7 Chapter 7: Encounter

"Haha, don't scare the kid, Vandyck. Come here, Naoto.", Giliath responded seeing the aged man, who was called Vandyck, towering over my window.

"Yes, Dad.", I responded. Giliath then reached over to unfasten my kid's seat, only to take me into his arms.

"Now that's a voice I recognize.", Vandyck responded.

With me in one of Giliath's arm, he opened his door with the other. As he did he spoke out to the driver one last time.

"Pick us up at Heimdallr Airport in the morning upon our return in two days. We will be getting off at Alto Street for now."

"As you command, General Osborne.", The driver said. The car then pulled out, slowly exiting the gate. Soon it was just Giliath, me, Vandyck, and his few soldiers acting as guards.

The citizens on Alto Street looked at us in shock seeing two Generals of the Imperial Army side by side for a good moment before going back to their daily lives.

Once the atmosphere returned to normal, we started walking on one of the streets. Every so often I would see an orbal tram come and go. Between that, my eyes would wander and look at Vandyck. Giliath let out a laugh seeing this.

"Haha, all of this is new to Naoto, so he can't help but be excited. I'm surprised you knew we were coming into the city today.", Giliath said.

"If word can't be spread fast enough on the battlefield then we would fail our duty as soldiers. Hoho, has it already been a year since you married that little lass? Some effort had born fruit. Looks like me helping you two tie the knot did some good after all.", General Vandyck said, only to look at me after.

"I couldn't be any more grateful for what you did, Vandyck.", Giliath responded with a smile.

"Then does that mean you will be returning to the army?", General Vandyck asked.

Hearing that, Giliath let out a sigh and shook his head, denying him.

"Unfortunately, no. Until Kasia no longer requires my assistance to raise our children, I will continue to be on Leave.", Giliath answered. "As to why we came into the city, we will only be gone for a couple of days. I cannot stay away for too long."

"Hmm, that is quite unfortunate. But did you just say, "children"...?", General Vandyck asked with interest.

"Yes. Our second child was born at the beginning of the month. We've two sons now.", Giliath responded, full of pride.

"Two sons eh? Congratulations must be in order. This little guy here must be your first son then.", General Vandyck said, having another look at me.

As we talked about what happened in this last year, we slowly reached the intersection of Alto street and Vainqueur Street. General Vandyck found it a nice surprise I could already talk, so I ended up introducing myself to him.

I also subconsciously took note of a certain house on Alto Street on the left side as we passed it. The house was indeed there, but I was not sure who was living in it now.

All I knew was that this specific house would become the home of a certain little orange cherub before the first Class VII was established.

Moving along, General Vandyck soon switched to a more sensitive topic as we changed directions to Heimdallr Airport.

"It truly is a shame you won't return to the army, Giliath."

"So something is happening.", Giliath responded. "Is the time approaching for His Majesty?", He asked General Vandyck.

"Quick to perceive as always. You are correct. I fear His Majesty hasn't many years left. It wont be long till the news of him stepping onto his deathbed reaches the ears of us soldiers.", General Vandyck explained to Giliath.

Hearing that almost took me by surprise. But I soon remembered. The father of the prince that was shown in the games wasn't actually seated upon the throne of the Erebonia Empire at this time. It was the prince's father's father. To put it simply, the prince's grandfather. He was the current ruler.

I don't think his true age was ever shown, but the year of his death was confirmed at least. The current emperor would pass away in S1189, so that meant in two years. I would only be three at the time...

But to feign ignorance, I took this time to stretch my hands and let out a big yawn, appearing drowsy. Giliath let out another laugh seeing me start to close my eyes

"Haha, I guess our talk in politics is putting Naoto to sleep. Have a nap young one, I will wake you up when we board the aircraft.", Giliath said with a chuckle.

"Ok, Dad...", I responded, before letting out peaceful snores. While I appeared asleep now, I still let mind wander, wanting to keep listening to these two.

"It's quite surprising to see your first child already speaking like this, Giliath. He's what, only a year old now?

"Naoto and Rean are my prides and joys. I too was taken by surprise, but as a result, I'm already giving Naoto history lessons. Once his muscle fibers become firm in a year or two, I will start his training.", Giliath said to General Vandyck.

