Chapter 180: Victor Arseid

Giliath demands your power stones!

*

"Now that you mention it, Father did say that he met a pretty young boy back when His Majesty rose to the throne, even though I was still very little at the time. I didn't think Father would be referring to you.", Laura responded with interest.

"Yes. You did cause quite a stir for having someone so young attend His Majesty's declaration. I was there as well, but only as a chauffeur to Master. You haven't made a public appearance since then. It really was a shame what happened to the Phoenix Family. You may want to pursue their remnants at some point. No doubt do they probably have some land to claim at least.", Klaus also said, which drew my interest.

"Haha. It is definitely worth talking about once I meet Sir Victor again. Even I don't have a full grasp of the land the Phoenix Family used to govern...", I uttered.

After saying that, the three of us chatted for a while as we made our way up the city of Legram. Klaus did bring up a good point. He was one of those who didn't know the full picture, only for the fact I haven't made an appearance as a noble since the inauguration of His Majesty. The events of the cult and Nemeth Island proceeded after that. I could have returned to my identity of a noble, but I went with the latter, which was resuming my identity since I held blood of Liberl's royal family. If I resumed my role as a noble here in Erebonia back then, I probably wouldn't have much consideration for the harem I now have, either.

From there, I did develop real combat skills as a Jaeger fighting some life or death battles. I did reveal Phoenix as my moniker during that period I spent with Fie, but I do not know how much I have made a name for myself during my time spent as a Jaeger. For all that I know right now, Duke Phoenix could likely be seen as dead in most people's eyes.

All except for the Ironbloods and my Father, of course. No doubt do they know I'm still alive and kicking, since I've personally had a journey with Lechter, Rufus, and Claire for that matter. At some point during my stay in Erebonia here, I do have plans to visit Father. I am not like Rean, I still cherish the connection I have with Father. I could see that in his eyes during the meeting we held while we were exterminating the rest of the cults.

"Well, at the very least, if you are as you claim, then Father is definitely waiting for you inside our home. I was just finishing training as well for the day. Once we arrive, I will excuse myself.", Laura said with a nod of her head as she heard me drift off a bit.

As we walked, I decided to turn quiet, as did Laura. Klaus was ahead of us two as he guided us. The townsfolk were happy to see Laura return from the nearby areas. Contrary to most nobles, I could see both respect and happiness in the town folks' eyes as they welcomed Laura's return. Seeing me so close to Laura also brought interest in their eyes. I was a stranger to them, so they couldn't help but wonder who I was.

Further up the hilly town, we passed by the dojo on the left. It was pretty grandiose, just as grandiose the Vander School was in Heimdallr. I would come here in due time, but our priority was the big mansion that was now within viewing distance. It was a pretty big mansion, but not as big as Grancel Castle. It was at the very top of the town, which allowed Laura to get a good look at what was happening on days it was clear.

"Here we are, Your Excellency. It would do you no well to address Master like this either, Young Missus. Do not forget you were just in training. I have already signaled the other maids to run a bath for you.", Klaus said, turning his body to face toward us as we arrived at the door to the Arseid Mansion.

"Thank you, Klaus.", Laura responded with a smile. She then bid me farewell for the moment, and walked in behind Klaus. It was her home, so she didn't need to wait on me.

"You said Sir Victor was waiting for me, right?", I asked Klaus, causing him to nod his head.

"Yes. Master should be in the drawing room on the first floor. If you would like, I could also ask the others to prepare a meal for you, Your Excellency.", Klaus said, bowing again as he welcomed me.

"That would be nice.", I said, nodding my head in response.

"Very well. Please follow me.", Klaus said, proceeding to open the door. As we walked in, I could see a couple maids cleaning on the first floor, with a sound of a bath being run further in the distance. Laura was nowhere to be seen. Seeing my arrival, the maids present paused, but quickly remembering Klaus's words, they were polite and bowed at my arrival. I've gotten used to this bowing thing since I've assumed my identity as the crown prince, but having it be done here instead of at the castle still was a bit iffy to me.

