The Changing of the Tides

Two days after their arrival, Vahn's party departed Zephyria in relatively high spirits. The infamous City of Freedom wasn't lacking in charms, but, if they stayed there too long, Vahn knew he wouldn't be able to avoid causing a scene. He had decided to give Katarina a bit of face by informing her of the issues, but, as was often the case, he couldn't exactly ignore crimes in progress.

As could be expected of a nation that catered to Sky Pirates, Mercenaries, and Merchants, there was a fair amount of unpleasantness within Zephyria. The boarding of the Custos Rosea and the several attempts to try and kidnap Asuna were only the tip of the iceberg. Things got exponentially worse once you delved beneath the cloud sea and descended into the perpetual gloom that represented the city beneath the clouds.

Though the had tried to show some restraint, Vahn had helped more than seven-hundred people return to the cycle of reincarnation during his short stint through the slum-like city. This caused a bit of a headache for Katarina, but, instead of apologizing, Vahn promised to return at some point in the near future. He was quite fond of the idea of a 'City of Freedom', but, if it only promoted the freedom of those willing to exploit others, they had a long way to go before they could pretend to represent such an ideal...

---

Unlike the journey to Zephyria, where they were plagued by various Sky Pirates, their departure was relatively smooth sailing. This resulted in Arika feeling a little bored, but, as peace was always better than discourse, she didn't openly complain. Instead, she put the Custos Rosea on assisted piloting mode, allowing Asuna to man the helm while she joined Vahn up on the deck.

Though she could be rather honest in the bedroom, Arika still had trouble displaying her emotions in other settings. She simply didn't know what to do with herself, so, unless others initiated, she had a habit of remaining absolutely silent for several minutes at a time. This made her appear aloof and distant on the surface, but, if you were able to peer into her mind, you would discover she was a just an adorably awkward young woman...

Fortunately, even if she didn't know how to seize the initiative, Arika was actually a very docile and receptive woman. The only time she would refuse anything was if Vahn went out of his way to tease her. If he remained silent, however, he could even hold her from behind, his hands gently stroking her abdomen as they stared out of the horizon together. She enjoyed being held quite a bit, and, if they were alone together, she would sometimes look up at him, her heterochromatic eyes revealing her desire to be kissed...

---

Unaware of the benefits her kindred sister was receiving, Theo could be found laying listlessly with her feet pointed skyward. Her combat style emphasized flexibility quite a bit, so, even if she wasn't proactively training, it had become a habit for her to stretch and strain her body.

After more than four years of hard training and equally hard play, Theo, rather than feeling lonely, found herself profoundly bored following Vahn's departure. Fortunately, she received a message to return home almost immediately, and, after a little more than a day, she was able to lay in her own bed for the first time in years. It was a very nostalgic and comfortable feeling, but, compared to the warmth of her Master and his inordinately soft mattress, it left a lot to be desired...

While lost in her thoughts, Theo transitioned from pointing her toes toward the ceiling to spreading her legs and doing a flawless split. This was significantly more difficult than using your body weight to force a split, but, as flexibility was one of her strongest points, Theo could pull it off with extreme ease. She had eclipsed the level of most ballerinas and contortionists, and, though it was impossible for her to compete against people like Fenrir and Xiao Bai, Theo was confident she would be able to assume any positions her Master favored...

After idling about for several hours, Theo's ears perked up a few moments before a rhythmic knock sounded on her door. She quickly jumped up to her feet, and, after lightly caressing the amethyst embedded in her collar, her mesh-covered figure was adorned in proper clothing. Then, despite the distance being relatively short, she used [Shundo] to instantaneously close the distance, surprising the middle-aged woman and team of Maids waiting outside when she yanked the door open.

Though she was used to Theo's antics, the bespectacled woman restrained a sigh as she pushed up the ridge of her glasses and sternly said, "A Princess of the Hellas Empire should endeavor to carry themselves with dignity and decorum at all times. Please show more consideration for the title you bear, Princess Theodora..."

Without minding the woman's words in the slightest, Theo smiled wide enough to display both rows of pearly whites as she happily mused, "Szarlota, it's good to see you~!"

Hearing Theo's familiar address, the serious-looking Szarlota was unable to restrain herself further, a tired sigh escaping her lips before she adopted a slight smile and said, "It is good to see you in such high spirits, Theo. Did you enjoy your time outside of the Palace?"

Nodding her head exuberantly, Theo continued to smile widely as she answered, "It was great! I got to meet so many unique and interesting people! Princess Arika was very wise and the Sage Dragon Emperor was unbelievably powerful. I'm so much stronger now that even Jack might not be able to win against me, ehehehehe~."

Not expecting such 'bold' words, Szarlota and her entourage of Maids were at a loss as to how they should respond. Before they could, however, an inordinately tall man seemed to appear out of thin air, his figure towering over Szarlota as he stared down at Theo and mused, "Oho, it seems our little tomboy has grown quite a bit in her time away from home..."

Hearing a voice coming from right behind her, Szarlota's body tensed up quite a bit as the Maids in the surroundings glared at Jack, visibly flustered as they exclaimed, "How dare you regard Princess Theodora in such a rude manner!?"