Looks like my assumption on that was right. I couldn't help but get excited. Especially for being the owner of a gamer system.

In my eyes, Giliath Osborne was one of the best experience potions a gamer could ask for.

I do feel terrible seeing my new father in such s light, but I can only inwardly apologize for that...

"So you do plan on instructing your children. You've really taken the role of a father now. I can't even begin to imagine the future generation of the Hundred-Form Military Combat style. I'm assuring Rean is the name of your second child then?", General Vandyck asked while grinning.

"Yes. Kasia is currently watching over him these couple of days while we handle a private matter."

"A private matter...", General Vandyck started to say, only to look at the vast airport which was now in front of us. Several aircrafts could be seen stationed here. However most of them had open decks besides the main cabins. They looked completely different compared to the commercial planes in my previous life. Another prop of living in a fantasy world.

"Does that matter include you going on one of these aircrafts?", General Vandyck asked. "You know you could have used one of our private military ships for this."

"Yes, but I do not intend to bring the military into one of my personal matters. Just you knowing that I will be gone for a couple days is good enough.", Giliath answered.

"And when you do return to His Majesty's side, let him know I will try to return before his passing. He must see the fruit of the effort that had been born, as you call it, Vandyck."

…Is dad really going to introduce me to the old Emperor before he passes? I couldn't help but be intrigued.

"Hoho, I am sure His Majesty will be pleased. It will be a good thing before the next inauguration begins. Thankfully this time around there shouldn't be bloodshed due to His Majesty only having a sole heir."

"I hope you are right. Crown Prince Eugent should ascend the throne without much issue. Let's pray our neighbors will be in check during the time.", Giliath responded in acknowledgement with a nod.

At this time, they heard a ding coming from the nearby intercoms announcing the departure of the next aircraft.

"Ding! The next round trip flight will be departing in fifteen minutes. Passengers who wish to board or purchase a boarding pass at this time please do so. It's first destination will be Crossbell City. I repeat, the first destination of the next round trip will be Crossbell City.", The intercom voice said, which caused several passengers to become hurried.

"This is where we part ways for now, General Vandyck. Please continue to look after His Majesty during my Leave."

"Of course. I look forward to you introducing your young ones again. I will not inquire as to where you are heading, but please make it back safely."

"Of course.", Giliath nodded his head. As he did, General Vandyck said goodbye and turned around, departing with his soldiers in tow.

As for Giliath he approached the ticket kiosk at the entrance of Heimdallr Airport. I was still peacefully snoozing away. I turned a bit, making use of father's arm as a pillow. Giliath smiled seeing this. It seemed the lady clerk also became distracted, finding this cute.

"My, what a lovely child...?", The lady clerk said, only to see a shadow cast over her, which caused her to look up.

She stared for a moment after recognizing Giliath's face.

"G-General Osborne--!?", The lady clerk tried to yell out, only to see Giliath make a hushing motion with his finger over his lips.

"Don't wake him now. Two boarding passes please.", Giliath asked.

"Y-Yes, of course...", The lady clerk nodded quietly, only to print two passes out for Giliath in the next moment.

As for the lady clerk, she stood there dazed after Giliath took them into his hand. Giliath took this time to vanish into the departing crowd before the lady clerk blinked again, realizing Giliath was no longer there.

"Uhh...should I report this to the manager?", The lady clerk retorted to herself, only realize she was alone again.

Yet she didn't take any action during the next fifteen minutes. The boarding ramp closed into the aircraft. The aircraft then soon lifted into the air after we found our seat toward the front section. I inwardly giggled seeing that lady's response right now.

That pretty much how it goes for anyone who has a good look at father's face and is able to recognize him. Even in year S1187, he is quite well known. He still has yet to become the actual Chancellor though.

Compared to bumpy airplane rides in my past life, the liftoff was smooth. We also didn't need runways here either. Orbal energy worked directly with the wind element, pushing the aircraft upward vertically. It didn't take us long at all before we were in the air.

I always enjoyed the map transitions when I played through the games, so while I "slept", I imagined such transition inside my mind as we departed for our first destination. Our destination was one of a couple, which I'm assuming Liberl was on the way until this ship returns to Erebonia. But as for its first destination...

