Please address me as The Fool."
Just with that simple answer, it was as if an invisible ripple had passed through the murky darkness, the grand hall, and the heart of its visitors.
The casual word of Subaru didn't diminish the weight of the title at all...and strangely enough, it felt simply fitting.
After a moment of silence, Otto stood up, crossed an arm across his chest, and gave Subaru a methodically performed bow.
"Please Mr. Fool, if you permitted, we would request you to be the witness of our trade…"
"Sure," Subaru responded in a nonchalant tone that matched his perceived status.
"It's our honor, Mr. Fool." Crusch stood up as well, as she narrowly remembered the lesson in her etiquette class. She held up her skirt ever so slightly and bent her knees, performing a curtsy of appreciation.
Subaru lowered his right palm and smiled.
"Are you sure just witness is enough? You don't need any kind of paper? Like a contract?" Subaru asked
"No, no, I assure you that this will be enough." Otto paled immediately upon hearing the suggestion.
Do you think I'm stupid? Who would be that naive to sign a contract with a devil as a witness?
Apparently, Crusch was of the same mind.
"Of course, you do you. I'm just gonna watch...right here."
Otto nodded and sat back down before looking at Crusch.
"If you can obtain the heart of a werewolf, you can send it to the Warrior & Sea Bar at Pelican Street, in the White Rose Borough of Pritz Harbor. Tell the boss, Williams, that's the package for the 'Merchant'."
"Understood."
"I will send you the formula once I receive the heart. Would you prefer me to mail you the potion formula, or do you want me to tell it to you here directly?"
"Naturally, the more secure method." Crusch nodded confidently with a smile "I won't have any problem remembering it here."
Since they have Mr. Fool to bear witness to the trade, there would be nothing to worry about. Crusch couldn't help but look forward to the next gathering.
'Next gathering…' Crusch muttered to herself, clearly entertaining the thought.
With this in mind, she turned to look at Subaru with slight reservation. She couldn't hide the excitement in her tone, however, as she suggested "Mr. Fool, would you be able to summon us like this again?"
Otto, who acknowledged and was tempted by the potential of the 'Gathering', hurried to back up Crusch's suggestion "Mr. Fool, we all have something to gain if the 'Gathering' continues. I assure you that we all have certain domains we don't understand or excel in. That's why having a different perspective can be important. The person across from me is obviously a young lady of lofty stature-"
'A young lady of lofty stature? It can't be helped…Mother always told me I am too obvious…' Crusch frowned, but regained her composure shortly after and nodded her head without any hesitation
"-Unique experiences, insights, mediums, and resources are things I also possess. I believe that if we work together, we will all benefit! Don't you think so, Mr. Fool?"
From his point of view, the control of Mr. Fool was absolute. Since he had been pulled into this space without any warning or any means to resist, participating in the 'Gathering' seemed to be something he was able to refuse, but probably shouldn't. A merchant at heart, Otto thought it would be better to go with the flow and reap the benefits of this encounter as much as possible to make up for his passive and disadvantaged state.
And the being's attitude was peculiar, also. It must have realized its attempt wasn't fooling anyone, yet it continued to do so. Why?
Otto decided to treat the beings more casually since it seemed to deflect his attempt at reverence. Perhaps it loved acting like a human? If it so, Otto concluded that he should just play along.
Meanwhile, Subaru was obviously interested in this idea.
"It's possible. Yeah, sure, I can do it." He nodded in approval.
"Thank you, Mr. Fool!" Crusch exclaimed and Otto quickly followed suit with a bow of his head.
Well, things are about to get interesting, for sure. At least, that was what Otto was telling himself.
The trio at the long table had different backgrounds, resources, information channels, and comprehension of the mystical domain. If they interacted and enjoyed some limited cooperation, they could produce unpredictable and immeasurable effects!
The resource trade that had just been negotiated was one example. Another example would be if he wished to kill someone. He could easily request the Gathering's members who did not not appear to be related to him on both the surface and reality for help. He could perfectly misdirect any investigators.
"Say...if I had some matter of inconvenience I need to be taken care of, what price do you think I should pay?" Subaru asked
"That...really depends on how much of this convenience you speak of," Otto responded hesitantly
"Provided the 'inconvenient' things you wish to impose upon us are within our capabilities, we will do our best to fulfill them. As long as the Gathering becomes regular, we will all benefit from the arrangement, and we would have no problem doing some minor favor."