Without minding the comments from the peanut gallery, Jack continued to look down at Theodora, his golden irises glimmering in the shadow of his headband. He could sense a phenomenal power slumbering within her body, and, though he was well-concealed, even Qinglong didn't completely evade his senses. His couldn't actually sense him but Jack's instincts told him there was 'something' very powerful looming around the Palace ever since Theo returned...

Undaunted by Jack's intimidating presence, Theo continued to smile as she crossed her arms and said, "I'm serious. I might not be able to win if you decided to go all out, but, if you fight like you normally do, I'm confident in my chances. You shouldn't underestimate how much effort I put into becoming stronger."

Unable to hold himself back, Jack released an uproarious laugh in response to Theo's words. Even without her drawing attention to the fact, he could tell she had become much stronger than before. In fact, it was almost unbelievable how stronger she had become. The only thing she seemed to be lacking was actual experience and killing intent. As for raw power, her petite body, against all rhyme and reason, seemed to radiate an incomprehensible amount of strength. It was enough to make his blood boil, and, if not for the fact he saw her as a mischievous younger sister, he might not be able to restrain his urge to battle her...

Suppressing his thirst for battle, Jack adopted an approving smile as he said, "Your father wanted to see you, brat. It seems those old sharks in the Megalomesembrian Senate have lost their patience. There have already been a few skirmishes along the eastern frontier so it won't be long until a war breaks out. You might not get a chance to fight on the frontlines, but you'll be expected to support the troops and perform some diplomatic duties. I hope you're prepared, kiddo...the political world ain't a pleasant place for the naive and faint of heart..."

Surprising even Szarlota, Theo adopted a serious expression in response to Jack's words. Her casual and friendly demeanor faded away in an instant. In its place, a calm and capable countenance that befitted a ruler. This was quite a surprise for everyone who knew Theo closely, and, though it was a positive development, it didn't feel right to see her show such a solemn expression. Despite this, all were silent as she eloquently stated, "Though I might be lacking compared to someone like Princess Arika, I am not the same young girl who departed the Empire many months ago. I still have much to learn, but, if they think they can take advantage of my naivete and inexperience, I have considerably more to teach my contemporaries..."

Showing a serious expression of his own, Jack nodded approvingly in response to Theo's words. She had clearly obtained more than just power during her time in Ariadne, and, though she was severely underestimating her enemies, her current mentality was a qualitative improvement. Though it was a little sad to see her grow up, Jack knew it would be necessary if she wanted to become a competent Empress in the future...

---

After refusing the assistance of her Governess and Maids, Theo changed into a flowing white robe before making her way over to meet with her father. She would normally wear casual clothes, as her father doted on her quite a bit, but, as it was her first official summons as Imperial Ambassador, she wanted to make a positive impression. Numerous members of the Imperial Court would be present, and, though there was some merit in pretending to remain childish, she wanted to start establishing herself sooner, rather than later.

Seeing his daughter wearing ceremonial garments, the Emperor, much like the rest of his Court, was more than a little surprised. He was used to his daughter disregarding court etiquette entirely, and, though he would lightly reprimand her, he didn't particularly mind her childish antics. Rather, when she was younger, he would even allow her to sit on his lap while listening to his Ministers report on the various affairs of the Empire...

Ignoring the incredulous gazes from her surroundings, Theo approached within ten meters of her father's throne before cupping her hands together and bowing low as she said, "Princess Theodora greets His Imperial Majesty."

Though it was the proper way to introduce herself, Michael couldn't help but feel slightly saddened by his daughter's formality. He hadn't expected her to have matured so much, as, according to the period reports he received, she was still the same vibrant and outgoing girl he knew and loved. This was likely an act of some sort, but, despite knowing this, he couldn't help but restrain a sigh before firmly stating, "You may rise. It is good to see you in good health, Theodora..."

With her hands cupped together, allowing her sleeves to overlap slightly, Theo continued showing the proper courtesies as she adopted a polite smile and answered, "I am gratified to hear such kind words. I see that Father is also in good health. It would seem I owe a debt of gratitude to the Gods and Spirits that watch over our beloved Hellas."

Ignoring the stuffy feeling in his chest, Michael adopted a smile in response to his daughter's words before turning his attention to Jack. The latter noticed his gaze and shrugged in response, earning a few hateful glares from the surroundings. Despite this, none had the gall to speak out of turn, as, in preparation for the coming war, Jack had been elevated to the status of 'Special Grand Marshal'. He didn't have any official authority over troops, but, during a state of emergency, he was even able to countermand the orders of the Commanding General. Though he would need a good reason to do so, this was an unprecedented amount of authority for a 'commoner', and, unless Jack lost the favor of the Emperor, few could speak out against him within the Court...

Seeing Jack's casual response, the Emperor felt a small amount of relief as he internally remarked, ("At least some things never change..."). Then, turning his attention back to his daughter, he buried his discomfort as he adopted a serious expression and said, "Report on your progress in Ariadne..."

(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Vahn is even more efficient than Truck-sama','This girl has fallen hard...','RIP Emperor Michael. Your daughter is already gone xD...')

(A/N: I already closed the poll. I'll leave two options in the comments section, so, if you want me to spoil you, feel free to upvote. If you want to be surprised, feel free to upvote the second option~!)

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