Echoes of Fire and Shadows

Interlude III: The Foreign Royal and the Grandmaster.

—Aurora Teralis—

After several years away from my country, now that I had graduated it was time for me to leave the Marcelian capital and return to my home country, the Kingdom of Valciar.

While the servants were busy making the preparations for our departure a few days from now, I was quite busy having tea with a guest, or rather… My bodyguard.

“Such a huge place! This place is bigger than our city! I wanna go out to explore!” A little boy with a white scarf around his neck was looking out the window.

“Eric, we will go out later. Please behave yourself in front of Lady Aurora.” A young woman with an identical white scarf scolded the boy.

“Oh, please don't mind me. I can understand little Eric, more than you think. I believe I did the same thing when I first arrived at the Imperial Capital.” I smiled and reassured the young woman.

Excitable young boys like Eric are just a treat to have around. He makes the usually suffocating atmosphere in the manor very relaxed and comfortable.

“I appreciate the sentiment, Lady Aurora, but I must discipline my brother. I might have spoiled him a little too much, so while you don't mind his lack of courtesy, other nobles might not think like that. It is my duty as his older sister to educate him in such matters.” The young woman replied with a serious expression. “Eric, come and sit before your tea gets cold.” She beckoned the boy to come to her.

“Alright…” Eric was a little dejected, but he still listened to his sister, rapidly taking a seat on the sofa with her.

“Good boy.” Eric's sister nodded with satisfaction before patting his head.

“I'm glad to see that you're as serious as always, but aren't you being a little too cold with me, big sis Henriette?” I simply couldn't hold back any longer. I quickly found myself pouting at the person in front of me.

The person in front of me is quite famous in Valciar, not only due to her mother who used to be Grandmaster of the Adventurer's Guild in Valciar, but also due to her own merits and exploits in our country. Henriette Elistria is the youngest person ever to rise through the ranks of the Adventurer's Guild at an incredible pace only to become a Grandmaster just like her mother before her, at the tender age of 14 years old. 

Henriette is presently 24 years old, which means that she's been acting as the Grandmaster of Valciar for 10 years now. For the record, her little brother Eric is half her age, so he is 12 years old as far as I’m aware.

Not only she has all of those achievements behind her, but she was also my instructor of magic and martial arts before I left the Valciar to attend the Blaise Academy in the Marcelian Empire.

I was 10 years old the last time we saw each other, so it has been five years give or take. It seemed like the person in question had not changed in the slightest in the last five years. She was still the same gorgeous and serious woman I remembered.

Both Henriette and Eric share the same short gray hair which suits them quite nicely with those white scarves they have. However, they do not share the same eye color. Eric has amber-colored eyes while Henriette’s eyes were a shade of deep dark blue.

Henriette was at least 1.80 meters tall while her little brother stood around 1.46 meters tall. It wasn’t only their heights that were different, their outfits were also quite different from one another… 

Little Eric was dressed rather formal for the occasion given that he was wearing a white shirt with a very stylish black blazer on top as well as a little bow tie and a pair of black pants and dress shoes. Of course, there was also that white scarf of his. His outfit actually reminded me of the male uniform of the Blaise Academy.

As for my former teacher, she was wearing a rather casual attire given that she was meeting a high ranking noble. I personally didn’t mind though. Henriette's outfit consisted of a black shirt with a cropped fur jacket on top and a pair of brown pants and some leather boots. She had several pouches as well as a couple of daggers hanging on her hip. Her outfit was obviously more suited for adventuring rather than social endeavors.

“It can’t be helped… Even if I am the current grandmaster of Valciar’s adventurer’s guild, I still must address the future Queen with the respect she deserves.” Henriette said before taking a small sip from her tea.

“Hmm… So you already found out about that huh… I thought that only my parents and the royal family knew about it.” I replied before following her example and taking a sip of my delicious tea.

“It is only natural that I know about it. After all, there’s no other person that would require an entire team of S-rank adventurers as well as the grandmaster of a country to act as escorts. You became quite a big shot since the last time we saw each other.” Henriette said as she lowered her cup. “Should I say congratulations on your engagement, your Highness?” She smiled softly while looking at me.

“It is not that big of a deal, really. I'm just fulfilling my duty as a member of House Teralis. Since we are a branch family of the Royal Family of Valciar, it is no wonder that I was chosen to marry the crown prince,” I replied nonchalantly. “Though, if you're still insistent on congratulating me, then you shall do it in a more casual manner. That is an order!” I pointed at my overly serious teacher.