Minor favor...way to get ourselves into a trap. Though I suppose we had no other choices. If we managed to please this being, perhaps it might prove itself a boon.
Meanwhile, Subaru had been weighing the pros and cons of the suggestion the moment it was uttered. The fact that he was here could only mean that his attempt at going home was a failure.
'Hm…now that my plan failed, I must think of my immediate concern. ' Subaru thought to himself 'Well, I suppose some money would be nice.'
Subaru noticed that his situation in this world was less than ideal. Truth to be told, he could really make do with some money right now. He and Reinhard may starve in a few months if their situation doesn't improve. And Louanna...that was another can of worm he was forced to deal with.
'I wouldn't request that now, but when it truly got desperate…' then it would be the most effective backup plan, although it might ruin his images a bit.
And about returning home, he is not without hope yet. These gatherings will provide him with more knowledge of the secrets of the Beyonders or other mysteries, and perhaps the key to reverting his transmigration. The advantages will be tremendous in the future.
Already in the next gathering, there would be a potion formula because of the 'spectators'. His present life here would also be benefitted from this kind of knowledge.
Alas, the risks are there…but I wouldn't say it's enough for me to refuse such opportunities. Indeed, nothing comes without a price! Subaru extended his right hand again as he rapped the side of the long table with his finger.
As the one who will do the summoning and dismissing of this gathering, the margin of error is within his control. The knowledge that he was the one in control greatly boosted his confidence.
He responded casually as he smiled under the perturbed gazes of the duo.
"Of course, we all are being fair here. I wouldn't ask anything too outrageous!" Subaru said in a roughish voice "Nevermind that, we should schedule the meeting first"
Subaru searched his memories a bit, and finally came to a conclusion.
"Every Monday at three in the afternoon, try your best to be alone. After I make a few more attempts and figure out certain things, perhaps you can apply for a leave of absence ahead of time. Wouldn't want to catch you in an inappropriate situation, after all."
This, in its essence, is a whole-hearted agreement. He just gave some flowery words to not undersell himself. But his playful tone at the end made Otto shudder, feeling as if he had made a deal with a devil.
While opposite of him, Crusch rejoiced at the word of Mr. Fool.
Crusch had just turned seventeen. Although she had been learning swordsmanship and other martial arts since she was a mere child, that didn't equal emotional maturity. Deep inside, she was just a young girl, and thus acting as so. With a grin, she pumped a fist in front of her chest, clearly delighted at The Fool's reply.
Crusch suddenly looked at the man opposite of her warily. She showed no reservation since she knew that the darkness would veil her expression.
That one… might be a problem. Crusch thought to herself. While she was sure it was futile to hide her identity from Mr. Fool, the same couldn't be said for the man opposite of her. Her Father had warned her about these kinds of people, the deductive and analytical types. I must not let him know who I am!
"Then, may I suggest we give ourselves call signs? After all, we can't use our real names for conversation."
"Like mine?" Subaru asked in a simple and relaxed manner
"Exactly! You are Mr. Fool which is derived from tarot cards. Then, as a fixed, long-term and secretive 'Gathering', we should be uniform in our designations. Yes, I will also choose one from the tarot cards."
Her expression turned contemplative, then firm "I've decided. My designation shall be 'Justice'!"
It was one of the twenty-two Major Arcana tarot cards.
"Then, what will be yours, mister?" She looked at the figure sitting across her with a slight grin.
Otto frowned inwardly, clearly uncomfortable being led by the nose. But the feeling passed as quickly as it came.
"Temperance."
It was another Major Arcana card.
"Ah…will our designations be alright to you, Mr. Fool?" Crusch asked hesitantly
"Well, it made sense, if nothing else." Subaru shook his head in amusement
"Thank you! Alright, then we can be considered as the founding members of the Tarot Club!" Crusch claimed in a serious tone, clearly taking pride in the prospect.
Otto nodded alongside her, clearly showing his pleasure at the development, but his face couldn't help but harden as he asked once more "Be sure not to forget the address. I will be waiting."
"Positive. You can rest assured that your confidence is not unfounded."
Crusch recounted the address eloquently, and Otto nodded.
