"So that's what happened..."
Aurora mused as she humbly strolled forward with her crossed arm posture, the sleeves of her Miko-like outfit flopped with each step she took, and there was a sense of gracefulness behind the way she walked.
At first it didn't look like that at all, but in reality, her strides were so carefully placed that she made it seem like she was walking on air. And of course, not a sound ever came from it, no matter how far she treaded.
The streets of Asphodel were bustling, but not crowded, so maneuvering through them didn't ever feel that difficult. The buildings here weren't needlessly large either, and seemed to strive for a more reserved design, so while they did cast shadows, they were only moderate in size, meaning that this place was actually a bit brighter than the other parts of Solis keep that did have the larger buildings.
The small space was the culmination of almost every clan in Solis Keep, and the liveliness present here was accentuated by the slightly brighter atmosphere that came about by complete coincidence.
Although Aurora was the oldest one here, without context there was no way to tell that she was actually the one leading them, considering the fact that the three teenagers behind her could see over her head with little effort, the entire thing ended up looking like they were giving her directions instead.
Nobody here would ever make such a crude judgement though, the greetings she got from everyone they passed by clearly dictated that much. The number of times Levinia and the others heard the words "lady Aurora" couldn't be understated, in fact it was starting to sound like a general greeting everyone here used.
"Was I really gone for that long?" That thought escaped her.
"It's been around a month or so since you last walked through here like this, so no wonder they're treating you this way." Kanon swiftly replied
"I wasn't particularly busy on the outside this time around, but its true that when I came back I did head straight home and just holed up there, so I suppose I may have lost track of time. These last two weeks went by in a flash, ~right Kanon~?"
She asked in a cheery tone knowing full well what the actual answer to her question was.
"For you maybe." Kanon answered, trying to repress the memories that had begun to surface.
"I really should take more public walks like this every once in a while."
Aurora's expression brightened with a hint of nostalgia as she surveyed their surroundings, taking in the bustling sight and radiating nothing but content.
"To be frank, I'm honestly quite envious, being an Aesir must be nice." Levinia mused
"Hm? Oh, you did always mention wanting to explore the outside world, I'm impressed to see you've kept that dream alive all these years. It truly is a wonderful goal.....because this world just has so much to offer."
"Do you have any more exciting stories from your travels!?" Levinia asked in a voice that contained the epitome of childlike curiosity.
A few heads turned their way, as it seems her display actually caught quite a bit of attention, especially since she was now walking with Aurora.
"O-of course, but that will have to wait until afterwards, and besides becoming an Aesir isn't the only way to see the world you know, there are other methods." Aurora gave her answer with a tinge of embarrassment in her voice.
"Other ways?" Kanon wondered aloud
"She's talking about the Omegas, some of the high-ranking members of Fenrir. Apparently, they're able to venture into the outside world when taking on certain missions, but they don't have as much free reign as lady Aurora, seeing that she's an Aesir."
Cutting in was none other than Arthur, who had been mentally locked in to some other train of thought up until just now.
"Arthur you're well informed, as usual, but that's not the whole truth to it. Omegas can remain in the outside world for extended periods, but that only applies as long as they are confined to a specific landmass, so they cannot move between countries or continents." Aurora answered with a faint smile that hinted at a sense of fulfillment.
"I see, that is news to me though, they have a much greater degree of freedom than I initially thought."
"Well, it is a privilege granted only to the most trustworthy of the Omegas, that's why it wasn't made public knowledge. If everybody knew about that, then most of them would try to flee from the island. That's what happened with those that deserted Solis Keep -The Ronin, after all."
Auroras explanation painted solemn looks on the faces of Kanon and Levinia, like she had just revealed some forbidden truth to them.
Realizing this, she turned to face them and struck a bold stance.
"Listen, just because a majority of the Ronin are deserters that were once part of Fenrir, it doesn't mean that its something that happens often, so you don't need to worry too much about that, there are measures in place to prevent such things. You three just need to focus your all on the Solstice Festa for now, understand?"
"Understood"
In unison, their response sounded vigorous, as if the spark of their determination had been powering it.