“I suppose I have no other choice then… If that is the will of the future queen, then I shall comply.” Henriette chuckled to herself. “Congratulations on your engagement, little one. C’mon Eric, you too.” She smiled at me before nudging her little brother.

“Congrats!” Eric smiled happily while stuffing his little cheeks with pastries. It was an adorable sight.

“That's more acceptable.” I nodded with satisfaction. “Thank you. I appreciate your kind regards, big sis.” I smiled back at the two.

“I still need to ask, Aurora… Are you certain that you want to go through with this political marriage?” Henriette's expression became serious.

“Why wouldn't I be certain? Are you doubting my fiancé’s character?” I giggled as I replied with another question of my own.

“Of course I'm not. I have met with Prince Aster several times before. I'm quite confident in my ability to judge other people, you know? The prince is a kind and responsible young man. I do not know how well he shall fare as a husband for you, but I think he will be serious enough to try to make you happy.” Henriette gave me an honest answer. 

“He's pretty sweet, caring and respectful too.” I agreed with her assessment. “If you know all that, then why do you ask if I'm certain about this engagement?” I asked again.

“It is just that you never struck me as the type that would marry because of your obligations as a noble. I told you, I'm pretty confident in my ability to judge people.” Henriette replied.

“Well, you're not wrong about that… Truth to be told, I liked Prince Aster a little since a while back.” I said to Henriette with a nonchalant tone.

“That doesn't sound like you have strong romantic feelings about him, though.” As expected, my teacher was able to see through me quite easily.

“Was it truly that obvious? I suppose I can't win against my former teacher…” I giggled to myself. “It is not a surprise though. This is still a political marriage. It doesn't matter whether we have feelings for one another or not. Don't misunderstand me, Aster is a good person and he will make an excellent king. Truth be told, I don't think we are compatible at all.” I simply shrugged in response.

“And wouldn't you rather marry someone you actually loved? This is just…” My teacher didn't seem pleased about this situation.

“Oh my! How unusual it is to see the overly serious and strict grandmaster of the adventurer's guild suggest breaking the rules!” I decided to poke some fun at her.

“...” She didn't reply to my teasing attempts. Henriette just frowned before drinking her tea.

“Well, I guess if we are being truthful about this matter, I would certainly prefer a marriage filled with love instead of a political one… And honestly, I'm not entirely keen on becoming a queen either. I’m not looking forward to all the etiquette lessons I’ll have to take as soon as we return home…” I said before letting out a deep sigh.

“is that so?” Henriette asked with a saddened expression. “Are you really certain that you want to marry then? I can help you break the engagement if you don't want to marry the prince.” She said something that could be called borderline treason in Valciar.

She's willing to go that far for me… My teacher might be too strict and serious for her own good, but she's definitely the kindest person I know.

“It's fine, big sis. I already made peace with this matter. This is my obligation as the oldest daughter of House Teralis. And it is not like I completely dislike Prince Aster. He’s really good looking and he is also pretty kind, so I have no particular complaints in that regard.” I shook my head and tried to reassure her.

“But you just said that you would rather marry for love than being in a political marriage, Aurora… Is there really no one else that suits your fancy more than the prince?” Henriette leaned over the table and held my hand. Her expression was tremendously serious.

Hmm…

“Well, I suppose it is fine if I tell you.” I giggled in response. “There's actually someone that does suit my fancy and the mere thought of that person makes me get weak in the knees.” I couldn't help but look at Eric at that moment.

The little boy was bored out of his mind while her sister and I were gossiping. He was still stuffing his mouth with pastries and tea. The mere sight of his white scarf reminded me of the person I had a huge crush on.

He reminded me of a particular black haired boy with a bright red scarf.

“Don't tell me…” Noticing my gaze on her brother, Henriette looked at me with shock.

“It is not Eric, Henriette. Although I won't deny that I wouldn't be against the idea of marrying a sweet boy like him, I have another person in mind. It is just that your brother resembles him a little.” I couldn't help but laugh at my teacher's expression.

“I see… You surprised me for a second there… I never would have imagined that you were looking at Eric like that.” Henriette seemed somewhat relieved.

“Like what?” Eric asked with confusion.

“Don't mind it, Eric. It is just silly talk between girls.” I smiled at the young boy.

“Girls are weird…” The boy frowned.