"Hm…you are quite knowledgeable, Mr. Temperance, so can I ask you something?" Seeing Otto's cues for agreement, Crusch continued "I heard that tarot cards, while were invented by Sage Flugel as a game, in fact hold the power to divine the future…is that true?"
"An interesting inquiry, Miss Justice." Otto commented after thinking for a moment "Unfortunately, that's simply not true. Most of the time, divination stems from one's self. Spirituality is something everyone has…this allows them to attune to the spiritual world and connect to information about themselves at an even higher level. However, ordinary folks are unable to notice, much less interpret the 'signs' they receive, so they need to help of divination tools to make it all…clearer. An example of such tools is dream and dream interpreters."
"So tarot cards are similar to that…"
"Yes….it uses more symbolism and logical elements to help us conveniently and accurately interpret the signs."
'As expected…the tarot cards were relevant to my situation.' Subaru was listening carefully, a contemplative look on his face. It was at this point that a throbbing headache assaulted him once more, shattering the peace of his empty mind.
"Hm…I heard that Sage Flugel had actually created another set of cards, secret and mysterious ones. They were paper cards that symbolized a particular unknown power. There was a total of twenty-two cards that he completed. Later on in life, he referenced them to create the twenty-two Major Arcana tarot cards which are used as a gaming tool. However, I didn't know whether this was true…"
She looked at Subaru, apparently waiting for an answer from the mysterious Mr. Fool. Yet, Subaru could only respond with a slight smile. He decided that his only course of action was to pass the responsibility to the knowledgeable Temperance. He cast his gaze at the ashen-haired man, as though he was putting him to the test.
To the unexpected attention of 'Mr. Fool', Otto subconsciously straightened his back and responded in a low voice "That's correct. It's said that Sage Flugel had seen the Blasphemy Slate and that set of paper cards contain the profound mysteries of the twenty-two paths of the divine."
"Twenty-two paths of the divine…" Crusch muttered, clearly awed at the prospect
At that moment, Subaru felt the pain in his head intensified. He vividly felt the connection between the crimson stars and the endless shadow began to wane. He unconsciously knows that-
"Today's gathering will end here. Sorry, but I have something I need to do!" Subaru said apologetically
"I look forward to our next meeting." Otto bowed his head respectfully
"I bid you farewell, Mr. Fool." Crusch was right behind, mimicking his action
Crusch's thoughts were swirling, and there were still many questions she wanted to ask. 'A shame it ended so soon…' She thought to herself
As Subaru severed the connection, he said with a smile "Indeed. See you two later."
The 'stars' brightened once more as the crimson light receded like water. Just as Otto and Crusch heard Mr. Fool's words, their figures turned into a blur as they faded away.
In a second, the 'projection' was swallowed by the sea of darkness. Only silence remained.
As for Subaru, he felt himself turning heavy rapidly. His surroundings turned fleeting as his eyes met darkness before changing into dazzling sunlight.
He was still standing in the middle of his apartment.
"It felt like a dream…" Subaru sighed as he recalled his experience "That darkness…who or what sort of power created the changes that just happened."
Subaru glanced at the clock on the wall
It seemed that time flowed at the same pace… He sighed, nursing his numbing headache. He thought about making subsequent attempts using the ancient Feysac or Loen language. Probably a bad idea…while the prospect was interesting, it's not something an amateur like me should do willy-nilly.
Luckily, Heinkel's memories helped him to be more cautious. His father, Wilhelm, did warn him a lot about the world of mysticism, after all. Although Heinkel at the time held no particular interest and dismissed the warning, Subaru now was glad to be the one able to make use of it.
'FATHER!' He suddenly heard the voice of Reinhard, accompanied by a loud bang on his door that broke him out of his thought.
Realizing that something bad may have happened, taking into account Heinkel's peculiar situation, Subaru quickly felt for his dagger and carefully unlatched the lock on his door.
As Subaru opened his door, just to find a blur of red crashed into him. Reinhard, his face full of tears, was grabbing onto his shirt tightly.
"Reinhard? What brought this on?" Subaru could only ask in a shell-shocked tone
Did he get bullied on the way and lose the money?
No, that can't be true. Reinhard was too clever for that. Heinkel's memories did confirm this, as the child was always reliable in the supply run. But that's not what matters right now.