With that, I saw Klaus bring me to the left side of the building. I could see big flights of stairs going further up to the second floor, with big doors likely leading inside the main dining area that Victor uses to dine with guests he often receives while he's here. I know he is frequent on outings, not always having him here at the Arseid Mansion, so it was pretty lucky to catch him here when I arrived.

I saw Klaus soon bring us to a hallway off to the left side, soon arriving in a rather large room. Klaus reached his hand out, and proceeded to knock on the door.

"Master, I have brought His Excellency.", Klaus politely said as he knocked the closed door with his hand.

"Good. You may enter.", An aged voice said. Sure enough, that was Victor's voice alright. I only saw Klaus stand beside the door, allowing me to walk in front of it. Seeing him remain behind, I had another look at Klaus, before I opened the door.

I soon saw a middle aged blue haired man donning his Arseid family robe. The Cold Steel games had yet to happen, so Victor still had both of his arms. The moment Victor saw a violet haired boy walk in, a smile appeared on his face as he sat down in one of his drawing rooms. Several maps could be seen scattered around, but most didn't appear to be in use right now.

"I still had my doubts after getting a message from Klaus, but I did not think you would decide to show up out of the blue here. It has been quite some time, Your Excellency.", Victor said, standing up. Despite having the appearance of a thirteen year old boy, he still greeted me with respect as I walked toward his way.

"Haha, I do apologize for dropping in unannounced, Sir Victor. It really has been some time, hasn't it? I was able to catch your daughter on her return to town at least. We got acquainted already.", I said, greeting the master of the Arseid school.

"So that's what happened. I do thank you for looking after my daughter. We haven't seen each other in years, but I feel it's as if you have never left. Still, what would you like me to address you as, Your Excellency? I am not as impervious to matters as others may be. You have been making quite a name for yourself. It does make sense as to why you just seemed to have vanished off the face of Zemuria.", Victor began to say, sporting a more serious look in his eyes.

"Or would you like me to address you as His Highness instead?", Victor decided to ask, squinting his eyes a bit at me.

"So you do know.", I said, shrugging my shoulders after hearing Victor try to address me like that.

"Yes. I am not the only one who does, either. Not all of the other houses know of this matter though, unlike me. His Excellency the Blood and Iron Chancellor has been keeping a tight rope around things here. Apart from me, only His Excellency Duke Albarea knows.", Victor said, explaining the situation a bit from his side.

"That's a pretty good shocker. Still, considering it's Father who is trying to keep my actions in check here, it makes sense as to why it hasn't been trying to spread around the other nobles.

Hearing that, Victor only looked at me, before letting out a drawn sigh.

"So that's how it all connects...", Victor could only say as he shrugged his shoulders. I couldn't help but blink my eyes after realizing I had said that aloud to him. I then grinned.

"Try to forget that last part, will you? Haha.", I said, letting out a laugh as I grinned.

"No promises, but it sounds like you've been doing a good job trying to keep your actions to yourself, Your Excellency. We have not seen each other since you were a little boy.", Victor said, relieving the atmosphere a bit.

"Yes. Let's just say things...have been pretty crazy with my whole life getting adjusted, to say the very least. Please don't take any ill will for me to reassume my identity as a prince, over as a Duke. I do have an actual family over there you know.", I said, retorting Victor.

"Hahaha. None taken. For now though, why don't we drop these titles? I do not know how much you have told Laura, but it would probably be easier on her if we called each other by name.", Victor proposed.

"That I can agree with, Sir Victor. Has Klaus told you anything as to why I am here in the first place?", I said, deciding to ask Victor on how much he knew with my appearance here in Legram after gettin that short conversation out of the way. At least, he seemed to not have changed much since I last saw Victor all those years ago. He even welcomed me into his home, which was a good sign for what was to come.