“Perhaps just a little bit.” I giggled due to his words. “Also, I don't think it is that surprising that I could consider Eric for this kind of thing… We are only three years apart in age and he is quite the cutie, you know?” I winked at Henriette and Eric.

“Please keep your claws away from my brother.” She quickly embraced Eric and pouted. A rare sight coming from my teacher.

Hmm… She's still an overprotective older sister even toward her former student… I'm a little envious of Eric. I would have liked to have an older sister like her to confide. A shame that my older half-sisters despise me just for being born.

“It’s fine, it’s fine… I wasn't going to do anything to him since I'm getting married anyway.” I once more laughed at Henriette’s reaction. “There's also the fact that I like someone else, so you don't have to worry about me stealing your little brother from you. Although it is not like I could do anything with the person I like either…” I smiled at my teacher.

“A-A-Alright… As long as you understand!” Henriette had let go of Eric while looking quite embarrassed of what she did.

“As I thought… Girls are really weird.” Eric looked a little annoyed. “I'm going to the back of the manor to practice with my sword.” Eric said as he quickly stood up and escaped from his overly doting sister.

“O-O-Okay! Don't leave the mansion's terrains without me! We'll go out for a walk together later, so be patient!” Henriette shouted as Eric left the room.

“Kay!” Eric shouted back as he left his sister and I behind to continue with our mundane talk.

“Training so diligently this early… He really takes after a certain someone I know.” I smirked at Henriette.

“Aurora… That boy you like… Can you tell me more about him? Are you sure you can't marry him instead?” Henriette dodged my teasing attempts and went straight to business.

“Sure, I wish I could marry him instead, but that would be really difficult… I wasn't even able to introduce myself properly to him back when we met at a party in the royal castle and he already has several fiancées according to what I heard. ” I smiled awkwardly as I was reminded of the very short contact I had with the black haired boy.

Sigh… To think that I was barely able to tell him my name and shake his hand… It can’t be helped, he was accompanied by two of the Marcelian Imperial Princesses..

While it might be true that our countries never had the best relationship since the civil war of independence, I’m still a guest in their country… I had to treat the princesses with the utmost respect, just like I would with any royal from Valciar…

Because of that fact, I almost messed up my greeting and ended up stuttering my name in front of that boy… Her highness Marina sure has an imposing and dignified presence… I still shudder with fear when I remember the look that the Crown Princess had when she looked at me... That seemingly kind smile of hers didn't reach her eyes at all

“Huh? He is engaged already? And he has several fiancées to top it all off?” Henriette was surprised, but I knew that this was the perfect opportunity to shock her even further.

“Indeed! It was quite surprising to hear that about a boy just two years younger than Eric. Sure, he might be a little younger than me, but he definitely suits my fancy!” I nodded to myself. “Just thinking about his gallant performance and that unique exotic appearance of his makes me shiver with anticipation about meeting him again someday!” I got so excited that I ended up oversharing a little…

“Wait… He’s two years younger than Eric? Aurora, I can understand that you might like boys younger than you, but please don’t be a cradle robber…” Henriette suddenly walked over to me and patted my shoulder with a serious expression.

“Jeez… I already told you that I wouldn’t do anything with him… Also, that’s way too mean! To call your cute apprentice a cradle robber!” I got annoyed due to her accusations. “I’m fifteen years old and Prince Aster is four years older than me and you don’t hear anyone call him a cradle robber!” I pouted in response.

“That’s because he is the prince and yourself and your family agreed to the union… Isn’t he also going to wait until you are eighteen to marry you?” Henriette asked. “Sigh… Let’s forget about that. Tell me more about this boy you like.” She shook her head in defeat before taking a seat by my side.

“What do you want to know?” I asked my teacher

“Anything is fine. I just want to know about the one that my apprentice considers worthy of her love.” She said while looking down at the ground with a difficult to read expression.

“I wouldn’t call it love, you know? I do like him, so you could say that I'm infatuated with him but I wouldn't go as far as to say that I love him,” I replied. “Though, I could see myself falling for him if I had the chance to talk to him more. I overheard some of his fiancées talking once, so I thought he and I might be able to get along if given the chance.” I said as I took a sip of my tea.

“And isn’t that possibility enough to consider breaking off your engagement and chasing off your own happiness, Aurora?” My teacher asked with a serious expression. “I am of the belief that people should be free to seek their own happiness regardless of their social position. Whether that infatuation leads somewhere or not, it matters little. You should be able to decide for yourself and determine what is best for you. That way, you may leave for the afterlife to meet Lady Skell without any regrets.”