Reinhard was grabbing onto him as if he was about to disappear…
"D-don't leave me! I will try my best! I won't be a burden anymore!" The boy…his son looked up, his piercing blue eyes were red and puffy, and it pained Subaru to look at him "So…please…"
Subaru kneeled down and hugged his son, and he heard Reinhard's hitched breath. Subaru, while still confused, decided that this was the best course of action.
The crying resumed after a moment, and he felt his shirt getting damp from tears and snot. Subaru didn't mind it and only thought about pacifying the hurting child.
"It's okay…I'm here. I won't go anywhere."
Subaru had no experience calming a child before. If anything, he thought that his nasty eyes would scare all of them away before that. He knew a few tricks that might uplift a child's mood, but none of them felt appropriate in this situation.
Reinhard's body seemed to relax after a moment, his eyes were still glistening, but he didn't grab onto him with his dear life anymore.
Subaru hesitated for a little bit, before using his callous hand to wipe away the tears of that boy.
It felt utterly foreign…yet it also felt right.
"So…can you tell me what brought this on?" He saw Reinhard flinch and looked away guiltily "It's okay…I won't be mad. I promise."
"I came home…and didn't see you. You didn't have work today, and your room was locked-" Reinhard said quickly as if out of breath "And I…I felt so scared, that you left."
"Wait. You think I will leave you, just like that?" Subaru raised his brows, clearly exasperated
"I-I thought I was gonna be sold…"
"…" Subaru's mouth gaped in shock, clearly taking a moment to take the information in
"I'm sorry-" Reinhard kept his gaze on the ground
"No…don't be." Subaru hugged the child, an awful feeling threatened to spill out of his chest. He reigned in the feeling, along with the implications that came along with it. "All this time…I have been a terrible father, haven't I?"
The sentiment, while mostly coming from Subaru, as he searched into the memories of Heinkel, he knew the red-haired man was aware of it, too.
"N-no. That is…not true…"
"You always care too much about the feelings of others," Subaru commented, that perhaps it was because of his own turbulent emotions, the memories of Heinkel were pouring onto his mind as if he was the man himself. "I'm sorry, Reinhard."
Heinkel's feeling of inadequacy bled through the memories, but he knew that he shouldn't burden the already tired child with his own negativity.
He took a deep breath to compose himself, perhaps for the most audacious line he had said yet.
"But you have nothing to worry about…because no matter how much of a failure this father of yours is…he won't leave you."
Reinhard widened his eyes, then finally broke into a sob. The child hugged him back clumsily, and Subaru vaguely saw the bruises on his nape. Subaru almost struck a question, yet he decided to stay silent for now.
For now, staying like this feels like the right thing.
Subaru didn't know for how long, but Reinhard finally let go. He hastily wiped off the tears from his young face, and Subaru ruffled his head with a reassuring smile.
"Why don't I make you something hearty to eat?" Subaru suggested, "I heard that a good meal makes everything better!"
"I…" Reinhard mumbled, barely audible "I forgot…to buy meat and peas."
"No problem! I will go and buy it."
"No…stay…"
"And leave my son hungry and drained? That would be quite irresponsible now, wouldn't it?"
"I…just want you to stay."
"Hah…is your old man that unreliable?" Subaru sighed "How about this? You accompanied me to the market. Keep an eye on this old man so he couldn't run away."
"…okay." Reinhard finally replied
"But first wash your face and change into new clothes…you looked like hell, kiddo."
Reinhard's face turned red, and he quickly made his way to the public bath. The atmosphere didn't seem so heavy anymore.
'Ha…crisis averted.' Subaru let out a sigh of relief
What am I supposed to do now?
Subaru came into his room and spent a few minutes to calm his raving breath.
It seemed that…going home will be impossible for now. With this in mind, his thought about the red-haired child finally cemented.
Who cares if I was Natsuki Subaru before this? Reinhard…he is my kid now.
And from this moment forth, I'm Heinkel van Astrea.
He was unable to return home for now…Subaru knew that, but it wasn't just his acceptance of the situation that caused that thought in his head.
'This hurting child…if I didn't take care of him, who will? He only had me left...' A sense of responsibility rose inside Subaru, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly 'What an absurd situation…'
However, some less-than-desirable thought also assaulted his mind.
