Chapter XII

⛨The Channelings⛨

Greymor 2 Mayfornad Pferdjahr 53, Castle Dorne

Earlier

Noblemen from all over the Royal House of Bär and the Royal House of Hase flood into the Castle Dorne’s banquet hall. As the last emissary enters and takes their seats, the maids in the chamber shut the doors. All eyes are on Queen Frederica sitting on her regal throne as she glances around the hall for her niece, noting that she is not in her seat or any of the benches in the crowd fraternizing with their royal guests. She worries because her niece’s fiance is already present in the front row. 

Frustratingly, Queen Frederica quietly turns to the Captain of her personal guard and Ilina’s personal sword teacher, and out of the corner of her mouth, so those present cannot hear her frustrated words, asks accusingly, “Arnold, where is she?”

Arnold sighs before responding timidly to his Queen, “I believe she may be running a little tardy tis fine merning, is all.”

“Would that have anything to do with you?” She quietly chastises, knowing full well the answer to that question.

Nodding, “It may be me fault. At least a wee bit.”

As she sighs, one of the large doors creaks open, moving everyone’s attention from Queen Frederica to whoever has just entered. Oleras and Itō enter with Ilina closely behind them. Noticing that all eyes are on her, she awkwardly passes them and quickly takes a spot near the front of the room, the open seat next to her fiance. Sitting down, she chuckles, dodging a kiss he attempts to plant on her cheek. Bowing toward her aunt, she apologized for her tardiness. “Sorry Auntie… I mean Your Majesty.” 

With a slight grin, Queen Frederica responds, “It is fine, my dear. Just please try to be more prompt in the future.” Turning her attention to Oleras, she commands, “Let us begin.”

Oleras brings Itō to the front of the room and has him sit next to Ilina as he approaches the Queen. She quietly inquires, “Is everything ready now?” Without uttering a word, Oleras nods, informing her that she is free to proceed without further delay. She looks around the room and asks, “You promised me seven heroes; I’m only counting one. Where are the others?”

“Don’t fret. They are simply getting ready. They will be here shortly, that doesn’t mean we can’t start now, however.”

“Like always, you are correct, you old cod.” She replies with a smile, looking down at Itō

Queen Frederica’s voice resonates through the hall, her words carrying the regal authority and grace that are her birthright. Speaking warmly, “Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed nobles of the Empire, I welcome you all to this momentous gathering, where the threads of fate intertwined and the tapestry of our world hangs in delicate balance. It is with great honor and gratitude that I stand before you today, surrounded by the brilliance and wisdom of your presence.

We gather here not merely as spectators to a spectacle but as the guardians of a profound legacy entrusted with the weighty responsibility that rests upon the Royal Houses of Hase and Bär. The prophecy, which echoes through the corridors of time, has summoned us to this pivotal juncture, and it is upon our united shoulders that the destiny of our Empire, if not our world, now rests.

In this pinnacle of Imperial history, the Imperial family and the remainder of the Empire as a whole have made a conscious decision of inaction.”

She pauses, allowing her words to sink into those present, before continuing, brimming with pride. “We, however, who bestow our trust upon the noble Houses of Hase and Bär, have chosen instead to act. Recognizing that such things as these require constant dedication and unyielding determination. Guided by our ancestral knowledge and fortified by our unwavering resolve, we bear the heavy burden of the prophecy and its far-reaching consequences. Our actions, decisions, and unity shall forge the path that lies ahead, navigating the treacherous terrain with courage and grace.

Let it be known that the trust we place in each other’s house will not be misplaced. For centuries, our noble lineages have exemplified valor, wisdom, and unswerving loyalty to the Empire. It is through our hands that the delicate fabric of our world’s history shall be woven, thread by thread, guiding us toward a future fraught with challenges and opportunities alike.

All the noblemen and staff present begin politely applauding, feeling inspiration from her words. Some feel bold enough to cheer, “Here, here.”

Gesturing for them to calm down, she continues again, “As we stand on the precipice of history, bound together, rabbit and bear, by a shared purpose, intertwined in the tapestry of fate, let us not forget the strength that lies within each of us. Our collective strength, born from unity and fortified by our noble heritage, shall propel us forward through the trials that await us ahead.

May our actions be guided by the virtues of honor, compassion, and resolve. Together, let us embrace the calling of our nobility and shape the destiny of the Empire to safeguard the lives of our people.”

Raising her goblet, she smiles and toasts, “With deepest gratitude, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for joining us on this extraordinary journey.” Locking eyes with Itō, she continues speaking loudly. Still, she looks at him as though speaking to him directly, “Together, we shall weave a tale that will resound through the annals of time, heralding the unwavering spirit of the Empire and the triumph through this unity. May the light of the collective illuminate our path.” 

Drinking the wine from her goblet, all the noblemen present respond, “May the light of the collective illuminate our path!” Standing and cheering as her speech echoes throughout the hall.

Even though he has a good head on his shoulders and is at the top of his class back at Tokyo University, he has no idea what is happening around him. Half of him is still convinced that this is just a strange and vivid dream.

Once again, Queen Frederica gestures to the nobility to calm themselves. “Now, now, my esteemed noblemen. We have our seven heroes from the other world here to aid us in these inevitable and forthcoming battles against the Ash. They will possess blessings from the spirits, and it is our sworn duty to support and shape them as they train to hone their gifts and become our champions.”

Leaning down, she whispers to Oleras. “Is everything ready?” Nodding in reply, she rises back up and stares down at Itō. “Oleras will now use his Auricrystal Enchanter to determine what gift you have.” Placing a chair in front of the room at the Queen’s feet, Oleras gestures for Itō to take a seat.