“Are you telling me to reconsider the engagement, big sis?” I asked her with a teasing smile.

“I am. I will support you with all my might no matter what you decide as long as that decision brings happiness to you, my precious apprentice.” Henriette suddenly hugged me tightly.

I couldn’t help it, but her words made me happy and feel overcome with emotions. I was glad to have someone like Henriette who cared about me so deeply. Henriette and Princess Amiela were truly the lights of my life.

“I wish I could just throw everything to the wind and go meet that boy, but reality isn’t so simple, big sis Henriette. There’s no way my parents would approve of me canceling my engagement with Prince Aster for a childish romance that would perhaps never bloom to be something more.” I smiled wistfully at my former teacher.

“Aurora…” Henriette looked at me with sadness.

“It’s alright, big sis. Like I told you, I already made up my mind. For the sake of my house, my parents, my little siblings as well as our country and its citizens, I shall be the bride of Prince Aster and become the future queen of Valciar. I will serve the country to the best of my abilities.” I said as I leaned against Henriette’s shoulder. “But thank you, big sister. Thank you for allowing me to indulge in such childish and selfish fantasies, even if it was for a little.” I was truly grateful to the gods letting me have  Henriette in my life.

“...” Henriette didn’t say a thing. She remained silent while embracing me in a tight hug.

“May I ask for another selfish request, big sis?” I asked Henriette.

“Anything.” She replied with sadness in her voice.

“May I continue to talk about such selfish fantasies of a love that will never bloom for a while longer?” I stated my request to my teacher.

“Definitely. If that makes things easier for you, then talk for as long as you want. I’ll listen to you for as long as you need.” Henriette said while patting my head. “For starters, you could tell me the name of this boy that won your heart so easily.  judging by the way you’re talking about this matter he must be much more impressive than Prince Aster.” Henriette spoke playfully.

“Oh you wouldn’t believe how impressive that boy was!” I immediately got excited just thinking about the boy that had charmed my heart just like that. “His name is Julius Navar! He was appointed as a count after winning the tournament of the Blaise Academy three months ago in the spring! It is such a shame that they moved the date of the tournament to make it happen earlier… If they hadn’t, you might have been able to see that boy’s astonishing strength!” My excitement was simply something I couldn’t hold back anymore. I needed to get this off my chest.

“Wait… Did you just say Julius Navar… As in the adoptive child of the Skull Crusher…?” Henriette suddenly looked at me with shock.

“Oh, so you already know about him! Delightful!” I smiled in response. “I assume that you must know of all the details surrounding his participation in the tournament too!” 

“No, please wait for a second… Please stop so I can organize my thoughts…” My teacher looked troubled. “Are you telling me that a child that should be barely ten years of age won the most important tournament for noble children in the Empire, just like that?” She also looked quite confused.

“Wait, you don’t know about it?! Big sis… Were you living under a rock before?! Even though it has been three months since the tournament, the people of the capital are still talking about Julius’s victory, you know? Especially about his fight against the famous Alberis Nebandia, the previous champion. We were all witnesses to see how Julius achieved transcendence during that match!” I spoke with disbelief.

“Transcendence?! Did that little boy really achieve it…?” Henriette was in even more disbelief than I was.

“I’m very certain that he did. After all, I have never met someone capable of releasing such an incredible amount of mana other than you, big sis.” I nodded to her. “As expected of the son of the powerful Skull Crusher and the Crimson Witch! I even heard that he was trained under the Demonic Wind as well!” For some reason, I felt prideful talking about the black haired boy.

“He trained under Tiria’s supervision?! That little boy?!” Henriette rose from her seat and stared at me with shock.

“That’s what I heard, but I’m not too sure about it.” I shrugged in response. “Now that I remember, back when you were teaching me about swordsmanship you told me about a time where you had to team up with the Skull Crusher and the Demonic Wind to take on a dragon, didn’t you? I’m a little envious… I would have liked to see such legendary figures in action…” I couldn’t help but think about how amazing that experience must have been for Henriette.

“Yes, I was! But that’s not important right now! Aurora, I need you to tell me everything about Julius and the tournament! I don’t mind if it is a long story, but I need to know everything!” My former teacher sat down and looked at me with a serious expression.

Hehehe… I think I might be able to tease her a little here. Fufufu…

“It seems I got you interested as well… I wonder. Who’s the real cradle robber now? Perhaps love has finally come knocking at my lonely teacher’s door?” I showed her a playful smile.