When I return home…w ill this body turn back to that of a corpse? How will Reinhard react when he sees that?
Such terrible scenarios…
Subaru clenched his knuckles, as he thought about the potential consequences.
The howling wind mixed with the weight of the waves, rocking the ship violently. Some sailors couldn't help but try to hold on to their dear, as they desperately tried to keep the ship steady.
Otto fell on his back, and at the same time, the crimson glow within his eyes disappeared. Nursing his hurting head, he found himself standing on the deck and nothing appeared to have changed.
As it was, he jumped when suddenly the glass bottle in his hand shattered. The content spilled out and seemed to fuse with the shadow, its existence seemingly just a dream.
A hexagonal crystal-like snowflake emerged on Otto's palm. It then faded rapidly as if it was absorbed into his flesh. Now…there was no trace of it anymore.
'…I have gotten into something complicated, haven't I?' Otto sighed in his mind.
The sudden jerk of the ship quickly snapped him out of his thought. Noticing he was exposed on the deck, Otto quickly grabbed the railing to steady himself.
"Hey, big brother, why are you staying out here?!" A voice quickly called out to him "Come back! I won't be responsible for hauling your body out if you accidentally fell into the sea!"
The sailor, who named Frufoo, is a person with draconic features. Her eyes are red, while the scales on her body are a gentle blue, and there are yellow edges on her crest. He has known her since they both were children, and when he left his home, she was accompanying him on his journey. They have been together ever since. Her innate physique made her a natural at sea-faring, but because she was not a beyonder, it worried him from time to time.
On the other hand, he didn't want her to become a beyonder.
"No need to worry. Get on with your job!" He shouted back through the wind
"Ooookay!" She gave him a thumb-up enthusiastically.
Otto shook his head for a bit, then quickly turned around and went to the cabin. He could see most of the crew members on the deck, some staying steady with their pathway power, some due to their experience.
The crew he hired could be considered shady, but they are reliable nonetheless. Not too ambitious to harbor mutiny, not too strong to consider betrayal, and are mostly tight-lipped about what they do.
As for his method of recruitment, all he did was to offer opportunities. Chances to get out of their depth that they couldn't get themselves out. All he asked was for their loyalty, and they obligated. Not just because of appreciation, but also because of necessity.
Otto opened the door to the captain's cabin. The interior inside was bland, yet had a feeling of coziness. There was a bookshelf for his leisure and various peculiar sea-faring equipment. Otto had always been proud of himself on being a practical man, and his preference is a good reflection of that.
That, and a feeling of nostalgia.
He sat down behind his desk, carefully rummaging through his memory. Suddenly, the door was opened, and a young man with a typical sailor outfit walked in, bowing his head.
"Is the shipment secured?"
"Aye, captain. It will no doubt hold." The man answered with a hint of nervousness
"Good. Keep an eye on it. Once the task is done, you will become one of us."
"Thank you, captain, for your generosity."
Just as the man turned his back, Otto stood up with a quill he picked up from the table. His footsteps muted, he quickly went behind the man, and with a wet squelch, the man collapsed, holding his throat, he bled out.
His mouth moved desperately, as if wanting to say something, but Otto only held out a letter hastily written.
"Should have been more careful when snooping around." Otto laughed coldly "I can't say you are not brave. Just stupid. Keep this lesson for your next life."
The man's eyes bulged out, and after a moment finally collapsed. Otto could only sigh at the sight.
One of his crew members rushed in. Upon seeing the situation, he asked "What happened?"
"A spy," Otto answered in an annoyed manner, the crazed flame in his heart being subdued a bit
"Who could have done this?"
"Who knows…I will figure it out later. Dispose of this body first." Otto waved his hand nonchalantly
"Aye, captain."
Otto sat down once again, and soon enough, the sound of a heavy object being thrown into the sea calmed his mind. He quietly threw a slice of cheese to the rat on the floor, as if rewarding it.
Otto again pictured the creature who lived in shadow and referred to itself as 'The Fool'.
His eyes cast into the mighty waves, his expression contemplative "Turbulent time lies ahead…"
"Just…why do I have to deal with thisssss…." He groaned, but his complaint went unanswered and was swallowed by the sound of the waves.
Empress Brough, Backlund, capital of the Loen Kingdom.