"Kanon...Haven't you covered the scrolls I gave you on Fenrir yet?" Aurora diverted her attention to the figure standing on Levina's left
"No....not yet." His response sounded unusually low
"Hoh? So you've been slacking off huh? You've got guts."
Her tone sounded completely different to what it was ten seconds ago, and Kanon could feel the strange pressure she was now emitting.
"I-I haven't been slacking off! You're hellish training just makes me too tired for any reading after we finish." He sounded like a ranting child, but Aurora paid no heed to his complaints.
"Heh-Heh-Heh, I'll add in two more scrolls for you then, that should be enough motivation." Her tone was sounding more cynical by the second and Kanon could only utter a single sentence under his breath in defiance.
"Damnit you old hag"
"Heheheeh.....Kanon looks like you've got some more studying to do. But don't worry, you can ask me anything." Levinia was practically beaming as she said those words, still eager to share her knowledge.
Kanon shifted his gaze, knowing full well he couldn't escape his fate at this point, he changed topics.
"Finally decided to join us huh Arthur? You've been really quiet for a while now.... are you nervous?" Kanon asked the question with no sarcasm or mockery in his voice, but Arthur could only interpret it that way.
"Don't be ridiculous, you should know what I'm capable of already." Arthur's voice had once again resonated with a haughty tone, but Levinia paid no heed to it.
"I know what you're both capable of, so this could honestly go either way."
"Hmph, we'll see when we get there." The noble youth dismissed the claim without even a second thought.
"Still, this is a good opportunity. Kanon, you should participate in this year's SolFesta."
"Is that a suggestion or a command?" Kanon shot back in a perplexed tone.
"It could be both, but haven't you always wanted to participate either way? I do remember you asking me about it some time ago."
"Yea, it is a pretty big deal, so I did want to try it out, until I found out about the whole clan affiliation thing....." A sort of solemness rested in his voice as he trailed off, as if it was something he'd already long given up on.
"Didn't we already solve that problem? I did say I'd make you my retainer, didn't I?"
"You know, Nia, I have no idea what becoming a retainer even means."
Aurora sighed at his remark, but Levinia didn't seem to mind at all. In fact she was actually smiling for some reason.
"A-ahh, becoming a retainer simply means you'll officially be affiliated with the Silva clan, and not just in name like you are right now. It's an old custom between clans that allowed them to develop good relations with each other, but it was mostly used for strategic gain, since anybody who became a retainer would have access to the other clans' teachings and techniques."
"That sounds kind of like an in-law, doesn't it?" Kanon asked with furrowed brows
"I-idiot, its nothing that intimate!" she retorted like he had just said something absurd.
"Well, I'm fine with that but, is this something you can decide on your own?"
Levinia's eyes avoided Kanon's gaze after that question, and she solely bit down on her lower lip, holding back the words that were all but spilling out.
The chatter of the group had slowed down considerably, Aurora continued leading them with fastened eyes, while Arthur feigned indifference just as he had been doing up until now.
Levinia heaved a small breath, exhaling all the tension she had previously been holding back before answering.
"No, I'll need the approval of my parents, and the ceremony will have to be held back at the estate."
Not wanting to pry too much, Kanon could only bring himself one more question
"Ceremony? What exactly do I have to do to become your retainer then?"
This time she turned her head so fast; Kanon could only see the flailing of her silver hair. He tried leaning in closer to make out her expression, but she just avoided his gaze every time he did, so he eventually gave up on it.
"Its....kind of embarrassing so...I'll tell you when the time comes."
He smiled at the awkward sight, seeing her return to her usual self after a single question had somehow relieved him.
"Hmph, how ridiculous." Arthur's remark should have been crude, but it didn't sound like that at all. In fact, the expression he wore was quite pleasant.
"Youth is such a wonderful thing~" Aurora voiced her thoughts to catch their attention.
"Like you would know" Kanon immediately called her out, fully aware of what would happen next.
"Kanon, did you say something just now?"
"Of course not" His reply had already been planned well beforehand.
"Oh! We're here." Levinia announced as she hurried off to the front, matching Aurora's pace.