware, there's seven of them, correct?", Cao questioned. I nodded my head.

"There are. Each one comes with their own sets of trials and tribulations. And it isn't limited to just one person either.", I answered. Cao raised his eyes after hearing that.

"Not limited to one person...I take it you're offering an extended hand. You want Heiyue to help assist you in these so-called trials?", Cao asked me, realizing the offer I had tossed his way.

"Interested?", I asked, smiling.

"Haha! It sounds like more chaos is going to ensue, and if things are already in motion, I'd rather not get Heiyue sucked into it. But if you're letting us know ahead of schedule, then there might be an opportunity to gain from this. I think we can lend a hand or two.", Cao Lee said, smiling at himself. To my surprise, he reached his hands upward, and suddenly clapped his hands.

It was as if he released a signal of sorts. The next moment, I felt a disturbance in the air. A cold sense swept over us, giving me the chills. It prompted my head to turn toward the empty space toward the middle of the floor. We all saw a figure emerge out of nothing. It was very similar to Teleportation, but there were no mana fluctuations. They just emerged. This person was an entirely cloaked figure, hidden away behind a large cloak. They had a silver mask. We couldn't even see this figure's face. Their stature appeared around four to five feet at most, likely of similar age to me. I could fathom a guess as to who this person was.

But wasn't she supposed to not take the mantle of Yin until one more year?

"You needed me?", The figure questioned, being prompt. Even their voice is masked. It was hard to tell whether they were male or female.

"Haha! Always to the point, Yin. Your presence is needed. It will not be a target mission this time, but more of an escort. It sounds like some things are already underway, and His Highness here gave me quite the proposition. You are hereby to act as his escort until the appointed time and protect his assets.", Cao Lee declared.

"Pardon?", I couldn't help but raise my eyes. Cao is personally lending me Yin? As if responding to my interest, I heard a single notification sound off inside my head.

[Ding! Curious as to what you have to offer to Heiyue's head of its branch office, Yin's Favorability has been unlocked.]

*

We haven't done one of these in a while.

[Insert picture of Yin here!]

As always, Giliath demands your power stones!