Crusch blinked her eyes in disbelief. She quickly pinched her hand to confirm she was not dreaming.
"It was real…I could hardly believe it…" She muttered to herself, her eyes cast to the shattered bronze mirror in front of her dressing table.
She then noticed something on the back of her hand…a tattoo depicting a star.
It soon faded into her skin, as if it never existed at all.
"It was indeed not a dream."
Suddenly, a sense of excitement surged within her. She puffed up her chest heroically. In her confidence, she just wanted to find Wilhelm for a spar, even though she knew she wouldn't win.
Knock! Knock! Someone suddenly knocked at her bedroom door.
"Who is it?" Crusch asked as the sound promptly dragged her back into reality.
"Nyahh~ It's Ferris! Didn't we have a plan about this before? "The voice of Ferris, one of her childhood friends, echoed in. "May I come in?"
Crusch looked at the broken mirror on the dressing table and calmed her expression.
"Come in." Her voice was once again stoic
The doorknob turned and Ferris, her…friend, pushed in.
"Crusch! The mirror…it cracked! Are you okay?!" Ferris said upon seeing the state of the mirror. His voice was uncertain, and his golden eyes were filled with concern.
Crusch sometimes could still see those golden eyes, shaking with a sense of horror and barely visible in that dark basement.
The past, however horrid it was, remained the past. Ferris has grown since then, staying by her side as an attendant. Most of Crusch's childhood had been quite lonely, as her passion for swordmanship made her an outlier. Having Ferris by her side, admittedly, had made her time the more enjoyable.
That's to say, she is glad to have him as a friend.
"Like you see, I'm in pristine condition." She answered with a slight smirk
"Then…I assume the experiment succeeded! Did you gain some beyonder power?" Ferris asked excitedly "Tell me that my effort doesn't go in vain!"
"Well, it succeeded…but not exactly."
Ferris was the one she always involved in her scheme. Actually, he was the one who heard the rumour of an artifact that can bestow Beyonder power in the Karsten's vault. Since they are best friends, he shared everything with her, and together they concocted a plan to haul the mirror out.
In a way, it indeed provides beyonder power, just in a roundabout way.
"Come on…elaborate. Don't keep Ferris waiting!" He whined as if he was a child, but Crusch just sighed, used to his antics.
"Well, I was called to a 'Gathering' in a shadowy world. There was a gentleman who said he would give me the formula of 'Spectator' if I can get him the heart of a werewolf."
"Ooh…mysterious, indeed. Can I join?" Ferris' eyes brightened at the prospect
"I don't know. That might be a too presumptuous question to ask for now…"
"I suppose so…you should wait at least for a few meetings for that." Ferris nodded along after a moment of complete understanding, "Just for the record, you are sure whoever in the mirror doesn't have any ill-intention?"
"Positive. The gentleman who hosted the meeting is very powerful, so I didn't see why he would have ill-intention to someone with no beyonder power like me." Crusch explained, pushing aside her uneasiness about the being's appearance. "He sounded quite a humorous one, actually."
"Lady Crusch…you are describing a devil." Ferris responded fearfully "Tell me you didn't sign any contract."
"Don't worry, I'm not that gullible. And have faith, Ferris, I think I'm a good judge of character."
"It won't matter if that character isn't human…but I will give you the benefit of the doubt." Ferris sighed, finally relented "Oh, and I need to remind you that we should prepare for the ceremony. Let's choose out a dress! But first-"
Ferris, methodically, started by tidying up her hair, much to Crusch's displeasure.
"Do I have to go? You know I hated events like this…"
"You had no choice, I'm afraid. You know how your father gets at events like this." Ferris explained, until suddenly his lip curled into a smirk "And I heard Prince Fourier will be there as well."
"Really?!" Crusch asked, perhaps almost with too much emotion, that she coughed for a bit trying to compose herself, and to hide her embarrassment. "Ehem…I knew that. But I won't be making contact with him anyway…"
"Indeed. But…try your best to look presentable. You would be standing with your father, and Count Karsten is a person of repute. It's best that you don't let other people think Count Karsten had a son. And the solution will always be…dresses!" Ferris said enthusiastically "Wait for a moment! I will go fetch them!"
Crusch could hear Ferris rushing out of the room, and a sound echoing back "Maids! Go in there and make our lady the most beautiful!"