“Wha…?!” Henriette looked at me with an incredibly flustered and shocked expression.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I was going to tell you everything about the tournament on the road home anyway, but I’ll be happy to do so here until it is time to depart!” I smiled and decided to oblige with her request.

Although I was curious about why she seemed so interested in the black haired boy, I forgot to inquire further about it since I got a little carried away telling Henriette even the most minuscule details I could remember from the tournament.

In a way, that was me trying to get over my first love as well as my first heartbreak…

Perhaps we could meet again someday. I might not have the same feelings by then, but I would still like to know the boy who was easily able to steal the hearts of many, mine included.

Perhaps I should have abandoned my duties and my house like Henriette suggested. Or perhaps I made the right choice by not following such ridiculous and childish romantic fantasies. Whether I was right or wrong, I suppose time will tell.

Life shall go on and I shall do my best with my training to become queen.

Interlude III: The Foreign Royal and the Grandmaster.

END

EXTRA: Henriette’s Status

STATUS

Name: Henriette Elistria

Race: Human

Age: 24 Years Old

Ability Points: 1,200 points

Titles: Beloved Daughter / Diligent Student / Overly Protective Older Sister / Extreme Hard Worker / The Petite Adventurer / The Most Promising Rookie / The Rising Star / Bandit Killer / Beast Killer / Diligent Exterminator / Twin Blades of the Void / Godlike Twin Blade User/ Experienced Duelist / Industrious Guild Master / SSS-Rank Adventurer / Grandmaster of the Adventurer's Guild in Valciar / Eleventh Seat of the Guild's Council / Beloved Mentor / The Spitting Image of Elistria the Vermillion Tide

Jobs: Godlike Twin Blade Trickster Lv.7 / Master Magical Duelist: Wind Lv.4 / Superior Martial Artist Lv.8 / Superior Water Sage Lv.6 / Superior Spirit Mage Lv.5

Level: 190

EXP: 240 / 670,412

Attributes

HP: 40,890

MP: 65,716

DEX: 2,669

STR: 6,999

VIT: 20,560

DEF: 1,342

RES: 1,380

LUCK: 330

SPD: 5,217

INT: 750

Common Skills 

Analysis / Level 9

Cooking / Level 3

Enhance Mind / Level 4

 Masterful Hunting / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL! 

 Superior Riding / Level 6

Masterful Stealth / Level 2

Superhuman Focus / Level 1

Harmonious Mind / Level 9

Superior Restraint / Level 5

Combat

 Armed Combat: Daggers / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Masterful Armed Combat: Twin Swords / Level 8

Masterful Swordsmanship / Level 9

 Masterful Fighting Spirit / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Masterful Unarmed Combat / Level 6

Second Wind / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Superior Archery / Level 7

Throwing Weapons: Knives / Level 5

Magic

Ether Manipulation / Level 2

Ether Perception / Level 2

Hyper Efficient Mana Consumption / Level 6

Magic Dominion: All Elements / Level 1

Spirit Sight / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Spirit Magic / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Superior Magic Dominion: Water / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Resistances

Charm Resist / Level 2

Elemental Resistance: All Elements / Level 1

Fear Immunity / Level 2

Paralysis Immunity  / Level 5

Poison Immunity / Level 3

Petrification Immunity / Level 2

Superior Pain Resistance / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!

Unique Skills

Ally of the Spirits / Level 6

Dance of the Waves / No Level

Spirit Dominion / Level 6

The Mark of the Tides / No Level

Water Control / No Level

Water Walking / No Level

GodlyKamui

Heya! Author here, finally back with a new chapter! I know, I know it has been a while since I last updated. Things have been a little hectic on my end with too little time to write and I had to put the novel on the back of my mind until now, unfortunately. I hope that y'all are doing well guys.

I'm personally doing fine, it is just that my studies, my job, my friends and family usually take most of my time. So I have been writing as bit by bit on the metro or on the bust whenever I could. Not very effective, I'm afraid.

As for this interlude, I don't really know if I Aurora will be a potential harem member in the future or not. I just decided to give her some relevance to set the groundwork for future arcs and to formally introduce Henriette and her brother properly.

That's it for now. I will do my best to write the next chapter as fast as I can!

As usual, please don't forget to comment and leave some hearts since that motivates me to continue writing the story! Don't forget to join the discord: https://discord.gg/uH6APbzrFRThat's it folks! Have a good night or day! Bye!