It was none other than Crossbell City, the only nation trying to declare its autonomy as a self-governed nation surrounded by two large countries, Erebonia and the Republic of Calvard. It was also home to a future team of selective policemen and detectives, and I couldn't help but get excited getting the chance to arrive in Crossbell this early.

I doubt I would meet many of them now, considering the present year. And one of them wasn't even born yet. Yet little did I know I would get to meet one of them sooner than later...

A couple hours later.

A commercial orbal aircraft could be seen descending vertically over a large city. To the left was rolling hills with large plateaus to the north, and to the east was a large river crossing through the city. Over on the opposite side, if one looked closely, they could see a large theme park.

"Ding! We will be arriving in Crossbell City in a couple moments. This is our first destination of this round trip. For those looking to stay to our next destination, please be sure to re-board within the next twenty minutes. Our next destination will be Grancel City. Please remember to bring out your passport upon our arrival.", The intercom voice said.

"Mmm...", I said, letting out a low voice, beginning to stir awake. I stretched my arms, only to feel my father's coat. Giliath was quick to take notice of this and patted me on the head.

"Enjoy your nap? We just landed in Crossbell City.", Giliath said.

"I did. We arrived already?"

"Indeed. We do have a twenty minute layover, but we will stay within the cabin during the duration. Lest to not stir up any trouble."

"Is it because it's Crossbell City?", I asked.

Giliath raised his eyebrows slightly before agreeing with me.

"You are right, Naoto. It is such an unstable city...", Giliath responded with a drifting voice, causing him to look outside our window and watches the ongoing traffic in silence.

The closer the twenty minutes came, more people started to board our aircraft bound for Liberl next. Yet unexpectedly another aged figure spoke out to us as he arrived at our row which had less people compared to the rows further in the back.

"Hohoho, this is quite the unusual face I see It makes sense now as to why someone was seated in this reserved area. Don't be shy now Elie, looks like we got neighbors next to our seats."

"Yes, Grandpa.", The little child said, before climbing onto the seat next to Giliath's.

This voice immediately drew my attention and I soon saw an old man with a little silver blonde haired girl who appeared no older than I did. Giliath also quickly took note of the old man beside us and smiled back at him.

"This is rather an unexpected encounter indeed. If I recall...You are Henry MacDowell aren't you? The current mayoral candidate in running to become Crossbell City's next Mayor. And this little one beside you is a surprise as well."

"I could say the same to you, General Osborne. To see you with a little one is quite unexpected too. It's great gets Elie to make more friends. Elie's parents are always quite busy so I often look after her.", Henry MacDowell explained a bit.

"Is that so? It seems we share the same destination. But seeing you leave Crossbell City, it appears you are going just like how I am going as but father and son."

"Indeed. I am heading to Liberl to pay my condolences to Queen Alicia and her late son. And taking your words, I am only going as a grandfather to his granddaughter."

"Haha, you are welcome to sit beside us.", Giliath responded with a laugh to this old man.

"Thank you. Elie, why don't you introduce yourself to this nice man? You can play with his son after.", Henry MacDowell asked his granddaughter.

"You too, Naoto. This little one is worthy of getting to know you.", Giliath said before he lifted me up from the window. He placed me on the same seat as the little silver blonde haired girl. Both my farther and her grandfather were seated behind us in both directions.

The silver blonde haired girl blinked at me for a moment before she introduced herself in a polite tone.

"Hello! I'm Elie MacDowell. And this old man here is Grandpa. I haven't seen you in Crossbell before."

"It's nice to meet you, Elie. You can call me Naoto Osborne. And this is my dad. We are just passing through Crossbell City, I haven't been inside yet.", I introduced myself to Elie.

"Is that so? Well I always meet new people thanks to my parents' and Grandpa's work, so I hope we can become friends, Naoto!", Elie responded with a smile.

"Me too, Elie.", I also responded with a nod.

Yet inwardly I was still surprised. Not only did the future Mayor of Crossbell City board this ship, he even brought his granddaughter along with him, who seemed to be no older than one year old like me. And yet she could already speak like how I speak. Should I say as expected of a Mayor's granddaughter?

And this silver haired little girl who was but inches apart from me was none other than Elie MacDowell. She would eventually become of the core members of the future Special Support Section, or commonly known as the SSS!