Crusch sighed, and could only let herself get dolled up by numerous maidservants. The dress, which was reminiscent of a lotus, was, to Crusch's opinion, very eye-catching. There are also accessories, footwear, a hat, makeup, and hairstyle…Crusch couldn't care less, and just drifted off in her mind until it was done.
But when it was almost ready, Count Karsten appeared at the door wearing a dark waistcoat. He wore a hat of similar color, and possessed a dignified mustache. His amber eyes, the same as hers, were filled with joy. Though judging by his posture, it was obvious that he was not a youthful one anymore.
"The diamond of house Karsten, isn't it time you accompany this old man?" Count Karsten said with a sly expression
"Father…please stop embrassing me…" Crusch sighed in response, before getting up with the help of the maidservants
"Well then, it's time to set off, my impeccable little princess." Count Karsten said as he bent his left arm, signaling for Crusch to hold his arm.
"Only because I'm your daughter." Crush hesitantly took his arm, obviously looking flustered
"You are indeed my pride and joy!" Count Karsten laughed boisterously, and Crusch closed her eyes and sighed heavily
"Let's get mother," Crusch responded, dragging her father behind somewhat forcefully
The Royal Navy base, Pritz Harbor, Oak Island
"Oh dear, would you look at that!" A woman with braided green hair exclaimed.
She is Helena Karsten, the dignified matriarch of House Karsten, and Crusch's mother. Unlike Crusch, Helena had an air of nobility that remained her feature. Even her posture and expressions are impeccable.
Holding a parasol, Helena pointed at the juggernaut not so far away.
There was a huge ship shimmering with metallic reflections. It did not have a sail, leaving only an observatory deck, two towering chimneys, and two turrets at the ends of the ship.
Its giant form was majestic, so much so that when compared to the fleet of sails nearby, it was as if a giant was surrounded by newborn dwarfs.
"Oh ho…seems like they knew what they are doing." Crusch heard her father comment with a contemplative look
It was a no-brainer, since Crusch could hear many tones of exclamation around her. Even Crusch herself was shocked at the spectacle.
"What a miracle. Who could have thought mankind has come such a long way?" She heard someone in the crowd say, and couldn't help but nod her head along.
It took a while for the aristocrats, ministers, and members of parliament to compose themselves. Crusch took a deep breath as well.
"That was-"
"Shh…look." Crusch was interrupted by her father, and cast her eyes to where he pointed
A black spot in the sky started to grow in size until it occupied a third of the sky and entered everyone's views. The atmosphere suddenly became solemn.
It was a gigantic flying machine with a beautiful streamlined design hovering in mid-air. The deep blue machine had airbags made of cotton which were supported by alloy structures that were strong but light. The alloy structure's bottom had openings mounted with machine guns, projectile launchers, and muzzles. The exaggerated humming noise from the ignition steam engine and tail produced a symphony that left everyone amazed.
The Queen's family arrived on their airship, exuding a lofty and indisputable authority. Queen Capella, with her innocent appearance and magnanimous bearing, waved to everyone below, trailing behind her was Fourier, the fourth prince, and her only nephew left.
A year ago, A disease blanketed the entire royal family, taking the life of most members, including the previous king and Fourier's father, Randohal Lugunica. Eventually, only Capella and Fourier managed to escape death. Capella, with her popularity, and the vouch of most people in court, ascended to become Queen.
With Queen Capella's prominence, it was safe to say that her reign will last for a long time. Compared to her, Fourier was basically ousted as an eligible successor. Perhaps that was why he was given much freedom, as Crusch, Ferris and Fourier frequently met for conversation. Everyone doesn't think Fourier has any chances…not anymore.
Fourier himself seemed to be relieved, yet Crusch couldn't help but be annoyed at his nonchalance sometimes.
The story of Queen Capella's coronation was shrouded with mysteries, but Crusch herself was just glad Fourier came out alive.
Back to the flying ship, there were two dragons, both with their wings spread wide and reflecting the sunlight on both sides of the cabin, and the front of the ship was built reminiscent of the shape of a sword. This was the emblem of the 'Divine Dragon', which symbolized the ancestral origin of the Lugunica Royal family and has been passed down from the previous epoch.
Crusch was not yet eighteen, so she had not attended the 'introductory ceremony', which was an event led by the Queen that marked one's debut into the Blacklund social scene, to announce her adult status. Therefore, she could not be nearer to the airship and had to remain silent at the back to watch the entire event.
Semantics, all of it, Crusch couldn't help but think. It did not matter to her at all. In fact, she was relieved that she didn't have to deal with the royal family. Sure, talking with Fourier was always welcome, but they can't talk openly in this setting. And Capella?
Let's just say that Crusch had a really bad feeling about the Queen.
The 'miracle' that mankind used to conquer the sky touched down gently. The first ones to step down the stairs were the young guards who wore red ceremonial uniforms with white trousers. Decorated with medals, they formed two lines with rifles in hand. They were awaiting the appearance of Queen Capella Emerada Lugunica, and his nephew the fourth prince.
Crusch forced herself to look away as she pointed her attention to the two statue-like black-armoured cavalry flanking the Queen.
In this era of iron, steam, and cannons, it was surprising that there was still someone who could bear wearing full armor.
The cold metallic luster and the dull black helmet conveyed solemnity and authority
"Could they be the higher-order Disciplinary Paladins..." Crusch recalled snippets of a casual conversation among adults. She was curious but did not dare go close.
The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the king's family. The incumbent Prime Minister, Lord Aguesid Negan, went up to the front.
He was a member of the Conservative Party and the second non-aristocrat to become the Prime Minister till this very day. He was given the title of a Lord for his great contributions.
Of course, Crusch knew more. The main supporter of the Conservative Party was the present Duke of Negan, Pallas Negan, who was the brother of Aguesid!
Aguesid was a slender and almost bald fifty plus year old man with a sharp gaze. He surveyed the area before speaking.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe you have witnessed this history-making ironclad warship. It has dimensions of 101 by 21 meters. It has an amazing port and starboard design. The armor belt is 457 millimeters thick. The displacement is 10060 tonnes. There are four 305-millimeter main cannons, six rapid-fire cannons, 12 six-pound cannons, 18 six-barrel machine guns, and four torpedo launchers. It can reach a speed of 16 knots!
"It will be the real hegemon! It will conquer the seas!"
The crowd was roused. The mere descriptions were enough to instill fearful images in them, let alone the fact that the actual thing was right in front of them.
Aguesid smiled and spoke a few more lines before saluting the king and requested, "Your Majesty, please give it a name!"
"Since it will set sail from Pritz Harbor, it should be named "The Pritz," Capella responded charmingly. Her expression showed her delight.
"The Pritz!"
"The Pritz!"
...
The words spread from the Navy Minister and the Admiral of the Royal Navy to all the soldiers and officers on the deck. They all exclaimed in unison, "The Pritz!"
Capella ordered the Pritz to set sail for a trial in the midst of the gun salutes and the celebratory atmosphere.
Honk!
Thick smoke spewed out from the chimneys. The sound from the machinery could be heard faintly beneath the sound of the ship horn.
The juggernaut departed from the harbor. Everyone was shocked when the two main cannons at the ship's bow fired at an uninhabited island in its path.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The ground shook as dust shot up into the sky. Shock waves spread out, producing waves in the sea.
Satisfied, Aguesid turned back to the crowd and announced, "From this day on, doomsday will fall on the seven pirates who call themselves Admirals and the four who call themselves Kings. They can only shiver in fear!
"It is the end of their era. Only the ironclad warship will roam the seas no matter whether the pirates have the powers of the Beyonders, ghost ships, or cursed ships."
Aguesid's chief secretary deliberately asked, "Can't they build their own ironclad warships?"
Some of the nobles and Members of Parliament nodded, feeling that such a possibility could not be eliminated.
Aguesid immediately smiled and shook his head slowly as he answered, "Impossible! It will never be possible! Building our ironclad warship required three big coal and steel amalgamators, a scale of more than twenty steel factories, 60 scientists and senior engineers from the Backlund Cannon Academy and Pritz Nautical Academy, two royal shipyards, almost hundred factories for spare parts, an Admiralty, a ship-building committee, a Cabinet, a determined king with excellent foresight, and a great country with an annual steel production of 12 million tonnes!
"The pirates will never achieve it."
Having said that, he paused and raised his arms before shouting in agitation, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the era of cannons and warships has dawned upon us!"